Thursday, February 28, 2019

We Found Out What It Takes to Be a Cannabis Sommelier

If a wine tasted like chemical cleaners and wet dog, you’d probably spit it out. But in the world of cannabis, that pungent permutation is considered a desirable taste profile. Other top-ranked buds proudly advertise enchanting aromas of gas, diesel, and skunk, making the job of a cannabis sommelier a strange one. Vancouver company CannaReps developed what it claims is Canada’s first cannabis sommelier course last year to train people working in the new industry…

Pharm to Table? Martha Stewart to Become Cannabis Adviser

Stewart co-hosts a show with rapper Snoop Dogg, who made headlines last year for smoking pot in front of the White House. Marijuana producer Canopy Growth has roped in lifestyle guru Martha Stewart as an adviser to help develop and launch a line of pot-based products for both humans and animals, it said on Thursday. Stewart, a 90s icon who became a household name through her cooking and lifestyle shows, co-hosts a show with rapper…

Berkeley Scientists Brewed THC and CBD in a Lab from Yeast Using Beer-Making Processes

But with the scientists’ process, they were able to introduce over a dozen genes into the DNA of the yeast, many of which were actually copies of the genes that are used from the cannabis plant to produce synthesized cannabinoids. Then, the genes release enzymes which promote a series of chemical changes. It starts out with the sugar, followed by cannabigerolic acid, which then produces many cannabis compounds including CBD and THC.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Tilray to Acquire Hemp Food Company Manitoba Harvest for Up to $419 Million

The market for hemp-derived CBD was estimated at US$591 million in 2018 and is expected to balloon to US$22 billion by 2022. Cannabis producer Tilray Inc. has signed a deal to acquire Hemp Hearts-maker Manitoba Harvest for up to $419 million in cash and stock as the two companies look to launch CBD-infused products where permissible in the U.S. The acquisition accelerates the Nanaimo, B.C.-based pot grower’s entry into the U.S. market as the hemp…

Behind the Scenes With Cannabis Charities

Cannabis is the new gold rush. It’s an industry with an almost comical level of rapid growth, with cannabis spending estimated to hit $57 billion worldwide by 2027. While there are plenty of excited prospectors waiting to capitalize on the uncertainty there’s also plenty of good to be had, too. We live in a day and age where we can watch the rise of cannabis non-profits like NORML and FOCUS honor their communities by giving…

Can Big Alcohol and Big Cannabis Coexist Peacefully?

So far, all states that have legalized cannabis aren’t allowed to sell both pot and alcohol in the same shop. However, alcohol companies can benefit from entering the cannabis industry particularly because they’re already so skilled when it comes to the tricky aspect of operating in a highly regulated industry.

What Cannabis Entrepreneurs Need to Know to Outsmart the Black Market

Black market pot actually still thrives in states even if they’ve legalized cannabis already. The main reason why people still turn to their dealers despite fairly easy access to weed is that illicit pot is cheaper. A study revealed that in Washington, the 44% retail tax has had a negative impact on cannabis sales; this is likely because high taxes have caused them to turn to the black market.

Cannabis Strains For Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is a group of thyroid disorders, all of which have inflammation as the common denominator. It affects the thyroid, a gland located in the center of the neck, which is responsible for the production of numerous important hormones in the body.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Aurora Cannabis Shares Climb on News of Medical Marijuana Deal in Portugal

Aphria to develop cannabis skin patches created by MIT scientists, Organigram to sell cannabis in all 10 Canadian provinces. Cannabis stocks were mostly higher on Tuesday, as investors digested the latest flurry of announcements from companies in the sector and moves among U.S. states toward legalizing weed for adult recreational use. Aurora Cannabis Inc. shares ACB, +0.39% ACB, +6.36% rose 3%, after the company said it’s acquiring a 51% stake in Portugal’s Gaia Pharma Lda.,…

France’s Softening Stance On Cannabis Opens Up Huge Economic Potential

France still has some of the most stringent anti-cannabis regulations in Europe but things are slowly changing, opening up huge opportunities in the world's seventh largest economy (France's GDP growth has recently been overtaken by India and it has dropped from sixth place). This is good news for cannabis startups as France is the number one European country for cannabis use. Between 2015 and 2017, according to Statista, just over 11% of the French population…

The Cannabis Guide - Top 5 Rules For Medical and Recreational Cannabis Consumption

With the legal cannabis industry maturing, more people will be trying cannabis for the first time. With such a diverse selection of products, information and options available, I feel it’s my duty to help newcomers get settled. Today, we’ll be talking about some basic points you should know before smoking or consuming marijuana in any form it may be presented.

