WeedLife News Network

Pet Age recently spoke with Dave Merrell, founder of Healthy Hemp, to learn more about his brand and how its products play a role in the health and well-being of companion animals. 

How has the pet hemp market changed over the years since you founded Healthy Hemp Pet in 2014? 

When we first came out with our products, a lot of people thought we were getting animals “high.” Our biggest challenge was educating wholesalers of the benefits and effects of hemp so they could educate their customers.  

The market has matured a lot since back then. Now it’s flooded with hemp (or CBD) pet products that greatly differ in quality. This has a lot to do with the extraction process and the quality of the key ingredient, the hemp oil from the plant – more on that later.  

Why was it important for you to partner with Purdue University for a pharmacokinetic study in 2020? 

Aside from the incredible pet recovery stories from our customers, there is still little published research on CBD and animal health. CBD pet products have been in the market for almost a decade; it’s time for further research to investigate how full spectrum hemp can improve the lives of our pets, especially the ones who are navigating complicated conditions such as cancer. 

Purdue’s study investigated the pharmacokinetics (the movement of a substance through the body) of our coconut CannaDrops full spectrum hemp oil in dogs so they could pinpoint the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) before adverse effects occurred. Next, that MTD will be helpful with our prospective dog oncology trial with Purdue. We soon hope to understand whether CBD in dogs enhances or interferes with the activity of important anti-cancer therapies, and if CBD has anti-cancer activity.  

What made you choose the extraction process that you currently use for your products? 

The two main types of extraction processes are CO2 and ethanol. We use a third type, evaporative extraction.  We are always looking for ways to improve our products. When I learned about the extraction process that Vapor Distilled uses, evaporative extraction, which is basically hot air, I visited their facilities. I was drawn to this new extraction process because it is chemical free and solvent free. After we had a sample tested and found that the extract retained much more of the natural terpenes, it was an easy decision to switch from the CO2 extraction method we had been using.   

Delta-8 THC is a hemp-derived compound that’s closely related to delta-9 THC, commonly called THC.

Over the past year, you may have seen something called  delta-8 THC  or “delta 8” appear in convenience stores and pharmacies alongside CBD gummies, oils and lotions.

Delta-8 THC is a hemp-derived compound that’s closely related to  delta-9 THC  – what’s commonly called THC and is the psychoactive component of cannabis that’s responsible for the high that users feel.

Yet there’s been a dearth of research on this compound. As public health scholars, we decided to conduct  the first survey of delta-8 THC users  to find out who was using it, why they were using it and what sort of effects it had.

The latest cannabinoid to storm the market

The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act – also known as the farm bill –  legalized the sale of hemp-derived compounds . The  widely available CBD  is a hemp-derived compound.

Delta-8 THC is another. It’s an isomer, or chemical analog, of THC. The difference is in the position of a double bond in the carbon ring, which makes delta-8 THC  have a lower affinity  for the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system in our brains. For this reason, it may be less potent than THC and cause a less-intense high.

In 1979, the New York Times wrote about TV actor Howard Hesseman and his Dr. Johnny Fever DJ character on WKRP in Cincinnati for 80 episodes from 1978-1982:

"Dr. Johnny Fever, as Mr. Hesseman makes clear in his portrayal of the disk Jockey, has ingested a fair share of drugs in his lifetime. He is one of the first characters on commercial television to openly espouse a style of life alien to much of middle America."

Hesseman, who passed away at 81 on Jan. 29, explained in the article:

“I think maybe Johnny smokes a little marijuana, drinks beer and wine and maybe a little hard liquor. And on one of those hard mornings at the station, he might take what for many years was referred to as a diet pill. But be is a moderate user of soft drugs, specifically marijuana."

"The network, needless to say, is terrified about that element,” he added.

A chain of video rental stores will now be used as cannabis dispensaries in Ohio, increasing the number of dispensaries in a state that sorely needs them.

