Minnesotans Can Buy THC Edibles, But There’s A Hiccup

Benzinga Staff Writer

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July 1, 2022

Minnesotans Can Buy THC Edibles, But There’s A Hiccup

Edible products will be regulated by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy and must have a label showing serving sizes, ingredients, and a warning to keep the product out of reach of children.

In May, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed the large-scale legislation that included provisions that provide permanent protections to Minnesota-based hemp businesses for legal sales of CBD-infused foods and drinks. Besides CBD, the measure allows all hemp-derived cannabinoids to be legally sold in food items, beverages, and topicals, to name a few. The products must contain less than the federal limit of 0.3 % THC.

The new bill also allows up to 5 mg of hemp-derived THC to be legally sold in edibles and drinks to those 21 and older.

cannabis gummies flower — Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Bill sponsor Rep. Heather Edelson, (DFL-Edina) noted her worries about the safety of legal delta-8 marijuana products already being available via a loophole in Minnesota law, reported Duluth News Tribune.

“Products were targeting young people and contained thresholds of THC that were too much for the average consumer,” she said in a social media post announcing the bill’s passage in May. “Minnesota saw poison control numbers go up dramatically in 2020 and 2021 for youth under 12 because of lack of child safety on the packing and (its) appeal to their age group.”

Edible products will be regulated by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy and must have a label showing serving sizes, ingredients, and a warning to keep the product out of reach of children.

Board Of Pharmacy Challenges

But, some are worried about the Board of Pharmacy’s capabilities to manage this task. Jill Phillips, the new executive director of the Board of Pharmacy told Minnesota Reformer’s J. Patrick Coolican, “We’re set up to regulate licensees.”

The problem is that the new THC law doesn’t demand a license to produce, distribute or sell the THC edibles and drinks, writes the outlet.

“It’s a new kind of work we’re not necessarily ready for,” Phillips said.

The Board of Pharmacy employs just 23 people, and they also handle dangerous legal opioids and other substances. And now, they should also handle the potency, packaging, and age requirements of the new THC products that will be sold all around.

weed brownies edibles — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

Coolican writes that buyers should be aware that the Board of Pharmacy doesn’t have a lab to test the potency or safety of the product, nor a contract with a laboratory. Producers must contract with a lab and keep a record, but they are not obliged to send the results to the Board of Pharmacy except upon request, Phillips told the outlet.

What’s more, these products won’t be taxed as they will be sold as food. This means that no tax money won’t be used for better regulations or education on the safe and responsible consumption of these products.

Have Enough Of This For A Healthy Heart

Maria Loreto

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July 1, 2022

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The American Heart Association (AHA) updated its heart health checklist, adding a key area that impacts people’s cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular health is no joke. It’s the number one cause of death in the US. And now, the American Heart Association has added an important step to ensure our hearts are healthy.

Heart health is affected by a large range of behaviors, like what we eat and whether we live an active lifestyle or not. There’s also getting enough sleep, a relatively simple request that’s become increasingly complicated to fulfill in our modern world.

Feeling Sleepy After Smoking Weed? Here's What You Can Do — Photo by Jamie Street via Unsplash

The journal Circulation published an updated cardiovascular health checklist by the American Heart Association. According to the AHA, sufficient sleep is part of “Life’s Essential 8.” This list, which used to be called “Life’s Essential 7,” is a questionnaire that’s been used since 2010 and measures respondents’ important areas of concern in order to determine their cardiovascular health. Entries on the list include diet, physical activity, nicotine use, body mass index, blood lipids, blood pressure, and blood glucose.

Researchers discovered that poor sleep was linked to obesity, diabetes, and a variety of health conditions. They explained that adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. These sleep hours must be continuous, allowing the body to enter its three stages of non-REM sleep.

There have long been links between sleep and heart health, with the addition of sleep in AHA’s checklist confirming just how important it is.

A previous study published in the European Heart Journal shows that bedtimes have an impact on heart health, with people who went to bed between 11 and 11:59 a.m. having less of a risk of heart disease when compared to people who went to bed past midnight. Researchers theorized that this was due to people’s circadian rhythms, with these possibly being disrupted by earlier wake-up times.

