The state didn’t pass adult-use marijuana legalization earlier this year, but NM Gov. Lujan Grisham may have signaled a new proposal on the horizon.
Cannabis industry CEOs have proposed marijuana legalization as possible solution to boost the economy following turmoil caused by the coronavirus. While the pandemic has stalled or altogether stopped some legalization campaigns ahead of the 2020 election, one state now expresses regret for not ending cannabis prohibition in prior months. In wishful thinking, one governor regrets not legalizing weed pre-COVID.
During a press conference last week, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham answered queries about how the state economy will rebound later this year. Grisham responded that New Mexico plans on working with the energy sector, including oil and gas companies, to create programs appealing to the state and federal economy.
She added that marijuana legalization would have made any economy recovery that much easier.
“If there was ever a time for wishful thinking, I wish we had passed recreational cannabis because that was $100 million,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Those are pre-COVID-19 estimates, but $100 million in the budget. And I am very sad about that.”
Lujan Grisham had voiced support for recreational cannabis legalization earlier this year. In a January announcement, the governor’s office projected such action could generate more than 10,000 agricultural jobs and a possible $100 million in tax revenue. The latter estimate combines revenue windfalls from the state’s pre-existing medical dispensaries and projections from a legal recreational market.
Photo by 272447 via Pixabay
Though the governor’s task force approved proposed legislation, the bill died in a state Senate committee. The draft, however, had a starting date of July 1, 2020. It is unlikely, as the Santa Fe Reporter noted, that New Mexico would see any adult-use marijuana tax revenue amid the coronavirus pandemic as result.
However, the subtle mention by Grisham could signal a new proposal on the horizon. State lawmakers expect to revise significant portions of the New Mexico budget, as estimates of potential industry losses start at $500 million. The governor expects the state Legislature to reconvene for a special session in mid to late June.
Though legal cannabis won’t fix all the state’s economic problem, advocates suggest that it can be part of the solution.
“She is right, that if we could legalize cannabis in New Mexico, it’s not going to solve our budget woes, but it would add to the state coffers,” Emily Kaltenbach, executive director of the New Mexico Drug Policy Alliance, told SFR. “We need to be creative and we need to diversify our economy so that we are not reliant on oil and gas, and legalization is one of the ways to do that. So, it’s encouraging to hear perhaps we may be more inclined to legalize given the economic situation we are in right now.”
Sex and cannabis are a popular pairing for a reason. Here’s what you should know before doing it.
One of the many benefits of mainstream marijuana is the industry’s desire to cater to different crowds. This allows for the medicinal and recreational use of the plant to expand from edibles, to infused drinks, lubricants and much more. Here is what you should know before mixing sex and cannabis.
The addition of cannabis in lubricants is one that has some anecdotal and scientific support. Many have been pairing sex with cannabis, long before scientific evidence found that cannabis is useful for increasing pleasure and for coping with sexual issues.
Still, there are some things you should be aware of when mixing marijuana and sex, especially when having no previous experience.
Before experimenting, it’s important to discuss it with your partner, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with what’s going on. While for some couples smoking a little weed before getting down is no reason to fuss, others are more sensitive to what they consume. The more you talk it out and get comfortable with it, the better; you don’t want anyone to have a panic attack in the middle of sex.
Choose a product that works for you
Photo by Felix via rawpixel.com
There’s a wide variety of cannabis products that can be used for sex, whether you choose to inhale marijuana, use an infused lubricant or ingest an edible. There are many factors that come into play here. As always, start off with a method you’re comfortable with, or, if you want to explore something new, go for it but start off slow. Account for you and your partner’s level of experience with whichever method is being consumed and start with a low dose.
For cannabis and sex it’s important to avoid overdosing. Studies have shown that consuming too much cannabis in whatever form can result in drowsiness or paranoia, both symptoms that won’t fit with the mood you’re trying to achieve.
It’s not easy introducing a new element into your sex life, which is why you should cut yourself some slack at first and keep trying. You might feel awkward at first or not have complete control of your body. “Incorporating cannabis into your sex life is like losing your virginity all over again. You have to retrain your body to move with your newly heightened senses,” writes Playboy magazine.
