As the cannabis industry continues to produce immense profits as one of the nation’s fastest growing job markets, it would stand to reason that opportunists would want in. Really, who could blame anyone who wants to work in the cannabis industry? The more, the better, right?
Well, perhaps not in the eyes of cannabis farmers. A report from the Wall Street Journal indicates that saturation within the cannabis industry has caused marijuana prices to fall within the competitive landscape. Since more states have legalized marijuana both medicinally and recreationally, weed has dropped an average from $15 a gram to $10 a gram.
From a wholesale perspective, prices have decreased as well. Following a peak in September 2015 of about $2,133 a pound, average whole sale prices across the country fell to $1,614 a pound in July, according to New Leaf Data Services LLC, which researches the U.S. cannabis market. That’s great for consumers, but not as positive for farmers.
This is why, as we’ve previously written, some cannabis farmers are turning to organic methods to differentiate themselves from the pack. Growers are using industry labels like “SunGrown Certified” and “Clean Green Certified,” as opposed to the traditional indoor practices that can soak up electricity and not conducive or beneficial to supporting the environment.
Since peaking in September 2015 at about $2,133 a pound, average U.S. wholesale cannabis prices fell to $1,614 in July, according to New Leaf. That is the sort of market decline that hit Midwestern corn and soybean growers in recent years after a string of record-breaking crops.
“The socially conscious, premium customer is going to want us because we’re sustainable,” Jeremy Moberg, an environmentally conscious grower in Washington, told WSJ. “It only takes me 30 seconds to convert somebody wearing Patagonia and driving a Prius that they should never smoke indoor weed again.
As of now, eight states have legalized the use of recreational marijuana and several more are primed to legalize in the next few years. Which ones are most likely to be ready in 2018, though?
Marijuana Business Daily opined that the following three state legislatures were most likely to grow the legal route in 2018: New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont.
It is predicted that New Jersey will go first. The unpopular Republican Governor Chris Christie finally leaves office in January and it looks like the Garden State is ready for change. Democrat Phil Murphy looks good for winning the election in November. Murphy is for the legalization of marijuana and there is a bill already before the legislature to do just that. It’s very likely that said bill is being held until there is a governor in office who will give it the right time of day…
New Jersey was the big surprise state, but Vermont and Rhode Island also seem set to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. It’s more of a surprise that they haven’t legalized fully just yet, because of their liberal legislatures that are often at the head of progressive efforts. Though they haven’t put the liberal leanings toward marijuana legalization yet, they are both predicted to do so in 2018.
Three more east coast states, Maryland, Delaware and Connecticut, are also likely to pass legalization measures soon, but 2018 may be a little too soon for bets.
Even more surprising than Jersey, two more states have chances of pushing through legal legislation in 2018: Louisiana and Iowa. Though both states are red and both have heavy anti-cannabis propaganda going around, marijuana activists are putting on the pressure for 2018. While most other states push their anti-pot agendas, however, Louisiana and Iowa both also have great grassroots programs for the plant and have the chance to break down walls next year.
If all three, or perhaps five, states go green in 2018 it will be great inspiration and leadership for states that are getting closer to considering the herb, for either medical or recreational marijuana. With every new slab of support, stigma falls away and new paths to legalization are paved.
A few years ago, a growing body of anecdotal evidence suggesting that cannabis wields an ameliorating effect on the symptoms of PTSD syndrome, prompted researchers at NYU’s Langone Medical Center to look more closely into the matter—literally: They irradiated the brains of a cohort of people, including veterans with PTSD so the parts that respond to cannabinoids (“CB 1 receptors”) would actually glow when activated.
If you think the next phase was to dose the volunteers with an infusion of THC or CBD, prepare to be disappointed. The focus of this study was not plant-derived cannabinoids (e.g. marijuana smoke) but endocannabinoids, our bodies’ own naturally occurring chemicals similar to the active ingredients in pot.
