Cannabis Vaping Among Teens Higher Than Ever

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May 21, 2022

Cannabis Vaping Among Teens Higher Than Ever

Trends in vaping use have largely been unexamined including frequency, emerging disparities and use with other substances.

Cannabis vaping is increasing as the most popular method of cannabis delivery among all adolescents in the U.S., as is the frequency of vaping, according to research done at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

The study found that the frequency of vaping cannabis among adolescents from all demographic groups is reported at six or more times per month, and rising faster than occasional use. Those who vape and smoke nicotine are more than 40 times more likely to also vape and smoke cannabis, according to the study published in the journal Addiction.

Vaping In Teens Continues To Increase And Could Have Long Lasting Impact — Photo by Toan Nguyen via Unsplash

Relatively Unstudied Until Now

Trends in vaping use have largely been unexamined including frequency, emerging disparities and use with other substances — all critical information said Katherine Keyes, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School.

“Heavy and frequent use of cannabis is increasing among U.S. adolescents, and vaped systems for products for both cannabis and nicotine are growing in number so understanding the prevalence and patterns of frequent cannabis vaping is important public health information for prevention,” Dr. Keyes said.

“Given rising concerns about cannabis vaping in terms of safety and potential for transition to cannabis use disorder especially at frequent levels of use, these results indicate a necessity for public health intervention and increased regulation.”

The Study

The findings are based on the annual survey Monitoring the Future, in which a population of 51,052 high schoolers were randomly selected and invited to participate for two years, per Columbia’s Public Health Now.

According to Keyes, tobacco use and e-cigarettes, as well as binge drinking, are strongly linked to frequent cannabis use – both vaping and non-vaping. The evidence indicates that young adults who use nicotine, especially through vaporizers, are more likely to later vape marijuana.

In fact, adolescents who reported smoking and vaping nicotine on more than 10 occasions of binge drinking, were 42 times and 10 times more likely to report past 30-day cannabis use with vaping, respectively, compared to no use.

“Given that it is easier for adolescents to conceal vaping than cannabis smoking, this mode of cannabis use may facilitate more frequent use,” Keyes said.

Prevalence increased across grades, with the largest burden among high school seniors for whom past-30-day prevalence almost tripled from 5 percent (2017) to 14 percent (2019). The one-year increase in this grade from 2018 to 2019 (7.5 percent to 14 percent) is the second-largest one-year increase in any type of substance use prevalence ever tracked by Monitoring the Future.

“This persisting prevalence of daily cannabis use, which in 2020 use was higher than any year since 1981, is of further alarm for several reasons, Keyes said. “Heavy levels of cannabis use are associated with adverse cognitive and social outcomes for youth, as well as long-term trajectories of drug use that may have adverse health and other consequences.”

Keyes added, “As cannabis legalization continues across U.S. states, and as products, delivery systems, potency and marketing proliferate within a for-profit industry, increased attention to youth trends, including investment in sustained and evidence-based prevention and intervention, is increasingly urgent.”

What Is Monkeypox And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Maria Loreto

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May 20, 2022

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What Is Monkeypox And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Monkeypox is a viral disease first reported in the ’70s. So, why is it making the rounds again? Here’s what you should know.

If you’ve been online recently, you likely spotted a few discussions regarding Monkeypox, a rare viral disease that’s raising alarms for people all over the world once again.

But what exactly is it and why is it affecting more people than it used to?

Monkeypox was first spotted in Africa in the 1970s. It’s an infection transmitted from animals to humans, but it can also be transmitted person-to-person “through the exchange of large respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact,” according to NBC News. “People can also get exposed through direct contact with bodily fluids, the lesions that form during an infection, or contaminated items like clothing or bedding.”

While it’s rare, the virus has been spotted in 11 countries so far, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Spain, Portugal, and Australia, suggesting that something in its genetic makeup might have changed and made it more transmissible to humans.

Can You Get Sick With COVID-19 More Than Once? — Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels

The virus is similar to smallpox, causing bumpy rashes that affect different parts of the body, usually starting with the face. Monkeypox usually affects people for one or two weeks, with as many as 10% of people dying from it. According to new numbers reported by the U.K., the strain that is there now has a fatality rate of 1%.