Don’t be scared to mix things up, try out new products and new positions. At some point, it’ll click and it’ll be well worth it.
A roundup of the latest reports examining the relationship between CBD and the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus-related scams and fraudulent advertising have surged over the past month, as snake oil salesmen have promised cures to a concerned public. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a guide on how consumers can best avoid being scammed, and sent warnings, co-written by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to companies falsely promising coronavirus cure packages. Here is the truth about CBD and COVID-19.
Claims around cannabidiol (CBD) and the coronavirus have also drawn scrutiny in the past month. As new reports and messages fly across your social media channel, it can be tough to keep track of it all.
Former NFL player Kyle Turley promised his nearly 50,000 followers that using his company CBD products would prevent them from obtaining the coronavirus. No medical research backs up his statement. However, his story represents a common misconception CBD companies have sent consumers: That CBD will boost your immune system, which will help your body fight COVID-19.
Scientific evidence remains mixed about how CBD affects the immune system. One study showed CBD to boost immune systems in HIV/AIDS patients. But other research found CBD to be an immunomodulator, which is why CBD can be such an effective anti-inflammatory.
“If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is,” NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said. “During these difficult times, we encourage people to be skeptical of any unsubstantiated claims, particularly those circulating online, surrounding the use of cannabis or any other uncorroborated treatment for COVID-19.”
Photo by zhangshuang/Getty Images
Is CBD Being Used to Fight the Coronavirus?
The short answer is yes. Israeli researchers have launched multiple clinical trials that use CBD in conjunction with more traditional treatment. One study, backed by Stero Biotechs, will combine CBD with steroids, with the belief that CBD could increase the therapeutic potential of the steroids. However, the results from this research isn’t expected for several more weeks, if not longer.
“We estimate that our CBD-based treatment can enhance the current treatment of those patients who are in life-threatening conditions,” Stero Biotechs founder and CEO David Bassa said in a statement. “Hospitalized COVID-19 patients are mostly being treated with steroids and our study is planned to demonstrate the benefit of a combined solution with Steroid treatments. We are hopeful that this study will lead to faster benefit for the growing number of COVID-19 patients in Israel and around the world.”
Will Smoking or Vaping CBD Increase My Chances of Catching the Coronavirus?
No one can say for certain. Because COVID-19 infects the body’s respiratory system, doctors and medical experts have asked individuals to refrain from smoking or vaping until we know more. But the FDA recently walked back claims the smoking or vaping makes someone more susceptible to catching the coronavirus.
“E-cigarette use can expose the lungs to toxic chemicals, but whether those exposures increase the risk of COVID-19 is not known,” an FDA spokesperson said.
My roommate went on a date during coronavirus, violating our agreement to self-quarantine together. Am I wrong to be angry?
Etiquette tips on how to interact in today’s world. Have a question for Mister Manners? Send your queries to info@whatmannersmost.com and look for replies in the coming weeks.
DISTANCING DISREGARDED
Q: During this period of quarantine, my best friend and I are both working from home. As roommates, we made a pact to keep isolated from others, which allowed us to enjoy the activities we partake in together — from cooking to board games. Last week, after disappearing for a few hours, she came home late looking all glam, and admitted she’d been out on a date. I was stunned she had violated our agreement. Am I wrong to be angry?
A: People across the world are dreaming of a return to normal social interactions right now. For someone single, the chance for romantic attention could be tough to pass up. And when the biggest daily wardrobe decision many Americans are making is whether their t-shirts clash with their sweatpants, I understand her desire to be glamorous and forget about the pandemic for a spell.
Bygoing behind your back, however, your roomieput her dating life ahead of your well-being. No matter how slim the chances of her falling ill might seem, she disregarded the potential health risks to you and others. She has also put your friendship in jeopardy.
That’s where things get complicated. I’m surmisingneither of you have a Plan B for living arrangements over the next two weeks — let alone the next few months. Chances are, you’ll be coexisting in the same space for awhile, and at least until social distancing restrictions begin to ease.
