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A peer-reviewed study published in the research journal PLOS ONE demonstrates that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is remarkably cost-effective when compared to currently available treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is estimated that a public healthcare payer or private insurer making MDMA-assisted psychotherapy available to 1,000 patients with PTSD would reduce general and mental health care costs by $103.2 million over 30 years. This treatment has not yet been approved by the FDA, does not work for everyone, and carries risks even in therapeutic settings.

Lead author Elliot Marseille, Dr.P.H., M.P.P., said, “MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is conducted by a licensed psychologist and trained clinician over the course of twelve sessions with three sessions lasting six or more hours. The cost of that time is not inconsiderable, but in just over three years, healthcare providers will break even on the costs of mental health and general medical care. These estimates are promising yet likely too conservative: the study did not measure the value of increased productivity or lower disability payments as patients recover from PTSD and is constrained by the limited availability of data on the long-term trajectory of PTSD. Further research will be needed to determine the full financial, personal, and societal benefits of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD."

Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Ph.D., Deputy Director and Head of Research Development and Regulatory Affairs for MAPS Public Benefit Corporation and co-author, developed the treatment manuals governing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. She notes, “A growing body of evidence suggests that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is often more effective than currently available treatments for PTSD, a notoriously difficult-to-treat condition. Previous research has focused on safety and efficacy and indicates statistically significant improvements over currently available treatments with a reduction in symptoms for 82% of participants. This study should compel healthcare providers to include MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a covered treatment for PTSD following FDA approval.”

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Executive Director of MAPS and a study co-author, states, “The profound personal toll of PTSD can include a deterioration in physical health, relationships, and ability to participate in social activities along with the anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation that mark the condition. By demonstrating a return of an average of 5.5 quality-adjusted life-years over 30 years, we have shown that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has the potential to reduce more than the personal burden of PTSD, contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens for payers and providers.”

The cost-effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy from the U.S. healthcare payers’ perspective was constructed with a decision-analytic Markov model to portray the costs and health benefits of treating patients with chronic, severe, or extreme, treatment-resistant PTSD. Efficacy was based on the pooled results of six randomized controlled trials with the 105 subjects who participated in Phase 2 trials and a four-year follow-up of 19 of those subjects. Other inputs were based on published literature and on assumptions when data were unavailable. Results are modeled over a 30-year analytic horizon and conducted extensive sensitivity analyses. The model calculates expected medical costs, mortality, quality-adjusted life-years, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Will These Marijuana Stocks Benefit From Election Day?

As election day comes, investors continue to wonder which marijuana stocks are worth watching. The answer to this question is a little bit more complicated than previously imagined. For one, there are a few factors that may or may not change the trajectory of the cannabis industry on November 3rd. First, there are five states that are voting on whether or not to legalize cannabis come election day. This could benefit MSO pot stocks like Harvest Health and Recreation Inc. (HRVSF Stock Report), Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (PLNHF Stock Report), and Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CURLF Stock Report). In addition, Canadian pot stocks could also see a boost due to their correlation with the greater cannabis industry.

As election day comes, we also have to consider what the presidential election will do to marijuana stocks. While President Trump has not done much to advance the cannabis industry, Biden already has plans to decriminalize cannabis on day one. This would be a major step in the right direction for the future of the cannabis industry. As we can see, there is a lot that is going on in the cannabis industry right now. With that in mind, there is also a lot of opportunities to be had for investors who are willing to find it. All things considered, here are two marijuana stocks that could see a boost from election day.

Top Marijuana Stock To Watch: Innovative Industrial Properties Inc.

Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (IIPR Stock Report) is quite a popular choice for marijuana stock investors. There are a few reasons why this is the case. For one, IIPR stock has shown some solid financials in the past that rival even the greatest marijuana stocks to watch. The company operates as a REIT or real estate investment trust. This means that it purchases real estate to be leased out to those who wish to grow or process cannabis. The company has historically worked mostly in the medicinal marijuana industry. Year to date, IIPR stock is up by as much as 60%.

It looks like JAY-Z is fully throwing in on the cannabis scene with the debut of a new weed brand, Monogram. 

If you are a cannabis voter, this is a critically important election for the industry.

Voters are considering a number of cannabis ballot initiatives nationally on their presidential election ballots. Voters in New Jersey, Arizona and Montana — where there are existing medical cannabis markets — will consider legalizing adult use.

Mississippi may potentially become a new market for medical cannabis, and there are two ballot initiatives in South Dakota that seek to legalize both medical and adult use.

In the event of a contested election between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, Benzinga wondered whether that would hurt or delay the legalization initiatives in these states.

In recent years, the amount of time it takes to go from legalization to “market open” is typically long. Nevada, for example, took eight months while Maine took as long as 47 months.

The main way that cannabis acts differently in women as opposed to men is its interaction with the female production of estrogen.

