You buy a pack of delicious edibles – but life gets busy and you can’t consume them all – how much time before they need to be tossed?
Wine can age well and vodka and other liquors can last on a shelf for ages making them generally worry free product if stored correctly. Now cigarettes, once opened and exposed to air, usually last about two days before going stale. But what about marijuana edibles? When are they too old? It depends on the type of edible and how it is made.
The basic rule is to treat edibles like any other food items. If it has dairy in it and has been left out for more than a few days, you’ll want to smell it before taking a chance and even that’s not foolproof.
If it’s vegan and made with a stable oil like coconut, it’s more likely to still be good, though it may have gone a bit stale.
The best thing to do with edibles when you get them is to put them in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how many you have and how long you want them to keep. Generally, a dairy filled goodie will last around a week in the fridge, while you can keep many edibles for up to six months in the freezer.
“I wouldn’t go longer than 2 weeks! The cocoa butter will oxidize and if the temperature isn’t stable it can cause the chocolate to become untempered and the texture starts to feel mealy” says celebrity chef Justin Khanna who is a YouTuber, podcaster and the founder of the modern hospitality education company Repertoire.
Maybe even more than spoilage, however, you’re wondering about the potency of the edible and if it’s going to hold its mettle. The answer is a resounding yes. Some people even claim on social threads that the edibles they have get more potent the longer they go without being eaten.
“Gummies have a very long shelf life. The same issues that would negatively alter the “quality” of a gummy are the same things that would degrade THC potency: heat, light, and oxygen. The potency and quality of a gummy should last a full year if you keep your gummies in an airtight container and in a stored in a cool dark place.” says Matt Regusci, technical director of Cannabis Safety & Quality (CSQ).
Hard candies and gummies likely last the longest without refrigeration or freezing. The gummies might lose their chewiness over time, but they’re not likely to spoil. Hard candies are the edible to stock up on if you’re going on a trip where you can’t be smoking, but still want to be elevated.
For the most part, you’re just going to be using common sense with the aging edibles. If you see any mold? Toss it and get or make some more. If it’s stale? That’s you and your palate’s call.
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The smell test is another tried and true way – if it has a weird smell, toss it!
Russians would rather do a shot than a hit…and the average person for good reason
Brittney Griner is home safe for having a vape pen while traveling in Russia…but what about all those Russians who want to kick back and chill? Well, things are definitely not easy. What about Russians and marijuana. The home of vodka and vodka shots takes a very dim view of cannabis use.
Photo by Mike Mattina/Getty
The Russians drink some17.3 shots of vodka per month on average, according to data from Euromonitor. That’s easily the most in the world. The Polish, the second biggest vodka drinkers, throw back about 13.7 shots per month; while Ukrainians drink roughly 10 shots per month. Americans come in at only 3.8. While studies show American
Studies show roughly 18% of Americans use weed at least once a year. In Canada it is 19% and in Europe it comes to about 10-11%. Not as popular or as commonly used in other European countries, it is estimated that just under 4% of the Russian population uses cannabis. Well, and for good reason – forced labor is a true buzz kill.
In 2004 the drug policy of Russia was liberalized. For various drugs (including marijuana), the amount that individuals could possess without facing criminal charges was revised upwards. In particular, the possession limit for cannabis was set at 20 grams, so that less than this amount would be only an administrative offense with no threat of jail time. Previously, possessing even a single cannabis joint qualified as a criminal offense!
In 2006 Russian policy reversed again to lower the possession limits for various drugs, with the criminal limit for cannabis going from 20 g to 6 g. Possession of less than 6 grams qualified as an administrative offense punishable by a 5000 ruble (about $61 US dollars) fine or 15 days detention. Large-scale possession results in a fine of 40,000 rubles ($489 US dollars), 480 hours of compulsory labor or 2 years of corrective labor or up to three years in prison or restricted freedom.
Now $61 dollars doesn’t sound like much but considering the average income there and WHOA – it could be painful. Russia Annual Household Income per capita reached 7,932.623 US dollar in Dec 2022, compared with the previous value of 6,561.323 USD in Dec 2021. Russia
The US is not perfect with thousands of cannabis prisoners still serving time behind bars for merely possessing a plant that is legal in some form in over half of the United States.
If and when things cool down between the world and Russia, you still might want to be hesitant to visit if you enjoy a little “relax time”. Italy has stories in most cities where you can buy what you need and relax in the glorious Tuscan sun.
