6 Low-THC Cannabis Strains To Relax And Chill

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March 10, 2022

6 Low-THC Cannabis Strains To Relax And Chill

If you want to enjoy a smoking experience that rests between mild intoxication and therapeutic satisfaction, then you should definitely purchase one of these strains.

Gone are the days when everyone had no idea what they were smoking and just hoped for the best. Today, cannabis is rightly grouped into strains based on its effects and THC levels.

The global cannabis industry is now a curated industry with thousands of strains developed to meet the consumer’s needs. If you need to feel energized or relaxed, euphoric or mellowed out, or if you’d rather be somewhere in the middle of all these, you only need to do some research to find the right strain.

Smoking Marijuana — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Cannabis dispensaries sell high-THC, low-CBD products, and low-THC, low-CBD products. You just need to make a choice.

Low-THC Cannabis Strains

Also referred to as high-CBD strains, low-THC cannabis refers to any strain that contains less than 15% THC. These strains provide the user with relief and a relaxed mood with little or no psychoactive impact. Not everyone enjoys the intoxicating effects of high THC pot; they prefer to keep a clear head while enjoying the cannabis itself.

Hemp is a form of low-THC cannabis, but not all low-THC cannabis is floral hemp. Hemp is ergonomically similar to cannabis, but it has less than 0.3% THC. Hemo, like most low-THC products, had the potential to provide users with medicinal benefits.

First-time and low-tolerance users are always advised to stick to low-THC strains because they are much easier to handle. Powerful, high-THC strains could have first-time users experiencing paranoia and anxiety.

It is sometimes a confusing decision to know the right strain of low-THC cannabis to purchase or use, especially for individuals with very little experience. There are so many strains to pick from, but here are the best six. The following low-THC strains are guaranteed to give their users a low dose of THC.

Star Tonic

Star tonic is a high-CBD hybrid developed from cannatonic and death star strains. The 2:1 CBD: THC strain has less than 9% THC levels and a CBD level of 17%. A few minutes after taking the first hit, the user experiences a mellow onset. Novice users may feel a mild psychoactive reaction.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Star Tonic could be a panacea for mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It could also be a potential treatment for inflammation, migraines, and other forms of pain. The highs that follow after consuming this strain are sufficient enough to deliver a euphoric feeling to its consumers. If you are still new to the concept of smoking marijuana, a wrap of star tonic could point you in the right direction without leaving you overwhelmed.

delta-8 THC marijuana — Photo by Animaflora/Getty Images

In the Pines

This strain is another hybrid developed from Master Kush, Pineapple Thai, and Pineapple genetics. It is high in CBD with about 6% THC content. This strain is renowned for its magical buzz and stimulating high. Consumers who prefer this strain say that it helps relieve their anxieties and chronic pains.

In the Pines is an invigorating strain with a combo of piney and citrusy notes. Unlike regular strains, which leave the consumer with a heavy mouthfeel, this strain leaves a citrus and earthy twang instead.

Red Pop

Another low-THC hybrid. The developers of this strain are based in Detroit, Michigan. The strain was rightly named after the state’s famous red soda pop. These strings deliver an effect that’s somewhere between euphoric and relaxing. Lab tests show that the Red Pop has a profile that’s rich in terpenes and low in THC. This explains why the strain has a sweet flavor akin to the region’s precious red fizzy soda.

New and frequent users of Red Pop claim that it helps relieve pain, symptoms of hypertension, and high eye pressure. Apart from its medical benefits, it is generally a strain that can be used to get into a good mood. The aroma from Red Pop is similar to a bright berry-sweet scent. The exhaled smoke also smells nice. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself experiencing a mild craving for bright red pop soda while you smoke this cannabis.

Pennywise

Pennywise is referred to as a therapeutic cannabis strain. Plants in this strain have varying cannabinoid profiles that fall between the range of 5 to 10% THC. The ratio of THC to CBD is often 1:1 or 1:2. The Smoking Pennywise strain gives the user a fulfilling cannabis experience. It is well-suited for smokers with low tolerance levels and newcomers. Heavy smokers can use this strain to ease back from high-THC strains. It can be used to manage health conditions like pain and mood disorders. Many cannabis lovers ensure they have Pennywise strains in their medicine cabinets at all times. It is best for curing insomnia.

When Pennywise hits, you can expect an earthy aroma mixed with spicy, sweet notes. The exhale is accompanied by a sweet note and a slightly bitter finish.

marijuana THC — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

CBD Blue Shark

The blue shark is a distinct therapeutic strain. It was developed from a cross of Blueberry, Shark Shock, Skunk # 1, and CBD Shark. The most potent varieties found in this strain have up to 15% THC, but most have less than 10% THC. Regular smokers claim this strain delivers a focused and relaxing high that gradually results in a mild euphoric buzz. The Blue Shark strain is indica-dominant and is recommended for day or evening use.