For decades, the cannabis movement has been predominantly a boy’s club. Women are rising up and earning leadership positions all over the industry now, but where did that original disconnect come from? Could it be the way that marijuana affects men and women in different ways?

From voting on measures to cultivating the plant, women are crucial to the success of the  cannabis industry and are now leading the way into its next evolution. While balance is being restored, however, having the knowledge of how cannabis affects people when sex is the main equation is important, not only for valuable information, but for direction in the ever more detailed world of weed.

The main way that cannabis acts differently in women as opposed to men is its interaction with the female production of estrogen. In a study conducted by Washington State University, researchers found that estrogen is like a magnifying glass for THC and so it may take less cannabis to elevate a woman, especially in the days prior to her ovulation. This is a very good thing for gals who toke, as cannabis is one of the best remedies for period pains, mood swings and other discomforts.

Photo by McKinsey via rawpixel.com

What is being touted as the first cannabis-infused social tonic has received a funding injection from A-listers ranging from actors to athletes in a bid to make social tonics socially acceptable.

The two major strains are Sativa and Indica. The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the feeling that you’re ultimately looking for.

Cannabis has different strains. Picking the right one is crucial for one to get the feeling that they are looking for. One can choose to go with those that contain THC or the ones that do not have this component such as CBD oil.

Important to note is that cannabis is not legal in most states, and one must bear this in mind before trying to buy any weed product. For countries where the use of cannabis is permissible, it is best to buy from authorized dealers to make sure that the weed bought is good quality and free of harmful substances. Back street dealers tend to lace their product with other substances that can alter the normal functioning of the body.

Medicinal marijuana does not contain high levels of THC in most cases if not all, since the feeling of highness may augment certain symptoms. Those using for leisure need to know how to pick the best brands. Below we discuss how to choose the best cannabis strain.

Know the options available

The three significant strains of marijuana are Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. Hybrid is a combination of the two major strains, Sativa and Indica. It elicits mixed reactions for the body and mind since the two mixed to form the blend affect the user differently. Sativa strains have an energizing effect on the user, influencing them to be active and take part in different activities. Indica, on the other hand, is more relaxing and after using any of the strains in this family, the user tends to be laid back with a deep sense of relaxation. The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the feeling that one is looking for.

You probably know people who will tell you “how it’s done”. Setting up a grow room has many ways of being done and more opinions than truths out there. You have to ask yourself some basic questions such as:

With those answers now you have to ask yourself some more questions like:

As big of a year as 2020 may turn out to be for marijuana in America -- as multiple states including South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, and New Jersey, look to legalize recreational pot -- there could be even more exciting developments in 2021. New York could become the prize of the industry next year, and there's hope for progress on marijuana reform at the federal level.

Although nothing is set in stone, there are a few reasons for cannabis investors to be bullish for the new year. Here are two potential developments to watch for in 2021 that could send pot stocks soaring.
It could be the year New York legalizes marijuana

I’m often asked to comment on whether or not cannabis will ever truly attain the status of a commodity. While the answer has generally been yes, we have a ways to go. 

First of all, it’s necessary to understand what exactly a commodity is. For our purposes, and in the context of cannabis, we’re talking about a raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold. Modern examples of commodities include copper and coffee.

A commodity is a raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.

Ministry of Hemp now offers a special “Ministry of Hemp Verified” seal to the brands we review. If you see this seal in use by a brand, come visit our website to see the products we’ve reviewed and learn more about them. 

At the Ministry of Hemp, our goal is to build confidence and transparency in the hemp industry, especially when it comes to the contents of CBD products. Sadly, fake products, or at least CBD products with misleading labels, are commonplace. That’s why we only work with brands that meet our high standards. 

Since we’re starting to share this special seal with our brand partners, we wanted to explain what it means to be “Ministry of Hemp Verified.” 

The outcome of the cannabis referendum has raised concerns about the availability of medicinal options.

Just over 53 percent of people voted no to legalisation, while 46 percent voted yes.

Medicinal cannabis company Cannasouth's chief executive Mark Lucas told Francesca Rudkin a yes vote would have helped more people gain better and cheaper access to medical cannabis.

"There's no denying that some patients will access medicinal cannabis currently from the black market,  and if there was a white market, if you like, they would have been accessing very basic formulations of cannabis from that market."

The official result of the referendum, including special votes, will be announced on Friday. 

Tuesday’s presidential election between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden could have dramatic effects on various stocks and sectors, and investors have spent months trying to identify potential winners and losers.

A group of stocks seen benefiting from Biden’s Democratic policies has outperformed those seen benefiting from Republican Trump. Over a two-month period that ended Wednesday, a “Biden basket” of stocks created by JPMorgan head of U.S. equity strategy Dubravko Lakos gained 4.5% versus a 16% drop for a “Trump basket.”

