A group of 48 House Representatives sent a letter calling on the chairman and ranking members of a House appropriations subcommittee to address cannabis issues through the must-pass legislation as part of a spending bill expected to be introduced next week, reported Marijuana Moment.
The letter, shared with Marijuana Moment, includes three sections of language that the lawmakers hope to see in the base spending bill for the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS).
The proposals would block “the Department of Justice from prosecuting those who comply with their state or tribal marijuana laws,” wrote the group which included Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Barbara Lee (D-CA).
The four reps had signed their names to an earlier letter, in 2021 in which they pointed out that state-level legalization laws were decided upon by the voters and therefore “the federal government should not interfere with these programs and the will of the voters of these states.”
Lawmakers Now Want Broader Protections
A rider preventing the DOJ from using federal funds to interfere in legal medical cannabis legalization has been renewed yearly since 2014, but lawmakers are now pushing for broader protections in this latest appropriations measure.
“None of the funds made available in this Act to the Department of Justice may be used to enforce federal prohibitions involving the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes that are permitted by the laws of the state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory where the act was committed, or to prevent states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories from implementing their own laws that permit the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes.”
Rep. Blumenauer has said on numerous occasions that cannabis legalization is a priority for him. Blumenauer handily won May’s Democratic primary in Oregon with nearly 95% of the vote, which he’s done since 1996.
“States from coast to coast—across the political spectrum, red and blue have—have taken meaningful action to end prohibitory policies and allow the development of both adult use and medical marijuana programs,” Blumenauer said. “The federal government should not interfere with these programs and the will of the voters.”
Lockdown has greatly impacted our lives. In the case of children, it has affected their systems in unexpected and concerning ways.
The effects of the COVID lockdown have been experienced by people of all ages. While the mental health of adults and teens has been impacted, in the case of children, their immune systems have taken a hit.
According to new research, kids are being admitted into hospitals having up to three coinfections of viruses at the same time.
Per The Washington Post, the report was conducted by researchers from the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital in Connecticut, and it showed seven different viruses.
Children were admitted with two or three viruses with increased regularity. While COVID was amongst the diseases reported, viruses like the adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza, and more also made appearances.
Researchers explain that these numbers aren’t normal, especially considering the season in which we’re in, when the weather is growing warmer and there aren’t as many seasonal illnesses. They argue that COVID lockdown measures might have had an influence on kids’ immune systems, with the at-home measures preventing them from building up their defenses against common illnesses.
“We’ve never seen a flu season in the U.S. extend into June,” Yale medical expert Dr. Scott Roberts told CNBC. “Now that people have unmasked, places are opening up, we’re seeing viruses behave in very odd ways that they weren’t before.”
Roberts shared that over the past two years we’ve experienced lower than average seasonal illnesses, with experts crediting this due to mask-wearing and social distancing measures. Now that masks are being less used across the country, we can expect strange behaviors from viruses and the reappearance of obscure conditions like tuberculosis and monkeypox.
Each person has their own reasons as to why the weed they are loyal to is “the best.” Perhaps this is why there are so many favorite strains on the market today.
We asked our readers in an informalonline poll what makes the weed the “best,” and we received all kinds of answers. We wondered if it was strength, flavor, or maybe something else that attracted cannabis enthusiasts to their favorite strain. Many respondents said “all the above,” while others listed reasons that we didn’t even think of, like “no seeds,” a slow burn, and even highest marks given to weed that is organically grown.
Flavor, taste and strength (or potency) were the most commonly mentioned reasons for declaring weed “the best,” as well as certain strains that made the person feel exactly the way they wanted to feel. But at the end of the day, answering the question “what makes the best weed?” is ultimately a bit subjective.
Taste, flavor and even potency can vary significantly from person to person in many cases. Still, there is some evidence and science that sheds light on why most consumers are seeking the things they are when on the hunt for the perfect bud.
Photo by Jose Luque / EyeEm/Getty Images
Flavor And Smell
The flavor and bouquet of your bud is often telling. Apart from the fact that very strong smelling marijuana is often fresh and well-grown, there might be further evidence of quality in the more subtle notes lingering in the air. A big part of what you’re smelling is the plants’ unique and specific terpenes and terpenoids.
