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Democratic Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia signed a bill to legalize cannabis on Wednesday, marking the first time a state in the South has approved the use and sale of recreational marijuana for adults. The measure moves up the legalization of simple possession of cannabis to July 1, two years earlier than legislation originally approved by lawmakers in February.

The governor said that the legislation is a “milestone” for the state and called it a step toward “building a more equitable and just Virginia and reforming our criminal justice system to make it more fair.”

“What this really means is that people will no longer be arrested or face penalties for simple possession that follow them and affect their lives,” Governor Ralph Northam said during a press conference with activists and state lawmakers that was streamed live on Facebook on Wednesday afternoon. “We know that marijuana laws in Virginia and throughout this country have been disproportionately enforced against communities of color and low-income Virginians.”

Beginning on July 1, 2021, adults 21 and older will be permitted to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Adults will also be permitted to grow up to four cannabis plants at home, but only in a location that is out of public view. Plants must also be tagged with the owner’s driver’s license or identification number and a notice stating that they are for personal use. The bill also “modifies several other criminal penalties related to marijuana, and imposes limits on dissemination of criminal history record information related to certain marijuana offenses.”

The legislation signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Wednesday also establishes a regulatory and taxation framework for the commercial cultivation, manufacturing, and sale of recreational cannabis. The provisions governing cannabis commerce are slated to go into effect on July 1, 2024, in order to allow state officials time to draft regulations and issue licenses to approved cannabis businesses.

As of Monday, players in the National Football League (NFL) can be subject to random drug tests from the league. But for the first time, they won’t have to worry about testing positive for marijuana.

It is a new era in the NFL—or more specifically, a new collective bargaining agreement that was negotiated last year and that established a new drug policy for the league. 

As detailed by Boston Globe NFL reporter Ben Volin, under the new policy agreed to by the league and the NFL players’ union, players will not get tested for THC—the key chemical found in pot—until the preseason. It is the first offseason that THC won’t be monitored during the random drug testing window, meaning that players can comfortably puff a joint or chew on an edible until action gets underway later this year.

As Volin put it, the “marijuana test is truly a ‘discipline test’ for NFL players now. They know exactly when it happens — between the start of training camp and the 1st preseason game. All they need to do is stay clean for a few weeks, pass their test, and they can light up the rest of the season.”  

The new policy officially took effect on Monday—yes, 4/20.

White business owners overwhelmingly dominate Colorado’s cannabis industry, but the market’s lack of diversity could soon change.

What’s happening: New efforts at the state and local level are moving forward to foster industry opportunities for communities of color that have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.

Many consumers are snatching up CBD products that may not be all they’re cracked up to be.

If it weren’t for cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, the marijuana industry would be on the streets begging for nickels rather than enjoying the fruits of a business sector that is predicted to be worth $22 billion within the next few years.

It seems that America has fully embraced the concept of this non-intoxicating cannabinoid in hopes that it will do everything its proponents say it will, from alleviating pain, anxiety and perhaps even depression. But due to the company this marketplace keeps — not to mention its lack of federal oversight — a lot of consumers are snatching up CBD products that may not be all they’re cracked up to be. These are just a few of the most common problems with all that CBD the nation has become so smitten with.

Dosage Is Sometimes Lower Than Advertised

Consumers should be able to trust the labels of the products they use, but when it comes to CBD, that gets harder to do. Since these products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration like other drugs, cannabis companies are basically responsible for putting their own standards in place.

Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash

A bill that would expand access to medical cannabis in public schools in Colorado was passed by the state House of Representatives on Tuesday and is now headed to the desk of Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. The measure, Senate Bill 21-056, was approved by members of the House with a vote of 57 to 6. Under the bill, children with complicated medical conditions would be able to receive cannabis-based medicines from school personnel while on campus.

