How Long Before The Senate Approves SAFE Banking

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May 1, 2021

How Long Before The Senate Approves SAFE Banking

The longer it takes for the Senate to approve the SAFE Banking Act, the longer it takes for traditional financial institutions to render their services to businesses in the cannabis industry.

Marijuana businesses have been operating on an all-cash basis for years now. No thanks to the federal government’s ancient policies that make accessing the services of banks and lenders impossible for hemp-based companies. This circumstance makes the cannabis industry a target of crime.

In 2017, a beacon of hope appeared in the form of a bill called the SAFE Banking Act, though the edict has not been authorized, despite passing the house several times. This begs the question, “How long before the Senate approves the SAFE Banking Act?”.

How The House Approved MORE Act Would Jack Up The Economy — Photo by Hillary Kladke/Getty Images

The SAFE Banking Act and Its Origin

The Secure and Fair Engagement Banking (SAFE) Act was originally sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado in 2017. Since this initial introduction, it has been introduced eight more times to the House.

The newest and modified version of this bill passed recently on April 19, but, hopes can’t be raised right now because it is not the first version of this bill to pass the House.

As is the usual procedure, after a bill has passed the House, it has to be approved by the Senate, after which it can finally be signed into law by the President. The longer it takes for the Senate to approve SAFE Banking Act, the longer it takes for traditional financial institutions to render their services to businesses in the cannabis industry.

This regulation is the only progressive step that can be taken to curb the financial problems facing the US cannabis industry.

It will resolve the confusion between cannabis businesses in marijuana-legalized areas and non-legalized areas.

To make this clearer, currently, a marijuana enterprise in a state that has legalized the use of marijuana will still have problems procuring the assistance of financial organizations in that state.

This is because these institutions are restricted by federal regulators from extending services to businesses that are founded on cannabis plant sources.

Erring banks can be punished for failing to adhere to these regulations.

So, it doesn’t matter if the region a canna-business is located has legalized the use of marijuana or not, the federal law trumps all.

This has affected the cannabis industry so much, some entrepreneurs have had to close shops because they couldn’t access needed loans to grow, expand their companies or even recover from unforeseen events that wiped their inventories.

As soon as the SAFE Banking Act is signed into law, federal regulators would be unable to sanction these financial facilities for rendering their services to cannabis companies and their workforce.

How Cannabis Banking Bill Fares In Senate Will Dictate Future Of National Marijuana Reform — Photo by
krisanapong detraphiphat/Getty Images

One of the current Sponsors of the bill, Sen. Berkeley said in a statement recently that ‘it is extremely dangerous for legal marijuana businesses to run all-cash operations in the community’.

These companies are forced to cart around bags filled with cash to pay for their business expenses. Making them exposed to robbery attacks, organized crime, and money laundering schemes.

The senator also reiterated that the issue is of utmost importance and the law is needed for public safety.

An Overview of the 2021 SAFE Banking Act

The 2021 bill is a slightly modified rendition of the 2019 and 2017 SAFE banking act. There are added protections for the banks that would be serving cannabis-related businesses. All these juicy additions were included to cajole the bipartisan senate members to approve the bill.

The cannabis businesses are also protected by this bill

The 2021 version that was adopted a few days ago passed by a vote of 321 to 101.

Despite the senate-house being the death ground of the previous versions, there have been a lot of positive speculations that the bill will be approved by the Senate in a few weeks or months—Lesser amount Of opposition, and there is more support from senators that see the commonsense in the bill.

The bill will secure the future of thousands of workers in the cannabis industry, as well as ensure small hemp businesses have access to capital or loans required to keep their businesses afloat and profitable.

The playing ground would be equal for all small, medium, and large-scale cannabis entrepreneurs.

“The SAFE bill will provide ample assurance to all traditional financial institutions. It would ensure that they’re comfortable and confident enough to render their services to businesses in the cannabis industry” said Morgan Fox, the director of media relations for the group.

Future Of The SAFE Banking Act

While it is almost certain that this bill will be passed this year, it does not promise to be hitch-free.

One of the senators in the Senate banking committee, Sherrid Brown, has said that he is not yet fully convinced about the bill. He added that there are other things to be considered—like the sentencing reform— before the bill can have its full backing.

The chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Sen. Mike Crapo, has not called any meeting on the bill yet, and reports say that he is against the proposal until it is modified to include some terms and conditions which have been considered illogical to the growth of the cannabis industry.

For instance, Chairman Crapo says the bill should have a condition that reads “all cannabusiness in need of financial services from banks mush have a THC content of at most 2%”. This is untenable.

