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FDA Approves First COVID-19 Rapid Self-Test

Kate-Madonna Hindes
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FDA Approves First COVID-19 Rapid Self-Test

With results available in 30 minutes or less, the test is set to disrupt others on the market and create less time from test to diagnosis, easing the burden on healthcare providers.  

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced one of the most promising developments in America’s fight against COVID-19: A home-based rapid self-test. “This new testing option is an important diagnostic advancement to address the pandemic and reduce the public burden of disease transmission,” FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. said in a statement Tuesday. “Today’s action underscores the FDA’s ongoing commitment to expand access to COVID-19 testing.”  
 
Focused wholly on reaching people as they quarantine, disabling the spread of the virus, the FDA greenlit the Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit for individuals without the use of a trained medical professional for individuals over the age of 14. For children under 14, the test is available in clinical settings, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices and urgent care centers when administered by a professional. With results available in 30 minutes or less, the test is set to disrupt others on the market and create less time from test to diagnosis, easing the burden on healthcare providers, as well as communities as a whole.  
 
Only available in prescription form, individuals must ask for it from their care provider. Once samples are collected, the swab is placed into a vial that goes into a test unit. Each display uses light to display a positive or negative result, allowing individuals and families a faster, easier path to answering the question if they should quarantine.  

https://twitter.com/LuciraHealth/status/1329098809893261312

The Director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., explained the remarkable nature of the test, sharing, “Now, more Americans who may have COVID-19 will be able to take immediate action, based on their results, to protect themselves and those around them.”  

RELATED: FDA Has Approved A New At-Home Test For COVID-19 

Speed is of the essence as the United States is seeing an alarming spread of the COVID-19 virus with little end in sight. As new restrictions and regulations move from state–to–state, leaders are searching for answers in eliminating the threat of a nation-wide lockdown—further hurting businesses. The FDA has expressed since the start of the pandemic that rigorous testing, study of the spread and vaccination could slow Coronavirus’ reach and bring most Americans back to their new normal sooner, though for some, it’s not soon enough.   
 
With new rapid testing available at home, the Administration is hopeful that more Americans will have access to knowledge if they are positive, staying home and not infecting workplaces, communities or schools.  

Already Got Your Christmas Tree Up? Here’s Why That Might Be A Good Thing

Maria Loreto
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Already Got Your Christmas Tree Up? Here’s Why That Might Be A Good Thing

Psychologists believe that setting up holiday decorations early might have some mental health benefits.

People have some rules when it comes to holiday decorations. The majority of us wait until after Thanksgiving is over in order to start thinking about Christmas and all of the plans and presents and decorations that you have to account for. But this year, things are a little different. No matter your plans, it’ll likely to be a slower holiday season, leaving you with more time spent at home, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

With less family members to account for and less hassle to deal with, a lot of people are considering setting up decorations early. Psychologists don’t think it’s a bad idea.

“People are longing for happiness and joy,” psychologist Melissa Robinson-Brown told the Huffington Post. “This year has been a significant year of grief and loss: loss of freedom, loss of time with family, loss of income and job, and loss of loved ones, just to name a few. As such, people are seeking comfort and even healing.”

Decorating early is a safe and nice way of reminding yourself that it is the holiday season, even when faced with a lot of crazy stuff. HuffPo compiled some of the mental health benefits psychologists say come with getting those decorations up early. Here are some of our favorites:

The holidays flood your brain with childhood memories

How To Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh Throughout The Holidays
Photo by Yannis Cotsonis via Unsplash

RELATED: Spending The Holidays Alone? Here’s How To Make The Most Of It

For better or worse, the holidays are nostalgic. It’s common to think about your childhood and the excitement you used to feel during this time of the year. For people who may not be celebrating with their family, setting up holiday decorations might help them feel comforted and less alone. “Decorating your home may serve as a cue of positive memories and emotions, which can be really helpful to promote joy and prevent sadness,” explains psychologist Erlanger Turner.

