Who’s Smoking Marijuana? Here’s A Breakdown

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October 3, 2022

Who’s Smoking Marijuana? Here’s A Breakdown

As this landscape of marijuana users continues to shift, here are some interesting findings as to exactly who is smoking marijuana these days.

If you’re at a Pink Floyd light show, the odds are the person next to you is high. But what about when you are at a grocery store, or waiting in a procession for your college diploma, or in a voting booth?

Marijuana users come in all forms. They don’t all look the same, especially in today’s world where cannabis is much less associated with its burnout stigma that clung to it during the War On Drugs era.

In fact, there really is no “type” of marijuana user, at least not according to most recent studies. Usage is up in many categories, from baby boomers to young women. With many states and companies loosening laws and policies on drug testing at work, the odds that your co-worker is a cannabis enthusiast may have gone up significantly as well.

marijuana cannabis joint — Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images

No, Cannabis Users Aren’t Lazy Stoners

The idea that cannabis users are unmotivated high school dropouts is a stereotype that is disappearing, mostly due to the fact that it simply is not true. According to the most recent Gallup Poll, both college graduates and those without a college degree enjoy smoking weed in similar numbers. According to the poll, 12% of college graduates say they consume marijuana while 18% of non-graduates say they consume.

The authors of a June 2021 study wrote that, “Marijuana users are equal to or more likely to exercise than non-users,” adding that, “the commonly held perception that marijuana users are largely sedentary is not supported by these data on young and middle-aged adults.”

So the idea that cannabis makes you lose your ambition is not exactly a sound argument.

Democrats Are More Green Than Republicans, for Now

According to the same Gallup poll, 20% of Democrats smoke marijuana, while only 12% of Republicans say they indulge (with independent voters coming in between the two at 17%). This statistic alone is likely not all that surprising, seeing how historically Democrats in power have historically been more supportive of cannabis legalization.

However, Republicans and Republican lawmakers are starting to come around to the idea of cannabis legalization, suggesting that perhaps in the not too distant future Republicans may use, or at least support, marijuana as much as Democrats.

Several studies, including one poll we recently reported on, suggest that support for cannabis legalization within the Republican party is on the rise. Republican candidates are even currently supporting and drafting cannabis legislation. This means that in some states, people can vote for a Republican and vote for cannabis legalization at the same time. Times have changed.

seniors and cannabis — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Baby Boomer Pot Use Is Booming

It may have taken several decades, legalization and a change in the general societal view of marijuana, but it seems as though Baby Boomers are finally starting to embrace cannabis use in their golden years.

“Consider that not even 10 years ago 0.4% of adults 65 and older said they had used marijuana in the past year, and now it’s 10 times that at 4%,” Benjamin Han, a NYU School of Medicine professor told Reuters in 2020. Han was also the lead author of a study conducted by JAMA Internal Medicine, which discovered this increased cannabis usage he mentioned. While this group still does not consume marijuana nearly as much as younger generations, this increase means that there is perhaps less of a wall between generations when it comes to marijuana use as some might think.

The Future of Cannabis Is Female

While many demographics have shown an increase in cannabis use, none have shot up recently as much as Generation Z women. “Year-over-year sales for Gen Z women, defined as those born in 1997 or later, grew the fastest in 2020 compared to any other cohort, at 151%,” reported NBC News.

There are many possible reasons for this large spike. Some reasons include the ease and inviting atmosphere of cannabis retail facilities, and also the growing interest to use low doses of marijuana to treat anxiety and other conditions instead of prescriptions. “The future of cannabis is female,” said Bethany Gomez, managing director at Brightfield Group.

Is Dark CBD The New Weed Product Trend?

Cannabis
CBD

Terry Hacienda

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October 3, 2022

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There’s a new cannabis extraction method called dark CBD. This method was created to add more diversity to the already diverse cannabis market.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill Act, hemp has thrived, increasing demand for cannabidiol and other hemp-derived cannabinoids. Products, including tinctures, edibles, vape supplies, and tablets, are easily accessible. But not every product is made equally. Additionally, the isolation or extraction processes for some CBD products cause part of their potency to be lost. So id Dark CBD the new cannabis product trend?

The dark CBD extraction adds vitamins, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients that are naturally present in hemp but are lost during the refining process. It is an unprocessed variation of the usual extractions.

This guide unravels dark CBD and distinguishes it from other spectrums of cannabis, including the full or broad spectrum.