The fact that it was approved by an extremely bipartisan house gives the bill an optimistic future. Also, the bill has massive support from the American Banking Association.

At the last count, more than a third of the chamber is fully vested in approving this bill. And there are now over 30 cosponsors long with the original sponsors of the bill.

The SAFE Banking act is a big deal for entrepreneurs and employees in the marijuana industry. The approval of this bill will not only provide banking reforms for the cannabis industry but would also kick start the process of legalizing the drug.

Yes, banking reforms are just a temporary solution, the most effective solution is delisting cannabis from being a Schedule 1 drug. Interestingly, the MORE Act is all about this. The sooner the SAFE Acts get approved, the earlier the MORE Act can be worked on.

5 Tips To Help You Manage Nighttime Anxiety

Maria Loreto

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April 30, 2021

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5 Tips To Help You Manage Nighttime Anxiety

Nighttime anxiety is very common. Here are some tips to help you manage it.

Anxiety during any time of the day is terrible, but if you were to choose the worst time for anxiety to strike, the majority of people would agree on nighttime. Thinking about all the stuff you have to do, awkward encounters with people or a random comment you made can quickly leave you feeling uncomfortable and like you’re not good enough.

Anxiety during the night results in loss of sleep, tossing and turning, and anxiety spirals, which not only ruin your night, but also the following morning. Despite all of this, nighttime is one of the most common times to experience anxiety, since our guard is down, allowing the weight of our day to hit us with full force. Since we don’t have anything else occupying our time when we’re sleeping, we become vulnerable to intrusive thoughts.

Here are 5 tips that can help you avoid nighttime anxiety:

Create a bedtime routine

Evidence Explains Why Sleeping 8 Hours A Night Is So Difficult — Photo by Kinga Cichewicz via Unsplash

Bedtime routines not only prevent nighttime anxiety, they also make it easier to wake up in the morning. While this is definitely a process that takes some time, it helps you get better at sleeping, which is a skill we should strive for. Make a bedtime routine that works for you, whether that means turning off your screens an hour before sleeping, incorporating reading time in your bed or making your bedroom the most peaceful space you can manage.

Try a breathing exercise

Stopping to take a breath in the middle of a sweaty anxiety spiral might not sound effective, but it is. Tricking your body by breathing in and out calmly will trick you into feeling like there’s nothing chasing you, which is actually the truth. Breathing exercises are some of the best tools at your disposal when experiencing anxiety, reentering your body and giving it something to hold on to.

Get up from bed

5 Online Bookclubs To Join Now That You're Spending More Time At Home — Photo by Thought Catalog from Pexels

If the anxiety is preventing you from staying calm, get up from bed and do something that requires low light and effort. Organize your laundry or your closet, or turn on your lamp and read some pages of a book. While this will rob you of some time of sleep, it’ll likely distract you and stop you from getting increasingly more anxious.

Go over your day

burnout is now an official medical condition — Photo via rawpixel.com

Another activity that can also help you is to go over the events of your day, trying to find whatever caused anxiety. This review of your day will distract you and will also provide you with some perspective.

Try to have some perspective

cannabidiol milk — Photo by Eli DeFaria via Unpslash

Speaking of which, perspective is important to have when experiencing anxiety. Chances are, you are not in a “fight or flight” situation when you’re lying in bed, despite what your mind is telling you. Remind yourself that your anxiety is temporary and that tomorrow is a new day, where you’ll get plenty of opportunities to resolve whatever is disturbing you. For now, there’s likely not a lot you can do, so your anxiety is just making your life more difficult for you.

Terpene Flavor Guide: Where Cannabis Gets Its Taste

Green Market Report

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April 30, 2021

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Terpene Flavor Guide: Where Cannabis Gets Its Taste

Cannabis strains have unique terpenes that are responsible for their aroma. Whether your strain of choice smells lemony (limonene), spicy (caryophyllene) floral (linalool) or piney (alpha-pinene), your nose knows what it prefers.

By Alfonso Colasuonno, Researcher and Writer at Goldleaf Ltd

Terpenes can be found in almost all species of flora. They are chiefly responsible for the aromatic and flavor diversity in the plant kingdom. Simple chemical compounds, terpenes are created to help plants defend themselves against threats and to attract beneficial species. In Cannabis sativa, terpenes are produced in the resin glands along with the cannabinoids and often work together to enhance or alter the effects of one another.

