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New York Will Generate Over $1B In Marijuana Taxes, Government Officials Predict

Revenue from cannabis state excise tax of 9% will go to education, community reinvestment and drug treatment.

By Natan Ponieman

According to official projections, the state of New York could generate over a billion dollars in marijuana taxes before the end of the decade.

An estimate included in the governor’s executive budget calculated that between now and 2028, the state could gather more than $1.25 billion from licensing fees and other taxes.

new york
Photo by Ferdinand Stöhr via Unsplash

RELATED: Are High State Marijuana Taxes Really The Cause Of The Tenacious Black Market?

The Empire State legalized adult-use marijuana in March of 2021, but cannabis shops are not expected to open until late 2022 or early 2023, as New Yorkers wait for the state to issue licenses to producers, distributors and retailers. Marijuana-related tax collection is expected to increase on a yearly basis.

According to coverage by Marijuana Moment, “for fiscal year 2023, the state is projected to collect $56 million in revenue, most of which will come in the form of licensing fees. From there, the yearly revenue estimates quickly increase as sales are expected to come online and expand: $95 million in 2024, $158 million in 2025, $245 million in 2026, $339 million in 2027 and $363 million in 2028.”

RELATED: These States Have The Highest Cannabis Sales Taxes In America

Revenue from cannabis state excise tax of 9% will go to education, community reinvestment and drug treatment. Another 4% tax will support counties, cities, towns and villages that allow marijuana operations in their jurisdiction. Edibles are taxed at $0.03 per mg of THC, concentrates are taxed at $0.008 per mg of THC and cannabis flowers are taxed at $.005 per mg THC.

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

Does Cannabis Cause Psychosis?

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Cannabis and psychosis have long been linked, even if the connection is not understood. A new study sheds some light on the issue.

One of  most concerning issues with marijuana is with mental health. Especially does cannabis cause psychosis? While not wholly understood, this link is significant, with several studies indicating that people who smoke large amounts of weed on a daily basis are five times more likely to develop psychosis than others, depending on the age in which marijuana is first consumed and the individual’s genetic vulnerabilities. Now, new study provides some much-needed information and context on the topic.

Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the study looked into the connection between schizophrenia and cannabis and tried to provide answers to a question that has long been unanswered; does cannabis use cause schizophrenia, or do people who suffer from schizophrenia are more likely to seek out the drug?

RELATED: Study Links Daily Marijuana Use To Risk Of Psychosis

scientists could test if marijuana makes you susceptible to psychosis
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RELATED: CBD Reduces The Symptoms Of Schizophrenia According To New Medical Studies

The study looked into young subjects, all within the ages of 13-16, who filled out annual self-reports of past-year cannabis use and psychotic symptoms. The findings spotted clear links between frequent cannabis use and more psychotic symptoms. Subjects who reported cannabis use in the previous year were more likely to experience psychotic symptoms a year afterward, indicating some form of causation.

Still, this evidence isn’t foolproof. Many more studies need to be conducted to have a better understanding of the issue, and to know how to address it properly, especially in the case of children and teens, who are at higher risk for harm when exposing their young brains to cannabis.

teens
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

While studies like this can be scary for cannabis proponents, they are necessary for having a thorough understanding of the plant. As cannabis gets legalized across states, responsible parties should inform consumers, especially teens, about the harms of cannabis and the serious conditions that can arise from abusing it.

RELATED: Here’s What You Should Know About Teens And Marijuana Abuse

The majority of people can use cannabis safely. Still, we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to those who are exposed to greater risks.

What Is Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) And Is It Legal?

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Due to rising confusion about its legality, HHC is being sold across the U.S. Here’s what you should know about this synthetic cannabinoid.

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

The newest cannabinoid and, I must say, “another worthy addition” swaying the market right, left, front, and back is hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Rising to prominence after regulations banned the sales and use of delta-8, this compound has been referred to as an intriguing analog of THC. Whether or not to agree with this description cannot be decided now, as there are several misconceptions about HHC cannabinoids.

