Kief is the trichome-rich powder you’ll find at the bottom of your grinder. It’s loaded with THC, and is traditionally used as the basis of hashish.
Kief is term that refers to trichomes that have been separated from the cannabis plant. Cannabis kief contains significantly less plant matter than whole cannabis flower, and it is rich in cannabinoids, making it a highly potent cannabis product.
Commonly referred to as “keef,” “cannabis crystals,” “chief,” or simply “dust” due to its particulate nature. It can be harvested from marijuana leaves, flower, and plants by dry sifting cannabis with a kief box.
Another common way people extract it is by grinding marijuana with a 3-chamber grinder; the powdery substance beneath the mesh screen is kief.
Kief is a powdery substance, so it is best to combine it with cannabis flower when smoking. A popular way to smoke is to roll a joint, which is where you mix your flower with kief and then roll a joint. If you want to smoke it without cannabis flower, you can use a pipe, bong, or dry herb vaporizer. Many kief aficionados prefer vaping.
How to Use Kief
There are plenty of ways to use, even if you don’t want to smoke it. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Bake it into edibles
Kief makes it easy to infuse your kitchen creations with cannabis. Use it like cannabis flower, but be cautious as it is more potent than flower. Another good reason to make edibles it contains less plant material. As a result, the taste of cannabis won’t overpower the flavors of the main baking ingredients.
Add it to your tea
Whip decarbed kief with milk or cream, blend the mixture with your coffee or tea, and enjoy a delicious kief-y concoction.
Use it to make weed oil
Infuse olive oil or coconut oil with decarb kief to make cannabis oil. Read this if you don’t know how to decarb weed. Follow our recipe (replacing cannabis with kief) to make weed oil at home and store your infused oil away from direct sunlight for two to three weeks.
Press it into hash
Hash is often made with kief. Non-solvent hash is easy to make, and you can easily make it with a kief press and a heat source. Here are the steps to make a non-solvent hash:
Scoop it into a mold with a kief scraper.
Heat your mold using an indirect flame.
Pour the heated kief into a kief press.
Squeeze or apply pressure to the press. Sustain the pressure until it turns into bricks, blocks, or spheres.
Sam Anderson is the content Director at Jointly, a cannabis wellness company powered by a proprietary data platform to help people reach their full potential. The company was created on the premise that purposeful cannabis consumption is the key to unlocking a better you.
The World Anti-Doping Agency appears to want to leave cannabis on its list of banned drugs.
Despite the many controversies that surround the banning of marijuana for professional athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is set in its ways. The organization has chosen to keep marijuana on its list of prohibited substances for 2023.
The Wall Street Journal reports that insiders had a look at the agency’s list and a decision will likely be finalized at the end of the month.
This decision comes months after the suspension of Sha’Carri Richardson, who was banned from participating in the Tokyo Olympics after she tested positive for marijuana. She was one of the U.S. favorites for the women’s 100-meter race and argued that she’d used marijuana to treat anxiety following the death of a family member.
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Following Richardson’s suspension, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and a variety of U.S. politicians urged WADA to reconsider its stance on marijuana. The agency agreed to initiate a scientific review of its banned substances list. While the decision to keep cannabis on the list is yet to be announced, WADA’s Prohibited List Expert Advisory Group claims that keeping or removing marijuana from their list is based on the scientific evidence that’s available. According to these criteria, marijuana should be banned from sports.
“The draft 2023 Prohibited List is still under consideration,” said a WADA spokesperson. “WADA’s Executive Committee will be asked to approve the final version of the List during its 23 September meeting, with the List itself being published on or before 1 October and coming into force on 1 January.”
Politicians in the U.S. have praised Richardson, although President Biden refused to comment on the suspension itself. A WADA spokesperson said that “to date neither the United States authorities nor the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has requested the removal of cannabis from the Prohibited List.”
Still, countries like the Netherlands have made their stance clear and have called for WADA to reconsider their stance, worrying over the use of common CBD products which could affect athletes. “Cannabinoids most likely have a negative impact on athletic performance,” said the Dutch agency.
