WeedLife News Network

Wichita Falls was slated to become home to the nation's largest hemp processing plant, which may still come to pass, but area farmers are taking a cautious approach to the new crop.

"I guess the short story is people were very interested, but what we've come to learn is that we are so far from where we need to be on being able to do that on a wide scale it's going to be a slow, slow process," said Wichita County Extension Agent David Graf.

Texas legalized growing hemp 2019 following an 80-year federal ban because the plant contains a small amount of the same chemical that gives marijuana its high. Hemp is marketable because it can used in the manufacture of textiles and other products.

A bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use in Louisiana will become law after Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the legislation from Democratic Rep. Cedric Glover Tuesday.

"This is not a decision I took lightly," Edwards said. "The state of Louisiana should no longer incarcerate people for minor legal infractions, especially those that are legal in many states, that can ruin lives and destroy families, as well as cost taxpayers."

Although Edwards said the bill won't technically "decriminalize" possession of small amounts of pot, the penalty would be less than most speeding tickets.

The bill would make possession of 14 grams or less — about half an ounce — a misdemeanor in all cases and limit the fine to $100 with no jail time.

It takes effect Aug. 1.

Wisconsin saw a significant decline in the number of hemp growers and processors operating this year. That’s according to data from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Hemp growers and processors are required to register annually with DATCP as part of the state’s Hemp Research Program, which will continue through the 2021 growing season.

As of Monday, DATCP had received 803 grower applications, 83 percent of which were returning applicants. That’s about 48 percent fewer applications than it received in all of 2020.

In recent years, many people have woken up to the benefits of cannabis, and all of the different ways in which it can help people to deal with stress, and relax in their daily life. However, there is a balance to be struck.

People might find that certain sativa strains help them, while other people focus on indica strains. Usually, people will want to find a strain of marijuana that is high in CBD, but go too far in with THC and you will probably find that you are provoking more of a “fight or flight” response, and therefore find that cannabis is not the most effective way that you can manage and reduce stress.

In this guide, we’re exploring what the studies say regarding cannabis and stress management.

Microdosing Could Be Key

It helps to understand that the two main impacting compounds in cannabis are CBD and THC. They can be found in different amounts in different strains, depending on whether you opt for sativa or indica or other hybrid strains.

CBD tends to have a very positive effect on the body as it binds to the body’s serotonin receptors to help your mood in general, but too much can make you feel sleepy.

How well do you know your cannabinoids?

Most people are familiar with the two main cannabinoids – THC and CBD. However, cannabis is a complex plant with complex chemistry. As we continue to research these compounds, we begin to uncover the very nature of the experience we obtain from ingesting the plant.

In today’s article – we’ll be taking a “look under the hood” to see what these cannabinoids are all about. In the near future, the classifications of “sativa” and “indica” will begin to lose importance when selecting your perfect strain.

It’s smart to begin to educate yourself in the subtleties that is cannabis. This article is meant to provide you the basic rundown of major and minor cannanoids. This article was inspired by an LA Times article where they eloquently broke down the cannabinoids using pop culture to help drive the point across.

THC

We will start with THC mainly because it’s one of the most known cannabinoids on the market. It’s what everybody is either trying to limit, or to get more of.

Is June The Time To Buy Top Cannabis Stocks?

Have you been watching the top marijuana stocks wondering if you should make an investment? Currently, top marijuana stocks to buy have been showing significant market declines in the past few months. Now in June, there seems to be some upward momentum in the top pot stock to invest in. For new investors looking for an entry into the cannabis sector, this could be a great opportunity to find the best marijuana stocks to buy at lower price points.

Oregon's cannabis market offers examples of industry pain points, as well as the ability to innovate and mature.

Investors and entrepreneurs may want to be wary of the hyper-competitive market. However, if recent trends hold, Oregon may be turning towards prosperous times.

High times

April 2021 data from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) revealed that the state sold over $105 million in cannabis products in May 2021. In March and April, the state sold approximately $109 million and $110 million, respectively.

The figures mark significant gains for Oregon, which saw sales surpass $70 million per month at the start of the pandemic.

There’s no question that the cannabis industry is booming and changing daily. MJBizDaily recently released a publication that expects marijuana sales to boost the economy by $92 billion in 2021 alone. That statistic is up 30% from last year, and the same analysis predicts it will reach upwards of $160 billion by 2025.

With all of this incredible growth, significant changes are on the horizon. So, we decided to ask five top leaders in the cannabis and CBD industries about the changes they anticipate happening in the next five years. 

Here’s what they shared. 

The global cannabis industry is maturing, demands are increasing and better reforms are being enacted for the industry to attain a mature market. The not-so-new innovation that is becoming prevalent now is the "cannabis consumption lounge".

The basics

The best way to explain this is to liken it to a bar. Simply put, a bar is an alcohol consumption lounge, that is a public space where alcoholic drinks are consumed. Therefore a cannabis consumption lounge is a licensed and safe space for a group of people to consume cannabis.

