5 Things To Celebrate 4/20

Maria Loreto

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April 18, 2021

Smoking marijuana with friends on 4/20 is a time-honored tradition. But now that we’re social distancing, here’s what you can do instead.

This year’s 4/20 will be different. Most of the country will spend the day indoors, complying with social distancing regulations and avoiding meet-ups with their fellow marijuana loving friends. Like all 4/20s, however, the date will require some preparation ahead of time.

“In the best interest of public health and safety, NORML encourages cannabis consumers not to congregate either outdoors or indoors in groups this 4/20.” says Erik Altieri, executive director of NORML.

Since we’re facing unprecedented times, it’s important for everyone who expects to celebrate 4/20 to purchase the necessary elements ahead of time, whether you’re preparing edibles or sticking to some flower.

When it comes to having a safe 4/20, it’s important to be more careful than usual. Emma Snowdon-Jones, a consultant for CBD brand Black Dahlia, recommends cleaning all marijuana equipment before and after each use, avoiding sharing joints or bongs with the people you’re quarantining with and utilizing delivery services that minimize risk of exposure.

Remember to plan in advance, that way you’re not scrambling for weed when everyone else is having the same idea. Here are 5 things you can do to celebrate this year’s 4/20:

Do something meaningful

Organizations like Friends in Weed have been developed in order to help and protect workers in Colorado who are keeping the weed industry functioning. For 4/20, they developed 420Help, a weekend event where every dollar raised will be donated to healthcare workers, first responders and other people affected by the pandemic throughout the state of Colorado.

You could also make donations of money, masks, or products that might provide relief, such as Black Dahlia, which will be donating CBD confections to health workers and first responders. Organizations in need of donations during this time include the American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the CDC Foundation.

Learn how to roll the perfect joints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoSy6uwqEkY

Something interesting and fun you can try out is learning how to roll joints. While there are hundreds of tutorials out there (and this helpful guide we published), Tony Greenhand just released a series on Quibi called Let’s Roll. The series is made up of super short episodes features crazy joints and celebrities. It will get you super pumped for the art of joint-making.

Take advantage of the offers and buy some products

Different sellers of marijuana and CBD are offering some deals due to April 20th. Verra Health is offering discounts between the dates of April 20 until the 30th, with the code CBD420. Lightshade dispensary is also offering 25% off of all their products throughout the month of April.

Dispensaries in LA and Chicago, cities that have deemed marijuana dispensaries as essential businesses, are providing discounts throughout the month of April. Deals vary depending on the dispensary, like Illinois’ Sunnyside, that’s offering 10% off on offers over 250$. In LA, it’s easier to get marijuana delivered with apps like Eaze, which is providing a 20$ discount for first time costumers when they use the code ‘DO420LA.’

Have a dance party

study claims that there are dance moves that are scientifically sexy — Photo by Brooke Cagle via Unsplash

If the doom and gloom of the pandemic is bringing you down, you can try dancing it out with different 4/20 themed parties. Many of these are concerts for a cause, like 4/20 for a cause, which will raise money for different associations battling the pandemic in Colorado. Others are simply for the fun of it, like the party hosted by dispensary Lightshade or the 4/20 world record meetup. This latter will be conducted through Zoom. You can get an RSVP here.

Watch some stoner movies

If you decide to spend a chill 4/20, you can always go with a joint and movie. Here’s a list of recommendations.

The 4 Biggest Problems With CBD Products

Cannabis
CBD

Mike Adams

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April 17, 2021

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The 4 Biggest Problems With CBD Products

Many consumers are snatching up CBD products that may not be all they’re cracked up to be.

If it weren’t for cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, the marijuana industry would be on the streets begging for nickels rather than enjoying the fruits of a business sector earning $22 billion last year. But things are always perfect, here are the 4 biggest problems with CBD products.

It seems that America has fully embraced the concept of this non-intoxicating cannabinoid in hopes that it will do everything its proponents say it will, from alleviating pain, anxiety and perhaps even depression. But due to the company this marketplace keeps — not to mention its lack of federal oversight — a lot of consumers are snatching up CBD products that may not be all they’re cracked up to be. These are just a few of the most common problems with CBD.

Dosage Is Sometimes Lower Than Advertised

Consumers should be able to trust the labels of the products they use, but when it comes to CBD, it is harder. Since these products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration like other drugs, cannabis companies are basically responsible for putting their own standards in place.