It’s a good distraction

Photo by Erwan Hesry via Unsplash

With less family around, less dinners to attend, and less places to go out and celebrate, decorating seems like a good break from watching Netflix, drinking and cooking. It’s important to be informed and to feel things, but it’s also important to have escapism and time to yourself. Decorating your house can allow for some introspection and some movement, both of which are great for your mental and physical health.

It can help you feel excited over the future

5 Things You Should Do Before Buying CBD Holiday Presents
Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik via Unsplash

RELATED: What You Should Know About Holiday Parties During The Pandemic

If you’re someone who usually looks forward to the holidays, then you’re acquainted with the excitement and the anticipation that’s associated with them. While this year will be different, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t look forward to them. Having a Christmas tree, preparing holiday foods, wearing holiday themed pajamas and watching holiday movies might sound silly, but they’re simple ways of breaking up the monotony of the year, and introducing some joy into your life.

Congress To Vote On Marijuana Legalization

Mike Adams
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Congress To Vote On Marijuana Legalization

Although the MORE Act will likely be approved in the House, it remains to be seen what will happen with it once it reaches the Senate.

The House of Representatives is set to vote on the legalization of marijuana sometime in December, according to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. It’s a sign the Democrats, who have control over the lower chamber but are still waiting on final votes, are trying to get a jump start on a promise by President-elect Joe Biden to eliminate the criminal penalties for pot offenders. 

In a letter published last week, Hoyer explained how the lame-duck session from November through December was going to unfold. He wrote that one of the highest priorities was to put the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in a position to advance in the next session.

“The House will vote on the MORE Act to decriminalize cannabis and expunge convictions for non-violent cannabis offenses that have prevented many Americans from getting jobs, applying for credit and loans, and accessing opportunities that make it possible to get ahead in our economy,” the letter states.

What is interesting about the MORE Act is that it is sponsored by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the Senate. The proposal aims to strike cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and make it to where people who get caught in possession of weed are never again incarcerated. As it stands, the United States still locks up more than 600,000 pot offenders each year.

RELATED: How Medical Marijuana Could Soon Be Prescribed By Doctors Nationwide

The MORE Act is a move that makes sense at the federal level now that more than half the states are allowing marijuana sales in some form or fashion. In the past election, five more jurisdictions joined the legal cannabis trade. The MORE Act aims to legalize the leaf, similar to how it has done with alcohol. It would establish a taxed and regulated system and a portion of that money (5%) would be spent reinvigorating communities brought down by the War on Drugs.  

The House was initially scheduled to vote on the MORE Act in early September, but it was pushed back over concerns that moving forward might offend the voters and have a negative impact on the election. It’s not that the population doesn’t agree with marijuana legalization. It does. The latest Gallup poll shows 68% of the population now believes the herb should be legal nationwide. But the country is still struggling with the coronavirus, so House lawmakers felt it was disrespectful to approve legal weed while COVID relief talks remain stagnant. President-elect Biden has made virus control a priority once he takes office in January.

RELATED: Here’s Why Congress May Be Forced To Consider Nationwide Marijuana Legalization

Although the MORE Act will likely be approved in the House, it remains to be seen what will happen with it once it reaches the Senate. For now, it looks as though the Republicans will maintain control of the upper chamber, and that could make passing marijuana reform bills a daunting task. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has yet to come out in support of full blown legalization. In fact, his last word on the matter is that he remains staunchly opposed to such a thing.

Even if the bill had his support, however, it is still a bit ambitious for Biden. Although he has promised to make marijuana decriminalization a priority for his administration, he doesn’t believe that full-blown legalization is where the nation should go. Whether Kamala Harris can get him to think more progressively, only time will tell. Nevertheless, Democrats want to ensure the MORE Act is on deck once the new Congress gets to work at the beginning of the year.

