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Cannabis & Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Need To Know

Mary Schumacher
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Cannabis & Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Need To Know

Diabetes impacts almost 110 million people around the world. Whether Type 1 or Type 2, when blood sugar spikes it causes glucose to roam where it’s not needed, and a common, destructive resting place is the retina. Though conventional treatments slow the progress of near inevitable blindness due to this migration, there is some hope to be had in cannabis.

With the disease going up in numbers as years go by, the sense of urgency to somehow curb its effects increases every passing day that solutions aren’t yet found. While it will take time to tell if it’s truly the end all be all solution to the problem, there are several ways that cannabis aids in what’s known as diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss as diabetes progresses and usually manifests itself after around 20 years of treatment. One of the ways that marijuana slows this process is its work as a neuroprotectant. Corruption to nerve cells in the retina prevent messaging from the eye to the brain. Cannabinoids, and specifically CBD, have a positive impact in this area, protecting the retina from further damage by noticeably slowing down the process.

The reason we can point to cannabinoid CBD in particular is due to a 2006 study that found that, “Furthermore, cannabinoids have also been demonstrated to possess additional beneficial effects in animal models of diabetes. It has been reported that rats treated with CBD for periods of 1–4 weeks experienced significant protection from diabetic retinopathy. Cannabinoids have also been shown to alleviate neuropathic pain associated with the disease.”

From rats to people, our bodies are covered from the inside out in endocannabinoid systems. The receptors that bind to cannabinoids across our bodies are there for more than a stoner stereotype. They work as neuroprotectants, antinflamatories and antioxidants for a healthier us. They’ve been shown to help in diseases and inflictions from everyday aches and pains to Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Autism, cancer symptoms, HIV/AIDS complications and, clearly, diabetic retinopathy.

And along with diabetic retinopathy, cannabis has shown signs of being able to treat diabetes all together. From topical relief of the skin conditions that come with to being able to increase insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetes in human trials.

The future looks brighter and brighter for those in the early stages of diabetes and even in later stages, as cannabis once again shows itself to be not only a preventative treatment, but a treatment in and of itself.

Why A California-Oregon Cannabis Exchange Is A Bad Idea

Vince Sliwoski
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Why A California-Oregon Cannabis Exchange Is A Bad Idea

We have been writing about the oversupply issue for a while (see here and here). Recently, oversupply has also begun to receive a surge in media coverage (see here, here and here). To be sure, we have a ton of clients who have been affected by depressed cannabis prices lately: These clients include not just farms but processors and retailers who are struggling to move product and cover costs, let alone turn profits. This predictably has resulted in a fair bit of industry consolidation as of late, and we have been buying and selling cannabis businesses nonstop for a while now.

Various approaches have been suggested to deal with the oversupply issue in the regulated Oregon market. These approaches include having the state legislature cap the issuance of licenses, like Washington, or having the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) curtail maximum allowed canopy sizes. To date, neither approach has gained any traction. Instead, policymakers are simply watching the market attempt to sort itself out, which means watching a significant number of operators to fail, while others are swept up by out-of-state and even international investment.

So why don’t we think an interstate compact with California is a great idea? There are a few different reasons. The first is that California has plenty of cannabis in its own right: It just needs to recalibrate regulations that are currently seen as too restrictive to allow most small and mid-sized operators to enter the regulated market. The second reason is that California’s adult use program is too new: The state will almost certainly wish to keep and grow its own legal cannabis, rather than import product from Oregon while a black market thrives. But the biggest reason of all may be that an interstate compact, while exotic, is legally and politically hazardous.

For 22 years and over the course of four consecutive administrations, the federal government has taken a general posture of restraint as states have promulgated medical and then recreational cannabis programs. There are a variety of reasons for this, but one is surely the compelling argument that states have under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution to roll out these programs. An interstate compact for the transfer of marijuana, conversely, would be legally indefensible. Not only does the federal Controlled Substances Act, at 21 USC §801, expressly provide that trafficking in “interstate and foreign commerce” justifies federal control of certain substances, but the Supreme Court itself has held that the commerce clause creates grounds for enforcement of prohibition even within state borders.