The cannabis community certainly has to be working overtime at this point, discovering cannabinoids after cannabinoids. Fortunately for the community and related groups, perceptions about cannabis are changing around the world and are being backed by appropriate legislation. This has accelerated studies aimed at learning more about cannabis and its cannabinoids. Almost every week, science blogs and conventional media outlets have something new to say about cannabis.

cannabis research
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Taking your focus back to hexahydrocannabinol, this article tries to clear up some misinformation making waves about the newly discovered HHC. Even when attempting to draft this piece, I encountered dozens of contradicting information about the compound’s origin, effects, safety, and legality.

What Is HexahydroCannabinol (HHC)?

Many headlines across the world define the compound as a naturally produced cannabinoid found in trace quantities in pollen. In contrast, HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid compound prepared in a laboratory with selected cannabis extracts. These compounds are in league with the less common cannabinoids pushed aside until recently by the big guns — THC and CBD.

Due to rising confusion about its legality, the synthetic cannabinoid is being sold in all parts of the U.S. In recent months, HHC has undergone its fair share of human trials and processing. The unavailability of HHC in cannabis plants has, in a way, reduced its availability to folks around the country.

History of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

Hexahydrocannabinol was first developed in 1944 by a scientist named Roger Adams. He created the compound through the hydrogenation process by mixing hydrogen molecules with delta-9-THC. This compound has stayed in the shadows since then until it started receiving attention recently. Cannabis retailers are selling the product for consumers to use as a substitute for THC.

Is Hexahydrocannabinol Potent?

For a compound to be likened to THC, it is expected to be almost as potent as THC. The exact potency of this compound is difficult to determine. The research found had apparent discrepancies and was not worth being placed behind a safe.

marijuana research
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Studies on the compound show that it is at least 69% as potent as delta-9-THC. This narrative places it alongside delta-8 and delta-9 in the hierarchy of powerful THC variants. Other studies claim HHC is not as potent as delta-8. Other sources say that HHC must be consumed in high dosage to produce a semblance of high similar to regular THC compounds.

RELATED: What Is THC-O And Is It Legal?

With different sources putting up different information, it is best to wait for proper research to be done. HHC molecules affect cannabinoid receptors but have a unique way of doing this. Perhaps, the absence of standardized HHC is why there are disparities in each product (different HHC products are prepared with different 9R to 9S ratios). Products developed with high quantities of 9R can be perceived as more potent because the 9R HHC binds incredibly well to cannabinoid receptors.

Preparation of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

Like every other property of HHC, there are several misconceptions about the techniques used to produce this cannabinoid. The silence of manufacturers about their production techniques has done little to help matters. What’s clear is that all HHC producers employ the hydrogenation technique.

The hydrogenation process involves adding cannabis extract and other valuable compounds to hydrogen gas in a pressurized container. The double carbons in the cannabinoids are then converted into hydrogenated cannabis oil, also called HCO. HCO is a dark-golden oil with double carbon bonds broken naturally by hydrogen. Some manufacturers claim that the hydrogenation process can be speeded up by using catalysts like nickel, palladium, iridium, and platinum.

RELATED: What Is CBG And How Does It Combat Antibiotic Resistance?

At the end of the process, the substance formed is rich in tetrahydrocannabinol acid (HHCA) or HHC, depending on the type of cannabis extract used at the start of the process, whether decarboxylated or not. The substance can be further refined or packaged that way.

Understanding The Importance Of Marijuana Studies And Outcomes
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Are HHC and THC Similar?

HHC and THC have similar chemical structures. The main differences are the presence of an extra carbon bond, hydrogenated carbon, and an ester molecule in HHC. A Massachusetts retailer, Boston Hemp Inc., claims that these slight differences in the structure of an HHC compound make it more stable than THC. The HHC seller claims that the added properties preserve HHC products from being degraded by light and heat. They also contribute to the extension of the product’s shelf life.

 Effects of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

Sources state that HHC induces the same sales effects as THC due to its ability to bind to cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Proper research is yet to be carried out to ascertain if these speculations are right or wrong. Prior to the period in which intensive research will be conducted, it is best not to believe the potential effects you might see on the web.

Legality of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

HHC is considered as a legal substitute for THC. The manufacturers back up this claim by arguing that the product was derived from delta-8-THC (the predominant cannabinoid in hemp flowers). They also say that HHC is legal because it naturally produces hemp seeds and cannabis pollen, that HHC production is simply a natural, help-driven extraction. The truth is that the federal laws are yet to determine if the HHC cannabinoid is analogous to THC. If it is, it will likely be introduced as a Schedule I substance immediately.