How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of CBD?

But with the rising popularity of CBD, consumers all over the country want to know more about it particularly how long it takes to set in. This information is particularly beneficial to first-time CBD consumers. Unfortunately, there is still a huge knowledge gap when it comes to CBD; sure, we know that it does work in treating many ailments, some of which are chronic and debilitating, but how long does really take to set in?

What are the Most Popular Cannabis Strains in California?

What are the most popular cannabis strains in Los Angeles right now?  Cannabis.net was curious as to what was hot and what people were asking for the most in the age of home delivery, apps, custom pickups, and ordering online.  One of the West Coast leaders in home delivery is GRASSDOOR, so we sat down and ask GRASSDOOR what are some of the most popular strains that people are ordering and asking about when they are out for delivery.

Monday, February 25, 2019

The End of Alcohol Prohibition Offers Clues to the Future of Cannabis Says New Study

Not surprisingly, they found that the early adopting states had major advantages both in the long and short term – which will probably be the case with cannabis legalization. “In the long run, states that legalize in the earliest stages of this staggered removal of the drug’s prohibition may enjoy an early-adopter advantage with respect to the production and sale of marijuana as they gain a foothold in what may soon become a national (or international) market for the product,” writes the researchers.

Why the Government Shouldn’t Be Selling You Cannabis

What this would mean is that the government would be in charge of everything from retail, purchases, staffing and everything that were to pertain to running a dispensary. However, the argument of running a government dispensary is very nuanced. There are many elements that need to be considered.

A List of Dope Stoner Tunes you could Smoke a Bowl to Right Now

This song calls back to some old school hip hop vibes and I dug it. With 150k+ views on Youtube and recently released by Classified Records, it’s a statement of folks who smoke weed. Plain and simple. The lyrics are dazzled with cannabis terms that any veteran toker can relate to.

How Quickly Does Cannabis Enter Your System, and How Long Does It Stay There?

It is more than four months since Canada legalized recreational cannabis but entrepreneurs acting within the law in that sector continue to face hurdles and discrimination when looking for a financial institution. “It’s very frustrating,” said aspiring cannabis-sector entrepreneur and Phytron Technologies Inc. CEO Bob Potter. “How can companies attract outside money if they can’t deposit it in a secure financial institution? Do they keep the cash in a shoebox under the bed?” The answer…

Big Banks Shun B.C. Cannabis-sector Entrepreneurs

Legal marijuana sellers also face higher rates to process debit transactions. It is more than four months since Canada legalized recreational cannabis but entrepreneurs acting within the law in that sector continue to face hurdles and discrimination when looking for a financial institution. “It’s very frustrating,” said aspiring cannabis-sector entrepreneur and Phytron Technologies Inc. CEO Bob Potter. “How can companies attract outside money if they can’t deposit it in a secure financial institution? Do they…

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Why No One Should Listen To Alex Berenson And His Reefer Madness

In a statement to Civilized, Berenson makes it clear: “Cannabis causes psychosis. Psychosis causes violence,” he says. “The advocacy community – and the for-profit cannabis industry – have spread myths and in some cases flat-out lies about cannabis for far too long. It’s time for the pendulum to swing to a more honest discussion of risks and benefits, no matter how difficult that fact may be for cannabis lovers to accept.”