Remember the abandoned video store near the home where you grew up in? It may now be a cannabis dispensary. At least, if you live in Ohio.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that over a dozen video rental properties belonging to Family Video are candidates for housing dispensaries and cannabis businesses. These locations will be selected through a lottery starting this Thursday, with over 1,500 applications submitted for 73 new medical cannabis licenses.

The 12 Family Video locations in question received 192 applications from various contenders. While Family Video’s parent company announced that would be shutting down operations last year, Keith Hoogland, their CEO, said that the real estate branch was still in operation. It has been contacted by a variety of cannabis businesses looking to pursue rentals.

“I think after a certain period of time, they realized they could capitalize on the situation,” said Adam Thomarios, CEO of Klutch Cannabis.

Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016, with dispensaries finally opening their doors in 2019. The process has been a slow and rocky one, with patients complaining over long wait times and expensive products. The addition of the 73 licenses would increase the state’s dispensaries to 130, with authorities hoping to grow the business, provide better demands to patients, and make it run smoother.

As various forms of Cannabis have been made available around the country, Fremont County Prevention and WASCOP encourage families, schools and communities to have honest and educated conversations about the risks associated with using Cannabis.

For the purpose of this discussion, Cannabis can be broken down into four categories. This includes FDA-approved prescriptions, Hemp products, CBD products and Marijuana products.

In Wyoming,

“When it comes to Cannabis, there’s a lot to talk about,” Tauna Groomsmith, Fremont County Prevention Director said.

“It is important to understand and know the various forms that Cannabis products come in, the potential benefit vs risk as well as any potential legal issues. That’s what we want families to talk about.”

For decades, myths and tales have surrounded cannabis like no other plant

Opponents demonise it, supporters praise it as a universal remedy: for decades, myths and tales have surrounded cannabis like no other plant. Here is how cannabis is viewed around the globe.

Mythical plant

This is the hemp plant of legend. Intoxicating cannabis can be obtained from certain varieties, so its cultivation is strictly regulated in Germany. Unlike 200 years ago, hemp plants in the country are completely out of the public eye, paving the way for myths generated from the camps of supporters and opponents alike.

French troops brought home hashish

The use of hemp as an intoxicant has a comparatively recent history in Europe. French soldiers, who took home hashish made from the resin of female cannabis plants from Napoleon's Egyptian campaign in 1798, played a key role in spreading it. While Napoleon banned hashish in Egypt, it became popular in Paris.

Prescribed for menstrual cramps

Since the 1990s, the UK has been discussing the legalisation of cannabis. There was a rumour at the time that Queen Victoria was prescribed cannabis for menstrual cramps. The only evidence: in 1890, her personal physician John Russel Reynolds noted in a medical journal the "great value" of cannabis in treating an array of conditions.

Parchment or hemp?

Urban legend has it that the American Declaration of Independence was written on paper made from hemp. That's not quite true: the document, vacuum-sealed and behind thick panes of glass at the National Archives in Washington, DC, was written on parchment paper. The first two drafts, on the other hand, were probably written on hemp paper.

Hemp oils are often used as a dietary supplement, but many people do not realize that they can also be used externally as a skin and body care product. There are actually many ways that hemp seed oil can be used to care for and improve skin, hair, and nails.

Here are some of the best ways to use hemp oil in body care and make the most out of every drop of oil.

#1 Tackling Acne

People are increasingly turning to hemp oil as a way of treating and reducing the signs of acne. This might sound counterintuitive as acne is caused by a buildup of oil on the skin, but it may be useful for people with extremely dry skin. 

Gently rubbing a small amount of hemp oil on to clean skin at least once a day may help protect the skin’s lipid layer and hydrate.

Additionally, hemp oils may be helpful for cleansing and removing makeup. They have the advantage of providing the skin with additional vitamins and minerals. Hemp oil works by dissolving the oils and waxes in makeup and can be particularly useful when dealing with stubborn waterproof eye makeup.

Serve, protect and deliver?

A homeowner in Tea, South Dakota was more than a little surprised after opening her door for an anticipated food delivery and finding a police officer instead.

