Bipartisan Senators Urge Congressional Leaders To Enact Marijuana Banking Legislation

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May 12, 2022

Bipartisan Senators Urge Congressional Leaders To Enact Marijuana Banking Legislation

The SAFE Banking Act, introduced by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.), has managed to pass the U.S. House six times in the last three years. But it still needs to pass the Senate.

About a quarter of voting members of the U.S. House have joined forces to urge congressional leaders to enact marijuana banking provisions into law as part of the large-scale manufacturing bill — America COMPETES Act.

The group of 24 senators from both sides of the aisle have lined up behind an idea that the bipartisan Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act would “help cannabis-related businesses, support innovation, create jobs, and strengthen public safety in our communities.”

cannabis banking — Photo by Darren415/Getty Images

Once passed, the bill would allow banks and financial institutions to accept business from cannabis companies that comply with state regulations. It would also protect banks from being penalized under federal banking regulations.

The Letter

“The cannabis industry has become a powerful job creator and a significant generator of tax revenue,” the lawmakers, led by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), wrote in a letter to the congressional leaders. “However, financial institutions are often reluctant to transact with cannabis-related businesses, even in states that have some form of legalized cannabis, due to legal and regulatory risks arising from inconsistent federal and state laws. Allowing cannabis businesses operating legally and in compliance with state law to access financial services without federal reprisal would address public safety and compliance challenges, helping communities reduce cash-motivated crimes.”

The letter was also signed by Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), John Hickenlooper, (D-CO) and Chris Coons (D-DE).

“Enacting the SAFE Banking Act via the jobs and competitiveness legislation before us would support a rapidly growing industry that creates jobs, fosters innovation, supports small businesses, and raises revenue in states that have chosen to legalize cannabis while reducing safety risks to industry employees and the public alike,” continued the letter.

marijuana banking — Photo by eldadcarin/Getty Images

Efforts Behind The SAFE Banking Act

So far, the SAFE Banking Act, introduced by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.), has managed to pass the U.S. House six times in the last three years. The bill, which Rep. Perlmutter attached as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act earlier this year, still needs to pass the Senate.

Many cannabis industry experts agree that the bill has a better chance of passing than the MORE Act, which seeks to legalize cannabis on the federal level.

A the end of April, Perlmutter and Earl Blumenauer (D) sent a letter to a bicameral conference committee asking for the inclusion of marijuana banking reform in the final America COMPETES Act, which is going to be discussed by bicameral negotiators on Thursday.

Other officials followed suit. The bipartisan duo, Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser (D) and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R), sent a separate letter to U.S. Senate leadership demanding the passage of the banking measure last month.

Sen. Chuck Schumer’s Marijuana Legalization Attempts

In the meantime, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) is working on a separate cannabis legalization measure. He recently postponed the filing of his comprehensive marijuana reform proposal from April to sometime before the August recess. Shortly after that, he confirmed the deadline again with a promise that he would respect the timeline.

“Make no mistake, I’m working diligently with my Senate colleagues to make sure that the federal government catches up. This bill will be comprehensive, and I promise we will introduce this important legislation before the August recess,” the Senate Majority Leader said last month at the National Cannabis Policy Summit.

Schumer and fellow Sens. Cory Booker and Ron Wyden introduced the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act (CAOA) outline in July 2021.

The proposal includes plans to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, expunge prior weed convictions and allow people who are serving time for applicable crimes to petition for resentencing.

In addition, states would retain their rights to set their own marijuana policies and help those who’ve been criminalized over the cannabis plant.

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

How The Police Tried To Steal Millions In Cash From Legal Cannabis Companies

Terry Hacienda

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May 12, 2022

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How The Police Tried To Steal Millions In Cash From Legal Cannabis Companies

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus is a prime example of what can go wrong when the police force does not watch what happens to the cops. Here’s why.

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

One of the biggest headaches with running a legal cannabis business is the cash. Since cannabis is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government, it’s nearly impossible to store the cash you’ve made through your state-licensed cannabis business anywhere else. And that leads to another problem: security.

Because most licensed cannabis businesses operate and transact almost entirely in cash, they have become the top target of thieves and robbers. They’ve had to resort to other creative solutions to ensure that their legally-made cash profits are safe, turning to businesses such as transporting cash in armored cars. And then you have bad apples like Sheriff Shannon Dicus who comes and exploits the situation.

marijuana investing — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

Who Is Sheriff Shannon Dicus?