Blue Dynamite

The Blue Dynamite strain is lauded for its calming effects. The flowers have between 6 and 10% THC depending on the cultivation practices used. Its cannabinoid profile shows a 2:1 CBD to THC level. This makes it suitable for medical use.

Experienced users reported that this strain helped relieve body pains while also providing a euphoric high. Blue Dynamite can treat insomnia and give the user a good night’s sleep.

Star Tonic, In the Pines, Blue Dynamite, CBD Blue Shark, Pennywise, and Red Pop are six of the most thoughtfully cultivated cannabis strains. They can be purchased at licensed cannabis stores around you. If you want to enjoy a smoking experience that rests between mild intoxication and therapeutic satisfaction, then you should definitely locate and purchase one of these.

Majority Of Americans Support Cannabis Businesses Engaging With Traditional Banking

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 9, 2022

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Majority Of Americans Support Cannabis Businesses Engaging With Traditional Banking

68% of respondents agreed that new legislation should be approved to guarantee the access of cannabis firms to traditional banking.

By Nicolas Jose Rodriguez

According to a poll released Tuesday by the American Bankers Association (ABA), 65% of respondents said they favor allowing cannabis businesses to “access traditional banking services, like a checking account or business loan, in states where cannabis is now legal.” Only 15% of the respondents were against the policy, reported Marijuana Moment.

In addition, the survey, conducted by Morning Consult, asked about whether Congress should approve legislation that would accomplish that reform.

cannabis money banking — Photo by mekcar/Getty Images

Sixty-eight percent of respondents agreed that new legislation should be approved to guarantee the access of cannabis firms to traditional banking.

“Consumers clearly agree that now is the time to resolve the ongoing conflict between state and federal law so banks can serve legal cannabis and cannabis-related businesses,” ABA CEO Rob Nichols said in a press release. “Doing so will help banks meet the needs of their communities while enhancing public safety, increasing the efficiency of tax collections, and improving the financial transparency of the cannabis industry.”

The survey involved interviews with 2,210 adults from February 18-19, with a +/- 2 percent margin of error. “The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region,” reported ABA.

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

Congress Upholds DC Weed Sales Ban, Protects State Medical Programs

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 9, 2022

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Congress Upholds DC Weed Sales Ban, Protects State Medical Programs

As D.C. seems unable to fully create a proper cannabis program, it is overcoming the roadblocks step by step.

By Nina Zdinjak

The new bicameral omnibus spending bill presented on Wednesday by congressional leaders in Washington D.C. would keep a ban on allowing legal recreational cannabis sales. On the other hand, a different provision that protects state-legal medical marijuana programs from federal interference was left unchanged in the proposed measures, reported Marijuana Moment.

And so, the long-standing problem for cannabis businesses in Washington D.C. looks like it will remain, despite recent efforts to change it.

On March 4, the Drug Policy Alliance and more than 50 criminal justice reform, business, labor, and drug policy organizations, sent a letter to key House and Senate appropriators as well as Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, demanding the removal of the appropriations rider that has prevented the District of Columbia from spending its own money to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana sales.

Though adult-use cannabis was legalized in Washington D.C. in 2014, a rider that has remained valid over the course of several presidential budget proposals has prevented the District from fully exercising its legal cannabis program.

As such, adults over 21 are allowed to grow and possess cannabis yet commercial sales remain stalled under the rider, which was also included in President Biden’s last budget for 2022. Last year, the rider was purposely left out of a spending bill approved by the House and circulated in draft form in the Senate.

Now, the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is urging members of Congress “to maintain the removal of the Congressional budget rider, also known as the ‘Harris’ rider,” that continues to prohibit the District of Columbia from establishing a regulatory framework for the sale and taxation of marijuana.

The newly introduced bill proved to be a disappointment to advocates who were expecting congressional leaders in the Democratic-controlled Congress to remove the rider. In addition, an expansion of the current state medical cannabis protection language to cover all state cannabis programs from the Justice Department intervention was also dismissed.

Can You Legally Smoke Weed In D.C.? It's Complicated — Photo by Brandon Mowinkel via Unsplash

What’s Next?

The House is expected to vote on the omnibus appropriations legislation on Wednesday. If passed, the bill would move to the Senate. The move comes several days before a government spending deadline, which has already been pushed back several times. This means that the bill will require Biden’s signature before the deadline in order not to be thrown into the crisis of a possible government shutdown.

When and if that occurs, D.C. officials will be denied a chance to pass a measure that legalizes recreation cannabis sales until at least the end of September, after which Congress can choose to remove the rider, or not.

