Pre-rolls are convenient, eliminating the hassle of rolling your own joint. But are they safe to consume during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The pandemic has made us question myriad things, including the ways in which we consume marijuana. While a lot of people initially jumped aboard the edibles and topicals train, now that things have settled, cannabis consumers who prefer flower are likely still smoking what they used to smoke. Hopefully, they’re not passing joints.
Recently, Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency announced that they’d be recalling over 3,000 pre-rolled joints that were made in Bay City, MI, and distributed to different dispensaries across the state. The agency recalled the produce after an incident involving an employee who licked a pre-rolled marijuana product.
Is this a rookie mistake or is this actually how pre-rolls are made in this day and age?
According to experts and people who have worked in the industry, pre-rolls are normally made through the use of machines that pack and roll the joints quickly and efficiently. When workers interact with them, they usually wear gloves, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, when workers are well aware of the health hazards and the necessary sanitary precautions that must be taken in order to keep everyone safe.
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The risk of coronavirus transmission through saliva is large and one of the main reasons why passing joints and not wearing masks has been discouraged since March. Renowned cannabis companies and makers of pre-rolls should be well aware of these risks and take the necessary precautions, such as having their employees wear gloves and masks and use sterilized tools whenever they interact with products. Ground cannabis should be then placed in pre-glued and pre-rolled joints, eliminating the risk of spread.
While it never hurts to do some extra research when purchasing cannabis, your pre-rolls should be safe, even in times of coronavirus. If you’re purchasing your products from a dispensary, this business is supervised by the state and probably contains products that have to go through testing and that are safe and put together by professionals. There’s always human error to account for, but the odds are small.
2020 has been one huge stressor after another. Here’s how a little marijuana can help.
Stress comes in all forms. Whether you’re stressed about an upcoming work presentation, family matters, life’s twists and turns, or the rapid approach of fall, when stress strikes it strikes hard.
While there are tried and true tested remedies for dealing with stress, such as working out, sleeping it off, or even disconnecting from social media, not every method is for everybody.
Know that there are multiple ways to consume marijuana; you can eat or drink it, rub it into your skin, vape, smoke and much more. When it comes to combatting stress, here are 10 strains that can take the edge off. (Ask the budtenders at your local dispensary which products have the strains listed and then pick how you want to put it into your body.)
Kryptonite
Photo courtesy of Cannaclusive/Flickr
Cue 3 Doors Down’s 2000 hit (yes, we are that old). Not only will this dank sativa relax you, it’s sweet aroma might make you forget what had you so worked up to begin with.
Pure Power Plant
Pure Power Plant is a powerful plant. The sativa strain is a little bit of citrus and a little bit of floral. There are some earthy notes lingering in there too and it’s the perfect combination of flavors to relieve stress.
$100 OG is one hundred percent awesome. This 50/50 hybrid strain is the lovechild of citrus and diesel flairs that’ll have you happy as a damn clam. Oh, yeah and feeling stress-free, too!
Dr. Who
Get familiar with this hybrid strain because its sweet and citrus flavors will ease your senses so hard. Work have you stressed? No problem – this bad boy will relax you without a serious body high.
Ak-47
Watching for the sweet, relaxing brain tingles. | Photo by skyNext/Shutterstock.com
Happy. Relaxed. Uplifted. AK-47 is the reassurance you need when things seem to be spiraling out of control. The hybrid strain is as powerful as the name suggests so enjoy the citrus aroma, with caution.
Strawberry Cough
It’s obvious what strawberry cough tastes like, but never mind the sweet berries, this sativa strain will induce a cough that even the most pro consumers can’t bypass. If you can handle that, then this is perfect for wiping away life’s distractions.
Gorilla Glue #4
Photo by Kinga Cichewicz via Unsplash
I don’t know about Gorilla Glue 1, 2 or 3, but this one is definitely a winner when it comes to relieving stress. The hybrid strain is reminiscent of some Colorado woods, but beware the Glue in the name comes from the strain’s ability to have you stuck on the couch.
