What Is Big Pharma’s Next Move With Legal Marijuana?

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September 18, 2022

To think that Pharma doesn’t have a strategy against a plant that is costing them upwards to $10 billion of lost potential revenue is to be ignorant of the ways of Pharma.

What is big pharma’s next move with legal marijuana? Want to know why historically they sat in opposition of cannabis legalization? Well, if the findings of the latest study published in the journal PLOS ONE, their loss of revenue per legalization event could be a great indicator.

Per Marijuana Moment: “The peer-reviewed research article, published in the journal PLOS ONE on Wednesday, looked at stock return and prescription drug sales data for 556 pharmaceutical companies from 1996 to 2019, analyzing market trends before and after the enactment of medical and adult-use cannabis legalization laws at the state level.

“The stock returns were ‘1.5-2% lower at 10 days after legalization,’ the study authors founds. “Returns decreased in response to both medical and recreational legalization, for both generic and brand drugmakers. Investors anticipate a single legalization event to reduce drugmaker annual sales by $3 billion on average.”

While there has been several reports that cannabis patients prefer cannabis over their prescription meds, this study definitely shows the negative impact on Pharma ROI post legalization. However, it’s not just brand name pharmaceuticals that are taking a hit. It seems that cannabis is supplanting a lot of other generic brands as well.

prescription drugs — Photo by James Yarema via Unsplash

Researchers at the California Polytechnic State University and University of New Mexico commented:

“By expanding access and, thus use, legalization could permit cannabis to compete with conventional pharmaceuticals. Largely unpatentable, cannabis may act like a new generic entrant following medical legalization, leading some individuals to substitute away from other drugs toward cannabis. However, unlike a conventional new generic drug, cannabis use is not restricted to a single or limited set of conditions. This means that cannabis acts as a new entrant across many different drug markets simultaneously.”

Now, for some, the notion of 1.5-2% doesn’t seem like much, but on Pharma scale profits it is quite significant as the study authors related, “We find the average change in a firm’s market value per legalization event is $63 million with a total impact on market value across firms per event of $9.8 billion.”

With that much money being sucked up by cannabis, it’s no wonder that the pharmaceutical companies were hesitant towards legalizing weed. While some pharmaceutical companies are investing in creating cannabis based medicines, it’s the opioid manufacturers that are losing the most.

Not True Losses

If you look at the profits of Pharma post legalization, they still continued to make money despite legalization. However, what researchers have noticed is that the “projections” made by Pharma weren’t met. This is one of the major differences that they found, however, this isn’t to say that there was an actual loss of revenue.

According to Marijuana Moment:

“The study also factored in shifts in pharmaceutical drug sales post-legalization. “Using the historical price-to-sales ratio of drugmakers for the year associated with each legalization event, this implies a change in annual sales across all drugmakers of $3 billion per event,” it says.”

Yet, it’s also important that we don’t jump the gun and cite all of this as fact as the study authors themselves admitted.

“The economic significance of an estimated $9.8 billion loss in market value across firms per cannabis legalization event is extremely large, however our results should be interpreted cautiously. A key limitation is that we model investors as rational, which may overstate the economic significance of our results. Second, we are limited to publicly traded firms and past legalization events. Third, we note that estimates may be sensitive to our choice of using 150 to 50 days before the legalization event. Finally, we expect there to be measurement error due to heterogeneity in the legalization and subsequent regulatory processes.

“For private and public drugmakers, we expect the response to legalization to include investment and marketing,” the study concludes, citing the fact that Pfizer spent billions to acquire a “biotech company that focuses on cannabinoid-type therapies.

“’Pharmaceutical firms have devoted substantial lobbying efforts and dollars into fighting cannabis legalization,’ it continues. ‘These are signs that the pharmaceutical industry from a marketing perspective, cannabis currently remains far from an [Food and Drug Administration]-approved therapeutic equivalent, and this might explain why pharmaceutical firms have spent less effort on detailing visits to doctors.’

“’Looking beyond effects for different stakeholder populations, our study suggests cannabis might be a useful tool for increasing competition in U.S. drug markets,’ the authors said.”

prescription drugs opioids — Photo by Christina Victoria Craft via Unsplash

It’s important to note that these pharmaceutical companies remain opposed mainly because they cannot patent cannabinoids. Since cannabis is a very simple plant to grow at home, they don’t want it legal on a federal level. Imagine if anyone could grow their own mild-pain relievers, appetite stimulators, mood enhancers, with a little bit of sunshine and dirt?

This is something that Pharma had imagined — and they didn’t like it.

The Reason for Federal Stalling?

While the Democrats and Republicans bicker over whether inclusivity clauses should be added to cannabis legalization, I cannot help thinking that the “sponsors of politicians” might not have some influence over how people are voting. After all, nearly 70% of the US population favors cannabis legalization, yet despite this super majority, cannabis remains illegal on a federal level.