If signed into law by Polis, the bill would help students access medical cannabis in public schools by requiring school districts to create policy “for the storage, possession, and administration of cannabis-based medicine by school personnel.” The Senate bill would also protect school personnel who elect to administer cannabis medicines to student patients, who must have a doctor’s treatment plan on file with the school. Cannabis medicines used by students under the measure must be in a non-smokable form.

Teen cannabis activist Alexis Bortell, who was instrumental in the bill’s passage, shared the news of the House vote in a Facebook post on Monday. Now 15, Bortell moved to Colorado with her family at the age of nine so she could obtain cannabis medications to treat her intractable epilepsy. In her social media message, Bortell also shared a statement she made to state lawmakers, in which she testified about the frustration she experienced trying to enroll in a school that would allow her medicine to be stored on campus.

“You can imagine my disappointment and anger when I learned that I wouldn’t be able to attend high school in person due to my medical needs,” Bortell testified to lawmakers. “I was denied admission to both high schools I applied to (the only ones accessible to me) because neither school would allow my medical cannabis to be stored on school grounds or allow a school nurse/staff member to give me my medicine when I needed it.”

Bill to Expand Access To Medical Cannabis In Public Schools Cleared Colorado Senate Last Month

At a Senate Education Committee hearing in February, parents of medical cannabis patients explained the difficulties they face administering medicine to their children because of the restrictions on medical cannabis in public schools. Some parents noted they had to leave work to medicate their child on school grounds. Others said they opted to keep their children in remote learning because it was easier to administer cannabis at home. 

We all know 420 as the quintessential stoner holiday. Even many people who don’t smoke very much have heard of the day; it’s globally recognized. But did you know there are quite a few other cannabis holidays, more quaint and less commercialized ones, that are very much worth celebrating?

So, mark your calendars, call your friends, and make sure you’re stocked up on all your favorite products when these cannabis holidays roll around.

420 – April 20th

First on the list, not because it’s the most well-known but because it’s chronologically first, is none other than 420. The origin of the term 420 can be traced back to a group of five teens from San Rafael, California, the birthplace of many industry trends and the current largest cannabis market in the world. The teens were appropriately nicknamed “the Waldos” due to their preferred hang out spot – a wall outside of their high school. In the fall of 1971, the Waldos got wind of a rumor that a Coast Guard planted some cannabis seeds there and was no longer able to tend to his field.

Every day after school, they would pile into one of their cars, have a little smoke sesh, and scour the Point Reyes National Forest for this legendary crop. Their daily meeting time? 4:20 p.m. They never did find the elusive crop (that likely didn’t even exist), but they did manage start a trend that would first take over their high school and soon reach global status.

The phrase “420” quickly spread around, especially with teens and young adults, because it allowed teens to talk about cannabis openly while their parents, teachers, and supervisors were none the wiser. Eventually, thanks to some attention from Grateful Dead and a simple flyer that read, “We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais.” Once High Times printed the story, accompanied by a photo of the flyer, it was game over… 420 was officially a thing.

Hash is relatively easy to make, and new extraction techniques utilizing dry ice and CO2 introduced in the late 80s have helped make it more available in the U.S.

Back in the 80s, buying hash was easy in Europe — especially Amsterdam.

Walk into any of the Bulldog Café coffeeshops in the heart of the city, where there was a sandwich board out front with a marijuana leaf painted on it, ask at the counter, and generally there was a guy selling hash in another room.

Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

Finger hash, made from scraping the residue off the hands of anyone handling lots of the resin glands of the sticky bud, was very popular, as was Afghan black hash, blonde Lebanese hash, Moroccan hash — the seller usually had a sort of menu printed out for a buyer to peruse.

A cannabis business is a lucrative one, people who manage to succeed in the business reek in so much profit that on the surface, it looks like an easy thing to do. However, the business can be as dicey as it can be lucrative, which is why you need to get yourself acquainted with these tips that will help you grow your cannabis business.

Have a Unique Idea

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called 4/20 an "unofficial American holiday."

The top Democrat made his case to "end the federal prohibition on marijuana."