G-13
G-13 is the stress reliever you never knew existed. You’ll thank me later though. Scents of pine and full buds make this indica strain a go-to for days where you’re ready to pull your hair out.
Durban Poison
Photo by Hưng Nguyễn via Unsplash
This is a good kind of poison. This powerful sativa will uplift you and make you super happy — a perfect combination to combat stress. Plus, the sweet and earth-like aromas are pleasant on the sense.
Alaskan Thunder F**k
The name alone should have you feeling less stressed out, right? Another sativa strain, ATF is an uplifting compadre you need by your side when you’re feeling all worked up. The pungent yet sweet will energize you so this may not be the best bedtime buddy.
This year’s flu season has the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how you can take better care of yourself.
The coronavirus has been around for most of the year. Now that fall is coming and the temperature is dropping, people will have the added stress of colds and the seasonal flu. While the diseases are vastly different, COVID-19, the seasonal flu, and a good old fashioned cold share some common threads.
While the flu feels more severe than a cold, both ailments can be confused with coronavirus, at least at first. These conditions can quickly cause fevers, coughing and sniffling. While the coronavirus still remains mysterious, the conversation around the virus has progressed enough that most people know of its symptoms and how to differentiate it from other viruses. Still, it’s important to stay vigilant and take better care of our health during this time of the year.
Here are some tips that can help you prepare for this coming winter:
The good thing about the pandemic is that we’re all being a little more careful with our health and sanitary practices. Masks and face coverings not only help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, they also prevent the spread of seasonal flus and colds by managing respiratory droplets. Keep up with social distancing and sanitary measures; we know they work.
Get a flu shot
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If there’s one year where everyone should get the flu shot, it’s this one. While getting the flu shot won’t completely eliminate the risk of getting the flu, it does help reduce your odds of contracting and spreading it. Once you get your flu shot, you’ll get peace of mind while also avoiding an unnecessary trip to the doctor during a time when they’re overworked.
While you don’t have to go overboard and start taking Vitamin C supplements, you should pay special attention to the basics of keeping your body healthy, which rely on good eating and decent sleeping habits. Go to bed early if you can, and make sure to eat plenty of plant-based foods through the week. Also, avoid extra stress if possible, even if it’s a tall order during the pandemic; delegate tasks at work, ask for help when you need it, and be extra communicative with the people in your support group.
Earl Blumenauer cautioned Biden from following too closely in Hillary Clinton’s footsteps, as he believes she would be President if she had supported cannabis legalization.
When presidential candidate Joe Biden announced his criminal justice reform plan, it included cannabis policies that appeared to be lacking compared to those proposed by other prominent Democratic party members. Almost none, however, have criticized Biden’s cannabis agenda until this week when one Democratic congressman described it as “essentially meaningless.”
The comment came from Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer, a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. The congressman appeared in a video interview with Canopy Growth executive David Culver, who asked Blumenauer about Biden’s marijuana platform.
“[Legalization] is demanded by the American public. It’s no longer controversial,” Blumenauer said. “For the campaign to talk about decriminalization is essentially meaningless. Your grandmother is for decriminalization.
“Over two-thirds of the American public supports full legalization. A majority of Republicans support full legalization and an overwhelming majority of young people,” he continued. “So I think that’s where we’re going. I’m optimistic that before the election we’ll get a better statement. But ultimately, what’s going to matter is what we do in Congress and we are poised, maybe even this Congress, to fully legalize, but certainly in the next Congress.”
When he stated that over two-thirds of Americans support legalization, Blumenauer was referencing a 2019 Gallup poll that found 66% of people favor legalizing marijuana use. In addition, 51% of Republicans supported legalizing while 47% opposed such action. Among millennials, 80% wanted legal cannabis.
