DEA Letter Appears to Suggest Hemp-Derived Delta-8 THC Is Legal

11/05/2021

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A recently surfaced September 15, 2021, letter by a high-ranking official within the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) appears to suggest that hemp-derived delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is federally legal. Interpretations of the letter are varied, however, and the document itself remains many steps removed from an actual description or declaration of the law.

The letter is written by Dr. Terrence L. Boos — the Section Chief of the Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section, Office of Diversion Control, DEA — in response to the Executive Secretary of Alabama’s Board of Pharmacy, who had requested a “control status update” from the agency regarding delta-8 THC.

The following is an abridged excerpt from the letter:

“[Delta-8 THC] is a tetrahydrocannabinol substance contained in the plant Cannabis sativa L. and also can be produced synthetically from non-cannabis materials. The [Controlled Substances Act] CSA classifies tetrahydrocannabinols as controlled in schedule I. … Subject to limited exceptions, for the purposes of the CSA, the term ‘tetrahydrocannabinols’ means those ‘naturally contained in a plant of the genus Cannabis (cannabis plant), as well as synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the cannabis plant and/or synthetic substances, derivatives, and their isomers with similar chemical structure and pharmacological activity to those substances contained in the plant.’ … Thus, 8-THC synthetically produced from non-cannabis materials is controlled under the CSA as a ‘tetrahydrocannabinol.’

“The CSA, however, excludes from control ‘tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp…’ Hemp, in turn, is defined as ‘the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.’ … Accordingly, cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant that have a 9-THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis meet the definition of ‘hemp’ and thus are not controlled under the CSA.”

The letter appears to suggest that DEA recognizes there to be three types of delta-8 THC:

  • Delta-8 THC that occurs naturally in Cannabis sativa L. plants.
  • Delta-8 THC that was synthetically created from hemp-derived cannabinoids, like CBD.
  • Delta-8 THC that was synthetically created from non-cannabis plant materials.

The letter also may contain an important clarification: DEA stated last year that “synthetic” cannabinoids were illegal under the CSA, but what’s not clear is what exactly — at least in the eyes of federal officials — constitutes a synthetic cannabinoid. Currently, virtually all of the commercially available delta-8 products are made by synthetically converting hemp-derived cannabinoids, like CBD, into delta-8 THC. Considering that hemp and all of its derivatives are federally legal, the letter may be hinting that DEA recognizes the validity of delta-8 THC products so long as they were synthesized from legal, hemp-derived cannabinoids, and it could be a sign that DEA is preparing to make regulatory allowances for the newly booming cannabinoid.

However, while some industry stakeholders have sprung to celebrate the possible admission, DEA may have been purposely vague in the letter’s wording — additionally, a leaked letter correspondence does not carry the same weight as an official ruling or legal action.

It’s also possible that delta-8 THC could be considered an analogue to a Schedule 1 controlled substance and therefore illegal under the federal Analogue Act, which dictates that any substance meant for human consumption that is substantially similar to a controlled substance could be subject to the same prohibition laws. Although that is further complicated because while delta-8 THC is substantially similar to the delta-9 THC in cannabis, it is likewise substantially similar to the delta-9 THC in hemp, which is technically legal (so long as the plant’s total THC content is below the 0.3% threshold).

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Gallup Poll: Support for U.S. Cannabis Legalization Remains at Record High Levels

11/05/2021

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Support for cannabis legalization in the U.S. has maintained the record high — 68% — reached last year in the latest Gallup poll released on Thursday. The pollsters found the majority of both Democrats and independents supported the reforms, 83%, and 71%, respectively, with Republicans split 50% to 49%.

Gallup also found the majority of individuals (52%) who attend church weekly support cannabis legalization, along with 52% of those who attend church “nearly weekly” or monthly. Among those who attend church less often, 78% approve broad cannabis legalization.

In a poll last year, Gallup found the same level of support for legalization, marking the highest level of support since the organization first started asking about the issue in 1969. That poll found lower support for the reforms among weekly church-goers at 48% but found high levels for support (59%) among those who attend church services nearly weekly or monthly.

Gallup found majority support for cannabis legalization for the first time in 2013 when support reached 58%. In 1969, the level of support was just 12% with 84% opposed. Americans polled by Gallup were first split on the issue in 2011 with 50% in support of legalization and 46% opposed.

The poll was conducted from October 1-19 and included 823 adults living in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

A Gallup poll in August found nearly half of U.S. adults — 49% — had tried cannabis, the highest level the polling company had ever reported, with 12% identifying as regular consumers.

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NORML Releases Updated Version of Book Reviewing 450+ Cannabis-Related Studies

11/05/2021

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Cannabis advocacy organization NORML has released an updated and revised version of “Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids: A Review of the Recent Scientific Literature, 2000-2021,” which includes reviews of more than 450 peer-reviewed studies related to the safety and therapeutic efficacy of cannabis.

The previous version of the book was issued in 2017 and, since then, NORML says there have been “thousands of studies relevant to the medicinal properties of cannabis.”

“NORML has long advocated for the enactment of evidence-based marijuana policies. When it comes to addressing questions specific to the safety and therapeutic efficacy of cannabis, this publication provides the evidence that patients and their physicians — as well as lawmakers — need to know.” — NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, the book’s chief author, in a statement

The book is currently listed as the top new release in the medical research category on Amazon, where it is available for the Kindle for $5.99. Proceeds from the book are used to fund NORML’s advocacy efforts directly.

In 2020, NORML notes, researchers worldwide published a record 3,500-plus scientific papers on cannabis, according to data compiled by the National Library of Medicine and PubMed.gov. So far this year, there have been over 3,600 papers published on the topic and, in all, PubMed now cites over 38,000 scientific papers on cannabis, the organization said in a press release.

A soft-cover version of the book is also available for pre-order on the NORML website for $12.00.

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Cannabis Sales in Canada 25% Higher Than Predicted Due to Pandemic

11/05/2021

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Since March 2020 – the first month of the coronavirus pandemic – cannabis sales in Canada rose 25% and revenues were $811 million higher than predicted, according to research published in JAMA outlined by CTV News. The sales figures were provided by Statistics Canada and include 16 months from March 2020 through June 2021.

The study, conducted by the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research (PBCAR) of McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and the Homewood Research Institute, also found that since March 2020, monthly alcohol sales rose by an average of 5.5% — or $1.86 billion — over expected sales.