April 20 is usually a day weed users celebrate the recreational drug.

As weed users across the country celebrate April 20 on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer marked the occasion as an "unofficial American holiday" and made his case for marijuana legalization.

"Today is what you might call a very unofficial American holiday: 4/20," the top Democrat said on the Senate floor Tuesday. "It's as appropriate a time as any to take a hard look at our laws that have over-criminalized the use of marijuana and put it on par with heroin, LSD and other narcotics that bear little or no resemblance in their effects either on individuals or on society more broadly."

The cannabis world is varied and rich and can fill a gazillion jeopardies. You assume you know a lot about the fantastic pot, but you’re mistaken. It’s because there’s always something new and exciting waiting to be unveiled around the corner for you.

And why not? Cannabis is a drug, cure, and a booming business, which is all wrapped into one. There isn’t any plant that has attained so much recognition. 

What are the things every consumer must be well-aware of?

The marijuana facts tell you what the plant is all about and some lesser-known historical things — you had no idea before. But, before knowing some weird facts, it becomes essential to know some marijuana advantages that show its power. 

Yes, marijuana has several benefits for our body and mind. A few of the many benefits are:

With such excellent benefits, it is undoubtedly hard to ignore this magical plant. That’s the foremost reason why cannabis concentrates are popular among the masses and health professionals worldwide. Now that you’re waiting for some fantastic facts, let’s get going:

If you’re old enough, you may remember the terrific agony of combing through your music collection in an attempt to make the perfect mixtape. Each song had to be meticulously placed, the entire playlist had to flow seamlessly and putting an artist on there more than once was a cardinal sin. Gestures of that magnitude were typically reserved for significant others or potential significant others and were considered a big deal — especially if you included your own customized cover art.

Even if you don’t go all out, making a mix of great music to smoke to — whether it’s for yourself, someone else or to play in a social setting — is an art that requires equal parts effort and creativity. There aren’t a lot of rules when it comes to making a playlist but there are some things that make a difference and show that you spent some time coming up with just the right combination and not simply putting your playlist on auto-pilot aka shuffle.

Need some ideas on getting your 420 playlist together? Check out some of these suggestions to help you get started on the right track.

Curate your Vibe

First things first — what are you smoking and what’s the mood you’re going for? Is this background music or something you’ll be paying attention to? Are you trying to chill out with a nice hybrid without any distractions? Maybe an instrumental album or beat tape will work. Do you want something to hype you up while you puff on sativa? Peruse your workout playlist for something upbeat and exciting. Once you’ve decided how you want your playlist to make you feel, you’ll have some direction that will give you an idea of where you want to start.

Pick a Theme

Although it’s not completely necessary, it’s a nice touch to have your playlist connect in some way even if it’s just for fun. You can choose an era like ’90s hip-hop, play exclusively reggae if you want to stick to a genre, opt for a keyword to bridge your songs together (ex: every song has the word “high” or “green” in the title) or let the strain of your choice influence your flow. The more creative and out of the box, the better.

This 420, cannabis lovers from coast-to-coast will have even more reason to celebrate. In the past few months, New York showed up with the most progressive social equity program to date; New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation legalizing cannabis in February; and, most recently, Virginia called time on outdated and racist prohibition laws, becoming the 16th state to legalize recreational cannabis.

With legalization comes a continuous stream of new and innovative products to market, each offering a unique or delicious way to enjoy cannabis or show your support of the culture. 

To help you get the most out of the unofficial day of weed, we’ve rounded up ten essential products that will enhance all aspects of your 420 experience, as well as your daily cannabis ritual. Let’s celebrate this plant in top-form every single day. 

420 Goody Box 

Is there anything more fun than getting a package full of surprise weed goodies in the mail? Cannabis subscription boxes have become all the rage in recent years, with everything you need to enhance your smoking experience, such as pipes, papers and lighters.  Keep the 420 festivities going all year and treat yourself or someone special to a 420 Goody Box subscription. The OG Goody Box comes with an exclusive glass piece, apparel and other smoking gear. You can also level up to the Top Shelf Goody Box, which features high-end, exclusive glass pieces, merch and much more.  doyougoodybox.com – from $27.98

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf celebrated the five-year anniversary the state’s Medical Marijuana Act on the weekend.