Bottom Line

To fully establish the presence of hexahydrocannabinol in the cannabis industry, comprehensive tests have to be done to categorically state the compound’s potency, physical characteristics, effects and after-effects, and medical benefits. If this is not controlled, demand might drop off once the novelty of the cannabinoid fades away.

Consumers cannot rely on anecdotal sources. They need reports from clinical trials and studies to ensure they are not being harmed.

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

3 Recent Cannabis Trends That Are Here To Stay

Even though there have been trends that have taken hold within the world of cannabis in the past, it’s hard to imagine them having a bigger impact than ones that have taken hold in the early 2020s.

To say that the world of cannabis is much different than it was just a decade ago would be a drastic understatement. In years past there haven’t been as many developments around cannabis due to tight restrictions. Now, as those restrictions fade away in many locations, developments in the world of cannabis are coming constantly.

The developments that have transpired within the recreational cannabis space during the 2020s have taken off in very little time, and it’s hard to tell which are here to stay. These trends from the current decade will have a lasting impact on the realm of cannabis.

Association With Health & Wellness Sector 

Cannabis brands aligning themselves with the health and wellness verticals is smart business for numerous reasons. The health and wellness vertical is worth a total of $4.2 trillion globally. Additionally, by aligning with brands focused on self-improvement it’s easier for unfamiliar shoppers to get an understanding of cannabis products outside of the guise of just “getting stoned”.

cannabis products
Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images

Given how robust the health and wellness sector is, and the sales potential it has, it’s no wonder so many cannabis brands are approaching sales with pitches based on self-improvement. By boasting the positive effects CBD oils, tinctures and topicals can have, it’s easier to make inroads with shoppers who are curious about trying cannabis but have reservations. Because of this, cannabis consumers can expect to see cannabis brands align themselves with the health and wellness industry for years to come.

Synthetic Cannabinoids Gaining Traction

People that have been into a vape store or headshop lately have likely come across products that look like regular marijuana products under the category of THC-O, or Delta-8 THC. Synthetic cannabinoids like these are becoming increasingly common in states where hemp-derived CBD products are legal.

RELATED: Identifying The 3 Biggest Challenges Facing The Cannabis Industry Heading Into 2022

The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp-derived products not limited to CBD, but synthetic types of THC, too. This has led to the development of new businesses based on sales of these synthetic cannabinoids both in-person and over the web. While shipping CBD and hemp-based synthetic cannabinoids isn’t legal in every state, it is widespread enough for cannabis consumers to have enough variety to choose from, as far as product and manufacturers go.

Cannabis Businesses Adopting The Latest Technology

Given the many challenges that the cannabis industry has faced in the early goings, many businesses have been forced to adapt. No asset has been more helpful in helping businesses in the marijuana industry overcome their challenges than rapidly-developing modern technology. From advanced DNA-based product personalization, to app-based retail businesses are able legally to cater to the needs of their customers in ways that were previously unimaginable.

cannabis technology
Photo by JohnDWilliams/Getty Images

Given the ways technology has helped businesses within the cannabis industry thus far, it’s hard to imagine that the industry will navigate away from it anytime in the near future.

RELATED: Here’s How Technology Is Reshaping Cannabis

Even though there have been trends that have taken hold within the world of cannabis in the past, it’s hard to imagine them having a bigger impact than ones that have taken hold in the early 2020s. As the decade develops, it will be interesting to see what other trends within the cannabis world will take hold.

WATCH: US Senate Candidate Smokes Blunt In Campaign Ad

Support for cannabis legalization and growing disgust over racially-biased marijuana arrests are at an all-time high.

By Maureen Meehan

Democrat Gary Chambers, who is seeking a U.S. Senate seat from Louisiana, released a campaign ad on Tuesday in which he smokes a sizable blunt while sitting in an armchair looking about as chill as someone could possibly look. But Chambers is dead serious about the harms of cannabis criminalization.

“Black people are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana laws than white people,” Chambers says quoting ACLU statistics. “States waste $3.7 billion enforcing marijuana laws every year. Most of the people police are arresting aren’t dealers, but rather people with small amounts of pot, just like me.”

The ad is titled “37 Seconds,” a reference to research finding that police make a marijuana-related arrest every 37 seconds on average.

