When Will New Jersey’s Marijuana Sales Begin? What’s Next After Yet Another Delay?

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March 28, 2022

When Will New Jersey’s Marijuana Sales Begin? What’s Next After Yet Another Delay?

It seems that New Jerseyans will have to wait a bit longer to purchase recreational cannabis, as the state regulator for the nascent industry rejected the applications from eight medical cannabis operators — dubbed Alternative Treatment Centers and all owned by MSOs — to launch adult-use sales.

Curaleaf Holdings’ founder and chairman Boris Jordan was one of many disappointed cannabis entrepreneurs who did not take the news well.

International Cannabis Sales Expected To Reach $35 Million — Photo via Getty/StockstudioX

“Frustrating day in NJ – once again, the goal posts have been moved & the will of the people and the Governor is being ignored! We will continue to fight for what the NJ voters decided they want – a safe & regulated adult-use cannabis marketplace,” Jordan said in a recent Tweet.

Frustrating day in NJ – once again the goal posts have been moved & the will of the people and the Governor is being ignored! We will continue to fight for what the NJ voters decided they want – a safe & regulated adult use cannabis marketplace! #msogang

— Boris Jordan (@Boris_Jordan) March 24, 2022

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission took the decision on the grounds that, in the aggregate, cannabis operator in the state doesn’t have enough capacity to serve the current medical market.

Following its midday meeting, the state regulator called a special meeting for April 11, where the issue will be revisited.

Recreational Sales To Launch By Mid-May

Cantor Fitzgerald’s Pablo Zuanic said that recreation sales might begin in the Garden State by mid-May despite this setback.

“In practical terms, the CRC only has two weeks to check operators’ capacity and ability to supply the med market,” the analyst said in his latest note. “Because of probably significant political pressure and lobbying, we are of the opinion some incumbents (not all) will get the green light on 4/11.”

CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown explained that “our goal is to work with the industry and the industry to work with us so at the very next CRC meeting we have a cohort of ATCs that are turnkey to launch this market here, simply pending a vote by this commission,” reported NJ Advance Media.

“If for any that are still not there, hopefully (they’ll be) ready for conditional approval pending certain timelines and regulatory milestones that we can work to get done.”

New York Tax Could Make Weed Cost 70$ An Eighth — Photo by Add Weed via Unsplash

“Without having all the facts, it would seem the CRC may want to delay the rec head start for med incumbents in order to narrow the gap with new social equity applicants starting operations,” he added.

Either way, New Jersey is still on track to beat Massachusetts in terms of launching the marijuana recreational market after voters approved it via the ballot box in November 2020, the analyst noted.

Conditional Licenses

Separately, the commission unanimously awarded the first 68 conditional licenses to adult-use cannabis cultivators and manufacturers, including 50 cultivators and 18 manufacturers, reported Politico.

Zuanic said these businesses will not be ready to supply the market until the first half of 2023.

“If the newly approved licensees submit their application by March 31, are approved by April 31, the only thing preventing them from starting would be build out and receiving local permits,” the analyst added.

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

3 Cali Road Trips Every Cannabis Lover Should Try At Least Once

Terry Hacienda

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March 27, 2022

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3 Cali Road Trips Every Cannabis Lover Should Try At Least Once

If you’re in the mood to visit California or go on a cannabis tourism road trip in the state, make sure to allow enough time to enjoy the various stops you’ll be making.

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

California is one of the best places to visit for a fulfilling cannabis experience. It is fondly known as the “center of America’s cannabis industry” due to the high number of cannabis operations that go on in the different regions of the state.

Traveling through California is usually a swell journey. The state has several unforgettable experiences for visitors, from scenic views, natural areas, and spectacular landmarks; it has it all. What’s more, cannabis is legal here.

california cannabis — Photo by Rex_Wholster/Getty Images

If you’re thinking about going on a road trip through California, this guide is for you. There are various places to visit in California to show you how Californians grow and smoke only the best cannabis products. You’d get to revel in the glorious history of cannabis in the different cities in the state. If you drive as far as the Big Sur coastline or Joshua Tree, you will enjoy the state’s unique landscape. There’s more enjoyment for you if you explore with an elevated mind.