Cannabis lounges may just be the best element to make cannabis socially acceptable by all age groups in the country. It will go a long way in ensuring an equitable industry that caters to all.

There has been widespread excitement in some states due to the proposals for new cannabis lounges. These lounges will allow people from all spheres of life to congregate in a space to talk and consume cannabis products—just like restaurants and bars.

Compared to cannabis dispensaries, these consumption lounges are far and few in between; no thanks to the legal and restrictive regulations in the country— most especially on the federal level.

If you don’t have access to THC or prefer not to have such a “head trip” while getting high, then delta-8 is a great solution for you.

By now you have heard about delta-8 THC and the huge push to have it shipped and sold across state lines. You may be asking yourself questions such as what is delta-8 THC, does it get you high like regular weed, how is it legal, and why are so many states now banning it or making it illegal. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I decided to only use delta-8 THC for a week and see how it compares to smoking and eating the “real deal” marijuana products with regular old THC in them. So, what happened and what was it like to do hemp-based delta-8 THC for a week and why would someone switch to from regular THC to delta-8?

I think the best way to set this up is in a short FAQ type article, so we can hit the big 5 questions around delta-8 THC and get right to the review. Without further ado…

Photo by Jeff W via Unsplash

What is delta-8 THC and why are people going bananas over it?

Meet the delta-8-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is very similar to the delta-9 THC cannabinoid. You may already be familiar with THC, the legendary cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Both are very similar, and the only thing that differentiates them is the presence of a few electrons.

Whether you already have your annual camping trip written into your calendar or want to gather your favorite people together for some time outdoors, summer is a good time to get out in nature and soak up the sun before the seasons start to change. Plus, camping with friends and family is a fun way to recharge when you need to take a break and escape the daily grind. Think of it as a mental health holiday designed to calm the spirit and ease the mind — especially if you bring cannabis or high-quality CBD along to deepen the relaxation.

Smoking or vaping cannabis is one of the easiest ways to incorporate weed into a weekend of rejuvenation. You can bring your favorite go-to strains to enjoy while chilling out or being active. A calming strain can help to decrease stress and anxiety, ease insomnia or enjoy a lazy time around the fire. An invigorating strain can increase your energy, enhance your senses or improve your mood. If you plan on smoking, make sure you have an alternative plan in case it’s way too windy, it spontaneously rains or the environment doesn’t allow you to carry out your original plan. Vapers need to remember to bring a charger to keep their device functioning throughout the camping trip.

Edibles are also quick, convenient and take up virtually no room when it comes to packing. Plus, since they are usually non-perishable, you don’t have to worry about keeping it cold or the heat making them go bad before you can enjoy them. You can also make your own cannabis-infused food at home to bring with you or bring what you might need to make it while you’re there. Try spreading some canna-butter on bread, frying an egg in canna-oil or put a few drops of tincture in some iced tea or flavored sparkling water.

Infused topicals can help relieve post-hike soreness, skin discomfort from too much time in the sun or relieve tense muscles from an uncomfortable sleeping situation for those that are roughing it. If you plan to be out in the elements or exerting yourself, consider mixing your preferred topical into sunscreen or regular lotion. You’ll thank yourself later.

There a number of things to take into consideration if cannabis is going to a part of the camping equation, though. Even in legal states, there are sites that may prohibit smoking altogether or on certain parts of the grounds like where families may be. It’s important to find out the laws where you live and specific consumption regulations for the campsite you plan to attend. It’s in your best interest to be informed. National parks are considered outside of the boundaries of U.S. states, which means smoking in them — even in legal cannabis states — is always forbidden.

In September 2020, Federal Government approved and granted permission for the cultivation of Industrial Hemp for medicinal, scientific, and industrial purposes to the Ministry of Science & Technology. The said permission shall be regulated in terms of Rule 2(ix), 8, 9, and 10 of the Control of Narcotics Substances Rules 2001.

Against this backdrop, an “Expression of Interest” (EOI) in the shape of a Joint Venture (JV) for Hemp Production for Medicinal, Scientific, and Industrial Purposes was made by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

In furtherance of which the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, while exercising his powers under Article 89 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, was pleased to issue an Ordinance No XIII of 2020 titled “The Special Technology Zones Authority Ordinance 2020”.

The detailed policy was also drafted for PCSIR by me which shall play an integral part in regulating and licensing hemp for medicinal use in Pakistan.

Officials in Pakistan’s government, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain in particular, encouraged hemp legalization and production in efforts to relieve fiscal deficits and Pakistan’s struggling economy alongside its medicinal benefits.

Significantly more than half, 60 per cent, of people polled in the U.S. believe the War on Drugs should end, and support the decriminalization of illegal substances.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Drug Policy Allegiance (DPA) released the poll ahead of the 50-year anniversary of President Richard Nixon declaring that drugs were “public enemy number 1.” The U.S. police had an impact on the lives of thousands of people, resulting in many incarcerations, disproportionately affecting Black, Latino and Indigenous people.

