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Can You Overdose On Marijuana?

1/08/2016

One of the most interesting aspects of cannabis is how benign it is to most humans.

The lethal limit of ingestion is so high that it is widely considered an impossible feat to die from marijuana use. In fact, cannabis is less lethal than many commonly ingested chemicals like ibuprofen, caffeine, alcohol, and most pharmaceuticals.

But does that mean you can’t overdose on marijuana? Not quite.

Just because death isn’t in the equation doesn’t mean it’s not possible to smoke or consume too much cannabis, however. Marijuana over-consumption can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations. While the chances of experiencing these negative effects are small, there are a number of ways to prepare for and deal with them.

First, and most importantly, is to speak with an expert about dosing yourself. An expert should know what to expect from each strain, as well as your method of ingestion (smoking, vaping, eating, dabbing).

Explain your intentions and ask for their advice. Start slow and work your way up to higher doses. Because of their slow onset, it is especially tricky to dose yourself with edibles. Give yourself several hours between doses. Most marijuana “overdoses” are from people with little-to-no experience, and can be easily avoided with proper guidance.

Know your limits, and stay comfortable.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When preparing for a cannabis session it is helpful to set up a happy place ahead of time. The old 60’s adage of “set and setting” still holds true. When consuming cannabis, be in a comfortable place where you won’t need to drive anywhere. Wear comfortable clothes and be around your favorite music, food, movies, and/or people. Have plenty of refreshments around to aid with cottonmouth. Avoid alcohol. Have some easy to prepare, or previously prepared, snacks available for when the munchies set in.

Keep calm and blaze on.

Lastly — in the event of a bad experience — remember that the strange feelings you are experiencing WILL fade. After a few hours you will feel significantly less high, and after about a day you will completely return to your standard of conscious experience. Fear and anxiety tend to set in because of panic, and often this panic is caused because one feels like this new feeling will last forever. If dealing with these anxious feelings, sit or lie down and breathe deeply. Change the music or movie. Turn the lights on or off. Change rooms. Remove yourself from the negativity, and find a new place to be. You can’t change your current state without waiting for a few hours, but you can change your location and stimulus.

If you get too high, don’t panic: the effects are temporary.

After a few sessions and some experience with dosing, the sensations becomes a little more normalized. The chances of a negative experience lessen, and confidence takes over. However, even with experience, it is possible to suffer the negative symptoms described above, but the advice doesn’t change. Just sit back, relax, and know that the ride will be over soon.

Last Updated May 25, 2020

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BioTrackTHC Wins Hawaii Cannabis Software Contract

1/08/2016

The software company BioTrackTHC, whose software provides seed-to-sale tracking for the cannabis industry throughout the United States and beyond, has won yet another contract: the firm will provide software for Hawaii’s medical marijuana program for $159,000.

BioTrack, which is based out of Florida, also provides software for marijuana programs in Washington State, New Mexico, Illinois and New York, and has stated that its software is used in some way by more than 1,500 businesses across the country, as well as abroad in Canada, Jamaica and South America.

BioTrack’s software lets users (in this case, the Hawaiian Department of Health) track plant inventories, lab test results, and production, transportation and distribution activities.

BioTrack CEO Patrick Vo said in a statement that “the development of a healthy and successful medical cannabis program is a top priority for Hawaii, and we are extremely proud to have been chosen to be a critical part of it.”

“The islands of Hawaii are truly unique and we very much look forward to applying our expertise in solving the cannabis traceability challenges unique to Hawaii.”

Hawaii begins its licensing process for medical marijuana firms this month; applications go online January 11th. Submissions will be accepted from the 12th to the 29th, and the state’s first medical dispensaries should open this summer.

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A First Look at Etain: Albany’s New Medical Cannabis Dispensary

1/07/2016

A non-descript building in Albany, New York’s warehouse district houses the state capital’s first, and currently only, medical cannabis dispensary. During the tour of the Etain-run facility, Chief Operating Officer Hillary Peckham said she and her crew had “worked through the night” preparing this, and their Kingston location, to be patient-ready.

“This is something that we put our sweat and tears in,” Peckham said. “It’s dinner, it’s breakfast, it’s staying up all night. This is something that we are really proud to be able to share with everyone here.”

Inside-view of the Etain medical cannabis dispensary in Albany, New York.

In accordance with the state law, the outside of the building is plain – it’s simple, painted a hushed grey with red trim. The lobby’s color scheme is the same, featuring a small waiting area with a faded leather sofa, two black leather chairs and a leather faux shipping crate coffee table.