Cannabis advocates hoped a unity task force led by Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders would push the Vice President on marijuana reform, but the group’s recommendations ultimately reiterated Biden’s decriminalization stance.
Financial analysts still believe 2021 will be the year for cannabis legalization in the United States. Polls indicate the Democrats should take control of the Senate in the upcoming Election, which will make passing cannabis legislation easier than it is now. Current Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to let any marijuana-related legislation hit the floor throughout his tenure, but that would change under Democratic leadership. Should Congress pass substantial cannabis reform, Joe Biden is not expected to veto any such bills.
Blumenauer still cautioned Biden from following too closely in Hillary Clinton’s footsteps. Supporting marijuana legalization “should’ve been a no-brainer for Hillary Clinton,” he said.
“But she never really fully embraced it,” he added. “I will go to my grave convinced that if she could have put together a coherent, rational position on legalization of cannabis, she would’ve been President.”
Finally, the feds are looking more seriously into product safety and quality for cannabis and CBD products, but it’s not the FTC taking the reins.
Over the years, we’ve pointed out when federal agencies opt to ignore the federal illegality of cannabis. It happens more often than you might think depending on the topic (see, for example, the NLRB). One agency, however, that has surprisingly never lifted a finger against state-legal cannabis – though it is taking a closer look at CBD – is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
It is bad public policy when no federal watchdog is looking out for cannabis consumers (many millions of people) or scrutinizing the quality of cannabis products overall, and/or going after bad actors to deter bad behavior. To date, it’s truly been “buyer beware” outside of states putting together their own protocols on things like recalls, packaging and labeling safety standards, quality assurance reviews, and testing. None of this is approved or sanctioned by the feds, like it oftentimes is for other industries. As such, the states are literally making up cannabis consumer safety as they go along; and products liability suits (and at least one wrongful death suit) have manifested over the years. See here for our various posts on these topics.
Cannabis testing, itself, has also been problematic in a variety of states where no gold standard exists for testing. It’s entirely up to state agencies regarding what, exactly, should be tested and in what amounts, in order to be considered a “passing” product. For example, if you remember, vitamin E acetate was one of the presumable culprits when consumers were experiencing significant health issues from ingesting illegal market cannabis oils through vapes.
At the same time, California’s cannabis regulators didn’t mandate testing for additives/thickeners (like vitamin E acetate) for products manufactured and sold by state-licensed businesses. In addition, there have always been issues with certain standards of lab integrity/general competence: one lab will issue a passing result for a batch of cannabis while a second lab issues a failing result — both using the same testing methods under state laws and regulations.
CBD testing, packaging, and labeling is no consumer safety picnic either. It’s no secret that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t sanction the consumption of CBD for humans and pets in food and beverages, and it continues to pursue the shutdown of CBD companies that make unsubstantiated medical claims about their CBD products in violation of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. So, the FDA has been zero help regarding consumer safety around CBD (though they know that hundreds of thousands of consumers are using CBD on a routine basis in the U.S.). And if states opt to regulate CBD, they’re no shining model either on packaging, labeling, and safety content either (pretty similar to cannabis at large). Like cannabis, CBD is also a “buyer beware” situation.
Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images
All of that said, there may be some light at the end of the quality assurance tunnel. Finally, the feds are looking more seriously into product safety and quality for cannabis and CBD products, but it’s not the FTC taking the reins.
Back in July, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) launched the Cannabis Quality Assurance Program (CannaQAP). The title of the program is a little misleading right now: NIST isn’t really helping state-licensed cannabis labs test cannabis products (see more on that here). Instead, the program is dedicated to assisting labs testing hemp products (mainly hemp oils, for now) to ensure that the THC concentration doesn’t exceed .3% THC in line with the 2018 Farm Bill. NIST states that it is:
planning to conduct future exercises with ground hemp and possibly marijuana. Those exercises will involve measuring a larger number of compounds, including terpenes — the chemicals that give different strains of marijuana their distinct aromas — and compounds that people don’t want in their cannabis such as fungal toxins, pesticides and heavy metals. Future exercises may also include extracts, concentrates, distillates and edibles.