This list houses information about the most common and abundant terpenes found in cannabis, including their flavors and known medical benefits. For full guides and artistic visualizations, view the terpene infographics from Goldleaf.

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

LINALOOL

This terpene’s hallmark is its floral scent, reminiscent of sharp and sweet wildflowers. It is also found in lavender, laurel, birch and rosewood. It has calming and sedative properties and can help relieve anxiety.

Medical value: analgesic, anti-epileptic, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety.

β- CARYOPHYLLENE

Known to have an aroma that is peppery, woody and spicy, this is the only terpene proven to interact with the endocannabinoid system (CB2) in our bodies. It is also found in basil, oregano, pepper, and cinnamon leaves.

Medical value: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, sleep aid.

α PINENE

The most common and abundant naturally occurring terpene, it is a main contributor to cannabis’ tell-tale piney aroma. It is also found in many conifer species and herbs such as sage. It is known to enhance memory and alertness.

Medical value: anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator.

A Primer On The Science Of Cannabis Terpenes And Cannabinoids — Photo courtesy of Trail Blazin’

MYRCENE

Described as earthy and musky, this terpene is prevalent in most all strains of cannabis. It is known to enhance THC uptake and contributes to the sedating and calming effects often associated with indica. Myrcene is also found in mango, hops, thyme, and citrus.

Medical value: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, sedative.

HUMULENE

Another strong contributor to the tell-tale “earthy” aroma of cannabis, this terpene is also present in hops and coriander. Humulene can act as an appetite suppressant and offers potent anti-inflammatory abilities.

Medical value: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, analgesic.

TERPINEOL

Due to its pleasant aroma reminiscent of lilac and flower blossoms, it is often used in cosmetic products such as soaps. It is often found in higher concentrations alongside pinene, which unfortunately may mask its scent. It is known to have relaxing effects.

Medical value: antibacterial, anti-anxiety, immunostimulant.

LIMONENE

This terpene is normally found in higher concentrations in sativa varieties and is associated with elevated mood. It can be found in the rinds of various citrus fruits, juniper, and mint. Limonene has a unique ability to quicken the absorption of other terpenes in the body.

Medical value: anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, gastroesophageal reflux, antifungal.

terpenes — Photo by Kirill Vasikev/EyeEm/Getty Images

TERPINOLENE

Having a piney aroma with notes of herbs and wildflower, this terpene is often used in perfumes and as an insect repellant. It is also found in rosemary, sage, and Monterey cypress. Terpinolene has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer effects and as a sedative.

Medical value: sedative, anti-tumor.

GERANIOL

Creating a delightfully sweet smell akin to roses, this terpene is present in geraniums, lemons, and tobacco and is often used in perfumes and other cosmetics. It is also an effective mosquito repellant.

Medical value: neuroprotective, anti-fungal, anti-tumor.

VALENCENE

Getting its name due to its high concentration in Valencia Oranges, this terpene has a citrusy sweet aroma. It is also found in grapefruits, tangerines, and some herbs. It is common in many strains of cannabis and is shown to be a powerful tick and mosquito repellant.

Medical value: *still being researched.

What Are Heirloom Marijuana Strains, Exactly? — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

OCIMENE

Found in a wide variety of botanicals, it is known for its sweet and woodsy scent. Plants use ocimene to defend themselves against pests in nature. It is also found in mint, parsley, pepper, basil, orchids, and kumquats.

Medical Value: antifungal.

BISABOLOL

Also carrying a distinct floral aroma, this terpene is prevalent in chamomile and likely responsible for many of its medical benefits. It can be used to heal wounds due to its antibacterial properties.

Medical value: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.

EUCALYPTOL

Commonly associated with the Eucalyptus tree, this terpene has an iconic spicy and fresh scent. It is used in a variety of products such as cough suppressants, mouthwash, and deodorants and has many proven uses. It is a mainstay in traditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicine.

Medical value: analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, sleep aid.

Sources: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI); SC Labs Inc; “Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules“, Andre CM, Hausman JF, Guerriero G.

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

What Researchers Get Wrong About Marijuana’s High

Terry Hacienda

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April 30, 2021

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What Researchers Get Wrong About Marijuana’s High

While it’s important to have a fixed standard of intoxication for cannabis, we should not simply put up a number arbitrarily.

Researchers in Australia found that you can be stoned for up to 10 hours depending on the means and the potency of the cannabis you consume.

Impairment is important because it will be the indicator that determines whether people can drive or not. Currently there are no real standards for the duration of intoxication mainly because cannabis impairment differs from person to person.

