Three years after it was formed, the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency is getting a new name. The agency will be renamed the Cannabis Regulatory Agency and take up the task of overseeing hemp processing, distribution and sales in addition to its current regulation of the marijuana industry.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a press statement that these administrative changes will help the state continue growing the hemp and marijuana economy, create jobs and invest in local communities.
“Consolidating multiple government functions into the newly named Cannabis Regulatory Agency will help us continue growing our economy and creating jobs,” Gov. Whitmer said. “And to be blunt-safe, legal cannabis entrepreneurship, farming, and consumption helps us put Michiganders first by directing the large windfall of tax revenue from this new industry to make bigger, bolder investments in local schools, roads, and first responders.”
The change, made under executive order and set to take effect in 60 days, “will allow for a more effective, efficient administration and enforcement of Michigan laws regulating cannabis in all its forms,” Whitmer’s office said in the statement. Michigan is the home state of Benzinga.
The Marijuana Regulatory Agency was formed by executive order in spring of 2019 to oversee the regulation of medical and recreational marijuana following the legalization of adult-use cannabis via ballot initiative in 2018.
Michigan’s Cannabis Industry
Since legalization, Michigan’s cannabis industry has grown by leaps and bounds, experiencing a few growing pains along the way.
Despite all the bumps in the road, Michigan’s recreational marijuana market has grown into a nearly $2 billion-per-year industry, if medical marijuana sales and recreational are combined.
Twitch, the popular streaming site owned by Amazon announced new updates for its username policy in an effort to put an end to inappropriate names, highlighting that those with cannabis hinting handles will be allowed.
“We want to make Twitch the kind of place where everybody feels at home,” the company pointed out, adding that “curbing hateful conduct and harassment is a vital part of making Twitch a safe and fun place to spend your time.”
Photo by Fredrick Tendong via Unsplash
This move seems to be part of Amazon’s support for cannabis legalization, made public last June when the company announced it will stop testing for workplace cannabis use in most positions. Amazon is the parent company of Twitch since it acquired it in 2014 for $970 million, during which time Alphabet was also in talks.
New Policy Highlights
Twitch clarified in updated guidelines that usernames and names created on its platform cannot contain the following:
Breaking the Law, including Terrorism and Child Exploitation
Violence and Threats
Hateful Conduct
Harassment and Sexual Harassment
Unauthorized Sharing of Private Information
Impersonation
Glorification of natural or violent tragedies
Self-Destructive Behavior
References to recreational drugs, hard drugs, and drug abuse, with exceptions for alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana
References to sexual acts, genital, or sexual fluids
Usernames Matter
“They’re your textual avatar in chat and a crucial piece of channel branding for Creators. Usernames are searchable and have site-wide visibility. Given their usage across Twitch channels, we believe they must be held to a universal and higher standard than other places people express themselves — like chat, for instance,” the company pointed out.
Twitch is giving existing members a chance to adjust to the new standards.
“We want Twitch to be safe. We want Twitch to be inclusive. We want Twitch to be a place for positivity,” the company concluded.
The available (anecdotal) data suggests that THC-O offers higher therapeutic benefits to users, primarily when it is used as an alternative to edible tinctures.
Over the years, chemists all around the globe have tried to create a perfect synthetic product with the precise effects offered by cannabis plants. To do this, cannabis compounds have been modified into various chemical structures, some of which are not naturally produced in the plant. There are currently dozens of cannabis variants, each with its own unique qualities and side effects. Some of these cannabinoids have been extensively modified for specific uses, while the rest can be extracted from hemp and cannabis plants.
What Is THC-O?
THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid with higher potency than most synthetic products. The compound was developed to give users a more intense high, although, like natural cannabis, the level of reception in users varies. But most of the time, the product offers users a magical and enchanting experience.
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Bay Smokes, a well-known cannabis brand that produces pre-rolled joints, revealed that some of its products are filled with premium THC-O flowers and concentrates. The company cultivates hybrid THC-O buds indoors and works hand-in-hand with licensed labs to test the potency and general features of the cannabinoid before they are infused into regular cannabis products and dispensed to the public. The company has most of these test results on its website for consumers to confirm that the products are fit for consumption.
