Five Ganja-Inspired Gifts for Your Friends and Family

5/23/2019

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What do Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and birthdays all have in common? They are all gift giving occasions. Unfortunately, picking the right gift is not always easy. In many cases, gift giving can be a tedious and stress-inducing task. Sure, you can go with safe options like socks and chocolates, but if you ever want to be invited anywhere again, you might want to consider something more personal and original.

Lucky for you, we got you covered for the next time you need a unique gift for someone in your life. Here are five cannabis-inspired gifts for everyone from your significant other to your co-workers:

For Your Partner: Heart Shaped Bong

Surprisingly, bongs can give you the opportunity to be creative and romantic in a very unique way. Can’t find a heart-shaped bong? Look for other shapes that might hold a special meaning for your partner and you. Was your first date a visit to the zoo? Maybe an elephant-shaped bong will do. Does your partner love Harry Potter? Look for a lightning bolt shaped bong! When it comes bongs, combinations of shapes and colors are almost infinite.

For Your Parents: CBD Oil

Oils and tinctures made with CBD are quickly becoming the most popular cannabis-based product in the market today. Thanks to its proven anti-inflammatory properties, a daily dose of CBD can help with symptoms related to chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety. The best part is that Hemp Oil can be mixed into foods and beverages like coffee making them the perfect gift for mom or dad. Just make sure to buy hemp-derived CBD products free of THC, so your parents only feel the medicinal effects of cannabis.

For Your Friends: Hemp Edibles

Edibles like gummy bears and candy are the most delicious and fun way to benefit from all that CBD has to offer. Your friends are guaranteed to enjoy the delicious assortment of flavors which make these CBD snacks perfect for both new and experienced users. Hemp Gummies are also available in night-time versions in case you know of any insomniacs in your social circle. These relaxing CBD gummy bears are infused with melatonin which is the natural compounds responsible for regulating sleep cycles in humans.

For Your Grandparents: CBD Cream

Used by athletes, fitness experts, and yogis, CBD pain relief rub is widely used by many to alleviate muscle and joint pain. CBD creams can be particularly effective for localized pain associated with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia which is why it has become a must-have item for thousands of older adults. If you want to go the extra mile for your grandparents, get them a CBD cream bundle which comes with a bottle of CBD oil. Incorporating oil and cream into one’s daily routine can maximize the effects of CBD, providing faster and stronger relief.

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The Lone Star State's state flag flying between two U.S. flags at the Texas state capitol building.

Texas Senate Approves MMJ Expansion Bill

5/23/2019

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The Texas Senate has unanimously approved a measure to expand the state’s list qualifying conditions list for its medical cannabis program, the Texas Tribune reports. The measure still needs to be reconciled by the House, who can approve the Senate’s changes or amend the legislation in a conference committee before the legislature adjourns in five days.

The bill changes the medical cannabis law to include all forms of epilepsy; seizure disorders; multiple sclerosis; spasticity; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease; terminal cancer; autism; and incurable neurodegenerative diseases. It also removes provisions requiring patients to receive the approval of two licensed neurologists to access the program.

The Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Donna Campbell, keeps the 5 percent THC cap on medical cannabis products and removes a requirement by the House bill that calls for a research program to assess the efficacy of medical cannabis for various conditions.

“This bill is about compassion. For patients participating in the [Compassionate Use Program], they have had a remarkable and life-altering change because of this. That’s compassion.” – Campbell, to the Tribune

During the debate, some lawmakers had called on the Senate version to add post-traumatic stress disorder to the regime; however, Campbell said there isn’t “good scientific data” that supports adding PTSD to the qualifying conditions list.

“I hope — I hope — that we can get the definitive research necessary to be able to include PTSD, traumatic brain injury and those other illnesses that are very difficult to measure,” Campbell said during the debate.

Earlier this month, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had indicated that the medical cannabis expansion bill was dead on arrival in the Senate, but Campbell said that Patrick had actually helped craft the newly-approved bill.

The bill initially passed the House 133-10 with two members voting present. If the chamber approves the Senate version, it will move to Gov. Greg Abbot for his signature.

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Hemp Farm

Washington Hemp Farmers Plan 6K Acres

5/23/2019

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Washington farmers intend to plant more than 6,000 acres of hemp this year after planting just 140 acres last year and 175 acres in 2017, the Capital Press reports. In 2018, the hemp crop was grown by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the majority of the hemp grown in 2017 was also by one farm.

The massive increase in Washington hemp crops comes after state officials approved hemp cultivation for CBD oil production. Since the April reforms, the state Agriculture Department has licensed 35 new growers, 21 of which also obtained a processing license. The department is reviewing another 20 to 25 applications. According to state data, the state issued 11 hemp cultivation licenses in 2018.

Despite the increased interest, Washington’s industry is scant compared to neighboring Oregon where 1,342 growers are licensed to plant 46,219 acres of hemp this year – up from 7,808 acres in 2018. Other states are also showing massive licensing increases following the passage of the federal Farm Bill last year, which removed hemp from the federal drug schedule. Tennessee has issued more than 2,600 licenses this year after issuing just 226 last year and most of the 2019 licenses are for fewer than five acres.

