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5 Weed YouTube Channels For Fun And Information

Marijuana YouTube channels aren’t as popular as you’d think. Still, there are a few YouTubers who provide consistent, entertaining and informative content.

Marijuana is a growing industry and, as such, there’s a lot of content available on the internet. Weed enthusiasts have come up with websites, Instagram pages, and Twitter accounts, all looking to find new and creative ways of engaging with marijuana. YouTube is a different matter entirely.

As a platform for monetization, YouTube is a challenging space for many different creators. In order to develop a following and make a profit, YouTubers need to find ways to avoid triggering the site’s filters which are meant to keep harmful content off the web.

YouTube has been called out for blocking the content of LGBTQ creators and other subjects that might be deemed inappropriate. When talking about weed, the channels that are out there are facing a complex battle against censors and viewers who consider their content inappropriate.

Still, there are some marijuana YouTubers out there who have managed to make reliable and steady weed content, catering to people who have medical questions, want to learn how to plant and grow marijuana, or simply want to look at someone discuss their opinions on different strains of weed.

Here are 5 marijuana YouTube channels you should keep an eye on:

Strain Central

RELATED: New To Marijuana? You Need To Know About Weed’s ‘Sensitization Period’

Strain Central is a YouTube channel developed with the purpose of educating people about cannabis and breaking outdated stereotypes. Josh, the host, differentiates himself from the rest by discussing his personal experiences with drugs and educating others on how to take tolerance breaks.

Erick Khan

Erick Khan is one of the most informal YouTubers out there, and also one of the most consistent in terms of providing content. Khan has over 48 million views and posts a variety of videos that range from explaining the sudden vape illness that appeared last year, to his personal smoke sessions, which people for some reason enjoy viewing.

Mr. Canucks Grow

Mr. Canucks Grow is a channel based in Canada, providing educating and entertaining content on how to save money while you grow weed, growing it in awkward and dark spaces, open fields, and more. If you’re a visual learner and want to get your hands on growing your first marijuana plant, look no further.

Vice

RELATED: What Exactly Is Considered High-THC Cannabis These Days?

Vice has a lot of weed content and their YouTube channels, including Vice News and Vice, have some interesting documentaries and specials you should keep an eye on. From short clips talking about the perks of microdosing weed, to deep cuts like a documentary on the “King of Cannabis,” Vice is your place to go to if you’ve been around the block and want to learn something beyond tips on how to smoke weed and roll joints. You already know that.

Searching the term ‘Cannabis’ on YouTube

This might seem like a bit of a cop-out, but it’s the most effective way of finding what you want on weed. YouTube is a vast place, like its own little internet, containing a variety of good and bad content. Aside from this, cannabis is a tough thing on sell on the website, with videos getting flagged and content makers moving on to other platforms that allow for more freedom.

When searching for “cannabis” on YouTube, you’ll find a variety of important information that can help you learn about this topic, something that’s incredibly important for a nascent industry that’s filled with misinformation.

Marijuana Reform Reduces Racial Injustice, American Medical Association Study Reveals

While the results do not unambiguously favor decriminalization nor legalization, increases in arrest rate disparities in states without either policy highlight the need for targeted interventions to address racial injustice.

By Nina Zdinjak

Can marijuana legalization help reduce crime? It seems so. A new study published by the American Medical Association revealed that states with legalized or decriminalized cannabis have seen “large reductions in race-based arrests among adults,” reported Marijuana Moment.

And, let’s face it, every race-based arrest is a crime.

prisoner
Photo by sakhorn38/Getty Images

Researchers from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Saint Louis University analyzed data from 43 states and recognized a specific pattern indicating that removing or loosening laws around marijuana is connected to notable decreases in arrest rates compared to states that have kept cannabis illegal.

The study, which mainly concentrated on race-related patterns, examined data gathered from 2008 to 2019. The results revealed that states which have legally embraced marijuana had 561 fewer arrests per 100,000 black people and 195 fewer arrests for white people on average.

Decriminalization, although yielding slightly “lower results,” also had 449 fewer arrests per 100,000 black people and 117 fewer arrests for 100,000 white people.

Racial Disparities Rise In States With Cannabis Prohibition

The study, published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Health Forum, also revealed that “cannabis arrests for adults and youth increased over time in states that did not implement a cannabis policy change.”

What’s more, racial disparities in arrest rates also went up in states that have maintained prohibition and down in those states that have embraced reform policies.