CBD — Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash

Admittedly, some do a relatively good job manufacturing high-quality products. Still, others have no qualms whatsoever about cutting corners in pursuit of a stronger bottom line. And the proof is in the products. In fact, a recent analysis from Mile High Labs in Colorado found that some products being sold all across the United States are consumer rip offs. For example: While the advertised dosage might read 500 milligrams, the actual dose could be closer to 300 milligrams. But then again, the dosage debacle could go in the opposite direction.

Dosage Is Sometimes Higher Than Advertised

The same examination, which was commissioned by CBS News, found that as easy as it is for the consumer to get CBD with a lower than advertised dosage, they could also be buying products that contain more than what the label reads.

In some cases, the lab results found products with 10% over the advertised dosage. But some took it to the next level. At least one sample was found to have 210% more CBD than what it was supposed to. Some medical experts say consuming too much CBD could actually pose some health risks. It could make the user drowsy and even cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to one toxicologist.

Some CBD Contains Dangerous Synthetic Marijuana

Consumers new to the CBD scene should know that counterfeit products are a real concern. A recent report from the Associated Press shows that some CBD vapes and edibles are being made with dangerous synthetic marijuana known as K2 or Spice. The AP commissioned laboratory analysis found that 10 of the 30 CBD vapes they examined contained some kind of synthetic additives.

What’s more, some of these products didn’t have any CBD in them at all. Unfortunately, a number of people have been admitted to the hospital after using these bogus products. How do you keep from becoming a statistic? The best advice for avoiding dangerous synthetic marijuana disguised as CBD is to avoid buying it from truck stops, convenience stores and smoke shops. The U.S. Hemp Authority has a list of certified CBD producers across the country that adhere to strict standards. Check it out before you buy.

new survey calls florida the center of exploding cbd trend — Photo by Tinnakorn Jorruang/Getty Images

CBD Could Have Enough THC Content To Fail A Drug Test

Laboratory tests have shown some products contain enough THC, the marijuana component that gets the user high, to cause someone to fail a drug test. There have been several reports over the past year or so of people unexpectedly getting flagged for drug use at work after consuming CBD products. This is a problem that actually stems from a lack of federal oversight, as well.

It is just another reason to always purchase CBD from a reputable dealer as opposed to a neighborhood convenience store. If you want to use CBD for medicine, then the products should be obtained from companies that have CBD’s therapeutic qualities in mind. Otherwise, it’s just a crapshoot as to whether the CBD you are using is legit or a ticket to unemployment.

PTSD Patients Report On Efficacy Of Medical Cannabis

Medical Marijuana

Terry Hacienda

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April 17, 2021

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PTSD Patients Report On Efficacy Of Medical Cannabis

Because of all the incredible therapeutic benefits of cannabis for PTSD, more are turning to it as an alternative medication.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has proven to be one of the most challenging psychiatric disorders to treat. With over 8 million people suffering from PTSD, and 1 in every 13 people who will suffer from it at some point in their lives, this debilitating condition requires medicine that truly works so that patients’ lives can go back to normal.

When PTSD patients don’t receive the treatment they need, the symptoms can last a much longer time. The symptoms vary; they can include chronic nightmares, hypervigilance, panic attacks, overwhelming or self-destructive emotions, and in some cases these feelings can be so extreme that they lead to suicidal tendencies.

Veterans Can Use Medical Marijuana, They Just Have To Pay For It — Photo by Bumblee_Dee/Getty Images

This is why psychiatrists and therapists need to turn to several treatment techniques, and in some cases they don’t work effectively. Conventional methods typically recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, or a combination of these.

Thankfully, there is mounting evidence that cannabis is extremely promising for the treatment of PTSD. One of the latest studies was conducted by Dutch researchers in the Netherlands, and their findings were shared in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. For the study, they analyzed data from the last 10 years on PTSD patients who have taken a range of cannabis medicines including THC, plant extracts, synthetic cannabinoids, and/or CBD.

“Cannabinoids were shown to improve overall PTSD symptoms, including sleep quality and quantity, hyperarousal, and treatment-resistant nightmares,” write the authors. “Cannabinoids have been shown to be an effective treatment option for patients with PTSD. Besides aiding to relieve the symptoms and enhance extinction training, they are also relatively well-tolerated,” they conclude.

Another recent study, and the first FDA-regulated, double-blind and placebo-controlled study on the impact of smoked cannabis on veterans suffering from PTSD reported that those who were administered with higher doses of THC showed the most significant improvements. The study, which was also conducted by MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), revealed that cannabis blends containing 9% THC were the highest, though those with 11% THC, and 8% THC with 8% CBD were also effective.

“This study served as the first randomized placebo-controlled trial comparing the therapeutic potential of varying ratios of THC and CBD for treating symptoms of PTS,” explains Dr. Marcel O. Bonn-Miller, the study’s lead author.