Industrial Hemp Association of Washington lobbyist Bonny Jo Peterson said she expects even more licenses to be issued in Washington, adding that she is “completely overwhelmed with everything going on, but at the same time excited.” However, she predicts there will be an oversupply.

“I’ve been saying that all along. Like with any industry, there will be an over-saturation,” she said in the report, adding that the infrastructure for the more industrial uses – such as products from fiber and seeds – “isn’t there like it is for CBD.”

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD for consumption but is holding a public hearing on May 31 as part of its rule-making process.

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Pro-Legalization New Jersey Senator ‘Skeptical’ of Decrim Plans

5/23/2019

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New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat, is “very skeptical” of plans to decriminalize cannabis possession in the state, preferring comprehensive legalization instead, NJ.com reports. The push for adult-use legalization in the Garden State stalled earlier this year after Sweeney and Gov. Phil Murphy were unable to get the 21 votes needed to pass the bill.

“I’m still struggling with it. I want to legalize marijuana. But having dealers on the corner where the worst that’s gonna happen is they get a $50 ticket, in my mind, people will be less fearful.” – Sweeney, to NJ.com

Sweeney indicated that Murphy also favors legalization to decriminalization, but the Senate leader said he is “willing to listen” to the sponsors of the decriminalization bill – which would impose fines of $50 on possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis.

Sweeney suggested that in lieu of on-the-books decriminalization, the “best course of action” might be for the governor to instruct the state attorney general to not prosecute low-level possession crimes. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal told NJ.com that while city prosecutors can’t adopt their own decriminalization policies, they should use their discretion and prosecute such crimes on a case-by-case basis.

Alyana Alfaro, Murphy’s spokesperson, said that while giving municipal prosecutors leeway in enforcement is “an important step,” the governor “believes that legalization must be the ultimate end goal in order to prevent continued injustices.”

State Sen. Ronald Rice said Murphy is “wrong” about his decriminalization position and “trying to find reasons to justify his wrongness.”

“It was OK to get us out immediately if we legalize it. But now they can’t make money, we’re gonna stay in jail because they can’t make money,” Rice said.

Following the failed legislative legalization bid, Murphy used an executive order to expand the state’s medical cannabis regime to reduce patient and caregiver fees and change the permitting structure. Sweeney said earlier this month that he plans on putting the issue to voters via a 2020 ballot initiative.

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First Annual Bellingham Budfest Coming July 14

5/22/2019

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BELLINGHAM, WA – May 2019 — The city of subdued excitement welcomes Bellingham Budfest, the first education driven cannabis culture extravaganza of its kind in town at Zuanich Point Park on Sunday, July 14th from 12pm to 9pm.

Attendees of the Whatcom County festival will enjoy five educational panels, seven live bands, eight silent disco DJs, and over 50 vendor booths. Event coordinators have partnered with Sustainable Connections to ensure a Toward Zero Waste festival including a water bottle filling station to cut down on plastic use.

Varying musical acts will grace the stage throughout the day while silent discos carry on into the night. Those looking for education can take part in panels moderated by Founder and Executive Director of the Cannabis and Social Policy Center Dr. Dominic Corva. Also enjoy meeting various businesses and nonprofits in the vendor area, or cool down in the refreshment section where vegan and vegetarian options will be bountiful. Don’t miss out on a cooking demo with Bong Appetit featured chef Unika Noiel or the Art Bazaar featuring beloved Whatcom glass artists.

Since the inception of recreational cannabis, Bellingham has been a cornerstone for cultivating the plant. On top of this, this city on the bay is rich in musical talent and appreciation. With these two symbiotic cultures feeding the pulse of the town, Bellingham Budfest felt like a natural next step for co-founder Amanda Mac. As a prominent professional in the cannabis industry, Amanda Mac has a vision for the future of cannabis culture. Legalization came first, but now it’s time to break the social stigma associated with cannabis-use.

Bellingham Budfest co-founder Stacy Bloch eloquently expressed this vision, “By focusing on community, tourism and economic activity, the mission of Bellingham Budfest is to normalize and legitimize cannabis culture’s place in society. This is the right time and Bellingham is the right place to move the cannabis industry’s image into the future.”

Bellingham Budfest is a Whatcom County lifestyle tourism festival that celebrates all that Whatcom County has to offer including our blossoming cannabis culture. This region is home to numerous successful companies from an array of industries and we want to showcase the special creative nature of this community, including cannabis.

Contact: Amanda Mac Co-Founder hello@bellinghambudfest.com

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California Senate Approves Canna-Banking Bill

5/22/2019

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California’s Senate has approved legislation 35-1 to create state-chartered banks to serve the state’s cannabis industry, CNBC reports. Under the law, private banks or credit unions would be able to apply for a limited-purpose state charter to provide financial services to licensed canna-businesses.

The measure would allow cannabis operators to use specials checks to pay for state and local taxes, licensing fees, and rent. However, it’s unclear how many financial institutions would participate in the program due to federal cannabis laws.

In March, the federal House Financial Services Committee approved the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act which would explicitly allow banks to work with state-legal cannabis companies; although, earlier this month Sen. Mike Crapo, the Republican who heads the Senate Banking Committee, could not “make a commitment” as to whether the committee would take up the legislation citing the Schedule I status of cannabis.

