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Medicinal cannabis is changing the face of clinical medicine.  We are the leaders of that change.

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At CED Clinic, we aim to create a welcoming and professional environment in which patients and clinicians can openly discuss the benefits of medical cannabis.

Our Services

  • Massachusetts Medical Card Certifications
    • Adult Cannabis Care
    • Pediatric Cannabis Care
  • In-Depth Consultations & Care Plans
    • Concierge Care
    • EO Care
    • Medical Second Opinions
    • Talk Therapy

Our Mission

  • To Heal
  • To Educate
  • To Listen

Our Team

Benjamin Caplan, MD
Erin Caplan, NP

Benjamin Caplan, MD, stands at the forefront of medical cannabis care as the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of CED Clinic and CED Foundation. His entrepreneurial journey further extends as the Founder of multiple medical cannabis technology and educational platforms and as a medical advisor to the prestigious cannabis investment fund, GreenAXS Capital. Within digital healthcare, Dr. Caplan co-founded EO Care, Inc, a pioneering digital therapeutic and telemedicine platform, offering personalized cannabis care and product plans and continuous clinical guidance to a global clientele seeking a reliable, evidence-based cannabis care partner. Adding to his repertoire of contributions to the medical cannabis arena, Dr. Caplan has recently published “The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook,” an industry-first resource empowering readers with the full scope of the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Through his multifaceted involvement, Dr. Caplan continuously strives to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and cannabis care, making a significant impact in evolving holistic healthcare.

Erin Caplan, NP is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a master’s-level medical education from Simmons. Her extensive clinical journey has been enriched through roles at Massachusetts General Hospital, Hyde Park Pediatrics, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she has provided both inpatient and outpatient primary care to some of the most fragile and challenging pediatric patients. A registered cannabis care provider licensed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, Erin seamlessly blends her pediatric expertise with the nuance and adaptability required for personalized cannabis care. A community leader, avid athlete, and dedicated mother of four, Erin’s compassionate bedside manner and steadfast commitment to evidence-based practice have earned her the trust and appreciation of patients and families, showcasing her as a harmonious blend of clinical excellence with a personal touch.

Patient Stories

I’m Free: My Journey Beyond Chronic Pain!

I felt trapped in a cycle of chronic pain, where prescription and over-the-counter meds were just dead ends. Then I found Dr. Caplan. His blend of medical expertise and cannabis knowledge opened a door I didn’t know existed. I read ‘The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook’ and it was/is a turning point—packed with research and actionable advice, it guided me to a pain management plan that actually worked. Thanks to Dr. Caplan, I’m living with less pain and more hope. Highly recommend for anyone stuck in the pain cycle.

Emily Brasston

From Frayed Edges to Balance: Found My Center with Cannabis

Let me paint you a picture of my life not too long ago: a job that never hit ‘pause,’ kids that always needed me in a hundred different ways, and a level of work stress that had me teetering on the edge. I was juggling more plates than I had hands for, and it felt like I was one strong breeze away from watching them all come crashing down. Sleep was a luxury I couldn’t afford, and ‘me time’ was a concept so foreign it might as well have been from another planet.

Enter Dr. Benjamin Caplan and his life-altering approach to managing stress through cannabis medicine. At first, I was skeptical—could this really be the answer I’d been searching for? But from the moment we began, it was clear Dr. Caplan wasn’t just any doctor. His blend of traditional medical insight and innovative cannabis expertise was like a breath of fresh air.

What truly transformed my journey, though, was diving into ‘The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook.’ This wasn’t just another self-help book; it was a treasure trove of evidence-based research, clinical wisdom, and, most importantly, actionable advice that felt like it was written just for me. It became my North Star, guiding me through the haze of stress and sleepless nights to a place of understanding and balance.

Thanks to the personalized strategy Dr. Caplan crafted with me, I’ve been able to reclaim control over my stress and find a sense of equilibrium I didn’t think was possible. My work no longer feels like a constant battle, and I’ve found more joy and presence in the time I spend with my kids. The difference is night and day.

I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Caplan and the invaluable lessons from his handbook. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and everything in between, Dr. Caplan’s compassionate, evidence-based approach might just be the lifeline you need. I can’t recommend him enough.

Sam Dexter

My Journey to Conquering Chronic Insomnia with Dr. Caplan and Cannabis Medicine

I’ve been in this battle with chronic insomnia for what feels like forever. I hit a point where I felt completely out of options. I mean, you name it, I tried it—all those over-the-counter fixes, prescriptions from my doctors, and I even got creative mixing up my own cannabinoid solutions. But nothing worked. Those endless nights of tossing and turning weren’t just annoying; they were wrecking my health and my spirits.

Then, almost out of nowhere, I stumbled upon Dr. Benjamin Caplan and his work in the world of cannabis medicine. From the moment we started talking, I knew this was different. He’s got this unique blend of traditional medical wisdom and cutting-edge cannabis knowledge. It’s like he sees the whole picture in a way no one else had shown me before.

But here’s the real game-changer: “The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook.” That book blew my mind. It’s packed with solid science and real-deal clinical insights on how cannabis can tackle not just insomnia but a whole list of issues. More than that, it gave me straightforward, practical steps tailored just for me. It turned into my guide on this journey to use cannabis safely and super effectively.

I owe so much to Dr. Caplan and the wisdom packed into that book. I’ve finally found some peace from my insomnia—a relief I thought was off the table for me. My sleep’s way better, and my days? They’ve transformed. I can’t thank Dr. Caplan enough. And seriously, if you’re hitting a wall with insomnia or any health problem that just won’t budge with the usual treatments, Dr. Caplan’s approach could be the breakthrough you’re looking for. Certainly was for me.

 

My Journey to Conquering Chronic Insomnia with Dr. Caplan and Cannabis Medicine

Used as a Human Target as a Kid, Medical Cannabis is the answer.

I’m totally blind. I live in a rural area. So when I was 12, same-age peers thought zapping the blind girl’s eyes with laser pointers would be a great idea. It got bad enough that my paraprofessional had to have the devices banned from the school for my safety. Shortly after, I began having intense eye aches. I differentiate them from headaches because even a 12 year old can tell the difference. Doctors told my parents and I they were migraines. It wasn’t until later in life that I began realizing there was something else going on here. Really studying migraines, studying the eye, studying neurology and understanding not all was as it seemed. I began developing my own theories as to what these “migraines” were. I take migraine meds, but they don’t treat the eye aches. They treat the other migraine symptoms just fine. My younger brother suggested I try edibles last year. Because by this point, I was in enough pain where I believed I’d have to have my eyes removed. None of us wanted to see that happen. So he took me to a dispensary, (he had spoken with someone he knew there about me prior, and they’d come up with a regimen they thought would work.) The first clue I had that we were on the right track, was that I slept for 14 hours. So I kept a calendar and a spreadsheet full of virtual sticky notes, and 2 weeks later came to Dr. Caplan for my medical card, crazy theories about optic neuropathy in underdeveloped optic nerves and all. A year later, I’m studying cybersecurity, because that’s something I found I’m passionate about, and I can do it now!

Krista Pennell

To sleep well again is life-changing

Dr. Caplan was coincidentally recommended by both my dentist and a close friend. I was concerned about finding a high level, knowledgeable, physician in a professional setting who understood using cannabis in a safe and effective manner. I can’t recommend Dr. Caplan more highly. His knowledge is vast and I am grateful for his expertise, care and compassion. To sleep well again is life-changing. Very few things literally change someone’s life. Dr. Caplan’s knowledge and guidance on cannabis did that for me.

Barbara M.

Not once did I feel rushed or embarrassed, in fact I felt like he really does care about my circumstances, and wanted for me to feel confident and prepared

Honestly, I was hesitant to try cannabis. I have debilitating menstrual cramps and my OB/GYN recommended Dr. Caplan. I was more than a little hesitant to try cannibas because all I really knew about it was that people used it to get “high” – and that was not something I was interested in. This perspective totally changed when I actually came in and met with Dr. Caplan. He was incredibly understanding and really took the time to ease my mind about the whole process, what kind of options there were to choose from, what they might do, and what would probably appeal to me. He spent a lot of time answering all my questions (and I had a lot!). Not once did I feel rushed or embarrassed, in fact I felt like he really does care about my circumstances, and wanted for me to feel confident and prepared.

Mark L.

Dr. Caplan was thorough in his evaluation and friendly and accessible in his approach

Dr. Caplan was thorough in his evaluation and friendly and accessible in his approach. He provided in depth information and step by step guidance for beginning the process of utilizing cannabis therapies. He is available to his patients by email and phone. I highly recommend an appointment with him if you are even remotely considering medicinal use. I was hesitant about this approach before my appointment but now, after talking with Dr. Caplan and learning a little bit more about the science, I am eager to explore and I feel better already!

Rachel M.

I saw Dr Caplan a few months ago, and from even before I met him, he has made himself available to me over email, for questions, more than even my regular doctor

I came into marijuana medicine with zero experience. I must say, I’ve been learning a ton, and I would recommend it to anyone with terrible anxiety and depression. I saw Dr Caplan a few months ago, and from even before I met him, he has made himself available to me over email, for questions, more than even my regular doctor. A friend told me that I should see Dr Caplan, but I was still unsure about becoming a medical marijuana patient. I called and was able to speak with Dr Caplan directly. He took time, on the phone, even before he had met me, to explain the whole process, which helped me feel more comfortable putting a voice and personality to the process. Later, when I finally came in, during the visit, he spent almost 40 minutes with me, walking me through how cannabis might fit in with some of the other treatments I currently use. We have kept in touch over email since, like 3 or 4 random questions, and has always responded promptly. I think he is a truly special doctor, and from what I’ve read on Twitter, has a passion for educating and helping improve the perception of cannabis.

Alan T.

I had an enjoyable visit with clear information and education about medical marijuana and the dispensaries

Full stars. I appreciate the great parking and simple scheduling system. I had an enjoyable visit with clear information and education about medical marijuana and the dispensaries. No fancy language, no time wasted. Works for me.

Michael J.

I am a survivor of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers, and Dr Caplan of CED Clinic is, hands down, the favorite voice of support and cannabis education for our hospital list-serv care group

I am a survivor of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers, and Dr Caplan of CED Clinic is, hands down, the favorite voice of support and cannabis education for our hospital list-serv care group. I have seen him speak publicly, and on TV, and of course he is also my doctor. In spite of having what seems to be a crowd of patients who are mostly in terrible pain or have a generous helping of emotional/mental issues, I see him work tirelessly for his patients and for the cause, in general. I appreciate his leadership in the cannabis field. He is one in a million.

Stephanie W.

Dr. Caplan is an extremely knowledgeable doctor in his field and very easy to speak with about any questions and concerns you may have

Dr. Caplan is an extremely knowledgeable doctor in his field and very easy to speak with about any questions and concerns you may have. As a person that suffers from anxiety, upon arriving at the office I felt welcomed and relaxed because the doctor is compassionate and kind. The office atmosphere is not what I expected at all and was very peaceful and relaxing, also there were snacks and beverages which I have never seen before in a doctor’s office. I would highly recommend Dr. Caplan because he will take the time to answer every question that you may have about treatment. I made an appointment on a Saturday and was seen right away on the same day! Very easy process and very responsive. I am happy I chose Dr. Caplan!

Joshua C.

This is our second visit to Dr. Caplan in a year, and on both occasions, we were just blown away by his caring and compassion

This is our second visit to Dr. Caplan in a year, and on both occasions, we were just blown away by his caring and compassion. He is a true healer, with a great heart, enormous patience, and extraordinary expertise. My wife and I were amazed to find a physician who truly puts his patients first, and who is passionate about figuring out the best way to help us with our chronic pain. In our 60+ years of experience with health care providers, Dr. Caplan is among the most committed, generous, and caring healers we have ever met.

Heather F.

I can’t recommend Dr. Caplan highly enough

I can’t recommend Dr. Caplan highly enough. This was my third medical marijuana certification review (original plus two renewals), and the previous two doctors were just perfunctory form-fillers in shabby offices in remote office parks. Dr. Caplan is a REAL cannabis doctor who’s deeply knowledgeable about medical marijuana and clearly explains EXACTLY how to use it for YOUR specific conditions. He also has a real doctor’s office in a real medical building right on Boylston Street (Route 9) in Chestnut Hill ( not far from NETA Brookline, my dispensary of choice.) AND THE VISIT IS COVERED BY MEDICAL INSURANCE! I’ve become somewhat knowledgeable about what works for my primary complaint (chronic pain from spinal stenosis w/ radiculopathy) and what to avoid, but he gave me brand new ways to deal with my insomnia (including how and when to use edibles, which hadn’t worked for me before b/c I didn’t really know what I was doing) and arthritis in my hands (including a simple recipe to make topical lotion that’s stronger and cheaper than the commercial products). I interrupted him with frequent questions, which he answered at whatever level of detail and technical information I wanted. I had been deeply dissatisfied with the cannabis doctors I went to before, but Dr. Caplan is an outstanding DOCTOR who happens to specialize in medical marijuana because he cares about helping patients for whom traditional medicine hasn’t fully met their needs. You can book appointments on his web site, although my wait time was more than 10 minutes (during which I filled out his online patient questionnaire on my phone and ate all the Kit Kats in his candy basket), it was well worth it. This is a relatively new practice, I believe, and it’s going to get a lot busier as word spreads. But just do yourself a favor and go: this is what state-of-the-art medical marijuana care is supposed to be like.

Steve G.

Dr. Caplan patiently explained how there are so many options to chose from and exactly what each was helpful for

I recently had my first appointment with Dr. Caplan after reading negative reviews of so many other medical marijuana certification “places”. I can’t say enough good things about my visit with him. To start with he’s a very compassionate, caring doctor. I’m a 63 yr old woman and had never used marijuana or “street drugs”, so I was feeling nervous about trying it. I recently started chemo therapy at Dana-Farber and the side effects have been difficult to deal with. In particular, insomnia and a bit of evening anxiety. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of medical marijuana. Dr. Caplan patiently explained how there are so many options to chose from and exactly what each was helpful for. With that said, he suggested several products for me to try. I now know what helps me, but each person has to use the information he gives and then try different products from a reputable medical dispensary. I plan to have a 2nd appt. with him in a few months just to get his feedback on my experiences and possibly more recommendations. It’s not necessary to go back to him after getting your certification, but he truly knows so much about the medicinal benefits that I’d like to learn even more. I highly recommend him.

Nancy O.

I would highly recommend Dr. Caplan because he will take the time to answer every question that you may have about treatment

Dr. Caplan is an extremely knowledgeable doctor in his field and very easy to speak with about any questions and concerns you may have. As a person that suffers from anxiety, upon arriving at the office I felt welcomed and relaxed because the doctor is compassionate and kind. The office atmosphere is not what I expected at all and was very peaceful and relaxing, also there were snacks and beverages which I have never seen before in a doctor’s office. I would highly recommend Dr. Caplan because he will take the time to answer every question that you may have about treatment. I made an appointment on a Saturday and was seen right away on the same day! Very easy process and very responsive. I am happy I chose Dr. Caplan!

Robert M.

Dr. Caplan is extremely patient and compassionate

Dr. Caplan is extremely patient and compassionate. He answered all of my questions and gave me a great deal of useful information (while emphasizing that I didn’t have to absorb all of it right away). He encouraged me to contact him with any more questions I might have after the appointment, and began the process of registering me immediately after I left. I had an email from the Commonwealth of MA before I got home, and completed the application online within a few minutes. It couldn’t have been an easier or more stress-free experience. Dr. Caplan truly believes in the effectiveness of cannabis as a medicinal tool, and is committed to making it more widely available for that purpose and in dispelling the ocean of ignorance that has unfortunately been created around it in our society. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Justice S.

Excellent Experience, top to bottom

Excellent Experience, top to bottom. I scheduled my appointment on CED clinic website, got in the next day – and visit was informative, and doc was kind, compassionate, and amazingly knowledgeable. I intend to follow him as a permanent addition to my healthcare and would recommend widely.

Ellison M.

I’m shy but felt comfortable and supported

Awesome doctor. Super easy to talk to. I’m shy but felt comfortable and supported. Great teacher too. I had no idea there was so much to know!

Sara E.

I learned about different options and lots of choices, and received handouts to learn even more

First heard of Dr Caplan on /r/BostonTrees subreddit. Made my appointment online, for the next day, and did all paperwork online before I came in. Building is very professional and comfortable, with great parking, and close to where I live. As I expected, doc was kind, thorough, and efficient. We reviewed my medical history, talked about what I had been doing in the past, and discussed a host of treatment ideas, and not just marijuana. I learned about different options and lots of choices, and received handouts to learn even more. I plan to follow up in a few months, and I look forward to it.

Ryan H.

Every time I come in, I learn something new and amazing.

I followed Dr Caplan from his position as the Medical Director of Canna Care Docs to CED Clinic – and would follow him again. I have had years of back pain and arthritis – my wrists and knees and hips. Dr Caplan has helped me understand much more about marijuana, and I have to say, it has been a wonderful improvement for me. Every time I come in, I learn something new and amazing. It’s a new industry for me, and I feel very well supported.

Elizabeth P.

My visit with Dr. Caplan made it comforting to know that someone was on my side

My visit with Dr. Caplan made it comforting to know that someone was on my side. I was surprised to find that Dr. Caplan does more than just write scripts for people to take to dispensaries. He sees some of his patients on a regular basis to personalize treatment plans and it’s clear he cares about education and the destigmatization of medical cannabinoids. He goes to assisted living centers, medical expos, wellness centers, and more to speak with people on the matter. This is his passion!

Benjamin T.

Dr. Caplan is extremely patient and compassionate

Dr. Caplan is extremely patient and compassionate. He answered all of my questions and gave me a great deal of useful information (while emphasizing that I didnâ€t have to absorb all of it right away). He encouraged me to contact him with any more questions I might have after the appointment, and began the process of registering me immediately after I left. I had an email from the Commonwealth of MA before I got home, and completed the application online within a few minutes. It couldn’t have been an easier or more stress-free experience.†“— Dr. Caplan truly believes in the effectiveness of cannabis as a medicinal tool, and is committed to making it more widely available for that purpose and in dispelling the ocean of ignorance that has unfortunately been created around it in our society. I can€t recommend him highly enough.

Jeff E.

Very knowledgeable and compassionate

Very knowledgeable and compassionate.

Irene C.

I would highly recommend Dr. Caplan

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the initial appointment.  It was informative, educational and an overall great experience!  Dr. Caplan is easy-going, kind, and gave clear, detailed information about medical cannabis and MA medical dispensaries.  I would highly recommend Dr. Caplan.  His clinic and his knowledge are certainly worth 5-star reviews!

Ashley S.

I had such a good experience with Dr. Caplan of CED Clinic.  

I had such a good experience with Dr. Caplan of CED Clinic.

Medical: I had a lot of worries going in, and Dr. Caplan put me at ease with his knowledge and calm manner.  As a family doctor, he asked good questions about my extensive medical background, in a supportive way.  He used normal people words instead of medical gobbledygook!  (I had just an hour before been at an appointment with a medical person who thought I should understand when he talked about my distal iliolumbar neuropathy – or something like that, I had no idea what he was talking about – so I especially noticed when Dr. Caplan used normal words that any person would know.)

Educational: He provided excellent information for total newbies, showed some devices, talked about legal stuff, and gave great info about local clinics and huge discounts available.  I’m used to doctors providing pretty poor education materials, but Dr. Caplan’s infographics and handouts were a thing of beauty – informative, easy to read, and visually simple.  I hope Dr. Caplan writes a book because I will buy it.

Logistics: This is such a streamlined practice, it is easy to get in soon, and respectful of your time.  I got an appointment within less than 2 days, scheduled online, filled out my info online beforehand, found parking easily, was in and out quickly, and received the email with next steps instructions and application activation code in 1.5 hour!  Can’t possibly be easier than this.

Laura M.

Dr. Caplan was very friendly, extremely helpful and knowledgeable

Dr. Caplan was very friendly, extremely helpful and knowledgeable.  I would definitely recommend and I am looking forward to having him as a health resource.

Timothy Y.

I’ve switched 100% to cannabis as my go-to medicine

I’ve switched 100% to cannabis as my go-to medicine.  I’m sick of pharmaceuticals; the weight gain, the weird feelings like I’m a zombie, the miserable sleep…sorry, but hard pass.  Weed helps take the edge off and I’m still fully functional.

Anonoymous

The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook

"A wealth of information and a huge dose of compassion and clarity."