Chances are probably good that NIST will eventually help out state-licensed cannabis labs with their quality assurance testing protocol and measurements.
More recently, as initially reported by Marijuana Moment, the FDA is issuing an Request for Quote (RFQ) for a contractor to assess a multitude of CBD products for safety and quality over a year’s time, which will hopefully lead to some clarity and uniformity around future federal regulation of CBD. The reason for this move is that the FDA already sent a report to Congress last month (at its request per federal legislation) detailing the adulteration and mislabeling of CBD products that exist in the marketplace today for humans and pets (e.g. oils, tinctures, capsules, tablets, gummies, vape liquids, conventional foods, topicals, and pet treats and capsules).
One of the main problems found by FDA is that the claimed labeling content (for instance, regarding CBD versus THC ratios and other heavy metals and toxins) is consistently inaccurate when compared to test results. This obviously poses major problems for consumers. There are also issues where certain CBD products contain little or no labeling at all, which further leaves consumers in the dark.
Photo by seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images
The FDA report also detailed how the agency would eventually engage in more serious CBD product sample testing in two phases (near-term and long-term sampling). Hence, the current search for the contractor, which is the long-term sampling portion of this plan.
Specifically, the FDA stated in its report that the long-term sampling plan would entail:
[All CBD products being] analyzed for 11 cannabinoids, including a quantitative determination of total CBD, total THC, and the elements As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. The testing methods will be equivalent to those used in the near-term study. Additional analyses, including pesticides, residual solvents, and microbial testing will be performed on a
subset of products. The specific number and type of testing will be determined based on product type and the results from the near-term study. Product sampling and testing will be conducted by a third party and FDA expects this long-term study to be initiated in 2020.
It’s anyone’s guess at this point regarding who will win the RFQ with the FDA.
The NIST and the FDA may not be the heroes we wanted on the beginnings of meaningful federal participation around cannabis/hemp consumer safety, but they’re the heroes consumers may need in order to stay safe and informed (and to help states better refine their testing and packaging and labeling standards).
The data yielded by these two agencies over their studies and analyses will hopefully better guide states in this very sensitive area while the FTC remains on ice for consumer safety enforcement. So, stay tuned.
Quieting the mind can be useful, but if you find yourself more depressed after practicing mindfulness, you’re certainly not alone.
If past studies are to be believed, you can forget about everything your yoga instructor has ever told you. Some researchers believe that mindfulness and meditation might amplify anxiety and stress in some people. Granted, the number of people who experience this is relatively low, but still. This is some jarring information for the millions of people who love to meditate.
A 2016 study conducted by a team of researchers, who combed through dozens of past studies, found that about 1 in 12 people experienced an unwanted side effect from practicing long-term, intensive meditation, with negative symptom usually leaning towards anxiety or depression:
Qualitative research on mindfulness meditation shows that it may increase the awareness of difficult feelings and exacerbate psychological problems.
“For most people it works fine but it has undoubtedly been overhyped and it’s not universally benevolent,” Miguel Farias, one of the lead researchers behind the work, toldNew Scientist. The overview of the data analyzed 55 different studies, calculating the average amount of people who experienced negative side effects within each one.
“Why do some people react badly to meditation? A possible explanation is that it amplifies inner problems,” wrote researchers. “If one has a ‘disposition’ to depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis, meditation may heighten it.”
“Another explanation is that mindfulness is not only about ‘being aware’ but may also challenge the ordinary sense of self.”
Still, there’s hope for those who believe in the powers of meditation and mindfulness. Psychologist Katie Spark explained to New Scientist that sometimes it’s natural for the brain to rebel against new stimulus, especially those that try to control their thoughts and emotions. “It’s like a backlash to the attempt to control the mind, and this results in an episode of anxiety or depression,” she said.