7 Cannabis Tips To Consider This Fourth Of July Weekend

Tom Gaffey

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July 1, 2022

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7 Cannabis Tips To Consider This Fourth Of July Weekend

If you are attending a big fireworks show at night, or some other long event with lots of people, remember that July 4th is a marathon and not a sprint. Here are some other tips.

If you live in a state where weed is legal, you may be considering ditching the 12-pack of domestic beer in favor of supporting your local dispensary this holiday weekend. This switch certainly saves you calories that can be spent on BBQ and cocktails. Plus, no one wants a hangover heading into work on the 5th.

The Fourth of July is actually a huge cannabis holiday. In fact, according to Forbes, this FOJ is “likely racking up the highest number in sales for any day in the market this summer.” With all this marijuana being purchased in preparation for this major holiday, we wanted to offer a few reminders and tips to help you have a smooth, healthy and safe Independence Day.

4th Of July Weekend To Beat 420 Cannabis Sales — Photo by rgbspace/Getty Images

National Parks And Federal Property Are Off Limits For Cannabis

It is important you remember that just because weed is legal in your state does not mean it is legal everywhere in your state. As we previously reported, marijuana possession and usage is prohibited on federal property.

This is particularly critical to remember on July 4th, as many fireworks celebrations and events happen on federal property. Federal property includes national parks and monuments too – so make sure you know exactly where you are headed before packing your cannabis.

Don’t Forget To Tell Your Friends If You Spike Their BBQ

Weed treats and barbecue ideas are becoming more popular, and can really take your FOJ BBQ to the next level. Just be sure to label anything with weed and let everyone know. Like we have said before, no need to get overly scientific. Just be sure to mention what is in them, how strong they are, and if you have tried them. If you are attending a more transient “pop-in, pop-out” function, it is best to keep your cannabis treats tucked away. Offer them out yourself as people arrive to avoid any tragic mishap.

Consider Low Dose Edibles For The Main Festivities

If you are attending a big fireworks show at night, or some other long event with lots of people, remember that July 4th is a marathon and not a sprint. Heat, marijuana and lots of walking is enough to wipe anyone out. Make sure you find shade when you can, stay hydrated, and consider your method of consuming cannabis.

CBD Edibles Not All They Claim To Be — Photo by IRA_EVVA/Getty Images

If you have a long day ahead, consider lower dose edibles, or other low-THC methods. This way you can have a relaxed day without getting burnt out. This method also ensures you aren’t stone cold sober by the time the fireworks start.

Keep You Weed Stored Securely

July 4th is known to be a rowdy, and often wet holiday, with water balloons and squirt guns being a preferred way to cool off. It is also common to see unsuspecting pool party guests get dunked in a pool against his or her will. While this is usually all in good fun, the last thing you need is a soggy joint or your weed floating all over a pool.

Follow the basic rules of weed storage if you plan on being out and about for the entire day. Either keep your product in its original container (if that’s the law), or grab a small mason jar to nip any potential disasters in the bud. And if all else fails, here’s What To Do If Your Weed Gets Wet.

The Odor Doesn’t Always Attract The Right Crowd

Remember that Independence Day is a holiday that all Americans celebrate. This includes people who are opposed to marijuana usage, and also their children. Sure, the latest Pew research poll says two thirds of Americans support marijuana legalization, but that also means one third does not. All you need is one of those opponents to catch wind of your joint to really spoil your high.

Maybe you are going to a party with lots of weed everywhere, in which case smoking joints in public might not matter. Just be aware that marijuana is still a problem for many Americans, especially if it is smoked around children. If you are uncertain of the crowd, consider an odorless vape pen, edibles or cannabis beverages instead.

Consider Going Off The Beaten Path

July 4th is known for huge gatherings and elaborate fireworks shows, but if you plan on spending the day high you might want to consider a quieter location. Think about less crowded spots to enjoy the fireworks. Spending quality time with those you care about is a much better way to enjoy your high than battling for a $30 parking spot in 95 degree heat. In other words, consider the road less traveled.