Now if we take a look at the people who take money from Pharma or who hold stock in Pharma and are currently in office, we might be able to paint a picture.

Of course, there is hardly any direct paper trails showcasing Big Pharma’s opposition — save donating to anti-cannabis organizations. However, we don’t need evidence to understand the nature of Pharma.

You see, Pharma plays the market like a game of chess and the pieces are your representatives.

Watch how Pharma spends their money when it comes to voting on key regulatory issues that would affect their bottomline.

According to KHN.ORG:

“Pharmaceutical companies and their lobbying groups gave roughly $1.6 million to lawmakers during the first six months of 2021, with Republicans accepting $785,000 and Democrats $776,200, the Pharma Cash to Congress database shows. Since the 2008 cycle, the industry has generally favored Republicans. The exception was 2009-10, the last time Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress and the White House.

“Democrats again narrowly hold both the House and Senate, and political scientists and other money-in-politics experts said the contributions likely reflect who is in power, which lawmakers face tougher reelection bids next year, and who has outsize sway over legislation affecting the industry’s bottom line.

“Several pharmaceutical companies paused contributions to Republican lawmakers who voted against certifying the results of the 2020 election, blunting the GOP’s total fundraising haul and overall industry giving compared with other years.”

prescription drugs cannabis — Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

As you can see, their money influences politics. This is nothing new, and if they are doing this so blatantly with Medicare regulations, what makes you think they don’t have any sway when it comes to cannabis legalization.

Of course, at this point it’s just “hearsay,” but considering the nature of Big Pharma, it wouldn’t surprise me if in the next 5 years we find actual evidence of them tampering with cannabis legalization, especially if people are more hesitant to use pharmaceuticals if cannabis is an alternative to treating the symptoms of their conditions.

To think that Pharma doesn’t have a strategy against a plant that is costing them upwards to $10 billion of lost potential revenue is to be ignorant of the ways of Pharma.

KHN.ORG goes on to report:

The drug industry’s campaign contributions are markedly strategic, said Steven Billet, an associate professor at the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University.

“This is a really well-organized commercial sector,” Billet said. “If I’m one of these PACs, I’ve surveyed the landscape at the front end of the process, decided on our agenda and budget, and figured out who I may be able to get to and who I wouldn’t be able to get to.”

Does this sound like bribery to you? It sure sounds like that to me, but of course, when politicians accept money from private companies who are supposed to be regulated by these very politicians we call it lobbying.

Bottom Line

Cannabis legalization directly affects Pharma’s bottom line. Pharma pays politicians to “vote” the way they want to vote. In other words, they use money to buy representation that is supposed to represent you, but instead represents primarily the needs of their donors. In this case, Pharma.

Despite the US having a super majority in favor of ending the war on cannabis, we still have the Federal government stalling at every opportunity they have. Some might say that it’s “The Republicans”, but as we saw, both sides are taking money at roughly equal sizes. The politicians running the show have a higher likelihood of being bribed by Pharma.

And even though the Democrats have been “complaining” that the only reason weed is illegal is because of Republican opposition, we’re seeing that after two years of Dems holding majority of the power — IT’S STILL NOT LEGAL!

In fact, Biden and his admin had done some pretty insane actions against the cannabis community like firing staffers over past cannabis use, calling cannabis users “untrustworthy and unethical and dangerous” and dodging any question about “keeping their promises”.

Could this be because their Pharma masters are telling them to behave like this? Who knows, but it certainly smells like it.

This article was created in partneship with Cannabis.net

Fungi Or Filler, Demystifying The Superfood Mushroom Boom

Terry Hacienda

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September 18, 2022

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Fungi Or Filler, Demystifying The Superfood Mushroom Boom

While mycelium alone does contain some beneficial compounds, mycelium on grain does not. Here’s what else you need to look out for.

The new HBO documentary “Not So Pretty” encourages consumers to read the back of product labels, and educate themselves on what’s inside of their daily wellness/beauty products. The cold hard truth about “filler ingredients” is coming to the surface for a variety of well-known mass-produced beauty products, alongside already scrutinized natural products leveraging botanical adaptogens like cannabinoids and superfood mushrooms.

Adaptogens are non-toxic substances obtained as plant extracts which allow human body to adapt to various stresses, while restoring normal physiological functioning. By 2027 the market of adaptogen-driven products is estimated to reach $14 billion USD. Medicinal mushrooms including reishi, maitake and shiitake, turkey tail, etc are a few popular adaptogens commonly found in supplements today that reached $14.7 million in sales in 2020.

As superfood mushroom products continue to grow in popularity, it’s time for brands to come clean about whether their products contain the beneficial active compounds promised on the label or filler ingredients. Mycelium on grain is one common filler you may find written on product labels. Mycelium on grain is quite different than natural mycelium, which is the mushroom’s root system that’s cultivated before a fruiting body containing most of the adaptogen’s benefits ever emerges.

