Hard Times For High Times

Terry Hacienda

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May 8, 2021

Chief Executive Officer Peter Horvath and High Times seem to be made for one another. Both talk a big game and fail to deliver.

Shockingly, April came and went without an IPO from HighTimes Holding Company. Once again the leaders at High Times teased that the beleaguered shareholders would finally see their shares hit the public markets only to have the day come and go with nothing happening.

CEO Peter Horvath, “Well we’re definitely going public this year, and I don’t want to peg it to a specific time but in this industry 4/20 is a notable date … so I think that’s a target.” Although he added that he couldn’t actually commit to a formal target date for the company’s public debut. “We’ll see where we end up,” he said.

The company didn’t issue a press release at the time and Horvath only spoke to Cheddar. No other news outlets had this scoop, but then most of the cannabis media is skeptical of any of High Times claims of going public.

Marijuana Can Be Addictive ⁠— Here's How To Spot The Signs Of Cannabis Use Disorder — Photo by David Gabrić via Unsplash

This proclamation of a 420 IPO came as a surprise because the company was essentially shut down with regards to selling its stock according to a story on the Cannabis Law Report. The story reported that because the company hadn’t updated its financial statements since 2019 and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) would not allow the company to sell more shares. Companies are required to provide current financial reports to investors by the SEC. High Times made a big fuss and threatened any reporters who wrote about the issue with legal action, however, the reporting was accurate and the company even noted in its most recent Form U-1 that the offering is pending the updated financial statements.

Horvath told Cheddar reporter Chloe Aiello that the statements could come as soon as March. That hasn’t happened either. “Our audits are progressing. Our books are — by closing our books from the prior year, that qualifies us to move ahead,” he said. “And, that’s imminent. We’re a couple of weeks away from getting our ducks in line.”

Horvath went on to say that High Times was in a much better position than when it last published financial statements in 2019. Back then the magazine experienced “recurring operating losses, net operating cash flow deficits, and an accumulated deficit.” Horvath’s claim that the financial statements were just a couple of weeks away, also did not come true. It is now May and no financial statements have been released. In addition to that, the updated statements wouldn’t include some of the company’s new revenue from its pivot to the dispensary business.

“The sales from our largest dispensary out of the three are more than [High Times] did in the last few years, you know, as a magazine and events company,” he said. “So, I think that’s a pretty big pivot when all sudden, boom, you’ve got assets that are generating revenue.”

Horvath’s Big Talk

Horvath and High Times seem to be made for one another. Both talk a big game and fail to deliver. Horvath had previously been the CEO of Green Growth Brands (GGB) which is no longer in business. Horvath had a retailing background with mainstream brands like Victoria’s Secret and DSW. He frequently stated in the early days of GGB that he was going to show cannabis people how “retail is done.” He wasn’t shy at dismissing cannabis dispensary owners as not knowing what they were doing. Of course, many of those same dispensary owners are thriving, while Horvath ran his company into the ground.

The Best CBD To THC Ratio To Look For In Your Cannabis Products — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

While CEO of GGB, Horvath consistently made business arrangements using GGB stock as payment, like paying for retail consultants. That stock is now worthless. High Times has also made numerous deals in which CEO Adam Levin has paid with High Times stock. Stock that still isn’t tradable and was originally sold at $10 a share. High Times has lately valued the stock at just $1 a share in certain business agreements.

Horvath announced with great fanfare in 2019 that he would be opening a chain of CBD stores in Simon Malls and selling products in DSW Shoe stores. While he did ultimately open over 100 stores, the chain went bankrupt as numerous employees claimed they hadn’t been paid. High Times has also faced lawsuits in the past for not paying writers and employees.

Horvath made lots of headlines for announcing big acquisitions like buying Aphria (APHA), a company that rejected GGB’s offer and has just merged with Tilray to become one of the largest cannabis companies in the industry. Then GGB said it was buying the company Moxie in an all-stock deal valued at $310 million. That deal was called off by December 2019. High Times also has a track record of announcing acquisitions with great fanfare only to have those acquisitions quietly slip away. Acquisitions like Spannibus and The Big Show never materialized and in some cases, sellers complained they never received promised funds according to a big expose in Politico.

