Corrupt Mayor Caught Extorting Cannabis License Applicants

Debra Borchardt

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September 13, 2021

Corrupt Mayor Caught Extorting Cannabis License Applicants

Mayor Jasiel Correia was able to extort the applicants through a Massachusetts “community impact fee.”

The former mayor of Fall River Massachusetts could face more than a decade behind bars for shaking down cannabis license applicants. Jasiel Correia was found guilty in May of stealing from investors with regards to an app he developed, but also for extorting money from cannabis applicants. He was convicted of 21 of the 24 counts he faced.

On Friday, the government suggested Correia should be sentenced to 11 years in prison, then 24 months supervised release, and $298,190 in restitution to certain SnoOwl investors. In addition, they are requesting that he pay $20,473 in restitution to the IRS, forfeit $566,740, and a final mandatory special assessment of $2,100.

In the government filing, which was posted on Law360, it was noted that Correia remained defiant despite having 33 witnesses testify against him saying that the truth would come out. Correia even suggested he refused a plea deal because he was innocent, but the government said no such deal had been offered.

Increased Demand For Top Talent As Cannabis Industry Salaries Continue To Surge — Photo by Darren415/Getty Images

Marijuana Vendors

The sentencing request noted that several immunized marijuana vendors testified at trial that “they felt forced to pay Correia a bribe if they wanted a license to operate in Fall River. While the marijuana vendors are not victims under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act due to their participation in the extortion conspiracies, it is nevertheless worth noting the adverse collateral consequences each has had to endure, including lost business opportunities, retaining counsel and obtaining immunity, and having to testify publicly, subject to effective cross-examination.”

The filing highlighted Matthew Pichette who provided emotional testimony regarding the humiliation his family endured when the bribe he agreed to pay (designed as campaign
contributions) became public, including the formal matter involving his wife that was initiated by the Office of Campaign Finance, ultimately resulting in a $5,000 fine. The filing also stated that “like Pichette, Charles Saliby testified that he was never able to open his business, despite all the money he had invested, “[b]ecause the Cannabis Control Commission deemed me unsuitable because of my involvement with Jasiel Correia.”

Impact Fees

The Mayor was able to extort the applicants through a Massachusetts “community impact fee.” The state allowed communities to charge cannabis companies 3% as a way to cover higher costs associated with the new businesses. While some states used the money for things like traffic improvements, Correia took the money for himself. Correia managed to get $600,000 in illegal cash payments from four cannabis applicants looking to get his approval.

The mayor’s former chief of staff Genoveva Andrade pled guilty in December for shaking down the applicants. Andrade admitted to helping Correia get $150,000 in exchange for a critical approval letter from the city, which would have allowed for an adult-use dispensary. Andrade also paid Correia nearly $23,000 in bribes in order to be named chief of staff. Andrade’s plea deal was rejected by a judge in June.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

New Program Helps Marijuana Offenders Get Jobs In Legal Market

News

Mike Adams

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September 13, 2021

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New Program Helps Marijuana Offenders Get Jobs In Legal Market

Programs like these could and should become more prevalent as more states move toward fully legal cannabis markets.

Getting busted for weed is no walk in the park. There’s the arrest, a slew of court dates, typically a conviction, and depending on the severity of the offense, a sentence that can come with prison time and hefty fines. Perpetuating the punishment is the difficulties one often experiences after getting out of the clink and back into productive society.

Companies can be cautious about hiring ex-cons and other people, who, on paper, appear to be questionable choices for an employee. However, one organization has taken a novel new approach to assist cannabis offenders in securing gainful employment: Help them find work on the legal side of weed.

illinois pot offenders how to get your marijuana offense wiped clean — Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

A non-profit outfit out of Ohio called URC Grows recently banded together with Riviera Creek Holdings, which runs a bunch of medical marijuana dispensaries across the state to help those with cannabis convictions find jobs in the legal smoke sector. According to the program’s website, “URC Grows seeks to be different by providing an Ohio Department of Education Approved Certification, in three focused areas. We will also provide entrepreneurial development services and land for each entrepreneur to grow on, or employment in a URC operated grow facility.”

