WeedLife News Network

Rantoul leaders are giving thought to a potential start-up adult-use cannabis craft grower business in the village. 

The News-Gazette reports Rantoul natives Dane Ehler, operator of Heartland Hemp Co., and Blake Schilb, shared a proposal with the village board at an October study session that would seek to change a village ordinance banning all community cannabis businesses. The business they seek to open would only allow for the cultivation, drying, curing and packaging of cannabis for either sale at a dispensary or use at a processing organization.

Schilb told the board the the business creates an opportunity to "grow Rantoul, to hire locally and teach others about this aspect of the cultivation medically." He noted medical marijuana has helped people, and notably his brother, who saw it help with pain, nausea and anxiety as he battled a serious illness. 

The board decided to table a vote until November. The issue is expected to be revisited with a Nov. 2 study session so public comment can be heard. There would not be any vote until the board's Nov. 9 meeting. 

It has now been three full years since Canada legalized the recreational marijuana market on Oct. 17, 2018. In the early stages, marijuana producers in the country were generating strong growth numbers due to the new segment of the market opening up (previously, only medical marijuana had been legal). But fast forward to today, and top companies like Hexo (NASDAQ:HEXO) have been struggling to produce consistent quarter-over-quarter growth.

A big reason: The role of the craft cannabis producer. Smaller companies focused on quality have been able to prevent these larger producers from dominating the industry. They've become thorns in the sides of the bigger players who may not be taking the threat seriously enough.

Three years after federal legislation removed the marijuana extract known as delta-8 THC from the nation’s list of controlled substances, Texas health officials have put it on its own list of illegal drugs, sending a shockwave through the growing CBD retail industry across the state and making the substance, essentially, illegal.

Christine Perez, who manages the popular Austin CBD store Lazydaze+Coffeeshop, had no idea about the change until she saw the Texas Department of State Health Services notice on the agency’s website on Oct. 15.

“I was very confused, as well as a bunch of other companies. It’s like, ‘What is going on?’” Perez said. “I really have no idea why [the state] would try to ban it, or the timing of it. We didn’t hear anything about it from the state.”

Speaking at last week’s  Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in New York City, Mary Ellen Schrock, brand evangelist at Vibe Growth told her colleagues on a panel called “The Trends Dictating the Future Landscape of Cannabis Brands” that it was time for the next generation of cannabis branding. (As Originally Seen On Benzinga by: Nina Zdinjak)

Before recreational sales even get started, is New Jersey’s “budding” cannabis industry starting to resemble another regulated one that, too many times, has had competitors bringing out the knives against one another?

Many in South Jersey will recall an all-out war of words that developed a few years ago between Virtua Health and Cooper University hospital systems. Virtua had a growing multi-hospital footprint, while Cooper’s prestigious single acute-care hospital in Camden was the headquarters for a network of connected non-hospital properties. The parties sniped at each other, sometimes in court, over advertising claims, over which system would provide EMS transports in Camden City, and over which cardiac procedures they were authorized to perform.

Costa Rica’s Congress on Tuesday approved the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes, despite opposition from conservative groups and President Carlos Alvarado, who still needs to put his stamp of approval on the law.

The law allows for the production and processing of cannabis, but does not regulate its recreational use.

Independent lawmaker Zoila Volio, who backed the law and called the move a milestone, said it would not open the floodgates to increased drug use in Costa Rica.

“I trust that President Alvarado has understood that and will not veto it,” said Volio.

If Alvarado vetoes the law, lawmakers would need to again vote on it and approve it with a qualified majority.

Representatives of medical and adult-use marijuana businesses in Constantine attended the Constantine village council meeting Oct. 18 with questions about a presentation to the council last month by Scott Dianda and Ed Santangelo of Tranquility Fields Retail, regarding opening a consumption lounge in the village. 

Tranquility Fields representatives call the proposed business “a night club for marijuana use," and said entertainment would be provided, and refreshments and marijuana would be ordered locally and delivered. 

Over the last decade or so, as marijuana acceptance has steadily increased, consumers have had more options from which to choose as far as consumption methods go. Nowadays, many cannabis consumers can simply take a stroll into their local dispensary and be greeted by a smorgasbord of edibles, cartridges, extracts and tinctures.Although they’re relatively new to most cannabis consumers, tinctures are actually one of the oldest ways of ingesting marijuana for medicinal purposes.

In fact, records reveal that before cannabis was deemed illegal in the U.S., it was a fairly common treatment for both people and pets.Thanks to the growing acceptance of medicinal marijuana, people are also becoming more open to tinctures as a method of pain relief. Both CBD and THC tinctures in the U.S. have proved popular methods for both relieving pain or simply relaxing. From the way they’re made to how they’re used, marijuana tinctures are probably far from what people envision when they think about weed.

