NYC Pushes Unlicensed Cannabis Enforcement to Landlords

Terran Cooper

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July 13, 2023

NYC Pushes Unlicensed Cannabis Enforcement to Landlords

In April 2023, New York City Councilmember Lynn C. Schulman introduced a bill to the City Council which would prohibit landlords from leasing to a commercial tenant engaged in the unlicensed sale of cannabis. After being approved by the Committee on Public Safety, the bill was sent to, and also approved by, the full Council on Thursday, June 22^nd. It will now be sent to the desk of Mayor Eric Adams, who has 30 days to either sign the bill and enact it into law, or veto it. So NYC is pushing unlicensed cannabis enforcement to landlords.

If enacted, the bill would send city inspectors to suspected unlicensed cannabis stores, which currently number in the thousands. If the inspector finds that illegal cannabis is being sold on premises, the landlord would face a fine between $5,000 and $10,000. A second inspection would later take place, and if the landlord can provide proof that eviction proceedings have begun since the first inspection, the fines may be avoided. Along with the state agencies currently authorized to inspect for relevant violations, the bill would allow the mayor to designate any state agency to inspect for such. While the levying of fines against landlords could significantly reduce unlicensed cannabis stores, a certain provision of the bill may allow for a loophole to be exploited by these unlicensed stores, as further discussed below.

Actions against the illicit businesses themselves have already begun in earnest, as Governor Kathy Hochul granted the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) with enforcement powers newly backed by the state’s FY 2024 Budget. The timing of the bill’s approval coincides with the Governor’s report that nearly $11 million worth of illicit cannabis products have been seized throughout the state so far. The additional step of fining landlords who knowingly rent to unlicensed operators has long been proposed as a deterrent against the illicit market.

The Existing Markets

New York effectively has two cannabis industries: the legal one, born of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021, and bound by the OCM’s rigid regulatory framework, and the illegal one, which is vastly larger, older, and unfettered by the restrictions placed on legitimate licensees, including the payment of taxes, and public safety prohibitions on operating in sensitive locations or selling to minors.

Long before the first state-licensed dispensaries opened their doors, it was clear that the two industries could not truly coexist. The unlicensed marketplace (AKA the legacy market, the gray/black market) has opportunistically exploded since the MRTA legalized cannabis throughout the state, and has continued to proliferate at light speed when compared to the legal market, the rollout for which has crawled sluggishly forward under the weight of bureaucracy. Even one of the states with the longest running legal adult-use (recreational) cannabis program, California, sees up to $8 billion in illegal sales every year, generating significantly more revenue than the legal market.

In response, politicians at every level of state government have proposed some sort of landlord accountability. The idea is that if landlords are discouraged from entering leases with these businesses or punished for having done so, operators will be unable to secure the necessary space or, in the event that they already signed a lease, will face eviction. In either event, these illicit operators will be forced to consider going entirely underground, closing their doors or, perhaps, will consider entering the legal marketplace and obtaining a dispensary license. For many legacy operators, the latter may not be realistic. New York was the first state in the nation to prioritize justice-involved license applicants through its Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program. But nearly two and a half years after MRTA passed, and with thousands of adult-use cannabis applications submitted, there are only a handful of legally compliant dispensaries open for business in New York.

Landlords who lease space to unlicensed operators cannot plead ignorance to avoid fines. It was initially believed that a landlord could not lease directly to a CAURD license holder, but rather would enter into a lease with the Dormitory Authority of the State New York (DASNY), which would then sublease the space to the license holder. The difficulty in locating and securing compliant premises has led to the OCM approving locations for non-DASNY controlled premises. Both DASNY leases and these stand-alone leases, which Falcon Rappaport & Berkman has extensive experience with, are explicit in their structure and purpose. For these unlicensed stores, landlords across the city enter into non-DASNY leases with tenants who conspicuously advertise THC products for sale. Under the proposed bill, these landlords would be at high risk of enforcement action, particularly after a city agency warning letter which could disallow any landlords’ claims of ignorance. Falcon Rappaport & Berkman can assist Landlords in drafting leases with more robust use restrictions to discourage unlicensed cannabis sales and ease eviction actions in the event such illegal use has occurred.

