With New York and California in a mess, the cannabis industry needs rescheduling
Consumers of marijuana have increased in unprecedented numbers. An example is in recently recreational legal Michigan. It looks as if in their first year, marijuana sales will surpass $3 billion, helped by record-breaking July. Feeding the boom is Gen Z turning away from alcohol and embracing the healthier weed. But chaotic state enforcement, wacky tax burdens and business killing restrictions including lack of interstate commerce has wrecked havoc in the industry.
Biden’s slow moving process toward federal action received a big bump when his administration asked for rescheduling last year. Now the DEA causes a stir regarding marijuana rescheduling. Long the driver of the War On Drugs, they asserted they are the decider in what is going on. The reason for the statement? U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer and 30 others expressed support for marijuana reform at the federal level and encouraging moving marijuana to Schedule III from Schedule I drug.
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Terran Cooper, the regulatory consultant at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, a key cannabis law firm shared “It seems that many people are alarmed upon the realization that the very agency tasked with enforcing the Controlled Substances Act, is also the one tasked with potentially rescheduling cannabis.”
“The only confidence that DEA will choose to reschedule cannabis comes from precedent. The Congressional Research Service reported that they were unaware of any instances where the DEA rejected a rescheduling recommendation by the FDA & HHS. While the DEA can, and ultimately may, decide not to reschedule cannabis – it would be an unprecedented move.” shared Cooper.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer and his allies want marijuana to be fully removed from enforcement under the Controlled Substances Act. The good news is the HHS review, sent to the DEA last August, recommended marijuana be reclassified as a Schedule III substance, which have accepted medical uses and a low to moderate risk of dependence. This would be a game changer for the industry. The letter could mean the DEA plans to slow walk the change.
The DEA has not be a traditional ally of the cannabis industry. And until the administration releases the final ruling, the industry will be wary of the future.
Dry January or California Sober on your agenda? New to cannabis, we have some information for you
From 15-19% of the population does Dry January. After the excess of the holidays with food, drink, celebrations and family….your body might need a break. But do you want Dry January of California sober. What is it? Well, it is taking a break from alcohol and drugs except for cannabis. And there are some sound reasons as marijuana is less hard on the body and offers up some medical benefits. But if you are new to cannabis, you might be worried, concerned or need more information. Here are the answers to your questions about marijuana.
Is it addictive?
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While not all that common, there are people who are heavily affected by marijuana use. The condition, known as cannabis abuse disorder (CID), affects about 30% of users, impairing their lives in one way or another. People who suffer from the condition often have the drug affecting their work and relationships, feel anxious when not consuming it, have cravings, and more. The populations that are at higher risk of developing this condition are teens and young users.
Marijuana overdoses are pretty chill in the grand scheme of things. Still, some awkward and uncomfortable things can happen, so it’s important to pace yourself no matter the method of consumption. Symptoms of a marijuana overdose include dry mouth, sleepiness, paranoia, a fast heart rate, and even vomiting.
Which method is best?
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Marijuana has come a long way. Long gone are the times of the crappy joint filled with brown weed, making it the perfect time to jump in. While the variety of methods can be overwhelming, it’s simple once you parse it all out. There’s cannabis flower, edibles, and vapes, with each of these having its own perks and pitfalls. In terms of health, vaping and smoking affects your lungs, so an edible might be a good starting place. Just know that edibles take a while to kick in and that you should start off slow.
Historically, cannabis is praised for its anxiety-relieving properties and acting as a facilitator for social situations. While this is true, it’s also not the whole truth. Cannabis is fussy, acting differently depending on the cannabis you’re consuming, the person consuming it, and their level of experience. It’s also important to know what type of anxiety is being treated. If it’s a medical issue, it’s important to talk it out with your doctor.
