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Hot off the press cannabis, marijuana, cbd and hemp news from around the world on the WeedLife Social Network.

Can CBD Treat Anxiety And Depression?

Besides treating gastrointestinal inflammation and pain, CBD may also help treat particular psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 144 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another well-known cannabinoid, CBD has no intoxicating effects.

CBD acquired from hemp has different effects than marijuana because of its lack of an ability to produce a “high,” unlike THC. Legally, delta-9 THC cannot be present in any chemical entities in quantities of more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Hemp contains less than this amount of THC, while marijuana has a greater concentration.

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Effects of CBD on the Brain

Before understanding the effects of CBD, we have to learn about an important system in our body known as the ECS, or endocannabinoid system. It is a critical system that helps the body maintain homeostasis (i.e. balance).


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Can CBD Help Your Battle with Acne?

Acne: the four-letter word that haunts many people from their teenage years to adulthood.

According to The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, as it effects up to 50 million Americans annually. Known medically as Acne Vulgaris it effects 80% of all Americans at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, after puberty, acne continues for many. A study done by the AADA showed overall facial acne prevalence of 54% for woman and 40% for men aged 25 and up. In recent years, due to widespread legalization of cannabis and subsequent studies, CBD is now being hailed as a natural and effective form of acne medication.

Sebum Production

Sebum is an oily substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. Sebum oil is instrumental in skin health. When an ideal amount is produced your skin is glowing and healthy, however, too little creates excessive dry skin and leads to cracking. It is over production of this sebum that is a key contributor to acne, as the excess oils clog your pores. Sebocytes are cells that synthesize sebum. In a 2014 study investigating the effects of CBD on Sebocytes, the research discovered that CBD could prevent these cells from creating too much sebum oil. Research also suggests that CBD causes anti-inflammatory effects on these cells.

Dry Skin

A 2009 study suggests that CBD may be an effective treatment for dealing with dry and dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin results in the buildup of dead skin cells and, in conjunction with the sebaceous glands producing excess sebum oil to make up for the dry skin, it can cause acne. These results are promising.

Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Effects

A review conducted by Frontiers in Plant Science in 2016 on the cannabis plant revealed that due to CBDs anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, their effects could reduce the infections caused by pollutants on the skin. This is an important finding as dirt and other pollutants can block your skins pores and leave you with acne.

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A Cannabis Conviction Expungement Fair Comes to Michigan

Now that Michigan has legally approved the process of expunging past cannabis convictions, it’s time to put plans into action and get some of these past convictions overturned. In order to do so, the state held its first expungement fair last Wednesday to help clear records in record time.

Yvonne Morrow is one of the people who came out to Michigan’s first expungement fair to get her 20-year-old possession charge cleared. Even though the conviction happened so long ago, it still plagues her as a mark on her record.

“If it takes 20 years for somebody to get their record expunged for marijuana, I mean, come on,” she said as she waited in line for her record to be cleared.

The fair is a chance for people to either get their record completely cleared, or get help with the process. Currently, expungements for cannabis misdemeanors and select felony cases are on the table to be cleared, and folks with prior convictions are flooding in to make it happen and start with a clean slate.

“Today marks the day in history where the lives of 718 people will be set free, dignity restored, family trees changed forever,” said Sheriff Christopher Swanson regarding the move and the fact that lives will be changed positively by this exciting step in the right direction.

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Authorities Find Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation at Historic Castle in the UK

Police in Great Britain reportedly discovered that a 17th century castle had been used as a massive cannabis growing operation.

The castle, located in the southern region of Somerset, is apparently owned by a “controversial British aristocrat” named Sir Benjamin Slade. Known as Woodlands Castle, it “is known locally as a high-end wedding venue and is situated just a few miles away from Slade’s other castle—an ancestral home that dates back to the 13th century,” according to the Canadian newspaper Regina Leader-Post.

The newspaper reported that Slade “has long been a provocative figure among British peers thanks to his massive firearms collection and provocative statements (especially regarding women and foreigners), having once placed an ad seeking a ‘castle-trained’ wife who would be a good ‘breeder.’”

He had apparently offered Woodlands Castle to the British government to serve as a medical site during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they Leader-Post says that “the proposal was evidently declined, and he ended up renting out the property instead,” and that authorities at this time think Slade was unaware of the illegal marijuana operation at the castle.

“Officials took multiple days to remove plants and cultivation equipment from the building, but have not shared whether any damage was incurred to the centuries-old property as a result of the grow,” the newspaper reported. “Trung Nam Pham, 39, was arrested and appeared in court last week on the charges. He will remain in custody pending a crown court hearing.”