Gearing Up For Green Wednesday

Julie Aitcheson
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Gearing Up For Green Wednesday

Green Wednesday could give Black Friday and Cyber Monday some serious competition when the sales numbers come through for 2020.

Though April 20 takes the top prize in cannabis sales year after year, Green Wednesday (Black Friday’s cannabis counterpart) has come in a strong second place since its inception in 2016, and 2020 looks to be no different. As a result of clever moves by retailers to offset pandemic-related impacts on buying behavior, starting deals and discounts earlier in the season than ever before, and tailoring the shopping experience to customer health and safety concerns, Green Wednesday sales for 2020 are poised to hit an all-time high.

A November 16 press release from the National Retailers Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics cited the results of an annual survey which showed that shoppers are getting an earlier start on purchasing for the upcoming holidays. According to the survey, 59% of holiday shoppers had already started making purchases as of early November — a 21% increase over figures from 10 years ago. Despite the Covid crisis, consumers seem to feel confident in the efforts retailers are making to keep them Covid-free, with 70% saying they feel safe shopping in stores. One such safety measure includes stocking shelves with gift items earlier in the season and offering special deals to avoid overcrowding as the season progresses.

Deliveries Increase

Eaze, a cannabis delivery platform in California, posted new data showing that Green Wednesday 2019 saw a 90% increase in deliveries over a typical Wednesday and a 147% increase in deliveries over the previous year. Cannabis data and analytics provider Headset posted a comparison of Green Wednesday and Black Friday sales from 2019 on its blog, which showed record Green Wednesday sales, although savings lagged behind Black Friday bargains. The study attributes this to bigger discounts and lower average item prices on Black Friday.

RELATED: This Is How Millennials Prefer To Consume Their Cannabis

Retailers hit hard and early with special deals and holiday gift packages to tempt those seeking to spread some cheer this holiday season and they’re not letting up as the week of Thanksgiving approaches. Beyond the standard pre-rolls, tinctures, and vape paraphernalia, companies like Her Highness, a lifestyle brand based in New York City, offer 25% off gift items like the Grindzilla Cannabis Grinder and the Lip Service Ashtray (shaped like, you guessed it, lips) while Indiana brand Cannabolish is promoting its products with a 30% Green Wednesday deal featuring its popular Odor Removing sprays and gels and candles to make sure cinnamon and pine are the only top notes in your holiday home.

RELATED: Green Wednesday Is The New Black Friday of Cannabis

Caliva is also offering a variety of deals on products that will help you survive the season — whether that be teaching grandma how to get on zoom (again) or kickstarting your metabolism for the big Thanksgiving feast. On Green Wednesday (11/25) Caliva is offering up to 40% off select top brands: Caliva, DELI Nickels, Plus Gummies, KIVA, and more! On Black Friday the company said customers will receive an extra deal when they pay through Hypur, the first digital payment solution for cannabis transactions. The promotion will be available through Caliva delivery online and all Caliva / DELI retail stores.

Top Selling Products

Chart provided by Headset

According to LeafLink, a B2B e-commerce wholesale marketplace that connects retailers and brands, in 2019, sales through LeafLink increased by 5.45% during the two weeks leading up to Green Wednesday and the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. What products were the most popular as retailers stocked up for the holiday weekend? Flower was the most popular product category at the time, making up 31.2% of the market share in the week leading up to Thanksgiving. However, Disposable Cartridges and Pre-Rolls experienced the biggest sales lifts, seeing a 29% increase and a 44% increase, respectively.

Photo by Joanna Malinowska via freestocks.org

Here are the top 5 selling Pre-Rolls of 2020, according to LeafLink List:

  • Caviar Joint from Kaviar (CO)
  • Mini Fuzzies from Sublime, CA
  • Wedding Cake Pre-Rolls from Pacific Stone, CA
  • Relax & Chill Pre-Rolls from Exotic Blendz, OR
  • Bubble Joints from the Flower COllective, CO

So whether you go for some fancy swag, all-natural home care products, or perhaps a cozy fireside read like Bong Appetit (a weed cookbook from the editors of Munchies), there are ample ways to cross some friends and family off of your shopping list this year. If consumer behavior and favorable legislation continue on their current trajectory and retailers keep ably adapting to these uncertain times, Green Wednesday could give Black Friday and Cyber Monday some serious competition when the sales numbers come through for 2020.