For the sake of under-same-roof harmony, I urge you to take the high road. (And precautions, too.) A stern but rational conversation will serve you way better than a livid outburst. Ensure she knows how you feel and why. Then set some new ground rules. Keep physically distant from one another to the extent possible, at least until a prospective incubation period has passed. Use the kitchen at different times, and she should be extra-meticulous about cleaning surfaces such as doorknobs and counters. You should also forego jigsaw puzzles and Jenga marathons until it’s clear she is not carrying the virus. Perhaps most important of all, until life eases back to normal, as long as you’re sharing the same space, you get veto power on a second date for these two lovebirds.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
MOUTHING OFF
Q: I am so tired of going to the store and encountering other customers not wearing masks. Is it okay for me to approach them and — in no uncertain terms — share my opinion?
A: And by approaching them, potentially put yourself at risk? This is a battle I advise you avoid. There are many reasons someone may not be wearing a mask—from the benign (“the elastic snapped”) to the less so (“I don’t want to smudge my makeup”). Whatever their rationale, with our world upended and every other customer in the store looking like an extra from The Great Train Robbery, these careless shoppers cannot claim to be unaware of state and local restrictions.
It is up to the store to police its patrons — not you. If you witness another customer doing anything seriously reckless, speak with a store manager. Otherwise, lead by example and simply keep your distance.
Mister Manners, Thomas P. Farley, is a nationally regarded expert who appears regularly in the media to discuss modern-day etiquette dilemmas — from how to split a check fairly to how to get a word in edgewise. Follow Thomas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MisterManners. And for more insights, listen to his brand-new podcast, “What Manners Most,” which will be focused exclusively on Coronavirus-related etiquette for the foreseeable future.
As we’re adapting to the coronavirus, it’s important to be mindful of other people when stepping outside of our homes.
Going outside of your house is not only a precious activity, but also one that exposes you to other people and their ways of social distancing. Once outside you’re faced with hundreds of different reactions, whether they’re of people jumping out of your way or stepping too close to you.
One of COVID-19’s most significant impacts is the ways in which it affects our behavior in public. While different states are mandating the use of face masks and maintaining 6-feet of distance between yourself and others, most people don’t know what to do when faced with a packed elevator or a crowded aisle at the supermarket.
Here are some social distancing etiquette basics we should all start practicing:
Whether they’re elevators, supermarket aisles or sidewalks, your best bet is to avoid crowded spaces, giving people enough room to move about, while protecting yourself. If you’re waiting on an elevator to get to your apartment, consider waiting until the elevator is relatively empty or using the stairs.
Respect the boundaries of essential workers
It’s very important for everyone to be as nice and respectful as possible with others, especially to essential workers who spend their days tending to grocery stores, which are big hot spots for anxiety. Don’t crowd these workers when they’re stocking up on groceries and try to keep your distance from them and from others at the store. If someone steps up too close to you, try to stay calm and ask politely if they could give you some space.
There’s a lot of information out there regarding runners and bikers and their germs, with some claiming that due to the speed in which they’re moving, their droplets can travel farther distances. If you’re someone who’s exercising outdoors, be sure to use the streets and to leave the sidewalks for pedestrians. Run against the flow of traffic, that way you’ll be able to spot oncoming cars and stay safe.
Remember that we’re all new to this
We’re all new to social distancing guidelines, meaning that it’s very likely for everyone to overreact and forget about the appropriate way to behave in public. Try to avoid confrontations with others and cut people some slack; this is a very stressful time for everyone and it’ll take us a little while to get used to the ways in which the new world works.
Using serological testing can elevate better data for public health practitioners as well as patient tracking to allow for the identification of who has been infected by COVID-19.
“Every step we have taken as part of our approach to COVID-19 testing has been a careful balancing of risks and benefits in order to meet the urgent public health needs as we combat this new pathogen.” (FDA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in mid-April news around COVID-19 antibody tests (or serological tests) with both their function and availability. Tackling the complexity of informing the public about testing capacity and approval of certain tests, the FDA explained these a few vital positions:
Those interested in submitting a test for approval with the FDA may request FDA authorization through the emergency use authorization (EUA) process. More information around EUAs and the four that have already been approved (as of April 18th) is located here. In their declaration, the FDA explained, “We are working around-the-clock to review EUA submissions quickly and we continue to take steps to ensure the process is as streamlined and efficient as possible.”