James MacKillop, director of the PBCAR and co-author of the study, said in a statement that the “results offer one of the first national perspectives on changes in alcohol and cannabis use during the pandemic.”

“These sales data give us an opportunity to quantify the pandemic’s impacts on two of the most commonly used substances for the country as a whole [and] give us clues into potential changes in behavioral patterns and can inform planning to address mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” — MacKillop, in a statement, via CTV News

The researchers found that pre-pandemic cannabis sales in Canada rose from $55.4 million in November 2018 to $150.75 million in February 2020 and suggest that Canadians spent $23.59 million stockpiling cannabis as the coronavirus began to take hold throughout the world.

Jean Costello, director of evaluation at the Homewood Research Institute and a co-author of the research, said that “it’s unclear whether similar patterns exist outside of Canada, but the findings indicate the value of sales data as a strategy to characterize the impacts of COVID-19 on substance use.”

“Although the changing landscape following cannabis legalization is a critical consideration,” she said in a statement, “the availability of cannabis sales data at all is a boon for researchers evaluating the pandemic’s impacts.”

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Cannabis Companies in Montana Cannot Sell Hemp-Based Products

11/05/2021

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Regulators and industry insiders in Montana were surprised to find under the state’s new adult-use cannabis framework that adult-use licensees are prohibited from growing or processing hemp, or selling any hemp-derived products, including CBD, the Montana Free Press reports. As a result, any products containing hemp-derived CBD will now only be available in gas stations or other non-adult use retail cannabis locations, according to the report.

“Frankly, I feel like we stumbled upon it. It wasn’t on our radar at all,” said Kristan Barbour, administrator of the Department of Revenue’s Cannabis Control Division.

Although CBD derived from hemp is prohibited, CBD itself is not banned as long as it is extracted from cannabis plants with THC concentrations greater than 0.3%. Cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC are considered hemp under the Federal 2018 Farm Bill. Dispensaries have until January 1, 2022, to sell their CBD stash before the ban goes into effect, the report says.

“It’s idiotic. It’s denying consumers access to safe consumption.” — Tessa Rose, an herbalist, via the Free Press

Montana legalized adult cannabis use last year and the Montana Legislature would pass the bill to set up a regulatory framework for the new industry earlier this year. The state has made progress setting up the system despite a lawsuit, later withdrawn, by an anti-cannabis activist to overturn the adult-use cannabis initiative.

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Leafly Report: Cannabis Fifth Largest U.S. Crop

11/04/2021

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Cannabis is the fifth most valuable crop in the U.S., according to Leafly’s first-ever Cannabis Harvest Report. The report looked at cannabis production numbers in the 11 states where both medical and adult-use cannabis are available to customers and found 13,042 cannabis farm licenses in those states grow 2,278 metric tons (5.02 million pounds) of cannabis annually.

That is the equivalent of 57 Olympic-size swimming pools or more than 11,000 dump trucks stretching 36 miles — and over 2 billion joints — the report says. The $6.175 billion worth of cannabis produced annually in the U.S. puts the crop ahead of cotton and peanuts.

The authors note despite these staggering numbers, cannabis sales are rarely tracked by state or federal officials.

“Our goal with the Leafy Harvest Report is to quantify annual cannabis production in operational adult-use states, just like the USDA’s Economic Research Service does for all non-cannabis crops. This is the first time anyone’s done this, as far as we know. Voters, lawmakers, and industry leaders need these basic facts to make informed decisions.” — Leafly in a press release

The report found only corn, soybeans, hay, and wheat topped cannabis’s cash crop numbers. Although still federally illegal, cannabis ranked number one in value in Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Oregon; and its crop value ranked no lower than fifth in the 11 states analyzed. Colorado sells the most cannabis annually, 657 metric tons, while California is close behind with 514 metric tons in yearly sales, the Leafly harvest tally found.

The paper highlights the inadequate banking and insurance options available to cannabis farmers and the enormous amount of money and time spent navigating regulatory roadblocks even before the plants are in the ground.

“America’s adult-use wholesale cannabis crop returned a mind-boggling $6.175 billion to farmers last year, ranking it as the 5th most valuable crop in the United States. Yet, due to federal prohibition, America does not treat cannabis farmers like farmers,” said David Downs, the report’s lead author, and Leafly’s California Bureau Chief. “They are subject to more state and federal taxes, regulations, and stigma than any other type of farmer. These barriers hurt small legacy farmers the most. This plant is helping generate wealth, employment, and community investment around the country, and our legislators need to recognize the opportunity cannabis presents for Americans — today.”

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Mississippi Gov. Calls for Medical Cannabis Program THC Limits and Purchase Caps

11/04/2021

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Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said on Monday that he wants tighter limits on the amounts of medical cannabis patients can purchase and limit the amount of THC allowed in medical cannabis products sold in the state, the Oxford Eagle reports. Reeves did not indicate what he thinks those caps should be but said the THC levels in the current draft of the bill “are higher” than he is “comfortable with.”

“If we’re going to have a medical marijuana program, we need to get it done right. I think getting it done right is more important than getting it done quick.” — Reeves during a press conference via the Eagle

Mississippi voters approved the medical cannabis initiative during the 2020 election, but the state Supreme Court overturned the initiative in May, ruling that Mississippi’s initiative process is outdated and unworkable. Lawmakers have since introduced legislation to enact the reforms and have called on Reeves to call a special session to bring up the bill for a vote. Reeves has indicated he would call the session if lawmakers can agree on a plan, the report says. The state’s next regular session begins in January.

However, state Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson has said that he has a legal challenge ready were the Legislature to approve the reforms. In an August letter to state Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Gipson said that “elected officials took an oath of office to ‘faithfully support the Constitution of the United States … and obey the laws thereof’” and that cannabis legalization of any kind runs afoul of federal law.

“If the Mississippi Legislature were to enact and the governor were to sign into state law a medical marijuana program,” he wrote in the letter, “how would it be legal under the federal act to truck, ship, deliver, manufacture, distribute or dispense any part of the cannabis seed or plant as a Schedule 1 substance into the state of Mississippi?”

Last month, advocates held a protest demanding that Tate call the session to enact the reforms.

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Workers at Two Illinois Verilife Dispensaries Vote to Join Union

11/04/2021

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Workers at Verilife dispensaries in River North and Arlington Heights, Illinois have voted to join the Teamsters Local 777, the first locations at the company to do so. Earlier this year, dispensary workers at Modern Cannabis’ Logan Square and River North locations also voted to join the union.

