While anti-smoking groups are fighting to outlaw smoking in apartments and residential buildings, the question remains — is this fair for medical marijuana patients?
As marijuana legalization spreads across the country, more and more people are freely enjoying smoking the plant in the comfort of their homes. Some are using it recreationally, others for medical purposes. Either way, secondhand smoke is affecting people. So, in this interesting time of Karens, there is a case where women sues neighbor over marijuana order, claims public nuisance.
Josefa Ippolito-Shepherd is one of them. She is bothered by the smell of cannabis coming from her neighbor’s house into her own. She claims cleaning doesn’t help, and anyone who’s been around weed knows the smoke can be powerful. So much so that the offending aroma affects her sleep and everyday life.
She tried asking her neighbor to stop lighting up indoors. Then she asked the landlord to evict the smoker but that didn’t happen.
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Ippolito-Shepherd has lived in Cleveland Park, a residential neighborhood in DC, for 30 years, but claims the attack on it is ruthless, writes The Washington Post.
Until cannabis became legal, she had the option of calling the police and getting her neighbor busted. So what now? According to DC Council chair Phil Mendelson, the only thing she can do to resolve the issue is to undo the legalization of marijuana. That’s why Ippolito-Shepherd took the matter to court where she argued that the smell is a public nuisance.
The trial is considered the first of its kind to make it this far in District court.
“I have the right to breathe fresh air in my home,” Ippolito-Shepherd told The Washington Post before the trial. “I’m not talking about if I go to someone else’s house or a place people go to smoke pot. They have the freedom to do whatever. I just do not want to be invaded in my own home.”
While anti-smoking groups are fighting to outlaw smoking in apartments and residential buildings, the question remains — is this fair for medical marijuana patients? Where will they be allowed to use their medicine?
To complicate matters, Brooke Hoots, an epidemiologist with the CDC, says that secondhand marijuana smoke contains the same cancer-causing toxins as secondhand tobacco smoke.
How can this be resolved to everyone’s benefit? No one knows, but one thing is certain: As more states embrace cannabis, similar lawsuits can be expected.
Medical marijuana is used to ease chemotherapy-induced nausea, and research has shown that it can help with motion-induced nausea as well.
One of the conditions that take the fun out of trips and journeys is motion sickness. Whether the journey is by sea, land, or air, motion sickness makes it unbearable for some people. And it can affect persons of any age, as both old and young suffer from it. Medications exist for motion sickness, but it does not work effectively for everyone. Marijuana can ease motion sickness, and here are the strains that help.
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What is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when conflicting messages are sent to your central nervous system, resulting in a confused brain. These conflicting messages could come from any of the senses (eyes, ears, nerves) in your body, as a result of the inability to properly detect movement.
For example, if your eyes cannot see the movement, it might send a signal that there is movement to your brain. If your other senses can feel the movement and send the information to your brain, it leaves the brain confused. Motion sickness can occur on a plane, car, train, as well as boat or ship, and it can turn what promised to be a fun trip into an absolute nightmare.
Types of Motion Sickness
There are three major types of motion sickness:
Air Sickness: This usually occurs when traveling in an aircraft, including airplanes, helicopters, gliders, parameters, and jets.
Car Sickness: This typically happens when you are moving in a vehicle on land, most likely a car.
Sea Sickness: Seasickness occurs on water, usually in boats or ships.
Categories of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can be classified into three categories based on the source of the trigger:
Motion sickness that is triggered by motion that you cannot see but you can feel. In this case, while your nerves send the correct message to your brain, your eyes cannot do the same resulting in motion sickness.
Motion sickness that is triggered by motion that you can see but cannot feel. In this case, while your eyes send the correct message to your brain, your eyes cannot do the same resulting in motion sickness.
Motion sickness that is triggered when your auditory and visual systems detect different types of motion. In this case, they send different signals to the brain resulting in motion sickness.