In partnership with the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA has formed a collaboration to evaluate serological tests for developers. The FDA cited that performance tests are beginning “soon” and that they expect to see results, “shortly-after.”
Explaining the need for both flexibility and speed, the FDA incorporated feedback from the medical community, as well as states and test developers. Using the feedback, the FDA is working to actively provide laboratories and health care providers (HCPs) with, “early access to these tests with the understanding that the FDA has not reviewed or authorized the tests.” Meaning that while the FDA is following its own EUA process, some tests may be available to healthcare clinics and professionals that have not been vetted in their normal process.
The FDA explained further that it has issued, “a policy explaining that FDA does not intend to object when developers of serological tests market or use their tests without prior FDA review” when three points are present. These are:
1.) The tests are validated by the developer to determine they are accurate and reliable
2.) Notification of the developer’s validation is provided to the FDA
3.) Tests must be labeled appropriately
The FDA also shared that its policies do not apply to at-home testing because of challenges in accuracy.
Using serological testing can elevate better data for public health practitioners as well as patient tracking to allow for the identification of who has been infected by COVID-19 and individuals with antibodies that can be used to manufacture convalescent plasma, which in early results has been effective in those fighting the disease.
Colorado State University researchers found that CBD caused cell death in glioblastoma, a rare and intractable form of brain cancer.
Cannabidoil (CBD) has emerged in recent years as an alternative medicine for hard-to-treat illnesses like epilepsy, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving cannabis-derived medications, like Epidiolex. Studies have also demonstrated cannabis as a possible supplemental treatment in cancer patients, though researchers caution there have been no definitive conclusions. But data suggests CBD cold be useful treatment in rare brain cancer.
Those two trends influenced a new study, published in the FASEB Journal, that found CBD as an effective therapy in a rare form of intractable brain cancer called glioblastoma. A highly deadly disease with low survival rates, glioblastoma affects both humans and dogs. Once discovered, it spreads rapidly through the brain and proves difficult to slow down. This study, scheduled to be presented at medical conference canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, provides a possible improvement in fighting glioblastoma.
“Further research and treatment options are urgently needed for patients afflicted by brain cancer,” Chase Gross, a student at Colorado State University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Science program, said in a statement. “Our work shows that CBD has the potential to provide an effective, synergistic glioblastoma therapy option and that it should continue to be vigorously studied.”
Gross, alongside fellow CSU researchers, exposed human and canine glioblastoma cancer cells to variations of CBD. One test included a 100% pure CBD isolate while another used a CBD extract that included other natural cannabinoids, such as THC and CBG. Both versions of CBD proved successful in slowing the cancer’s overall cell growth and inducing apoptosis, or cell death.
Photo by Tinnakorn Jorruang/Getty Images
Researchers noted that the difference in anti-cancer properties between CBD isolate and CBD extract were negligible. They also documented how CBD caused apoptosis by enlarging the intracellular vesicles in the cancel cell membranes, which eventually began to bulge and break down.
Other studies have seen apoptosis in cancer cells, but scientists remain conflicted about how this process works. The CSU researchers suggested the nature of CBD’s anti-cancer properties involves the cannabinoid’s ability to target mitochondria, otherwise known as a cell’s energy station. CBD causes mitochondria to malfunction, the researchers believe, and eventually induce cell death. They researched this conclusion because their experiment showed CBD-treated cells had significantly lower mitochondria activity levels than normal.
“CBD has been zealously studied in cells for its anticancer properties over the last decade,” Gross added. “Our study helps complete the in vitro puzzle, allowing us to move forward in studying CBD’s effects on glioblastoma in a clinical setting using live animal models. This could lead to new treatments that would help both people and dogs that have this very serious cancer.”
With such a devastating disease, we hope research proves CBD cold be useful treatment in rare brain cancer.