4 Things that Suck about the Cannabis Industry Right Now (No, Not the Obvious Ones)

While the headlines all predict future billions for those willing to enter the nascent cannabis space, there are plenty of things that need to be fixed up, and I am not referring to the obvious ones like a Federal schedule 1 listing on the cannabis plant, no access to banking for cannabis businesses, and the inability to cross state lines with the product or put it in the US mail.  Here are 4 under-the-radar problems in the cannabis that will need to be straightened out when the other ones get worked out.

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Downtown Windsor Store Selling Illegal Recreational Cannabis

CBC News has learned that an illegal marijuana dispensary has opened in downtown Windsor across from the LCBO on Church Street and University Avenue. The storefront windows say "Envy" and on the door, it says "Enter Envy 19+," with a paper sign underneath that says "cash only." A worker at Envy confirmed to CBC News the company is based out of Toronto and they are selling uncertified pot out of the location. - Read the…

Delta 9 to Expand Cannabis Production, Open More Stores to Meet Growing Demand

Winnipeg-based grower-distributor-seller hopes to up annual growth to 60,000 kg by 2022. Winnipeg cannabis producer and resaler Delta 9 plans to expand its production capacity and open more stores to keep up with a growing demand. "All of our expectations have been blown away, the demand is far in excess of our projections," said CEO John Arbuthnot. The company announced Friday it aims to grow 60,000 kilograms annually by 2022, compared to its current annual…

Omega-3 Fish Oil verse Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Considering that it’s a plant-based source, this gives you the added benefit of consuming therapeutic nutrients and terpenes that you won’t get from fish oil. Additionally, hemp oil contains omega-3 stearidonic acid (SDA), a superior essential fatty acid that converts to EPA more efficiently in the body.

Friday, February 22, 2019

6 Weirdest Marijuana Edibles Recipes on the Internet

There are plenty of awesome cannabis edibles recipes on the internet. You can make brownies or cookies or even pastas or other dishes. And since making edibles isn’t really that hard, there are recipes to add cannabis to just about any food dish you can imagine. Even some weird ones. Here are six of the weirdest marijuana edibles recipes out there: 1. CannaMayo Usually when you think of edibles, you think of a nice chocolate…

Like Smart Serve, but for Cannabis: Ontario Unveils Mandatory Retail Pot Training Certificate

All licence holders, managers, employers will need to take 4-hour online course. The groups behind Ontario's first cannabis retail training certification revealed details of the program in Toronto on Wednesday. The CannSell certificate will be mandatory for all managers, employees and licence holders planning to work in one of the province's 25 brick-and-mortar pot shops when their doors open on April 1. - Read the entire article at CBC News.

Arizona State Prosecutor May Force MMJ Patients to Smoke Cannabis in Order to Medicate

I really do hope that the Supreme Court in Arizona will see it this way. Sheila Polk and her ilk aren’t benefiting society or upholding the law. They are merely trying to circumvent the will of the voters, and considering that she is a “public servant”, she should truly attempt to serve the public as opposed to jailing legitimate citizens.

Israeli Researchers Discover How And Why Autism Responds Well To Cannabis

Israeli scientists have discovered the reason why kids with autism respond so well to cannabis medications – it’s because they have lower endogenous cannabinoid levels compared to matched controls.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Sex, Drugs, and Dan Bilzerian - The Problem With Sexism In Cannabis

Instead, support women-owned cannabis brands and products, and acknowledge the many ways women are trailblazing this industry. Understand that women can not only be sexy, but they are also intelligent creatures who can have great positive influence in the cannabis industry if you let it.

Cannabis News Updates for Europe

Northern Swan Holdings, Inc. is among the latest. The NY-based holdings firm which focuses on medical marijuana just invested $8 million into a German marijuana wholesale and distribution company called Cansativa GmbH to help speed up the development of the company into the European market.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Why Is Marijuana The Most Controversial Plant In The World?

Additionally, lack of federal funding for cannabis research puts healthcare professionals between a rock and a hard stone. Even though many medical associations have voiced their support for cannabis and recognize its safety, at the end of the day it’s still a Schedule 1 substance so they risk losing their licenses if anything goes wrong.

