Now, the next time you’re in the middle of a smoke session with friends and the munchies hit, you can offer an explanation behind why it’s happening.
Having access to your favorite meals or snacks is essential to any successful session. Most people are familiar with the concept of getting the munchies after consuming marijuana, but why they occur still remains a mystery to many.
Even though the munchies may seem like one of life’s unsolved mysteries, there are a few scientific reasons that can explain what causes it. Here are a few factors that help explain why people get the munchies after consuming marijuana.
The Role Sleep Plays in Bringing on the Munchies
Want to keep the munchies at bay? You may want to make sure you get enough sleep. Numerous studies attribute an increase in appetite to a poor sleep schedule.
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According to a 2019 study, a lack of sleep can bring on the munchies in an identical manner to consuming marijuana due to the fact that sleep restriction causes increased endocannabinoid levels in the blood leading to hunger pangs, specifically for high-calorie foods.
“We found that sleep restriction induced qualitative changes in food intake, biasing choices toward energy-dense options, without altering total calorie intake,” wrote researchers, adding that, “Our results further elaborate on the effects of sleep deprivation on the human brain, suggesting that neural processing of odors is enhanced in primary olfactory brain areas after sleep restriction.”
Taking this into consideration, getting a full night’s rest could be instrumental in helping to ward off the munchies.
THC Heightens the Senses
One of the many cliches about marijuana shared by cannabis enthusiasts is that, “it just makes everything better”. Research proves that this idea is more than just a cliche.
According to a 2014 study using mice, neuroscientists discovered that THC stimulated the brain’s olfactory bulb — the part of the brain responsible for recognizing odors — causing the mice to eat more than usual.
There’s also data that suggests THC stimulates receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to the production of the hormone gherlin, which regulates hunger.
Photo by Carles Rabada via Unsplash
Marijuana Decreases Inhibitions
One of the key reasons people use substances like marijuana in the first place is to experience a release of dopamine. While there are lots of benefits to how a dopamine release can make you feel, one of the drawbacks is that it can lower your inhibitions. While decreased inhibitions are typically associated with social settings, they can also have a big impact on cravings. Lowering inhibitions means eating more of foods that you probably shouldn’t be eating in the first place.
Think about it. After consuming enough marijuana, knowing when to stop snacking can feel nearly impossible. The reason why is because dopamine controls the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Once enough THC has been consumed, it’s nearly impossible to tell yourself “enough is enough” when it comes to your favorite food.
The munchies may be mildly inconvenient, but at least it’s no longer a mystery. Now, the next time you’re in the middle of a smoke session with friends and the munchies hit, you can offer an explanation behind why it’s happening. While that may not make the munchies go away, at least it can provide a distraction until you’re able to satisfy those cravings for good.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed Thursday that it is working toward advancing insurance policies for hemp businesses to make them more flexible.
Ever since hemp and its derivatives were declared federally legal under the 2019 Farm Bill, the industry has been waiting for clear rules and regulations with regard to food and beverages infused with hemp-derived CBD.
The wait seemed endless, but now, a certain optimism has emerged in the form of a new bill presented on Thursday by a group of bipartisan House lawmakers. The measure demands that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set up regulations for food and beverages with hemp-derived CBD to enable their interstate commerce, reported Marijuana Moment.
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The “CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act,” sponsored by Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), aims to help resolve the ongoing regulatory issue hemp stakeholders have been asking the FDA to clear up.
“CBD products are exploding in popularity, but the lack of federal regulation surrounding them has put consumers at risk and left businesses looking for clarity,” Rice said in a press release. “The bipartisan CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act will establish the clear regulatory framework needed to provide stability for business and ensure unsafe products stay off the shelves.”
Under the bill, the FDA is being requested to create clear guidance and to open a public comment period on the maximum amount of hemp-derived CBD that can be added to food or beverages per serving, as well as on labeling and packaging demands, among other issues.
With interest in CBD products booming, not having FDA rules puts the industry in an unregulated and therefore unsafe position.
“As a result, adulterated or unsafe products are available that threaten consumer health, and businesses lack clarity,” Griffith said. “The CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act would require the FDA to address the issue and ensure more certainty in the CBD marketplace.”
USDA To Change Hemp Policy To Advance Insurance Coverage For Manufactures
This week the hemp industry welcomed another important move when the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed Thursday that it is working toward advancing insurance policies for hemp businesses to make them more flexible in regards to stakeholder feedback, wrote Marijuana Moment.
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USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) highlighted it will ensure that hemp producers will no longer have to deliver their crops “without economic value for insurability.” The policy will precisely state how the “amount of insurable acreage is determined if the processor contract specifies both an acreage and a production amount.”
“This change was made in the policy to ensure producers know how their insurable acreage is determined for those contracts,” the agency said in a press release.
“[hemp is] an emerging crop, and we are working with hemp producers to provide insurance options that make sense for producers and for insurance providers,” RMA administrator Marcia Bunger said. “RMA has worked to expand and refine our offerings to be responsive and dynamic. “
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.