Marijuana is a developing sector for apps, with just few of them having staying power. Here are several you should know about.
In the span of a just a short couple of years, marijuana apps have taken off, with many startups hitting it out of the park with great ideas only to lose steam a couple of months later. Tackling social media hubs to generate connections with dispensaries in your state, these apps are meant to provide content for all sorts of cannabis enthusiasts.
Apps are some of the easiest and most convenient ways of obtaining information, getting to know more like minded people and nurturing your hobbies. Hare are 4 weed apps you should check out:
Potbot is a great app for medical cannabis newcomers. The app provides you with a personalized cannabis recommendation based on your ailments, experience with marijuana, and more. Once you input your information, PotBot will provide you with an ideal cannabinoid level, showing you popular strains that have this.
High There! Started off as a dating app for smokers, and later expanded into more. The app now describes itself as a social media hub for anyone who’s interested in cannabis, providing a straightforward way of obtaining marijuana resources, a place to talk weed and to connect with others.
This app encourages all sorts of users to track their progress with marijuana and CBD, sharing this data with doctors and cannabis researchers in order to expand on our cannabis knowledge. The more you use the app, the better equipped it is to provide recommendations and to highlight trends you’ve experienced while documenting data on the app.
This app was designed for cannabis home growers, allowing you to track your activity, take photos of your crops and monitor their development, all conducted in a private manner. The app provides you with reminders to water and monitor crops and with different virtual tools that will increase your odds of success.
Deep breathing techniques allow people to improve the flow of oxygen in their bodies, helping them to relax. But it’s not a miracle cure.
At the onset of the pandemic, your parents or grandparents might have sent you a not very legitimate looking screenshot or block of text discussing the benefits of deep breathing and how it can improve lung functioning and determine whether or not you’ve been affected by the coronavirus. Now that more time has passed we know not to trust alarmist social media posts. Still, is there some truth to these statements?
While deep breaths won’t work any miracles or cure your lungs from the damage of the coronavirus, experts say that these exercises can help you manage the symptoms of any respiratory disease while also providing tons of anxiety relief.
People with chronic lung conditions know of the importance of breathing patterns and how they can help you control some of the symptoms, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Vadana Patel, a pulmonologist, spoke with the Huffington Post and explained that when lungs are inflamed it becomes harder for them to provide oxygen to your body. When practicing deep breathing techniques you’re forcing your lungs to increase the amount of oxygen that enters your body. “Exercise programs are called pulmonary rehabilitation. For patients, we often recommend things like pursed lip breathing to control breath,” explains Patel.
Photo by JP Yim/Stringer/Getty Images
When it comes to anxiety and stress relief, deep breaths also play a key role, which is why they’re such a big part of all kinds of meditation and yoga practices. Learning to time your breaths allows you to calm down and to regain some control. They can also help you battle anxiety if you’re feeling stressed out right now.
Breathing techniques have been discussed a lot since the appearance of the coronavirus, and are effective ways of regaining calm and improving your lung functioning. While they are not determinant factors for people who already have the coronavirus, they might help them stay calm and take care of the other symptoms that are plaguing their bodies.
Deep breaths are good for any situation even if they won’t be able to temper some of the more serious side effects of the coronavirus. Still, since the pandemic is expected to stay with us for a while, there’s no harm in practicing deep breaths and working on improving the health of our lungs.
Companies continue to make egregious medical claims about their CBD products, which is a great way to receive FDA scrutiny.
The FDA continues to hound CBD companies. We advise many of our clients, and particularly our clients the CBD and skincare spaces, on how to navigate the complex state and federal regulations that apply to marketing and labeling their products. And one of the persistent concerns we address from clients in this industry is how to run a compliant business that does not wind up on the receiving end of an enforcement action from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some related topics we’ve written on are CBD comestibles, CBD pet products, CBD in alcohol, and CBD topicals.