Here is a look at stocks that might fit best in a Biden or Trump portfolio:

There seems to be no stopping drug seizures, the majority being cannabis, at border crossings in New York state, with the amount of confiscated weed increasing more than 1,100 per cent in 2020 compared to 2019.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) figures from its annual report show that 3,456 pounds (1,568 kg) of cannabis was seized at the Buffalo Field Office in fiscal year 2019, a mere portion of the 41,688 pounds (18,909 kg) confiscated in fiscal 2020. The field office covers 16 ports of entry in the state of New York.

Other drugs were seized, but their amounts paled in comparison to cannabis. In fact, one of the 2020 seizures represented a northern border record and involved 9,472 pounds (4,296 kg) of marijuana.

That said, seizures involving some other substances also skyrocketed, while others dropped like a stone.

Overall during fiscal 2020, “field office personnel seized 42,015 pounds (19, 058 kg) of narcotics, an increase of 968 per cent from the prior fiscal year,” according to a CBP press release. CBP officers also arrested 319 people and seized US$543,015 in unreported currency.

While marijuana is typically advised against before surgery, many doctors and surgeons are speaking out about its effects for after-care. 

Breast implants are still a booming business. As one of the most popular surgeries in the U.S., over 300,000 women go under the knife annually. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Americans spent more than $16.5 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2018. 

With many instances of news covering breast implant illness, where individuals who have received breast implants describe symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, hair loss, and chronic pain, more patients are asking about the risks associated with getting implants or having them removed. And, with medical marijuana and CBD available in more states each year, considerations should be made when combining marijuana and the addition of implants or their removal.

Marijuana and Implant Surgery

Whether patients are undergoing surgery for a reduction or receiving implants, many doctors spoke to us about the importance of a candid conversation about marijuana use. Dr. Nathan Castillo, who practices out of Atlanta, GA,  shared that patients should, “refrain from smoking marijuana for at least 4-6 weeks before surgery.” Studies have found a link between marijuana use before surgery and a risk of vasodilation during surgery, the latter of which occurs when blood pressure falls due to blood vessels relaxing. 

Additionally, a 2018 study published in the journal Heliyon, found that consuming marijuana before surgery could complicate outcomes during and after the procedure. The study found that marijuana’s effects were most prevalent one hour after the start of the surgery and lasted anywhere from 2-4 hours. With an increase in both airway obstruction and anesthetic doses administered, the study found patients who consumed marijuana before surgery carried more risks than patients who abstained. However, while marijuana is typically advised against before surgery, many doctors and surgeons are speaking out about its effects for after-care. 

Will These Pot Stocks Make Big Gains Next Year?

Health officials suspect possible opioid overdoses in cases linked to hospitalizations of marijuana users in Prince William County.

Local news reports are warning the public about potentially tainted marijuana in the Northern Virginia region. Four overdose victims, including one who passed away, were hospitalized in the Prince William County Health District. One factor that they all have in common is recent marijuana use. Possible opioid contamination is suspected because three of the patients were revived with Narcan, and the fourth died of the overdose.

To date, no additional information is available about the source of the potentially tainted marijuana. Nearby regions like the City of Alexandria and Stafford County put out bulletins with information about the ongoing situation and what symptoms to look out for if you suspect a similar overdose.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visible warning signs of an opioid overdose include:

If you witness these symptoms and suspect a drug overdose, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention.

This holiday shopping season will be longer and less traditional than ever.

This year, it’s being ushered in earlier and with far less fanfare.

Many retail trackers will begin their official holiday tracking October 13.

Best Buy’s new “Black Friday” and the start of Amazon’s Prime Day, rescheduled from its July launch due to COVID-19.

Holiday shoppers traditional buying preferences and patterns are shifting, too.

In line with the most recent Halloween tradition, state police are warning parents in the United States to look out for edibles in their kids’ candy ahead of this weekend’s spooky celebration.   

According to Indiana State Police, authorities seized edibles in packaging virtually identical to the popular Starbrust and Skittles candies just last weekend. 

“Parents, here is an example of what to look for in your child’s Halloween candy this year. These were seized just this past weekend by one of our Troopers from the Lowell post. While they are packaged and marketed to look like candy, they are not. You have to look closely to see the ‘Medicated’ wording. Please thoroughly check all candy and don’t assume it’s ‘OK’ just because it looks ‘OK,’” Indian State Police shared on Facebook along with photos of the seized marijuana-unfused treats. 

Last year, police departments in Pennsylvania and North Carolina issued similar warnings, which included advice to parents to discard all home-made candies children might receive during trick-or-treating. 

Although skeptics frequently point out that nobody would willingly give away free marijuana to kids, particularly edibles which can be quite expensive, Yahoo News writes that children are known to ingest edibles sometimes. In fact, poison control centers in California received over 250 calls in 2017 regarding children accidentally ingesting edibles.