How Long Before The Senate Approves The SAFE Banking Act? — Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

Green Growth Brands went belly up with $100 million in debt when it declared bankruptcy. The shareholders ended up with nothing. NY Post at one time said that High Times had over $100 million in debt. However, the company hasn’t filed any financial statements since 2019 and so it’s hard to know what shape the company is in. So, Horvath has experience when it comes to debt of over $100 million.

Horvath is High Times’ third CEO in as many years and many believe he is not an acting CEO. For example, the documents for any recent deals announced by High Times are signed by Chairman Adam Levin, not Horvath.

The Long Awaited Stock

At one point Executive Chairman Adam Levin suggested at the end of December 2020 that the company would launch its stock in the first quarter of 2021. That is what prompted Cheddar to ask when the stock would go public as the first quarter came and went with no IPO. Horvath then hinted the High Times stock may go public in April, which has come and gone. Now the clock is ticking. In March, the company extended the offering to May 21, 2021.

High Times has been trying or at least saying since 2017 that it planned to list on the public markets. Expectations have tempered over time down from a Nasdaq listing and eventually to the current mini-IPO plan on the OTC Markets. The company’s long-awaited debut hinges on its compliance with the Securities Exchange Commission, which requires up-to-date financial reports be filed and available to investors.

High Times cannot close on the offering until it files and releases semi-annual financial statements for the end of 2019 and the first half of 2020. When the company releases these statements, investors might not like what they see. It is expected that the debt is enormous. The company has begun shifting its lucrative assets to a separate subsidiary and no one knows whether the original High Times Holding Company shareholders will have any claims on those assets. High Times said it so far has raised $35 million from more than 30,000 shareholders.

If High Times tanks when the financial statements are finally released, at least the company is in experienced hands.

Colorado Gov. Inks Bill To Expand Student Access To Medical Marijuana

Benzinga Staff Writer

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May 7, 2021

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Colorado Gov. Inks Bill To Expand Student Access To Medical Marijuana

“I’m pleased to sign this bill, which finally will treat cannabis the same way as other prescribed medicines,” — Gov. Jared Polis.

By Jelena Martinovic

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill on Wednesday that would expand access to medical cannabis for school children in need by removing obstacles to its administration.

The new legislation, SB 21-056, removes the discretion from school principals to set policies that regulate storing and administering cannabis-based medicines.

Why Schools Should Be Required To Have Cannabis-Based Medicines For Students — Photo by Green Chameleon via Unsplash

The bill places the responsibility on principals to “create a written treatment plan for the administration of cannabis-based medicine and on school boards to adopt policies regarding actual administration.”

School boards will be called upon to create guidelines on how cannabis medicines should be stored.

Governing bodies are also required to set rules that will allow personnel to voluntarily possess and administer medicinal cannabis to qualifying students.

Gov. Polis said the measure was long overdue and called it “the culmination of communities coming together to make it happen—make change.”

The governor thanked those who worked on the bill, which he praised for lifting the discrimination against those who administer medical cannabis and those students who need it.

“I’m pleased to sign this bill, which finally will treat cannabis the same way as other prescribed medicines,” Polis said.

Another bill also ended up on Polis’s desk, Marijuana Moment reported.

The proposed legislation seeks to raise the amount of lawful cannabis possession for adults from one ounce to two ounces.

Cannabis advocates are enthusiastic about the legislation, which will help those with prior arrest records for cannabis possession.

COVID-19 Vaccine Expected To Get FDA Emergency Approval For Ages 12-15 Next Week — Photo by Scott Webb via Unsplash

Under the bill, courts would be required to approve requests to seal prior records for marijuana possession without consulting with a district attorney.

“Passage of this legislation will ensure that many low-level offenders are not saddled with fines they cannot afford and that law enforcement can focus more of their resources on fighting legitimate crime, rather than interacting with otherwise law-abiding Coloradans because of a minor, nonviolent marijuana offense,” Carly Wolf, state policies manager at NORML, told Marijuana Moment.

Colorado legalized cannabis for recreational use in December 2012. Following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, marijuana sales in Denver spiked 140%.