Moreover, in order to succeed, the interstate compact would almost certainly need to be buttressed by Congressional consent, which is a formal legislative action contemplated by Article I, Section 10, Clause 3 of the Constitution. When Congressional consent is given, an interstate compact literally transforms into federal law. But how would this work if federal law makes the possession and sale of marijuana illegal? And why would Congress grant an inherently problematic consent decree, when it could simply re- or deschedule marijuana? The answer is: It would not. Given this context, any effort by two states to set up a cannabis exchange, if challenged, would go down in flames.

Given the foregoing, and given the increase in Oregon licensees coming online, the local industry is not going to shake its oversupply issue anytime soon. That is why our pragmatic politicians like Congressman Blumenauer are wise to explore paths to establish Oregon as a leading marijuana exporter. For now, though, the focus should be on building and promoting infrastructure within the four corners of the state. This will ensure that Oregon is set up to succeed in a couple of years, when the walls come down nationwide.

Vince Sliwoski 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. 

Seattle To Vacate 542 Marijuana Possession Convictions

Terry Hacienda
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Seattle To Vacate 542 Marijuana Possession Convictions

The city of Seattle filed a motion with the Seattle Municipal Court that would vacate 542 marijuana possession convictions. The motion will effectively erase from the records these convictions going back 21 years.

City Attorney Pete Holmes, a longtime champion of sensible marijuana law reform, acknowledged the racial disparity in cannabis convictions, citing an ACLU report showing that African Americans are more than three times more likely to be arrested for pot possession than whites, despite the facts that blacks and whites use weed at the same rates.

Holmes was joined by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and City Attorney Pete Holmes in announcing the motion. If the court approves, all 542 people convicted of marijuana possession will have their records wiped clean. When Holmes was elected as city attorney in 2010, he stopped charging people for possessing small amounts of cannabis.

In February, Durkan and Holmes announced their intention to the court to vacate the convictions. “Vacating charges for misdemeanor marijuana possession is a necessary step to correct the injustices of what was a failed war on drugs, which disproportionately affected communities of color in Seattle,” said Durkan.

“The war on drugs in large part became a war on people who needed opportunity and treatment. While we cannot reverse all the harm that was done, we must do our part to give Seattle residents – including immigrants and refugees – a clean slate. Noncitizens have also been unduly burdened by these convictions, which can provide a roadblock to gaining citizenship, or in the worst case, can initiate deportation proceedings.”

Durkan also praised the city attorney for his unwavering commitment to justice. “Today wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of City Attorney Holmes, who has been a strong voice for ending this injustice. I want to acknowledge that we would not be here today without the advocacy many other members of our community who have been fighting for restorative justice.”

Lorinda Youngscourt, director of the King County Department of Public Defense said, “The city’s motion is a small but meaningful step in reducing the harm the war on drugs has caused communities of color. That harm is ongoing. Racially disparate policing, filing decisions, and sentencing decisions perpetuate the mass incarceration of communities of color. Further, the city’s motion recognizes and ameliorates the likelihood that non-citizens who plead guilty or proceeded to trial on marijuana possession cases from 1996-2010 may not have received constitutionally sufficient legal advice from their attorneys under the requirements of current case law.”

Washington state voters approved recreational use in 2012. A 2017 report forecasts that the state will take in about $730 million from sales of legalized marijuana over the next two years.

The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: April 23 – May 1

Alec Engber
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The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: April 23 – May 1

Last week in cannabis news, Maine Gov. Paul LePage once again thwarted the will of the people by vetoing legislation, Michigan moved closer to legalization and Seattle leaders called for expunging marijuana convictions. Find out more in our weekly marijuana legislative roundup.