The exterior of the former Regalo Gift Experience location will bear a simple black and white sign reading “Etain” — the only marketing attempt allowed at state-registered medical marijuana operations, as per state law.

The Etain product line — entirely cannabis concentrate products.

Etain will offer three oil-only brands: Forte (a high-THC blend), Balance (equal parts THC and CBD) and Dolce (a high-CBD option). The brands will be available to patients in capsule, tincture, oral spray and a solution for use with vapor pens, similar to e-cigarettes. Each one is designed to offer patients “consistent” and “reliable” doses in their products, Peckham said.

Before patients can enter the location they must first be registered with the state. New York guidelines cover about a dozen critical and terminal illnesses, and individuals must be certified by one of about 150 doctors in the state licensed to prescribe marijuana. Doctors must complete a four hour course before they can recommend cannabis to their patients.

After showing their credentials, patients will be escorted to the dispensing area — which keeps the same grey, red and leather decorative scheme — where they will be greeted by Etain pharmacist Kevin King.

King, 28, graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy and began his career at a compounding pharmacy in the city, which he described as similarly “unique” to his new role in the nascent market.

“Having this opportunity open up as a new program, doing the same [types of] thing, offering a previously illegal option to patients and helping a huge number of people in the state – I couldn’t be happier,” he said. King admits he supported medical marijuana use before he took the job with Etain.

Patients will also have the option to speak with a patient relations specialist. Martha McDermott, whose background is in social work, describes her job as a patient and community educator.

“A lot of it is helping people understand the conditions that qualify for the program,” she said. “People think you can just walk in — there is a certification process that is far more complicated in New York than Colorado, California and Vermont.”

McDermott explains that she hasn’t had questions from any of the new neighbors – the dispensary is located directly next to a heating and air conditioning company and just up the street from a local hard cider brewery, a Crossfit gym and three popular bars.

“A lot of the counseling will come from the pharmacist because that is the regulatory requirement, but I think at Etain we would like to see education advocacy be one of the things that we do here,” she said. “Marijuana is, obviously, a new industry in the state… it’s rapidly growing.”

Peckham said that she expects Etain’s other sites to open “throughout the month,” but was unable to provide a hard timeline. The Department of Health announced yesterday that they were allowing registered operators the option to provide delivery services to patients who are unable to travel due to their health who also do not have a licensed caregiver as a proxy. Peckham said they do not yet have a system in place but it is “something they definitely intend to do,” and are working with homes for aging populations in an effort to provide those services.

Although enrollment numbers are low – the Health Department reported just 50 patients have signed up for the program so far – Peckham anticipates an “accelerated patient count” due to the state’s large population.

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Mayor of Mexico City Supports Cannabis Legalization

1/07/2016

The Mayor of Mexico City has come out in support of marijuana legalization, stating that the issue is one both of personal freedom and of fighting drug cartels.

“My position is always the defense of freedoms,” stated Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera in an interview with El Universal. “I do support legalization.”

Legalization would “be a blow” to the drug cartels that have perpetuated violence for years throughout Mexico and along its northern border, argues the Mayor, who stated that legal cannabis “would not be attractive for purposes of drug trafficking.”

Mayor Mancera has indicated in the past that he may be considering a bid for the presidency in 2018, and stated that if elected he would work to reform current marijuana laws. Currently, President Enrique Peña Nieto is against legalizing cannabis, although he has said that he is in favor of a national dialogue.

Mancera’s statements on cannabis follow on the heels of an announcement by the country’s Congress that it will hold a series of debates regarding marijuana legalization. The debate will involve sociologists, medical practitioners, academics and the public, and President Nieto has stated that the result of the debates could change his outlook on legalization.

Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled in November that the personal production and consumption of cannabis should be legal, although the ruling did not change the law.

Mancera also introduced a bill to Congress in December that would legalize the importation of medicines made from cannabis.

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Gary Johnson, Ex-Governor and Cannabis CEO, Enters 2016 Presidential Race

1/07/2016

On Wednesday, former Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson announced he’s running for president in 2016, seeking the Libertarian nomination.

In his appearance on Fox Business, Johnson described his platform as “fiscally conservative and socially liberal.” The announcement comes on the heels of Johnson stepping down as CEO of Cannabis Sativa Inc. on New Year’s Eve, so he can focus on his campaign. In the resignation announcement, former Governor Johnson said, “I’m confident that legal cannabis is a societal good.”

Johnson ran in 2012 as a Republican, but dropped out of the race and became the Libertarian nominee instead. This year, his campaign is focusing on smaller government and more socially liberal policy, including the rescheduling and full legalization of marijuana at the federal level. Johnson says, “Personal responsibility, personal freedom — that’s what this country is founded on.”