Survey Shows 75% Of Veterans Are Interested In Cannabis — Photo by SDI Productions/Getty Images

Dr. Bon-Miller explained that they will need to conduct larger studies which would also have to be randomized and placebo-controlled to tell what the “minimally-effective doses of THC needed to safely treat individuals suffering from PTSD while also mitigating risks of cannabis dependence in this vulnerable population” would be.

“One of the biggest takeaways from this study is that veterans with PTSD can use cannabis at self-managed doses, at least in the short term, and not experience a plethora of side effects or a worsening of symptoms,” says Mallory Loflin, the paper’s co-author, regarding a separate study involving 150 participants.

Why Does Cannabis Work So Well For PTSD?

The studies available today point to several reasons. One is that cannabis reduces amygdala activity; since the amygdala is the part of the brain that is associated with our fear-based response to perceived threats. A study conducted by Wayne State University researchers revealed that PTSD sufferers who consumed THC displayed a decrease in amygdala activity, which means that they had less measured symptoms of fear and anxiety in situations that would normally elicit trauma-based responses from them.

The authors wrote, “that THC modulates threat-related processing in trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD” as well as that cannabis “may prove advantageous as a pharmacological approach to treating stress- and trauma-related psychopathology.”

The other reason scientists believe how cannabis treats PTSD suggests that the cannabinoid within the plant help eliminate traumatic memories. A study, this time from the Federal University of Parana in Brazil, reveals further insight as to how. But this technique of treating PTSD via extinguishing of bad memories was first hypothesized by R. Andrew Sewell, a Yale associate professor of psychiatry, who says that cannabis has the ability to “overwrite” these traumatic memories through “extinction learning”.

The Brazilian study analyzed cannabis literature dating 1974 through 2020, combing through data from human trials to support Sewell’s theory. They found promising results, particularly in the area suggesting that low-dose THC or THC mixed with CBD were effective in enabling the extinction rate for traumatizing memories while decreasing the anxiety response. Their findings point to THC being the most effective in extinction rates.

The authors concluded that cannabis can “suppress anxiety and aversive memory expression without producing significant adverse effects.”

“Based on the Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Scale for DSM-IV, study participants experienced greater than 75% reduction in CAPS symptom scores when patients were using cannabis compared to when they were not,” states the findings of a study taking place from 2009 to 2011 involving the psychiatric assessment of 80 patients who applied for New Mexico’s marijuana program for PTSD.

Evidence Only Continues To Grow

Because of all the incredible therapeutic benefits of cannabis for PTSD, more are turning to it as an alternative medication. This is amazing news for everyone who has PTSD, whether you’re a veteran or not.

We can expect only more studies that prove just how beneficial cannabis is for PTSD. This is a terrible disease that robs people of quality of life, but the answer lies in the humble plant that does so much: it promotes good sleep, reduces the recurrence of traumatic memories, promotes wellbeing both mentally and physically, and finally, allowing patients to regain control of their lives once again.

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

7 Natural Pain Relief Options To Consider Before Prescription Drugs

CBD
Wellness

Terry Hacienda

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April 17, 2021

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7 Natural Pain Relief Options To Consider Before Prescription Drugs

If you are currently looking for the best manner in which to get a handle on your own chronic pain, here are a number of natural pain relief methods that you can consider.

Chronic pain is something that millions of Americans suffer from every year. Some people develop chronic pain over time, while others deal with it as a consequence of an accident, injury, or surgical procedure. Whatever the cause is behind your own chronic pain, finding the best methods of managing it can be difficult.

The medical community has shifted sharply in its approach to pain management in recent years. This is due to the fact that many of the more traditional pain management treatments that were once routinely offered to patients, such as opioids and harmful medications, are now known to do far more harm than good. For this reason, other alternatives to pain management are considered before turning to such medications in most cases.

Intramuscular Or Smoked Cannabis May Be The Future Of Managing Acute Pain — Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Furthermore, society, in general, is far more concerned with finding natural solutions to pain management than synthetic ones. For many people, natural remedies prove to be more effective in the long run when it comes to promoting overall health and wellness.

If you are currently looking for the best manner in which to get a handle on your own chronic pain, here are a number of natural pain relief methods that you can consider. As always, it is important to clear any pain management options with your physician before trying them out.

CBD

One naturally-derived substance that many people are turning to for pain relief is that of CDB. This is the chemical component found in marijuana that can potentially help lead to ease the pain of either a chronic or acute nature.

Although once disparaged as a purely recreational substance, there are many in the medical community who have found through extensive research that CBD can be an option for better pain management alternatives when compared to harmful narcotics and opioids.