When it comes to why it’s spreading now, experts don’t have enough information to say definitively, but there are some theories. Gizmodo reports that the virus could have evolved and become more transmissible among humans, that another animal could have gotten involved and facilitated transmission, or that its spread relates to smallpox and the fact that we eradicated it some years ago thanks to a global mass vaccination program in the ’80s. As time has passed, our collective immunity has changed, perhaps allowing for a virus like monkeypox, that’s of the same family as smallpox, more contagious to humans.

“This ‘declining immunity’ is less due to waning immunity at the individual level, and more due to people with immunity dying, and people without immunity being born and then staying non-immune,” said Jo Walker, an infectious disease expert.

The initial symptoms of monkeypox are typically flu-like, including fever, headaches, chills, muscle weakness, etc. This is followed by swollen lymph nodes and a rash that affects the face and body, which are painful and filled with liquid. The disease can be acquired through close contact with an infected person, including contact with the wounds and lesions, infected clothes and linens, or extended face-to-face contact.

There are no drugs available to treat monkeypox, but doctors can treat the symptoms. And while there is a vaccine, it’s not widely available. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “in the event of another outbreak of monkeypox in the U.S., CDC will establish guidelines explaining who should be vaccinated.”

Delaware Rejects Cannabis Legalization Bill Despite Majority

Debra Borchardt

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May 20, 2022

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Delaware Rejects Cannabis Legalization Bill Despite Majority

Even though the cannabis legalization process in Delaware has been bumpy and complex, the trajectory seems to be in the right direction.

By Jelena Martinovic

The Delaware House of Representatives spurned a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana sales on Thursday, reported Marijuana Moment.

HB 372, which would set up a specific regulatory framework for the recreational cannabis market, received 23 votes in support and 15 against. The bill did not advance, however, because it failed to get a three-fifths supermajority needed to be approved.

Congress To Vote On Nationwide Marijuana Legalization In December — Photo by Esther Kelleter / EyeEm/Getty Images

The basic legislation, HB 371, which requires a simple majority to pass and would allow adults 21 and older to possess and share up to an ounce of cannabis, was sent to the governor’s desk last week.

Both legislations are sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski (D). He opted for a two-track approach to reform after a comprehensive bill that would have accomplished both goals was killed when it fell short of the required three-fifths supermajority vote on the floor last month.

The legislation “creates the legal framework to license and regulate a new industry that will create well-paying jobs for Delawareans while striking a blow against the criminal element which profits from the thriving illegal market for marijuana in our state,” Osienski said.

Oslenski’s Efforts Still Matter

Osienski’s idea that advancing non-commercial legalization through the legislature first would nudge colleagues to approve the complementary bill that provides for a commercial marijuana market was struck down on Thursday.

Once he realized that the measure was poised to fail, Osienski switched his own “yes” vote to “no” to secure the right to once again call for the measure’s reconsideration.

Even though the cannabis legalization process in Delaware has been bumpy and complex, the trajectory seems to be in the right direction.

“It is imperative that HB 371 be signed into law so the consequences of prohibition can cease immediately,” said Jax James, NORML’s state policy manager. “The legalization of cannabis possession, the creation of a regulated market, and provisions from the Justice Reinvestment Funds will begin the process of reversing decades of discriminatory, harmful, and fundamentally unfair cannabis laws.”

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

FDA Head Says They Can’t Regulate CBD Until They Get This

CBD
News

Maria Loreto

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May 20, 2022

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FDA Head Says They Can’t Regulate CBD Until They Get This

In a recent hearing, the head of the FDA said the organization needs support from Congress in order to move forward with CBD, a topic they’ve been stuck on for years.

CBD has been one of the fastest-growing markets in recent years. It’s also confusing and poorly regulated, with hundreds of knockoffs and regulations that vary depending on state and company.

The head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that not much progress has been made by the agency, but calls out Congress for its lack of support.

Marijuana Moment reports that Dr. Robert M. Califf made a statement in a hearing discussing CBD regulation. The statement was prompted after Representative Dan Newhouse said that there was a lot of confusion surrounding CBD, primarily due to the FDA’s lack of regulation on the matter.

cannabis oil — Photo by Anna Efetova/Getty Images

“It looks pretty much the same in terms of where we are now,” said Califf. “We just know more because we’ve done more research.” He said that FDA’s funds are currently trying to spot the risks of CBD and that, in order to move forward, the organization will need more leeway from Congress.