For example, depending on your tolerance levels, a high could last you as little as an hour. Yet the prevalence of THC would be high. Therefore, the presence of THC does not indicate intoxication, but due to the lagging nature of law reform, the “presence of THC” could be more than enough to revoke one’s license.

Smoking More Weed Gets You Higher — Until A Point — Photo by Alex Moiseev via Unsplash

Now according to these researchers, an edible can last up to 10 hours whereas smoking high potency pot could last up to three hours. This information helps consumers more than it helps law enforcement however and does nothing to protect cannabis patients from legal scrutiny.

How does one measure impairment?

I wrote recently about the DRUID app, which tests your response time to basic eye-motor responses. This in my opinion is one of the more accurate means of detecting minor impairment, at least to the point where we can see “reaction time” being affected.

We know that THC prevalence in the blood does nothing in terms of indicating whether someone is stoned or not. This is because THC binds to lipids and can remain in your body at detectable levels for up to a month afterwards.

Trace elements of THC can be found up to 90 days after consumption.

Another way that law enforcement measures impairment is through making the suspected driver do a few motor skill exercises to indicate whether they are impaired or not.

But as the DRUID founder told me, people can learn how to beat those tests with enough practice. You may be drunk or stoned, but you can train your muscle memory to ace the test — and some drunks do just that!

Why non-stoners shouldn’t be the only ones “determining things”

Why is it that “non-consumers” are telling consumers how to consume? This is something that I have noticed a while now – we have most of our “drug laws” created by people who have never consumed a single “drug” in their lives.

Some may argue that you need an “objective assessment” on the nature of drugs to determine how one should and should not consume them. The problem with this assessment is that without actually experiencing the drug itself, how would you know how it affects the individual?

woman lying on bed — Photo by Kinga Cichewicz via Unsplash

It’s not the same to know what happens in the brain when you’re looking at it through an MRI Scan than it is to experience the alterations within the brain. Yet, researchers believe that they “know” what it’s like.

I ask: Do these researchers that have determined that you’re stoned between 3-10 hours ever been stoned themselves? If so, how much? Do they know how a seasoned cannabis user metabolizes cannabis or are what are their indications for an “average consumer”?

You see, consuming cannabis is purely subjective and over time, as you increase your tolerance threshold, the effects will diminish.

How then can you definitively say that “at least 3-hours” without doing tests on the person right after they smoked weed?

We do need some standard don’t we?

This is also an important point: We do need some “standard” for intoxication. Unlike alcohol, where the blood-alcohol level is a pretty reliable indicator of impairment, cannabis does not have the same reliability.

This is why tech solutions like the DRUID app is being explored. There are other means also currently in production to test this because we do need a standard.

The ultimate purpose of these kinds of tests is to make the roads safer for people. We don’t want people to be driving under the influence of drugs mainly because they are sitting behind the wheel of an accelerating piece of metal (aka their cars).

However, while it’s important to have a fixed standard of intoxication for cannabis, we should not simply put up a number arbitrarily.

I personally think at least two hours is enough time to reduce ones high if you’re smoking. I agree however that if you’re eating edibles, you should probably just not drive at all.

How long does it take you to get sober?

Depending on the strain and the potency, I get “soberish” after about 90 minutes. Of course, I’ve been smoking weed for more than 20-years and have a pretty good understanding of my own tolerance levels.

It would be interesting to know — at least from a purely subjective perspective — how long it takes for you to get sober after smoking weed.

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

You Can Now Book (And Get A Ride To) Your Vaccine Appointment Through Uber

Maria Loreto

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April 29, 2021

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You Can Now Book (And Get A Ride To) Your Vaccine Appointment Through Uber

It just got easier to get vaccinated thanks to a new set of features announced by Uber.

In an attempt to help get more people vaccinated, Uber has announced a set of new features that includes the ability to book a vaccine appointment (and ride to said appointment) through their app.

According to Uber:

We know that by making it easier to get to and from their appointments, more people will get vaccinated. So we’re partnering with Walgreens to make getting that shot as easy as booking a ride with Uber. Starting today nationwide, with just the tap of a button, you can reserve a vaccine as well as your ride there, all through your Uber app.

The vaccine appointment service functions nationwide. Per Walgreens, COVID-19 vaccines are available in over 9,000 locations across the country, with more availability as states loosen up their vaccination guidelines.