Under Governor Wolf’s watch, on April 17, 2016 Pennsylvania became the 24th US state to legalize medical marijuana. Today, just under 553,000 patients and caregivers are registered for the program, which covers nearly two dozen medical conditions.

There are 114 operational dispensaries and twenty-eight active grower/processors in Pennsylvania. Since the start of the program, 31.2 million products have been sold, racking up sales close to $2.6 billion – with more than than $1.5 billion in sales from dispensaries to patients.

More than 2,100 physicians have registered for the program, and around 1,530 of those have been approved as practitioners.

“On the five-year anniversary of the creation of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, we continue to forge ahead in getting medicine to those with serious medical conditions,” said Governor Wolf.

Wow, we were close. So close. We almost got to be together again this year on 4/20, a day we’ve set aside to celebrate the cannabis plant, our culture, and the activists who’ve worked so diligently to free the leaf.

While it may seem cruel to lay low, I suggest you turn the volume up on your favorite 4/20 mix and bogart joint after joint — it’s the right thing to do. Our community has accomplished some serious essential work this past year and another few weeks of leading by example is easily within our skillset. I take enormous pride in knowing it was our community that kept the grass growing and flowing during a once-in-a-century pandemic. For all of my friends out there in the industry, and to the industry leaders that provided insights for this article, I applaud you. I not only applaud you, but a long and resounding standing ovation is in order. I am blown away by your values, your performance, and you’re never-ending devotion to freeing our cannabis prisoners and righting the wrongs of the past. 

To honor this important day, I asked the following people to share what 420 means to them, and how they’ll be observing it. May the great emergence from Covid-19 roar like a lion. 

Happy 4/20 everybody!

Mary Bailey, Managing Director, Last Prisoner Project:

If you’re new to cannabis cooking and are ready to dump a ton of fresh bud straight into a brownie mix, stop! This is probably a bad idea, and science is here to tell you why.

Raw cannabis probably won’t get you high

Studies have shown that there are three active ingredients, or cannabinoids, that produce the effects of cannabis that you’re most likely familiar with: THC, CBD and CBG.

But they don’t start life this way.

Most people at least somewhat familiar with weed will probably be familiar with THC and CBD for their ability to get you high. But when ingested in a raw format they won’t have this effect.

Cannabis extraction equipment represents one of the most innovative sectors in the industry, with new products and constantly evolving techniques for processing raw plant material.

Among other areas, marijuana and hemp companies are developing:

1. CO2 joined with hydrocarbons

At Eden Labs, an extraction-equipment manufacturer based in Seattle, founder Fritz Chess is working on a machine that will combine the strengths of two common solvents – CO2 and hydrocarbon – for both marijuana and hemp companies. The machines lessen the danger of the flammable propane by diluting it with CO2. Yet the technology also maintains hydrocarbon’s quicker throughput.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” Chess said.

It’s not quite as fast as using a simple butane or propane mix, but the process still creates an adequate terpene profile. According to Chess, the market demand continues to grow for marijuana-derived terpenes in vape pens. The natural terpenes can be used as a safe alternative to help “cut” the viscous extract rather than using a synthetic cutting agent such as propylene glycol. Chess said more consumers are becoming aware of the importance of terpenes in vape products to create the entourage effect.

Fifty years ago, "420" became part of the public lexicon and eventually grew into a worldwide celebration of cannabis and its culture. What began as a slang term among California high-schoolers is now a widely renowned expression that comprises everything from the plant and its cultural use to the multibillion-dollar industry it has nurtured around the globe.