Unforeseen Consequences

Fining commercial landlords and/or encouraging them to evict illicit cannabis tenants is a predictable step in the implementation of New York’s legal cannabis market. Without it, legitimate license holders will continue to be at a disadvantage in the industry, and neither consumers nor the general public will reap the benefits of a well-regulated marketplace.

However, the way in which we fine these commercial landlords, or enact other enforcement action, must be carefully examined. A provision of the proposed bill, section C.1., specifies that written notice following an inspection (and presumably any future fines) are only for a property that is used to sell illicit cannabis products and “is not occupied for any other licensed or lawful purpose.” While the bill may still result in fines against landlords of unlicensed cannabis stores, this provision means that if the premises is used for another lawful purpose, these fines against the landlords may not apply. The existing unlicensed market consists of not only stand-alone cannabis stores, but of bodegas and convenience stores selling cannabis products, the landlords of which will likely avoid penalties under this proposed bill.

The complexity and adaptability of the unregulated market should not be underestimated. If enacted, this bill will hinder some significant competitors to adult-use dispensary licensees, but will be far from addressing the entire unregulated market in NY. Frequent reassessment of enforcement action and well-crafted policies will be necessary to ensure a flourishing New York adult-use cannabis industry.

Michael A. Curatola, Esq. helped co-author this article along with contributions from Andrew P. Cooper, Esq., LL.M., and Ariel S. Holzer, Esq.

Consuming And Riding The Waves!

Terry Hacienda

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July 13, 2023

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Surfing and marijuana seems to go together like peanut butter and jelly – but behind the scenes?

In Biarritz and Nazaré, Costa Rica to Hawaii and from Australia to the beaches of California, surfers have settled in to ride some of the ocean’s best waves. The worldwide surfing population is estimated at between 17 and 35 million and are passionate about the water, the board, and the culture. Emerging from ancient Polynesia, it took a global hold in the 50s and 60s and continues to go strong. It has affected music, fashion, literature, film, art, and language. Consuming and riding the waves are cultural phenomena.

And marijuana got weaved into the ride, bringing together two iconic chill vibes. Members of Hawaii’s world-famous surf culture have maintained a strong passion for smoking what the natives call “pakalolo”—”paka” means “tobacco” and “lōlō” refers to the THC’s numbing effects.

“Marijuana was the surfer’s drug of choice, and it fit easily within established surfer culture,” writes Matt Warshaw of the EoS. “Surfers prided themselves on being rebellious—not quite criminal, but not rule-abiding either—and pot was the perfect misdemeanor-level drug. Easy to grow, easy to buy, easy to transport, pot appealed to the surfer’s DIY home-based enterprising spirit.”

Surfers get stoked during the ride and baked before or after. Surfers have a bit of counter culture, but in today’s Insta world, even regional surfers who are good have a big following. Unlike 10 years ago, you have to be on your game for your followers and the video. Surfing while a bit baked makes it hard to do the split second adjustment which separates amateurs from aficionados.

From a science point of view, marijuana is not seen as a performance enhancing drug. But it is still banned during competition. Selections on who will be tested are made by the World Surfing League (WSL) and International Surf Association (ISL), for both in competition and out of competition testing. All surfers who compete in any World Surfing League event can be tested at any time whether it is at an event or at their home even.

marijuana leaf — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

A small amount of cannabis and ease anxiety ahead of the big swell. On the beach afterwards, it can be use to help speed up muscle recovery and relieve tissue swelling. Water can be rough on the body.

Not every surfer is like Spicoli in Fast Times At Ridgemont High, but kicking back post waves, feet in the sand and something to help you chill is still part of the scene.