National CBD Day Is Saturday — Photo by Thanit Weerawan/Getty Images

It is vital that you source your CBD from a reliable and certified manufacturer. It is also a good idea to consider some of the best weed vape pens for your purposes as they can greatly reduce the irritation that is caused by the inhalation of smoke that accompanies the standard methods of consuming marijuana.

Physical Therapy

Depending on the nature of your chronic pain, you might be advised to seek out treatment from a physical therapist. Through a series of strength-building and mobility-promoting exercises, it might be possible to take much of the load off of the area of your body that is causing you pain so that it doesn’t experience as much pressure and work throughout the day. This can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of pain that you experience from day to day.

Acupuncture

One of the more holistic natural pain management options that are available to you is that of acupuncture. Derived from Eastern medicine, acupuncture seeks to relieve pain in one area of the body by addressing the nerves in another area. Many people have found a great deal of pain relief via acupuncture and have appreciated the totally natural and un-addictive nature of this type of treatment.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender and its aroma have been used a lot more frequently in recent times to help people relax and unwind, but there’s although been an increased movement of people who believe that it can also help with mild pain relief. One of the main areas in which lavender can help a lot is with dealing with headaches and migraines, as studies have shown that it works better than a placebo. It also has the potential to be an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Here's What You Should Know About Getting A Massage During COVID — Photo by Alan Caishan via Unsplash

When using any form of essential oil, including lavender, it’s important never to ingest them, as they can be harmfully toxic and cause poisoning. Additionally, if you’re applying the oil directly to the skin, make sure to use a carrier oil to dilute the substance, as some oils can cause irritation in the forms of rashes or even burns.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for millennia as a form of pain relief in plenty of different and unrelated civilizations, which can potentially illustrate that ginger can be a great source of relief. Modern-day studies have shown that eating 2 grams of ginger per day for at least five days can help alleviate muscle pain from resistance exercises and running, making it really well suited to athletes. This is because ginger can reduce inflammation which helps accelerate recovery.

One of the best ways to get more ginger into your diet is by adding raw ginger into teas or smoothies. In addition to this, you can also get ginger supplements from herbal stores as well as online retailers, but it is believed that the natural variety could be more beneficial to you.

Turmeric

In addition to ginger, another flavorful food product that can help relieve pain is the spice turmeric. The reason that turmeric can be useful in dealing with pain is that it has the active ingredient curcuma within it, which has pain-relieving qualities.

This ingredient is also pretty strong, as when compared to ibuprofen, it was found that it was just as effective at managing pain as this routine medicine. However, this was only for concentrated and isolated curcuma, which means that the benefits of turmeric might be a bit milder. However, it can still help improve how you feel, meaning that adding it to curries and juices might be a good idea.

Yoga

Yoga is a form of exercise, but because of its nature of being one that’s focused on stretching, it can actually be very effective at elevating muscular pain, especially in the back and joints. This is because these stretches help to strengthen your muscles and stops them from being stiff.

In general, movement is very beneficial in helping to deal with mild pain, as too much inactivity can weaken muscles, making them hurt even more. In addition, yoga is great for self-care as it also puts an emphasis on breathing exercises and meditation, which can help keep you calm and relaxed.

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

New York Is The Newest Global Destination For Cannatourism

Opinion

Daniel Shortt

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April 16, 2021

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New York Is The Newest Global Destination For Cannatourism

New York State just blew away the competition by allowing the public consumption of cannabis and creating a legal framework for cannabis consumption sites.

New York just cemented its status as the cannabis tourism capital of the world. New York City has always been a hub for tourists because it is at the center of American culture, entertainment, finance, and politics. With the recent passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), New York City is now poised to become America’s answer to Amsterdam, the European city that has long permitted the consumption of cannabis at its famed cafes.

The MRTA makes it legal for adults (over the age of 21) to smoke cannabis anywhere that tobacco can be legally smoked in New York and creates a license for adult-use consumption sites. In New York, you can legally smoke cannabis in public and once the MRTA is fully implemented, you will be able to visit what essentially sounds like a cannabis cafe. In the near future, Americans will be able to legally enjoy that cannabis café experience without having to pack their passports and fly to Amsterdam.

New York's Gov. Cuomo Wants Legalization In 2021 — Photo by Arthur Brognoli from Pexels

While the MRTA allows cannabis to be smoked or vaped anywhere that smoking tobacco is permitted, state agencies and localities can impose stricter regulations. This means that under New York state law, cannabis can be smoked in hotel or motel rooms, outdoor dining areas, and adult-use on-site clubs, and anywhere else where smoking tobacco is legal. Smoking cannabis is not permitted anywhere that tobacco is prohibited. Cannabis also cannot be smoked at a school. The MRTA creates a license type called an adult-use on-site consumption license. These licenses will allow for the sale and consumption of cannabis. These lounge-like locations will allow people to buy and use cannabis on site.