Are Amazon, Uber, Etc. The Future Of Post-Pandemic Cannabis? — Photo by Kai Pilger via Unsplash

Another feature that Uber announced includes a partnership with car rental services such as Hertz, Avis and Budget, which offers customers the ability to rent cars through their app and have them delivered without interacting with people. For an extra fee, users can have the car delivered straight to their homes by an Uber driver, avoiding having to get inside a car with someone else. This service will start in May and will only be available in Washington D.C. It’s expected to expand to other states by the latter half of the year.

Other features announced include the ability to bundle deliveries in a single trip, allowing users to order grocery items and take out and have them delivered in one go. People will also be able to preorder take out from restaurants that are closed, and more, which sounds like a lot of work for Uber drivers.

Despite Uber’s growth and impressive roster of partnerships, 2020 was a rough year for ride share apps. The company is now facing a driver shortage due to stressful working conditions, very low wages and a decrease in business due to the pandemic.

With new features and lures like bonus pay and raises for their drivers, Uber hopes to catch up. We’ll have to see how the coming months develop, whether the number of COVID-19 cases decrease and if people feel comfortable enough to use ride sharing apps for their day to day activities.

Are Employers Allowed To Issue COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates For Employees?

Alicia Altenau

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April 29, 2021

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Are Employers Allowed To Issue COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates For Employees?

Very few employers are currently planning on requiring a COVID vaccine as a condition of returning to or continuing employment.

As the COVID vaccine is rolled out, many employers are asking a big question: Can we mandate a COVID vaccine in order for employees to return to their physical place of work? The answer will often be “yes,” although there are significant restrictions and qualifications.

EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION

COVID vaccines are being rolled out under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), rather than through the regular Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process. This path creates a question about whether employers can institute a COVID vaccine mandate as a condition of employment because the EUA process moves much fast in comparison to the time it would take if these COVID vaccines were subject to standard FDA approval. Under an EUA, recipients of the vaccine must be counseled that they have the “option to accept” the vaccine, as well as told the “consequences for refusal.” At this point, it may be enough for an employer to counsel employees that one of the “consequences for refusal” may be loss of hours or potentially even exclusion from the worksite. According to a blog post from Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, there is at least one case, in New Mexico, that is testing the boundaries of a COVID vaccine mandate under the EUA. It is likely that there will be more tests in the future.

VACCINES CAN BE REQUIRED – WITH EXCEPTIONS

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Coalition (EEOC), a COVID vaccine mandate is not in and of itself a medical exam, and therefore does not implicate potential Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues, and may be a work qualification for the health or safety of the workplace. However, if the employer wants to offer the vaccine on-site, asking the prescreening questions could be considered a medical exam, because the questions could uncover a disability. Generally, it will create less liability for the employer to institute a COVID vaccine mandate, but have the employees go to a third-party, off-site provider to receive the vaccine.

An Essential Legal Marijuana Guide For US Employers — Here Are The Rules — Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Once the employer begins requiring the vaccine, if the employees get vaccinated during the time they would ordinarily be working, the employer needs to pay for that time, even if the employee receives the vaccine off-site. However, if the employer merely requires the vaccine, but the employee receives the vaccine off-site and on their own time, the employer does not have to pay the employee for the time it took to get vaccinated.

Finally, if the employer is requiring proof of vaccination (for example, review of the employee’s COVID vaccine card), the employer should not ask follow-up questions to determine why the employee did not receive the shot, since that could also potentially uncover disabilities.

EXEMPTIONS TO A COVID VACCINE MANDATE

There are two main exemptions to an employer’s COVID vaccine mandate. First, if an employee has a sincere religious belief, practice, or observance, the employee may propose a reasonable accommodation in lieu of receiving a COVID vaccine. The employer does not have to provide the requested accommodation if it would pose an undue hardship to the business, meaning something more than a nominal cost. The employer may offer another accommodation, as well – the employer does not have to provide the employee’s preferred accommodation solely because the employee asked for a specific accommodation.

Second, if the employee provides a disability-related or medical reason for not getting the vaccine, the employer should again evaluate the requested accommodation. If the proposed accommodation would cause significant difficulty or expense, (in light of the nature and cost of the accommodation, the facility and employer’s financial resources and the number of employees, and the effect on operations) then the employer does not have to provide the accommodation.

In either case, potential accommodations could include additional personal protective equipment, alternative shifts, off-site work (if available), leave, modifying job duties, and temporarily reassigning the employee.

INCENTIVES

Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and the EEOC allow employers to offer incentives for getting vaccinated, but these incentives should, in general, be non-discriminatory. That means that the incentives should not result in a pay disparity between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals and should not require information that is otherwise protected, such as personal health information.