This year, like in no other before it, there are more reasons to celebrate the mainstreaming of cannabis and cannabis culture. After all, cannabis use in some form is now the norm in all states except two, and adult-use cannabis is even legal in 17 states, plus the District of Columbia. And even more, states are expected to fully legalize within the next couple of years as the legal cannabis industry continues its meteoric rise toward an $84 billion industry by 2028.

If ever was there a time to celebrate cannabis, this year's April 20th holiday certainly is it.

But that doesn't mean everyone is joining in on the celebration.Just because more states are legalizing the adult use of cannabis, stigmatism and misunderstanding continue to surround the plant and its use, thanks to decades of racist War on Drugs propaganda.

So it's important for those of us in the cannabis industry – and even in the larger cannabis culture – to explain to others what cannabis is, especially to those residing in new adult-use states who might not readily understand anything about it.

Iowa State professor Jacek Koziel's exposure to research on the smell of marijuana happened while assisting a former Ph.D. student with her mapping of the substance's compounds.

Koziel remembers thinking "Oh yea, this is intense," as he saw three large canvas bags of police-confiscated marijuana, donated to their research at the State Forensics Laboratory in Ankeny. The student, Somchai Rice, now an Iowa State researcher, delved into similar projects with heroin and cocaine, creating an extensive library of compounds in the substances.

The paper published in 2015 that came from this project received 20,000 hits, and nearly a decade after that project began, Koziel is back digging into marijuana compounds. 

The recent research project, led by Byers Scientific, singled out what compound causes marijuana's strong, skunky smell, a compound Koziel recognized from his research with Rice. 

"Now with the project with Byers it's like, 'Oh my gosh, we saw this compound. It's right there," Koziel said. "Now, we have a confirmation of exactly what this compound is."

Stoners have long had the reputation for ingenuity. We’ve honed the ability to turn almost any object into a smoking device (see the iconic apple-as-pipe, here in ceramic form), and are well-versed in using common items, like straightened-out bobby pins to clear the bowl in said pipe or a mortar and pestle to break up sticky icky, before grinders became widely available. Rolling joints in Bible pages — although not recommended — became a trope because it became so common. Smoking was illicit, and solutions were homemade. For a long time, marijuana enthusiasts weren’t a desirable market, and we got by.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when cannabis and the people who smoke it became so mainstream. Maybe it was when Colorado and Washington legalized weed in 2016 or maybe it happened even earlier in 2008, when the queen of commercial clean Martha Stewart publicly befriended Snoop Dogg, a rapper and weed business bro considered reefer royalty. By 2018, you could cop artisanal hemp kombucha from your city’s bougiest bodega as well as tincture for CBD (a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found naturally in the plant, credited with aiding everything from body pains to insomnia) from the local 7-11.

Marketers and anyone else looking to cash in on the green rush saw the writing on the wall and by spring 2021, there isn’t an everyday product or service you can think of that doesn’t have a stoner-specific iteration available for purchase — like $58 Herbivore Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil, rolling papers that shake out to ~$7/pop (quite the gamble if you’re not the most prolific roller), a sativa seed hydrating face mask going for $24 each, a spacy-yet-posh $2,000 24-karat gold ashtray, or a $450 Edie Parker Table Top Lighter with its weighty emerald marble base and sterling silver functionalities. You can spend as much or as little as you want on cannabis-related and -tangential products.

As the stoner umbrella continues to cast shade over the entire United States, there has been a proliferation of products aimed specifically at weed-doers. It’s unclear, however, if they’re all really filling pothead needs — do we have to have, say, at-home luxury apparel especially made for us?

For some products and services, of course, the answer is yes. Stoners have a need for specific cannabis and cannabis-related products/services. For example, Eaze, a cannabis product delivery service — UberEats for weed. Not only do they bring strains right to your door, they use confirmation and promo codes never exceeding six characters and typically easy-to-remember words or phrases. (The stereotype has some truth: Regular pot-doers have impacted short-term memories.) Obviously, this service wouldn’t be of use to someone who doesn’t partake, but for the average stoner, it could be essential.