Overview of CBD

The cannabis sativa plant contains an organic compound called cannabidiol (CBD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies the cannabis genus of plants as having a variety of chemical components that can have various physiological effects.

Cannabis hemp and marijuana are two different species of the plant. The cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD are present in these plants (cannabidiol). Compared to marijuana, which has a greater THC content, hemp has greater concentrations of CBD and lower levels of THC. Unlike THC, which, when consumed, produces a “high,” CBD is not psychoactive, according to the CDC.

According to conservative projections, the US CBD market will be worth $16 billion by 2025. In a survey of 5,000 people conducted by the cannabis market research firm Brightfield Group, over 60% of CBD users reported using the substance to manage anxiety.

What Is Dark CBD?

Dark CBD is not a new cannabinoid or a more harmful variant of the substance. Most hemp-related goods, including full-spectrum regimens, go through some processing. Because CBD products solely contain cannabinoids, the more refined they are, the more nutrients they lose. Due to the higher vitamin and plant chemical content of the product, certain brands have embraced raw tinctures.

CBD oil tincture — Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

Unprocessed vs. Processed CBD Oil

Whether dark or unprocessed, CBD oil contains minerals and antioxidants and boosts the potency of all cannabinoids when mixed with other cannabinoids. Some of these botanical elements that give CBD its sometimes muddy and black appearance also have anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful if you wish to utilize it for wellness purposes.

In contrast, processed or refined CBD oil is available in various colors, from a darker brown to light gold, just like other cannabinoid distillates. Depending on how pure or unadulterated an oil is, the color of the gold varies in intensity. However, during the extraction process, the numerous plant nutrients and botanicals that work in tandem with cannabis are eliminated.

Dark CBD vs. Full Spectrum

Dark CBD is full spectrum, but not all full spectrum CBD is dark CBD. The cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including trace quantities of THC, are all present in full-spectrum products.

Dark CBD products are, therefore, full spectrum since they contain not just the cannabinoids of the hemp plant but also all of its other constituents. Dark CBD has all of the hemp plant’s cannabinoids and other substances.

Flavonoids, vitamins, and amino acids are also included, all of which help to maintain and strengthen our body. Dark CBD is a more “complete” full spectrum product that adds more ingredients and flavors to the hemp tincture.

How Patients With Parkinson’s Disease Can Benefit From CBD — Photo by LauriPatterson/Getty Images

Benefits of Dark CBD vs. Benefits of CBD

The refining procedure is the primary distinction between dark and standard CBD. Dark CBD offers the untapped potential of numerous antioxidants and botanicals combining synergistically with cannabinoids. As a result, it appears “darker” than typical gold oil or extracts.

Dark CBD tinctures can be an excellent method to add antioxidants to your everyday diet while risk-free experimenting with less processed goods. The best aspect is that you have a third-party lab report to help you examine all the phytonutrients and cannabinoids you obtain by turning to the dark side. It is more or less a less processed, more natural variation of a full-spectrum CBD product containing cannabinoids.

On the other hand, cannabidiol has a wide range of potential benefits, some of which may be beneficial for persistent chronic diseases. A few benefits of this cannabinoid include the following:

Stress and overall anxiety symptoms may be reduced by it.
CBD may reduce both chronic pain and inflammation.
Cannabidiol can help with some cancer-related symptoms, mainly nausea and increased appetite.
It reduces seizure activity using its neuroprotective abilities.

hemp CBD — Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash

How to Dose Dark CBD Oil

We advise using dark CBD with the same caution as other CBD-based products because it functions identically to a hemp-based tincture. The quantity of CBD you need may vary depending on your weight, the disease you’re trying to treat, your hormonal balance, and how potent the oil is.

To begin with, all of these variables could seem confusing. As a result, our general recommendation for CBD use is to start with smaller dosages and gradually raise them, depending on whether you experience the desired impact.

A healthy person would typically take between 20 mg and 40 mg of CBD per day. Once you believe it is managing your symptoms, gradually raise this amount by 5mg weekly. We advise using a 10–20 mg dose for low doses or light stress; for persistent or extreme pain, you might wish to start with a 40 mg dose immediately.

Ensure that you keep note of dosage adjustments. To determine how much medication you would need and whether the concentration you had was the right one, keeping a record in a spare notebook or using your phone’s note apps can be beneficial. For the most outstanding results, we urge you to speak with your doctor before beginning any supplements.

