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Is Teen Weed Interest Waning As It Becomes Legal? New Survey Provides Interesting Insights

Despite anti-legalization and prohibitionists who predicted a spike in youth marijuana consumption, cannabis use among adolescents has been hovering around 13.5% for years.

By Jelena Martinovic

As more states pass laws allowing adult use of cannabis, concerns that legalization would make marijuana more accessible to young people arise.

In 2019, a study conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that teenagers who interact with cannabis brands via social media platforms are five times more likely to consume cannabis than those who don’t.

Why Schools Should Be Required To Have Cannabis-Based Medicines For Students
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That Was Then…

A recently released poll from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that there has been a significant drop in cannabis usage among teenagers, aged 12-17, pointed out the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

Past-year cannabis use among the young population nationwide declined from 13.2% to 10.1% from 2019-2020, according to recent data gathered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

However, for those aged 18 to 25, past-year marijuana use percentages remained almost unchanged, dropping only slightly from 35.4% to 34.5% over the same period.

RELATED: Teen Vaping Continues To Increase And Could Have These Long Lasting Impacts

“These findings ought to reassure lawmakers that cannabis access can be legally regulated in a manner that is safe, effective, and that does not inadvertently impact young people’s habits,” NORML’s deputy director Paul Armentanosaid.

Despite anti-legalization and prohibitionists who predicted a spike in youth marijuana consumption, cannabis use among adolescents has been hovering around 13.5% for years.

Do Legal States Have To Worry About Increased Use In Adolescents?
Photo by Tim Mossholder via Unsplash

Moreover, according to the data published in the journal JAMA Open Network in September, there are “no increases …in the odds of past-year or past-month cannabis use post-RCL [recreational cannabis laws] enactment among … individuals aged 12 to 20 years for all races and ethnicities.”

RELATED: Is There A Link Between Legal Marijuana And Teen Drug Abuse? New Study Has Answer

The same cannot be said for cannabis use by adults aged 26 and older, which has been climbing over the past several years, in connection to the country’s trend toward legalizing the plant.

Separate data published in JAMA Pediatrics reported that the establishment of adult-use marijuana laws is associated with decreased rates of marijuana use among young people.

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

Why Are Edibles So Strong? Here’s A Breakdown

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Edible highs are known for their intensity and fast-acting effects. Here’s why this happens and why they hit your harder than smoked cannabis.

Cannabis edibles have a reputation. As you’ve likely heard from at least one of your friends, there are many edible horror stories, where someone overindulges and spends a full day (or night) in a psychedelic panic. But then, if you continue to surround yourself with cannabis, you start meeting people who love edibles, using them with regularity, prizing them over flower and vapes.

Edibles are powerful and useful for all kinds of people, from those who are looking for a good time to those who want the medicinal benefits without the inhalation. They’re also very malleable and work well with daytime use; when dosed correctly, people can consume edibles and spend a relaxing day indoors, going out, and even going to work. So, why do edibles produce such strong highs?

How To Get Edibles To Affect You Faster
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While edible highs can knock you out if you’re not careful, what helps best in understanding how your body treats eating cannabis versus smoking it. Two methods, two different highs, both with their own pros and cons.

Edibles are misunderstood, with beginners expecting a high similar to the one they’ve experienced with smoked marijuana; one that could be anxious and stressful on fair occasions, but that fades away once an hour has passed. Edible highs are different in one key way: they take a while to kick in and they take even longer to fade away. This makes the dosage key, much more important than if you were smoking your cannabis.

How Long Can Edibles Last?
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The effect of cannabis depends on how it’s metabolized in the body. In the case of edibles, cannabis compounds like THC, are ingested through the stomach and are then metabolized through the liver. This is a slow process, unlike smoked marijuana that’s absorbed through your bloodstream and produces effects within less than 20 minutes.

The fact that you have to wait for your stomach to break up the edible and processed by the liver delay the journey towards your bloodstream. This makes for the perfect situation where consumers eat an edible, wait an hour, and then assume the dosage is incorrect and that consuming more is the way to experience something. It’s most likely not.

RELATED: Why You Need To Be Careful Using Edibles The First Time

Once the edible is ingested, the THC is metabolized by the liver and transformed into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that’s four times faster in crossing the blood-brain barrier than THC.