WASHINGTON TOURISM IS MISSING THE BOAT

Tourists visiting New York will have legal avenues to consume cannabis. Compare that to one of the first two states to legalize adult-use cannabis, Washington. Washington voters legalized recreational marijuana by passing Initiative 502 (I-502) in 2012. I-502 made it “unlawful to open a package containing marijuana, useable marijuana, or a marijuana-infused product, or consume marijuana, useable marijuana, or a marijuana infused product, in view of the general public.” In 2015, three years in to Washington’s experiment with legal cannabis, lawmakers passed a comprehensive bill to unify the state’s medical and recreational market. Included in that bill was an amendment that made it illegal to conduct or maintain a marijuana club. In Washington, it is a Class C felony to maintain a premises for the “primary or incidental purpose of providing a location” where people can keep or consume marijuana on the premises, “for profit or otherwise.” (RCW 69.50.465.)

If a tourist flies to Seattle to try Washington cannabis products, she may not have a legal place to consume marijuana. If she’s staying in hotel, the hotel staff could face felony charges by allowing her to consume marijuana in her room.

The same would be true of any vacation rental host, such as those who list their space on AirBNB, as it’s a felony to allow the use of marijuana on premise, even if such consumption is “incidental” to the primary purpose of renting space out for travel purposes. The person visiting Seattle also would not be able to legally consume cannabis in public. Unless our tourist was staying in a private residence, like a friend’s house, and the owner of that residence allowed the consumption of marijuana on site, she would have no legal way to consume the cannabis that she legally purchased under Washington State law.

Now imagine that the same tourist visited New York City after the MRTA program is up and running (it will likely be about two years before rules are drafted and licenses are issued). She can smoke cannabis in public anywhere that tobacco can be smoked. She can go to a cannabis lounge where she can buy and use marijuana on site. She can find a hotel that allows her to smoke in her room. She can both legally buy and consume adult-use cannabis on her vacation.

Mayors Of Seattle And Denver Lead The Fight Against Jeff Sessions — Photo by Zhifei Zhou via Unsplash

BOTTOM LINE

It pains me to say this as a life-long Washingtonian, but the Evergreen State has really dropped the ball on cannabis tourism. While other states and jurisdictions may have done better than Washington when it comes to cannabis tourism (I am looking at you Denver), New York State just blew away the competition by allowing the public consumption of cannabis and creating a legal framework for cannabis consumption sites.

New York has always been able to draw-in tourists, so it’s not as if cannabis is going to “put New York on the map.” However, New York’s cannabis laws are truly groundbreaking in the sense that the MRTA explicitly provides for legal consumption. Cannabis prohibition is often compared to alcohol prohibition, so viewed through that lens, this is like if New York legalized bars in the 1920s while other states only legalized the sale of liquor.

I hope that other states will learn from New York’s public consumption model. In the meantime, I know where I’ll be planning my next vacation.

Daniel Shortt is a corporate and regulatory attorney based in Seattle, Washington who works extensively with entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. This article originally appeared on Green Light Law Group and has been reposted with permission. You can contact Daniel at info@gl-lg.com or (206) 430-1336.

Can You Get COVID-19 In Between Vaccine Dosages?

Maria Loreto

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April 16, 2021

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Can You Get COVID-19 In Between Vaccine Dosages?

It takes time for your body to build up immunity, leaving you exposed for a brief period of time. But is it long enough to catch COVID?

Millions of Americans are getting vaccinated with every passing day. If you’re getting the Moderna or the Pzifer vaccine, you’ll have to account for two trips to your vaccine site, waiting for three or four weeks in between each shot to allow the vaccine to work to its maximum potential. But while waiting for your second shot, is it possible to get COVID-19?

While not very common, it is possible to get COVID-19 while you wait for your second dose. “You will see breakthrough infections in any vaccination when you’re vaccinating literally tens and tens and tens of millions of people,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said during a White House press briefing on March 26.

This Vaccine Side Effect Can Affect Your Whole Body — Photo by National Cancer Institute via Unsplash

According to data compiled by medical experts, the first shot of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines builds up to 80% of immunity, but it’s a process that takes time, with the shot prompting your immune system to build a response to the virus that can last for at least six months. This percentage is usually achieved within the two week mark. It’s important to stay vigilant throughout your vaccination process, that way you can avoid catching the virus and earn full immunization from your inoculation smoothly.