While people should be mindful of their feelings when meditating, noticing if something doesn’t feel right, they should continue to practice ways of feeling better and more calm through the use of guided videos, apps or an instructor. If feelings of anxiety or depression persist, it might also be an indication that the problem is more serious and should be consulted with a medical expert.
Trump suggested that cannabis ballot measures swing elections in Democrats’ favor and, at least in Wisconsin, he may be right.
President Donald Trump hosted a campaign rally in Oshkosh, Wisconsin the same night the Democratic National Convention was scheduled to kick off in Milwaukee. While Democrats instead opted for a virtual conference to avoid spreading the coronavirus, Trump drew a crowd of at least 1,000 people.
In off-the-cuff remarks, Trump suggested to Republicans that if they wanted to win elections, they had to keep cannabis legalization off the ballot. Though the Trump Administration has attacked cannabis reform in behind-closed-doors proceedings and by blocking legislative action, this is the first time the President has made negative comments about cannabis in public.
“The next time you run please don’t put marijuana on the ballot at the same time you’re running,” Trump said at the rally. “You brought out like a million people that nobody ever knew were coming out.”
The comments were directed at former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who was among the crowd and was ousted in the 2018 mid-term election by Democratic challenger and current Gov. Tony Evers. But the 2018 gubernatorial race was heated with just over one percentage point of total votes separating Evers and Walker.
However, statewide legalization wasn’t on the Wisconsin ballot in 2018. Instead a number of local advisory questions appeared in 16 counties, which all voted affirmatively they would support recreational or medical cannabis reform. But these voter approvals were non-binding and only serve to gauge public sentiment on a given topic.
Photo by dvulikaia/Getty Images
These ballot measures were placed there by elected officials in those individual counties. Walker had no role in placing them on the ballot, as Trump suggested. Data suggests those measures may have tipped the gubernatorial race Evers’ favor. Official results show Evers gained significant votes in those 16 counties with marijuana measures when compared to the Democratic challenger in the 2014 gubernatorial race. Considering Evers only defeated Walker by 30,576 votes, those ballot questions likely made the difference.
However, this does not represent new political gamesmanship by Democrats. Because mid-term elections often draw smaller voter turnouts, as explained by Senior Brookings Institute Fellow John Hudak, both Republicans and Democrats often use ballot measures to motivate people to the booth.
A recent Fresh Toast poll asked readers which presidential candidate would more likely legalize cannabis if elected this year. Results were split almost 50-50, with Democratic nominee Joe Biden slightly edging out Trump.
Cannabis suppositories are becoming increasingly more popular. Here’s what they can do for you.
While suppositories aren’t exactly a go-to for cannabis dosing, they are touted as some of the most effective and fast-acting methods of medicinal relief. Not surprisingly, the cannabis suppository market has been gaining popularity over the past couple of years, and that includes CBD.
While there’s not a lot of research on the compound, CBD suppositories have gotten some positive anecdotal reviews, with many praising the fact that they provide noticeable results within 20 minutes. Cannabis suppositories are known for providing powerful effects with no intoxication, even in products that contain THC, which can provide major pain relief.
When compared to other methods of ingesting cannabis, suppositories lie somewhere between edibles and smoked cannabis; while they’re not as unpredictable and strong as edibles are, they are stronger than most other forms of consuming cannabis. Also, when cannabis is ingested in suppository form, your body absorbs most of what’s in these products, unlike smoked cannabis, where a lot of the cannabinoids go to waste.
Photo by ADragan/Getty Images
CBD suppositories are said to manage inflammation better than THC suppositories. They’re also good at promoting relaxation, something that has made these products as viable options for people who suffer from period cramps or pain and stress during sex.
“With topicals, suppositories, and CBD bath products, you are treating the issue directly at the source and allowing the CBD to really target the problem area,” explains Brandin LaShea, host of “Pop Pie” on Social TV Club.