“As long as cannabis is illegal under federal law, it seems to me to be difficult for us to resolve this,” he said during a conference for the Independent Community Bankers of America, who support financial services access for canna-businesses.

Robert Selna of the Oakland, California-based law firm Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean said that, while the bill would “improve commerce incrementally,” it wouldn’t allow cannabis operators to get loans from the institutions.

“It will help cannabis companies pay the rent, but how it corresponds with federal law is still a question.” – Selna, to CNBC

Only West Virginia has passed a law allowing cannabis companies to access banking services. That plan allows one bank to receive a state charter to serve the industry. Currently, officials are still seeking that institution as the state’s request for proposal undergoes a legal review.

The California measure still needs approval from the Assembly and Gov. Gavin Newsom before becoming law.

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Study: CBD Reduces Opioid Cravings

5/22/2019

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A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that CBD could reduce addiction cravings associated with opioids, according to a Fox 8 report outlining the research.

The two-week study by Mount Sinai researchers found that study participants who were given CBD had a two- to three-fold reduction in cravings compared to those given a placebo; participants in the study had used heroin for an average of 13 years.

“The intense craving is what drives the drug use. If we can have the medications that can dampen that [craving], that can greatly reduce the chance of relapse and overdose risk.” – Addictions Institute of Mount Sinai Director and lead researcher Yasmin Hurd to Fox 8.

The study included 42 adults who were divided into three groups: one given 800 milligrams of CBD, another 400 milligrams, and a placebo group. The participants were dosed daily for three consecutive days. Over the course of the study, the participants were shown images or videos of nature scenes along with images of heroin paraphernalia and drug use and asked to rate their cravings and anxiety levels. The researchers also measured heart rate and the stress hormone cortisol and found that those levels were lower in the participants who were given CBD.

Dr. Julie Holland, a psychiatrist in New York and former assistant professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine who was not involved in the study, called it “extremely significant.”

“We need to utilize every possible treatment in helping people with chronic pain to find other ways to manage their symptoms and in people with opiate addiction to find relief,” she said in the report. “CBD not only manages the anxiety and cue/craving cycle, it also diminishes the original pain and inflammation that leads to opiate use in the first place.”

This isn’t the first study to find a link between cannabinoids perhaps playing a role in fighting opioid addiction – which is even acknowledged by the National Institute on Drug Abuse – and several states include opioid use disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis access.

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Kansas Gov. Signs Low-THC MMJ Bill

5/22/2019

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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has signed the low-THC medical cannabis bill which is set to take effect July 1.

The measure, known as Claire and Lola’s Law, defines “debilitating medical conditions” as “a medically diagnosed chronic disease or medical condition causing a serious impairment of strength or ability to function, including one that produces seizures, for which the patient is under current and active treatment by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery in Kansas.”

Under the law, patients would be able to access oils containing no more than 5 percent THC, which would be tested by an independent laboratory.

“I’m pleased to sign Claire and Lola’s bill into law today. This is the first step in addressing the health needs of many Kansans, but we still have a long way to go. I’m hopeful the legislature will review this issue comprehensively next session.” – Kelly, in a signing statement

The measure includes language prohibiting state agencies from removing children from homes based on the parent’s possession of medical cannabis oils.

With Kelly’s signing, just two states, Idaho and South Dakota remain without some form of medical cannabis access – either CBD only or full plant. Kansas’ bill does not create an in-state industry, rather an “affirmative defense” allowing possession of the oils.

According to an Associated Press report, Kansas lawmakers had considered a stronger medical cannabis regime and potentially considering legalization legislation; however, the state’s law enforcement community strongly opposed those reforms

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Pet Owner Creates His Own Website on CBD for Dogs

5/21/2019

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After his dog was diagnosed with cancer, Blake Armstrong started  Cannabis Supplements For Pets, a website dedicated to educating pet owners on the benefits of CBD for their furry friends.

A few years ago, Blake Armstrong and his family got the news every pet owner dreads: Rosie, the family’s Golden Retriever, was diagnosed with cancer.

And while Rosie’s vets were excellent, they made it clear to Blake and his family that there was no cure for her. Instead, they encouraged Blake and his wife to focus on giving Rosie the best quality of life in her remaining time with them.

“Our vets were great,” says Blake.

“They talked to us about all our options and made it clear from the get-go that there was no saving Rosie. I think it’s important to manage expectations in these kinds of situations,” he said.

Rosie had previously also been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip that’s common in dogs and, over time, leads to severe pain and inflammation of the hip joint.

Gradually, Blake and his family watched Rosie’s condition worsen.

“Time went by, and Rosie started to change. The changes were subtle at the beginning, but when she hit rock bottom, Rosie seemed like a completely different dog,” said Blake.

“She’d hardly move due to all the pain, and her appetite had almost completely disappeared which, to any pet owner, is a huge red flag,” he said.

Desperate to find something to help Rosie, Blake and his wife learned about CBD. And, while they were skeptical about giving their dog cannabis, they decided to give it a shot once they learned that CBD was safe and didn’t produce an intoxicating high.

“And I’m so glad we did,” said Blake.

“Within just a few weeks, CBD worked wonders for Rosie. It greatly reduced her pain, which meant she also got some of her mobility back, and her appetite started to return, too.”

