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US CA: Column: Overscheduled

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n540/a02.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 11 Aug 2016Source: Sacramento News & Review (CA)Column: The 420Copyright: 2016 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.Contact: Website: Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/540Author: Ngaio Bealum OVERSCHEDULED Wasn’t the DEA supposed to have released its decision on rescheduling cannabis by now? – -John E.  Law Of course it was, and of course it hasn’t.  Word was […]

US: U.S. Will Affirm Its Prohibition Against Medical

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n540/a09.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 11 Aug 2016Source: Washington Post (DC)Copyright: 2016 The Washington Post CompanyContact: Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491Author: Lenny Bernstein U.S.  WILL AFFIRM ITS PROHIBITION AGAINST MEDICAL MARIJUANA, OFFICIALS SAY The government on Thursday will refuse again to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes, reaffirming its conclusion that the drug’s therapeutic value […]

What’s the Significance of the Lion and Cannabis in Rastafarian Culture?

Cannabis Lion Rastafari

As both symbol and beast, the lion has proven to be a source of fascination for man, woman, and child. The timeless awe in which human culture holds this animal can perhaps best be seen in the Ardèche Valley of Southern France. Here, within the Chauvet Cave, are walls which reveal how Paleolithic man lived […]

Build Your Own Cannabis Library with These Must-Read Books About Marijuana

With millions of books published each year, it can be quite challenging having to decide which books to add to your ever-growing list of must-reads. We asked Leafly staff what their favorite cannabis-related books were and their responses varied from educational resources to memoirs and even a few cookbooks. Check out some of our favorite […]

A New Era For NORML

by Randy Quast, NORML Board MemberAugust 10, 2016 My name is Randy Quast and I am NORML’s new Acting Executive Director. Let me be the first to welcome you to a new era at NORML. I’m from Minnesota. My background is in business. I worked my way up in trucking, starting with my family’s small […]

With Cannabis Cup Gone, Two New Dutch Cannabis Competitions Emerge

AMSTERDAM — Nobody expected the 2014 High Times Cannabis Cup, the festival’s 27th iteration, to be the last. But organizers applied for venue permits too late, and local authorities wouldn’t allow the expo to move. Vendors from all over Europe and North America were literally left out in the cold that November, gathered in front […]

OH: Medical Marijuana Law Will Help The Sufferers, But Not The Stoners

Cleveland – Cannabis. Hash. Weed. Locoweed. Pot. Grass. Mary Jane. Bud. Reefer. Hemp. Dope. Acapulco Gold. As you know, these are all synonyms for marijuana (there are many more), and they are especially helpful if one is writing a column about the stuff and doesn’t want to type “marijuana” 37 times. So with that out […]

IN: Veterans Rallying For Medical Marijuana

Jeff Staker is a former Marine who served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He’s taught leadership classes to non-commissioned officers at a military academy and worked as a law enforcement officer at Grissom Air Reserve Base, where he currently serves as a firefighter. With that kind of background, Staker isn’t the type of guy […]

How CBD Companies Should Manage Their Taxes

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 400 substances that are found in marijuana and it is not psychoactive, meaning that it does not cause changes brain function or result in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness. Many states have already passed laws that have permitted the use of CBD extract, typically in oil form, […]

Dutch Police Raided Nearly 6,000 Cannabis Grows Last Year, Still Can’t Keep Up

So much cannabis is being cultivated in the Netherlands that, despite multiple raids a day by an extremely active anti-cannabis police task force, authorities can barely make a dent in illegal production. According to complete 2015 data provided by Dutch police to the newspaper NRC/Handelsblad, the anti-cannabis task force raided 16 cannabis grow operations a […]

US PA: Will Pot Activist's A.G. Candidacy Go Up in Smoke?