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

Is Smoking Marijuana Bad For Your Lungs?

Brendan Bures
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Is Smoking Marijuana Bad For Your Lungs?

Moderate marijuana users shouldn’t overly worry themselves, though heavy consumption could lead to adverse effects.

Last December, Willie Nelson shocked stoner circles around the world when the Red Headed Stranger announced he had quit smoking weed. A spokesperson later clarified that Nelson still uses marijuana, he just stopped smoking it for health reasons.

“I have abused my lungs quite a bit in the past, so breathing is a little more difficult these days and I have to be careful,” Nelson told San Antonio television station KSAT. “I don’t smoke anymore. I take better care of myself today.”

Not many of us smoke as often as Willie Nelson, but it’s worth asking: just what effect does marijuana smoke have on your lungs? The science, unfortunately, isn’t as definitive as you might find with tobacco, due to limited research into cannabis. The American Lung Association “caution[s] the public against smoking marijuana because of the risks it poses to the lungs.” That, however, is a vague sentiment.

RELATED: Will Using Marijuana Reduce My Lung Capacity?

A 2013 study published in the Annals of American Thoracic Society provides some more specifics. Smoking marijuana can lead to higher airway resistance, lung hyperinflation, and inflammation in large airways. The study also found regular marijuana use “is consistently associated with an increased likelihood of symptoms of chronic bronchitis,” though, researchers noted, those symptoms “subside after cessation of use.”

“The accumulated weight of evidence implies far lower risks for pulmonary complications of even regular heavy use of marijuana compared with the grave pulmonary consequences of tobacco,” the researchers concluded.

baby boomers now smoke as much weed as high schoolers
Photo by Hero Images/Getty Images

But a 20-year 2012 study provided even better news for marijuana smokers. Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that individuals who smoked a joint per day for up to seven years didn’t result in adverse lung functioning. While this point is up for debate, the study also reported that moderate marijuana smokers had a wellness advantage, as inhaling provided your lungs and chest muscles an extra workout.

Ultimately, the study’s “findings suggest that occasional use of marijuana for these or other purposes may not be associated with adverse consequences on pulmonary function.” The authors weren’t as high on heavy marijuana users as their research “suggested an accelerated decline in pulmonary function with heavy use and a resulting need for caution and moderation when marijuana use is considered.”

RELATED: Heavy Marijuana Use Could Double Stroke Risk For Young People

According to the National Institutes of Health, some case studies did report negative associations with marijuana inhalation. Those who frequently smoke cannabis experienced more outpatient medical visit for respiratory problems when compared to those who don’t smoke. Other research indicates that THC may have immune-suppressing effects, which could lead to higher susceptibility to lung infections, like pneumonia.

The good news is that most of us don’t smoke weed as often as Willie Nelson did. Toking on a joint several times a week likely won’t result in serious adverse effects. On the other hand, if you find yourself smoking too much, and coughing up nasty phlegm, it may be time to give your lungs a break.

How To Communicate Clearly While Wearing A Mask

Maria Loreto
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How To Communicate Clearly While Wearing A Mask

Masks cover a lot of your facial expressions and visual cues, making it more difficult to communicate effectively. Here’s what you can do to be as clear as possible.

As the pandemic marches on into the holidays, face masks have become an integral part of our daily lives as the easiest and most effective way to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our community safe. Aside from the fact that they’re strange and a little clunky, the largest hindrance of face masks is the fact that they add a layer of difficulty to our everyday communication. And that’s not even taking into accounting those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

When speaking to strangers or people on the street, we rely a lot on their expressions. It’s common to find yourself talking more loudly or gesticulating dramatically in order to get your point across. It’s not great.