RELATED: What To Do If Your Marijuana Edibles Aren’t Getting You High

It’s also important to account for the type of edible you’re consuming. Some edibles are absorbed faster than others; for example, hard candies and lollipops start to produce an effect once you start sucking on them, making them similar to sublinguals. Within 15 to 30 minutes you’ll likely experience something. Your high will also be personalized, affected by the edible itself, your metabolism, experience with cannabis, and, most importantly, dosage.

While many questions remain about cannabis compounds and the ways they interact with our endocannabinoid system, this process might shed a light on why edible highs are so much more vivid and surreal than flower highs.

3 Reasons Why Big Tobacco Could Take Over Legal Cannabis Sooner Than You Think

There’s no doubt that Big Tobacco will have a seat at the table when it comes to the recreational cannabis market. But how much of the market share will Big Tobacco own?

The legalization of cannabis is probably more a matter of “when” than “if” at this point, and industries and consumers alike are more than ready for it. Among the many parties who would benefit from widespread legalization of recreational cannabis sale and use, not many more would stand to gain more than the major players within the Big Tobacco industry. There are numerous reasons why that’s the case. Here are just a few.  

The Decreasing Acceptance of Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking isn’t as popular as it once was. In fact, some younger people may not even believe it if you told them that smoking used to be acceptable in places like elevators and airplanes. Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that smoking in the U.S. decreased from 20.9% to 14% from 2005 to 2019. There is also no shortage of reasons for the nationwide decrease in smokers. From health problems like emphysema and heart disease, to the fact that smoking has been banned in most public places like bars and restaurants, it’s not surprising that smoking isn’t as popular as it once was among Americans. 

RELATED: Is Cannabis The Future For Big Tobacco?

Hemp Cigarettes Are Some Of The Fastest Growing Hemp Products
Photo by Lumppini/Getty Images

Big Tobacco Can Afford to Enter the Market

Not only does the cannabis market provide tobacco companies with the golden opportunity to expand their market, but it does so without having to make any major adjustments. That caveat puts many players within the tobacco industry in pole position to begin production within the marijuana industry once they’re given approval from a legislative standpoint.

Among the requirements for getting started with marijuana cultivation and production are a warm climate and the tools necessary for proper harvesting. The case is the same for the mass production of tobacco, which is why so many major tobacco companies have their eyes set on cannabis as their next frontier.

They’re Familiar With the Work That Goes Into Production 

Along with having the resources necessary for production and distribution, big tobacco companies are also used to navigating the processes that many cannabis retailers face upon their entrance onto the marketplace. Marijuana companies that enter the recreational space typically have to abide by strict regulations regarding aspects of their business like marketing, where they can set up brick and mortar business operations, and health risks that have to be communicated to customers.

RELATED: Is It Bad For Big Alcohol And Big Tobacco To Help Shape Marijuana Legalization?

Those are many of the same challenges tobacco companies have faced at one point or another during their infancy stages. Given the fact that they’re familiar with so many of the challenges that come with getting their products into the hands of customers, the tobacco industry is much better positioned to enter and dominate the recreational cannabis space than those migrating into the industry from other fields. 

There’s no doubt that Big Tobacco will have a seat at the table when it comes to the recreational cannabis market. However, one question that still remains is how much of the market share will Big Tobacco own, in comparison to entrepreneurs representing communities where the War on Drugs has done irreparable damage.

Originally, many thought of recreational cannabis sales as an avenue for members of those communities to recoup damages incurred through mass incarceration for marijuana related offenses, but the looming threat of Big Tobacco within the industry will determine whether those plans come to fruition or not.

10 Senate Republicans Glacially Warming Up To Cannabis

How close are we to legalizing marijuana on a federal level? If this list of Republican senators is any indication, we’re at least moving forward, even if it’s at a glacial pace.

Senate Republicans can have a particularly cold stance when it comes to cannabis reform and its legislation in general. Even bringing up marijuana, cannabis or hemp may trigger a dismissive or angry response.

Today’s Republican senate is still overwhelmingly anti-marijuana legalization. However, over the last several years there have been small, almost imperceivable shifts that may just head towards the direction of open minds.