Brendan Smith, CEO & Founder of Raw Botanics, an adaptogen wellness brand offering several superfood mushroom products, explains further, comparing mycelium to that of an apple tree:

“If mycelium is like the apple tree, the apples would be considered the mushroom fruiting body. The tree and its roots are a complex delivery system responsible for creating and nurturing the apple, and without question, nutrients are found in both the tree and the fruit. Although mycelium is a critical part of the mushroom, the most beneficial nutrients are found in the fruit body mushroom,” said Smith.

supplement shopping — Photo by Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

While mycelium alone does contain some beneficial compounds, mycelium on grain does not. When myceliated grain forms the bulk of a supplement, the grain acts as a filler, essentially diluting the product’s beneficial compounds.

“Mycelium produced for use in supplements is not the same as what is grown in the wild; consumers should be aware of this. Most mycelium used for supplements is grown on a substrate, often grain or oats. In these cases, you are typically getting inferior products compared to fruit body extracts, one that may have a higher concentration of grain filler than actual mycelium,” Smith continued.

The Labeling Issue

Mushroom product labeling requirements from the FDA tell manufacturers to clearly distinguish whether the product contains fruit body extract, but these rules are loosely followed. In fact, one study shows that 74% of reishi supplements available in the US do not match their labels.

This issue is not limited to mushroom supplements, but food products as well. A recent 2021 study on wild mushrooms showed that out of the 16 products tested, only five contained the wild mushrooms accurately described on the labels. Wild mushrooms in the United States are mostly regulated by state and local agencies.

Currently, only 31 states have regulations in place, and 94% do not require notification to authorities before selling wild mushrooms. This creates a bit of a grey area that isn’t much different from what the CBD industry is experiencing today, according to consumer product safety expert Tyler Williams, who trains major food and beverage companies worldwide to help improve their food safety practices, most recently launching the only accredited global certification program for cannabis.

“The FDA is responsible for the regulation of the products as it falls under their scope of jurisdiction, however, the lack of federal regulations leaves it up to the local authorities to try and create their own regulations if they so choose. This regulatory grey area can cause inexperienced mushroom harvesters to sell unsafe or poisonous mushrooms to consumers and be a potential source for food fraud,” said Tyler Williams, CTO of ASI Global Standards, and Cannabis Safety & Quality.

So, if you can’t trust what you read on a product’s label, how can you size up the legitimacy of products being sold on store shelves?

The Role of Product Quality Testing and Auditing

One method Raw Botanics relies upon is thorough product testing. Raw Botanics products are tested twice by two separate third-party labs — for quality, consistency, and purity to prove that no fillers, unnatural additives, or unnecessary ingredients are used.

“Our products contain more than just mushrooms; most of them also include a combination of benefit-based cannabinoids and terpenes. Given the plethora of adaptogens involved in our formulations, it’s always been a priority for us to demonstrate purity to our consumers by making our lab results easily accessible. If you’re having trouble tracking down a product’s lab test results or COA, I’d consider that a red flag,” said Smith.

chaga mushrooms — Photo by eskymaks/Getty Images

While testing ensures that the product is free from things like pesticides, heavy metals, or microbes, it does not guarantee that products are labeled correctly. This is where cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards come into play.

“Food safety and/or dietary supplement audits, like those provided by ASI Food Safety, look at product identity, labeling, supplier controls, etc. While there might not be an audit specifically for wild mushroom harvesting, the manufacturers that process the mushrooms can be audited under a cGMP standard,” said Williams.

Another avenue to pursue is getting a product patented through the USPTO. Consumers concerned about a product’s legitimacy can always search online to see if a product has been patented. Ojai Energetics PBC, a patent creation and commercialization company, sees patents as an effective barrier against bad market players. OE PBC has worked alongside patent law firm Wilson Sonsini to build IP for the cannabis and psychedelics industries, covering consumer, pharma, industrial, and energy verticals.

“Having patents in supplements enables strong innovation for formulation and additionally provided a barrier for knock-off companies from entering the market with ineffective and adulterated products,” said Will Kleidon, CEO & Founder of Ojai Energetics.

Mushrooms are among the top 25 bestselling ingredients in the channel of natural supplements. As the industry of superfood mushroom products continues to grow, so does the number of questionable products on store shelves. So, how can you make sure the mushroom products you’re purchasing are actually doing what the label claims they’ll do? As we discussed, you can search for “fruiting body extract” on the label, as opposed to “mycelium on grain,” or conduct due diligence on the brand offering the product to see if they are cGMP certified or if they’ve had the product patented.

Lastly, avoid purchasing products from brands without lab test results or COAs (Certificate of Analysis) readily available on their website. By following all of these steps you’ll be sure to find a high quality adaptogen product or brand that’s worth your business, and more importantly, your trust.