Dicus is the 36th Sheriff-Coroner appointed for the San Bernardino County in California, the biggest county in the United States.

The sheriff campaign website reads that he is a “proven public safety leader for San Bernardino County”. However, he has been running a very dirty scam hurting legal cannabis business owners. According to the equitable sharing program of the U.S. Department of Justice, the sheriff’s department can keep as much as 80% of the cash that has been collected through civil forfeitures, except in California, legal cannabis money can’t be seized by cops.

The Crime

Investigations revealed that San Bernardino deputies have been seizing cannabis money from armored cars, which they then transferred to the FBI, saying that it was to be used as proof for investigations.

Beginning November 2021 through January 2022, armored vans from Empyreal Logistics, which transports money from cannabis businesses, had to give up around $1.1 million in cold, hard cash from legal cannabis sales. Reports from the San Bernardino Sun state that Dicus thought the seizures done by his department were justifiable.

“During the stop, the deputy made further observations, including hearing inconsistent statements made by the driver and company representatives, that led the deputy to believe that the contents of the van were illicit proceeds of unlawful drug sales,” said Dicus regarding a November 16 seizure from an Empyreal van.

Deputy J. Franco was able to get a search warrant then confiscated $700,000 which legitimately belonged to four state-licensed marijuana businesses.

cannabis insurance money — Photo by Yarygin/Getty Images

Then again, something similar happened on December 9. The same van of Empyreal changed lanes without a signal. It was also found that they used a document to instruct the Empyreal driver how to react should they be pulled over by law enforcement. “Specifically, the document instructed the driver to ‘never say the words cannabis or marijuana’ and ‘never say the names of the banks or clients we service.” A cool $350,000 was seized from Empyreal on that date.

No citations were issued just like in the November stop.

By January 6th, the date of the third seizure, Empyreal had paused their transportation of cannabis money in San Bernardino County because of the previous heists. Instead, they were transporting rolled coins that were not from the cannabis industry.

Again, they didn’t issue citations, but the Empyreal driver questioned the deputy why their cars were always being targeted, the deputy merely said that it was political and didn’t elaborate.

Empyreal Strikes Back

On January 14th, 2022, Empyreal filed a lawsuit with the US District Court which demanded that Sheriff Dicus, as well as DEA Administrator Anne Milgram and FBI Director Christopher Wray, stop the targeting of the Empyreal vans. They stated that the seizures were “highway robbery”. Dicus thought that the lawsuit was “no more than a special-interest crusade and a blatant attempt to interfere with ongoing local criminal investigations.”

According to Empyreal, “the deputies had planned the stop in advance and would have pulled over the driver and the Empyreal vehicles regardless of how carefully or lawfully it was driven.” After all, it has become clear that they were only after the money and trying to get away with their dirty scam. The deputies alleged that a drug-sniffing dog turned them on to the van, though Empyreal denies this: “Video footage from the vehicle does not show the dog alert on the vehicle. Instead, it shows the dog is barely interested in the vehicle.”

However, the Empyreal van did have a security audio system recording. It could be heard that the deputies were expressing excitement about the $700,000 they seized and were thus disappointed about the smaller size the second time around.

Injustice for Justice, a non-profit law firm specializing in cases that arose from civil forfeiture, was hired by Empyreal. “We are pleased to have helped Empyreal achieve a successful result and return to business operations in San Bernardino County,” says Senior Attorney Dan Alban. “We will continue to challenge the use of civil forfeiture nationwide at the state and federal level,” he says.

Because of this, Dicus changed his stance. On May 6th, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded, saying that they will continue working against “illegal marijuana grows and criminal enterprises,” while keeping Empyreal out of the picture. “Both sides also acknowledge that Empyreal is part of the solution to help with financial transparency and that San Bernardino Deputies are not highway robbers as previously reported in the media,” says a press release by the Sheriff’s Department.

Conclusion

Sheriff Dicus is a prime example of what can go wrong when the police force does not watch what happens to the cops. Don’t allow your cops to treat you like shit the way he did.