As tobacco sales continue to dwindle, and the research backing the health claims behind cannabis compounds rise, the country is moving toward the dawn of a booming new industry.
In the past 30 years or so, there has been a major shift in the public perception of both tobacco and cannabis industries. The popularity of tobacco has been on a slow decline, while cannabis use (and acceptance) is on the rise.
But what do the futures of these markets look like from a practical, legal, and financial perspective? In this article, we’ll discuss a bit of recent history in the tobacco and cannabis industries in the United States, as well as speculate on future legal changes.
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At the end of the day, which will come out on top: tobacco or cannabis? By gathering and analyzing the opinions of industry experts, we hope to get a good idea of how the future will answer this question.
A Recent History of Tobacco and Cannabis Industries in the U.S. The Rise and Fall of Tobacco
Over the past 50 years, tobacco-smokers in the U.S. population fell from 42 to 15%. (1) The height of tobacco use peaked in 1963, with smokers consuming an average of 4,345 cigarettes per year. Though scientists knew about the health risks associated with inhaling tobacco smoke as early as the 1940s, tobacco companies did their best to bury these findings.
And in fact, many doctors didn’t really bang the drum on the issue until decades later, even though it was an accepted fact that smoking causes cancer in the late 50s. (2) The tobacco lobby was a powerful one, and it wasn’t until the 90’s that sales began to really take a hit. People finally understood that they were risking their health and lives for no benefit at all.
Even now, the delivery method has shifted a bit to accommodate a younger generation. While cigarettes are on the wane, vapes have come onto the market… just one more way for tobacco to get its last gasp.
The Fall and Rise of Cannabis
The cannabis industry has been on an almost completely opposite trajectory over the years. In the early years of the original colonies, many farmers (including George Washington) grew cannabis on their land. These plants were turned into paper, fabric, ship sails, and rope. Physicians in the 1800s used cannabis to treat various conditions, from cancer to epilepsy.
Then in the early 20th century, there was a shift in the public opinion of cannabis in the United States. Smoking cannabis was pretty much unknown to much of the U.S. population in those days…but small groups of Mexican immigrants were doing it and anti-Mexican sentiments took hold in a large way. In Texas, law enforcement began to circulate stories of violent crimes committed by those who smoked cannabis. The plant itself was increasingly referred to as “marijuana” as a scare tactic.
Government officials repeated claims that marijuana was the drug of choice for minorities, jazz musicians, and other “undesirables”. The movie “Reefer Madness” (which later became a cult classic hit for stoners) was released. It followed the stories of “wholesome American teens” captured by the evil of the drug and forced into sexual deviancy, murder, and suicide.
The DEA was formed and took action against cannabis, waging the “War on Drugs” under the Nixon administration. In 1969 only 12% of Americans thought that marijuana should be legalized by the federal government. Through the ’80s and early ’90s, marijuana continued to be largely vilified as a “gateway drug” to harder substances. Then in 1996, things began to look up for cannabis.
Possibilities of Federal Cannabis Legalization
1996 was the year that California legalized cannabis for medicinal use. More and more, activists were getting out the word on the health benefits of THC and CBD…and an increasingly wellness-seeking public was beginning to listen. In 2019, 66% of the American public approved the legalization of cannabis–an astonishing leap over a short period of time.
As of 2019, the federal government took a quietly favorable step in the process by approving a bill to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, although no further action has been taken since then. Cannabis laws can be confusing, as it is still considered illegal on a federal level, while individual states have the power to decide how to legislate its use within their borders.
Photo by Hugo Cattelain / EyeEm/Getty Images
Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp production and sales became legal on a federal level, although the hemp laws vary from state to state. The laws are a bit fuzzy and difficult to navigate and can vary widely at state levels in a variety of ways.
In 36 states, the use of medical cannabis is legal. 18 states allow recreational cannabis use, while 13 states have decriminalized cannabis use altogether. In the meantime, the FDA has begun to approve certain derivative cannabis compounds for use in medicines: THC in Marinol and Syndros, and CBD in Epidiolex.
While the legalization of cannabis is inevitable in the U.S., it is nevertheless moving forward slowly. This is due to a large contingent of older Republican lawmakers who have continued to hold onto an inherent bias against the plant.
As the country moves slowly forward, the most likely scenario, according to experts, is that more states will begin to pass medical use laws or recreational use laws, while the federal government continues with decriminalization and expungement. It’s essentially a waiting game, as the old guard of more conservative lawmakers die off.
The Cannabis Market vs Tobacco Market: What Happens Next?
As the market opens up for both THC and CBD products (not to mention a variety of other exciting new cannabinoids), profits are expected to boom in this industry. The greater issue for many experts is whether large companies can be prevented from dominating the marketplace with cheap, generic cannabis products.