Have A Blast

You are officially ready to celebrate now that you have more information about how to stay safe, high and healthy this weekend. After all, there are few holidays that allow for so many fun, free, lively activities among friends and family. So go forth and enjoy July 4th!

Study: Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Insomnia In Those Suffering From Depression & Anxiety

Benzinga Staff Writer

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July 1, 2022

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Study: Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Insomnia In Those Suffering From Depression & Anxiety

This naturalistic investigation of cannabis use for insomnia suggests that individuals with depression and anxiety perceive benefits from using cannabis for sleep.

By Nina Zdinjak

According to new research published in BMC Psychiatry, cannabis can improve sleep in those suffering from depression and/or anxiety.

Sleep troubles often come as part of various mental disorders, and are difficult to handle. Often, a cycle occurs and makes things worse: insomnia can worsen depression, and depression can cause insomnia. Though it is estimated that some 10-30% (with other studies claiming even higher percentages) of the global population suffers from insomnia, there are not many effective treatments for it.

tired sleeping — Photo by Ron Lach via Pexels

As marijuana gains in popularity and its legal status slowly but steadily changes across the globe, there is a greater need for more scientific research.

Authors of the new study noted that the results confirm “the need for placebo-controlled trials investigating symptom improvement and the safety of cannabinoids for sleep in individuals with mood and anxiety disorders.”

Study Highlights

The study analyzed data from 100 participants with depression, 463 participants with anxiety and 114 participants with both. They were tracked for three years (2017 to 2020) via an app where they reported their sleep-related symptoms and details of marijuana use. Participants also noted demographic information.

Participants recorded the type, form and dosage of cannabis they consumed and then rated their symptoms after each use.

The Results?

The study discovered that CBD-dominant and Indica strains were the common choices of those suffering from depression. Indica and Indica hybrid were the main choices for those with anxiety or both depression and anxiety. The majority of participants consumed cannabis in dried flower form.

Was it helpful? It turns out that marijuana managed to notably help participants under 45 with depression but not as much for those above 45. As for those dealing with anxiety, cannabis helped with symptoms across all age groups, while the 35-44 age group experienced more positive effects than the 25-34 group. Participants of all ages suffering from both conditions also found marijuana helpful.

Study Limitations

Among the most important limitations was that participants were self-reporting, meaning they may not have had a diagnosis of their conditions.

Everything else was also self-reported — symptoms, usage, effects, etc.

“This naturalistic investigation of cannabis use for insomnia suggests that individuals with depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety perceive benefits from using cannabis for sleep, although the extent to which this reflects pharmacological efficacy versus response expectancies (i.e., placebo effects) cannot be ascertained,” the study authors said.

Nevertheless, the authors concluded, “the results from the naturalistic study can provide a better understanding of cannabis usage profiles for insomnia while providing valuable information for future trials designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of cannabis for therapeutic purposes.”

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

Cannabis Ads Might Soon Be On TV And Radio — Here’s Why

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 30, 2022

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Cannabis Ads Might Soon Be On TV And Radio — Here’s Why

TV and radio stations operate under FCC licenses and federal law, which categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical value and high abuse potential.

By Nina Zdinjak

The House Appropriations Committee recently passed a bill with a provision that would block the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from penalizing broadcasters for advertising cannabis products in states with legal marijuana markets, reported Media Post.

At the moment, most TV and radio stations in states where cannabis is legal do not accept ads from marijuana companies. Cable channels, the Internet, social media platforms, billboards, satellite and print do accept weed-related advertisements. Why is that?

watching TV — Photo by Nico De Pasquale Photography/Getty Images

TV and radio stations operate under FCC licenses and federal law, which categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical value and high abuse potential, in the same category as heroin although the two substances are incomparable.

For that reason, local TV broadcasters could risk losing their license or being charged with a crime if they violate federal law. And to think that cannabis advertising is estimated to total $18.5 billion in 2022.