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

Long COVID Numbers Are Increasing — Here’s How To Know If You Have It

Maria Loreto

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May 12, 2022

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Long COVID Numbers Are Increasing — Here’s How To Know If You Have It

Long COVID appears to be related to people’s initial reaction to their COVID-19 infection, their age and comorbidities.

Despite fluctuating COVID-19 numbers, long COVID cases continue to grow. While most people who have it recover, it’s a slow process that requires a lot of patience.

CNBC spoke with a variety of experts who provided some analyses on long COVID, including how to know if you have it and what to do with that information.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long COVID is a term used to refer to a variety of symptoms that can last months and even years. “Post-COVID conditions are found more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone who has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience post-COVID conditions, even people who had mild illness or no symptoms from COVID-19,” explains the CDC website.

How To Stop Coughing So Hard From Marijuana Smoke — Photo by cottonbro via Pexels

Dr. Jason Maley, director of the long COVID clinic at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, spoke with CNBC and provided some guidance for people who want to know if they could have the disease. Maley advises people who have contracted COVID-19 to do a self-check-in a month after they’ve recovered.

“Look out for common symptoms like changes in [your] thinking, memory and [your] ability to perform at work or to function effectively at home,” he says. Long Covid symptoms vary greatly and can appear to be unrelated. They include fever, headaches, sleep problems, fatigue, and more, allowing for there to be plenty of confusion. Checking in with yourself for any symptoms that are out of the norm is a helpful way of knowing where you stand.

There are also cases of many asymptomatic COVID-19 infections. While people with long Covid tend to have experienced a significant COVID-19 infection and thus have had to cope with symptoms that were likely notorious, it helps to stay vigilant and to keep an eye out for any symptoms that are out of the norm and have recently appeared.

There are currently no treatments for long COVID, but experts suggest approaching your days with more care and taking on a slower pace to your lifestyle. They suggest keeping an eye out for triggering activities that can launch periods of fatigue and exhaustion. They also suggest breathing exercises or yoga practices for dealing with shortness of breath.

Long COVID appears to be related to people’s initial reaction to their COVID-19 infection, their age, and comorbidities.

After living with the disease for some time, researchers believe that once the virus leaves the body, its impact lingers, expressing itself through a variety of symptoms. The most effective method of protection is to be fully vaccinated and boosted.

Weed Pop-Ups Are Having A Moment Right Now

Maria Loreto

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May 11, 2022

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Weed Pop-Ups Are Having A Moment Right Now

Marijuana pop-ups are appearing in a variety of states, whether there’s legal marijuana or not. Here’s why.

If you live in a big city or somewhere where there have been revisions of cannabis laws, you’ve likely seen a marijuana pop-up store. These locations come in all shapes and sizes, whether that’s a truck or a stand, all tending towards bright green logos. After two years of the pandemic, marijuana pop-ups are reappearing with a vengeance, finding exciting ways to appeal to new customers.

The majority of these pop-ups are appearing in places where selling cannabis is legal, such as a medical dispensary or adult retail shops. In cities like New York, these temporary stores are selling products despite the fact that cannabis sale remain unregulated in the state.

marijuana odor terpenes — Photo by LightFieldStudios/Getty Images

MJ Business Daily interviewed a variety of people in the cannabis industry, who talked about the importance of pop-ups in the industry, and how these companies rely in their marketing to attract the attention of prospective customers.

“Every pop-up is that little event which tells your story,” said Andreas Neumann, chief creative director of Jushi Holdings. “You have to be very creative. It’s better to have a magician than somebody standing there at a table with a tablecloth on it.”

The product’s marketing allows for plenty of inventiveness for sellers. For example, the brand Tasteology uses Gen Z’s fixation with astrology as a tool, providing Tarot readings in dispensaries. The brand Luchador, which calls itself “The Heavyweight Champion of Cannabis,” hosts free Mexican wrestling shows to get people to try out THC gummies and drops.

When it comes to pop-ups with dubious legal standing, like the dozens that have appeared throughout New York, sellers are taking advantage of the current situation in the city regarding legal marijuana. It’s not something that law enforcers are happy about.

The Gothamist reports that the state’s Office of Cannabis Management has tried to get these establishments under control, even if the consequences of their actions remain confusing. “Failure to cease this activity puts your ability to obtain a license in the legal cannabis market at substantial risk,” reads a cease and desist letter. “The unlicensed sale of cannabis is illegal and subjects you to substantial fines and possible criminal penalties.”