“I don’t think the current authorities we have on the food side or the drug side necessarily give us what we need to have to get the right pathways forward,” he added. “We’re going to have to come up with something new. I’m very committed to doing that.”

The FDA has been very slow in regulating CBD and other cannabis elements, an issue that has affected many businesses. While CBD is hemp-derived and thus legal, it’s not FDA-approved. Still, Califf said that he and his organization is looking forward to devising creative ways to address the topic of CBD.

Last December, the FDA reiterated that CBD shouldn’t be added to foods or dietary supplements, claiming more research was necessary. Recently, the organization has been busy debunking claims from CBD companies that the compound can cure illnesses, among them COVID-19. “Failure to adequately correct any violations may result in legal action, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction,” reads an FDA cease and desist letter.

What To Look For When Buying Cannabis Pre-Rolls

Terry Hacienda

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May 20, 2022

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What To Look For When Buying Cannabis Pre-Rolls

With so many pre-rolled joints available on the market, how do you choose one that’s right for you? We’ve got you!

Whether you’re new to the world of marijuana or you just want to try something new, pre-rolls are awesome. In essence, pre-rolls are joints that are already professionally rolled, usually by a machine. These are sold individually or by packs, but most importantly they make it so much easier and simpler to enjoy a good smoke.

Pre-rolls are amazing for so many reasons. They are so convenient to consume, which are perfect for beginners but it’s no surprise that even seasoned cannabis users love them too. You save time when consuming them too, plus they come in a wide array of sizes and strains to choose from. They also come in various price ranges, from affordable and budget-friendly, to high-end and even luxurious.

The Cannabis Pre-Roll Hype In 2020 Was Real — Photo by Terrance Barksdale from Pexels

With so many pre-rolled joints available on the market, how do you choose one that’s right for you?

Type of pre-roll: Pre-rolls may be made from flower, shake, or a mixture of both. Shake is basically small bits of cannabis flower that has fallen off the bud; these are what you’ll find in the floors of cannabis dispensaries or the mason jars that hold your bud.

Some manufacturers make pre-rolls out of the shake taken from a variety of strains then automate the joint making process with machines, resulting in these perfect cones to smoke. But just because a cone is filled with shake doesn’t mean that the quality is bad; you just have to make sure that the shake doesn’t contain any leaves or stems.

Buy from a reputable manufacturer: Not only will you have peace of mind that you know exactly what went into each cone, but reputable cannabis manufacturers will be completely transparent and provide you with information on how they grow or process their cannabis.

If organic cannabis is important to you, then seek those out. For others, they prefer craft grown cannabis or marijuana that has been grown in a certain area. There’s no right or wrong answer – it all boils down to personal preferences. If you’re shelling out serious dough on luxury pre-rolls, the smartest thing to do would be to look out for those that are worth spending on. This usually means companies that provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Strain: Check the strain used in the pre-roll. Each cannabis strain has its own profile of effects, but again it will boil down to your own personal preferences. If you are after an uplifting and energizing high that won’t make you sleepy, opt for an sativa strain. On the other hand, if you want something to help you wind down at the end of the day or help you go to sleep, opt for an indica.

marijuana joint — Photo by Olena Bondarenko/Getty Images

Hybrids offer the best of both words, but it’s always recommended to do your own research. You may have also had experience with a strain that you loved in the past – check out your dispensary for pre-rolls of this strain, or perhaps a budtender can recommend something similar that you would like.

Ask your budtender: If you’re a newbie to cannabis, budtenders are your best friend. They can provide trustworthy and up-to-date inside information on the best pre-rolls in the market based on your needs, preferences, and budget. It’s always better to get the advice of someone knowledgeable in the industry rather than spending your hard-earned money on questionable pre-rolls sold on the black market because you never really know what goes into them.

Use your nose: By taking a good sniff from the top of the pre-roll container, you can have a pretty good idea if it’s quality weed that they used inside it. The mix of fresh terpenes (citrus, floral, strong weed smells) and a potent aroma is all you need to know that you are getting premium bud inside each cone.