Johnson founded Our America Initiative, an organization dedicated to restoring “liberty, personal responsibility and economic freedom as the true American values,” as well as fostering “an environment that allows each person to pursue his or her individual dreams and happiness without the burdens of unneeded government restrictions.”

“I think the biggest problem facing this country is the $20 trillion debt that we will have when Obama leaves office,” he said. “Government is too big, it’s unwieldy, it’s out of control, [and] we need to get control.” Johnson blames minimum sentencing and the War on Drugs for our rampant incarceration problem — and the high cost of funding it.

But Johnson isn’t pushing for legalization because he thinks it will result in more votes. “It is a big zero when it comes to the ballot box. Is it the right thing to be advocating? Absolutely,” says Johnson. “But does it result in political benefits? I haven’t seen it.”

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2016 Resolutions: How Cannabis Can Help You Diet

1/07/2016

Considering a diet plan in 2016? Your cannabis hobby may be able to help with that.

Recent research suggests that cannabis might actually help people lose weight — and keep it off — despite the notorious “munchie” effect that has users consuming as many as 600 more calories per day than non-users.

Marijuana and Metabolism

A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that marijuana users had an average 16 percent lower fasting insulin level and 17 percent lower insulin resistance compared to non-users.

To clarify, insulin is produced by the pancreas to convert glucose into energy. An excess amount of insulin can result in fatigue whereas too little insulin can cause plaque build-up in the arteries. By regulating the production of insulin, cannabis can improve metabolism, increase levels of “good cholesterol” and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes characterized by insulin resistance.

A 15-year study published by BMJ Open surveyed 10,896 adults and found that heavy marijuana users had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus than non-users and lower levels of C-reactive protein in the blood. Past and light users showed the same metabolic trends though to a lesser extent than heavy users which suggests a direct correlation between marijuana use and a low prevalence of diabetes.

The Secret to a Successful Diet with Cannabis

“Eat less, exercise more” may seem counter-intuitive to the cannabis user’s diet but it most certainly is not. In fact, many professional athletes hail cannabis as an effective personal trainer because of its effectiveness at reducing muscle fatigue and improving stamina. Used topically, it can also help relieve muscle pain and aid in a speedy recovery.

Some marijuana strains can also help curb cravings, specifically strains high in the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin or THCv. As the name suggests, THCv is very similar to THC — both are psychoactive, both cause feelings of euphoria and both increase energy — but THCv offers a unique set of benefits as well, such as bone stimulation, anxiety relief and appetite suppression.

It is thought that THCv suppresses appetite by blocking other cannabinoids (like THC) from interacting with CB receptors. It also helps prevent the “feel good” sensations caused by eating comfort foods and reduces cholesterol in the blood. Other benefits of THCv include seizure mitigation, diabetes prevention and memory improvement.

Managing weight gain is easy with the right strains of cannabis. High-THCv strains like Blue Dream and Durban Poison act quickly to produce a clear-headed, high-energy buzz that will knock out the munchies while helping users knock out a few more reps at the gym. Now that’s motivation to diet.

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New York Medical Marijuana Program Begins On-Time

1/07/2016

Today marks the day New Yorkers finally gain access to medical marijuana.

Eight dispensaries in Onondaga, Erie, Albany, Ulster and Westchester Counties and Manhattan have opened for business for the first time today. There are nearly 150 doctors signed up with the Department of Health to prescribe cannabis to patients.

“Governor Cuomo gave us an extremely ambitious timeline to get the medical marijuana program up and running, and I am pleased that we have met his goals.” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a release. “Our program ensures the availability of pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana products for certified patients and establishes strict regulatory controls to protect public health and safety.”

Patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, intractable spasticity caused by spinal cord nervous tissue damage, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathies and Huntington’s disease may qualify to obtain medical marijuana in the state.

The Compassionate Care Act does not allow smoking of the plant matter, instead it allows five registered organizations to grow cannabis plants that are used to manufacture liquid-based products such as capsuled pills, sublingual drops, oral sprays and concentrates for use in vaporization pens.

The Drug Policy Alliance, however, is concerned about the small number of locations, the nominal number of enrolled physicians and number of approved conditions. The advocacy group would like to see Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, dystonia, post-traumatic stress disorder and rheumatoid arthritis treatments approved for the program.

“Medical marijuana only becomes real in New York when patients have the medicine they need,” said Julie Netherland, of the Drug Policy Alliance in a statement. “For this program to work, we need to take seriously the concerns that have been raised about patients’ access – low doctor enrollment, geographic accessibility to dispensaries, affordability and including patients with other serious medical conditions. Too many patients are being left behind and too many have suffered far longer than they should have.”