While it is possible to catch the virus with one vaccine shot in your body, it’s very unlikely for you to develop serious illness or death. “In the studies, nobody who got vaccinated died. Obviously in the real world, we have many, many more people, but they’re still extremely, extremely effective at preventing severe disease and death,” infectious disease expert Valerie Cruzet told the Huffington Post. “That’s true certainly after your second dose, but probably also true for after the first dose.”

If you do get COVID-19 in between vaccine shots, your immunization process will likely remain intact, except for a change in your timeline. According to the Centers for Disease Control: Vaccination of people with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those who experience SARS-CoV-2 infection after the first dose of an mRNA vaccine but before receipt of the second dose, should be deferred until the person has recovered from the acute illness (if the person had symptoms) and they have met criteria to discontinue isolation.

Waiting until the illness is over to get your second shot will give your body have time to develop an appropriate and strong response to the vaccine.

The Difference Between A Marijuana Dispensary And A Liquor Store

Mike Adams

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April 16, 2021

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The Difference Between A Marijuana Dispensary And A Liquor Store

What’s the difference between stepping inside a neighborhood weed store and retail outlets designed to cater to the alcohol consumer?

Back when cannabis advocates were first successfully moving to legalize marijuana for recreational use at the state level, one of the most popular phrases used to describe what that might look like is “in a manner similar to alcohol.” The gist of the pitch was that upon the legalization of marijuana, there would be a taxed and regulated market put into place — same as the alcohol trade — that would allow adults 21 and older to buy cannabis products close to the same way they might purchase beer at a liquor store.

Fast forward a few years and there are now marijuana dispensaries open in several states, with more of them set to come. But what is the difference between stepping inside a neighborhood weed store and retail outlets designed to cater to the alcohol consumer? You might be surprised to learn that the two are very different.

Unlike the average liquor store, marijuana dispensaries like to make sure a person is of legal age before they ever step inside. These establishments typically have security personnel standing at the entrance to check IDs.

RELATED: Should You Tip Your Budtender?

You won’t see a weed buyer standing at the cash register of a cannabis dispensary patting their pockets in a panicked quest to produce a driver’s license that may or may not exist. You know the ones who might say, “I don’t know what to tell you, I guess I left my ID at home,” while trying to convince the clerk that they are indeed 21. Without proof that a person is a legal age to buy weed, they simply are not getting any further than the front door.

Photo by Sonya Yruel/Drug Policy Alliance

Alcohol customers can walk into a liquor store and track down their beverage of choice without much social interaction. They do not need to be told where to find the Mad Dog 20/20, and they sure don’t need someone to explain to them how the beverage might make them feel. But a marijuana dispensary is a different beast.

Rather than just the one clerk waiting up front to ring up customers, a cannabis dispensary has several workers on the floor that are answering customer questions and offering product recommendations. The dispensary experience is more like walking inside any retail setting where the employees work on commission than it is stopping by a liquor store for a bottle of hooch.

Setting Equal Standards For Women In The Cannabis Industry — Photo by
Heath Korvola/Getty Images

Even if a cannabis consumer is an old pro at shopping for legal weed at his or her favorite dispensary, the process is always the same: show ID and wait for customer service to offer some assistance. It’s not like a liquor store where a person can just run in and grab a six-pack of their favorite beer and get out within a matter of minutes. The person buying weed, even if they know what they want, is still going to spend more time inside than those folks who frequent shops where alcohol is sold. There are sometimes long lines in a dispensary, and budtenders have been known to devote 10-20 minutes with new customers to make sure they are getting what they need.

If anything, buying marijuana at a dispensary is more comparable to visiting a wine shop. Chances are, even if a customer is only going in for a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, they are going to walk out with a bottle of something else as well, most likely because of an interesting conversation they had with a salesperson about a specific product.

The cannabis dispensary is a lot like that with respect to how there is always something new coming onto the scene that curious patrons might be interested in trying if they were just showed the way. Just think of the cannabis dispensary as more of an interactive experience while the liquor store is more of a place of self service.

These Are The Next Big Cannabinoids To Go Mainstream

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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April 16, 2021

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These Are The Next Big Cannabinoids To Go Mainstream

Extensive works of research are ongoing which means more cannabinoids will be unveiled as time goes on.

For many years the focus of a lot of people about cannabis was just the plant itself. However, as research blossomed in the marijuana sector, more and more people started to learn about the chemical components in cannabis called cannabinoids.

CBD (arguably the most popular cannabis component) has gone from being the unknown compound to the most sought-after substance that has taken over the world. CBD currently generates billions of dollars in sales, has millions of users with numerous products derived from it.