The use of face masks has altered the way in which we communicate. As is the case with most things, we can adapt and get better at it the more we become accustom to the circumstances. Here are some tips that can make it easier to communicate while using face masks:

Pay attention to body language

Loud People Are More Likely To Spread The Coronavirus
Photo by Edmond Dantès via Pexels

Your posture, tone of voice and expressions play a huge role in communicating with others. Since the mask covers about half of your face, it’s important to work with what you’ve got, facing the person you’re talking to and letting your intonation do a bit of the heavy lifting. There’s no need to yell or get too close to people; a simple effort will allow you to pick up on other’s posture, their physical cues and more. These cues are especially important when talking to people in loud spaces, where it’s more difficult to listen to them clearly.

Maintain eye contact

How To Communicate Clearly While Wearing A Mask
Photo by Filip Bunkens via Unsplash

RELATED: Spending The Holidays Alone? Here’s How To Make The Most Of It

Eye contact is a very helpful tool when communicating with someone. While their words may still be muffled by their face mask, looking into someone’s eyes allows you to narrow your focus on them, tuning out external conversations and sounds, and making it easier to pick up on what they’re saying.

Cut unnecessary words

face mask
Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino via Unsplash

RELATED: 5 Ways To Feel Somewhat Normal During The Pandemic

Be as efficient as you can be, eliminating unnecessary words when trying to get your point across. While this all depends on where you are and in the context of your situation, when stressed out and trying to communicate something to someone in a crowded space, it helps to be direct and polite.

Spending The Holidays Alone? Here’s How To Make The Most Of It

Maria Loreto
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Spending The Holidays Alone? Here’s How To Make The Most Of It

We’re entering a strange holiday season. Here’s how to make the most of it if you’re planning to spend it solo.

This holiday season will be unlike others in recent memory. With COVID-19 cases reaching new highs all over the country and the economy tanking, the end of the year will be marked by grim news and developments. Many will hunker down and enjoy small celebrations with the people they live with, or will simply choose to spend the holidays alone.

If you belong to the latter group, you might be pumping yourself up and telling yourself that it’s simply another night. While this is totally true, it pays to be prepared and expect some extra sadness during this holiday season. Choosing to spend these days alone in order to keep your family and friends safe is an empowering decision, one that should help you feel good since you’re actively protecting the health of your loved ones and that of the members of your community.

Here are 5 things that can help you make the most of your solo holidays:

Get high

Is Resin A Good Replacement If Marijuana Supplies Go Dry?
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

RELATED: Feeling Down This Holiday Season? Marijuana Might Help

Spending the holidays alone is kind of memorable, so lean into it. Enjoy your space and have fun. Purchase your favorite strain of weed and get high as you go for a walk around the neighborhood, taking in the Christmas decorations and the changes in the weather. You can also try something new, purchasing some edibles that you’ve been looking forward to trying out. A word of advice: take it slow. You don’t want to have a panic attack while you’re spending December 25th alone.

Keep moving

5 Signs That Indicate Your Workouts Are Paying Off
Photo by Julia Ballew via Unsplash

While most of our focus is on family-sized food when discussing the holidays, being alone means that you’ll likely have less temptation around, and likely more incentive to be active. While you should treat yourself, especially during these trying times, moving around and staying active throughout these couple of months will help you cope with your mental health and feel more invigorated. Keep track of the days when you wake up feeling gloomy and like you don’t want to move around much. Push yourself to go on runs, walks, or stretch out in your bedroom. 15 minutes of activity can change the outlook of your day.