Peering inside the radioactive but marijuana-free brains, the researchers recorded lowered overall levels of one endocannabinoid, anandamide. They also discovered abnormally dense networks of CB1 receptors in the regions associated with fear and anxiety—which is just what you might expect in veterans suffering from PTSD. What was not necessarily expected is that the brains of the PTSD sufferers differed not just from those of the general population but also from those who had experienced trauma but not PTSD syndrome.
Up to 20 percent of vets returning from the Afghan and Iraq wars suffer from PTSD in any given year.
In other words, the research team may have just proved that PTSD is not merely an intense form of general anxiety but a dysfunction all its own—and they may have uncovered its unique biological markers. (If you prefer a higher proportion of Greek in your language, you can refer instead, as the report does, to the “neurobiological and functional endophenotypic correlates” of PTSD.)
The results of the study were published in the Sept. 2013 issue of Molecular Psychiatry. [You can download the unpoetically-titled Elevated Brain Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Availability in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Positron Emission Tomography Study here, but this press release is easier to digest. You can also download a 2015 followup translational report here.]
These results could have major implications for refining the way we diagnose and treat PTSD. For example, they might explain why the standard medications for anxiety don’t work so well for PTSD, and they may also point the way toward more targeted interventions.
That would be no small development. According to the Veterans Administration, up to 20 percent of vets returning from the Afghan and Iraq wars suffer from PTSD in any given year. And that’s in addition to the approximate 7 percent of the general population who have PTSD–without having gone to war.
Marijuana edibles are a great way to ingest cannabis. They’re tasty, discreet, and you can put an exact dose into each. But you have to be careful: Unsuspecting adults could eat your infused-brownie or cookie and end up high when all they wanted was a cookie. Or worse yet: A child might get their hands on one, causing any number of problems including deep anxiety, heart problems, or paranoia.
So how can you prevent your kid—or oblivious dad—from accidentally eating your weed treats? Here’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
Store your edibles in locked, out-of-reach, or child resistant packages, just as you would any other prescription medications.
Be sure to clearly label each container, and keep them in their original package if possible.
Avoid eating edibles in front of kids, which could tempt them into imitating you.
If you have kids, check with any family members or babysitters who might have edibles in their homes—if they do, share the AAP rules with them.
Explain what edibles are to older children and younger teens. Be sure they understand the dangers of edibles, and what they look like. For older kids, remind them not to drive or ride in cars being driven by anyone under the influence.
If a child does eat an edible by mistake, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Related Story: At A Glance: Colorado’s New Marijuana Edibles Packaging
With the threat of a federal crackdown potentially on the horizon for the cannabis industry, U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher has introduced legislation intended to prevent Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the DEA from interfering with a state’s right to have legal marijuana.
It is called the “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017,” a proposal that would permanently keep Trump’s or any future administration from causing trouble for states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. The bill would provide federal immunity for those people and businesses acting in accordance with state law.
“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this subchapter related to marihuana shall not apply to any person acting in compliance with State laws relating to the production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, or delivery of marihuana,” the bill reads.
While the proposal (H.R. 975) would not end prohibition in a manner that would allow weed to be taxed and regulated similar to alcohol and tobacco, it would amend the Controlled Substances Act in such a way that state legalization would no longer tempt the federal hammer. It would not force states to legalize — jurisdictions where prohibition is still the law of the land would be permitted to maintain an outlaw status on the herb.
This is just one of the bills that Rohrabacher and his three colleagues in the overly hyped Congressional Cannabis Caucus are attempting to push through in 2017. However, aside from the measure gaining a few strangling co-sponsors in recent weeks, it is nowhere near attracting the kind of support it’s going to take to get passed in both chambers of Congress. Therefore, as Sean Williams over the Motley Fool points out in his analysis of the situation, “Rohrabacher’s bill is probably dead in the water.”