The smell and flavor in itself can hold appeal, but when combined with the THC, it can become an altogether elevated phenomenon known as the entourage effect. It’s no wonder why many people rely on their nose and taste buds when discerning their favorite weed.
Potency
At the end of the day, people buy weed to get high. Therefore potency is going to be at the top of most lists. But if this were the case, highly concentrated products would have wiped out lower percentage THC flower by now. They have not. A big reason for this is that THC potency does not always mean you are guaranteed to get more high. According a recent study, which tested subjects exposed to highly concentrated THC and also those exposed to lower doses, “Despite differences in THC exposure, flower and concentrate users showed similar neurobehavioral patterns after acute cannabis.”
In other words, the study showed that the percentage of THC you consume does not equate to the level of “high” you feel (with the notable exception of edibles — those percentages mean just that). As an article inForbes put it, “Judging a cannabis strain on its THC content is not unlike judging a film based on the lead actor. The THC number isn’t going to be an indicator of the performance.”
Indica vs. Sativa
Some purchase weed for smell, some for potency, and others make their decision based on the species. Whether weed is the species of “indica” or “sativa” is a major factor in the way many people purchase weed. These two words (along with “hybrid”) are used constantly at recreational dispensaries. The reason for this is that sativa is classically more an invigorating head high, and indica is more of a mellow high. These are two very different experiences.
While many have their preference between the two, the more seasoned cannabis user will find that there is a lot more to how weed affects you besides its species. While indica may often feel mellowing, there are other components in all sorts of strains of weed that also provide a mellowing experience.
This is what makes each strain unique and marketable in its own way. In fact, according toMedical News Today, “Some experts suggest that manufacturers should abandon naming their products as sativa or indica. Using these names is misleading and far more complex than people once thought.”
Each person has their own reasons as to why the weed they are loyal to is “the best.” Perhaps this is why there are so many favorite strains on the market today, and seemingly just as many ways to consume them. While the decision to determine what the best weed is may become more difficult, the good news is it appears as though there will be more and more amazing strains to choose from. Sometimes hard decisions aren’t such a bad thing.
At least a dozen trucks in New York selling marijuana were towed by the authorities. The police claim that towing the vehicles was unrelated to cannabis.
New York isn’t officially selling legal marijuana, despite the city crawling with cannabis businesses, from trucks to pop-up shops.
This week, the New York City Sheriff’s office seized about a dozen Weed World Candies trucks, which, as we’ve reported previously, do not sell anything that contains THC, “although customers have reported being told otherwise, and in at least one instance, a spokesperson for the company said their products contain CBD.”
Per NBC New York, the trucks had an outstanding parking debt of $504,000, with a ticket debt in judgement of $316,000. Some of the trucks were towed because of parking debt, while others were parked illegally.
“This has absolutely nothing to do with marijuana, it only has to do with unpaid debt. Judgement debt, that’s not paid and owed to the city of New York,” said Maureen Kokeas, NYC Deputy Sheriff. “The Department of Finance has communicated with these parties many, many, many times over many years trying to collect this debt, and the debt was ignored — so we went out and took enforcement action.”
New York’s unregulated cannabis market has facilitated much conversation. While cannabis is legal, the city has yet to establish a functioning cannabis market, confusing many. Earlier this month, NYC Mayor Eric Adams made his stance clear, asking people to have fun, light up and spend money.
“Enjoy yourself, light up, but most importantly, spend some money,” he said at the Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo at Javits Center in Manhattan. When discussing unlicensed cannabis businesses, Adams said that instead of handing out fines he believed in giving them warnings and helping them transition towards a legitimate business.
Cannabis dispensaries in New York have no official start date yet, but experts predict businesses will be up and running by late this year or early 2023.
While further research is needed, these results are a great start as they offer hope to the approximately 250,000 people worldwide struggling with this devastating condition.
MGC Pharmaceuticals , a publicly-traded cannabis company, recently finalized pre-clinical trial research of cannabinoids as a potential treatment for glioblastoma, anaggressive brain cancer. The results were positive, reported CityA.M.
The European-based bio-pharma company specializing in the production and development of phytomedicines said that the three-year in-vitro trial delivered “outstanding results.”