Road Rash And Marijuana Are Not A Good Match

Amy Hansen

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July 12, 2023

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Road Rash And Marijuana Are Not A Good Match

Over 2 million Americans and Canadians are injured each year from popular summertime activities, according to hospital tracking data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Everyone wants to head out and try something fun. Biking, hiking, bouldering, pickle ball, tennis, and more get us on our feet and outside. While fun and healthy, it is also an invitation to scraps, cuts and bruises. Road rash is a common injury introduced to toddlers and part of every day life as you continue to age. What about road rash and Marijuana?

What is road rash? It happens to your skin when it gets scraped off by a hard surface or contacts a smooth surface for an extended period. For example, falling while using a treadmill, off of a bicycle, or a tumble on the pickle ball court can cause road rash. An open wound needing time to heal and have skin grow back over the exposed body. But does marijuana help with road rash or wounds?

Marijuana can definitely help with pain management and inflammation. Research suggests, the THC in medical marijuana helps us work through soreness and strain by reducing inflammation at injury sites and by modulating pain signals as they travel to the brain.

BUT, it does not clear it helps with road rash for a couple of reasons. There has not been significant research done on this topic, but a one study showed it did not make any difference in the healing process of the open wound.

If you use a THC topical cream over the wound before covering it up with a bandage, make sure you check to ensure it is helpful within a day. A small amount of research says it might help, but nothing has been proven and you don’t want unnecessary scarring.

Traditional smoking of cannabis, joints, pre-rolls, bongs and bowls are not helpful either. While it could help pain management like ibuprofen, the carbon monoxide in cannabis smoke inhibits blood oxygenation and decreases blood flow, which could lead to tissue death, more scarring and slower wound healing.

The best way to treat road rash is clean the injury thoroughly, then apply an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin. This will help kill any bad bacteria which may have come in contact with your wound. Apply the ointment carefully to not cause more bleeding. Cover the road rash with a clean bandage. Check to make sure the wound stays moist and is covered until the wound is completely covered with new skin. An exposed cut will pick up dirt and debris from the air. A wound that heals in a moist environment is less likely to leave a scar.

The Upside Down World of Alabama and Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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July 12, 2023

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The Upside Down World of Alabama and Cannabis

Alabama’s state flower is the camellia, but quietly is also cannabis?

Alabama is a grow state. Agriculture has over a $70 billion economic impact in Alabama. It has more than 44,000 farms covering 8.9 million acres. One out of every 4.6 jobs in the state relates to agriculture and forestry. They know the soil, the seasons and the plants. And it is has been long a hot bed along with the Florida panhandle in illegal marijuana farms. Jackson County, Florida was known as a triple treat as within 20 minutes you could be in another state (Georgia, Alabama, Florida) evading the police. Word is young bucks and old families alike benefit from grows which encroach into tree farms helping them be profitable.

Yet, the state is slow on ramping up medical marijuana, resisting recreational and one of their Senators is ok with helping the industry. So, you can just never predict what is going to go on in cotton state.

Alabama elected Jeff Session, an arch enemy of the marijuana industry. Attorney General during the Trump administration, he put marijuana as a focus and then fell out of favor. He followed up with the the trend losing his senate race to a football coach. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) recently stated he would vote in favor of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act (SAFE Banking Act) of 2023. The SAFE Banking Act is a bill that would prevent federal banking regulators from prohibiting or penalizing a bank from providing financial services to a state-sanctioned cannabis business.

“Yea, I am a supporter of the SAFE Banking Act,” Tuberville shared when asked by a reporter from Alabama Today.

Said Tuberville, “They’re going to have to prove to me that medical marijuana is good. As long as it’s medical marijuana and as long as you have to have a prescription. If we ever put marijuana on our streets legally, it’s over.” At least he is for helping patients and veterans with PTSD.