Cannabis lovers who have tried THC-O and other THC forms claim that the first is more potent than the latter. They pointed out that THC acetate ester induces more relaxing effects, accompanied by a trippy high. The Feds are yet to acknowledge the existence of this form of THC because it was prepared in a laboratory. Some scientists have also clarified that the drug has yet to undergo standard drug-identifying procedures.
How THC-O Is Prepared
This new cannabinoid is a synthetic analog of natural THC. It was first produced in a lab by chemists but is now mass-produced through unusual cannabis tech.
To generate THC-O, a series of extractions must occur. Cannabidiol (CBD) is first extracted from hemp plants (most prefer to use hemp plants because they are federally legal). Delta-8 THC is then extracted from the CBD. Once this is done, the extract is combined with the organic solvent acetic anhydride to give the THC acetate ester. This new extract is flavorless and odorless but has an extremely high potency level. Further actions to metabolize or activate THC-O will result in a bioavailable form of delta-9 THC. This means that when this acetate ester enters the body, it transforms into a highly potent delta-9 THC with no other effects other than its night potency.
Companies like Bay Smokes cultivate their hemp plants in isolated indoor spaces because the conditions are far more easily controlled. Most of these plants are grown without any lighting to ensure they are ideal for THC-O infusions. This results in strains that are high in CBD and THC-O, with a potency of about 22%.
How Safe Is THC-O?
In the early 2000s, when Spice and K2 (both synthetic forms of THC) became mainstream, tests showed that they induced no similar effects as natural cannabinoids. They were labeled as unsafe and non-classical variants of THC. This begs the question of the safety of THC-O, mainly because there is limited information about the substance.
THC acetate ester has been observed to possess a chemical profile identical to delta-9 and delta-8 THC variants. Unlike the unhealthy smoke products produced in the 2000s, THC-O can be traced to natural cannabis plants.
For now, there is no data that points to THC acetate ester being dangerous or unfit for consumption. Instead, the available (anecdotal) data suggests that THC-O offers higher therapeutic benefits to users, primarily when it is used as an alternative to edible tinctures. It is best suited for patients who have an increasingly high tolerance for THC. With THC-O, patients suffering from chronic pain management will fare better with THC-O than with conventional cannabis products. It is important to note that users claim it is best not to smoke THC. They suggest that the “prodrug” nature of THC-O makes it essential for the drug to be activated before consumption.
Consumption Methods And Effects
THC-O can be infused into any product. It can be produced in oil or concentrate form. After ingesting THC-O, the effects do not spring up immediately; the user begins to feel the results of the cannabinoid about five minutes after it has been consumed. This delayed effect is more pronounced in products made with no cutting agents, giving them an unmistakable look. The taste is similar to that of neutral CO2 oil.
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash
THC-O products make users feel calm and mellow, but it also leaves them with enough energy and motivation to carry out other activities. Lovers of THC-O products mention that each dose comes with a unique experience. When a person consumes a standard edible dose for a week or more consecutively, the daily effects will be different from the last. In addition to this, users usually report distinct feelings; some use it as a sleeping or relaxing aid, while others use it to rev their creative juices.
Can Anyone Use THC-O?
THC-O is best used by patients with a high tolerance for natural THC (the product serves as a panacea for patients who rely on heavy doses of THC). Inexperienced or novice cannabis users derive the most minor enjoyment from these products, as they do not have the fanciful feel, taste, and aromas usually associated with natural cannabinoids.
Last Words
According to studies carried out by the Honest Marijuana Company, THC-O has exciting potential. Its ability to deceive the system while delivering THC ingredients is something to watch out for; the drug can be modified to induce other psychedelic effects.
As long as the origin of THC-O can be traced back to federally legal hemp, you can classify it as legal. The duration of its legality is still uncertain, as the federal agencies are yet to clear the gray area in which it exists.
A new study shows instances of COVID-19 harming pregnant women and their fetuses.