“For too long, candidates have used the legalization of marijuana as an empty talking point in order to appeal to progressive voters,” Chambers said in a press release. “I hope this ad works to not only destigmatize the use of marijuana, but also forces a new conversation that creates the pathway to legalize this beneficial drug, and forgive those who were arrested due to outdated ideology.”

Chambers, a well-known social justice advocate in Baton Rouge who ran for a U.S. House seat in the past, is now running against incumbent Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), who has consistently refused to sponsor any cannabis-related legislation since he took the seat in 2017.

In the press release, Chambers also expressed support for the Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act, a bipartisan congressional bill introduced by Ohio Republican Dave Joyce and New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in December.

RELATED: More Red States Are Going Wild For Weed

Although a sitting member of Congress has never publicly smoked weed, this might be the first time a candidate does so in a campaign ad.

Chamber’s Twitter account, by the way, is exploding, mostly with ecstatic support though there are a few prohibitionist naysayers warning that he’s a “fool.” Only time will tell. After all, support for cannabis legalization and growing disgust over racially-biased marijuana arrests are at an all-time high.

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

Does Omicron Cause Loss Of Smell And Taste? Here’s What A New Study Says

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The loss of taste and smell is one of the most worrisome of COVID-19 symptoms. Is it the same with the Omicron variant?

One of the strangest and most concerning symptoms of COVID-19 is the loss of taste and smell. This symptom, which can last for weeks to months, has become one of the disease’s most infamous ailments. Does the Omicron variant trigger this condition?

A study conducted by the Health Security Agency in the UK found that only 13% of people with Omicron reported a loss of sense of smell or taste. When the Delta variant was running rampant, 34% of people reported these symptoms. The study found that the most common symptoms of Omicron were a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and a sore throat.

RELATED: Kids Who Had COVID-19 Are Twice As Likely To Develop This Chronic Condition

Experiencing COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects? Here Are Some Foods That Can Help
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The rise of the Omicron variant has been swift, with cases in South Africa, the country where the variant was first discovered, rising from 300 a day to 3,000 within just a couple of weeks after the variant was first spotted last November. Still, as more data appeared, researchers noted that people tended to experience milder cases of the disease. While they continued to experience fatigue and fever, there were also fewer reports of loss of taste and smell.

RELATED: Infected With Omicron? This Is When You’re Contagious

The appearance of new variants isn’t a surprising thing. While it’s understandable to panic with every new wave, Omicron won’t likely be the last wave we see, especially since there are COVID-19 outbreaks in places all over the world. Though there’s still a lot we don’t know about it, more and more evidence suggests that it’s a departure from the variants we’ve seen in the past. While you may lose your sense of taste and smell, it seems like the odds are lower than they were before.

An FDA Advisory Panel Is Recommending Booster Shots Of This Vaccine
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Getting the vaccine is the clearest way of staying protected against COVID-19. Getting the booster shot as soon as you’re able to is also an efficient way of staying safe and of continuing with your normal life. If infected with the virus, a vaccine and a booster will increase your odds of having a mild disease and preventing hospitalization.

RELATED: The Vital Role Our Senses Play In COVID-19 And Beyond

Aside from that, social distancing practices are the next best thing in terms of staying safe; wearing your surgical or KN95 masks and keeping track of the COVID-19 cases in your area will help you have some peace of mind and inform you of what is safe or unsafe in your situation.

Does Marijuana Enhance Orgasm & Sexual Performance? Why A New Study Says Yes!

Young people who use cannabis frequently, regardless of gender, have better overall sexual function, according to a Spanish study.

By Nina Zdinjak

Young marijuana enthusiasts and alcohol consumers have better orgasms and overall sexual function than those who abstain, according to a new study undertaken in Spain, reported Marijuana Moment.

Researchers from the University of Almeria were inspired to tackle the controversy swirling around numerous previous studies that looked at the impact of cannabis and alcohol on sexual functioning, which disclosed both positive and negative effects. And so, Spanish researchers created a new observational study that concluded: “Sexual function in young people who use cannabis and alcohol more frequently was shown to be better than in those who do not use either.”

cannabis and sex
Photo by Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

Study Details – Reduction In Anxiety And Shame 

For six months, researchers examined 185 females and 89 males between the ages of 18 to 30 who were either regular cannabis or alcohol users or non-users. The research excluded those who were using opiates or MDMA and those suffering from health conditions like depression and diabetes, as these are known to produce a negative impact on sexual performance.