House or pet sit

Photo by Andy Omvik via Unsplash

A change of scenery or some companionship can help immensely, especially during the holidays, which can be lonely and melancholic even when surrounded by family. Ask your friends and acquaintances if they’re going to be out of town and offer to pet or house sit. Both will keep you busy fulfilling various tasks, from walking and cuddling an animal to simply keeping a house tidy. Plus, a small part of you might actually feel like you’re on vacation!

Stay connected

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

RELATED: What You Should Know About Holiday Parties During The Pandemic

Just because you’re spending the holidays alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out to friends and family. Even if you don’t feel like making the effort or like seeing your family’s face through a screen will make you feel worse, it’s still important to stay within reach. Figure out what works best for you, whether that’s calling, FaceTime or text, and reach out.

Make a plan

The Best Way To Cope With Depression Is To Plan For It
Photo by Daria Shevtsova via Unsplash

While a lot of people have no issue with spending their entire day watching holiday movies and ordering take-out, others will prefer to have some kind of plan. If that’s you, get busy checking things off your list, from grocery shopping to outlining which TV shows you want to binge. It may not be the same kind of plan you’d follow when visiting family, but it will help pass the time and keep you from feeling like you’re drifting out to sea.

Election Results Getting You Stoked About Cannabis Stocks? Here’s How To Invest

Andrew Ward
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Election Results Getting You Stoked About Cannabis Stocks? Here’s How To Invest

Not investing in cannabis right now is a risk, according to one industry insider.

Election Night 2020 delivered a decisive victory for America’s cannabis movement. The passing of cannabis laws in five American states should lead to further “Green Waves” in the coming years and increased investor interest. That said, various sentiments from industry sources suggest that excitement should come with a caution.

Christine De La Rosa, an activist and co-founder of CBD brand CBxShield, recommends waiting to see how the election results turn out. 

“It’s a good time to start looking at what you want to invest in, but I think the best time to invest would be mid-first or end of the first quarter,” De La Rosa said. 

On the other hand, Dean Arbit, the CEO and co-founder of eCommerce hub Bud, stands on the opposite end of the spectrum. “Not investing in cannabis is a risk,” he said. 

Sectors First-Time Cannabis Investors Should Consider

Arbit, an investor and entrepreneur in media and tech, said ancillary, or “non-plant touching,” investments allow people to participate in the market without risking legal exposure. 

Other players in the market offered up different avenues for first-time investors to consider. De la Rosa said investors should consider licensed ventures creating products, though the payoff could be slower to materialize. The activist/entrepreneur suggested monitoring states that have yet to legalize as spaces to make an early entry. 

RELATED: With 5 More States Legal, Is Now The Time To Invest In Marijuana?

Brent Williams, founder and principal of Highwater Financial, said first-timers should look for stock groups with growth potential. 

“We anticipate that could be large multi-state operators (MSOs) that have significant exposure in states where recreational sales are already permitted,” said Williams. He said investing in vertically integrated MSOs is his suggested play for now, but his advice would change if federal legalization were to pass. 

What You Need To Know About Investing In Marijuana With A Biden-Harris Win
Photo by Darren415/Getty Images

State and Federal Reform Present Optimism, Concern

Market professionals say investors should consider possible additional legislative activity impacting the market. “The legalization in New Jersey should push passage in New York by 2022,” predicted Arbit, who said New York can’t stand to lose the tax revenue to neighboring states. 

RELATED: What You Need To Know About Investing In Marijuana With A Biden-Harris Win

On the other hand, a flood of state activity does not mean federal legislation passes anytime soon. 

“Federal legalization is not right around the corner,” said Williams. He cited the SAFE Banking Act being the bill to move furthest into the Senate. He does not see the MORE Act, which will come up for a House vote in December, passing due to its criminal reform components. 

Williams posited, “We’re still several years away from a federally legal market.”

The Cannabis Drink Boom

Nicole Skrobin
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The Cannabis Drink Boom

Ever since the CBD and cannabis industries have skyrocketed in attention, popularity, and revenue, large beverage companies are enticed to get involved. 

