WeedLife News Network

Missouri is trying to introduce legal cannabis. It remains to be seen if it will pass or remain unattainable for the state.

A Missouri lawmaker introduced a comprehensive bill to legalize recreational cannabis on Tuesday. The measure, titled the Cannabis Freedom Act (HB 2704), was introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives by Representative Ron Hicks, a Republican from St. Charles.

If passed, the bill would legalize cannabis for adult-use, regulate recreational cannabis commerce and expunge convictions for past cannabis-related offenses. In a statement, Hicks acknowledged the assistance from interested parties and an Oklahoma colleague in drafting the legislation.

“The Cannabis Freedom Act is the product of input from many different stakeholders including members of law enforcement and those who have endured incarceration for conduct that society now deems acceptable,” Hicks said. “I am particularly grateful for input from Oklahoma State Representative Scott Fetgatter for his assistance in creating a free market program that is also strictly regulated.”

Bill Legalizes Recreational Cannabis Possession and Sales

Under the bill, adults 21 and older would be permitted to purchase and use recreational cannabis. Adults would be also be allowed to grow up to 12 cannabis plants at home for personal use.

The bill tasks the Missouri Department of Agriculture with regulating the recreational cannabis program. The department would draft the rules for the program and issue licenses for cannabis producers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, without caps on the number of licenses that could be issued to qualified cannabis businesses.

Want to make the most of your weed? Here’s how compact discs, honey, pennies, and other common objects can help.

By the time you’ve become a seasoned marijuana consumer, you’ll likely learn all of the little tricks you need to help make the most of your weed. From extending the life of your stash, grinding your own flower when you’re in a pinch, and enhancing your experience in general, here are some hacks that will improve your smoking significantly.

 Mints

Photo by Christopher Williams via Unsplash

When the munchies strike, there’s very little you can do except indulge. Seasoned cannabis users usually learn to curb their urges, but for newcomers, mints are a good option. Mints can help you focus on something else, distracting you from the urge of eating food. Just like people who stop smoking tend to chew gum, mints can help keep your mind off blowing your diet.

A Penny

Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

While you should always invest in a grinder, there are ways of cutting your marijuana neatly and evenly when in a bind. Take a penny and clean it thoroughly, then put your marijuana in a pillbox, drop the penny inside, close it up, and shake. Keep on shaking. After a vigorous workout, you’ll be left with some evenly cut marijuana.

The Kentucky legislature is seeking to ban all forms of "intoxicating products" made from industrial hemp, such as delta-8 THC, a form of THC distinguished from the more common delta-9 THC found in cannabis plants, Hemp Today writes. (article originally appeared on Benzinga)

According to a bill proposed this week, smokable hemp would also be prohibited by the law – in the form of cigarettes or cigars – as well as smokeless products including chew or dip, whole hemp buds, hemp teas and ground hemp flowers and leaves.

The legislation, which expands existing language in the state's law, is also designed to outlaw other hemp-derived minor cannabinoids like delta-10 THC, THC-O, and THC-P,  as per an unofficial copy of the proposal.

While hemp stakeholders in the Bluegrass State have been interpreting the 2018 Farm Bill to their favor claiming that delta-8 THC is legal under the legislation's provisions, regulators have pushed back, emphasizing that the compound is not naturally derived from the hemp plant.

There’s a process that turns extracted hemp concentrate that doesn’t get you high into synthetic concentrate that does, similar to THC naturally produced by marijuana.

University of Colorado Boulder launched SPACE, the Study on Physical Activity and Cannabis Effects.

Willie Nelson called Marijuana an herb and a flower. Others would call it a science, with experts running the business including data analysts, dispensary owners, growers, cannabis infusion specialists, and more. While cannabis is not yet legal in every state, according to a recent Gallop poll, 68% of Americans believe it should be legalized.

What kind of ailments can cannabis help?  