Science’s Huge Breakthrough In Managing This Autoimmune Disease

Maria Loreto

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September 17, 2022

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Science’s Huge Breakthrough In Managing This Autoimmune Disease

A new study is the first to successfully treat this common and debilitating autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases are numerous and difficult to treat. Lupus is one of the most common, affecting over 200,000 people a year and affecting their bodies and lifestyle. Now, a new study has become the first to effectively treat lupus in five patients, driving the illness into remission.

Researchers in Germany believe that their work marks a significant moment that could help treat other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, involved four women and one man, all between the ages of 18 to 24, who were severely sick with lupus. They received transfusions of modified immune cells, a procedure called CAR T-cell therapy, which has been successful in treating some cancers. For this research, doctors extracted T-cells from the patients and modified them, reinserting them into their bodies.

arthritis — Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash

The study was a success, with all participants involved entering the remission stage of their disease. These patients have been off their lupus medication for three to 17 months, with their bodies functioning properly.

The Guardian interviewed study lead Professor Georg Schett, who said he and his team are very excited about these results. “Several other autoimmune diseases which are dependent on B cells and show autoantibodies may respond to this treatment,” he said. “These include rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, and systemic sclerosis. But also diseases like multiple sclerosis may be very responsive to CAR T-cell treatment.”

Lupus is a condition that occurs when people’s immune system attacks healthy tissue instead of harmful agents. There’s a lot that remains unknown about the condition, including why it occurs, with researchers theorizing that it could be an adverse reaction to certain medications, changes in puberty or menopause, and more.

The disease can cause fatigue, pain, and even organ damage, having flare-ups and periods where it lies dormant, thus becoming difficult to diagnose.

Whoa! Here’s How Many Pennsylvania Voters Want To Legalize Marijuana

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 17, 2022

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Whoa! Here’s How Many Pennsylvania Voters Want To Legalize Marijuana

Pennsylvania is one of 19 US states where marijuana possession is penalized with possible imprisonment and a criminal record.

By Jelena Martinovic

The majority of Pennsylvanians want to see recreational marijuana legalized, according to a recent CBS News poll that shows 66% of registered voters support the cannabis policy reform, while 34% oppose it.

Rep. Amen Brown (D), who earlier announced his intent to file a reform bill that he’ll be working on with his GOP colleague Sen. Mike Regan (R), said that legalization of recreational marijuana is “just the right thing to do.”

“Education, after-school programs, affordable housing, things of that nature and investing that money and creating jobs and helping communities who were hit the hardest by the prohibition,” Brown continued.

However, despite the support marijuana has among Pennsylvania voters, cannabis laws in the Keystone State remain harsh. A recent report from the Marijuana Policy Project revealed that Pennsylvania is one of 19 US states where marijuana possession is penalized with possible imprisonment and a criminal record.

marijuana legalization — Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

In 2021, 12,439 adults and 1,057 juveniles were arrested for simple cannabis possession, data from Pennsylvania State Police showed. Even though the figures represent a 30% drop between 2020 and 2021, they remain high.

Lawmakers Push For Policy Change

While the latest push for policy change on the state level came from Sen. Chris Gebhard, who said in a recent co-sponsorship memo that the measure he plans to introduce would set up a new licensing process under which “independent” cannabis grower/processors operating in the Keystone State would be allowed to launch dispensaries as vertically integrated businesses, PA’s Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s efforts are targeting federal policy change.

Fetterman (D), who is running for a Senate seat, recently urged President Biden to deschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug and work to decriminalize it. Shortly after, the two politicians crossed paths in Pittsburgh and discussed potential changes to the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act prior to his speech at a union hall on Labor Day.

However, it seems 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.

“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.

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

This Congressman Says Ending Marijuana Testing Could Solve Labor Disputes

Maria Loreto

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September 16, 2022

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This Congressman Says Ending Marijuana Testing Could Solve Labor Disputes

A congressman from Oregon believes that eliminating workplace drug tests would result in more people applying for railroad worker positions.

A congressman from Oregon claims that ending marijuana testing might help resolve the rising disputes that exist between railroad workers and their employees, which could potentially affect the entire country.

Representative Earl Blumenauer discussed the issue on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal on Thursday, saying that the railroad worker deal is “welcome news” and the “situation that the workers faced was really intolerable.”

While workers created a temporary deal between unions and railway companies, they remain upset over their work conditions. Over the years, workers have been losing their benefits and job security, resulting in a tense environment that has led to issues in the supply chain.

Blumenauer said that removing mandatory drug tests could be a part of the solution. This would encourage more people to apply for these positions and would give some job security to their employees. “A lot of these shortcomings in terms of the supply chain are that people do not qualify for the jobs because they’ve used marijuana sometime in the last six weeks, which doesn’t affect their ability to do their job, but it throws them out of the consideration,” he said.

The threat of the strike was very concerning for commuters and people all over the country, prompting President Biden to make a statement on the matter.

Per Illinois Policy, a railroad worker strike would result in chaos, freezing 30% of US cargo shipments and costing the U.S. Economy about $ 2 billion a day. It would have stopped Amtrak and Metra trains from running, affecting millions of people.