As many as 60% of ex-prisoners are unemployed one year after their release from prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. So, for some pot offenders, this program is both a hot ticket back to gainful employment and a chance to become a marijuana mogul. “This program will give them an opportunity to get back into the workforce,” Brian Kessler, chairman of Riviera Creek Holdings LLC, told The Business Journal.

The goal of the accredited program is to make it easier for people with cannabis convictions haunting their records to find work and move forward on a path that doesn’t involve jail. It’s not just a program for those with minor blemishes for pot possession, either. The program is open to all cannabis offenders, even those convicted on more serious charges related to the illicit sale and cultivation of marijuana. Most already understand the basics, so why not turn pro?

“There were so many people that were jailed by this, and now that everyone is making money off something that they are already sitting in jail for, we want to give them an opportunity, everyone needs a second chance, and these are the things that they can do that were just natural to them that they will thrive in so why not give them this opportunity,” Dionne Dowdy, Executive Director of URC, told WFMJ.

FBI Data Shows Marijuana Arrests Increases For Third Straight Year — Photo by jirkaejc/Getty Images

Programs like these could and should become more prevalent as more states move toward fully legal cannabis markets. In the case of Ohio, the state has only a limited medical marijuana program in place (around 20,000 patients), so the industry isn’t quite as vast as it is in states like Colorado and California. Nevertheless, setting up the foundation to help people with cannabis convictions earn an honest paycheck in the profession that landed them in trouble in the first place is the right move.

As soon as Ohio goes fully legal — something that lawmakers are working toward this session — there will be tens of thousands of new jobs available out of the gate. It stands to reason that people, not only those with some experience growing and selling weed but a certificate in specialized aspects of the trade solidifying their legitimacy, will be more employable than others.

Although the program has experienced a bit of a slow start — enrolling only two students out of a class that seeks 10 — Dowdy is optimistic. “We already have a problem with workforce now but if we’re taking the next people that are coming and we’re training them and giving them an opportunity; to have a job, to have a career, to take care of their family, not only would it help them, it would help our city, it would help our community, it will help with the crime,” she said.

Why The US Has Made A Complete Mess Of Partial Marijuana Legalization (So Far)

Opinion

Richard Cowan

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September 13, 2021

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Why The US Has Made A Complete Mess Of Partial Marijuana Legalization (So Far)

Too many people who claim to believe in free markets don’t trust the American people with personal freedom.  

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.

One of the most frustrating problems in the efforts to end marijuana prohibition has long been the distrust of freedom and the pretense that we are somehow “boldly going where no politicians have ever gone before.”

Specifically, marijuana has been sold over-the-counter to anyone over 18 for decades in the Netherlands (not just in Amsterdam.) It also allows for on-premise consumption. And with almost no regulations, except NO HARD DRUGS. And essentially no problems (except on the still banned supply).

delta-8 thc cannabis — Photo by Thanasis/Getty Images

However, when Nevada legalized recreational sales, even Las Vegas (!!!) did not initially license on-premise consumption because they were unsure how it might work and what the consequences might be. 

SEE: Las Vegas and Recreational Marijuana 

In states where the politicians and the police distrust the people even more, the regulations have been even more absurd. For example, Ohio’s new medical marijuana laws (and some other states’) do not allow the sale of marijuana to be smoked by patients, because the prohibitionist party line is that “NO MEDICINE IS SMOKED.”  

SEE: Profiles In Prohibition: General Barry McCaffrey’s War On Marijuana Users

That is the result of the Institute of Medicine’s study paid for by the Drug Czar’s office in 1999 that concluded that marijuana was as safe or safer than most medicines, except for the risks inherent in smoking anything. That point was seized as propaganda by the Drug Czar who ignored everything else. So twenty years later when Ohio voted to stop arresting the sick and dying, they included the Czar’s propaganda without having ever read — or even heard about— his propaganda. 

SEE: Cannabis in Ohio

In Pennsylvania, regulations and taxes make medical marijuana much more expensive than in most other states. 

SEE: Cannabis in Pennsylvania 

The Philadelphia Inquirer ran an excellent exposé on “Why medical marijuana in Pennsylvania is some of the most costly in the U.S.”