Your dogs barking from shoes, blisters, or other health conditions? CBD can help stamp out some of your aches
It isn’t until our feet begin to hurt and suffer do we appreciate how much we use them. The phrase running around is all thanks to our feet. Up to 87 percent of people have foot pain at some time in their lives for different reasons. One-third of older adults have foot pain, stiffness, or aching feet. Many of these problems come from poorly fitting shoes.
Suffers try soaking their feet, massages, arch supports, pain relievers and many other ways to ease the pain. But if you have foot pain, maybe cbd can help. It has anti-inflammatory benefits, which may help relieve some aches and pains in the feet.
Spring is here and summer is on the way, which usually means more outdoor time. Sports, hiking, pickle ball and long walks over a variety of surfaces means more activity and potential more general foot pain. Research is promising that CBD oil can reduce inflammation and have a similar effect to taking pain medication—but without the side effects. The results may vary for everyone, of course. If you have foot pain that doesn’t go away after a few days or weeks, you’ll want to see your doctor.
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Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis pain in your feet can include stiffness, tenderness, pain, swelling, and even reduced mobility. Studies have shown that CBD oil can help with many of these symptoms. In fact, researchers say that CBD oil is effective for treating pain and inflammation caused by arthritis with no side effects. More human studies are needed, but if you suffer from arthritis pain, CBD may be the answer you’ve been waiting for.
You know your favorite pair of heels or other shoes that you just can’t give up, but they kill your feet every time you wear them? CBD balm can come to the rescue. Rub it on before you slip on your shoes, and your feet will stay comfortable all night. (Plus put more on when you get home to reduce inflammation.) Want some proof? Celebrities already swear by it for when then wear stilettos on the red carpet—and some of them wear insanely high heels.
One ugly topic no one wants to discuss: Blisters. But they happen! (Especially if you are a distance runner or when you get new shoes that don’t quite fit right.) CBD oil is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which may help. To treat one, make sure you clean your blister first. Then use a cotton pad soaked in CBD oil and dab it onto the affected area. Do this a few times a day, and your blister may heal faster than usual.
Don’t let this trip up enjoying life, if you have foot pain, see if cbd can help. With warm weather, sandals, running barefoot and outdoors activities, it is a good idea to keep an open mind and get a step ahead for the care of your feet.
Strong sales during this year’s annual high holiday of 4/20 shows the strength of the market despite government and company flub ups
Some cannabis industry experts say the marijuana industry is all doom and gloom. President Biden refusing to allow any legalization to move forward despite promises coupled with California, New York and other states bungling taxes that make black market products way more attractive has delivered a blow to the legal market. Add a glut of cheap product and some poorly run companies and the industry has lost some of its encomia luster. But when you peel back layers of ineptitude, you see a VERY strong consumer demand that grows each year. The traditional “high holy day” of cannabis sales has been 4/20. April 20 has become an international countercultureholiday based on the celebration and consumption of cannabis and consumers came out in force this year! It shows huge consumer potential in marijuana industry.
Headset’s saw on 4/20 more than $100 million transactions – and at one point sales hit $160k per minute. They have a cool video mapping sales for the day across the U.S.
From Maine to Nevada retailers were bustling with sales and shop owners showed a sigh of relief. Product companies also benefited from the uptick. Hopes remain high for other traditional high use days (July 4th, Memorial Day weekend) right around the corner.
Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images
Green Market Report, the premier cannabis business site, shared Jane Technologies said that its data showed that 4/20 sales in 2023 increased by 9.7% over 2022, coming in at an estimated $26 million.
The top five selling product categories in 2023, according to Jane Technologies, were:
Flower: $10,346,361
Vape: $6,623,246
Edible: $3,128,225
Extract: $2,028,396
Preroll: $1,873,570
Keep in mind, this is only the legal tracked sales and doesn’t count all the black market transaction – including the hundreds of unlinscend shops in New York City.
If any presidential administration can move forward on legalization and a basic tax structure, you would have another boom for the economy in right sized tax income, jobs and healthy small businesses. It would also start closing the door on the black market and some of the more “shady” players. But meanwhile, the winner every day is the customer.
Biden’s announcement to run for a second term causes pause and angst for the cannabis industry. Thousands of small businesses hang in balance over his actions.