Bottom Line

There are various CBD products in the market. The choice is yours to decide if you want dark CBD or full spectrum CBD. Or you could choose to go for regular THC-based products. Regardless of what you select, ensure you use the proper dosage responsibly. Also, confirm that what you’re ingesting is fit for consumption.

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

The Rise Of Marijuana Mixology

Tom Gaffey

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October 2, 2022

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Although it is true that great cocktails come down to the perfect balancing of spirit, sweet, sour, bitter and salty, there is creativity and achievement to be made in this exciting realm of marijuana mixology. 

It seems like every time you enter a dispensary, there is a brand-new way to consume cannabis.  Whether it is an edible in homage to a favorite snack food, or a tiny discreet vaporizer, there is no lack of creativity in product development.  Part of this is about the rise of marijuana mixology.

One of the latest trends in recreational cannabis consumption is less inspired by exotic creativity and scientific achievement; it’s derived from hundreds of years of mixing and shaking behind the dark mahogany bars of the world.

The cannabis cocktail is quickly gaining popularity as a fun and effective way to ingest CBD or THC.  Retail beverages like THC seltzers are available in recreational dispensaries nationwide, and they are exploding in popularity.  

These retail beverages are a popular way to enjoy marijuana, but some enthusiasts are turning the concept of drinking cannabis into its highest art form — the crafted cocktail.  By savoring cannabis through a straw, a union has formed between budtender and bartender, and the result is delicious.

Marijuana mixology can be approached in many ways.  There are cocktails with strong spirits and alcohol-free elixirs, just as there are libations -infused with THC while others use only CBD derived without THC.  All variations will affect the way the consumer feels an hour later, but in crafting these modern classics, the flavor comes down to the same balancing techniques used in any classic cocktail.

Successful mixology is the art of balancing a cocktail’s key components, which, according to Diageo Bar Academy, are sweet, sour, bitter, saltiness, temperature, texture and alcohol (or the lack thereof).  Cannabis cocktail experimentation maintains the same balancing act, but adds the very specific flavor profile of marijuana.  Although the perfect balance for a great cocktail can be found using an array of different specific ingredients, certain flavors are already beginning to stand out as favorites.

Citrus flavors like grapefruit, lemon and lime are among the most common popular ingredients in many cannabis cocktail recipes. Grapefruit drinks, like Wunder’s Grapefruit Hibiscus sparkling — its most popular and award-winning flavor, according to Popsugar — are sought-after flavors.  Its bright acidity and slight bitterness likely helps compliment the flavor of the cannabis while also balancing the flavor profile of the overall drink.  

Most cocktails play with the herbaceous flavor of cannabis rather than trying to completely mask that flavor, which is perhaps why other herbs are finding their way into these new drinks.  Basil, cilantro, rosemary and even tea extracts have all been folded into different recipes. Hollywood Mixologist Maxwell Reis summed up the importance of cannabis flavor in these drinks when he told Goop in an interview that his CBD cocktails can “impart a unique flavor to any cocktail that could use some vegetal nuance.”

Negroni — Photo by Flickr user mariobonifacio

For cocktails with THC but no alcohol, one trend is the use of tranquil flavors reminiscent of spa relaxation.  Notes of cucumber, aloe and even watermelon are infused to alcohol-free elixirs to bring more tranquility to the already relaxed beverage.

“The flavor reminds the consumer of a healthy space, perhaps yoga, the spa, or vacation,” Michelle Sundquist, director of innovation and product design, told Cannabis Products.

Although it is true that great cocktails, new and old, come down to the perfect balancing of spirit, sweet, sour and bitter and salty, there is creativity and achievement to be made in this new, exciting and delicious realm of marijuana mixology. 

An Alcoholic’s Guide To Cannabis Consumption

Terry Hacienda

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October 2, 2022

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An Alcoholic’s Guide To Cannabis Consumption

Replacing your alcohol addiction with a weed addiction is not the way to wean yourself off of alcohol. Here are some potentially helpful insights as to why.

The other day I stumbled upon a Reddit post written by a former booze hound who switched to cannabis to quit drinking. Being in recovery is a day to day journey. Here is an alcoholic’s guide to cannabis consumption.