Now, CBD isn’t a miracle cure for cancer, and it wasn’t able to save Rosie. What it did do, however, is greatly reduce Rosie’s suffering in her remaining time with Blake and his family.

“After seeing what CBD could do, I decided every other pet owner out there needed to be informed about this stuff. I know CBD is no miracle cure, but for Rosie and countless other dogs, it offers natural, effective, and safe relief.”

In order to help pet owners like himself, Blake built CannabisSupplementsForPets.com, a website where he shares research about the health benefits of CBD for pets and reviews leading CBD pet brands.

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of research testing CBD on companion animals. However, research on lab animals and humans is growing, and there’s a growing body of research which shows cannabinoids can effectively treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions.

Studies show, for example, that CBD can help relieve pain, inflammation, anxiety, improve sleep, and much more.

“Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system, and targeting that system can help treat a wide variety of conditions,” says Blake.

“By writing about CBD, I hope to help pet owners all across the globe improve the health of their pets, whether they are dealing with an acute symptom, a chronic condition, or even a terminal illness like Rosie,” he says.

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DRAY Dry Herb Vaporizer Review

5/21/2019

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Before this review, I had never used a portable vaporizer before — I’d never really had a need because if I’m going to smoke, it’s usually a CBD strain, and even then I don’t consider myself a heavy smoker. But the DRAY vaporizer by Mig Vapor caught my eye with its brightly colored packaging and futuristic typeface. As a dry flower vape, I was also able to put some CBD-heavy flowers in. I loved having this option because as someone who isn’t a huge cannabis consumer, an oil-based vape seemed like a big investment.

At first glance, the DRAY vaporizer is soft with a design that allows for a solid grip. The red buttons against the black base feed further into the futuristic feel of this device. I was initially nervous that these buttons were not labeled, but the user manual was very intuitive and clear regarding layout and function.

Once the device is on, the display shows the battery life and temperature. Another great thing about this device is the adjustable temperature, which ranges from 385° F to 430° F (196° C to 221° C). Different compounds in cannabis are expressed at different temperatures (linalool, a common terpene responsible for the scent of lavender, has a boiling point of 388.4° F), so, although some websites have recommended lower vaping temperatures for a milder high, this could mean you are missing certain flavor profiles in the strain you’re smoking.

The strain I put in the DRAY was CannaSol Farm’s Pine Tsunami, which has 11.6% CBD, 0.07% THC, and a lot of a terpene called α-pinene (aka “pine” scent and flavor). I was shocked by how different this smelled and tasted in the vaporizer compared to when smoking it in a pipe. I had set it to 400° F to be right in the middle of the spectrum of temperatures this vaporizer offers, and I believe not only did it express a modified flavor profile, but I felt a cleaner high as well.

Other features about this vape include the additional cleaning supplies, replaceable filters, and the charger it comes with. Mig vapor included a cleaning brush, tweezers, cleaning swabs, etc. in addition to extra mesh. The DRAY also turns off after three minutes without use, as an additional safety feature. This could be a pro or a con depending on your use patterns, but it’s nice to know the company is prioritizing safety in their products. Another aspect of the DRAY I liked was its vibrations. It vibrates when you turn it on and off, as well as when the device has reached your desired temperature — a small thing, but a very tactical way to create communication between device and user.

Overall, I enjoyed using this vaporizer and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys using dry-flower vapes and likes some customization in their herbal vaping experience. The DRAY was intuitive and easy to use and provided a strong but clean feeling to my high. If I had to give any critique on aesthetics, it would be that it is a little bit clunky, not the sleekest of vaporizers out there, but for a retail price of $149.99, you’re paying for quality, and Mig vapor delivers.

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NFL to Research Cannabis for Pain Management

5/21/2019

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The National Football League and league player’s union are creating a Joint Pain Management Committee that will include cannabis and cannabinoids as part of its research into pain management and alternative therapies. Allen Sills, the chief medical officer of the NFL, said that while the committee’s research “will include cannabis, cannabinoids and CBD … the goal is “much broader and bigger than [cannabis].”

“The goal of this effort is well beyond marijuana,” Sills said in an NFL.com report. “It’s to look at pain treatment.”

The committee will include medical experts appointed by the league and the NFL Players Union and will also investigate the use of prescription medications by players; those medications will be monitored by the newly-formed Prescription Drug Monitoring Program which will send reports to the committee. Teams will also be required to hire a pain management specialist prior to the start of the 2019 season.

In March, it was reported that the league was willing to make “major concessions” regarding its cannabis policy during the next collective bargaining session with players. Last year, free agent running back Mike James’ request for a therapeutic exemption to use cannabis was rejected by league officials; however, James was the first active player to seek such an exemption.

The groundwork for the joint committee was laid in 2017 when league officials told the NFLPA that they would be willing to work with the union on medical cannabis research for pain management. The union has pushed for relaxed cannabis use policies for players and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has indicated that cannabis policy would be “one of the subjects in the collective bargaining process.”

In 2014, the NFL raised its THC threshold for a positive test from 15 nanograms per milliliter of blood to 35 nanograms per milliliter.