While suppositories can be used to treat anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms normally treated with CBD, the majority of people use suppositories to treat specific ailments. Period cramps, pelvic floor dysfunctions, back and hip pain, painful sex, and more, are symptoms that can be quickly improved with the use of CBD suppositories.
Whether it’s a part of your skincare routine or gym recovery strategy, CBD oil is a versatile natural remedy to have on hand.
CBD has been a trending item since it became accepted and legalized in 2018. The many health claims and benefits associated with CBD have intrigued people around the world who want to try the product for themselves. However, many people are still intimidated by the negative connotations associated with the product.
If you’ve been wondering how to start using CBD oil, you’re in luck. Here are some tips and tricks for incorporating CBD oils into your daily routine.
Define Your Needs
First things first, consider what you’re trying to accomplish. This is essential for finding the right CBD oil to suit your needs. Some common reasons for taking CBD oil include:
Relieving stress and anxiety
Helping improve sleep
Non-medicinal pain relief
Reducing inflammation and swelling
Skincare and cosmetic use
Knowing your reasons will help you better identify what blend of CBD oil will work best for you, as well as what form. For example, if you’re using CBD to treat acne or assist with targeted muscular pain, a topical application might be best. If you’re looking for help with your anxiety or insomnia, CBD edibles or drops might be more effective.
Assess the Impacts
Photo by BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific via Unsplash
Before you can determine how to fit CBD oil into your daily routine, you need to assess the impacts of specific blends. If you’re only using the oil topically, you’re probably fine to experiment and go about your day. However, if you’ll be ingesting CBD, you’ll want to give yourself time to process it in a safe place.
For some people, CBD oil has no side effects. Others feel drowsy or experience an upset stomach the first few times. By setting aside time to assess the impacts, you can help find the right product for you and ensure you use it safely.
Don’t feel intimidated by the fact that there are potential side-effects. The same thing applies to over-the-counter cough medicine and Tylenol.
How to Use CBD Salves
CBD salves and ointments are a great way to use CBD oils for skin issues and muscle stiffness. Invest in a high-quality salve to rub on your muscles after the gym, keeping a canister in your gym bag. If you plan on using CBD as a part of your skincare regimen, incorporate it as a moisturizer during your morning or evening routine.
How to Use CBD Drops
When using CBD drops, paying attention to the blend is essential. Depending on your area, there’s a legal threshold for THC— the active ingredient in marijuana that causes a high. This level isn’t closely regulated yet, meaning you could unknowingly get some product with a high THC percentage.
Once you find the right blend, you can administer the drops orally or incorporate them into beverages. For example, if you’re using CBD to help with anxiety throughout the day, adding a few drops in your morning smoothie is a great way to incorporate CBD into your routine.
How to Use CBD Edibles
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When your CBD oil is in edible form or capsules, it’s important to pay attention to the THC level. Either use the oil to make your own edibles or buy from trusted suppliers.
A CBD edible is a great way to get an energy boost in the afternoon. Or, depending on the blend you choose, it can be a great way to relax and fall asleep at night. It’s these vast differences between products that make it so important to know what you’re ingesting and why.
Final Thoughts
Be a savvy CBD oil user. Do plenty of research about the blends and suppliers you use, then get creative with how you incorporate it into your day. Whether it’s a part of your skincare routine or gym recovery strategy, CBD oil is a versatile natural remedy to have on hand.
Disclaimer:The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.
Very simply, marijuana legalization is not some wild experiment that has never been done before. And now, of course, we are beginning to see the same experience in some places in the United States.
In the midst of the pandemic, there is much uncertainty about almost everything, but one thing does seem certain: America is going to be much poorer. Or, to put in a global perspective, America and a few other countries will be much less rich and the rest of the world will be much, much poorer, and no wall or welfare program will protect us.