The Centennial State recently awarded the Aurora-based High Country Supply, which is doing business as Colorado Harvest Co., with its first recreational marijuana delivery permit.

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

5 Weird Places People Have Been Vaccinated

Culture

Maria Loreto

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May 7, 2021

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5 Weird Places People Have Been Vaccinated

Vaccination centers aren’t limited to hospitals and pharmacies. There’s also movie theaters, parking lots and plenty of abandoned buildings.

The vaccination process in the U.S. has gained momentum with every passing day. Over 249 million dosages of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, with the government on track to immunize a significant percentage of the population by the middle of the year. There are lines everyone and most citizens are looking for something close, easy and they can get an appointment. But sometimes it is an odd location, here are 5 weird places people have been vaccinated.

The pandemic has exposed us all to new situations, including vaccination discussions.”What vaccine did you get?” and “Where did you get injected?” are common exchanges these days.

While the majority of vaccines have been administered in hospitals and pharmacies, local governments have had to get creative with their locations, finding places that are big and easy to manage so that more people can get vaccinated.

An abandoned K-Mart

Twitter user Michael Robbins kicked off an epic string after he tweeted that he’d gotten his shot at an abandoned K-Mart. And that’s not dystopian at all.

some vax sites mentioned in the replies: charlotte russe, disneyland, shuttered best buy, “an old speedway,” football stadium, fairgrounds, “extremely ugly pub,” megachurch, shopping mall

— michael röbbins (@alienvsrobbins) March 30, 2021

Six Flags and Disneyland

Grandmother Arrested For CBD Oil Sues Disney World — Photo by ErikAggie via Pixabay

Amusement parks were put on hold for the majority of 2020. Six Flags and Disneyland resort parking lots were transformed into vaccination centers, taking advantage of their large spaces and free flow of air. “It was super easy, extremely well-organized, and definitely the best experience I’ve had at a Six Flags,” Amanda Ach told The Huffington Post.

An abandoned JCPenny

5 Weird Places Where People Have Been Vaccinated — Photo by Pawel Czerwinski via Unsplash

JCPenny, a department store chain beloved by moms and grandmas, are also open for vaccinations. At least some of them are. “The experience was somewhat surreal: Standing in line in an abandoned and empty massive store while people [received] directions and shots from men in uniforms (National Guard) and masks felt post-apocalyptic. But it was also very efficiently organized,” historian Udi Greenberg told HuffPo.

A movie theater

Movie theaters were among the hardest hit businesses in the U.S., forced to close for the majority of 2020 and part of 2021. Someone explained on Twitter that they got their shot by the concession stand. There were still leftover snacks on the counter.

I got vaccinated right by the concession stand at a movie theater! (There was still candy in the cases.)

— Katie Jones ? (@KathleenEJones) March 30, 2021

Texas Motor Speedway

Calling it one of the most Texan experiences she’s ever heard of, this twitter user explained that her parents got their COVID-19 shots in the Texas Motor Speedway. Not what Nascar had in mind, but still a good use of open space.

Still feel like my parents getting their shot at the Texas Motor Speedway is maybe the most Texas thing ever. https://t.co/7o31DfNEZv

— Jet (aka Courtney) Jacobs she/her (@CourtneyEJacobs) March 30, 2021

COVID-19 Symptoms Tend To Appear In This Order

Maria Loreto

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May 7, 2021

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COVID-19 Symptoms Tend To Appear In This Order

New data provides a clearer picture of how the COVID-19 virus works, including the symptoms that tend to appear first for a majority of people.

By now, the majority of us are well aware of the symptoms of COVID-19. Still, the illness remains mysterious, affecting people in a variety of ways.

A recent study gives more understanding on how the virus works, providing a timeline of the symptoms that are common and their order of appearance for the majority of people who’ve had the disease.

How To Stop Coughing So Hard From Marijuana Smoke — Photo by cottonbro via Pexels

Conducted in the University of Southern California, the research was able to determine the general order in which COVID-19 symptoms appear by analyzing data from over 55,000 confirmed cases. This data was obtained from China and then compared with cases of influenza, with researchers noting the differences and the ways in which both illnesses progressed.