Maine:  

On Friday, Maine Governor Paul LePage vetoed legislation to modify and implement the recreational cannabis legalization law passed by voters in 2016. The bill would ban social-use clubs, double the state tax on cannabis sales from 10 percent to 20 percent, allow cities to “opt-in” to hosting marijuana businesses, and dedicate some revenue from marijuana taxes to public awareness and law enforcement initiatives. It would also reduce the number of plants adults can grow at home from six to three.

LePage – an outspoken critic of marijuana – vetoed a similar bill last fall, citing a desire to allow lawmakers more time to work out the details. While LePage previously justified his opposition to the present bill on the grounds that it failed to merge the state’s medical marijuana system with the new recreational system, the veto statement he offered Friday attributed the move to marijuana’s current illegality under federal law. However, it is likely the Legislature will override LePage’s veto in the coming weeks, since the bill passed both chambers with veto-proof majorities of more than two-thirds in favor.   

Michigan: 

On Thursday, a Michigan elections board announced that supporters of recreational cannabis had garnered sufficient votes to place legalization on the ballot in November. If approved, the measure would allow adults 21 and older to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants at home. A 10 percent tax would be levied on marijuana sales on top of the state’s normal 6 percent sales tax. The legislation now goes to the Republican-controlled Legislature, which can either enact the measure or defer it to the November ballot.  

Seattle: 

On Friday, Seattle officials announced that the city is planning to expunge marijuana offenses made legal by the recreational cannabis legalization law approved by Washington voters in 2012. The city is hoping to remove 542 convictions for possession of small amounts of marijuana that were made between 1997, when the state legislature mandated that misdemeanor marijuana charges be prosecuted at the municipal level, and when City Attorney Pete Holmes ended such prosecutions upon taking office in 2010. The move follows similar announcements by San Francisco and San Diego.   

How Marijuana’s THCV Can Positively Impact Your Life

Nicole Skrobin
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How Marijuana’s THCV Can Positively Impact Your Life

When you think about cannabis and its counterparts, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of two of the most well-known cannabinoids—THC or CBD. Or, maybe you envision traditionally smoking cannabis and the effects that come with it. However, you might think of the medicinal properties this plant contains, especially if you consume cannabis for medical purposes. Although THC and CBD are both well-known and commonly used cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains many other medically beneficial cannabinoids including THCV. Although THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to THC, it contains its own unique benefits. Read on to learn more about THCV and how you could potentially benefit from the consumption of this cannabinoid.

What’s THCV?

If you’re new to cannabis, you may be unaware of the many cannabinoids this plant contains. However, if you’re a regular cannabis user, you may understand the significant complexity of it. Even though THCV isn’t as widely used as other cannabinoids, it contains several medicinal benefits.

THCV is extremely similar to THC in regards to its chemical structure. However, the process of creating these cannabinoids is very different. For example, THCV doesn’t begin as a cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) like THC and CBD do. THCV goes through a different process, which results in cannabigerovarin acid (CBGVA). From here, CBGVA breaks down into tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA). Then, THCVA can be decarboxylated via a UV light or heat to create THCV.

RELATED: Which Is More Effective For Marijuana Patients, THC Or CBD?

Once individuals consume cannabis through different methods, the cannabinoids within the plant such as THCV activate specific receptors within our body. These receptors are known as CB1 and CB2. So far, it has been found that THCV is an antagonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. In other words, THCV blocks THC, which prevents users from getting the munchies. Although several cannabis users enjoy the appetite stimulating effects that occur after consumption, others feel the opposite. Contrary to THC’s effects, THCV is one cannabinoid that suppresses one’s appetite.

THCV’s Medical Benefits: Appetite Suppressant

Moreover, THCV contains its own medicinal properties including its ability to suppress an individual’s appetite. Bonni Goldstein, the medical director at Canna-Centers expressed that THCV can block CB1 receptors within the brain when it’s consumed at very low doses. As a result, not only can THCV lower body fat levels, but it can also increase energy expenditure and even increase weight loss.