The consequences of having illegal pop-up stores are unknown, but lawmakers and police enforcers know they’re navigating confusing times. Marijuana in New York is on its way to becoming a business, with there being a focus on decriminalization. While the people and offices responsible may want to reign in these activities, arresting marijuana sellers and closing out businesses might send the wrong message.

All in all, it’s an exciting time to be a cannabis enthusiast and a confusing one for those interested in getting involved in the industry itself.

Feeling Out Of Whack? The Benefits Of Using Cannabis For Hormonal Imbalance

Medical Marijuana

Terry Hacienda

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May 11, 2022

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Feeling Out Of Whack? The Benefits Of Using Cannabis For Hormonal Imbalance

When cannabinoids interact with the neurotransmitters in the brain, it helps correct the over- or underproduction of any hormones.

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

Hormonal imbalances happen in the human body when we either have too little or too much of one or more hormones.

Since hormones play such an important role in regulating our health, the mildest hormonal imbalance can already cause problems. That’s because hormones, which are produced in the endocrine system, are essential for delivering messages to the various organs around the body, advising them what to do and when it should be done. Major bodily processes rely on regulated hormones for many functions such as our overall metabolism, blood pressure, reproductive cycles, stress management, mood, and more.

Study Says Older Marijuana Users Have Lower BMIs And Are More Likely To Workout — Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Both men and women are prone to hormonal imbalances; women are vulnerable to imbalances affecting their progesterone and estrogen, while men can suffer from testosterone imbalances. Symptoms of hormonal imbalances vary widely depending on the hormones affected but these can include weight gain, acne, reduced sex drive, thinning hair, and much more.

In addition, there are some health problems that can also cause hormonal imbalances. These include polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, tumors in the endocrine glands, Addison’s disease, overactive or underactive thyroids, Cushing’s syndrome, and more.

How Cannabis Can Help

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating our hormone production. The human body has CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout; these are two kinds of cannabinoid receptors that bind with the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant when we consume them. Both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) bind with these hormones in the body, helping to stabilize the endocannabinoid system which then regulates the hormones through the many functions it supports: appetite, pregnancy, mood, fertility energy, immunity, and overall homeostasis.

The association between the endocrine processes and the endocannabinoid system has been confirmed by research. “We know that the endocannabinoid system has a role in maintaining balance in the body. It also makes sure our body is acting within a narrow range of operating conditions; so-called homeostasis,” explained cannabinoid specialist Dr. Moltke. “The ECS is known to regulate stress, mood, fertility, bone growth, pain, immune function, among other things. CBD interacts with the ECS and with many other receptors in the body,” she says.

There are numerous studies showing how cannabis can help regulate hormonal balance. These studies note how the body experiences restoration after using CBD or cannabis with THC, which occurs because when cannabinoids interact with the neurotransmitters in the brain, it helps correct over or underproduction of any hormones.

Here are some hormone-related conditions cannabis can treat.

Menstrual Pain

Millions of women around the world suffer from pains caused by their periods. Whether it’s mild pain or debilitating pain, cannabis can help with PMS pain. Most of these menstrual pain cases arise because the prostaglandins increase while progesterone declines when women go through their monthly periods. The combination of these chemicals result in more inflammation while making women more sensitive to pain as well as contribute to uterine contractions, cramps, and constriction in the blood vessels.

PMS cramps — Photo by PixelsEffect/Getty Images

Studies show that CBD helps reduce pain and inflammation that arises due to dysmenorrhea because of its interaction with neurotransmitters. Additionally, women who have chronic pain and headaches have found relief with CBD. Other studies show that CBD effectively inhibits the production of COX-2, an enzyme that triggers the production of prostaglandin. The less COX-2 levels there are, the less pain, cramping, and inflammation occurs.

Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid is the name of an important endocrine gland located in the base of the neck. This gland is critical for regulating many other hormones for major bodily functions as well as those that affect heart health, bone density, and metabolic rate. Furthermore, the thyroid gland is linked to the brain, and when there is homeostasis in the body, all functions work well.