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State legislature on verge of legalizing recreational cannabis

The state Senate passed legislation that would legalize recreational cannabis just before 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The bill passed 19-17, with six Democrats voting against and one Republican voting in favor. Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, and Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, both voted and stood to argue against the measure.

While the state House is expected to debate the bill over the next few days, time is dwindling to push the bill through the legislature, as the legislative session ends Wednesday at midnight.

House leaders acknowledged the tight deadline, especially given the fact that the House plans on taking up the state budget on Tuesday, but maintained confidence that the bill would become law.

House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, said he believes the votes are in place to pass the bill.

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How Big is the Cannabis Manufacturing Industry?

A new special report by Powder & Bulk Solids and Packaging Digest offers a look at the scale of America's cannabis manufacturing industry.

Traditionally there were only three types of cannabis products available to most consumers on the black market: Flower, hash, and homemade edibles. While flower remains the top-selling product category in today’s legal market, production of concentrates and infused foods and beverages has become more sophisticated over the years, and a much wider array of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) containing goods – from transdermal patches to dry powder inhalers – are now accessible.

In tandem with the rise of the legal marijuana industry, restrictions on hemp cultivation have loosened in the United States and elsewhere, as demand for non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) grows at a tremendous clip. Like THC, CBD is now used as an ingredient in edibles, vapes, tinctures, and other packaged products. CBD pet treats have become a major trend and a British company is even selling CBD toilet paper.

To produce this dizzying range of new merchandise, thousands of businesses in the US have been licensed or permitted to operate cannabis processing and manufacturing facilities. But few resources exist that can provide a view of the scale of this segment of the cannabis industry. In this special report, Powder & Bulk Solids and Packaging Digest offer an estimate of the number of licensed plant-touching cannabis businesses in the US that are involved with marijuana and hemp processing and manufacturing to provide a view of the current size of the cannabis manufacturing sector across the country.

The Data

This report offers an estimate of the number of licensed/permitted cannabis enterprises, or firms, in 2021 that are involved in marijuana or hemp processing and/or manufacturing activities. “Cannabis Manufacturing” is used in the report as an umbrella term for both processors and manufacturers based on the inclusion of both types of operations in the definition of NAICS code 312310 - Cannabis product manufacturing (Variant of NAICS 2017 Canada V3.0 - Goods and Services Producing industries). However, the definition of “Cannabis Manufacturing” used here differs from the NAICS code by including both marijuana and hemp under the classification, as both are part of the Cannabis plant genus. The report uses “marijuana” to describe plant material with THC levels over 0.3% and “hemp” for plant material with THC levels under 0.3%, following definitions in the 2018 Farm Bill and the Controlled Substance Act (CSA).

Figures are from state agency websites and date to 2021 unless noted otherwise. Some estimates were formed based on historical data or information from non-government sources like news reports. Where processor- and manufacturer-specific data was unavailable, estimates were given when appropriate. Our estimate includes vertically integrated medical and adult use companies that are processing and/or manufacturing cannabis products under seed-to-sale licenses, as well as provisionally awarded licenses. Estimates of hemp manufacturing firms include grower-processor licenses.

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Is Delta-8 THC Synthetic?

Delta-8 THC is possibly the most happening thing in the world of cannabis today. It is a relatively new entrant even though the compound was discovered way back in the 70s. Scientific research on the compound is still limited. Hence, half-truths and misconceptions flood the market just as deeply as do cannabinoid products.

One of the prevalent notions about Delta-8 is that it’s a synthetic compound and not obtained from a natural source. You may have also heard about it from a pal or read it online.

But how far is it true? Is it merely a myth or is there some truth to it? Let’s find out.

What Is A Synthetic Cannabinoid?

Synthetic cannabinoids are also called “Spice” or “K2”. These are usually man-made (lab-made would be more like it), have uncontrollably mind-altering effects, and could even cause serious repercussions, including death by overdose.

Since these mostly act like marijuana, these artificial cannabinoids are often called “synthetic marijuana” or “fake weed”. These synthetic alternatives are largely unsafe and can affect the brain more powerfully than even natural marijuana. The effects of synthetic cannabinoids are usually unpredictable. They can be quite dangerous at times and even be life-threatening.

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DIY Cannabis Products: What Can Really Make At Home?

We’re at in interesting point in our society where, not only is cannabis becoming further integrated in our daily lives, but as a society, we’re leaning more towards natural remedies, DIY solutions, and overall freedom and independence. In that vein, it makes sense that consumers are trying to figure out the best ways to grow their own cannabis, as well as manufacture products in the comfort of their own homes.