Cannabis can make people very sleepy, but this isn’t the case for everyone and it depends on the type of cannabis you’re consuming. While some strains can make you feel relaxed and sleepy, others can make you feel wired (indica for the former, sativa for the latter). The best advice for using cannabis as a sleep aid is to start off slow, keeping track of your behaviors and patterns.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
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THC and CBD are cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. The main difference between the two is the fact that THC is psychoactive (producing that “high” feeling), while CBD is not. When smoking a CBD joint you may feel relaxed and loose, yet you won’t get high. CBD is mostly medicinal and it’s also very trendy, appearing in a wide variety of products ranging from hair products to skincare.
Every year you can tinker on your favorite things to make them better…here are some tips for your cannabis use
Recipes, routines, workouts all can use a little tweaking and improving, so why not your marijuana use. Over time people adjust their alcohol use so why not their weed use? Some people pick Dry January or California sober, but may you want something different. A key difference in alcohol and cannabis is cannabis offers some medical benefits. But tweaking your use can make it both more enjoyable and more beneficial.
Make a smoking schedule
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A schedule can help you smoke more or less, depending on your needs. Now that a lot of people are working from home indefinitely, smoking can quickly transform into everyday activity, a habit that is easy to form but difficult to break. While this works for some, the majority of people need stretches of time where they’re sober in order to work and be productive.
Try new things
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Another addition to your New Year’s resolution can be to try new things, whether that means new hobbies or new ways to smoke weed. Try making some edibles or purchasing a type that you’ve never had before, or a strain recommended by your budtender that you’ve yet to try. These new experiences can result in great memories and new ways of adding some spice in your life.
People are creatures of habit, forming their rituals and schedules without knowing that they’re doing them. While habits are great and should be encouraged, it’s nice to try something different now and then. Switch up your smoking routine by pairing it with new activities, making it into a compliment instead of the main activity that you’re focusing on. Smoke some weed and go for a walk, or smoke right before a workout and see what happens.
For those people who usually get high with edibles, considering sugar-free options could be something worth pursuing. Small edibles can pack large amounts of sugar, especially if they’re trying to disguise weedy flavor. Incorporate the habit of reading the product label and pursue some sugar-free options, especially if you consume these several times a week.
Knowing the importance of a tolerance break can help you restart your relationship with marijuana. It can also help you save some money in the long run, allowing you to smoke less and get more high once you rid your body of the remainders of THC. To help you get started, here are some Expert Tips On Taking A Marijuana Tolerance Break.
Try going on more walks next year
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A habit people picked up on the pandemic, and has proved to be very useful, is daily or weekly walks. Walks are great for clearing your mind, whether you’re bored, feeling stuck at work, or experiencing some stress and frustration, a walk is a good option. If you add weed in the mix, that’s even better, providing you with some perspective and also creating a new and different opportunity to smoke weed that isn’t all about getting high.
A helpful approach to cannabis this year could be to know and learn your limits when it comes to your weed use. While smoking weed can be a great experience, what matters most is to keep a healthy relationship with it, one where you reap the benefits of it without relying on the drug for fun or any other reason. Exploring and deepening your relationship with marijuana is a positive thing, one that can help you understand what works for you and what doesn’t.
Nothing like a fresh start to your day, week and year. For many, marijuana is increasing part of the making it a great day. Here are some reasons why
Science has proven cannabis has benefits and more research is being done to learn more. For over a thousand years, the plant has been valued as medicine and for its psychoactive properties for religious and recreational use. It has a longer history than pasta, beer and Hallmark movies. From medical help to anxiety relievers, it has a way of making life better. Here are 9 ways cannabis enhances your day.
Increased Energy Levels
While cannabis is usually associated with relaxing, many people use cannabis for energy. Some cannabis strains contain terpenes like limonene and pinene can boost your mood and energize your mind. Look for strains with specific terpenes found in Sativa-type strains to help give you extra boost to conquer your day.
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Improved Appetite
If you aren’t eating enough food, you won’t have sufficient energy to make it through the day. If you struggle with low or loss of appetite, cannabis could be just the thing for you. Cannabis is highly effective at stimulating appetite, helping you enjoy all your favorite foods on a regular basis.
Ease Aches and Pains
Cannabis has been used to soothe pain for at least 5000 years. Both cannabis and CBD contain gentle pain-relieving properties, but a purposeful dose of either CBD or cannabis can relieve aches and pains.