However, dysfunctions in the thyroid gland can arise in over or underactive thyroids which then cause many other health problems. Since the endocannabinoid system also helps to regulate the thyroid, using cannabinoids can help manage the symptoms of thyroid disruptions. The studies analyzing the link between CBD and thyroid disorders is still in its early stages but what we see so far is promising, showing that this cannabinoid is indeed safe and effective for its management.

In 2015, a study revealed that the thyroid glands are home to a concentration of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These were also associated with thyroid tumor shrinkages, which also mean that it has the potential to reduce tumors. There are also other studies showing that CBD is beneficial for thyroid health because CB1 receptors helped to regulate T3 and T4 thyroid hormones.

Cortisol

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is important for letting us know if there is upcoming danger. Oftentimes, especially people who have PTSD and have been exposed to chronic stress and danger, cortisol levels stay high or are easily triggered.

CBD is renowned for its ability to relax and relieve stress. It helps calm down the GABA neurotransmitters, which then slow down the nervous system. CBD also impacts the cannabinoid receptors located in the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that is linked to the adrenal glands. Because of this interaction, cortisol production is reduced, thus allowing us to relax.

Using Cannabis For Hormonal Imbalances

These are just some of the many processes that cannabis can help when it comes to regulating hormones. Cannabidiol in particular is effective for stress reduction, improved sleep, anxiety relief, inflammation relief, and overall metabolic health improvement, which work hand in hand for improving your hormones.

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

Eating This Type Of Food Can Help Curb Depression In Young Men

Maria Loreto

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May 11, 2022

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Eating This Type Of Food Can Help Curb Depression In Young Men

A new study claims that consuming this diet can be helpful for young men struggling with depression.

The food we eat affects more than our weight or the way we feel. Researchers and experts know that what we put into our system affects our brain and behaviors, helping us feel better or worse, and trickling down to our sleep habits and productivity.

And now, a new study suggests that the Mediterranean diet, one of the world’s most beloved diets, can help you men battle depression.

The study, conducted by researchers from Australia, examined a group of young men with poor diets and eating habits. They submitted them to a 12-week randomized trial in order to assess the effects of a healthy diet and whether it could make these people feel better and cope with their symptoms of depression more efficiently.

Antidepressants Don't Have The Desired Effect In The Long Run — Photo by Yosi Prihantoro via Unsplash

Subjects were young men between the ages of 18-25 with moderate to severe depression. The group was split in two, with one group receiving therapy and another receiving a change of diet with the support of a nutritionist. The latter group showed significant upgrades in their quality of life and a decreased result in their Beck Depression Inventory Scale results.

“These results highlight the important role of nutrition for the treatment of depression and should inform advice given by clinicians to this specific demographic population,” conclude the study’s authors.

While food isn’t always viewed as an immediate solution to mental health, the fact that these results appeared within a relatively short span of time show that our understanding of health should be broader, allowing for other lifestyle changes that could help patients and improve their quality of life.

grain bowl healthy diet — Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

The Mediterranean diet was voted as the best diet of the year 2022 according to U.S. News & World Report. According to voters, the Mediterranean diet is the favorite due to its impressive results and the fact that it grants the user a sense of freedom and choice, something that not a lot of diets are known for.

“All the diets that perform well are safe, sensible and backed by sound science. The diet winners also all provide adequate calories with a focus on vegetables, fruits and whole grains; a modest amount of lean protein, dairy; and an occasional treat,” explained Gretel Schueller, managing editor of health for U.S. News & World Report.

The Mediterranean Diet is based on the types of foods consumed in countries near the Mediterranean, including Spain, Greece and Italy. They’re comprised of large amounts of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, legumes and more.

How Not To Get Arrested For Weed In A Legal State

Tom Gaffey

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May 11, 2022

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How Not To Get Arrested For Weed In A Legal State

One of the biggest mistakes cannabis enthusiasts make is not paying attention to the fine details of the law. Here’s what you should know if you want to be a responsible consumer.

With marijuana legal in some form in the majority of the U.S., many are feeling a lot more relaxed — and not just because of the weed. Cannabis users feel legally liberated in states where marijuana is legal; it’s a great feeling to know you can enjoy something you love without fear of going to jail.

While this is partially true in states where weed is legal, it’s not the whole truth. In fact, there are several ways you can still get arrested where marijuana is legal.