The post went like this:

I quit drinking about 16 months ago, but I immediately started smoking more pot. Then I started vaping the high-concentrate waxes and shatter, and drinking tonics that are 100mg THC per bottle. I was putting massive amounts of THC in me. So, obviously, I was sober from booze, but not addiction-free because I was doing THC. If you do this- watch out- I quit the THC a few months ago and had major depression for a couple weeks afterwards. People say there is no withdraw from pot- they are trying to sell pot to you, or they just don’t know. There is withdraw, and it is NO fun. I’m sure the severity varies from person to person. So if you do pot, I’d recommend small doses! I have since quit.. once a month maybe I’ll smoke some flower. (Pot is legal in my state)

While it’s good that the Redditor in question managed to wean off high doses of weed, and essentially break the cycle of addiction, it’s important to note that while weed can help you quit alcohol, it can also fill the space that the addiction to alcohol created.

This is one of the major issues with substitution: you don’t necessarily get rid of addiction by simply switch hats.

It also inspired me to write this guide from the perspective of an alcohol and to create a correspondence between certain types of cannabis consumption methods and how it would translate into the world of alcohol.

Of course, it must be stated that this is purely subjective and that it should be taken with a grain of salt — or, in this case, a grain of malt!

Joints – The Beer of Marijuana

Let’s start off with the most consumed alcohol after Baijiu, which is the most consumed spirits in the world — beer!

Similarly, the most popular way of consuming cannabis still is flower, which predominantly is smoked in joints. Roughly 37% of the cannabis product market share goes to flower.

Thus, an appropriate comparison would be joints to beer. If you’re looking for a smooth way of consuming cannabis that won’t straight up f*** you up, pipes or joints would be your best bet.

Similar to beer, it’s got lower intoxicating effects than the other products on our list and you can titrate your consumption.

Think of a joint as your six pack; you can take a few hits from it, and when you feel the buzz, you can turn it off.

I have smoked a joint for days, just taking little hits here and there which is why I believe that flower and beer have the most in common when trying to equate the two wildly different substances.

Vapes – The Wine of Marijuana

Next, let’s start hitting up the vapes which takes up 32% of the cannabis market share. The reason I would say vaping is more like wine is not because of THC content, but rather the type of consumer tends to resemble wine drinkers.

First, vaping devices can get quite costly. Pax dropped their prices, but the Pax 2 still comes with a $150 price tag. A Pax 3, will cost roughly $100 more. This price point separates it from the average flower consumer that could very easily smoke their weed in an apple if need be.

the benefits and potential downsides of vaping according to research — Photo by HighGradeRoots/Getty Images

While vaping doesn’t necessarily increase the THC content, it does refine the toke a bit more by eliminating combustion from the equation.

I personally love vaping dry herb, it simply allows you to get more for your money in my opinion.

Concentrates – The Spirits of Marijuana

It’s a no brainer to equate dabs with hard liquor. Some concentrates can have 99% prevalence of THC, which might sound like a lot, but you must understand that you have a bioavailability factor to consider. Not all of the 99% of THC will make it into your system.

Nonetheless, it’s an easy comparison that Dabs could to weed what Vodka is to alcohol. It’s strong, it packs a punch and you really don’t need much of it to get the job done.

If you’re looking for something to pack a punch, a dab will do!

Edibles – The Cocktails of Cannabis

Finally, we’re going to take a look at edibles and why I consider it to be the cocktail of cannabis.

First, it comes in all flavors and even include liquid form. Secondly, just like with cocktails that mask the taste of alcohol, you can totally have “one too many” which will send you down a rabbit hole of serious consequences.

Why Do Some People Not Get High From Eating Edibles? — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

As with cocktails, pacing yourself is the best approach to edibles and waiting at least an hour between edible will allow you to titrate your high.

Technically, out of all of the means of consuming cannabis, edibles have the greatest chance of sending you to cloud nine. This is because when the liver breaks down THC, it turns it into 11-hydroxy-THC which is said to be 10x more potent than Delta-9-THC.

How to Quit Alcohol with Weed

As we saw in the original example, replacing your alcohol addiction with a weed addiction is not the way. However, with the little guide I created here for you, you can sort of have an idea of how to substitute and how to not abuse these cannabis products.

Alcohol withdrawal can be lethal depending on the severity of the addiction. Cannabis can help mitigate some of these effects, however, if you’re trying to substitute one addiction for another, cannabis won’t be much help in the long run.

It’s best to have a game plan, and hopefully with this article, you should have some idea already.

Good luck!

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

Why Cannabis Users Prefer Black Market Over Legal Marijuana In Uruguay

Maria Loreto

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October 1, 2022

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Why Cannabis Users Prefer Black Market Over Legal Marijuana In Uruguay

Buyers of Uruguay’s black market explain that the country’s marijuana products are limited and it’s easier to acquire what you want from the black market, even if the legal route results in cheaper products.