Eunique Nyonly and William Morris, two of the cannabis sales consultants at the Verilife River North who voted to join the union, said they wanted to be Teamsters because they “want representation in the workplace.”

“With the cannabis industry becoming more established in Illinois, there is room for exploitation. By joining the Teamsters, we can combat this.” — Nyonly and Morris in a press release

In addition to the cannabis sales consultants, dispensing inventory specialists at the River North and Arlington Heights also voted to join the union.

“These workers are on the frontlines of the grassroots movement to ensure that the billions of dollars in revenue being generated by the nascent cannabis industry goes not just to investors and shareholders, but to the people who are the backbone of these operations,” Jim Glimco, president of Local 777 said in a statement.

The Modern Cannabis employees held their vote to unionize in June, and more than 80% of those employees voted to join the union. Glimco called that overwhelming vote a “groundbreaking victory.”

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Pakistan to Launch Cannabis Cultivation Program Next Month

11/04/2021

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During a meeting of Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology last month, Minister Shibli Karaz suggested that at least four officially sanctioned cannabis cultivation sites would exist in Pakistan by the end of the year, The Express Tribune reports.

The policy comes a little over a year since officials approved language for a government-controlled hemp program in hopes of positioning Pakistan to partake in the global, multi-billion-dollar CBD marketplace.

“There is no policy on cannabis in the country yet. The policy of cannabis cultivation will come into being by December.” — Karaz, via the report

During the meeting, officials estimated that the global cannabis marketplace was set to hit Rs95 billion — or just over $550 million — by 2025; the committee also discussed the rising commercial value of cannabinoid oil.

While the initial reforms were to focus on growing cannabis for industrial purposes — or hemp — the country’s first phase of cannabis cultivation is already in motion after Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force approved four separate sites for cannabis cultivation. Additionally, officials said there are already cannabis oil production experiments underway and that the country plans to construct greenhouses for cannabis cultivation in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.

Addressing concerns from some politicians about the illegal export of raw cannabis materials, Faraz said the government would implement strict measures to prevent product diversion.

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New Mexico Cannabis Patient Count Jumps 72% Over Last Two Years

11/04/2021

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The number of patients enrolled in New Mexico’s medical cannabis program has increased by 72% over the last two years, according to a state Department of Health (DOH) report outlined by The Paper. The patient count in the state now stands at 124,463.

New Mexico Medical Cannabis program Director Dr. Dominick Zurlo told lawmakers that many believed patient counts would decrease with the legalization of adult-use cannabis in the state but officials have so far seen “patient enrollment has continued to steadily increase over the past two years.”

Since the adult-use law took effect in June, the Health Department has processed nearly 15,000 medical cannabis patient applications, the report says. Medical cannabis purchases in the state are tax-free – adult-use purchases will carry a 12% excise tax.

According to the report, most New Mexico cannabis patients — 67,842 — are enrolled in the program for post-traumatic stress disorder, followed by severe chronic pain (37,685), and cancer (6,108). Most of the state’s enrolled patients are from Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, the state’s largest city.

In August, A New Mexico judge ordered regulators to stop enforcing the old medical cannabis purchase limits and begin operating under the rules included in the state’s adult-use law. Under the old law, medical cannabis patients were allowed to purchase up to 8 ounces over a 90-day period, while under the broad legalization law, adults 21-and-older can purchase up to 2 ounces at a time.

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Highway Cannabis Acquires Three California Dispensaries & Executes Merger with Palomar Craft Cannabis

11/03/2021

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Highway Cannabis Completes Acquisitions of Three California Dispensaries and Executes Merger Agreement with Palomar Craft Cannabis to Create Vertically Integrated California Cannabis Platform

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. – November 3, 2021 – The Highway Cannabis Company, with $20MM of initial equity funding, has completed its initial acquisitions of three California retail dispensaries and a premier indoor licensed Southern California cultivation facility to create a vertically integrated cannabis platform operating under the Highway Cannabis brand with retail locations as well as exclusive branded products.

Highway is well positioned to play a meaningful role in the consolidation of the California market through both new store openings and retail acquisition/conversions into Highway Cannabis dispensaries throughout California. With its internal supply of the highest quality flower used exclusively for Highway branded products, Highway will ensure the provenance and consistency of its products and provide an entirely differentiated customer shopping experience.

Highway Cannabis’ first retail locations include the flagship store in Marina del Rey (currently Marina Caregivers) and the acquisition of KindPeoples, which operates two of the premier locations in Santa Cruz. In addition, Highway has signed a definitive merger agreement with Palomar Craft Cannabis, a San Diego County based cultivator operating a 32,000 square foot state-of-the-art indoor licensed cultivation facility, producing award winning flower. Palomar’s experienced management team will continue to lead the cultivation division of Highway Cannabis as part of the transaction.

“Our investors and board of directors are well-known and respected in the industry and reflect the quality of the operations and brand we’re building as we prepare to launch our first retail space to the public,” said Chris Colón, CEO and Founder of Highway Cannabis Company.

After helping to build Nectar, the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in the hyper competitive state of Oregon, Highway Cannabis’ CEO Chris Colón entered California, the largest and most influential cannabis market in the world, by assembling an outstanding executive team with more than 30 years of cannabis experience, a board comprised of influential cannabis investors & operators, and highly profitable assets in Northern and Southern California.

The investors in Highway include, Matthew Gould, CEO of Rainbow Realty, a real estate investment firm focused on the US cannabis industry; Mitchell Kahn, the Co-Founder and CEO of Grassroots Cannabis, the largest private, vertically integrated, cannabis operation in the United States that was purchased by Curaleaf Holdings in 2020; and Jordan Allen, the Chief Executive Officer of Landrace Financial, LLC, which provides growth-oriented capital to the cannabis sector.

“The cannabis landscape is changing all the time. We really see Highway’s vision of disrupting the retail space and creating the go-to place for the most premium products in California,” said investor Mitchell Kahn.

About Highway Cannabis Company

Highway Cannabis Company is paving the way to bring the finest California grown craft cannabis to customers through a varied and differentiated private label selection and a compelling hospitality driven retail experience. For more information, please visit www.highwaycannabis.com.

 

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JP Morgan Chase Will No Longer Let Clients Buy Certain Cannabis Securities

11/03/2021

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Beginning November 8, JPMorgan Chase & Co will no longer let its prime brokerage clients buy certain U.S. cannabis-related securities, according to a letter outlined by Reuters. The move follows similar actions by Credit Suisse last May.