Consumers, advocates, and devotees of natural therapies offer symptoms and medical conditions from autoimmune diseases to seizure disorders. Healthcare professionals and clinical researchers are more conservative, but often cite nausea and vomiting, anorexia, symptoms of, anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain and other disorders which can be helped by cannabis. 

CBD, the primary active ingredient in hemp, has been approved by the FDA to treat seizure disorders. Clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy in treating conditions including anxiety, PTSD, and others.

How does a customer know what kind of product they’re getting?  

For hemp-derived CBD products consumers should only purchase products from companies that offer a Certificate of Analysis (i.e., CoA) to ensure that the product is not contaminated with heavy metals, microbes, Delta-8 THC or other compounds that could lead to harm.  

With so many different products, how does a customer know how much to take?  

For cannabis products, consumers are often at the mercy of salespeople at state licensed dispensaries. Most of these individuals may be qualified to guide consumers to an amount of THC that will likely not overwhelm them (i.e., make them feel overtly impaired), but they aren’t qualified to recommend dosing for medical conditions, nor are they licensed to practice medicine. For medical use, consumers should seek out licensed, trained healthcare professionals.  

DENVER, Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: CWEB) (OTCQX: CWBHF) Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. ("Charlotte's Web" or the "Company"), the market leader in cannabidiol ("CBD") hemp extract wellness products, is exploring the entry into the CBD wellness beverage market with new CBD social elixirs currently under development with an expected launch date later in the calendar year.

"Entering the beverage category is reflective of our increased focus on new product categories and formats to drive our topline growth," said Jacques Tortoroli, Chief Executive Officer of Charlotte's Web. "This allows us to enter this fast-growing portion of the market." 

The Company looks to introduce CBD sparkling elixirs powered by Charlotte's Web full spectrum hemp extracts derived from the Company's proprietary patented hemp cultivars.  The beverages will be developed with best-in-class formulations blended with other functional botanicals and natural flavors and are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO.

According to The Brightfield Group, the CBD beverage market is set to achieve $245 million in sales in 2021, up 50% from 2020, and is expected to reach $1.3 billion in 2026, representing a 40% CAGR.

Charlotte's Web executive suite has substantial experience in the beverage category. Jacques Tortoroli has over 20 years of global beverage experience through previous roles with PepsiCo, and Pepsi-Cola International and more recently with Bermuda based family-owned Bacardi Ltd. Charlotte's Web Chief Financial & Operating Officer, Wes Booysen, has more than a decade of experience in the beverage industry at Molson-Coors where he was most recently Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Asia Pacific and ‎Africa.

Willie Nelson and Sketchers partnered up for a Super Bowl ad that’s about shoes, but really, it’s about legal cannabis.

If you weren’t already aware, Willie Nelson wants to legalize marijuana. That’s the message of his Super Bowl ad, only he can’t say it outright, so instead, he’s promoting legalizing comfort with Sketchers.

While never mentioning the word cannabis, the Sketchers commercial is still a significant marijuana moment. Using a weed icon to air a message of legalization during the Super Bowl in the midst of this current wave of legalization doesn’t ask much of viewers to put two and two together, while also being able to skirt the NFL’s rules for their ads.

The commercial is called “Sketchers Legalized Comfort,” and it features and exchange between Nelson and the commercial’s director.

In a statement, Nelson explained everyone’s right to feel comfortable, sending another pro-legalization message in disguise. “I can’t resist making an appearance during the Super Bowl. And I’m doing this because of a message we can all agree on—everyone deserves the right to feel comfortable. From the bus to the stage to a jog around the ranch, staying healthy and feeling good is how I can keep doing what I love.”

Marijuana ads and the Super Bowl have a little bit of history. While a variety of weed companies have tried to run cannabis ads in the country’s most important televised event, the NFL has restricted cannabis use, which means weed ads are a no-no.

What is it like to smoke THC-O joints and pre-rolls?