Nevertheless, as D.C. seems unable to fully create a proper cannabis program, it is overcoming the roadblocks step by step. Take, for example, the District’s recent pre-employment marijuana testing bill, unanimously approved by the Labor & Workforce Development Committee, that bans most workplaces from subjecting job applicants to drug testing procedures.

Sponsored by Councilmember Trayon White (D), the proposal builds on previous legislation the D.C. Council passed to help local government employees who face workplace discrimination due to their use of medical marijuana.

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

6 Ways Marijuana Affects Men And Women Differently

Cannabis

Maria Loreto

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March 9, 2022

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6 Ways Marijuana Affects Men And Women Differently

Marijuana interacts with a variety of hormones, producing different effects in men and women. Here are 6 differences that researchers have noticed.

Men and women are very similar, yet there are key differences in their systems. Like many other substances, marijuana affects them in different ways. While some differences can be explained due to different body types and sizes, cannabis has an interesting relationship with a variety of hormones, including estrogen, thus producing different responses in people. Here are 6 ways marijuana affects men and women differently.

Due to a lack of research, there’s a lot we don’t know about marijuana’s effect on the body. When it comes to the differences in its effect on men and women, there’s even more we don’t know, with researchers historically putting an emphasis on men.

THC sensitivity

3 Ways Cannabis Can Make The Lives Of Women Better — Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

Research from Washington State University found that, due to their estrogen levels, female rats that were ovulating had a significant spike in THC sensitivity.

Psychology professor Rebecca Craft said she and her team “routinely manipulate hormones and follow females across their cycles to see if their drug sensitivities change along with their hormones. And they do…very frequently.”

Said Craf, “What we’re finding with THC is that you get a very clear spike in drug sensitivity right when the females are ovulating – right when their estrogen levels have peaked and are coming down.”

Pain relief

chronic pain — Photo by Keenan Constance via Unsplash

According to the same WSU study, “female rats were at least 30% more sensitive than males to the pain-relieving qualities of THC—the key active ingredient in cannabis.”

Tolerance

study people who purchase recreational marijuana are also looking for pain relief and sleep — Photo by Seth Ryan/EyeEm/Getty Images

Women also develop tolerance faster than men. This trait was demonstrated in the same study by researchers from Washington State University, which proved that female mice developed resistance to cannabis within a period of 10 days. Following this period, mice needed a much higher dose of cannabis to experience the same response.

Libido

New Statistics On Sex And Relationships Show Some Pretty Low Numbers — Photo by We-Vibe Toys via Unsplash

In low doses, cannabis improves the libido of women. In high doses, it produces a counter effect, impairing women and their interest in sex. When it comes to men, the issue is more complicated. Cannabis appears to elevate their libido shortly after smoking, especially when consumed in low doses. When consumed in high doses, the spike in libido is much shorter and can result in performance anxiety.

Anxiety and mental health

Little Evidence Exists That Marijuana Alleviates Mental Health Symptoms, Review Finds — Photo by kilarov zaneit via Unsplash

According to a study from 2015, men are more likely to suffer from cannabis psychosis. The data showed that men experienced it four times more than women, even if we should take these numbers with a grain of salt. Cannabis studies tend to be dominated by male patients, particularly in years past.

Munchies

THCV: Powerful Appetite-Suppressing Cannabinoid — Photo by rawpixel.com

Another fact that researchers discovered is that men appear to get more significant cases of the munchies when compared to women. This appears to be the one area where men experience more of a response to THC than women.

What Happens If You Try To Sneak Edibles Onto A Plane

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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March 9, 2022

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What Happens If You Try To Sneak Edibles Onto A Plane

You cannot bring edibles or any form of cannabis on a plane. Even a legal prescription from a licensed medical practitioner might not be accepted.

Tthe acceptance of cannabis and its derived products soared throughout the pandemic. So, it is expected thousands of new consumers are unaware of the laws regulating the use and possession of cannabis in United States airports. So what happens if you try to sneak edibles onto a plane?

A Huge Way Airports Have Changed Now That Weed Is Legal In NY — Photo by Marco López via Unsplash

The widespread cannabis legislation across the country has many people asking whether or not they can carry their cannabis products with them on their next flight. Some have even tried sneaking food products containing cannabis with them on interstate travels. Currently, according to the CSA, marijuana products are regarded as schedule 1 illegal drug.

Edibles In Airports

Edibles are consumables with varying levels of THC infused in them. These food products can be created at home or bought in cannabis dispensaries in legal states. It can be any food product as long as it contains cannabinoids.

A majority of the states in the country approve of medical cannabis or drugs. So people generally assume they would be permitted to bring their cannabis for interstate travel from one legal state to another. However, federal legislation makes it impossible to do so. Regardless of whether it is medical cannabis or adult-use cannabis.