Additional dispensaries will open in various locations throughout the state as the program matures. The Health Department has asked each supplier to develop delivery options for patients unable to travel due to their medical condition. The five organizations also have the freedom to offer their products at reduced prices for low-income patients.

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Judge Dismisses Denver Cannabis Credit Union’s Lawsuit Against the Federal Reserve

1/06/2016

A lawsuit seeking federal approval for a credit union specifically designed to serve the cannabis industry was dismissed on Tuesday.

According to The Denver Post, U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson dismissed The Fourth Corner Credit Union’s lawsuit against the Federal Reserve because it “would facilitate criminal activity.” According to Jackson, the case cannot move forward because cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

The credit union was already approved for a bank routing number by the state of Colorado, but its application for a master account with the Federal Reserve was promptly blocked by the federal institution.

Fourth Corner’s argument is that — according to banking guidance documents issued by the federal government in February, 2014 — the federal government has been technically allowing banks to work with marijuana businesses who are operating 100% legally under state law.

Jackson, however, understands the federal government’s slight banking allowances in a different light. “These guidance documents simply suggest that prosecutors and bank regulators might ‘look the other way’ if financial institutions don’t mind violating the law,” the judge wrote in a 9-page opinion on the subject. “A federal court cannot look the other way.”

Fourth Corner has been working for years now to solve the cannabis industry’s most pressing limitation: access to reliable banking services. Though this lawsuit didn’t pan out, it was the closest anyone has come to securing bank services for the industry.

However, Jackson did admit that the credit union had presented a convincing argument, but that it was nonetheless impossible to issue a ruling that defied federal drug laws. “I regard the situation as untenable and hope that it will soon be addressed and resolved by Congress,” he wrote.

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Kansas Attorney General Collecting Data on Colorado Cannabis

1/06/2016

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt recently launched a statewide investigation on how Colorado cannabis is coming to Kansas, and how law enforcement has been affected by the neighboring state’s legalization, Lawrence Journal-World reports.

According to Schmidt:

“There are numerous and persistent anecdotal accounts of marijuana acquired in Colorado and illegally transported into Kansas causing harm here… But because of technology limits, the confirming data is elusive. Since Colorado’s experiment with legalization is affecting Kansas, we need to know more about what is actually happening here so policymakers can make informed decisions.”

Schmidt explained that he’s sent out more than 500 survey forms to determine exactly how Colorado cannabis is coming into play in Kansas. He’s requesting information from every county and district attorney in the state, as well as all county sheriffs’ offices and city police departments. He intends to make the information public once it has been fully compiled.

In December 2014, the same region made headlines when Nebraska and Oklahoma filed a lawsuit against Colorado for the loosening of its marijuana laws. This lawsuit has taken more than a year in its development — however, when the Supreme Court recently requested input from the federal government on how it should handle the suit, the White House suggested dismissing the case entirely.

Photo Credit: Office of Public Affairs

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Washington State Retail Cannabis Prices at All-Time Low

1/05/2016

Washington’s recreational cannabis prices have seen dramatic drops since state-licensed retailers first opened shop in 2014: from an average of $25-$30 grams at the market’s launch, prices have plummeted recently to an average of $10.34 per gram across the state — more than a 50% decrease in price.

The price drop is largely attributed to a surge of new retailers as well as some significant changes made to the taxation of wholesale cannabis last summer. Particularly, Washington legislators did away with the original taxation system — which included a three-tiered taxation system that taxed producers, processors, and retailers at 25% on each transaction — in favor of a single 37% excise tax that applies to all consumer sales.

According to The Daily News, some retailers voluntarily took a hit on their profit margins following the tax changes in order to keep prices down and appease consumers. “Sometimes it feels like a race to the bottom,” explained Andrew Dhalai, owner of 420 Holiday in Longview, Washington.

Emergency rules are expected to be issued this week by the state’s Liquor Control Board, the regulatory agency in charge of managing the Washington’s marijuana marketplace. The rules will clarify how a slew of new retailer licenses that are expected soon will help fold the state’s medical cannabis “gray market” into the highly-regulated recreational market.

Photo Credit: Insanity Strains

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Legalization Drives Fall Short in Oklahoma and Mississippi

1/05/2016

Cannabis legalization initiatives in both Oklahoma and Mississippi have fallen short of obtaining the required number of signatures to qualify for the 2016 November ballot.

In Oklahoma, an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution was on the docket to allow medical marijuana — with a doctor’s recommendation. But in the 90 days allowed by state law, volunteers from the grassroots organization Green the Vote were only able to collect 70,000 of the required 123,725 signatures needed to put the initiative in front of voters.