“J.P. Morgan (JPMS) has introduced a framework that is designed to comply with U.S. money laundering laws and regulations by restricting certain activities in the securities of U.S. Marijuana Related Businesses.” — J.PMorgan Chase & Co., in a letter, via Reuters

As of next week, the bank will not allow new purchases or short positions in cannabusinesses, but clients with existing positions will be allowed to liquidate them, the report says. The new rules apply to companies with U.S. operations that are not listed on the Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange, or the Toronto Stock Exchange and have a “direct nexus to marijuana-related activities,” the letter notes.

The NYSE and Nasdaq allow some cannabis firms — including Canadian companies that do not sell cannabis in the U.S. — to list but both exchanges prohibit listing companies that directly cultivate or sell cannabis, which remains illegal under federal U.S. law.

Abner Kurtin, CEO of cannabis company Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc, said that when Credit Suisse pulled its custodian services on cannabis stocks, “a number of large investors in the space lost their ability to custodian the stocks” which “led to a significant selloff.”

In September, Cowen and Co, another U.S. bank active in the cannabis trading space, raised its cash margin requirements for all cannabis-related trades on its platform, according to a letter sent to clients outlined by Reuters.

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Washington D.C. Passes Cannabis Reforms Without ‘Gifting’ Crackdown

11/03/2021

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The Washington, D.C. City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill to allow medical cannabis patients with expired program ID cards to continue using the cards through the end of January, DCist reports. The proposal had included provisions to ramp up enforcement on cannabis “gifting” in the District, but those were removed prior to the vote.

The bill also creates two-year medical cannabis ID cards — instead of the current one-year cards — and increases the amount of cannabis medical patients can purchase from four ounces to eight.

The gifting enforcement provisions were removed following an outcry from shops and advocates but City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who introduced the legislation, said the practice would have to be addressed eventually, the report says.

Councilmember Janeese Lewis George thanked Mendelson for removing the gifting enforcement proposals from the bill, saying they needed more public comment and that lawmakers could consider the fate of gifting when they consider the bill to allow adult-use cannabis sales — that bill is set for a public hearing later this month.

Even if the council passes the law to allow cannabis sales to adults, it would not be implemented unless Congress removes the so-called Harris Rider which prevents adult-use sales in D.C. despite voters approving the reforms in 2014.

The decision to extend the validity of expired medical cannabis ID cards and create two-year cards comes after more than 6,000 of D.C.’s 12,000 registered patients lost access to the program after the city’s pandemic-related public emergency ended which had allowed patients with expired cards to continue purchasing medical cannabis.

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Colorado Voters Reject Plan to Increase Cannabis Taxes for Education Agency

11/03/2021

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Colorado voters have rejected a proposal to raise taxes on adult-use cannabis in the state from 15% to 20% as part of a plan to create an independent education agency, Denver Business Journal reports. Proponents of the proposition conceded at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when polls showed 54% of voters had voted no on the plan.

With 86% of precincts reporting, the margin had not changed significantly, with 54.5% of voters rejecting the initiative and 45.5% in support, according to Ballotpedia tracking.

Opponents of the plan included teachers’ unions, the cannabis industry, and some anti-tax conservatives who argued that the measure would create a new bureaucracy that would possibly be unconstitutional.

Marijuana Industry Group Executive Director Truman Bradley said he was glad cannabis businesses “will not be footing the bill for new projects that provide no accountability or transparency to voters.”

“Tonight, Colorado voters made clear that they are not willing to raise taxes at the expense of cannabis patients and consumers for special interests that don’t benefit the majority of Coloradans.” — Bradley via Denver Business Journal

The measure would have allocated $1,500 per student in aid that proponents said would help children’s education which was negatively impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Curtis Hubbard, Yes on Prop 119 spokesperson, said that the proposition’s defeat means education outcomes in the state “will likely continue to get worse before it gets better.”

“The significant gap in achievement between students from wealthy families and their low-income peers has been an unfortunate educational outcome in Colorado for years,” he said in a statement. “Access to affordable, quality after-school education services is not a possibility for many families living in Colorado — and we will work with anyone who has a better idea on how to tackle the problem.”

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The HAMR Cold Start Concentrate Rig Review

11/03/2021

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The HAMR is a handheld, cold-start dab rig from Myster. We really enjoyed this piece for a number of reasons but its combined simplicity and efficiency were the main stars of the show.

The HAMR’s all-in-one product design features a full dab rig, quartz banger, and built-in blow torch. The glass piece also comes with an ergonomically shaped silicone base — which helps with grip, balance, and offers protection from hard surfaces — as well as a stainless steel dabber tool, an included bubble cap to match the banger, and a convenient zip-up carrying case.

In case you’re unfamiliar with cold-start dabbing, also known as reverse dabbing, here’s a quick rundown: the process is a bit more involved but consumers are coming around to cold-start dabbing as a generally faster and more flavorful option for consuming cannabis concentrates. Essentially, instead of the more-traditional “torch the thing until it’s blazing-red-hot” method, the cold-start dabbing method heats the cannabis concentrate and quartz nail/banger from cold temperatures together, which allows for a smoother drag. The main drawback to cold-start dabbing is that each dab tends to leave a sticky, resiny mess at the bottom of the banger. This mess must be cleaned out before the piece’s next use but, because of the heat, it can result in long breaks between dabs (meaning this probably isn’t the best method for circle sessions/social consumption).

Our review team found that, even for novice dabbers, the HAMR was easy and intuitive to set up.

As a consumer, the included blow torch lighter is particularly cool and feels generally more satisfying than a traditional, hand-held torch. It easily fits in a pocket, and although it may not hold as much butane as a regular torch, it can be used for multiple sessions before refilling. Additionally, once you’re feeling properly medicated from doing your dab, it also just feels safer to have one less blazing-hot item that you need to keep track of.

Another big benefit to the HAMR dab rig is its portability: typically, people who prefer cannabis concentrates have to rely on vape pens if they want to get high outside the house. But with the HAMR — which includes a padded travel case that fits easily in a purse, backpack, or maybe even a heavy coat pocket — the piece is truly portable, meaning you can experience the highly potent and efficient highs of dabbing without needing to carry around a full kit of rig, torch, dabbing tool, and more.