President Biden announced his run for second term with Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday and it was definitely new for the cannabis industry. What is the marijuana industry reaction to Biden running for a second term? It is defiantly mixed on social media with still a small ray of hope he will move cannabis legalization forward. There has been constant rumors for the last year of rescheduling, presidential acts and public support of SAFE banking…and yet nothing significant to help the businesses that help people consume. And with nothing to strategically end the black market.
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“If Biden is re-elected, I expect his administration will continue the do-nothing neutral impact on cannabis companies in the United States, which is less than the industry needs today. This will only feed the black market and harm small businesses”, Kyle Shenfeld, President Rainbow RG, one of the leading real estate financiers in the cannabis industry.
Andrew Cooper at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman and a leading industry cannabis and psychedelics attorney shared “While President Biden’s first term electrified cannabis enthusiasts and industry professionals alike with promises of federal legalization, his announcement that he would be running for a second term was met with little cannabis-related fanfare. Despite his recent initiation of the review process to reconsider the scheduling of cannabis and his pardoning of federal prisoners convicted of simple possession offenses, proponents of legalization remain unimpressed. The fact is that the Biden administration is comprised of disguised prohibitionists. Perhaps it is the administration’s unapologetic distaste for the plant and the Justice Department’s openly aggressive position that had led to the lack of confidence in this administration. While it may not be too late for Biden to win back the hearts of the cannabis industry, repeated broken promises has led many to look beyond this administration for relief.”
It definitely is key to investors in the growing interesting as Ted M. Mottola from Hilltop Vantage Capital points out “As Biden announces his run for reelection with an economic downturn looming, we all hope for a bit more progress to be made on cannabis financial regulation. Capital constraints are becoming tighter everyday for “normal” businesses, and that is only amplified for cannabis and cannabis adjacent businesses. Both companies and investors are waiting for that next tipping point that will allow a fresh flow of capital to move the cannabis sector to the next phase of its maturity.
If the current administration does not make progress during this term, or the potential second term, they will lose the opportunity to craft legislation in their preferred structure and risk the opposing party building it in its own framework.”
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
Advocates are calling for an expansion of Biden’s marijuana pardon, specifically, one that includes immigrants that have been deported due to these types of offenses. Biden’s pardons affect nearly 6,500 Americans. Still, these pardons only affect US residents and citizens.
On the Democratic side, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has been pushing Biden and his administration to legalize cannabis and make medical marijuana available to suffering veterans. In the “politics makes strange bedfellows” category – she is on the same page as GOP Congresswoman Nancy Mace.
Green Market Report founder and publisher Debra Borchardt, the leading cannabis business site states “I think if he gets elected there will be a good chance of some movement for legalization. When you don’t have to worry about reelection, you can take more risks. I am cautious optimistic in a second term”.
Louisiana is a champion of alcohol – but may have also helped marijuana a bit by not paying attention
Louisiana is known as a laid back state when it comes to drinking. Where else are there drive up liquor stores where you can order a cocktail? Louisiana’s drinking age was raised to 21 from 18 in 1986 to avoid losing federal highway dollars, but a loophole made it legal for bars and others to sell alcohol to those under 21, complicating possible enforcement of the law not fixed until 10 years later. But the state home to the Big Easy has the big quest about marijuana. Cannabis is definitely not as embraced as booze and the elected are wary – despite the public wanting it legal. Now, Louisiana may have legalized more than hemp!
During an April 18 Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, Louisiana State Senators Jay Morris and Stewart Cathey remarked that legalizing hemp products containing THC was not deliberate. According to The Daily Advertiser, during the meeting, Cathey stated that in the previous session, the Legislature inadvertently established a recreational THC market in Louisiana. He added that they did not intend to allow an unregulated psychoactive drug marketplace to be flooded throughout the state.
Senate Bill 219
On April 10, Cathey put forward Senate Bill 219, which was first discussed during the April 18 meeting. The bill suggests modifying the state law that permits a maximum of 8 mg of THC in a hemp product. Instead, it proposes reducing the limit to 2 mg of THC.
Morris elaborated that if the intention is to legalize recreational THC, it should be done transparently and candidly, which was not the case before. He added that the Legislature was informed that psychoactive substances would not be allowed. The committee approved the bill, which will now be presented before the Senate after the April 18 hearing.
As Cathey and Morris strive to modify the existing state law, advocates and entrepreneurs spoke about the adverse consequences that altering the law may bring.
