This State Is Next In Line For Adult-Use Sales

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January 18, 2023

This State Is Next In Line For Adult-Use Sales

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.

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.”

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

What Is The Difference Between Hemp And Cannabis?

Cannabis
CBD

Astraea & Co

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January 18, 2023

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What Is The Difference Between Hemp And Cannabis?

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.

growing marijuana — Photo by skodonnell/Getty Images

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.

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.

This article originally appeared on Astraea.co and has been reposted with permission.

Biden Includes Marijuana Reform On MLK Day

Maria Loreto

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January 17, 2023

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Biden Includes Marijuana Reform On MLK Day

“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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMZg3pKzBK4&t=2070s

“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.

Joe Biden — Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

“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.

EVALI Could be Caused By Weed With THC-O Acetate

Benzinga Staff Writer

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January 17, 2023

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EVALI Could be Caused By Weed With THC-O Acetate

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.

By Nina Zdinjak

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.

vaping — Photo by Ruslan Alekso via Pexels

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.

RELATED: What Is THC-O And Is It Legal?

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.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Federal Cannabis Sentences Drop Substantially Since 2014

Debra Borchardt

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January 17, 2023

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Federal Cannabis Sentences Drop Substantially Since 2014

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.

The report entitled Weighing the Impact of Simple Possession of cannabis: Trends and Sentencing in the Federal System was last issued in 2016 and was updated for the fiscal year of 2021 as many states have decriminalized possession.

marijuana arrest — Photo by Tetiana Strilchuk/Getty Images

Possession Still Illegal in 12 States

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.

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%).

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

5 Things To Know About The Endocannabinoids

Lydia Kariuki

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January 16, 2023

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5 Things To Know About The Endocannabinoids

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.

“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:

Pain
Sleep
Hunger
Metabolism
Hormonal function
Reproduction
Memory
Nausea and vomiting
Immunity
Moods

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.

Are You Endocannabinoid Deficient? Here's How To Tell — Photo by Zohre Nemati via Unsplash

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.

medical marijuana — Photo by simpson33/Getty Images

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:

Cancer
Neuropathic pain
Multiple Sclerosis
HIV/AIDS
Diabetes
Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy
Crohn’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Joint degeneration
Nausea and vomiting in terminal illness
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep disorders
Mood disorders

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.

World’s First Airport Weed Shop Loses Lease

Benzinga Staff Writer

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January 16, 2023

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World’s First Airport Weed Shop Loses Lease

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.

By Joana Scopel

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.

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.

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.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Second New York Dispensary Soft Launches, Social Equity Fund Status Up In Air

Green Market Report

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January 16, 2023

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Second New York Dispensary Soft Launches, Social Equity Fund Status Up In Air

The state is expected to issue an additional 139 licenses in the coming months for about 900 applicants.

By Adam Jackson

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.

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 told Green 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.”

rolling a marijuana cigar — Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

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.”
A new verification emblem to be displayed by licensed retailers.
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.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

Study Reveals Legal Marijuana States Have Lower Rates Of This Disorder

Maria Loreto

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January 13, 2023

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Study Reveals Legal Marijuana States Have Lower Rates Of This Disorder

A study conducted on twins found that those who live in legal states have lower odds of abusing alcohol, among other things.

A federally funded study reveals residents of legal marijuana states have lower rates of this disorder. The data concluded states with legal weed have lower rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The longitudinal study that began in 2014 when weed wasn’t legal, was conducted by researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Minnesota and published in the journal Psychological Medicine.

In all cases, one twin lived in a state with legal marijuana while the other didn’t, providing a unique case for researchers trying to understand the impact of legalization without having to worry over complex factors like the subjects’ genetics and socialization. The study found that while alcohol consumption between states didn’t vary greatly, twins that lived in legal states were less likely to face harm when under the influence of alcohol.

drinking — Photo by Taylor Brandon via Unsplash

“Recreational legalization was associated with increased cannabis use and decreased AUD symptoms but was not associated with other maladaptations,” wrote the researchers. They also determined that states with legal cannabis didn’t have a higher rate of psychosocial disorders, a concern for many that don’t support legalizing marijuana.

Despite the promising evidence, researchers made it clear that the study’s data was difficult to interpret and that it should be studied further before jumping to any conclusions and suggesting that legal marijuana is the cause of this change.

While cannabis could have a positive impact on alcohol use disorder, it could also impact other factors that weren’t studied in the research, including greater cannabis use, tobacco use, and other unhealthy behaviors that pose a risk for people’s health.

identical twins — Photo by Gustavo Fring via Pexels

Government officials and researchers are interested in figuring out legal cannabis’ impact as soon as possible, whether that means it leads to more tax revenue or if it increases the odds of mental health illness.

While these studies won’t likely change much in the short term, their results could impact cannabis’ future, helping shape the way in which states handle the drug and educate their communities.

Why The CBD You Bought Isn’t Working

CBD
How-To

Anthony Washington

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January 13, 2023

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Some people do claim that they notice an immediate effect after using CBD. Although this might be the case for you, it’s more likely that you’ll need to give it a while.