Note airport security officers do not search luggage for drugs most of the time. The main objective of these many policies in federal institutions like airports is to ensure security—the officer checks for prohibited substances and objects during screening. Once a person is found in possession of cannabis flowers, concentrates, or edibles, they are transferred to a law enforcement unit on the ground.

You Can Not Take Edibles on a Plane

The federal government frowns upon the use of controlled substances like cannabis. Without science, the government believes cannabis has a high potential for addiction. And the drug has little or no medicinal benefits. Although the government’s stance may seem archaic, the law is the law.

Recent studies have been published to refute the notion cannabis is without relevant therapeutic uses. Over 30 states have modified their laws based on these studies, but the federal government has refused to budge.

TSA cannabis — Photo by Chalabala/Getty Images

All Airports Abide by Federal Laws

The federal government funds public airports. They are all governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and must follow federal regulations. The staff are also employed by the Fed’s Transport Security Administration (TSA). Due to this, all travelers across the country are subject to laws falling under the national jurisdiction.

Carrying psychoactive substances like marijuana into airports or consuming these products on an aircraft is a punishable crime. Some may have been lucky a few times to get away with it by carrying unsuspecting food products, but it does not change the fact it is an illegal act. Flying with marijuana has different meanings for different airports around the country, like checkin luggage, carry-ons, etc.

It makes no difference what the states’ cannabis laws are. Passengers flying to and from legal states must abide by the same policies as passengers flying from non-legal states. The legal equation, irrespective of the state, remains the same. Cannabis is illegal and prohibited. You cannot board a plane to and from a cannabis-friendly state with THC products. Even if it is an intra-cannabis-friendly state, it is still not allowed.

The cannabis-friendly or non-cannabis-friendly mode of a state is of little importance to how cannabis is regulated in airports. The federal government is in charge of all air travel in the country. Hence, your landing and takeoff destinations hold no water.

Only Hemp Is Allowed

Hemp is defined as any cannabis plant containing less than or equal to 0.3 percent THC. The federal government approved the Farm Bill less than four years ago. Hence, only marijuana and specific hemp-derived products can be permitted on airplanes.

People who use these products for medical reasons are often advised to bring them along with their prescriptions. This exception can be found on the TSA official website. Unfortunately, there are hardly any edibles created with this amount of THC. Most edibles sold in stores nowadays have higher THC levels.

Labor Day: What Does The CDC Advise In Terms Of Travel & Social Gatherings — Photo by Gerrie van der Walt via Unsplash

Don’t Attempt to Board a Flight Under the Influence

There have been some instances where travelers make the mistake of consuming their edibles at the airport to avoid wastage. The law states anyone who appears intoxicated by a drug must not be permitted to board a plane. All TSA employees are tasked with making sure people under the influence of psychoactive drugs must not be carried. The only exception, in this case, is for medical patients whose caregivers chaperone.

Penalties for Offenders

Violations of the cannabis policy are punishable crimes. However, the offender’s punishment varies depending on state and local laws. This part might appear complex, but it’s not.

State jurisdictions do not determine the TSA’s instructions, but they choose the punishments the offenders may face. Some states let offenders off with a warning, while others issue penalties based on the severity of the offense. For instance, in Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, offenders are asked to dispose of their edibles in amnesty boxes properly, and then they are freed without any penalties. At Los Angeles International Airports, travelers found with edibles are only punished if the amount exceeds the accepted legal limit of 28 grams.

The basic information you should know about carrying edibles to the airport is the act itself is illegal. The airport rules across the country are the same, so whether or not the airport is situated in a legal state is of no importance. You cannot bring/sneak edibles or any form of cannabis on a plane. Even a legal prescription from a licensed medical practitioner might not be accepted.

The best option you have is to travel down and find a legal store to purchase your preferred cannabis products. Medical patients, on the other hand, can quickly request new cards at their destination to buy their prescribed drugs. However, this only works if you find yourself in a cannabis-friendly state or country.

Once people understand airport TSA agents operate under the same policies on cannabis, questions like this would be reduced.

Pediatric Poisonings Rise With Growth Of Cannabis Sales In Massachusetts

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 9, 2022

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Pediatric Poisonings Rise With Growth Of Cannabis Sales In Massachusetts

Officials received 210 calls in 2020 about “accidental pediatric poisonings” involving marijuana edibles or flower.

By Nina Zdinjak

There’s no doubt that marijuana legalization can and does bring a lot of benefits to consumers, among them the availability of products needed for their health and wellness. Nevertheless, the complexity of cannabis programs seems indescribable.

The legalization of various substances is known to transform people’s attitudes towards them, making them less careful. Education should be a priority whenever a new state embraces the legalization of marijuana and/or other substances, such as psychedelics.

Cross State Lines With Marijuana, Get Your Children Taken Away — Photo by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

Speaking of education, the state of Massachusetts doesn’t seem to be working enough in this area, as a new report reveals that the state officials have seen an increase in pediatric exposure to cannabis products, writes WWLP.

