WeedLife News Network

 Kerry Raheb, the owner of Indica LLC presented to the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday on plans for his cannabis dispensary, which will open at 127 Columbia St.

Raheb, who previously worked as an investment banker, said this business is his first cannabis dispensary. He said he intends on holding a community outreach meeting for the dispensary, which will be at the former site of Woodstock South, a former gift and novelties shop, as soon as possible.

Can you use raw marijuana in your baked goods? Or trust the THC levels printed on packaged treats? Here are some “facts” about edibles that just aren’t true.

As legal marijuana has swept throughout communities across the nation, the popularity of edibles has risen dramatically. People that have access to legal marijuana have the option of either purchasing edibles from a dispensary, or making their own homemade versions.

Unfortunately, some people have held back from indulging in edibles due to myths that have been spread about consuming them. The widespread popularity of edibles over the course of the past several years has led to the development of numerous myths. And while some are harmless, others perpetuate inaccurate and harmful narratives about marijuana. Here are four of the most common ones.

Overconsumption Can Be Fatal

Since edibles often have a high concentration of THC, it’s not uncommon for people who eat one to become concerned that they’re feeling the effects of it a little too strongly. Even though that’s the case, there’s no need to worry that overindulging on an edible could lead to an accidental fatal overdose. While edibles contain a higher concentration of THC than your average joint, they still contain nowhere near the amount necessary to cause a fatal marijuana overdose. 

The concept of edibles working best when served as a dessert isn’t surprising given how “weed brownies” have become synonymous with the consumption of edibles. The popularity of cannabis-infused candies only perpetuates this falsehood. 

The root of the myth that edibles are best served as desserts is based on a story that one of the earliest recipes on record for edibles consisted of brownies (which actually weren’t brownies at all) made by one of the nation’s earliest pot pioneers, affectionately nicknamed “Brownie Marie”. Another reason why edibles are most commonly associated with desserts is because flavors like peanut butter and chocolate can do wonders as far as masking the taste of cannabis goes.

The growing acceptance of cannabis in the United States, along with the legalization of recreational cannabis use in 18 states, has created a booming industry around growing, preparing, and selling marijuana.

Unfortunately, the novelty of the field has also led to a lot of misinformation and misconceptions. Cannabis use is still taboo in many parts of the country, making it difficult for those interested in diving into the growing industry to sort truth from lies.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are four myths about working in the cannabis industry, debunked.

Women were interviewed 10 times over the course of study, while offspring were surveyed at age 22 to measure any drug dependence.

A new U.S. study suggests that women who regularly use cannabis during and after pregnancy may increase the likelihood that their adult offspring smoke cannabis and tobacco.

Chronic maternal use is a concern, authors of the latest study suggest, since the findings show this may predict adult cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) in their adult offspring.

Per information from Alberta’s health department, CUD occurs when people have become dependent on cannabis. Among others, they may experience extreme changes in mood, trouble concentrating and memory problems.

To find out if maternal weed use affected offspring substance use at age 22, they reviewed information from a year pre-pregnancy to 16 years postpartum.

Recruited from a prenatal clinic between 1982 and 1984, the women were surveyed by trained interviewers twice during pregnancy, at delivery, eight and 18 months following birth and at three, six, 10, 14 and 16 years postpartum. Offspring were measured for substance use and dependence at age 22.

Will A New Year Help Marijuana Stocks Reach Better Trading ? Some Believe So

Marijuana Stock Investing In 2022 Here’s What You Need To Know

When it comes to top marijuana stocks 2021 had its fair share of challenges. Yet from November 2020 to early 2021 the sector saw solid upward consistency. Shortly after mid-February, the majority of marijuana stocks all saw substantial drops in trading. Like many other sectors, the pandemic didn’t badly affect how cannabis stocks traded. It was the lack of legislation both state and federal. Failure to pass federal reform is was the dominant factor in this year-long drop in trading.

Bureau of Land Management rangers and special agents, alongside various law enforcement partners, eradicated more than one million marijuana plants and close to 180,300 pounds of processed marijuana this year from illegal grow sites statewide on BLM lands as part of the California Department of Justice’s annual Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, or CAMP, program.