However, if your nose is having a hard time deciphering the aroma, you may be getting into a dry or old cannabis batch. Furthermore, if you detect a woodsy smell that reminds you of tree bark, this could also mean that there are bits of stems that may have been used in the mix.

Enjoying Your Pre-Roll

There’s no hidden or special technique needed to enjoy pre-rolls. Just light it up correctly the way you would light a cigarette, ensuring that the entire cylinder is evenly lit. Afterwards, put it between your lips and take a few puffs to strengthen the burn.

That’s all it takes! If you can’t finish your pre-roll, simply snuff it out carefully and save it for a later time.

Storing Your Pre-Roll

If you are buying several pre-rolls or a package of multiple sticks, you want to ensure that they are kept fresh for future consumption. Place them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. If you have a spare mason jar at home where you can tuck them in then keep them in a close, this is even better.

Other options include cigar tubes, if you have some lying around, since these are already built to be airtight. You may also have a Ziplock, glass Tupperware, or any other glass jar – these work perfectly fine in keeping the air out. Just ensure that the pre-rolls are protected from being squished if you intend to travel with it.

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

California Sheriff Calls For State Of Emergency Over Illegal Cannabis

Benzinga Staff Writer

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May 20, 2022

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California Sheriff Calls For State Of Emergency Over Illegal Cannabis

A video reveals swimming pools that are being used as justification for water usage but are actually directly piped to a greenhouse and many other disturbing things.

By Nina Zdinjak

The Sheriff’s Office of the Siskiyou County in the northernmost part of California is asking state and federal regulators to come and see firsthand the problems illicit cannabis cultivation is bringing to the county, reported KRCR abc.

On Monday, Sheriff Jerimiah LaRue posted on Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page the following message along with the video showing one of many illegal marijuana farms and the associated troubles.

Emerald Triangle: Does The Best Weed In The World Really Grow There? — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

“The purpose of this video is to be transparent about what the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office encounters on a regular basis while performing search warrant operations at illegal cannabis grows within the County,” the post reads.

LaRue is calling for a state of emergency, seeking help from higher-level officials.

“The team is out here, every week, serving search warrants,” LaRue said. “It is my job, as the Sheriff, to uphold my oath; to take care of the community. I carry that burden and it’s serious to me. And I owe it to the community to do all that I can. I just need help from people above me,” he wrote.

The video reveals swimming pools that are being used as justification for water usage but are actually directly piped to a greenhouse and many other disturbing things.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa said he visited Siskiyou County last year and witnessed the damage. According to him, the County needs more finances to help it deal with this enormous problem.

“In your opinion, what’s the solution to help Siskiyou County,” KRCR Mason Carroll asked.

“The bottom line is they need more dollars to do this because they can’t do it with the personnel they have, as hard as they try, and I don’t see any big help coming from the state,” LaMalfa told KRCR Mason Carroll.

Let Artisanal Marijuana Growers Replace Black Market With Home Grown — Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

LaRue previously highlighted the negative environmental results of illegal cannabis cultivation. He suggested state leaders should create bipartisan laws to address the issue.

The sheriff recommends protecting legal agriculture via the enforcement of laws that will eliminate illegal grows. He is also seeking more financial support.

As for funding, LaMalfa replied that it may be dependent on the federal government.

“I will do what I can in Congress to find ways to get money in the back door or other ways to make funding eligible to help battle this because this is not adding to the quality of life,” LaMalfa said. “People have to live amongst it or see it sold on the street and somehow endangering their kids.”

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

Adopting These Types Of Behaviors Can Increase Your Lifespan

Maria Loreto

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May 19, 2022

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Adopting These Types Of Behaviors Can Increase Your Lifespan

A new study shows that healthy lifestyle behaviors can lead to higher life expectancy, even for those with chronic conditions, regardless of age.

A Japanese study shows that adopting positive lifestyle changes and sticking to them increases people’s life spans. While unsurprising, these results are encouraging for people of all ages, showing that, no matter how old you are, adopting positive habits can positively impact your life, helping you live happier and healthier.