Symptoms of Motion Sickness
The symptoms of motion sickness are usually not too serious, but can cause great uneasiness. The common symptoms of motion sickness include sweating, shortness of breath, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, pale skin, and yawning. While the symptoms of motion sickness are not serious, regular occurrence of this condition results in more serious issues like a fear of travel.
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Who Is At Risk of Having Motion Sickness?
There are two classes of people that have the highest risk of suffering from motion sickness: pregnant women and children. Others can also stand a high risk of motion sickness if they are dealing with the following.
Anxiety and fear about traveling
Using an unfamiliar mode of traveling
Poor ventilation in the vehicle
Having no access to a window and being unable to see the motion.
How Cannabis Helps With Motion Sickness
In recent years, medical cannabis has been suggested by advocates as a possible remedy for motion sickness. Medical marijuana is used to ease chemotherapy-induced nausea, and research has shown that it can help with motion-induced nausea as well.
Two cannabinoids contained in cannabis, CBD and THC, are known to be active receptors in the human body. These cannabinoids reduce counter the release of the body chemicals that cause nausea, thereby easing the discomfort that comes with motion sickness.
Symptoms of Motion Sickness That Cannabis Tackles
Cannabis helps with motion sickness by treating the symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
Headaches
Stress
Anxiety
Nausea and vomiting
Drowsiness
Best Cannabis Strains For Motion Sickness
Both Sativa and Indica strains work for motion sickness, albeit having different functionality. Indica strains helps you to relax while Sativa strains energize you. Below are some of the best cannabis strains for motion sickness.
Grand Master Kush: This is an Indica dominant strain that helps with anxiety, nausea, pain, stress as well as lack of appetite.
Blue Dream: This is another Indica dominant strain. Blue dream helps with uneasiness, stress, pain as well as nausea.
Sour Diesel: This is a Sativa dominant strain that eases migraine and stops nausea.
Super Haze Lemon: Super haze lemon is another Sativa dominant strain. It helps to ease anxiety and settle a troubled stomach.
Durban Poison: This is a Sativa dominant strain that helps with loss of appetite and nausea.
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Best Means of Consuming Cannabis For Motion Sickness
Popular ways of consuming cannabis like smoking and vaping are not ideal for traveling. Apart from having high mechanical risk, smoking in public is bad etiquette. This is why it is important to explore other means of consuming cannabis when treating motion sickness. The best means of consuming cannabis for motion sickness include:
Tinctures: This form of cannabis is taken sublingually. Simply place a few drops of the cannabis under your tongue before the trip.
Topicals: This includes oils, balms, and lotions that can be rubbed on the body before the trip.
Edibles: This type of cannabis is consumed in oral form, such as gummies and cookies. Edibles can be eaten anywhere.
Transdermal Patch: This method involves the infusion of cannabis into the bloodstream.
Conclusion
Before you buy cannabis for your motion sickness, be sure to confirm that it’s legal in your state. Visit a cannabis-friendly doctor to provide you with a strain that is suitable for you.
The challenge of the state’s industry will be to avoid some of the pitfalls that other states are experiencing.
Missouri is launching its legal adult-use cannabis sales on February 6. Last month on December 8, 2022, consumers were allowed to legally possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana, and the Department of Health & Senior Services began accepting requests for existing medical facility licensees to convert to a fully legal facility. Once approved, it is up to each dispensary to decide when it will begin selling adult-use cannabis.
According to industry analyst firm BDSA, adult-use sales of cannabis in Missouri will reach $277 million in its first year, with a total market revenue projection at $730 million for 2023. Currently, there are approximately 208,000 Missouri patients utilizing medicinal cannabis, which is about 3% of the state’s population. But the number of cannabis consumers in the state is expected to swell to 600,000 under adult use, roughly 10% of the population.
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Jobs Jobs Jobs
According to MoCannTrade, the cannabis industry was responsible for one of every 10 new jobs created in Missouri in 2022. As adult sales commence early in 2023, cannabis businesses across Missouri will be expanding operations and hiring to meet the expected demand.