WADA’s prohibited list was published in 2004, and it includes drugs that can enhance sports performance, present a health risk to the athlete and violate the spirit of the sport. It puts marijuana alongside cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy.
“A scientifically reliable objective testing method that indicates the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the employee’s bodily fluid alone is insufficient to support an adverse employment action,” according to new workplace guidance.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) approved new guidance for “employers stating that they cannot be penalized based solely on positive drug tests for cannabis metabolites.”
These are interim policies that will be in effect as the commission “formulates and approves standards” for “Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert” (WIRE) certifications, reported Marijuana Moment.
“Although tests are improving in accuracy, there is no perfect test for detecting present cannabis impairment,” Jeff Brown, NJ-CRC Executive Director, wrote in the new guidance document.
“Therefore, best practice has been for employers to establish evidence-based protocols for documenting observed behavior and physical signs of impairment to develop reasonable suspicion, and then to utilize a drug test to verify whether or not an individual has used an impairing substance in recent history.”
Moreover, NJ-CRC provided a sample form that employers can reference or adopt when they suspect an employee of being intoxicated on duty. It lists a number of “physical signs” and “behavioral indicators” of impairment and prompts them to fill out the relevant information if they intend to submit a reasonable suspicion report.
“A scientifically reliable objective testing method that indicates the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the employee’s bodily fluid alone is insufficient to support an adverse employment action,” continues the workplace guidance. “However, such a test combined with evidence-based documentation of physical signs or other evidence of impairment during an employee’s prescribed work hours may be sufficient to support an adverse employment action.”
“When incorporating this guidance, employers should ensure compliance with all state and federal employment laws,” New Jersey marijuana regulators said.
Additionally, Brown said that “striking a balance between workplace safety and work performance and adult employees’ right to privacy and to consume cannabis during their off hours is possible. We have been doing that with alcohol without thought.”
In California, a proposed bill passed through both houses of the legislature would prohibit people from losing their jobs for smoking marijuana outside of work. Specifically, it would prohibit companies from punishing those who fail a certain type of drug test. Among other marijuana measures awaiting Gov. Newsom’s signature is this legislation that would provide job protections for people who smoke marijuana off the clock.
Recently, the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced it will stop randomly testing police officers or job applicants for cannabis. What’s more, at the same time, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) announced it is considering a change to its cannabis testing policy.
Sex and sleep have a solid relationship, one that’s supported by hormones, physical tiredness, and emotional vulnerability.
Sex and sleep make a great combo, something that’s incredibly convenient and maybe the reason why it’s so common to have sex before bedtime. But why does sex result in better sleep? Is it a real thing that can be explained by science or is it a statement that we believe in due to anecdotal evidence?
The link between sex and sleep is very real, with scientists explaining that the drowsy post-sex feeling is due to the hormones that the body releases. Still, whether or not someone feels sleepy after they have sex is up to the person and depends on a variety of factors.
“Sex and other forms of physical intimacy at bedtime have been shown to increase drowsiness, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and improve overall sleep quality,” Dr. Shanon Makekau told Everyday Health.
Photo by Pablo Heimplatz via Unsplash
The moment sex is over, two hormones are released: oxytocin and prolactin. The first is the love hormone, known for promoting bonding, affection, and for providing people with better sleep. The latter is known to increase while people sleep, and it peaks after orgasm, which explains why some might feel like nodding off immediately after.
Other reasons why you might find yourself feeling sleepy after sex include physical exertion and emotionally feeling tired. Even if you’re not doing any crazy positions while having sex, it’s still a cardio workout and thus an activity that releases endorphins, improves your blood flow, and is tiring.
In the case of your emotions, when people have sex with someone they trust, they lower their guard and might find themselves feeling very relaxed because of it. This can translate to sleep or a feeling of emotional exhaustion, which is also something that likely results in sleep.
Sex and sleep have a solid relationship, one that’s supported by hormones, physical tiredness, and emotional vulnerability. Still, you shouldn’t stress out if that isn’t the case for you. Sex feels different from person to person and can be impacted by a variety of factors.