“We really feel as if like much more information needs to be out there,” said Patricia Henley of the Department of Public Health on Monday,

The Bay state passed a marijuana legalization law some seven years ago, whereas dispensaries began sales in late 2018. Last September, the commission revealed that adult-use cannabis shops in the state had seen more than $2 billion in gross sales, based on data from 165 retailers and three delivery firms.

As cannabis sales grow, so does pediatric exposure to marijuana products, unfortunately.

Henley told members of a Cannabis Advisory Board Public Health Subcommittee that officials received 210 calls in 2020 about “accidental pediatric poisonings” involving marijuana edibles or flower.

“Essentially what our Injury Prevention Program has been seeing is an increase in pediatric exposure to cannabis products,” Henley said.

Furthermore, the state Office of The Child Advocate disclosed an increase in reports of suspected abuse and neglect “because of pediatric cannabis exposure,” Henley added.

marijuana edibles — Photo by Kindel Media via Pexels

What Now?

The Department of Public Health is working on a campaign to modify and update its educational materials, prioritizing responsible use, safe storage and exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke.

Board members said Boston Children’s Hospital expressed concern as well and proposed teaming up with other groups to help to reach parents, including the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians.

Henley noted that even though the state is using its funds to design a campaign, extra resources may be needed to reach enough people with messaging.

“We don’t know what our budget’s going to be next year and whether there’ll be much money for the dissemination of it,” Henley said.

One board member noted the Cannabis Control Commission had demanded $1 million in public education funding, which could include a focus on “youth prevention.”

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

Which States Have Medical Marijuana In 2022?

Medical Marijuana

Terry Hacienda

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March 8, 2022

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Which States Have Medical Marijuana In 2022?

Your essential guide to which states have legalized marijuana, and how to proceed when buying weed there.

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

Now that the stigma surrounding cannabis is lifting, more and more people realize that medical marijuana can help enhance the quality of their lives. Most U.S. states have initiated MMJ programs, but each has different qualifying conditions, possession limits, and home-grow regulations.

This article will cover the basics for each state with legalized medical marijuana in 2022.

legal marijuana — Photo by traffic_analyzer/Getty Images

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in the US

In most states, getting a medical marijuana card involves:

Obtaining a written recommendation from a physician
Filing an application
Paying a non-refundable fee

The association, My Marijuana Cards, can help you discover how to get a medical marijuana card in your state and find a doctor who can recommend medical cannabis.

US States with Medical Marijuana Programs

Alaska

Alaska legalized medical marijuana on November 4, 2014, and initiated its program in 2016.

Conditions: Most chronic or debilitating diseases
Limit: 1 ounce
Home grow: 6 plants

Arizona

The Arizona state government passed Proposition 203 in 2010, legalizing medical marijuana. Arizona opened its recreational market in January 2022.

Conditions: Most chronic or debilitating diseases.
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: Only for patients who live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.

Arkansas

Arkansas residents voted in favor of medical marijuana in 2016, and the law was amended in 2017.

Conditions: Debilitating conditions that have not responded to any other treatment in six months
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: No

California

The first state to legalize medical marijuana, California has given patients access to cannabis products since 1996.

Conditions: Any condition with a doctor’s recommendation.
Limit: 8 ounces
Home grow: 6 mature and 12 immature plants

Colorado

Colorado initiated its MMJ program in 2000 and was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.

Conditions: Qualifying debilitating medical conditions
Limit: 8 grams/day
Home grow: 6 plants

Connecticut

In 2012, Connecticut became the 17th state to legalize medical marijuana.

Conditions: A wide range of chronic conditions
Limit: 3.5 ounces/month
Home grow: 3 mature and 3 immature plants

Delaware

Delaware’s SB17 legalized medical marijuana in 2011.

Conditions: Cancer, AIDS, PTSD, cirrhosis; ALS, Alzheimer’s, cachexia, chronic pain, and severe nausea, seizures, or muscle spasms.
Limit: 6 ounces
Home grow: No

Florida

Florida’s MMJ Legalization Initiative was passed in 2016.

Conditions: As determined by a licensed physician
Limit: 70-day supply
Home grow: No

Hawaii

Hawaii started its medical cannabis program in late 2000. In 2022, the state stopped requiring doctors’ approvals for patients over 65.

Conditions: Cachexia, cancer; Chrohn’s, chronic pain, seizures, glaucoma; HIV/AIDS, MS multiple sclerosis, nausea, and other conditions subject to state approval.
Limit: 4 ounces
Home grow: 10 plants

Illinois

Illinois initiated its MMJ Program in 2013 and became a legal recreational cannabis state in 2020.