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Grateful Dead Drummer Launches Cannabis Pre-Roll Brand

5/21/2019

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Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart is partnering with California company Left Coast Ventures on a new cannabis brand called Mind Your Head, according to a Relix report. The inaugural products include Magic Minis, one-third gram Chemdog pre-rolls that come in 10-pack tins featuring Hart’s artwork. Currently, the products are available only in California.

Chemdog was first discovered outside of a Grateful Dead concert in Deer Creek, Indiana in 1991 and spawned other strains like Sour Diesel and OG Kush.

“It’s the great mother to many elite strains,” Hart said in an interview with Relix. “Then it died out somehow. Now it’s having a gigantic comeback, because Chemdog is in business again.”

“Chemdog itself is a very interesting product, because it appeals to vision, getting in the moment, getting in the zone—that’s where real art is created. It’s very energetic, very heady, clean and smooth. It’s a very fun strain. It’s inspirational for me. I use it in my work—and play. There’s so much adventure to it.” – Hart, to Relix

Hart calls the Magic Minis “dogwalkers” – referencing the small size that can be consumed in the time it takes to walk a dog.

“Cannabis is powerful, but it has to be used correctly. You know, I can’t smoke a whole doobie and do anything—especially with this stuff,” he said.

Left Coast Ventures CEO Brett Cummings called it “a true honor” to work with Hart “who has inspired millions of individuals and shares our values and passion to legitimize the future of cannabis.”

Hart joins other legendary musicians, such as Jimmy Buffet and Willie Nelson, in launching a cannabis brand. The estates of deceased musicians, including Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, have also released cannabis products.

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Cannabis Investment Firm Acquires Former Federal Lawmakers

5/21/2019

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Two more former federal lawmakers have entered the cannabis industry as former Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) have been named to the advisory board of Northern Swan Holdings, an investment firm focused on industry investments, according to a report from The Hill.

Kyle Detwiler, CEO of Colombia-based Northern Swan, called Daschle “a pre-eminent expert in health and wellness whose experience in healthcare policy reform will be invaluable to our company’s expansion in the global medical cannabis market.”

“Having worked tirelessly as a public servant for almost 30 years to ensure all Americans have access to affordable health care, we look forward to working closely with Senator Daschle as he brings a similar level of commitment and dedication to medical cannabis.” – Detwiler, to The Hill

Daschle was defeated by Republican John Thune in 2004; while Crowley lost his seat in 2018 after losing the Democratic primary to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

In 2018, Acreage Holdings added former Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner and former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, both Republicans, to its board of advisors. Last year, the former Speaker began selling tips for buying cannabis stocks while, earlier this year, he was appointed as the “honorary” chairman to pro-cannabis lobbying group the National Cannabis Roundtable.

Weld is currently seeking to challenge President Donald Trump for the 2020 Republican presidential nomination.

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California Committee Kills Cannabis Tax Reduction Bill

5/20/2019

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California lawmakers rejected a plan to reduce cannabis-related taxes but moved forward with a measure to require more municipalities to allow industry operations, the Los Angeles Times reports. Currently, two-thirds of the state’s cities outlaw the industry which has led to the licensing of 631 retailers – just 10 percent of state estimates.

The tax bill would have reduced the California state excise tax on cannabis from 15 percent to 11 percent and suspended the cultivation tax of $148 per-pound for three years. That bill was tabled by the Appropriations Committee who estimated it would cost the state $227 million in revenue for the next fiscal year and likely would have triggered a lawsuit against the Legislature for altering a voter-approved initiative.

The bill requiring municipalities to allow cannabis operations was advanced to the Assembly floor by the Appropriations Committee. It would require cities to allow canna-businesses if the majority of its residents supported Proposition 64 in 2016. The bill would require one retail dispensary for every six liquor licenses or every 15,000 residents.

“We must ensure legal cannabis businesses can compete against the black market. AB 1356 will bolster public health and safety, and help the regulated market succeed.” – Assemblyman Phil Ting, to the L.A. Times

Opponents argue that the measure violates the terms of the initiative, which allowed municipalities to opt-out.

California State Association of Counties spokeswoman Sara Floor told the Times that “the bill infringes on local control and the ability to decide when and where commercial business are permitted in cities and counties.”

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Anti-Cannabis Church Official Works For Opiate Manufacturer

5/20/2019

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As the Illinois legislature considers legalizing cannabis for adult use, the reforms face vocal opposition from one of the state’s most powerful groups – the Archdiocese of Chicago – and one of the organization’s top lay officials is COO Betsy Bohlen, who also serves on the board of Insys Therapeutics, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.

Insys, in 2016, donated $500,000 to opponents of cannabis legalization in Arizona; earlier this month the company’s founder and four former executives were found guilty of bribing physicians to prescribe their opioid spray Subsys and other fraud and conspiracy charges. Insys also produces Syndros – a cannabis-based medication used to treat nausea and vomiting approved by federal regulators in 2017. Bohlen is paid more than $145,000 to serve on the company’s board.

The success or failure of the legalization measure could have an impact on Bohlen’s compensation with Insys, which is mostly stock awards and stock options. The archdiocese does not believe Bohlen’s work on the board in a conflict of interest with her work as COO.

“We do not see any conflict of interest in Betsy Bohlen’s role in helping INSYS recover from a troubled history and bring products to market to serve the unmet needs of patients,” the archdiocese said in a statement to the Sun-Times.