Top 5 Perks At Work — Photo by Matthew Henry via Burst

Under the Trump Administration, the EEOC proposed rules allowing small incentives for COVID vaccine, such as water bottles or small gift cards from employers. As part of a broader effort to re-orient several federal agencies, these rules were pulled back by the Biden administration. More rule making around vaccine incentives is expected, but as of this writing, no rules or guidance materials have been published by the Biden Administration.

BOLI has specifically approved a system that would allow employers to provide a bonus to all employees once a certain threshold of vaccines has been reached. Other options would be providing a certain amount of paid leave for employees who receive the vaccine, and also for employees who provide documentation of an exemption. Fred Meyer offers a $100 incentive to employees who get vaccinated, and also for those with an exemption who complete a safety course.

Biden recently announced a paid leave program to allow for employees to qualify for paid leave while they get vaccinated and recover from any COVID vaccine side effects. The IRS should reimburse smaller employers for this cost, but as this is a recent development, no regulations or guidance are yet available.

BOTTOM LINE

Very few employers are currently planning on requiring a COVID vaccine as a condition of returning to or continuing employment. If you are one of those employers, it is important to work with an employment law attorney on forming a COVID vaccine agreement that lays out what is required, how the program will be implemented, how to handle exemptions, and whether incentives will be instituted.

Alicia is a business transactions attorney with experience in highly regulated industries. She works with a wide range of marijuana and hemp clients providing strategic counsel and unique insights. You can contact Alicia Altenau at info@gl-lg.com or 503-488-5424.

This article originally appeared on Green Light Law Group and has been reposted with permission.

How CBD Blocks The Paranoia And Anxiety From Marijuana’s THC

Brendan Bures

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April 29, 2021

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How CBD Blocks The Paranoia And Anxiety From Marijuana’s THC

A recent Canadian study demonstrates how CBD blocks the negative side effects caused by marijuana’s THC.

A common refrain from those who abstain from marijuana consumption is that smoking weed gets them paranoid. The green stuff turns their brain red, blasting their synapses with anxiety and panic. Neil Young has some pretty good advice if this happens to you. “Try black pepper balls if you get paranoid. Just chew two or three pieces,” Young told Howard Stern back in 2014. “I just found this out myself.”

But a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests there’s something even more helpful you can consume — cannabidiol, or CBD. Using rat models, researchers discovered those paranoid thoughts you might experience while smoking marijuana is no apparition. THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, stimulates a molecule located in the brain’s hippocampus, where memory, learning, and emotional associations are often stored.

which cbd product is the right one for you — Photo by seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images

When that molecule is triggered, the study found, it can have side effects of anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors.

Scientists then tried giving rats CBD and THC simultaneously and discovered lower levels of anxiety and paranoia. In addition, the molecule in the hippocampus, called extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK), maintained normal levels of activity. To put it more clearly, CBD blocked the negative side effects that marijuana’s THC can typically cause.

“Our findings have important implications for prescribing cannabis and long-term cannabis use. For example, for individuals more prone to cannabis-related side-effects, it is critical to limit use to strains with high CBD and low THC content,” said researcher and professor Steven Laviolette.

That said, these scientists didn’t find lower levels of ERK and anxiety when administering CBD on its own. As the Western University researchers told Global News, CBD and THC are a combination that operate best in unison.

“However, by co-administering CBD and THC, we completely reversed the direction of the change on a molecular level,” the study’s lead author Roger Hudson said, adding that “CBD was also able to reverse the anxiety-like behavior and addictive-like behavior caused by the THC.”

The CDC Updated Face Mask Guidelines — Here’s What That Means For You

Maria Loreto

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April 29, 2021

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The CDC Updated Face Mask Guidelines — Here’s What That Means For You

The CDC claims it’s safe for vaccinated people to stop wearing masks outdoors. Here’s what you should know.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new face mask guidelines that specifically address fully vaccinated people. According to health experts, these people no longer need to wear masks in small outdoor gatherings and a variety of other situations.

Updated face mask guidelines include not having to wear face masks when dining outdoors with friends (unvaccinated people should still wear their masks) and when gathering indoors with other people who have also been vaccinated.

In order to be considered “fully vaccinated,” two weeks must have passed after you’ve had your Johnson & Johnson single shot or the second dose of the Pzifer and Moderna vaccines.

outdoor gathering — Photo by Ella de Kross via Unsplash

The CDC provided clarification for a variety of situations. They said that vaccinated people were able to do different outdoor activities like working out with members of their household or attending a small gathering with other vaccinated family members and friends, all without having to wear a face mask.