In addition to marijuana and chemicals, ammunition and weapons were also seized. The trash and litter these operations leave behind also impacts public lands: almost 300 miles of waterline, 583 propane tanks were collected during these operations, as well as more than 67,000 pounds of grow site infrastructure.

“The BLM is proud of its law enforcement Rangers and Special Agents for conducting this important work,” said BLM California State Director Karen Mouritsen. 

“These illegal operations have a devastating impact on our environment and the health and safety of communities, which we cannot tolerate. The BLM looks forward to working with the Attorney General’s Office again next year on this very important effort.”

In a dramatic reversal, a 90-year-old, seriously ill federal inmate serving life in prison for a nonviolent marijuana trafficking crime will go free after a judge granted him compassionate release on Tuesday — overturning his previous order denying release.

Horacio Estrada-Elias, who was the subject of a CNN investigative story in September, is set to be freed this week after more than a dozen years behind bars.

“It’s a huge blessing for all of us,” his daughter Elizabeth Estrada said Tuesday. “We’re so excited for the whole family to finally be together.”

Estrada-Elias suffers from congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease, and also contracted the coronavirus while in prison, according to court affidavits filed by doctors. His prison doctor predicted in April 2020 that he had “less than 18 months” to live, and his warden recommended release, noting his spotless disciplinary record and writing last year that “he has been diagnosed with an incurable, progressive illness in which he will not recover.”

But last month, an appeals court ordered Reeves to reconsider. Two judges on a three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote that Reeves had “abused (his) discretion” by ignoring the fact that Estrada-Elias is unlikely to reoffend and “overly emphasizing” his nonviolent crimes. One judge dissented.

3 Tall Pines Farm turns hemp into THC products that are being sold across the state

On the counter in the shop at 3 Tall Pines Farm, there's a large plastic jar full of carefully wrapped joints. The back wall is lined with cartridges of vaping liquid in different flavors. Workers pack orders as the scent of cannabis hangs in the air. The farm's hemp plants are drying in the next room.

What do social consumption lounges look like in practice? What are the rules and regulations that social consumption lounges must adhere to? How and where are social consumption lounges currently legal in the United States? Here’s what you need to know.

Social consumption lounges are becoming increasingly popular in legal cannabis markets. Just what are social consumption lounges? They’re a safe, enclosed space where cannabis consumers of legal age can come together and enjoy cannabis products, much like a bar environment for consuming alcoholic beverages.

Social consumption lounges are particularly attractive for their potential to bring in cannabis tourists. Although adult use cannabis can help promote tourism, tourists typically can’t smoke in most places indoors (including their hotel accommodations) nor consume on the street or in public, due to strict public consumption rules set by state regulations. This leaves the perfect set-up for consumption lounges, which provide the appropriate and legal environment for tourists to consume cannabis.

What do social consumption lounges look like in practice? What are the rules and regulations that social consumption lounges must adhere to? How and where are social consumption lounges currently legal in the United States? Here’s what you need to know.

What are social consumption lounges?

Social consumption lounges—also known as consumption lounges, cannabis lounges, cannabis consumption area and cannabis consumption lounges—are retail lounges that permit on-site cannabis consumption, such as smoking and vaping cannabis flower as well as ingesting cannabis infused products like edibles and tinctures. Similar to a bar that serves alcoholic beverages, all consumers in a cannabis lounge must be at least 21 years of age. While smoking typically isn’t permitted in retail businesses, smoking is permitted in lounges.