“Sexual function is improved in young people who are high-risk cannabis consumers with a moderate risk of alcohol use, resulting in increased desire, arousal, and orgasm,” revealed the study, which was published in late December 2021 in the journal Healthcare. “This improvement is usually associated with a reduction in anxiety and shame, which facilitates sexual relationships.”

Cannabis consumers had better scores than non-consumers when it came to both the overall sexual functioning scale and subscales of arousal and orgasm. In addition, frequent cannabis users also had better functioning and arousal scores than those who consumed weed moderately.

RELATED: High Sex: 7 Things You Should Keep In Mind

There was no significant difference in scores between men and women.

“Our findings indicate that young people who use cannabis frequently, regardless of gender, have better overall sexual function,” according to the Spanish study.

What Will Sex Look Like In The Post Pandemic World?
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What About Alcohol? Depends On The Amount

Surprisingly, alcohol use showed no notable differences in either overall sex function or any of the subscales examined. There were, however important differences based on levels of alcohol consumption, with heavy drinkers having higher scores on the total sexual function and arousal subscale, compared to those who did not consume booze at all.

“The findings of this study revealed a higher score in sexual function, as well as arousal and orgasm, in subjects at risk of having cannabis-related problems and risk of addiction associated with alcohol consumption,” noted the study.

RELATED: We Don’t Talk Enough About Cannabis And Its Effect On Senior Sex

The researchers reported that they did not focus on the detection and consequences of heavy drinking and/or marijuana use such as the tendency to engage in less safe sex due to them being under the influence of either substance.

In conclusion, considering that these and similar results are often associated with less anxiety and shame in individuals who consume marijuana or alcohol, the study suggested that future sex education methods provide strategies that help people reduce shame and anxiety without placing them at risk of developing potential marijuana and alcohol dependency.

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

Free Weed For Blood Donations In Michigan Where Shortages Are Critical

It was just a year ago when the “Pot For Shots” promo was rolled out, giving away more than 30K pre-rolls to anyone who showed proof of a COVID vaccination.

By Nina Zdinjak

The “Pot For Plasma” campaign is an effort being undertaken by Greenhouse of Walled Lake and UBaked Cannabis Edibles of Burton to help remedy Michigan’s critical scarcity of blood and plasma donations.

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 18, the two cannabis companies will provide free pre-rolls to anyone over the age of 21 who comes in with proof that they have donated blood or plasma. Anything will do — a sticker, a band-aid on your arm can be used as proof and no purchase is necessary.

You Can Get A Free Joint If You Get Vaccinated In Washington State
Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

RELATED: Washington’s Joints For Jabs Program Proves Challenging For Marijuana Retailers

The two companies stressed that Michigan is currently undergoing the worst blood and plasma shortage in more than 10 years, a situation also going on in the rest of the United States. The American Red Cross and Michigan Association of Blood Banks are pleading for help; they urgently need blood and plasma donations.

It was just one year ago that Greenhouse of Walled Lake launched its “Pot for Shots” promo where the company gave away more than 30,000 pre-rolls to anyone who showed proof of a Covid vaccination.

RELATED: Giving Out Free Weed At COVID Vaccination Sites, Probably Not The Best Idea

“Our state and our country continue to be in crisis, and we are asking people to go out and donate their blood or plasma at a convenient site,” Greenhouse of Walled Lake founder and owner Jerry Millen said. “Their generous donations may allow someone to have surgery or even save their life.

“Pot For Plasma is our way of rewarding our old customers and new customers for giving back to the community,” he added. “In fact, I will be donating my blood and plasma as well.”

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

Wine Vs. Cannabis: How Social Inequity Differs In Both Industries

The high barrier of entry into the wine world is one of the biggest reasons for the lack of diversity within the industry. Being a budtender or managing a dispensary doesn’t require as much training. 

As the cannabis industry develops, it’s hard not to make comparisons to other industries that had gone legit after years in the shadows. Among the first that comes to mind is wine.

Given the fact that the wine industry predates recreational cannabis by decades, it seems that it should come as no surprise that there’s a level of racism present within the industry, just as there are throughout other industries. Unfortunately, much of the racism that existed during the inception of the wine industry persists today. 