While COVID-19 remains highly variable, it usually starts with a fever. Later on, people develop cough and muscle pains. Less common symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are the last to appear.

It’s still very difficult to discern the two diseases in real life but the fever plays an important role; in COVID-19 it’s usually the first symptom to appear while in flus it comes in later. “The study found that patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever,” Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, told Healthline

How CBD And THC Are Changing COVID-19 Treatment — Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

If people begin to feel like they have a fever, it’s critical to isolate and monitor their symptoms. COVID-19 is much more contagious than the flu so it’s very important for people to isolate themselves from other people.

Studies like this paint a more accurate picture of COVID-19, giving people more tools that help them identify it and differentiate it from a flu or a cold. They also help health experts and workers device better systems for identifying COVID-19 and providing guidelines for isolating people, critical in preventing the spread of the virus.

Will Marijuana Odors Be Tolerated After Legalization

Mike Adams

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May 7, 2021

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Will Marijuana Odors Be Tolerated After Legalization

Consumers have been forced underground with the herb all their lives and now that it is finally being recognized as a legal substance, they refuse to keep hiding.

It’s getting to the point where it is almost impossible to be anywhere in the United States and not catch a whiff of marijuana coming from somewhere at some point. More than half the nation has legalized the leaf for medicinal and recreational use.

Even though cannabis users aren’t supposed to smoke the stuff in public, the odors seem to be out there, invading everyone’s olfactory senses, regardless of whether they like it or not. For some folks, the scent of marijuana wafting through the air is not a problem. But the smell can get others noticeably offended.

And it’s not just the old-time conservatives well-adjusted to the ways of pot prohibition taking a stand. Younger people are among those who think marijuana odors in this country are out of control.

whats the best way to get rid of cannabis smell — Photo by Tunatura/Getty Images

In a recent tweet, Kevin Sabat, PhD, President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and author of the book Smokescreen: What The Marijuana Industry Doesn’t Want You To Know, shared a message he received from a 23-year-old Los Angeles, California resident concerned about the invasiveness of marijuana odors.

Not everyone buys stoner logic.

Here’s a 23 year old from LA; I get messages like this very often: pic.twitter.com/9OTBccF8cv

— Kevin Sabet (@KevinSabet) May 3, 2021

“I have awful allergic reactions to the secondhand smoke, and it used to be bearable, but since legalization, you literally can’t walk 2 blocks without smelling it in the air,” the message reads. “Even at my house, I live on top of a hill, and the neighbor at the bottom of the hill, 2 houses away, smokes so much it wafts upward to my backyard. Can’t even enjoy a breazy [sic] day in backyard anymore. I’ve since moved part-time to TN, which has been better, but fear they are trending in the same direction as CA.”

There hasn’t been a heck of a lot of research so far over how Americans have reacted to the increasing odor of marijuana in their neck of the woods. But some of the limited studies we have on the topic show that most are none too crazy about their nostrils being bombarded by bud in public.

In 2019, a poll conducted by PSB Research, Civilized, Burson Cohn & Wolfe and BuzzFeed News found that 51% of the population thinks that public marijuana odors have become problematic. Nearly a quarter of the population even went so far as to say that they “hate” when they catch a whiff of weed while they’re out trying to get dinner or just hang out on the street.

Washington State University — Photo by PhotoAlto/Sanna Lindberg/Getty Images

A lot of cannabis advocates don’t care what non-weed-smoking Americans think about pot odors. In their minds, they’ve been forced underground with the herb all their lives and now that it is finally being recognized as a legal substance, they refuse to keep hiding. Some simply won’t admit that pot odors are a problem. In fact, responding to Sabet’s tweet, some pro-cannabis commenters simply accused him of faking the message. “Seems like you just sent yourself a DM and pretended to be some guy who’s 23 from LA am I right.” Another commenter also thinks the message is bogus. “Don’t think we don’t know you just text yourself Kevin.”

Meanwhile, we live in a society that often dictates that we make concessions with our lifestyles and behaviors to keep the peace. Alcohol and tobacco are legal nationwide. Yet around 30 states have imposed smoking bans, and Americans cannot stumble around drunk in the streets in most places without getting carted off to jail. Without rules, there is chaos. So far, none of the states that have legalized marijuana have put too much effort into controlling pot odors. They’re too busy looking at the financial benefits to give this detail the proper attention.