This stance is a contrast to his being in hot water for holding up 250 military promotions until he changes the Department of Defense stance on abortion. Key generals are saying we are reaching a point of a national defense crisis due to the delays.

While a grow state, Alabama has been slow to the cannabis economy, partially thanks to the efforts of Jeff Sessions. Alabama is currently 44th in the list of state incomes (New York being at the top and Mississippi at the bottom). In 2021, Alabama became the 37th state to legalize medical marijuana. The process to integrate the new law into daily life is a slow one, but one that is set to be complete by early 2024.

Possession is still a crime and dealing is highly illegal, but popular throughout the states especially in mini tech center Birmingham. People of color are four times more likely to be jailed for possessing cannabis.

In addition, Alabama is not a big drinking state, falling in the lower 20 on the list consuming alcohol. So while Senator Tuberville might help the cannabis industry and other states economies, Alabama is slow footing forward to where the majority of citizens want to see legalization and access. You just never know with Alabama.

Guess What Is Gumming Up The Marijuana World?

Amy Hansen

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July 11, 2023

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Guess What Is Gumming Up The Marijuana World?

The cannabis industry is all about good times, sweet memories and a good buzz. The imagine of a someone kicking back enjoying a joint is in the mind of most people when you think about consuming. But lately, what is in the mind isn’t translating to what is in the mouth.

BDSA, a leading cannabis consumer insights and data company, recently released a report and revealed a twist for the industry. The data collected also showed 57% of adults across surveyed states agree that adult-use cannabis should be legal. A whopping 74% of the population are cannabis consumers or accepting of people consuming. And in the past six months, 86% cannabis consumers claim they expect to continue, while 66% state they will definitely continue to consume.

What is grabbing attention is HOW people are consuming. Flower continues to be the largest revenue generator for the industry. Flower has a mystical hold over older and more traditional consumers who see it as part of the culture. Gen Z and Millennials are driving the second biggest revenue maker which is vaping. It is perfect for an active lifestyle, a variety of dosages, and discreet.

But the big news is while flower and vape are the major revenue earner, the relative inexpensive gummy is the most consumed! While earning a quarter of the revenue, it turns out the gummy is perfect to “take off the edge” for people. Quick to pop in your mouth, tasty, and no smell. A fan favorite for the recreational consumer and medical patient.

Specifically, 49% of consumers across adult-use and medical states claimed to have consumed a gummy edible in the past six months compared to 47% who used flower.

This is definitely a change from the way the industry has seen itself with joints, bongs, pre-rolls and bowls. Now a cute, colorful edible is the way of the future. Dispensaries are having to stock up on products.

Hans Riegel has the title “The father of gummy bears.” In the 1920s, Riegel developed a soft, gelatin-based treat in the shape of a bear which grew quite popular. He later created Haribo, the prestigious gummy bear creator found on shelves around the world. German language teachers often gifted students with the bears to expose American soldiers to different foods in the mid and later 20th century. The soldiers brought back these delightfully delicious bears to their families after being stationed overseas.

Gummies become famous when Hollywood started taking an interest. Gummy teddies found roles in so many forms of popular media, like TV shows, movies, and even musicals. Disney released The Adventures of the Gummi Bears in the ‘80s, and the candies even played a part in the Broadway show Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

It wasn’t a leap to make cannabis gummies that have now become ragingly popular and changing the face of the cannabis industry.

Tips To Chill When Seeing Northern Lights in the North America

Terry Hacienda

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July 11, 2023

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Tips To Chill When Seeing Northern Lights in the North America

The Northern Lights are making a rare wide range appearance – want to make better?

The Northern Lights are expected to make a rare appearance this week in as many as 17 states and lower Canada including Toronto and Vancouver. The holy grail of sky watching, the beautiful dancing waves of light have captivated people for millennia. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is a phenomenon whereby electrically charged particles that are sent flying from the sun collide with gas molecules and atoms in our atmosphere. These collisions release light, which under certain conditions, can be viewed in various places across the world. Usually in the extreme northern parts like Scandinavia, Alaska, and Iceland. But this week, you can see them in North American and wouldn’t it be great to chill when seeing the Northern Lights?