Here are 10 rules to remember when you live in a state where marijuana is legal that may just keep you out of handcuffs.

marijuana arrest — Photo by Gleti/Getty Images

Always Buy From A Registered Dispensary

There are a lot of reasons you should buy your weed directly from a dispensary. There is quality control, safety and you know exactly what you are getting. Most of all, it is the legal way. Remember that just because marijuana is legal in your state does not mean you can purchase it from an unlicensed dealer, or from a stranger off the street. This is still very much against the law.

Never Re-Sell Weed You Purchased Legally

It might feel like a simple favor, but selling your friend the weed you purchased legally, even if you are not making a profit, is illegal. While your friend may not tell on you, just remember that possession is legal, but the selling and delivery of marijuana can land you in jail.

Make Sure You Have Your Medical Marijuana Card

If you have been approved for medical marijuana in the state you live then you can legally obtain and use it for medicinal purposes. When you have marijuana in your possession be sure to have your medical marijuana card on you.

“If police accuse you of illegal drug possession, you can use this card as a form of identification to show law enforcement your status,” according to an article by LawInfo. If you do not have your card on you, however, the police may arrest you until matters are cleared up.

Don’t Over-Plant Weed On Your Property

Growing Marijuana — Photo by DaveLongMedia/Getty Images

It is legal to grow weed for recreational or medical purposes in over 20 states. Grow laws vary in every state. Some only allow you to grow for medical purposes. Every state has a restriction on the number of plants.

Some states even have restrictions on how many plants are allowed to flower at one time. Be sure you don’t get a greedy green thumb. Plant the legal amount so you and your plants can rest easy.

Don’t Smoke Weed Where It Is Not Allowed

Some states allow you to smoke in public and others do not. Possessing and using marijuana on federal property, however, is always illegal. “The federal law applies to offenses committed on federal property, which includes the Capitol grounds and the mall within D.C., as well as all national parks and military property nationwide,” according to NORML. This means you should think twice before sparking up at the National Mall or your Yosemite.

Don’t Carry Too Much

When you are at a dispensary you might be able to buy unlimited amounts of marijuana, but that simply is not the case. Every state has laws on the amount of marijuana you can possess. These laws are no joke either. Being caught with large amounts of marijuana can sometimes land you with felony charges in most states.

Never Purchase For, Or Partake With, Those Underage

Here's What You Should Know About Teens and Marijuana Abuse — Photo by Aedrian via Unsplash

It may feel like a no-brainer, but getting an underage person high, or providing one with marijuana is always against the law. Remember that the legal age is 21, not 18.

Don’t Send It In The Mail

Edibles might seem like a great addition to a care package, but it is an illegal act. Colorado’s official website says, “The United States Postal Service is run by the federal government. Since marijuana isn’t federally legal, you can’t pop it in the mail.”

Do Not Bring It Across State Lines

Individuals, and even companies, are not allowed to bring marijuana across state lines. All the marijuana you legally purchase in a state is from that state — and legally must stay there.

This is an easy thing to assume if you are traveling to a state where weed is illegal. If, however, you are going from one legal state to another you still should not cross the border with it. Keep in mind that when you fly the “friendly” skies, those skies are federal skies, not state-owned.

Don’t Drive With Weed In The Car

driving while high — Photo by JasonDoiy/Getty Images

It is not always illegal to drive with weed in the car. If marijuana is unopened and in its package it is often acceptable. Opened flower and other opened forms of marijuana in motor vehicles is often illegal. Many states have adopted laws similar to “open container” laws that exist for alcohol.

Also, if you get pulled over with visible marijuana in your car — it just isn’t a good look. Be smart, and limit how often marijuana is in your vehicle when you are driving.

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System After You Take It?

CBD

Terry Hacienda

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May 11, 2022

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How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System After You Take It?

There is no standard or universal timeframe that applies to everyone because there are so many different factors that influence it.

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

Cannabidiol (CBD) is no doubt increasing in popularity as well as availability. More states than ever are making it easily available to the adult public in many forms, from beverages to pills, infused edibles, tinctures, and so much more.

Data shows that 1 in 3 Americans have consumed CBD, and more than half of the population is already familiar with CBD products. People use CBD for many reasons including pain reduction, sleep, anxiety, or overall wellness.