The 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill that was advanced by the committee Friday contains the following language:

“…none of the funds made available in this Act3 to the Federal Communications Commission may be used, with respect to an authorization for radio or television stations, to deny, fail to renew for a full term or condition the authorization, decline to approve an application for authority to assign the authorization or transfer direct or indirect control of the licensee, require an early renewal application, or impose a forfeiture penalty because the station broadcast or otherwise transmitted advertisements (a) of a business selling cannabis or cannabis-derived products, the sale or distribution of which is authorized in the State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian country in which the community of license of a station is located, or (b) of a business selling hemp, hemp-derived CBD products or other hemp-derived cannabinoid products.”

Broadcasters Are Delighted

“We are pleased to see that this bipartisan language has advanced in the House today,” National Association of Broadcasters spokesman Alex Siciliano said in a statement. “As the vast majority of states have legalized cannabis in some form, today marks a long-overdue step toward finally allowing broadcasters to receive equal treatment regarding cannabis advertising that other forms of media have had for years.”

The measure needs to be approved by the House and Senate and, if passed, would need to be renewed every year.

“While we welcome today’s progress, local broadcasters will continue to work with all policymakers towards a broader resolution of this competitive disparity and in support of our unique service to local communities,” Siciliano said.

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

Marijuana Lounges Could Soon Open In This State

Maria Loreto

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June 30, 2022

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Marijuana Lounges Could Soon Open In This State

The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board approved the sale of cannabis consumption lounges on Tuesday.

Marijuana lounges could open in Nevada as soon as this year. These locations would allow adults over the age of 21 to openly use marijuana products in a social setting.

These news was shared by the state’s Cannabis Compliance Board on Tuesday:

Today, the CCB voted unanimously to approve regulations surrounding the licensing and operation of cannabis consumption lounges. pic.twitter.com/1O3R3cXIsr

— Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (@NevadaCCB) June 28, 2022

“Today, the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) voted unanimously to approve regulations surrounding the licensing and operation of cannabis consumption lounges,” reads the opening statement.

The statement then explains that the approval of these regulations followed a months-long process where details were discussed in over 15 public meetings and workshops. Per the CCB, the first licenses will be handed out in the fall, allowing for lounges to open near the end of the year.

Marijuana lounges were legalized last year when lawmakers approved a bill and created two possible licenses. There’s one for “retail cannabis consumption lounges,” where products can be purchased and consumed, and another for “independent cannabis consumption lounges,” which sells single-serving and ready-to-consume products. Las Vegas is already home to the largest dispensary, Planet 13 and soon will home to the Cannabition Cannabis Museum.

Nevada appears to be the state leading the charge in terms of cannabis lounges, creating an environment similar to that of a bar. Instead of having people bring their cannabis to a space where it can be consumed, these lounges serve as a place to purchase and consume.

Why Cannabis Consumption Lounges Have Failed To Takeoff — Photo by Photography Life via Unsplash

The law would allow expanding the idea of cannabis lounges, allowing a variety of businesses to sell weed. In Nevada, marijuana could soon be sold in restaurants, workout studios and massage parlors.

Alaska and Colorado already have cannabis lounge regulations, although they’re not as free as Nevada’s. New York’s legalization laws also mention locations where cannabis can be consumed publicly.

8 Strange Marijuana Law Which Are Hard To Believe!

Marijuana Legislation

Tom Gaffey

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June 30, 2022

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8 Strange Marijuana Law Which Are Hard To Believe!

In Maine, edibles are taxed at a higher rate because the state subjects them to a meal tax. Who knew gummy bears counted as lunch?

Marijuana laws are changing more rapidly than ever as individual states navigate their paths towards (or away from) legalization. Thirty-eight states have legalized marijuana to some degree, which is a heap more than just a few years ago. While this may be great news for cannabis activists and enthusiasts, “legalization” means something different to some degree in just about every state. Here are 8 strange marijuana laws, you have to read them to believe them!