RELATED: The Role Marijuana Legalization Can Play In Fighting Racial Injustice

“States that did not implement any policy change showed no meaningful change in arrests for White individuals and an increase for Black individuals, thereby increasing the arrest rate disparity over time,” concluded the study.

Interestingly though, the research also noted that adolescents had a lower risk of being arrested in states that enacted decriminalization as compared to legalization.

RELATED: Bill To Repeal Marijuana Prohibition Passes Critical House Committee

In the end, the research pointed out that while the results “do not unambiguously favor decriminalization nor legalization, increases in arrest rate disparities in states without either policy highlight the need for targeted interventions to address racial injustice.”

The American Medical Association, a professional association and lobbying group of physicians and medical students, was founded in 1847.

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

Does Science Show Drinking This Makes People Happier

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A new study found a link between happiness and the consumption of coffee. Here’s why it’s a little suspicious.

Coffee makes the world go round, right? If you believe that statement, you’ll be delighted by a new study that found that coffee can actually contribute to happiness. Here’s where things get a little side-eyed: The study is backed by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee, whose members include the coffee companies Lavazza and illy, so they might be a little biased. So, does science show drinking this makes people happier?

European researchers conducted a survey and found coffee responsible for providing relief related to seasonal depression.

Over 5,000 adults from the regions of Finland, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the U.K were surveyed, with most reporting that coffee lifted their moods, even during the winter, when there’s less daylight. Respondents claimed that this change in weather and natural light made it harder for them to concentrate and engage in physical activity. They also reported having increased levels of sadness and depression during this time of the year.

This Type Of Coffee Is Best For Your Heart Health
Photo by Jenny Ueberberg via Unsplash

RELATED: This Type Of Coffee Is Best For Your Heart Health

The majority of survey respondents said that the main reason why they drank coffee was to boost their energy. The next most popular reason to consume coffee was to enhance  concentration and improve emotions and mood.

Researchers quoted previous results that support this theory. They mentioned previous connections found in studies that found coffee responsible for promoting neurogenesis, thus preventing cognitive and affective disorders.

You Should Wait This Long Before Drinking Your Morning Coffee
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

Studies have found numerous links between coffee consumption and health benefits, with the drink promoting heart health and preventing heart disease, while also preventing liver disease.

RELATED: You Should Wait This Long Before Drinking Your Morning Coffee

In order to maximize the benefits of coffee, experts suggest waiting about an hour after you’ve woken up to consume your cup of coffee. They explain that waiting this amount of time allows your body to wake up naturally with cortisol, the stress hormone it produces naturally upon waking. Once this hour has passed, coffee can elevate your mood when your body needs it most while preventing stressing your system out too much because of too much caffeine.

Gallup Poll: Vast Majority Of Americans Support Cannabis Legalization…Again

Today, voters of every age and in virtually every region of the country agree that marijuana should be legal.

By Nina Zdinjak

The number of Americans who think that marijuana should be legally obtainable hit a record high for the second year in a row, according to a new Gallup survey released Thursday, which showed that as many as 68% of U.S. residents support cannabis legalization. The figure is the same as last year, which is the highest percentage or support ever revealed in a national Gallup poll.

For more than five decades, Gallup has recorded growing support of cannabis legalization, noting that the most significant increases occurred in the 2000s and 2010s. In 2013, a majority of Americans, for the first time, supported legalization in stark contrast to 1969 when Gallup first began to survey the topic and only 12% of Americans were in favor.​​​​​​

marijuana legalization
Photo by wildpixel/Getty Images

Like last year, notable majorities of adult Americans across major subgroups by gender, age, income and education back cannabis legalization. Significant differences are seen, however, by political party and religion.

While most Democrats (83%) and political independents (71%) support legalization, Republicans are nearly evenly split on the question (50% in favor; 49% opposed).

RELATED: Half Of Americans Have Tried Marijuana, According To New Poll

“Weekly and semi-regular attendees of religious services are split on the issue as well, while those who attend infrequently or never are broadly supportive of legalizing marijuana,” Gallup pollsters highlighted.

“There is no buyer’s remorse on the part of the American people. In the era of state-level legalization, voters’ support for this issue has grown rapidly — an indication that these policy changes have been successful and are comporting with voters’ desires and expectations.” NORML’s executive director Erik Altieri said. “Today, voters of every age and in virtually every region of the country agree that marijuana should be legal. We have a mandate from the American people and we intend to make sure that elected officials abide by it.”

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

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Making Marijuana Edibles

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Like most cannabis related activities, the preparation of edibles requires a healthy amount of trial and error.