Cannabis.net heard from locals on their reactions. John Ford Lafayette, the president of Black Farmers Hemp, expressed similar concerns, stating that it did not make sense and that they were attempting to develop an industry. Casey White, the owner of Pippi’s Purpose, indicated that they had invested their life savings in opening their storefronts. Blaine Jennings, the owner of Virgin Hemp Farms, referred to the bill as a direct assault on the thousands of business owners in the rapidly growing industry.
House Bill 605
House Bill 605 was also recently introduced by Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder to modify the existing hemp law. But to a different extent than Cathey’s proposal. Since federal legalization in 2018, Schexnayder has presented four hemp-related bills.
Schexnayder accused the Louisiana Health Department of mishandling the implementation of the hemp bills in March, stating that the Legislature’s intentions were clear.
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor released the results of its audit of the Louisiana Department of Health on April 10. The “Oversight of consumable hemp products” report revealed that out of the 2,564 registered consumable hemp products approved by the DOH, 36 were prohibited. Moreover, 198 edible products exceeded the 8 mg THC limit, and several other examples showed non-compliance with state law.
Louisiana’s medical cannabis sector has thrived, but recreational cannabis remains illegal. However, the sale of cannabis flowers commenced in January 2022.
Despite the reluctance of the Legislature to legalize recreational cannabis, Louisiana has already established a medical cannabis program. Moreover, public opinion polls indicate that many Louisiana voters favor legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes.
According to a survey conducted by the University of New Orleans Research Center last year, 58% of registered voters in Louisiana expressed support for legalizing recreational marijuana. Meanwhile, 30% of respondents opposed it, and 12% did not have a clear stance.
In recent years, support for legalizing cannabis has increased in Louisiana. According to UNO polls, until 2021, most registered voters were against legalization. However, the trend shifted, with 54% opposing it in 2020 but 55% supporting it just one year later.
A survey conducted in 2021 by JMC Analytics discovered that nine districts, mainly in South Louisiana, where Trump had strong support, had significant backing for the legalization of cannabis. According to Marrero Democrat Representative Kyle Green, the 2021 survey by JMC Analytics aligns with what he has observed in his district. Green has brought a legalization bill before and has noticed that even some of his Republican Trump-supporting constituents favor legalization and use cannabis themselves.
However, public support for a policy does not guarantee it will be easy to pass. Nevada has shown a clear pathway for the other big convention/tourism state with one major city. You think they would like to them a model.
It is reported 1 in 5 Americans could suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). You may have it but not release you are doing with this prevalent disease. Ever suffered a feeling of heartburn after finishing a meal? Or felt heartburn and/or chest pain at all before? Heartburn can occur after eating certain foods, especially highly acidic and greasy ones. Overall, though, heartburn is closely linked to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Research continues and new understandings and treatments for medical conditions emerge every year. WIth great understanding comes better reactions and there is hope medical marijuana could provide some relief to GERD. Pharmaceutical drugs are often used to treat GERD, but cannabis and different cannabinoids can help treat this disease safely and and less harshly.
What’s GERD Exactly?
GERD refers to chronic symptoms including mucosal damage that was originally produced by the abnormal reflux within the body’s esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux, which is relatively common and not too serious. However, chronic acid reflux in the form of GERD can develop into a serious health issue. In the simplest of terms, GERD consists of the return of content within the body’s stomach, which then backs up into the esophagus. GERD takes place when the body’s lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weak and/or relaxes improperly. Then, if this occurs, the stomach’s content can float back up into the body’s esophagus.
Within each body, there’s a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which exists at the entrance of the body’s stomach. Once food enters the stomach, the LES should close to prevent food splashing back into the esophagus. If the LES doesn’t shut properly or if it opens regularly, it’s possible for stomach acid to travel into the body’s esophagus and lead to heartburn.
Normally, the main treatment method for GERD is the consumption of prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs. However, many prescription medications cause adverse side effects. Fortunately, though, different cannabinoids can combat GERD symptoms and negative side effects that occur from prescribed GERD medications.
Cannabis = Helping Hand for GERD Patients
Moreover, within each body is an endocannabinoid system (ECS), and there are many known functions of this system including memory, sensations, pain perception, etc. In particular though, the ECS can exhibit anti-secretory effects on gastric acid in addition to mitigating inflammation and mucosal damage that’s commonly felt by GERD patients. The body’s ECS also has an impact on the body’s transient LES, which can be very helpful for those suffering from GERD.
In general, cannabis contains a wide variety of medicinal properties including but not limited to its ability to help improve acid reflux. However, one of the most well-known medicinal benefits of cannabis is its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which can be useful for treating GERD.