There’s been a lot of talk about the risk of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, but a new study found a tragic risk for moms-to-be who are not vaccinated. Although rare, the virus can increase the odds of stillbirths.
Published in the journal Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, the study found that COVID-19 can attack and destroy the placenta, resulting in asphyxiation and stillbirth.
“We have never seen this level of destruction from an infectious illness before. It rendered the placenta unfit to carry out its duties,” study lead Dr. David Schwartz told NBC News. “These fetuses and newborns died from asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen.”
While other viruses attack the fetus directly, COVID-19 appears to attack the placenta, thus limiting the oxygen that babies are meant to have. Researchers are calling this phenomenon “SARS-CoV-2 placentitis,” and it’s described by three factors: A build-up of the protein fibrin, the death of cells in the placenta’s protective layer, and unusual inflammation in the organ.
More and more studies continue to prove the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations. While this research was conducted on a small sample of women, it’s important for a variety of reasons. Pregnant women are more susceptible to infections due to their state, and thus should try their best to avoid the virus.
The study’s results are also important since they can help prevent more of these situations and instruct obstetricians to be on the lookout for this particular condition.
Even in states where cannabis has been legalized for medical use, patients struggle to find the information that they need when it comes to using cannabis as medicine.
There’s tons of questions that overwhelm patients: how much cannabis to use, what method of administration is best, how often to take it, and so much more. Given these circumstances, most patients are left to their own devices when it comes to deciding how to use cannabis. And even then, doctors still don’t feel that they are equipped with the right knowledge to prescribe cannabis as a medication or part of their therapy.
Having said that, we are severely limiting the impact cannabis could have on the lives of patients, especially those who are terminally ill. There is already an astounding body of evidence that cannabis can make life more manageable for those with cancer, struggling through chemotherapy and radiation, Parkinson’s disease, and so much more.
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So why can’t patients be given cannabis medications in the hospital, supervised the way they are with conventional medications?
California Is A Pioneer
In December 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom made waves by signing a legislation from Senator Ben Hueso that would offer more choices for end-of-life options for locals with the requirement that certain healthcare facilities and hospitals would allow terminally-ill patients to use medical marijuana for pain relief or as part of their treatment.
“It is inconceivable to me that, in a state where medical cannabis was legalized more than 25 years ago, those in deepest suffering receiving treatment in our state’s healthcare facilities cannot access this proven, effective, and prescribed treatment,” explains Sen. Hueso. “Instead, terminally-ill patients in California healthcare facilities are given heavy opiates that rob them of their precious last moments with family and friends. This is a simple, yet critical, move that will provide relief, compassion and dignity to terminally-ill Californians.”
The law, officially known as SB 311 and given the nickname Ryan’s Law, is named after California native Ryan Bartell, who was also a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard who died in 2018 after battling pancreatic cancer. His last few weeks were spent in the hospital, where he was being given fentanyl and morphine to help him manage his pain and go to sleep. His family tried to help him by giving him medical cannabis but the facility told that that it was not allowed. As a result, his family had to spend valuable time searching for a facility that would then allow the use of MMJ. Unfortunately, he only lived a few more weeks. With this law in place, no other family or patient will have to go through that hardship again.
“In the invaluable last days as Ryan fought stage 4 pancreatic cancer, I first-handedly experienced the positive impact medical cannabis had on my son’s well-being, as opposed to the harsh effects of opiates,” explained Jim Bartell, SB311 sponsor and Ryan’s father. “Medical cannabis is an excellent option for relieving pain and suffering in those who are terminally-ill, but most importantly it serves to provide compassion, support, and dignity to patients and their families, during their loved ones’ final days. Looking at each other, holding Ryan’s hand and telling him how much I loved him during his final moments would not have been possible without the medical cannabis.”
SB 311 mandates healthcare facilities to have reasonable restrictions in how a patient keeps and uses their medical cannabis to ensure that they as well as other patients and employees of the medical institution are kept safe. The rules don’t apply to those who are being given emergency care, and in facilities where vaping and smoking cannabis is prohibited. In addition, the law doesn’t require the healthcare facility to be responsible for providing the cannabis for patients, and it also doesn’t require them to dispense cannabis from their in-house pharmacy.