Early on, some local jurisdictions in Colorado tried to police weed odors, but it wasn’t practical. All in all, the cannabis odor debate just hasn’t stirred up enough frantic energy to become a hard target for change. This is primarily due to cannabis still being illegal under federal law. Once that changes, rest assured groups will come forward and force governmental controls to devise a solution.

Perhaps if states got serious about allowing cannabis lounges to finally take shape (in a way similar to bars) there would be some relief. However, many lawmakers argue that allowing people to gather in public to get stoned will only complicate matters.

Unfortunately, the cannabis legalization issue is not cut and dry. It has multiple layers beyond whether there should be a taxed and regulated market. But just like the nation has done with alcohol and tobacco, the times will adjust. Nevertheless, you can bet the fight over pot odors is just getting started.

Is Donald Trump’s New Social Media Network Just A…Blog?

News

Benzinga Staff Writer

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May 6, 2021

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Is Donald Trump’s New Social Media Network Just A…Blog?

The ability for people to hit the share button for Twitter and Facebook on the blog posts could get Trump’s thoughts published on platforms he is banned on.

By Chris Katje

For months former President Donald Trump has been teasing the launch of a new social media platform after being kicked off of Facebook Inc FB 1.59% and Twitter TWTR 0.54%. A new platform featuring words from Trump has a similar feel to Twitter, but could actually be just a blog.

What Happened: A new section of Donald Trump’s website titled “From the Desk of Donald J. Trump” features short posts from the former president dating back to March 24.

Cannabis In Trouble: Trump's New Budget Doubles Down On Drug War — Photo by Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images

There are buttons for Facebook and Twitter to share the blog posts. A Twitter spokesperson told The Verge sharing content is permitted if the content does not violate Twitter Rules. Twitter did ban an account for @djtdesk believing it is related to Trump.

“Free Speech has been taken away from the President of the United States because the Radical Left Lunatics are afraid of the truth,” Trump shared on the platform after Facebook ruled they would not allow him back on the social network.

Facebook’s Oversight Board ruled Trump violated the terms of service for Facebook repeatedly and he should be banned forever.

Trump’s platform may have been built by Campaign Nucleus, a digital service founded by Brad Parscale, a former Trump campaign manager.

Why It’s Important: Trump has a wide following and his tweets helped create continued news for major sites.

News around the platform launch and new posts by Trump coincided with the decision by Facebook, which could have increased awareness by fans to see what his thoughts and opinions were on the decision.

Donald Trump is the Biggest Hot Mess of All Time — Photo by Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images

People can sign up to get email or text alerts if they provide the information through the new “From the Desk” platform. Staying connected with his followers through the platform could be Trump’s way around the social network bans and a way to gain email addresses and phone numbers for potential political contributions.

The ability for people to hit the share button for Twitter and Facebook on the blog posts could get Trump’s thoughts published on platforms he is banned on.

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

The Stress Level Of This Demographic Has Skyrocketed During The Pandemic

Maria Loreto

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May 6, 2021

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The Stress Level Of This Demographic Has Skyrocketed During The Pandemic

Many students say their parents have maintained their expectations with grades throughout the pandemic, not accounting for the extra stress they’re exposed to.

The pandemic has affected all of us in different ways, but a particularly sensitive subset has been teens. The lack of school and structure, which might have been fun during the first couple of months in the pandemic, has long disappeared. Teens are now coping with full schedules and school work, piled atop of all kinds of pandemic concerns.

This new generation of teenagers has grown with social media, an element that has increased social anxiety in people of all ages. For teens, however, social media has played a pivotal role in a suggestible moment in their lives, increasing their anxiety and depression and making them compare themselves to their peers, thinking that all of them are having a better time than they are. It’s the epicenter of FOMO.

In a pandemic, these anxieties are increased tenfold.

Can Social Isolation From COVID-19 Cause Pornography Compulsion? — Photo by Victoria Heath via Unsplash

According to a national poll, 46% of parents claim their teenagers mental health has worsened. The CDC reports that the amount of 12 to 17-year-olds in ER rooms for mental health reasons has increased 31% in 2020 when compared to numbers in 2019.