While someone might feel sleepy after an orgasm, someone else might feel wired and energized. This can change depending on the occasion, your mental state, the person you’re having sex with, and more.
From choosing between indica and sativa to deciding if an edible or vape pen is right for you, all sorts of decisions can — and will — alter your wake and bake journey.
People have been waking and baking long before dispensaries opened up across the country. Some people wake and bake every day. Others enjoy it on special occasions. Perhaps you have a long rainy weekend ahead of you and are looking to try it out for the first time.
Regardless of whether it is your first time or if you did it yesterday, you should know that while waking and baking is not an exact science, there is certainly an art to it. From choosing between indica and sativa to deciding if an edible or vape pen is right for you, all sorts of decisions can — and will — alter your wake and bake journey. But fear not, because as long as you consider the following factors, you can have a successful and blissful wake and bake experience.
Smoke, Drink, Eat or Vape?
When you decide whether to eat, drink, vape or smoke your weed in the morning, you really just need to consider how much time you have and how you want to feel. If you want to enjoy most of the day high, edibles are the way to go. They kick in slowly and will fold into your entire morning and afternoon. Just be ready to be high for 6 hours (or longer).
If you want to feel normal later in the day, smoking or vaping are good ideas. If you don’t smoke often, a vape pen might be a good idea. Smoking in the morning can feel extra-harsh for those who don’t smoke regularly. Otherwise, smoking works just fine.
If you are a novice, consider a lower-dose cannabis beverage. They go down easy, often have vitamins, and hit your bloodstream fast. This way you will feel the effects quickly, allowing you to control your high better.
Indica or Sativa?
When it comes to waking and baking, most enthusiasts agree that sativa is the way to go.It has been said, “If you are waking and baking with anything other than a sativa, you’re doing it wrong.” This is because indica is known to calm and sedate you. In other words, it can put you back to sleep.
If, however, sativa makes you a bit anxious, consider a hybrid. Or if indica doesn’t make you feel lethargic and mellow, use the strain that works for you — just make sure you get a good night’s sleep and have your coffee in hand. But in general, creative and energy-producing sativa strains like sour diesel are the way to go for most wake and bake journeys.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
Perfect Pairings for a Wake & Bake
Nitro Cold Brew: As we reported previously, cannabis and coffee are a trendy combination these days.This high-caffeine beverage is a great cold drink to sip throughout the morning. It pairs well with an edible as it is highly potent, but if ingested slowly, the caffeine will stay flowing through your system.
A Healthy Breakfast: Don’t skip breakfast. In fact, pre-planning a hearty and nutritious breakfast is a great way to enhance your high without weighing you down. Oil-based foods with an oil-based edible can help make the edible last longer. Avoid deep fried foods, and opt for natural fats like avocados.
Consider Snacks That Compliment Your High: In addition to your breakfast, consider food items that can help enhance your high. As we have previouslyreported, foods like mangoes, curries and even a beer can help further and intensify your wake and bake experience. This doesn’t mean you should get drunk on beer before noon, but maybe one with your curry for lunch.
Shower Right After You Smoke or Pop an Edible
Showering after you smoke, or as you prepare for your edible to kick in, is a great way to feel refreshed and also get your day rolling. It is all too easy to smoke and then be lazy. Showering gets the smell of smoke off you, and gets you ready to enjoy the benefits of THC rather than wallow in a stoned daze.
According to areview of time estimation studies, “A distorted sense of time is one of the most common effects of cannabis reported by users.” The review continues by saying nearly 70% of studies suggest cannabis users over-estimate how much time has gone by. While more research needs to be done on this subject, it is clear that the day can easily slip away when you wake and bake. It is best to pre-plan and activity you want to get done, with some time parameters. Don’t let the day completely get away from you (unless that is your goal).