THC acetate ester, popularly called THC-O or THC-O-acetate, is one of the common synthetic forms of cannabinoids.

Over the years, chemists all around the globe have tried to create a perfect synthetic product with the precise effects offered by cannabis plants. To do this, cannabis compounds have been modified into various chemical structures, some of which are not naturally produced in the plant. There are currently dozens of cannabis variants, each with its own unique qualities and side effects. Some of these cannabinoids have been extensively modified for specific uses, while the rest can be extracted from hemp and cannabis plants.

What is THC-O?

THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid with higher potency than most synthetic products. The compound was developed to give users a more intense high, although, like natural cannabis, the level of reception in users varies. But most of the time, the product offers users a magical and enchanting experience.

Bay Smokes, a well-known cannabis brand that produces pre-rolled joints, revealed that some of its products are filled with premium THC-O flowers and concentrates. The company cultivates hybrid THC-O buds indoors and works hand-in-hand with licensed labs to test the potency and general features of the cannabinoid before they are infused into regular cannabis products and dispensed to the public. The company has most of these test results on its website for consumers to confirm that the products are fit for consumption.

Cannabis lovers who have tried THC-O and other THC forms claim that the first is more potent than the latter. They pointed out that THC acetate ester induces more relaxing effects, accompanied by a trippy high. The Feds are yet to acknowledge the existence of this form of THC because it was prepared in a laboratory. Some scientists have also clarified that the drug has yet to undergo standard drug-identifying procedures.

How the industry's challenges and regulations are really opportunities

Lauren Carpenter has over a decade of experience building prolific teams and leading successful strategy for some of the most diverse business coalitions and campaigns in California, including dozens of Fortune 50 companies.

Before Carpenter co-founded cannabis retailer Embarc, she served as chief strategy officer for Sweet Flower, and director of government affairs for Western states at MedMen. Carpenter brought her extensive cannabis experience in government, regulatory, public and community affairs to Embarc and into her role as CEO. Carpenter has become a trusted advisor to elected officials and continues to work with government agencies throughout the state and across the country to implement thoughtful cannabis regulations within communities to create mutually beneficial operations.

We spoke with Lauren for our Higher Calling series, where we chat with leaders in the cannabis space.

Lauren, tell us...

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I was born in San Francisco and my earliest memories are in the city, but I spent my childhood beginning at about 5 years old in Sacramento. Like many 18-year-olds, I left for college swearing I'd never return to my hometown. Fast forward and I'm back in Sacramento, as my pre-cannabis career was in public affairs on legislative issues, and living here now allows me to travel to any of our stores and be home in time to sleep in my own bed that night.

Scottish CBD health and wellness business Voyager has launched a bespoke skincare division as it looks to tap into a fast-growing market.

Perth-headquartered Voyager has a growing range of CBD and hemp seed oil products.

A new report sheds some light on cannabis sales. While flower remains the top product being sold, other products are creeping in.

As marijuana becomes more popular, crowds are embracing new products. While marijuana flower remains the top product up for sale, other markets are growing.

As tracked by cannabis data platform Headset, marijuana flower sales grew from $4.92 billion in 2020 to $5.49 billion in 2021, according to Headset. Still, its share of the market fell, with pre-rolls, edibles, and more taking a cut.

The report, provided by MJBizDaily, reveals a variety of interesting findings. Marijuana flower sales experienced a price drop across states like California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. This is expected, with prices increasing the minute states launch legal markets, and then a price drop once the market finds its footing and normalizes.

It appears shoppers are becoming more knowledgable of the products they purchase, with dispensary workers reporting flower-buying habits shifting according to things like terpenes and other cannabinoids. These trends fluctuate depending on location; for example, on the East Coast, consumers purchase according to potency.

“The one thing that’s consistent is that the primary purchase decision is potency,” said Mike Bibbey, vice president of Ethos Cannabis, a marijuana retail business in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

A new report sheds some light on cannabis sales. While flower remains the top product being sold, other products are creeping in.