However, Concordia University law professor Ryan Stoa doesn’t believe this to be a problem due to the variety of strains available. He went on to say: “On the regulator size, states have a role to play. You already see states like California putting a cap or limit on the size of marijuana farms, essentially saying, ‘If we’re going to legalize this industry, we want to spread the benefits to as many people as possible.’ Other states are capable of replicating that model.’”
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Meanwhile, marijuana is big money–and money talks in the United States. According to Viridian Capital Advisors, the marijuana industry raised $116.8 billion in 2019. This is expected to grow as more and more states begin lifting bans on cannabis.
A Surprising Harbinger of Tobacco’s Future
As to whether cannabis will overtake big tobacco, there is an interesting story that shows which way the wind is blowing. In the conservative state of Kentucky, a place where state lobbyists have steadily resisted legalization bids, hemp growers have built an enormous movement.
In fact, tobacco farmers are beginning to transition some of their land from tobacco to hemp crops. One third-generation large tobacco farmer, Shack Newman stated: “Tobacco is, I won’t say on the way out, but it sure seems like it.” He went on to say that hemp cultivation is far less labor-intensive.
Experts who are watching the situation speculate that hemp could outstrip tobacco in the near future. And this is just the beginning. As tobacco sales continue to dwindle, and the research backing the health claims behind cannabis compounds rise, the country is moving toward the dawn of a booming new industry — one that is expected to overtake the once thriving tobacco trade.
As we harness the plant’s benefits, it’s highly important we don’t lose track of its effect on the environment, and continue working to prevent any negative impact.
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug extracted from the cannabis plant. It has been used over the centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes especially in the Central Asian region of the planet.
As more countries adopt the use and cultivation of the plant, concerns have arisen about its impact on the environment. Extreme energy and water usage, its method of disposal, and also its extraction process, seem to leave a footprint on the environment.
Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images
Should we be worried? Is our growing marijuana market going to pose a problem to our planet?
How Marijuana Is Cultivated
In a nutshell, marijuana cultivation is the process of growing cannabis plants. The plants start as seeds and can be grown through outdoor or indoor farming, with light from the sun or artificial ones.
The following resources are required in the cultivation of marijuana:
SOIL: Except you are practicing aeroponics or hydroponics, the soil is vital to the cultivation of marijuana; and not just any soil, the ideal soil must have nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. These nutrients can be added to the soil through fertilization. The soil’s pH should fall between 5.8 and 6.5.
WARMTH: Ideal temperature for marijuana cultivation falls between 24 – 30 °C (75 – 86 °F). Any temperature above 31 °C or 88 °F and less than 15.5 °C or 60 °F can inhibit growth and reduce THC potency.
LIGHT: You can use either natural light or artificial light. When using artificial light, the plant is exposed to 16–24 hours of constant light and 0–8 hours of darkness.
WATER: Watering frequency depends on the age, size, temperature, light, and plant’s stage of growth. Wilting of leaves is a sign of an under-watered plant.
NUTRIENTS: The plants soak up nutrients from the soil through their roots. Marijuana plants need more nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur throughout their life cycle. When soil nutrients have been depleted, chemical or organic fertilizers can be added.
As with any other plant, pest invasion is a challenge to cannabis cultivation.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
How Marijuana Cultivation Affects The Environment
Even though marijuana itself has its medicinal and recreational purposes, growing it has some not-so-good effects on streams and rivers. While farmers of other food crops store water up during the rainy season to use in the dry season, growers of marijuana divert water directly from rivers and streams during the dry period.
Dry seasons are characterized by low water levels. Creatures living in the streams already struggle for survival. Imagine diverting a large quantity of water from the same stream or river. In a few cases, some parts of the streams dry up completely. This threatens the survival of amphibians, salmon, and other organisms living in the stream. As the water levels go down, temperature increases, and this stresses the fish living in the water.
Another problem related to marijuana cultivation is pollution. Farming sometimes occur close to the streams and rivers which may result in erosion. Sand and fine sediment may run straight into the streams harming living organisms living in the stream.
Also, herbicides and pesticides may contaminate the water and poison animal that drink from it. Oftentimes, diesel leaks from generators that are used in pumping water. This further pollutes the streams and stresses fish.
Most marijuana farming techniques use natural resources but cannabis cultivation requires much more resources than other types of horticulture. The farming techniques used in growing marijuana require an excessive quantity of natural resources and electricity while simultaneously emitting injurious wastes into the environment. If this is not put in check, it may result in a grossly negative impact on the environment and climate.
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The good thing is cannabis can grow much faster than other plants. As such, it consumes a great quantity of carbon dioxide while releasing lots of oxygen. This could be highly beneficial for the environment, especially if the cultivation occurs in the open.
However, this benefit is canceled out by the excess energy used in ventilating the indoor facilities. Some cultivation facilities may even produce excessive levels of harmful C02 to increase the growth potential of the plants.