But all is not lost for this November. A different pro-medical marijuana group, Oklahomans for Health, is gearing up for another legalization initiative.

Meanwhile, Mississippi’s Ballot Initiative 48 — written to legalize the retail sale and use of marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol or tobacco — has been in the works since 2014. But as of late December, volunteers had only managed to collect 13,300 of the 107,000 signatures needed to put the measure in front of voters this coming November.

The proposed Mississippi ballot would have looked a lot like legalization in Colorado, with tax revenue earmarked for education, and citizens allowed to grow a limited number of plants for personal use.

Many experts have predicted 2016 will be an extraordinary point in the mainstream legalization process, with up to ten different states likely to put legalization initiatives in front of voters this November.

Photo Credit: Schezar

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Ex-Congressman of Kentucky Heads Medical Marijuana Push

1/05/2016

A former Kentucky state representative has created a group that will seek to legalize medical marijuana in the state.

Mike Ward, who served as a Democratic congressman from 1995-1997, announced Monday that he had formed the nonprofit group Legalize Kentucky Now. Ward said “it’s time” that people no longer be treated as criminals for using cannabis to relieve pain and other ailments.

“This is absolutely something that is going to happen in this country and this state,” he said.

Ward served as Representative of Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, which comprises Louisville, before losing a bid for reelection to Anne Northup, a Republican. He said he has been a proponent of medical marijuana legalization since seeing how his brother Alexander, who died of AIDS in 1992, used cannabis to ease his symptoms.

Legalize Kentucky Now will likely find an ally in House Speaker Greg Stumbo, who tried unsuccessfully to pass a medical marijuana bill last year. Stumbo said he would try again to get the measure through Congress this legislative session if the opportunity arises.

Governor Matt Bevin has also said that he would support legalizing medical marijuana.

State Senator Perry Clark, a Louisville Democrat, has also filed the “Cannabis Freedom Act,” which would regulate marijuana like alcohol, although it is unlikely that the bill will gain much traction in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Photo Credit: Nicolas Raymond

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Illinois Medical Cannabis: $1.7M Worth of Sales in Two Months

1/05/2016

The Illinois medical cannabis market opened November 9, 2015. Since then — not even a full two months later — program participants have purchased almost $1.7 million worth of cannabis, The Chicago Tribune reports.

The sales numbers were announced Monday by program director Joseph Wright, who also revealed that Illinois growers had raked in close to $1.5 million and that the state has earned more than $100,000 in sales taxes.

According to the Associated Press, there were 20 dispensaries in operation statewide by the close of 2015. Since the program opened, nearly 3,000 unique patients have been served (which is technically only a fraction of the total number of registered medical marijuana patients in Illinois). Most patients were purchasing cannabis at $14-$15 per gram.

Illinois is one of 23 states that have adjusted state laws to allow for at least medical marijuana, though four states and Washington D.C. have also passed recreational legalization and many more have passed decriminalization laws. Many have argued that 2016 could become the tipping point for U.S. legalization, with experts predicting that up to ten states may consider ending the prohibition of cannabis this year.

Photo Credit: Roman Boed

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California’s Adult Use of Marijuana Act Could Bring In $1 Billion Per Year

1/04/2016

The California Department of Finance has released a report finding that the legalization of cannabis there could bring in a yearly revenue of $1 billion, Marijuana.com reports.

California’s debt is currently estimated to be around $443 billion. In light of the difficulties facing the state, Michael Cohen, the head of the Department of Finance, along with legislative analyst Mac Taylor, told Attorney General Kamala Harris about the money California stands to make from marijuana legalization.

“In total, our best estimate is that the state and local governments could eventually collect net additional revenues that could range from the high hundreds of millions of dollars to over $1 billion annually,” reads the report.

The report is based on a 15% excise tax on cannabis $9.25 per ounce cultivation tax, and a $2.75 tax on excess plant material.

The $1 billion figure is subject to a number of variables, including potential county-wide bans on marijuana sales, as well as any future federal response to marijuana legalization.

In order to cash in on the projected revenue, California voters need to pass the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), according to which revenue would be spent in the following ways:

$10 million annually from 2018-19 through 2028-29 to public universities in California to research and evaluate the implementation of the measure.
$3 million annually from 2018-19 through 2022-23 to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to establish and adopt protocols to determine whether a driver is operating a vehicle while impaired, including by marijuana.
$10 million in 2018-19, increasing by $10 million annually until 2022-23, and $50 million each year thereafter, to the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for a grant program to provide services (such as mental health and substance use treatment) in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies.
$2 million annually to the University of California San Diego Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research to study the efficacy and adverse effects of the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Photo Credit: Insanity Strains

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Despite Opposition, Cannabis Legalization Bill Pre-Filed in New Mexico

1/04/2016

A New Mexico state representative has pre-filed a bill for the 2016 legislative session that would legalize cannabis for adults ages 21 and older.