After speaking with experts and going over data, the New York Times reports that while remaining isolated and away from school is a big stressor, the biggest problem for teens is the pressure they face to achieve their goals.

Per the Times: “Nearly half of all students reported that the pressure to do well in school had increased since 2019, and over half said their school-related stress overall had risen. Grades, workload, time management, lack of sleep and college fears were the most commonly cited sources of stress. These findings held across socioeconomically diverse schools.”

Teen Stress Has Increased During The Pandemic — Photo by Jeswin Thomas via Unsplash

Many students say their parents have maintained their expectations with grades and behaviors throughout the pandemic, not accounting for the extra stress they’re exposed to.

When it comes to facing these problems and treating teens, CNN provides some helpful tips. “I encourage parents to look for any marked change in their child’s mood or behavior due to anxiety and worry. Stressed kids can present as irritable, avoidant, even withdrawn. And/or their stress might manifest in physical symptoms, including fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, stomach issues and difficulty sleeping.”

It’s recommended to keep an eye on teens’ behaviors, noticing if they’re short tempered, getting angrier than usual or displaying other behaviors that are out of the norm. Talking, listening and creating a safe space for teens might help them sort out their feelings and feel safe.

People Who Skip Breakfast Are More Likely To Develop This

Maria Loreto

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May 6, 2021

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People Who Skip Breakfast Are More Likely To Develop This

When it comes to food and heart health, there are two factors that matter: the kind of food you eat and the timing of it.

While eating three meals a day is the standard set by all guidelines, for a majority of people, it isn’t a reality. It’s difficult to eat all meals when you have to wake up, eat, go to work, eat on the go and then eat again at home. According to a new study, skipping breakfast may create some risks when it comes to your heart health.

Published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, the study was a meta-analysis that looked at seven different studies conducted on breakfast and heart health. While the studies had conflictive evidence, researchers hoped to provide some clarification with an overview of them all.

Over 220,000 participants were analyzed. 22% of them skipped breakfast, experiencing an increase in cardiovascular disease risk.

mornings foods — Photo by Brooke Lark via Unsplash

This isn’t the first time that skipping breakfast has been associated with poor heart health. According to the American Heart Association, people who skip breakfast are more likely to experience diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, all conditions that are related to heart disease.

While all meals are important, breakfast holds a special place in our days. It’s the meal that provides us with that initial burst of energy, determining our moods, helping us concentrate and replenishing the energy and nutrients that your body craves and lost through the night. Breakfast breaks the overnight period of fasting, which is usually long.

How To Reduce Food Waste In Coronavirus — Photo by Jack Sparrow via Pexels

It’s common for people to skip breakfast due to time concerns, prioritizing meals like lunch and dinner. But breakfast is pivotal for a variety of reasons. It helps people maintain their weight, controlling their appetite and preventing them from eating something caloric just because they’ve reached the middle of their day and haven’t had the time to eat a thing.

People who eat breakfast regularly tend to be healthier, in their heart and their lives. If there’s one meal you should prioritize is that one.

Chuck Schumer’s Senate Balancing Act Could Impact Marijuana Reform

Mike Adams

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May 6, 2021

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Chuck Schumer’s Senate Balancing Act Could Impact Marijuana Reform

Schumer needs to make progress on critical issues to earn respect and obtain the necessary power to legalize marijuana. Point blank.

Long before Chuck Schumer was Senate Majority Leader, he believed he would eventually be the guy to eliminate marijuana prohibition nationwide. Now that he’s got the job, however, the task of reforming federal cannabis law is proving more difficult by the day.

Not only must Schumer contend with eventually trying to pass controversial cannabis legislation in a Congress where Democrats only have a slim majority, but he also must watch how he handles other delicate issues or else it could sabotage the necessary votes he needs to advance his pot bill to the next level.

In other words, Senator Schumer is in a tight spot.