Road Trip Guides Through California

Here is a carefully curated list of three different road trips stoners could embark on to enjoy the drop-dead gorgeous views of Cali cities. The guide also highlights some picture-worthy locations where you could stop to enjoy the wonders of edibles, vapes, gummies, edibles, or flowers.

Before you go on this trip, head over to a cannabis dispensary close to you to get your favorite cannabis goodies. If you have short notice, you can hold onto some money because you’d see some dispensaries to buy your favorite strains from. It’s time for some weedy adventure.

Through California’s Pacific Coast Highway

This is a 656-mile-long trip that starts from Southern California and ends at the city’s center in Mendocino County. The iconic state road is an iconic route. It has an extensive number of stops along the coastline where you can feast your eyes on some inspiring scenery while feasting on some mouthwatering strains.

This drive shouldn’t be rushed through in four or five days. To have the most fun and experience the lifestyles of Californians in these areas, it’s best to take at least ten days. Going from Dana Point to the region close to Legget will expose you to many natural and architectural views. The most striking aspect of this road trip is the views of the majestic Pacific Ocean. A significant part of this trip passes through the coastline. There are some forested parts to enjoy close to the Big Sur. As you go up north, you’ll make your way around some mountains. You might even see some wildlife like elephants, zebras, and seals as you get closer to San Simeon.

Some man-made structures will also be highlighted as you go through California’s Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll see a diverse selection of architectural landmarks, like the Spanish colonial architecture in the Santa Ynez Valley. Other architectural gems include the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Hearst Castle estate.

California Gov.: Marijuana Legalization is a 'Civil Rights' Issue — Photo by Matthew Hamilton via Unsplash

The Desert Drive

This shorter drive begins in San Diego and ends in the Joshua Tree National Park. There are several wonderful sites along this route that are mostly inconspicuous when one is in a hurry to get to a destination.

Many people often fail to appreciate the scenic views along this terrain because all their attention is fixated on getting to Joshua Tree National Park. Although Joshua Tree Park is an exciting place, it won’t hurt to take in the various rock types, meadows, and art present along the route. You can complete this 290-mile trip in a week. And yes, the trip will be worth those seven days of your life.

Once you get to San Diego, press the button on your map as you begin to head to the northeast region by going through Highway 163 to Highway 78. As the name implies, the desert drive leads towards the Ansa-Borrego Desert State Park. It’s best to stop here and enjoy the beautiful landscape. If you’re fortunate enough to visit this park during spring, you’ll witness the blooming wildflowers. There’s a 130-foot prehistoric animal sculpture you could take pictures of just at the entrance of the park. The sculptures were created by artist Ricardo Breceda.

California’s 7 Toughest And Worst Cannabis Rules — Photo by Patrick Tomasso via Unsplash

Another part of the trip includes the Palm Canyon Drive, heading to the Salton Sea. Other stops include the abandoned navy base called Slab City, Santa Rosa, and the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The significant part of this drive is that there are pit stops where you can enjoy one or two hits from your favorite strains.

All the sights highlighted here are worth the hype. For some years, the Salton Sea (one of the largest inland seas in the world) would completely dry up. Now is the best time to enjoy this beauty. On the other hand, the slab city is now a deserted area where some go to enjoy a puff or more.

Don’t forget to visit Palm Springs when you’re on Highway 111. You might even get to see some celebrities at the tree park.

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway

Not everyone can free up enough time to go on very long trips, which is why this route is included in this list.

This 117-mile road trip starts at Cajon Pass and ends in the Big Bear area. Travelers have the choice to leave their vehicles and participate in hiking in the rocky and mountainous regions of the state. You could also take your rides along the cliff edges and the peaks of the mountains at San Bernadino. This trip could take three to five days. Each day, you get to explore the different lakes, mountain passes, and various hikes.