State Rep. Bill McCamley (D-Las Cruces) pre-filed the “Cannabis Revenue & Freedom Act” late last month. The bill would make marijuana legal to possess and consume by any adult 21 or older, and would also legalize the cultivation of hemp.

The tax structure on marijuana would be similar to the one currently in use in Colorado. McCamley cited the neighboring state’s success with legalization, saying New Mexico should follow suit in order to increase the state’s tax revenues and do damage to drug cartels in the area.

Speaking with NBC affiliate KOB-TV, McCamley said:

“When you look at Colorado on our other border, they’ve brought in around $100 million in increased tax revenue, so this is a really good way of hurting drug cartels and helping our business community and our schools at the same time. A lot of people say let’s wait and see what Colorado does. Well how long are we going to wait to see the kind of success that they’ve had? It’s already there!”

Rep. McCamley sponsored a similar bill last year, which failed to gain traction in the face of staunch Republican opposition to any kind of marijuana legalization. Governor Susana Martinez had also threatened to veto any such legislation. She also vetoed a 2015 bill that would have made industrial hemp production possible there.

“The message we’ve gotten so far from the Republican leadership is that no marijuana legislation is going to get taken seriously,” said McCamley.

The best hope for legalization in New Mexico is likely to come in 2019, when Governor Martinez’s term limit expires.

Photo Credit: Danae Hurst

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Oregon Begins Recreational Cannabis Licensing Process

1/04/2016

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission opened its online application process for recreational cannabis licenses early Monday morning.

According to Noelle Crombie of The Oregonian, the regulatory agency originally planned to “staff a call center with staff and policy experts to take questions from people completing applications,” but stormy winter weather in Portland has brought the city to a grinding halt, and the OLCC’s offices are closed.

“It is unfortunate that the severe weather is upon us the same day that we begin accepting license applications for recreational marijuana,” said executive director of the OLCC Steve Marks.

Applicants can pose any questions at 503-872-6366, or contact the Commission via email at marijuana@oregon.gov. The Commission’s responses may be delayed.

Late last year, the OLCC also revealed that it would first consider applications for growers and testing labs, ensuring there will be enough facilities to guarantee all cannabis sold under the new licenses will be lab-tested and safe — and that there will be enough product in the early marketplace to satisfy the state’s demand. Processor and retail licenses will begin being considered later in the year.

Monday also marks the launch of a statewide 25% point-of-sale tax on recreational cannabis.

Photo Credit: brx0

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Top U.S. Doctor Announces Review of Federal Policies on Substance Use

1/01/2016

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is preparing an extensive, first-of-its-kind report “presenting the state of the science on substance use, addiction and health,” Marijuana.com reports.

“It’s time for us to have a conversation in this country that’s based on facts; A conversation that’s based on medicine and science,” Murthy said at the rally held for his announcement. “Which is why I’m proud to announce that next year, I will be releasing the first-ever Surgeon General’s Report on substance use, addiction and health. We’re going to look at the best science on everything, from heroin and marijuana, to alcohol and prescription opioids.”

The report is expected to be a very broad examination of substances and substance use in the U.S., including any “ethical, legal and policy issues” we currently face regarding the subject— with any luck, such an examination could lead to more sweeping marijuana reform and, hopefully, the ending of the Drug War.

Last February, Murthy gave cannabis advocates hope when he admitted on national television that marijuana has medical properties, and that he was looking forward to continued research on the plant’s therapeutic possibilities. “We have some preliminary data showing that for certain medical conditions and symptoms, that marijuana can be helpful,” he said during an interview back then. “I think that we have to use that data to drive policymaking.”

Photo Credit: Ted Eytan

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2016 Brings Temporary Suspension of Federal Asset Forfeitures

1/01/2016

The controversial equitable sharing program, which allows local law enforcement to keep up to 80 percent of assets seized for suspected violations of federal law, is being suspended with the passing of the 2015 budget deal. The program — operated by the United States Department of Justice — allowed asset forfeiture cases to be prosecuted under federal, rather than state, law.

What is Asset Forfeiture?