With marijuana legalization occurring on a state level rather than a federal level, there is room for all sorts of variations in cannabis law. While many laws make sense for each particular state, some jump out as a little bizarre. Some laws are just flat out strange. Here is a list of 8 crazy marijuana laws you can’t help but laugh at, even though they are very much real.

legal marijuana — Photo by RODNAE Productions via Pexels

1. Michigan Uses An Outdated Marijuana Spelling

When the state of Michigan legalized marijuana, they took a historical (and very outdated) approach. The state refers to marijuana as “marihuana,” which is a term both old and, as we have previously reported, problematic. The reasoning is rooted in Michigan history, according to michigan.gov. “Michigan’s history primarily starts from the spelling that was chosen for the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.”

2. D.C. Embraces The Gift Of Giving

In Washington D.C., recreational marijuana is legal, but the operation of a marijuana dispensary is illegal. Several years ago, entrepreneurs found crafty ways of selling weed at speakeasy style retail stores. From clothing sales with weed attached to gym memberships that come with marijuana in their workout programs, more and more storefronts have popped up. The fascinating part is these are not just makeshift shops. There are all sorts of “not quite dispensaries” all over D.C. with permanent storefronts that do not hide what they sell. This all makes it clear that The District is in on the joke and the loophole in the law, and doesn’t seem much to mind.

3. No Dispensary Merch In Massachusetts

If you are looking for a hat, t-shirt or even sticker with your favorite dispensary logo on it, you will be left empty handed in Massachusetts. Dispensaries cannot advertise their cannabis products on clothing, cups, drink holders, novelty items or anything else you can think of, according to the Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts. They are, however, allowed to sell marijuana in many forms, so there is still plenty of shopping to be done.

illegal marijuana — Photo by ChrisSteer/Getty Images

4. Maine Charges You A Meal Tax On Edibles, Bon Appetit!

In Maine, the rate of marijuana taxation varies based on how you consume it. “Medical Marijuana 5.5 percent general sales tax rate at retail. Edibles at 8 percent rate,” according to maine.gov. Edibles are taxed at a higher rate because Maine subjects them to a meal tax. Who knew gummy bears counted as lunch?

5. Don’t Deliver Weed Using Planes, Trains Or Boats In California

California may have been one of the pioneers in marijuana legalization, but they are very particular about how they want it transported. According to California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control, “Transportation by means of aircraft, watercraft, drone, rail, human powered vehicle, and unmanned vehicle is prohibited.” In other words,don’t reinvent the wheel, just use a automobile

6. Can’t Smell Weed In California or Washington

Many find the act of smelling the marijuana buds one of the more fun experiences at a dispensary. It likens the experience to visiting a winery, as you learn the notes of each bud from the budtender. Unfortunately, you will have to stick to wineries for that experience in California and Washington, as all products must be sealed and individually wrapped. No scratch and sniff available.

cannabis smell terpenes — Photo by Sharon Mccutcheon / EyeEm/Getty Images

7. Nevada Is A Stickler For Fonts

Nevada might be the city of sin, but perhaps the greatest sin is making a font faux pas. Nevada not only has particular rules about font size, but also the font itself. While the state does allow both serif and sans serif fonts on labels, you cannot use italics. Any other graphic or “fun” fonts are absolutely out of the question.

8. Looking For Weed In Delaware? Find A Phone Book

Delaware is another state that makes finding marijuana a bit more like a treasure hunt than normal. Delaware does not allow any medical marijuana advertising by normal print, broadcast, in-person solicitation or other means. Instead, if you are looking for marijuana dispensaries you might have to dust off a phone book. Delaware marijuana codes outlaw all sorts of advertising methods, but explicitly allow phone book advertising.

DC Bill Will Allow Medical Marijuana Patients To Self-Certify

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 30, 2022

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DC Bill Will Allow Medical Marijuana Patients To Self-Certify

The legislation enables the District to bypass the annually-renewed congressional spending bill rider that has prevented D.C. from using its local taxes to implement a system of legal cannabis commerce.

By Jelena Martinovic

Washington, D.C. lawmakers green-lighted emergency legislation to set up a faux recreational cannabis market. The DC bill will allow medical marijuana patients to self-certify without a doctor’s recommendation and buy cannabis from licensed retailers.

Sponsored by Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie (D) and Mary Cheh (D), the measure was advanced by the full Washington, D.C. Council on Tuesday in a 13-0 vote, reported Marijuana Moment.