RELATED: 10 Notable Republicans In Congress Backing Cannabis Legalization

The tides  may be moving slowly, but they are moving. Some are supporting cannabis banking legislation and others are exploring the possible benefits of marijuana for veterans. Today there exists a sense of curiosity and interest in the air where before there was a “just say not” war on drugs. Even staunch conservatives have moved from the “under no circumstance” category to the crusaders of hemp farming bills. 

Why Conservatives Should Support Marijuana Legalization
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Lisa Murkowski, Alaska

Senator Murkowski has been vocal about her support of  cannabis legislation. Murkowski is one of the original cosponsors of the Secure And Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, which ensures that banks and marijuana-related businesses can do business together. 

Her voting record and public comments show that she is ready to hear further conversations when it comes to cannabis legislation.

Susan Collins, Maine 

Senator Susan Collins is an example of a republican politician whose stance and voting record is shifting when it comes to marijuana policy. She initially opposed a banking bill similar to the SAFE Banking Act several years ago. Now she is co-sponsoring the SAFE Banking Act bill.

“I just want to make sure that members of this committee understand that this amendment is different from the one that many of us supported,” Collins said.

Dan Sullivan, Alaska 

Senator Dan Sullivan has recently introduced legislation and shown support for research to see if veterans should have access to cannabis for medical purposes. “I’m glad to reintroduce this legislation with Chairman Tester, directing the VA to investigate how cannabis use can affect veterans with PTSD and chronic pain,” said Sullivan in an April press release.

Steve Daines, Montana

Steve Daines also supports the SAFE Banking Act. Although he is still cool on the idea of legalization, he has made it clear that he stands by what the people of his state want. “The people in Montana decided they want to have it legal in our state, and that’s why I support the SAFE Banking Act as well” Said Daines, according to Politico.

How Prohibitionist Ideology Has Wrecked The Republican Party And Undermined Democracy
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alexsl/Getty Images

Kevin Cramer, North Dakota

Senator Kevin Cramer does not support legalization of cannabis currently, but has voted to support those working in the cannabis industry to receive proper rights and benefits. 

RELATED: Why Conservatives Should Support Marijuana Legalization

“Federal law should not prohibit access to insurance for employees of local businesses these states voted to support, nor should it prohibit employers from acquiring insurance that protects their stores,” said Sen. Cramer in a press release.

John Hoeven, North Dakota

John Hoeven has taken a less personal approach to his views on cannabis, and is deferring to the people of North Dakota. Senator Hoeven has recently spoken out that he is in favor of what the citizens he represents are in favor of. ”States are determining how this issue will be handled now and going forward. Senator Hoeven is willing to support medical marijuana since North Dakotans have voted to legalize it,” a spokesperson for Hoeven said in a statement to VICE.

Rand Paul, Kentucky 

Rand Paul has been one of the stronger republican advocates for hemp and cannabis in general. His voting record and public comments both show he is interested in continued progress as it pertains to cannabis. “For years, I’ve led the fight in Washington to restore one of Kentucky’s most historically vital crops by legalizing industrial hemp,” said Paul in a press release.

Convincing Mitch McConnell To Support Legal Weed Is Still The Only Way It Happens
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Mitch McConnell, Kentucky

Senator Mitch McConnell is very hot and cold on cannabis. On one hand, he is vocally opposed to legalizing marijuana. On the other, he is very excited about growing industrial hemp, especially in his home state of Kentucky.

RELATED: Convincing Mitch McConnell To Support Legal Weed Is Still The Only Way It Happens

My provision in the Farm Bill will not only legalize domestic hemp, but it will also allow state departments of agriculture to be responsible for its oversight” McConnell tweeted in 2018. McConnell shows no signs of warming up to legalizing marijuana, but his Farm Bill does open the door to cannabis horticulture in the heartland.

Todd Young, Indiana

This Indiana senator has expressed similar views to McConnell.  Todd Young has co-sponsored the Industrial Hemp Farming act of 2015, but shows no signs of backing any marijuana legalization.  Still, recognizing the importance of the hemp industry is certainly a first step. 