Currently, there’s no way to test for marijuana use in the workplace. Drug tests can’t differentiate whether a worker consumes marijuana at home or while at work, providing a blanket test that limits people’s behavior outside of the workplace. The only way to resolve this issue would be to devise a new test altogether.

Taking This Every Day Can Protect You From Mental Decline

Maria Loreto

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September 16, 2022

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Taking This Every Day Can Protect You From Mental Decline

The study could provide people with a new and noninvasive way of keeping their brains fit and healthy for as long as possible.

As we grow older, our brains naturally change. Behaviors like shorter attention spans, being less able to multitask and having trouble recalling names are some of the most common afflictions that seniors have to deal with. But there’s some good news!

A new study found a link between a daily multivitamin supplement and cognitive health, suggesting that it’s possible to slow down the brain’s aging process.

We Don’t Talk Enough About Cannabis And Its Effect On The Sex Lives Of Seniors — Photo by Tyler Farmer via Unsplash

The findings were published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia and was conducted by researchers from Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Researchers wanted to see if taking a daily cocoa extract supplement or a multivitamin supplement was able to reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, strokes, and more. Over 2,200 participants over the age of 65 were recruited for the study, with a follow-up process for three years. During this time, researchers had participants complete different tasks that tested their cognitive ability.

Participants were split into groups, with one taking the cocoa extract and another a placebo. A different group took the multivitamin supplement and had their results compared to another placebo group.

“Our study showed that although cocoa extract did not affect cognition, daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation resulted in statistically significant cognitive improvement,” said study author Laura Baker. “This is the first evidence of cognitive benefit in a large longer-term study of multivitamin supplementation in older adults.”

aging brain puzzle — Photo by Carol Yepes/Getty Images

The study results indicate that three years of taking the vitamin supplements were able to slow down the brain’s aging process by 60%. These benefits were more pronounced in people with cardiovascular disease, something that is very good since these people are already at a higher risk of experiencing cognitive decline.

While researchers make it clear that their results are preliminary, if pursued, the study could provide people with a new and noninvasive way of keeping their brains fit and healthy for as long as possible.

Is SAFE Banking Act Getting Closer To Passage? Senators Agree This Issue Is At Play

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 16, 2022

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Is SAFE Banking Act Getting Closer To Passage? Senators Agree This Issue Is At Play

Rep. Ed Perlmutter said the SAFE Banking bill “obviously is a public safety issue. It is a tax issue. It is an issue of civil justice (…) We can get this done. We will get this done. We need some more Republican cosponsors.”

By Joana Scopel

Sponsors of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act recently discussed the urgency of enacting cannabis reform this session, reiterating the public safety imperative of providing the industry access to the financial system.

Bipartisan and bicameral sponsors of banking reform said “it’s time to take action on the House-passed standalone legislation,” reported Marijuana Moment.

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) brought together more than 100 stakeholders for two days of lobbying on Capitol Hill involving more than 100 meetings with legislators and staff to advocate for the Cannabis Act Banking SAFE to be enacted in 2022.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, talked about violent crime targeting marijuana businesses and workers, as well as bipartisan support for stand-alone legislation. “It’s a political positive. It’s good policy and good politics,” Merkley said. “So we’re here today to say it’s way past time to get the SAFE Banking bill done.”

marijuana money — Photo by Yarygin/Getty Images

Recently, Merkley discussed the so-called “SAFE Banking Plus” bill at the Payments, Banking, and Compliance (PBC) Conference. “Every legal business deserves the same access to the same resources as any other—resources like bank accounts, loans, payment processing, and so much more,” Merkley separately said in a press release. “When it comes to cannabis, the country is changing fast and it’s long past time that our federal laws caught up.”

A Public Safety Issue

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) said SAFE Banking bill “obviously is a public safety issue. It is a tax issue. It is an issue of civil justice (…) We can get this done. We will get this done. We need some more Republican cosponsors” that the congressman expects will join them soon.

“I know, in the House, that whatever they pass in the Senate, we will get passed in the House. And this will be law by the end of this year, with your help and your hard work,” Perlmutter added.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), the GOP lead on the standalone legislation called the legislation “a public safety issue—when legal Montana cannabis businesses don’t have a way to safely conduct business and are forced to operate in all cash our communities become vulnerable to crime.”

The SAFE Banking Act has passed in the House seven times but has not moved in the Senate.

What Do Minnesota’s Senators Think About This Issue?

GOP Minnesota Sen. Carla Nelson and DFL challenger Aleta Borrud debated cannabis legalization for recreational purposes, among other issues including health care, election integrity, guns and abortion.

Nelson, who has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2010, beat Borrud in a close race 50.9% to 49%, reported Yahoo News.