Also, marijuana has the potential to rapidly increase the quantity of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the atmosphere. This is something to be worried about because VOCs combine with several other contaminants in the atmosphere and form an unstable poisonous gas. Studies reveal that the VOCs emitted by the cultivation of cannabis plants can result in over 2,000 metric tons of poisonous gas each year. And that’s from the cannabis market only.
Apart from VOCs emitted, there are also other hazardous wastes which include extraction solvents, vape pens having batteries, polluted lab debris.
These kinds of wastes are usually problematic and can pose a challenge to the environment. They infect landfills, release toxic VOCs into the atmosphere, and pollute water sources.
Imagine that millions of marijuana vape pens are being disposed into landfills each year, this can pose a huge problem.
How To Reduce Impact Of Marijuana On The Environment
The best way to reduce the carbon footprint of cannabis farming in the U.S and the world at large is by legalizing its cultivation at the federal level. With this significant change, extensive works of research being conducted to unearth better farming techniques and procedures will increase at an astronomical rate. This will also greatly reduce the number of illegal cannabis farms littered around the country thus curbing some of the harm being done to the environment by these illegal farms.
Other strategies of minimizing the negative environmental impacts of marijuana farming are as follows:
Create environmental rules and regulations for marijuana farmers – This could be as simple as carrying out a compulsory assessment before the construction of any cannabis growing company.
All marijuana vendors must list all farm chemicals used for production on their packaging
Farmers should be asked to submit details on how they plan to monitor and control pollution
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports should be provided by all marijuana farms, etc.
Natural methods of growing the plant should be adopted – organic methods of farming should be encouraged among cannabis farmers. More effort should be put into raising awareness about organic farming techniques and the numerous benefits it offers.
Cannabis soil may be used again for up to 2 years before being disposed
Bottom Line
The cultivation and processing of marijuana is rapidly expanding. As we harness the benefits of the plants, it’s highly important we don’t lose track of its effect on the environment and keep working to prevent any negative impact. Mother Nature takes care of us all, it’s the least we can do.
This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net
Overall, the cannabis industry has much to be optimistic about as 2022 approaches. The U.S. industry, in particular, should be enthusiastic despite its remaining required maturation.
Operators across numerous pot sectors told Benzinga what they are most optimistic about for 2022. These were the four most discussed topics.
Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels
Legalization Helps Grow Sales, Further Erodes Stigmas
Cannabis reform progress continued across much of the country in 2021.
Nine states passed decriminalization, medical use, or adult-use laws in 2021. Numerous other states reformed their regulations through legislative means this year.
Despite various bills making progress on the state level this year, federal law remains the same, though the House of Representatives once again approved the SAFE Banking Act and the MORE Act.
“No matter how long it takes to legalize cannabis on a federal level, as a country, we’ve definitely been making significant inroads on the path towards cannabis liberalization,” said Andrew Thut, chief Investment officer of 4Front Ventures Corp.
Thut said he hopes to see more states pass social equity measures when reforming cannabis laws.
Tom Bruggemann, CEO and inventor for ag-tech brand Tom’s Tumble Trimmer said reform helps promote the plant’s social acceptance. He expects acceptance to grow in 2022, leading to increased retail demand.
Calling the moment “exciting,” Bruggemann believes consumers will look beyond big brands. “As many consumers wish to support independent farmers rather than corporations, the market will continue to thrive with private operations next year and beyond,” Bruggemann predicted.
A Growing Market Drives Consumer Demand
Investors and operators alike believe the market’s growing numbers should continue in 2022.
In a November interview for a previous article, Brian Jansen, president of Bellrock Brands Inc., said he liked the market’s momentum.
“I am confident we will see continued normalization across the country in the next twelve months,” he said.
Photo by colnihko/Getty Images
Todd Green, director of investor relations at Jushi Holdings Inc., offered a similar take. “I’m looking forward to watching the cannabis industry continue to balloon, foster and maintain more careers, and expand access across the country,” he said.
In November, Morgan Paxhia, managing director at Poseidon Investment Management, told Benzinga that he was also eager for expansion, saying, “We are looking forward to new market expansion in 2022, supporting an uptick in overall growth in the US after a mid-cycle slowdown.”
He added that tax rates should come down and states revisit regulations.
Continuing Tech Innovations
Cannabis tech continues to be introduced and refined, affecting sectors from cultivation to compliance and much more. Several operators said 2022 will be a significant year for their tech spaces.
Marion Mariathasan, co-founder and CEO of regulatory and operational compliance software platform Simplifya, believes that 2022 is the year reg-tech takes center stage.
“Reg-tech has the potential to play a critical role in streamlining the challenges that ultimately pop up when working in a constantly changing, fractured regulatory environment,” he said.
Mariathasan added that tech expansions allow banks and other ancillary services to work and comply with the high-risk sector.
Photo by JohnDWilliams/Getty Images
Brett Stevens, CEO of LED grow light company Fohse said an increased focus on sustainability means more states could take up legislation to eliminate HPS (high-pressure sodium) lights.
“As an emerging industry, we must set standards and try and create better products that are more sustainable,” Stevens said.