According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Northern Lights are expected to be visible this Wednesday/Thursday, (July 12-13), with the best viewing time between 10PM and 2AM local time according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. The unique dazzling display of colors is expected to be visible in parts of New York, Washington, Idaho, Vermont, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Observers likely want to avoid areas with high light pollution (such as cities) for the best view.

Photo via devilslettuceph/Instagram

While the way we experience cannabis can vary significantly, a common effect is heightened sensory perception, which may result in even more intense or vibrant colors while watching the Northern Lights. Artists, creators, and storytellers have long used cannabis to aid in their creativity and deepen experiences. Similarly, the Northern Lights have inspired numerous works, stories, and myths, many of which have stood the test of time. For those looking for inspiration or a potentially spiritual experience, the right strain might help you see a new light.

If you are a canna-newbie or canna-curious, you might try low-dose THC products, such as a fast-acting beverage with 2.5mg of THC. Arguably as important as the type of weed you enjoy, is the way in which you do so. Smoking is the premier way people consume, especially those over 50. Vaporizers, popular in the under 50 set, offers inhalation consumption but may be less irritating over prolonged periods.

For those looking to avoid inhalation all together, edibles are a popular option. The types of edibles which you have access to may vary, but s’mores made with cannabis-infused chocolate allow for a social activity while you’re waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Timing is key with edibles, plan to take them 45 to an hour before the light and be careful not to over-consume. You want to make a memory, not sleep through the experience.

Other non-inhalation options also exist, many of which have more predictable onset times and/or less calories than edibles. Tinctures, sprays, and the often overlooked sublingual, are just a few options.

Highlighting the mystic effects and enhancement, there is actually a strain named after the natural phenomenon – Northern Lights. Though those looking to pair Northern Lights cannabis with the actual Northern Lights, be warned, the indica cannabis strain is known for its potentially sleep-inducing effects. For those worried about staying up to see the lights, a more energizing strain might do the trick. Though for those accustomed to late hours, a focus on more euphoric strains might best enhance the experience.

Is THCa A Medical Solution That Can Help You?

Amy Hansen

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July 10, 2023

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Is THCa A Medical Solution That Can Help You?

Cannabis has been around for thousands of years helping man with a variety of issues. Yes, there hasn’t been enough research to fully unlock all the potential of the plant. While marijuana is a “fun” plant allowing people to get high and chill, it has proven medical benefits recognized by the American Medical Association, British Medical Association, the US Government and other science and data based institutions. Parts of the plant can make significant differences in treatments, but is THCA a medical solution that can help you?

Science says medical marijuana can help with cancer treatments, anxiety, nausea, pain and more. It is not a cure all like aspirin, but it can help in many things, more studies to be funded to unlock the potential.

A key part of marijuana is THC, a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis. THC provides the “high” while also delivering medical benefits. Recently, there has been discussion around TCHa, the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.

THCa is the acid form of THC that’s found in the raw cannabis plant. In general, cannabis produces all cannabinoids in acid form. It is one of the most abundant cannabinoid acids and is the precursor to THC. Alone, cannabinoid acids do not provide the high. Instead, these acids deliver some health benefits minus changes in consciousness.

When one consumes THC, a decarboxylation process normally takes place first. Decarboxylation is the term that’s used to describe the heating of a compound via smoking or vaping. To convert THCA into THC, raw cannabis first needs to be dried, aged, and heated via smoking or vaping. Overall, THC is a breakdown of THCA, and it doesn’t deliver psychoactive effects until it’s heated through decarboxylation.