Cory Gardner, Colorado

Former Senator Cory Gardner may no longer serve the people of Colorado, but his republican tenure in Colorado left an impact. “Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner has emerged as a champion of the cannabis industry in a GOP-controlled chamber led by anti-marijuana hawks,” according to Politico.

People often point to Gardner as an example that one can be a successful republican senator while also supporting cannabis in their state. Although he did not win his most recent reelection, his marijuana stance is a reminder that political stances on hot button issues will often shift and evolve within political parties.

These Are The Cannabis Industry’s Biggest Tricks And Treats So Far

Virtually every source said that the lack of federal reform has been the most significant industry trick so far.

By Andrew Ward

Halloween is almost here. As costumed revelers prepare for a weekend of celebrations, the cannabis industry readies for the beginning of the holiday shopping season just around the corner.

Green WednesdayBlack Friday and December holiday shopping sales dominate the collective minds of business operators. However, Halloween is a time to possibly see sales spike around edibles, but also as a moment to look back at the industry’s tricks and treats so far.

marijuana
Photo by VictoriaBee/Getty Images

While the market’s growth is sweet, many sources that spoke with Benzinga say federal reform remains a trick no American should continue to endure.

Biggest Treats: A Rapidly Developing Cannabis Market

Overall, respondents steered clear of calling any cannabis companies tricks or treats in recent years. Instead, most focused on the market and legislative developments across much of the U.S.

Green Chip Stocks founderJeff Siegel said the industry’s development is happening thanks to state-level legalization, something he didn’t expect to occur so quickly but is happy to see.

Siegel, a fan of infusing his own chocolates, added, “I honestly thought it would take much longer to get to where we are today.”

Some states are seeing the benefit of expanded cannabis reform. Roger Bloss, CEO of MJ Holdings Inc., said the shift from medical to adult-use was a treat for Nevada.

“Medical cannabis alone could not serve the hospitality and tourism sector in Las Vegas,” said Bloss, a black licorice fan.

In October 2021, a Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) and state tax department report found that Nevada sold over $1 billion in medical and adult-use products between July 2020 and June 2021.

Along with certain states, U.S. MSOs are on the rise. Michael Sassano, CEO of Somai Pharma, said the emergence of profitable American brands was sweet for the marketplace.

“The emergence of true companies that rival corporate American standards is the biggest thing to bring credibility to the cannabis industry over the last four years,” he stated.

cannabis gifting
Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images

Sassano, a fan of full-spectrum strain-specific live resin gummy bears, mentioned several MSOs on his list, including:

  • Trulieve Cannabis Corporation
  • Curaleaf Hldgs Inc.
  • Green Thumb Industries Inc.
  • Cresco Labs Inc.
  • Verano Holdings Corp.
  • TerrAscend Corp.
  • AYR WELLNESS INC.

Monica Pina, VP of investor relations for Cliintel Capital Management Group, said the biggest treats are brands that form emotional connections with consumers.

“Companies with values that consumers identify with and brands that are familiar to them will attract the most retail investors,” said Pina, a fan of candy corn, but only for decorative purposes.

RELATED: The Biggest Challenges The Cannabis Industry Will Face In 2021 And Beyond

She said companies should focus marketing funds on building brand consistency and loyalty to secure their market share. If successful, the company should attract retail investor attention.

Pina added that industry rewards are still on their way. “The most significant stock treats for the cannabis industry are still yet to come.”

Biggest Trick: Federal Regulation Reform

Virtually every source said that the lack of federal reform has been the most significant industry trick so far. While many predicted that reform would drag out, sources registered their disappointment.

“Not only has almost every state legalized cannabis to some extent but there is over $17 billion in unbanked revenues; still, the federal government has not moved the needle to provide safe banking for all, at minimum,” Sassano explained, adding that he believed Democrats taking all three houses would sway reform, but that hasn’t been the case.

RELATED: Which Market Leaders Will Make Up The Cannabis Industry Space Race?

“They could easily have passed basic decriminalization and banking but chose to sink the entire market by producing nothing but hot air and indecision,” Sassano said, noting that circumstances temporarily scared some investors away.

How Prohibitionist Ideology Has Wrecked The Republican Party And Undermined Democracy
Photo by alexsl/Getty Images

Bloss believes one side of the aisle wants to legalize while the other doesn’t, causing a seemingly endless back-and-forth in the news.