However, in their February letter to lawmakers opposing cannabis legalization, the archdiocese referenced the opioid crises and claimed that adult-use legalization “will only add to the problem.” Catholic Conference Executive Director Robert Gilligan said Bohlen had “zero influence” on the church’s opposition to the reforms.

In a statement, Bohlen told the Sun-Times that she joined the board of Insys to help it transition from a “difficult past” but did not clarify whether she played a role in the archdiocese’s anti-cannabis position.

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Study: Cannabis Evolved In Tibet 28M Years Ago

5/20/2019

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According to a new study by researchers at the University of Vermont, the cannabis plant may have evolved 28 million years ago on a Tibetan plateau around Qinghai Lake at about 10,500 feet above sea level, according to a New Scientist report. The study, led by John McPartland of the Family Medicine Department, searched other studies to find archeological and geological sites where cannabis pollen has been reported.

The cannabis plant prefers an open, grassy, and treeless habitat but identifying its pollen isn’t easy because it looks identical to that of the common hop plant, which grows mostly in woodland areas.

The researchers note that biogeographers have long believed that “Central Asia” is where wild cannabis first grew, adding that cannabis pollen first appeared in India more than 32,000 years ago and in Japan in 10,000 BCE. However, the study is the first attempt to pinpoint precisely where the plant evolved.

Robert Clarke, of BioAgronomics Group Consultants, told New Scientist that there are limitations to the research, which was published in the Vegetation History and Archaeobotany journal on May 14, namely that trees may grow on the banks of steppe environments so cannabis and tree pollen can occur.

Jean-Jacques Hublin, of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, told Huffs & Puffs that since that region was in a deep ice age 160,000 years ago it may have stalled cannabis growth on the plateau.

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New York Lawmakers Push to Legalize Before Session Closes

5/17/2019

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With about a month left in its legislative session, New York lawmakers are introducing measures to legalize recreational cannabis and expand the state’s medical cannabis program, the Times Union reports. Details of the recreational proposal are scant but Democratic Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes said the measure would mirror the proposal outlined in the governor’s budget proposal.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal estimated that cannabis-derived taxes would reach $300 million in the state and included social equity provisions but, at that time, legislative leaders said the home-growing provisions would need to be pulled from the proposal to gain support. In March, legalization was pulled entirely from the budget plan after Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, said he preferred the legislature pass a stand-alone cannabis bill rather than use the budget as a vehicle for legalization.

The medical cannabis reform bill would create one regulatory body to oversee the medical cannabis and hemp industries, along with a retail industry once a legalization law is finally approved. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins said she supports the expansion but hopes the bill includes expungement language for low-level cannabis crimes.

“It is my hope that this legislation will be approved by the Legislature, and there will not be a need to take up separate legislation that updates the medical marijuana program and regulates hemp/CBD.” – Peoples-Stokes in a statement to the Times Union

The medical cannabis expansion bill is expected to get a vote in front of the Health Committee next week. The recreational bill has yet to be formally introduced.

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A man uses a lighter and glass pipe to smoke some cannabis.

Massachusetts Cannabis Regulators Back Social-Use Program

5/17/2019

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Cannabis regulators in Massachusetts voted 3-2 on Thursday in favor of a social-use pilot program that would allow cannabis consumption clubs to open in 12 cities throughout the state, the Boston Herald reports. The program would give social-equity applicants the first crack at new licenses.

The board still needs to craft regulations for the clubs – which could come as soon as the end of this month or as late as the fall, the report says. Vaping and edible consumption would be allowed indoors while smoking would be limited to outdoors until the rules for ventilation could be crafted.

Opponents of the proposal cited drugged-driving concerns, including Chelsea police Chief Brian Kyes who said the law enforcement community is “concerned” with permitting social use because there are no mechanisms in place to test for individuals driving under the influence of cannabis. Cannabis Commissioners Britt McBride and Jennifer Flanagan both voted against the plan, with McBride calling the sequence “all wrong.”

“I don’t think that we should be allowing social consumption unless and until the state addresses the ability to better detect marijuana impairment. … The potential for harm outweighs the potential for good that could come out of us moving ahead with this.” – McBride, during the meeting, via the Herald

Only Alaska allows social cannabis use statewide. Las Vegas and Denver, the largest cities in Nevada and Colorado, both allow for social-use within city limits, along with some California cities.

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UW Researchers to Study Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

5/17/2019

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The University of Washington is undertaking a study to measure the effects cannabis has on an infant’s brain development, cognitive and motor development, medical health, and social behavior after prenatal exposure. Unlike other studies that have not excluded alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, these study participants will only consume cannabis during pregnancy.

During the study, test subjects are required to report their cannabis use weekly, only use cannabis from a licensed vendor, and send digital photos to record CBD and THC concentrations. Leading the research are Dr.’s Natalia Kleinhans and Stephen Dager, who say they will track cannabis use through pregnancy and scan infant brains at six months to identify any negative side effects.

“The very few investigations that have studied prenatal cannabis exposure and infant brain development have all involved women who are polysubstance drug users. No one has looked at marijuana use exclusively.” — Dr. Kleinhans, in a statement

The researchers are recruiting seventy pregnant women less than thirteen weeks pregnant, thirty-five for test and control groups.  The control group will consume no cannabis, alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs. The test group will consume cannabis at least twice a week primarily to control morning sickness. Participants will be drug tested during the study rather than mothers self-reporting their drug intake.   