4 Things CBD Won't Help You Achieve In 2022 — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

Meanwhile, a 2019 survey by the Brightfield Group revealed that 44% of CBD consumers spend anywhere from $20 to $80 a month on CBD products.

But each day, there are new CBD consumers everywhere. After all, what’s not to love about CBD? It doesn’t get you high, it has potent healing benefits, and it helps fight inflammation as well as many other illnesses.

However, some people are still concerned about whether or not it can be detected on a blood test so they wonder how long it stays in the system.

CBD vs. THC

To get down to the answer, it’s also important to get to know the differences between THC and CBD.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in the marijuana plant. But CBD products are derived from hemp, which is a high-CBD cousin of cannabis. Since industrial hemp has high levels of CBD, authentic CBD products can only be derived from it even if both plants look similar but biologically speaking, the chemical makeup of each plant is extremely different.

This is why when you consume THC products, this cannabinoid is detectable through bodily fluids for long periods of time and is commonly tested for in various drug tests such as some required for work.

Drug Tests

If you are worried about failing a drug test, it’s recommended to consume CBD isolates which are the safest type of CBD on the market. CBD isolates are the purest form of CBD available, made with no other plant compounds not even in trace amounts.

With urine tests, THC can be detected from three days to as long as three months after use, while saliva tests can detect it for 24 hours after use. Hair drug tests can detect it for up to 90 days. Meanwhile, blood tests can detect THC for up to 36 hours after use.

Having said that, drug tests don’t screen for CBD since it isn’t intoxicating unless a lab test is used which is made for detecting CBD specifically. There are dozens of different types of drug tests out there, which all have varying cut-off levels. Legally speaking, hemp CBD products contain 0.3% of THC so it won’t be detected unless you consume extremely high amounts, or unless the drug test was engineered to detect CBD although it is rare for legal and employment reasons.

How Long CBD Stays In Your System

You may still be wondering about how long it stays in your system, and how long its effects will be felt. There is no standard or universal timeframe that applies to everyone because there are so many different factors that influence it, much of which is dependent on our unique body chemistry as well as the ways and frequency with which CBD was consumed.

Generally speaking, it takes around one day for CBD to be completely flushed out of your system if you took one dose. The more you consume it and at higher doses, the longer it will take for your body to flush it.

Other factors that affect how long CBD remains in your system include:

Your metabolism, weight, and age
Frequency of use
Last day of consumption
Dosage
Consumption method

Since CBD is fat-soluble, it is stored in the fat cells of the body instead of water cells. This is why the impact of your body mass index (BMI) has an influence in how fast it’s metabolized once you take it, and how quickly it’s flushed out. The higher your weight and body mass, the longer it takes to leave your system.

Additionally, CBD is available in many forms so how you administer it will have an impact on how long it takes for its effects to be felt, how long it lasts, and how long CBD will stay in your system. Vaporization is the fastest way to deliver CBD into the body, and also leaves the body just as quickly. The onset of CBD tinctures and oils is slightly longer, perhaps 15-20 minutes, though their effects can last as long as 6 hours. Since oral products like edibles and capsules need to make their way through the digestive system, the onset can take 30 minutes though sometimes as long as 90 minutes. It also takes edibles a little longer to leave the system.

CBD oil cannabis tincture — Photo by 24K-Production/Getty Images

For those looking for localized pain relief, CBD topicals are a good option. You can apply anti-inflammatory CBD creams to muscles or joints, anywhere else that has pain, it provides therapeutic effects just on that area. Furthermore, CBD topicals don’t cross the bloodstream so they don’t show up in blood tests.

In a 2016 study, it revealed that participants who consumed CBD through flower, oil, and capsule form then took a urine drug test after 2 hours still had detectable CBD levels. When the urine was retested after 24 hours, traces of CBD were no longer detectable.

Conclusion

When buying CBD products, always be sure to purchase from a reputable manufacturer and one that provides third-party laboratory testing to ensure that it’s derived from the hemp plant. Hemp plants only contain 0.3% THC, which is a trace amount of the drug that won’t show up in a drug tests.

In the event that you happen to false test positively when consuming CBD for a workplace drug test, you can tell your employer that you are consuming CBD products.

At the end of the day, it’s always the safest bet to look for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from CBD manufacturers before using it. A CoA will tell you valuable information such as the CBD and THC content in the product as well as any contaminants that has been detected.