“There is no question that Amendment 3’s impact will be beneficial for Missouri workers. Swade alone anticipates its staffing needs will increase between 35-45% prior to recreational retail sale commencement,” said Jason Nelson, CEO of Swade Cannabis. “The coming 12 months will see an immense amount of growth in the industry, and that means adding a lot of new jobs for the state.”
Avoiding Pitfalls
While other mature states have faced issues with high taxation, falling prices, and slowing growth, Nelson thinks Missouri will avoid that.
“Missouri is in a unique position with regard to other states,” Nelson said. “We are launching an adult-use market in response to the voters’ wishes, indicating there is a built-in level of demand right at the start. There is typically a percentage of consumers reluctant to cannabis under a medical-only market that becomes less hesitant in an adult-use market, and we expect Missouri to be no different.
“The challenge of the state’s industry will be to avoid some of the pitfalls that other states are experiencing. Neighboring states inhabit circumstances that make cannabis tourism amongst bordering populations a viable prospect for Missouri. Whether compared to a significantly higher product tax rate in Illinois or neighboring states such as Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Tennessee that have no representation under a regulated cannabis program, Missouri is well positioned to leverage a robust menu of high-quality cannabis products available at affordable prices.”
Although hemp and cannabis are two different species, there’s an important legal difference between the two.
Hemp and cannabis are two totally different plants, right? Yes and no. Technically, hemp and cannabis are actually the two different species, from the same genus Cannabis (Family – Cannabaceae). They’re not classified as two different plants in a biological sense. Although science doesn’t fully distinguish between hemp and cannabis, the law does.
Hemp Vs. Cannabis
According to US law, hemp is defined as cannabis that contains 0.3% THC or less by dry weight.
Let’s back up for a second. THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that can make you feel intoxicated — in other words, it makes you feel high. The other cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants don’t seem to be intoxicating.
That being said, because hemp contains 0.3% THC or less, it can’t make you feel intoxicated. It really is a small amount of THC.
Cannabis, however, contains more than 0.3% THC. You’ll find that most cannabis strains contain anywhere between 15% and 30% THC.
To summarize: hemp can’t make you feel intoxicated, while cannabis can.
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Why 0.3% THC?
As mentioned, biology doesn’t distinguish between hemp and cannabis. So who made up the 0.3% rule?
The definition was initially proposed by Ernest Small in his 1979 book, “The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics.” Small pointed out that it’s difficult to define the difference between hemp and cannabis. He suggested we draw the line for THC content at 0.3% — but he actually acknowledged that it was an arbitrary rule himself.
However, the number went on to inform the legal definition of hemp in the United States. Various pieces of literature, including the Agricultural Act of 2018 (the so-called Farm Bill), used Small’s definition of hemp.
The legal difference between hemp and cannabis
We mention the Agricultural Act of 2018 because it was a pretty important piece of legislature. Also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, this Act went on to legalize hemp on a federal level.
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, it became legal to cultivate and process hemp throughout the United States. The Bill made it possible for companies to produce and sell hemp-based products, including hemp-based CBD products, hemp seed products, hemp milk, hemp textiles, hemp bioplastics, building materials and more.
Note: Cannabis that contains over 0.3% THC isn’t federally legal, although it is legal in some states.
So, although hemp and cannabis are two different species, there’s an important legal difference between the two.
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What about other cannabinoids?
Hemp and cannabis can both contain CBD and other cannabinoids. You’ll find that certain strains are bred to contain more of one compound, or terpene profile, than others. Some growers grow for full spectrum plants, or separately, they specifically cultivate for a target compound, such as high-CBD, high-CBG, or high-CBN strains.
However, for a cannabinoid product to be legal throughout the United States, it needs to be derived from hemp. Our wellness products are hemp-based and thus fully legal — which is why we’re able to ship our products all over the United States, and even globally.
“I’m keeping my promise,” said Biden. “No one—I’ll say it again—no one should be in federal prison for the mere possession of marijuana. No one.”
President Joe Biden celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by delivering a speech on equal justice, civil rights, and more. He made it clear that marijuana reform is a part of his plan, and a necessary step in order to have “equal rights.”