Legalizing marijuana is a slow, tedious process, with no clear recipe for success. A perfect example of this is Uruguay, the first country in the world to legalize marijuana. While legal marijuana was established in 2013, the country still has a thriving black market that has adapted and survived legalization.

Per a study conducted by a local institute that regulates cannabis, only 27% of Uruguayan consumers buy their drugs legally.

Montevideo (AFP) has quotes from several cultivators and marijuana users based in Uruguay, who explained that, despite legalization, government-regulated marijuana still has many issues that the majority of consumers would rather avoid.

There are three legal routes for consumers to purchase marijuana: at pharmacies, through home growing for personal use, and by belonging to a cannabis-producing club. While the latter method is the one that’s most appealing to people, offering more variety, these clubs have long wait lines and are limited by how many members they can have.

Buyers of Uruguay’s black market explain that the country’s marijuana products are limited and it’s easier to acquire what you want from the black market, even if the legal route results in cheaper products. Purchasing legal products require people to make appointments. Via the black market, buyers can simply contact their dealer and purchase what they want.

weed dealer — Photo by José Antonio Luque Olmedo/Getty Images

The legalization of marijuana has resulted in different factors. It has dealt a blow to drug trafficking, drastically reducing it, and has eliminated the danger associated with the black market. “I don’t see it as the black market,” said a 28-year-old black market buyer. “It has good prices for what is sold and you don’t feel like you’re making use of drug trafficking.”

She explains that there’s always “a friend or an acquaintance who passes you a contact from someone who has flowers and sells them.”

Another contributing factor is the fact that the legal marijuana that’s available in pharmacies across Uruguay is limited to 10% THC. Most seasoned users want stronger products or are seeking other strains that are not offered legally.

To battle this, the Uruguayan has discussed increasing the THC limits in their pharmacies and providing users with a larger variety of products. Still, marijuana is in a complicated position right now. While it was introduced by a leftist government when José Mujica was president, Uruguay now has a center-right president whose administration isn’t pushing for the drug’s advancement.

“I don’t believe in the state growing and selling marijuana,” president Luis Lacalle Pou told BCC. “I believe in people, cannabis clubs, or whatever we have, that they produce their own marijuana and they can have their own circles of marijuana use.”

GOP Lawmaker Questions Medical Marijuana

Benzinga Staff Writer

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October 1, 2022

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GOP Lawmaker Questions Medical Marijuana

“…I’m certainly opposed to recreational marijuana,” he said. “I think our General Assembly is pretty much opposed to it because it adds another drug to the streets.”

By Jelena Martinovic

Tennessee, one of several states where only CBD oil is legal, has seen its fair share of legislative action on cannabis by GOP legislators, yet medical and recreational marijuana has not come close to legalization or decriminalization. And know, there is a state GOP lawmaker who questions medical marijuana.

Still, cannabis continues to be a hot topic among politicians in this southern state. Rep. Sabi ‘Doc’ Kumar (R-Springfield) was the latest to share his stance on the issue.

“I oppose recreational marijuana because of its effect on society in regards to homelessness, increased crime, increased availability, especially for our adolescents and teenagers,” Kumar, who has a four-decade career as a surgeon, told Nashville News.

However, he is not against medical cannabis use, even though he believes it can become a gateway drug.

“A lot of states, that’s been a stepping stone to recreational marijuana, and I’m certainly opposed to recreational marijuana,” he said. “I think our General Assembly is pretty much opposed to it because it adds another drug to the streets.”

Interestingly, Kumar objected to the data reported by ACLU suggesting that Black and brown people are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis than white people.

“If you didn’t commit the crime, you would not be in jail. So, really, it may be culturally that certain people are more prone to commit that crime,” he said. “But certainly, if you committed a crime, that’s why you went to jail. You didn’t go to jail because of your color.”

medical marijuana — Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

Fellow Republican Agrees

Meanwhile, Kumar’s fellow Republican, Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), has a fairly similar opinion on the issue, doubting the benefits of marijuana touted by medical cannabis users.

“People claim that it helps a lot of medical problems, and I’m not saying that it doesn’t help some things,” Hensley, also a doctor, told the news outlet. “I don’t think it helps all the things people claim it helps.”

Still, he thinks that the descheduling of cannabis as a Schedule I on the federal level paved the way for more research on the effect marijuana has on the human body.