Photo by KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images
Study Highlights
The research, conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Biology in Slovenia with 30 biopsy samples from 18 patients, first examined how cannabinoids such as CBD can be used as a treatment for cancerous tumors. MGC also researched THC and later replaced it with cannabigerol, known as CBG, which has no known psychotropic effects.
The study took more than 5,800 cell tests to determine the most efficient concentration and ratios of CBD and CBG in the treatment formulation.
The results revealed the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating glioblastoma, as well as the most efficient ratio of CBD:CBG in inhibiting the tumor’s viability, causing a cascade of biological processes resulting in the death of glioblastoma and stem cells, reported BusinessCann. This is important because glioblastoma stem cells are the primary cause of the disease’s progression and are resistant to standard treatments. Glioblastoma is the most common, fast-growing, and aggressive brain tumor. Composed of diverse cell types, the prognosis is always poor.
“The results of this trial are enormously exciting both for the company, and for the treatment of fatal cancerous tumors,” said Roby Zomer, co-founder and managing director at MGC Pharmaceuticals.
“MGC Pharma’s research has demonstrated the effect of naturally derived cannabinoid products on stage IV brain tumors without the use of toxic chemotherapy components. We are proud of the work achieved thus far and are looking forward to advancing our proprietary formulation to the next stage of clinical trials.”
Previous Research
This is not the first successful research on the potential of CBD as a treatment for this type of brain tumor.
The study suggested that inhaled CBD reduces the size of glioblastoma through the reduction of the essential support of its microenvironment. Researchers chose the inhaled approach to make sure the compound found in the cannabis plant reached the brain.
“We saw a significant reduction in the size of the tumor and its microenvironment was different,” after only seven days of treatment, said Dr. Babak Baban, immunologist and associate dean for research at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University.
In eight days the aggressive brain tumor was formed in the brain of the mice, and the following day they started treating them with CBD via inhalation or placebo. The researchers discovered that CBD altered the tumor’s ecosystem, or supportive tumor microenvironment, and restored levels of inflammation that attack glioblastoma.
“It is about immune balance,” said Baban, the corresponding author of the study.
He explained that the human immune system is regularly fighting cancerous or precancerous cells, but when a tumor is completely established, it takes charge. This means that the tumor creates a state of more chronic inflammation that ends up protecting it from the immune system.
While further research is needed, these results are a great start as they offer hope to the approximately 250,000 people worldwide struggling with this devastating condition.
Does cannabis use, both medical and recreational, have a negative impact on cognitive function? As the number of studies focusing on cannabis exposure and cognitive impairment with different findings grows, the topic is becoming more controversial.
A study conducted in 2001 and published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that “the former marihuana smokers did not show any cognitive impairments,” the same as a study published four years later in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology.
On the other end of the spectrum are studies suggesting the opposite. As a rule, those kinds of studies mainly focus on the long-term outcomes of those who started using marijuana earlier in life, comparing statistically significant changes in cognitive functioning among those who use cannabis and those who don’t.
New Research
One such example is recent research that followed 1,037 New Zealanders from age 3 to age 45 to determine the effect marijuana has on brain function.
Published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, the study found that those who have been using cannabis long-term and on a regular basis showed cognitive impairment after all.
Besides a 5.5 points decline in users’ IQs from childhood to midlife, the results confirmed some deficits in learning and processing speed compared to those who are not marijuana users.
The Michigan House Committee on Regulatory Reform held a hearing of testimonies on Tuesday about allowing people younger than 21, but at least 18 to work in the cannabis industry in Michigan, reported Fox47News.
Currently, employees at adult-use dispensaries and cultivation facilities must be 21 or older. State Rep. Kevin Coleman (Democratic Party) is trying to change this.
“People have to be 21 to work in cannabis and that doesn’t matter if it’s on the science aspect, cultivation, marketing, sales, so House Bill 6061 is simple, what it does is it would lower the age from 21 to 18,” Rep. Coleman said during his testimony.
One of his arguments for pushing this change is a shortage of cannabis workers.
“We have folks, young people, who are in these college programs or who are trying to start their careers off, who are unable to get involved in the industry because they might be 18, 19, or 20. We want to give young people the opportunity to learn on the job,” Coleman said.