“But your driver got arrested for stuff he didn’t take care of, so I figured I’d complete the Door Dash for you,” he continues, handing off the food to the woman, whose surprise has by now turned to outright laughter.

“Thank you so much,” responds the still-laughing woman.

A Facebook post by Tea Storm Chasers notes the driver was arrested. According to New York Post, the non-profit group that describes itself as a media outlet monitoring police scanner calls and chases storms uploaded the video.

At the current growth rates, the cannabis industry will support over 400,000 jobs this year, so it is best to fill these positions with competent individuals who have been appropriately trained.

Thousands of students across the United States of America are looking to study cannabis-related programs in top universities across the country. To some, graduating with a degree in cannabis may seem strange, but the truth is that cannabis job openings are opening up faster than ever. Recently, it was reported that cannabis jobs would increase by 161% in the U.S. by 2029.

With everything going on in the world, this development is not a surprise. The cannabis industry is one of the mature industries growing quickly. From 2019 till this moment, the sector has increased by 47%. It is also looking to be an economic driver in many emerging markets around the world today. In 2020, the total annual sales were about $18 billion. The U.S. cannabis industry is worth over $60 billion now and is projected to be worth at least $100 billion by 2030.

The Legality of Cannabis Degrees

The absence of federal legislation for cannabis substances has cast doubt on the legitimacy of these programs. Not to mention the lack of federal accreditation agencies for cannabis degrees. The ANSI National Accreditation Board’s Cannabis Testing Lab Accreditation Program has accredited laboratories across the country to investigate important cannabinoid and terpene properties. Relevant tests on pesticides, microbial contaminants, heavy metals, and residual solvents can also be performed by these labs.

Cannabis degrees are not limited to only research; the space has prepared students for opportunities in engineering, math, technology, chemistry, and engineering. The industry still has a lot of expansion to do. Students passionate about the plants need to be equipped with knowledge of lucrative business opportunities in the industry, as well as how they can focus on medical cannabis innovations.

This means that colleges have rules and regulations guiding the degrees. As soon as federal legislation is quickly passed, proper accreditation agencies will be established and funded.

Spread the love and support local hemp farmers with The Sisters of the Valley’s new CBD-rich strain.

If you think you can’t do without your regular dose of edibles, then you might be interested in the following information on how to work around your cannabis drug tests.

Many people prefer edibles to other forms of cannabis. Some people like it because of its regular appearance, while others don’t because they can’t stand the harshness of smoking flowers.

Edibles are one of the top five preferred methods of consuming cannabis. It is safer and tastier than most methods. Additionally, cannabis edibles are legal to consume in most public spaces, but this does not remove their negatives.

Cannabis Edibles are regular food products that have been prepared with cannabis. These foods contain a significant amount of cannabis, enough to induce an intense “high” effect on the consumer. Some edibles have less THC than cannabis flowers, while others have equal levels or more THC than smokable cannabis. Edibles can be in the form of cookies, gummies, candies, capsules, or beverages. Medical marijuana edibles may be more restrictive on selection due to the high dosages needed for things like chemotherapy.

The body doesn’t process edibles the same way it processes inhaled cannabinoids. Once a person eats an edible, it goes through the digestive tract and is broken down by the body organs involved in the normal digestion process. The liver also processes these digested materials.

The THC components in the digested materials are converted to 11-Hydroxy THC. This conversion is responsible for the highly intense psychoactivity the consumer feels a few minutes after consumption.

A mom and a daughter were reportedly seen selling cookies outside a Tempe dispensary on Thursday, Girl Scout Arizona Cactus-Pine said that's not allowed

There are a number of variables that have an impact on the vaping experience, none more vital than the substance being vaped and the device itself that’s being used.

Given how popular vaping has become in the cannabis community, it’s easy to assume that vaping is a one size fits all proposition, and that the end result is the same regardless of how you go about it. The reality is that while this may be a common thought process, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are a number of variables that have an impact on the vaping experience, none more vital than the substance being vaped and the device itself that’s being used. Having an understanding of how vaping cannabis cartridges is different from vaping dry herb can save you money and provide the framework for knowing how to achieve the exact sensation that you desire.