Go Grocery Shopping the Day Before
Don’t be that person who is high and staring into an empty fridge. Be prepared, and spoil yourself with high energy brain food, like healthy options that include fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid anything that involves much chopping or use of the stove – just to be safe.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
One of the most important ingredients to a successful wake and bake is a good night’s sleep beforehand. If you wake up groggy or lethargic, while THC might take the edge off some of your discomfort, it can’t magically turn you into an energetic and excited person. Make sure you get a full 8 hours if possible. If you wake up feeling lousy, maybe save the wake and bake for another day.
Clear The Schedule
Don’t be overly ambitious. Sure, maybe your creative juices will be flowing after a wake and bake, but don’t plan on writing poems and doing several watercolor paintings before lunch. Clear your schedule and set realistic and well-intentioned goals.
In the cannabis space, the words psychoactive, intoxicating, and euphoric are often used interchangeably. Going by that, it’s common to hear the statement that “unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive.” But is this really true? To answer this question, it is important to first understand what the word psychoactive means.
A psychoactive substance is a chemical that crosses the blood-brain barrier and hence gets into the brain and affects it in some way. Examples of psychoactive substances include caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, some analgesics, and marijuana among others. As you can see, caffeine is psychoactive even though it doesn’t give consumers that “high feeling.”
Is CBD Psychoactive?
Yes, CBD is psychoactive because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. The calming effects caused by CBD happen in the brain. If CBD was non-psychoactive, then it would not be able to offer anxiety relief and other higher-center benefits. In the same way, caffeine will increase alertness without causing intoxication.
Is CBD Intoxicating?
No, CBD is not intoxicating and neither does it cause euphoria. An intoxicating compound will cause changes in one’s mental state and cause one to lose control of their thought process or behavior. A good example is how alcohol affects mental ability and behavior.
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A euphoric chemical will alter one’s sense of reality, and spatial and sensorial perception, and trigger excessive emotional feelings. CBD is not a euphoric chemical.
While all intoxicating and euphoric chemicals are psychoactive, not all psychoactive chemicals are intoxicating or euphoric.
CBD Vs THC in the Brain
Both CBD and THC cause the blood-brain barrier, meaning that both are psychoactive. However, the two compounds interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain differently.
When THC is consumed it immediately floods the CB1 receptors in the brain and “turns up” the endocannabinoid tone. The presynaptic neurons are compelled to turn their volume and stop sending out “regulating” neurotransmitters. The overstimulation of CB1 receptors and downregulation of neurotransmitter release is responsible for the euphoric feeling, in a very simplistic explanation.
CBD on the other hand has a weak affinity for CB1 receptors. CBD binds weakly to these receptors and acts as a modulator. Some studies have shown that CBD is able to displace THC from CB1 receptors and therefore offset some of the intoxicating effects of THC. According to researchers from The University London College, the more CBD that’s present in a strain the lower the brain impairment that will be caused by consuming the strain.
So, CBD is psychoactive but not intoxicating. CBD will not cause euphoria. THC on the other hand is both psychoactive and intoxicating. THC will also cause euphoria. Next time you come across the all-too-familiar cannabis lingo, “CBD is non-psychoactive,” you will have the chutzpah to draft a factual letter to the editor.
Alabama is keeping pregnant women in custody if they’re suspected of consuming marijuana. This problem will only get worse following the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
A pregnant woman in Alabama was kept in jail for three months after officials learned that she had smoked weed — and she’s not the only one.
On May 25, 23-year-old Ashley Banks was was pulled over for a routine traffic stop when officers noticed a small amount of marijuana in her car. When she admitted that she had smoked weed two days earlier, the same day she found out she was pregnant, they threw her in jail without a trial.
According to The Guardian, there’s a law in Alabama that allows for this strange occurrence to take place. Unlike the majority of drug offenses where people have the option to post bail and leave, pregnant women are instead taken into state custody for the fetus’s protection.
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Banks’ case is particularly egregious; at first, officers wanted her to be interned in a drug rehabilitation program. Upon examining her, workers at the center turned her away, believing that she was a casual marijuana user and thus not likely to reap the benefits of their service. This resulted in her three-month stint in jail.