In addition, the law has a harbor clause that would enable facilities to stop compliance to the law if a federal agency initiates law enforcement. However, the US Department of Justice is not allowed to use federal funds to meddle with state medical cannabis laws. The Biden Administration has also indicated that they would not interfere with state MMJ laws. “With this confirmation from CMS and the safeguards in the law, we are confident that healthcare facilities have the necessary authority to implement these provisions while ensuring the safety of other patients, guests, and employees of the healthcare facility, compliance with other state laws, and the safe operations of the healthcare facility,” Sen. Hueso explains.
Putting The Compassion In Compassionate Care
The term ‘compassionate care’ is thrown around so carelessly. It’s widely used, yet improperly.
Since cannabis is still illegal in the eyes of federal law, hospitals and healthcare facilities cannot let their patients use cannabis and thus face the risk of having to pay penalties or even lose federal funding. But it’s in hospitals where you will find some of the patients that need cannabis the most, especially those in palliative care and struggling through terminal illness.
We need more bills like SB 311 around the country to ensure that patients have access to cannabis when they need them, and can take them safely under the supervision of skilled medical professionals who have the confidence to do so.
Otherwise, there really is no compassion in compassionate care.
If lawmakers don’t pass the marijuana proposal within the next roughly 3-4 months, advocates can gather the same number of signatures yet again to place the issue on the general election ballot.
Ohio’s, Senate president Matt Huffman just said no to recreational marijuana. Speaking to reporters, Huffman, a Republican and one of the most powerful figures in state politics, emphasized that no road to recreational marijuana will run through him.
“I don’t want anybody to misunderstand my position,” Huffman said. “I’m not going to bring it to the Senate floor. And if that means people want to go put it on the ballot, have at it.”
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The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol recently submitted more than enough valid signatures (about 133,000) for Ohio lawmakers to consider its proposal, which would allow Ohioans age 21 and older to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of concentrates and grow up to six plants individually and no more than 12 per household.
State officials determined that advocates had indeed done their legwork to compel the Legislature to consider the recreational marijuana bill they proposed.
Now What?
If lawmakers don’t pass the marijuana proposal within the next roughly 3-4 months, advocates can gather the same number of signatures yet again to place the issue on the general election ballot.
Though Huffman told reporters that he doubts a recreational cannabis bill could pass and, if it did, Gov. Mike DeWine would likely veto it, the threat of veto, paired with opposition from legislative leadership, poses a towering roadblock for the bill to get through the Statehouse.
Thus, recreational marijuana would likely come down to a signature drive if it is ever to be. The Coalition would need to submit the signatures again at least 125 days before the Nov. 8 elections — July 6.
Willie Nelson and Skechers partnered up for a Super Bowl ad that’s about shoes, but really, it’s about legal cannabis.
If you weren’t already aware, Willie Nelson wants to legalize marijuana. That’s the message of his Super Bowl ad, only he can’t say it outright, so instead, he’s promoting legalizing comfort with Skechers.
While never mentioning the word cannabis, the Skechers commercial is still a significant marijuana moment. Using a weed icon to air a message of legalization during the Super Bowl in the midst of this current wave of legalization doesn’t ask much of viewers to put two and two together, while also being able to skirt the NFL’s rules for their ads.
The commercial is called “Skechers Legalized Comfort,” and it features and exchange between Nelson and the commercial’s director.
While wearing a black tee that reads Legalize, Willie introduces himself, saying, “I fought for the legalization of the one thing that can bring comfort to millions. Sketchers.” At this point, the commercial cuts to the director, who looks down at the script in confusion. “You see, Skechers should be legal,” says Nelson. The director interrupts him. “Willie, I don’t think Skechers are illegal anywhere.” Willie shrugs. “But they feel so good I just assumed the man made them illegal.”
In a statement, Nelson explained everyone’s right to feel comfortable, sending another pro-legalization message in disguise. “I can’t resist making an appearance during the Super Bowl. And I’m doing this because of a message we can all agree on—everyone deserves the right to feel comfortable. From the bus to the stage to a jog around the ranch, staying healthy and feeling good is how I can keep doing what I love.”