Further Medicinal Benefits
Additionally, cannabis, but CBD specifically contains anti-inflammatory properties, which serves a valuable purpose for GERD patients. Recently, it has been found that the CB2 receptor can downregulate inflammation and hypermotility in the disease state. The body’s ECS can also enhance gut motility in the setting of inflammation in addition to modulating intestinal propulsion. Furthermore, one study focused on the administration of Delta (9)-THC in GERD participants. First, it’s important to know what TSLERs are before understanding the study’s results. TSLERs are defined as transient sphincter relaxations, which is the predominant mechanism that’s seen in GERD patients. TSLERs occur after gastric stimuli and distension, and they’re often referred to as the main cause of GERD.
From the study mentioned above, it was discovered that Delta (9)-THC significantly reduced the number of TSLERs in participants in addition to causing a reduction of acid reflux episodes. Also, through the usage of Delta (9)-THC, lower esophageal sphincter pressure and swallowing were substantially reduced. However, more research must be conducted to better understand the role of the body’s ECS in esophageal function and disease. So far though, preliminary data shows that there’s a potential usefulness of cannabinoid receptors reducing TSLERs in GERD patients.
From a practical point, if you experience heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD, try observing the foods you eat because they may be aggravating GERD symptoms, especially caffeine and alcohol. If you’re interested in giving cannabis a chance, it’s suggested to consume it orally or sublingually to prevent further irritation from occurring. Also, here is a study from the National Library of Medicine on the topic if you want to do a deeper dive.
It seems changes are coming to Fox News with the ouster of Tucker Carlson. Does it mean Fox may listen to a majority of their viewers and be a champion of the cannabis industry (or at least not a hurdle)? With the upheaval there, will changes at Fox News help marijuana legalization as a whole?
In a recent poll by CivicsScience, a Carnegie Mellon incubator spinout, showed 6 in 10 of Fox Views are open to marijuana legalization. The survey highlights acceptance has gained a majority ground – even among an older population.
Pollsters Chris Anderson from Beacon Research has managed surveys around legalization and focused on where the country is heading..
According to Anderson:
This is a massive shift in opinion over a very short period. As more states legalize marijuana without the negative consequences opponents have warned about, support will likely continue to increase.
Despite the growing acceptance and approval of marijuana law reform, the Biden administration has been slow to come around and the President has been tentative, at best, in his support. The previous administration moved in the opposite direction and the original Attorney General Jeff Session was almost fanatically opposed to any form of approval. Fox News journalist were lukewarm toward legalization.
One segment took a different approach and that was Fox News Business. Since more states have legalized cannabis their reporters and anchors have been covering the market like it does automobiles, commodities, cypto, banking, etc. Cheech, of Cheech and Chong, has been on to discuss legalization, marijuana economics and the business of weed. They have followed the ups (Canopy Grow) and the downs (MedMen, Tilray) and shared investing tips to loyal fans. Typical consumer focus articles include “Americans Spent More Money Legal Cannabis Than On Chocolate Or Beer“.
They have even taken a journalist approach to Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s advocating for marijuana legalization in Congress. They have given her a voice to share her journey on how marijuana helped her after a tragic incident and how veterans can benefit for use.
According to Republican pollster Shaw:
When you look at the growing percentage of people who say they support legalizing marijuana, especially among those under 30 years of age, it’s obvious why the Democrats are anxious to get pot initiatives on the ballot in statewide elections.
If more opinion hosts depart Fox, will it help? Laura Ingaham has been a vocal opponent to legalization and has been know to paint a very different picture than the facts. Fox will need to fine tune their news and opinion content to maintain or contain any fallout for the changes if they are to continue to be profitable. With a 25% drop in the company’s value over the last year, it would seem doing more in line with their base would be a wise move.
Alcohol companies continue to take stakes in marijuana companies expanding their role in helping you relax/chill/dance
The good news is soon when you can kick back and consume marijuana you can still be supporting your favorite beer company. The trend of alcohol companies jumping into the marijuana industry continues (with one major exception) and makes sense. Legal cannabis sales (recreational and medical) were roughly $11 billion in 2022, roughly falling between the sales of Starbucks ($13 billion) and Subway ($10 billion). Recent study shows it is about a 10th of size of the beer market and less than half the size of the craft beer industry.