Conditions: As determined by the physician; subject to state approval.
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: No

Louisiana

Louisiana started its limited medical cannabis program after legislation was passed in 2017.

Conditions: Cachexia, cancer; Crohn’s disease, epilepsy; HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, spasticity.
Limit: 30-day supply of non-smokable products
Home grow: No

Maine

Maine’s citizens have had access to medical cannabis since 1999.

Conditions: Seizures, glaucoma, MS, nausea, HIV/AIDS, cancer, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s, Cachexia, and other illnesses approved by the state
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: 6 plants

Maryland

Eligible patients gained access to Maryland’s MMJ program in 2013.

Conditions: Any severe condition for which other treatments have been ineffective
Limit: 120 grams
Home grow: No

Massachusetts

Massachusetts implemented its medical marijuana program in 2013.

Conditions: As determined by the patient’s physician
Limit: 10 ounces every two months
Home grow: 12 flowering, 12 vegetative

Michigan

Michigan’s MMJ program started in 2008, and recreational cannabis sales began in 2018.

Conditions: Cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, glaucoma, ALS, Crohn’s, epilepsy, MS, Alzheimer’s, nail-patella, cachexia, and severe pain, nausea, seizures, or muscle spasms
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: 12 plants

Minnesota

Minnesota voters passed a bill legalizing MMJ in 2014.

Conditions: ALS, cancer/cachexia, AIDS, glaucoma, seizures; severe and persistent muscle spasms, autism, sleep apnea, and terminal illness
Limit: 30-day supply; no smokables
Home grow: No

Mississippi

Mississippi began accepting applications for its MMJ program in 2022.

Conditions: A range of serious conditions
Limit: TBD
Home grow: TBD

Missouri

Missouri voters passed medical marijuana legislation in 2018.

Conditions covered: Chronic conditions as determined by a physician
Limit: 4 ounces/month
Home grow: 6 plants

Montana

Montana’s MMJ program began in 2008.

Conditions: Cachexia, chronic pain or nausea, epilepsy, MS, Crohn’s
Limit: one ounce
Home grow: 6 plants

Study Says Medical Marijuana Laws Improve Health And Reduce Alcohol Use — Photo by FangXiaNuo/Getty Images

Nevada

Nevada approved MMJ in 2000 and became a legal recreational state in 2017.

Conditions: HIV/AIDS, cancer; MS, epilepsy, glaucoma; cachexia; chronic nausea or pain, and other conditions approved by the state
Limit: one ounce
Home grow: 7 plants

New Hampshire

New Hampshire launched its Therapeutic Cannabis Program in 2013.

Conditions: Illnesses and conditions that cause serious symptoms that cannabis may relieve
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: No

New Jersey

New Jersey started taking applications for its MMJ program in 2011, and recreational sales are coming soon.

Conditions: A wide range of severe and terminal illnesses
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: No

New Mexico

In 2007, New Mexico’s residents gained access to medical cannabis.

Conditions: Arthritis, chronic pain, neuropathy, nausea, cachexia, hepatitis, Crohn’s, PTSD, ALS, cancer; glaucoma, MS, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, terminal illness
Limit: 6 ounces
Home grow: 16 total, 4 mature

New York

New York legalized medical marijuana in 2014 and became a legal recreational cannabis state in 2021.

Conditions: As recommended by a physician
Limit: 3 ounces; 28 grams of concentrate
Home grow: 6 plants

North Dakota

North Dakota passed its Compassionate Care Act in 2016.

Conditions: Upon doctor’s recommendation
Limit: 3 ounces
Home grow: 8 plants if more than 40 miles from a dispensary

Ohio

Ohio’s MMJ program has operated since 2018.

Conditions: As determined by the state medical board
Limit: 90-day supply
Home grow: No

Oklahoma

Oklahoma launched its medical cannabis program in 2018.

Conditions: As determined by physician
Limit: 8 ounces
Home grow: 6 mature plants/ 6 seedlings

Oregon

Oregon followed California in initiating a medical marijuana program in 1998. The state became recreational in 2014.

Conditions: Depending upon state approval.
Limit: 24 ounces
Home grow: 6 mature, 18 seedlings

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania legalized MMJ in April of 2016.

Conditions: As published on PA’s official website
Limit: 30-day supply
Home grow: No

Getting Medical Marijuana Can Sometimes Be Tricky — Here's How To Navigate — Photo by Denise Hasse/EyeEm/Getty Images

Rhode Island

Rhode Island residents could apply for MMJ cards starting in 2006.

Conditions: Epilepsy, MS, cancer, wasting syndrome, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: 12 plants

Utah

Utah initiated its MMJ program in 2018.

Conditions: A wide range of diseases and conditions
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: 6 plants for people more than 100 miles away from a dispensary

Vermont

Residents of Vermont started applying for its MMJ program in 2004.