The study, published in the journal Age and Ageing, was conducted by the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study Group at Osaka University. The group looked into the impact of behavioral changes from middle age forward and how that impacted life expectancy.

Researchers obtained their data from a study containing information on 49,021 people living in 45 areas of Japan, with evidence compiled from 1988 to 1990. Data included information on diet, exercise, sleep habits, body mass, and more, granting researchers a thorough picture of the subjects health habits.

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

Researchers found that subjects who adopted five or more healthy lifestyle behaviors had a higher life expectancy, even for those with chronic conditions, regardless of age.

“The results were very clear. A higher number of modified healthy behaviors was directly associated with great longevity for both men and women,” said Dr. Ryoto Sakaniwa, the study’s primary author. Subjects who reaped the most benefits were those who adopted behaviors like reducing their alcohol intake, not smoking, and sleeping more often, which could add up to 6 years of life.

In the case of chronic diseases, researchers praised the study’s findings even more, finding that adopting positive behaviors can reduce the harm of a variety of comorbidities, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and more. These results in particular are very important, considering that the majority of older adults are affected by some form of chronic conditions, with these reducing their quality of life.

While it’s logical to assume that adopting healthy behaviors leads to a healthier life, this is one of the first studies to show this in a scientific way. In the case of older adults and those who are aging, it’s important to show that it’s never too late to adopt healthier habits and that they can only impact your life in a positive way.

David Letterman Talks About Being Super Stoned At A Baseball Game

Benzinga Staff Writer

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May 19, 2022

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David Letterman Talks About Being Super Stoned At A Baseball Game

In the new season of his Netflix talk show, Letterman tells a story about smoking a joint with his girlfriend before a Yankees-Angels game in the ’70s.

By Nina Zdinjak

During an interview with NBA star Kevin Durant, the legendary Late Night Show host David Letterman talked about his experience with marijuana. In a clip promoting the new season of Letterman’s Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Durant, who is already in the cannabis industry, also shared his relationship with marijuana and his efforts to destigmatize it, especially among athletes.

Asked by Letterman if he began smoking weed as a kid, an odd question, Durant said “Nah, unless you wanna call 22 a kid.”

Kevin Durant Becomes Marijuana Advocate For NBA Players — Photo by Emilee Chinn/Stringer/Getty Images

Letterman followed up, wondering if Durant had “smoked today.” To which Durant responded, “I’m actually high right now.”

What about Letterman? Initially coming off somewhat naive, he told Durant about the time he smoked a joint with his girlfriend before a Yankees-Angels game in the ’70s. Letterman said he was so stoned that he doesn’t remember who won. While sitting at the stands, he was deeply fascinated by the pitcher’s “mound of dirt,” a clear indication that yes, Letterman was stoned.

Laughing, he asked Durant if that meant he was smoking the wrong type of weed. “No, you were smoking the right kind if you’re thinking about stuff like that!”

Durant also shared more about his partnership with cannabis tech platform Weedmaps owned by WM Holding Company, LLC, and explained how they are “trying to figure out ways to change the narrative around athletes and marijuana.”

Durant’s efforts to destigmatize cannabis use among pro athletes, especially as the NBA still views it as a banned substance, may put the 6 foot ten Brooklyn Nets star center in an awkward position.

Although the NBA announced last year that it’s amending its drug-testing policy and will not be randomly testing players for cannabis. Will NBA continue to loosen its policies around cannabis?

Who knows. One thing is certain: Many athletes are hoping and pushing for more reasonable cannabis policies.

This Connecticut Senator Voted Against Marijuana Legalization — Here’s Why

Benzinga Staff Writer

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May 19, 2022

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This Connecticut Senator Voted Against Marijuana Legalization — Here’s Why

Some state officials say they’re worried that current rules will not make things easier for minority communities when it comes to obtaining cannabis vendor and cultivation licenses.

By Jelena Martinovic

Connecticut became the 18th state in the union to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes in June 2021, when Gov. Ned Lamont signed the bill into law.

The bill, which allows adults 21 and older to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, went into effect on July 1, and the sale of recreational marijuana is scheduled to kick off this spring. “People have been working on this for 10 years,” Lamont said back then. “It’s been a long time coming. I think we have a good bill that puts public health first.”