The legislation enables the District to bypass the annually-renewed congressional spending bill rider that has prevented D.C. from using its local taxes to implement a system of legal cannabis commerce, even though voters approved cannabis possession, cultivation and gifting in 2014.

Why This Matters

Cannabis is fully legal in the nation’s capital, but due to a convoluted bicameral omnibus spending bill, marijuana sales are banned in the District, where some 700,000 people reside.

A similar measure to provide the cannabis self-certification process, sponsored by District Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) was defeated earlier this year due to separate provisions that would have come down on unlicensed businesses that are leveraging existing policy to “gift” marijuana to people who buy unrelated products and services.

While these enforcement provisions were not part of the bill approved on Tuesday, lawmakers touched on the issue in a resolution attached to the legislation.

“Because these shops are operating outside of the law, there is no requirement or enforcement of customer registration, including verification that purchasers are of legal age,” the resolution says. “In addition, for gray market products, there is no assurance that the marijuana has been tested or adequately labeled, raising concerns that products could be contaminated or otherwise unsafe for consumers, and that the potency of the marijuana purchased could differ from what was advertised.”

Seniors Don’t Need Doctors To Get Medical Marijuana

In February, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill into law that expanded access to the District’s medical marijuana program for people 65 and older.

Under that bill, senior residents can “self-certify that they will use cannabis for medical purposes in lieu of including a recommendation from their health care practitioner with their registration application as is required for all other applicants.”

The measure also extended the registration renewal deadline for other patients and set up a week-long medical marijuana tax “holiday” that happens to coincide with 4/20.

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

Why New Omicron Variant Is ‘The Worst’ Version Of The Virus

News

Maria Loreto

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June 29, 2022

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Why New Omicron Variant Is ‘The Worst’ Version Of The Virus

Two new Omicron variants are leading the charge in COVID cases in the US. One of them is of particular concern to scientists.

Two new Omicron variants are currently leading infections in the US, and one of them is being called “the worst version of the virus” scientists have seen.

The new variants are Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, with the latter being the one that has scientists on high alert due to its ability to evade immunity.

Infected With Omicron? This Is The Window When You're Contagious — Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu via Unsplash

Fortune wrote about BA.5, picking up on a newsletter written by Dr. Eric Topol. “It takes immune escape, already extensive, to the next level, and, as a function of that, enhanced transmissibility,” he wrote. Topol is a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research.

“You could say it’s not so bad because there hasn’t been a marked rise in hospitalizations and deaths as we saw with Omicron, but that’s only because we had such a striking adverse impact from Omicron, for which there is at least some cross-immunity,” he wrote, referencing the current Covid numbers that are being reported across the country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Omicron variants B.4 and B.5 are expected to have caused 52% of Covid infections last week. While it’s difficult to predict the variant’s response to vaccines, experts believe vaccinated people are likely experiencing a drop in protection, higher than the one experienced by previous Omicron variants.

When discussing variant B.5, it’s unknown how vaccines perform against it.

B.4 and B.5 are spiking in places all over the world, but you wouldn’t know it, because they’re occurring at the same time as previous variants are declining. This gives the impression that the wave is stabilizing instead of one variant replacing the other.

New Omicron variants present similar symptoms as the original Omicron strain. They include fever, loss of smell, and fatigue, with less of a focus on respiratory complications. While the disease is still something to contend with, it’s not as dangerous as it was at the start.

Cannabis Laced With Fentanyl Is Not A Thing, Cops & Media Should Stop Scare Tactics

Benzinga Staff Writer

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June 29, 2022

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Cannabis Laced With Fentanyl Is Not A Thing, Cops & Media Should Stop Scare Tactics

There is no scientific data that would validate the assumption that fentanyl-laced weed is causing widespread fatalities thus far.

By Joana Scopel

Over the past two years, between law enforcement and some anti-cannabis media outlets, frightening stories about “fentanyl-laced marijuana” have cropped up in the news although lab testing has never confirmed it.

Does fentanyl-laced weed even exist? Leafly undertook a 6-month investigation and analyzed claims of fentanyl-laced cannabis. “Many of our readers are medical marijuana patients or adult cannabis consumers. If they face a serious risk using any cannabis-related products, we intend to let them know about it,” Leafly stated.