Cartridges Are Cut With Chemicals Which Alter Effects

Since cannabis cartridges are made with flavoring additives, along with a myriad of other chemicals naturally, it provides different effects from vaping dry herb cannabis.

Dry herb cannabis vaporizers allow users to only load finely grounded cannabis buds into devices. This means cannabis consumers who use them are likely going to consume more THC than they would with cartridges. That caveat could explain why dry herb vaporizing provides such a different sensation from consuming cartridges.

Cartridges Reduce Amount Of Cannabinoids And Terpenes Consumed

Another factor that explains the difference between vaping cartridges and dry herbs is the lack of cannabinoids and terpenes that are consumed when people choose to vape cannabis cartridges.

Reputable vegan CBD product manufacturers tend to use better quality ingredients overall compared to the artificial ingredients found in most cheap CBD items.

The rise of veganism is widely spreading all around the world. Surveys suggest in 2020 alone, there was an increase of 40%, though it’s hard to pinpoint the exact number.

It’s not just a fad; veganism is more than a plant-based diet as more and more people see the value in completely eliminating all forms of animal products from their lifestyle. Whether it’s for environmental reasons, health, or for the animals, there’s no doubt that there are certain benefits to going vegan.

Cannabidiol (CBD), is one of the two primary compounds in the cannabis plant. The other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is famous for its psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits. On the other hand, CBD doesn’t get you high but it has it’s own health benefits especially when it comes to anxiety, stress reduction, seizures, sleep management, pains, and aches. CBD can be taken in a wide variety of forms: it can be vaped, consumed as an edible or in gummies, or in capsule form and so much more. But some vegans probably wonder if CBD is vegan.

Vegan CBD Products

CBD in itself is vegan, because it’s derived from the hemp plant, which is rich in amino acids. Vegans can enjoy a range of health benefits from consuming vegan CBD products because they can help increase energy, improve brain function, contribute to overall emotional and mental wellbeing, aid in metabolism, and much more. In addition, it’s also rich in antioxidant contents.

However, not all CBD products on the market are vegan. The whole point of going plant-based means that one eschews all forms of animal byproducts including cosmetics, supplements, and actual food. And when it comes to manufacturing CBD products, the same rules apply. For example, there are many CBD edibles out there are that are not made with vegan ingredients, such as milk or honey as well as flavorings, so it pays to look out specifically for vegan CBD products that are better for you and the environment, which are also more aligned with your own lifestyle choices.

Everything you need to get high fun and safely.

With all but a few dozen decidedly nerdy states embracing legal cannabis, it looks as though we’re heading into a cultural renaissance with a big old dank nug at the helm. 

As the stigma trailing weed continues to dissipate, a whole new generation of cannabis consumers is getting ready to acquaint themselves with a drug most grew up being told was pure evil by groups like D.A.R.E., the U.S. government, and those meddling kids from Bayside High. For the budding stoners, medical cardholders, and recreational users alike, this gear should help you master this misunderstood drug called cannabis. 

Study of 18- to 30-year-olds shows weed and alcohol make for improved sex lives.

Spanish researchers exploring how cannabis and alcohol use influences sexuality found that young people partaking in both seem to be more than happy with their sex lives.

Due to rising confusion about its legality, HHC is being sold across the U.S. Here’s what you should know about this synthetic cannabinoid.

The newest cannabinoid and, I must say, “another worthy addition” swaying the market right, left, front, and back is hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Rising to prominence after regulations banned the sales and use of delta-8, this compound has been referred to as an intriguing analog of THC. Whether or not to agree with this description cannot be decided now, as there are several misconceptions about HHC cannabinoids.

The cannabis community certainly has to be working overtime at this point, discovering cannabinoids after cannabinoids. Fortunately for the community and related groups, perceptions about cannabis are changing around the world and are being backed by appropriate legislation. This has accelerated studies aimed at learning more about cannabis and its cannabinoids. Almost every week, science blogs and conventional media outlets have something new to say about cannabis.