Asset forfeiture is the practice of law enforcement confiscating the possessions of individuals who are thought to have committed certain offenses, such as theft and drug-related offenses, if the possessions seized are believed to have been either purchased with the proceeds of the individual’s alleged crime or used as an accessory to the crime. Assets seized could be vehicles, jewelry, weapons, and items used to manufacture drugs. At the federal level and in many states, law enforcement is permitted to seize these assets even if the assets’ owner has not yet been found guilty of, or even charged with, a crime.

This practice was initially developed as a way to make crime less attractive to potential criminals. By removing the gains that can come from illegal activities, law enforcement hoped to both reduce criminal acts in their communities and develop a way for crime victims to recover their losses. What it has become, though, is a way for police departments to supplement their revenue streams, especially in difficult financial times.

A large part of the controversy surrounding this practice is that with it, police departments are permitted to sell seized assets for their own profit. The amount of money earned by American law enforcement this way has exploded in recent years, prompting outrage from citizens and activist lawmakers alike.

What Can I Do if My Assets Are Seized?

As a citizen, it is important to know what to do if you find yourself in this situation. The first thing to understand is the difference between seizure and forfeiture. Seizure simply refers to the act of taking an individual’s property on the suspicion that the property is somehow connected to a criminal offense. This property is supposed to be held until the individual’s trial is over, then returned to him or her if he or she is found to be not guilty. However, this is not always the case, and many individuals find they must take legal action to get their property back. Forfeiture refers to the act of a police department keeping the property, which can happen if the individual is found guilty or if the property is contraband, such as an illegal weapon or drug paraphernalia.

If your property has been seized, work with an experienced asset forfeiture attorney to file a forfeiture claim. This is a type of civil claim that requires the claimant to prove that he or she is:

Not guilty of the alleged crime or was unaware that his or her property was connected to a crime in any way; and
The rightful owner of the property.

Sometimes, police departments are willing to work with innocent owners without having to involve the court. Other times, departments offer a deal to the owner, such as half of his or her property back in exchange for not taking legal action. These are sometimes a better alternative to filing a claim because it can be extremely difficult for this type of claim to be successful.

It sounds crazy, but it does happen. If your property is taken from you for this reason, it is critical that you are proactive and retain an experienced asset forfeiture attorney right away. The longer you wait, the lower your chance of recovering your assets.

Don’t get too excited about the suspension, though. The suspension of this program is just that – a suspension, not a permanent end. We could see it in action again. And we will continue to see asset forfeiture happen at the local level. For now, police will simply have to comply with state, rather than federal, seizure laws.

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Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Market Taking Off

12/31/2015

Patient demand for medical marijuana in Massachusetts has increased almost twelve-fold during the program’s first year.

Statistics from the Department of Public Health show that the number of registered patients went up from 1,423 in January of 2015 to 16,510 at the end of November.

The state’s first dispensary opened in June, more than two years after voters approved a medical marijuana ballot proposal. The opening of the dispensary, housed in a former Salem factory, was met with a long line of customers.

“I’m a law-abiding citizen, two kids, daycare provider, no criminal record,” said Wendy Atwood, of Salem. “So I feel like I’m a good example of someone who can use [cannabis] responsibly.”

Three more dispensaries have opened since June, and have had trouble keeping up with demand. However, analysts say 2015 was a year of slow growth: the expected mature market for medical marijuana in the state should comprise more than 150,000 patients. Kris Kane of 4Front Advisors says this market is still a few years away. Kane is currently working with companies that aim to open more than 20 shops in the state.

He expects demand for legal marijuana to increase as more shops open: many buyers are still risking the $100 possession fine and buying from illegal sources before shops open near them.

Photo Credit: Tim Sackton

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Social Cannabis Club in Fairbanks, Alaska Getting Ready for Regulation

12/31/2015

Megan and Marcus Mooers — owners/operators of The Higher Calling, a bring-your-own-cannabis social club located in Fairbanks, Alaska — have been working hard since the opening of their business just over a month ago.

The Higher Calling doesn’t offer cannabis for sale. Rather, patrons can pay a membership fee to gain access to the building, where they are allowed to smoke and consume their own marijuana in a safe, social environment.

Alcohol, synthetic marijuana, and other illicit substances are not allowed on the premises. However — in addition to a private membership — the club does offer coffee, snacks, and the use of a game room to its patrons.

“We recognize that we are the flagship cannabis business for all of the North Star Boroughs,” Marcus Mooers told Alaska Public Media. “While we’re doing a lot to try to make our members happy and to help the community realize that it’s OK for them, it’s legal now, it’s OK to come out and consume and even say that you smoke marijuana or consume marijuana, we also want to make sure that we’re really respectful to the community and the neighborhood.”