Melissa Etheridge

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CED Clinic Blog
March 18, 2024The Essential Role of Physician Guidance in the Cannabis Industry The essential role of physician guidance in the cannabis industry has become increasingly crucial as the sector experiences remarkable growth and gains mainstream acceptance. The integration of medical expertise is paramount for the industry’s success, ensuring safe, effective, and personalized patient care. This necessity stems from the rapidly expanding landscape of cannabis use for medical purposes, where the guidance of healthcare professionals becomes indispensable to navigate the complexities and ensure the optimal utilization of cannabis for therapeutic benefits. The involvement of physicians and medical experts in the cannabis industry is not just an added value but a critical component in shaping the future of cannabis as a legitimate and effective therapeutic option. Their expertise ensures that the cannabis industry moves forward with a strong foundation in science and patient care, prioritizing health outcomes and patient safety above all. The Frontline of Patient Care Physician guidance in the cannabis industry is foundational, addressing patients’ needs across various conditions, from chronic pain and anxiety to insomnia and neurodegenerative diseases. The vast therapeutic potential of cannabis, paired with the complexities of its use, necessitates expert medical oversight. Healthcare providers specializing in cannabis medicine offer personalized care, guiding patients through treatment with advice on dosing, administration, and side effects management, thus enhancing patient safety and satisfaction while also optimizing healthcare costs. This personalized approach to cannabis medicine allows for a more nuanced understanding of how different strains and dosages can affect individuals, taking into account their unique medical histories and current health status. By doing so, physicians play a critical role in not only mitigating potential risks associated with cannabis use but also in maximizing its therapeutic benefits. The expertise of these healthcare professionals ensures that patients navigating the cannabis landscape do so with an informed and cautious approach, thereby significantly improving the overall efficacy of cannabis as a treatment option and enhancing patient outcomes. A Holistic Approach to Patient Care Effective physician-guided cannabis therapy extends beyond treating primary conditions, potentially reducing dependency on opioids for pain management and improving mental health and quality of life for those with anxiety and depression. Furthermore, improved sleep quality through cannabis can lead to better overall health outcomes. This holistic approach to patient care, facilitated by physician guidance, encompasses a comprehensive view of the patient’s health, considering not just the symptoms of a condition but the overall well-being of the individual. By focusing on the broader implications of cannabis therapy, physicians can address multiple facets of a patient’s health, offering solutions that contribute to their long-term health and wellness. This multifaceted approach not only helps in managing specific medical conditions more effectively but also promotes a general sense of well-being among patients, contributing to improved lifestyle choices and a reduction in the use of conventional medications that may have more severe side effects. The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices Adopting an evidence-based approach under physician guidance in the cannabis industry ensures treatments are grounded in scientific research and clinical data, enhancing the credibility of cannabis therapy and fostering further innovation and development. This commitment to evidence-based medicine is essential in navigating the emerging challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry. By relying on solid scientific evidence and ongoing research, physicians can provide recommendations that are not only effective but also safe for their patients. This approach ensures that the integration of cannabis into medical practice is based on a rigorous understanding of its benefits and risks, paving the way for innovative treatments that can offer new hope to patients with complex medical conditions. Furthermore, the emphasis on evidence-based practices encourages continuous learning and adaptation within the healthcare community, ensuring that patient care evolves with the latest scientific findings. The Systemic Impact of Physician Involvement Beyond individual care, physician involvement in the cannabis industry offers broad economic and systemic advantages. Effective cannabis therapy can reduce the need for expensive medical interventions, alleviating the economic burden of untreated conditions. Properly managed cannabis therapy can prevent overutilization of healthcare resources, enabling more efficient care delivery. Physician expertise aids in the development of targeted cannabis products, ensuring efficient resource use and meeting specific therapeutic needs. Physicians’ influence on regulatory frameworks promotes responsible practices, crucial for sustainable economic growth and consumer trust in the cannabis industry. These systemic benefits underscore the transformative potential of physician involvement in the cannabis industry, not just in enhancing patient outcomes but in driving forward a more sustainable, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system. Cost Savings Through Preventative Care: Effective cannabis therapy can reduce the need for expensive medical interventions, alleviating the economic burden of untreated conditions. Reduced Strain on Healthcare Systems: Properly managed cannabis therapy can prevent overutilization of healthcare resources, enabling more efficient care delivery. Optimized Resource Allocation within the Industry: Physician expertise aids in the development of targeted cannabis products, ensuring efficient resource use and meeting specific therapeutic needs. Economic Benefits of Responsible Industry Practices: Physicians’ influence on regulatory frameworks promotes responsible practices, crucial for sustainable economic growth and consumer trust in the cannabis industry. Conclusion Physician guidance in the cannabis industry is indispensable for ensuring patient safety, enhancing treatment efficacy, and supporting the industry’s economic viability. As the cannabis sector evolves, leveraging medical expertise will be key to unlocking its therapeutic potential and integrating cannabis into mainstream healthcare practices. This integration not only promises to improve the quality of care for patients but also to foster a more informed, responsible, and sustainable approach to cannabis use in medical practice. The collaboration between the cannabis industry and medical professionals holds the promise of advancing healthcare outcomes, promoting innovation, and ensuring that the benefits of cannabis are realized fully and responsibly, with patient safety and well-being at the forefront. References: Boehnke, K. F., Litinas, E., & Clauw, D. J. (2019). Medical cannabis use is associated with decreased opiate medication use in a retrospective cross-sectional survey of patients with chronic pain. The Journal of Pain, 20(6), 739-744. Lowe, D. J., Sasiadek, J. D., Coles, A. S., & George, T. P. (2019). Cannabis and mental illness: a review. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 269(1), 107-120. Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., MacKillop, J., Gottschalk, R., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, B. N. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: a critical review on clinical trials. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 27(4), 383-401. Kosiba, J., Kiranmala, N., & Wiese, T. J. (2019). Impact of medical cannabis on health care utilization. Evidence to Date. Vigil, J. M., Stith, S. S., Adams, I. M., & Reeve, A. P. (2017). Associations between medical cannabis and prescription opioid use in chronic pain patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 6(1), 1-12. Alvarez, J., Kalechstein, A., & Froh, J. (2021). The economic implications of cannabis in the United States. Missouri Medicine, 118(1), 48–54. Klieger, S. B., Gutman, A., Allen, L., Pacula, R. L., Ibrahim, J. K., & Burris, S. (2017). Mapping medical cannabis: state laws regulating patients, product safety, supply chains and dispensaries, 2017. Addiction, 112(12), 2206-2216. [...] Read more...
November 6, 2023Cannabis Cardiovascular Risk: Navigating the Nuances in Media and Medicine The spotlight on “Cannabis Cardiovascular Risk” has intensified, notably with a recent CNN article by a journalist hailing from Georgia, Sandee LaMotte, sketching a picture that points to potential risks linked with marijuana use. Unfortunately, this sort of impulsive, one-sided journalism prompts an important second look at the media’s role in scientific discourse and the nuanced reality of such health risks. The Intricacies of Cannabis and Cardiovascular Health Cannabis and cardiovascular health share a complex relationship. The interplay of THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, with the cardiovascular system is a subject of critical research. Studies highlight that while nitric oxide (NO) serves a protective role in vascular health, THC may impede its beneficial effects, indicating the need for a nuanced understanding of these findings. Considering the ying-yang nature of CBD and THC, this also reminds of the importance of cannabis care that is guided by experts who can help inform patients what the real risks are, and which substances may present a reality that is not only low risk, but may even pose potential benefits in cardiovascular health. Comprehensive Perspectives Beyond THC (A narrow viewpoint) Broadening the conversation on “Cannabis Cardiovascular Risk” requires consideration of, and the roles played by other cannabis constituents, including CBD, other minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. The method of cannabis consumption, from smoking or vaping to topicals, edibles, and other forms of delivery, is another important area that demands deeper discussion into their potential impacts on heart health. Ignoring the nuances of the wide range of constituents within cannabis, and demonizing it all, regardless of form, delivery, or patient, stinks worse than a skunk at a perfume factory, but perhaps not on account of the cannabis. Fast aside, did you know that, when threatened, skunks spray a potent and pungent liquid from their glands as a defense mechanism? The smell is notoriously difficult to remove and can linger for a long time.  … just saying. The Importance of Balanced Reporting in Science (Biased Science and Reporting) The tendency of health science reporting to sensationalize findings has become increasingly common, as seen in the CNN article. However, such reports must strive to mirror the spectrum of scientific research, encompassing not just the risks but also the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis. As with any reporting and all science, wise readers should consider the scientific sources underpinning published work, as well as the qualifications and historical perspectives/biases of experts that support the reporting and sharing of views.  Do the papers themselves pose the risks about which the journalism reports?  Are the experts qualified and experienced in the domain of discussion? Have those experts shown themselves to be repeatedly bull-horning one particular viewpoint? Does the perspective appear like a solo, unending tiki-torch march against cannabis? Or, does scientific commentary present itself evenly on both sides of the discussion topic, from which the reader may derive their own conclusions?  Do you like your reporting to make your decisions for you? or do these nuances matter to YOU as the reader?  All important questions! ….If the reporting is pushing you to come to their conclusion, you should beware that, chances are, you’re not getting a full picture or the whole story.   Beware Causation vs Association!  Baking Cookies (Causation): Imagine you’re baking cookies. You add sugar to the cookie dough. The sugar directly causes the cookies to taste sweet. This is causation: you do something (add sugar), and it directly causes a result (sweetness in cookies). Roosters Crow and the Sun Rises (Association): Now, think about a rooster crowing at sunrise. The rooster crows every morning as the sun rises. However, the rooster’s crowing doesn’t cause the sun to rise. They’re associated because they happen at the same time, but one does not cause the other. So, in causation, like adding sugar to cookies, there’s a direct cause and effect. In association, like the rooster crowing and the sunrise, two things are linked by timing or circumstance, but one doesn’t directly cause the other.   A Call for Rigorous Scientific Inquiry (Quality of Data) Recognizing that each study enriches the collective understanding, it is essentially for ongoing investigations to add more rigorous evaluations. Self-reports, lackluster patient selection, a disregard of patient environmental, socioeconomic, and a patent disregard for the medical backgrounds, ongoing treatment, or personal experience with cannabis is no longer acceptable for quality, peer-reviewed study,  The half-baked attitude supporting the current research should be cause for hesitation and doubt about the nature of relevant scientific knowledge about the interplay of cannabis and cardiovascular risk. (see references below, which highlight available good quality research that draws intrinsically opposing conclusions about the effects of cannabinoid-based phenomena on cardiovascular effect. For journalist claiming to make evidence-based conclusions, or for readers expecting to derive insights about the real world, the details matter! The Media’s Role in Scientific Discourse (limitations of the media) Journalists have a critical role in guiding the public discourse and in shaping the direction of health and science is shaped. The importance of how information is communicated cannot be overstated. Journalists should aim to convey research findings with accuracy, ensuring complex issues are not oversimplified. For the opinions or perspectives that belong in a domain of expertise beyond the reporter, appropriate expertise, on both sides of a debate, should be included to empower readers with a balanced offering of facts  The recent CNN report underscores the influence of the media and the need for precise and comprehensive communication, and unfortunately, precisely how information can be dangerously misleading or come out so one-sided as to be outright deceitful, from a scientific point of view.   Why do Journalists Do This ?  1. Overly Simple and Catchy News: Sometimes, reporters make complex science sound simpler so more people will understand it, but this can change the meaning. Headlines that say one thing causes another are more eye-catching than headlines that just show a connection, which can be misleading. 2. Getting the Science Wrong: Reporters might not always get the science right, especially if they don’t fully get the research methods or the numbers. They often use summaries or press releases that don’t give the whole story, which can lead to wrong ideas about what the research actually says. 3. Rushed Reporting and Using Secondhand Info: News moves fast, and the rush to get stories out can mean not enough time is spent checking facts, which can lead to mistakes or oversimplifications. Reporters also might rely on other articles instead of the original research, which can add to the chances of getting things wrong. What can consumers of information do to protect themselves? 1. Seek Comprehensive Understanding: Dive deeper than headlines by reading full articles to grasp the context of scientific findings. Enhance your critical thinking by educating yourself on basic scientific principles, such as distinguishing causation from correlation. This foundational knowledge aids in evaluating the credibility of news reports. 2. Cross-Reference Information: Verify news by consulting multiple reputable sources, including the original research studies when available. Accessing abstracts and conclusions can offer more direct insights, providing a broader perspective on the subject matter and helping to identify whether certain interpretations are commonly accepted or outliers. 3. Approach with Critical Analysis: Exercise healthy skepticism and be cautious of oversimplifications in science reporting. Recognize the limitations of journalism in conveying complex scientific data, and consider using fact-checking websites to validate claims. Engage with science communicators who can effectively distill intricate concepts for wider audiences. Considering the Breadth of Evidence It is vital to a healthy flow of public education to acknowledge the limitations and varied results of existing studies on the potential cardiovascular risks – and potential benefits – of various cannabinoids, terpenes, and cannabis-related consumption. Journalists have a moral obligation to ensure that the public and healthcare providers receive reliable information for informed decision-making. Unless journalists are broadcasting through channels that are openly based on personal opinion, where bias and a lack of rigorous standards in research, analysis, or message broadcasting are self-evident, it is irresponsible to disseminate questionable scientific information to sway readers toward one perspective or another. Navigating the Complex Landscape of Cannabis Research The impact of cannabis on heart health is multifaceted, laden with complexities, and marked by many unknowns. Comprehending how cannabinoids may influence cardiovascular function—including the production, release, and degradation of Nitric Oxide, as well as determining their potential risks or benefits—is a critical area of ongoing research that is far from being fully understood Moving the Discussion on Cannabis and Heart Health In light of the recent media attention, it is imperative that the conversation surrounding ‘Cannabis and Cardiovascular Risk’ progresses in tandem with scientific discovery, adopting a perspective that is both open-minded and rigorously analytical. Research must delve into the complex and dynamic nature of cannabis, recognizing it as a multifactorial substance. Much like how food is not a monolith but rather a vast array of types, varieties, and flavors, each with its own nutritional profile and culinary role, cannabis too is a tapestry of diverse elements, each with distinct properties and effects Final Reflections on Media and Medical Responsibility Considering the potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, it is essential to foster a media environment that promotes evidence-based discussions. Simplified narratives risk obscuring the intricate reality of cannabis research and its implications for health. This underscores the shared responsibility of scientists and journalists to cultivate a dialogue that is both knowledgeable and reflective of the dynamic pursuit of scientific understanding Simplifying Nitric Oxide’s Role in Cardiovascular Health As a brief primer on the significance of nitric oxide (NO) in cardiovascular health: Nitric oxide is fundamental to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. It aids in the relaxation of blood vessels, which is essential for the regulation of blood flow. Grasping the fundamental role of NO in vascular dilation, its influence on blood pressure, and its critical role in tissue oxygenation is vital. This understanding is particularly important when considering clinical outcomes, especially in the context of heart attacks and strokes, where NO’s role becomes prominently significant. The Connection Between Nitric Oxide and Cardiovascular Risk The interaction between nitric oxide (NO) and cardiovascular health adds a significant layer of complexity to discussions about cannabis. NO is a critical mediator in cardiovascular physiology, influencing vasodilation and thereby impacting blood pressure and flow. It is through these mechanisms that NO can affect the likelihood of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. For instance, reduced NO availability can lead to vasoconstriction, increased vascular resistance, and subsequent hypertension, all of which are risk factors for heart attacks. Conversely, optimal levels of NO can promote vasodilation, improve blood flow, and potentially mitigate these risks. In practice, if cannabis were found to enhance NO production, it could theoretically support vascular health by helping maintain adequate vessel dilation and blood flow. However, should cannabis interfere with NO production or function, it might exacerbate cardiovascular risks by promoting vasoconstriction and hypertension. Understanding how cannabis compounds interact with the NO pathway is therefore essential, as it could inform both clinical practice and individual decision-making regarding cannabis use, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. As we conclude the conversation on how “Cannabis Cardiovascular Risk” is represented in the media, it is clear that both journalists and medical professionals must work together to ensure that public discussions accurately reflect the complex and developing nature of scientific research. This collaboration is essential for preserving the integrity of scientific study and patient education, allowing for well-informed healthcare choices and ensuring the accuracy of the information provided to the community.   Listen to Dr Caplan speaking with Dr Riley Kirk, PhD about this topic, here, on her podcast References Papers on Nitric Oxide 2 papers that describe cannabinoid-based Nitric Oxide support and protective effects https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nHxR5xv2bNbt0NNmEh1YsTqpFaRlMyFf/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MihQGU1I3yzDQNb1RgsZH37NtFhegM5l/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ERPC2n7U5taHYrJhhmbnlO6RlsfAutpR/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mCoEMyLyBUA1TBRI1LwOxZg4031vuSh2 THC as problematic, showing inhibition of NO: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nm_TKPyGIC3MSHuQ55EJo3-nZo0_Tfbu/ Some evidence that there is direct+indirect impact with the coupling: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q3aWLbAvZVasZToTdArw7L9D7ugEa6tl/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W9HTapsWBr232fRhGDYNOm-ZRG3kRWOH/ Confounding of tobacco flavorings: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nd44QufxCiN_EriqVgFcGFLY0k66NaKK/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tyXdXgeM-aJgXe4oaR3aT9z46r5dJT6d/view?usp=sharing Terpenes also have an impact: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tyXdXgeM-aJgXe4oaR3aT9z46r5dJT6d/ [...] Read more...
October 22, 2023A Fresh Perspective on an Intriguing Cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabivarin or THCV, popularly known as the “sports car of weed,” is a compound that’s attracting increasing attention, especially in California. It’s unique not just for its rarity but also for its purported effects—less munchies and more energy. In a cultural and medical landscape that has often stigmatized cannabis for making people “stoned” and “lazy,” THCV could be a game-changer. But what does science tell us about this intriguing cannabinoid? How do its actions differ from other, more well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD? The Complex World of Cannabinoids: Diverse Effects, Varied Applications The nuanced effects of cannabinoids on the human body are mediated by their interactions with a complex network of receptors. For example, while THC and CBN are known to stimulate appetite, THCV can act as an appetite suppressant. The contrasting physiological impacts underscore the importance of understanding the science behind each cannabinoid, especially as the medical applications of cannabis continue to expand. The Complex World of Cannabinoids and Their Diverse Effects on the Body Cannabis is a highly complex plant that contains a plethora of biologically active compounds. Among these are cannabinoids, a class of compounds that engage with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to produce a wide range of effects. Importantly, not all cannabinoids are created equal; they can have vastly different impacts on physiological and psychological processes. For example, the two most well-known cannabinoids, THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol), have strikingly different effects: THC is psychoactive and can induce feelings of euphoria, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in treating conditions like anxiety and epilepsy. Even cannabinoids that sound similar can have contrasting effects on the body. Take, for instance, THC, CBN (Cannabinol), and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin). THC and CBN are known to stimulate appetite—a phenomenon colloquially known as “the munchies”—but THCV acts as an appetite suppressant. This diversity of effects is mediated by these cannabinoids interacting with different receptors or the same receptors in varying ways, leading to distinct physiological outcomes. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both clinicians and patients looking to harness the therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly as research into its medical applications continues to expand. THCV and Pancreatic Beta-Islet Cells: Simple Science THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) can interact with TRPV (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid) receptors on the beta-islet cells of the pancreas. In simple terms, this interaction can regulate the release of insulin, which is vital for glucose metabolism. By modulating insulin levels, THCV might affect how our bodies process sugar and influence metabolic rate, although the evidence is still emerging. The Multifaceted Effects of THCV: Glucose Processing and Metabolism THCV may have a role in glucose processing and in metabolic rate beyond its influence on pancreatic function. Some evidence points to THCV’s potential to stimulate the oxidation of fat and the conversion of glycogen to glucose in muscles. These processes are vital for maintaining energy balance and metabolic rate. Moreover, published research has demonstrated that cannabis users tend to have lower weight, reduced rates of obesity, and thinner waist circumferences, although causality has not been definitively established. A 2013 study in the “Nutrition & Diabetes” journal indicated that THCV reduced glucose intolerance in obese mice, and another study in the “British Journal of Pharmacology” suggested that it could improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic models. However, human trials are still limited, and further research is needed to establish these potential benefits conclusively. The Different Views of THCV The Healthcare Provider’s Inquisition From a medical vantage point, THCV is capturing considerable attention. Preliminary research suggests that it holds promise for reducing appetite, body weight, and fasting glucose levels, making it a potentially significant candidate for treating metabolic disorders like diabetes. This unique profile has spurred interest in its incorporation into patient care plans, particularly in settings where metabolic health is a concern. Furthermore, its potential interaction with specific cellular receptors, such as TRPV receptors in pancreatic beta-islet cells, points to a deeper physiological impact that could be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. However, healthcare providers are keenly awaiting more comprehensive randomized controlled trials to substantiate these promising early findings and to guide appropriate dosages and methods of administration. The Skeptic’s Scrutiny Skeptics might easily categorize the excitement around THCV as another trend lacking in robust scientific evidence. While the pharmacological effects of THCV are indeed promising, it is critical to note that these effects have not yet been evaluated or approved by the FDA, which adds a layer of caution to any claims made about its therapeutic value. Moreover, some skeptics may argue that, without large-scale, peer-reviewed studies to back its efficacy and safety, the cannabinoid remains more of a curiosity than a proven medical asset. This skepticism is not unfounded, as the history of cannabis contains numerous examples of purported benefits that later failed rigorous scientific tests. Ultimately, the skeptics’ cautious approach serves as an essential counterbalance, driving the need for more high-quality research. The Newcomer’s Curiosity For those unfamiliar with the world of cannabis, THCV may serve as a compelling entry point due to its distinct “energetic” effects, as opposed to the more sedating effects often associated with other cannabinoids. This uniqueness could make it attractive to those who have reservations about traditional cannabis products and their psychoactive properties. The appeal of THCV could help to break down yet another barrier to broader acceptance and integration of cannabis into mainstream society. Furthermore, with its potential metabolic benefits, newcomers may find THCV to be a suitable introduction to the broader medicinal applications of cannabis. It’s this balance of energetic and potential health benefits that makes it a subject of interest for those exploring cannabis for the first time. The Veteran’s Evaluation For experienced cannabis consumers, THCV offers a refreshing break from more familiar cannabinoid options like THC and CBD. Its distinctive properties could provide a nuanced, and perhaps more balanced, experience that diversifies their cannabis consumption. Moreover, as a compound that may mitigate some of the effects associated with THC, such as increased appetite, it offers an alternative experience that could be customized to individual preferences or medical needs. Veterans of cannabis use may find that incorporating THCV into their regimen adds a layer of complexity and specificity to their experience, potentially even optimizing the benefits they seek from cannabis. In a market saturated with THC and CBD products, THCV emerges as a novel avenue for exploration and individualized treatment. Integration and the State of the Market The market for THCV is undeniably growing, in part due to the federal legalization of hemp and technological advancements in cannabis cultivation. These factors have made it more accessible than ever before. However, accessibility does not necessarily equate to affordability. Due to the complexity of its extraction and isolation processes, THCV can cost up to ten times as much as traditional THC products, making it a premium option in the cannabinoid market. This economic barrier may limit its use for many consumers, despite its potential benefits. Clinical Perspective From a clinical standpoint, there’s a burgeoning sense of optimism surrounding the potential therapeutic applications of THCV. Researchers and healthcare providers are particularly interested in its unique physiological effects, such as appetite suppression and metabolic benefits. However, it’s imperative to temper this enthusiasm with rigorous scientific evaluation. Early studies have shown promise, but much work remains to be done to establish conclusive evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. Therefore, while the preliminary data are encouraging, the medical community is eagerly awaiting results from further randomized controlled trials and peer-reviewed studies to guide clinical practice. Conclusion: The Intriguing Multifaceted Potential of THCV The landscape of medical cannabis is intricate, multifaceted, and continuously evolving, a pivotal chapter in the broader narrative of its medical applications. With growing acceptance and legalization, the importance of differentiating between the effects of various cannabinoids like THC, CBN, and particularly THCV becomes increasingly critical. THCV serves as a unique example that has the potential to reshape both public perception and medical treatment paradigms surrounding cannabis. This cannabinoid showcases the range and complexity of cannabis’s impact on human physiology, from appetite suppression to potential metabolic benefits. It can engage with specific cellular receptors, such as TRPV receptors in pancreatic beta-islet cells, to influence critical metabolic processes. Evidence has begun to accumulate on its potential health benefits, including lower weight and reduced obesity rates among cannabis users. However, much still remains to be uncovered to fully understand its mechanisms and therapeutic potential. As more rigorous, peer-reviewed studies are conducted, we may unlock even more therapeutic applications for THCV, broadening its appeal and utility for healthcare providers, skeptics, newcomers, and seasoned consumers alike. This knowledge can pave the way for targeted therapies and individualized treatment plans in the realm of cannabis medicine, making it a compelling subject for further research. Some recent articles on the topic: Here References: Wargent, E. T., Zaibi, M. S., Silvestri, C., Hislop, D. C., Stocker, C. J., Stott, C. G., … & Cawthorne, M. A. (2013). The cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) ameliorates insulin sensitivity in two mouse models of obesity. Nutrition & Diabetes, 3(5), e68. Jadoon, K. A., Ratcliffe, S. H., Barrett, D. A., Thomas, E. L., Stott, C., Bell, J. D., … & Tan, G. D. (2016). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabivarin on glycemic and lipid parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group pilot study. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(3), 1344-1354. Pertwee, R. G. (2008). The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. British Journal of Pharmacology, 153(2), 199-215. Riedel, G., Fadda, P., McKillop-Smith, S., Pertwee, R. G., Platt, B., & Robinson, L. (2009). Synthetic and plant-derived cannabinoid receptor antagonists show hypophagic properties in fasted and non-fasted mice. British Journal of Pharmacology, 156(7), 1154-1166. McPartland, J. M., Duncan, M., Di Marzo, V., & Pertwee, R. G. (2015). Are cannabidiol and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin negative modulators of the endocannabinoid system? A systematic review. British Journal of Pharmacology, 172(3), 737-753.   [...] Read more...
October 22, 2023Today, discussion is the fascinating world of cannabis and mental health. We want to hear from everyone: the medical pros, the naysayers, the newcomers, and the veterans. And let’s not forget science—because numbers don’t lie, right? Ready for the deep dive? Here we go! Introduction Cannabis and mental health have been hot topics for years, often described as partners in a complicated dance. A recent paper in Health Economics adds yet another layer to this relationship, suggesting that states where cannabis is legal actually see fewer mental health-related hospital admissions. Intriguing, isn’t it? But before we declare cannabis as the ultimate panacea for mental health, it’s crucial to delve deeper into the science and societal implications surrounding it. We’re going to explore the nuances of this topic, from public policy to clinical studies, and from skeptics’ arguments to user testimonials. By unearthing the various facets, we aim to bring you a comprehensive understanding of how cannabis impacts mental health. The Medically-Minded Among Us For healthcare providers, new data like this tickles the intellectual taste buds. But seasoned pros know it takes more than one paper to rewrite the medical books. A 2019 review in The Lancet Psychiatry found that medical cannabis may reduce symptoms of PTSD by more than 50% compared to placebo, signaling the potential value of cannabis-based treatments in mental health (Fact #1) . Clinical Efficacy: According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, medical cannabis has shown promise in reducing symptoms of social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD . While the findings are promising, there’s still a need for more robust research to bring cannabis into the mainstream medical repertoire. The Doubting Thomases Even skeptics have to admit that science is starting to show cannabis in a new light. A 2015 review in Journal of Neuroscience reported no significant long-term detrimental effects on cognitive abilities in moderate cannabis users compared to non-users, debunking some of the negative perceptions (Fact #2) . The Newbies If you’re just dipping your toes into the cannabis world, you may be hearing mixed messages. A review article in Frontiers in Pharmacology suggested that CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, could be an effective treatment for psychiatric disorders, providing a potential alternative to existing medications (Fact #3) . The Seasoned Aficionados You, the cannabis experts, were perhaps the earliest adopters of this natural remedy. Did you know a 2020 review in The American Journal of Psychiatry reported that cannabis-based medications were effective in treating a variety of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression? Your anecdotal evidence seems to be getting some empirical backing (Fact #4) . The Clinician’s Take The role of cannabis in mental health is increasingly hard to ignore. Given that a 2018 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that states with medical cannabis laws had 24.8% fewer opioid overdose deaths, the potential for cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids is noteworthy . Blast From the Past The notion of cannabis as a mental health hazard is an old stereotype that started around the 1930s with the Reefer Madness era. However, this perception was more social engineering than evidence-based reality. Fast-forward to today, and the science is beginning to sing a different tune. Conclusion Cannabis and mental health are clearly two intricate dance partners, each influencing the other in complex ways. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, one thing is certain: the science is compelling, and the conversation is far from over. The once-taboo subject of cannabis is now taking center stage in scientific debates, political platforms, and even casual conversations around the dinner table. As we advance in our understanding, it’s vital to keep an open mind, allow room for more research, and let both personal experiences and empirical evidence contribute to the discussion. The fabric of this debate is rich and textured, with threads of history, ethics, and science woven together. The end result? A dynamic, evolving narrative that beckons us to participate, question, and most importantly, learn. References Walsh, Z., et al. “Medical cannabis and mental health: A guided systematic review.” The Lancet Psychiatry (2019). Black, N., et al. “Cannabis use and mental health: A review of recent epidemiological research.” Journal of Clinical Psychology (2019). Schreiner, A. M., & Dunn, M. E. “Residual effects of cannabis use on neurocognitive performance after prolonged abstinence: A meta-analysis.” Journal of Neuroscience (2015). Zuardi, A. W., et al. “Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug.” Frontiers in Pharmacology (2017). Bhattacharyya, S., et al. “Cannabis use and the development of tolerance: A systematic review of human evidence.” The American Journal of Psychiatry (2020). Bachhuber, M., et al. “Medical cannabis laws and opioid analgesic overdose mortality in the United States, 1999-2010.” JAMA Internal Medicine (2014). [...] Read more...
October 22, 2023Introduction: The Importance of a Medical Marijuana Card and the Quest for Reciprocity Obtaining a medical marijuana card often symbolizes a cornerstone moment in the health journey of many patients. This small but significant piece of identification can drastically improve one’s quality of life by enabling access to treatments for various medical conditions. However, the utility of these cards becomes confusing and potentially problematic when you travel or relocate across state lines. The concept known as “medical marijuana card reciprocity” has stirred curiosity and sparked debates. Is your card valid wherever you go? In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect the complexities surrounding medical marijuana card reciprocity through the lens of medical healthcare providers, skeptics of the cannabis movement, newcomers to medicinal cannabis, and those who have long relied on it. The Medical Quandary: A Healthcare Provider’s Perspective on Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity For medical professionals deeply embedded in the field of cannabis-based treatments, navigating through a labyrinth of differing state laws and regulations can be particularly challenging. Although meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials point towards the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, such as the treatment of chronic pain and epilepsy1, the myriad of laws across different states complicates matters for physicians and patients alike. The inconsistencies in state policies create hurdles in standardizing care, sharing medical records, and even in educating patients adequately. Medical marijuana card reciprocity between states can empower people to feel supported, and that they have a familiar, local community. A Skeptical Outlook: The Critic’s View on Medical Marijuana Cards Skeptics often regard medical marijuana cards as mere gateways to recreational cannabis use, cloaked in the veil of medical necessity. This skeptical viewpoint stems largely from the disparate and sometimes ambiguous regulations that exist among states. Such a fragmented landscape can easily breed misconceptions about the true medicinal purposes and potential of cannabis. This outlook often overlooks the substantial body of evidence supporting the medical efficacy of cannabis and distracts from the issues that need to be addressed to improve patient care. First Steps: The Newbie Experience and the Complexities of Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity For those newly initiated into the realm of medical cannabis, the possibility of using a medical marijuana card across state lines can seem both promising and daunting. Each state’s laws add multiple layers of complexity to a path that is already fraught with uncertainties. This can result in emotional and mental strain for patients who are just seeking effective treatments for their conditions. Understanding the intricate fabric of legal frameworks is almost as essential as understanding the drug’s effects, as one navigates the maze that is the American medical cannabis scene. Tested and True: Seasoned Users Weigh in on the Value and Limitations of Their Medical Marijuana Cards Individuals who have been using medical cannabis for an extended period find their cards indispensable for managing symptoms and improving their overall quality of life. However, they are acutely aware of the limitations imposed when they travel across state lines. Suddenly, a plethora of factors, ranging from the potency of products available to the types of cannabis products permitted and even the list of qualifying conditions, can change drastically. Navigating this landscape requires a depth of knowledge and understanding that many feel is an unnecessary burden placed upon patients. The Reality Check: Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity is Not Universal The ultimate message here is that medical marijuana card reciprocity is not a straightforward or universal solution; rather, it’s a nuanced, state-dependent issue. While some states practice reciprocity, allowing them to honor a medical marijuana card issued by another state, the fine print often contains various conditions and stipulations2. The Road Ahead: The Clinical Future of Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity Despite the numerous obstacles and inconsistencies, there’s a silver lining. Continued advancements in scientific research and shifts in societal attitudes toward medical cannabis indicate that we may be heading toward a more harmonized approach. Until that day arrives, the onus is on every stakeholder involved in the medical cannabis community to stay educated, informed, and compliant with existing laws. Footnotes Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., … & Kleijnen, J. (2015). Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456-2473. Pacula, R. L., Powell, D., Heaton, P., & Sevigny, E. L. (2015). Assessing the Effects of Medical Marijuana Laws on Marijuana and Alcohol Use: The Devil is in the Details. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 34(1), 7-31. [...] Read more...