Like Coca Cola saw bottled water as a revenue expansion, alcohol sees the same for marijuana. While for cannabis start ups and some existing brands this might be seen as a threat, for the consumer – this only has upsides.
As the cannabis industry strives toward federal legalization, they are struggling to convince Congress. But major booze companies now having a bigger stake in tapping the potential cannabis market, they can use their massive influence in Congress way more and way quicker than a stand-alone weed companies.
Photo by viennetta/Getty Images
Marijuana legalization is associated with increased use of alcohol, a new study published in JAMA Health Forum revealed. The startling new evidence contradicts prior research that showed that cannabis legalization did lead to more marijuana consumption, but also decreased the use of alcohol. This only helps alcohol increase profit margins.
Heineken, Molson Coors, Pabst and Constellation Brands have all invested heavily and for good reason. Beverage companies know how to sell directly to consumers (grocery, convince stores, etc), know how distribute to bigger sites (concerts, hotels, events, sports). and they know how to reach millions of people every hour (restaurants). They have walked hand in hand with politicians and produced billions in profits spread across a variety of partners.
Another upside is consumer trust alcohol for a steady same taste and effect experience no matter the location or time of year. There is a reason Bud Light is the number one selling booze brand in the US, customers expect uniformity from Key West, Florida to Mountlake Terrence, Washington.
Currently, one major exception is the failed experiment between juggernaut Anheuser-Busch InBev and Tilray. Tilray and it’s founders desperately want to be the leader in the cannabis industry but continues to struggle with product delivery and more.
As the city that never sleeps – it is known you can get whatever you want in NYC and unlicensed marijuana shops are there to help
New York is home to the Naked Cowboy, is the city with the most billionaires, and a reputation to get what you want when you want. Now it is famous for the huge number of unlicensed marijuana shops – even one close to City Hall. And believe it or not, unlicensed shops in NYC are doing better than the Naked Cowboy!
Cannabis isn’t fresh to New York. Long before recreational (or adult-use) cannabis was legalized in 2021, there was a thriving underground cannabis market that supplied the Empire State. Decades of criminalization did not stop the spread of cannabis across the state, with New Yorkers developing a robust illicit market known for famed strains like Sour Diesel. The Marihuana Regulation & Tax Act effectively legalized adult-use cannabis on March 31st of 2021. While the Act specified a regulatory and licensing scheme to build a legal adult-use cannabis market, not everything has gone so smoothly.
The rollout of NY’s adult-use licensing program was initially delayed by former Gov. Cuomo, who did not select any members of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) during his tenure. While now Gov. Hochul quickly established the CCB, thus kicking off the adult-use program, the unlicensed market was already starting to bloom. While some unlicensed operators continued selling upon legalization, many new operators saw this as a golden opportunity. Recently, New York has opened a few licensed storefronts, but their single-digit numbers pail in comparison to the estimated 1,400+ unlicensed shops. Some products seen in the current unregulated market resemble pre-legalization cannabis (such as pre-rolls or simple bags of cannabis flower), but many do not.
One only has to walk a couple Manhattan blocks to find a shockingly wide variety of cannabis products. Unlicensed operators have evolved, with many unlicensed products imitating licensed products (and non-cannabis products), through appropriating well-known brand iconography and/or simply using the recognizable California cannabis warning. What may be even more surprising however, is the fact that some unlicensed sellers are now selling “legal” cannabis. While their sale (and interstate trafficking) is not legal, the cannabis once was. Through diverting legal cannabis products to the illicit market at some point along the supply chain, these licensed operators make a side profit (free from their often-significant taxes). But does it even matter if people buy and sell unlicensed cannabis?
Every state, even those with robust licensed adult-use cannabis markets, have some sort of unlicensed cannabis market. While this was an inevitability in NY, the degree of unlicensed growth seen in New York is nearly unmatched. New Yorkers will smoke metric tons of cannabis, legal or not, every year. The underlying concern is the competition (or lack thereof) between unlicensed and licensed stores. Even upon the establishment of enough cannabis dispensaries to supply the state, unlicensed cannabis operators will be able to sell cannabis products for significantly cheaper. This is due to the much higher overhead cost of licensed operators and effective tax rates as high as 40-80% (which is in part due to excise taxes and the federal 280E problem). The inability for licensed operators to compete will not only result in widespread untested cannabis, but will directly hurt many of those most disenfranchised by the War on Drugs, such as the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary Licensees. But then how does the NYC, NY or the nation solve this?