Although the majority of the population (60 percent) now believes cannabis should be handled by the federal government no differently than booze or cigarettes, the Republican-controlled Congress remains hell bent on stopping any marijuana-related bill from having a fair shot. Even a modest proposal, such as the respect states rights business that Rohrabacher is pushing, will likely never receive a hearing.
The best chance any member of the so-called Cannabis Caucus has at building a wall between legal weed and the Trump administration is if they can get a short-term amendment strapped to the federal budget that prevents tax dollars from being used to prosecute the cannabis community. Representatives Jared Polis of Colorado and Tom McClintock of California are currently attempting to get something like this on the books. The proposed rider ((McClintock-Polis Amendment) would protect the recreational marijuana sector in the same way the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment was designed to protect medical marijuana – just on a temporary basis.
“If we successfully attach it and it becomes law, no attorney general — despite what they might want to do — would be able to use the funds that Congress gave them to crack down on activities that are legal under state law with regard to marijuana,” Polis said. “When those funds run out and there’s a new appropriations bill the next year, we’d attach the same language.”
A similar amendment failed to pass in 2015. There is hope that with more states having legalized since then, it might have a shot in the current session. But then again, the proposal might just be too little, too late.
In short, President Trump and Attorney General Sessions still have all the leverage with respect to legal marijuana. Although Sessions recently admitted that the federal government does not have the resources “to take over everything the local police used to do in a state that’s legalized it,” he could still direct state Attorney Generals to initiate the closing of the cannabis industry.
You’ve spent the summer working hard — or working just hard enough and praying for endless Summer Fridays. The holiday of the people is upon is. But it wasn’t always about having an extra day to nurse a hangover. Or, was it? What exactly is Labor Day, anyway?
The first Labor Day happened in 1882, in NYC. It was created by the labor movement as a “workingmen’s holiday,” and it was an absolute rager, according to the Department of Labor, with 10-20,000 marchers participating in the parade and then heading for the afterparty:
While some returned to work, most continued on to the post-parade party at Wendel’s Elm Park at 92nd Street and Ninth Avenue; even some unions that had not participated in the parade showed up to join in the post-parade festivities that included speeches, a picnic, an abundance of cigars and, “Lager beer kegs… mounted in every conceivable place.”
From 1p.m. until 9 p.m. that night, nearly 25,000 union members and their families filled the park and celebrated the very first, and almost entirely disastrous, Labor Day.
We wouldn’t call that a disaster. Sounds like we’re upholding the tradition, 132 years later. Check out the slideshow above for photos of Labor Days past.
You can host the Labor Day perfect party, the perfect picnic, the perfect BBQ, but it’s all irrelevant without a jamming playlist. Eating some grub, drinking a beer, partaking in a holiday toke are all good fun, but they’re temporary joys. The music should never stop.
Depending on your crowd and type of event, your music choices might skew more old-school or only include hip-hop. I get it: You play to your audience. But any playlist, regardless of situation, should including the 10 all-time great songs for your Labor Day weekend playlist. You won’t regret it.
It might seem wild in Lemonade-era Bey, but her love anthems remain untouchable. This song’s a no-brainer: It’s literally called “Party.” Beyoncé sings that big hook as if she’s releasing a flock of doves from those vocal chords. Three Stacks delivers a classic verse and includes Kanye rapping “We got the swag sauce, she dripping swagu.”
Jay Z ft. UGK, “Big Pimpin’”
When assembling a playlist recently, a friend accused me of trying to include “Big Pimpin’” at every party and event I attend. This is not false. That combination of pan flute and horns bounces hips and floats souls. There is also never a time when hearing Bun B spit “Go read a book, you illiterate son of a bitch” doesn’t inject heroin strains of joy into my being. It is as perfect of a song that could exist. And don’t get me started on that majestic, opulent unicorn of a music video.
Nelly, “Hot in Herre”
Be careful when unleashing this song’s intoxicating power. Your party can turn hot and steamy on a dime, which could be inappropriate when Auntie Jean’s unwrapping the saran from the potato salad.
Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”
Never forget the classics. Your goal isn’t to impress everyone with your refined musical palette, you are there to entertain. Let this record spin, and watch as those who just met become best friends singing that oh-so-catchy chorus.
Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg, “California Gurls”
We as a nation don’t appreciate Katy Perry enough. This bubble-gum pop record is a classic example: It’s a well-crafted jam that appeals to virtually every kind of music fan save the pretentious fools who loathe anything mainstream. It bangs, it’s fun, it lets your worries slip away for a while. KP deserves our collective love.
Vampire Weekend, “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”
The guitar lick that both anchors and buoys this jam sounds like a family picnic. A wonderful head-bopping record while you’re downing deviled eggs and over-broiled burgers.
Sublime, “What I Got”
Of course I’m biased when it comes to Sublime: I grew up in a beachtown. Sublime is feel-good beach life vibrations personified. You want those vibrations during Labor Day. You need those vibrations during Labor Day. Don’t question it.
Pick a Rihanna song. Any Rihanna song. Congratulations: You picked a perfect summer jam, a perfect BBQ playlist song. But if we must choose only one, this would be the record. It also doubles as a cheeky if rain ruins your day and instead of commiserating, hearing Rihanna sing “Under my ahm-ber-ella” will make everyone forget water ever fell from the sky at all.
DJ Khaled ft. Drake, “For Free”
Drake isn’t on Rihanna’s level: You can’t pick any Drake song and it work. But you can pick most of them! Any of those dancehall records from VIEWS will inspire your white friends to attempt their worst salsa impression and it will be funny.
Bruce Springsteen, “Born in the U.S.A.”
Did you hear? Congress recently passed a law mandating this song play at every Labor Day weekend party across the nation from now until eternity? Crazy, I know. It makes sense, though: The Boss made a perfect song. It hides socially critical verses with a seemingly jingoistic chorus you can’t help but join Bruuuuce in belting out.
Walmart is being sued for selling “craft beer” that is not actually craft beer at all. While the retail giant claims they are working in “collaboration” with a thing called Trouble Brewing to produce four different beer styles, the problem is there is no such brewery. According to USA Today, “Government filings say the beer is actually made by WX Brands, and the address listed is for Genesee Brewing, which is based in Costa Rica and makes ‘cheap college-party staples.’” What-huh-blurg?!
And while the four Trouble Brewing concoctions are stocked at “more than 3,000 Walmarts in 45 states,” says USA Today, all of this begets the question: Does Walmart even know what craft beer is? Do they know the stuff has guidelines and specificities? If not, time to put on your reading glasses, Walmart, because here are 5 signs the craft beer you’re selling is pure bullshit.
1. If someone describes your “Red Flag Amber” as “good for flip cup” it’s not craft beer.
According to USA Today, one taste-tester said this very thing. Confession alert! I’ve played flip cup. I know flip cup. I’ve made many mistakes as a result of flip cup. But let me tell you, one mistake I’ve never made is drinking a big-bodied amber while playing flip cup.
For flip cup, you want swill. You want light, easy-drinking stuff — stuff that won’t fill you up. Stuff that’s meant to be sipped and not chugged like your life depends on it.
2. If you go into a store looking for the cheapest craft beer, you’re not buying craft beer.
People go to Walmart to save money. But think about the word, “craft.” It evokes ideas of taking your time, of getting it right, of specificity and style. But when was the last time you walked into a Walmart looking for anything “craft.” It just doesn’t happen.
3. If the brand name of your craft beer (aka Trouble Brewing) is fictional and the beer is really made by something called WX Brands, it’s not craft beer.
Really, Walmart? WX Brands? What the fuck is that? It sounds like a company makes poison or shoddy dynamite for cartoon coyotes.
Craft breweries have names like 21st Amendment, Boundary Bay, Sierra Nevada. Not two random letters jammed together in a way that makes someone think of military-grade explosives.
4. If you walk into a Walmart to buy a product you’re familiar with but don’t know the brand, then Walmart is probably making it and so, by definition, it’s not “craft.”