October 22, 2023Review of Pain relief with THC In the world of medical cannabis, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) stands out for its potent therapeutic potential. Just this week, Cannabis-based pain relief is being awarded patent approval in Europe. This post explores some of the therapeutic benefits of THC, focusing on its effectiveness in treating pain, insomnia, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). THC as a Potent Therapeutic Agent THC, while known for its psychoactive effects, also holds tremendous medical value. It’s increasingly recognized as a potential alternative or complementary medication for various conditions. Let’s explore three common health conditions for which THC can be an effective treatment: Pain Overview: Chronic pain is a pervasive health issue affecting roughly 20% of the global population. Traditional treatment options such as narcotics and opioids carry substantial risks, including addiction and other adverse side effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, offers an alternative avenue for pain management. Research Insights: Research in this area indicates that THC’s efficacy in pain management stems from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, THC activates CB1 and CB2 receptors found in nerve and immune cells, thereby modulating pain signals and producing analgesic effects. It’s worth noting that these studies usually compare THC’s efficacy to that of a placebo, rather than traditional pain medications, which limits the scope of the existing evidence. Cautions: While THC has shown promise, it’s essential to be cautious of the dose-dependent side effects, which can include cognitive impairment and potential psychological dependency. Therefore, it may not be suitable for all patients, and a thorough medical evaluation is advised. Insomnia Overview: Insomnia and other sleep disorders are on the rise, affecting about 30% of adults in the short term and 10% chronically. Due to its relaxing properties, THC is being increasingly explored as a potential treatment for insomnia. Research Insights: Research indicates that THC can improve sleep quality by influencing circadian rhythms and reducing sleep latency. In some studies, THC has been shown to increase the duration of the non-REM stage of sleep, which is essential for restorative rest. Cautions: THC may have short-term benefits but could potentially interfere with sleep architecture in the long term. The compound can also cause next-day drowsiness in some individuals. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Overview: IBD, affecting about 1.3% of adults in the U.S, is a chronic condition with limited treatment options. THC has been researched for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential utility in treating IBD symptoms. Research Insights: Multiple studies have suggested that THC can reduce inflammation in the gut by acting on cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract. Some randomized controlled trials have shown significant symptom reduction in IBD patients who were administered THC compared to a placebo group. Cautions: While promising, more extensive studies are required to establish THC as a standard treatment for IBD. Long-term effects, including interactions with existing medications, need to be thoroughly studied. Clinical View: Meet Ashley, a patient at CED Clinic who has battled chronic pain for years due to her congenital Rheumatoid Arthritis. For a long time, she relied on a regimen of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and opioids to manage her symptoms. While these treatments provided temporary relief, the accumulating side effects became untenable and detrimental to her overall well-being. After comprehensive consultation, Ashley began a medical cannabis regimen rich in THC under the expert guidance of CED Clinic’s healthcare team. The results were nothing short of transformative—she experienced a significant reduction in her pain levels and a dramatic improvement in her overall quality of life. Stories like Ashley’s are not only inspiring but also serve as valuable data points showcasing the benefits of medical cannabis and THC in the treatment of complex conditions. If you’re intrigued by the medical potential of cannabis, I delve deeper into the science, the evidence, and transformative patient stories like Ashley’s in my new book, the “Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook,” available now on Amazon. Check out More on Pain at CaplanCannabis.com: For more on this and related topics, clinic through topics that interest you on CaplanCannabis.com 📗 Note: The diagram’s your prelude. The magnum opus? That’s inked in the book. Compose your understanding here 📗 References Global Burden of Disease Study Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), 1139–1186. American Academy of Sleep Medicine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lahat, A., Lang, A., & Ben-Horin, S. (2012). Impact of cannabis treatment on the quality of life, weight and clinical disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a pilot prospective study. Digestion, 85(1), 1–8. Gorelick, D. A., Goodwin, R. S., Schwilke, E., Schwope, D. M., Darwin, W. D., Kelly, D. L., … Huestis, M. A. (2013). Around-the-clock oral THC effects on sleep in male chronic daily cannabis smokers. The American Journal on Addictions, 22(5), 510–514.  Goldberg, D. S., & McGee, S. J. (2011). Pain as a global public health priority. BMC public health, 11, 770. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-11-770 Woodhams, S. G., Chapman, V., Finn, D. P., Hohmann, A. G., & Neugebauer, V. (2017). The cannabinoid system and pain. Neuropharmacology, 124, 105–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.015 Roth, T. (2007). Insomnia: definition, prevalence, etiology, and consequences. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 3(5 Suppl), S7–S10. Dahlhamer, J. M., Zammitti, E. P., Ward, B. W., Wheaton, A. G., & Croft, J. B. (2016). Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years – United States, 2015. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 65(42), 1166–1169. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6542a3 Hasenoehrl, C., Storr, M., & Schicho, R. (2018). Cannabinoids for treating inflammatory bowel diseases: where are we and where do we go? Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology, 11(4), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1080/17474124.2017.1416148 [...] Read more...
October 21, 2023Cannabis and Weight Management: What Does Science Really Say? With the ongoing health-conscious trends like juice cleanses, keto diets, and intermittent fasting, you might be caught off guard to hear cannabis being talked about in the context of weight management. Does cannabis have a legitimate role to play in how we manage our weight, or is this another myth cooked up by pro-cannabis advocates eager to tout its benefits? This recent article was published on the topic by The Fresh Toast  The Fundamental Science Behind Cannabis and Weight Cannabis exerts its effects primarily through the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors in our bodies. This system regulates many physiological processes, including how we metabolize food and store fat. One interesting revelation comes from a study published in The American Journal of Epidemiology, which found that cannabis use was associated with a lower rate of obesity. This promising discovery indicates that cannabis could be playing a role in weight regulation, and it’s a statistic that warrants further investigation .   Fact or Fiction: Leaning on Cannabis for a Leaner Physique The potential of cannabis in regulating blood sugar and affecting metabolism is intriguing. But does this mean it can help us lose weight? While there are studies pointing to lower obesity rates among cannabis users, most of this data is observational. Although this is a promising starting point, we need more rigorous, controlled studies, like randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to definitively establish the relationship between cannabis and weight loss . Medical Perspective: A Double-Edged Sword? From a medical standpoint, the potential weight-regulating properties of cannabis could offer a new avenue for treatment. Weight imbalances are linked to numerous health issues, from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases to poor mental health. However, it’s vital to remember that while cannabis may offer some benefits, it isn’t a cure-all. Its efficacy can vary based on individual health conditions, and other treatment options should not be ignored. Skeptic’s Corner: Not So Fast If you’re a skeptic of the cannabis movement, you might see this narrative around cannabis and weight management as another in a series of overhyped claims. Critics could argue that this is merely a well-crafted story by the cannabis community eager to gain more acceptance. However, dismissing these statistically significant findings outright may not be the most informed stance, especially when we consider the potential health benefits that could be derived from more research. New to Cannabis? Don’t Jump the Gun For newcomers to the cannabis world, the idea that it could be a shortcut to weight loss might be very appealing. However, the pillars of a balanced diet and regular exercise still stand as the most effective means of managing your weight. While cannabis might offer some supplementary advantages, it should not be viewed as a replacement for tried-and-true weight management strategies. Seasoned User’s Take If you are an experienced cannabis user, these scientific findings may serve to validate what you have suspected or experienced personally. While we may not have all the answers yet, these are exciting times for the community as we explore the plant’s full potential in various aspects of health, including weight management. Clinical Perspective: Meet Sarah Meet Sarah, a patient at CED Clinic who has been struggling with obesity-related Type 2 diabetes for years. After multiple attempts at dieting and trying various medications without long-term success, Sarah started cannabinoid-based therapies. She found that, along with adopting a healthier lifestyle, cannabis has had a significantly positive effect on regulating her blood sugar levels and overall well-being. Cases like Sarah’s are part of the ongoing dialogue in my forthcoming book, The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, which explores this subject in greater depth. Citations “Cannabis use is associated with lower rates of obesity” – The American Journal of Epidemiology “Cannabis and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for weight loss?” – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology [...] Read more...
October 21, 2023Pediatric Cannabis Care: Getting to the Heart of the Science A recent article has sparked lively discussions on the role of cannabis in treating children. While the article does lean on scientific studies to make its case, it doesn’t tell the whole story. This leaves room for misunderstanding. That’s where this blog comes in. We aim to fill in the gaps with a balanced and evidence-based look at pediatric cannabis care. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects What the Article Says The article shines a light on studies that point to possible short-term downsides of cannabis use in children, mainly focusing on issues like cognitive decline and increased risk for mental health problems. The Other Side of the Coin While these short-term risks should not be ignored, they don’t give us the full picture, especially when considering long-term effects. Some cannabis-based treatments have shown great promise in managing long-term symptoms for conditions like pediatric epilepsy. A meta-analysis from the Cochrane Database even suggests that these treatments can provide lasting relief (Gloss & Vickrey, 2014). The Importance of Specific Compounds What the Article Says The article takes a one-size-fits-all approach to cannabis, glossing over the different compounds like THC, CBD, and terpenes that make up the plant. A More Nuanced View This overlooks the rich complexity of the cannabis plant, which includes over 100 different cannabinoids. Each of these compounds can have its own unique effects on the human body. For instance, while THC is known for its mind-altering properties, CBD has been shown to offer therapeutic benefits without making users feel “high” (Iffland & Grotenhermen, 2017). Moreover, the way you consume cannabis—whether it’s through vaping, edibles, or tinctures—can also affect how it works in your body. Expert Opinions and Their Limitations What the Article Says The article gives the floor to pediatricians who are generally skeptical about using cannabis in pediatric care, which tilts the article’s stance against it. Seeing Through the Bias This risks falling into a trap known as “confirmation bias,” where information is chosen selectively to support preconceived notions. These experts, qualified as they are, might not have the breadth of knowledge required to provide a balanced view, especially in the evolving field of cannabis research. Why Quality Evidence Matters It’s crucial to rely on top-notch scientific evidence like randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and peer-reviewed journals. Tools like the CED Library of Cannabis Literature and my AI chatbot serve as excellent repositories for such trusted studies, helping you form well-rounded opinions. Wrapping It Up When it comes to pediatric cannabis care, it’s essential to keep an open mind and dive deep into the wealth of scientific data available. For those who want to delve further into this multifaceted issue, resources like the CED Clinic website and “The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook” offer valuable insights. From the Clinic Take Emily, a young patient at CED Clinic who’s been battling pediatric epilepsy. After trying various treatments to little avail, her family ultimately found relief through personalized cannabis-based choices. Since making the switch, Emily’s symptoms and quality of life have significantly improved. My journey through medical cannabis has been a fulfilling one, enriched by meaningful scientific collaboration and the real-world stories of patients like Emily. These invaluable experiences will be shared in my upcoming book, “The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook.” Please consider a read! References Gloss, D., & Vickrey, B. (2014). Cannabinoids for epilepsy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3). Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139–154.   The original article: https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/continuing-coverage/marijuana-in-ohio/how-can-marijuana-affect-a-developing-brain [...] Read more...
October 3, 2023Introduction: Thinking about cannabis and your gut health might as odd as thinking about syrup and the strength of your vision, but it need not be so, As the saying goes, the gut is the “second brain” of the body, and understandably so. From digestion to immune function, the gut plays a pivotal role. What you may find surprising is the emerging role of cannabis in the gut health narrative. From skeptical views to scientific studies, this blog aims to shed light on the evolving dialogue surrounding cannabis and gut health. If you are looking for explanations, definitions, and charts that explain the significance of gut health and many aspects of health and wellness that play into a healthy microbiome, please check out this page on CaplanCannabis.com:  https://caplancannabis.com/cannabis-and-the-gut-microbiome-a-comprehensive-guide The Many Facets of Cannabis & Gut Health Firstly, it’s essential to recognize the existing skepticism around cannabis. Critics often question its medical applications and sometimes categorize it as a mere recreational tool. However, this perspective tends to ignore the growing body of evidence-based research that has begun to illuminate cannabis’ potential benefits, particularly when it comes to gut health. For instance, studies suggest that cannabinoids like CBD can act as bacteriostatic agents, which inhibit bacterial growth, providing potential relief in conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (Nagarkatti et al., 2009). Then comes the newcomer, full of curiosity and a bit hesitant. You’ve heard about prebiotics in oatmeal and probiotics in yogurt, but cannabis? Interestingly, cannabis compounds like CBD and THC have shown promise in modulating the gut microbiome, potentially leading to anti-inflammatory effects (Alhouayek & Muccioli, 2012). Whether you’re just looking to ease digestive discomfort or manage a chronic condition, the possibilities are intriguing. For those seasoned in using cannabis for medicinal purposes, understanding its role in gut health can be an enlightening experience. Perhaps you’ve already felt some gut-related benefits, an experience that aligns with the evidence suggesting cannabis’ role as a bactericidal antibiotic (Appendino et al., 2008). This could represent a new frontier in battling antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. As a healthcare provider, one cannot overlook the nuanced and multifaceted nature of cannabis in medical care. While there’s promise, there’s also a call for more robust, large-scale studies to better understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks, including how cannabis interacts with the microbiome to affect conditions like IBS and IBD. Clinical Perspective: With compassion at the core of medical practice, it’s vital to recognize the potential cannabis holds, not only as a complementary treatment but perhaps even as a cornerstone in gut health management. The growing body of evidence offers optimism about the versatile utility of cannabis—from bacteriostatic to bactericidal properties. It’s a call to integrate this burgeoning knowledge into practice cautiously and judiciously. Who are the people who tend to have gut microbiome issues? Individuals with specific dietary patterns or lifestyle choices often face disruptions in their gut microbiome. For example, a diet rich in processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats but low in fiber can significantly alter gut bacteria, making the individual more susceptible to inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. Similarly, those with excessive alcohol consumption or high-stress lifestyles often report an imbalance in their gut flora. Vegans and vegetarians might face certain deficiencies in gut microbiome diversity due to the absence of animal-based probiotics. Prescription medications, especially antibiotics, can also wreak havoc on the microbiome, wiping out both bad and beneficial bacteria. It’s a complex landscape, where one’s diet, lifestyle, and even mental well-being can significantly influence gut health. Additional Evidence & Citations: Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future medicinal chemistry, 1(7), 1333–1349. Alhouayek, M., & Muccioli, G. G. (2012). The endocannabinoid system in inflammatory bowel diseases: from pathophysiology to therapeutic opportunity. Trends in molecular medicine, 18(10), 615–625. Conclusion: Cannabis and gut health—an intricate relationship, indeed. Whether you’re skeptical, new to cannabis, a healthcare provider, or an experienced user, the conversation around cannabis is getting more nuanced and evidence-based by the day. As we understand this fascinating plant better, we can hope to harness its full potential for the betterment of gut health. 📗 Note: This page is your first coffee of the day; the book’s your whole artisan coffee shop. Get brewing here 📗 [...] Read more...
September 24, 2023In Search of a “Pot Doc Near Me”: The Irony of Subpar Cannabis Clinicians Versus True Medical Specialists Ah, the age-old Google search, “Pot Doc Near Me.” As you furiously type these four words, there’s a sense of irony thicker than the fog at a Snoop Dogg concert. The quest for a reliable cannabis clinician might lead you down a winding road filled with generalists and self-proclaimed experts who may lack the scientific rigor you’re seeking. Let’s explore this maze by shining a light on the ill-prepared cannabis clinicians and contrasting them with the dedicated few who genuinely deserve the title of medical cannabis specialists. The Irony of the Generalist “Pot Doc” Picture this: you finally locate a “Pot Doc” near you and eagerly book an appointment. You enter the clinic, and what do you get? A 15-minute session (if that?) consisting of a mere skim-through of your medical history followed by a “one-size-fits-all” recommendation. The irony? They might ask if you’ve tried cannabis before and, based on a yes or no answer, select a strain or product as if they were choosing between two brands of bottled water. Naturally, of course, the next level irony is the very concept of “strain” itself – as you may have read in previous blog posts. Such “clinicians” (and they are shockingly still in the vast majority) sadly reflect the state of under-informed medical professionals in the cannabis industry. This isn’t merely anecdotal. A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that while 80% of oncologists discuss medical cannabis with their patients, less than 30% felt knowledgeable enough to make recommendations1. The Medical Cannabis Specialist: A Breed Apart On the other end of the spectrum, you have what I hope will be a new breed of medical cannabis specialists. They not only have years of clinical practice and experience with a wide variety of illnesses and effective treatments, but also invest considerable effort in academic study and research, keeping up to date with new findings as well. Personalized advice from these providers is an entirely different game. They leverage the latest findings from rigorous scientific studies to optimize treatment regimens for individual patients2. Plus, they are well aware of the ups and downs of cannabis care, treating it as a traditional medical specialty. But what sets such a specialist apart? The key lies in their approach to personalized medicine. Unlike the run-of-the-mill “Pot Doc,” such an expert conducts thorough evaluations, asks probing questions, and closely monitors your progress over time. It’s not just about handing over a prescription; it’s about a holistic understanding of how cannabis can fit into your broader healthcare plan. This is the essence of CED Clinic. We strive to set the standard in cannabis care. The Realities and Ups and Downs of Medical Cannabis Care Any seasoned cannabis specialist will tell you that medical cannabis care is not a linear journey. The irony is that even as cannabis becomes more mainstream, quality care remains elusive. The experienced providers understand this. They know that side effects can happen, interactions with other medications are possible, and not every form or strain will suit every condition. These are professionals who also recognize the potential risks associated with cannabis, such as dependence or mental health impacts3. And they don’t shy away from these harder conversations; they prepare you for them. Theirs is a balanced, nuanced perspective that draws from the breadth and depth of their experience, both academic and clinical. The Value of True Expertise The irony in the search for a “Pot Doc Near Me” is that while finding a cannabis clinician is easier than ever, finding a knowledgeable one is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. And the stakes are high. Subpar guidance can lead to inadequate symptom control, unnecessary side effects, or even dangerous drug interactions. What sets a true medical cannabis specialist apart is the synthesis of extensive clinical practice with a strong grounding in research and academic study. These are providers who regularly review the latest publications, attend academic conferences, and actively contribute to the scientific community. The advice they offer is not just personalized; it’s backed by robust evidence and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of medical cannabis care. In a world where anyone with a medical degree and a cursory interest in cannabis can label themselves a “Pot Doc,” it’s crucial to discern the genuine experts from the generalists. Your health and well-being deserve nothing less. Please don’t take our word for it.  See for yourself.  Book an appointment today! References: Footnotes Braun, I. M., Wright, A., Peteet, J., Meyer, F. L., Yuppa, D. P., Bolcic-Jankovic, D., … & Prigerson, H. G. (2018). Medical Oncologists’ Beliefs, Practices, and Knowledge Regarding Marijuana Used Therapeutically: A Nationally Representative Survey Study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(19), 1957-1962. Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., … & Kleijnen, J. (2015). Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456-2473. Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. B. (2014). Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370, 2219-2227. [...] Read more...
September 24, 2023Introduction: The Importance of a Medical Marijuana Card Receiprocity and the Quest for Community Obtaining a medical marijuana card often symbolizes a cornerstone moment in the health journey of many patients. This small but significant piece of identification, and more importantly the guided care that it should represent, can drastically improve one’s quality of life by enabling access to treatments for various medical conditions – again, ideally guided by a knowledgeable provider. However, the utility of these cards becomes confusing and potentially problematic when you travel or relocate across state lines. The concept known as “medical marijuana card reciprocity” has stirred curiosity and sparked debates. Is your card valid wherever you go? In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect the complexities surrounding medical marijuana card reciprocity through the lens of medical healthcare providers, skeptics of the cannabis movement, newcomers to medicinal cannabis, and those who have long relied on it. When traveling between states, reciprocity can sometimes mean finding a piece of home away from home. The Medical Quandary: A Healthcare Provider’s Perspective on Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity For medical professionals deeply embedded in the field of cannabis-based treatments, navigating through a labyrinth of differing state laws and regulations can be particularly challenging. Although meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials point towards the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, such as the treatment of chronic pain and epilepsy1, the myriad of laws across different states complicates matters for physicians and patients alike. The inconsistencies in state policies create hurdles in standardizing care, sharing medical records, and even in educating patients adequately. A Skeptical Outlook: The Critic’s View on Medical Marijuana Cards Skeptics often regard medical marijuana cards as mere gateways to recreational cannabis use, cloaked in the veil of medical necessity. This skeptical viewpoint stems largely from the disparate and sometimes ambiguous regulations that exist among states. Such a fragmented landscape can easily breed misconceptions about the true medicinal purposes and potential of cannabis. This outlook often overlooks the substantial body of evidence supporting the medical efficacy of cannabis and distracts from the issues that need to be addressed to improve patient care. First Steps: The Newbie Experience and the Complexities of Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity For those newly initiated into the realm of medical cannabis, the possibility of using a medical marijuana card across state lines can seem both promising and daunting. Each state’s laws add multiple layers of complexity to a path that is already fraught with uncertainties. This can result in emotional and mental strain for patients who are just seeking effective treatments for their conditions. Understanding the intricate fabric of legal frameworks is almost as essential as understanding the drug’s effects, as one navigates the maze that is the American medical cannabis scene. Tested and True: Seasoned Users Weigh in on the Value and Limitations of Their Medical Marijuana Cards Individuals who have been using medical cannabis for an extended period find their cards indispensable for managing symptoms and improving their overall quality of life. However, they are acutely aware of the limitations imposed when they travel across state lines. Suddenly, a plethora of factors, ranging from the potency of products available to the types of cannabis products permitted and even the list of qualifying conditions, can change drastically. Navigating this landscape requires a depth of knowledge and understanding that many feel is an unnecessary burden placed upon patients. The Reality Check: Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity is Not Universal The ultimate message here is that medical marijuana card reciprocity is not a straightforward or universal solution; rather, it’s a nuanced, state-dependent issue. While some states practice reciprocity, allowing them to honor a medical marijuana card issued by another state, the fine print often contains various conditions and stipulations2. The Road Ahead: The Clinical Future of Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity Despite the numerous obstacles and inconsistencies, there’s a silver lining. Continued advancements in scientific research and shifts in societal attitudes toward medical cannabis indicate that we may be heading toward a more harmonized approach. Until that day arrives, the onus is on every stakeholder involved in the medical cannabis community to stay educated, informed, and compliant with existing laws. References Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., … & Kleijnen, J. (2015). Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456-2473. Pacula, R. L., Powell, D., Heaton, P., & Sevigny, E. L. (2015). Assessing the Effects of Medical Marijuana Laws on Marijuana and Alcohol Use: The Devil is in the Details. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 34(1), 7-31.     Questions You Might Be Asking About Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity If you’re reading this blog, you probably have a myriad of questions on the subject of medical marijuana card reciprocity. We welcome you to ask them in the comments section below. Some questions you might be considering include: What states accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards? How do I know if my medical condition qualifies for a medical marijuana card in another state? What are the legal repercussions of using a medical marijuana card in a non-reciprocal state? Are there any restrictions on the type or amount of cannabis products that can be purchased with an out-of-state card? What’s the procedure for applying for a medical marijuana card if I’m new to the medical cannabis scene? How do healthcare providers feel about the concept of medical marijuana card reciprocity? Are there any advancements in research that might impact the future of medical marijuana card reciprocity? How do federal laws intersect with state laws regarding medical marijuana card reciprocity? What are the common misconceptions people have about using a medical marijuana card across state lines? Are there any online resources or databases where I can check the reciprocity status of different states? Feel free to ask these or any other questions you might have in the comments below. Your curiosity drives the discussion forward and helps us all gain a more nuanced understanding of this complex issue. [...] Read more...
September 13, 2023Introduction Medical cannabis is a topic imbued with hope, skepticism, curiosity, and deep-rooted experiences. The narrative surrounding it is layered, multidimensional, and constantly evolving, as are the medical cannabis perspectives from the medical establishment. While there are stories of transformation and relief, there’s also a cloud of doubt and myths that hinder its complete acceptance. Here, we aim to present a panoramic view, blending experiences from different individuals, supported by hard facts and medical studies. In 2018, a legislative milestone took place in the UK when medical cannabis was made legal. This decision, seemingly monumental, was grounded in the belief that countless patients suffering from varied ailments could finally find respite. Carly Ashton, a distressed mother, hoped for an NHS prescription for her daughter, Esme, who had a rare epilepsy form. Yet, despite the legislation, Esme’s relief remains a distant dream1. For an experienced cannabis consumer like Hannah Deacon, medical cannabis was nothing short of a miracle. Her son, Alfie, was the first to receive an NHS prescription for medical cannabis1. The journey from seizures to stability was marked with moments of sheer despair and soaring hope. Alfie’s story is a testament to the potential of medical cannabis. But what about those unfamiliar with the world of medical cannabis? Like Jasper, another child suffering from a rare epilepsy form. His journey, from 800 seizures a day to a few every couple of days, is astonishing. His parents describe the effect of whole-cannabis oil as “jaw-dropping”1. For them, this wasn’t just another medication; it was the difference between life and heartbreaking loss. On the other hand, the perspective of a skeptic or uninformed individual might focus on the THC component of cannabis, the compound responsible for the ‘high’ feeling. Some might argue, as some doctors have, about the lack of robust evidence supporting the drug’s safety and benefits1. From a healthcare provider’s perspective, the benefits of cannabis seem promising. Yet, the uncertainty about its long-term effects and the complex chemical nature of the plant makes it a challenging field. Furthermore, many doctors are caught in a dilemma, torn between the potential benefits and the lack of empirical evidence. Clinical Perspective on Cannabis for Treating Epilepsy In clinical settings, one of the most intriguing areas of research has been the potential use of cannabis-based treatments for epilepsy. While traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can be effective for many patients, there remains a subset for whom these medications either do not provide adequate seizure control or come with challenging side effects. Given this, the search for alternative treatments is crucial. Recent research has shed light on the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), in epilepsy management. Preliminary findings suggest that CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, might play a role in reducing seizure frequency and severity in some individuals. Furthermore, for those with treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy, the introduction of CBD-based treatments has been particularly promising. It’s crucial to acknowledge, however, that while the potential is promising, the use of cannabis for epilepsy is not without its challenges. Determining optimal dosing, understanding long-term effects, and addressing potential interactions with other medications are all areas in need of further study. Moreover, while anecdotal evidence abounds, rigorous, controlled trials are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based treatments for epilepsy. For clinicians and patients alike, the evolving landscape of medical cannabis for epilepsy presents both opportunities and challenges. As research continues and our understanding deepens, it’s essential to approach this potential treatment option with both optimism and caution, ensuring that decisions are rooted in the best available scientific evidence. Conclusion Medical cannabis, as with many other treatments, isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But its potential is undeniable. Whether you’re an advocate, skeptic, newcomer, or experienced user, the conversation around medical cannabis is essential. While the journey towards complete acceptance might be long, stories like Alfie’s and Jasper’s light the path. References: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66784170 Devinsky, O., Marsh, E., Friedman, D., Thiele, E., Laux, L., Sullivan, J., … & Cilio, M. R. (2016). Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial. The Lancet Neurology, 15(3), 270-278.  This trial investigates the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, showing positive results for a subset of patients. Stockings, E., Zagic, D., Campbell, G., Weier, M., Hall, W. D., Nielsen, S., … & Degenhardt, L. (2018). Evidence for cannabis and cannabinoids for epilepsy: a systematic review of controlled and observational evidence. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 89(7), 741-753. A comprehensive review that presents both controlled and observational evidence on the therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in treating epilepsy. Mechoulam, R., & Parker, L. A. (2013). The endocannabinoid system and the brain. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 21-47. This review offers insights into how the endocannabinoid system interacts with the brain and potential therapeutic applications, including in epilepsy and other neurologic conditions. O’Connell, B. K., Gloss, D., & Devinsky, O. (2017). Cannabinoids in treatment-resistant epilepsy: A review. Epilepsy & Behavior, 70, 341-348. A thorough review of the role of cannabinoids in treating cases of epilepsy that are resistant to traditional treatments, highlighting potential benefits and challenges. Perucca, E. (2017). Cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy: Hard evidence at last? Journal of Epilepsy Research, 7(2), 61-76. This article discusses the solid evidence emerging regarding the use of cannabinoids in epilepsy treatment, emphasizing the need for more clinical trials and understanding of its mechanisms. [...] Read more...
September 13, 2023The Medical Cannabis Paradox: Canada’s Strange Stance Explored With the legalization wave sweeping across nations, medical cannabis has been thrust into the spotlight, garnering global attention. Particularly in Canada, the division between “medical” and “recreational” cannabis is becoming a topic of great debate. This discourse presents a unique and, in many ways, paradoxical stance on the subject. Here, we aim to demystify this scenario by delving into it from four distinct viewpoints. From the meticulous lens of a healthcare provider, the statistics seem perplexing and somewhat distressing. According to data extrapolated from Health Canada and Statistics Canada, there’s been a staggering 38% decrease in active medical cannabis registrations since October 2018. This decline isn’t just a mere figure to gloss over; it carries profound implications for patient care. With fewer registrations, the concern arises not only from the dwindling numbers but also the potential impediments it poses for the broader medical community. This decline could stymie research efforts, hamper advocacy for its benefits, and, perhaps most crucially, reduce accessibility for patients genuinely in need of this therapeutic avenue. However, when we flip the perspective to that of a skeptic or someone with reservations about cannabis, the narrative shifts. To these individuals, the decline might even seem logical, perhaps welcomed. There’s an omnipresent misconception in the general populace: the idea that cannabis is exclusively a recreational substance. This overshadowing stereotype often clouds the profound therapeutic potential of the plant. Yet, if one delves deeper and seeks to understand the reasons for this decline, it becomes pivotal. Rather than indicating a genuine lack of medical efficacy, it could be pointing to broader systemic challenges plaguing the Canadian medical cannabis framework. Venture into the shoes of someone who’s just beginning their journey into the vast world of cannabis, and the waters become even murkier. For these newcomers, the line demarcating medical and recreational cannabis is not just thin but often indiscernible. Adding to the confusion is the Canadian government’s taxation policy. Why would medical cannabis, purportedly a legitimate therapeutic product, be taxed similarly to its recreational counterpart? The message sent is convoluted. Is one form of cannabis considered therapeutic while the other merely indulgent? Or do both possess healing properties? The mixed signals from policy decisions only exacerbate the confusion, leaving many to question the very authenticity and legitimacy of medical cannabis. Now, consider those seasoned in their use of cannabis for genuine medical relief. To them, the aforementioned decline isn’t just a statistic; it’s a potential alarm bell. What could be driving this downturn? Is it a matter of diminished access or skyrocketing costs? Perhaps it’s an eroding trust in the medical system. Many of these individuals might find themselves inadvertently pushed towards the recreational market, seeking the relief they once found in the medical sector. Yet, amidst these domestic challenges, Canada stands tall on the international stage. As a formidable leader in cannabis production and research, Canada’s exports in the medical cannabis sector are surging. The juxtaposition is intriguing. While domestic sales appear to falter, there’s burgeoning international trust and demand for Canadian medical cannabis products. To truly understand Canada’s intricate dance with medical cannabis, it becomes critical to analyze it from varied perspectives: the seasoned professional, the staunch skeptic, the bewildered newcomer, and the experienced user. Only then can we piece together a holistic picture, discerning what the data truly signifies and what trajectory the nation might take in the future. Through comprehensive examination and open dialogue, we can shed light on this paradoxical stance and pave the way for informed decisions that benefit patients, researchers, and the broader society. Let us embark on this journey of understanding together. References: Health Canada and Statistics Canada. [...] Read more...
September 5, 2023Deep Reading: A Cultural Shift? It’s an unsettling reality to consider, but more and more, it seems like we live in an era where the ties to deep, reflective reading are unraveling. The allure of digital distractions and the siren call of “doomscrolling” screens now comes, like everything in modern life – in Tall, Grande, and Vente. Few seem to contest that the draw of our e-devices is overpowering the allure of turning pages. According to a report from the Pew Research Center, although a promising 72% of American adults reported reading a book in the past year, the median number of books consumed stood at a mere four. The startling fact isn’t the number itself, but what this decline suggests about our evolving cultural values and priorities. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has echoed similar concerns, pointing to a significant wane in literary reading, particularly among the youth. This isn’t merely a trend in leisure activities. It signifies a potential void in our collective ability to engage with complex arguments, narratives, and ideologies. The Double-Edged Sword of Short-Form Content Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have become monumental pillars in the world of information dissemination. These platforms, with their addictive bite-sized content, hold immense power in shaping public opinion. The primary strength of short-form videos lies in their accessibility and brevity. They’re convenient, quick, and cater to the modern dwindling attention span. However, their brief nature also stands as their inherent weakness. Dr. Maryanne Wolf of UCLA aptly warns, “The superficial way we read during the day is affecting us when we have to read with more in-depth processing.” The challenges posed by this format aren’t merely about retention. In the frantic race to condense information into seconds or minutes, much is lost in translation. Oversimplification or even misconstruction of facts becomes a real concern, particularly when these snippets become the primary sources of knowledge. Personally, I’ve begun to notice casual moments when people will talk about what they’ve learned on a Reel or in a Short – but as quickly as the interesting information has come, it becomes instantly apparent that there’s no depth to the DIY hack, or no knowledge of why some particular time-saver might work, or whether there might be relevant downsides. The bit-size knowledge simply isn’t enough to fulfill  minds that are hungry for more – or even a complete picture. Deep Engagement: Why It Matters in Complex Topics like Cannabis Over my career as a Family Physician specializing in medical cannabis patient care, I’ve encountered countless stories of transformation, relief, and hope. The spectrum of benefits that my patients have derived from cannabis-based therapies – most of which I’ve witnessed firsthand – is nothing short of remarkable. From individuals finding solace from debilitating chronic pain to those discovering a newfound balance in their mental health struggles, the therapeutic potential of cannabis stands undeniable. Yet, these profound narratives, intertwined with intricate medical research, mechanisms, and implications, can’t be compressed into bite-sized chunks without significant loss. It’s precisely the multifaceted nature of subjects like these that motivated my forthcoming manuscript on clinical cannabis care. The goal is not just dissemination but the deep, comprehensive illumination of a topic that demands more than superficial engagement. Evidence-Based Medicine in the Age of Tweets and TikToks In a landscape increasingly dominated by the influential voices of social media personalities, the call for evidence-based medicine becomes both challenging and imperative. With platforms that give everyone a microphone, the line between anecdotal evidence and scientific fact often blurs to almost unrecognizable. Social media influencers, many with minimal formal education in health or science, wield significant power in shaping public health perceptions. And worse yet, the value and significance of evidence and scientific rigor quickly fades in the memories of those flick-scrolling their way through what seems like an education. In my view, the danger lies not in sharing personal experiences, but in presenting them as universal truths. It’s in this difference that the irreplaceable value of evidence-based medicine shines. Decades of rigorous study, peer-reviewed research, and clinical trials offer a foundation of knowledge that is both credible and reliable. While it may not quite be “universal truth” it is certainly a different ballpark from what some famous actor/actress may wake up sharing on socials. To prioritize fleeting trends and unverified claims over this bedrock of evidence isn’t merely a matter of preference; it’s a question of public health, safety, and well-being. Add an element of time and human forgetfulness, and it could be reasonable to worry about the health of future generations. Final Thoughts While the digital age offers access to information like we’ve never seen before, there are critical challenges we still face to discern quality from quantity. Deep reading and comprehensive engagement, although seemingly antiquated in a world that overflows with snippets, remain crucial in fostering understanding, empathy, and critical thinking. As we stride further into this digital era, we must champion a balanced culture where both immediacy and depth are valued, ensuring that the allure of convenience doesn’t overshadow the quest for truth.   Citations: Pew Research Center. (2019). Who doesn’t read books in America? National Endowment for the Arts. (2007). To Read or Not To Read: A Question of National Consequence. Wolf, M. (2018). Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World.   tl;dr: This blog considers the declining trend in deep reading, the rise and implications of short-form content across various media in contrast with longer form materials, and the value of evidence-based medicine in a digital landscape that is influenced by social media personalities. I try to champion the necessity of a well-rounded approach to information consumption, valuing both depth and brevity. And, hopefully anyone reading this will be that much more tempted to consider reading my own long-form book, The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook [...] Read more...