Will Chuck Schumer’s Latest Plan To Go Over GOP Heads Help Cannabis Reform? — Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Getty Images

At the moment, Schumer is doing his best to walk the white line down the middle of the road. He’s working on bipartisan efforts while also making promises of progressive change. It all seems to be an attempt to keep the peace and narrow the strong divide that has existed for years in Congress. Still, Schumer can only extend this political olive branch for so long while the parties try to come to terms on topics that they’ve historically disagreed upon. There is little doubt that this people-pleasing tactic will eventually catch up with Schumer and cause his plans to implode.

Schumer needs to make progress on critical issues to earn respect and obtain the necessary power to legalize marijuana. Point blank. He really needs talks over Biden’s infrastructure deal to go smoothly, but that doesn’t seem likely. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell just came out this week and said that absolutely no Republican Senators would get behind the $4 trillion deal.

Unfortunately, time is of the essence. Schumer can’t negotiate with Republicans on this issue too long, as it could rile up liberal Democrats and turn them against him. Let’s be clear, Senate Majority Leader Schumer cannot afford to lose any more support from his own party if he plans to legalize weed. There’s already enough doubt within the party to ensure that Schumer’s promised “comprehensive” marijuana legalization plan, one that is expected to come with expungements for cannabis convictions and policies designed to help small businesses, is dead on arrival.

A handful of Democrats have come out over the past two weeks and expressed disdain for cannabis reform to some degree. They believe that legalizing the leaf, like alcohol and tobacco, would be more of a detriment to the country than a benefit. So, if Schumer’s pot bill (the one that hasn’t yet been introduced) was voted on today in the Senate, it simply would not go.

Sen. Chuck Schumer: It's Time To End Marijuana Prohibition — Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images

So far, Schumer has been good about keeping restless Democrats at bay. But he understands the need to draft policies that can survive the Senate filibuster — a rule requiring a 60-vote supermajority. He still appears to be figuring out how to do this with marijuana reform. Schumer wants to move on specific issues — he’s planning to pass another budget reconciliation bill that can be done without Republican input — but he understands that this too requires some savoir faire. Anything he does from now to the introduction of his long-awaited marijuana legislation could dictate whether it will receive the necessary support to pass Congress.

Perhaps this is why cannabis advocates have only heard Schumer yammer on about this legislation and not yet seen any concrete action. Schumer knows deep down that a push to end federal marijuana prohibition would fail miserably at this juncture. McConnell has already proven to have the power to prevent all GOP Senators from buying in.

Furthermore, conservative lawmakers tend to get bent out of shape when progressives push issues like drug reform in the face of a nation still struggling with economic snags like the country has experienced with COVID. Schumer is no dummy, though. He understands that timing is crucial, so he will likely hold off on his pot bill for a while longer.

On the upside, it is conceivable (although unlikely) that the current negotiations between Democrats and Republicans may include a side note for pot reform. Hey, we’ll budge on this if you’ll budge on that.

Does Emerald Triangle Grow The Best Weed

Terry Hacienda

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May 6, 2021

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Does Emerald Triangle Grow The Best Weed

Seventy-percent of the total population of this area is actively or passively involved in the cannabis industry. Cultivating cannabis is their culture, with techniques passed down through generations of growers.

If you have watched the docuseries “Sasquatch” by Hulu or “Murder Mountain”; a docuseries by Netflix, you’d have an inkling of what goes on in Emerald Triangle.

Located in the northern area of California — about 85 miles north of San Francisco to be precise — lies a lush and green mysterious locality that serves as the prime location for growing the best and highest amount of cannabis in the United States.

Yes, that’s the Emerald Triangle!

California Cannabis After Legalization — Photo by Angela Bacca/Project CBD

Emerald Triangle

The name ” Emerald Triangle” was well thought out. Emerald was used to denoting the green color of the vast marijuana plants that can be found throughout the area. “Triangle” was used to denote that the area was the point three separate counties met. These three counties are Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt counties. These three locales make up the three sides of the triangle making the Emerald Triangle.

The union of these counties boasts of more cannabis than any other area in the states. Added to the fact that their products are of premium quality and considered one of the best in the world.

The area is surrounded by hills and a free expanse of land. The population in each of these counties is sparse compared to other parts of California. The isolated nature of the area makes it perfect for some of its illegal cannabis cultivation.