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n537/a04.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2016Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)Copyright: 2016 Philadelphia Newspapers IncContact: Website: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340Author: Chris Brennan WILL POT ACTIVIST’S A.G.  CANDIDACY GO UP IN SMOKE? The Libertarian Party’s N.A.  Poe Was Keeping a Sense of Humor Amid Challenges From Both Major Parties. The State Requires the Attorney General to Hold […]

TX: Small Town North Of Dallas Could Become Hub Of Medical Cannabis Industry

Gunter – A cotton gin that sat empty for decades in this small North Texas town could be filled next year with the first cannabis plants legally grown in the state. The man investing in the old buildings plans to open a greenhouse and processing facility to make cannabis oil as a medical treatment for […]

IN: Grissom Firefighter Hopes To Convince Lawmakers To Legalize Medicinal Marijuana

Jeff Staker is a former Marine who served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He’s taught leadership classes to non-commissioned officers at a military academy and worked as a law enforcement officer at Grissom Air Reserve Base, where he currently serves as a firefighter. With that kind of background, Staker isn’t the type of guy […]

Cured By Cannabis

Consider the hemp store owner who was told she had weeks to live after suffering massive liver failure. Or the cannabis chef plunged into a miasma of pain-killing narcotics after his car careened off an I-805 overpass. Or the life-and-death leap of faith Edgar Garcia is taking as he tries to beat back the tumors […]

Rescheduling marijuana: These pot industry execs envision a kinder, more relaxed weed future

Published: Aug 8, 2016, 10:00 am • Updated: Aug 8, 2016, 10:00 am By The Cannabist Staff If the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration were to reschedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, the effects could be wide-reaching, two industry executives tell Cannabist editor-in-chief Ricardo Baca on The Cannabist Show. Scott Thorn, chief operating officer of […]

Join Leafly at Hanfparade, Germany’s Biggest Cannabis Festival

BERLIN — Cannabis legalization is a hot topic worldwide, and in Germany hopes for change are ripe. As more U.S. states end decades of prohibition, it’s feeding optimism in central Europe that things could finally change. In Germany in particular, the push to bring cannabis into the mainstream has never been stronger. The high hopes […]

Rethinking Medicinal Cannabis

Hugh Hempel, a technology industry veteran, has become a health care entrepreneur and a surprising supporter of medicinal cannabis. In 2006, his identical twin daughters were diagnosed with Niemann Pick Type C, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease, often referred to as “Childhood Alzheimer’s.” Since then, Hugh and his wife have done a lot of […]

A Taste Of His Own Medicine For Langley Marijuana Advocate

At first, he thought it was a shoulder injury. When the pain in his left shoulder started, Randy Caine thought his days working in construction had caught up with him. “I thought I had a rotator cuff injury.” Then, in June of last year, Caine noticed a lump on his neck It was lung cancer, […]

Cannabis Education Forum Presents “The Golden State Of Cannabis”

The Cannabis Education Forum (CEF) in sponsorship with the city of West Hollywood invites the public to a free educational event entitled “The Golden State of Cannabis.” On August 20th, 2016 in the Council Chambers of West Hollywood, members of the cannabis community will educate the public on current canna-issues. After pioneering a successful, educational event around cannabis in […]

PA: Planners Tell Towns To Get Ready For Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is coming to Pennsylvania, and towns can’t use local zoning laws to keep it out of their backyards. But they can plan ahead to make sure zoning codes direct marijuana growing and processing operations and dispensaries to the locations that make the most sense in local cities, townships and boroughs. “As the third […]

How the Czech Republic Became a Leader in Cannabis-Infused Topicals

It may be a surprise to learn that many top-shelf cannabis-infused ointments, shampoos, and body creams found across Europe and, increasingly, in the United States are made in the Czech Republic. Entrepreneurs in the heart of Europe are using their traditional cannabis know-how to fill a niche in the world’s growing markets for cannabis-infused topicals. […]

US CA: A Mixed Bag

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n525/a03.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 04 Aug 2016Source: Chico News & Review, The (CA)Copyright: 2016 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.Contact: Website: http://www.newsreview.com/chico/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/559Author: Evan Tuchinsky A MIXED BAG Legalizing Recreational Cannabis May Have Varying Implications for Health of Kids and Teens Come November, California could join Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington by becoming a state where […]