Biden spoke at the national annual MLK breakfast, hosted by the National Action Network (NAN). He was introduced by Reverend Al Sharpton.
“I’m keeping my promise,” said Biden. “No one—I’ll say it again—no one should be in federal prison for the mere possession of marijuana. No one.”
Aside from decriminalizing marijuana, Biden also emphasized expunging the records of those in prison for weed possession. “In addition to that, they should be released from prison and completely pardoned and their entire record expunged so that if they have to ask, ‘Have you ever been [convicted], you can honestly say, ‘No.'”
Back in October, Biden issued marijuana pardons that became one of the biggest steps forward for marijuana reform and legislation. Despite their unprecedented existence and the fact that he encouraged governors and other state leaders to follow in his footsteps, these pardons are still not enough to expunge the records of many people that have been imprisoned due to marijuana possession.
Following the pardons, many advocacy groups called for an expansion of these benefits, hoping to have these reach more people and protect them from further crimes associated with marijuana. In November, over 130 advocacy groups banded together in order to push Biden to extend these benefits and include immigrants.
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“Moving forward, we urge you to ensure that every step taken to remedy racial injustice includes relief to impacted immigrant communities,” reads a draft letter that was sent to Biden’s administration. “In particular, we urge you to extend protection to all immigrants, regardless of immigration status, and to take necessary steps to ensure that immigrants do not suffer negative immigration consequences from marijuana convictions.”
For the time being, Biden’s pardon only extends relief to US residents and citizens that have been charged with simple possession convictions. Those who’ve been charged with selling cannabis don’t fall under this spectrum.
THC-O acetate has some structural similarities with vitamin-E acetate. Both substances when heated in a vape pen produce a “highly potent lung toxicant” ketene – a likely cause of EVALI.
Remember the 2019-2020 outbreak of EVALI lung disease that hospitalized thousands of people and killed nearly 70 people? What sickened people at the time was vitamin-E acetate, an additive often found in unlicensed vape cartridges.
Now, a new study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology warns about THC-O acetate, a potent psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp saying it could potentially cause EVALI lung disease when vaped or smoked, first reported Cal NORML.
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Products with THC-O acetate, which has not been tested for safety in humans, and is believed to be three times more potent than delta-9 THC, are being advertised online and sold on the black market.
THC-O acetate has some structural similarities with vitamin-E acetate, per the report. Both substances when heated in a vape pen produce a “highly potent lung toxicant” ketene – a likely cause of EVALI. The study authors noted that toxicity can be acute or chronic, depending on the dose and duration.
“Cal NORML strongly advises consumers to avoid hemp products with psychoactive cannabinoids, especially novel ones stronger than THC, whose safety is particularly suspect,” Cal NORML wrote.
“CBD products may be safely obtained from state-registered industrial hemp product manufacturers, whose products must be tested for safety and cannabinoid content. Under state law, hemp products should have a batch number and label as well as a website, QR code or barcode that links it to lab results providing the levels of cannabinoids, total THC and presence of contaminants. The results will also have the address and phone number of the manufacturer. Violations can be reported to CDPH.”
While Federal possession cases are falling, prior cannabis convictions are tipping the scales to longer sentences according to a new report.
A new report issued by the U.S. Sentencing Commission found that the number of federal cannabis possession sentencings dropped substantially in recent years, from 2,172 in the fiscal year 2014 to only 145 offenders in the fiscal year 2021. For the 70.1% of cannabis possession offenders who received a sentence of imprisonment in the last five fiscal years, the average prison sentence imposed was five months.
Unfortunately, the report also noted that prior cannabis possession sentences added to an incarcerated person’s criminal history points resulting in longer sentences.
As of the end of the fiscal year 2021, the report stated that possession of cannabis remained illegal for all purposes in 12 states and territories. In nine states and territories, possession of cannabis is permitted solely for medical purposes. In the 14 states and territories that have decriminalized cannabis, possession of a small quantity of cannabis remains a violation of law, but it is subject to a fine with no possibility of incarceration. An additional 21 states and territories have legalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use, eliminating all penalties.