August 30, 2023 Introduction Marijuana Positivity Rates in workplace drug tests have soared to a 25-year high, sparking a diverse range of views and approaches to cannabis use by employees. Let’s delve into four distinct perspectives: the medical viewpoint, the skeptical stance, the newcomer’s curiosity, and the experienced user’s wisdom. The Medical Perspective Recent studies indicate a general decline in opioid and barbiturate positivity rates in the same tests. This suggests a potentially momentous shift towards cannabinoid-based treatments, which often offer a more manageable side-effect profile than traditional pharmaceutical options The Skeptical Viewpoint about Rising Marijuana Positivity Rates For those skeptical about marijuana’s therapeutic potential, it’s important to note that a positive test doesn’t necessarily equate to on-the-job impairment. Drug screens can detect usage from as far back as a month. Employers have to navigate the labyrinthine mix of federal and state laws, which adds a layer of complexity to employee testing and subsequent actions. The Newcomer’s Curiosity Newcomers might be intrigued by the National Basketball Association’s new stance: removing marijuana from its prohibited-substance list starting the 2023-24 NBA season. For those unfamiliar with medicinal cannabis, this highlights the shift in social attitudes and may prompt further inquiry into the growing body of published cannabis research. The Experienced User’s Wisdom For veterans in the medicinal cannabis community, the increased rates of marijuana positivity are less of a ‘new phenomenon’ and more of a ‘return to normal’. Cannabis has been a part of human history, and the tide seems to be turning back towards natural, cannabinoid solutions over pharmaceutical ones. Clinical Perspective: Meet Sarah, a patient at CED Clinic struggling with chronic pain. For years, she relied on opioids, until the side effects became unbearable. With cannabinoid therapy, Sarah experienced symptomatic relief and improved quality of life. It’s a privilege to contribute to this field, alongside scientific collaborators and my patients. My forthcoming book, The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, aims to address these very issues.  Read Sarah’s story on page 249 of the book! Order here: https://a.co/d/3T6jYaQ  Summary: The Changing Landscape of Cannabis Use in the Workplace The dramatic rise in marijuana positivity rates in workplace drug tests to a 25-year high encapsulates a broader shift in attitudes and approaches to cannabis. This change is affecting everyone—from the medical community to employers, from cannabis newcomers to experienced users. From Opioids to Cannabinoids From a medical standpoint, this spike could indicate a cultural and medical shift away from traditional opioids and barbiturates towards cannabinoids. Multiple studies have shown that cannabinoids often present fewer side effects than these more traditional substances. Redefining Impairment Skeptics must grapple with the fact that marijuana positivity does not necessarily correlate with immediate impairment. Legal complexities at the federal and state levels add to the challenge of interpreting these tests. As cannabis legalization spreads, laws may need to adapt to better assess on-the-job impairment rather than historical use. Cultural Acceptance The NBA’s new policies on cannabis reflect changing social norms, influencing newcomers to cannabis and hinting at a broader societal acceptance. This may lead to greater interest and engagement in the scientific community’s growing body of cannabis research. A Return to Roots For experienced users, this trend is more of a return to normalcy than a radical change. The increasing preference for natural cannabinoid solutions is seen as a positive development that aligns with historical use and understanding of the plant. Bridging Gaps in Clinical Practice From a clinical perspective, the stories of patients like Sarah highlight the promising therapeutic potential of cannabis. Through published research, clinical experience, and educational resources like The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, healthcare providers and patients alike can make more informed decisions about cannabinoid therapies. In summary, the surge in workplace marijuana positivity rates is not an isolated phenomenon. Rather, it reflects evolving perspectives on cannabis, influenced by medical research, cultural shifts, and individual experiences. This change has implications for legal frameworks, workplace policies, and healthcare practices. References 1: “Decline in opioid and barbiturate positivity rates in workplace drug tests,” Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 2021. 2: Moeller, K. E., Lee, K. C., & Kissack, J. C. (2008). Urine drug screening: Practical guide for clinicians. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 3: Caplan, B. The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, 2023. 4: Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., … & Kleijnen, J. (2015). Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 5: “Marijuana Legalization and Workplace Safety: A Short Review of the Literature,” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2018. 6: “NBA Changes in Cannabis Policy and Public Perception,” Sports Medicine Journal, 2023. 7: Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology. To find these articles: https://cedclinic.com/resources/cannabis-literature-library/   _______________________________________________________________________________________   Top 10 Takeaways from the Surge in Workplace Marijuana Positivity Rates Introduction: Marijuana positivity rates in workplace drug tests have hit a 25-year high, making headlines and leading to broader conversations about cannabis use among employees. Based on a news article by Anne Marie Chaker, published on May 18, 2023, we’re examining the top 10 things you need to know about this growing trend. 1. Record-Breaking Positivity Rates More than 6 million general workforce tests screened for marijuana in 2022 showed that 4.3% came back positive, which is the highest rate since 1997. 2. Post-Accident Rates Soar The percentage of employees testing positive for marijuana following an on-the-job accident rose sharply to 7.3% in 2022. 3. Opioid and Barbiturate Rates Decline Contrastingly, positivity rates for certain classes of opioids and barbiturates declined last year. 4. Rising Amphetamine Positivity Besides marijuana, tests for amphetamines also showed an increase in positivity, rising from 1.3% in 2021 to 1.5% in 2022. 5. State Vs. Federal Law Complications The growing number of U.S. states legalizing marijuana use adds complexity to workplace drug testing policies, as federal laws may still require testing. 6. Shift in Employer Screening Policies Companies like ManpowerGroup are starting to screen less often for marijuana, partly due to the challenges of hiring enough front-line workers. 7. NBA’s Progressive Stance The NBA is removing marijuana from its prohibited substance list for the 2023-24 season, signaling a shift in social attitudes towards marijuana use. 8. Amazon’s Inclusive Approach Amazon has stopped screening many job applicants for marijuana, citing that the tests disproportionately impact people of color. 9. Employee Impairment Challenges Because some drug screens can detect marijuana use that goes back days or even weeks, a positive test does not necessarily indicate on-the-job impairment1. 10. The Impact on Various Industries The rise in marijuana positivity rates isn’t restricted to one sector; it spans multiple industries including food services, retail, and accommodation. Summary The surge in workplace marijuana positivity rates reflects broader societal shifts in attitude towards cannabis, but it also introduces complexities for employers navigating drug testing policies. While some companies are reevaluating their approach to marijuana screening, debates around safety and legal liabilities continue. Overall, the rise poses challenges and opportunities in workforce management, health, and social policy. Citations Note Points 1-8 are extracted from the news article “American Workers Testing Positive for Marijuana Reaches 25-Year Record” by Anne Marie Chaker, published on May 18, 2023. Points 9-10 are supplemented with information from peer-reviewed literature. Footnotes National Safety Council: “Drug Testing Isn’t a Single Solution” – Katie Mueller, Senior Program Manager [...] Read more...
August 21, 2023Discover the potential of cannabinoids in pain management. Explore medical insights, opposition viewpoints, and real experiences. Learn how cannabinoids could reshape the future of pain treatment. Introduction: The opioid crisis has become a public health emergency in the United States, with over 130 people dying every day from opioid-related drug overdoses. As the medical community grapples with this crisis, a new frontier in pain management is emerging: cannabinoids. Recent research suggests that medicinal cannabis may offer a promising alternative to opioids for pain relief. This blog post will explore the medical perspective on cannabinoids, address common misconceptions, and consider the viewpoints of both new and experienced users of medicinal cannabis. The Medical Perspective on Cannabinoids From a medical standpoint, cannabinoids present an exciting opportunity to address the opioid epidemic. Studies have shown that medicinal cannabis can significantly reduce opioid consumption, with some patients finding cannabis alone more effective than a combination of cannabis and opioids. However, the integration of cannabinoids into medical practice requires careful consideration of dosing, legal regulations, and patient education. Continued research and development of prescribing guidelines are essential to ensure safe and effective treatment. The opioid crisis has led to a search for alternatives, and cannabinoids present a promising solution. Research supports the use of medicinal cannabis to reduce opioid consumption and provide effective pain relief. The medical community is urged to consider this option, recognizing the need for proper guidelines and continued research. Misconceptions and Opposition to Medical Cannabis Despite the promising evidence, some individuals remain opposed to medicinal cannabis. Common misconceptions include fears about its psychoactive effects, potential for abuse, and lack of regulation. Clear, evidence-based communication is vital to dispel these myths and provide accurate information about the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis. Addressing legal and ethical concerns also requires collaboration between lawmakers, healthcare providers, and the community. Some individuals remain skeptical of medicinal cannabis, often due to misunderstandings about its effects and potential for abuse. Education and transparent communication about the scientific evidence supporting cannabis as a treatment option are essential to address these concerns. The Experience of New and Seasoned Cannabis Users For those new to medicinal cannabis, initial apprehensions may include concerns about side effects, social stigma, and legal issues. Comprehensive education and support can help alleviate these concerns. On the other hand, individuals experienced with medicinal cannabis often report significant benefits, including reduced opioid consumption and improved quality of life. Their insights and advocacy can foster acceptance and understanding within the broader community. Policy and Regulatory Considerations The legal status of medicinal cannabis varies across states, creating a complex regulatory environment. Developing consistent, evidence-based regulations is crucial to ensure safe and equitable access to this treatment option. Engaging with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and patients, is essential to create a regulatory framework that supports responsible use.   The exploration of cannabinoids as an alternative to opioids for pain management is a multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced approach. By considering various perspectives and engaging in open dialogue, we can work towards a future where pain management is more effective, compassionate, and personalized. The potential of cannabinoids in reshaping pain treatment is promising, but realizing its full potential requires collaboration, education, research, and empathy.     This blog post delves into the medical viewpoint, opposition to medical cannabis, and the experiences of both new and seasoned medicinal cannabis users, but check out The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook for this and more: https://amzn.to/3QFToba          [...] Read more...
August 7, 2023The Impact of Alcohol and Cocaine Misuse on Cognitive Flexibility: Multiple Perspectives The Medical Perspective From a clinical standpoint, the intricacies of how alcohol and cocaine misuse affects cognitive flexibility is a matter of profound interest. The brain is a complex organ, with multiple pathways and neural connections that control not only our physical actions but also our thoughts, decisions, and emotions. The recent study provides a compelling look at the neural pathways, such as the impact on striatal cholinergic interneurons and the activity of direct-pathway medium spiny neurons, which are altered by these substances. Medical professionals are particularly interested in these findings as they can guide the development of therapeutics to treat substance use disorders. Furthermore, understanding the decline in cognitive flexibility can assist clinicians in devising therapeutic interventions, which might include cognitive-behavioral strategies, medications, or even neurofeedback sessions, to boost or restore this vital cognitive function. The Skeptical Perspective Some individuals remain wary of the current science, often comparing the misuse of substances like alcohol and cocaine to medical cannabis. This skepticism usually stems from preconceived notions, past experiences, or misinformation. They might argue that drawing conclusions from a rodent study might not translate effectively to humans, making such studies less definitive. In comparing it to medical cannabis, these individuals often point out the lack of long-term studies or the possible risks of misuse and addiction, even if used for medical purposes. While their concerns cannot be entirely dismissed, it’s essential to differentiate between misuse and medical application, and to stay updated with evolving scientific research. Newbie’s Perspective For someone new to cannabis or the broader discourse on substance misuse, the intricate details of how alcohol and cocaine affect the brain might be overwhelming. They might wonder: “How does this relate to cannabis? Is it equally harmful, or does it offer medicinal benefits?” These individuals often seek rudimentary understanding. They might find the concept of cognitive flexibility intriguing, especially if they can relate it to their daily life experiences. Perhaps they’ve noticed changes in their behavior or thought patterns after consuming alcohol or know someone battling cocaine addiction. Being new to the subject, they’re open to learning but might be vulnerable to misconceptions or biases, making it crucial to present them with clear, accurate, and digestible information. Experienced Cannabis User’s Perspective For those who consume cannabis for medical purposes, such a study on alcohol and cocaine might provide a dual reaction. On the one hand, they might be curious about how different substances can influence the brain in varied ways. On the other, they might feel defensive, anticipating that detractors could lump medical cannabis into the same category as alcohol and cocaine. These individuals have firsthand experience of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. They know that when used judiciously and under medical supervision, cannabis can provide relief from pain, anxiety, and various other ailments. When juxtaposing their experience against the backdrop of the study on alcohol and cocaine, they might assert the importance of distinguishing between “use” and “misuse”. For them, the underlying theme remains: everything in moderation, and under the right guidance. Conclusion:   the subject of substance misuse, brain health, and cognitive flexibility is multi-faceted. By looking at it from various perspectives, we can appreciate the nuances and complexities of this vital topic. Every viewpoint offers a piece of the larger puzzle, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and continuous research. [...] Read more...
August 1, 2023In a surprising turn of events, more than a third of people aged 65 or older have tried marijuana, a figure that’s tripled since 2009. This trend is explored in depth in a recent article from The Washington Post, which also delves into the question of whether these older cannabis users are more likely to be NPR listeners. The article provides a wealth of information on the topic, including data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and insights from researchers and experts in the field. It also highlights the potential influence of legalization on the increased use of cannabis among older adults. What are your thoughts on this trend? Are you surprised to see the older generation embracing cannabis? And do you know any NPR-listening, cannabis-loving seniors? Read the full article here: https://wapo.st/3Kc4QXO [...] Read more...
July 31, 2023Introduction The name Shawn Collins may not have been a household name a decade ago, but in recent years, it has become synonymous with the burgeoning Massachusetts cannabis industry. As the Executive Director of the Cannabis Control Commission, Collins has played an instrumental role in the development and regulation of the industry, drawing both praise and criticism from various quarters. In this blog, we delve deeper into the impact of Shawn Collins’ work, examining it from the perspectives of medical professionals, typical customers, and those indifferent or new to cannabis. Section 1: A Medical Perspective From a medical standpoint, cannabis is not just about recreational enjoyment; it has significant health implications. Many health professionals have praised Collins’ efforts to regulate the industry, which have made it possible for patients to have access to safe, tested, and reliable cannabis products for therapeutic use. Under Collins’ leadership, the Commission has ensured the strict regulation of product quality, offering a degree of certainty that was previously lacking. For conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, cannabis has shown considerable promise. Thus, having a well-regulated supply chain has been crucial in patient care. However, not all feedback from the medical community has been positive. Some health professionals argue that the commission’s focus on commercial and recreational use might overshadow the importance of medical cannabis, pushing patients’ needs to the backburner. Section 2: The Customer’s Lens For the average customer, the rise of the cannabis industry under Collins’ watch has been a welcome change. The most obvious benefit has been the availability of a wider range of products. Consumers now have access to a variety of cannabis strains and related products, from edibles and tinctures to topicals and concentrates. Furthermore, rigorous quality checks mean that customers can trust the products they buy. Another important aspect from the customer’s perspective is the economic impact. The cannabis industry has generated significant revenue and created numerous jobs. Many customers appreciate that their purchases are contributing to local economic growth and job creation. Section 3: The View from the Sidelines Not everyone is a fan or user of cannabis, and for these people, the growing prominence of the industry can be a source of indifference or even resentment. Some fear that easy access to cannabis might lead to increased misuse, particularly among younger users. However, many recognize that regulation is preferable to prohibition. Having clear laws and regulations in place is seen as a way to control misuse while allowing adults who wish to use cannabis responsibly to do so. In this context, Collins’ work is acknowledged as necessary, even by those who might not personally support cannabis use. Conclusion Shawn Collins’ impact on the Massachusetts cannabis industry is undeniably substantial. His efforts have helped create a well-regulated, economically vibrant sector that caters to both medical patients and recreational consumers. While some criticism and challenges are inevitable, the industry’s growth is a testament to Collins’ dedication and the comprehensive framework the Commission has put in place. It remains to be seen how the industry will evolve in the coming years, but for now, Massachusetts seems to be on the right track. [...] Read more...
July 25, 2023The recent fluctuations in the market have sent ripples across industries, and one sector that has especially caught our attention is the cannabis industry. The intriguing part? Unlike the majority of stocks that are riding the upward wave, cannabis stocks are demonstrating a distinct trend, diving when others are soaring. This unexpected behavior, as perplexing as it is, offers us an opportunity to delve deeper into the complex world of the cannabis industry and its stock market performance. Why Cannabis Stocks Are Falling When discussing stock market trends, it’s important to understand that these trends are reflections of a multitude of factors, both tangible and intangible. In the case of cannabis stocks, these factors are as diverse as the products the industry produces. Firstly, let’s discuss the elephants in the room – regulatory barriers. Cannabis, despite its increasing acceptance, still finds itself tangled in a web of legal constraints. The varying laws from state to state and the federal illegality of cannabis in the US pose serious challenges for the industry. These uncertainties can make investors uneasy and lead to volatility in cannabis stocks. Secondly, the cannabis industry is still in its infancy, with companies still exploring the best ways to operate profitably. Many cannabis companies are focusing heavily on scaling their operations, often prioritizing growth over profitability. This can result in inflated valuations that are not backed by strong financials, making the stocks more susceptible to market downturns. Tilray: A Case Study Take Tilray, for example, a cannabis company that also has stakes in pharmaceutical distribution and alcohol businesses. Despite its diversified portfolio, Tilray has not been immune to the current downturn in cannabis stocks. Its stock has seen a significant dip in 2023, a worrying indication ahead of their Q4 report. This illustrates that the industry’s challenges can impact even the biggest players, regardless of their diversification strategies. Looking Ahead: What Could Potentially Turn Things Around? Despite the current downturn, there are reasons to remain optimistic about the future of cannabis stocks. One such reason is the potential for regulatory reform. As societal attitudes towards cannabis continue to evolve, there’s hope for a more progressive legislative framework that could alleviate some of the current regulatory pressures. Moreover, as the industry matures, we can expect to see companies beginning to focus more on profitability rather than just growth. This shift could lead to more robust financials, thereby making cannabis stocks more attractive to investors. Ultimately, the future of cannabis stocks remains uncertain. Investors and stakeholders must stay informed, adaptable, and open to new perspectives. With a thorough understanding of the industry’s fundamentals and a close eye on market trends, it’s possible to navigate through this uncertain terrain and make informed investment decisions. [...] Read more...
July 19, 2023I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you the upcoming launch of my very own “Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook”. This has been a labour of love, the fruit of years of intense research, and a quest to bring forth the multifaceted benefits of this incredible plant – cannabis. Yes, you heard that right. My mission is not just to shed light on the often misunderstood world of cannabis, but to challenge our prevailing perceptions, and spark an informed conversation about its potential. Click to check out the amazing endorsements and to order: https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Approved-Cannabis-Handbook-Wellness-Marijuana-ebook/dp/B0BSKRN1M7 Can you believe that over the last decade, cannabis has undergone such a remarkable transformation? It’s moved from being a largely taboo topic to becoming a potential game-changing therapeutic tool within our medical community. This transition is undoubtedly encouraging, yet it has been clouded by widespread misinformation and a whole lot of uncertainty. To address this, I’ve written an all-inclusive guide that seeks to demystify the medical applications of cannabis. My handbook is designed to empower you, whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, a caregiver, or just someone curious about the subject. In Part 1 of the book, I take you through a guided tour around the cannabis plant, explaining its intricacies, and discussing the various products you can buy off the market. But that’s not all. I even delve into how you can DIY cannabis edibles and topicals, opening up an exciting world of homemade therapeutic treatments. As we move into Part 2 of the book, we dive deeper into the clinical uses of cannabis. Every single claim made is backed by an indexed, evidence-based, peer-reviewed reference. Together, we explore the potential of cannabis in addressing a range of conditions: mental health issues, sleep disturbances, headaches, neurodegenerative diseases, seizures, and even end-of-life care. But the journey doesn’t end there. My book also unravels how cannabis can be a potent ally in managing physical pain, skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, enhancing sexual health, and even mitigating symptoms associated with cancer treatments. You see, the “Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook” is not just another medical guide on the shelf. It’s a testament to the REAL opportunity that holistic, patient-centered healthcare presents. In a world that’s largely dominated by pharmaceutical models, I’m hoping (and trying my best!) to bring alternative approaches to the forefront. Can you imagine what it would mean if a cannabis-positive book made it to a best-seller list? It would not only command attention but also bring much-needed respect to an industry that has often been run over. More importantly, it could bring hope to millions of people who have suffered unnecessarily because of a lack of access to this information! As we embark on this path, we do recognize the challenges we face. Societal prejudices, regulatory complexities, and even the frustrating “algorithm” which often auto-cancels cannabis. But with informed knowledge and a shared understanding, we can overcome these hurdles together. After all, every paradigm shift begins with a single, daring step. So join me in this journey to redefine wellness. Pre-order your copy of the “Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook” today, and together, let’s command attention, respect, and inspire a change that could potentially save lives for the better. [...] Read more...
July 13, 2023The use of cannabis for self-medication is a growing trend, particularly among neurodivergent individuals. A recent poll found that 1.8 million people in the UK are using cannabis to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life, a 29% increase from 2019. This trend highlights the unique intersection of physical and psychological phenomena that cannabis research is uncovering. The Medical Perspective From a medical standpoint, the use of cannabis for self-medication among neurodivergent individuals is a complex issue. On one hand, cannabis has been shown to help improve attention, emotion regulation, concentration, and executive functioning, while also reducing anxiety and sleep problems. These are common symptoms among neurodiverse individuals, making cannabis an attractive option for self-medication. However, the medical community also recognizes the potential risks associated with self-medication, particularly when it comes to unregulated substances. Without proper regulation and oversight, individuals may be at risk of consuming cannabis with high levels of THC, which could induce paranoia, anxiety, or psychosis. The Viewpoint of Someone Against Medical Cannabis Those against the use of medical cannabis often cite the potential for abuse and the lack of comprehensive research as reasons for their opposition. They argue that while cannabis may provide temporary relief for some symptoms, it does not address the underlying causes of these symptoms. Additionally, they express concern about the potential for dependency and the long-term effects of cannabis use. The Perspective of Someone New to Cannabis For someone new to cannabis, the idea of using it for self-medication can be both intriguing and intimidating. The stigma associated with cannabis use can be a significant barrier, as can the legal implications. However, the potential benefits of cannabis for managing symptoms of neurodivergence can also be very appealing. The Perspective of Someone Experienced with Cannabis Consumption for Medical Purposes Those who have experience with using cannabis for medical purposes often have a more nuanced perspective. They understand the potential benefits of cannabis, but also recognize the importance of using it responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They may also have firsthand experience with the challenges of obtaining cannabis for medical use, particularly in regions where it is not yet legal. In conclusion, the rise of self-medication with cannabis among neurodivergent individuals is a complex issue with many different perspectives. As our understanding of both neurodivergence and the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis continues to evolve, it is crucial to continue the conversation and explore all angles of this important topic. [...] Read more...
July 11, 2023In the dynamic world of cannabis, THC-O-acetate has recently emerged as the new player on the field, largely due to bold claims of it providing a ‘psychedelic’ experience. But what does the science actually say? A new study led by UB has delved into these claims and found that the effects of THC-O-acetate are more aligned with inducing relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief rather than a psychedelic experience. This contradicts the current narrative floating around the cannabis community. Moreover, the study raises an important point of concern. The cannabis market, as it currently stands, is largely unregulated. This can result in product contamination, potentially causing unexpected and undesirable effects. Hence, it emphasizes the importance of being cautious in this seemingly Wild West market. As consumers, it’s crucial to be vigilant and rely more on scientific evidence rather than simply accepting manufacturer claims. In the rapidly expanding world of cannabinoids, safety should always be paramount. Dive deeper into the study here: https://bit.ly/46KsuEv [...] Read more...
March 14, 2023Whether you have tried other forms of treatment and failed to find relief, or you just prefer a holistic alternative, you may be wondering if medical cannabis is right for you. As a whole, over the last several decades we have learned so much about the benefits of cannabis and how this plant can help you find relief. However, we’re learning each day that the plant is complex in how it works with our bodies. No matter your symptoms or type of relief you’re seeking, it’s important to learn how to know if medical cannabis is right for you. History of Medical Cannabis Patients have touted the benefits of medical cannabis for not only years, and decades, but also through the centuries. Evidence suggests that cannabis was used extensively in what is now Romania, more than 5,000 years ago. And before that, archeological evidence has found cannabis in human culture as far back as 12,000 years ago.  In the U.S., cannabis was widely utilized as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopoeia for the first time in 1850. In the grand scheme of things, cannabis prohibition only existed for a handful of recent years, as opposed to centuries of acceptance. Over the last several decades, many states, including Massachusetts have recognized the need and legalized cannabis in some capacity. Massachusetts now allows both recreational and medical cannabis use, but there are still a number of benefits to obtaining a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts. How Does Cannabis Work? Every creature with vertebrae has an endocannabinoid system. A series of receptors exists throughout the body and serves the purpose of restoring and maintaining balance (homeostasis), as well as other multiple forms of neurological communication. Cannabinoids (cannabis molecules) interact with these receptors in different ways depending on their molecular structure. Some major cannabinoids include THC and CBD. Others you may have heard of include CBN, CBG, CBC many more (over 100 more, actually). There are a plethora of cannabis strains to choose from. Just like there are countless varieties and hybrids of roses, the same can be said for cannabis strains. Like any other plant, they can be cultivated to have specific properties like a higher ratio of CBD, or other plant compounds like terpenes, fatty acids, and proteins. Different combinations of cannabinoids and plant compounds may affect the body in slightly different ways. For example, the terpene linalool is also found in lavender and is known to have a calming effect, so strains with more linalool may be encouraged for those who are anxious or stressed. What Are The Benefits of Medical Cannabis? There are countless benefits of consuming medical cannabis, though it is important to note that your experience may not be exactly the same as someone else’s. In general, some of the primary ways medical cannabis can help you find relief is through:        • pain relief,        • decreased stress, anxiety, or worry        • better sleep habits and sleep patterns        • along with other more specific benefits depending on your specific need Qualified Conditions For a Massachusetts Medical Card In answering the question, “how do you know if medical cannabis is right for you,” it’s important to note how the condition you are seeking treatment for is certainly relevant. In order to obtain a medical cannabis certification, the state requires that you have a qualifying condition. Patients 18 and older with a Massachusetts medical cannabis card can buy larger quantities of cannabis than those who purchase recreational cannabis. Some of these qualifying conditions in a medical cannabis evaluation include:        • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)        • Cancer        • Crohn’s disease        • Glaucoma        • HIV/AIDS        • Hepatitis C        • Multiple Sclerosis        • Parkinson’s disease These conditions are governed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission for medical marijuana doctors and patients and are continually updated as additional conditions are evaluated. The diagnosis of any of these qualifying conditions must be verified by a medical doctor, and the patient must go through an application process. If your exact condition is not listed above, do not let that be a deterrent. Dr Caplan has the ability to determine what conditions may benefit from medical cannabis and has the authority to issue cards for any condition where it is medically appropriate. How Do You Know If Medical Cannabis Is Right For You? Many people, with and without a medical condition can benefit from cannabis use. CED champions a holistic approach to healthcare and wellness that includes medicinal cannabis. Meet with our team of marijuana doctors in Massachusetts to discuss your medical marijuana card needs – through a cannabis evaluation, we’ll review your medical history, answer all your questions, address your symptoms and discuss how cannabis could better your health. If you think getting a Massachusetts medical marijuana card could be right for you, request an appointment online at your preferred time or call us to schedule one at (617) 500-3595 and we will be more than happy to guide you through the process. [...] Read more...
March 7, 2023Medical cannabis use was approved in 2006 for Rhode Island residents with a qualifying condition. The Rhode Island Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program administers all aspects of the state Medical Marijuana Act and all regulations for patients and certifying practitioners. This includes who is eligible to receive a Rhode Island medical marijuana card, based on their qualifying health or medical condition. Medical Cannabis Use in the United States Over the past few decades, the benefits of medical cannabis have become increasingly accepted. One survey showed that 86 percent of respondents believe in the positive benefits of cannabis for medical conditions. There are nearly 20,000 medical marijuana cardholders in Rhode Island. Because marijuana is not federally-regulated, each state that has a legal medical marijuana program has its own set of laws. Medical marijuana is available in Rhode Island for a variety of conditions. First, a patient must obtain a formal diagnosis in a medical cannabis evaluation to apply for their Rhode Island medical marijuana card. Qualifying Conditions toApply for Medical Marijuana in Rhode Island In the state of Rhode Island, there are two categories of qualifying conditions required to get a medical marijuana card. The first category lists specific health diseases or illnesses. Cannabis is also authorized to help with symptoms derived from the treatment of these conditions. • Cancer • Glaucoma • Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) • Hepatitis C The second category of qualifying conditions can relate to a chronic or debilitating disease,medical condition, or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: • Cachexia or wasting syndrome • Severe, debilitating, chronic pain • Severe nausea • Seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy • Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease • Agitation related to Alzheimer’s Disease Determining the Diagnosis of Your Qualifying Condition CED Clinic provides medical cannabis services for those seeking treatment for Rhode Island’s qualifying conditions. At CED Clinic, our cannabis doctors and physicians focus on individual patient care for specific needs. Our clinicians will review your health history in a medical cannabis evaluation to better assess the benefits for your medical concerns. During this cannabis clinic visit, it is important to talk to your doctor about all of the symptoms you are experiencing. Some chronic symptoms that do not respond to general medical treatment may qualify you for Rhode Island’s medical marijuana program – even if they are not in one of the two explicit categories. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not on the list of qualifying conditions but may be considered for a medical marijuana prescription. Applying for a Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card The first step in the medical cannabis application process is to be formally diagnosed. CED Clinic offers telehealth options across multiple states, including Rhode Island. You can expedite the process by scheduling your appointment and filling out the intake form. Our cannabis clinicians will evaluate your health history and Rhode Island qualifying conditions for a cannabis medical card. We are here to walk you through the medical marijuana card application process and look forward to helping you feel empowered and educated about your cannabis choices. [...] Read more...
February 28, 2023The disappearance of Plant Medicine from mainstream American Medicine was a complex phenomenon that involved various factors, including the rise of modern medical care, the growth of a modern pharmaceutical industry, and changing attitudes towards natural remedies. One of the key events that contributed to the disappearance of plant medicine was the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. This legislation required manufacturers to accurately label their products and disclose any harmful or addictive ingredients. While this was a step forward for consumer protection, it also created an environment in which synthetic drugs could plant a foothold in the consumer market, as medicines/formulations could be patented and sold exclusively by their manufacturers, at great financial benefit. At the same time, the medical profession was undergoing a transformation, with doctors increasingly turning to scientific research and laboratory testing to guide their practice. This shift away from traditional remedies was fueled by the belief that science could provide more effective treatments for disease than natural remedies, which were more challenging to study. The Flexner Report, published in 1910, played a significant role in this transformation, as it called for medical schools to adopt a more scientific and rigorous approach to education and research. The rise of the pharmaceutical industry also played a crucial role in the disappearance of plant medicine. Pharmaceutical companies were able to invest heavily in research and development – and political lobbying efforts – and they could patent and market their products directly to doctors and patients. As a result, synthetic drugs began to replace natural remedies, which were often difficult to standardize and lacked the financial incentives of patented drugs. At the same time as the pharmaceutical industry blossomed and a more sterile system of ingredients and methods of study evolved, changing attitudes towards natural remedies also contributed to the disappearance of plant medicine. As modern medicine became more dominant, natural remedies were often seen as outdated and unscientific. This attitude was reinforced by the media, which often portrayed natural remedies as ineffective or even dangerous, relative to the more machined alternatives. The disappearance of plant medicine from mainstream American medicine was a complex phenomenon that involved a wide variety of interconnected factors, including the rise of the modern medical approach, birth and growth of the pharmaceutical industry, and evolving attitudes towards natural remedies by experts and professionals. While plant medicine is still used today by some healthcare providers, its disappearance from mainstream medical care was largely due to the emergence of synthetic drugs and the transformation of the medical profession towards a more scientific approach to treatment. [...] Read more...
February 8, 2023Once you have your medical marijuana card, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. Unfortunately, there is a trend among cannabis clinics of providing exceptional service until clients have their medical marijuana certifications, and then rushing them out the door. That’s not the case at CED Clinic. Current cannabis cardholders — not just those hoping to become patients — are welcome to make telemedicine appointments at any time with their medical cannabis doctor. Our Massachusetts cannabis doctors are here to provide holistic, cannabis-centered care throughout the duration of your treatment. These are just some of the reasons you might schedule a follow-up. 1. Your medical needs have changed. Life is dynamic. Whether you obtained your medical cannabis card last week or two years ago, your overall wellness may have changed since. The following are some examples of updates you may want to communicate to your cannabis doctor: New diagnosis Upcoming medical procedures Changing or worsening symptoms Dramatically improved symptoms Your cannabis doctor can answer questions, provide professional insight, and recommend any necessary adjustments to your medical marijuana prescription. 2. Your cannabis prescription isn’t working out the way you’d hoped. Perhaps you’re not seeing the results you wanted from cannabis use. This could mean you’re not feeling relief from your symptoms or the effect is minimal. Perhaps cannabis use is helping, but with other undesired effects. It’s important to remember that these issues occur with prescription medications, and you can consider a follow-up at our cannabis clinic the same way you would with your primary care provider. The truth is, there are myriad reasons why cannabis might not be delivering the desired benefits: it could be related to your dosage, the products you’re using, the method of consumption, or even other aspects of your routine or treatment regimen. By raising your concerns, you allow your canna-doctor to identify potential causes and make informed recommendations. 3. Your treatment used to work, and is now no longer effective. Sometimes cannabis loses its effectiveness — even when you’ve been using the same strain from the same company for an extended period of time. Trust us, you’re not crazy. There are several potential causes: Lack of consistency in medical cannabis products (which is a well-known problem in the industry) You’re building up a tolerance Changes in your medications, routine, or diet During your appointment, your cannabis doctor can shed some light on the issue, and offer suggestions on how to combat it. 4. There are updates to share with your cannabis doctor about your journey. When you have a traditional check-up, it helps your PCP stay informed of your wellbeing, monitor your progress with various treatments, and learn of any changes in your health. Our goal is for you to think of your care at CED Clinic the same way. Consider this: you want a medical professional to keep tabs on your overall well being, your prescriptions and whether they’re helping your symptoms; why wouldn’t you want the same as a medical marijuana patient? 5. You need a medical liaison to represent your cannabis treatment. Whether you have a regular doctor’s appointment approaching, are seeing a new specialist or have an upcoming medical procedure, your cannabis use may be relevant information. These are all opportunities for your cannabis doctor to offer support. Dr. Caplan can communicate directly with the providers involved, acting as a go-between or liaison for your medical needs. Further, receiving updated medical details allows him to make recommendations for your cannabis care routine if necessary — for example, increasing your dosage after a procedure, or altering usage to prevent adverse reactions with new medications. 6. You’re curious about new developments in the medical cannabis industry. Maybe you’ve heard about new cannabis products or formulations, or while conducting your own research, stumbled across new potential use cases, studies or data. As a result, you wonder, “How does this affect me, and what does it mean for my cannabis treatment? Should I alter my approach?” Luckily, you’re in the right place for this conversation. Dr. Caplan is not only the founder of other cannabis businesses (such as EO Care, Inc, a new digital therapeutics company that is changing the future of cannabis care), but shares access to the CED Clinic Library, (which is the world’s largest digital library of free medical cannabis research). By sharing free research with his medical cannabis patients, there are no barriers to learning cannabis health for all. You’re welcome to make an appointment to gain his professional insight and to discuss this research or other cannabis-related developments. 7. You want to learn how cannabis interacts with your medications, diet and more. If you’ve been experiencing altered effects in your cannabis use, have you noticed they correlated with changes in your health and wellness routine? If so, you could be onto something. The way that cannabis affects your body — specifically, how cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system — is directly connected with things like food, exercise habits, sleep patterns and much more. If you’re seeking information about the potential interactions of cannabis and related effects (especially if you’re starting a new medication), Dr. Caplan would be happy to address this with you. Remember: cannabis knowledge is power over your own health. Ready to schedule your appointment Just visit our website and request an appointment online for a medical cannabis evaluation. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you! [...] Read more...
January 31, 2023The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has long been associated with how we process emotions, including stress and fear. Anandamide, the very first discovered, and likely most well-understood endogenous cannabinoid, functions as a neurotransmitter that actively combats the feelings of stress and fear. In the body, Anandamide is degraded by the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), so blocking FAAH activity can effectively increase anandamide in our bodies, much like how preventing a faucet from closing will set up for a flood of extra water. Fear extinction is one of the core known functions of the anandamide molecule. When a stimulus is un-coupled from a fear response in the body, this is a process governed by anandamide. For example, mice can be trained to associate a certain noise with a shock (fear training) and then dissociate the noise from the shock when they are presented with the noise by itself (fear extinction training). Research about the endocannabinoid system and fear In astudy published in Molecular Psychiatry, administration of an FAAH inhibitor in mice decreased fear when it was paired with a fear extinction training. Interestingly, however, the FAAH inhibitor did not impact fear if no extinction training occurred. Of particular interest, anandamide levels in the amygdala, another memory organ in the body, were increased, after fear extinction training, an effect that was increased further in the presence of a FAAH inhibitor. Considering these findings, the researchers speculate that variations in the FAAH gene, and therefore one’s expected level of anandamide breakdown, may be a relevant chemistry dynamic that underlies differences in one person’s ability to detect fear or cope with stress, from another’s. Consider, for example, a young boy who is afraid of a spider. When he notices the spider, consciously or not, his body immediately responds with a flight or fight response. This process happens in a synchronized way across multiple organs, including the amygdala, the adrenal glands, and traversing blood vessels throughout the body and brain. What does this mean for me? Toward a goal of minimizing the impact of fear, the natural response can be subdued in the presence of anandamide, perhaps aided and amplified by the actions or inactions of FAAH. Should someone have a gene which builds for them a very weak FAAH system, it is likely that they will have a much easier time recovering from fearful stimuli, because there will be less breakdown of anandamide. On the other hand, someone who has a very strong FAAH system would degrade their natural levels of anandamide and may have more persistent fear responses. In a world flush with fear, anxiety, and aggression, it is easy to imagine the relevance of a body system that helps to quell these negative emotions. Or, the contrary, it becomes simple to see the opportunity presented by a system of introducing molecular copy-cat molecules to some of the substances. To learn more about the endocannabinoid system and existing research about cannabinoids, explore the CED blog for our insights.   [...] Read more...