In Pennsylvania, an eighth of an ounce costs $58.86, but only $17.84 in Washington state!

“The patient community is always outraged about the prices,” said Luke Shultz, a member of the state’s medical-marijuana advisory board. “I’m not sure where the price should be. But we’d sure like to see it lower.”

Of course, no one knows where any price for anything “should be”, which is why free markets work and “socialism” doesn’t. However, if the prices are too high there is either too little competition or too much regulation. 

could marijuana legalization unite a divided country — Photo by strelov/Getty Images

The United States is supposed to be the world’s largest free market, but federal marijuana prohibition does not allow cheap marijuana from one state to compete with expensive marijuana from states with excessive restrictions on supply — or excessive taxation.

Meanwhile in New Jersey, Insider NJ has an excellent report titled “NJ’s Lame Duck Cannabis Train-wreck” by Jay Lassiter.

“NJ is still locking up people for weed every day.

Sick people in NJ still endure long lines to pay $500 for an ounce of crappy medical marijuana.

Can’t afford NJ’s overpriced pot? Tough luck! Because the penalties for growing your own are “draconian” to put it mildly, up to 20 years in prison for a few plants.

The expungement of low-level, non-violent pot crimes remains unresolved.”

Remember, this is after: “New Jersey citizens voted overwhelmingly (by a 2-to-1 margin) in support of Public Question No. 1, which asked whether they approved of amending the New Jersey Constitution to legalize the possession and recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older in New Jersey.”

Politico has an extraordinary article by Mona Zheng that should be mandatory reading for everyone involved in the marijuana issue.

Don’t Get Too Excited About President Biden’s Ban On Private Prisons — Photo by
Richard Ross/Getty Images

“How state marijuana legalization became a boon for corruption

By making local officials the gatekeepers for million-dollar businesses, states created a breeding ground for bribery and favoritism….

In the past decade, 15 states have legalized a regulated marijuana market for adults over 21, and another 17 have legalized medical marijuana. But in their rush to limit the numbers of licensed vendors and give local municipalities control of where to locate dispensaries, they created something else: A market for local corruption…

States that have largely avoided corruption controversies either do not have license caps — like Colorado or Oklahoma — or dole out a limited number of licenses through a lottery rather than scoring the applicants by merit — like Arizona. Many entrepreneurs, particularly those who lost out on license applications, believe the government shouldn’t be in the business of picking winners and losers and should just let the free market do its job.”

Unfortunately, too many people who want to legalize marijuana don’t believe in free markets, and too many people who claim to believe in free markets, don’t trust the American people with personal freedom.  

SEE: FBI Investigates Corruption in Marijuana Retail Licensing In California

Richard Cowan is a former NORML National Director and author of Why You May Want To Buy CBD This Christmas?

Does Smoking Weed Causes Heart Attacks

Terry Hacienda

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September 12, 2021

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We require accurate studies to inform us about our marijuana consumption, and it’s time we end the grants for these flimsy studies that have no real merit.

Every now and then I’ll hear about some new “dangerous aspect” of smoking cannabis, whether it’s your brain shrinking or having more risks of going insane – these reports have been circulating since the dawn of prohibition.

Today we’ll be talking about the latest “SCARE STUDY” where researchers allege that smoking cannabis as young adults nearly doubles your risk of a heart attack.

That’s right. According to this CNN article, the science is clear and if you’re a young adult you may suffer a heart attack. Except, the science isn’t clear, and if you poke this study long enough, it dissolves quite easily.

cannabis heart health — Photo by megaflopp / Getty Images

Taking the magnifying glass and looking over the processes and conclusions from the research team and compare it with reality. We’ll also be asking a few questions along the way.

How the study was done?

This was a “cross-sectional” study meaning it’s an observational study that analyzes data of a particular population at one particular point in time. The major problem with cross-sectional studies is that the way you frame the question vastly influences the results. The parameters you choose to test also plays a major role.

This means with a cross-sectional study, you can literally prove that Heavy Metal can lead to increased suicidal tendencies. You can also frame it so that the opposite is true. This is one of the first points we need to address prior to jumping into the “science” behind the study.

Secondly, the study was being published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal by Canadian researchers who used data from the United States. This is a red flag, because Canada has had legal cannabis for years now and can have empirical data, but the study chose to use information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instead.