Federal Cases Fall
The report said that there was a steep rise in sentencings between fiscal years 2008 and 2013, however, the number of cannabis possession sentencings declined steadily from 1,916 in the fiscal year 2014 to just two cases in the fiscal year 2021 in Arizona. That state had led the country in Federal possession cases. Across all judicial districts, the overall number of cannabis possession sentencings followed the same pattern, declining from a high of 2,172 in the fiscal year 2014 to a low of 145 in the fiscal year 2021. Meanwhile, the number of offenders sentenced for simple possession of all other drug types remained steady across both study periods.
Incarceration Times Drop
Despite improvements in legalization, many offenders are still receiving some jail time. During the last five fiscal years, the report stated that most cannabis possession offenders (70.1%) were sentenced to a term of imprisonment, while 29.9% were sentenced to either probation or a fine only. “For those who received a sentence of imprisonment, the average prison sentence imposed was five months. Due to the relatively short average prison sentences for cannabis possession offenders, no one sentenced for simple possession of cannabis in the last five years was in Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) custody as of January 2022.” As of January 2022, 19 offenders were serving time for simple possession of cannabis plus another offense.
The data showed that Federal offenders sentenced for cannabis possession in the last five fiscal years tended to be male (85.5%), Hispanic (70.8%), and non-U.S. citizens (59.8%). A little over two-thirds (70.1%) were sentenced to prison and the average prison sentence imposed was five months. As of January 2022, no offenders sentenced solely for simple possession of cannabis remained in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
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Criminal History Points
While Federal possession cases are falling, prior cannabis convictions are tipping the scales to longer sentences according to the latest report. In sentencing guidelines, prior convictions can add points to a person’s profile. More points can push them into a higher sentencing category. So even though cannabis is increasingly seen as a minor offense, the prior conviction can result in a longer sentence if the person has other offenses.
The report stated, “In fiscal year 2021, 4,405 federal offenders (8.0%) received criminal history points under the federal sentencing guidelines for prior cannabis possession sentences. The criminal history points assigned under the federal sentencing guidelines for prior cannabis possession sentences resulted in a higher criminal history category for 1,765 of the 4,405 offenders (40.1%).”
Nearly all (97.0%) of the prior cannabis possession sentences were for state convictions, some of which were from states that have changed their laws to decriminalize (22.2%) or legalize (18.2%) cannabis possession, states that allow for expungement or sealing of cannabis possession records (19.7%), or some combination thereof. “Prior sentences for cannabis possession from these states resulted in higher criminal history calculations under the federal sentencing guidelines for 695 offenders. prior cannabis possession sentences resulted in a higher chc for 40.1% of federal offenders with such sentences in FY21.”
Of the 1,765 offenders whose criminal history category was impacted by a prior cannabis possession sentence, most were male (94.2%), U.S. citizens (80.0%), and either Black (41.7%) or Hispanic (40.1%).
Digging into the crime data for those offenders who saw their sentences increase as a result of prior cannabis convictions, not surprisingly drug trafficking was the most common crime type (38.0%) among the fiscal year 2021 offenders with a cannabis prior conviction. This was followed by firearms (28.9%) and immigration offenses (18.2%). Most of the 1,765 offenders whose criminal history category was impacted by prior cannabis possession sentences were male (94.2%), U.S. citizens (80.0%), and either Black (41.7%) or Hispanic (40.1%).
So far, preliminary studies have shown that this system plays a significant role in maintaining health and well-being.
So little is known about the largest receptor system in the human body which is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Most sources indicate that the ECS was discovered barely three decades ago, in 1988.
Since then, scientists from around the world have made progressive discoveries about this dynamic system and its significance in health and disease.
The number of published studies and articles on the ECS have spiked significantly in the last decade spurring a growth in public interest in the subject. There are even suggestions that this “ seemingly abstruse” system could indeed be the most important system in the human body, given its large influence. Robert Mechoulam who is considered as a founding father of medical cannabis had this to say about the ECS.