Enjoy the Ride

If you’re in the mood to visit California or go on a cannabis tourism road trip in the state, make sure to allow enough time to enjoy the various stops you’ll be making. Enjoy the mountain views, lakes, and ocean coastlines. Who knows, you could even come across another group going the same route as you—the more the merrier. The best time to visit is during the summer or spring. Have fun!

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

CBD Shows Promise In Post-Op Pain, Say New York Researchers

CBD
News

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 27, 2022

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CBD Shows Promise In Post-Op Pain, Say New York Researchers

It could be a new, inexpensive approach for delivering pain relief, and without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and addiction risks linked to opiates.

By Vuk Zdinjak

An orally absorbed tablet containing CBD effectively reduces pain after shoulder surgery with no safety concerns, a new study finds.

Led by researchers in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at New York’s NYU Langone Health, the study found that the tablet ORAVEXX safely managed pain after minimally invasive rotator cuff surgery, and did not produce side effects sometimes associated with CBD use, such as nausea, anxiety and liver toxicity. The findings were presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2022 Annual Meeting in Chicago.

CBD oil — Photo by Erin Hinterland via Pixababy

“There is an urgent need for viable alternatives for pain management, and our study presents this form of CBD as a promising tool after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair,” stated lead investigator Michael J. Alaia, MD, FAAOS, associate professor in the department of orthopedic surgery. “It could be a new, inexpensive approach for delivering pain relief, and without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs and addiction risks linked to opiates. Additionally, CBD has the benefit of pain relief without the psychotropic effects associated with THC or marijuana.”

How The Trial Was Undertaken

The multi-center Phase 1/2 clinical trial randomly involved 99 participants between the ages of 18 and 75 across 2 study sites, placing half in a placebo group and the others into the group receiving oral-absorbed CBD. Participants were given a low dose of Percocet, instructed to wean off the narcotic as soon as possible and then take the placebo/CBD 3 times a day for 14 days after the surgery.

On the first day after surgery, patients receiving CBD experienced on average 23 percent less pain as measured by the visual analog scale pain score compared to patients receiving the placebo, highlighting that in patients with moderate pain, CBD may render a significant benefit.

On both the first and second days after surgery, patients receiving CBD reported 22 to 25 percent greater satisfaction with pain control compared to those receiving placebo. Further analysis also showed that patients receiving 50 mg of CBD reported lower pain and higher satisfaction with pain control compared to patients receiving placebo. No major side effects were reported.

Results Promising, But…

While the results are promising, Dr. Alaia cautioned consumers against seeking out commercialized CBD products.

“Our study is examining a well-designed, carefully scrutinized product under an investigational new drug application sanctioned by the FDA. This is currently still experimental medicine and is not yet available for prescription,” said Alaia.

Moving forward, NYU Langone has launched a second study looking at whether ORAVEXX can specifically treat chronic pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Multiple Phase 2 studies are also planned to evaluate the drug’s efficacy for other acute and chronic pain management issues and assess the role of CBD on inflammation.

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

Ways To Use And Consume CBG

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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March 26, 2022

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It’s an excellent form of cannabinoid that has multiple health benefits, including supporting overall health and well-being

Cannabigerol (CBG) is quickly becoming one of the most popular cannabinoid products these days. More than just a buzzword, CBG exists in the hemp plant as a precursor to CBD as well as THC. Also known as the mother of all cannabinoids, it can only be found in the plant’s blooming phase before the cannabinoids are converted into CBD or THC. However, due to the short blooming timeframe of the hemp cannabis plant, it can be challenging to find products that are rich in CBG. Here is some advice and ways to use and consume CBG.

When CBG is still in its precursor form, better known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. Once it converts to CBG form, its original properties go through a transformation although there are also other properties that remain the same. Pure CBG can naturally be found in small concentrations that are usually less than 1% in the hemp plant so it took a while for researchers to take it seriously and study it.

Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

Now, we have farmers and scientists that are devoting more time to genetic studies on CBG. There are now more hemp cultivars that have a higher CBG content, allowing everyday people like you and me to benefit from its therapeutic benefits.

Benefits of CBG

Just like CBD, CBG isn’t intoxicating so you can consume it without worrying about getting high. It’s a beneficial cannabinoid for treating stress, anxiety, and pain. Studies show it also has antibacterial activity.

Researchers have found that it has potent anti-inflammatory properties but a word of caution: it’s best not to mix CBG intake with THC or CBD since they have different effects on the body.

Dosage

As of the time of writing, there is no standard dosage instructions for CBG.

However, we can follow the standards that have been determined for CBD and THC. There are many personal factors that affect finding the right dose for you, which includes your overall baseline health, age, weight, underlying conditions, and your previous experience with cannabis, if any. Just like with cannabis, we always recommend starting small and going slow.

When shopping for CBG products, manufacturers will indicate either in percentage or MG form the quantity of CBG. If a manufacturer doesn’t indicate this information, you can check their website or any lab results. Manufacturers may already have a recommended starting dose which you can start with, then work your way up gradually until you have found the quantity necessary for achieving your desired effect.

Gradually consuming CBG will help you get used to the cannabinoid. Start with 2.5 to 5mg of CBG as the smallest dose while you begin working your way up. While there are no fatal side effects for taking too much CBG, consuming an excess may lead to diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting until the cannabinoid has fully left your system although this may take 3-5 hours. However, everyone will react to it differently just like with other cannabinoids.

Generally speaking, CBG has shown to be well-tolerated and its effects are mild. Always remember to follow the recommended dose indicated by the manufacturer or brand.

Consumption

There are many ways you can consume CBG. Here are some products to look for:

CBG Isolate: Similar to other isolate products on the market, CBG isolate ensures you get the purest form possible. This is ideal for individuals who want to create edibles infused with CBG, or simply medicate with CBG without the properties of other products.

Isolate can be consumed orally or infused with a carrier oil to make a tincture. If you intend to consume the isolate on its own, just put a drop or two (depending on its dose and the effects you’re after) underneath your tongue, where you can leave it for a minute before swallowing.

CBG Oil: When starting out with a new cannabinoid product, consuming it via oil is one of the easiest ways to control dosage. Simply put a few drops under your tongue, then hold it for 30-60 seconds so that the cannabinoid receptors located in this part of your mouth can more efficiently absorb it. This is an efficient way to get the most out of CBG.

Moreover, CBG oil can also be added into food and drink. Many people enjoy adding CBG oil into coffee, shakes, smoothies, salads, baked goods, and salad dressings the way you would with other condiments. Keep in mind that it may not have a desirable flavor though adding it to other food and drink can hide the flavor.

RELATED: What Is CBG And Is It Legal?

Vaporizer: Vape CBG oil is also available, which are compatible with vape pens and vaporizers. Vaping cannabis products including CBG has been one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis since they are easy to do and more discreet compared to smoking flower because it produces very little smoke. Additionally, consuming it this way takes it directly to the lungs where it will reach the bloodstream almost immediately, so you can feel its effects straight away.

Flower: Hemp flower with higher-than-average amounts of CBG can also be found in the market. It’s much less concentrated compared to oils or isolate, and you are also getting the benefits of other cannabinoids when you smoke it via flower. Some CBG strains you can try include:

Jack Frost
John Snow
The White
White CBG
White Whale
Sour G

Conclusion

There are many reasons people are trying CBG these days. It’s an excellent form of cannabinoid that has multiple health benefits, including supporting overall health and well-being. Given that there are numerous ways that you can consume it, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be trying CBG today.

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

These 2022 Oscar Nominees Smoke Weed

Tom Gaffey

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March 26, 2022

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With a slightly shortened show with three lively hosts who like joking about weed in a state where it is legal, one can only hope this year’s ceremony is elevated.

It’s that time of the year again. The 94th annual Academy Awards are this Sunday. And while the Oscars have always been synonymous with elegant red carpets and golden statues, green is the color we’re most interested in.