Just like food and most other consumable products, the healthiest way to do pretty much anything these days is to do it yourself. And with all the health benefits achievable through using cannabis, it’s almost a travesty to use low-end products that are tainted with heavy metals, absorbing toxins through crappy packaging and vape carts, and filling your body with carcinogens. And above all, DIY cannabis isn’t rocket science, but in many cases a simple process that will allow you to make your own medicine…

With the rise of DIY technologies, you can make most of your favorite cannabis products in the comfort of your own home. In today’s market, you can buy supplies to grow the flowers yourself, extract the compounds, and make a variety of high-quality and very pure products, without worrying about any possible mystery ingredients that could be harmful to your health.

Growing your own flower and making cannabis products at home has never been easier… but it’s still sometimes fun (and much easier) to buy product that you already know are reliable. To learn more about cannabis, and for exclusive deals on flowers and other products, make sure to subscribe to The CBD Flowers Weekly Newsletter. If you want to get the latest deals on Delta 8 THC, please subscribe to the Delta 8 weekly.

 
 

Extract at home

Until recently, consumers who wanted to make their own extracts and concentrates were reduced to using various types of kitchenware and flammable solvents. Although effective, these methods are dangerous and lead to many housefires, explosions, and other deadly outcomes.

Some people might find it reckless, but what it really showed the world is that there was a serious demand for these types of products, but no safe and efficient way for the average consumer to make it themselves. “There was definitely an incredible amount of interest from the market,” says Troy Ivan, CEO of Colorado-based ExtractCraft. “Consumers were happily paying $350 down for a product which had a 4-month wait with a company which had never existed,” Ivan continued.

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6 Energizing Cannabis Strains for a Morning Pick-Me-Up

If you are trying to reduce the amount of coffee you’re drinking every morning, save some money by slowing down on your twice-a-day cafe run or just cut down on caffeine in general, there are energizing cannabis strains that you can still enjoy in the morning or midday that won’t leave you feeling drained, sleepy or low on energy. As a bonus, some of them can even help melt away tension in your body like a tight neck and shoulders and improve your mood all while stimulating your mind.

For people who need a little help staying focused, getting motivated or boosting their creativity, a quick sesh can make a big difference but it’s all about the strain choice. Need some help? Check out these hybrid and sativa-dominant energizing cannabis strains that are known for their uplifting effects that still allow you to focus, be productive and stay mentally clear as you blast through a day full of activities or catch your breath while you get your second wind.

This bright, citrusy strain tastes just as good as it smells thanks to its limonene content. This potent terpene can aid in increasing energy, improving your mood and helping you feel invigorated when you need a bit of a kick and. It also has some great medical benefits from boosting your immune system to reducing inflammation which can help on days that you’re not feeling your best or a little tense from sitting at your desk all day.

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Green Crack

Although the name might sound a little daunting for the uninitiated, those who are familiar with this powerful strain will swear by its ability to beat fatigue and a bad mood without fail. It has a euphoric, long-lasting buzz that may have your head in the clouds if you overdo it, so less is definitely more if it’s your first time trying it out or if you need to remain present and focused without mentally floating away.

Super Lemon Haze from CRAFT cannabis

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Standard unit of THC established for cannabis research

On May 7, 2021, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the National Institute of Mental Health published a joint notice in the National Institutes of Health Guide to establish a standard THC unit to be used in research studies funded by these institutions.

The notice defines a standard THC unit as “as any formulation of cannabis plant material or extract that contains 5 milligrams of THC.”

According to the notice, “inconsistency in the measurement and reporting of THC exposure has been a major limitation in studies of cannabis use, making it difficult to compare findings among studies.”

While subjects may experience different effects, even when consuming the same quantity of THC due to route of administration, other product elements, an individual’s genetic make-up and metabolic factors, prior cannabis exposure and other contributing factors, the goal of the notice is to increase the comparability of cannabis research studies.

The standard does not require that researchers administer no more or less than 5mg of THC during studies. It is intended as a unit of measure, much like research on alcohol has established a standard drink as 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.

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Colorado Submits Hemp Plan To Feds

Colorado has submitted a revised Hemp Management Plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it says aligns with the Department’s Final Rule.

The USDA’s interim final rule on hemp was published back in late October 2019, followed by a consultation process Colorado participated in. Colorado decided not to submit a revised plan to the USDA until after the release of the Final Rule, which occurred in mid-January. In the state’s opinion, the resulting Final Rule was “vastly improved”, but the Colorado Department of Agriculture will continue to advocate for additional rule revisions with view to creating even more flexibility for producers.