January 30, 2023Why is industrial hemp growth coming from the Cannabis Sativa L. strain of cannabis is restricted in many countries? Because it’s often confused with marijuana. But this lower THC strain has very little psychoactive properties, and is more often used for textile purposes. Also, essential oils from this low THC cannabis strain may have hidden benefits: antimicrobial activity. Can Hemp Oil Fight Bacteria? This essential oils of industrial hemp study looked at the antimicrobial properties of hemp oils against different types of bacteria. They looked at three different hemp oils (Carmagnola, Fibranova, and Futura) and found the oils might be most effective at fighting off gram positive bacteria (i.e. strep or staph infections). Futura Oil Fought Best Out of three different varieties of industrial hemp, oils from the Futura plant were the best at fighting a broader range of bacteria including food-born pathogens. Futura oils were virtually identical in composition to the other two essential oils, with the exception of a twofold increase in terpinolene compared to Carmagnola and Fibranova. The Key is Terpinolene Concentration Therefore, the higher terpinolene concentration is likely the cause of the increased antimicrobial activity. This effect is particularly applicable in the context of rising antibiotic resistance, where diseases such as MRSA become resistant to our current antibiotics. Topical hemp oils with antimicrobial effects could provide an alternative method of fighting off bacteria. Curious About Hemp and Cannabis as an Alternative to Antibiotics? To learn how the essential oils of hemp and cannabis could be used to help fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, book an appointment with our medical cannabis doctors through our virtual booking link or by giving us a call (617-500-3595). Dr. Caplan and his team at The CED Clinic in Chestnut Hill, MA are available to guide and support you! Social Media Post This study finds yet another use for industrial Hemp – antimicrobial activity. The researchers here tested essential oils from three different types of industrial hemp plant (Carmagnola, Fibranova, and Futura) against bacteria. They found that Futura oils had the broadest and most pronounced antimicrobial activities compared to the other two hemp varieties. Futura oils had a higher concentration of the compound terpinolene compared to Carmagnola and Fibranova oils, which likely explains their higher antimicrobial activity. Hemp oils might be a beneficial alternative to fight bacteria, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance. Tweet Hemp oils have antimicrobial properties and could be used to help fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Infographic/Question Would you trust hemp oils over other antibiotic treatments such as neosporin? [...] Read more...
January 24, 2023Cannabis aversion in mice increases at higher doses of THC How much is too much when it comes to marijuana use? While marijuana in small doses can be rewarding, high doses could lead to anxiety and paranoia. Although anecdotally documented in humans, mice studies have found inconsistencies in the rewarding versus aversive (unpleasant) properties of cannabis. This review untangles the dose-dependent effects of THC in mice studies that use a place conditioning paradigm to determine the rewarding and aversive potential of marijuana. Do Mice Find Marijuana Rewarding? Using conditioned place preference and aversion tests determine whether mice find a certain stimulus – in this case marijuana – rewarding or aversive. Unsurprisingly, this review finds that mice given higher doses of THC found the THC aversive as opposed to rewarding. Priming mice with a low dose of THC a day or two before testing on the conditioned place paradigm seemed to increase the likelihood that mice would find THC rewarding. Interestingly, at smaller doses, mice were just as likely to have no preference for cannabis as they were to find it rewarding. Given the reported rewarding properties of cannabis among humans, perhaps these mice studies should be taken with a grain of salt. Worried About Anxiety or Paranoia from Cannabis? To learn if cannabis is right for you or how to avoid high doses, book an appointment with our medical cannabis doctors through our virtual booking link or by giving us a call (617-500-3595). Dr. Caplan and his team at The CED Clinic in Chestnut Hill, MA are available to guide and support you! Social Media Post Aversion to THC in mice increases at higher doses. A comprehensive review of THC’s rewarding or aversive effects in mice shows that mice given higher doses of THC found the THC aversive as opposed to rewarding. Priming mice with a low dose of THC a day or two before testing their preference for THC increases the likelihood that mice will find THC rewarding. Interestingly, even at smaller doses of THC, mice were just as likely to have no preference for cannabis as they were to find it rewarding. Given reported rewarding properties of cannabis among humans, perhaps these mice studies should be taken with a grain of salt. Tweet A review shows that mice do not always find THC rewarding – even at small doses, but do find it aversive at high doses. [...] Read more...
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March 19, 2024Cannabis News​ A one-stop shop for the state’s vice licensing needs. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission on Monday launched the Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program (CAMP), a new online system for licensing state recreational marijuana and alcohol businesses. According to the OLCC, CAMP will make it easier for businesses to handle all their licensing needs in one place, such as changing the location of a marijuana business or getting a license to sell alcohol at a restaurant. “We’ve learned a lot from our initial online marijuana licensing system, as well as moving our alcohol service permitting process online,” Rich Evans, OLCC’s senior director of compliance, said in a statement. “And we’ve used that knowledge to streamline the process for licensees, as well as improving our own data collection, which will help us make better informed compliance and policy decisions going forward.” The new system is designed offer a better user experience. It will allow business owners to: Use common online accounts for logging in Make electronic payments Manage multiple licenses on one dashboard Readily access important information It was also built to increase public transparency by making information more accessible, in line with Oregon’s public records laws. The announcement came on the heels of the state legislature’s passage of a bill that limits the number of cannabis business licenses based on the state’s population, among other items. The approach is much like how Oregon regulates liquor stores. “It is more similar now than it ever has been,” Joy Hudson, co-founder and CEO of Oregon-based Nimble Distribution, told Green Market Report. The bill also codified OLCC’s authority to create and adjust rules to make sure the systems they implement work effectively. CAMP will initially be available to recreational marijuana licensees, with alcohol licensees to be included later in the year. The program will be implemented in stages over 16 months, with future updates to include liquor licensing, permit renewals, and compliance processes, the agency said.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 19, 2024Cannabis News​By Vince Sliwoski, Managing Partner of Harris Sliwoski It looks like a permanent Oregon cannabis license moratorium will finally take effect. I say “looks like” because key contingencies are still in… The post Oregon Cannabis License Moratorium: Almost There appeared first on Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news. Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 19, 2024Cannabis News​ The Daily Hit is a recap of the top financial news stories for March 18, 2024. On the Site New York Governor wants to review state licensing procedures New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a top-to-bottom review of the state’s licensing bureaucracy, beginning today and headed up by Jeanette Moy, the commissioner of the Office of General Services. Read more here. Cannabis retailers sue Massachusetts town over $6M fees Three cannabis retailers have filed a lawsuit against a Massachusetts township, alleging the improper collection of nearly $6 million in community impact fees, despite admissions from officials that the businesses have not incurred significant costs. Read more here. Oregon debuts online system for cannabis, alcohol licensing The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission on Monday launched the Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program (CAMP), a new online system for licensing state recreational marijuana and alcohol businesses. Read more here. Colorado cannabis sales flat to start the year Last year was Colorado’s worst sales year since 2017, and 2024 isn’t off to a great start either. Colorado’s cannabis industry sold just $115.3 million for the month of January, a slight dip from December but statistically even with the previous month. Read more here. High Tide bucks Canadian cannabis sales trend, with increased revenue in Q1 Canadian Canna Cabana chain owner High Tide Inc. (Nasdaq: HITI) (TSXV: HITI) reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 ending Jan. 31, in which revenue continued to climb despite a sales slowdown in the overall Canadian cannabis industry. Read more here. More MSOs follow lead of Trulieve, Ascend on 280E After multistate operators Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) and Ascend Wellness Holdings (CSE: AAWH.U) (OTCQX: AAWH) announced to shareholders that they had filed amended tax returns for multiple years, with both expecting multimillion-dollar refunds as a result, more of their peers have come forward to say they’re either doing the same or are considering it. Read more here. In Other News New York Office of Cannabis Management Damian Fagon, the New York Office of Cannabis Management’s chief equity officer, was placed on administrative leave following a NY Cannabis Insider investigation about allegations of retaliation and selective enforcement on behalf of the state agency. Read more here. Washington state Police in western Washington state have made arrests in an investigation into what the Tacoma Police Department described as “a major illegal marijuana grow operation by Chinese nationals.” Read more here.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 19, 2024Cannabis News​Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a review of the way New York State licenses cannabis businesses after calling the sluggish rollout of legal cannabis a “disaster.” Gov. Kathy Hochul has told… The post New York Must Figure Out How to Fix Cannabis Mess, Hochul Orders appeared first on Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news. Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 19, 2024Cannabis News​Salisbury, Massachusetts-based Root & Bloom is a locally and independently owned producer of quality cannabis products whose relatively recent entrance into a quickly maturing Massachusetts market has resulted in a… The post Root & Bloom’s House of Startups appeared first on Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news. Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ In a new federal court filing, lawyers for a group of marijuana companies argue that ongoing broad cannabis prohibition has “no rational basis,” pointing to the government’s largely hands-off approach to the recent groundswell of state-level legalization. The lawsuit alleges that while Congress’s original intent in banning marijuana through the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) was to eradicate illicit interstate commerce, lawmakers and the executive branch have since abandoned that mission as more states have moved to regulate the drug. “Dozens of states have implemented programs to legalize and regulate medical or adult use marijuana,” the new filing from the plaintiffs in the case says. And by providing consumers with “safe, regulated, and local access to marijuana,” those states “have reduced illicit interstate commerce, as customers switch to purchasing state-regulated marijuana over illicit interstate marijuana.” The new 32-page document comes in response to the government’s effort in January to dismiss the cannabis companies’ underlying suit. At the center of the case is a 2005 Supreme Court decision, Gonzales v. Raich, in which justices held that federal prohibition preempts state-level legalization because of Congress’s interest in preventing illegal marijuana from entering interstate commerce. Plaintiffs argue that given the changes since then—not only at the state level, but also in terms of the government’s own tolerance of commercial cannabis activity in legal jurisdictions—”the federal government no longer has any basis for insisting that state-regulated, intrastate marijuana must be banned to serve Congress’s interstate goals.” “The ground-shaking shifts in marijuana regulation since Raich, together with the nation’s long history of marijuana cultivation and use prior to the CSA,” lawyers wrote in the new filing, “demonstrate the widely-held understanding that Plaintiffs’ marijuana activities implicate a liberty interest that requires protection.” In the overarching lawsuit, filed in October, the businesses behind the case claim that perpetuating marijuana prohibition in state markets is unconstitutional, creating undue public safety risks while precluding licensed cannabis operators from accessing critical financial services and tax deductions that are available to other industries. The challenge is being led by multistate operator Verano Holdings Corp. and the Massachusetts-based cannabis businesses Canna Provisions and Wiseacre Farm, along with Treevit CEO Gyasi Sellers. They’re represented by the law firms Boies Schiller and Flexner LLP and Lesser, Newman, Aleo and Nasser LLP. The latest filing was submitted Friday by accomplished litigator David Boies, whose list of prior clients includes the Justice Department, former Vice President Al Gore and plaintiffs in the case that led to the invalidation of California’s ban on same-sex marriage. “In the two decades since Raich, all the legislative and operative facts on which Raich‘s conclusion rested have changed,” it says. “It is therefore necessary to assess Congress’s regulation of intrastate marijuana based on the new regulatory framework and new factual circumstances.” Noting that “over three dozen states permit medical marijuana and twenty-four states (representing most of the nation’s population) permit adult-use marijuana,” the new filing calls CSA “an aberration, not consistent with the nation’s practices at the founding, nor at the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, when marijuana was widely used for medical and recreational purposes.” “While states may sometimes regulate those activities when appropriate for the public health,” it adds, “the federal ban fails under such scrutiny.” Plaintiffs argue that not only has Congress annually renewed an appropriations rider barring the Justice Department from using federal funds to intervene in state medical cannabis programs, but attorneys general over the course of multiple administrations have also spoken to their lack of interest in criminalizing people over marijuana-related activity that’s sanctioned by the states. “What was once a single-minded federal crusade against the cannabis plant has been replaced with an ambivalent set of inconsistent policies, some aimed at reducing federal interference with state efforts to regulate marijuana,” the original lawsuit says. “In short, the federal government has long ago abandoned the goal of eliminating marijuana from commerce,” the complaint adds. “Nor does Congress have any comprehensive—or even consistent and rational—approach to marijuana regulation.” “Therefore, even if Congress still wished to eliminate interstate transactions in marijuana in their entirety (it does not), it has no rational basis for banning state-regulated activities that reduce interstate traffic in marijuana.” Though the federal government has taken a largely hands-off approach to cannabis in recent decades, state-licensed marijuana businesses continue to suffer unique financial burdens, including a lack of access to banking services, credit cards and federal tax deductions under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E. As such, many marijuana businesses rely heavily on cash, which even government officials have acknowledge creates public safety risks. “State-regulated marijuana dispensaries have become targets of robberies,” the complaint says. “These collateral harms increase the costs of state-regulated marijuana businesses and reduce participation in state-regulated marijuana markets. As a result, there is less innovation and less consumer choice.” Friday’s filing was first reported by Law 360, which also spoke to Joshua Schiller, a lawyer on the case, Canna Provisions v. Garland. Asked why the suit includes Verano, a functioning multistate cannabis business, Schiller told the publication that “even though it’s a multistate operator, each of its markets are intrastate. They’re not even allowed to bring a seed .” “We like having a multistate operator just to show a different business,” he said, “to show a different story about a different business.” The lawsuit comes as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) carries out a review into marijuana scheduling after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA. Such rescheduling could resolve certain tax-related issues for the industry under 280E, but it would not legalize the plant or permit intrastate commerce. “The federal criminalization of safe, regulated marijuana commerce in states where it is legal unfairly burdens legal operations and expands the production and sale of illegal marijuana that is unregulated, can be unsafe, and is likely to find its way to other states,” Boies said in a press release in October. “Federal criminalization also denies small, legal marijuana businesses of access to SBA loans, investors, benefits for their employees, and normal banking regulations (which among other things, forces them to rely on cash transactions with all of the dangers to them, and to the community, that result)—as well as burdening them with discriminatory taxes.” “Americans believe that cannabis should be legal and available subject to reasonable regulation by the states. 38 states have legalized some form of cannabis,” he said. “The federal government lacks authority to prohibit intrastate cannabis commerce. Outdated precedents from decades ago no longer apply—the Supreme Court has since made clear that the federal government lacks the authority to regulate purely intrastate commerce; moreover, the facts on which those precedents are based are no longer true.” Cannabis business executives first described plans to file the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of enforcing criminalization of intrastate marijuana activity under the CSA last year. “I think the fact that one of the leading constitutional law firms in the United States is willing and eager to take this case speaks volumes to the seriousness of the action and the potential likelihood of success,” the then-CEO of Ascend Wellness Holdings told Marijuana Moment at the time, saying that he hoped the legal challenge would prompt Congress to pass cannabis banking legislation of other reforms. “Hopefully, this will be another factor that the Senate says, ‘you know, we’ve gotta get off our ass or we’re gonna lose this issue to the courts,’” he said. On the same day as the new legal filing, Vice President Kamala Harris held a White House meeting with a group of people who received marijuana pardons under the administration’s recent clemency actions. At the meeting, she urged DEA to reschedule marijuana “as quickly as possible,” calling it “absurd” and “patently unfair” that cannabis is still classified in the same category as heroin. “This issue is stark when one considers the fact that on the schedule currently, marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin. Marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl,” Harris said. “I’m sure DEA is working as quickly as possible and will continue to do so, and we look forward to the product of their work.” While the purpose of the meeting was focused on the president’s clemency action—which he historically touted in his State of the Union address this month—the event seems to be the latest signal that the administration is hoping to appeal to voters ahead of the November election by promoting an issue with bipartisan popularity, especially among critical young voters. The president’s mention of his marijuana pardons and administrative scheduling review directive during his speech before a joint session of Congress was a key acknowledgement to that end. And it was well-received, evidenced in part by the massive social media response it elicited. That said, the president did again misstate the scope of his administrative actions on marijuana, falsely asserting that he expunged thousands of records when, in fact, a pardon does not clear a person’s record. Biden also told a supporter at a campaign stop in Wisconsin last week that he was “taking care” of marijuana reform, touting his pardons. The popularity of administrative cannabis reform was also underscored in a recent poll that showed how Biden’s marijuana moves stand to benefit him in November. The survey found the president’s favorability spiked after people were made aware of the possibility that cannabis could be rescheduled under the Biden-initiated review. Harris, for her part, also faced criticism last month after sharing a video where she claimed the administration had “changed federal marijuana policy.” While Biden has issued thousands of simple possession pardons and directed the ongoing review into federal cannabis scheduling, the law itself has not changed at this point, and campaign pledges to decriminalize marijuana have yet gone unfulfilled. The vice president’s video also showed a map with incorrect information on which states have legalized cannabis to date. Following its review, HHS advised DEA specifically to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). While that possibility evidently moves the needle for Biden among the general public, equity-focused advocates have stressed the point that it would not legalize marijuana, nor would it do anything to address the decades of harm under prohibition. It would allow state cannabis to take federal tax deductions that they’re currently barred from under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E, however. Whether DEA accepts the HHS recommendation is yet to be seen. And while many expect an announcement will happen before the election, the timeline is uncertain. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra defended his agency’s rescheduling recommendation during a Senate committee hearing on Thursday and later told cannabis lobbyist Don Murphy that he should pay DEA a visit and “knock on their door” for answers about the timing of their decision. Certain DEA officials are reportedly resisting the Biden administration’s rescheduling push, disputing the HHS findings on marijuana’s safety profile and medical potential, according to unnamed sources who spoke with The Wall Street Journal. The Biden administration was recently pressed to reschedule marijuana by two coalitions representing military veterans and law enforcement—including a group that counts DEA Administrator Anne Milgram among its members. On the president’s pardon action, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, told Marijuana Moment last month that the clemency should be “extended all the way out, and any unintended or intended consequences of the war on drugs should be dealt with to repair the damage.” Former Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), however, told Marijuana Moment that he’s been “very pleased” with Biden’s clemency actions, arguing that the president has “taken some pretty, in my opinion, bold steps.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Army recently clarified in a branch-wide notice that marijuana possession violations under the military drug code weren’t eligible under the president’s pardons. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) called it a “mistake” to exclude military from the relief. Also, the governor of Massachusetts announced on Wednesday that she is moving to pardon “hundreds of thousands” of people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions on their records, in line with Biden’s push for state-level clemency. Read the plaintiffs’ response to the federal government’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit below: Biden Tells Supporter He’s ‘Taking Care’ Of Marijuana Reform At Campaign Stop Photo elements courtesy of rawpixel and Philip Steffan. Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ Second Amendment advocates are criticizing a pair of recent developments around marijuana and firearms—issues they say underscore the need for further reform. Last month during a routine audit of a gun dealer, a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigator reportedly ordered the store to stop the sale of a pistol because the investigator claimed the would-be buyer smelled of marijuana. “I wasn’t high,” the prospective buyer told the Second Amendment Foundation, according to the outlet Ammoland, which referred to the individual only as Daniel. “None of this makes any sense to me.” Daniel had already filed federal paperwork saying he was eligible to own a firearm and had passed a background check for the handgun, according to the report. When he went to pick it up at a Plant City, Florida store, however, the ATF industry operations investigator reportedly halted the sale. ATF spokesman Jason Medina acknowledged that the smell of marijuana could have been from exposure to second-hand smoke and not an indication that the gun buyer himself had consumed cannabis. “That’s true,” Medina told Ammoland. Meanwhile in a federal appeals court case, the Department of Justice argued in a filing earlier this month that marijuana users “are more likely than ordinary citizens to misuse firearms,” likening them to “the mentally ill” as well as “infants, idiots, lunatics, and felons.” “Because they are not ‘responsible citizens,’” DOJ argues, “unlawful drug users and addicts do not have a Second Amendment right to possess firearms.” The case is the Biden administration’s appeal of a federal court decision out of North Carolina that found the government’s prohibition of firearm possession by a person who “is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” is unconstitutional on its face. The Firearms Policy Coalition noted that the filing came just hours before President Joe Biden said during his State of the Union address that no one should be in jail for using or possessing marijuana. “No one should be disarmed and denied their natural right to self-defense just for using or possessing marijuana,” the group posted on social media. The issue has been raised in multiple state legislatures and federal courts in recent years, as marijuana and gun rights advocates challenge the constitutionality of the federal ban that currently prevents cannabis consumers from owning firearms. Just this month, Maryland lawmakers took testimony about a measure that would protect the gun rights of medical marijuana patients under state law, while organizers in Colorado are preparing to gather signatures to qualify a ballot initiative that would remove state barriers prohibiting gun owners from obtaining concealed handgun permits for lawful use of medical marijuana. The federal Justice Department has insisted on the necessity of the banning cannabis consumers for possessing guns in numerous federal courts, arguing at points that people who use marijuana pose a unique danger. The question over the constitutionality of the federal gun ban for people who use marijuana is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which is considering taking up the issue. Justices are expected to decide whether they will hear a federal government appeal of a circuit court ruling that found the firearm restriction violates the Second Amendment. That ruling came from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which examined the federal statute known as Section 922(g)(3) that prevents someone who is an “unlawful user” of an illegal drug from buying or possessing firearms. The circuit court found the policy unconstitutional as applied to a man who faced a conviction after admitting to having used cannabis while in possession of a gun. While people who use cannabis are barred from owning firearms under the statute, a little-notice FBI memo from 2019 that recently surfaced shows that the federal government generally does not consider it a violation of the law for medical cannabis caregivers and growers to have guns. Republican congressional lawmakers have filed two bills in the first half of this current two-year session that focus on gun and marijuana policy. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, filed legislation last year to protect the Second Amendment rights of people who use marijuana in legal states, allowing them to purchase and possess firearms that they’re currently prohibited from having under federal law. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has committed to attaching that legislation to a bipartisan marijuana banking bill that advanced out of committee in September. Meanwhile, Mast is also cosponsoring a separate bill from Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) this session that would more narrowly allow medical cannabis patients to purchase and possess firearms. Federal Marijuana Prohibition Has ‘No Rational Basis,’ Companies Say In New Court Filing Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ A panel of Vermont lawmakers moved forward with planned amendments to a psychedelics bill on Friday, scaling back a proposal that originally would have legalized possession and use of psilocybin in the state to instead merely establish a working group that would study whether and how to allow therapeutic access to psychedelics. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the modifications, which members first floated earlier this month, and voted 3–2 to advance the amended measure, S. 114. Members spent no time Friday discussing the pivot away from decriminalization, instead going over changes to the makeup of the would-be working group. Under the amendment approved by the panel, the state would establish an eight-member Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group that would “examine the use of psychedelics to improve physical and mental health and to make findings and recommendations regarding the advisability of the establishment of a State program similar to other jurisdictions to permit health care providers to administer psychedelics in a therapeutic setting and the impact on public health of allowing individuals to legally access psychedelics under state law.” The amended bill says the group would hold its first meeting before July 15 and would need to submit a written report to various House and Senate committees by November 15 “with its findings and any recommendations for legislative action.” At a meeting earlier this month, the committee indicated a desire to move away from limited noncommercial legalization under the rationale that the bill’s focus should be about the possible medical benefits of psychedelics rather than limiting harm caused by prohibition. “It could be that decriminalization is going to get in the way of therapeutic use,” suggested Sen. Ginny Lyons (D), the committee chair. “What we’re looking for is the value of therapeutic use.” At a meeting earlier this week, on Tuesday, committee staff previewed an amended bill that removed the psilocybin provision completely, and members turned their attention to the makeup of the working group, which would study the possible regulation of psychedelic therapy involving substances beyond just psilocybin. Under language now approved by the committee, membership would consist of: A representative of the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine, who would be appointed by the school’s dean A representative of the Brattleboro Retreat, a psychiatric and addiction hospital, who would be appointed by the president and CEO A member of the Vermont Psychological Association, appointed by the president A member of the Vermont Psychiatric Association, appointed by the president The executive director of the Vermont Board of Medical Practice or a designee The director of the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation or a designee The Vermont Commissioner of Health or a designee A co-founder of the Psychedelic Society of Vermont The group would review research and scientific literature as well as laws and programs in other jurisdictions. They would also be directed to provide an opportunity “for individuals with lived experience to provide testimony” as well as provide “potential timelines for universal and equitable access to psychedelic assisted treatments. In other drug-related actions this session, Vermont’s House also recently passed a bill to legalize and fund safe consumption sites, part of a pilot program aimed at quelling the ongoing epidemic of drug-related deaths. It’s another attempt by lawmakers to allow the facilities following Gov. Phil Scott’s (R) veto of a 2022 measure that would have established a task force to create a plan to open the sites. Meanwhile a growing number of states are pursuing psychedelics reform legislation this legislative session, with a focus on research and therapeutic access. For example, the Indiana legislature recently sent a bill to the governor’s desk that includes provisions to fund clinical research trials into psilocybin. Meanwhile, the Maryland House of Delegates this week passed a bill to create a psychedelics task force responsible for studying possible regulatory frameworks for therapeutic access to substances such as psilocybin, mescaline and DMT. It would be charged specifically with ensuring “broad, equitable and affordable access to psychedelic substances” in the state. A companion measure is also advancing in the Senate. An Arizona House panel also approved a Senate-passed bill to legalize psilocybin service centers where people could receive the psychedelic in a medically supervised setting. Utah lawmakers last week unanimously approved a Republican-led bill to authorize a pilot program for hospitals to administer psilocybin and MDMA as an alternative treatment option, sending it to the governor. Also last week, a Missouri House committee unanimously approved a bill to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by military veterans and fund studies exploring the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic. Connecticut lawmakers held a hearing on a bill to decriminalize possession of psilocybin last week. A Vermont legislative panel continued its consideration this month of a bill that would legalize psilocybin in the state and establish a work group on how to further regulate psychedelics for therapeutic use. The governor of New Mexico recently endorsed a newly enacted resolution requesting that state officials research the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and explore the creation of a regulatory framework to provide access to the psychedelic. An Illinois senator recently introduced a bill to legalize psilocybin and allow regulated access at service centers in the state where adults could use the psychedelic in a supervised setting—with plans to expand the program to include mescaline, ibogaine and DMT. Lawmakers in Hawaii are also continuing to advance a bill that would provide some legal protections to patients engaging in psilocybin-assisted therapy with a medical professional’s approval. New York lawmakers also said that a bill to legalize psilocybin-assisted therapy in that state has a “real chance” of passing this year. Bipartisan California lawmakers also recently introduced a bill to legalize psychedelic service centers where adults 21 and older could access psilocybin, MDMA, mescaline and DMT in a supervised environment with trained facilitators. A Nevada joint legislative committee held a hearing with expert and public testimony on the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin in January. Law enforcement representatives also shared their concerns around legalization—but there was notable acknowledgement that some reforms should be enacted, including possible rescheduling. The governor of Massachusetts recently promoted the testimony of activists who spoke in favor of her veterans-focused bill that would, in part, create a psychedelics work group to study the therapeutic potential of substances such as psilocybin. Federal Marijuana Prohibition Has ‘No Rational Basis,’ Companies Say In New Court Filing Photo elements courtesy of carlosemmaskype and Apollo. Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ For Chris Goldstein, being invited to the White House to talk with Vice President Kamala Harris about his marijuana pardon last week represented a pivotal opportunity to do exactly what he was doing at the time of his arrest 10 years ago: advocate for cannabis legalization. The Philadelphia-based activist had built a career around marijuana reform, and on Friday he found himself inside the hallowed Roosevelt Room in the company of Harris, two other pardon recipients, the governor of Kentucky, rapper Fat Joe and other officials discussing what clemency meant for him—and, importantly, why it’s crucial that the administration go further than the steps it has taken to date. Few people would have expected Harris herself to take up that call for broader reform during the roundtable meeting that took place once the media was ushered out of the room following brief introductory remarks. Goldstein didn’t expect it either when the vice president declared that “we need to legalize marijuana,” reviving her pro-legalization position that had been muted for the past four years since she joined President Joe Biden’s ticket. “Saying those words out loud—saying it in the Roosevelt Room—it did feel very meaningful,” Goldstein told Marijuana Moment. “It wasn’t lost on anyone there what was going on in that moment.” While the vice president privately called for legalization, which followed her public remarks imploring the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reschedule marijuana “as quickly as possible,” one of the other more intriguing aspects of the meetings was Goldstein’s invite in the first place. Harris’s office had been reaching out to pardon recipients for months before finally scheduling the meeting, and Goldstein made abundantly clear to her staff that he was an activist who would not shy away from pointing out the inadequacies of simply moving cannabis to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended. That the vice president’s office moved forward with his invite seemed to signal a willingness to engage in the legalization conversation. “The president and vice president work very closely together. This event was coordinated at the White House in the Roosevelt Room. I think that is fully coordinated and calculated,” Goldstein said. “It’s a strategic mode—and it’s a positive strategic message to send at the right time.” While the purpose of Friday’s meeting was focused on the president’s clemency action—which Biden historically touted in his State of the Union address this month—the event seemed to be the latest example of the administration’s efforts to appeal to voters ahead of the November election by promoting an issue with bipartisan popularity, especially among critical young voters. But for Goldstein, last week’s event was also deeply personal. The grassroots activist affiliated with NORML who was arrested and convicted for possessing marijuana while advocating for legalization on federal land made it all the way to the White House to tell his story and deliver his message directly to the second-highest official in the country. Marijuana Moment spoke with Goldstein about the meeting, the vice president’s closed-door comments and more on Friday afternoon shortly after he left the White House. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity: Marijuana Moment: What can you say about the conversations that took place during the private roundtable? Chris Goldstein: As soon as the doors closed, the vice president made some more colloquial remarks. In fact, Fat Joe and the vice president started a dialogue on a lot of things. The moment where she raised her hands in the air and said, “we need to legalize marijuana”—saying those words out loud, saying it in the Roosevelt Room, it did feel very meaningful, and it wasn’t lost on anyone there what was going on in that moment. MM: Harris sponsored a legalization bill in the Senate, but hasn’t pushed for reform like that since joining the Biden ticket. What does that say to you? CG: The president  and vice president work very closely together. This event was coordinated at the White House in the Roosevelt Room. I think that is fully coordinated and calculated. It’s a strategic mode. And it’s a positive strategic message to send at the right time. I think that the president and vice president have done the executive actions that we’ve all been waiting for. But we have seen a lot of missteps in messaging, and today was some very direct and clear messaging. MM: Did you get the sense that we might begin to hear more of this pro-legalization messaging from the White House in public? CG: Absolutely. And again, this was is a closed-door discussion, but it was for the internal media team. I’m sure that clip will be one of the things that they’re going to share. And it certainly was one of the moments that we would like to see come out of that room first. I don’t think that they’re going to be shy to do it. I think that the the concept of the closed-door room was to give us the comfort zone to have a discussion, but I don’t think that they were trying to keep any of the discussion private, per se. MM: How did it go with the other participants at the meeting? CG: First, I met the other people who were involved and we were staged together. So I got to meet Andy , the governor of Kentucky—that’s how he introduces himself and, quite frankly, he was really impressive in person. He highlighted his own success stories in Kentucky and what he’s been doing on clemency there. So it was interesting to meet the governor of Kentucky—I’m not sure that in any other context I might have. Fat Joe—I did not expect to be meeting, you know, a really famous rapper who’s got like 6 million followers on Instagram, I’ve got like 600. So that was really interesting. And I have to say, he brought a really interesting vibe to the whole thing, and I have nothing but respect for the guy. He really handled that situation admirably and really advanced our whole discussion. We were glad to have him there. Before going in and before they told us Fat Joe was going to be there, I was worried about being too buttoned up and boring today. With him there, it made a vibe that made everybody, including Vice President Harris, much more comfortable and it was a much more colloquial discussion. MM: What stood out to you about the discussion? CG: The theme of the event was clemency and criminal justice reform. I think what was interesting today is that we went further than saying marijuana—that they were talking about drug war general issues. And you bring up Vice President Harris’s history on this. I think, today, she brought up her own history, too. I think that that’s something that people have wanted to hear her explain and talk about. And I think that what I heard today isn’t just what people want to hear, but I think it’s a genuine and very sincere story. I don’t want to go too far into it, but for Vice President Harris’s generation, I think the drug war policies, they might want to try and make some corrective action on it. MM: It did seem like the vice president’s mention of her record as a prosecutor—as part of the drug war system—was notable. CG: Yeah, and it was a political role, too, because the positions that she held as a prosecutor were elected positions. I think that’s important. She might have done it not just to be a prosecutor, but to be a politician. And I think that, in hindsight, enforcing those kinds of policies may inspire her to do some reforms today. It wasn’t just Vice President Harris, this was President Biden, this was a lot of other people involved with every presidential administration, this a lot of people in Congress. I mean, honestly, there was a generation of drug warriors that have now grown up and now they’re in the White House and in Congress and in the Senate, and they’re looking back at their histories and saying, ‘Okay, what can we do now instead?’ MM: How did Harris’s point about marijuana legalization come about? CG: There was a pause in a moment, and it was in context of the discussion of where we’re going with federal policy. You know, she’s talking about the scheduling review. Schedule III is not legalization. Schedule III is not what our community, not what the cannabis community and not what the voting public would recognize as legalization. Is there any state that would have ever voted to legalize Schedule III marijuana? No, that would have never flown with voters. So voters have gone way beyond Schedule III at the state level. That’s why the idea that that’s an incremental reform we can accept at the federal level really just shouldn’t be in the picture because we’re way past that. MM: Was there any closed-door discussion about the timeline for the completion of the scheduling review? CG: No, they seem to be, like us, waiting for the DEA to move. They don’t have an influence on what action or when the DEA could act. I think we’ve been joking around here at NORML that the DEA took like eight years . They run themselves out of the clock on any on any request, really, from a reasonable drug policy perspective. But again, the White House can’t really say. I do have to say that this is the first time the White House has asked for a scheduling review in the right manner so we don’t have a context for how long they might be able to run out the clock. We all in our mind have a political deadline of November. But the DEA doesn’t have a political deadline like that. They’re not up for election. So, there’s nothing in the rules that say they have to issue it by a certain time. One does feel that that if the president does pursue these executive actions and the DEA doesn’t do anything, you’d hate to presume what could happen. That would just be like guesswork. Let me put it this way: This administration has been following the rules. They have been following the process to try and address marijuana laws with executive action. They’ve done everything that we’ve asked any White House to try for the last 15 years. And the Schedule III thing and where the DEA is at right now, I really do see that as due diligence. I don’t see that as them waiting out a final answer. I see them waiting out an answer. If the DEA comes back with a defense of Schedule I and is in conflict with HHS, what does the White House do, then? The answer there, you’re gonna have to get engaged somehow or let prohibition just continue. MM: The vice president’s comments directing DEA to move “quickly” on the scheduling review, she almost seemed to be expressing frustration with the timing or hinting at some tension with DEA in line with what The Wall Street Journal reported recently. Did you get that impression? CG: Let me put it this way: She can create a sense of urgency on the DEA issuing their decision. Again, I think that the sense of urgency was not lost. I don’t think it’s a secret. And I do think that they want a definitive answer. HHS didn’t take that long to come up with their report, either. I have to point that out. And that was also a new process for HHS. They use like a new two-step review. I do think that it is interesting. When the president has challenged these authorities to answer these questions, HHS has at least adapted and responded. We don’t know what the DEA is doing. It’s Secret Squirrel over there. There’s no transparency to that process, either. And, in fact, that’s one of the big problems with it. But again, I see this process with the DEA right now as due diligence. The president still has the ability to send another letter to HHS directing descheduling and that is completely different review by both agencies. MM: What other messages did you deliver to the vice president? CG: I told her that the power of pardons from the White House was huge for people like me to get it. But as an activist, what I’ve done is print out and put it in people’s hands. And it’s true—I mean, I have to tell you, it’s like doing a bit of street magic. There’s a sense of awe that comes across people’s face when they realize you’re reading a presidential pardon. I tried to convey to her is that the power of the pardon isn’t just on those of us who get it. We take it back to our whole community. The people who see it when we print it out or when we talk about it, it really is something that affects people. Street magic inspires awe. It’s a universal emotion, a positive emotion, and I’ve got to say I have watched that happen with this pardon. It is the best piece of street magic I’ve ever been able to do. I didn’t have my business card when I showed up at Congress yesterday, I used my pardon instead and it totally worked. And every staffer I put it in the hands of, you could see the smile, ear-to-ear. I’m not kidding. I tried to convey to Vice President Harris that visceral reality—the good will of that I’ve seen really happen from that pardon. And so she told me that she really felt that, that’s the power of the pardon, that she heard that back. So it was nice to hear that from the vice president. MM: It would’ve been hard to believe at the time of your arrest that you’d eventually find yourself invited to the White House to discuss clemency with the executive office. But you did have one person who predicted that at the time, right? CG: Oh yeah, my lawyer was Bill Buckman. He was very involved with the ACLU and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Bill was a world-recognized civil rights attorney. When Bill took on my case, pro bono, and I got convicted, he was exasperated. He could not believe that the judge did what he did. He couldn’t believe that we were being treated this way. And when I got convicted and sentenced, he tried to reassure me. He said, “Chris, this was just wrong. And one day, you’re gonna get a pardon for this, you’re going to end up talking about this at the White House. This is going to turn around.” He was fighting for an appeal for me. He thought we would win that, too, but he passed away one year into my two years of probation. I never thought I’d have to serve every day, but since Bill passed away so that’s what I had to do. But he knew in some way. He knew before I could even really realize that I’d be where I am today. It is a community that got me here, not myself. I mean, the smartest person in the room is not me, it’s the team. And the good thing about a grassroots community is that there’s always a great team to work with. It’s not always there. There’s a lot of turnover. And, believe me, there’s a lot of infighting in any political group. Not everybody gets along. But in going into the White House over the last couple of weeks, I tried to bring everybody I could with me, and I went around to talk with as many advocacy organizations as possible to make sure that I was conveying the message not just from my own story, but from our community to the White House. And I feel like I pulled that off in one day. But to the same extent, the greatest thing about the meeting today was it did not feel like a one-time event. There were some words expressed about doing more things like this. The White House wants to engage on this policy consistently. And that’s that’s clemency, criminal justice, marijuana legalization. They want to be right in it. And right now, the White House has an important role to play and they’re doing it. MM: President Biden remains opposed to legalization. Did his position come up? CG: No. Well, talked about about Joe Biden’s successes on clemency. And that was the theme in which she talked about the president’s work. But, again, I think what’s interesting is that she really went out there on her own today and said, ‘We need to legalize marijuana.’ And we’ve seen the vice president really taking a lot of good, strong positions lately. I think that’s a good one to take. It’s not a new one for her, as you point out, but it’s a new setting for her to say it and it is, in many ways, a historic setting for us. As White House Hosts Marijuana Pardon Recipients, It’s Time For Bolder Action From Biden (Op-Ed) Photo courtesy of Chris Goldstein. Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. 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March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ A center-right think tank is raising alarm about a Colorado bill that it says would make it illegal to talk positively about marijuana online. The prohibition would also apply to many hemp products as well as some federally legal pharmaceuticals. Among other provisions, SB24-158—a broad proposal around internet age verification and content policies—would require social media platforms to immediately remove any user “who promotes, sells, or advertises an illicit substance.” The bill’s definition of illicit substance includes not only illegal drugs but also many that are legal and regulated in Colorado. It pertains to any controlled substance under state law, including schedules I through V under state law.  That means the bill would affect state-legal marijuana, certain psychedelics—which voters legalized through a 2022 ballot measure—and even some over-the-counter cough syrups that contain small amounts of codeine. Beyond scheduled drugs, the bill specifies that its restrictions also apply to certain hemp products with more than 1.25 milligrams THC or a CBD-to-THC ratio of less than 20 to 1 and most other hemp-containing products intended for human consumption. If enacted onto law, companies would also need to publish “a statement that the use of the social media platform for the promotion, sale, or advertisement of any illicit substance…is prohibited.” The R Street Institute says the restriction would impact not only cannabis companies but also any individual who posts positively about marijuana. “Basically, the Colorado Legislature is trying to force social media companies to ban the promotion of marijuana,” the group’s social media director, Shoshanna Weissman, wrote in a new article. “And because what constitutes ‘promotion’ remains undefined, the bill would likely force platforms to remove all pro-marijuana free speech in a state where recreational use is legal.” Not only is the ambiguity of “promotion” an issue, but the bill’s broad definition of illicit substances could also cause confusion, R Street says. The think tank points out that the bill’s definition of illicit substances “would make it unlawful for businesses to promote them for sale or even for regular people to talk about their benefits online.” “This clearly violates the First Amendment, as the bill is unconstitutionally narrow in scope,” Weissman wrote. “Basically, if speaking highly of or advertising these substances were truly dangerous, the state would have banned advertising in all its forms (e.g., print, television, digital).” Instead, as the R Street article notes, the state itself seems to have embraced legalization and cannabis culture. For multiple years, it points out, Colorado has auctioned off marijuana-themed license plates that read things like “420,” “HASH,” and “GOTWAX.” “For over a decade, Colorado has been a leader in the cannabis space, bringing bold, innovative and creative businesses to the state,” Gov. Jared Polis (D) said in 2022, when the state auctioned off plates reading “BLUNT,” “DABBING,” “TERPENE,” “TOKER,” “VISINE” and “NORML.” “This effort allows us to celebrate Colorado’s mile-high reputation and fund critical projects and programs in our disability community,” the governor said at the time. SB24-158 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee on Tuesday. Its prime sponsors are Sens. Chris Hansen and Dafna Michaelson Jenet as well as Rep. Meghan Lukens, all of whom are Democrats. Social media companies would be required to update policies and post them publicly on or before July 1, 2025. Updates to social media policies would also need to be posted online within 14 days of implementation. Companies would also be mandated to submit reports annually to the state attorney general a statement “of whether the current version of the published policies contain definitions and provisions relating to illicit substances,” according to a legislative summary of the bill. Meanwhile in Colorado, organizers at a Second Amendment advocacy group are poised to begin gathering signatures on a ballot measure that would allow cannabis consumers to obtain concealed carry firearm licenses under state law. Colorado legalized adult-use cannabis through a ballot initiative in 2012, though cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level. And under federal law, being an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance, including marijuana, means a person cannot legally buy or possess a gun. Earlier this year, Colorado marijuana regulators also touted industry successes from the past year and promoted their new hospitality rules for the industry, including increased sales limits for cannabis hospitality businesses that allow on-site use. One of the things they touted is a rule about online sales that took effect last August. Customers must still physically pick up the marijuana products from retailers, but now they can browse and electronically purchase cannabis online ahead of visiting the store. Polis has praised the state’s reputation on marijuana and even said in January that Colorado is “leading the nation” on psychedelics, just as it did with cannabis. “Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational use of cannabis, setting a standard for innovation and safety and economic mobility that’s been replicated by states across the nation and countries across the world, who come here to learn what Colorado did right,” Polis said in his latest State of the State address. “Now, thanks to our voters, we’re once again leading the nation on natural medicine, unfreezing 50-plus years of stifled research to learn about the potential benefits for the people of our state and beyond.” It’s not clear whether such comments would be allowed on social media if SB24-158 passes the legislature and is signed into law as currently drafted. ATF Agent Stops Gun Sale Over Marijuana Odor And DOJ Argues Cannabis Consumers Don’t Have 2nd Amendment Rights  Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ The Maryland Senate has unanimously approved a bill to create a psychedelics task force to study and make recommendations on a possible regulatory framework for substances such as psilocybin and DMT. It would be charged specifically with ensuring “broad, equitable and affordable access to psychedelic substances” in the state. Three days after the measure from Sen. Brian Feldman (D) advanced through committee, the full chamber passed it in a 45-0 vote on Monday, the legislative crossover deadline. During the Senate Finance Committee hearing last Friday, members replaced the language of the legislation with that of an amended companion version that cleared the full House of Delegates last week. The legislation would establish a “Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances” that would be overseen by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA). Members of the task force would be required to examine and make recommendations on issues such as “permitting requirements, including requirements regarding education and safety,” “access to treatment and regulated support” and “production of natural psychedelic substances.” There are also provisions tasking the body with looking into expunging prior convictions for psychedelics and releasing people incarcerated for such offenses, along with a mandate to make recommendations on potential civil penalties for “nonviolent infractions involving the planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, or possessing of or other engagement with natural psychedelic substances.” Under the bill, the governor, legislative leaders and various state agencies would be responsible for appointing the 17-member task force that would specifically consider policies around psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine and mescaline (not derived from peyote). Under a recent amendment, the legislation would also give members discretion to put more psychedelics under review as they see fit. The body’s recommendations would be due to the governor and legislature by July 31, 2025. The legislation would sunset after two and a half years. The House version as originally introduced contained more prescriptive requirements to explore and issue recommendations on aspects of psychedelics policy such as “systems to support statewide online sales of natural psychedelic substances with home delivery” and “testing and packaging requirements for products containing natural psychedelic substances with clear and accurate labeling of potency.” That language was taken out in an amendment and also did not appear in the original Senate version as drafted. The task force legislation is advancing about two years after a different law took effect creating a state fund to provide “cost-free” access to psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine for military veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. A number of state legislatures are pursuing psychedelics policy reform this session, with a focus on therapeutic access. —Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,400 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.— For example, the Indiana legislature recently sent a bill to the governor’s desk that includes provisions to fund clinical research trials into psilocybin. A panel of Vermont lawmakers moved forward with planned amendments to a psychedelics bill on Friday, scaling back a proposal that originally would have legalized possession and use of psilocybin in the state to instead merely establish a working group that would study whether and how to allow therapeutic access to psychedelics. An Arizona House panel also approved a Senate-passed bill to legalize psilocybin service centers where people could receive the psychedelic in a medically supervised setting. Utah lawmakers earlier this month unanimously approved a Republican-led bill to authorize a pilot program for hospitals to administer psilocybin and MDMA as an alternative treatment option, sending it to the governor. Also this month, a Missouri House committee unanimously approved a bill to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by military veterans and fund studies exploring the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic. Connecticut lawmakers held a hearing on a bill to decriminalize possession of psilocybin this month. The governor of New Mexico recently endorsed a newly enacted resolution requesting that state officials research the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and explore the creation of a regulatory framework to provide access to the psychedelic. An Illinois senator recently introduced a bill to legalize psilocybin and allow regulated access at service centers in the state where adults could use the psychedelic in a supervised setting—with plans to expand the program to include mescaline, ibogaine and DMT. Lawmakers in Hawaii are also continuing to advance a bill that would provide some legal protections to patients engaging in psilocybin-assisted therapy with a medical professional’s approval. New York lawmakers also said that a bill to legalize psilocybin-assisted therapy in that state has a “real chance” of passing this year. Bipartisan California lawmakers also recently introduced a bill to legalize psychedelic service centers where adults 21 and older could access psilocybin, MDMA, mescaline and DMT in a supervised environment with trained facilitators. A Nevada joint legislative committee held a hearing with expert and public testimony on the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin in January. Law enforcement representatives also shared their concerns around legalization—but there was notable acknowledgement that some reforms should be enacted, including possible rescheduling. The governor of Massachusetts recently promoted the testimony of activists who spoke in favor of her veterans-focused bill that would, in part, create a psychedelics work group to study the therapeutic potential of substances such as psilocybin. What Happened In VP Harris’s Marijuana Meeting At The White House After Media Left The Room, According To An Activist Who Was There Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Workman. 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March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ “Regardless of Gianforte’s motives in relation to SB442 specifically, he advocates for a troubling precedent.” By Blair Miller, Daily Montanan The Montana Supreme Court on Friday afternoon denied the State of Montana’s request to pause a lower court decision ordering the governor and secretary of state to send out an override poll for a marijuana fund redistribution bill Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) vetoed at the end of the 2023 legislative session. Gianforte and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen (R) officially filed their notice of appeal on Wednesday of Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan’s district court rulings, which said the two officials have “interrupted the political process in an impermissible way” by blocking a chance for lawmakers to override the Senate Bill 442 veto. On Thursday, the two defendants asked the Supreme Court to pause Menahan’s order pending the full appeal, arguing that if the override poll was sent out and lawmakers override the veto, their legal claims will be rendered moot. But the justices disagreed, saying attorneys for Gianforte and Jacobsen have not proven that is the case, and saying the court is certainly able to address the appeal of Menahan’s ruling on veto procedure while a poll is conducted. At issue is whether to change how revenue from recreational marijuana taxes is distributed. A supermajority of lawmakers, including both Democrats and Republicans, supported the idea of allocating more of the revenue toward outdoor and wildland habitat acquisition and distributing it to counties for road improvement, ideas which Gianforte rejected. “Because the fate of SB 442 could ultimately go either way, a stay denial does not moot Appellants’ appeal. Appellants have not demonstrated irreparable harm,” six justices wrote in Friday’s unanimous opinion. The only justice who did not sign the opinion was Dirk Sandefur. The justices did allow the appeal to proceed, but the high court’s order means that the governor will have to send his veto message to Jacobsen, who will have to send out an override poll to lawmakers by Tuesday, March 19, per Menahan’s order. “We are thankful to the Montana Supreme Court for upholding the constitution and requiring the governor and secretary of state to issue the override poll with haste,” said Noah Marion, the political and state policy director for Wild Montana, one of three plaintiff groups in the case that helped craft the bill last year. “We look forward to helping Sen. Lang and the Legislature finally make SB 442 law; sending millions of dollars across Montana benefitting infrastructure, veterans, mental health, agriculture and timber industries, wildlife, public access, hunter and anglers.” Once the override poll is sent out, it will have been more than 10 months since Gianforte vetoed the bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Lang (R-Malta), which passed with 130 votes out of 150 possible, in what would be the final hours of the legislative session. Senators did not learn the bill had been vetoed until they adjourned sine die last May 2, causing a storm of confusion among lawmakers and lobbyists who worked for months to get the bill into its final form and brought in a wide range of supporters on the industry side and among lawmakers because it both put more money toward a Habitat Legacy conservation program and funded county road maintenance. Competing bills supported by the governor and some Republicans sought to put more money toward the Department of Justice and the General Fund but were pushed aside by lawmakers in favor of the final version of SB 442. The question at the heart of Gianforte’s veto was whether he properly vetoed the bill while the full Legislature was still in session or not, as his office had said he vetoed the bill before the Senate adjourned, but the veto message was never read across the Senate rostrum where the bill originated. The governor and a legal opinion from the code commissioner each maintained that since the House was still in session, the full body was in session. But the plaintiffs—Wild Montana, the Montana Association of Counties, and the Montana Wildlife Federation—sued to challenge their stance, saying lawmakers must have an opportunity to override a veto, and had not gotten one. After hearing arguments in the case in December, Menahan in January ordered Gianforte to transmit the veto to the secretary of state and for her to send the override poll out to lawmakers. Two-thirds of the Legislature will have to vote to override the veto for it to be successful. The governor balked at the order, asking Menahan to pause his own order in February. But Menahan also denied the stay request, saying time was running out before the 2025 session starts and the lawmakers must have the chance to vote on an override or the “crucial balance of powers” will be upset between the branches of government. “Staying the court’s judgment would allow Gianforte to continue to exercise an unconstitutional level of control over the lawmaking process,” Menahan wrote in the order earlier this month. “Regardless of Gianforte’s motives in relation to SB442 specifically, he advocates for a troubling precedent.” The governor’s office had told the Daily Montanan in February it planned to appeal Menahan’s January decision to the Supreme Court, but it did not file that notice until this week, along with the request for the stay. The Supreme Court’s four-page opinion returned one day after the request for the stay says the court can get to the bottom of the constitutional veto issues without one. “Although the Legislature must vote on whether to override SB 442, the outcome of the underlying appeal will determine whether the District Court’s ruling was correct, and therefore whether the governor’s veto ultimately stands over the Legislature’s vote,” the justices wrote. “This Court can address the underlying issue in due course regardless of whether we issue a stay.” The court’s ruling clears the way for the groups and Lang to try to keep hold of the strong bipartisan support they received for the bill at the end of last year’s session. The governor’s request for a stay postulated that perhaps support has waned in the months since the session. But the plaintiffs in the case say they are pleased that they will have the opportunity to prove that theory wrong. “Despite ongoing attempts to stall, the courts have upheld the necessity for legislative involvement in the veto override process,” said MACo Executive Director Eric Bryson. “We appreciate and commend the Supreme Court for promptly addressing the matter.” This story was first published by Daily Montanan. Maryland Senate Approves Psychedelics Task Force Bill To Study ‘Equitable And Affordable’ Access To Psilocybin And DMT Photo elements courtesy of rawpixel and Philip Steffan. Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ Spiritual health practitioners “bring unique and specific expertise to psychedelic-assisted therapy,” researchers at Emory University concluded in a recently published study, noting that therapy teams could benefit from including the professionals in their work. “Psychedelic dosing often produces highly impactful, and sometimes challenging, experiences with pronounced effects on spirituality, worldview, and metaphysical perspectives,” wrote authors of the report, published in the journal PLOS ONE. Spiritual health practitioners (SHPs) “may have unique, and uniquely valuable, contributions to support the participant’s wellbeing and helping them benefit” from psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). As the paper explains, SHPs include those who traditionally served “as chaplains or military settings to provide religiously-based pastoral care to those who share their denomination,” though the term has also come to mean “providing spiritual support for people of any or no religious affiliation.” Despite that broad description, the work typically requires significant training. Qualifying as a board certified chaplain, for example, “involves completion of 1600 clinical and educational hours, 2000 hours of additional clinical practice, endorsement from a religious/spiritual community, submission of four position papers, and committee approval based on demonstration of 31 competencies”—usually after years of seminary and theological training. Authors noted the long history of religious and spiritual use of psychedelics, especially in some indigenous traditions, which has often intertwined with medical and therapeutic use. “A core professional role of SHPs is to address spiritual needs, which are defined as concerns deemed sacred by a person within their life and may or may not include religious components,” they explained. “Given the prevalence and importance of spiritual content in psychedelic experiences, and its potential as a mediator of therapeutic effects, SHPs are uniquely positioned to contribute to PAT in ways likely to optimize its therapeutic benefit.” The report is the product of the eight-author research team’s interviews with 15 spiritual health practitioners with experience facilitating psychedelic therapy in legal settings. Authors then analyzed “their contributions, application of expertise and professional background, and roles in administering these therapies.” The team said the study is notable in part because the roles and competencies of SHPs in PAT “have not been described in research.” “As physicians are competent to respond to psychological concerns, and mental health practitioners are competent to respond to psychological concerns,” their report concludes, “SHPs are competent to respond to spiritual concerns of the psychedelic experience.” And as more patients who are suffering continue to turn to psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), it reasons, “treatment teams will have the opportunity to respond to these needs in a holistic manner, taking into account the full dimension of the human experience, inclusive of spiritual dynamics through inclusion of SHPs on their interdisciplinary teams.” Specifically, researchers said, their qualitative analysis found seven themes that illustrated SHPs’ potential usefulness in PAT, which they divided into unique versus general contributions. Unique contributions to a therapy team included competency to work with spiritual material, awareness of power dynamics, familiarity with non-ordinary states of consciousness, holding space and offering a counterbalance to more traditional Western biomedical perspectives. General contributions, meanwhile, included fluency with generalizable “therapeutic repertoire” as well as adding to interdisciplinary collaboration. Though the findings suggest that the incorporation of spiritual health practitioners could benefit some participants in psychedelic-assisted therapy, the study acknowledges it has some limitations. Most notably, because the survey responses from SHPs were qualitative and retrospective, the study “cannot address questions of causality or speak to the effectiveness of the therapeutic approaches used by the SHPs.” To support adequate sampling, the report added, the study also relied on the interviewers’ professional network, which “may have biased inclusion of professionals who share views similar to those held by the , and may have biased responses toward those aligned with those views.” The study also relied solely on interviews with SHPs practicing in legal contexts, which the report says “may have excluded perspectives of of SHPs with experience in community based (i.e., “underground”) contexts.” “In community-based settings, SHPs or spiritual guides have been providing psychedelic-assisted care for decades, sometimes building from ancient practices in indigenous communities, suggesting a wealth of knowledge that may inform the conduct of PAT in medical settings,” authors noted. “In the field at large, there has been limited research addressing the experience of Black, Indigenous and people of color with PAT. This limitation characterizes the present research about SHPs providing PAT. In our study SHP participants were predominantly white, and the study included limited perspectives of those who identified as Black, Indigenous, and people of color.” Limitations notwithstanding, interviews with the SHPs demonstrated that the care providers “have emerged as essential members of the interdisciplinary care team offering bedside care to patients and their care partners,” the study found. The findings come as support builds for broader access to psychedelic-assisted therapy, including among the nation’s military veterans. Another recent study found that strong majorities of active duty military, veterans and their family members support allowing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to recommend medical marijuana and psychedelics to patients if they believe it would provide a benefit. Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved psychedelic therapies—but that could change in 2024. The FDA granted priority review to a new drug application for MDMA-assisted therapy following the completion of multiple clinical trials that supported the drug’s effectiveness as a therapeutic for moderate and severe PTSD. If the application is approved, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) would then need to reschedule MDMA accordingly. It would become the first psychedelic in history to be approved as a pharmaceutical. The federal agency has already designated MDMA and psilocybin as breakthrough therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe depression, respectively. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) published the results of a recent Phase 3 trial in the journal Nature in September, finding that MDMA “significantly attenuated PTSD symptomology versus placebo with therapy.” Meanwhile, a separate study, by researchers at New York University’s Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine and the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London recently found that pairing MDMA with either psilocybin or LSD helped people overcome the “challenging experiences” associated with use of psilocybin or LSD alone. In 2022, the Biden administration said it was “actively exploring” the possibility of creating a federal task force to investigate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, MDMA and others ahead of the anticipated approval of the substances for prescription use. In California, meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill in October that would allow doctors to immediately start prescribing certain currently illicit drugs like psilocybin and MDMA if they’re federally rescheduled. Last year, Australia legalized MDMA and psilocybin for use by prescription. Maryland Senate Approves Psychedelics Task Force Bill To Study ‘Equitable And Affordable’ Access To Psilocybin And DMT Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ A long standing argument against the legalization of cannabis has cited that legal access could lead to an increase in youth cannabis use. As states across the country continue pushing forward with reform measures, research is continually providing insight on just how merited that assertion is in actuality. Fresh off the heels of a recent study showing the prevalence of delta-8 THC use among high school seniors — a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is widely available outside of the legal cannabis industry and in states with or without legal cannabis programs — some may wonder how many teens are using cannabis in recreational states and whether reform has escalated these trends. A new study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors looked to investigate how legal cannabis laws have impacted adolescent use and examined lifetime and past 30-day (P30D) cannabis use among middle school-aged adolescents in Nevada versus New Mexico. It ultimately affirmed what many studies in the past have: Initiating state-licensed cannabis sales is not associated with an increase in cannabis use among young people. We’re still exploring the impacts of cannabis use, for better or worse, given the limited scope of research on the plant over the last several decades. However, despite the many benefits cannabis and its compounds may offer us, it’s widely accepted that cannabis use during adolescence can be especially impactful on development.  To examine how adult-use cannabis legalization has influenced adolescent cannabis use, researchers behind the recent study used data from the 2017 and 2019 NV Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the NM Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey, state-run surveys for Nevada and New Mexico respectively designed to monitor health behaviors among U.S. students. Researchers used difference-in-difference analyses to compare behaviors surrounding lifetime and past 30-day use in Nevada and New Mexico during the same period. At the time, Nevada had legal adult-use cannabis sales and New Mexico did not. According to the analysis, the odds of lifetime and past 30-day use increased in both states during the observed time period, specifically among students who were female, older, non-white or attending a Title 1 school.  Ultimately, researchers noted that there was “no difference in lifetime and P30D marijuana use by adult-use sales status.”  Rather, cannabis use in both states followed similar trajectories. Researchers still noted this as a point of concern, given the negative health consequences of cannabis use at an early age, though whether or not cannabis was legal in a given state didn’t appear to be an influencing factor. “We did not find compelling evidence that implementation of adult-use marijuana sales was associated with an immediate increase in lifetime or P30D marijuana use among middle school youth in Nevada which aligns with previous research,” the study notes. Indeed, many other studies from the past have come to a similar conclusion: Cannabis reform does not appear to be correlated with an increase in use among young people. A 2022 policy paper looked broader, reviewing data on consumption among eighth, 10th and 12th grade students, finding that youth consumption either “decreases or remains flat in regulated markets.” “State legalization of cannabis has not, on average, impacted the prevalence of cannabis use among adolescents. In other words, states with medical and/or adult use laws are not seeing larger increases in adolescent use relative to states where use remains illegal,” the report states, additionally noting that educational early prevention methods can help to combat youth consumption. The same appears to be true when focusing explicitly on medical cannabis laws, as a 2021 study “found no evidence between 1991 and 2015 of increases in adolescents reporting past 30-day marijuana use or heavy marijuana use associated with state MML (medical marijuana law) enactment or operational MML dispensaries.” Another study tackled an adjacent inquiry: Does a state’s legal or illegal adult-use cannabis status impact children’s attitudes around cannabis use and perceptions of its risks? Researchers concluded that individual, child-level characteristics were the primary factor influencing young people’s attitudes toward cannabis, not state policy. A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further compounds these findings, showing a steady decline in cannabis use in high school students from 2011 to 2021. The market is still in its infancy, and we’re bound to see more reports on the topic as time goes on. But as it stands, the argument that legal cannabis will increase use among young people appears to have weak footing, and naysayers may need to look elsewhere for concrete arguments against reform.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ Curaleaf, one of the world’s largest cannabis companies, is exiting the adult-use cannabis retail market in Maine with the sale of its licensed dispensary in South Portland. The company’s sole recreational marijuana shop is being sold to Foliage Cannabis Co., which has already begun operations at the retail location, according to a report in local media. Online news source Mainebiz reports that Curaleaf and Foliage Cannabis have agreed to the transfer of ownership of the South Portland dispensary, although the terms of the deal have not been released. The retail site will be the second dispensary in Maine for Foliage Cannabis, which operates its original shop in South Portland less than a mile from the new location. Curaleaf continues to operate medical marijuana dispensaries in Bangor, Auburn, Wells and Elsworth, Maine, according to a listing for the state on the company’s website. A company spokesperson for Curaleaf confirmed the move, writing in an emailed statement that “We exited adult use, but remain in the medical market with four stores and have no plans to exit medical.” Curaleaf mentioned the transaction on March 6 when it reported results for the fourth quarter of last year. The announcement had few details, saying only that the company had “entered into an agreement to sell our Maine, adult-use store.” In a press release, the company reported it had generated $345 million in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 4% quarter-over-quarter. Curaleaf’s fourth-quarter financial also reporting shows that the company’s revenue for the year totaled $1.35 billion, up 6% from 2022. Profitability was elusive, however, with the firm showing a 2023 net loss of $281.1 million, the equivalent of 39 cents per share. Curaleaf owns and operates 145 retail cannabis locations in 17 states. Worldwide, the company employs about 5,600 people. Alexis Soucy, a spokesperson for the Maine Office of Cannabis policy, said that Curaleaf will complete the sale of the retail location once the business has been approved for an active license. The conditional license the shop is operating under is scheduled to expire in October. Until the active license is approved, the two companies have arranged for Foliage Cannabis to use its name and branding at the dispensary to be transferred.  Three years ago, Scott Reed, Curaleaf’s general manager in Maine at the time, said that the company had big plans for the state as it entered the recreational market in April 2021. “We have been proudly serving the Maine medical market with top-quality, locally grown flower, and exceptional customer service for nearly a decade, and we look forward to expanding those offerings to our adult-use customers,” Reed said at the time, according to the report from Mainebiz. Reed left Curaleaf in July 2022 when the company went through a round of downsizing. He is now the co-owner of Foliage Cannabis Co. with his partner Scott Lever. Together, they’ve been able to independently raise the money needed to open the two retail locations, giving the partners far more flexibility than many other cannabis companies. “We’re self-funded, so we’re different from a large company with lots of investors,” Reed said. “We can be nimble.” Earlier this month, the Office of Cannabis Policy released data showing that the state’s retailers rang up $18.01 million in recreational marijuana sales last month, a figure that was up 28.3% from the $14.05 million in sales in February 2022. Despite the success of Maine’s adult-use cannabis industry as a whole, the picture isn’t as rosy for some companies in the market. A total of 20 licensed businesses including 11 cultivation sites, four manufacturing facilities and five retail dispensaries exited Maine’s recreational marijuana market in 2023. Overall, however, the industry is still growing. Despite the shuttered companies, the number of cultivation sites in Maine remained stable from 2022 to 2023, while the number of retailers increased by 27 and the number of manufacturers rose by 13. Curaleaf’s exit from Maine is not the first time the company has left a state’s recreational cannabis market. In January 2023, Curaleaf announced that it was leaving the mature markets of California, Oregon and Colorado. That announcement was followed by the company’s exit from adult-use cannabis markets in Michigan and Vermont. Curaleaf executive chairman Boris Jordan said during a third-quarter investor conference call in November that the company is exiting “low-margin, low-growth” markets it now serves in a bid to improve profitability.  “Throughout 2023, the company’s been focused on improving efficiency metrics and dialing in operations to maximize its existing base,” Jordan said, according to a report from Cannabis Business Times. “We have taken significant steps to eliminate redundancies, strategically reduce headcounts exit unprofitable markets. Most of these actions occurred in the first half of the year. And in the third quarter we took the final steps in our asset optimization plan.”  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ The Cleveland School of Cannabis (CSC), located in Independence, Ohio, announced on March 6 that it is the first cannabis school in the U.S. to be recognized through the Middle States Association-CESS. “The accreditation of CSC by Middle States Association-CESS (MSA-CESS) marks a significant step forward for the cannabis industry, driven by a broader acceptance of cannabis and its related fields within the formal education system,” CSC wrote in a press release. “With over 1,100 graduates, CSC has already made substantial contributions to the workforce and knowledge base of the cannabis industry. This formal recognition could pave the way for further advancements in cannabis research, education, and professional development, bridging the gap between the burgeoning cannabis market and academic legitimacy.” Technically, the college received accreditation in December 2023, but the school only recently published the announcement. For more than 130 years, Middle States Association-CESS has been operating as a voluntary non-profit association that evaluates and performs accreditation of both public and private schools. Accreditation demonstrates if a school is maintaining a specific level of quality and performance through five categories: foundations, governance and organization, student well-being, resources, and teaching and learning. The press release explained that this decision was made in part because the federal government is researching and discussing cannabis rescheduling. “Following a recommendation by the U.S. Department of Health to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III substance, CSC’s recognition by the Department of Education could be an early indicator of changing attitudes within the federal government towards cannabis,” CSC wrote. “Rescheduling cannabis would acknowledge its medical benefits and could notably impact the regulatory landscape. This could potentially ease restrictions on research, banking, and taxation within the cannabis industry.” CSC’s accreditation was awarded in part because it recently moved into a new building with access to a grow lab, processing lab, kitchen, mock dispensary, and virtual reality lab. “CSC’s newest additions were developed to upgrade the learning experience for students to enhance student learning through practical, hands-on education in cannabis cultivation, processing, cooking, and sales,” the press release stated. “This approach not only readies students for the cannabis industry’s intricacies but also boosts their job prospects by offering a deep dive into the sector.” Additionally, CSC utilizes more recent technological innovations such as VR and gaming engines to create digital versions of their labs for remote students to utilize. For example, it hosts a 16-week “My First Plant” virtual course to teach consumers how to grow cannabis at home. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Education told The Canton Repository in a statement that while CSC is accredited, the school “is not approved by the Department to participate in Title IV or other programs under the Higher Education Act.” Students attending accredited schools are eligible for financial aid, but in this case it’s not clear that CSC would qualify. CSC has been operating since 2017 and has had 1,100 students graduate through its various programs. On Feb. 29, Cannabis Business Times published an interview with CSC founder Austin Briggs. “It hasn’t been easy running a cannabis business in Ohio,” Briggs said. “For things as little as occupancy permits, we had to fight tooth and nail. For a largely conservative state, Ohio citizens have shown wide support for cannabis, both medical and recreational. But there still seems to be a tremendous amount of resistance from the government in supporting cannabis programs in Ohio. With the passing of Issue 2 and our accreditation, I’m hoping this will be a turning point for Ohio policy.” CSC President Tyrone Russell also provided a statement regarding how the school trains students and connects them with jobs in the industry. “Workforce development and education is the key to socioeconomic mobility,” said Russell. “Companies have to hire people from their communities, and that only happens if those community members have access to education. In Ohio, you can go to your Ohio means jobs office, and get a grant to be a barber, welder, truck driver, contractor, or nail technician, but not to work in cannabis.” Other educational institutions have been increasing cannabis education over the past few years. Back in 2019, the University of Maryland announced one of the first medical cannabis Master’s degree programs. Since then, many other institutions have introduced some form of education program or degree revolving around cannabis. Last November, the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy announced a new medical degree in medical cannabis and dietary supplements. Earlier this year in January, Roanoke College in Virginia announced its launch of a new cannabis studies program. I commend the faculty for developing a transdisciplinary academic program that fills a significant educational gap,” said vice president for academic affairs and dean of Roanoke College, Kathy Wolfe. “With this program, Roanoke College continues to lead in science, policy, business and community engagement.”  