“Most medications prescribed for morning sickness have not been rigorously tested in pregnant women and appear to have side effects that are not minor. Remember that thalidomide, a particularly extreme case, was given to women to reduce nausea during pregnancy,” Dr. Kleinhans said. “Pregnant women have minimal drug-safety information to rely on when deciding whether to take a pharmaceutical, but it’s marijuana that has the negative connotation.”

At six months, both groups of infants will be evaluated for cognitive and social development, communication, motor skills, temperament, and other behaviors. Researchers will also use Functional MRI (FMRI) technology to assess if cannabis exposure affected parts of the brain responsible for reward and addiction.

“Smell is one of the earliest developing senses, and it activates brain regions that have cannabinoid receptors and are involved in reward and addiction. We will use fMRI to look at the integrity of the reward system that we think could be affected by marijuana – to see if there is a change,” Kleinhans said in a press release.

The study comes at the same time as the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board are requiring all retail cannabis shops to display mandatory signage warning against using cannabis when pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

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Adult-Use Bill Introduced In Delaware

5/17/2019

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Delaware lawmakers have introduced recreational cannabis legislation nearly one year after the House rejected a different legalization proposal, Delaware State News reports. The new bill does not include home-grow provisions, as its predecessor did, but contains much of the same language.

The measure would impose a 15 percent sales tax at the point of sale, limits customers to one-ounce purchases, and allows municipal control to block industry operations.

Democratic state Rep. Ed Osienski, the bill’s main sponsor, said the measure would have “numerous benefits” for the state including “good-paying jobs” and weakening the illicit cannabis market.

“There’s a tremendous amount of public support for legal, recreational marijuana, and what we are proposing is a measured, reasonable approach that addresses many of the concerns people have raised while providing a framework that will allow for a successful industry.” – Osienski to Delaware State News

Like alcohol sale in the state, cannabis sales would only be allowed from certain hours. The state would issue 15 retail licenses within 16 months of the bill’s passage.

The measure does not have the support of Democratic Gov. John Carney, whose spokesperson said the governor “does not believe [Delaware] should move forward with legalization.”

“There are still unanswered questions, and he believes we should continue to monitor progress in other states that have legalized,” Jonathan Starkey said in the report.

Last year, the House received 21 votes of 41 in favor of legalization but the state requires 60 percent legislative support in both chambers to pass measures that would levy a new tax. That bill estimated the state would see $9 million to $50 million in industry-derived tax revenues.

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New Jersey Voters Could Decide Legalization in 2020

5/16/2019

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New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney is planning to put a recreational cannabis legalization question on 2020 general election ballots after proponent lawmakers couldn’t get enough votes to pass the measure legislatively, according to a Politico report.

“The votes aren’t there. I’m disappointed. The 2020 general election, I think, will be successful, and we will move forward with adult use.” – Sweeney, at a press conference, via Politico

During his remarks, Sweeney said that while Gov. Phil Murphy tried to get the bill passed, he “didn’t listen to the advice that legislators gave him” on the legalization issue. Sweeney suggested that Murphy’s decision to unilaterally expand the state’s medical cannabis regime hampered his ability to sway opposition votes.

Murphy, at an unrelated press conference, rejected that premise.

“I reject being blamed for trying to help citizens out who have nowhere else to turn, whose lives are at stake or quality of life is a stake,” he said during the presser. “I wouldn’t call that blame. This is my responsibility as governor.”

The Democratic governor did praise Sweeney for his support of an expungement bill for low-level cannabis charges, which Murphy said he is open to signing. The expungement legislation would allow offenders 10 years removed from their most recent conviction, fine, or successful complete of parole or probation, a “clean slate.” However, Murphy said he was concerned that the bill expunges charges for crimes that a person could still be arrested for under the state’s current laws.

Lawmakers are also considering the addition of language from the legalization bill allowing individuals convicted of possessing up to five pounds to expunge their records as well but Sweeney believes those limits are too high.

It’s unclear whether the legislature plans to take up the expungement bills before the session concludes.

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Texas Senate Approves Industrial Hemp Bill

5/16/2019

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The Texas Senate has unanimously approved an industrial hemp bill that includes legalization of the production and sale of non-smokeable CBD-rich products in the state, the Texas Tribune reports. The House passed the bill last month but the two chambers must agree to a compromise version of the legislation before it can be sent to the governor.

The Senate version includes language that would implement random testing of CBD products sold in the state and require retailers to obtain licenses to sell the cannabinoid-infused goods. The Senate version would also levy fines on people growing hemp crops over the 0.3 percent THC threshold. Manufacturers would not be allowed to produce products that could be smoked.

The upper chamber version of the bill also gives law enforcement broad powers to seize any crops or products they believe to be THC-rich or another controlled substance.

The state’s medical cannabis program only allows a small number of patients access to CBD products and it’s unclear how the law changes would impact that program. Earlier this month, House lawmakers approved a measure to expand that program but it does not raise the THC threshold.