Marijuana tinctures are typically alcohol-based cannabis extracts, although sometimes they’re made with vegetable glycerin and oil. They’re made by grinding down the bud, then decarboxylating it by heat.

Afterwards, the grounded, dried, bud is soaked in high-proof alcohol, in a jar-tightened lid. After it’s been stored, it ideally sits in a cool, dark area for a couple of weeks being periodically being stirred or shaken.

Before use, any remaining flower can be filtered out using a coffee filter. Once the grounds have been filtered, it gets transferred into a medicine bottle with a dropper for easy use.

When you are too close to any open flame, the pain acts as a warning system. When your skin, joints, muscles, or other organs are damaged, pain prompts you to seek medical attention.

It is a generally acknowledged sensation felt in subtle ways or as potent and more piercing sensations. This warning sign is frequently beneficial since it encourages you to analyse and take action to repair and relieve unpleasant reactions. Pain, however beneficial it may be, does not eliminate the sensations you are experiencing, which can range from moderate to severe.

When you’re in pain as a result of an injury, or even if it’s chronic, you need aid to get it under control. When the pain is so terrible that it impairs your quality of life, relief is vital. If you’ve decided to try CBD, you’re probably aware that there are many options available. A topical treatment might be the most soothing choice to attempt if you’re suffering from joint stiffness and muscular discomfort. You may use a tincture, which can get under the tongue, pills, or even sweets like candies to make dosing more enjoyable. Another treatment, such as a CBD hemp cream for joint pain, has pain-relieving effects of CBD but also nourishes and soothes dry skin.

What is CBD cream?

CBD can be inside oils, such as hemp seed oil, and then used as a component in skin creams and lotions.

It has anti-inflammatory effects, according to research, and may assist with the symptoms of several skin disorders.

As a nutritionist and the co-founder of the Holistic Cannabis Academy, I get asked a lot of unsolicited questions about food and cannabis. After all, we imbue all of our social interactions with food. As a society, we have become intrigued with food and everything that pertains to it including cooking and, of course, my favorite topic — nutrition.

Cannabis is a great conversation starter for so many reasons. For one, it’s not federally legal, yet it’s legalized by individual states for medical or adult use (recreational) purposes in more than half the country. And, of course, the plant has literally come out of the closet, so cannaphobia is mitigated, and it’s become acceptable to talk about the plant. Combine talking about food with cannabis and you have a winning combination!

In that spirit, here are five winning combos for food and cannabis.

Avocado

Though thought of as a vegetable and often categorized as a fat, avocado is actually a large berry with a single seed. That means that avocado is a fruit, according to botanists. And, an amazing and versatile fruit it is. Of course, there’s the ubiquitous avocado toast found in hipster neighborhoods beyond Brooklyn. Guacamole was, of course, the first introduction to avocado to Americans.

Hemp Seed

Combining two cannabis plant ingredients together is a no brainer. Hemp as a food is from the seed portion of the cannabis plant and contains little to no THC. Hemp foods include protein powder, milk, hearts, flour, butter (which can also be used for skin), and pressed juice. Hemp oil as food from the seed of the plant is completely different from hemp-derived CBD oil processed from the aerial parts of the plant.

As winter approaches, so does the need to preserve the last of nature’s harvests before the arrival of the first frost. Cannabis is harvested throughout the year, but it is crucial to always preserve buds as best as possible upon purchasing.

Whether you procured the last ounce of a favorite strain, or take your time getting through your supply, preserving cannabis properly can keep your flower fresh and fragrant the entire winter, and beyond.

Studies point to UV light as the number one destroyer of cannabis potency. According to Medical Marijuana, Inc., “While direct sunlight is the most degrading to marijuana flower, even indirect light can cause a loss of potency.” With even indirect light affecting cannabis longevity, it is crucial to take time to purchase the perfect container.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a storage container for cannabis. According to Healthline, “Light, humidity, temperature, and oxygen can all mess with cannabis and affect its aroma, taste, and potency potential.” Therefore the container must be airtight to prevent unwanted humidity and oxygen from entering. Be sure to have a container with a secure seal.

The container’s material is also important. Many dispensaries provide cannabis in plastic containers. This works for quick storage purposes, but when preserving marijuana for a long period of time, plastic is an enemy. Plastic containers leak air and can release some of their chemical properties. This can transfer to cannabis and change its flavor and taste. Plastic can also cause sweating inside the container or bag, which can cause mold and deterioration in quality.

Cannabis brands and fans alike often run into having their account deleted, banned or suppressed in some fashion. With cannabis-specific platforms still not earning substantial memberships, the industry is left to scramble from platform to platform in an attempt to connect with enthusiasts, buyers, investors, media and other crucial members.

Most sources say one option appears to be the best for cannabis today. Still, alternative platforms and methods may be beneficial to building lasting connections.

Though metrics or methods to determine the most cannabis-friendly platform aren’t readily available, it appears LinkedIn is the most cannabis-friendly platform at the moment, according to anecdotal feedback from various sources.