What Is CBG And Why Is Everyone Comparing It To CBD? — Photo by rawpixel.com

Although research on THCA is in its infancy stage, a great deal of research findings has emerged regarding several of its medicinal benefits. After learning about THCA and its link to THC, let’s discuss the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of this compound. Different studies have been performed on THCA in recent years, which discovered the following potential benefits of the compound:

Anti-inflammatory properties for treating arthritis, lupus, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, pain, and various auto-immune condition.
Neuroprotective properties for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Disease and dementia
Anti-emetic properties for treating nausea, stomach problems, and appetite loss.
Anti-proliferative properties to potentially help slow down the rate of various diseases and forms of cancer

In addition, there’s also much promise in consuming THCA to treat epilepsy and seizures. In one particular study, two milligrams of THCA administered daily resulted in the subject experiencing a 90 percent seizure reduction. Similarly, when specific terpenes are combined with THCA in a cannabis strain, this combination can significantly contribute to the anti-seizure and anti-epileptic effect THCA has on patients.

5 questions you should ask yourself before visiting a marijuana dispensary — Photo by A_Melnyk/Getty Images

Regarding THCa’s anti-proliferative properties, one study conducted in 2013 found. in animal models and cell structures, THCA inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Additionally, a study that was conducted one-year prior (2012) discovered THCA neutralized damage caused by oxidative neurotoxins. Although more research needs to be conducted to confirm this finding, this discovery represents the potential of consuming THCa to help treat neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Lastly, at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, Erin Rock and other scientists found that extremely low doses of THCa were able to prevent nausea in rat subjects. It was also discovered that THCA successfully synergizes with CBDA, thus, acting as a strong antiemetic compound.

While more need to be explored, the effects and properties already discovered point to the significant potential of this compound. If you’d like to consume THCA, it’s suggested to look for high-THC strains that haven’t been decarboxylated yet. You could also juice or blend raw cannabis parts such as leftover fan leaves, buds, and/or stems to reap the potential benefits.

How To Make Lemons Into Marijuana Lemonade (And More)

Amy Hansen

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July 7, 2023

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How To Make Lemons Into Marijuana Lemonade (And More)

The country is in a heat wave with temperatures topping 100 – here are a couple of cool recipes to chill out

So far July has had the two hottest days in recorded history, and people are melting. Nothing says summer and cool relief than the tarty, sweet taste of lemons. Cool, crisp and refreshing, they lift the soul into a decent temperature.

Lemonade and lemon bars are go-to summer treats, so what about a summer marijuana edible or beverage? Lemons and other citrus were traditionally used as an antidote for the effects of cannabis on the body. The reason is due to a terpene known as limonene. It isone of the most commonly found terpenes. It is the main ingredient in various citrus oils (orange lime, lemon, grapefruit). Limonene can also be found in certain cannabis varieties with a lemony scent. It is considered an uplifting terpene capable of creating a sense of euphoria and calm.

UPLIFTING LEMON BARS

This recipe has the marijuana in the crust, if you do not have or do not want to make cannabis butter (recipe in link), you can pick up some cannabis sugar are your local dispensary. Just replace a teaspoon of the cannabis sugar with the regular sugar.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1/2 cup butter melted

1 tablespoon cannabis butter melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

For the lemon filling:

Zest of one large lemon

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F and line the bottom of an 8×8″ pan with parchment paper.
For the crust, mix together melted butter and cannabis butter and sugar. Add the flour and salt and mix until just combined.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
For the lemon filling, mix the lemon zest and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, flour, and baking powder. Then, mix in the eggs. Pour lemon mixture over the crust.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the filling has set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

Be careful about the amount you eat. Choose beforehand and put away the rest to share or have later. You can store extra cannabis lemon bars in the freezer. Ensure they are cool, wrap in Saran Wrap, store in airtight container and pop into the freezer. Simply bring the lemon bars to room temperature to enjoy again.

LEMONADE WITH A KICK

For this you need three simple ingredients, Lemon juice, CAnnabis sugar or cannabis tincture, and regular sugar. Homemade cannabis sugar is great but if dispensary you can save the effort or pick up a cannabis tincture will also work.