Banks’ pregnancy worsened while imprisoned. Having a family history of miscarriages and difficult pregnancies, Banks was often bleeding in jail and didn’t have any medical attention. She was forced to sleep in a cell where there were often too many women, resulting in her sleeping on the floor on one occasion. She isn’t the only one. According to National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW), Etowah county in Alabama has jailed 150 pregnant women in recent years, 12 of whom remain in jail.
The Guardian argues that these decisions reinforce how the pro-life movement views women as less valuable than the fetuses they carry. “The movement claims to see embryos and fetuses as persons, and in practice they speak as if these “persons” are not women’s equals, but their superiors: the fetus is conceived of as more important than the woman, more worthy, less tainted by those things that make a pregnant woman so unappealing,” reads the article.
While Alabama is particularly harsh in its imprisonment rates and treatment of pregnant women, this problem will only continue to increase in the face Roe v. Wade being overturned. And while it might be harmful for pregnant women to consume marijuana, there is a big difference between consuming weed and consuming other drugs, something that federal law doesn’t take into account.
THC-H is the latest cannabinoid in town. Compared to the very potent delta-9 THC and THC-P, THC-H is sure to give you that extra nudge.
New findings always seem to come up almost on a daily basis on the cannabis front, bringing a surplus of active compounds such as flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes that create special experiences upon mixing and matching.
THC-H is a scarce and freely occurring cannabinoid that is believed to be 10 times as strong as the common THC, piquing the interest of producers all over the world who are looking to delve into its strong effects.
Manufacturers such as Binoid and a few others are leaders in developing and releasing products containing novel cannabinoids, and THC-H isn’t any different. They have announced their debut THC-H line, which has a lot of promise.
THC-H is still unknown, but preliminary findings indicate that it may help increase your feeling of euphoria and raise your mood.
What Is THC-H?
THC-H is a delta-9 THC hexyl homolog, which means the molecular structure of the two cannabinoids are similar but organized differently, giving them differing effects. However, they share numerous qualities, the most notable of which is the ability of tetrahydrocannabihexol to get you high, which definitely is the most appealing aspect of it.
Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images
How It’s Made
THC-H was extracted from the marijuana plant for the first time in 2020 by a group of Italian researchers, who also identified tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P). Because of the high intoxicating effects they can produce, these two novel cannabinoids, THC-H and THC-P, are thought to be the most potent forms of THC identified in the hemp plant.
It is a minor cannabinoid that can be found in modest concentrations in the hemp plant; therefore, it is a freely occurring molecule in nature or can be synthesized. It is highly advised that you use it cautiously because THC-H is a potent compound more powerful than delta-10, delta-8, and almost all other compounds.
Benefits and Effects of THC-H
Even though all the benefits and effects that can be reaped from THC-H are yet to be fully discovered, initial findings show potential for pain relief and mood elevation, but there isn’t any strong proof yet.
What we do know about THC-H is that it is strong and can produce a heightened euphoric experience, especially when combined with other cannabinoids like delta-8. But there is still a lot to learn. There is also a chance to learn through the experiences of other users that it produces sensations of joy, exhilaration, pain alleviation, and relaxation.
In addition, because tetrahydrocannabihexol is still relatively new and one of the most recently discovered cannabinoids, clinical data, and research on its possible therapeutic benefits such as effects on migraines, inflammation, appetite, sleep, anxiety, and so on, are simply unavailable. These types of studies require lots of time, and the cannabinoid just has not been around long enough to warrant them.
Photo by Hiraman/Getty Images
Why a THC-H High Is Unique
From all the information gathered up until now, THC-H could be considered the second most intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp after THC-P, according to the group that found it. In regards to how it feels to be high on it, many people liken it to THC-P
What that means is that tetrahydrocannabihexol will provide you with a powerful feeling of euphoria as well as a soothing sensation in your body and mind. As a matter of fact, this cannabinoid appears to have a specific reputation for producing an out-of-this-world bodily high. Another surprising fact is that many say THC-H’s lasts longer than we would expect from psychoactive cannabinoids—possibly twice as long, according to consumers who have tried it.