It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings. Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who are overweight, obese, or individuals who want to fight off frequent food cravings. Since THCV can help curb one’s appetite, researchers believe there’s a potential for THCV helping people fight obesity and other related health issues.

Currently, research points to THCV’s ability to block the body’s rewarding sensations that transpire while eating different foods. If you’re looking to keep your food cravings at bay or prevent the munchies, check out strains high in THCV, which will suppress your appetite.

THCV’s Potential in Helping Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Thus far, one of the most significant medicinal benefits of THCV is its ability to potentially help treat type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has been found that THCV contains a strong potential in assisting type 2 diabetics by helping control glycemic levels. One 2016 study focused on the investigation of THCV and CBD and how they could affect glycemic and lipid parameters in diabetic individuals. It was discovered that THCV could represent a new therapeutic agent in type 2 diabetes patients regarding glycemic control.

After the study was completed, researchers found that THCV significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose levels while also improving pancreatic cell function. This demonstrates the potential THCV contains in helping treat medical conditions like type 2 diabetes.

THCV’s Anti-Convulsion Properties & Body Tremor Management

Aside from THCV’s appetite suppressing properties and its potential in helping treat type 2 diabetes, this cannabinoid contains other medicinal benefits. For example, THCV contains anti-convulsive properties. Therefore, this cannabinoid could be used to raise the seizure threshold for epileptic individuals. Additionally, THCV could also help manage body tremors while also improving motor control abilities. However, more studies and clinical trials should be conducted on this linkage before individuals consume THCV for this specific reason.

RELATED: Anandamide: This Natural Cannabinoid Makes Us Happy

Overall, the cannabis plant and various cannabinoids like THCV contain a multitude of medicinal properties. Although THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are medically vast, THCV is gaining more popularity and attention for its unique medical benefits. If you’re interested in consuming THCV, try finding landrace cannabis strains from Africa or Asia that will likely contain a high percentage of THCV.

Why Marijuana-Infused Drinks Are The Next Big Thing

Terry Hacienda
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Why Marijuana-Infused Drinks Are The Next Big Thing

In the very near future, when you grab an adult beverage from your fridge, it might not contain any alcohol. Are you ready for the next big thing?

Legal cannabis provides a huge opportunity to reshape the consumer beverage industry, according to Cannabiz Consumer Group (C2G). And no wonder. The entire beverage industry generates roughly $1.5 trillion for the American economy. But manufacturers are getting wise to the consumer trend of healthier alternatives to traditional sugary sodas.

Although cannabis-infused drinks make up less than 20 percent of cannabis products sold in adult-use cannabis markets and account for an even smaller percentage of total sales dollars, the format is predicted to grow. Major growth catalysts for the rise of cannabis-infused drinks, especially among older-adults and cannabis novices, are the absence of inhaling smoke or vapor, and if desired, even the “high” itself. Cannabiz Consumer Group projects that in a full-national recreational cannabis marketplace, infused-beverages could produce annual revenues of nearly $15 billion dollars, comparable to retail coffee sales and double the size of the energy drinks market.

“Although most believe that the alcoholic beverage industry will lead the charge into the cannabis beverage space, our opinion is that the ultimate winners will be the non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers,” said Rick Maturo, chief product officer at C2G. Maturo cites three reasons why these companies will likely become the dominant players in the space.

First, by entering the THC-infused beverage marketplace, today’s non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers can begin to offer products to compete against the $200 billion alcoholic beverage industry. Currently, their products don’t satisfy the needs for which consumers turn to beer, wine, and spirits.

Second, many of non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers have already been broadening their portfolios to take advantage of the consumer trend toward alternative drinks, like energy drinks or shots, kombucha, and other enhanced juice drinks; offering a cannabis-infused beverage is an extension of this strategy.