Texas is one of just six states without a legalized hemp cultivation program but joins the list of states making changes to their laws following last year’s passage of the Farm Bill which removed hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act. Under those changes, states who wish to allow hemp cultivation and production must submit their proposals to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approval.

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Nebraska Senate Kills MMJ Legalization Bill

5/16/2019

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Medical cannabis legislation is dead in Nebraska even after the bill sponsor agreed to all of the opposition’s amendments to limit the products and delivery methods that would be allowed under the regime, the Lincoln Journal-Star reports. The measure did get hours of Senate floor debate before being pushed from the chamber’s agenda.

“Honestly, this was my colleagues’ chance to do something, and I was giving them the decision on whether they wanted to take action or not.” — Sen. Anna Wishart, the bill sponsor, to the Journal-Star

Wishart had worked with opponents of the measure and eliminated the home-growing and smoking provisions provided in the original version of the bill. She said she also would have supported a ban on edibles if it would have helped get the measure approved.

Opponents argued that cannabis products have not been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration, warned of the dangers of drug-impaired driving, and other dangers associated with cannabis. One prohibition group, Moms Against Marijuana, brought in a physician who moved to the state from Colorado who said that after recreational legalization in Colorado about “a quarter” of her patients were suddenly “daily users.”

Gov. Pete Ricketts also opposed the bill, arguing that medicinal legalization will allow the cannabis industry to put down roots in the state and “pressure to legalize recreational use” will follow.

Wishart indicated that she, along with state Sen. Adam Morfeld, have already started gathering signatures for a petition initiative to get the issue on 2020 general election ballots. While Wishart gave the legislative path as 30 percent chances of success, she gives a voter initiative an 80 percent chance – and a successful ballot initiative measure would give less control over the law by the Legislature.

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thcv

THCV: The Next CBD?

5/15/2019

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During the last decade’s explosive cannabis market growth, consumers have been treated to a wide array of cannabis products high in relatively common cannabinoids like THC and CBD to the almost complete exclusion of lesser-known but potentially efficacious compounds naturally produced by the plant-like THCV. For years, cannabis aficionados have been hoping to get their hands on these rarer compounds to unlock health benefits related to anxiety, pain, diabetes, weight gain, and a host of other ailments.

What is THCV?

Among the lesser-known cannabinoids, THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) has emerged as a strong contender for being “the next big thing” from the cannabis industry. THCV has been shown to offer a unique array of effects and medical benefits that set it apart from other lesser-known cannabinoids.

The only structural difference between this cannabinoid and THC is the presence of a three-carbon “propyl” group, rather than the typical five-carbon “pentyl” group abundantly found in the more common components of cannabis. While this may seem subtle, it causes THCV’s effects on a consumer to greatly vary from those of THC. These have been shown to include a reduction in panic attacks, suppression of appetite, the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, management of motor disorder-related symptoms, and even cognitive enhancement.

Anti-munchies and more

“THCV is widely considered to be an appetite suppressant, offering people a ‘munchie free’ alternative to other cannabis products,” said Dr. Kymron DeCesare, chief cannabis research advisor at Steep Hill. “It is also known to reduce anxiety.”

“I have been most excited about its potential to help with PTSD and have worked with a group of veterans who have had positive interaction with THCV for health concerns.  The community is also hopeful that patients with Parkinson’s, MS and those with certain sleep disorders may get health benefits from THCV. More research is needed but this is all very promising. Having it widely available in the marketplace may lead to other applications as we found with CBD.” — Dr. DeCesare, in an interview

Meanwhile, several case studies and medical research conducted over the past several years appear to show many potential benefits of THCV.

The British Pharmacological Society, for example, reported that “THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying disease progression in Parkinson’s Disease and also for ameliorating parkinsonian symptoms.”

While it’s still challenging to conduct human cannabinoid trials in the U.S., states like California have allowed cannabis for medical use for over twenty years, which has led to an accumulation of anecdotal data. During this time, THCV has proven to be a buzzworthy offshoot of cannabis products.

Additionally, researchers at the University of California School of Medicine have launched a clinical trial to assess the efficacy and tolerability of CBD and THC as a treatment for adults with essential tremor (ET). This is the first such research of its kind and could be an important step toward researching THCV as a potential remedy for ET and other ailments related to treating bone density, particularly osteoporosis.

“Given the wide array of human physiology, any individual person may benefit from THCV,” said Dr. DeCesare. “THCV is generally absent in the vast majority of cannabis products but is known for its unique properties which can only be experienced when it is consumed in higher amounts.”

Product lines incoming

Products infused with this cannabinoid have already burst onto the scene in California’s cannabis market.

According to David Lampach, CEO of California Cannabinoids, “For years, there has been high demand for THCV, but until now there have been virtually no products available. People are literally hungry for access to this rare but promising cannabinoid and we’ve seen a great deal of excitement.”

Lampach’s company recently released “Doug’s Varin,” a line of cannabis products including vape pens and more that emphasizes high THCV content.

Level Blends, another California company, also recently released a line of sublingual tablets offering doses of the cannabinoid in edible form.

As more consumers and cannabis product manufacturers become aware of this cannabinoid and its effects, both the supply and the demand for THCV products are likely to increase. “The market is wide open, leaving a blue-skies opportunity for THCV,” Lampach said.

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