While none of this year’s nominees are expected to thank marijuana specifically for winning their golden statue, do any of them have notable associations with weed? Yes. Yes, they do.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Best Actor nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (“Power of The Dog”) may seem tight laced and calculated in many of his memorable performances, but he has openly admitted to indulging in marijuana.

“I’ve smoked a bit of weed in my time, but that’s about it,” Cumberbatch told Rolling Stone, in regards to how he related to his character in Showtime’s “Patrick Melrose.” “I’ve always been about moderation. I’m not a binger and nothing is habitual with me,” he continued.

Andrew Garfield

“Tick, Tick…BOOM!” star Andrew Garfield has also admitted to enjoying marijuana from time to time. “I can only really take substances if it’s a ritual. I mean, weed, I can smoke because it’s just nice,” the best actor nominee told The Evening Standard.

Garfield then touched on the importance of hallucinogens for his creative inspiration. “But with hallucinogens, I have to do it in a very conscious way in a place where I feel free and safe and can have a freak out if I want to. I want to be able to express my insights.” Who knows, maybe Garfield will give a quick thanks to hallucinogens if he takes home the best actor trophy on Sunday.

Kristen Stewart

Kristin Stewart is nominated for her first Academy Award for her portrait of Princess Diana in “Spencer.” Stewart had plenty of her own experience with the paparazzi to prepare her for this Academy Award nominated role, including being caught smoking weed outside her home. She discussed this experience in a 2012 Vanity Fair interview.

“You can Google my name and one of the first things that comes up is images of me sitting on my front porch smoking a pipe with my ex-boyfriend and my dog,” she said.

“The next day it was like I was a delinquent slimy idiot, whereas I’m kind of a weirdo, creative Valley Girl who smokes pot. Big deal. But that changed my daily life instantly.”

Nicole Kidman

“Being The Ricardos” star Nicole Kidman has already won a Best Actress Oscar (“The Hours”), but many of her fans might be surprised to learn that she’s dipped her heels in the cannabis business. In 2020, it was announced that she would be partnering with Cure Pharmaceutical to promote their cannabis products. While Kidman’s personal interest in marijuana remains a mystery, she is eager to promote the use of CBD.

Kirsten Dunst

Best Supporting Actress nominee Kirsten Dunst (“The Power of the Dog”) has had very candid comments about marijuana in the past.

Ahead of the times, Dunst told Britain’s Live Magazine in 2007, “I drink moderately, I’ve tried drugs. I do like weed. I have a different outlook on marijuana than America does.” Dunst went on to say, “I think America’s view on weed is ridiculous. I mean, are you kidding me? If everyone smoked weed, the world would be a better place.”

The Hosts!

This year’s Academy Awards will be hosted by Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer — all three of whom have spoken publicly about cannabis use.

When asked how she “unplugged,” Schumer told Today host Savannah Guthrie, “usually marijuana.” Schumer has also been vocal about how CBD was “the only thing” that helper her intense nausea during pregnancy.

Sykes has often joked about cannabis both as a comedian and even on social media. In her act Sykes once said in her Comedy Central special that she told her stock broker to “put all my money in weed, because the price of weed never goes down.”

Hall also made people laugh with a story about weed. Hall admitted on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that she and her mom got way too high for their own good when eating her late dog’s medical prescribed marijuana.

These hosts have a tall order, as the Oscars have been known to go on a bit longer than the audience would like. With a slightly shortened show with three lively hosts who like joking about weed in a state where it is legal, one can only hope this year’s ceremony is ~~high as a kite~~ elevated.

Federally Legal Weed: Are The Stars Aligning? Will The Dems And GOP Meet In The Middle?

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 26, 2022

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Federally Legal Weed: Are The Stars Aligning? Will The Dems And GOP Meet In The Middle?

Can these leading Senate Democrats afford to come out empty-handed after bringing so much attention to their reform proposals?