This is what the study said;

We performed a cross-sectional study using pooled data from the 2017 and 2018 cohorts of the American Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey of US adults. We analyzed the association between any recent cannabis use and history of MI using a weighted logistic regression model that adjusted for demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, health-related behaviours, concomitant substance use and other comorbidities. We also assessed this association after stratifying by frequency of use and by primary method of consumption. – SOURCE

Essentially, they took some data, created measurements they thought was important and did somefunique math. Their confidence level is 95%, which means that there may be fluctuations in their results if someone tries to replicate this versus with actual empirical evidence.

What they found

According to the researchers, their data shows that “young adults” — classified as people between the age of 18 and 44 (WTF?) — are 1.3 times more likely to suffer a heart attack if they smoke up to 4 times per month.

Cumulative Use of Cannabis Not Associated with Heart Abnormalities at Middle Age — Photo by Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

This age group got me thinking: Are 18-year-old and 44-year-old hearts the same? Why did they include such a wide demographic to create their calculations? Would they have the same results if it were 18-21 year olds? 21-30 year olds? 30-40 year olds?

Nonetheless, according to their numbers, these elements are not important. The 18-year-old heart and the 44-year-old-heart is exactly the same and once they have eliminated all other comorbidities, they came to this conclusion.

When the study contradicts itself

CNN reported this study to be “true” which will now be used by lawmakers to assess the potential risks of cannabis. Except, within the very study – buried down in the interpretation section you can find this gem…

Although heavy cannabis use has been reported to trigger acute myocardial infarction (MI), the current evidence is limited to case–control studies that are prone to bias and studies relying solely on administrative data.

In other words, they are relying on data that isn’t telling them the whole picture. I’m not saying that cannabis doesn’t have an effect on the cardiovascular system – to say this would be nonscientific.

However, to make conclusions on administrative data is also non-scientific. Even though they utilized complex math to make their conclusions.

Why we need to have better studies

It seems to me that there are still many studies out there trying to promote the harms of cannabis and while this is not a ‘bad’ thing necessarily, there needs to be equal studies looking at other aspects of cannabis.

When you’re constantly looking for the pathological negative effects of anything – you’ll find it. Especially if you know how to play around with statistical prevalence.

Right now, you’ll begin to hear people talk about the inherent risks of cannabis and cardiovascular health based on this study, which will influence the international discourse on legalization. This influences how we legalize and is disingenuous to the truth behind the plant.

Marijuana And Heart Attacks: What New Research Reveals — Photo by boonchai wedmakawand/Getty Images

It is because of these studies that prohibition could thrive for so long. They claim these policies are meant to protect us – but what we need is not protection but proper education.

Everything has an inherent risk. Water in the right amount will give you life sustaining hydration, however, take too much water and you’ll remove all of your nutrients which will end up causing some major physiological consequences.

Yet, the fact that water has this inherent risk doesn’t mean we restrict it from people or have the government dictate how much we should or should not drink.

Similarly, we require accurate studies to inform us about our consumption, and it’s time we end the grants for these flimsy studies that have no real merit and say, “We need more research!”

As citizens who often fund these studies with our tax dollars, it is imperative that we place a higher degree of scrutiny on these types of grants and question whether or not the money we spend on making us more informed is actually serving its purpose. For now, the study has far too many factors that will alter the results that it cannot be taken seriously at all.

4 Ways To Maintain Relationships

Maria Loreto

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September 11, 2021

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Stressed? Depressed? Tired? Sometimes our friendships take a back seat to our emotions. Here’s how to deal.

We’re all social creatures but maintaining and forging relationships takes time and effort. This is made even more challenging when you’re feeling depressed, like you can’t make the space for the important people in your life. Here are 4 ways to maintain relationships, even when you are tired.

Feeling sad and out of sorts can make everything social more difficult, from going to parties, to hanging out with friends, to answering a few text messages. While there’s no way to know what tips work for everyone, here are a few helpful suggestions that can help you stay a little bit more sane and like you’re caring for those you love in the best way you can.