When senators were asked if they support the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes, they expressed themselves as follows:

“I absolutely do support the legalization of cannabis. Cannabis has been used for millennia, and people in our community are using it. People should not be going to jail, especially our Black and brown neighbors going to jail for using it. It becomes an issue of equity. If we legalize it, we can regulate it and improve its safety,” said Borrud.

cannabis banking money — Photo by jirkaejc/Getty Images

“I’ve heard concern from law enforcement about the packaging of gummies that are now for sale. I think we have to make sure that these are not falling into the hands of our kids.”

On the other hand, Nelson expressed that she has the endorsement from the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association. “And I will tell you what our public safety officials all say in this regard. Until there is a field sobriety test, it is irresponsible to legalize marijuana for the broader population,” she continued.

Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Means Social Justice

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Black Minnesotans are nearly five times more likely to be arrested on marijuana charges than whites.

“In 2021 there were 6,055 marijuana arrests in the state,” according to BCA’s latest data. Cannabis accounted for a little over one-third of all Minnesota drug arrests. “Close to 90% of marijuana arrests in Minnesota are for simple possession, rather than sales or distribution.”

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

Easiest Ways To Add THC To Any Food Or Drink

Terry Hacienda

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September 16, 2022

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Easiest Ways To Add THC To Any Food Or Drink

When cooking with any of these cannabis products, always remember that you can expect the hit of THC to last up to 8 hours or more.

Making your own cannabis-infused food and beverages is an effective way to absorb the beneficial cannabinoids of the marijuana plant into your system. However, let’s be real: making your own edibles and drinks can be time-consuming. It even requires some trial and error for beginners when it comes to dosing and strength.

So why not add THC to food and drink yourself?

If you live in a state where cannabis is legal in some form, you can use pre-made cannabis products that infuse cannabinoids into anything you want within seconds. Here are the easiest ways to add THC to food and drinks at home — or anywhere you are.

Tinctures

marijuana tincture — Photo by LauriPatterson/Getty Images

Cannabis tinctures are easily the most versatile and convenient way to consume cannabis, as well as add to just about anything. Tinctures can be consumed in a variety of ways, though sublingual is the most popular way to consume them. Sublingual consumption enables quick absorption through the sublingual artery, bypassing the liver and gut and transporting the cannabinoids directly to your bloodstream.

However, when adding tinctures to your food or beverage, you can expect the onset time to be around an hour. But the best benefit of using tinctures is quick, simple, and easy dosing: simply add one or two drops for a precise dose. How much you dose will depend entirely on your own tolerance and experience with cannabis, though if you’re a newbie, always start low and slow. Start with half a drop if you are new to THC.

Additionally, tinctures are low in calories, which is great for anyone who is watching their weight. Tinctures are just around 7 calories per milliliter. If you ended up eating baked goods, candies, or other types of edibles, you can easily consume at least 200 calories and up.

Tinctures last a much longer time compared to other cannabis products since you only need a small amount. These are also full-spectrum cannabis products because making tinctures involves the entire cannabis plant, which means that consumers get to enjoy a wide array of health benefits from the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes in addition to the THC and CBD.

When using tinctures on food you are cooking, remember to add it when the cooking has been finished. Otherwise, the high temperatures will cause the alcohol in tinctures to evaporate. It’s easy to add it to drinks too, whether you’re drinking coffee, tea, wine, cocktails, or juices. Tinctures can also easily be added into pasta sauces, salad dressings, soups, stews, smoothies, and much more.

Tinctures can also be made from glycerin, a form of sugar alcohol that comes from plant oils. These are usually less potent compared to alcohol-based tinctures but it still provides you with many of the health benefits of cannabis. Glycerin is also sweeter compared to alcohol, so this base is recommended for individuals who have some kinds of oral sensitivities.

Cannabis Oil

Most ready-made cannabis oils have little to no taste, depending on its base and if it has any flavor. This makes it easy to add to just about any food and drink, which conceal the mild taste of cannabis oils. Just like with tinctures, the effects of THC can be felt in around an hour after consuming the infused food or drink.

Cannabis oils are made from a variety of carrier oils, which serve as the base. The most common is coconut oil, though olive and avocado oils can also be used. Coconut oils tend to have a stronger coconut taste, though it tends to dissipate when you only use a few drops on your food and drink. Milder carrier oils include lecithin or vegetable oils.

Just like with tinctures, cannabis oils are best added after cooking. However, you can cook with cannabis oils as long as you use low temperatures: the maximum should be at 350F. This prevents the therapeutic cannabinoids from burning. The most ideal temperatures for cooking with cannabis oils is between 250 to 284F.

Cannabutter

Making or buying ready-to-eat cannabutter is a fantastic way to bake or cook with infused fats. You can easily make cannabutter at home, but you can also buy some that have already been made (click here for an easy cannabutter recipe).

Cannabutter is extremely versatile, and can make for some delicious and potent edibles. Whether you’re making desserts or savory goods, you can use cannabutter with literally hundreds of recipes. Use it in place of any recipe that requires butter: from brownies to banana bread, pasta, cakes, and so much more.