Squeeze fresh lemons to make the lemon juice

Add the lemon juice to your favorite large glass.

Add the white sugar.

Add the cannabis sugar or tincture

Add water and stir well.

Fill the rest of the glass with ice

Remember to not be too thirsty and overindulge!

Have a great summer.

How Blockchain Technologies Are Changing the Cannabis Industry

Terran Cooper

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July 7, 2023

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How Blockchain Technologies Are Changing the Cannabis Industry

The blockchain and cannabis industries are two of the newest and largest markets to emerge in our lifetime. Both blockchain technology and the cannabis industry have reached new highs in recent years, but both are facing difficulties in 2023. The blockchain industry remains largely unregulated and is currently recovering from several high-profile scandals. Still, the value and underlying utility of blockchain tools cannot be understated. Its true potential as an unchanging database has hardly been tapped into, particularly as it relates to data recording and security tools. Now blockchain technologies are changing the the cannabis industry.

The cannabis industry has seen its own struggles, as a lack in federal progress has hurt industry funding and disrupted publicly traded companies. The lack of significant banking options, difficulty in payment processing, tax and financial burdens, and lack of regulatory clarity have required cannabis businesses to go above and beyond to simply survive.

But what if these two industries could help one another – could utilizing blockchain technology and tools in the cannabis industry help both fields reach their full potential?

Working An Office Job Can Make You Fat — Photo by rawpixel.com

Despite the aforementioned struggles, the legal cannabis industry is expected to exceed $100 billion dollars by 2030 with the blockchain technology market potentially exceeding $130 billion dollars in the same time.

Cannabis is not legal on the federal level, which leaves States that have legalized cannabis solely responsible for ensuring quality control and transparency. Further, a lack in oversight of these fractured markets often results in safety concerns, particularly as cannabis businesses typically transact on a cash basis, leaving them vulnerable to robberies and other frauds. Bad actors in the industry may also divert cannabis products from legal programs to the illicit market, avoiding the otherwise high taxes.

Blockchain usage in the cannabis industry has the potential to remedy a number of these issues. Blockchains are immutable ledgers that can allow for tracking across supply chains, helping to ensure proper quality controls and preventing legally produced cannabis from entering unregulated markets via detailed storage recording. Blockchain technology can even help alleviate some issues associated with payment processing, with the use of cryptocurrencies allowing for less cash transactions (which can help to prevent theft).

The cannabis markets can greatly benefit from blockchain data recording, as well as blockchain based monetary and security tools. The long-term success of blockchain technology will likely depend on its integration with other industries, which would allow for significant utilities across nearly all markets.

Already, cannabis businesses are integrating blockchain technology and tools to verify plant authenticity and lab results. Some businesses also utilize blockchain-powered cryptocurrencies specific to the cannabis industry, allowing for cash-less transactions. Further utilizing blockchain technology in the cannabis industry could help both industries take the next step towards realizing their respective potentials.

marijuana money — Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

These emerging industries are still in their early stages, and collaboration between them could prove to be an incredibly fruitful endeavor down the line. The constantly evolving nature of both industries means that navigating appropriate rules can be quite difficult. In order to fully understand the legal liabilities of involving blockchain technology in the operation of a cannabis businesses, operators should seek appropriate attorneys for blockchain and cannabis related matters.

Worlds Largest Marijuana Dispensary Is Rocking Vegas!

Amy Hansen

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July 6, 2023

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Worlds Largest Marijuana Dispensary Is Rocking Vegas!

Vegas has been home to everyone from Elvis to Celine to showgirls on the street….millions flock to see it all. And now the biggest marijuana store is getting even larger!