“We just need to be able to change the scheduling on it and then be able to do some studies, and then see what we need to do after that,” Hensley said.

Tennessee Legalization Efforts

Meanwhile, legislation sponsored by the two Republican lawmakers — Rep. Bryan Terry and Sen. Ferrell Haile — that sought to create a medical cannabis program in the state got a hearing in the House Criminal Justice Committee earlier this year.

Republican Senator Janice Bowling, known for her cannabis policy reform efforts, is getting ready for another push.

Her bill, SB2477/HB2458, would allow those with qualifying medical conditions to use medical cannabis legally. It will also regulate the cultivation, production, distribution, transport, sale, and possession of cannabis for medical use and research.

Meanwhile, Tennessee recently got its first bar and restaurant to serve products containing THC derived from hemp. Located at 1246 3rd Avenue in the Germantown neighborhood, Buds & Brews features a menu of “upscale bar fare” paired with a line of “delicious cannabis-infused sauces.”

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

Two States Received More Tax Money From Weed Than Alcohol

Maria Loreto

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September 30, 2022

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Two States Received More Tax Money From Weed Than Alcohol

The data also lends credence to the belief that legal cannabis could curb the consumption of substances like alcohol and tobacco.

With every new year, legal marijuana states prove that the plant is a good source of income. In the Fiscal Year 2022, the states of Washington and Colorado had more revenue from cannabis sales than from alcohol or cigarettes.

These numbers were published Wednesday by the Tax Policy Center (you can find the full report online).

“19 states now have enacted taxes on recreational marijuana purchases, but the tax regimes vary quite a bit,” the company tweeted. “Over time, states can collect a significant amount of revenue, and Colorado and Washington collected more from taxes on cannabis than alcohol or cigarettes in 2022.”

Here’s highlights of what they found. First, states and localities tax marijuana by weight, sales price, potency, or some combination. pic.twitter.com/uXX91muaAq

— Tax Policy Center (@TaxPolicyCenter) September 28, 2022

The report explains why cannabis taxes work differently than alcohol or cigarette taxes, which are standardized throughout the country. “While 19 states have enacted a tax on recreational marijuana, there is no standard cannabis tax in the US the way there is an alcohol tax, cigarette tax, and gas tax. Instead governments use three different types of cannabis taxes: a percentage-of-price-tax, a weight-based tax, and a potency-based tax. Different states use different taxes and some states levy multiple taxes.”

Colorado collected $353.7 million in marijuana tax dollars in Fiscal Year 2022, while Washington collected $517 million (by contrast, the state took in about $490 million from alcohol and $380 from cigarettes).

These numbers highlight a variety of things that are important for cannabis proponents; not only do these states make a significant amount of revenue, but the data also lends credence to the belief that legal cannabis could curb the consumption of substances like alcohol, cigarettes and even opioids.

Just this week, a study conducted in Florida found that medical marijuana users are less likely to use opioids. Participants explained that cannabis treated the symptoms of their disease (anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, and more) while also helping them curb or eliminate their use of prescription pills.

Oklahoma Suing Pregnant Women For Consuming Medical Marijuana

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 30, 2022

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Oklahoma Suing Pregnant Women For Consuming Medical Marijuana

According to state law, physicians are not obligated to determine if patients are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy soon before they provide them with a medical marijuana license.

By Nina Zdinjak

Since 2019, at least 26 women in Oklahoma were charged with child neglect felonies for consuming cannabis while pregnant, according to The Frontier. The punishment for this crime can be life in prison, though the previous offenders who pleaded guilty were given probation.

Of those 26 women, at least eight were medical marijuana license holders, meaning they were allowed to legally buy and use cannabis, having a doctor’s recommendation. Nevertheless, the problem boils down to whether medical marijuana can be treated as an “illegal drug,” because if it can, the law is clear pregnant women can be charged with child neglect for consuming illegal drugs while pregnant. Women in Oklahoma have been prosecuted even after giving birth to healthy babies.

Wait a second, isn’t medical marijuana legal in Oklahoma for registered patients?

That’s right, those who have a license from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority are allowed to buy and consume marijuana and there are no rules prohibiting pregnant women from using cannabis or have a license. According to state law, physicians are not obligated to determine if patients are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy soon before they provide them with a medical marijuana license.

On the other hand, medical marijuana products in the state have warnings against use during pregnancy, similar to those on cigarette packs.