As marijuana becomes more popular, crowds are embracing new products. While marijuana flower remains the top product up for sale, other markets are growing.

As tracked by cannabis data platform Headset, marijuana flower sales grew from $4.92 billion in 2020 to $5.49 billion in 2021, according to Headset. Still, its share of the market fell, with pre-rolls, edibles, and more taking a cut.

The report, provided by MJBizDaily, reveals a variety of interesting findings. Marijuana flower sales experienced a price drop across states like California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. This is expected, with prices increasing the minute states launch legal markets, and then a price drop once the market finds its footing and normalizes.

It appears shoppers are becoming more knowledgable of the products they purchase, with dispensary workers reporting flower-buying habits shifting according to things like terpenes and other cannabinoids. These trends fluctuate depending on location; for example, on the East Coast, consumers purchase according to potency.

“The one thing that’s consistent is that the primary purchase decision is potency,” said Mike Bibbey, vice president of Ethos Cannabis, a marijuana retail business in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

While more than half of drivers said they did not get behind the wheel while intoxicated, 42% admitted they did.

A recent report revealed that more than 40% of U.S. drivers who use both alcohol and marijuana reported driving under the influence of one or both of the substances, according to a new study.

Researchers used data from 34,514 drivers aged 16 and up who reported past-year alcohol and cannabis use. They answered questions as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2016 to 2019.

While more than half of respondents said they did not get behind the wheel while intoxicated, 42% admitted they did.

The study also found drivers who used both substances were nearly three times more likely to drive while under the influence of marijuana and more than 3.5 times as likely to drive under the influence of both alcohol and cannabis.

Previous studies have concluded that both alcohol and cannabis can impair cognitive function and motor coordination, making it dangerous for anyone under the influence to get behind the wheel, especially younger drivers with less experience.

You want to allow cananbis use but your business sits on Federal land, now what?

Ski resorts are caught in the middle of murky legal issues surrounding state and federal cannabis policies.

China Peak Mountain resorts have been forced to position some workers to enforce federal cannabis policies around their property. The recent happenings at this establishment make it a perfect example to describe the contrasting state and federal laws.

The Cannabis Policy at China Peak Mountain

China Peak Mountain is a ski resort in California, located 110 kilometers northwest of Fresno. However, it operates primarily on federal lands. Therein lies the dilemma.

California cannabis legislation permits the recreational and medical use, sales, and cultivation of cannabis plants, but federal laws do not. Cannabis is a Schedule I substance according to the Controlled Substances Act. Other substances in this group include heroin, psychedelics, and cocaine.

This patchwork of cannabis policies has left ski resorts like China Peak Mountain in a confused state, unsure of which cannabis consumption laws to stick to. The Fresno-based resort currently adheres to federal laws and frowns against all forms of cannabis consumption on its grounds.

A new reefer madness study on cannabis reveals there is not much evidence to the claims.

Did you hear about the latest study that claims, “using cannabis has negative impact on your ability to think’ and that ‘it may continue after you stopped using’. Yes, in essence, the study suggests that by using cannabis you will experience a detrimental effect on your cognition and that it may be permanent irrespective if you are “youth” or “adult”

Of course, one would expect that with such outlandish claims that at the very minimal the researchers would provide substantial evidence, however, by their own admission the “quality of evidence is low or moderate” despite them claiming that it was “of high quality”.

Furthermore, none of the media publications that covered the research posted any data on the findings but simply regurgitate the same drivel as what the official study said in its PR release.  

In today’s article, we’re going to be taking a closer look at some modern day Reefer Madness and how this anti-cannabis rhetoric becomes a part of the national conversation.

Let’s start with the Abstract of the research.

As you can see, that what the study did was utilize Meta-analyses on particular papers found on the databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. They then took all of these studies and compiled them to compare all the data.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The city has endorsed eight applications to open recreational marijuana businesses here.