If you’re using CBD, or cannabinoids of any kind, consistency is essential. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when taking CBD is expecting an immediate fix. (For simplicity’s sake, cannabinoid preparations of any kind are all hereafter referred to as CBD.)

Often, people take CBD and expect it to work like a drug: noticeably and immediately. But CBD is less like Tylenol and more like a good exercise regimen — it can take a while before you notice a difference.

And, like with any good supplement, using CBD regularly is the key to experiencing its benefits. If you’re using CBD and you’re not sure why you haven’t noticed a difference yet, here are some things to consider.

You Need to Use CBD Consistently

If you’re using CBD (or cannabinoid preparations of any kind), consistency is essential. The majority of successful studies on CBD involve giving the participants a daily dose of CBD, not a once-off dose. Often, these studies span weeks or months.

Most experts advise that CBD takes a while to build up in the system. For this reason, you can’t expect immediate results after a single dosage.

What does this mean for you? In order to reap the benefits of CBD, it’s best that you use CBD on a daily basis. We recommend using your CBD product every day, around the same time every day, in order to notice a difference.

How Long Will it Take for CBD to Work?

Most of our customers — and, anecdotally, most CBD users we know — start noticing a difference after a minimum of five days of regular use. Some people use it for three weeks before they fully feel the benefits of CBD.

Some people do claim that they notice an immediate effect. Although this might be the case for you, it’s more likely that you’ll need to give it a while.

You might find it best if you use CBD around the same time every day. You can take it several times a day — say, morning, night, and during your lunch break — if you prefer. This can give you a consistent dosage throughout the day.

CBD oil tincture — Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

How Much CBD Do I Need to Use?

If you’ve used CBD consistently for over a week and don’t notice any differences, it might be that you’re using too little.

If you’re an experienced cannabinoid user, we always suggest to start with the higher recommended milligrams, however, if you’re totally new to using CBD or cannabinoids, it’s best to start with a low dosage and slowly increase it. Although it’s pretty rare, some people experience side effects from CBD (such as nausea and fatigue). If you do experience these side effects, you might want to try taking it with a meal, decrease your dosage or stop taking it altogether.

We recommend experimenting a little — try a higher dose if you’d like. But remember that when it comes to benefiting from CBD, time and consistency is more important than dosage.

Tips for Boosting the Effects of CBD

If you want to make the most of your hemp tinctures, we recommend using CBD with a high-fat meal. A 2016 study found that fat helps us absorb more CBD, increasing the bioavailability from less than 10% to around 30%. In other words, fat helps your body absorb and use CBD.

For a bonus, add a little black pepper. An animal study found that CBD levels in the bloodstream were six times higher when it was taken with piperine, which is found in black pepper.

Lastly, we recommend keeping a dosage journal. Whether you write it down on a piece of paper or use your Notes app, try to record your daily dosage of CBD. When you’re new to CBD, this can help you learn what your body needs while you figure out your ideal dosage. Since no two bodies are alike, only you can hear what your body is saying.

marijuana edibles — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

The Best Things in Life Are Slow

We’re used to instant gratification. We pop pills for relief from pain and headaches, we click a single button and have thousands of movies at our fingertips, we place online orders and receive them the next day.

While this is convenient, it’s important to remember that the best things in life often come slowly. Consistently sticking to healthy habits, like exercising, eating well, taking supplements or using CBD, might not give us instant results, but it sure can improve our lives for the better. Slow, sustainable changes might be just what your body needs.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

The challenge of the state’s industry will be to avoid some of the pitfalls that other states are experiencing.

Jobs Jobs Jobs

Avoiding Pitfalls

Although hemp and cannabis are two different species, there’s an important legal difference between the two.

Hemp Vs. Cannabis

Why 0.3% THC?

The legal difference between hemp and cannabis

What about other cannabinoids?

“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.”

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.

While Federal possession cases are falling, prior cannabis convictions are tipping the scales to longer sentences according to a new report.

Possession Still Illegal in 12 States

Federal Cases Fall

Incarceration Times Drop

Criminal History Points

So far, preliminary studies have shown that this system plays a significant role in maintaining health and well-being.

The ECS Is Made up of Three Primary Components

The ECS Is Present in Both Vertebrates and Invertebrates

The ECS Maintains Homeostasis in the Body

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency May Trigger Chronic Disease

Phytocannabinoids in Cannabis Interact With the ECS

The ECS Forms the Basis For Medical Cannabis

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.

What Happened

Canadians Use Cannabis Responsibly

The state is expected to issue an additional 139 licenses in the coming months for about 900 applicants.

A study conducted on twins found that those who live in legal states have lower odds of abusing alcohol, among other things.

Some people do claim that they notice an immediate effect after using CBD. Although this might be the case for you, it’s more likely that you’ll need to give it a while.

You Need to Use CBD Consistently

How Long Will it Take for CBD to Work?

How Much CBD Do I Need to Use?

Tips for Boosting the Effects of CBD

The Best Things in Life Are Slow

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