Legal Status of THC-H
Tetrahydrocannabihexol is a completely legal cannabinoid under federal law, provided that it is derived from the hemp plant, like any other commercial THC-H products. And this is because it is covered under the 2018 Farm Bill, which also legalized cannabinoids like delta-8 and CBD. All hemp derivatives are permitted under the Farm Bill if they contain a maximum delta-9 THC content of 0.3% by dry weight. There is no conflict because THC-H is a completely different cannabinoid than delta-9.
At the same time, because of unfriendly hemp or CBD regulations, a number of states have enacted blanket prohibitions on psychoactive cannabinoids. As a result, if you are a resident of either Colorado, Idaho, Alaska, Mississippi, New York, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Arkansas, Delaware, Nevada, Iowa, Rhode Island, Vermont, Montana, and North Dakota, you cannot legally purchase THC-H.
Where Can You Purchase THC-H?
THC-H is an extremely scarce and rare cannabinoid. That is why we are so impressed by firms that ethically manufacture products using this distillate, as it is a difficult task and can be a very costly one too. Fortunately, there are companies who care about quality assurance and put that into their products as testing is rigorous in state-legal labs.THC-H vape cartridges are manufactured with THC-H distillate and some incredible terpene strains. Many new THC-H shoppers look for terpenes instead of THC strength since THC-H is strong than THC already.
After working so hard all day or when you just need to relax, a few drags of Diamond OG THC-H cartridge is all you need. It is a strain of indica that helps make you feel relaxed and calm.
Bottom Line
THC-H is the latest cannabinoid in town. Compared to the very potent delta-9 THC and THC-P, THC-H is sure to give you that extra nudge. It delivers a clean, pure, natural, and unadulterated high we deserve.
Democrats are becoming more vocal about cannabis policy reforms as the midterms approach. They are urging President Biden to act on the issue. Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman recently called upon the President to deschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug and work to decriminalize it, after which the two politicians crossed paths in Pittsburgh and discussed potential changes to the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act.
However, it seems that Biden will remain silent on the issue, at least before the midterm elections, judging by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s latest statement, reported Marijuana Moment.
“I don’t have anything else to share in the upcoming weeks,” Jean-Pierre said on Friday during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One. She added that the President’s stance on cannabis is unchanged. He wants to reschedule marijuana, decriminalize the plant on the federal level and expunge prior records while leaving legalization of recreational use to the states, the press secretary continued.
“The president believes that there are too many people serving unduly long sentences for non-violent drug crimes—a disproportionate number of whom are Black and brown,” Jean-Pierre added.
SAFE Banking Act Again In The Spotlight
Meanwhile, the SAFE Banking Act, a measure designed to shield banks and credit unions that work with cannabis companies from legal penalties, was recently discussed at a Senate hearing, reported the news outlet.
The lawmakers reviewed the piece of legislation, first introduced by Colorado Rep. Ed Perlmutter, during a Senate Banking Committee meeting focused on insurance issues.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) emphasized the importance of banking reform, which encompasses insurance-related provisions taken from his bill titled Clarifying Law Around Insurance of Marijuana (CLAIM). To illustrate possible insurance hurdles ancillary cannabis businesses could face if collaborating with marijuana businesses, the senator gave an example of a lightbulb manufacturer and a hypothetical product malfunction.
“Imagine a scenario where a New Jersey lightbulb manufacturer sells a product to a state-legalized cannabis business, and there’s a fire related to the lightbulb causing the business to suffer loss,” Menendez said. “Under current law in the scenario I just described, could the lightbulb manufacturer’s insurance company face federal charges they paid the claim?”
Kathleen Birrane, a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) representative, acknowledged that The SAFE Banking Act would significantly protect ancillary businesses.
“It’s really critical that businesses be able to buy insurance, that they be able to pay for that insurance and, when claims occur, that insurance companies be able to use the banking system to pay those claims,” she said. “The SAFE Banking Act would allow that to happen.”