Making edibles is a learning experience. Aside from the fact that you’re handling and cooking with weed, you’re also baking, which is a temperamental art. While dosage may take a few attempts to get right, a bad tasting edible ruins a good amount of weed, which is something we should avoid.

While there’s no way of protecting yourself against all unexpected factors when making infused treats, there are a few simple mistakes that can be avoided with some foresight. These will prevent your edibles from tasting gross and, most importantly, from not wiping you out with a single bite.

Here are six common mistakes to watch out for when preparing edibles.

Use equal amounts of weed and oil

How To Get Edibles To Affect You Faster
Photo by Tree of Life Seeds via Pexels

“Less is more” might as well be marijuana’s tag line, because it’s preferable to be a little buzzed than to have a full blown freak out because you ate an edible that was too strong. Even if you want to get crazy high, there’s only so much the lipids in oil will bind to your cannabis, so avoid wasting your weed and money.

RELATED: How Do You Calculate THC Levels In Your Cannabis Edibles?

The ratio you’re looking for is 1:1 — equal parts ground cannabis and oil. If you want to extend the life of your weed, you can also infuse your oil with cannabis stems, trims and vaporized flower.

Remember to decarboxylate

what is cannabis decarboxylation and how to do it at home
Photo by StockSnap via Pixabay

Before adding cannabis into your recipe, you must decarboxylate it. This process occurs when you heat up cannabis on its own and allow it to release its effect.

If you add raw cannabis into a mix, your edibles will taste terrible and no one will get high. Be sure to heat the cannabis beforehand and to add it in once the decarboxylation process has occurred. Here’s How To Decarb Cannabis, According To Pros.

Don’t grind your cannabis too much

cannabis grinder
Photo by Esteban Lopez via Unsplash

RELATED: 7 Differences Between Edibles And Smoked Marijuana

Grinding your cannabis into a fine powder will make your recipe taste grassy and bad, all the while giving a green tint to your oil. The fine grind will also make it harder for you to strain the plant out of the oil, leaving you with ugly and bad tasting chunks of weed in your edibles. In order to avoid this, grind the marijuana with your hands, mix it into the oil and then strain it.

Taste your cannabutter

butter
Photo by ponce_photography via Pixabay

RELATED: Cannabutter 101: How To Dose Your Baking Without Totally Baking Your Friends

If you’re making cannabutter, remember to taste as you go. Cannabutter is great in cannabis edibles, simplifying recipes, so it’s very important to ensure that you know what you’re working with, in terms of flavor and potency. Before you start cooking, try a spoonful of cannabutter. If you cook with the necessary time, you’ll have an understanding of how strong your cannabutter is and how much you should pour into whatever it is you’re baking.

Avoid taking liberties with the recipe

Photos by Jessie Moore

If you’re feeling creative, hold back. Unless you’re a baking and cannabis handling expert, it’s best to stick to the recipe, increasing your odds of success and making an edible that’s actually edible.

It’s better to be safe than sorry

Preparing edibles is a taxing process, so it’s logical if you’re feeling tired and just want to get to cooking without having to take any extra steps. Nevertheless, if you want your edibles to have some sort of uniformity, make sure to use the same amounts of infused oil per serving. If you prepared the oil yourself and want to know how strong it is, have a teaspoon, wait for an hour and see how you feel.

Microsoft Wants To Use Hemp And Seaweed For Sustainable Buildings

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The best prospects for replacing concrete are adobe, concrete made from non-traditional cement, bricks and panels made from algae, and structural tubes made from mycelium.

By Franca Quarneti via El Planteo.

They want to build data centers and other buildings with an eye to the future. This is why Microsoft wants to use hemp and seaweed for sustainable buildings. The proposal seeks to displace concrete (a material that contributes to 8% of global CO2 emissions) with materials that store carbon.

Here’s a fact: if the concrete industry were a country, it would emit more carbon than any other nation in the world except for the U.S. and China. Why? Because concrete is manufactured at high temperatures that require high energy input and because it uses chemical reactions that generate CO2.

microsoft
Photo by Matthew Manuel via Unsplash

Microsoft bets on hemp and other natural materials

Meanwhile, research funded by Microsoft and conducted by the University of Washington’s Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) found that buildings could replace much of their concrete with natural materials such as hemp, mushrooms, algae, and common soil.

According to the study, the six best prospects for replacing the material are adobe, concrete made from non-traditional cement, bricks and panels made from algae or consciously grown fibers, and structural tubes made from mycelium (threads produced by fungi).