Conditions: HIV/AIDS, cancer; MS, glaucoma; multiple sclerosis, cachexia, chronic pain, PTSD, nausea, seizures, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: 2 mature, 7 immature

Washington

In 1998, Measure 692 legalized MMJ in Washington state.

Conditions: Most chronic conditions upon state approval
Limit: 24 ounces
Home grow: 15 plants

Washington, DC

After an initial ban by city officials, residents of the nation’s capital gained access to medical marijuana in 2010.

Conditions: Any condition that’s “chronic or long-lasting; debilitating; serious medical condition treatable with marijuana”
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: No

West Virginia

Registration for West Virginia’s MMJ program began in 2021.

Conditions: Terminal illness, cancer, ALS, PTSD, HIV/AIDS; ALS; Parkinson’s, MS, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, neuropathy, Huntington’s, Crohn’s, seizures, sickle cell anemia, or chronic pain in certain cases
Limit: 30 day supply
Home grow: No

Virginia

Virginians gained legal access to medical cannabis in 2020.

Conditions: Glaucoma, cancer, and as determined by physician
Limit: one ounce
Home grow: 4 plants

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

Report: Women And Minorities Still Very Much Underrepresented In Cannabis Industry

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 8, 2022

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Report: Women And Minorities Still Very Much Underrepresented In Cannabis Industry

Women account for 41.9% of the industry’s workers, somewhat below the national business average of 46.8%

By Natan Ponieman

A myth revolves around the legal cannabis industry. Forged out of the ashes of an illegal business, cannabis is often viewed as a space led by revolutionaries, ready to challenge the injustices set by the status quo.

This notion has often perpetuated the idea that cannabis and social justice are inseparable, two sides of the same coin. However, according to a recent report, the cannabis industry is not an exception to the general underrepresentation of women and minorities in the overall U.S. economy.

cannabis minorities equality — Photo by DisobeyArt/Getty Imagess

“Racial and gender diversity in the marijuana industry is still lacking—especially in ownership and executive positions,” reads the report done by the research team at MJBizDaily.

Report author Jenel Stelton–Holtmeier states that social equity initiatives are now an inseparable part of cannabis legalization, but the solution is still not a magical one.

Are Women Well-Represented In Cannabis? Not Really

According to MJBizDaily’s report, only 19% of cannabis businesses are owned by women across Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada and Ohio. Due to a lack of reliable nationwide data available on this issue, the firm used these states as examples to provide a snapshot of the federal market.

In Massachusetts, this number only amounts to 5%.

“Lack of access to capital remains a key challenge for women looking to start a plant-touching business, regardless of the market,” wrote the report’s analysts.

The amount of capital needed to launch a plant-touching cannabis business can surpass six figures and the networks of investors that can provide that amount of money can be hard for women to tap into, noted the report.

In 2021, the number of women in executive positions fell below the national average for the larger U.S. business landscape. This is true across almost every sector of the industry.

This trend had seen an encouraging peak in 2019, reaching 38,6%. However, the number proceeded to drop down to 22.1%.

The subsector where this number is the most worrying is the investments side of the industry, where “less than 5% of executive positions at cannabis-focused investment firms are held by women,” possibly leading to the aforementioned difficulties in access to capital for female entrepreneurs.

In terms of regular employment including non-managerial positions, women account for 41.9% of the industry’s workers, somewhat below the national business average of 46.8%

Minorities Also Fall Far Below Average In Cannabis Ownership

The report looked at Nevada, Colorado and Michigan to showcase different stages of growth in the cannabis industry, from mature (Colorado) to nascent (Michigan).

In all three states, most businesses are not minority-owned, with whites or Caucasians representing ownership of 63% in Nevada, 79% in Michigan and 83% in Colorado.

“Colorado, with its leading position in launching legal cannabis markets, paid no attention to diversity when developing its programs.”

5 Ways To Avoid Unhealthy Marijuana Habits — Photo by rez-art/Getty Images

In New York, where adult-use cannabis was approved earlier this year, there appears to be an intention to tilt the balance, with a stated goal of issuing 50% of adult-use licenses to social and economic equity applicants and 40% of tax revenues to go into a community grants reinvestment fund.

California announced a similar program. Marijuana Moment reported the Golden State is making $100 million available for grants programs to support marijuana social equity initiatives.

In 2021, minority executives were also very low in the charts, representing only 13.1% of the overall managerial positions, in line with the average across all U.S. businesses.

Only as a source of employment for minorities, the cannabis industry surpasses the national average, with 32% of employees coming from a minority, versus just 22% in the entire national economy.

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

What Is Marijuana’s Effect On Metabolism?

Cannabis

Maria Loreto

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March 8, 2022

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What Is Marijuana’s Effect On Metabolism?