In 2021, Fohse saw its revenue grow by a reported 510%. It also partnered with Belushi Farms to fit its Rogue Valley site with LED grow lights.
Production Shifting Towards Full Spectrum, Solventless
Sources say that product developments continue as brands compete to enhance consumer experiences and meet shifting market demands.
Lo Friesen, founder and CEO of Seattle-based extraction brand Heylo, noted that consumers are becoming more educated about THC content and whole plant experiences. The uptick in education leads to a reported shift in production processes.
Still, market education remains. “Cannabis dispensaries and consumers continue to fixate on THC content as a measure of potency, a practice that yields subpar experiences and limits the potential effects that can be obtained by consumers,” Friesen said.
Christine Shollenberger, VP of marketing for Michigan-based brand Fluresh, is thrilled to see fast-acting edibles and other products growing in popularity.
“As more states legalize and more new consumers enter the market, product offerings for fast-acting products will continue to exponentially grow,” she predicted.
Shollenberger said she believes further reform will increase interest in premium craft products made from live resin, full-spectrum and solventless extracts.
If you’re spending the holidays at home, you need a backup plan for all of your weed needs. Here it is.
As the holidays approach, the majority of us are consolidating our plans. Whether these mean going back home to stay with your parents or hosting some guests in your home, you’re going to want to make a plan when it comes to your weed usage.
While everyone has a different tolerance for the funky smell of weed, it’s nice to be polite with others and to be mindful of their space. Thanks to the large amounts of marijuana products at your disposal, it’s also easier than ever to smoke or consume discreetly.
Here are some options that could make it easier for you to get high, no matter your situation.
Wait until the time is right
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While the holidays are cluttered, there’s always small pockets of space where you can have some alone time. Take advantage of these, whether you’re home alone or are leaving for a quick trip to the grocery store. To hide the evidence of your smoke sesh, keep your weed stashed in a sealed glass container and keep your windows open. If short on time, use a sploof or purchase a smoke buddy. The bathroom is always a great option for smoking for brief amounts of time, especially if you turn on the shower and allow for the steam to dilute the weed smoke.
Buy a vape pen
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The best thing you can do for discreet smoking is to purchase a vape pen. This item is not only useful for the holidays, but year-round, simplifying the smoking process and allowing you to get high without releasing weedy odors and without having to pack a bowl, roll a joint, etc. If you want to be super safe, test the pen with a sober friend, who can let you know if the cartridge is doing the job or if you need to purchase something that has a lighter smell.
The most obvious thing you can do is to leave your house and get high someplace where you can be alone. Be mindful of others and obey the laws of your state. While this isn’t a full-time solution, adding weed to your walks and times of escape can be a healthy way of getting some much-needed alone time. Keep in mind that you’re gonna have to come back to your place and face whoever you’re living with. Carry some gum and perfume, but don’t go overboard, since that might make things more obvious.
Edibles are convenient, eliminating smoke or paraphernalia, which are always pesky things to deal with when spending time with others. They can be consumed around other people without them knowing any better. Just monitor your dosage in case you don’t feel like pretending you’re not high when you very much are.
Practice your poker face
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When using weed around parents or disapproving roommates, it’s always important to be discreet. Be mindful of other people’s space and make sure that your marijuana use isn’t an inconvenience for the rest of your household. Practice your poker face and relax as best as you can; most of the time, people are too busy to notice if your eyes are a little red and you’re acting a little giggly.
The recreational and medical cannabis industry has made great strides in the United States and Canada throughout the past few years. According to a recent report, cannabis is now the fifth-most valuable crop in the United States.
This phenomenal growth in the cannabis industry has allowed investors and business people alike to rack up significant profits in the space. Here are 10 of the richest people in the cannabis industry.
Photo by eldadcarin/Getty Images
10.) Bruce Linton Collective Growth Corporation Chairman/founder
Snoop Dogg is widely known for his 1990 music hits but has recently used that money from record sales for new business ventures in cannabis. Snoop co-founded Casa Verde Capital, an investment fund with a portfolio worth more than $200 million. Snoop Dogg’s net worth is around $150 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Seth Rogen (l), Snoop Dogg (r), Screenshot via The Howard Stern Show/Youtube
8.) Steve DeAngelo ArcView Group co-founder/president
ArcView Group, which DeAngelo co-founded in 2010, is one of the largest cannabis investment firms in the industry, with more than 600 investors contributing over $200 million. DeAngelo reported sales of more than $35 million from the dispensary, Harborside Health Center.
7.) Andrew Modlin MedMen co-founder
Modlin is a co-founder of MedMen, a cannabis company with more than 25 retail stores and six cultivation facilities. Modlin’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
MedMen Co-Founders Adam Bierman (l) and Andrew Modlin (r), Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for MedMen Enterprises)
6.) Terry Booth Aurora Cannabis co-founder
Booth, who co-founded Aurora Cannabis in 2013, later acquired CanniMed Therapeutics for more than $1 billion CAD. This made Aurora one of the largest cannabis companies in the world. At one point, Booth held a stake worth more than $90 million in Aurora.