“One week, there’s positive news about federal banking being reported on. The next week, there’s positive coverage about federal legalization,” which could harm pot brands he opined.

Bloss added that the struggles he’s dealt with as a CEO make his job more difficult.

“It hinders us, for example, when deciding to create a full vertical to cultivate, process, distribute, and dispense cannabis. If I’m going to invest in cultivation, distribution, processing, and dispensing, timing is ultimately key,” Bloss said.

As such, Pina considers companies with strategies tied to regulations as some of the market’s biggest tricks.

“Changes take longer than anticipated—that is, if the desired change is ever achieved at all,” she noted. Pina said she prefers companies with a business model that can pivot on short notice.

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

COVID-19 Survivors May Experience These Two Newly Discovered Side Effects

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A recent study found a pair of side effects that are associated with long-haul COVID-19.

There are a couple of recurring side effects that are now being associated with post-COVID-19 symptoms (also known as “long COVID”). According to a new study, memory loss and cognitive dysfunction are common symptoms linked with survivors of the virus.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, was conducted on patients interned in Mount Sinai Health System. Researchers assessed the cognitive functions of 740 patients who had contracted COVID-19 and ranked their common symptoms. The top two symptoms were memory loss (24%) and memory recall (23%).

RELATED: Unvaccinated? You Can Expect To Get Infected With COVID-19 This Often

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Both of these symptoms are associated with what we informally call “brain fog.” Memory encoding allows you to carry out basic tasks, like remembering a location or a phone number. Memory recall refers to the steps you take to retrieve these memories. These results were achieved by asking people words and categories to recall, and showing subjects numbers on a screen, and later asking them to recall them.

The worse the disease, the more prevalent these symptoms were, with the study showing that hospitalized patients fared worse on these mental tasks than patients who were not hospitalized.

Brain fog is a term we often use to refer to any spacey feeling in our brain. It makes focusing, paying attention to your surroundings, tuning in on conversations, and more, much more difficult.

RELATED: These People Should Be Last In Line For COVID-19 Boosters, Say Experts

According to a study published earlier this month, post-COVID-19 symptoms (also known as “long COVID”) affects a significant amount of people. The study found that of the 236 million people diagnosed with COVID-19, half of them experienced long COVID-19 symptoms, which can range from seriously limiting to mildly impairing.

Other long COVID-19 symptoms include fatigue, cough, joint pain, depression, anxiety, fever, and more.

Mike Tyson On Cannabis: ‘I Should Have Smoked My Whole Career’

“I should have smoked when I was fighting because it put me in this different state of mind,” said Tyson.

By Nicolas Jose Rodriguez

Speaking with Yahoo Finance about the debut of the Tyson 2.0 cannabis line, in partnership with Columbia Care, the former heavyweight champion said he wished he smoked cannabis his “whole career” instead of drinking.

“My life was just miserable, I was out of control. I was fighting with everybody. If someone asked me for an autograph, I’d punch them in the face. I was just a mess, and then after I retired, I started smoking,” Tyson said.

Mike Tyson Will Print (Yes, Print) Cannabis Beverages
Photo by James Gilbert/Stringer/Getty Images

“What a mistake that was — I should have smoked my whole career. I should have smoked when I was fighting because it put me in this different state of mind. I’m very relaxed and the more relaxed you are, the better fighter you are, at least in my case.”

No Regrets

Tyson noted that he has faced repercussions due to cannabis use in the past. Even when his victory over Andrew Golota was changed to no-contest following a positive test for marijuana, Tyson said he has no regrets.

“I broke his cheekbone, his eye socket, his rib — I should have been doing this from the beginning. I got fined for that, of course, but it was worth every bit of it,” Tyson said.

Tyson credited psychedelics for his comeback. “I think of it as an enhancer. It makes me better, even in the ring. The punches don’t hurt as much, it has a lot to do with my comeback, the psychedelics.”