Have a script for your alone time

Spending The Holidays Alone? Here's How To Make The Most Of It — Photo by Anthony Tran via Unsplash

Alone time is great, helping you recharge from social situations and allowing you to enjoy your own company, doing stuff you enjoy doing. Still, if you’re feeling depressed and off, it helps to give some structure to your alone time, scheduling in activities you enjoy and stuff that makes you feel energized and uplifted.

Having the COVID-19 experience under our belts, we’ve all learned how to spend more time alone but also, how easy it is to forget how to socialize.

Pay attention to your interests

Here Are The Reasons Why Cannabis Consumers Stocked Up — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

While it’s difficult to remain invested in your hobbies and interests when you’re feeling sad, it’s important to break the cycle whenever you can. Schedule in activities you enjoy and friend hangouts, keeping you accountable for following through. While they might seem tough to achieve at first, you’ll be grateful once you do them.

Communicate with others in a way that makes you feel comfortable

Ask Mister Manners, Thomas P. Farley: 'Do I Give A Gift If It’s A Virtual Wedding?' — Photo by Edward Jenner via Pexels

Being social doesn’t mean meeting with people face to face. While that is the best way of maintaining relationships, it also helps to communicate in other ways, whether that’s a phone call, Face Time or texting. If texting is too much sometimes, try something new, like writing an email to a friend.

Be honest

There Are Psychological Benefits Of Texting Vs Talking, Even With People You Live With — Photo by Eddy Billard via Unsplash

If you’re finding it hard to respond to texts and get back to your friends and loved ones, the best thing you can do is to let them know. While an unanswered text can mean a thousand different things, a clear explanation clears everything up and will make you feel better, like there’s less pressure to deal with. You don’t need to get deeply into the details; a brief outline will do the trick.

Talk to a therapist

5 ways to find more affordable therapy — Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Lastly and most importantly, it’s very important to talk to a therapist if you feel like your problem is growing increasingly crippling. While therapy is expensive, modern technology has facilitated a few things, making it easier and much more affordable to schedule video or text therapy. The help and advice of an expert can make a significant difference in your life and can help you make the right decisions when it comes to managing your current situation.

This Simple Habit Can Help You Be A Happier And More Successful Person

Maria Loreto

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September 11, 2021

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This Simple Habit Can Help You Be A Happier And More Successful Person

This counterintuitive habit could help you be more creative and successful, from work to other aspects in your life.

We live in an overworked culture. Having multiple jobs and working hard is something that’s praised and that’s valued over having free time and enjoying other parts of your life. While work is necessary for making money and living, our culture’s obsession with it is a big problem. It makes us feel frustrated, like we’re not as good as other people, while also leaving us exhausted and depleted when adhering to these constricting standards.

We rarely talk about the perks of relaxation. Habits like midday naps, breaks in between tasks, or simply taking a moment for ourselves in the midst of our workday can elevate our moods and help us be more productive in the long run. While not all of us have the accessibility of a bed or a couch during the middle of the day, a large percentage of us can carve out five minutes to chill out.

office employees — Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

What you do during these five minutes it’s up to you, whether you close your eyes and meditate or take deep breaths, but the benefits are all the same; if you use this time to relax and slow down the passage of thoughts in your brain, you’ll likely experience benefits like increased productivity and creativity.

To reap the best possible results, try to take your relaxation time as seriously as you can. Find a space where that’s quiet, where you won’t be disturbed, and set a timer for five minutes. Put yourself in a comfortable position, whether you’re sitting or laying down, close your eyes and take deep breaths, focusing on the movement of your body. If you find this challenging, try using a guided meditation app, which can make the process more directed.

If actively trying to relax isn’t your thing, you can also try daydreaming, giving your head free rein for a moment to think about whatever it wants to think about. Daydreams are usually filled with whatever it is your brain is occupied with, giving you an outlet to process all of your feelings and stressors.

You’ll notice if you have work afterwards or are doing something creative for yourself, whether it’s some writing, painting or drawing, that you’ll likely have some creative solutions and ideas to your problems.

The IRS Comes Clean On Marijuana And Cryptocurrency Taxation

Terry Hacienda

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September 11, 2021

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The IRS Comes Clean On Marijuana And Cryptocurrency Taxation

Although the IRS has insisted that it isn’t a sign of imminent legalization, cannabis and crypto enthusiasts cannot help but remain optimistic.