Cannabutter also works well for people who consume bulletproof coffee. Just add some unsalted cannabutter the way you would with regular butter. Many people have been consuming bulletproof coffee to increase mental clarity and cognition while helping with weight loss. Whether you’re on the keto diet or not, this delicious and creamy coffee will have you coming back for more.

When consuming cannabutter, remember that it will take a while for its effects to hit. If you have a high tolerance, it can take around an hour or more, so don’t keep on consuming seconds until you’ve waited at least an hour and a half.

Conclusion

When cooking with any of these cannabis products, always remember that you can expect the hit of THC to last up to 8 hours or more. Make sure your plans don’t include driving or operating machinery; the psychoactive effects of THC are best enjoyed from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Nevada District Judge Rules Cannabis Can No Longer Be Classified As A Schedule 1 Drug

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 16, 2022

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Nevada District Judge Rules Cannabis Can No Longer Be Classified As A Schedule 1 Drug

With medical cannabis programs deeply entrenched in the state of Nevada, cannabis’ designation appears to fly in the face of well-established known medicinal uses of the drug.

This article has been reposted with permission from Benzinga.

A Nevada judge has ruled on a closely-followed lawsuit that could have precedent setting influence on a federal level. He determined that the Nevada Board of Pharmacy can no longer list cannabis as a schedule one drug. It was a clear victory for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada, which filed the lawsuit back in April 2022.

On Wednesday, District Judge Joe Hardy Jr. sided with the ACLU’s argument that marijuana has an accepted medical use, because voters amended the state constitution in 2000 to legalize medical marijuana. He ordered the Board of Pharmacy to remove cannabis from the list of Schedule 1 drugs, although the timeline for such action is unclear.

A judge just ruled that cannabis can no longer be classified as a Schedule 1 drug with no medical use by the Nevada Board of Pharmacy, because it violates the state constitution.

Big win for common sense.

— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) September 14, 2022

The original basis for the lawsuit alleged that despite the passage of the Nevada Medical Marijuana Act and the Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana, the state — specifically Nevada State Board of Pharmacy — failed to comport with the will of Nevada voters, the state Constitution and revised statutes. Instead of removing cannabis and cannabis derivatives from its list of controlled substances (NAC 453.510), the Board has continued to regulate them as Schedule 1 substances — similar to that of hardcore drugs with no medicinal benefit.

By definition, a Schedule 1 drug is classified as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. With medical cannabis programs deeply entrenched in the state of Nevada, cannabis’ designation appears to fly in the face of well-established known medicinal uses of the drug. This is the exact contradiction that the ACLU sought to force a ruling on:

“The ruling today that cannabis cannot be scheduled as a Schedule 1 substance by Nevada’s Board of Pharmacy without violating the Nevada Constitution reaffirms what the people of this state have known for decades, that marijuana has medicinal value and can be safely distributed to the public.” – Legal Director for ACLU of Nevada Chris Peterson.

While The Board of Pharmacy has had every opportunity to remove marijuana from its Schedule 1 list on its own, it has persistently resisted to reschedule cannabis in Nevada. Despite the will of the people, it appears to be taking its cues from federal (DEA) guidelines, which continue to list cannabis as a schedule 1 drug. In this hearing, the lawyer representing the Board of Pharmacy argued that federal agencies had not determined that marijuana has an accepted medical use.

While judge Hardy sided with the ACLU on cannabis reclassification, he stopped short of ruling on any issues related to overturning convictions for marijuana-related crimes, because the ACLU’s lawsuit did not address the topic.

This article has been reposted with permission from Benzinga.

How To Prevent Cannabis-Induced Anxiety Attacks

How-To

Terry Hacienda

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September 15, 2022

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How To Prevent Cannabis-Induced Anxiety Attacks

Beginners, remember that just a few puffs from a joint are okay for the first time. Get acclimatized to the effects of the drug before upping your dosage.

With cannabis legislation flying about and American citizens being drawn into the appeal of marijuana, discussions have moved on to issues concerning cannabis-induced anxiety. Concerned communities are wondering if marijuana causes or helps to manage anxiety. And experts have explained that it works both ways.

Marijuana-induced anxiety is often experienced by both long-term and new cannabis users. The type of cannabis being consumed does not matter, as both recreational and medical cannabis have been found to trigger the condition.

Election Anxiety — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

This article delves into the causes of weed anxiety, methods to combat its occurrence, as well as how to prevent it from occurring in new cannabis users.

Cannabis and Anxiety

These two have an intriguing connection. Researchers have carried out trials to explain this relationship. Some studies have involved the use of cannabis and its compounds to develop a potential form of anxiety treatment, while other studies have focused on looking for ways to develop and improve cannabinoid-based anxiolytic agents.

In the same vein, some experts are also working on figuring out more about THC being a paranoia trigger in cannabis users. Experiments have been carried out to connect marijuana with the onset of anxiety disorders in individuals who have no medical history of mental conditions.