5.) John Cervini Aphria founder
Cervini is the founder of Aphria, a Canada-based cannabis company. The Cervini family owned a greenhouse business and grew peppers and tomatoes, but John Cervini wisely saw an opportunity in growing cannabis. At one point, Cervini held a stake worth more than $100 million in Aphria.
4.) Irwin Simon Tilray CEO
Simon is the CEO of Tilray, one of the largest cannabis companies in the world. Simon pulls in a tremendous annual salary of more than $10 million. His net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
3.) Nicholas Kovacevich KushCo founder
Kovacevich founded KushCo in 2010, before cannabis was legalized at any level in the United States. KushCo focuses on producing packaging for cannabis, oils, edibles and more. Kovacevich earns a salary of nearly $1 million a year; his estimated net worth is around $15 million.
2.) Seth Rogen Houseplant founder
Rogen, famous for comedy movies such as Superbad and Neighbors, recently ventured into the cannabis space with his company Houseplant. While most of his millions did not come from the cannabis industry, Rogen’s estimated $80 million makes him one of the richest people in the cannabis industry.
Photo by Jerod Harris/Stringer/Getty Images
1.) Brendan Kennedy former Tilray CEO
Kennedy is the cofounder of Privateer Holdings and former CEO of Tilray. When Tilray’s stock was at an all-time-high, Kennedy’s net worth was more than $2 billion, according to Bloomberg. After the stock crashed, his net worth dropped to around $200 million. In 2019, Kennedy earned a salary of more than $3 million from Tilray.
With the weather dropping and the rise of the Omicron variant, it’s more important than ever to learn the difference between COVID-19, the common cold, and the flu.
Winter is here and so is the rise of the Omicron variant. Cue the stress sweats every time you get a sniffle.
There are a lot of similarities between a cold, the flu, and COVID-19, including chills, body aches, and coughs. But there are also some key differences between these conditions that we should all learn in order to have some peace of mind.
Colds are the most common, especially once the weather starts dropping. Although they can make us feel pretty terrible, they tend to be milder than the flu and much milder than COVID. They typically last anywhere from 7 to 10 days and are accompanied by symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, cough, fatigue, and physical aches. While some medication can be taken, the majority of the symptoms that appear are your body’s way of getting rid of the infection. Most often, what works best is to give your body time to fight the cold off.
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While it’s not allergy season, these can still be triggered by elements within your home, like dust mites, animal dander, and mold. If you enter a new place and start noticing symptoms like a stuffy nose or itchiness, you’re likely coping with an allergy.
At the moment, aside from COVID-19, the flu should be your biggest concern, since it produces some strong symptoms that can quickly grow complicated and require medical attention. The flu can be easily prevented by taking a flu shot. The infection affects your nose, throat, and lungs and can last from 5 to 7 days, with fever, cough, fatigue, aches and pains, sore throat, and more as symptoms.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
Finally, COVID-19 is similar to all of the conditions previously listed. It can range from mild to severe, affecting older people and those who struggle with underlying health conditions more severely. Symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue dry coughs, and more. A runny nose or sinus congestion is very rare with COVID cases and very common with the conditions listed above, making it one of the key distinctions between these ailments.
There’s a lot of variability from people who’ve experienced COVID-19, with cases ranging from barely noticeable to those that require hospitalization. Among their most identifiable symptoms, there’s the loss of taste and smell, which usually appears suddenly. Lastly, if your condition is too confusing, the most definite way of knowing what’s affecting you would be to get a COVID test.
The United States presents a unique perspective on the legality of cannabis. It is not yet legal on a federal level, and yet each state is permitted to legalize its use and production to whatever level they deem appropriate. This leads to a lot of confusion, grey areas, unequal enforcement of laws, and other problems.
However, there is a faint light visible at the end of the tunnel. Public opinion has been quickly shifting toward the legalization of cannabis and hemp. And while lawmakers tend to be more conservative on the issue, they are ageing out of power.
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In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the licensing and legality of cannabis legislation. We’ll share what is happening state-by-state, what the issues are, and how they are being overcome.
Licensing Cannabis in the United States
Because there is no comprehensive law regarding the sale of cannabis, licensing procedures vary from state to state. Each state has its own set of laws that allow the production and use of cannabis and hemp products at a differing degree — some have opened the door to recreational THC use, others allow medical. Some allow CBD, but not THC. Some allow one analog of THC, but not another.
Due to this legal complexity, there is no official guide to licensing agencies by state… you just sort of have to research for yourself on an individual basis. However, knowing this information is extremely important for the very reason it’s difficult to find–because of the complexity behind licensing laws.
When purchasing a CBD or THC product from a source, as a consumer, you want to know that what you’re doing is legitimate where you currently are. And if you are trying to create a cannabis business, it’s even more important. What can you grow, and how much? Can it be transported over state lines?