Whenever the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) hosts an event in any business sector, it is usually a sign that the industry holds excellent potential for high revenues.

The cryptocurrency industry is currently worth $2.48 trillion, which is a leap from the $1 trillion value at the start of the year. The marijuana industry is $118.9 billion, which is a groundbreaking increase from $20.6 billion in 2019.

Despite the federal government’s reluctance to legalize and adopt both sectors, the revenue they generate which boosts the country’s economy cannot be ignored. Therefore when the IRS hosted the tax event for both sectors, crypto and cannabis enthusiasts wondered if it was a move towards legalization or federal support.

marijuana taxes — Photo by Nikolay Ponomarenko/Getty Images

The tax event

Last Wednesday, the IRS held a forum organized to discuss tax policies for cannabis and cryptocurrency businesses. The meeting was led by a representative of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) and highlighted some issues relating to both companies.

Some of the issues discussed included permitting tax deductions as marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Also, the issue of how different states tax cannabis and paying taxes on profit made from cryptocurrencies. During a discussion session at the event, there were discussions on the increasing support for marijuana legalization and the possibility for federal reform.

The publicity material for the forum stated that attendees would discover ways to prepare a tax return for “illegal” activities and understand when digital currencies should be declared as taxable income.

Tax professionals who sought to understand the crypto and marijuana markets were also part of the attendees. The event offered a higher-level overview of some of the unique financial challenges to both markets.

What do crypto and marijuana have in common?

Cryptocurrencies and marijuana have one challenge in common: federal prohibition. Until the federal government decides to legalize them, such forums will always be organized to explain how illegality works with taxes.

A more significant number of states in America still haven’t legalized marijuana in some forms. The illicit status under the Controlled Substances Act implies that cannabis businesses can deduct the standard costs like other regulated markets. The presenter at the event confirmed this to be true because it is in Provision 280E of the tax laws.

The presenter also emphasized that even if a company is labeled “illegal,” marijuana businesses are still required to pay federal taxes. He maintained that there are opportunities for few deductions when revealing the cost of goods for producers and retailers.

Why Cannabis-Specific Cryptos Will Not Take On Mainstream, But Crypto In Cannabis Might — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

A slide from the IRS presentation showed a poll by Americans who are against marijuana prohibition. The presentation also offered an overview of the economic possibility of the cannabis market, which is of much interest to the IRS.

A summary of the statistics shared at the event is as follows:

Marijuana nationwide sales $17.9 billion

Sales are up by 67%from 2019

The legal cannabis market will be $23.8 billion in 2021

Total market value by 2026is at $90.4 billion

The projected reach by 2026 is $90.4 billion

90% of Americans support access to medical cannabis

68% of Americans voted YES so cannabis can be legalized.

The National Association of Tax Professionals was led by their accountant, who also led a panel discussion focused on the Senate’s efforts to legalize marijuana. Notably, the focus was on the contributions of Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer who had passed a draft version to the Senate last month.

Chuck Schumer’s Senate Balancing Act Could Impact Marijuana Reform — Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

The accountant said that he believed that the efforts at the senate level are significant as conversations on legalizing cannabis are becoming “mainstream.” He further asserts that if America gets its legislation to regulate correctly, the next question and challenge will be to legalize it.

The IRS Tax preferences for states with legal cannabis markets

At the start of 2021, IRS Commissioner, Charles Retting, informed Congress that the agency prefers state-legal cannabis businesses to pay taxes electronically. This request resulted from the inefficiency of the current cash system, which is in place because cannabis is still federally illegal.

The IRS, like many other organizations and individuals who have called on the federal government to reconsider its stance, believe that the cash system poses a risk to workers.

Steven Mnuchin, the former Treasury Secretary, said in 2019 that he would prefer Congress’s approval of the legislation that resolves the marijuana banking challenge. He maintained that the IRS building cash rooms to pay taxes from cannabis businesses demonstrates the problem with the cash system.

Last year, the IRS shared updated guidance on tax policy for cannabis businesses, including instructions on how marijuana businesses without access to bank accounts can pay ample monies as taxes.