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“Two eminent scientists said that the endocannabinoid system is involved in essentially all human disease. This is a very strong statement, but it seems to be correct.”
Here are five things to know about the endocannabinoid system.
The ECS Is Made up of Three Primary Components
From what science has revealed so far, the ECS is made up of three primary components that are spread throughout the central and peripheral nervous system; endocannabinoids (ligands), endocannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoid enzymes (synthesizing and degrading). The endocannabinoids are synthesized by enzymes in the system and interact with endocannabinoid receptors to produce certain effects in the body. Once they have finished their role, they are degraded and removed from the system. The ECS has been described as a “lipid signaling system.”
The ECS has two types of receptors which are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are abundant in immune cells. The primary endocannabinoids that have been identified are anandamide (bliss molecule) and 2-AG. Anandamide is degraded by the enzyme FAAH while 2-AG is degraded by MAGL.
The ECS Is Present in Both Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Earlier on, it was believed that the ECS was only present in animals that have a backbone aka mammals. It has now emerged that invertebrates such as leeches and mollusks. It is however more pervasive in mammals.
The ECS Maintains Homeostasis in the Body
The ECS is a “regulatory” system that is involved in various important functions in the body. The primary role of the ECS is to maintain a state of homeostasis or physiological balance in the body. Terms such as endocannabinoid tone have emerged and are used to describe the overall state of the ECS in terms of the density and function level of its components.
When the ECS senses an imbalance, it triggers a cascade of events along signaling pathways to restore balance. For example, when the body temperature is too high, the ECS will trigger mechanisms to ensure that temperature is restored to normal parameters. The ECS is involved in regulating the following functions:
The ECS has an extensive network of receptors that are spread out in almost every part of the body. ECS receptors are highly concentrated on the skin which is the largest organ in the body. This wide network of receptors support the far reaching effects of the ECS.
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Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency May Trigger Chronic Disease
The body may in some cases have a deficiency of endocannabinoids. This state which is described as clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome (CECD) has been linked to some chronic conditions. One study that investigated the concept of CECD found that it could be the underlying trigger for chronic and treatment resistant conditions including migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia. The researchers further suggested that this could possibly explain how cannabis provides benefits for these conditions.
Phytocannabinoids in Cannabis Interact With the ECS
The cannabis plant has hundreds of bioactive molecules mostly made up of phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most investigated phytocannabinoids. Scientists have discovered that phytocannabinoid are able to mimic the actions of endocannabinoids that are produced naturally in the body. Hence, they are able to support the role of the ECS in maintaining homeostasis. This forms the basis of medical cannabis.
THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. Alongside providing therapeutic benefits THC also causes psychoactive effects by altering the state of the mind to induce euphoria. CBD interacts indirectly with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Because it does not bind to the CB1 receptors, it does not cause psychoactive effects.
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The ECS Forms the Basis For Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis has gained significant traction in the last decade due to discoveries in science about the role of the ECS and how cannabis can influence this system. To date, 37 states have legalized medical cannabis programs that allow patients to access cannabis-based treatments.
Here are some of the conditions that have been approved for medical cannabis treatments in the US:
Medicinal cannabis may also be used as adjuvant therapy to improve the efficacy of other drugs. For example, patients who are on opioids for pain management can use medicinal cannabis to reduce the amount of opioids that they are taking. This also has a positive impact on opioid-related side effects.
The ECS is still being studied and there is a lot that remains unknown about this system. So far, preliminary studies have shown that this system plays a significant role in maintaining health and well-being. It is also clear that phytocannabinoids from cannabis have far reaching effects on the ECS, which forms the basis for medical cannabis.
This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net.
Canadians hoping to get in a quick toke before boarding their flight at a British Columbia airport are out of luck. Last year, Prince George Airport was set to become the first in the world to open a retail cannabis shop on its terminal. But alas, the project fell through.