There are licenses that can be acquired for both medical and recreational cannabis, respectively. You need to know just where you plan to produce and sell so you are aware of what laws may pertain to your business. Some states aren’t even offering the opportunity to apply for licenses at the present time.
A State-by-State Guide
There are fifty states to get through, so we’ll group them carefully by their current legal status. We’ll get a little more in-depth for the states that have more issues plaguing the licensing process.
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The Fully Legal States
In the following states, cannabis is completely legal in all forms for both medical and recreational purposes.
Alaska — apply online for a Marijuana Establishment License
Arizona — Arizona DHS accepts periodic applications. Must be set up as a medical dispensary
California — apply to one of three state licensing authorities based on type (cultivator, retailer, etc.)
Colorado — you may apply for either a medical or recreational license
Connecticut — state occasionally awards licenses to applicants for medical marijuana businesses
Illinois
Maine
Massachusetts — you may apply through the Cannabis Control Commission
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey* — not issuing licenses at this time
New Mexico — not currently accepting applications
New York — not currently accepting applications
Oregon — licenses may be applied for through the Oregon Liquor Control Commission
Vermont — not currently awarding licenses
Washington — not currently accepting applications.
Even in fully legal states, licensing laws vary. In fact, in New Jersey, an individual may not have any amount of growing seed or plant unless they are licensed as a cultivator. In Arizona, while recreational marijuana was legalized in 2020, they currently only license under state medical marijuana clinics.
Colorado, on the other hand, has a state website that links to an enormous list of licensed operators, manufacturers, cultivators, transporters, and other industry players. (3) Even within the fully legal areas, there are some fuzzy lines.
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Medical Legal Marijuana States
Here is a list of states that have legalized medical marijuana, but continue to prosecute for recreational use:
Alabama
Arkansas — apply through Arkansas Medical Marijana Commission
Delaware — extremely limited
Florida — not currently accepting licenses to manufacture medical marijuana
Louisiana
Maryland
Maine — rarely awarded, but you may apply to create a marijuana social club
Michigan — Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is currently taking applicants for growers, transporters, processors, and safety compliance facilities.
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Utah
West Virginia
Within these states, there is also a varying yardstick for prosecution…while medical cannabis is legal, recreational use ranges from jail time to misdemeanor infraction/fines. What also changes within these parameters is how much and what kind of product may be transported over state lines.
For example, in the case of Alabama it is unclear. There is no stated law one way or the other, and therefore it’s dangerous to mess with. Other states like Arkansas allow for transportation of THC (though no specified amount) for medical purposes only. Also in Alabama, only licensed cultivators may have plants, while in other states like Florida, an individual may grow cannabis for medical purposes.
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The Illegal States
In the following states, there is little question of legality or licensing; all cannabis is illegal.
Georgia
Idaho *
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Mississippi
Nebraska
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin
Wyoming
And yet, even in these states where cannabis products are strictly illegal, there are still some grey areas within the law.
Idaho is one state that has very little wiggle-room. Possession of cannabis plants is a felony charge, and even CBD oil isn’t allowed to contain more than 0.1% THC. While marijuana use is illegal in Georgia as a whole, certain cities have decriminalized it — Atlanta, Clarkson, Forest Park, Savannah, South Fulton, Statesboro, and a couple of unincorporated counties.
Ironically Kentucky, a state where both medical and recreational marijuana are illegal, hemp is a big business. Kentucky is a huge supplier of industrial hemp for CBD extraction (CBD is legal in Kentucky). Their law has no clearly stated prohibition against the transportation of cannabis or hemp over state lines.
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THC Grey Area States
Finally, there are some states that can best be described as “grey area” states. These states have difficult-to-parse laws that are unclear at best.
Delaware
Hawaii–unclear whether more licenses will be awarded by the state
Louisiana *–limited
Maryland
Mississippi *
Minnesota–no licenses available at this time
Missouri
Nebraska *
New Hampshire–not currently issuing licenses
Ohio–due to recent legalization of marijuana, demand is up and therefore more licenses may be issued at this time.
Rhode Island–only accepts applications during open periods.
North Carolina
Tennessee
Texas *
Wisconsin *
Some of these states are repeats, as cannabis is either straight-up illegal or only medically legal. However, they get a special category as the laws pertaining to use, possession, or sales can be super wonky.
Some of these states work more toward the side of leniency. This includes states like New Hampshire. They allow for medical marijuana and have decriminalized recreational marijuana, but only up to 0.75 oz. You can also grow plants, but only for medical use. Nebraska has decriminalized the use of marijuana also, but only for the first offense.
In Louisiana, recreational marijuana is decriminalized up to 14 grams, and medical marijuana is legal, but it is illegal to grow your own, even for medical purposes.
The Bottom Line
So what does all this mean for the licensing process for the cannabis industry? Essentially, it’s time to watch for changes in state laws. Because of the popularity of legalization, many states with limited sales or unclear laws may be changing in the near future.