Why is the FDA Suddenly Cracking Down on CBD?

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act; a law that places strict rules on the addition of medicinal components on food and drink. Combine that with the fact that the FDA isn’t convinced about the health benefits of CBD, so any business that makes health claims is ruffling their features.

Singapore Makes it Clear - Raw Cannabis Flower is Harmful and Illegal

Aside from the mentioned study, the authorities do not acknowledge the many other studies proving the safety and efficacy of pot when used as medicine. They also cite the fact that other countries who took a more relaxed stand on cannabis suffered serious societal harms. “Therefore, we have strict laws against the trafficking, possession, consumption, and import or export of illicit drugs including cannabis and cannabis products.”

Winnipeg’s First Doctor-Led Cannabis Clinic Opens

An alternative method of medication is now being offered in Winnipeg. Manitoba’s first physician-led medical marijuana clinic, CannaWay clinic, opens Wednesday on Kenaston Boulevard and Grant Avenue. The clinic offers specialists and general-practitioners who develop patient treatment plans for symptoms or ailments. - Read the entire article at Global News.

‘Cannabis Beauty’ Is Becoming a Real Category as Sephora, Others Promote CBD-Infused Products

Cannabis beauty has become so trendy that Wall Street analysts have started treating it as a standalone category. As beauty products laced with CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp and marijuana, continue to find their way onto the shelves of retailers including Sephora, Barneys and Neiman Marcus, analysts at Piper Jaffray are seeing further growth in this "beauty and the bong" industry. The trend could help boost the overall CBD market, which Piper pegs…

Alberta Retailer Plans to Open Cannabis Store in Ottawa

Fire & Flower, a cannabis retailer based in Alberta, announced Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with one of the winning applicants to open a store on York Street in the Byward Market. Fire & Flower said in a release sent out on Tuesday that it has entered into agreements with two of the initial 25 applicants that have been selected by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission to apply for cannabis retail operator licences…

Ontario Delivers Yet Another Cannabis Decision That Hurts Retailers and Helps Illegal Dealers

Opinion: A monopoly on e-commerce benefits the government, and the black market, at the expense of consumers. On January 31st, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) stated legal cannabis shops in the province will be prohibited from offering online retail options to consumers. This means that the initial 25 cannabis stores in Ontario and the multitude of stores that could open once the province lifts its temporary cap on retail licences won’t be…

Fmr. Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz Shares Advice For Cannabis Entrepreneurs: ‘You Have To Have Some Cojones’

A few weeks ago, Carol Bartz, former CEO of Autodesk and Yahoo, was all over the news after seed-to-sale cannabis company Caliva announced she was part of a group that had invested $75 million into the company, alongside NFL legend Joe Montana – found here talking about cannabis and football. Surprisingly, the 70-year-old tech industry superstar, was very open about her cannabis use, disclosing her predilection not only for the super trendy, non-psychoactive CBD, but…

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

The Nursing Home With a Medical Cannabis Program the Feds Can Live With

In hospitals and nursing care facilities across the country, patients are systematically denied access to medical cannabis, even if they are located in states where it is legal. The reason behind this is simple. As long as the vast majority of these institutions rely on funding from Medicare and other federal sources, they opt not to put those funds at risk by allowing a Schedule 1 controlled substance onto their premises. One courageous trailblazer, however,…

How to Make CBD Cocktails at Home

CBD cocktails, with or without alcohol, are all the buzz in some East and West Coast cities with relaxed recreational cannabis laws. You don’t have to take a trip to LA to enjoy the flavor and effects of a cannabis-infused beverage, though. If it’s legal in your state, you can make your own cannabidiol (CBD) imbibables at home. Cannabis Mixology 101: Basic Precautions and Knowledge One of the most important things to remember about CBD…

7 Online Vape Shops That Offer Great Deals

Today we’re going to list down 7 of the best online vape stores in terms of which offers the best deals. Now, to reiterate the purpose of our list, the stores are rated from 1 to 7 depending on which of these stores offer the best deals. This means affordable price and high-quality products with number 1 as the best down to 7 being the least.