One of craft beer’s specifications is that it has to be produced on a smaller scale. If it’s not produced on a small scale, then it’s just beer.
Walmart has almost all the money in the world and they produce goods at a rate that would stagger anyone thinking about industry one hundred years ago. If Walmart is (most likely) making your beer, it’s just beer.
5. If “Hey, I just got a great craft six-pack of IPA from Walmart” is something you believe, then you don’t know what craft beer is.
I mean, it’s just the basic smell test. Like if you heard someone say, “I got this great fillet mignon from Burger King, wanna come over and try it?” What would you say? Exactly.
Labor Day weekend is bittersweet. Traditionally, it marks the end of summer. And while it’s true that school bells and autumn showers are just around the corner, that unwelcome message is delivered by a particularly beguiling messenger: three whole days for enjoying the last of the summer sunshine, hanging out with friends and family, firing up the grill, and enjoying a few special whiskeys to send off summer and welcome in a new season.
In most places, it’s a safe bet that Labor Day weekend will be a warm one, so we’re steering away from super dense, chewy, high-proof whiskeys. Yet this isn’t Fourth of July—there may not be a chill in the air yet, but apples are ripening, the sun is going down a little earlier, and leaves might be starting to turn—so you’ll want something with at least a little bit of heft.
Think classic Kentucky bourbons, nuanced craft ryes, Japanese whiskies, or Speyside Scotches. Here’s what we’re drinking this Labor Day Weekend.
Woodinville Flagship 100% Rye Whiskey. Photo by Margarett Waterbury. Image copyright The Whiskey Wash.
Glenlivet 15-Year-Old
One age and price bracket up from the introductory 12-year-old Glenlivet, this Speyside distillery’s 15-year-old expression is partially matured in French oak casks. Rich and resinous, it puts a spicy spin on Glenlivet’s classic acidity and tropical flavor, just the right combination for the last days of summer.
Woodinville Whiskey 100% Rye
For most of its existence, Woodinville Whiskey’s rye whiskey was aged in small casks, giving it a robust oakiness that didn’t always agree with us. But last year, Woodinville released a five-year-old 100% rye aged in full-sized casks, and it’s subtle and delicious. Enjoy this one on the rocks around a smoldering barbecue.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
A perennial favorite among the (bourbon-scented?) bourbon-scenti, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a blend of six- to 12-year-old whiskey and bottled at barrel proof. It’s affordable, spicy, and sweet, with a velvety mouth feel that makes it a joy to sip neat.
It also performs admirably in cocktails, like a luxe mint julep to take advantage of that patch of fresh mint while it’s still around.
Suntory Toki
While many Japanese whiskies are hard to find and even harder to muster up the courage to pay for, Suntory Toki is an exception. This blend of grain and malt whiskies uses stock from the Yamazaki, Chita, and Hakushu distilleries, and (for now) is widely distributed and affordable. It’s light and nuanced, with flavors of ripe tree fruit, flowers, and chocolate, and the perfect base for that refreshing afternoon highball.
Gator Country measures close to the size of 11 football fields and is located near interstate 1o, with their waters accumulated to a never seen before height, within 1 foot of the total height of the fences that surround the alligator’s outdoor enclosements. Thankfully (sort of?) some of the reptiles, like venomous snakes, crocodiles, and the largest alligators have been moved to other safe places to avoid the risk of them escaping from the park.
This large reptile preserve contains animals that have been rescued from different places and situations, providing care and shelter for them. These animals include those that were stranded and lost due to storms and natural disasters, and others that simply showed up in people’s pools and homes. Yikes.
Currently, Gary Saurage – the owner of the park – and his team have stopped rescuing animals and are now more concerned with keeping the gators and others in captivity safe within the bounds of the enclosure.
Said Saurage. You don’t sound so sure there. The people of Texas don’t need the added stressor of large groups of alligators roaming their streets right now.