Take a look at the example of Ohio. Because they recently opened up for medical marijuana, they are currently accepting far more applications than many states that have established laws in favor of marijuana use. States that are closed for licenses may be suddenly wide open for business if recreational use takes hold in a previously illegal area.
Like all good entrepreneurs, it’s best to keep a finger on the pulse of trends. This may be especially smart in states where they seem to be on the cusp of legalization (legal for medical, decriminalized for recreation, for example). Opportunities may await in these places.
The notoriously pungent smell of skunky cannabis share molecular structure similarities as those in garlic — and the actual skunk!
The unique smells that cannabis contains is one of the many things that’s so special about it. With over 200 terpenes, or the aromatic compounds found in all plants (not just cannabis) available in marijuana, scientists have only begun discovering in recent years that these compounds don’t just play a role in how cannabis smells but also its medicinal properties.
However, the skunk variety has left many researchers in the dark until recently.
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A new study conducted by researchers in Abstrax Tech in California, published in the journal ACS Omega, revealed that the notoriously pungent smell of skunky cannabis share molecular structure similarities as those in garlic — and the actual skunk!
Garlic is an herb famous for its tremendous benefits particularly when it comes to inflammation, cancer, bacteria, and viruses. They also discovered new compounds, called “prenylated volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs)” which are also found in the aerosol defensive sprays of skunks.
“These compounds in garlic are some of the most important regarding this plant’s health benefits in our diets,” explains Iain Oswald, lead author of the study and a principal research scientist at California-based cannabis research firm, Abstrax. “They contribute toward garlic’s positive cardiovascular properties; as well some have been shown to possess certain anti-carcinogenic properties in vitro,” he told McClatchy News.
Researchers found that the VSC’s tend to be significantly more concentrated in the cannabis plant when it reaches the flowering stage and will also reach its peak stage during curing. Afterwards, the levels of VSCs will drop after the plant has been stored for 10 days, they observed when doing a greenhouse experiment.
“We specifically focused on identifying VSCs for two reasons: First, the aroma of cannabis is often described as ‘skunk-like’, and skunks are well known to possess several potent VSCs in their defensive aerosol spray, we suspected there could be similar compounds in cannabis. Secondly, VSCs are also important in the chemistry of other plants known for their oftentimes pungent aromas and flavors, including hops (Humulus lupulus), garlic (Allium sativum), and durian (Durio zibethinus),” study researchers wrote.
The very unique flavor and aroma of garlic is attributed to various types of VSCs particularly triallyl disulfide and diallyl disulfide, which are quite similar to the VSCs that were identified in cannabis.
The researchers also did a chemical analysis on 3 cannabis concentrate extracts and discovered that it contains high concentrations of specific compounds, proving that cannabis extracts can also have the skunky aroma. And because of garlic’s well-known health benefits, the authors think that these VSCs in cannabis can also have some special benefits for our health, though this requires more study.
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“Furthermore, identification of the reported VSCs definitively confirms the chemical origins of the odor of cannabis and provides a new family of secondary metabolites that can be investigated regarding their biosynthetic pathways and medicinal benefits,” they conclude.
Increasing Interest In The World Of Cannabis Terpenes
Today, we know that terpenes do far more than just contribute to the unique scents of cannabis.
In the plant world, there have been some 20,000 terpenes that have already been identified, which can also cause a wide range of effects on the human body. They can vary from stress reduction, fight inflammation, reduce pain, improve focus, and even cause hallucinations.
A few decades ago, the focus of cannabis research was primarily for cannabinoids, the dominant active compounds in the plant specifically THC and CBD. However, when isolated versions of these compounds were given to patients, researchers found that it didn’t have the same health benefits as when patients were given whole plant medicine.
Many studies of THC and CBD revealed that these cannabinoids didn’t work as effectively alone, as compared to when they were given together with other compounds. This led scientists to conclude that there were far many other compounds within the plant that enhanced its therapeutic effects, including terpenes, which became known today as the entourage effect.
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It’s also interesting that aromatherapy practitioners were the ones who were previously dedicated to studying terpenes, though there are only few and far in between quality studies into the cannabis terpenes. It’s good to note that they are growing, as commercial and private interest in the potentials of cannabis terpenes are blowing up and it’s no secret.
Another interesting discovery about terpenes is that they can help cannabinoids get absorbed by the bloodstream much quicker. For example, linalool has been shown to adjust how neurotransmitters react to THC and CBD, resulting in anti-anxiety and relaxing effects. In addition, CBD together with certain terpenes work together to reduce long term memory loss which is a common side effect of THC, while diminishing the psychoactive effects of the cannabinoid too. These are just some of the many wonderful ways that terpenes work together with cannabinoids to produce desirable outcomes through the entourage effect.
What we know about terpenes today is merely the tip of the iceberg. A year from now, we’ll likely find out even more exciting breakthroughs about these amazing aromatic compounds in the cannabis plant, and how they can help us.