By Maureen Meehan

Cannabis stocks went into a tizzy, in a good way, on Thursday’s blockbuster news that the House of Representatives will call a vote next week on the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement), which seeks to remove cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and promote social equity in the industry.

Then, within hours came more news: the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan bill promoting cannabis research. The latter didn’t quite get the shouts and murmurs nor cause cannabis stocks to go wild, but, as one researcher put it, “Cannabis contains a galaxy of unexplored compounds…that may well transform our understanding of plant medicine and human biology.” So, yes, legalizing cannabis research was another piece of huge news.

marijuana nug — Photo by Kirill Vasikev / EyeEm/Getty Images

What About Cannabis Stocks?

Doubtless, cannabis legalization in the U.S. would be a huge milestone for cannabis stocks, especially in view of the slow but sad drop over the past year, due largely to dashed hopes over the progress, or lack thereof, regarding U.S. federal legalization.

And though nothing is official just yet, the suggestion that cannabis legalization is being discussed at the highest levels of government has encouraged investors and has kept cannabis stocks continuing to respond positively.

What’s Next?

Cantor Fitzgerald’s analyst Pablo Zuanic said he assumes the MORE bill’s main sponsor Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) has been in touch with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who is expected to file his own bill (the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act) on April 20. CAOA is a broader reform bill than the SAFE Act that would allow for interstate cannabis commerce across the US.

“Both bills, or an eventual joint version, in our view, will at least allow Democrats to claim they are doing their very best to pass comprehensive cannabis reform. The conventional wisdom view is that neither Bill has the votes in the Senate to pass (based on what we know at this moment, we agree with that sentiment),” Zuanic said. “But as Rep. Perlmutter (sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act) told us recently ‘the stars are aligning.'”

Can The Dems Pull It Off?

Can these leading Senate Democrats afford to come out empty-handed after bringing so much attention to their reform proposals?

Zuanic says that the SAFE Banking Act could be more than just “face-saving” for the Democrats.

marijuana legalization — Photo by RODNAE Productions via Pexels

“SAFE passage could be an honorable start, and provide a realistic spark for future broader more comprehensive reform. Supposedly, SAFE (in its current version) has more than 60 votes in the Senate. It will all come down to Sen Majority Leader Schumer: do nothing this term (in terms of getting actual MJ legislation passed), or tweak Rep Perlmutter’s Bill.”

Clearly, getting even one of these bills passed by the Senate is the challenge.

Benzinga’s View

It might behoove the potential naysayers in the Senate to give the situation some real, non-partisan thought as it would make sense to recognize that a vast majority — fully 68% — of their own constituents indeed want cannabis legalized, regulated and fairly taxed.

“Today, voters of every age and in virtually every region of the country agree that marijuana should be legal,” said NORML’s former executive director Erik Altieri. “We have a mandate from the American people and we intend to make sure that elected officials abide by it.”

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

New York Potency Tax Could Result In Very Expensive Weed — Here’s How Much

Maria Loreto

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March 25, 2022

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New York Potency Tax Could Result In Very Expensive Weed — Here’s How Much

New York is implementing a novel way of taxing cannabis, one that could result in very, very expensive weed.

Buying legal marijuana in New York will soon be a reality, with the state legalizing recreational use in 2021. Now, new reports say that the Empire State could impose a potency tax, elevating weed prices to up to $70 for an eighth.

Per Syracuse.com, the law would tax distributors different amounts depending on the milligrams of THC present in the compound. Distributors would be taxed half a cent in flower, eight-tenths of a cent in concentrates, and three cents in edibles.

Last year, New York announced its complex tax cannabis plan that, while not the highest in the country, could be the most complex. Instead of tying wholesale tax to factors such as weight or volume, New York would link the tax to the amount of THC in a product.