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

Wisconsin Gov. Pardons Several With Cannabis Convictions, Bringing Total To Nearly 500

Benzinga Staff Writer

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May 10, 2022

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Wisconsin Gov. Pardons Several With Cannabis Convictions, Bringing Total To Nearly 500

Evers, who is up for re-election this year, has granted more pardons during his first three years in office than any other governor in contemporary history.

By Nicolás Jose Rodriguez

On Friday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D), a supporter of cannabis legalization, announced new pardons including nine for individuals previously convicted for cannabis-related offenses, reported High Times.

“There is power in redemption and forgiveness, especially for folks who’ve been working to move beyond their past mistakes to be productive, positive members of their communities,” Evers said in a statement. “I’m grateful for being able to give a second chance to these individuals who’ve worked hard to do just that.”

Evers, who is up for re-election this year, has granted a total of 498 pardons. According to a bulletin from his office he has “granted more pardons during his first three years in office than any other governor in contemporary history”.

A pardon “does not expunge court records,” but it is “an official act of forgiveness that restores rights lost when someone is convicted of a felony, including the right to serve on a jury, hold public office, and hold certain professional licenses,” Evers explained.

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

How To Clean Your Weed Grinder

Maria Loreto

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May 10, 2022

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Grinders are important tools for any regular cannabis consumer. Here’s how you can clean it thoroughly and ensure it lasts for years.

If there’s one tool that’s not absolutely necessary, but will improve your cannabis experience significantly, it’s a grinder. The device allows you to grind your weed efficiently, also serving as storage and as the simplest way to build up your kief reservoir.

While you could grind weed with your hands, scissors or even a small container with a coin inside, a grinder ensures you don’t rob your weed of trichomes and other factors that make for a stronger and more pleasant experience.

Despite the many perks that grinders have, you do have to clean them on a semiregular basis. These devices often get clogged up with weed remains and gunk, making it difficult for them to do their job effectively. If your grinder’s blades are dirty, it’ll likely rip and tear the cannabis nugs instead of cutting them, something is best to avoid when packing a bowl or a joint. Avoiding your grinder’s clean-up could also result in the build-up of bacteria and decomposed elements, something you don’t want to inhale at any point.

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

Cannabis grinders can come in different materials and forms. Most come in the shape of circle, with different compartments for weed and kief storage. By cleaning it often, you’ll make sure your grinder has a long life, preserving the blades and their effectiveness.

Here’s how to clean your grinder.

Separate all pieces

These Are The 7 Cutest Marijuana Grinders On Amazon — Photo by VasilevKirill/Getty Images

Make sure you open up all of your grinders’ compartments, removing all plant materials. Pay special attention to your grinder’s kief compartment, since this part tends to fill up without us noticing. Put it someplace safe, that way you can consume it whenever you want.

Soak the grinder

cannabis grinder — Photo by Esteban Lopez via Unsplash

While wiping it with a clean towel and some isopropyl alcohol will get the job done, soaking the grinder in alcohol for a half-hour will do the same, eliminating scrubbing and resulting in a deeper clean. Rinse it with water and make sure you clean out any cannabis remains or gunk and dry it out.

For a deeper clean

5 TikTok Spring Cleaning Hacks — Photo by JESHOOTS.COM via Unsplash

If your grinder needs a deeper cleaning, after you separate all the pieces and clean it, you can put it in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step will freeze the plant residue, making it easier to separate from the grinder. Afterward, you can clean the grinder with a toothbrush and soak it in alcohol for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry.

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Always Buy From A Registered Dispensary

Never Re-Sell Weed You Purchased Legally

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Don’t Smoke Weed Where It Is Not Allowed

Don’t Carry Too Much

Never Purchase For, Or Partake With, Those Underage

Don’t Send It In The Mail

Do Not Bring It Across State Lines

Don’t Drive With Weed In The Car

There is no standard or universal timeframe that applies to everyone because there are so many different factors that influence it.

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Conclusion

Evers, who is up for re-election this year, has granted more pardons during his first three years in office than any other governor in contemporary history.

Grinders are important tools for any regular cannabis consumer. Here’s how you can clean it thoroughly and ensure it lasts for years.

Separate all pieces

Soak the grinder

For a deeper clean

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