Improved Social Experiences
Cannabis is the perfect substance to improve your social experiences because it helps you relax, boosts your mood, and makes you laugh. One of the most common ways to enhance your day with cannabis is to enjoy your favorite product with a friend.
Improved Sleep
The best way to enhance your day with cannabis is to get a great night of sleep. Studies show sleep deprivation and stress go hand and hand. Sleep deprivation can impact your endocannabinoid system making you feel more stressed out. And stress can negatively impact your sleep quality. Cannabis products help people sleep better and longer. One of the main reasons people use cannabis for sleep as it helps them fall asleep faster. Many people find products high in CBD, CBN, or THC are highly effective at improving their sleep. You can experiment with different products or cannabinoids (and record your experiences on the Jointly app) to find out which combination works best for you.
A cannabis-infused bath is a great way to combat daily stress. Your body will soak in the cannabinoids while your mind unwinds. As we discussed in cannabis ingestion methods, topical THC products won’t get you high. However, topical cannabinoids may help you relieve mild aches and pains, not to mention help you relax at the end of a stressful day.
Boost Creativity
In small amounts, cannabis can enhance your creativity due to its ability to alter blood flow to the brain. Specifically, cannabis consumption is associated with increased blood flow to the frontal lobes of the brain. The frontal lobes are thought to be the center for creativity and divergent thinking.
8. Improved Work Efficiency
With all the busyness of daily life, an efficient work stream may be one of your top priorities. While you may not associate cannabis with improved work efficiency, many people use cannabis for energy. Additionally, CBD products can help you smash your goals, keeping you energized and focused until everything is complete.
Meditating is a great way to clear our mind so we can be more present in our daily lives and with our loved ones. Meditation is also linked with other positive benefits like promoting concentration and elevating mood. Try meditating while high to supercharge your meditation sessions.
All you need is to lose the holiday 2 pounds and maybe a wee bit more – but are afraid your marijuana use will work against you. Don’t worry – we have a plan for you!
The average holiday weight gain can be up to 2 pounds, couple it with weight creep over the year and you have a fresh goal for the annual January diet. But what about you marijuana use and the munchies. not all cannabis products increase hunger. That’s because not all cannabinoids activate the receptors that affect your appetite levels. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary cannabinoid that’s known to increase appetite. But THC is only 1 of more than 100 active chemicals found in cannabis. But if it does, here is how to keep the munchies from ruining your diet.
While a lot of people aren’t fans of healthy snacks, they’re an efficient way of curbing the munchies, and there are actually a lot of good snacks out there. Make sure to sample a lot of different things, from flavored popcorn to nuts, to pickled veggies, which are surprisingly delicious to eat while on a munchie binge.
Prepare snacks at home
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If you have some cooking skills, you can prepare some simple and delicious snacks at home, like home baked chips, egg free cookie dough, or puddings. Check out some more ideas here.
While this plan may backfire, resulting in double the amount of calories consumed, you can try to have a satisfying meal before you smoke. This will prevent your body from going crazy with the munchies, although be sure to engage your brain with something else, minimizing the odds of eating double your portions.
Plan, plan, plan
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Before the munchie moment, be sure to clean your house from temptations, throwing away anything that’s caloric and that you consider a weakness. Stock up on healthy items or schedule a cardio workout before your planned smoking session. While this requires some foresight, it’s the best way to ensure your diet stays on track and your munchies stay under control.
Minecraft is ragingly popular with over 25 million playing daily. It is the game, but the question is will marijuana be in the new film?
Wicked populars go crazy for Minecraft. American play the most with Brazil, Russia, the UK and Germany the next biggest users. It is a cash cow and has huge influence among a big demographic. And it has weed as part of the universe. First made public in May 2009 before being fully released in November 2011, it has become the best-selling video game in history, with over 300 million copies sold and nearly 140 million monthly active players as of 2023.