Federal Marijuana Legalization Could Mimic End Of Alcohol Prohibition — Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

Becoming Emerald Triangle

The transition of a lush area of land into what is now considered the “cannabis holy land” in the united states is astounding.

In 1967, there was a “summer of love” movement in San Francisco. It was a social movement that revolved around a countercultural back-to-the-land initiative. The event saw at least 100,000 people assemble to spread love, as well as a smoke lot of pot.

These people were referred to as “flower children” back then. They all stayed back in this region and quickly took to growing cannabis for their consumption. With time, their farms grew and they began selling their products to sustain their families.

The progress cannabis culture currently has in California was founded by these progressive individuals back in 1967. It was no surprise when less than 30 years later, in 1996, the medical use of marijuana was legalized with the Proposition 215 bill.

The Economy of the Emerald Triangle

Currently, the wide expanse of land is the primary place of residence of almost 250 million people, if not more. Seventy-percent of the total population of this area is actively or passively involved in the cannabis industry. Cultivating cannabis is their culture, with techniques passed down through generations of growers. It is not unusual to see children of all ages working on their families’ cannabis plots in the Emerald Triangle.

The economy of this area would crash when cannabis is legalized for recreational use in California or on the federal level. The illegality of the drug is what makes it seem expensive. When in truth a plant of cannabis should be around the same price as herbs like parsley. Cannabis does not need that much capital to cultivate.

Emerald Triangle had a steady stream of workers coming into town to get employed on one of the fields. Even tourists visit to check out the infamous area. This influx of visitors also adds to the economy in terms of tax revenue given to the local shops.

Growing Cannabis In Emerald Triangle

The topography of this wide expanse of land cloaks the activities of marijuana farmers. The agricultural settlements are scattered across the dense woods and mountains present in the area.

The soil in the emerald triangle has one of the best edaphic factors suitable for the growth of marijuana plants.

Scientists say that the climate and microclimate of this tri-county promote the growth of the different strains of weed grown here.

The unique biodiversity nature of the environment can also not be ignored. It’s almost like the stuff of legends… Perfect balance between rain and sun.

Dumbies Keep Stealing Hemp Crops Thinking They're In 'Marijuana Heaven' — Photo by Bloomberg Creative Photos/Getty Images

Cultivation techniques have been developed around the unique biodiversity present in this area. The farmers tend to use sustainable and environment-friendly methods to cultivate marijuana.

However, there are some bad eggs among them that add chemicals and other non-sustainable practices to increase the size of harvest from their plots — greed, I guess.

Almost 2 million pounds of cannabis were produced last year in Emerald Triangle. With each plant being as tall as 1.5 meters (nearly 5-feet), as well as broad.

Some of the popular weed strains grown in this region include;

Green Lantern
Sour diesel
Banana split
Blackwater
Royal purple kush
White Runtz
Desert diesel
and many more.

Green Rush Blues: Why The Illicit Market Will Thrive In California — Photo via Project CBD

Dangers of Emerald Triangle

The vastness of the emerald triangle makes it very convenient for a person to get lost or in extreme cases murdered. Not only is the area known for its high production of cannabis, but it is also renowned for its crime rate. Especially the Humboldt county.

The docuseries “Murder Mountain” was based on the true stories of crimes committed in the region. The homicide rates seem to increase yearly as the population of the area grows. Some of these deaths are due to disputes between growers and workers, or amidst workers.

Although steps have been taken to curb the crime rates, Humboldt still has a lot of changes to make to lose its alias as “Murder Mountain”.

All indications lead to Emerald Triangle remaining at the forefront of cannabis production in the United States. The way Napa has always been linked to the best wines is the same way Emerald Triangle will remain acclaimed for its premium cannabis.

If you’re looking to visit, schedule your visit for October, fondly referred to as “Croptober” over there. That is the period where the counties will be agog with harvest activities.

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Seventy-percent of the total population of this area is actively or passively involved in the cannabis industry. Cultivating cannabis is their culture, with techniques passed down through generations of growers.

Emerald Triangle

Becoming Emerald Triangle

The Economy of the Emerald Triangle

Growing Cannabis In Emerald Triangle

Dangers of Emerald Triangle

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