Connecticut Marijuana Legalization Bill Sent To Governor's Desk After Days Of Fierce Debate — Photo by FotografiaBasica/Getty Images

The State Department of Consumer Protection revealed earlier this month that over 15,600 businesses applied for licenses to sell recreational cannabis.

A total of 8,357 applications were submitted before the deadline for the first six licenses granted to social equity applicants, reported Central Maine. The remainder of 7,245 license applications for adult-use cannabis retailers were submitted to a general lottery.

According to Connecticut’s state website, the lottery will run after all social equity applicants have been chosen. In addition, as of July 1, 2023, up to 75% of marijuana excise tax revenue will be utilized to fund social equity efforts.

As Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis industry moves closer to launching, it seems that more work needs to be done to achieve social equity.

Senator Calls For More Social Equity

The Social Equity Council, one of the cornerstones of the legalization program, has the mission of overseeing how Connecticut’s new industry addresses the historic harms of cannabis criminalization.

Still, some state officials say they’re worried that current rules will not make things easier for minority communities when it comes to obtaining cannabis vendor and cultivation licenses. He explains why.

Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport), one of four state senators who voted against the bill, said that the licensing process favors businesses that already hold marijuana permits and operate cannabis businesses in other states, Bradley told Cate Hewitt of the CT Examiner.

“I don’t see the current model that we have to be an effective model to make it easier for minority business owners to come in and be able to get these licenses,” Bradley said. “I just see it’s a way of creating an oligarchy of those who have those licenses to be able to strengthen those licenses and have a stranglehold on the process.”

The current model is creating an “uneven playing field” onto which Black and Brown communities will be shut out by large companies because the legislation allows the submission of multiple applications for a license at a cost of $250 each, Bradley correctly pointed out.

The senator emphasized that minority communities would not earn money from cannabis sales, but rather would be targeted by them. Bradley drew a comparison to issues that arose from the widespread acceptance of tobacco, lottery and cigarettes.

“If you go in any urban part of America from sea to shining sea, whether you’re in Bridgeport, Connecticut, or Compton, California, and everybody in the middle, you see liquor stores in every single corner of our community, and you see the adverse effect that has on the community, right? Whether it’s domestic violence, or issues of thievery, larceny, or just simply, you know, an overall ineptitude, that happens by being addicted to a substance,” the senator said.

marijuana legalization — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

What’s To Be Done?

Bradley offered several solutions to avoid such a scenario.

Firstly, he suggested that money from marijuana sales should be invested in more education programs as that would “level[s] the playing field.”

Developing rigorous regulations regarding the number and location of cannabis shops is also essential.

“We have to create red zones or party districts as to where you can get the access and not allow it to go the way of lottery and alcohol, tobacco — we can’t let that proliferation happen — if we do that, then we can hopefully create the safeguards necessary,” Bradley said.

In addition, counseling and drug rehab services would also make a difference for those in need.

Bradley pointed out that instead of being innovative, his fellow Democrats are following what everyone else is doing or has done by using models from other states such as Colorado. To avoid repeating the same mistakes, he proposed doing some research on the downstream costs and effects of the adult-use cannabis market.

Bradley concluded with this question: “We say, well, they’ve gotten all of this money from the sale of marijuana, but then we don’t do the backend study — how much does that cost in police services, emergency response, DCF reports, substance abuse clinics, etc.?”

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

High THC Weed: A New Form Of Reefer Madness Or Worth The Panic?

Terry Hacienda

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May 19, 2022

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High THC Weed: A New Form Of Reefer Madness Or Worth The Panic?

Many within the industry have claimed that proof backing the widespread risks of high THC levels are scant and more research needs to be done.

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

With the legislation on cannabis at the federal level set to be brought forward in the Senate, marijuana legalized states are now undergoing new research on the risks linked with high-potency cannabis products. Among the questions being asked is the possible link between these high-potency cannabis products and psychosis.

These latest high-potency cannabis products circulating the market are commonly called shatter or wax and are known to have THC levels as high as 85%-90%. Researchers, via comparison, affirmed that the THC levels in a usual joint two decades ago were approximately 5%. Considering this high level of THC, Colorado and Washington are now looking to include potency caps in their legislation.