New York is the first state to tax cannabis this way, with many industry experts calling the plan overly complicated. “I mean it’s great that we finally have marijuana legalization, but this THC-based tax is something that could create a lot of problems,” said Kaelan Castetter, of Castetter Cannabis Group. She argues that this complex plan could put a new industry in a tough spot since it’s just starting out, while also coping with a pandemic. She predicts the tax could elevate costs, something that appears to be the case as we near the opening of legal cannabis businesses.

counting money — Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Still, not everyone is upset by New York’s new taxes. “It is an interesting approach,” cannabis law specialist Rob DiPisa told Syracuse.com. “Clearly New York is paying attention to the way that THC now drives the value and the growth in the industry. It may be the first, but I can see this becoming a trend in other states.”

Others think the tax could push cannabis workers to make strains and cannabis products that aren’t so reliant on THC, giving other compounds a chance, and showing people that there’s much more to cannabis than that single element.

Legal cannabis sales could start by the end of the year, following a program that plans to provide cannabis licenses to people affected by marijuana-related convictions.

US Senate Green-Lights Bipartisan Marijuana Research Bill Ahead Of House Legalization Vote

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 25, 2022

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US Senate Green-Lights Bipartisan Marijuana Research Bill Ahead Of House Legalization Vote

The bill states that it “shall not be a violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) for a State-licensed physician to discuss” the risk and benefits of marijuana and cannabis-derived products with patients.

By Jelena Martinovic

On Thursday, the Senate gave a green light to a bipartisan marijuana bill meant to promote marijuana research, reported Marijuana Moment.

The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), is titled Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act. It was reintroduced in February 2021, following an earlier version that passed the Senate in 2020.

The bill was approved unanimously, without debate, on the same day congressional leadership confirmed that the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on a bill to federally legalize marijuana (Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act) — for the second time in history.

While the bill sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) is poised to end up on the House floor next week, a Senate legalization bill being finalized by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act (CAOA) — is yet to be filed, most likely in April.

What’s In The Research Bill?

The newly passed bill would simplify the application process for researchers seeking to study cannabis. It will also encourage the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop cannabis-derived medicines.

Under the legislation, physicians would be allowed to discuss the risks and benefits of marijuana with their patients.

The bill states that it “shall not be a violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) for a State-licensed physician to discuss” the risk and benefits of marijuana and cannabis-derived products with patients.

Moreover, physicians will be able to require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a report on the potential health benefits of marijuana, the obstacles related to cannabis research and how to overcome them.

medical marijuana — Photo by Esther Kelleter / EyeEm/Getty Images

“Current rules and regulations make it hard for researchers to study how marijuana and marijuana-derived medications can best be used to treat various conditions,” Sen. Feinstein said in a press release. “This important legislation will cut the red-tape around the research process, helping get FDA-approved, marijuana-derived medications safely to patients.”

Sen. Grassley emphasized that the bill is “critical” to better understand the cannabis plant.

“It will empower the FDA to analyze CBD and medical marijuana products in a safe and responsible way so that the American public can decide whether to utilize them in the future based on sound scientific data,” Grassley said. “Researching marijuana is widely supported by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and it’s a smart step forward in addressing this current schedule I drug.”

Sen. Schatz highlighted that federal laws are still ‘standing in the way of learning about cannabis’ potential health benefits.

“We are now one step closer to removing excessive barriers that make it difficult for researchers to study the effectiveness and safety of marijuana, and hopefully, give patients more treatment options,” Schatz said.

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

Male Birth Control Pill Might Soon Be A Thing

News

Maria Loreto

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March 25, 2022

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Male Birth Control Pill Might Soon Be A Thing

Male birth control may soon be on the map, with researchers finding a new method that prevents 99% of pregnancies with no side effects.

Male birth control pills have been an urban myth for years. But now, they might finally be a realty. On Wednesday, a team of scientists reported that they had developed a contraceptive in male mice that was 99% effective.

Per Science Alert, the findings will be presented at the American Chemical Society‘s spring meeting.

Researchers have been trying to create a birth control that would affect men the same way it does women. The problem with this approach was that, due to the targeting of testosterone, men were likely to experience depression, weight gain and an increase risk for heart disease.