“For most of the country, adults looking for a healthier afternoon ‘pick-me-up’ might turn to a Kombucha or 5-Hour-Energy, but in places like Denver or San Francisco, they can pick up a THC and CBD-infused cannabis shot with a citrus sativa strain that purportedly promotes energy and mental stimulation,” Maturo adds.

Third, higher margins mean higher profits. Cannabis-infused beverages are offered at a premium when compared to other alcoholic and non-alcoholic segments. This higher price point per serving translates into significant profits. Even better, while alcoholic beverages will directly compete with their cannabis-infused counterparts, for non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers sales will come without any significant impact on their core product lines.

Despite the upside for entering the cannabis-infused beverage marketplace, Maturo states that there are many issues that need to be considered, aside from the obvious legal challenges of entering the industry. Potential issues surrounding negative consumer sentiment and damage to corporate equity from entering the cannabis marketplace need to be addressed. Despite these uncertainties, cannabis drinks are poised to become the newest battleground for beverage manufacturers to champion. As such, we fully expect to continue to see more announcements from major players in 2018.

‘Bring Your Adult Diapers,’ Says Director Of ‘It: Chapter 2’

Brendan Bures
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‘Bring Your Adult Diapers,’ Says Director Of ‘It: Chapter 2’

When it was announced Warner Bros. would release a reboot of Stephen King’s It, excitement was tepid. But upon its release, the movie exploded, as Pennywise the Clown became the it Halloween costume and It became the highest grossing horror film of all-time. You could say excitement is high for the sequel, and director Andy Muschetti is only stoking those flames.

The sequel, which takes place 27 years after events of the original, will be “scarier and more intense,” and during the CinemaCon convention, Muschetti told the audience to “bring your adult diapers.”

No new footage was shown during the convention, as the movie hasn’t officially started shooting yet, but Jessica Chastain has been announced in the lead role, with Bill Hader and James McAvoy also joining the cast. Respectively, they’ll play Beverly Marsh, Richie Tozier, and Bill Debrough, while the rest of the Losers’ Club hasn’t been revealed. Bill Skarsgård will reprise his role as Pennywise, which might produce nightmares once again for the actor, if not for audiences.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhC63LrAGOi/

Via Entertainment Weekly:

I was home, done with the movie, and I started having very strange and vivid Pennywise dreams. Every night, he came and visited. It was in the shape of either me dealing with him, sort of Pennywise as a separate entity of me, and then also me as Pennywise in circumstances that I didn’t appreciate. Like, I’m Pennywise and I’m really upset that I’m out in public and people are looking at me.

It: Chapter Two is slated for release in 2019.

Setapp Wants To Be The Netflix Of Apps For Your Apple Computer

Maria Loreto
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Setapp Wants To Be The Netflix Of Apps For Your Apple Computer

With a Netflix-like plan in mind, Setapp is planning on being the first app to offer full control of different high-end Mac apps to subscribers who pay for a monthly subscription or an annual fee.

According to Mashable, Setapp is a subscription app that houses more than 60 apps that have varied purposes including utility, design, graphics, productivity, and more, which can be used on any Mac device. With the same subscription, Setapp gives users access to complex apps such as RapidWeaver, basic maintenance ones such as Clean My Mac, and simple and fun ones like Wallpaper Wizard.

Setapp allows you to skip the step of browsing through the app store, wasting money on in-app purchases or dealing with ads. Once you pay for your subscription, you’ll have access to their large catalogue of certified apps and will be able to download them directly into your device so you can use them whenever you want.

Photo courtesy of Setapp

These apps have been carefully curated and have even won Apple’s app of the month, so it’s unlikely that users will be unsatisfied with their performances. The app’s prices range from $80 to $9, so Setapp is a really good deal for users who need several apps and who are looking for a cost efficient way of gaining access to them.

Setapp is available for $9.99 a month or for 119$ a year. You can also try their 7-day free trial, or take advantage of their limited promotion where you can pay $69 for a year’s worth of content. You can sign up here.