During a forum held in January, Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of NIDA expressed her concerns that young adults are increasingly consuming high-potency cannabis. Volkow affirmed that she is worried about the negative effects of high THC concentration on mental health. She noted that the higher the THC levels, the higher the chances of psychosis. While the research is still ongoing, Volkow affirmed that another question waiting to be answered is if such psychosis can cause permanent schizophrenia.

Bethany Moore, during an interview with NBC News, asserted that the best way forward is to tackle these concerns through adequate labeling and testing. Apart from that, she believes states should only sell cannabis via licensed dispensaries to fully informed and legal adults. By selling cannabis only via legal dispensaries, Bethany claimed the activities of the illicit cannabis market will gradually fade.

According to several public experts, proponents of the cannabis industry are responsible for the problem of high-potency cannabis products now flooding the market. This is because most industry backers were only focused on legalizing cannabis without considering a market boom in cannabis concentrates.

In fact, a research scientist, Dr.Beatriz Carlini affirmed that they were not fully informed in 2012 before voting on the bill. She believes a lot of people who voted in support voted for the cannabis plant and nothing else. In 2020, Carlini led a research team I’m the state of Washington to study high-potency cannabis. Upon research, the team concluded that high-potency cannabis can have a prolonged negative impact on mental health.

Carlini claimed that while there’s a better understanding of cannabis and its medical benefits, high-potency cannabis is just a different ball game. She compared the situation to strawberry icing marketing. She argued that while strawberries are healthy fruits, strawberry icing is not healthy.

Presently, the high-potency cannabis circulating on the market is legal for purchase for adults above the age of 21 years. However, teens have been able to easily get access to the products.

Efforts of State Legislative

The bill for cannabis legislation at the federal level has been introduced to the house. But while the politics play out, many now look forward to the promise of Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader he had earlier promised on the 22nd of April that he would introduce another version to the senate come April.

Meanwhile, things are moving fast in Colorado thanks to several doctors’ testimonies last yeast about the increasing cases of psychotic episodes linked to cannabis concentrate. To address the situation, a bill was unanimously passed to curb access to high-potency cannabis concentrates.

marijuana THC — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

A section of the legislation also charged the medical school at Colorado University to carry out a full review of over 800 scientific articles. The articles are said to cover the effects of high-potency cannabis concentrated on both mental and physical health. The report is said to be due come July.

Heading the team is Dr. Jon Samet who is also in charge of the project. In his words, he affirmed the study won’t be an easy one given there is a lot of messy data to organize from the studies whose authors used different methods of measurement. However, he shared his anticipation of creating the latest public research database for the state.

In the state of Washington, researchers are a step further after completing a six-month review executed by 11 scientists in 2020. The research revealed that THC has a dose-response. This implies that the more THC one consumes, the higher the negative impact on mental and physical health. This research kicked off immediately after sales of THC concentrate increased from 9% to 35% between 2014 to 2020.

The researchers also revealed that young adults were most vulnerable to the side effects and getting addicted to high THC concentrations. They then concluded that there’s a need for more police declarations and considerations to support public well-being and general health.

Carlini, who led the Washington researchers, affirmed that other states looking for guidance have also reached out to her. She added that the initial mistakes are glaring for all to see and people are ready to learn from their mistakes. Researchers from both states are now keeping in touch and consulting each other when necessary

Regarding Seattle, researchers are looking for new ways to curb access to THC concentrate. Approaches under evaluation include tax established on potency level or cap on potency which is the approcahbuded in New York and Illinois.

The research team in Washington is considering warning labels like those employed in Canada. The warning label will explicitly state the risks of high THC levels to mental health. The Washington research team’s coming report is due at the end of the year.

Conclusion

As it stands, Vermont is the only state that placed a potency cap on legal recreational cannabis. Meanwhile, an attempt at such has failed woefully in Massachusetts and South Dakota.

Attempts at a long-lasting potency cap have proven difficult due to strong pushbacks from the cannabis industry. Many within the industry have claimed that proof backing the widespread risks of high THC levels are scant and more research needs to be done.

However, Carlini has stood by her team and the research they executed saying she and her team stand by the conclusion reached. The higher the THC levels of cannabis, the higher the chances of dangerous side effects.

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

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