Naturally, this leads many people to wonder about the ways in which cannabis is any different from the wine industry in that regard. Even though the cannabis industry is still young, all indications show that the cannabis industry will provide more opportunities to People of Color than wine has. Here’s how cannabis is different from recreational cannabis from a social equity perspective.

Photo by Hermes Rivera via Unsplash

Barrier of Entry Is Higher

The high barrier of entry into the wine world is one of the biggest reasons for the lack of diversity within the industry. The process of earning the certification necessary for becoming a wine sommelier can cost hundreds of dollars, which inherently excludes people without that kind of disposable income — which happens to be People of Color in most situations. In the cannabis industry, being a budtender or managing a dispensary doesn’t require as much training. 

According to the Deputy Director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution, John Hudak, the ability of cannabis businesses to stay true to its beginnings will be essential in helping to ensure that the industry remains diverse. “Higher end wines tend to be disproportionately white compared to other parts of the economy,” he explains. “Because cannabis, the consumer base is inherently more diverse than wine, it benefits it to stay to its roots.”

As far as staying true to itself goes, a big part of that means not turning every budtender who works in a dispensary into a sommelier, as some businesses are likely tempted to. 

Recreational Cannabis Businesses Are Actively Seeking a Diverse Workforce

Another difference between recreational cannabis and the wine industry when it comes to social equity is the fact that the cannabis industry is actively recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds. “Looking out at who’s going to make a good budtender, you think of younger individuals rather than older individuals,” says Hudak.

“While usage rates between whites and nonwhites are the same, when you go into dispensaries, especially in California and Nevada, you can see diversity among the workforce. When you think about higher end wines, you think about higher end individuals,” explains Hudak, adding that, “When you’re thinking about the wine consumer base, higher end wines tend to be disproportionately white compared to other parts of the economy.” 

RELATED: Is The Cannabis Industry Racist?

The effort that recreational cannabis businesses place on diversity is also exemplified by the fact that estimates currently place the level of minority recreational cannabis business owners at 23%, which is a stark contrast to the wine industry.

weed-clubs-vs-wine-clubs
Photos by: Kelsey Knight via Unsplash, Matthew Brodeur via Unsplash

Less Than 1% of Wineries Are Black-Owned

Even though wineries have rapidly grown in popularity ever since the end of prohibition, there are still relatively few minority-owned wineries to show for it. A recent study unveiled the fact that Black-owned wineries account for less than 1% of all wineries in the country. On the other hand, another recently conducted survey found that minority-owned businesses account for 19% of all respondents. While minority ownership numbers aren’t overwhelmingly high, they are more promising than what the wine industry can offer. 

RELATED: Why Social Equity Matters For Cannabis, And What States Are Doing About It

As far as what the recreational cannabis industry can do to ensure the continued growth of minority businesses, Hudak says nothing is going to make or keep the cannabis industry diverse. “It has to have a conscious conversation with itself to make sure it’s expanded then maintained once it’s achieved.”

Whether or not the cannabis industry is capable of reaching and maintaining heightened diversity levels will be one of the most intriguing stories to watch for within the space.

Is CBD Water An Opportunity Or A Marketing Ploy

The product has several utilities, but the downsides surrounding it are guaranteed to put people off.

Water is one of the most fundamental needs for the survival of humans. This is why CBD water is a brilliant innovation that speaks to the innate needs of cannabis users while promising an excellent high at the same time.

Many have heard about CBD water, but few have seen it on shelves, and fewer still have tasted it. The product has been described as exciting, convenient, and novel for so long, it’s surprising that it’s not yet mainstream. Several factors have stalled the progress of this product’s market, especially its high cost and basic formulation.

water
Photo by Steve Johnson via Unsplash

In the last few months, several dispensaries have begun to stock up on many CBD-derived products after consumers indicated interest. Products like candies, beverages, cosmetics, pet food, and several everyday consumer items have been infused with CBD. In this recent surge, one would have expected CBD water to be one of the most common products since everyone depends on water, but this is not so.

The first time CBD water was released into the market, what came to the minds of consumers was that it was a uniquely formulated cannabinoid-infused beverage. This description is correct! However, many producers have begun to cut corners in producing this good product.