Cannabis and Its Impact on High Blood Pressure

Given the increasing prevalence of hypertension at a time when states are liberalizing cannabis laws, people want to know: what are the effects of cannabis on blood pressure? Does it lower blood pressure? The answers largely depend on who you ask or what study you read. One in three adults in the U.S. has high […]

South Dakota Brings Felony Charges Against Colorado Cannabis Consultants

South Dakota is bringing felony charges against two leaders of Colorado-based cannabis consulting company Monarch America, which the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe had asked to help launch a cannabis project on Native American land. While state authorities have no jurisdiction on reservation land, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said on Wednesday that non-tribal members […]

Brazil Allows CBD Oil To Be Imported For Epilepsy Treatment

Written by Mark. M Ward for Dope Magazine Brazil takes their illegal substances, or lack thereof, exceedingly serious as the Brazilian criminal code states, “Selling and transportation of any illegal drugs, as well as possession or cultivation of larger amounts is characterized as drug trafficking, a criminal act punished with 5 to 15 years in […]

After 60 Years of Prohibition, Hemp in Greece is Making a Comeback

Greece is widely seen as a land of white-sand beaches, skewered souvlaki, and seaside nights enhanced by Ouzo, an anise-flavored aperitif. While the local economy is still reeling from the multi-year financial crisis, culture in the sun-kissed Mediterranean country is already coming back to life — as is Greek use of the cannabis plant. In […]

MS Patient's War For Weed Wins Croatia A Legal High

When Huanito Luksetic was arrested for growing marijuana to help him cope with multiple sclerosis, he could not have known his struggle would eventually pave the way for Croatia to legalise cannabis for medical use. “I knew it would happen eventually,” says Luksetic, recalling the day in October 2014 when police burst into his home […]

Medical Marijuana: A Conversation with Dr. Anil Kumar – Congressional Candidate

Come and join congressional candidate Dr. Kumar for a conversation about the current state of medical marijuana in our country, and what Dr. Kumar will do in Congress to fight for medical marijuana patients everywhere. 26 states have approved medical marijuana, and more are expected to do so. Dr. Kumar, a medical doctor, will be […]

New Strains Alert: Glue Tech, Blueberry Pancakes, Cheeseburger, and More!

The genetic diversity of cannabis is expansive, nuanced, and mostly undocumented. But as growers and breeders gain access to eclectic varieties of seeds and strains, a union of old world landraces and new world hybrids is emerging. That’s why this week’s New Strains Alert is dedicated to the growing number of hybrid strains that are […]

US OR: Column: CBD Pet Treats Are A Thing?

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n509/a01.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jul 2016Source: Portland Mercury (OR)Column: Ask a Pot LawyerCopyright: 2016 The Portland MercuryContact: Website: http://www.portlandmercury.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1174Author: Vince Sliwoski CBD PET TREATS ARE A THING? Yep, They Are. What’s the deal with cannabidiol ( CBD ) pet treats? Are they really a thing? YES, CBD-INFUSED pet treats are definitely a […]

Hemp Seed Food Products Can Bring Heart Health Benefits

Eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats is a great way to make your heart very happy. Good nutrition combined with regular exercise will help keep your blood pressure down and your cholesterol levels in check, two significant factors when it comes to decreasing your risk for […]

US PA: Wolf Signs Hemp Law

URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n493/a07.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2016Source: Standard-Speaker (Hazleton, PA)Copyright: 2016 The Standard-SpeakerContact: Website: http://www.standardspeaker.comDetails: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1085Author: Robert Swift WOLF SIGNS HEMP LAW Harrisburg – Three months after Pennsylvania legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes, Gov.  Tom Wolf signed a law Wednesday allowing for greater cultivation of hemp, another cannabis plant. Farmers will […]

US HI: OPED: It’s Time To Fully Exploit Hemp Production

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 17 Jul 2016 – On July 7, Gov. David Ige signed into law what might prove to be the most important piece of economic legislation in the past 50 years. Hawaii now enjoys the best hemp law in the nation. We who have been active in bringing back hemp to agriculture believe that […]