While state-specific regulatory bodies are responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing the rules surrounding U.S. social consumption lounges, Dutch “coffee shops” may have served as the inspiration and model for U.S. industry. Contrary to the name “coffee shops”, patrons don’t go to Dutch coffee shops for coffee. Rather, they go because the sale and consumption (including smoking) of cannabis is permitted and socially accepted. According to travel resource Amsterdam.info, Dutch coffee shop culture emerged in the 1970s when the federal government made a clear legal distinction between “hard” and “soft” drugs. Soon after in 1972, the first coffee shop named Mellow Yellow opened. Although cannabis wasn’t clearly legal or illegal, Dutch law enforcement tolerated the growing number of cannabis coffee shops, focusing instead on prosecuting heroin and lethal illicit substances. Today, the Amsterdam City Council permits coffee shops to operate after they obtain a non-transferable license, which must be displayed in shop windows, thanks to an agreement with the coffee shop union Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten (BCD).

Dozens of Floridians have been hospitalized due to their use of a marijuana alternative.

More than 40 Florida residents in Hillsborough County have been hospitalized due to severe bleeding caused by the use of synthetic marijuana.

"We are closely monitoring this situation and working with public health agencies," said Florida Poison Control in a Monday statement. "Toxicologists and poison specialists are assisting hospitals in the treatment of these poisoned patients."

Synthetic marijuana refers to a multitude of illegal substances that "produce experiences similar to marijuana (cannabis) and that are marketed as 'safe,' legal alternatives to that drug," says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The product is often sold under various names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, and many others.

Synthetic marijuana was once sold in convenience stores and online but has been heavily restricted by the law, claims the NIDA.

On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of hemp trees swayed their fragrant leaves in the wind in the greenhouse of a Mission hemp farm.

“We are not aware of anybody doing this type of volume actually south of Houston,” said Roberto Morales, owner of Healing Bloom Farm.

Healing Bloom handles all parts of production in-house with the main product being CBD oil, according to Morales.

“We are not aware of a facility this size going from seed to shelf, and my goal is to produce oil, a lot of CBD oil, to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Morales.

The cannabis industry has been unbanked and underserved for years, often resulting in adverse impacts on public safety in communities where cannabis is legal.

On Monday, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that New Mexico-based U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union is the first financial institution in the country to become certified for outstanding U.S. monetary banking protocols in banking cannabis and hemp operation.

The certification is part of a financial services certification program run by the Policy Center for Public Health & Safety in collaboration with state attorneys general as well as a broader certification effort being implemented by ASTM international and PH&S.

Endorsed by Safe Harbor Financial, a subsidiary of Partner Colorado Credit Union,the certification brings banking and financial transparency to ensure the safety of the monetary system for institutions banking hemp and cannabis.

“The cannabis industry has been unbanked and underserved for years, often resulting in adverse impacts on public safety in communities where cannabis is legal,” Majors added.

State and federal agencies accept the overall certification model as the standard of compliance and in implementing general risk mitigating strategies.

Initiative will appear on June 7 primary

Six weeks after Billings residents voted to ban recreational marijuana sales within city limits, Yellowstone County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to give county voters the same chance.

Chariman Don Jones, Denis Pitman, and John Ostlund, who voted against a similar resolution in August, all agreed to put the issue on the June 7 primary ballot. The move comes just 18 days before recreational marijuana sales become legal in Montana after House Bill 701 was signed into law earlier this year. Montana voters approved recreational sales on a state level in the November 2020 election.

Proponents of a re-vote at Tuesday's Yellowstone County public meeting, including Montana Rep. Bill Mercer (R-Billings), again pointed to increased crime statistics.

"It is a remarkable thing to see how many pre-sentence reports indicated that the defendant started in a life of a crime based upon the use of marijuana," said Mercer, who served as an attorney for 15 years.

The biggest emotional appeal came from Tanya Ludwig, who’s son Eric died in 2020 at the hands of a driver under the influence.

Taking CBD or marijuana might help your pain, but could be making the other drug(s) you’re taking more toxic.

It is widely known that cannabis has many medicinal benefits, with managing chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety and treating the symptoms of PTSD among them.

However, in the case of cannabinoids, a group of substances found in the cannabis plant, there is a risk that combining it with other prescription drugs could pose harmful drug-drug interactions, suggests new research undertaken by scientists at Washington State University (WSU).

The findings examined the interaction between three of the most abundant cannabinoids – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN).