Finally, if you’re considering picking up one of these dab rigs, our last piece of advice is to put a lot of effort into keeping your piece clean! The glass is sturdy enough when kept clean but without proper maintenance, the build-up of sticky, resinous substances could cause some sketchy situations when trying to separate the banger, stem, and bubble cap.

Ultimately, the HAMR would be a great tool for just about anyone to keep in their arsenal of paraphernalia, whether you’re a longtime concentrates expert or brand new to dabbing and looking for an easy entrance.

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How Blockchain Can Impact the Cannabis Industry

11/03/2021

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Blockchain is arguably the most talked about and least understood technology on the market today. It’s a fair bet to think that a majority of readers who see that word immediately think one of three things: Bitcoin, “that cryptocurrency with the dog on it,” or Elon Musk. In many ways, the cannabis industry isn’t that different. Most readers outside of the industry conjure up pictures of head shops or Cheech and Chong, or at the very least, some tie-dyed hippies talking about government conspiracies and peace on Earth. The truth of the matter for both industries is that they are incredibly complex and dynamic industries that are both growing at a rapid rate and attracting some of the best talent around.

The parallels don’t really stop there. Blockchain at its core is a foundational technology, meaning it is a technology that allows for the creation of other technologies on top of it, called transformational technologies. An easy example of this would be the relationship between the internet (the foundational technology) and something like email or social media (the transformational technology). Blockchain can do a lot more than cryptocurrency. It allows for decentralized and immutable ledgers, it can allow for near-instant verification of information, and has many other use cases.

To really understand where these use cases can be most effective, one must start with a basic understanding of some of the problems and challenges present in the cannabis space. First and foremost, cannabis is still quasi-legal at best and as such requires intense levels of tracking, tracing, and monitoring of products at every lifecycle stage. Cannabis also has an intense need for verification of vital information like funds, licensure, and other key details due to the framework that has been created to circumvent this precarious legal situation. Add on the lack of traditional banking services, and it would seem the problems in cannabis are insurmountable. That’s where blockchain comes into play.

Let’s start with the most basic foundational principle of blockchain technology: Immutable Ledgers. In simple terms, these are lists of data that can’t be altered. Sounds a lot like what is required in the seed-to-sale, track and trace systems in cannabis, right? That’s because it is. Cannabis track and trace programs rely on correct data following a seed through its growth, into its batch at harvest, and then either through packaging to retail sales, or through an additional series of steps during extraction.

The ability for cannabis operators to track all portions of a plant through all steps with complete accuracy is a prime example of blockchain being used in the cannabis space. This is second to the ability to track inventory for internal business purposes and, as well as satisfying regulatory requirements, would be all of the details needed to vet a potential deal. Blockchain data allows for smart contracts. Smart contracts are essentially algorithmically controlled interactions without the need for third-party verification. Imagine a world where operators don’t need to verify a license or proof of funds manually. Where the need to ask for a Certificate of Analysis isn’t a hoop to jump through, but rather an intrinsic part of the process. This is what smart contracts can allow. A supplier uploads all of the data to a given blockchain, and a buyer does the same. Without any additional effort, all of this data is verified, tracked, and shared at the appropriate step.

Beyond making the data more secure and reducing the amount of work needed for a given transaction to take place, the other concept which most people probably think of when they consider blockchain is Cryptocurrency (or Crypto, for short). This form of payment method can be easily understood in video game terms. No one bats an eye at spending gold or gems or rubies when purchasing something in their favorite app. The same mechanics can be applied to real-world transitions. This can be a bit of a grey area legally, but multiple companies and states are working on solutions that allow for more access to banking and funding — something the cannabis industry has struggled with since its inception.

Essentially, blockchain provides a level of security and transparency that isn’t a unique need to cannabis but is of utmost importance when looking at the current and future landscape of the cannabis industry at large. As previously mentioned, blockchain is merely the foundation that will allow cannabis operators to come up with new and exciting solutions to the ever-changing landscape or hurdles and problems the industry faces.

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Studio Linear Publishes Guide to Solving Common Marketing Problems in the Cannabis Industry

11/02/2021

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Creative agency Studio Linear recently released a free educational guide for cannabis entrepreneurs highlighting some of the common “mishaps” experienced by brands when it comes to marketing and branding. The guide explores six of the most frequent problems that a cannabis brand is likely to face, along with tips for how to solve them.

Studio Linear’s CEO Andrea Beaulieu said of the report, “In the spirit of community, we want to give back knowledge that we have gained working in the cannabis industry to help other businesses succeed and thrive in this market.”

With extensive experience in branding, packaging, and marketing for beverages and consumer goods, Beaulieu was drawn to serve the cannabis industry after experiencing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis first-hand. Recognizing the potential for legalized cannabis to make the world a better place with products that provide relaxation and relief to those in need, Beaulieu created Studio Linear as a way to share her expertise with cannabis startups and help them connect with consumers.

After witnessing brands struggle with various messaging-related problems in the market and encountering similar situations with multiple clients, Beaulieu decided to compile a quick guide to help educate early-stage companies about what to avoid and how to navigate the obstacles they are likely to face.

“We have heard the horror stories – from companies using non-compliant branding to missing required items on packaging that costs them thousands in lost revenue and we do not want other businesses to make these same mistakes. Trusting a design agency that specializes in the cannabis industry has allowed our clients to set themselves apart from an increasingly saturated market by merging the delicate balance of authenticity and creativity.”

Andrea Beaulieu, CEO Studio Linear

The report is titled “Common Cannabis Marketing Mishaps” and is available to download via Ganjapreneur.com for a limited time. It covers such issues as noncompliant branding, the difficulties around registering trademarks for federally-illegal products, how to avoid being accused of marketing to minors, and more.

Click here to reserve a copy.

About Studio Linear

Studio Linear is a woman-owned, Maine-based creative agency specializing in branding and identity design, custom packaging design, and marketing strategy for the cannabis and CBD industries. To learn more, visit https://studiolinear.com or email inquiries@studiolinear.com

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New York Will Not Issue Adult-Use Licenses Until 2023

11/02/2021

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The head of New York’s Cannabis Control Board said last week that she does not anticipate the state will begin issuing industry licenses until the spring of 2023 at the earliest, WXXI News reports. Tremaine Wright’s comments came during a cannabis conference at Comedy at the Carlson in Rochester.