Now there is a movie, in 2025 look for a big screen version set to the 2011 game series. Thanks to cinema, players will see a live action version of the game….the big question is will marijuana appear in the Minecraft film? The average player is a 24 year old guy, a key demographic of marijuana users. In addition, they are the upper range of Gen Z, the first group to start to turn away from alcohol and embrace marijuana.
Jack Black is set to appear as “Steve” and we know he has been a fan of cannabis. He and his Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass appeared on the cover of cannabis magazine High Times in 2002. He spoke about “waking and baking” during the press tour for Tropic Thunder in 2008 but also stated that he had used Wellbutrin during the process of quitting marijuana for good. But has used some since and we hope will champion the plant in the film.
Gamers are usually ahead of the mainstream and marijuana appeared before the sweep of legalization across Canada and the US. Minecraft’s Herblore is a popular mod which acknowledges weed as part of daily life. Around the same time it premiered, action-adventure Grand Theft Auto V was released. While the game revolves around stealing cars, running away from police and criminals, and completing missions in stolen vehicles, there’s a side mission called “Grass Roots” for cannabis users to trip out on.
Jared Hess is the director and has a history of championing the off-beat. He and his wife meet at the Mormon Brigham Young University‘s (BYU) film school. Together they co-wrote the film Napoleon Dynamite, a movie weed aficionado love. Since they have an irreverent sense of humor, we hope cannabis will make at least a cameo in the move.
There is a school of thought lower doses of THC paired with a full spectrum cannabinoid profile may be a beneficial therapeutic solution
Microdosing is a new trend covered by everyone from The NY Times to Rolling Stone. While more research needs to be done, it seems to beneficial. While psychedelics started the trend, marijuana is now part of the trend. With cannabis, is allows a relaxed, yet focused high. Consuming cannabis in smaller doses may help you avoid certain side effects like paranoia, anxiety or intense psychoactivity. Small doses of cannabis may provide a subtle, but profound form of healing and relief. This is not an answer to larger issues like chronic pain, rather manageable ones like mild anxiety.
Knowledge is power and it is important to understand why you would need help with an issue. Of course, it is important to know how to microdose marijuana as it is to why, and we have some guidelines.
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Cannabis and Your Body’s Physiological Processes
Cannabis is a complex plant with over 400 chemical compounds, 60 of which are cannabinoids. Recreational cannabis use can produce effects such as light-headedness, increased appetite, feelings of relaxation, and reduced blood pressure. While these effects may be mild and temporary, feeling intoxicated (the sub-perceptual effect) may prove uncomfortable or inappropriate for those who wish to simply obtain medicinal benefits.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound, while delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabidinol (THC), is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. In states where medicinal cannabis consumption is legal, several small storefronts have emerged selling all manner of CBD products from oils and tinctures to infused water. CBD and THC both have the same molecular structure and are similar on a chemical level to your body’s built-in endocannabinoids; however, the arrangement of these atoms varies which allows them to interact differently with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. Because CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t have as many adverse effects, microdosing with CBD and other cannabinoids apart from THC is unnecessary.
Medical Conditions Aided by Microdosing
The effects of medicinal cannabis are still undergoing significant research. It is currently used to treat psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD as well as physical symptoms like gut pain, migraines, and PMS. Although pharmaceuticals exist to treat these conditions, they are often not without unpleasant side effects. For example, while treatment options for depression and anxiety have improved dramatically over the course of the past decade, medication and counseling are not equally effective for everyone. In fact, according to NCBI, antidepressants proved just 40-60% effective at managing symptoms. For some patients, a more holistic approach may be needed.
THC Microdosing Methodology
If the thought of medicinal benefits without the overwhelming psychoactive effects of THC seems like an attractive proposition, then microdosing might be for you. Generally speaking, there are several ways to consume THC: smoking, vaping (flower or oil), edibles, and dabs.
When smoking, inhale no more than two seconds and immediately exhale without holding it in the lungs. Wait approximately ten minutes before consuming more. Once you achieve the desired state, cease consumption.
If you’re vaping flower or oil, set the vape pen or other device to a low heat setting, inhale for two seconds and exhale immediately. Wait about ten minutes before inhaling again. Once you reach your desired destination, don’t inhale more.