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What Happened
In December, the Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) announced that Cloudbreak Cannabis, previously known as Copilot Cannabis, “would not be signing a lease or beginning construction, citing changing market conditions.” Apparently, the decision was made due to changing economic conditions, reported MjBizDaily.
“A lot has changed in the economy,” said PGAA president and CEO Gordon Duke. “And certainly, we’ve seen with interest rates and inflation, just in the past six months, it has really changed the economic environment.”
Duke said the store was in development for about three years and was due to open in the first quarter of this year before the change of plans.
He explained that it took longer to develop than a regular airport retail store would typically take, citing regulatory hurdles related to opening cannabis stores as well as the added complexity of opening one in an airport. “We were hopeful and enthused that this might come to fruition, however, we understand the risk associated with any startup business.”
Last year, one of Canada’s busiest airports, Toronto Pearson, reportedly hired a lobbyist to explore the possibility of retailing cannabis. However, the governing authority of the airport ruled out those business plans before they got off the ground.
Photo by Erik Odiin via Unsplash
Canadians Use Cannabis Responsibly
Canadians still prefer smoking as the most common method of consuming cannabis, despite a decline in recent years, showed a recent 2022 Canadian Cannabis Survey.
Among the survey findings is that cannabis use among people aged 16 to 19 has returned to pre-legalization levels in 2021 and 2022. Most respondents even said they bought products in legal stores. The report also showed while stoned on weed decreased between 2018 and 2021 and remained unchanged in 2022.
A second New York dispensary is set to open in Manhattan more than two weeks after the state saw its first legal adult-use sale. The “Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store,” will be located at the former home of an old Chase bank on the corner of Broadway and East 13th Street, across from the Union Square subway station.
The store plans to open in February, but had a soft opening on Friday at another facility (with an entrance at 62 East 13th St.) while the main 5,000-square-foot space is being built out.
Of the proceeds, 51% will go to the Doe Fund, which provides housing, career training and counseling to marginalized populations in New York City. Additionally, the store will only sell products cultivated in the state with a focus on women and BIPOC-owned businesses.
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The dispensary will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, seven days a week.
The first legal adult-use dispensary opened Dec. 28 at a former Gap retail store in lower Manhattan near Astor Place. The historic opening marked a long-awaited launch of a state marijuana market that many analysts project could become one of the country’s most promising.
Despite the proliferation of numerous illegal shops throughout the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Dec. 21 that Housing Works, a minority-controlled nonprofit that focuses on helping those with HIV and AIDS, would be the first of 36 recently licensed dispensaries to begin selling cannabis to the general public. Housing Works has been known for running a small chain of charitable retail outlets.
The state is expected to issue an additional 139 licenses in the coming months for about 900 applicants. The state reserved its first round of retail licenses for applicants with marijuana convictions or their relatives, plus some nonprofit groups.
It also planned a $200 million public-private fund to aid social equity applicants with real estate, though its status and how much progress has been made is not exactly clear. Industry stakeholders toldGreen Market Report in November that there’s been little news on how much progress has been made by fund managers in actually raising capital or getting state monies deposited, so that actual retail spaces can be leased for social equity cannabis companies.
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York then missed its Dec. 30 deadline to report to the governor, the legislature and the public on its status and details about the social equity program and its relationship with the firm it selected as a fund manager. A DASNY spokesperson told NY Cannabis Insider last week that the agency “will have the report out soon.”
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The New York Office of Cannabis Management also extended the license application window for marijuana testing labs to March 31 from its originally scheduled closure of New Year’s Eve.
Chris Alexander, the executive director of the OCM, told the Cannabis Control Board at a public meeting in December that adding that the state is still looking for top-notch lab candidates. “That is a cornerstone of the market that we’re building,” he said.
Alexander also said that the state is rolling out more resources to support the legal marijuana market and to suppress the thriving illicit trade, including:
A public education campaign called “Why Buy Legal New York.”
Ongoing enforcement against unlicensed retailers, including the seizure of more than $4 million in illegal cannabis products from 53 locations by the New York City Sheriff’s joint task force.