In addition, the company commits to advocating for low-carbon public policies.

“Investing in a proof-of-concept plan to bring new carbon storage technologies to market is in line with Microsoft’s environmental values and its commitment to reduce carbon emissions in its current operations by 2030 and to remove all carbon historically emitted by the company from the environment by 2050,” the company added in the report.

The report presents prototypes to be made with sustainable materials by 2022.

3 Big Differences Between Weed Vaping And Concentrates

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While most people think there’s no big difference between vaping concentrates and THC cartridges, there are a few key characteristics that help to tell them apart.

Vaping cannabis has become just as popular as rolling a blunt or taking a bong hit in recent years. Part of the reason for this is because there are so many different forms of vaporizing the compound. Additionally, vaping cannabis offers a level of convenience that’s hard to top.

For people who are just beginning to familiarize themselves with the world of vaping cannabis products, some of the terminology can get confusing. That’s especially the case when determining whether it’s best to go with a vape pen or a wax pen. While a vape pen can be used with any cartridge with 510 threading, wax pens require users to have their own concentrates to use with the device. Here are some other key differences between vaping cartridges and raw concentrates.

RELATED: 3 Differences Between Vaping Marijuana And Smoking It

Wall Street Journal Blames Vaping Crisis On Marijuana Legalization, Completely Missing The Point
Photo by Joegend/Getty Images

Vaping Concentrates is Messier

One of the biggest differences between vaping raw concentrates and vaping THC cartridges is the fact that cartridges are essentially plug and play. After affixing it to the battery, users are ready to find the temp that works for them and begin taking hits from their device. Concentrates are a different story. In order to properly vape concentrates, users must apply their concentrates directly into the pen itself, which can leave excess residue behind if not done properly. Another downfall is that sometimes the pen may not burn the concentrates all the way, which leaves behind sticker residue that is difficult to clean.

Vaping Cartridges Means Consuming Potentially Harmful Chemicals

Although vaping THC cartridges is easier for many cannabis users, vaping concentrates has increased in popularity for good reason. While the primary ingredient in vape cartridges is THC distillate, there are numerous ingredients that they’re cut with ingredients like coconut oil and other potentially harmful ingredients like heavy metals. Vaping concentrates, on the other hand, provides consumers with the opportunity to consume pure concentrates, free of any additives. The fact that the individual consumer adds the concentrate themselves provides more peace of mind that the product they’re consuming is safer for consumption than potentially harmful cartridges.

Vaping Concentrates Requires More Maintenance

Since consumers who choose to vape concentrates instead of cartridges are able to use more sophisticated devices than those who vape cartridges, they often are left to perform more maintenance than their counterparts who rely on disposable vape pens with 510 threading. When regularly using a wax pen to vape concentrates, consumers should be aware that they’ll likely need to replace parts of their device, like the atomizer and the coil. That can be a tricky process depending on the type of wax pen. Consumers who prefer to vape THC cartridges don’t have to worry about much maintenance with their devices since they can simply discard their pen and get a new one once it starts to show signs of decline.

RELATED: Should You Be Vaping Or Smoking Your Cannabis Flower?

While most people think there’s no big difference between vaping concentrates and THC cartridges, there are a few key characteristics that help to tell them apart. This can make life easier when trying to determine whether it’s smarter to purchase a wax pen with the ability to vaporize concentrates or a vape pen just for cartridges.

It’s Official: New York Bans Delta-8 THC Products, Allows Hemp Flower Sales

The CCB made clear that its new regulations “prohibit the sale of Delta-8 THC products,” and because they contain intoxicating qualities, they “are better left to be regulated in the future Adult-Use program.”

By Nina Zdinjak

The New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB) made it clear on Wednesday — controversial delta-8 THC products cannot be sold, though hemp flower is allowed. Empire State regulators also approved the sale of hemp-infused food and beverages reported Marijuana Moment.

Considering the complexity of a legal marijuana program, New York is still figuring out which rules and guidelines are needed to make it function properly. The new rules and clarifications are often coming, and the state just recently made a really bold move becoming the first in the Union to prohibit employers from testing most employees for cannabis, setting up all the rules on cannabis in the workplace.

marijuana flower joint
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

The Anticipated Ban On Delta-8 THC Is Here 

Among the many issues taken up by the CCB Wednesday, including advertising, labeling, packaging and lab testing, the most anticipated among cannabis companies and consumers was the decision regarding delta-8 THC, an intoxicating component in the cannabis plant that can be converted from CBD derived from hemp. 