“What we do control is getting (dispensaries) licensing and giving them all the tools so they can work within our systems. That’s what we are saying will be achieved in 18 months. Not that they’re open, not that they’ll be full-blown operations, because we don’t know that.” — Wright via WXXI

The state’s legalization law included a launch date of April 1, 2022, at the earliest and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) only appointed members to the Cannabis Control Board in September. Hochul was not governor when lawmakers passed the broad legalization bill last March; she would replace Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August following his resignation over sexual misconduct allegations.

During the board’s meeting in late October, Wright declared the practice of “gifting” cannabis —including it with the purchase of another, often overpriced product — illegal and that violations could be met with “severe financial penalties.”

While state regulators have been slow to get the cannabis licensing process underway, adult-use cannabis sales have already commenced under the jurisdiction of several New York tribes, including the St. Regis Mohawks.

A bill has also been introduced that would allow licensed cannabis cultivators to start growing their crops prior to the launch of the formal program, creating provisional licenses that would allow businesses to operate if the Office of Cannabis Management doesn’t propagate program rules by January 1. That bill remains in the Senate Rules Committee.

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Study: Army Recruits with Cannabis History Not Riskier Than Other Recruits

11/02/2021

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A recent study by the RAND Corporation found “no evidence” that U.S. Army recruits with a past history of cannabis use “were riskier across the board” than any other recruits. The researchers analyzed thousands of soldiers who enlisted in the Army despite past cannabis use and other disqualifying marks on their records, such as depression or anxiety disorders.

Cannabis remains a disqualifying offense for potential Army recruits, but would-be soldiers can request a waiver, just like recruits with some medical conditions.

“Contrary to expectations, waivered recruits and recruits with a documented history of marijuana or behavioral health conditions are not uniformly riskier across all dimensions. In some cases, they are historically more likely to perform better.” — An Empirical Assessment of the U.S. Army’s Enlistment Waiver Policies,” Rand Corporation, 2021

The researchers found that “results that most closely conform to expectations are in cases of recidivism, in which accessions with a specific characteristic are more likely to have negative outcomes associated with that characteristic.”

“For example,” the authors note, “if a recruit fails to complete the first term, recruits with a documented history of marijuana and recruits with a drug and alcohol waiver are more likely than other recruits to separate because of drug abuse.”

For the study, Rand Researchers looked at data from every recruit who joined the regular Army between 2001 and 2012. They analyzed which of those recruits needed waivers and were able to search the data for specific references to cannabis or behavioral health problems; they then pulled personnel records to see how those recruits performed through their first term in the Army.

The study found that about 15% of Army recruits needed some kind of waiver to get in, most often for health reasons and fewer than 1% had a history of cannabis use or possession, depression, anxiety, or ADHD.

“As a group, those recruits were not across-the-board riskier than any other recruits,” the researchers said. “By one key measure, reenlistment, they performed almost exactly the same.”

The study did find that recruits who enlisted with a misdemeanor cannabis-related criminal charge were “somewhat more likely” to leave the service on a drug charge. Although, the researchers found that recruits with a cannabis history “were just as likely as other recruits to complete their first term and make sergeant, and they were less likely to leave the Army for health or performance reasons.”

The RAND Arroyo Center is the Army’s sole federally funded research and development center for studies and analysis.

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Fab 5 Freddy & Bernard Noble: Pre-Rolls with a Purpose

11/02/2021

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Fab 5 Freddy is a visual artist, hip hop pioneer, and the filmmaker behind Grass is Greener, a documentary investigating the history of cannabis in America that covers the plant’s prohibition as well as its numerous cultural influences. Bernard Noble is an entrepreneur and former cannabis prisoner who was sentenced to 13 years of hard labor after being caught with two joints by New Orleans police.

The two met during the filming of Grass is Greener and, following Bernard’s early release from prison in 2018, they recently launched B Noble, a cannabis brand created in alignment with Curaleaf’s Rooted in Good corporate social responsibility program. Staying true to the brand’s identity, 10% of all B Noble profits are donated to social equity organizations.

This Q&A covers their meeting, deciding to found the company together, future projects for the brand, and more!

Ganjapreneur: What turned you to Bernard Noble’s story while making Grass is Greener?

Fab 5 Freddy: With Grass Is Greener, my main goal was to tell the story about the relationship between cannabis and its contributions to jazz, reggae, and hip-hop. However, it is impossible to tell the story of cannabis in America without acknowledging the criminal justice nightmare associated with it. That is what led me to take a closer look at Bernard Noble’s case. His 13 years sentence for having the equivalent of two joints was shocking — I knew it was the perfect case to focus on in the film.

How did your relationship evolve from that of a documentarian and subject to business partners?

Fab 5 Freddy: I learned a lot about the business opportunities developing around cannabis making the film and I wanted in, but I also wanted to address the harmful war on drugs and its devastating effects on black and brown people since it was criminalized back in 1937. Discussing it all with my now business partner, Ron Samuel, a long time legacy cannabis entrepreneur, the idea for B Noble was born and we call it “entrepreneurial activism”.

Why did B Noble Brands choose to partner with Curaleaf?

Fab 5 Freddy: Curaleaf had already launched their Rooted in Good corporate social responsibility program, led by VP of Corporate Social Responsibility, Khadijah Tribble. This program delivers social impact by focusing efforts within three key pillars: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Social Equity; and Sustainability, ultimately achieving key goals through the company’s strategic social partnerships. With this program in place, B Noble became the first large-scale brand venture in alignment with Curaleaf’s dedicated social equity work.

Are you hands-on in the design, manufacturing, and/or marketing processes of the two-joint packs?

Bernard Noble: Fab & Ron take care of all that but they run all the ideas by me and we talk every other day. All of this is still amazing to me as cannabis is still illegal here in Louisiana and I’m pleased to now have a platform to tell the story I went through so it makes people aware of what’s really going on from someone forced into the prison system, sentenced like a king pin for five dollars worth of cannabis, just two joints.

Will you be releasing or developing any other products through B Noble? Does Curaleaf provide support from concept to execution?

Fab 5 Freddy: Yes indeed, We look at this a little like the record business and hip hop when it began to blow up as a business in the early 90’s while I was hosting YO! MTV Raps. Our first product, the B Noble 2 joint pre-roll is like our first single and we’re now selling well in 8 states, 9 come November, and many more states to come. The other B Noble products, some fire level flower, extracts, etc., will be the B Noble album and more product ideas are now on the drawing board. Our parent company is called Rebelution and we plan for all our other products in development to have a cause connected to it, like B Noble so we can donate some proceeds to assist and raise awareness for other issues affecting the disadvantaged.