Committee members raised questions about the risk that younger workers could begin consuming cannabis. Micah M. Siegal, who testified on behalf of a Lansing-based marijuana retailer, Pure Options, argued that the risk for that is low.
“Our products are extraordinarily regulated, and the transactions we engage in are always on camera. Because of this regulatory oversight, the risk of diversion of the product to minors is minimal,” Siegal said.
In Maine, marijuana consumers are turning to legal sources over the black market, an achievement for the state and for cannabis proponents.
Marijuana proponents argue that establishing a legal cannabis industry is an effective way of curbing black market marijuana and preventing its risks. While cannabis industries around the country are relatively new, and black market businesses have years of advantage over them, Maine appears to be reaping the benefits of the legal cannabis industry.
According to a new report from the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP), legal marijuana is impacting black market sales, and the “current illicit market has diminished more than expected.”
The report examined feedback 2,000 Maine residents, with 64% of them claiming that they obtained marijuana products from legal sources. The report found that the majority of young adult users and those who prioritized their cannabis quality turned to legal stores in January of 2021.
Other interesting findings include the fact that people who lived closer to cannabis shops were more likely to seek out legal cannabis products, and that people who purchased legal marijuana had the same risk as others to experience cannabis use disorder and driving while impaired.
Erik Gundersen, director of the OCP, discussed these results in a press statement, claiming that they’re positive for legal cannabis and that they reinforce the benefits of having a functioning legal market. “We are pleased to release this report that highlights the successful launch of Maine’s adult use market,” he said. The findings in this report point to policies and practices that promote and preserve public health and safety, while allowing legal businesses to compete.”
Study authors are calling these results “an achievement in both public health and cannabis policy,” showing that legal cannabis provides revenue for the state and encourages the safe and appropriate use of the drug.
A new nationwide study reveals consumer confusion around U.S. standards for cannabis product safety and quality, showing there is a widely-held, inaccurate assumption that cannabis products have the same basic protections that exist for food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the U.S.
The national study was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of SICPA, a leading provider of regulatory compliance solutions, and the Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards (FOCUS) among over 2,000 U.S. adults. Results include:
Via Anton Petrus/Getty
Nearly three-quarters of Americans overall (72%) and 80% of American cannabis consumers think cannabis products are grown and produced using consistent product safety standards (regardless of which state they are legally purchased in).
More than four in five Americans overall (81%) and 84% of cannabis consumers think that no matter where they are located, the businesses licensed to grow and produce cannabis products must meet consistent environmental standards.
More than three-quarters of Americans overall (77%) and 81% of cannabis consumers, believe cannabis employers are held to the same health and safety standards for their workers as every other industry.
“Our new survey shows Americans are wholly misinformed about the lack of basic safety and quality protections for cannabis products in many states,” stated Karen Gardner, chief marketing officer, SICPA US. “Even cannabis consumers themselves aren’t aware that in states where products are legal, there are no uniform standards, leaving lots of room for unsafe, poor-quality products on the market.”
Also surveyed in the SICPA-Harris Poll were sentiments around support for having the federal government establish standards for cannabis products. An overwhelming 84% of Americans overall and 84% of cannabis consumers support setting federal standards for product safety and quality for cannabis products produced or sold in the U.S. Similarly, 83% of Americans overall and 83% of cannabis consumers support the federal government setting standards for environmental protections that must be met by the U.S. cannabis industry in the U.S.
The poll showed large support among Americans also exists for decriminalization and/or legalization of cannabis products. Nearly three in four (74%) Americans overall and nearly four in five (79%) cannabis consumers are in favor of decriminalization and over three in four Americans (78%) and a large majority (86%) of cannabis consumers support the legalization of cannabis at the national level.
The SICPA-Harris Poll survey also measured cannabis use among Americans, finding 55% of Americans have used cannabis products at some point in time, with more than two in five (42%) stating they’ve used cannabis products in the past 12 months, and 16% saying they consumed cannabis products for the first time in the past 12 months.
This is the third SICPA-The Harris Poll survey on cannabis; in February, the second survey showed overwhelming support among cannabis consumers for more in-depth information about the products they use. The first poll, released last Fall, showed broad support among Americans for securely labeling cannabis products to verify their legitimacy and safety in the marketplace.