Most medical professionals agree on advising against using marijuana, cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy.

Brian Hermanson, one of the two prosecutors in Oklahoma who has brought charges against those pregnant women, believes this is a felony. “If they make bad decisions about using drugs while they’re pregnant, they’re probably going to make other bad decisions when raising the child,” he said last November.

Ryan Kiesel, a civil rights attorney, and former Oklahoma lawmaker, on the other hand, thinks that these prosecutions are “inconsistent with state law.”

“Those women are protected as medical marijuana patients under the law,” Kiesel said. “It’s important to remember, if you have a medical marijuana license, you are under the care of a physician.”

The number of women in the U.S. who turn to cannabis while pregnant has notably increased over time. Between 2002 and 2017, the figure went from under 6% to 12%, as per data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

What about Oklahoma? The numbers don’t look great. Since the state legalized medical marijuana in 2018, the number of state newborns who tested positive for cannabis grew by more than 160%.

What Are The Impacts Of Cannabis Use While Pregnant?

Unfortunately, there are not enough relevant scientific studies on this topic, as marijuana couldn’t be researched for a long time, because of its status as a Schedule 1 substance.

More and more new studies indeed indicate there are negative consequences to children whose mothers consumed cannabis while pregnant, it is hard to confirm that the consequence came only from cannabis use. As Dr. Mishka Terplan, who has researched substance use in pregnancy and has helped develop American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist guidance on addiction says, the impact of marijuana exposure can be very hard to separate from tobacco use, stress, and any other health and environmental factors.

After all, women are advised not to take any legal drugs while pregnant, like painkillers or alcohol, right? It is not so strange to see women smoking a cigarette with a huge bump, even though the negative consequences of cigarette smoke to unborn children has been known for a while now. What about stress?

And yet, no one is prosecuting pregnant women who smoke or drink. Well, isn’t that a bit hypocritical, if child care is the main concern in these prosecutions?

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

How Climate Change Is Linked To The Spread Of Viruses Like Monkeypox And COVID

Culture
News

Maria Loreto

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September 30, 2022

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How Climate Change Is Linked To The Spread Of Viruses Like Monkeypox And COVID

Experts believe climate change makes it more likely for viruses like COVID and monkeypox to spread and infect more people.

There are currently two viruses affecting large amounts of people all over the world. This year saw the rise of monkeypox, with about 67,000 cases worldwide. 2020 saw the rise of the COVID pandemic, which continues to affect people despite the fact that there’s a vaccine and multiple boosters out.

Climate change might make this phenomenon even more common in the years to come. NPR provided a breakdown of climate change and its impact on these types of viruses, explaining why the two are linked together.

Do You Experience Withdrawal If You Stop Using Cannabis Cold Turkey? — Photo by Photographer, Basak Gurbuz Derman/Getty Images

COVID and monkeypox are both zoonotic diseases, which means that they spread between humans and animals. Climate change, which affects animals’ habitats and is linked with human migration, means that humans and animals will likely be forced into the same spaces, facilitating the transmission of different diseases.

“Elements such as deforestation, population growth, and animal breeding have removed the boundaries between where humans and wild animals live, bringing them into closer contact,” explains NPR.

As animals and humans are more exposed to each other, pathogens start to change and mutate, with odds of them being easier to spread from one to the other. “Depending on the particular germ, when it has an opportunity to do this multiple times, the germ adapts to the new species,” said Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, vice chairperson for clinical research.

Globalization makes matters worse. Nowadays, people are traveling to novel places and more often, meaning that any disease that spreads in one country could spread to another in a matter of days.

Still, despite the great technological advancements that exist and the awareness of these diseases, it’s very difficult for experts to predict incoming pandemics and viruses. While scientists may research diseases and their odds of spreading and becoming the next pandemic, it’s almost impossible to predict which disease and which region is at risk.

It’s difficult to warn people about these dangers and to make governments take a stronger stance, especially when they know what’s at risk. Researchers believe including diseases and health risks and the cost of these in public policy might help people take climate change more seriously, and take some meaningful action.

How To Enjoy Dabbing Without A Dab Rig

Terry Hacienda

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September 30, 2022

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These five tried-and-tested techniques will save the day when you have concentrates. Just because you don’t have a dab rig doesn’t mean you can’t get high.

Dabbing has become one of the most popular ways that experienced cannabis consumers get high. This method of consumption involves placing a tiny amount of cannabis concentrate on a hot surface, allowing it to vaporize, so that you can inhale extremely potent marijuana.