In Los Angeles, the global center of the entertainment industry, the unemployment rate is already around 50%, and many jobs and businesses are gone forever. The sheer scale of the problems will almost certainly lead to social unrest which will be visible to the world. But so will the solutions, because the world really does look to “Hollywood” for imagination.
So use your imagination. Imagine what Los Angeles and America and the world would look like without marijuana prohibition.
Of course, one might imagine that marijuana prohibition has ended in California and especially in Los Angeles, where there are 155 licensed marijuana dispensaries.
And Los Angeles even has a “Departament of Cannabis Regulation” which is trying to navigate through the competing interests in the retail marijuana business by deciding who gets one of the very valuable new retail licenses that the city will issue. The DCR has just completed a review of L.A.’s policies, so let the competition begin.
Now for context. The City of Los Angeles has approximately 4 million people and Los Angeles County has around 10 million.
But also consider that there are approximately 1,600 bars, not including a huge number of restaurants that serve alcohol, and then there are hundreds of “liquor stores”, and most supermarkets have huge selections of almost every type of alcohol, beer, wine and booze. And there are also delivery services…
For added context, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, each year nationwide there are roughly 250,000 emergency department visits for alcohol addiction withdrawal which is so extreme that there are 850 deaths related to alcohol withdrawal. Ironically, that is why alcohol sales are considered “essential”, especially in the lockdown.
But zero deaths directly attributable to marijuana use.
And alcohol kills thousands more in accidents and is a major factor in violence, especially domestic violence, during the current lockdown.
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, population 17 million, marijuana has been available for over forty years in approximately 750 “coffeeshops” where anyone over 18 can buy and smoke cannabis. Amsterdam’s population is 900,000, less than a quarter of the city of Los Angeles, and has approximately 170 “coffeeshops”.
Photo by Fiordaliso/Getty Images
In addition, you can smoke cannabis, but not tobacco, in any bar, restaurant or venue where the owners allow it. (Most don’t)
Related: Are you a senior citizen interested in the benefits of CBD? Click here for a comprehensive guide to all things CBD.
The results: the Dutch annual per capita rate of cannabis use is less than half of the American rate 5.4% vs 13.7% and the hard drug use rate is even lower 0.3% vs 0.57. And the murder rate is less than one fifth the U.S rate.
Very simply, marijuana legalization is not some wild experiment that has never been done before. And now, of course, we are beginning to see the same experience in some places in the U.S..
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles restaurant scene is being decimated by the pandemic shutdown, and to reopen they are going to need new sources of income, especially with social distancing reducing their capacity. Being able to sell cannabis would give them a badly needed source of income, and allowing on-premise consumption (with vaporizers that don’t produce “second hand smoke”) would increase food sales.
No munchies jokes, please.
When politicians calculate tax revenues from cannabis sales, they typically just think of direct taxes, but that is like projecting alcohol tax revenues that only counted liquor store taxes. In fact, there would be far fewer restaurants without alcohol sales, and there will be far fewer in the future without cannabis.
Of course, the same is especially true of the music scene. From Louis Armstrong to The Beatles to Willie Nelson, there has long been a connection between music and marijuana. Ironically, musicians have been especially hurt by the pandemic with all of their gigs canceled and the venues closed. Big concerts have always had clouds of smoke, because the police knew it would be impossible and impolitic to arrest anyone, but in smaller venues they could credibly threaten smokers and the owners.
Los Angeles should proudly recognize cannabis as part of its culture and welcome cannabis use in music venues, just as they do with alcohol. To do otherwise would be both cowardly and hypocritical, and really bad business. Given Los Angeles prominence in the entertainment business, with truly legal cannabis it should leverage its visibility into leadership in other aspects of cannabis, such as hemp fashions, medical cannabis research, including CBD and other cannabinoids.
Finally, in a multiracial society like Los Angeles, cannabis could bring its diverse cultures together for social peace.
Richard Cowan is a former NORML National Director and co-founder of Blue Ribbon Hemp