Just recently, a study revealed another problem with delta-8 products: too much mislabeling. Many argued that the mislabeling issues are just another reason for lawmakers to ban these products, which in the case of New York, turned out to be true. In this way, the state has officially joined others prohibiting delta-8 THC products such as Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington to name a few.

RELATED: Medical Flower Now Allowed In New York

The CCB made clear that its new regulations “prohibit the sale of Delta-8 THC products,” and because they contain intoxicating qualities they “are better left to be regulated in the future Adult-Use program.”

The board further declared a 60-day public comment period, during which people can weigh in on a draft proposal to permit medical cannabis patients to cultivate their own plants.

As for the hemp flower, the rules are set — those products are allowed for sale, but not to be advertised “for the purpose of smoking or be in the form of a pre-roll, cigar or joint.”

RELATED: Delta-8 THC Is Suffering From Mislabeling Predicament — Misnomer Or Mismanagement?

“We are working as quickly as we can to build a new, safe industry that promotes public health and grows our economy, and with today’s approval of hemp regulations, we are taking another step forward in delivering on that promise for New Yorkers,” CCB chair Tremaine Wright stated. “In just our first month of operating, we have already made it easier for patients to access medical cannabis.”

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

How Do You Calculate THC Levels In Your Cannabis Edibles?

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Whether you’re making edibles in your kitchen or buying manufactured ones, remember to start and go slow in your dosage.

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

Homemade edibles are becoming more popular than ever with a lot of people getting creative with cannabis in the kitchen. Undoubtedly, freshly-baked canna-infused brownies do sound appealing, which is why homemade edibles are usually on trend.

However, making edibles with a safe dose of THC is an art that requires accuracy and precision. It needs careful math, an understanding of decarboxylation, and vast knowledge of the THC content of the flower you’re using. As such, manufacturers need to follow strict processes in making sure edibles contain a safe quantity of THC. But don’t get discouraged just yet. This article explains how to ensure your homemade edibles are safely and consistently dosed with THC.

What To Do If Your Marijuana Edibles Aren't Getting You How
Photo by Margo Amala via Unsplash

Why It’s Important to Correctly Calculate THC Dosage In Edibles  

Edibles vary from other types of cannabis delivery in several ways. To begin, you should know that the human body processes the THC in edibles differently. But, the basic digestive process of THC in the human body is the same. During digestive processes, THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC which is a long-lasting and potent compound with heightened sedative processes. Thanks to the digestive process, the high can last for aba out six hours or more depending on the individual.

Consuming edibles with high THC content translates to a high level of 11-hydroxy-THC in your system. This compound can make you severely impaired and highly uncomfortable. Given that a high can last up to six hours, that’s you experiencing six hours of discomfort and severe anxiety. History of cannabis use, weight, age, genetics, diet, and gastrointestinal health all influence an individual’s response to edibles

An Overview of Edible Potency

Measuring the potency of edibles is quite different from that of concentrate or flower. Cannabinoid concentration in edibles is measured in milligrams. Ideally, every cannabis product identifies the CBD and THC concentrations as well as its cannabinoid content.

There’s a need to get familiar with the potency of your flower before you start cooking. Ensure you know the percentage of CBC, THC, and other cannabinoids in the chosen flower. The potency of THC varies from one flower to the next. And based on research, flowers grow to be stronger over time. The potency of flowers today is much stronger than it was 40 years ago. Without knowing the potency of your flower, you won’t be able to calculate edible doses correctly.

Because of the low THC content in raw cannabis, it cannot be used to make edibles. Instead, what you do is heat the flower which contains a high level of THCA (THC precursor) to convert it to THC. The conversion of THCA to THC is known as the decarboxylation process.

RELATED: Why Do Some People Not Get High From Eating Edibles?

So, heat your flower in butter or quality oil then strain. This should give you a canna-infused oil or fat ready to use. Note that the cooking time influences how much THC you get. Too brief and you don’t get enough THC. Too long and you might end up converting THC to CBN.

How To Choose and Buy Edibles Like A Pro
Photo by Vyshnavi Bisani via Unsplash

Calculating Edible Dosage

For individuals new to edibles, the recommended dosage is between 1 to 5 milligrams of THC. That’s a very minute quantity given that the edible itself could weigh around 15 grams. For context, 1 gram equals 1,000 milligrams.

Even though a lot of self-directed or recreational users have developed a high tolerance to THC, low doses are still the best. High doses are neither necessary for recreational activities nor for patients to get relief. Low will get the job done and also avoid you not building a tolerance to THC.