While the compound may speed up metabolism, there’s not enough information to indicate whether or not it will result in weight loss.

While cannabis is most often associated with the munchies, the plant has an impact on our stomachs in a totally different way: metabolism.

Like most cannabis matters, information on how it affects our metabolism stems from a small sample of scientific studies. There’s a 2018 survey that’s often quoted, which showed that cannabis consumers had higher caloric intakes yet lower BMI than subjects who didn’t consume cannabis.

This relationship is not wholly understood; researchers theorize that this weight loss could be due to the fact that cannabis consumers might drink less alcohol, might be more active, or that compounds in the plant might improve sleep and boost metabolism — all factors that have an influence on weight loss.

marijuana grinder — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

When it comes to metabolism, there’s evidence of cannabis interacting with cannabinoid receptor 1, which has an influence on metabolism and the body’s processing of food. Other factors in cannabis, like THCV and CBD, have also been linked with prompting a faster metabolism and, thus, speeding up fat loss.

This evidence appears to be counterintuitive, primarily because the munchies tend to be associated with higher consumption of calories, particularly junk food, which is a common source of relief for the munchies.

As evidence shows, it’s necessary for experts to do more research on cannabis and its impact on the body. While the compound may speed up metabolism, there’s not enough information to indicate whether or not it will result in weight loss or, if consumed excessively, prompt the opposite result, leading to more munchies and thus more calories consumed.

Cannabis isn’t going to be your answer for weight loss. Still, if it’s part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, it might boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories in the long run.

Cannabis Users In Illinois To Get Workplace Protection

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 8, 2022

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Cannabis Users In Illinois To Get Workplace Protection

The Prairie State legalized the sale of medical cannabis in 2015 and expanded legalization to recreational marijuana in 2020.

By Jelena Martinovic

People in Illinois who enjoy or need cannabis no longer have to fear being fired as a new bill recently approved by the state’s House of Representatives seeks to prohibit most employers from letting go of workers or discriminating against job applicants for testing positive for marijuana use.

The workplace protection legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan (D), is now headed to the Senate, Marijuana Moment reported.

How To Pass A Drug Test Naturally — Photo by Sergey Mikheev/Getty Images

After being approved by the House Labor and Commerce Committee a day earlier, the lawmakers passed an amended version of Morgan’s bill, HB 4116, on a 61–41 vote.

“If we’re going to legalize the substance, you should talk about individual liberties and what people want to do on their weekends,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bob Morgan (D), told local NBC affiliate WGEM before the vote. “We should allow people to make good choices and not be discriminated against in the workplace because of those choices as long as it’s not affecting the workplace.”

The amended bill protects workers who use lawful products off the job during nonworking hours and when the employee is not on call.

However, some exceptions exist for certain categories of employees, including workers who operate heavy machinery or aircraft, carry a weapon, perform emergency services or perform other safety-sensitive tasks, as well as workers at entities that are contractors of the federal Department of Transportation.

Furthermore, employers are allowed to fire employees for being impaired by marijuana while at work.

The Prairie State legalized the sale of medical cannabis in 2015 and expanded legalization to recreational marijuana in 2020.

In 2021, adult-use cannabis sales in the state amounted to nearly $1.4 billion – more than double the figure from the opening year of sales in 2020. Combined with medical cannabis sales, the total marijuana sales reached $1.78 billion, representing an increase of 72% from 2020.

Interestingly, Illinois also took in more tax dollars from cannabis receipts than alcohol in 2021, as recreational cannabis taxes in the state exceeded liquor taxes by nearly $100 million, according to an update released by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

growing marijuana — Photo by Jordan Siemens/Getty Images

D.C. Workers To Avoid Pre-Employment Marijuana Testing

In the meantime, similar legislation in Washington, D.C., is poised to ban pre-employment marijuana testing.

Sponsored by Councilmember Trayon White (D), the proposal approved by the Labor & Workforce Development Committee last week will most workplaces from subjecting job applicants to the procedure.

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You cannot bring edibles or any form of cannabis on a plane. Even a legal prescription from a licensed medical practitioner might not be accepted.

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Officials received 210 calls in 2020 about “accidental pediatric poisonings” involving marijuana edibles or flower.

What Now?

Your essential guide to which states have legalized marijuana, and how to proceed when buying weed there.

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Women account for 41.9% of the industry’s workers, somewhat below the national business average of 46.8%

Are Women Well-Represented In Cannabis? Not Really

Minorities Also Fall Far Below Average In Cannabis Ownership

While the compound may speed up metabolism, there’s not enough information to indicate whether or not it will result in weight loss.

The Prairie State legalized the sale of medical cannabis in 2015 and expanded legalization to recreational marijuana in 2020.

D.C. Workers To Avoid Pre-Employment Marijuana Testing

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