Meanwhile, a recent Independent Community Bankers of America survey found that two-thirds of voters (65%) support the cannabis banking reform. The same poll indicated bipartisan public support for congressional passage of the legislation.
In June, the Senate rejected, for the sixth time, the bipartisan marijuana banking legislation in the final version of the United States Innovation and Competition Act (a.k.a The America COMPETES Act).
Marijuana seems to only be growing in popularity as it finds its way legally into more and more states. Here’s why people are ditching cigarettes.
It appears as though the days of the Marlboro Man are numbered as the rise of the cannabis smoker has begun to eclipse big tobacco. A recentGallup poll and its data show that there are more marijuana smokers in the United States than cigarette smokers. Times, they are a changin’.
This dramatic yet consistent drop in cigarette smokers over time, combined with a slow and steady increase in marijuana users, has brought the country to a very interesting crossroads. Tobacco, a product that is legal in every state, is less popular and generally regarded as harmful. Meanwhile, marijuana smokers are growing in number, and more people are viewing it as a beneficial substance..
Most interesting is that the “Harmful” drug (tobacco) is legal and the popular drug (marijuana) is still illegal on a federal level. How is it that marijuana has surpassed tobacco in popularity while there is still a federal prohibition against it?
Photo by Daniel Garzón Herazo / EyeEm/Getty Images
People Are Quitting
One of the main reasons marijuana smokers have surpassed cigarette smokers is more smokers are quitting, and fewer are starting up. According to theCDC, the percentage of people who were considered “current smokers” went from 20.9% in 2005 down to 12.5% in 2020.
Gallup found that now only 11% of adults report they are smokers. The poll also stated that about 3 and 10 of the nonsmokers they surveyed used to be smokers. That’s a 30% decrease in smokers right there, suggesting that quitting is the new smoking.
The poll showed that the percentage of marijuana smokers is up to 16%. While this officially surpasses cigarette smokers, the increase was only a few percent from the year previous. The rate of people no longer smoking is decreasing much faster than the increased rate of people who are taking up marijuana.
Cigarettes Aren’t Cool Anymore
“Smoking cigarettes is clearly on the decline and is most likely to become even more of a rarity in the years ahead,” Dr. Frank Newport said in hisarticle for Gallup. “This reflects both public awareness of its negative effects and continuing government efforts at all levels to curtail its use.” Newport also mentions that while smoking is legal, it is becoming outlawed in more and more places.
Many states prohibit smoking almost everywhere public: from restaurants to public parks and beaches. Lighting up a cigarette has become more an inconvenience than a luxury in many places.
At the same time, the war on drugs has also faded out of fashion. Where there was once “reefer madness” there are now democrats and republicans agreeing on marijuana legalization (even if it hasn’t actually happened yet). Public opinion can have a way of changing behavior, and what Americans are choosing to smoke appears to be no exception. This, combined with more states legalizing weed and dispensaries opening up only continues to normalize acceptance and interest in marijuana.
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People Are Turning to the Vape
While this recent poll is a very eye opening look at how much Americans are smoking, and what they are choosing to smoke, it does not factor in the latest popular oral vice – vaping. Vaping has embedded itself in society, and is no longer considered the “fad” it once was. In fact, according to anotherGallup poll, “Eight percent of Americans report having smoked e-cigarettes or “vaped” in the past week — consistent with the figures Gallup recorded in 2019 (8%) and 2021 (6%).”
This is a number to look out for, as if it continues to increase, even with cigarettes on the decline, the number of those reliant on nicotine may still remain higher than those indulging in THC.
Where the Numbers Are Headed
Since smoking tobacco is only becoming less popular and often more expensive, it will likely continue to trend downward. Marijuana, on the other hand, seems to only be growing in popularity as it finds its way legally into more and more states.
Considering the fact that New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and more are opening up (or have already opened up) their retail marijuana doors, an uptick in regular marijuana users is likely to occur. After all, if you build it, they will come – or at least that’s the case when what you are building is a store filled with weed.