Taking your focus back to hexahydrocannabinol, this article tries to clear up some misinformation making waves about the newly discovered HHC. Even when attempting to draft this piece, I encountered dozens of contradicting information about the compound’s origin, effects, safety, and legality.

What Is HexahydroCannabinol (HHC)?

Many headlines across the world define the compound as a naturally produced cannabinoid found in trace quantities in pollen. In contrast, HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid compound prepared in a laboratory with selected cannabis extracts. These compounds are in league with the less common cannabinoids pushed aside until recently by the big guns — THC and CBD.

Hexahydrocannabinol was first developed in 1944 by a scientist named Roger Adams. He created the compound through the hydrogenation process by mixing hydrogen molecules with delta-9-THC. This compound has stayed in the shadows since then until it started receiving attention recently. Cannabis retailers are selling the product for consumers to use as a substitute for THC.

Even though there have been trends that have taken hold within the world of cannabis in the past, it’s hard to imagine them having a bigger impact than ones that have taken hold in the early 2020s.

To say that the world of cannabis is much different than it was just a decade ago would be a drastic understatement. In years past there haven’t been as many developments around cannabis due to tight restrictions. Now, as those restrictions fade away in many locations, developments in the world of cannabis are coming constantly.

The developments that have transpired within the recreational cannabis space during the 2020s have taken off in very little time, and it’s hard to tell which are here to stay. These trends from the current decade will have a lasting impact on the realm of cannabis.

Association With Health & Wellness Sector 

Cannabis brands aligning themselves with the health and wellness verticals is smart business for numerous reasons. The health and wellness vertical is worth a total of $4.2 trillion globally. Additionally, by aligning with brands focused on self-improvement it’s easier for unfamiliar shoppers to get an understanding of cannabis products outside of the guise of just “getting stoned”.

People that have been into a vape store or headshop lately have likely come across products that look like regular marijuana products under the category of THC-O, or Delta-8 THC. Synthetic cannabinoids like these are becoming increasingly common in states where hemp-derived CBD products are legal.

Given the many challenges that the cannabis industry has faced in the early goings, many businesses have been forced to adapt. No asset has been more helpful in helping businesses in the marijuana industry overcome their challenges than rapidly-developing modern technology. From advanced DNA-based product personalization, to app-based retail businesses are able legally to cater to the needs of their customers in ways that were previously unimaginable.

The high barrier of entry into the wine world is one of the biggest reasons for the lack of diversity within the industry. Being a budtender or managing a dispensary doesn’t require as much training. 

As the cannabis industry develops, it’s hard not to make comparisons to other industries that had gone legit after years in the shadows. Among the first that comes to mind is wine.

Given the fact that the wine industry predates recreational cannabis by decades, it seems that it should come as no surprise that there’s a level of racism present within the industry, just as there are throughout other industries. Unfortunately, much of the racism that existed during the inception of the wine industry persists today. 

Naturally, this leads many people to wonder about the ways in which cannabis is any different from the wine industry in that regard. Even though the cannabis industry is still young, all indications show that the cannabis industry will provide more opportunities to People of Color than wine has. Here’s how cannabis is different from recreational cannabis from a social equity perspective.

The high barrier of entry into the wine world is one of the biggest reasons for the lack of diversity within the industry. The process of earning the certification necessary for becoming a wine sommelier can cost hundreds of dollars, which inherently excludes people without that kind of disposable income — which happens to be People of Color in most situations. In the cannabis industry, being a budtender or managing a dispensary doesn’t require as much training. 

According to the Deputy Director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution, John Hudak, the ability of cannabis businesses to stay true to its beginnings will be essential in helping to ensure that the industry remains diverse. “Higher end wines tend to be disproportionately white compared to other parts of the economy,” he explains. “Because cannabis, the consumer base is inherently more diverse than wine, it benefits it to stay to its roots.”