From oils to edibles, workout clothing, hamburgers, ice-cream, etc. CBD is the darling of the cannabis world, and it is getting better and better. CBD has medicinal and healing properties that help relieve anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions that affect personal health and wellness.

Will Congress Boost Hemp Total THC Limit To 1%? — Photo by anankkml/Getty Images

For now, CBD and THC are the two cannabinoids that get the most attention because they are the ones with vast amounts of research, usage, and survey behind them. Also, both cannabinoids are available in more significant levels in the cannabis plant, unlike other variants available in lesser quantities.

Although more historical evidence backs the use of CBD and THC compared to the other variants, as their collective usefulness skyrockets, these other cannabinoids will start to gain popularity as well.

So what could be beyond CBD, are there other cannabinoids we could explore? Let’s get answers.

The truth about cannabis

Cannabis consists of about 600 different molecules. One hundred forty of these molecules are called cannabinoids because they operate on our body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is an extensive chemical receptors system that controls our body’s system, such as inflammation, appetite, temperature, processing emotion, learning, and memory.

New cannabinoids will be discovered in the cannabis plant overtime, ps this is happening right now. So the future of cannabis will no longer revolve around CBD as other cannabinoids will start getting a lot of attention. But it wouldn’t stop with a discovery; just like CBD, these cannabinoids will also be commercialized.

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

Most of the other cannabinoids present in cannabis occur at low levels, making it difficult for scientists to identify and study them. However, with technological advancements and more extensive works of research this will cease to be the case. Unlike before, we now know a lot about some of the other cannabinoids. Cannabis is a diverse plant that has so much to offer the world, and to grasp this fully; let’s take a closer look at some of the other cannabinoids present in cannabis.

The other cannabinoids found in cannabis

CBG

CBG refers to the cannabinoid called cannabigerol. This variant is nonintoxicating and mainly marketed to alleviate anxiety, infection, nausea, inflammation, and pain. Some research agrees that it is also effective in cancer treatment, but more analysis is needed to prove this.

RELATED: What Is CBG And Is It Legal?

This cannabinoid also has a wide variety of medical uses, including inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer growth. Experts have predicted that CBG will take a prime spot in the cannabis industry in the future.

THCV

This cannabinoid is also called tetrahydrocannabivarin, an exciting substance that supports those dealing with obesity and diabetes. This cannabinoid is proven to lower fasting insulin levels, encourages weight loss, and boost glycemic controls.

THCV improves fasting glucose and pancreatic beta-cell functions with other hormones associated with diabetes. In many countries around the world, THCV is intentionally cultivated to be studied for further benefits.

CBN

CBN cannabinoid is present in the cannabis plant and is a by-product of the degradation of THC. If you have marijuana that has been around for a long time, it will become “sleepy” cannabis because of the higher amount of CBN concentration it carries.

RELATED: What Is CBN And Is It Legal?

This sleepy feature of CBN explains why it is always marketed as a sedative. But its sedative qualities are not the only reason why this cannabinoid is famous. Sleep quality is just the most superior quality, which reduces the symptoms of insomnia in people.

Delta-8-THC

The Delta-8-THC cannabinoid is abundant in cannabis and can be distilled from hemp. Recently, the Delta-8-THC is marketed as “medical marijuana” with lesser highs and reduced anxiety that comes with highs.

Buyer Beware — Product Fraud Is Alive And Well In The Cannabis Industry — Photo by Kimzy Nanney via Unsplash

More so, unlike other compounds, the Delta-8-THC gives only a fraction of the high one gets from THC with less paranoia and anxiety. These cannabinoids also alleviate many symptoms, making it a functional and practical medicine for people who don’t want to get the cannabis high.

RELATED: Demand Is Booming For Delta-8

Delta-8-THC is helpful with nausea and the stimulation of appetite, making you eat well without the urge to vomit (if you regularly vomit). Most people who go through chemotherapy when diagnosed with cancer feel nauseous, which a significant side effect of the process.

But research has shown the Delta-8-THC reduces the impact of such side effects, enabling more accessible chemotherapy experiences.

THC

THC is one of the only cannabinoids that will get you high. In recent years, this cannabinoid along with CBD have been the most popular compounds in the world.

It should be noted that there are other psychoactive cannabinoids in the cannabis plant matrix, however, they don’t have the level of potency of THC.

THC is also one of the most abundant cannabinoids in modern cannabis products and strains? THC binds with CB-1 receptors in the brain and produces substantial psychoactive effects.