RELATED: You Won’t Believe These Former Pro Athletes Played Stoned

Tyson joins other star athletes that support the use of cannabis: Al Harrington, CEO of Viola, which is the first Black-owned multinational cannabis brand; NBA legend Allen Iverson; US soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe; Superbowl champion Marvin WashingtonRicky Williams, former NFL running back and co-founder of the cannabis company Real Wellness, and the former undefeated UFC champion, Frank Shamrock… to name several on the growing list of athletes who are finding cannabis and CBD beneficial and who, like Tyson, have no regrets.

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

Here’s How Marijuana Can Help Increase Intimacy During Sex

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Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that cannabis has a positive effect on sexual intimacy, providing both emotional and physical results. Here’s how.

Not a lot of studies have been conducted on personal marijuana use, much less about the effect that the plant can have on couples. Still, as the years have passed and as interest in the topic has increased, a variety of cannabis products targeting people’s sex lives have appeared.

On the whole, it appears marijuana improves sex, especially for women, who often link cannabis with more intense orgasms, more arousal, and greater sexual satisfaction. A study published in the journal Sexual Medicine indicates that the more a woman uses cannabis, the more likely it is for them to experience better sex overall, with less pain and discomfort.

RELATED: 4 Ways Weed Works in The Bedroom

4 Ways Quarantine Has Affected People's Sex Lives
Photo by Dean Mitchell/Getty Images

Another study finds a key difference between alcohol and cannabis in sex. The study, published in the journal Cannabis, claims that, unlike alcohol, cannabis has a positive effect on couples when consumed together, increasing the odds of intimacy and providing more opportunities for bonding.

The study was a small one, collecting data from just 183 married or cohabitating couples, all of them claiming to be active marijuana users. Authors of the study asked the couples to monitor their cannabis intake for a period of 30 days, with participants reporting their experiences through their smartphones before and after consuming cannabis.

RELATED: The Fascinating Role Marijuana Plays In Sex

Couples were asked to write a brief report each morning, indicating whether they’d consumed marijuana and if they’d had an “intimate experience” with their partner, specifying the time of this encounter. The study’s definition of an intimate experience was wide, ranging from sex and meaningful conversations, to interactions that expressed love, support and care.

Survey Shows People Like To Use Cannabis Before Having Sex
Photo by Felix via rawpixel.com

After the 30 days passed and participants’ input on the study concluded, researchers analyzed the data and found that smoking cannabis increased the couples’ likelihood of having an intimate experience, especially within two hours of consuming the plant. This increased intimacy remained even if only one partner used marijuana, disproving other studies that claim that personal drug use adds stress to a relationship.

RELATED: How Marijuana Can Be ‘Strategic Resource’ For Sexual Minority Men

Cannabis dosage is key for any positive sexual encounter since too much of it could result in a negative sexual experience, increasing effects such as paranoia and anxiety. It could also result in sleepiness and disorientation.

In order to comprehend the full extent of marijuana’s influence on relationships and intimacy, more studies need to be conducted, particularly ones that focus on larger samples of couples, monitoring their progress over longer periods of time. Still, the majority of users who enjoy cannabis tend to enjoy cannabis and sex together, suggesting that any discomfort is likely associated with dosage, and that there’s little room for significant negative side effects.

Trick Or Treat: Tips For Keeping Candy Edibles Away From Children

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Everyone wants to enjoy their edibles safely, so when there are kids or pets in the household, it starts with keeping them out of their reach.

Since spooky season is upon us, it won’t be long before everyone is indulging themselves in their favorite sweet treats. And for many of us, those treats could contain cannabis.

As many canna-consumers know, there is a wide variety of products on the market capable of satisfying a sweet tooth while delivering a buzz. The problem is that those treats can be easily accessed by unsuspecting children. Fortunately, there are numerous ways consumers can keep that from happening. Here are a few tips to keep kids away from cannabis.

marijuana edibles
Photo by Moussa81/Getty Images

Open and Empty Them Into a Tightly Sealed Container

One of the aspects of edibles that attracts the attention of children is the fact that they often look like the treats that they’re used to. Additionally, as effective as child proof seals can be on packages, every now and again there are kids who are smart enough to get into them anyway. That’s why one of the most effective ways of keeping them out of their hands is by removing them from the packaging altogether and keeping them in a tightly sealed jar or container. Doing that allows consumers to keep their goodies fresh, without catching the attention of children. 