Not only is the cannabidiol (CBD) industry projected to reach at least $22 billion by 2022, at least according to some analysts, but the CBD market is also one of the fastest growing market segments within the cannabis industry as a whole. Here is some insight into the cannabis drink boom.

Recently, many consumers’ health concerns and/or worries have unfortunately increased, especially regarding their mental health amid an unpredictable pandemic. However, this has fueled the demand for CBD and/or cannabis-infused products even further, which includes versatile beverages. Keep reading to learn more about the cannabis and CBD-infused beverage market, which beverage industry leaders are joining the cannabis and CBD movement, and what to expect for the future!

The Growth of the U.S. Beverage Industry

Currently, the top product types within the U.S. beverage industry include a plethora of coffees, dairy and non-dairy beverages, carbonated beverages, energy and sports drinks, juice, tea, wine, liquor, and water (both bottled and enhanced/fortified). What may come as a surprise is that by 2024, major product beverage categories have been projected to surpass $170 billion in sales! Not only does this industry bring in significant annual revenue, it’s also responsible for providing roughly 250,000 jobs resulting in a direct economic impact.

Over the years, the same product types listed above have spread into the CBD and cannabis-infused beverage market, and ever since the CBD and cannabis industries have skyrocketed in attention, popularity, and revenue, large beverage companies are enticed to get involved. 

Beverage Industry Leaders Dabbling In the Cannabis and/or CBD-infused Beverage Market

Recently, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) has become more well-known and sought after, especially after the U.S. Farm Bill was passed. From here, interest in CBD and cannabis-infused drinks and other products soared by consumers and companies alike. Interestingly, many CBD producers such as Charlotte’s Web Holdings Inc. have been recruiting and contacting experienced beverage industry executives to help launch their new CBD and/or cannabis-infused creations.

RELATED: Cannabis Beverage Market To Hit $1.82B By Year’s End

Furthermore, one recent deal worth noting is regarding Constellation Brands Inc. (the company behind Corona Beer and Svedka Vodka). They invested $4 billion into Canopy Growth Corp for the purpose of accumulating research about cannabis-infused drinks while also gaining one third of the company as a part of the deal. Earlier this year, Molson Coors Brewing Company reported that they formed a joint venture with HEXO Corp to discover possibilities and opportunities surrounding non-alcoholic, hemp-derived CBD beverages in Colorado. 

Cannabis Beverage Market To Hit $1.82B By Year's End
Photo by David McNew/Stringer/Getty Images

PepsiCola’s Agreement With Hillview to Launch CBD-Infused Seltzers

Next comes PepsiCola and their goal of making a name for themselves in a lucrative industry. By 2024, the niche cannabis-infused beverage market will reach a whopping $1.4 billion. This obviously caught the attention of multiple corporations, especially PepsiCola. To stay relevant, this multi-billion dollar corporation recently got involved in the CBD industry. Specifically, PepsiCola Bottling Co of New York signed an agreement with New Jersey-based company, Hillview, which produces CBD-infused seltzer drinks. 

RELATED: 54% Of CBD Beverages Contain Less CBD Than Advertised

This agreement was put into place to introduce the CBD seltzer drink “Kaló” in New York City convenience stores, major grocery stores, and bodegas. This specific agreement applies to all five New York boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester. What we know about the Kaló CBD drink is that it comes in four flavors, it’s derived from locally-grown hemp, and it’s rich in naturally occurring cannabinoids, vitamins, and nutrients. 

Where to Purchase CBD and/or Cannabis-infused Beverages:

Nowadays, consumers can purchase CBD and/or cannabis-infused beverages at different dispensaries in numerous states, but particularly Colorado, California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington state, online stores, and even different grocery retailers. CBD-infused drinks are also available at numerous convenience stores throughout the country in addition to certain bars, pubs, cafes, eateries, and restaurants trying to stay relevant as the cannabis and CBD industries continue to grow. 