Since 1931 when Nevada legalized casino gambling and reduced residency requirements for divorce to six weeks, Las Vegas has been a tourism juggernaut. In the late 50s and into the 60s, Vegas grew and saw incredible transformation. The iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign premiered and the idea of helping every tourist have an equal opportunity to lose money was planted. In 1955, the Moulin Rouge Hotel became the first racially integrated casino-hotel allowing everyone to pull slots together. Massive resorts have been built and torn down to make even larger ones while owners chase whales and cheetahs. Now a marijuana dispensary is rocking Vegas!

Vegas has adjusted with the times with today’s headliners including Usher, The Chainsmokers, Ludacris, Maroon 5, Miranda Lambert and more. Celebrities flock to hang out, chill out and enjoy the benefits of being famous.

Over 88,000 visit weekly to not only gamble, but experience a faux Venice, be OG at the Mob Museum, shop at one of FOUR Tiffany locations on the strip, feast on a 5 star meals, and visit the largest cannabis dispensary in the world. That’s right, Vegas has gone all in for the marijuana.

Comfort — Photo: The Library of Congress via Wikipedia

Consumers from all 50 states and the four corners of world roam into Planet 13 right off the strip. The 112,000 space has everything you can ask, including the opportunity to purchase. The site includes a bar, Trece Eatery and Spirits, Insta spots, and knowledge bud tenders to help your journey. Pete Davidson is the most recent green friendly celeb to pop in and shop. Not only has the place seen bachelor/bachelorette parties and engagements, but weddings has added to the festive chill atmosphere.

They recently announced they are opening a consumption lounge on site so you can kick back immediately. Maybe this will draw in a gang of Elvis impersonators to add to visitors high time.

They continue to innovate and are partnering with Broadway Creative Director David Korins to make marijuana come alive at Cannabition, a cannabis immersive experience. Korin is the genius behind the sets of Broadway blockbusters, including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Beetlejuice, and others. The Solomon Group will provide technical artistry support.

“I’ve had the incredible privilege of visually telling some of the most extraordinary stories in recent years, but none compare to the history, passion, tragedy, and triumph embodied by the cannabis story in America,” said David Korins.

The museum, which will be 12,000 square feet, will follow popular traveling Van Gogh Experience which everyone said was tailor made to enjoy with a vape or edible. Planet 13 is one of the key partners to make Cannabition come to life.

Cannabition board members/ investors Alex Brough, Pamela Hart, and Andrew Laub

Another key Cannabition player is noted ancillary cannabis fund Keneh Ventures.

“We are thrilled to announce the forthcoming launch of Cannabition 2.0 and proud to play a role” shared a spokesperson for Keneh Ventures. “We are confident the unrivaled creativity will breathe life into this remarkable venture, inviting the world to share in an unforgettable experience.”

Vegas is always reinventing itself and Planet 13 is earning a spot as a Vegas legend.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

NYC Pushes Unlicensed Cannabis Enforcement to Landlords

The Existing Markets

Unforeseen Consequences

Consuming And Riding The Waves!

Surfing and marijuana seems to go together like peanut butter and jelly – but behind the scenes?

Road Rash And Marijuana Are Not A Good Match

The Upside Down World of Alabama and Cannabis

Alabama’s state flower is the camellia, but quietly is also cannabis?

Guess What Is Gumming Up The Marijuana World?

Tips To Chill When Seeing Northern Lights in the North America

The Northern Lights are making a rare wide range appearance – want to make better?

Is THCa A Medical Solution That Can Help You?

How To Make Lemons Into Marijuana Lemonade (And More)

The country is in a heat wave with temperatures topping 100 – here are a couple of cool recipes to chill out

UPLIFTING LEMON BARS

Ingredients

For the crust:

For the lemon filling:

Instructions

LEMONADE WITH A KICK

How Blockchain Technologies Are Changing the Cannabis Industry

Worlds Largest Marijuana Dispensary Is Rocking Vegas!

Vegas has been home to everyone from Elvis to Celine to showgirls on the street….millions flock to see it all. And now the biggest marijuana store is getting even larger!

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