If unvaccinated people attend, they can remain without face masks as long as they comply with social distancing measures.

Vaccinated people can also dine outside with friends and family of other households.

Things get murky outdoors when there’s large amount of people involved. The CDC still requires the use of masks for “crowded, outdoor event, like a live performance, parade, or sports event.” According to CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, this is due to the amount of people you’ll likely encounter and interact with.

“This is asking people to use common sense. A few people from different households at an outdoor barbecue poses a much lower risk than a few hundred people at a packed concert,” said Wen.

For the most part, outdoor activities are safe. Still, factors like community transmission; length of the gathering; and amount of unvaccinated people in attendance; should be kept in mind, since they can increase risk.

Now that we’re over a year into the pandemic with the majority of people being able to get their shot, it’s important to remind ourselves of all that we’ve learned over the previous months. Activities where there’s shouting, singing or heavy breathing are riskier. So are large gatherings.

As long as you use common sense and slowly ease into normalcy you’ll do your part in keeping yourself and others safe.

Marlboro Maker Is Eying Cannabis Industry

Mike Adams

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April 29, 2021

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Marlboro Maker Is Eying Cannabis Industry

Philip Morris is looking beyond smoking to stay better situated in the market, there’s probably a reason for it.

Ever since cannabis legalization started taking hold across the United States, advocates have spun a wealth of concerns shrouded in conspiracy theories about how their precious plant would one day be owned by the tobacco companies.

Several fake news stories surfaced years ago suggesting that Marlboro had already jumped into the cannabis game and was selling joints in legal states. None of that was true, of course, but the scenario wasn’t too far-fetched. It turns out Philip Morris, maker of Marlboro, is presently eying the cannabis industry to see where it fits in.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Philip Morris CEO Andre Calantzopoulos said the company was carefully monitoring the cannabis market and watching how regulations unfold. “We are doing all this work and will determine one day what avenues to pursue,” he said. “But our priority is what we’re doing with our smoke-free products, and that’s where I would stay on cannabis.”

Unlike the cannabis industry itself, Philip Morris seems to understand that “smoking” is being phased out by health-conscious individuals and governmental controls. Cigarettes are no longer as prevalent in civil society, forcing tobacco companies to explore smoke-free products for the sake of longevity.

Meanwhile, the Biden Administration is expected to take action soon against the tobacco companies by banning menthol cigarettes. Although tobacco sales are declining, the consumption of these products remains one of the leading causes of health issues. Sure, the anti-tobacco movement is something that’s going to take years to get sorted out, not to mention countless court battles. But this fight is without a doubt one that will be fought to the bitter end. It’s just a matter of time before similar targets are placed on the back of smoked cannabis.

Can CBD Help You Quit Smoking Cigarettes? — Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie via Unsplash

To be fair, the cannabis industry is not all joints and blunts these days. Smokeless products like edibles, oils and beverages are gaining more popularity on the scene. Still, research shows that the average pot consumer still prefers smoking as a primary method of consumption. So we will not likely see a day anytime soon when cannabis companies abandon smokable cannabis products.

Health advocates, however, could eventually step in and make life hard for weed. Some are already on it, saying that smoke is smoke, it’s all unhealthy and could increase the risk of cancer.

“Smoke from marijuana combustion has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants and carcinogens as tobacco smoke,” according to a report from the American Lung Association.

Federal lawmakers hope to design a national cannabis policy that prevents Big Tobacco and Big Alcohol from getting involved with cannabis. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said recently that his bill to end federal marijuana prohibition would cater to small businesses, not large corporations.

“We don’t want the big tobacco companies and the big liquor companies to swoop in and take over,” he said.

You Won't Guess Which Canadians Are The Biggest Marijuana Users — Photo by LordHenriVoton/Getty Images

National cannabis advocates are right there with him. They want to stop this intermingling from happening before it gets out of hand. In a recent article, NORML said the alcohol and tobacco companies have already banded together to create a powerful lobby group to ensure national cannabis policy goes in their favor. “These corporate interests are seeking to swoop in and shape the landscape in a manner that works best for them, not for you,” the organization wrote.

This attitude doesn’t seem to scare Philip Morris. It has actually been dabbling in cannabis for some time. Around five years ago, the company invested in an Israeli cannabis firm called Syque Medical to pursue consumption technologies that are less harmful to the user. It is all part of their “Beyond Nicotine” strategy.