What flavor profiles are used in the two-joint packs? Is there a differentiation between B Noble products and Curaleaf branded products?

Fab 5 Freddy: B Noble pre-rolls are available in a variety of flavor profiles. A few of our top strains include Fruit Pie, known for its fruity and earth-like flavor profile; Nigeria Haze, known for its aromatic flavor profile of berries with diesel undertones; and Crossfire Hurricane, known for its floral aroma with hints of mint.

MassCultivatED and Changing Perceptions are examples of social equity organizations that currently receive 10% of the profits from B Noble sales. What are the criteria for organizations that receive these donations and how do you select them?

Fab 5 Freddy: We chose to donate 10% of proceeds to local organizations dedicated to advancing social equity and providing opportunities to those directly impacted by the War on Drugs. For example, in Maryland, Minnesota and Nevada, proceeds are donated to Changing Perceptions, which prepares the reentry community to successfully participate in the 21st-century workforce. They help individuals identify, navigate, and solve personal barriers to success, improve self-confidence, and develop meaningful workforce and entrepreneurial skills in a nurturing, family-oriented environment. Alternatively, in Illinois, proceeds go towards The North Lawndale Employment Network, which runs multiple programs for returning citizens to find work. These include U-Turn Permitted, a four-week job readiness training program for individuals with felony backgrounds, and Self-Employment Pathways for Women, a job readiness program for returning women that teaches the skills needed to run a small business.

Grass is Greener told an important story. Are there any other subjects you have thought about covering in a future documentary?

Fab 5 Freddy: The idea I’m developing now which could be looked at as a part 2 to what I did with my Netflix film, Grass Is Greener, is a film that in a way picks up where it left off diving into what’s happening with Bernard and B Noble now as this Black-owned cannabis brand grows and also looking at other legacy cannabis players like Mr. Sherbinski, Berner, Al Harrington and Viola and what Jay Z, Mike Tyson and Snoop, etc., are doing as a blueprint to show folks from urban areas how to play the game as this multi-billion dollar green rush rages along.

What actions do you hope your viewers take after watching the doc?

Fab 5 Freddy: As more and more states join the push to legalize cannabis, Grass Is Greener dives deep into the glaring racial disparities in the growing cannabis market. The film is, in essence, the story of cannabis prohibition in the United States, coupled with interviews with popular artists, such as Snoop Dogg and B-Real from Cypress Hill, as well as attorneys, influencers, and people who were personally affected by drug convictions like Bernard Noble. I hope to show viewers the ways in which cannabis has been weaponized against minority communities for generations, how much work remains to ensure legalization involves the protection and empowerment of those communities, and how cannabis’ roots in liberation must carry through into the future.

Would you recommend any other cannabis media to people who would like to be more educated on cannabis and/or social justice?

Fab 5 Freddy: The research process for what I did with Grass Is Greener began on YouTube. From the early jazz cannabis songs, we found them all there all the way to rock, reggae & hip hop as well as thousands of other bits and pieces of info. “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” by Jack Herrer is an important book as well as Steve DeAngelo’s “The Cannabis Manifesto.” My film, Grass is Greener as well as “The Culture High” and “Weed the People” are informative films and the Vice show now on Hulu which also did an episode on Bernard Noble’s case while he was still in prison, “Weediquette,” which is now on Hulu.

What other artists and cultural icons’ social justice work do you admire?

Fab 5 Freddy: Jay Z is doing a lot, especially the doc he produced on Kalief Browder, the wrongly imprisoned young black man for 3 years in NY for a crime he didn’t commit and commited suicide when finally released. Kim Kardashian, Meek Mill, John Legend, actors Mark Ruffalo, Juliette Lewis, and Cedric the Entertainer, as well as NBA superstar Steph Curry.

Are you going to continue building partnerships within the cannabis industry and community? What would you look for in a partner?

Fab 5 Freddy: We’re looking for anyone we partner or work with to have similar ideas around social justice and are doing the real deal ‘roll up your sleeves’ type of work that has meaningful effect.

Thanks so much, Bernard and Fab 5 Freddy, for speaking with us and sharing your experiences in the cannabis space. Click here to learn more about the founding of B Noble and find products near you.

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Massachusetts Cannabis Delivery Rules Preventing Sector from Profitability

11/02/2021

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Massachusetts cannabis delivery businesses say they are delivering more cannabis than ever, but a state regulation is preventing them from earning a profit, according to a MassLive report. The state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) requires two drivers in each delivery vehicle and each driver must wear a body camera and the vehicle must have a GPS.

“My hope is that there are some changes that are made that make the industry a bit more balanced, a bit more equitable,” Christopher Fevry, CEO of cannabis delivery firm Your Green Package, told MassLive. “There needs to be a balance between regulations and actual business operations and things that are happening on the ground.”

Adult-use cannabis home delivery began in Massachusetts this year as part of the state’s social equity program. There are two license types that are exclusively available to social equity applicants for three years. However, the two-driver rule is making it difficult for these businesses to succeed, delivery service owners said in the report.

“I’m proud of the regulations that we’ve established thus far because they aim to both increase access and equity in the industry while also upholding the Commission’s commitment to public safety. I want to ensure that this part of the industry thrives, especially considering the three-year exclusivity period given to equity applicants for this license type,” said Ava Calendar Concepcion, who holds the public safety seat on the CCC, in a written statement. She said the commission is open to hearing “about what [delivery firms] feel is working or where challenges may exist.”

Addressing safety concerns, Fevry said his firm has not had any issues.

“When anything’s being done that’s new, there’s a fear of the unknown, but I think through our operations, through what we’ve done, we’ve proven that this can be done safely,” he said in the report. “There’s also a multitude of other security provisions like the body cameras, the GPS tracking of the cars, the cameras watching the drivers, watching the vehicles.”

Fevry and other delivery drivers say they have spoken with commissioners who have been open to hearing about the issues.

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Oklahoma No Longer Requires Processor’s License to Make Cannabis Pre-Rolls

11/02/2021

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Oklahoma medical cannabis operators no longer need to have a processor’s license in order to prepare cannabis pre-rolls under provisions of a state law that took effect on November 1. The measure was approved by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt in May.

The law also allows dispensaries to offer “samples” for customers but only for them to touch or smell, not to consume.