This Marijuana Industry Job Will Pay You Six Figures

Brendan Bures
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This Marijuana Industry Job Will Pay You Six Figures

Opportunities abound within the fast-growing cannabis industry. By 2020 the cannabis industry is expected to employ more than 300,000 people, according to analytics firm New Frontier Data. As more states legalize medicinal and recreational marijuana in the coming years, those numbers are only expected to grow.

Entry into the industry is relatively easy. You could become a bud trimmer or budtender, which accounts for a large majority of the workforce. No specific college education is necessary, though budtenders will benefit from a robust knowledge of cannabis strains and effects, plus an easygoing customer service background.

But those jobs can be relatively low wages. So what’s a job in the cannabis industry if you also want to make serious money? By being a master extractor, master grower, or lab director.

“I know some master growers who make more than $200,000. They’re valuable,” William Simpson, CEO of Golden Leaf Holdings, told CNN Money. “That is going to be a very sought after, difficult position.”

What should you study if you want one of these positions? Degrees in botany, chemistry, or pharmacology will go a long way. However, if you seek a gig as a master extractor, you’ll need a PhD in biochemistry, plus a background in engineering. A limited pool for sure, but that’s part of what drives wages for the job.

Starting out might not lead you immediately to six-figures, though. Individuals just entering those fields might expect to start around a $40,000 salary for pharmacologists or growers. But those numbers could grow to $120,000 within just three years.

Of course if you want the truly big money, you should just go your own way. An entrepreneur with a business degree accepts more risk, but also more reward in the cannabis industry, as in other fields. Though unlike other fields, that risk also includes scrutiny from the federal government. If you’re not interested in touching the plant, it’s as good as a job as any.

Why Millennials Really Want To Work In The Cannabis Industry

Brendan Bures
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Why Millennials Really Want To Work In The Cannabis Industry

Why would someone want to work in a stressful, sweaty workplace like a kitchen with awful hours when you could be around plants all day?

Finding jobs as a millennial isn’t an easy proposition. With a workforce that requires experience for entry-level positions or accepting unpaid internships, most millennials struggle with acquiring work. But one area has not only enticed millennials, but actively recruited them: the cannabis industry.

According the to the Philadelphia Inquirer, that is. The newspaper reported college graduates with agricultural degrees easily getting jobs in the medical marijuana industry. An institution like Delaware Valley University teaches their agricultural students a grow technique called hydroponics, a system that allows plants to grow without soil. Hydroponics is a popular technique within the cannabis industry and while teachers aren’t instructing how to grow cannabis, they are receiving similar skills they can employ within the cannabis industry.

As one dean told the Inquirer, “I’ll teach you how to grow a tomato, and if you can grow a tomato, you can grow cannabis.”

The ability to easily transfer such agricultural abilities gleaned at the university level into the cannabis industry has made these students desirable. In addition, the dean admitted student interest is growing as well.

And as the cannabis industry continues to expand, so too will the job market. Statista estimates the marijuana market will reach $37.3 billion in sales by 2024. That increased revenue will increase job opportunity, as companies will open new grow operations, which need more cultivators and processors to work.

As Bloomberg noted, the working conditions are also appealing to millennials and is driving them away from the restaurant business in places like Denver. Why would someone want to work in a stressful, sweaty workplace like a kitchen with awful hours when you could be around plants all day?

“Our work force is being drained by the pot industry,” a Denver restauranteur told Bloomberg. “There’s a very small work pool as it is. Enter the weed business, which pays $22 an hour with full benefits. You can come work in a kitchen for us for eight hours a day, in a hot kitchen. It’s a stressful life. Or you can go sort weed in a climate-controlled greenhouse. It’s a pretty obvious choice.”

This explains why one CEO of a commercial grower-processor cannabis operation told the Inquirer, “We’re getting deluged with resumes.”

So if you’re a millennial who wants work, don’t go west, young man. Go green.

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