Vaccines Don't Affect Men's Fertility — According To Study, This Might — Photo by Amy Humphries via Unsplash

The new method is non-hormonal, targeting a protein in the body that can block out the making of sperm. The method had no adverse side effects, finding that the mice were equally active and hungry as they were before. The effects were also temporary, with mice being able to get mice pregnant four weeks after they stopped taking the compound.

The team hopes to start human trials at some point in 2022. “There is no guarantee that it will work…but I would really be surprised if we didn’t see an effect in humans as well,” said Professor Gunda Georg.

Birth control has long been an controversial issue of responsibility, landing squarely on female partners. If this method were to come to fruition, it would provide couples with more options for birth control, allowing them to find a method that works best for them as a couple.

What The New SCOTUS Could Mean For Marijuana Legalization

Tom Gaffey

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March 25, 2022

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What The New SCOTUS Could Mean For Marijuana Legalization

Perhaps Jackson’s generational separation from Breyer and her unique experience will give marijuana laws a fair shake the next time they are up for debate in the highest court in the land.

There will be a new judge on the United States Supreme Court, and in all probability, President Biden’s selection will be a historic one. Confirmation hearings began last week for Ketanji Brown Jackson, the likely replacement for Justice Stephen Breyer, who will retire from the Supreme Court this year.

If Jackson is appointed, she would become the first African American woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, and also one of the only Supreme Court judges in history with experience as a public defender. Jackson will most likely be confirmed within a month or two, thus bringing a new set of experiences, expertise and a unique understanding of the legal framework.

What, if anything, would this historic appointment mean for the future of marijuana legalization?

Ketanji Brown Jackson — Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Jackson, like most Supreme Court justices and past nominees, has been silent about her own personal views on many contentious subjects in the United States during her confirmation hearings, including the topic of marijuana legalizations. In fact, the only justice that has made any sort of opinion on the subject lately was Justice Clarence Thomas, a conservative.

Justice Thomas may be conservative, but his recent official opinion on marijuana’s legal status shows that he, like many, is growing frustrated with America’s indecision, and confused antiquated logic on the matter.

“The Federal Government’s current approach to marijuana bears little resemblance to the watertight nationwide prohibition that a closely divided Court found necessary to justify the Government’s blanket prohibition,” Thomas wrote in an official statement. Times are changing, indeed.

While Jackson has not made her views on marijuana known, her service as a public defender means she has real-life experience with drug laws, and has seen first hand how they (often unfairly) impact lives.

US Supreme Court Justice Finds Federal Marijuana Laws Are Outdated — Photo by Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images

“No other lawyers in the system are seeing the law from the perspective of public defenders,” Premal Dharia, executive director of the Institute to End Mass Incarceration, told the Harvard Gazette, Jackson’s Law School alma mater. “Public defenders are the system’s check on governmental overreach, on police misconduct, on legal misconduct, on all of these different parts of the system.”

Jackson reportedly went into public defense, which is not a popular path for those seeking a seat on the highest courts, with intention. She did it because “She clearly wanted to see how the system worked in actuality, and was more interested in the defense side of trying to help people who came from very unfortunate backgrounds,” A.J. Kramer, a public defender who knows Jackson, told The New York Times.

This unique outlook will be an important perspective for a court that currently has little recent first-hand experience with drug incarceration, or the understanding of how disproportionately these laws affect people of color. “Because people of color are disproportionately arrested, prosecuted, and locked up, her work is also inextricably tied up with the fight for racial justice,” Vox wrote in regards to Jackson’s unique career.

Jackson would replace Justice Stephen Breyer, who has been a reliably liberal vote on the Supreme Court, but has never voiced an official favorable opinion on marijuana legalization or voted in ways that would suggest he has such opinions. So perhaps Jackson’s generational separation from Breyer and her unique experience will give marijuana laws a fair shake the next time they are up for debate in the highest court in the land.

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Perhaps Jackson’s generational separation from Breyer and her unique experience will give marijuana laws a fair shake the next time they are up for debate in the highest court in the land.

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