If you’ve never tried a CBD or cannabis-infused beverage before, are you willing to try? Depending on where you live, you may be able to sample an infused drink while out and about or purchase one at a local dispensary. There will likely be more crossovers between beverage industry leaders and cannabis and CBD companies in the future, so stick around to stay in the loop!

Congress May Be Forced To Consider Marijuana Legalization

Mike Adams
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Congress May Be Forced To Consider Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana is already on the Congressional radar, but someone has to give them a reason to care. 

It has been said that once the issue of marijuana legalization resides consistently near 65 percent in the public opinion polls, Congress may be forced to consider marijuana legalizaiton.

Not only has federal legalization managed to garner somewhere between 60%-65% favorability over the past few years, but the support has now grown considerably. The latest Gallup poll shows that nearly 70% of the population now believes the United States should legalize the leaf nationwide. It’s a signal to the boys and girls on Capitol Hill that now is the time to get serious about legal weed. But will they listen?

The country still doesn’t know which party is going to control Congress in 2021. As of now, the Democrats and Republicans are still evenly split — 48-48 — and election officials are still counting votes. Cannabis advocates hope that the Dems, who already have the majority in the House of Representatives, can snatch the two Senate seats needed in Georgia, allowing them to enter the next legislative session with all of the power on Capitol Hill. But it’s just as likely that the Republicans will maintain control of the upper chamber, giving us yet another Congress in gridlock. 

If the Democrats take the Senate, however, the chances of a marijuana reform bill getting passed are pretty good, but if the Republicans snag it, not so much. Still, Congress is there to represent the people. It is our voice in the nation’s capital. So, if the national public opinion surveys show that most Americans want legal weed, federal lawmakers have to at least discuss it, right?  

They should, that’s for sure. 

But if you’ve ever had the sneaking suspicion that the federal government doesn’t really care what the people want, much less enough to change the law, well, you’d be right. Sadly, Congress doesn’t have any interest in public opinion, according to a study from Princeton and Northwestern University. In fact, the American standpoint is never even considered.

Professors Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page found that roughly 90% of the population has zero effect on policy change. Absolutely none. “The preferences of the average American appear to have only a minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy,” the professors wrote. 

And no, this is not just the federal government’s typical response to drugs. This blatant disregard comes into play with matters like the national debt, education, and the economy. So what chance does marijuana really have?

Did Marijuana Prohibition Cost Trump The Election?
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Federal lawmakers only consider one thing when hashing out national policy, and that is money, according to professors Gilens and Page. The study shows that it’s actually the hundreds of politically active companies dropping billions of dollars on campaign contributions and lobbying efforts that are calling the shots in D.C.

RELATED: Survey Shows 75% Of Veterans Are Interested In Cannabis

Considering that our elected officials spend more than half their time in office fundraising for their next campaign, appeasing their donors is of the utmost importance. The cannabis industry understands this and plays this political game itself. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t come with the same ferocity as other business sectors. 

The cannabis trade reportedly spent $11 million on lobbying efforts in 2019, which is only a drop in the bucket when compared to the legal alcohol industry’s annual $30 million. The weed business needs to grease more Republican wheels if it wants to see nationwide legalization in the next decade. That means playing better politics and helping more of the right people get or stay elected. Marijuana is already on the Congressional radar, but someone has to give them a reason to care. 

RELATED: Did Marijuana Prohibition Cost Trump The Election?

And the will of the American people isn’t it. 

So don’t expect Congress, a political menagerie with a measly 18% approval rating, to get to work on federal marijuana legalization simply because the American people told Gallup that they want legal weed. Rest assured, Congress couldn’t care less about those numbers. Depending on how the Senate votes shake out, it could be difficult enough to get the suits to agree on items like decriminalization and other plans that the Biden Administration has promised. 

We may see some progress this year in terms of marijuana, but don’t hold your breath waiting for it to come. 

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