Weed Anxiety

For you to understand weed anxiety, you have to know the concept of anxiety itself. Anxiety induces a bunch of reactions like increased heartbeats, inability to focus, incessant worries, and sweating. It occurs in moments that cause an individual to relieve their doubts and insecurities.

Weed anxiety can be described as the body’s involuntary reaction to cannabis in some users. It evokes mental distress, as well as physical symptoms like shaking, fatigue, nausea, stomach discomfort, and excessive sweating. It can go as far as inducing panic attacks in users.

Unlike brief anxiety moments that can be brushed off by composing yourself with breathing exercises, weed-induced anxiety is much more complicated.

Identifying Weed Anxiety

In first-timers, it can be difficult to discern if the symptoms are anxiety-related or illness-related. Especially in those who experience only physical symptoms.

It begins with the person having an excessive number of gloomy thoughts. These negative thoughts are very difficult to shake off. The physical symptoms follow closely, extreme weed-induced anxiety causes shortness of breath and causes the person to have difficulties in moving about comfortably.

People who have experienced cannabis-induced anxiety explained that they felt as though they were trapped in a cage inside their minds. They had distressing thoughts which seemed very loud in their heads and prevented them from paying attention to their current environments.

Smoking Marijuana — Photo by PhotoAlto/Sigrid Olsson/Getty Images

Recreational cannabis smokers who have experienced this form of anxiety added that hearing any weird sound made them paranoid, with some saying that they occasionally have to check outside their windows for cops. Using recreational weed is illegal in some states, and the worry of having been caught in a crime is enough to cause a manic episode.

Factors That Can Predict Weed-Induced Anxiety

There are several factors at play when trying to determine why cannabis anxiety only affects a selected number of people.

Age and Sex

The user’s age and sex both play a role in determining how vulnerable a person is to weed anxiety. An older person is more likely to feel an intense form of weed anxiety when compared to a younger person. This is because as the brain ages as the body ages, hence receptor density declines over time.

Women are more likely to suffer from weed anxiety than the male population, due to the presence of estrogen which increases their sensitivity to THC.

Genetics

Certain strains of cannabis are used for the creativity and calmness they elicit in the user. The genetics of the user also matters. Individuals who are THC-sensitive in the anterior part of their brains rarely experience weed anxiety, while those who are THC-sensitive in the posterior part of the brain are more vulnerable to experience anxiety caused by cannabis.

Your Genes Have A Surprising Effect On How Marijuana Affects You — Photo by qimono via Pixabay

Tolerance level

The tolerance level of the user determines how well weed anxiety can be managed. Females tend to build a higher tolerance to cannabis in less time. The frequency of use is a major factor in how well a person can build a tolerance to cannabis.

Mood

Anxiety patients tend to exacerbate their symptoms when they use cannabis while having an episode. Only a few feel relief after consuming cannabis directly after feeling anxious, the rest only experience more intense symptoms.

Managing Weed-Induced Anxiety

Experts say that the first thing to do while experiencing weed anxiety is to accept and fully grasp what is going on. Fighting the anxiety without accepting it only worsens the situation. Even in regular anxious moments, individuals are always advised to accept it first, although this is hard to do.

The next thing to do if the symptoms persist after you’ve taken a few breaths is to take a cold shower. The sudden rush from the cold water may be enough to snap you out of that confused state. If you can’t take a cold shower, find a bit of water to pour on your neck.

Another suggestion is using the distraction technique. This entails eating or drinking something, taking a walk, seeing a movie, or listening to soothing music. Doing this will help keep the mind off of the distressing thoughts ravaging the mind.

Having a positive mindset also helps.

smartphone marijuana — Photo by Mayara Klingner / EyeEm/Getty Images

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

It is better to prevent weed-induced anxiety than to manage the condition.

The most effective way to prevent these traumatizing episodes from occurring is by using products with More CBD and less THC. This works for beginners and experts, as the CBD compound helps to even out the psychoactive effects of THC.

Bottom line

The effects of weed-induced anxiety will wane over time, depending on the method of intake and the amount consumed. Using cannabis responsibly allows you to enjoy the benefits of the drug without the risk of having traumatizing weed-anxiety episodes.

Beginners, remember that just a few puffs from a joint are okay for the first time. Get acclimatized to the effects of the drug before upping your dosage.

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

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

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When cooking with any of these cannabis products, always remember that you can expect the hit of THC to last up to 8 hours or more.

Tinctures

Cannabis Oil

Cannabutter

Conclusion

With medical cannabis programs deeply entrenched in the state of Nevada, cannabis’ designation appears to fly in the face of well-established known medicinal uses of the drug.

Beginners, remember that just a few puffs from a joint are okay for the first time. Get acclimatized to the effects of the drug before upping your dosage.

Cannabis and Anxiety

Weed Anxiety

Identifying Weed Anxiety

Factors That Can Predict Weed-Induced Anxiety

Managing Weed-Induced Anxiety

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Bottom line

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