Once you’ve decided on your target dosage, take the following steps to calculate it.

After you have established your desired target dose, take these steps to calculate it.

Estimate the Decarb Rate

It’s necessary to be very cautious when calculating your decarb rate. Many calculations set the total conversation efficiency to be between 75% and 88% depending on the time used and temperature. To put yourself on a safer side, assume you will decarb 90% of THCA into THC.

Estimating the Extraction Efficiency

Once you’ve determined your decarb rate, estimate the extraction efficiency. Ideally, not all the THC present in the flower will infuse into the oil or butter. The extraction efficiency is believed to be around 30% to 40%. However, on the side of caution, assume your extraction efficiency to be 60%. This will save you from unpleasant surprises.

How To Store And Keep Your Edibles Fresh
Photo by Pot Head Coffee via Unsplash

Do the Math Multiple Times

Assuming you’re using 10g of flower with THC of 20%. That would give you a total of 2,000mg of THC. Using a decarb rate of 90%, the flower would yield 1,800mg (2,000 x 0.9) of THC.

Also following the extraction efficiency of 60% (1800 x 0.6), you will have 1,080mg of THC in the oil or butter. 1,080mg of THC is adequate for 216 portions infused with 5mg each.

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

There’s no need to make your edibles stronger than required. A little THC goes a long way in producing edible. Just make sure you do the math correctly and accordingly. To reduce the potency of a recipe, you can have a higher ratio of regular butter to cannabutter in favor of regular butter. Don’t forget, always do the math right!

Ensure Thorough Mixing and Portioning

Thorough mixing is very vital in ensuring even mixture and distribution of oil or cannabutter. If the mixture is not properly mixed, you will not be getting a uniform distribution of THC in the batch. Hence, different results from one edible to the next. Make sure you take all possible precautions to standardize dosage across servings.

Bottom Line

If at any time you’re not sure of your calculations, you should opt for manufactured edibles to avoid dosing problems. One of the primary benefits of organizations we enjoy today is the regulated dosing of cannabis. So instead of risking an overdose resulting in a “green out”, get manufactured edibles.

Lastly, whether you’re making edibles in your kitchen or buying manufactured ones, remember to start and go slow in your dosage. Know your tolerance baseline before you experiment with a higher dosage.

Colorado Votes Down Cannabis Tax Increase Meant To Support Educational Programs

Some cannabis advocates fiercely opposed the measure claiming that higher taxes would result in more expensive cannabis products, making them unaffordable to those who need them.

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

By Nina Zdinjak

A ballot measure that would impose higher taxes on cannabis in an effort to fund education programs in Colorado, was voted down in Tuesday’s elections. Under the proposal that was denied, Colorado Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress (LEAP) program, low-and middle-income families would obtain a $1,500 stipend for children to take part in various educational activities, writes Marijuana Moment.

Colorado Gov. Inks Bill To Expand Student Access To Medical Marijuana
Photo by NeONBRAND via Unsplash

Under the measure, endorsed by Governor Jared Polis (D) and a few ex-governors, the excise tax on sales of recreational cannabis products would have been gradually raised from 15% to 20%. The first increase of 3% would be initiated on January 1st and reach 5% by January 2024.

Fiscal analysis concluded that Colorado would have raised an extra $138 million annually to support the measure until the final rate was set.

The Measure’s Advantages And Disadvantages 

The policy’s backers argued that the measure is much needed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated income-related educational problems.

On the other hand, some cannabis advocates fiercely opposed the measure claiming that higher taxes would result in more expensive cannabis products making them unaffordable to those who need them for medical purposes.

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

“We are encouraged to see Coloradans vote down a regressive tax on people’s pain, especially veterans, teachers, and the elderly who need cannabis for medicine but can’t get a medical card,” said Chuck Smith, CEO of BellRock Brands and board president of Colorado Leads. “The cannabis industry, which has generated $1.6 billion in state taxes since legalization, is an integral part of Colorado’s business community and always supports doing our fair share.

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

“However, our more than 30,000 employees and hundreds of thousands of customers have made a statement: stop unfairly taxing our industry,” Smith continued. ”We are hopeful the business community will oppose any future efforts to increase taxes on the cannabis industry just as they would for any other industry in the state.”

Separately, a proposed local measure in Denver that would increase marijuana sales taxes to support pandemic research also did not pass, based on preliminary results. Under the initiative, the local cannabis tax rate would have been raised by 1.5%.

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