According to the poll, 65 per cent of the people surveyed agreed that the U.S. should stop the War on Drugs, with 66 per cent of those polled reporting they believe in decriminalizing drugs altogether.

Poll results show how much views have evolved since the 1970s. Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe there should be new healthcare enforcement instead of new law enforcement. The majority of those taking part in the survey also noted they think drugs should be a problem solved by healthcare providers and not officers.

In all, 83 per cent of respondents said they believed the War on Drugs has failed.

In brief

On 17 May 2021, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) issued several notifications to prescribe the criteria and requirements in relation to the use of cannabis and hemp in cosmetics, including the permitted parts of the cannabis and hemp plant and extracts, the permitted level of THC and the permitted CBD, and applicable labelling and warning requirements. These notifications became effective on 18 May 2021.

Recommended actions

In essence, cosmetics containing cannabis or hemp parts as an ingredient must comply with the following key requirements:

If you’ve recently stopped by the CBD store down the street or visited one of the many websites selling CBD online, you may have seen something odd – right alongside the CBD oils and tinctures, CBD gummies, and vape juice.

Delta-8-THC.

That leads to a lot of questions.

You have questions. We have answers.

Delta-8-THC: The Brief FAQ

Let’s start with the simple answers.

A new analysis by Australian researchers has concluded that there is “little evidence” to justify treating medical cannabis patients differently than those who take other potentially intoxicating prescription medications and get behind the wheel.

Published online in the International Journal of Drug Policy, a team of researchers led by the University of Melbourne’s Daniel Perkins examined regulatory approaches used to mitigate potential road safety risks from the use of “impairing prescription medicines and illicit drugs.”

“Road safety risks associated with medicinal cannabis appear similar or lower than numerous other potentially impairing prescription medications,” the investigators write.

Medical cannabis users have long faced issues when it comes to driving, especially since THC can be detected for days or weeks after any acute impairment has ended. In 2019, a Nova Scotia woman even launched a constitutional challenge after she was arrested for impaired driving during a roadside test more than six hours after she had consumed her medication.

The authors speculate the fear of medical cannabis users on the road, and the subsequent legislation,  stems from the legal status and social stigma of cannabis, as opposed to an elevated safety threat.

In his 2022 budget proposal, President Joe Biden included a rider first introduced by Republican Maryland Rep. Andy Harris that would block D.C.’s ability to legalize and tax recreational marijuana, even after the city’s residents voted to legalize possession back in 2014. While the budget provision is plainly at odds with Biden’s support of D.C.

Imagine this: you go to an airport or train station. You are walking past rows of vending machines full of snacks and healthy prepared meals – then you stumble upon a smart vending machine full of CBD products. This is the future. This is now.

As the CBD market scales, it’s expected to reach $24.4 billion by 2025, according to CBD insights firm Brightfield Group and its 2019 report. While FDA regulations across the country gain steam, some states already have CBD and marijuana laws in place. CBD is legal in the United States. Having a CBD vending machine will depend on state and local laws, but the possibilities are growing.

CBD And Smart Vending Machines

In 2014, a marijuana dispensary in Vancouver launched what is thought to be the first marijuana/CBD vending machine. Since then, vending options have become more popular, and they are already popping up in Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal.

Vending machines are also becoming more popular, in general. Intelligent vending machines, in particular, are ever-increasing in airports, bus stations and railroad stations. These hubs are now focusing on more automation, which means smart vending options will be the norm.

Doctors are slowly enrolling patients in France's first experiment with medical cannabis, three months after it began. Many are eager to access the drug to address a range of disorders, including chronic pain, but participation in the experiment is onerous – and chances of success, for most, are slim.

In this article, Rick Brar, CEO of Brains Bioceutical, explores the emerging UK CBD industry.

The last two years have seen the UK CBD market grow exponentially. Sales of CBD are not just being driven by trendy millennials looking for the next big thing, they are also cutting across a range of demographics and therapeutic applications from chronic pain, anxiety, sport recovery, and general wellness.

Following such a sustained period of growth, the rise of CBD is clearly not a passing fad. In fact, it remains one of the few industries that has managed to be resilient during the pandemic and continues to see strong demand.

With astronomical growth figures continuing to be reported, the potential of the CBD industry has prompted many to explore its viability as a business. With the increased focus on wellness and health that has stemmed from the pandemic and the growing awareness and evidence of CBD benefits, new businesses who want to make a difference are now entering the CBD market.

Setting up a CBD business is not as simple as just registering a website and selling products. Think long and hard about your motives for getting involved in the CBD and cannabis business and ask yourself a set of questions before you begin to craft a business plan: is this something you are passionate about? Will you buy your CBD wholesale, or are you looking to harvest and produce your own product? What kind of product interests you?

Getting from idea to product launch and beyond into profitability, is a challenge for any startup – however, for those wanting to create a thriving UK CBD business, there are several additional challenges due to the nature and origin of CBD itself. Destigmatising CBD, demonstrating compliance, and obtaining the necessary licenses and authorisations while maintaining a strong brand presence in what many people still see as a confused market requires agility, innovation, and perseverance.