Currently, the state’s hemp program is still operating under provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill, but it can only continue to do so until September this year – so this Plan is a very important document.

“I’m proud Colorado is home to a strong hemp industry and that our state is the leader in the development of industrial hemp,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The revised Hemp Management Plan gives Colorado’s hemp producers a realistic way to expand operations while also ensuring that testing is in place.”

According to the Colorado Hemp Advancement and Management Plan (CHAMP) report released in April, the state hosted approximately 13 percent of all hemp acres registered and planted in the USA in 2019, the most of any. While hemp acres planted has dropped off since, there are plenty of parties currently registered for cultivation in the state – this listing is 109 pages long.

It was back in 2012 when Colorado’s citizens voted to pass Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution, which contained a directive to enact legislation governing the cultivation, processing and sale of industrial hemp. Legislation adopted the following year delegated the responsibility for establishing registration and inspection regulations for hemp cultivation to the CDA.

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5 Laws Every Vape Company Owner in the U.S. Should Know

It’s always an advantage to know the vaping laws governing the marketing, sales, and use of vape products, especially if you’re a company in the e-cigarette industry. In the U.S, the sales and use of vape pens, liquid nicotine, e-cigarettes, e-liquids, or bulk import of such products aren’t without a list of requirements and regulatory guidelines.

You need to ensure compliance for your company and employees. This calls for an in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding customer age verifications, product placements and displays, sampling, internet and mail orders, restricted store sections, and many more.

Like most laws in the U.S, there are state and federal regulations for nicotine devices. Certain states in the U.S consider vaping companies to be manufacturers and retailers. What this implies is that you’ll have to deal with additional rules and laws. Ensuring that you’re compliant will save you a lot of delays, fees, and fines.

This article covers five essential laws you should understand as a vape company in the U.S. But before diving into it, let’s look at a general overview of vape regulations.

A Quick Overview

In the latter part of December 2020, a budget package saw the light of day after its passing by Congress.


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Granny’s Getting High: Cannabis and Seniors – Best Products to Buy

Cannabis – both medical and recreational – are certainly on the rise. We know the kids are doing it, and we know adults are too. But what about our grandparents? These days, cannabis and seniors go together like… seniors and bingo!

Everyone uses cannabis these days, from seniors to athletes to medical patients and so on. And there are so many different kinds, that users can always find the products they need. It’s good to have options! For example, THC makes a lot of people couch-locked and anxious. This doesn’t happen with alternate form delta-8 THC. This form leaves users clear-headed and energetic, and without paranoia, making it ideal for those who struggle with standard THC. We have a plethora of awesome Delta-8 THC deals. Take a look, and pick the option right for you.

 

A little about the senior population of America

We don’t usually think of the geriatrics of America as being cool, or a part of pop culture. Though we conceptually understand that these older wrinkled people used to be young and beautiful – just like us – it’s hard to imagine a guy now taking baby steps with a walker, as the hard-bodied kid doing the jitterbug in the 50’s and 60’s. These days, once a person gets old and gray, it’s like they’re invalidated from present culture, often stuck in a home with other old folks to talk about their glory days. In some ways, we forget that they’re thinking, vibrant people. Until we become them.

In the 2010 US census bureau report, there were just over 40 million Americans living over the age of 65, approximately 13% of the population. This was up from 1985, when those over 65 took up 11% of the population. By July 1st, 2019, the number of those over 65 reached 54 million. It is expected by the year 2030, that citizens 65 years and older will account for an entire 20% of the population. Another publication puts the number at 95 million seniors by the year 2060, up to 23%. That’s now nearly a quarter of the population that is grandparent age.

But wait, living to 65 is hardly a big deal these days. A pretty large percentage of the population gets way past their mid-60s, and this population is growing at a staggering rate as well. In the year 1900, as few as 100,000 people lived to 85 or above. 110 years later, that number was up to 5.5 million in the 2010 census report. It is estimated that by the year 2050, senior citizens 85 and above will account for 5% of the country’s total population, 24% of the entire population of senior citizens, and reach approximately 19 million in numbers.

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Mississippi Senators probe reality of medical marijuana legislation

The road to establishing a medical marijuana program in Mississippi has a ways to go if Thursday's state Senate hearing was any indication.

Ken Newberger, executive director of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association and one of the organizers behind the recently nullified Initiative 65, told members of the senate's Committee on Public Health and Welfare "there are some major gaps" in what voters approved last November and what is actually needed to create a viable medical marijuana program.