The next step is for the applicants to obtain approval from the state.

The applicants approved for licenses are Earth & Ivy, Puffin Store, Maryjayne's Touch, NB Green Delivery, LBOZ, NBFC, DC Vitality, and Fathom Cannabis, according to a public notice.

The city is permitting cannabis retailers in CAN-RD zones. The city is supporting Earth & Ivy, 355 George St.; Puffin Store, 382 George St. and Maryjayne's Touch, 70 Easton St. for retail licenses. 

As of 2021, the legal marijuana industry already employs around 321,000 people part time.

The data, taken from the 2021 Leafly Jobs Report produced together with Whitney Economics, gives hope to the thousands who have suffered from job loss and lay offs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The report states that job growth doubled in 2020, and only continues to grow.

There is no doubt that the cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing in the country: it now employs more people than electrical engineers, paramedics, and dentists.

“There has been a seismic shift of workers from retail and restaurants to cannabis,” says Viridian Staffing chief executive of cannabis recruiting, Kara Bradford, to the Washington Post.

“There is a sense that this is a booming industry that’s fun and interesting, with a lot of opportunities to move up quickly.”

Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years as a treatment for many medical conditions and is now the subject of much research because it contains chemicals which show medical promise.

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis can help with nausea, loss of appetite, pain, insomnia, arthritis, and even depression. It can also help to reduce tremors and spasms caused by conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Medical cannabis can be taken in many forms, including smoking, vaporizing and ingesting through food, e.g. oil or butter in baking or tea. It can be used to make homemade edibles (cannabis-infused foods).

Although medical cannabis is legal in some states in America, its use remains controversial. Opponents say that it is addictive and can impair memory, judgment, coordination and reaction time. Supporters point out that there are no recorded cases of fatal cannabis overdose.

Cannabis for Business

It can be used in the construction industry to build insulation panels, which are fire resistant and also soundproofing materials! It’s naturally pest resistant, so it can be used in the agricultural industry to make textiles or clothing.

Pet Age recently spoke with Dave Merrell, founder of Healthy Hemp, to learn more about his brand and how its products play a role in the health and well-being of companion animals. 

How has the pet hemp market changed over the years since you founded Healthy Hemp Pet in 2014? 

When we first came out with our products, a lot of people thought we were getting animals “high.” Our biggest challenge was educating wholesalers of the benefits and effects of hemp so they could educate their customers.  

The market has matured a lot since back then. Now it’s flooded with hemp (or CBD) pet products that greatly differ in quality. This has a lot to do with the extraction process and the quality of the key ingredient, the hemp oil from the plant – more on that later.  

Why was it important for you to partner with Purdue University for a pharmacokinetic study in 2020? 

Aside from the incredible pet recovery stories from our customers, there is still little published research on CBD and animal health. CBD pet products have been in the market for almost a decade; it’s time for further research to investigate how full spectrum hemp can improve the lives of our pets, especially the ones who are navigating complicated conditions such as cancer. 

Purdue’s study investigated the pharmacokinetics (the movement of a substance through the body) of our coconut CannaDrops full spectrum hemp oil in dogs so they could pinpoint the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) before adverse effects occurred. Next, that MTD will be helpful with our prospective dog oncology trial with Purdue. We soon hope to understand whether CBD in dogs enhances or interferes with the activity of important anti-cancer therapies, and if CBD has anti-cancer activity.  

What made you choose the extraction process that you currently use for your products? 

The two main types of extraction processes are CO2 and ethanol. We use a third type, evaporative extraction.  We are always looking for ways to improve our products. When I learned about the extraction process that Vapor Distilled uses, evaporative extraction, which is basically hot air, I visited their facilities. I was drawn to this new extraction process because it is chemical free and solvent free. After we had a sample tested and found that the extract retained much more of the natural terpenes, it was an easy decision to switch from the CO2 extraction method we had been using.