Skechers also released a statement. “We know featuring Willie’s genuine personality and well-known passions in a pair of commercials will make an impression for the millions watching the game.”
Marijuana ads and the Super Bowl have a little bit of history. While a variety of weed companies have tried to run cannabis ads in the country’s most important televised event, the NFL has restricted cannabis use, which means weed ads are a no-no.
One thing is certain. While more and more states continue to legalize marijuana, cannabis legislation continues to advance at a snail pace.
Getting paranoid is unfortunately, one of the more common side effects of smoking cannabis. The chances that you could feel paranoid is usually more when you consume high-THC pot. Though not everyone is prone to it, there are just some people who can’t seem to escape it, and it can make the experience of getting high unpleasant.
Why This Happens
There are many reasons why some people are more vulnerable to paranoia on pot than others.
In a 2019 animal study, researchers discovered that some people’s brains are wired to be more sensitive to THC in the back area of the brain. On the other hand, those people who feel relaxation from high THC have a more active front part of the brain, which is responsible for our reward mechanisms.
Photo by Sonja Punz via Unsplash
There’s another explanation: the biphasic response. To say it simply, when you microdose or consume THC in smaller amounts, it will result in a relaxing effect but the more you smoke, the more anxious or paranoid you’ll be. In a 2017 study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, they analyzed the effects of THC on 42 consumers who were tasked to undergo stressful situations. They discovered that the participants who consumed 7.5mg of THC felt much less stress compared to those administered with a placebo. However, those who were given 12.5mg of THC said that they experienced negative emotions, and they were also more likely to report a task as threatening or challenging.
Another possible reason why some get paranoid when high and others don’t boils down to our tolerance. Everyone reacts to cannabis and its compounds differently especially THC – some people simply have a much higher tolerance and can consume more of it without responding negatively, while others can’t.
Black Pepper as an Antidote
If you’re one of those people who gets paranoid from THC, the answer may lie in your kitchen: black pepper. For those who are surprised by this news, it’s actually been known for a while now.
In fact, it was none other than Neil Young who made it famous when, during a 2014 interview he had with Howard Stern, he mentioned: “Try black pepper balls if you get paranoid. Just chew two or three pieces,” he said, about paranoia and anxiety caused by THC.
He isn’t wrong.
Black peppercorns, when chewed or smelled, can actually help provide relief from paranoia and anxiety. How? Well, black pepper, just like cannabis and other plants, contain terpenes. In cannabis, we know around a few hundred different terpenes that have its own special properties and therapeutic effects, though they also contribute to its unique aroma. Terpenes also play a role in the cannabis strain’s effects on the individual user.
Black pepper contains caryophyllene and pinene, two terpenes that have been proven to have calming effects and can particularly negate the highs brought about by THC.
If you aren’t a fan of eating black pepper straight up, then you can also of course just add it to certain foods so that you can enjoy its therapeutic benefits. We understand that not everyone can take the strong taste of consuming black pepper straight or even chewing it up.
Photo by Calum Lewis via Unsplash
Dr. Ethan Russo, the Director of Research and Development of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute, has authored many books about cannabis. He has also touched on this topic in a study entitled, “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effect,” where he explains how the terpenes in peppercorn “tame the intoxicating effects of THC.”
Here’s a little bit more about these helpful terpenes:
Pinene: Pinene is a terpene that is associated with the smell of pine trees or pine forests. Of course, it’s extremely abundant in pines but it’s also found in many other herbs and plants, such as dill, parsley, and cannabis. Pinene has a woodsy and earthy smell.
When it comes to effects, pinene is known to be lightly energizing, and can induce calmness and tranquility. Some people report pinene to enhance creativity and even uplift your mood. Medicinal benefits include bronchodilation, which is why it’s beneficial for people who suffer from respiratory conditions including asthma. Pinene also has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can aid in memory retention.
Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene is found in concentrated amounts in black pepper as well as cotton and cloves. It has a unique spicy, peppery, and woodsy aroma which contributes to the smell of black pepper.