Gummies are incredibly popular with rough 49% of consumers using them. Edibles can tricky to microdose with, but if they prove to be a more convenient option you can make them yourself by starting with 2.5 mg of THC. Even if you don’t feel anything, wait a minimum of twenty-four hours before trying again. You can increase or decrease the dose by 1 mg as needed.
Finally, dabs aren’t recommended for novice consumers because they’re difficult to microdose with. If novice consumers are intent on using dabs, someone more experienced should guide them on the process.
You might need to experiment with different methods to see which one is right for you. If any of these methods produce an unintended effect or you worry that you may have accidentally consumed too much, simply reduce the amount until you find a happy medium.
Marijuana is mainstreaming and there are more new users. Dry January and California Sober is a thing – so here is a little help
Recently legal Michigan is going gangbusters in sales, more and more people are using marijuana it becomes legal in more places. The stigma is dying and people are turning to it for to chill, for medical reasons and to relax. And more Gen Z people are turning away from alcohol and using slightly more weed. Today, the most popular form of consuming are gummies, but the traditional way of flower and now vapes are still used by a significant number. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of strains available in dispensaries. So how do you choose the right one for you?
The good news is there is also lots more information to help you choose the best strain. In the past, one would simply go with THC levels, or sativa vs. indica. Those are still important, but there is a smarter way to shop for cannabis flower strains today.
THC and CBD Content
More people are choosing high CBD strains for many reasons: it minimizes the anxiety which occurs with some when consuming high THC strains, CBD can help relax, and isn’t psychoactive. Given THC and CBD are the two active and dominant chemicals in the cannabis plant, they will both have different effects which is why it’s important to understand how each will affect you.
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Generally speaking, you can go by with a few simple rules to remember: the higher the THC content (over 18%), the more psychoactive effects you will feel. On the other hand, the higher the CBD content, the more relaxed and calm you will feel. Many indica strains have a higher CBD content since it’s suitable for helping you to relax. Some consumers prefer a balanced effect and seek out strains with identical or nearly identical THC and CBD ratios.
Some cannabis growers provide third-party laboratory tests or a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify the cannabinoid content in cannabis plants.
Terpene Profiles
Terpenes are natural compounds found in plants, not just marijuana. They are responsible for the strain’s unique aroma and flavors; these compounds are what can help differentiate strains through taste or smell.
Aside from taste and smell, terpenes also contribute to the strain’s effects. Because of the entourage effect, terpenes also work with other cannabinoids that are present in the marijuana plant to produce certain effects. There are over several hundred known terpenes in marijuana though more may be discovered by researchers over time.
There are many ways to determine which terpenes are present in cannabis flowers. When shopping at a licensed dispensary, many recognized cultivators and laboratories provide a Certificate of Analysis or information on the terpene profile of the plant. Some of the most common terpenes found in marijuana flowers include limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, nerol, myrcene, terpineols, humulene, and many more.
Another way to gauge the dominant terpenes in cannabis flower is to smell it. Some strains smell skunky, woody, sweet, fruity, or even citrusy. It’s best to research each of the varying terpenes that are found in strains to have an idea of how they can affect you.
Purpose
Are you trying to medicate for a certain condition, or do you want to unwind after a day of work? Are you looking to socialize with friends or do you merely want a strain to help you sleep peacefully at night?
Some types of cannabis flower go well with specific scenarios. For example, sativa and hybrid strains are excellent for socializing, while indicas and high CBD strains will help you relax and fall asleep faster. If you already have experience with paranoia or anxiety with high THC strains, you’re better off with strains that are around 10% THC to ensure a pleasant experience.
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On the other hand, there are also those that smoke flower with the sole intention of getting really high. In this case, opt for high THC and low to no CBD strains. There are literally at least a few strains for everyone, but being clear and specific about what you want out of the strain will help you efficiently narrow down your choices.
Lab Testing
More cannabis strains are being sold in dispensaries with third-party laboratory testing. For those who are new to the world of marijuana, relying on laboratory testing is the most efficient way to understand the effects and cannabinoid content of any strain you are interested in buying.