Medical or recreational cannabis consumers alike can enjoy the benefits of dabbing especially when you want to make the most out of a small amount without having to consume too much. After all, cannabis concentrates are notoriously potent: you can consume anywhere from 50 to 98% THC.

The most common way to dab is to use a reliable dab rig. Dab rigs are a specific type of water pipe that’s designed specifically to inhale concentrates or dabs. It works by filtering the vapor from marijuana through water, which is in essence, similar to how a bong works. Dab rigs also have a nail, which is a name for the glass bucket, which is heated with a torch for around 30 seconds. After cooling, you can then inhale the vapor without burning your throat.

Dab rigs are popular. However, it isn’t the only way you can consume dabs. Perhaps you found yourself without one because you didn’t know you needed it, find it too expensive, or you may have broken the glass. Don’t worry: below are other methods you can consume dabs without the use of a dab rig.

Use a joint: This is the easiest and simplest way to enjoy dabbing without a dab rig. What you will need is wax, marijuana flowers, and rolling papers. Make a joint the way you typically would, and evenly distribute the flowers on the paper.

Place some wax on the center of the flower, ensuring that it doesn’t touch the part of the joint that you’re going to light up. If it does touch the wax, this can result in a dangerous open flame.

rolling a marijuana joint — Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels

When using this method, keep in mind that wax is extremely sticky. You may end up wasting too much when it gets stuck in paper and your fingers.

A bowl: For the uninitiated, smoking dabs in a bowl is extremely simple. You can choose to use a bong or bubbler. The first step is to load a tiny bit of wax, then cover half the bowl with bud in order to protect the wax. Again, you don’t want the wax to touch the flame.

You should have a bowl that has a layer of concentrate covered by a layer of bud. You can add more weed if you want, depending on how much grass you have available. With this technique, there’s no need to use top-shelf bud since you’ll be smoking most of the dab anyway. The primary purpose of the bud here is to protect the dab.

Rechargeable vape pen: This is a convenient way to dab. Use a rechargeable vape pen with a cartridge already filled with wax. Screw it onto the pen, take a hit, and relax.

However, if you already have wax that you want to use in a refillable cartridge, this is possible too. Just make sure to use a vape pen that’s equipped with a removable atomizer, which is the heating component where you add the wax. Typically, older vape pen models have the atomizer since more modern models do without it.

Place a small dab of wax onto the metal dabber, then remove the atomizer. Dab the wax on the coil, and link the atomizer to the pen. Next, connect the mouthpiece to the chamber. Press the power on the vape, and slowly inhale to get the perfect balance of vapor and heat.

Edibles: Making edibles out of concentrates instead of regular cannabutter will ensure a seriously potent and much longer-lasting high. There are countless cannabis concentrate edible recipes you can use; just keep in mind that you also have to decarboxylate your wax or other cannabis extracts the proper way.

marijuana edible — Photo by MykolaSenyuk/Getty Images

Cannabis concentrate edibles are a fun and affordable way to medicate. The best part is that compared to flower, you only need a significantly smaller amount to enjoy the same benefits. Always follow the general rule of thumb when dosing concentrate edibles for the first time: start with the smallest dose possible, and wait at least two hours before you decide to follow up.

Hot knife: As a last resort, if you don’t have any tools or access to the previous techniques, you can try the hot knife method. You will only need a butter knife and a heat source.

The knife should be heated by placing it on a heating element. This can be a hot plate, electric stove, or a gas heater. When the knife is already hot, dab a little wax on it then inhale. Unfortunately, this can be a little challenging because unlike bongs or pipes, there are no enclosed areas. This means that you run the risk of losing some vapor even when you inhale.

You can combat this by using a straw, funnel, or even a plastic bottle. These are simple solutions to maximizing a tiny problem when using hot knives for dabbing.

Conclusion

A functional dab setup is always ideal for the best results when dabbing. However, when you don’t have the complete setup, it’s time to get creative. These five tried-and-tested techniques will save the day when you have concentrates. Just because you don’t have a dab rig doesn’t mean you can’t get high.

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

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These five tried-and-tested techniques will save the day when you have concentrates. Just because you don’t have a dab rig doesn’t mean you can’t get high.

Conclusion

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Although it is true that great cocktails come down to the perfect balancing of spirit, sweet, sour, bitter and salty, there is creativity and achievement to be made in this exciting realm of marijuana mixology. 