Caryophyllene is famous in the terpene world for its sedative and calming effects. It also does a terrific job at calming anxiety, and it probably does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to why people can report significant relief from chewing peppercorns to come down from THC-induced paranoia. It’s also interesting that caryophyllene and THC bind to the exact same receptors within the brain. Researchers have found that when people consume them both, it results in a relaxing, calming effect — another reason why we feel so much calmer when we consume pepper after getting too high on THC.
Conclusion
Consuming or smelling black pepper is just one of the many safe ways that you can easily come down from a high. Other techniques include eating food, going for a walk, taking a nap, or focusing your energies on something else.
More than half of respondents to a recent survey cited either fear of theft or employee security as their top concern, yet nearly 6 in 10 said they operate entirely in cash.
Dama Financial recently conducted a survey of operators across all cannabis-legal states regarding their concerns and struggles.
When asked what business issues or challenges keep them up at night, more than half of respondents cited either robbery or employee safety as their top concern, while a quarter said the looming threat of a bank account shutdown is their main source of worry.
“More than half of respondents to our survey cited either fear of theft or employee security as their top concern, yet nearly 6 in 10 said they operate entirely in cash, and close to 7 in 10 say they haven’t opened a bank account,” Anh Hatzopoulos, co-founder and chief executive officer at Dama, said. “The risk of crime will never be entirely avoidable, but it can be reduced significantly by engaging transparently with the banking system, utilizing cash management tools, and implementing consumer payments products that remove cash from operations.”
Compliance also emerged as a concern among operators, with 70% of respondents stating they have a hard time navigating their state’s regulations around operating a cannabis business.
“The results confirm that cannabis owners need help navigating the rules not only around banking, but around operations at every step of the supply chain,” Hatzopoulos continued. “CRBs that don’t implement systems and technologies to maximize both operational and regulatory efficiencies are going to have a hard time surviving as the industry becomes more competitive.”
Photo by Darren415/Getty Images
Dama recently announced plans to acquire GrowFlow, whose business management and compliance tools have processed more than $3.3 billion for cannabis retailers, cultivators, processors, and distributors.
The combinations of Dama’s fintech and payment solutions and GrowFlow’s software platform will offer operators a comprehensive platform that fulfills the business needs and regulatory obligations of any licensed cannabis business — across all verticals — everywhere cannabis is legal.
Mississippi’s main supplier of electricity, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), recently announced plans to stop providing power to any and all cannabis-related sites.
On Thursday, however, things changed when the TVA announced it would not turn off the lights and was planning to ask for federal guidance.
What happened?
First things first. The reason behind the decision to cut the lights was simple: the TVA was following federal law as it is a federally-owned utility. According to a document obtained by the Daily Journal and confirmed by the TVA, which stated the following: “Given this important point, TVA will not direct any federal resources or funds to the cultivation and/or distribution of marijuana.”
Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels
It was, however, unclear at the time if municipal companies that receive TVA power would be allowed to provide it to legal marijuana facilities.
“We want to be clear about TVA’s position on the implications to our energy service to Mississippi customers: TVA has an obligation to serve our customers with safe, reliable, low-cost energy and we will continue to do so. There will be no interruption in service because of this newly signed law,” TVA stated. “The broader issue is a complex one and represents a conflict between state and federal law. We are looking to the appropriate federal agencies for further clarification and have requested additional guidance.”
Simply put: “Our service to our customers remains unchanged and we will continue to carry out our mission.”
Consequences?
On Thursday, the North Mississippi utility regulator also noted that the TVA can’t block local utility companies from providing electricity to medical cannabis facilities, reported the Daily Journal.
Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley confirmed that local utilities in North Mississippi that acquire wholesale power from TVA are in fact under obligation by state law to serve all customers.
“It is a long-held principle in state law that electric utilities have an obligation to serve customers without discrimination,” Presley stated. “A licensed medical marijuana facility under Mississippi law is no different.”
He further added that TVA’s previous statement may have made some medical cannabis facilities think about relocating.