The bill also allows Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) to inspect cannabusinesses twice a year, make changes to product testing requirements, and extend the time for the Department of Health to review dispensary licenses from 2 weeks to 90 days. The bill also includes provisions allowing the Health Department to issue two types of processor licenses for hazardous and non-hazardous material. Health officials are also tasked with creating regulations to require medical cannabis businesses to submit information to the OMMA “deemed reasonably necessary” to assist the agency in preventing medical cannabis from being diverted into the unregulated market, according to the bill summary.

The law also creates a new medical cannabis transporter license and new requirements prohibiting medical cannabis testing laboratories from being owned “by any person with a business interest in a licensed medical marijuana business or any person who is related to a person with an interest in the commercial aspects of the industry,” the summary says.

The measure also authorizes the Health Department to appoint eight additional members to the Medical Marijuana Advisory Council and requires the makeup of the council to include members of the medical cannabis industry.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article suggested that medical cannabis pre-rolls were a newly available offering in Oklahoma, but pre-rolls have actually been available since the market’s launch. We regret the error and any confusion it may have caused.

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The Stone Age: An Immersive NYC Cannabis Experience

11/01/2021

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Excitement. Plateau. Orgasm. Resolution. These are the interpretive steps taken by The Stone Age Experience, an immersive and experiential cannabis exhibit in New York City.

Ganjapreneur was invited to experience the showcase that promised “a new age is coming,” and boy, was it awakening. As you walk up to the velvet ropes, vaccination card in hand, you’re met by an escalator that takes you to the exhibition’s vibrant entrance. Artist Adam Fu’s welcome mural reading “High” greets you from the wall. It’s informational foreplay and vibes, with plaques hanging on the wall, welcoming all to the ‘states of being,’ beginning with arousal and anticipation. This isn’t just for the ‘cannacultural’ climax. The showcase visionaries, co-founders Sasha Perelman and Elizabeth Santana, had four clear goals in mind – to cultivate awareness, promote a greater understanding of plant medicine, advocate for an overall wellness lifestyle, and elicit purpose-driven engagement. Through collaboration with several “change agents,” or people who’ve been working on the production since August to bring this to life, and over 30 artists, including 23 who the system has impacted, I’d say they were pretty successful in executing this elaborate, educational experience.

After reading about and visualizing how our pleasure centers are stimulated when coupled with cannabis, you enter heightened arousal, with more rooms that show the different stages of excitement. Perelman says, “Sex and cannabis are two highly stigmatized conversations. This is an exploration of the intersection between sex and cannabis. Culturally there is much shame and taboo around these topics.” So naturally, guests have an opportunity to artistically “release” through several interactive pieces meant to cultivate mindfulness, including a light installation that paints your movements on a projected screen. A quick pass through the serene terpene activation, where each terp is named, explained, and hanging from a bushel above, you’ll then find yourself learning even more about the different types of modalities, cannabis, and strains. It’s a lot to take in if you’re new to mary, but for enthusiasts, it’s a refreshing reminder for those struggling with finding the right strain.

As I continued, it was impossible to ignore the fact that read, “2.5 million Americans struggle with opioid addiction, over 100 people die of related overdoses every day,” boldly displayed on a wall. I was reminded that the truth hurts, as I stood in front of several mock-up scripts created to represent those who fell victim to the lethalities of synthesized drugs. The “PAIN” exhibit also includes recordings detailing how many people are addicted to opioids in a 30-day period and the dangers of synthetic drugs. Natural pain treatments were explored, with another activation showing different mindfulness methods, including journaling and meditation. By this point, I was met by a guide named Troy, who not only encouraged me to take more time for myself, hang eucalyptus in my shower to help with breathwork, and to consume with intention, but he guided me into the real heart of the exhibit: Awareness.

Naturally, the history of the War on Drugs is visually told, but the creative work done by incarcerated inmates was truly fascinating. Black Americans are 4x more likely to get arrested for marijuana offenses and some of their voices are being uplifted through poetry, shared letters, and art. Despite serving time, these individuals continue to hold on to hope that reform will come, with tally marks in chalk signifying counting days until they can be reunited with their family again.

As I sat in the chair of the final piece, facing a one-way mirror opposite a prison visiting room rendition, with a sign on the wall outlining strict rules, my heart and head couldn’t help but be with the many men and women currently serving decades for weed amounts I could consume in an hour. It’s unjust and not right; this group did a poignant effort in making anyone who went through the exhibit feel that.

“We really hope people leave feeling transformed—inspired and empowered from the experience, education, and artistry. The Stone Age is dedicated to fostering human connection, promoting conscious consumerism, and advocating for progress as an industry.” — Sasha Perelman, The Stone Age co-founder

The organizers offer an interactive resolution –– “call-to-action integrations (QR codes) that enable guests to get involved in real-time (i.e., signing petitions, donating to Last Prisoner Project, and more).”

If you’re in New York City, stop by the exhibit while there’s still time. Be sure to follow @WelcomeTheStoneAge for updates.

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Study: Most Cannabis Patients Reduce Prescription Drug Intake

11/01/2021

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A survey of Florida medical cannabis patients published in the journal Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids found a majority (65%) reduced or eliminated taking at least one prescription medication after obtaining their medical cannabis registration. The data was collected at Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers at Southwest Florida events and on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University from 157 registered medical cannabis patients. The data was collected from May 2019 to January 2020.

Nearly all respondents surveyed said they consumed cannabis on a daily basis, but 93% said they did not feel dependent on the substance. Another 40% indicated they used high-THC strains only, while 22% said their strains were high-CBD only. The vast majority, 72%, indicated they used strains high in both THC and CBD. Accounting for outliers and non-responses, 110 patients shared the median amount they spent on medical cannabis per month, which was $300. Flower was the preferred method of administration, the survey found.

Patients reported reducing dependence on opioids (18%), anxiolytics (18%), or antidepressants (15%). Additionally, patients reported substituting medical cannabis for NSAIDS and sleep aids. Finally, 81% reported cannabis provided a “good amount” of relief for their symptoms, with relief results ranging from 70% (general inflammation) to 91% (nausea).

“One particularly important finding from the current survey was that the majority (65%) of patients reported either a reduction or complete discontinuation of prescription opioid and/or OTC drugs,” the researchers note. “This complements other work, which has similarly found a reduction in the use of opioids, non-opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants among MMJ (medical cannabis) patients. These reductions have tremendous implications, as up to 116 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and physicians often prescribe opioids for their patients.”

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