We’re going out on a limb and saying that if Philip Morris is looking beyond smoking to stay better situated in the market, there’s probably a reason for it. Cannabis firms wanting to rise to that level once the U.S. goes entirely legal will need to carry that wisdom and thoughtfulness as they break ground on a whole new way of selling weed. Because rest assured, if it goes legal federally, there will be more regulations to contend with.

Do Cannabis Products Over Promise And Under Deliver

Cannabis

Mike Adams

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April 28, 2021

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Do Cannabis Products Over Promise And Under Deliver

Cannabis consumers, especially newcomers hoping to find a cure for their specific condition, should manage their expectations when using this plant.

It is safe to say by now that most of those who follow the what’s what in the grand scheme of the marijuana movement have encountered just about every fathomable medical claim associated with cannabis. All one needs to do is get into a quick Google search to find several sources suggesting that medical marijuana is useful in the treatment of severe health conditions from Alzheimer’s disease to pain.

And there always seems to be a new study emerging onto the scene, telling the tale about how legal marijuana “might” have all sorts of secondary benefits like curbing the opioid epidemic, reducing minor consumption rates, and increasing property values.

But at the end of the day, while the majority of the United States population appears open to the possibility that cannabis might be a miracle plant, there still isn’t much evidence showing it is. So we have to ask: Do cannabis products over promise and under deliver?

The cannabis industry spends a lot of time trying to convince their customers that marijuana is something they can use to be more productive during their waking hours as well as help them get uninterrupted sleep once the day is done. Many cannabis companies have developed a variety of strains and products, promising that they will either increase the user’s energy level or toss them into the ultimate state of relaxation.

The desired effect, or so they say, really comes down to two cannabis classifications: Sativa or Indica. Sativa strains are known for providing users with a chatty, take over the world buzz, while Indica is supposed to be its ultra-chill counterpart.

But is this real?

Researchers from the University of British Columbia say, probably not. They published a study in the fall of 2018 showing that cannabis strains, regardless of their names and purported effects, are all basically the same. Surprisingly, after both classes of weed were put under a microscope, researchers found that THC and CBD ratios had very little to do with the effects of the strain. Many times, they said, Indica strains have just as much THC as those breeds claiming to be Sativa.

Assorted cannabis bud strains.
Roxana Gonzalez/Shutterstock.com

“The THC content can be identical between these two classification groups,” the study authors wrote.

Okay, so, if cannabis strains do not have distinguishing characteristics like we’ve been told are so important ⁠— we need THC to feel it, and CBD to do everything else ⁠— how could they be producing different effects?

Researchers said that we might not be giving enough credit to the 100 or so other cannabinoids in any given strain. The study suggests that unsung cannabinoids like Cannabichromene (CBC) and Cannabinol (CBN) might be responsible for more of the therapeutic benefits than anything else. But nobody sells cannabis based on these silent components.

Legal states only require pot producers to publish the THC and CBD content on their packaging. Therefore, it is safe to say that the average budtender doesn’t have enough plant knowledge to guide the customer into the perfect strain for his or her specific condition. It is almost as though the industry is out here guessing and hoping for the best.

And that’s probably true.

Israeli Firm Says Medical Marijuana Best Taken In Microdosing Format — Photo by Esther Kelleter/EyeEm/Getty Images

What we know so far is that cannabis has the potential to treat minor (we repeat, minor) health conditions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which consists of some of the country’s leading scientific minds, came forward last year with a detailed analysis over the health effects associated with the use of cannabis. After examining some 10,000 studies on the subject of medical marijuana, the group concluded that cannabis is beneficial in the treatment of some pain conditions, nausea associated with chemotherapy, spasms and insomnia.

But that’s about it. They found no evidence that it can cure cancer or even ease the symptoms of epilepsy. Furthermore, the research also showed that smoking cannabis comes with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Americans are being promised a “safer” medicine with cannabis, but are we really getting it?

Well, we just need to calm down a little and perhaps stop being so quick to buy into the hype. Much more research is needed before we have a grip on the healing powers of cannabis. We could one day learn that the therapeutic reach of medical marijuana is stronger than we ever imagined. On the other hand, we could just as easily find out that the herb possesses no more medicinal superpowers than a can of beer.

Cannabis consumers, especially the newcomers hoping to find a cure for their specific condition, should manage their expectations when using this plant. Because all of the exciting promises made by the cannabis companies might not deliver as advertised.

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Cannabis consumers, especially newcomers hoping to find a cure for their specific condition, should manage their expectations when using this plant.

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