“Physicians need to be aware of the possibility of toxicity or lack of response when patients are using cannabinoids,” said Philip Lazarus, senior author on the paper and Boeing distinguished professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “It’s one thing if you’re young and healthy and smoke cannabis once in a while, but for older people who are using medications, taking CBD or medicinal marijuana may negatively impact their treatment.”

The Findings

Researchers used manipulated human kidney cells and confirmed their results in human liver and kidney specimens in which enzymes were present.

Colorado's annual marijuana tax revenue haul has already reached a new high for the seventh straight year, according to the latest data from the state Department of Revenue.
The DOR's latest monthly report on marijuana tax revenue shows that November's $32.5 million in combined marijuana taxes and fees pushed 2021's overall total past $392.8 million. That's nearly $5.4 million more than the previous record, made in 2020 — with one month left to spare.

Colorado collects four different forms of marijuana taxes and licensing fees from the legal marijuana industry: a 15 percent tax on recreational pot sales, a 15 percent excise tax on wholesale marijuana, a 2.9 percent sales tax on recreational and medical marijuana purchases, and various licensing and application fees that state-approved marijuana businesses must pay.

According to DOR records, this year's averages in each of the four marijuana tax and fee categories are higher than those in 2020. But despite 2021 already being the highest year yet for pot tax revenue, the state hasn't passed last year's sales figures, judging from DOR data.

As Mexican and U.S. forces closed in on Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera in the winter of 2014, they set out first to find the man they hoped would unlock many of the drug kingpin's secrets, and ultimately his whereabouts.

Characterized as Guzmán's personal assistant, Mario Hidalgo Arguello was intricately involved in the fugitive's comings and goings. Hidalgo's nickname in the Sinaloa cartel was "El Nariz," named for his prominent nose, which made him easily identifiable when authorities tracked him down at a party in Culiacán one night and demanded a tour of Guzmán's hideouts.

Indeed, Hidalgo led the Mexican Marines and a U.S. drug agent to the safe house where Guzmán was holed up, but he narrowly escaped through a tunnel under the bathtub.

While Hidalgo's legacy will be forever linked to the hunt for one of the world's most wanted drug lords, his official criminal record is silent on the matter and instead lists a single marijuana trafficking conviction.

On Monday, a San Diego federal judge sentenced Hidalgo to seven years in prison in the case, which involves a conspiracy to import marijuana aboard a San Diego yacht. U.S. District Court Judge William Hayes followed the joint recommendation of prosecutors and the defense in handing down the sentence — a departure from the 10-year mandatory minimum term he was facing.

Cannabis-infused beverages are gaining momentum

Inside a small garage near Golden is another potential budding American success story.

“Apple computer started in a garage. Microsoft also started in a garage,” Keith Villa said.

“This location is exactly 10 minutes to the front door of Coors. I drove it for 32 years.”

Villa’s name might sound familiar. He founded Blue Moon Brewing Company under the Coors brand in 1995.

“My claim to fame is that I started Blue Moon Brewing Company,” Villa said.

Leaders in the Village of Dundee say they are willing to listen to proposals for recreational marijuana establishments in their boundaries, even as they unanimously voted to drop the sunset clause of the village's Prohibition of Marijuana Establishments Ordinance.

On December 7, village council approved the re-adoption of the ordinance with an amendment that removed the sunset clause, which required them to re-adopt the ordinance every year. Dundee had been using the sunset clause as a way to keep the opt-out temporary, but Village Council President Andrea Hickey said the decision to remove the clause was made after the village almost missed its deadline to re-adopt the ordinance last year.

"The ordinance still says that (recreational marijuana establishments) would be prohibited, but the sunset clause would be removed," Hickey said.

"The ordinance would no longer sunset; it would just be in there as prohibited. What happened last year is we almost forgot it, we had to throw it on the agenda."

The European Parliament approved on November 24 to increase the THC level from 0.2% to 0.3% for hemp crops used for industrial purposes.

The rise of the THC level for industrial hemp is part of the measures of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms, which will enter into force in 2023. 

The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) has made this achievement possible, representing the common interests of European hemp farmers.