What Ever Happened To All Of That Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana? — Photo by Bernard Chantal/Getty Images

“The lie spreads from three sources: Faulty field drug testing kits, police departments incentivized to hype local fear, and reporters who fail to question, investigate, or follow up on police claims,” Leafly added.

In reality, Fentanyl traces have only been found in one cannabis sample on US soil — one of 40 claimed in Connecticut, where a state public health leader admitted it might be “the first confirmed case in the United States.”

According to harm reduction specialists, “even if marijuana was dusted with fentanyl, it likely wouldn’t kill a consumer because fentanyl burns up at a lower temperature than marijuana.”

Even WebMD said that is a myth. “There is no scientific data that would validate the assumption [that fentanyl-laced weed is causing widespread fatalities] thus far,” Lawrence Weinstein, MD and chief medical officer at American Addiction Centers said.

According to the Ontario Harm Reduction Network (OHRN), there have been no laboratory-confirmed cases of fentanyl-laced cannabis. OHRN, said also that fentanyl has a high-profit margin, whereas marijuana has a low-profit margin.

Moreover, fentanyl’s high potential for fatal overdose makes it a bad option for producing dependence. “The idea they would enhance dependency does not hold water because of the lethality of [fentanyl]. That’s truly a myth,” Weinstein added.

marijuana fentanyl opioids — Photo by Roxana Gonzalez/EyeEm/Getty Images

In addition, testing positive for both fentanyl and marijuana does not automatically mean that you’ve consumed fentanyl-laced weed.

“It is more likely that that person also may test positive for other substances for fentanyl. [Fentanyl] is much more prevalent to be used in cutting opioids. It doesn’t mean that other substances cannot be laced with fentanyl, but based on frequency and likelihood, it is most likely other substances that one would need to be tested for,” Weinstein concluded.

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

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Edible products will be regulated by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy and must have a label showing serving sizes, ingredients, and a warning to keep the product out of reach of children.

Board Of Pharmacy Challenges

The American Heart Association (AHA) updated its heart health checklist, adding a key area that impacts people’s cardiovascular health.

If you are attending a big fireworks show at night, or some other long event with lots of people, remember that July 4th is a marathon and not a sprint. Here are some other tips.

National Parks And Federal Property Are Off Limits For Cannabis

Don’t Forget To Tell Your Friends If You Spike Their BBQ

Consider Low Dose Edibles For The Main Festivities

Keep You Weed Stored Securely

The Odor Doesn’t Always Attract The Right Crowd

Consider Going Off The Beaten Path

Have A Blast

This naturalistic investigation of cannabis use for insomnia suggests that individuals with depression and anxiety perceive benefits from using cannabis for sleep.

Study Highlights

The Results?

Study Limitations

TV and radio stations operate under FCC licenses and federal law, which categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical value and high abuse potential.

Broadcasters Are Delighted

The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board approved the sale of cannabis consumption lounges on Tuesday.

In Maine, edibles are taxed at a higher rate because the state subjects them to a meal tax. Who knew gummy bears counted as lunch?

1. Michigan Uses An Outdated Marijuana Spelling

2. D.C. Embraces The Gift Of Giving

3. No Dispensary Merch In Massachusetts

4. Maine Charges You A Meal Tax On Edibles, Bon Appetit!

5. Don’t Deliver Weed Using Planes, Trains Or Boats In California

6. Can’t Smell Weed In California or Washington

7. Nevada Is A Stickler For Fonts

8. Looking For Weed In Delaware? Find A Phone Book

The legislation enables the District to bypass the annually-renewed congressional spending bill rider that has prevented D.C. from using its local taxes to implement a system of legal cannabis commerce.

Why This Matters

Seniors Don’t Need Doctors To Get Medical Marijuana

Two new Omicron variants are leading the charge in COVID cases in the US. One of them is of particular concern to scientists.

There is no scientific data that would validate the assumption that fentanyl-laced weed is causing widespread fatalities thus far.

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