This cannabinoid also enables relaxation, joy, and laughter: think of it as the “feel good” cannabinoid variant. It is also used to treat different symptoms such as sleep apnea, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.

Bottom line

The world is accepting medical cannabis at such a swift pace, it’s astonishing! Presently, a more significant percentage of Americans support the legalization of medical cannabis because of its benefits and impact on our health.

Extensive works of research are ongoing which means more cannabinoids will be unveiled as time goes on. We are living in fascinating times, and it is amazing what the future holds for cannabis.

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

Responsible Vs. Reckless Weed Use: This THC Breathalyzer Knows The Difference

Maria Loreto

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April 15, 2021

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Responsible Vs. Reckless Weed Use: This THC Breathalyzer Knows The Difference

Having a device that can distinguish marijuana use from other types of behaviors will help police determine the right course of action.

Now that marijuana is legal in a growing number of states, the use of THC breathalyzers — a thing that’s been discussed at such length, it’s almost become an urban legend — is imperative. After several false starts and pandemic-related delays, it seems like their introduction into the world is imminent.

Hound Labs, based in Oakland, California, is getting ready to launch its Hound Marijuana Breathalyzer, a device that can detect the molecule of THC in the breath. The Hound Breathalyzer received a boost from an improbable source: COVID-19. The device was designed as a product to detect pneumonia, but once the pandemic hit, the company shifted towards the detection of COVID-19.

is new marijuana breathalyzer technology on the way — Photo by JasonDoiy/Getty Images

“Hound Labs created the COVID-19 breathalyzer based on the same exquisitely sensitive technology platform that we use for the Hound marijuana breathalyzer that’s coming to market later this year,” Hound Labs CEO Dr. Mike Lynn told FOX43.

According to Hound Labs, their breathalyzer is capable of making a clear distinction between responsible marijuana use and irresponsible one, a distinction that cannot be made by urine and blood tests, which may show results that date back up to three months. This new device shows marijuana use within the past three hours, usually the amount of time that a high lasts. It can be used by police officers and by companies who drug test their employees, ensuring that they are judging people fairly.

Over the past couple of years, several companies have been working on marijuana breathalyzers, considering them important now that marijuana’s federal legalization is edging closer and closer.

While there’s no way of measuring stoned driving without a device like a THC breathalyzer, states like Washington, Oregon and Colorado experienced a 6% rise in car crashes after marijuana was legalized. Having a device that can distinguish marijuana use from other types of behaviors will help police officers determine the right course of action and will make users more careful when ingesting THC and getting behind the wheel.

US Cannabis Sales Projected To Hit $28 Billion In 2022

Cannabusiness

Benzinga Staff Writer

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April 15, 2021

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US Cannabis Sales Projected To Hit $28 Billion In 2022

In the U.S., flower comprises most of the total yearly sales, hitting $11 billion this year, and estimated to reach $12 billion in 2022.

By Nina Zdinjak

Headset, a provider of data and analytics to the cannabis industry, is releasing long-term projections for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Figures will be updated at the end of every quarter.

The forecasts for the U.S. and Canadian markets will include all jurisdictions, regardless of legalization status across adult-use and medical markets. The information will be provided in a calendar year format.

With this new approach, the company is able to provide estimates for a minimum of five quarters and a maximum of eight quarters.

Key Highlights From The Overall Market View

Cannabis sales in Canada will hit $4 billion in 2021, which is notably less than the U.S. market’s estimated $23 billion in annual sales.
The Canadian cannabis market should advance twice as fast as the U.S. market between 2020 and 2021, and nearly three times faster from 2021 to 2022.
Both markets (U.S. and Canada) will experience growth through 2021 and into 2022.

Headset’s category market view analyzes each country separately, relying on current legalization and regulation levels, which can be changed.

ground cannabis on clear plastic bag — Photo by GRAS GRÜN via Unsplash

Key Highlights From The Category Market View

Flower is the most popular product category in both markets.
In the U.S., flower comprises most of the total yearly sales, hitting $11 billion this year, and estimated to reach $12 billion in 2022.
Vapor pens, edibles, and concentrates took (and will continue to take) more market share in the U.S. than in Canada across 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The flower share in Canada will plunge a bit this year, from 57.6% in 2020 to 54.2%.
In both markets, concentrates and edibles are estimated to have slightly larger market shares in 2022, at the expense of flower and pre-rolls.

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

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

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Bottom line

Having a device that can distinguish marijuana use from other types of behaviors will help police determine the right course of action.

In the U.S., flower comprises most of the total yearly sales, hitting $11 billion this year, and estimated to reach $12 billion in 2022.

Key Highlights From The Overall Market View

Key Highlights From The Category Market View

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