Buying cannabis strains that have undergone lab testing will also help in terms of your own overall health and safety. This is especially crucial for medical cannabis patients because laboratory tests tell you if the strain contains any harmful contaminants such as fungicides, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals which can worsen existing health problems.
Other important details you can get from a laboratory test includes:
Brand (who grew the cannabis)
Type of cannabis (sativa, indica, or hybrid)
Cannabinoid content
Harvest date, batch name
State law compliance
Price
Don’t underestimate the value of a cannabis strain just because it’s priced lower than others. In fact, buying while it’s on sale is a good opportunity to experiment with a new strain while saving a few dollars.
In the same breath, just because a strain is rare or expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s of better quality. It’s more important to choose weed strains based on its effects, aromas, and flavors that you enjoy.
Exercise and better health are always at the top of the list for NY resolutions. Maybe framing it better and using a small amount of marijuana can help make it happen
A new year and a new you, people make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more and be healthier. In fact, these are 3 of the top 5 goals set. Only 9% of those who make resolutions complete them, per the Ohio State University. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January. But we have a couple of suggestions to help you be successful.
First, is manage expectations. Start with the goal of moving more instead of running a half-marathon. Moving more opens the door to your body and mind to fold in exercise when given the chance and getting used to the concept. Yoga, moving and marijuana can help you hit your new you physically and mentally.
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Yoga, even 5-10 minutes, can be done anywhere and opens the body and mind. It improves strength, balance and flexibility which can work toward longer term fitness goals. It can relax you and help you sleep better along with providing more energy and brighter moods.
Marijuana has a long term relationship with the ancient practice. Cannabis can be a helpful tool for enhancing your yoga practice in many ways. By reducing stress, anxiety, and pain, cannabis can help you achieve greater physical and mental relaxation. Additionally, cannabis can help heighten your awareness, allowing you to stay more present and focused during your practice. When it comes to the postures, a general rule of thumb is to stay away from poses that have a higher level of risk for injury, which will be different for everyone.
If you plan to consume right before practice, smoking or vaping creates an immediate onset. But smoking produces potentially harmful carcinogens, so if you’d like to create minimal harm you can choose vaping. An easier way if you have time prior is to consider a gummy or a sublingual spray or chocolate. You can have a micro-dose and have just enough to put your body and mind into a good spot but still focused.
If moving and yoga are new, cannabis can also be an anti-inflammatory as you change thinks up to your muscles. As you head into the new year, getting your body to move is essential to both your physical and mental heath, and cannabis can play a part.
A new year and a new you! As more workers head back to the office to work, new habits form. What most people don’t realize is how working at an office can make you fat. Humans are products of their environment, and when the environment is a large office space, that can sometimes mean humans are products of gluttony or at the very least, overindulgence. Because when you work in a typical office setting, food tends to be everywhere.
An average office worker, which equal about a quarter of the U.S. population, is expected to gorge an extra 1,300 calories a week while at work, according to a study from the U.S. Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. That calorie count is based on food they didn’t bring from home or order from outside vendors.
“The majority of the calories people got at work, people didn’t pay for — 70 percent of the calories were free,” study co-author and CDC epidemiologist Stephen Onufrak told WebMD.
That means that 1,300 calories is found to the free food minefield that many employees must navigate to remain healthy in office settings. That could range from free cake for Alice’s birthday to candy on the front desk to the submarine sandwiches leftover from the working lunch. For many, free food is a means to express affection in the work place or maybe to boost morale. Sure, free cookies or cake can bring joy to any office setting, but not without long-term effects.
Food and beverages workers reach for the most at the office include: coffee, sugar-sweetened soft drinks, sandwiches, tea, cookies, brownies, french fries, pizza, salad, water, diet soft drinks, according to WebMD.
So how should employers respond to create a work environment that promotes health and wellness?
“Employers can encourage healthier foods at meetings and events, especially when the employer is providing free food to employees,” Onufrak told ABC News. “Providing delicious, appealing, healthy food can also help to create a culture of health at a workplace.”