The update is a response to a report released last year by the treasury department. The inspector general for the department’s taxes had initially criticized the IRS for not adequately giving marijuana businesses who are taxpayers good advice on complying with federal tax laws. So the treasury department instructed the agency to create and publicize the guidance document focused on the cannabis industry and helpful to every entrepreneur in that sector.

The commissioner for Small Business/Self Employed Division at the IRS attended a marijuana-focused forum in December. At the event, he mentioned that the legalization discourse is gaining momentum. He also asserted that the movement would succeed in bringing state prohibition to an end.

The IRS holding an event about two fundamental but sadly still illegal markets in America is a positive sign. Although they have insisted that it isn’t a sign of imminent legalization, cannabis and crypto enthusiasts cannot help but remain optimistic.

One thing is sure about the future of the cannabis market in particular. Soon enough, it will become so big and bring in billions of dollars in revenue that the federal government cannot ignore. Until then, states, where marijuana is already legal are reaping the benefits. This situation should be a lesson to the federal government that with or without them, the marijuana and crypto markets will thrive.

Mamma Mia! Italy About To Decriminalize Adult-Use Cannabis And Home Cultivation

El Planteo

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September 10, 2021

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Mamma Mia! Italy About To Decriminalize Adult-Use Cannabis And Home Cultivation

The European country has a rather relaxed approach, as it allows the sale of cannabis that has a high CBD percentage and a less than 0.6% of THC, in dispensary-style stores.

By Franca Quarneti via El Planteo

In Italy, the Justice Committee of the Lower House approved a reform that decriminalizes recreational consumption of marijuana and allows home cultivation of up to four plants.

What remains to be done? The vote must be debated and ratified by the Upper House before becoming law.

If approved, Italy will become the first country in Europe to decriminalize the adult use of marijuana. And one of the pioneer states in legalizing home cultivation, after Spain, and the Czech Republic.

Increased penalties

According to ANSA, Mario Perantoni, president of the Chamber of Deputies and co-author of the bill, said, “The cultivation of no more than 4 female plants at home is decriminalized”.

However, the reform will increase the penalties for trafficking and sale of cannabis from six to 10 years.

The European country has a rather relaxed approach, as it allows the sale of cannabis that has a high CBD percentage and a less than 0.6% of THC, in dispensary-style stores.

In 2019, a study by the University of Magna Graecia showed that the legal market of cannabis took between €90 and €170 million a year from organized crime networks. In this context, allowing home cultivation in Italy would further reduce the participation of criminal gangs in the cannabis business, and allow Italians to access the plant without being prosecuted.

COVID-19 Booster Shot: Here Are The Most Common Side Effects

Maria Loreto

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September 10, 2021

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COVID-19 Booster Shot: Here Are The Most Common Side Effects

The COVID-19 booster shot is now available for a select group of people. Here are the most common side effects associated with it.

Americans are becoming eligible for the third round of COVID-19 shots. These much-debated vaccines are said to extend people’s immunity to the virus, hopefully curbing the spread of the Delta variant. And while many of us want to get a booster as soon as we’re able, These Are The People Who Might Need COVID-19 Booster Shots Most.

The first two rounds of vaccines weren’t exactly a joyful experience for a lot of folks who reported negative reactions. So, what are the side effects for this booster?

While there’s little data out there, Pfizer submitted some research on their trial of the COVID-19 boosters. The main side effects associated with this shot are similar to the reactions of the first couple of rounds with the vaccine. Here are some of the main symptoms that have been recorded and documented by experts.

Pain at injection site

This Vaccine Might Be Deemed 'Obsolete' In The Near Future — Photo by CDC via Unsplash

Per Pfizer’s data, pain at the site of injection was the number one side effect reported. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to treat this is to apply a cold, wet wash cloth at the site of injection and to move your arm, even if it really doesn’t want to.

Fatigue

Similar to the first and second dose, fatigue was also reported on the trials of the third shot. It was the second most common side effect reported, but it’s not known if the fatigue was stronger or weaker than the one experienced during the first two shots.