Keep Them Out of Sight

Storing edibles in a separate container, out of the sight of children solves numerous problems for consumers. Among the biggest are dealing with kids who accidentally eat them thinking they’re regular treats they’re used to, along with conversations about why they aren’t allowed to have them.

RELATED: No One Is Giving Your Kids Marijuana For Halloween

By having a designated location for them, the only time they come out is when you’re ready to enjoy them. That eliminates a lot of the worry that comes with consuming edibles while children are present. The key to storing edibles out of plain sight is not forgetting where they are, so they don’t go bad.

Dispose of Them Correctly

As great as edibles are, they can pack quite the punch. With that in mind, it’s easy to feel the effects of an edible set in quicker than you might have anticipated. When that happens, and consumers prefer to dispose of edibles that they can’t eat, it’s important to get rid of them safely.

RELATED: Why You Need To Be Careful Using Edibles The First Time

In many cases, leftover edibles can be conserved with foil and safe storage as mentioned earlier. On the other hand, there are cases when consumers prefer not to save their leftovers, so if that’s the case it’s best for consumers to finely break up any remnants of an edible and blend it with the rest of the waste in the garbage can. 

Why Do Some People Not Get High From Eating Edibles?
Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

One of the great things about consuming marijuana nowadays is the fact that consumers aren’t restricted to smoking; people can enjoy their cannabis in numerous forms like brownies, cupcakes and gummies.

RELATED: How To Avoid Going To The Emergency Room For Marijuana Overdose

Everyone wants to enjoy their edibles safely, so when there are kids or pets in the household, it starts with keeping them out of their reach. Marijuana edibles can have detrimental health effects when taken unintentionally.

New York Cannabis Board Declares Marijuana Gifting Illegal

One attorney commented that this should have been expected, considering that the state is obliged to put consumer safety first.

By Nina Zdinjak

Some seven months after former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed recreational marijuana into law, New York cannabis regulators are still figuring out which rules and guidelines are needed to make this complex program function properly.

Just last week, the Cannabis Control Board proclaimed marijuana gifting to be illegal,  writes WSKG.

Tremaine Wright, former state assemblymember who leads the regulatory body for the state’s cannabis industry, addressed the increasingly popular cannabis gifting activity. “There is no gray market in New York state,” he said. “This conduct is not legal and must stop. Individuals who do not cease run the risk of severe financial penalties.”

Smoking Marijuana
Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Wright, however, failed to provide more details regarding the penalties though she explained that marijuana from unlicensed and unregulated sources is not tested or confirmed as safe.

HempSol CBD Gets The Ball Rolling

In September, the Rochester-based HempSol CBD hit the headlines for giving away an eighth of an ounce of cannabis with the purchase of a $65 T-shirt. At the time, the shop owner said the promotional “gift” was legal under the state’s adult-use cannabis law, which allows for adults to gift each other up to three ounces of marijuana.

RELATED: New York’s First Cannabis Control Board Meeting Is On The Books!

HempSol’s idea seemed to have inspired others to do the same, with cannabis “gifting” becoming more common. Meanwhile, Jim Mackenzie, HempSol CBD owner, revealed he is looking for legal assistance and refused to comment on the situation.

Consumer Safety As Top Priority

Jason Klimek, who co-leads law firm Barclay Damon’s cannabis team, said he had his doubts around the idea of promotional pot gifting for a while now. According to him, the new remarks from the head of the state’s Cannabis Control Board should be enough to clear up any confusion around what is legal and what is not.

RELATED: Medical Flower Now Allowed In New York

Klimek added that this should have been expected, considering that the state is obliged to put consumer safety first. He recalled the 2019 vaping crisis when 68 people died after using THC vape cartridges that contained vitamin E acetate.

vape pen
Photo by Dmitry_Tishchenko/Getty Images

The attorney added that now that the cannabis board has provided a clear stance, it is more likely that law enforcement will act upon cannabis gifting.

“Perhaps law enforcement is more likely to engage at this point, and if they were to do that, they would probably go after a sort of bigger operator to set an example,” Klimek said.

In the end, Klimek advised all businesses practicing promotional cannabis gifting to stop.

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

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