"Large parts of Initiative 65 need to stay," Newburger said after the hearing. "The things that (Initiative) 65 got wrong are more procedural."

Initiative 65, approved by 74 percent of voters in November, was overturned by the Mississippi Supreme Court last month, with justices citing the state's outdated initiative process. 

Specifically, the initiative did not address potential zoning concerns, how tax revenue generated might be used or if the Mississippi State Department of Health was adequately equipped to oversee such a program by itself, Newburger said.

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2 Marijuana Stocks To Watch This Month Are You Ready To Invest?

Will These Marijuana Stocks Be Top Gainers In June?

So far marijuana stocks have still been performing well during the first week of trading in June. Even though it’s still the beginning of a new month momentum seems to continue to build. During the downtrend over the last few months, people were on the hunt for the best marijuana stocks to buy. Right now shareholders are left waiting for the cannabis stocks to rise a bit more.

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Best Practices for Commercial Cannabis Propagation

The establishment of optimal planting stock in cannabis enables the continuous developmental momentum of the crop, from propagation to harvest. Although it may be preferable for cultivators to outsource propagation to specialist nurseries in some cases, many commercial facilities prefer to retain critical cultivation processes in-house. Fortunately, cannabis is easy to propagate through seed germination, or asexually through cloning or liner production.

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Are You Endocannabinoid Deficient? Here’s How To Tell

Increased research into cannabis has made more people conscious of what happens inside their bodies, and this has further popularized the presence of the endocannabinoid system.

The body’s endocannabinoid system is a universal regulator for almost all other systems in the body. There are times when our bodies produce very low endocannabinoids, thus leading to a deficiency that births different health conditions. As crucial as this discourse is, you want to know what causes such defects and how you can resolve them.

It is sometimes shocking to cannabis novices to discover the connection between their body’s function and cannabis-like molecules. They are always stunned to learn that the cannabis-like molecules affect almost every part of their body.

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The human body makes chemicals similar to what is in the cannabis plant and uses these chemicals to regulate essential body functions. Some of the parts include immunity, skin health, brain function, and even our appetite.

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Cannabis May Reduce Involuntary Shaking

In a controlled study involving mice, researchers found that a specific synthetic cannabis reduced essential tremor, a potentially groundbreaking finding for a condition that impacts 10 million people in the United States alone.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark conducted the study and published their findings in the journal Nature Neuroscience

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. While it can impact any part of the body, it typically manifests in people’s hands and is most noticeable when they try to do simple tasks such as drinking from a glass or tying a shoelace.

While not dangerous on its own, the condition worsens over time and can make day-to-day life extremely difficult for some. Essential tremor is a separate condition from Parkinson’s disease, which also causes tremors. The condition typically first appears in people over 40.

“We have focused on the disease essential tremor. It causes involuntary shaking, which can be extremely inhibitory and seriously reduce the patient's quality of life,” Associate Professor Jean-François Perrier, who headed the research project, said in a news release. “However, the cannabinoid might also have a beneficial effect on sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, for example, which also cause involuntary shaking.” 

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Supreme Court Of Mississippi Overturns Medical Cannabis Legalization

Can you imagine a place where over 300,000 voters overwhelmingly pass a law only to have 7 governing elites overturn it with a bogus lawsuit? 

Welcome to Mississippi. 

 

In a stunning turn of political events, the Supreme Court of Mississippi has overturned the will of the voters and thrown out medical cannabis legalization in a state known for its hospitality. I guess that only applies to non-cannabis patients in Mississippi. People with terminal cancer, kids with severe epilepsy, adults with MS, and countless others suffering from addiction to chronic pain will be left behind and forgotten once again. The legislature must act as a check and balance on an extremist court, and restore the will of the voters once and for all. They must exercise their constitutional authority and moral duty by acting now. 

It’s a well-known medical fact that cannabis helps extend life for children with severe epilepsy. These kids and their families deal with daily life that no one can imagine as hundreds of seizures inflict untold suffering on these children. Many die young as the toll of the disease wears their poor bodies down. Access to affordable medical cannabis is often the only hope for these families; many have migrated to states like Colorado and California to gain access and help their kids. They deserve better from their leaders in Mississippi.

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Cannabis Consumption Lounges Are Coming to a City Near You

For years, cannabis consumption lounges have been kept at bay, though lately pro-lounge legislation is becoming more prevalent in the legal cannabis marketplace. The tides are already turning in several cities like Ann Arbor, National City and Las Vegas. New York included cannabis club licenses in its recently passed adult-use legalization bill.

While uncertainty remains regarding regulations and projected revenues, many seem to be optimistic.

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