Professor DorothyBelle “DB” Poli helped to establish the new program. “Students are interested in this industry,” Poli said. “Being the first in the state to approach cannabis from a scholarly perspective is inventive and entrepreneurial. We hope to help bring clarity to tough problems by creating a truly multidisciplinary think tank.”  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ The monthly total is down year-over-year from $129.3 million in January 2023. Last year was Colorado’s worst sales year since 2017, and 2024 isn’t off to a great start either. Colorado’s cannabis industry sold just $115.3 million for the month of January, a slight dip from December but statistically even with the previous month. According to figures from the Colorado Department of Revenue, marijuana dispensary sales were down in January from $115.8 million in December, though up from $110 million in November. The January total includes $100.1 million in recreational sales and another $15.2 million in medical marijuana sales. The start to the year is probably not what insiders wanted to see, given that Colorado dispensaries sold $1.5 billion in 2023, the industry’s lowest-performing sales year since 2017. The monthly total is also down year-over-year from $129.3 million in January 2023, when dispensaries sold $113.1 million in recreational cannabis and $16.2 million in medical marijuana. The oldest adult-use marijuana market in the nation – which turned 10 years old on New Year’s Day – has been contracting for some time. Sales have trended downward since more neighboring states have launched medical and recreational markets of their own, including New Mexico, Utah, and Oklahoma. New Mexico, in particular, just this month celebrated the $1 billion sales mark since its recreational market launched in 2022.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​Morocco’s first legal cannabis harvest was 294 metric tons in 2023, after the country approved its cultivation and export for medicine and industrial uses, the cannabis regulator has said said. The harvest was made… The post Morocco celebrates huge cannabis harvest – legally for the first time appeared first on Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news. Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ More cannabis companies are boarding the 280E avoidance train. After multistate operators Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) and Ascend Wellness Holdings (CSE: AAWH.U) (OTCQX: AAWH) announced to shareholders that they had filed amended tax returns for multiple years, with both expecting multimillion-dollar refunds as a result, more of their peers have come forward to say they’re either doing the same or are considering it. “We are actively assessing our tax position and evaluating options for our current and past tax filings. This has the potential to have a material impact on our already strong cash performance we expect in 2024,” Dennis Olis, CFO of Chicago-based Cresco Labs (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) (FSE: 6CQ), said during that company’s earnings call on Wednesday. The very next day, Dennis Logan, CFO of Nevada-based Planet 13 Holdings (CSE: PLTH) (OTCQX: PLNH), said during his company’s earnings call that “We are also evaluating the recent tax position taken by one of the larger MSOs in order to determine what, if any, IRS refund Planet 13 may be eligible for.” TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) also confirmed on Thursday during the company’s earnings call that it would be submitting amended federal tax returns to the IRS for 2020, 2021, and 2022, just as Trulieve and Ascend had done. The company expects “to receive approximately $26 million of federal and state refunds” for just 2020 and 2021, TerrAscend’s CFO, Keith Stauffer, said. “We plan to make payments as an ordinary taxpayer going forward without 280E,” Stauffer added, echoing a theme made plain by both Trulieve and Ascend this month. The change in the companies’ tax strategy, according to both Stauffer and Ascend CEO John Hartmann, is tied to an ongoing federal lawsuit challenging the federal ban on marijuana. TerrAscend is one of several cannabis company plaintiffs in the case, alongside Ascend, Verano Holdings, Green Thumb Industries, and others. “We believe we have a strong basis based on the legal interpretation to receive that money,” Stauffer said of the expected refund. However, it may not be as clear cut as the executives hope. Some cannabis tax attorneys have publicly expressed skepticism that the strategy will ultimately work. But if the Drug Enforcement Administration agrees to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III from Schedule I, as many observers expect, that will negate 280E’s affect on the U.S. cannabis trade anyway, meaning the MSOs could be simply getting a jump on tax refunds that could be coming to them eventually anyway.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 18, 2024Cannabis News​ The New York Times reported that New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered a top-to-bottom review of the state’s licensing bureaucracy, beginning today and headed up by Jeanette Moy, the commissioner of the Office of General Services. This comes just a few weeks after the Governor described the adult-use rollout as “a disaster” and reportedly canceled a Cannabis Control Board meeting when she learned that only a small number of licenses would awarded. According to the Times, the Governor said Moy had “a proven track record of improving government operations and would provide a playbook to turn around the cannabis management office “and jump-start the next phase of New York’s legal cannabis market.” In an interview, Ms. Moy told the Times that “her goal was to work with the cannabis management office “to identify ways in which we can support them as they look to streamline and move forward some of the backlogs and challenges that may be faced in this industry.” The article also stated that the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) executive director Chris Alexander seemed to welcome the review and said he believed Ms. Moy “would help us get where we need to be.” The move comes not long after a blistering report from New York Cannabis Insider that the OCM had retaliated against small businesses that dared to criticize the agency. Jenny Argie, one of New York’s first licensed cannabis processors, is now suing the OCM for recalling her products which she claims was in response to her appearance on a podcast. The OCM has engaged in few recalls and Argie feels she was targeted for saying negative things about the OCM. The OCM is facing numerous lawsuits related to the licensing process. When adult-use cannabis was first legalized in the state, it was widely expected that the 10 original medical license holders would be first in line. The medical program is a vertical operation where the dispensaries grow their product and sell it on their shelves to patients. Instead, the OCM scrapped that plan at the last minute and completely switched the structure to the opposite of vertical. The OCM also pushed the medical operators known as RO’s (registered organizations) aside and favored social justice applicants instead. This huge pivot has caused chaos ever since. The social justice applicants known as CAURDs (conditional adult-use retail dispensaries)thought they would get help with loans and real estate. Instead, they have shouldered many of the financial demands themselves. Many have said they are financially struggling now as they face steep competition from the illicit market. The unlicensed operators flourished as the OCM made its big pivot and had to start from zero to create a new program. That pause in the calendar opened a window for the illicit market which many think will never be shut down.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 17, 2024Cannabis News​ For the first time since joining the ticket as President Joe Biden’s running mate in 2020, Vice President Kamala Harris has called for the legalization of marijuana—signaling a possible shift in the administration’s platform heading into the November elections. Harris told a room of cannabis pardon recipients at the White House on Friday that “we need to legalize marijuana,” a participant in the meeting has revealed. Harris had already made news earlier in the day, calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reschedule cannabis “as quickly as possible” in public opening remarks before the closed-door roundtable with the clemency beneficiaries. But sitting below a portrait of Teddy Roosevelt after the media was cleared out of the West Wing’s Roosevelt Room, the vice president raised her hands in the air and called for an end to federal cannabis prohibition, a longtime activist and pardon recipient who attended the event tells Marijuana Moment. “Saying those words out loud—saying it in the Roosevelt Room—it did feel very meaningful,” said New Jersey-based advocate Chris Goldstein, who recently received a pardon certificate from DOJ after being formally forgiven for a 2014 cannabis possession case stemming from a protest advocating for federal marijuana policy reform. “It wasn’t lost on anyone there.” Harris sponsored a marijuana legalization bill while serving as a U.S. senator and ran on the issue during her unsuccessful 2020 Democratic presidential primary campaign, but she has not publicly called for the broad reform since signing on as Biden’s running mate later that year. Instead, during that general election campaign and while servicing as vice president she has embraced Biden’s more limited platform that focuses on ending the incarceration of people for using marijuana and providing pardons for certain cannabis offenses. Goldstein was one of three pardon recipients who joined the vice president—in addition to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), rapper Fat Joe and others—for Friday’s White House roundtable discussion on the Biden administration’s cannabis clemency efforts. “The greatest thing about the meeting today was it did not feel like a one-time event. Everything about today—and there were some words expressed about doing more things like this—the White House wants to engage on this policy consistently. That’s clemency, criminal justice, marijuana legalization,” Goldstein told Marijuana Moment on Friday after the meeting. “They want to be right in it, and right now the White House has an important role to play and they’re doing it.” The vice president’s call for legalization—albeit only behind closed doors and out of earshot of the press, for now—represents a meaningful development for the administration. Harris didn’t speak on behalf of the president, but throughout their first term, neither Harris nor Biden has embraced the increasingly bipartisan policy of ending federal cannabis prohibition. In fact, the White House has said at points that the president’s position against federal legalization hasn’t changed and he was only willing to associate himself with yet-unfulfilled campaign pledges to decriminalize marijuana, allow medical cannabis and release people currently incarcerated over the plant. None of that has happened to date. But as was highlighted at the White House event, the president has pardoned thousands of people who’ve committed federal cannabis possession offenses. And he additionally directed federal agencies to carry out a review into marijuana scheduling. In the public-facing portion of Friday’s meeting, Harris said strongly that DEA must reschedule marijuana “as quickly as possible,” calling it “absurd” and “patently unfair” that cannabis is still classified in the same category as heroin. She said she looked forward to the completion of the review, which has involved the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommending to DEA that it move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). “We need to have a resolution based on their findings and their assessment,” she said. “This issue is stark when one considers the fact that on the schedule currently, marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin. Marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl—which is absurd, not to mention patently unfair.” Moving marijuana to Schedule III would not federally legalize marijuana, however. And the vice president recognized that reality in remarks to the group of invited guests. The White House’s internal media team recorded the closed-door portions of the roundtable meeting, Goldstein said, but it has not yet released any materials, including Harris’s remarks on legalization. Marijuana Moment reached out to vice president’s office for comment, but a representative was not immediately available. “We’ve seen the vice president really taking a lot of good, strong positions lately—and and I think that’s a good one to take. It’s not a new one for her,” Goldstein said, referencing Harris’s vocal support for legalization during her time in the Senate, where she sponsored a comprehensive reform bill, as well as on the campaign trail competing for the 2020 Democratic nomination against the current president. A look at Harris’s career shows she has a complex cannabis legacy. Before embracing legalization, she enforced criminalization and proactively opposed a 2010 cannabis legalization ballot initiative as a San Francisco prosecutor and later as California’s attorney general. But her position has shifted dramatically over the years. While the purpose of Friday’s meeting was focused on the president’s clemency action—which he historically touted in his State of the Union address last week—the event seems to be the latest signal that the administration is hoping to appeal to voters ahead of the November election by promoting an issue with bipartisan popularity, especially among critical young voters. The president’s mention of his marijuana pardons and administrative scheduling review directive during last week’s speech before a joint session of Congress was a key acknowledgement to that end. And it was well-received, evidenced in part by the massive social media response it elicited. That said, the president did again misstate the scope of his administrative actions on marijuana, falsely asserting that he expunged thousands of records when, in fact, a pardon does not clear a person’s record. His mistaken belief could end up causing legal issues for recipients, too, as he not only continues to insist that those cases are sealed but also claimed this week that those who received clemency no longer need to disclose their arrests or convictions on official forms, contrary to the law. In any case, it appears that the vice president is being cast as the messenger on the administration’s marijuana policy heading into the election, which could serve both top executives well. For example, a recent poll that showed how Biden’s marijuana moves stand to benefit him in November. The survey found the president’s favorability spiked after people were made aware of the possibility that cannabis could be rescheduled under the Biden-initiated review. Harris, for her part, also faced criticism last month after sharing a video where she claimed the administration had “changed federal marijuana policy.” Again, while Biden has issued thousands of simple possession pardons and directed the ongoing review into federal cannabis scheduling, the law itself has not changed at this point, and campaign pledges to decriminalize marijuana have yet gone unfulfilled. The vice president’s video also showed a map with incorrect information on which states have legalized cannabis to date. Whether DEA accepts the HHS recommendation is yet to be seen. And while many expect an announcement will happen before the election, the timeline is uncertain. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra defended his agency’s rescheduling recommendation during a Senate committee hearing on Thursday and later told cannabis lobbyist Don Murphy that he should pay DEA a visit and “knock on their door” for answers about the timing of their decision. Certain DEA officials are reportedly resisting the Biden administration’s rescheduling push, disputing the HHS findings on marijuana’s safety profile and medical potential, according to unnamed sources who spoke with The Wall Street Journal. The Biden administration was recently pressed to reschedule marijuana by two coalitions representing military veterans and law enforcement—including a group that counts DEA Administrator Anne Milgram among its members. On the president’s pardon action, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, told Marijuana Moment last month that the clemency should be “extended all the way out, and any unintended or intended consequences of the war on drugs should be dealt with to repair the damage.” Former Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), however, told Marijuana Moment that he’s been “very pleased” with Biden’s clemency actions, arguing that the president has “taken some pretty, in my opinion, bold steps.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Army recently clarified in a branch-wide notice that marijuana possession violations under the military drug code weren’t eligible under the president’s pardons. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) called it a “mistake” to exclude military from the relief. Also, the governor of Massachusetts announced on Wednesday that she is moving to pardon “hundreds of thousands” of people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions on their records, in line with Biden’s push for state-level clemency. Maryland Senators Approve Psychedelics Task Force Bill In Committee, Days After House Passes Companion Measure Photo element courtesy of California Attorney General’s Office. Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 17, 2024Cannabis News​ “He should immediately commute the sentences of those sitting in prison for conduct involving amounts of cannabis that are far less than what state-regulated dispensaries routinely handle on a daily basis.” By Sarah Gersten, Last Prisoner Project As President Biden listed off his first-term accomplishments during his State of the Union address, Richeda Ashmeade sat studying for midterms in her last year of law school. Listening to the president tout his executive actions on cannabis, she was acutely aware of those whom his reforms have left behind. Despite all the rhetoric and applause breaks, her father, Ricardo Ashmeade, is still serving a 22-year sentence and is one of the thousands of people still in federal prison for cannabis. The specific actions Biden highlighted during his address were related to his October 2022 proclamation, in which he pardoned all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, a move that was expanded on late last year to bring relief to an estimated 13,000 Americans. His executive action also initiated a review process that could result in cannabis being reclassified under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level and moved out of Schedule I, the most dangerous drug classification. Yet neither of these actions would affect those who have suffered the most devastating consequences of prohibition, families like the Ashmeades. Biden’s actions are being hailed as historic, but in reality, they represent peripheral changes that signal the reevaluation of cannabis but not the release of cannabis prisoners or relief for those who continue to be burdened by the lasting consequences of the carceral system. In short, these announcements represent progress but not justice. But that hasn’t stopped the administration from leveraging these actions with voters. On Friday, Vice President Harris gathered several of the cannabis pardon recipients, along with rapper Fat Joe, for a public discussion about criminal justice reform at the White House. Clearly, the administration sees the political power of undoing the harms caused by the criminalization of cannabis—a sentiment that is backed up by polling data that shows the vast majority of Americans feel cannabis should no longer be criminalized. Of course, the timing and context here matter, with these moves coming as the highly contentious presidential race ramps up. When he made his remarks, Biden became the first president in over 35 years to mention marijuana during a State of the Union address. The last president to mention cannabis during the address was Reagan, who listed marijuana among the prime enemies of the people and as a reason for the necessity of the war on drugs. Not too long ago, taking a progressive stance on cannabis policy and the pardoning of those with marijuana offenses would’ve been seen as far too risky a move for any sitting president to make. President Clinton famously “didn’t inhale,” and despite the Cole memo being released during the Obama administration, data on federal prosecutions reflect that his administration was cracking down on medical marijuana dispensaries and growers just as harshly as his predecessors. Biden’s championing of his progressive marijuana reforms reflects just how much the nation’s perception of cannabis has evolved since the Reagan era, and how much the president himself has evolved since his key role in authoring some of the most punitive drug laws in our nation’s history. While the symbolic significance of President Biden’s actions should be lauded, they are still just the first step in the long road toward justice. Simple pardons will not result in the release of any of the estimated 2,800 people still incarcerated in federal prison due to other nonviolent cannabis-related convictions, nor will these pardons shield the offense from the individual’s criminal record. Furthermore, they do nothing for the tens of thousands of Americans incarcerated on state-level charges, where the vast majority of cannabis-related convictions happen. To truly fulfill his oft-repeated statement that no one should be jailed for marijuana, the president will need to take much more robust clemency action. He should immediately commute the sentences of those sitting in prison for conduct involving amounts of cannabis that are far less than what state-regulated dispensaries routinely handle on a daily basis. Then, the president must do more than just call on governors to pardon people with state-level marijuana convictions—he has to make it easy for them. That would include, at a minimum, allowing states to access federal dollars to spin up “cannabis pardoning projects,” not dissimilar from what state officials have done in Pennsylvania. With the stroke of a pen, the president can ensure his actions match his rhetoric and fulfill his campaign promises by freeing thousands of Americans languishing behind bars for the same activity that many now profit from. If he truly wants to right the wrongs of history and repair the harms of our nation’s failed drug war, this initial progress must be followed up with bolder action—action that would actually lead to freedom for cannabis prisoners. That’s why I sent a letter to President Biden outlining the measures he could take to ensure that no one remains in prison for weed at the federal level, including a list of over 150 clemency applicants the president could take action on today. These are individuals who are facing decades-long or even life sentences for nonviolent cannabis-only offenses. Individuals who have been torn from their communities and their loved ones. Individuals like Ricardo Ashmeade. It’s also why LPP is organizing the 4/20 unity day of action, where cannabis advocates and the families of those impacted by the war on drugs will mobilize to urge the federal government to decriminalize cannabis and hold Biden to his promise. The president alone cannot fully legalize and regulate marijuana, but his broad clemency power does afford him the ability to reunite Ricardo and Richeda Ashmeade in time for her graduation. He just needs the boldness to act. Sarah Gersten is the executive director and general counsel for the Last Prisoner Project. She is also a member of the National Cannabis Bar Association, the NORML Legal Committee and the National Lawyers Guild. Biden Tells Supporter He’s ‘Taking Care’ Of Marijuana Reform At Campaign Stop Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. 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March 17, 2024Cannabis News​ “Now that cannabis is legal and profitable in this state, how do we reckon with the injustice perpetuated by its illegal activity dating back to the 1970s with the proliferation of the War on Drugs policies in the United States?” By Emma Davis, Maine Morning Star Maine legalized recreational marijuana use in 2017, however the criminal records Mainers have for possession and cultivation from before legalization remain. The Judiciary Committee heard proposals on Friday that would seal those records as well as make permanent a committee tasked to review issues with expunging criminal records and finding ways to prevent past convictions from holding people back from being productive members of their communities. The four bills are based on recommendations from a report that the Criminal Records Review Committee shared earlier this session. LD 2252 would make the committee permanent as the Criminal Records Review Commission. LD 2218 and LD 2236 would allow for those with criminal records to apply to have that information sealed under a post judgment motion. LD 2269 specifically addresses convictions related to marijuana before legalization, allowing records to be automatically sealed if they are no longer crimes under current law. House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland), who authored the original legislation creating the committee, on Friday voiced support for each of the four proposals. “Now that cannabis is legal and profitable in this state, how do we reckon with the injustice perpetuated by its illegal activity dating back to the 1970s with the proliferation of the War on Drugs policies in the United States?” Talbot Ross asked. “Millions of Americans were subjected to harsh and extreme sentencing policies that caused an overwhelming increase in our prison population, criminalization and lifelong criminal records, disrupting or altogether eliminating their access to adequate resources and support to live healthy lives.” People of color, those living in poverty and other socially excluded groups such as women have been disproportionately targeted, Talbot Ross added. “This history moves on in the form of criminal records, which continue to perpetuate harm for individuals, families, and communities,” she said, joining several others in urging the committee to cease this enduring history by advancing the bills before it. While public testimony overwhelmingly favored the bills, some took issue with the automatic sealing of records that would be authorized by LD 2269, arguing it would violate the right of the public to access records of criminal proceedings under the First Amendment. Criminal Records Review Commission The Judiciary Committee put forth LD 2252 based on the recommendation of the Criminal Records Review Committee to make the body a consistency within state government, as opposed to a one or two session task-force style commission, said committee chair Rep. Matt Moonen (D-Portland). The Criminal Records Review Commission, as is the case with the existing committee, would be made up of 29 members including legislators, executive department commissioners and other representatives from various organizations related to the issues of mental health, civil liberties, survivors of sexual exploitation, among others. The commission would be charged with reviewing laws and procedures about criminal history record information and could submit legislation for consideration at the start of each regular session. The commission could also make recommendations to various state entities, including the Department of Public Safety, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the judicial branch’s advisory committee on the Maine Rules of Unified Criminal Procedure, among others. Under current law, Peter Lehman, legislative coordinator for the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Organization and someone who was formerly incarcerated, argued that “a person convicted of a crime receives a life sentence, because we make criminal records so publicly available.” Changing this structure permanently will require permanent focus, Lehman said. “The experience of those of us who have served on those committees is that the subject is too complex with too many subtleties for members to master in a short time,” Lehman explained. “In addition, we have come to realize that the issues involved are so fundamental to achieving justice that an ongoing study and careful temperate action is necessary.” Representatives from numerous other policy organizations also voiced support on Friday, including the Maine Prosecutors Association, American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, MaineTransNet and Portland Outright. Michael Kebede, policy counsel for ACLU of Maine, who has represented the ACLU on the committee, said “the group has not come close to exhaustively studying and deliberating about criminal records sealing.” Automatically sealing criminal records LD 2269 received the most pushback during Friday’s public hearing. This bill would create a process to automatically seal or make confidential criminal records for convictions for marijuana possession and related crimes committed from January 1, 2001 to January 30, 2017, the effective date of Maine’s first adult use cannabis law. Judith Meyer, editor of the Sun Journal, spoke on behalf of the Maine Press Association in opposition, stating that the automatic sealing of records would be a violation of the First Amendment guarantee that the public has a right to access records of criminal proceedings. “The Maine Press Association does not object to sealing court files with a careful balance between privacy and public interests,” Meyer said. “It’s the automating of such a seal that is our objection.” In contrast, the other two bills for records sealing that are being considered—LD 2218 and LD 2236—contain a post judgment motion review process, meaning a person has to apply to have their case sealed. “These are proper balanced tests against privacy and First Amendment rights,” Meyer said of those bills, urging the committee to consider First Amendment implications of automatic sealing, “particularly since there are bills before us that would establish the same results through the existing process of post judgment motion.” Julie Finn from the State of Maine Judicial Branch also shared concerns about LD 2269, though spoke neither for nor against. “It is clear that extensive sealing of records cannot be done without significant additional resources in order to avoid transferring court clerk’s from their existing duties processing existing pending cases,” Finn said. “Doing so would of course worsen the backlog.” Removing age prerequisites and expanding crimes eligible for sealing Under current law, a person must have been between 18 and 28 years old at the time of a crime to qualify to have their criminal history record information sealed under a post-judgment motion. LD 2218 would remove the age requirements to qualify to do so. LD 2236 specifically addresses convictions related to marijuana. It would add to the definition of “eligible criminal conviction” in Maine statute that any Class D crime related to unlawfully possessing or cultivating marijuana committed before January 30, 2017, is eligible for a person to file a post-judgment motion to seal criminal history record information. Overall, Talbot Ross said these pieces of legislation contribute to a cause she believes to be of great importance: “The careful and judicious treatment of criminal records, with an eye towards the adverse effects that our criminal records can have on the life of those carrying those records.” Editor’s Note: Maine Press Association represents about 50 newspapers and digital news outlets in the state, including Maine Morning Star. This story was first published by Maine Morning Star. As White House Hosts Marijuana Pardon Recipients, It’s Time For Bolder Action From Biden (Op-Ed) Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 16, 2024Cannabis News​When buying lunch meat from the grocery store, you usually have two options: visit the deli and get your turkey sliced to your desired weight and thickness, or grab some… The post Delaware weed stores will have the chance to offer ‘deli-style’ sales appeared first on Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news. Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 16, 2024Cannabis News​ President Joe Biden’s mistaken belief that his marijuana pardons expunged records could end up causing legal issues for recipients, as he not only continues to insist that those cases are sealed but now claims that those who received clemency no longer need to disclose their arrests or convictions on official forms, contrary to the law. The president has said on multiple occasions—including during his State of the Union address last week—that his pardons expunged thousands of cases, even though presidential pardons simply represent formal forgiveness and, as the Justice Department and congressional researchers have clarified, the forgiven offenses remain on the recipient’s record. But what’s been largely chalked up to a rhetorical blunder became a more pressing concern on Wednesday, as Biden told supporters at his Wisconsin campaign headquarters that people who were pardoned are no longer required to disclose their cannabis records on forms such as employment or housing applications that prompt them to provide that information. After acknowledging a supporter who held a sign quoting his position that nobody should be jailed over marijuana possession and telling him that he’s “taking care” of the issue, the president again conflated pardons with expungements and then went further, suggesting that the relief exempted recipients from broader disclosure requirements. “No one is going to be jailed. No one should be jailed for just using and possessing marijuana and it staying on their record,” he said, according to a White House readout.  “By the way, the fact of the matter is that stays on their record all—the whole time just for smoking marijuana. Now, if you’re out selling it, if you’re out growing, it’s a different deal. But if you’re just using, it should be wiped off your record.” “Because you have that on your record, you have to—’Have you ever been arrested or do you have a felony on your record?’ You have to put ‘yes,’” he said, referencing forms that require the disclosure such as certain job applications. “Not anymore. Not anymore.” (Emphasis added.) While some states have moved to “ban the box”—a phrase associated with preventing employers from inquiring about certain past convictions on application forms—there are still various penalties for failing to be truthful about that disclosure if that information is solicited. And the Justice Department has made clear that presidential pardons do not exempt people from that requirement. Presidential pardon guidance that DOJ has issued says that a “presidential pardon will restore various rights lost as a result of the pardoned offense and should lessen, to some extent, the stigma arising from a conviction.” However, “it will not erase or expunge the record of your conviction.” “If your petition is granted, both your conviction and pardon will show on your record,” it says. “Therefore, even if you are granted a pardon, you must still disclose your conviction on any form where such information is required, although you may also disclose the fact that you received a pardon.” Further, a presidential pardon acknowledgement from former Acting U.S. Pardon Attorney Rosalind Sargent-Burns that was sent to Weldon Angelos, who received clemency for his own cannabis conviction under the Trump administration, specifically addresses the disclosure issue. The pardon “does not erase or expunge the record of conviction and does not indicate innocence,” the document, shared with Marijuana Moment, says. “On any application or other document that requires the information, a pardon recipient should disclose the fact of his or her conviction. However, the information that a pardon has been granted may be included and the warrant may be shown.” Also, in an email to Biden’s cannabis pardon recipients who applied for a certification, DOJ clarifies that the “pardon means that you’re forgiven, but you still have a criminal record.” The Congressional Research Service (CRS) additionally explained in a November 2022 report that the presidential marijuana pardon “may not remove all legal consequences of marijuana possession, because it does not expunge convictions.” “Moreover, some collateral consequences of marijuana-related activities do not depend on a person being charged with or convicted of a violation,” it said. Marijuana Moment reached out to the White House and Justice Department for comment, but a representative was not immediately available. The U.S. Office of the Pardon attorney under DOJ acknowledged an inquiry via email but referred it to an online media submission form where the question had already been submitted and unanswered. Again, the president’s incorrect assessment of his pardons as equivalent to expungements has been a recurring theme in various speeches where he’s touted the clemency action. It’s become a point of frustration for certain advocates who have pushed the administration to go further than simple possession pardons by fulfilling campaign pledges to federally decriminalize cannabis and actually expunge records. Biden’s comments at his Wisconsin campaign headquarters this week come as Vice President Kamala Harris prepared to meet with three cannabis pardon recipients at the White House for a roundtable event on Friday to learn more about their experience with the clemency process, including receiving certificates of the forgiveness from the Justice Department. Staff with the VP’s office started reaching out to people who were pardoned under Biden’s 2022 and 2023 proclamations earlier this year, taking meetings as officials worked to better understand how they’ve navigated the process. One of the individuals who is taking part in the event is a longtime cannabis activist, Chris Goldstein, who recently received a pardon certificate from DOJ after being formally forgiven for a 2014 cannabis possession case stemming from a protest advocating for federal marijuana policy reform. Goldstein told Marijuana Moment that he met with U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer over the last month to go over the logistics of the event. Oyer’s office has been overseeing the clemency certification process. While the purpose of the meeting is focused on the president’s clemency action, the event seems to be the latest signal that the administration is hoping to appeal to voters ahead of the November election by promoting an issue with bipartisan popularity, especially among critical young voters. The president’s mention of his marijuana pardons and administrative scheduling review directive during last week’s speech before a joint session of Congress was a key acknowledgement to that end—even if not an entirely accurate accounting of the actions. It was nonetheless well-received, evidenced in part by the massive social media response it elicited. The popularity of administrative cannabis reform was also underscored in a recent poll that showed how Biden’s marijuana moves stand to benefit him in November. The survey found the president’s favorability spiked after people were made aware of the possibility that cannabis could be rescheduled under the Biden-initiated review. Harris, for her part, also faced criticism last month after sharing a video where she claimed the administration had “changed federal marijuana policy.” While Biden has issued thousands of simple possession pardons and directed the ongoing review into federal cannabis scheduling, the law itself has not changed at this point, and campaign pledges to decriminalize marijuana have yet gone unfulfilled. The vice president’s video also showed a map with incorrect information on which states have legalized cannabis to date. —Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,400 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.— Following its review, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advised the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). While that possibility evidently moves the needle for Biden among the general public, equity-focused advocates have stressed the point that it would not legalize marijuana, nor would it do anything to address the decades of harm under prohibition. It would allow state cannabis to take federal tax deductions that they’re currently barred from under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E, however. Whether DEA accepts the HHS recommendation is yet to be seen. And while many expect an announcement will happen before the election, the timeline is uncertain. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra defended his agency’s rescheduling recommendation during a Senate committee hearing on Thursday and later told cannabis lobbyist Don Murphy that he should pay DEA a visit and “knock on their door” for answers about the timing of their decision. Certain DEA officials are reportedly resisting the Biden administration’s rescheduling push, disputing the HHS findings on marijuana’s safety profile and medical potential, according to unnamed sources who spoke with The Wall Street Journal. The Biden administration was recently pressed to reschedule marijuana by two coalitions representing military veterans and law enforcement—including a group that counts DEA Administrator Anne Milgram among its members. On the president’s pardon action, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, told Marijuana Moment last month that the clemency should be “extended all the way out, and any unintended or intended consequences of the war on drugs should be dealt with to repair the damage.” Former Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), however, told Marijuana Moment that he’s been “very pleased” with Biden’s clemency actions, arguing that the president has “taken some pretty, in my opinion, bold steps.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Army recently clarified in a branch-wide notice that marijuana possession violations under the military drug code weren’t eligible under the president’s pardons. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) called it a “mistake” to exclude military from the relief. Also, the governor of Massachusetts announced on Wednesday that she is moving to pardon “hundreds of thousands” of people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions on their records, in line with Biden’s push for state-level clemency. Maryland Senators Approve Psychedelics Task Force Bill In Committee, Days After House Passes Companion Measure Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 16, 2024Cannabis News​ “We still need to consider the caregiver being allowed to administer the product on the premises, but I don’t know how that’s going to be worded.” By Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) approved a set of rules Thursday for public comment to safeguard patients’ access to medical cannabis while they are in a medical facility. The proposed rules would ease licensing requirements for “professional caregivers,” or someone “whose career is to assist another person in a way that enables them to live as independently as possible,” according to the current AMCC rules, by applying the same requirements for a caregiver who might be a relative. “We certainly want to look at identifying what the issue or issues may be, and then figure out how we can address that either through the rules, or through potential legislation, if that’s what it requires,” said Justin Aday, general counsel for the commission. The proposed rules would remove requirements such as passing a screening test from the Alabama Medicaid Agency in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Alabama Department of Senior Services, certification by the American Caregiver Association or employment as a nurse, therapist or other health care provider by a hospital, long-term care facility or hospice program. Aday said there could be other gaps that may need to be addressed, such as whether patients would be allowed to bring medical cannabis into a facility. The commission will have to continue to work on those issues, he said, either through new rules or legislation. “I think that we will definitely need to take the opportunity to work with various stakeholders in this to look for a solution for when these coverage in care gaps may arise based on this, and ultimately, it’s probably going to require some legislative action at some point,” Aday said. Sam Blakemore, vice chair of the commission and a pharmacist, said bringing medical cannabis into a medical facility is a concern he heard when speaking with other pharmacists. Because it’s classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, he said that administering medical cannabis in a medical setting will create a “whole set of new issues.” “We still need to consider the caregiver being allowed to administer the product on the premises, but I don’t know how that’s going to be worded,” he said. Dr. William Saliski Jr., a member of the commission, said that they will eventually have to look at approving a caregiver to administer medical cannabis in a medical facility in a “different way.” “It’s going to take on a different look, if you will, and we’re going to have to prepare for that, so I absolutely agree that this has to be reevaluated,” Saliski said. Professional caregivers would have the same requirements as a caregiver. They must register with the commission and be issued a valid medical cannabis card by the commission. They must be at least 21 years old or the parent or legal guardian of a registered qualified patient. They must also be the patient’s parent, legal guardian, grandparent, spouse or an individual with a valid power of attorney for health care of a registered qualified patient. Aday said that having qualified caregivers administering medical cannabis who have ties to a facility “makes sense.” While that was the intent of the rule, he thinks the current statute “doesn’t quite get us there yet.” “We’ve got to resolve the conflict now, and then get to work on a solution that may bring us back here, but it’s probably if it brings us back here. It’s going to have to be in conjunction with some legislation probably at a minimum,” he said. Litigation against the commission over license awards last year is still pending before state courts. Lawsuits appealed to the Court of Civil Appeals, including Verano’s, which claimed the commission did not have the authority to issue its own stay on licenses, is currently paused. Lawsuits at the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals are paused, with the court indicating it will wait for a ruling from Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson on two motions to dismiss the lawsuits, one from the commission and another from a company who won a license. Anderson’s ruling would come on April 15, at the earliest, giving plaintiffs and defendants two weeks each to file briefs. This story was first published by Alabama Reflector. Biden Incorrectly Says Marijuana Pardons Exempt People From Disclosing Convictions On Official Forms, Contrary To DOJ Guidance Photo courtesy of Kimzy Nanney. Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 16, 2024Cannabis News​ Ganja in Jamaica is more than just the cannabis plant; it’s a culture, a way of life, and an expression of people from varying cultural backgrounds who ended up on the Caribbean Island via the plantation model. The British monarchy was responsible for the cultural clash that saw enslaved Africans and indentured laborers co-mingling and participating in the smoking of ganja after a day’s work in the sugarcane plantations. This unique phenomenon gave birth to Rastafari, a religious and political movement rooted in African culture with Emperor Haile Selassie I from Ethiopia as its redeemer, the red, green, and gold colors, and the use of the chillum pipe. Furthermore, the profound impact of Indian influence on the vegan diet, the growing of dreadlocks, and the use of ganja as a sacramental herb have contributed to ganja being an endemic part of Jamaican culture. High Times Magazine, March 2024 Jamaica lies 18° north of the Equator, a tropical paradise surrounded by the Caribbean Sea where the sun shines perpetually with slight variations in photoperiod throughout the year. The island’s biogeography presents ecologically diverse habitats from high elevations to coastal plains, rainforests to dry limestone forests, and expansive freshwater ecosystems. The islanders’ symbolic love for patronizing the cannabis plant through the expression of performing arts from reggae icons like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and so many more has situated ganja synonymously with Jamaica. The artisanal production of ganja in Jamaica represents the ingenuity of the cultivators who reside in these various microclimates throughout the island catering to a plethora of different demographics of consumers located in tourist areas on the north coast, rural townships, urban ghettos, and middle- to upper-class communities. The cultivation methods, post-harvest practices, types of genetics, pricing structure, farm sizes, and distribution method present varying disparities in quality dynamics intended for the various local markets. The lush rainforest habitat to the southern, eastern side of the island is one of the rural areas where ganja farmers tend to trek into the hills to cultivate on lands cleared to facilitate maximum sunlight throughout the day. The farmers grow genetics they have replicated in regular seed production for several generations and cultivate directly into the local soil substrate. The intended market is the local townships in the parish. The farming community of Nine Mile, located in the limestone hills of the parish of St. Ann Jamaica, is the birthplace and resting place of reggae superstar Bob Marley. The Bob Marley Mausoleum is situated on the property where Marley spent his formative years as a young boy growing up. The ganja farmers in this community grow an equatorial cultivar that has a long flowering time with the purpose of the collection of charas finger hash, which is primarily marketed to the consistent busloads of tourists who visit Marley’s shrine daily. The community of Slipe is located on the island’s south coast in the Black River Morass, Jamaica’s largest freshwater wetland ecosystem. The ganja farmers of this community use an interesting mode of transportation—canoes—to tend to their plants daily. This community has developed a hydroponic method of cultivation where the peat from the bog is raised above the water table in long snakelike beds, and the ganja plants are cultivated densely. The seeds are germinated near households and transported as hardened seedlings by canoe through tiny channels cleared from the tall sawgrass to traverse the river. The farmers of this community typically get their germplasm from the neighboring parish of Westmoreland. The plants don’t tend to pass 4 feet in height, with seedling to harvest taking place in 10 to 12 weeks. The community of Orange Hill is located on the western tip of Jamaica near the resort town of Negril. The entire parish of Westmoreland is known for some of the best high-grade ganja on the island. Residents from this western parish tend to flaunt the slogan “The best comes from the West.” The community produces strains of ganja well known to the Western world and modern-day palate with terpene profiles of fruity, gassy, and citrus flavors. The plants are grown in plastic pots or fabric bags using supplemental lighting to generate larger biomass during the vegetative growth period. On harvest day, the plants are placed in temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms to facilitate the drying process. The ganja produced in this area is known to supply the resort towns of Negril and Montego Bay, where the tourists tend to pay, on average, a higher price for the commodity. Happy Gate is situated on the foothills of the Blue Mountain near the capital city of Kingston. The ganja farm is located on the steep slopes of the hillside where the warm orange rays of the sunset dip over the western horizon. The plants grown are hybrids of California origin, where supplemental lighting is used to increase biomass production for the short flowering times of these cultivars. Post-harvest rooms here and in Orange Hill are typically equipped with an air conditioning unit and a dehumidifier for drying and curing. This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of High Times Magazine.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 16, 2024Cannabis News​ Vice President Kamala Harris says the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must reschedule marijuana “as quickly as possible,” calling it “absurd” and “patently unfair” that cannabis is still classified in the same category as heroin. At the beginning of a meeting at the White House with a group of people who received marijuana pardons under the president’s proclamations, Harris delivered a statement promoting both the administration’s clemency actions and its marijuana scheduling directive that led the U.S. Department of Human Service (HHS) to recommend that DEA reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). “I cannot emphasize enough that they need to get to it as quickly as possible,” the vice president said of the ongoing scheduling review. “And we need to have a resolution based on their findings and their assessment.” “This issue is stark when one considers the fact that on the schedule currently, marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin. Marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl,” she said. “Which is absurd. Not to mention patently unfair.” “I’m sure DEA is working as quickly as possible and will continue to do so, and we look forward to the product of their work,” Harris said. The overall purpose of Friday’s meeting was to better understand the pardon recipients’ clemency experiences and “address specifically the injustices that we have seen in federal marijuana policy,” she said. This event comes as the administration becomes increasingly vocal about cannabis reform record ahead of the November elections. “Nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed. And what we need to do is recognize that far too many people have been sent to jail for simple marijuana possession,” the vice president said, noting racial disparities in cannabis enforcement. Following her opening remarks, Harris then participated in a closed-door roundtable discussion with three pardon recipients, along with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and rapper Fat Joe. Staff with the VP’s office started reaching out to people who were pardoned under President Joe Biden’s 2022 and 2023 proclamations earlier this year, taking meetings as officials worked to better understand how they’ve navigated the process, which has also involved Justice Department issuing certificates for the pardons. A White House official told Marijuana Moment ahead of Friday’s meeting that Harris would “highlight various actions that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to advance long-overdue criminal justice reforms” at the event. One of the individuals who took part in the event is a longtime cannabis activist, Chris Goldstein, who recently received a pardon certificate from DOJ after being formally forgiven for a 2014 cannabis possession case stemming from a protest advocating for federal marijuana policy reform. Goldstein told Marijuana Moment that he met with U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer over the last month to go over the logistics of the event. Oyer’s office has been overseeing the clemency certification process. Harris, for her part, has a complex cannabis legacy. During her time as a San Francisco prosecutor and later as California’s attorney general, she enforced criminalization and proactively opposed a 2010 cannabis legalization ballot initiative, at one point laughing dismissively in response to a report’s question about enacting reform. But her position has shifted dramatically over the years, and Harris went on to sponsor a bill to federally legalize marijuana as a U.S. senator in 2019. Beshear, the governor of Kentucky who also participated in the White House roundtable, has been vocal about his support for cannabis reform, signing a medical marijuana legalization bill into law last year and taking executive action to legally protect patients who possess medical cannabis purchased at out-of-state licensed retailers by exercising his unilateral authority to grant pardons to anyone who meets certain criteria. After Biden issued his first pardon proclamation in October 2022, Beshear said he was “actively considering” possible marijuana clemency actions the state could take and encouraged people to petition for relief in the interim. In 2021, he also talked about his desire to let Kentucky farmers grow and sell recreational cannabis across state lines. While the purpose of the meeting was focused on the president’s clemency action—which he historically touted in his State of the Union address last week—the event seems to be the latest signal that the administration is hoping to appeal to voters ahead of the November election by promoting an issue with bipartisan popularity, especially among critical young voters. The president’s mention of his marijuana pardons and administrative scheduling review directive during last week’s speech before a joint session of Congress was a key acknowledgement to that end. And it was well-received, evidenced in part by the massive social media response it elicited. That said, the president did again misstate the scope of his administrative actions on marijuana, falsely asserting that he expunged thousands of records when, in fact, a pardon does not clear a person’s record. Biden also told a supporter at a campaign stop in Wisconsin on Wednesday that he was “taking care” of marijuana reform, touting his pardons. The popularity of administrative cannabis reform was also underscored in a recent poll that showed how Biden’s marijuana moves stand to benefit him in November. The survey found the president’s favorability spiked after people were made aware of the possibility that cannabis could be rescheduled under the Biden-initiated review. Harris, for her part, also faced criticism last month after sharing a video where she claimed the administration had “changed federal marijuana policy.” While Biden has issued thousands of simple possession pardons and directed the ongoing review into federal cannabis scheduling, the law itself has not changed at this point, and campaign pledges to decriminalize marijuana have yet gone unfulfilled. The vice president’s video also showed a map with incorrect information on which states have legalized cannabis to date. Following its review, HHS advised DEA specifically to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). While that possibility evidently moves the needle for Biden among the general public, equity-focused advocates have stressed the point that it would not legalize marijuana, nor would it do anything to address the decades of harm under prohibition. It would allow state cannabis to take federal tax deductions that they’re currently barred from under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E, however. Whether DEA accepts the HHS recommendation is yet to be seen. And while many expect an announcement will happen before the election, the timeline is uncertain. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra defended his agency’s rescheduling recommendation during a Senate committee hearing on Thursday and later told cannabis lobbyist Don Murphy that he should pay DEA a visit and “knock on their door” for answers about the timing of their decision. Certain DEA officials are reportedly resisting the Biden administration’s rescheduling push, disputing the HHS findings on marijuana’s safety profile and medical potential, according to unnamed sources who spoke with The Wall Street Journal. The Biden administration was recently pressed to reschedule marijuana by two coalitions representing military veterans and law enforcement—including a group that counts DEA Administrator Anne Milgram among its members. On the president’s pardon action, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, told Marijuana Moment last month that the clemency should be “extended all the way out, and any unintended or intended consequences of the war on drugs should be dealt with to repair the damage.” Former Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), however, told Marijuana Moment that he’s been “very pleased” with Biden’s clemency actions, arguing that the president has “taken some pretty, in my opinion, bold steps.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Army recently clarified in a branch-wide notice that marijuana possession violations under the military drug code weren’t eligible under the president’s pardons. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) called it a “mistake” to exclude military from the relief. Also, the governor of Massachusetts announced on Wednesday that she is moving to pardon “hundreds of thousands” of people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions on their records, in line with Biden’s push for state-level clemency. Biden Tells Supporter He’s ‘Taking Care’ Of Marijuana Reform At Campaign Stop Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 15, 2024Cannabis News​ C21 Investments Inc. (CSE: CXXI) (OTCQX: CXXIF) announced that its wholly-owned Nevada subsidiary, Silver State Relief, LLC  would be buying Deep Roots Harvest, Inc. in a deal valued at $3.5 million.  C21 also announced a non-brokered private placement of a principal amount of C$1,000 secured convertible debenture units of the company for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$4 million. Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, Sonny Newman commented: “We are thrilled to announce the agreement with Deep Roots to acquire this dispensary which, upon completion of the acquisition, will allow us to expand our retail footprint in Nevada, a pivotal step in the Company’s growth strategy. We plan to integrate and rebrand this dispensary, purpose-built in 2021, under the Silver State Relief banner. With the dispensary’s desirable location in a high traffic, flourishing area of Southern Reno, we anticipate strong revenue growth from this acquisition, along with the added benefit of allowing us to expand the portion of our cultivation capacity sold through our retail channel.” The Deep Roots’ assets include a 6,500-square-foot, purpose-built, operational retail cannabis dispensary located in Southern Reno, Nevada. The payment of $3.5 million consists of a cash payment of $100,000 at the time of the agreement and a cash payment of $3.4 million to be paid to Deep Roots at the closing. In December C21 announced its third-quarter earnings with cash of $1.9 million at the end of that quarter. The company’s revenue had also decreased slightly due to a decline in wholesale business. Same-store sales increased for the company. C21 owns Silver State Relief and Silver State Cultivation in Nevada. Its assets also include legacy Oregon brands Phantom Farms, Hood Oil and Eco Firma Farms. These brands produce and distribute a broad range of THC and CBD products from cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, cannabis oil, vaporizer cartridges, and edibles.  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
March 15, 2024Cannabis News​ Canadian cannabis chain High Tide Inc. (Nasdaq: HITI) (TSXV: HITI) has finalized an agreement to acquire the Queen of Bud brand, including its intellectual property, for $1 million. The transaction, set to close in the upcoming weeks, involves $100,000 in cash and the rest in High Tide shares, with the stock price based on a pre-determined formula. The deal is pending approval from the TSX Venture Exchange and other customary closing conditions. “With well-established brand equity and an extensive customer base across Canada, especially among women, this is an exciting new addition with tremendous future opportunities,” said High Tide founder and CEO Raj Grover. “This is a strategic investment which will fortify our overall ecosystem, and we expect will deliver meaningful value to shareholders while allowing us to stay nimble and not burden the Company with large capex commitments or overhead. With Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan already allowing white-label brands, and with Alberta and BC considering it, this is a timely move that will allow us to continue expanding our ever-increasing in-house brand portfolio.” The acquisition adds to High Tide’s growing portfolio and is part of its strategy to boost its market presence, particularly in Canada. The company currently has 163 stores in five Canadian provinces. Management said that it plans to open at least 96 more stores in Ontario, after the Ontario government moved to allow companies to own up to 150 dispensaries, up from the previous limit of 75. “Our expectation is to open 20 to 30 stores in calendar 2024 via a combination of organic builds and M&A while remaining free cash flow positive,” Grover told investors in January. “Our market share across the five provinces in which we have a presence was 10% for the quarter. Our long-term goal is to have 15% market in the markets where we operate.” Under the terms of the deal, Queen of Bud’s founder, Ashley Newman, will assume the role of global brand ambassador for High Tide. “As one of the first female founders in the Canadian cannabis industry, it’s been an incredible journey building this brand to where it is today,” said Queen of Bud founder and CEO Ashley Newman. “This is a pivotal moment for the Queen of Bud. Given High Tide’s expertise, extensive store network and capital resources, I feel confident that this arrangement will elevate the brand to even greater heights. Together, Raj and I envision not only elevating cannabis to new heights of sophistication but also expanding our horizons beyond borders into international markets, delving into accessories, candles, fragrances, and beyond. Our heartfelt commitment to customers and passion for excellence fuel this journey, inspiring positive change and innovation in the cannabis world.”  Read More Feedzy  [...] Read more...
Cannabis Recipes
August 3, 2023Ingredients 2 cups shredded green cabbage 1 Tbsp lime juice 1/2 Tsp salt 3 Tbsp cilantro 1/4 cup canna-oil 1 tomato, diced 1/2 cup salsa 1/2 onion, diced 1 jalapeno, diced 1 avocado, sliced Meat of choice (fish or a ground meat like beef or turkey) 4 corn tortillas Directions 1. Cook choice of meat with fajita seasoning in frying pan, set aside 2. In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, line juice, salt and cilantro 3. In a separate bowl, mix canna-oil with tomato, onion, jalapeno and salsa 4. Wrap the tortillas in paper towels and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until warm 5. Fill each tortilla with meat, cabbage mixture, cannabis salsa mixture and diced avocado ​Serve with lime wedge The recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from Eat Your Cannabis [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023This soup can be enhanced with any of your favorite vegetables. Materials Soup Pot Frying Pan Hand-Blender or Regular blender (optional) Ingredients ​3 cups vegetable stock 1 cup chopped broccoli 1/2 red onion, chopped 2 stalks of celery, chopped 1 and 1/2 cup heavy cream (canna-cream may be substituted or blended with regular cream for increased potency) 2 TBSP olive oil Fresh cilantro (optional) Salt and Pepper to taste ​Canna-Oil (dose-dependent) Directions 1. Heat vegetable stock and broccoli in a large pot Boil for around 6 minutes 2. On another burner, saute garlic, onion and celery in olive oil until soft — about 4 minutes ​​ 3. Take the pan off the heat and add desired dose of canna-oil to vegetables Stir thoroughly and then pour mixture in to the big soup pot Be sure to scrape all material to get the maximum amount of canna-oil 4. Heat for another 6–8 minutes then reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, add salt and pepper to taste ​ 5. Let simmer for 5 minutes, serve hot  ​Garnish with cilantro if desired This recipe is available for download HERE The original recipe is from Royal Queen Seeds [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Materials -Medium Sauce-Pan -​Thermometer -Mesh-sieve or cheesecloth Ingredients -​6 grams cannabis flower -1 pound unsalted butter Directions ​ ​1. Decarboxylate the cannabis Heat the oven to 225°F. Spread cannabis buds out into an even layer on a baking sheet and place in the oven. ​Take care not to let the temperature go over 225°F and burn (if this happens, you can lose potency). Bake for about 35–40 minutes, then remove from the oven and cool before grinding into a coarse powder. ​ The decarboxylated cannabis will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months 2. Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and cook, taking care not to let the temperature go over 200°F for about 45 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and let sit, undisturbed, for 10 minutes 4. Strain through a fine mesh-sieve set over a bowl. Press carefully with a spoon to extract as much oil as possible ​The milk will keep for up to 6 weeks if covered and refrigerated. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from Vice.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 4 quarts popped popcorn 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup corn syrup light 1/2 cup cannabis butter 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp baking soda Instructions Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a large shallow roasting pan with cooking spray and add popcorn. In a separate bowl mix brown sugar, corn syrup, cannabis butter, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla; mix well. Pour syrup over warm popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. ​ Enjoy! Keep refrigerated for extended shelf life. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from thecannaschool.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 6 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (you may substitute some pitted cherries too!) 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white sugar (you may add canna-sugar for increased potency) 1/4 tsp cinnamon 2 Tbsp canna-butter, cut into small pieces (you may substitute canna-coconut oil) 2x pie crust recipe or store bought Directions Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cream the regular butter, cannabutter, brown sugar & white sugar together until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in the vanilla. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda & salt. Add to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Add the mini chocolate chips & mini marshmallows. Mix until evenly distributed. Evenly space the graham crackers on the prepared liner. Use a 2 oz scoop to portion the cookies & place in the center of the graham cracker. Bake for 12–15 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool. Push all of the baked cookies together & drizzle with coating chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set & enjoy! This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from myedibleschef.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 2 slices of bread Cheese Canna-Butter Optional fillings: tomato, green onion, chicken, tuna Directions 1. Use a knife to coat both pieces of bread with canna-butter Be sure to coat both sides of the bread 2. Bring skillet to medium heat and add a small scoop of canna-butter ​ 3. One the butter has melted, place one slice of bread on the skillet 4. Add as much cheese and fillings as you like, then place the second slice of bread on top 5. Flip the sandwich when the bottom is golden brown, add more butter if needed for the new side 6. When the sandwich looks adequately fried and the cheese is melted to your liking, take it off of the skillet, slice in half, and enjoy! Original recipe from Satori MJ [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 1 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup canna-milk 1 lb ground beef 1/2 lb ground pork 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casing removed 1 small onion, finely diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup grated parmesean cheese 1/4 cup chopped parsley 2 large eggs, beaten 2 Tbsp canna-oil 1 (32oz) jar marinara sauce Instructions 1. In a small bowl, stir bread crumbs with canna-milk until evenly combined. Let sit 15 minutes, or while you prep other ingredients. 2. In a large bowl, use your hands to combine beef, pork, sausage, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then gently stir in breadcrumb mixture, eggs, Parmesan, and parsley until just combined. Form mixture into 1” balls. 3. In a large high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, sear meatballs on all sides to develop a crust. Set meatballs aside, reduce heat to medium-low, and add sauce to skillet. Bring sauce to a simmer then immediately add meatballs back to skillet. Cover and simmer until cooked through, about 8 minutes more original recipe from eatyourcannabis.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients ¼ cup cannabuter, room temperature ½ cup regular butter, room temperature 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 2 eggs, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp sea salt 1 cup mini chocolate chips 1 cup mini marshmallows 18 graham crackers Coating chocolate, melted Directions Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cream the regular butter, cannabutter, brown sugar & white sugar together until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in the vanilla. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda & salt. Add to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Add the mini chocolate chips & mini marshmallows. Mix until evenly distributed. Evenly space the graham crackers on the prepared liner. Use a 2 oz scoop to portion the cookies & place in the center of the graham cracker. Bake for 12–15 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool. Push all of the baked cookies together & drizzle with coating chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set & enjoy! This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from myedibleschef.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 2/3 cup Cannabis oil (coconut or olive oil will work) 4 large potatoes peeled 3 tbsp salt Instructions Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut your peeled potatoes into strips (cut them into fries!) and spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Drizzle the cannabis-infused oil over them and season with salt. Try to coat each fry relatively evenly with the oil so that there is a consistent potency. Cook the fries until they are golden brown. Around 15–20 minutes. Allow the fires to cool down, around 5 minutes. Divide the fries into equal proportions and serve. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from thecannaschool.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients -1.5 cups all-purpose flour -1 Tbsp sugar (canna-sugar may be substituted to increase potency) -1 Tbsp baking powder -1 Tsp salt -1 large egg -1.25 cups whole milk (canna-milk may be substituted to increase potency) -3 Tbsp of melted canna-butter or oil -​1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) Instructions 1. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients 2. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients 3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined ​Do not over-mix, batter will be thick and slightly lumpy 4. Heat a large frying pan with with a small amount of butter or oil 5. Pour 1 cup of batter in the center of the pan. Fry 2–3 minutes before flipping 6. Fry an additional 3–5 minutes or until pancake reaches your preferred doneness and remove from pan 7. Garnish with your favorite toppings; powdered sugar, syrup, butter, chocolate chips or whatever you might enjoy! Original recipe from cannabis wiki [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 1 package of Instant Ramen Vegetable or Beef broth (use the amount listed on the package for water) Frozen vegetable medley One egg or tofu Dried seaweed (to garnish) Sesame Seeds (to garnish) Cannabis Tincture Directions 1. Follow the instructions on the ramen package, but swap the water out for broth 2. Add the frozen veggies when broth gets hot 3. Crack an egg in the hot broth and stir for a few minutes You can also use a hard-boiled egg or chopped tofu ​ 4. Add as much cannabis tincture that you want. If you are unsure, start with 1–2 drops 5. Top soup with dried seaweed and sesame seeds Original recipe from Satori MJ [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 Tbsp sugar (canna-sugar may be substituted to increase potency) 1 Tbsp baking powder ½ Tsp salt 2 large eggs 1 ½ cups whole milk (canna-milk may be substituted to increase potency) ¾ cup canna-butter, melted ​1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions 1. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder 2. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: beat the eggs with the milk, then add the vanilla extract 3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined ​Do not over-mix, batter will be thick and slightly lumpy 4. Bake in a preheated waffle-iron according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown This recipe is available for download HERE! Original recipe from allrecipes.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023This recipe can be used with your favorite vegetables and breakfast meats Ingredients Base: 4 large eggs salt and pepper (to tasste) 1 tbsp butter (canna-butter may be used to increase potency) 1/2 cup canna-milk Filling: 2 tbsp diced green pepper 2 tbsp diced green onion 2 tbsp ham or meat of your choice 1/4 cup shredded cheese ​ Instructions 1. Beat eggs in a bowl with a whisk. 2. Add canna-milk and season with salt and pepper 3. Add any vegetables and/or meat fillings to the eggs and whisk for a few minutes until egg mixture if foamy — beating in air makes the omelette fluffy​ 4. Melt butter in a small, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in egg mixture and twirl skillet so the bottom is evenly covered in egg. 5. Cook until egg starts to set. Lift the edges with a spatula and tilt the skillet so uncooked egg mixture can run towards the bottom of the skillet to set Repeat until no visible liquid egg remains 6. Carefully flip omelette and cook another 30 seconds to 1 minute 7. Sprinkle cheese in one line in the middle of the omelette and fold it in half, cook another 20 seconds them slide the omelette on to the plate This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from the Canna School [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 3 Tbsp mayonnaise 2 Tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 Tsp salt 1/2 Tsp pepper 2 Eggs, lightly beaten 1lb Lump crab meat 2 Tbps finely chopped parsley 3 Tbsp canna-butter Instructions 1. Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper and eggs. Then gently stir in crab meat, panko and parsley. 2. Shape mixture in to 12 (3-inch) patties, pressing gently to flatten. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1hr. 3. Melt half the canna-butter in large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 6 patties to the pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining half of canna-butter and remaining 6 patties. The recipe is available for download HERE original recipe from eat your cannabis.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 1 can whole peeled tomatoes 28 oz. 1 jar roasted red peppers 12 oz. 4 large eggs ½ cup plain Greek yogurt ¼ cup CannaOil plus more for drizzling 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 6 garlic cloves divided 2 medium shallots divided Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Mint leaves and crusty bread for serving Crush coriander and cumin seeds, pressing down firmly with even pressure. Transfer seeds to a small heatproof bowl. Slice 2 garlic cloves as thinly and evenly as you can; add to bowl with seeds. Finely chop the remaining 4 garlic cloves. Cut half of 1 shallot into thin rounds and then add to the same bowl with seeds and garlic. Chop remaining shallots. Open a jar of red peppers and pour off any liquid. Remove peppers and coarsely chop. Combine ¼ cup oil and seed/garlic/shallot mix in the skillet you used for crushing seeds. Heat over medium and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until seeds are sizzling and fragrant and garlic and shallots are crisp and golden, about 3 minutes. Place a strainer over the same heatproof bowl and pour in the contents of the skillet, making sure to scrape in seeds and other solids. Do this quickly before garlic or shallots start to burn. Reserve oil. Spread out seed mixture across paper towels to cool. Season with salt and pepper. Return strained CannaOil to skillet and heat over medium. Add remaining chopped garlic and shallot and cook, stirring often, until shallot is translucent and starting to turn brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and lots of pepper. Add chopped peppers to the skillet and stir to incorporate. Using your hands, lift whole peeled tomatoes out of the can, leaving behind tomato liquid, and crush up with your hands as you add to the skillet. Discard leftover liquid. Season with more salt and pepper. Cook shakshuka, stirring often, until thickened and no longer runs together when a spoon is dragged through, 10–12 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Using the back of a wooden spoon, create four 2″-wide nests in tomato sauce. Working one at a time, carefully crack an egg into each nest. Cover skillet and cook, simmering very gently and reducing heat if necessary, until whites of eggs are set while yolks are still jammy, 7–10 minutes. Uncover skillet and remove from heat. Season tops of eggs with salt and pepper. Top shakshuka with dollops of yogurt, sprinkle with seed mixture, then drizzle with more olive oil. Finish by scattering mint leaves over top. ​ Serve pita or crusty bread alongside. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from eat your cannabis.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023This recipe can be used with your favorite vegetables and breakfast meats Ingredients Base: 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 6 eggs 1 cup of milk (canna-milk may be used for a more potent dish) 1 pie-crust, unbaked Filling: 1/2 cup of canna-butter 1 onion, diced 1 cup broccoli, chopped 1 head of garlic ​ Instructions 1. Melt canna-butter in a pan over medium heat ​ 2. Add vegetables to butter and cook on medium heat for about 5–8 minutes (or until veggies are cooked) Do not let the butter or vegetables burn, to maintain potency of the butter 3. Scoop cooked vegetables into empty pie crust and cover with shredded cheeses 4. Beat eggs and milk together and pour into the pie crust 5. Bake for 35–40 minutes at 360°F Allow quiche to cool 10 minutes before serving This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from cannabis.wiki [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 4 eggs 1 cup white sugar ½ cup brown sugar, packed 1 ¼ cups grapeseed oil ¼ cup canna-oil 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 ¾ cups pure pumpkin puree 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp pumpkin spice 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking soda 1 tbsp orange zest, optional Directions Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a jumbo muffin tin with liners. Place the eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, grapeseed oil & canna-oil into a bowl fitted for a stand mixer or use a whisk to thoroughly beat ingredients together. Blend in the pumpkin & vanilla extract. In a small bowl mix the dry ingredients together. Add to the wet ingredients & mix until just blended. Stir in the orange zest (optional). Divide the batter evenly between 12 muffin cups using a muffin scoop, about 3 ounces each. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. ​ Allow to cool, remove from the tins & sprinkle with cinnamon. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from myedibleschef.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 4 Pork chops Salt and pepper 1 Tbsp minced rosemary 2 Cloves minced garlic 1/2 Cup canna-butter 1 Tbps canna-oil Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Season pork chops with salt and pepper 2. In a small bowl, combine canna-butter with rosemary and garlic. Set aside 3. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, heat canna-oil and add pork chops. Sear until golden, about 4 minutes, flip and cook for another 4 minutes. 4. Brush pork-chops generously with the garlic canna-butter mixture and place skillet in the oven to bake for 10–12 minutes. Serve with more garlic butter. ​If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, you may use a regular one and transfer to a baking dish. Be sure to collect all the oil from the pan when transferring. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from Eat Your Cannabis.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023This recipe may be used with heavy cream or whole milk. Materials -Medium Sauce-Pan -​Thermometer -Mesh-sieve or cheesecloth Ingredients ​6 grams cannabis flower 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream ​ Directions ​ ​1. Decarboxylate the cannabis Heat the oven to 225°F. Spread cannabis buds out into an even layer on a baking sheet and place in the oven. ​Take care not to let the temperature go over 225°F and burn (if this happens, you can lose potency). Bake for about 35–40 minutes, then remove from the oven and cool before grinding into a coarse powder. ​ The decarboxylated cannabis will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months 2. Heat the milk or heavy cream, in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and cook, taking care not to let the temperature go over 200°F for about 45 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and let sit, undisturbed, for 10 minutes 4. Strain through a fine mesh-sieve set over a bowl. Press carefully with a spoon to extract as much oil as possible ​The milk will keep for up to 6 weeks if covered and refrigerated. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from Vice.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Cannabis infused sugar offers a simple way to enhance your baked goods or beverages. Materials Mason Jar ​Cheesecloth Baking Sheet 9in x 13in Baking Pan Ingredients -3 grams of cannabis flower -1/2 cup of high-proof alcohol, such as Everclear -1/2 cup granulated sugar Directions 1. Decarboxylate the cannabis Heat the oven to 225°F. Spread cannabis buds out into an even layer on a baking sheet and place in the oven. ​Take care not to let the temperature go over 225°F and burn (if this happens, you can lose potency). Bake for about 35–40 minutes, then remove from the oven and cool before grinding into a coarse powder. ​ The decarboxylated cannabis will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months 2. Transfer the cannabis to a jar and cover with the alcohol. Screw the lid on tight and shake every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. 3. Strain through a cheesecloth set over a bowl, discarding solids. Mix the strained alcohol with the sugar and spread into an even layer in a glass 9-by-13-inch baking dish. ​ 4. Bake at 200°F, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol has evaporated and the sugar is lightly golden. This recipe is available for download HERE The original recipe is from Vice.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Servings: 12 Ingredients 1 cup soybean oil ½ ounce ganja shake 2 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon white vinegar ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ​Directions In a double boiler, combine the oil and ganja. Heat over low until the ganja smell is pronounced but not nutty or burnt. (The oil should have an earthy green tint to it.) Let cool. Remove and strain the herb, squeezing the weed in a metal strainer against the mesh with the back of a spoon to wring out every drop of oil. Make sure that all your ingredients have been brought to room temperature — this is crucial! ​In a small metal bowl, use an immersion blender or whisk to thoroughly blend the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, vinegar, and mustard. This can also be done in a food processor or blender. ​Using a ½ teaspoon measure, very slowly add the infused oil to the small metal bowl, a few drops at a time, while constantly blending on low or whisking until the mayo is thick and starting to form ribbons. (If it’s too thick, you can add room-temperature water in tiny increments.) If your mixture “breaks,” it can be repaired by whisking some more room-temperature egg yolks in a separate bowl, then slowly whisking those yolks into the “broken” mayo mixture. If that doesn’t do it, add a few drops of hot water. ​Cover and chill; it’ll keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Original recipe from: Boudreaux, Ashley. The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook. Red Eyed Deviled Eggs. https://saltonverde.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/10-High_Times_Cannabis_Cookbook.pdf [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients blender ¼ cup tahini ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed w/o seeds 15 ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 garlic cloves ¼ cup CannaOil ½ cup ground cumin 2 tablespoons water salt and pepper to taste Instructions Combine lemon juice and tahini in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds. Add chickpeas, garlic, Canna Oil, cumin and water. Blend for 1 minute until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency. Pour hummus in a serving bowl, or store in the refrigerator for later. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from eatyourcannabis.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients 2 lbs of potatoes 4 tablespoons cannabutter 4 tablespoons sour cream or plain cream cheese Salt and pepper ¼ to ½ cup of milk or cannamilk for increased potency 2 cloves of garlic minced or 1 tsp of garlic powder Instructions Cut the potatoes in half or quarters to make medium-sized pieces. Place the potatoes in a saucepan filled with water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, between 20–30 minutes. Drain the potatoes and remove their skins. Add the cannabutter, garlic and sour cream to the bowl along with a splash of milk (don’t add it all at once.) Mash the contents, adding just a splash of milk each time until you’ve reached the desired consistency. ​ Stir in salt and pepper to taste. This recipe is available for download HERE original recipe from satorimj.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Materials -Medium Sauce-Pan -​Thermometer -Mesh-sieve or cheesecloth Ingredients -​6 grams cannabis flower -2 cups oil (olive, coconut, canola or vegetable oil) Directions ​ ​1. Decarboxylate the cannabis Heat the oven to 225°F. Spread cannabis buds out into an even layer on a baking sheet and place in the oven. ​Take care not to let the temperature go over 225°F and burn (if this happens, you can lose potency). Bake for about 35–40 minutes, then remove from the oven and cool before grinding into a coarse powder. ​ The decarboxylated cannabis will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months 2. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and cook, taking care not to let the temperature go over 200°F for about 45 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and let sit, undisturbed, for 10 minutes 4. Strain through a fine mesh-sieve set over a bowl. Press carefully with a spoon to extract as much oil as possible ​The oil will keep for up to 6 weeks if covered and refrigerated. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from Vice.com [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Ingredients Cupcakes: 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 Tbsp baking powder 1/4 Tsp salt 1 cup milk 2 eggs 1/4 cup canna-oil (vegetable is best) 1/4 vegetable oil 2 Tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles Frosting: 1 cup sugar 1 cup egg whites 1lb butter, salted, room temperature 1 Tsp vanilla extract ​ Directions ​Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Whisk all of the liquid ingredients together until blended. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients & mix until there are no large lumps. Do not overmix. Gently stir in the rainbow sprinkles until just blended. ​ Use a 2-ounce portion scoop & fill each cupcake liner with one scoop. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven & allow to cool a bit before removing them from the pan. Frosting: Put 2 inches of water into a medium-size pot, & bring to a boil. Place the sugar & egg whites into a small stainless bowl that will sit on top of the pot of boiling water, or use a double boiler system. DO NOT allow the bowl with the egg white mixture to directly touch the boiling water or the egg whites will cook very quickly. Whisk constantly until temperature reaches 140°F/60°C or until the sugar has completely dissolved & the egg whites are hot to the touch. DO NOT leave unattended or you will have a sweet egg white scramble! Use a hand mixer or pour the egg white mixture into a bowl that is fitted for a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, begin to whip until the meringue is thick & glossy, about 10 minutes on medium-high. Place the mixer on low speed, add the cubes of butter, a couple at a time, until incorporated. Continue beating until it has reached a silky smooth texture. If the buttercream curdles simply keep mixing & it will become smooth. If the buttercream is too runny, refrigerate for about 15 minutes before continuing mixing. Add the vanilla & continue to beat on low speed until well combined. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, place a large star tip into a piping bag & fill with the buttercream. Pipe a rosette onto each cupcake & add the sprinkles on top. Serve immediately, the same day or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. This recipe is available for download HERE Original recipe from myedibleschef.com [...] Read more...