Currently, clubs like The Higher Calling are an unregulated aspect of Alaska’s cannabis community: regulators have been more focused on the cultivation, processing, lab testing and distribution of the plant.

“There’s debate on whether there will be licensing for private clubs,” said Megan Mooers. “If so, then we’ll be applying for a license for that.”

Meanwhile, the Alaska Marijuana Control Board’s Executive Director Cindy Franklin has stated that she considers these social cannabis clubs to be operating illegally, though the Board has so far failed to address the issue.

Photo Credit: Amy Meredith

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New York Medical Marijuana Firm Gets Kosher Certification

12/31/2015

A New York medical marijuana company says it is now offering what it claims is the first kosher-certified cannabis option.

Vireo Health, which produces non-smokable medical marijuana products, stated in a press release yesterday that all of its products have been certified as adhering to kosher standards by the Orthodox Union (OU), which certifies products as kosher throughout the United States.

Vireo, one of just five companies in New York allowed to produce and distribute medical marijuana, claims that theirs will be the first-ever cannabis products to receive the certification. The OU symbol will begin appearing on all of Vireo’s products, which include vape cartridges, oils, and capsules.

“Being certified kosher by the OU will not only help us serve the dietary needs of the largest Jewish community in the United States, but also combat unfortunate stigmas associated with medical cannabis,” said CEO Ari Hoffnung. “Today’s announcement sends an important message to New Yorkers of all faiths and backgrounds that using medical cannabis to alleviate pain and suffering does not in any way represent an embrace of ‘pot’ culture. Patients should never feel guilty or ashamed for using a product recommended by their physicians.”

Rabbi Moshe Elefant, CEO of OU Kosher, stated:

“We are delighted to have Vireo’s medical cannabis products join nearly one million other products worldwide that we certify as kosher. In a life or death situation, Jewish law clearly sets aside the kosher status of a medicine, but in other cases, it is preferable and sometimes recommended that a medicine be certified kosher. We commend Vireo Health of New York for taking this step and making this commitment to the Jewish community.”

Photo Credit: Coleen Elliott

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U.S. Cannabis Industry Putting Mexican Pot Farmers Out of Business

12/31/2015

The economics of cannabis are evolving in North America. As the United States marches forward on the legalization path, Mexican growers are abandoning the crop.

In 2008, as much as two-thirds of cannabis consumed in the United States came from Mexico, according to the LA Times. But since 1996, over twenty-two U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana, and four have legalized recreational marijuana—leading to more growers in the United States setting up shop to meet the rising demand.

A Mexican cannabis farmer, who grows his crop illicitly amongst corn plants, said he’s seen a drop in price from $100 per kilo down to $30. By those margins, it’s not profitable for him to grow marijuana anymore — and many other farmers are echoing his sentiments.

Part of the reason for the shift is that U.S. growers are simply growing higher-quality weed. Danny Danko of High Times told the LA Times that “[a]ccess to better quality American cannabis has led many to turn their backs on imports from Mexico and beyond.”

Additionally, American growers tend to focus on strains that deliver higher amounts of THC and CBD, and consumers are responding. In one year — from 2013 to 2014 — the market for legal weed in the U.S. almost doubled, going from $1.5 billion to nearly $2.7 billion.

Photo Credit: MarihuanayMedicina

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Washington State Cannabis Summit Coming to Seattle Next Friday

12/30/2015

Are you a Washington-based cannabis pioneer? If so, heads up:

The Washington Cannabis Summit is coming to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Seatac on Friday, January 8. Tickets are available now and the seats are filling up, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. According to the event’s FAQ, tickets will not available at the door and online ticket sales will end January 7.

This will be the second annual Washington Cannabis Summit. According to its website, the goal of this event is to help develop “long-term strategies in order to position Washington as a competitive and socially responsible contributor” to the normalization of cannabis. The event is broken up into four distinct panels: Agronomy, Therapy & Use, Economics and Policy & Politics.

This year features an impressive lineup of more than a dozen distinguished cannabis experts and established entrepreneurs as speakers throughout the day-long event.

For more background on some of this year’s speakers, check out the Ganjapreneur Podcast episodes that feature Ah Warner of Cannabis Basics, Dr. Dominic Corva of the Cannabis and Social Policy Center, and Jerry Whiting of Leblanc CNE, all of whom will be presenting during next week’s event.

Ganjapreneur will be in attendance, so keep an eye out for the host of our podcast, Shango Los!

Photo Credit: Washington Cannabis Summit 2015

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But does that mean you can’t overdose on marijuana? Not quite.

Know your limits, and stay comfortable.

Keep calm and blaze on.

If you get too high, don’t panic: the effects are temporary.

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