She also highlighted Twitter Inc. for tolerating cannabis content but said its search feature connects the term cannabis with substance abuses messages.

“Linkedin does an excellent job removing negative stigmas surrounding the cannabis industry,” Karassev added.

The Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association is encouraging its members to provide free or low-cost cannabis products to patients with severe or terminal illnesses.

MCMA’s Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution last week that asks member companies to create a program to ensure seriously ill patients have access to low- or no-cost cannabis products that are tested, labeled, tracked, and licensed.

MCMA represents cannabis businesses across the state.

“Just like any other form of medicine, patients with cancer and other severe or terminal illnesses deserve to know their cannabis has met the highest standards for testing, tracking, licensing and safety — and our members’ products do just that,” MCMA Executive Director Stephen Linder said in a news release. “Michigan’s patients rely on cannabis as medicine and deserve to know where their cannabis comes from and what’s in it. We encourage our member companies to assess the specific needs of these patients in their communities and help ensure they have access to safe, tested cannabis products.”
 

Here’s the resolution:
 

The Board of Directors of the Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association hereby resolves: The membership of the MCMA is committed to making sure that patients and children with chronic illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, autism, and many other chronic or terminal illnesses should have access to safe, tested and cost-effective medical cannabis products.

There are so many different opinions on what the best way to consume marijuana is and as a result, it can be challenging for the average person to know what they should do. Some people believe that smoking marijuana is the way to go, while others believe that edibles are a better option. It seems with so many opinions that there is no right answer, but if you’re having a hard time choosing a product or device that will suit your needs, it is best to ask for help in a cannabis store where experts will answer all of your questions. For example, The Joint, a chain of cannabis shops in Canada, has knowledgeable staff who will work closely with you to find the best product for your situation and answer any questions you may have about cannabis use. There are two  The Joint Saskatoon locations and many more across the country that offer both medical and recreational products.

Cannabis has been used as a substance to help people manage symptoms such as pain and many others because of its medical properties. There are so many ways that one can consume marijuana which leaves just one question: which method will deliver the best results? If you’re looking for answers, this blog will outline all the best available options as well as highlight some things you should consider before making your decision.

Dry herb vaporizer

Dry herb vaporizers are a battery-operated inhalation device that has risen in popularity in recent years. Incredible vape supplies such as those found in Cold Turkey St James are easily available and convenient, making the life of cannabis consumers more enjoyable in every aspect. Vaporizers are handheld, portable, and extremely convenient. You have the luxury of determining your temperature depending on what effects you want to experience. The main components of a dry vaporizer are the chamber, battery, mouthpiece, and LED screen. The small chamber means you use less dry herb compared to other inhalation methods such as joints. The main appeal of this device is that it is a healthier option compared to traditional smoking and that can be attributed to the fact that dry herb vaporizers produce vapor instead of smoke as well as the fact that the herb gets heated instead of burnt during combustion.

Bubblers

A bubbler is a small water pipe that is used to smoke dry cannabis flowers. This device is similar to a bong in that it is a water filtration device that purifies smoke. Bubblers are generally small and can be handled with a single hand which also makes them very portable and easy to store. A bubbler hits similar to a dry pipe except there is a carb that builds and releases the smoke. If you are looking for healthier consumption, this is a method to consider because of the low heat temperature and lack of smoke. After prolonged usage, your lung health will start to be negatively affected so proceed cautiously. You will feel the effects within minutes.

Bongs and joints

Bongs and joints are two of the most popular marijuana consumption methods. A bong is a water filtration device and a joint is a hand-rolled inhalation consumption method that uses dry herbs and rolling paper. Both these methods use combustion because the dry herb has to be burnt; however, a bong has water which purifies the smoke to give you a smoother hit. Still, both bongs and joints are not the healthiest of ways to consume cannabis as they both produce smoke which is risky for your lungs. If you consume this way you can expect to feel effects almost instantly. Still, bongs are a bit healthier than joints, since the smoke is not as harsh.

On Friday, the newest cannabis SPAC Achari Ventures Holdings Corp. I announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 10,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market and trade under the ticker symbol “AVHIU” beginning October 15, 2021.

If there’s one truth in life, it’s that weed can grow just about anywhere. Backyards,  greenhouses, basements, rolling hills and acres of farms in every state, and even prisons. Well, a former prison, anyway.

One of the nation’s leading cannabis operators, Green Thumb Industries will open a modern ‘cannabis campus’ on the site of a former federal prison in Warwick, New York. It’s sort of a full-circle scenario for the industry, says Ben Kovler, founder and CEO.

 Five years ago, California’s approval of Proposition 64 opened the door to recreational marijuana and budding new local economies.

The proposition was billed as a win for increased tax revenues, entrepreneurship, jobs and the hope of beating back marijuana’s long-established and vast illicit cannabis market.