Cannabis for Parkinson's Disease has a Breakthrough, but More Research is Needed

Next month, the Parkinson’s Foundation will hold a two-day meeting to bring 40 experts including clinicians, scientists, executives from the cannabis industry, and physicians who will discuss cannabis for Parkinson’s treatment.

Monday, February 18, 2019

If I Could Do It All Over Again, I Would Not Smoke Weed as a Teen

The point here kids, you are in control of your decisions. Make the best ones for your own future. Weed won’t ruin you, but when you’re that young…it won’t really help you either. Unless of course you consume it for medical reasons, but then you also know…you’re not doing it for fun.

5 Tips and Tricks to Achieve Massive Glass Bong Rips

Glass Bongs are basically a water filtration gadget that is utilized to consume tobacco, herbs or cannabis. It looks nearly in the state of a hookah or shisha with the exception of the way that it is effectively compact anyplace. The real significance of the term bong originates from Thai word "Baung" a round and hollow smoking tube made of bamboo or wood.

The Marijuana Taxation Problem

This is because California also taxes the crops before they are even sold. Other states such as Alaska and Colorado sit between 10%-20% per sale. In some cases, California can have taxes as high as 80% if you include some Federal Taxes. What this means is that the margin of profits are so small, that it almost becomes impossible to operate a legitimate cannabis business according to their rules.

City of Edmonton Hands Out More Violation Tickets for Tobacco Than Cannabis

It has been four months since cannabis became legal in Canada and, in that span of time, the City of Edmonton has only given out three bylaw violation tickets for cannabis smoking. Numbers from the city reveal there have been 33 warnings about cannabis smoking; the numbers pale when compared to the 73 tickets given out by the city for tobacco smoking and the 847 warnings handed out for tobacco smoking since Oct. 17, 2018,…

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Aleister Crowley, Francois Rabelais and the Herb of Thelema

CANNABIS CULTURE - Aleister Crowley is a well known 19th-20th century magician, Francois Rabelais was a 16th century monk, remembered largely for his well known work of satire Gargantua and Pantagruel, what could these two and cannabis have in common? Possibly the most intriguing renaissance figure involved with the history of cannabis was the 16th century Monk, Alchemist and Bachelor of Medicine, Francois Rabelais, (1494-1553). Rabelais is best known for his hilarious epic adventure Gargantua…

5 National Crises Legal Marijuana Has a Good Shot at Fixing

Legalizing cannabis wouldn't only free up prison space and allow law enforcement to focus on more dangerous criminals. Treating marijuana like booze would improve everything from the economy to the environment. We should encourage lawmakers to free the weed, and here's why.

Saskatoon Pot Store ‘Goes Green’, Brings in Recycling for Cannabis Packaging

Saskatoon’s Living Skies Cannabis store is making an effort to be even more green. The shop has brought in a recycling bin, designed for marijuana packaging. “This was an optional thing for us cannabis retailers, but to us, this wasn’t an option. We have to do this, because it’s the right thing to do,” Cierra Sieben-Chuback, owner of Living Skies Cannabis, said. - Read the entire article at CTV News.

Soothe Your Pain With This Mango CBD Oil Smoothie

Best 3 Recommended CBD Oils This could be the delicious anti-inflammatory treat you've been looking for. Cannabis and Pain For more than 20 percent of Americans, chronic pain is part of daily life. Many aren't getting the relief they need. Pain treatments have been typically limited to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid medications, which carry the risk of addiction. Both have risks of side effects. With opioids frequently in the headlines, many people with…

No More Minor Pot Arrests in Buffalo, Mayor Says in State of City Speech

Getting caught with a marijuana joint or two is no longer grounds for arrest in Buffalo, Mayor Byron W. Brown said Friday. "I am directing Buffalo police to have its officers stop enforcing low-level marijuana possession offenses," Brown said. Brown disclosed the city's new marijuana policy during his 13th annual State of the City address, held before a crowd of almost 2,000 people at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Following the address, Brown said marijuana…