The best way to make use of CBD for weight loss is to also approach it holistically, ensuring you are exercising regularly, eating nutritiously, and getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
For weight-conscious individuals, it can be confusing to navigate the CBD market. But it’s natural even for people at a healthy weight to be interested in maintaining it to avoid being overweight. After all, being overweight or worse, obese, has been associated with numerous preventable illnesses such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, coronary heart disease, and more. It’s always in your best interest to keep your weight at a healthy level as much as possible.
It’s known that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in marijuana products has been linked to inducing appetite and weight gain, albeit at healthy levels when taken in moderation or under medical supervision. So much so that it’s even being used for inducing the appetite of cancer and HIV patients, or those that struggle with eating disorders.
But when it comes to CBD, will it help you lose weight, or will it cause weight gain? The truth is, there’s no clear-cut answer, though the results can vary depending on many factors. Here’s some food for thought, based on existing studies:
How CBD Affects Metabolism
A 2016 study conducted by Korean researchers focused on the impact of CBD on preadipocytes, which are immature fat cells. Their findings suggest that CBD work in three ways to promote “fat browning” otherwise white fat tissue (scientifically known as white adipose tissue or WAT), since browned fat is more effective in weight loss as well as obesity treatments.
Additionally, brown fat is more efficient in metabolizing fat molecules and blood sugar to help us maintain our body’s temperature. The presence of more white fat in the body can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes while brown fat induces weight loss.
The researchers discovered that CBD works to stimulate genes and proteins that are responsible for breaking down fat. It can also increase the mitochondria activity which strengthens the body’s calorie-burning mechanisms. On top of that, CBD consumption has been found to decrease protein expression for those associated with creating new fat cells in the body.
CBD Decreases Obesity Risk Factors
There are other indirect lifestyle factors that contribute to weight gain. Some of the biggest culprits are stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep.
Stress: Constant exposure to stress leads to an increase in the production of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. Cortisol may be the reason why you tend to look for fatty and sugary foods under times of stress, and it’s also associated with a rise in insulin levels. Research shows that CBD works to reduce cortisol levels especially among people who take 300 or 600 mg of CBD daily.
By addressing stress, you can stop weight loss in its track. In addition, CBD is also a mood enhancer. When we’re in a better mood, we can be more motivated to exercise. Many studies, including one from 2021, prove CBD’s efficacy in treating mood disorders and anxiety.
CBD Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is extremely common, and this condition is associated with obesity and weight gain. A medical review from 2020 revealed that CBD affects many factors that result in insulin resistance which leads to type 2 diabetes and then weight gain.
For individuals who are genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes, you may take CBD products as a way to keep your metabolic resistance healthy.
How To Choose CBD Products For Weight Loss
Before going any further, remember that CBD products are not a one-size fits-all solution to lose unwanted pounds. It may cause some people to gain weight while others lose, though there are many factors involved including your lifestyle and metabolism among others.
The myriad of studies out there generally show the consensus that CBD is highly unlikely to cause weight gain by itself. But one also has to keep in mind that marijuana products affect everyone differently; CBD may cause your friend to be hungrier than usual while it may cause you to have a suppressed appetite.
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The best way to make use of CBD for weight loss is to also approach it holistically, ensuring you are exercising regularly, eating nutritiously and in accordance with your specific health needs, and getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
Having said that, here are things you should look out for when shopping for CBD products that will assist with weight loss:
Use CBD products that are low in calories, so stay away from sugar-rich gummies that can contribute to weight gain. Low to zero calorie CBD product examples would include unflavored oils, tinctures, and vapes.
Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) or third party testing to identify if there are other compounds within the product you are considering purchasing. If CBD products contain a significant amount of THC, you can get high and experience the munchies, causing weight gain over the long run. A COA is essentially proof that the product contains exactly what the manufacturer says and nothing else.
Experiment with dosages and take note of its effects. It’s generally recommended to start with 5 to 10 mg of CBD within a day. Observe how it makes you feel: does it make you feel relaxed, more alert, focused, or sleepy? Adjust your dose as needed. Eventually you will find the best time and dose to take so that you can modify consumption based on what you need it most. For example, 5mg in the morning may give you a little boost to workout, while 15mg at night can give you the well-rested sleep you need before your morning exercise.