We’ve also written about the enforcement actions issued by the FDA to CBD companies, including those issued to CBD companies selling topical products, and on April 23, 2020, the FDA announced its latest round of enforcement. In this case, letters were issued to CBD companies claiming that their products could treat medical conditions, including opioid addiction, or serve as an alternative to opioids. The fact that these claims won’t fly should be obvious to everyone in the industry by this point, but alas, companies continue to make egregious medical claims about their CBD products. This is a great way to receive FDA scrutiny.
“The opioid crisis continues to be a serious problem in the United States, and we will continue to crack down on companies that attempt to benefit from selling products with unfounded treatment claims,” said FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D. “CBD has not been shown to treat opioid addiction. Opioid addiction is a real problem in our country, and those who are addicted need to seek out proper treatment from a health care provider. There are many unanswered questions about the science, safety, effectiveness and quality of unapproved products containing CBD, and we will continue to work to protect the health and safety of American consumers from products that are being marketed in violation of the law.”
This round of warning letters were issued to two companies:
BIOTA Biosciences, LLC of Washington state, which markets and distributes injectable CBD products as well as an injectable curcumin product. The products are marketed for serious diseases and as an alternative to opioids. BIOTA Biosciences markets private label CBD and wholesale CBD extracts, and their products include beverages, bulk CBD extracts, and water-soluble CBD, as well as injectable curcumin.
Homero Corp DBA Natures CBD Oil Distribution of New Hampshire, which markets and distributes CBD products as a treatment to opioid addiction as well as other serious diseases. The company is an own label distributor for CBD products as well as a retailer for Green Roads CBD products.
Photo by Sohini via Unsplash
Here are some examples of the types of statements that got both of these companies into hot water (the kinds of statements that no CBD company should be making on their websites or in their marketing materials):
Fighting the opioid epidemic . . . BIOTA Biosciences produces and distributes effective all-natural alternatives with no side-effects. Join the growing ranks of pain, oncology, psychiatry, naturopathy healthcare professionals utilizing BIOTA Sterile CBD Vials.”
VISION: OPIOID-FREE FUTURE . . . Our goal is to supply the world with pharmaceutical grade, all natural products containing cannabidiol and other natural compounds. We believe strongly that pharmaceutical grade hemp oil will drastically reduce the need for opioid-based pain relief and eliminate the global opioid epidemic by providing a safe and natural alternative . . . Get in touch with us to learn more about how our continuous research & development into increasing the bioavailability of natural compounds with high therapeutic potential and our private label cbd products can help to solve this global issue.
CBD . . . and its ability to suppress pain and aid in the detoxification processes has highlighted it as a promising therapeutic for a wide array of disorders such as epilepsy, including many challenging neuropathy conditions. When patients consider trying a new therapeutic like CBD, there are many options for delivery that can be more efficacious to the patient. One delivery option is BIOTA CBD Sterile Vial Therapy.
Natures Pure CBD has had success in alleviating severe withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate dependency. Natures Pure CBD also has taken off the ball and chain around the opiate addicts’ neck and has relieved the addiction totally by using Natures Pure CBD restoring the person back to a quality of life worth living.
The Opiate addiction rate of recovery is low and Natures Pure CBD oil offers promise for those suffering from chronic opiate use.
Natures Pure CBD oil works for these medications which all have addictive properties to them: opium, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, morphine and hydromorphone. Natures Pure CBD Oil has been effective in the treatment and eradication of opiate use.
The list goes on, and we recommend that every company operating in the hemp-CBD space take the time to review the letters issued to all of these companies in order to understand the types of statements that are impermissible. The FDA has continually reiterated its position that CBD products cannot be marketed for therapeutic or medical uses without having been reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the FDA. This requirement applies to all CBD products, including topical products, cosmetic products and comestible products.
Making claims about your products that place them within the definition of a “drug” is certain to land you in the FDA’s crosshairs. Thoroughly reviewing packaging, marketing copy, and websites for these types of claims will be crucial for every company offering topical CBD products for sale. We also recommend speaking with an attorney well-versed in this subject if you are uncertain about the ways in which you are marketing your products.
Alison Malsbury is an attorney at Harris Bricken, a law firm with lawyers in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Barcelona, and Beijing. This story was originally published on the Canna Law Blog.