Muscle pain

Why Do We Procrastinate Sleep Even When We're Tired? — Photo by rawpixel.com

Muscle pain is a very common side effect of a wide variety of vaccines, including COVID-19 boosters. In order to treat this, avoid ibuprofen, acetaminophen and the like, since these can lessen your body’s response to the vaccine. To treat these aches try to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated.

Chills

Can You Get Sick With COVID-19 More Than Once? — Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels

The most uncomfortable side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine are definitely the chills and fever. Be prepared for this reaction, and make sure the day following your vaccine you have plenty of time to rest and watch TV.

A safe assumption to make is that you’ll likely feel very similar to the way in which you felt when you got the first and second COVID-19 shots. While not fun, it’s also discomfort that will pass within a couple of days and that your body has coped with before, meaning that there are no surprises.

5 Weekend Habits To Adopt For A More Productive Week

Maria Loreto

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September 10, 2021

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5 Weekend Habits To Adopt For A More Productive Week

These habits are simple and don’t take much work, which is what matters most. Here are 5 weekend habits for a more productive week.

When it comes to your productivity during the week, we tend to focus on the week itself, starting Monday. On the weekends, we tend to sleep in late and delay all sorts of responsibilities, which is perfectly respectable. This article isn’t meant to shame you; weekends are very important for resting, and if you want to sleep in late then that’s totally okay.

These weekend habits are simple and can be adopted without much hassle.

Do a weekly check-in

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Whenever you have time on the weekend, do a check-in with yourself. Write down in your phone or a notebook the highlights of your week, including the good and the bad. These check-ins can help you take stock of your emotional situation, and can help you reorient your life and prioritize your goals.

Questions that can help you get started include: What are my long-term goals? What do I want to accomplish this week? What was good about this week? What can I improve?

Try your best to disconnect

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We have a very co-dependent relationship with our phones. Try your best to avoid checking your emails and to disconnect as best as you can from your devices over the weekend. While it’s difficult to steer clear of social media, it does help to fill your day with other activities, even if you’re at home watching TV or smoking a joint.

Plan ahead

Take an hour or 20 minutes out of your weekend to make plans for your week. Schedule tasks and events ahead of time, whether that means weekend trips or work meetings. While difficult, make sure to not work during this amount of time, using your time only to plan things.

Limit your chores

While we sometimes leave chores for the weekend, try to get these done during your week to give you more free time to relax. While some chores are unavoidable and it might be too much to ask to get them done during the week, a helpful tip could be to split them up during weekdays, making these tasks more manageable. While you may still have to rearrange a thing or two during your weekend, it won’t take up your entire Saturday.

Bond with others

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It’s very easy to spend your weekend as a puddle in bed. While necessary sometimes, it’s also important to bond with others during your weekends and to spend time outside, whether you’re having a drink alone at a restaurant or going to the movies. If you’re feeling too drained, check in with your important connections via text or phone call. It’s important to remain active through your weekend, including your social relationships.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Mayor Jasiel Correia was able to extort the applicants through a Massachusetts “community impact fee.”

Marijuana Vendors

Impact Fees

Programs like these could and should become more prevalent as more states move toward fully legal cannabis markets.

Too many people who claim to believe in free markets don’t trust the American people with personal freedom.

We require accurate studies to inform us about our marijuana consumption, and it’s time we end the grants for these flimsy studies that have no real merit.

How the study was done?

What they found

When the study contradicts itself

Why we need to have better studies

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Have a script for your alone time

Pay attention to your interests

Communicate with others in a way that makes you feel comfortable

Be honest

Talk to a therapist

This counterintuitive habit could help you be more creative and successful, from work to other aspects in your life.

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The European country has a rather relaxed approach, as it allows the sale of cannabis that has a high CBD percentage and a less than 0.6% of THC, in dispensary-style stores.

Increased penalties

The COVID-19 booster shot is now available for a select group of people. Here are the most common side effects associated with it.

Pain at injection site

Fatigue

Muscle pain

Chills

These habits are simple and don’t take much work, which is what matters most. Here are 5 weekend habits for a more productive week.

Do a weekly check-in

Try your best to disconnect

Plan ahead

Limit your chores

Bond with others

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Too many people who claim to believe in free markets don’t trust the American people with personal freedom.  