The Promising Nature of CBD Water

CBD water can become the most crucial cannabis product before CBD flowers, oils, isolates, and other edibles. Consumers only need to gain access to its premium versions.

Based on its liquid nature, it has the edge over other cannabis products because hydration is an essential concept for people, irrespective of their line of work. For instance, athletes reach for their water bottles after training sessions; fitness enthusiasts also guzzle down water when they are done with each session, and artists and even office-goers take their hydration seriously. Everyone needs a bottle of water with a cup of coffee.

A bottle of CBD water provides a less obvious way of consuming cannabis. The unseemly bottle of water containing cannabis is a socially acceptable method of discreetly ingesting CBD at the workplace, parks, restaurants, and other public spaces compared with loosening the cap of a tincture popping a gummy, or rolling a stick of flower mid-activities in public areas. Dissolvable CBD powder that works in water is also a new market entrant in the CBD water craze.

The Chemistry of CBD Water

The production of CBD water employs a nanoemulsion theory, which allows the water to be compatible with the cannabinoids. In this product, emulsifiers are used to encase the CBD compounds in tiny droplets (which is why you can see the CBD particles in a bottle of CBD water). Cannabinoids are fat-soluble compounds, not water-soluble. This relative mixture of cannabis and water makes the cannabinoids bioavailable.

Reports say some bioscience companies utilize better techniques to create CBD water through water-soluble methods. Some CBD water products are infused with flavorings and colorings to appeal to regular products.

The Problem With CBD Water

The support for CBD water is currently at a simmer. That is why the product has been scarce despite being proven to provide relief for pain, inflammation, anxiety, and some other medical conditions. Here are a few factors creating a chokehold for the product.

Cost

CBD water is one of the most expensive CBD-derived products. This is the first thing that puts people off. In the UK, a 250ml bottle of CBD water with about 10mg of CBD costs £1.99, which is equivalent to about $2.7 in the United States. For a full bottle with as much as 500mg of CBD, the cost can be as high as £26 ($35) for a 10ml size.

water
Photo by Anderson Rian via Unsplash

Low CBD content

CBD water has a low cannabidiol content. The first products that were released into the market were highly concentrated. However, recent products contain only a minimal amount of CBD. Compared to edibles, isolates, and flowers, CBD water does not provide its value in cannabidiol to consumers. For such high-priced products like these, consumers expect only the best in quality and potency.

RELATED: 54% Of CBD Beverages Contain Less CBD Than Advertised

The majority of the bottled or canned CBD waters on the market are incredibly diluted and offer minimal impact to the user. For you to feel the effects of cannabidiol with CBD water, you need to gulp down at least two bottles. Even with this, the impact you think is more or less the same level as the effects felt when you take a drop of mid-strength full-spectrum CBD oil.

Degradation

CBD water loses its potential benefits when exposed to light and air for days or weeks. Different labels package their products with various types of materials. The most common packaging is transparent plastic bottles. However, it has been discovered that while transparent containers are optimal for water, the container causes a gradual degradation of CBD compounds.

RELATED: Wine Or Weed? Experts Discuss The Future Of Cannabis-Infused Beverages

CBD is a meroterpene; it is part phenol and part terpene. This quality explains the gradual degradation observed when CBD products are exposed to light and air over a prolonged period. Placed on shelves under supermarket light, CBD water lost its potency well before customers purchased it. The only way to reduce this deterioration is to use opaque containers. However, these can not be revealed once opened. So either way, the content gets exposed to air or light.

water running
Photo by RUN 4 FFWPU from Pexels

Some companies have worked around this dilemma by producing CBD water in smaller opaque bottles and glasses that can be gulped down at once (with this new development, prices are expected to go even higher).

Bottom Line

The CBD water market is sinking at a fast rate right now. The questionable product design, the volatile nature of cannabidiol, and the hefty price tags all contributed to this massive downfall. The product has several utilities, but the downsides surrounding it are guaranteed to put people off.

This does not mean you should not try the product. If you prefer convenience without worrying about the cost, you can carry on with these products. But you would do well to exercise caution by purchasing only the recently produced bottles from licensed dispensaries.

For people who care about the impact of this product on their wallets, it is better to avoid CBD water now until the manufacturers are ready to do what’s right. For this market to start swimming, CBD water has to live up to its hype.

 

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