Weed is the new microbrew: Why pot and hemp outfits are investing in aesthetics

Published: Jul 15, 2016, 4:55 pm • Updated: Jul 15, 2016, 4:56 pm By The Cannabist Staff The marijuana and hemp industries are growing up, and businesses are starting to spend a lot of money to upgrade the design and aesthetics of their operations. Morris Beegle, a music industry veteran who went onto found the […]

S 02, Ep. 14: He has hearts for hemp; She covers national cannabis news

Published: Jul 15, 2016, 12:51 pm • Updated: Jul 15, 2016, 12:51 pm By Vincent Chandler, The Cannabist Staff Featured guests: NoCo Hemp Expo founder Morris Beegle and Cannabist national policy and business reporter Alicia Wallace. LOTS TO TALK ABOUT •  The definitive guide on which states will be voting on medical or recreational marijuana […]

US ME: Maine Receives Just Two Applications To Grow Hemp

Boston Globe, 12 Jul 2016 – AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – So far, only the Passamaquoddy Tribe and a Portland resident have received permission to grow what would be the state’s first licensed crops of industrial hemp. They are going into unknown territory in Maine at a time when federal law prohibits commercial hemp cultivation. Republican […]

Hemp program OK'd by governor

By KIRSTEN JOHNSON Hawaii Tribune-Herald … cultivation and distribution of industrial hemp, the non-drug version of the cannabis plant, … chosen earlier this year to open medical marijuana dispensaries on the Big Island, said …

German Parliament Opens Talks on Medical Cannabis Bill

After years of pressure from patients and advocacy groups such as the German Hemp Association (DHV), the dream of securing unfettered access to medical cannabis in Europe’s most populous country is finally coming to fruition.

On Thursday, at the request of Germany’s left-leaning opposition party Die Linke (The Left), the Bundestag, or German Parliament, opened the first round of discussion on medical cannabis legislation that would give patients a “full guarantee of access to medical cannabis.” The debate included the first examination of changes that will be needed to adapt the existing German Narcotics Act to accommodate medical cannabis users. The law would give patients access cannabis beginning in early 2017.

The step is especially significant because of how the legislative process works in Germany: Once a draft bill enters the parliamentary process after being approved by the cabinet, it must result in binding legislation. Sometimes draft legislation doesn’t find its way to Parliament for months or years, but medical cannabis has moved relatively quickly. Now, in a matter of months, the herbal remedy should be available in Germany, home to 80 million Europeans.

“Seriously ill people must be cared for in the best possible way — this is my commitment,” German Health Minister Herman Gröhe said in a press release issued ahead of the parliamentary debate. “We want the cost of medical cannabis to be covered by [patients’] health insurance when they can’t be helped otherwise. We also want to get scientific surveys underway to assess the medical benefits accurately.”

The liberalization of cannabis laws in Germany, however, stops short of allowing adult use.

During the debate, the government’s drug commissioner, Marlene Mortler, made clear that advocates shouldn’t expect any change to Germany’s stance on recreational cannabis. “The focus of the federal government’s drug policy are not Zeitgeist, prejudices or ideologies,” she said. “To us, this is about human beings and their health! Public health is at the heart of our cannabis policy, and that is exactly why I say no to recreational use of cannabis.”

Nevertheless, the medical bill’s passage would make Germany the first large European Union member state to implement such sweeping legislation. So far only smaller countries, such as the Netherlands and Czech Republic, have implemented robust cannabis programs.

The new bill was welcomed by Social Democrat Burkhard Blienert, but he emphasized the need for a corresponding law to improve the situation for patients. Blienert also echoed Gröhe in pointing out that there’s currently a dearth of research into the efficacy of cannabis. Still, he seemed pleased “that the Ministry has now distanced itself from its initial thoughts to include a mandatory patient survey in the law”.

In the initial version of the bill, the surveys were to contain personal data of the patients. The second chamber of Parliament, the Bundesrat, recommended an anonymous survey instead, and the change was then incorporated into the bill. Bienert said he sees this kind of research “as a viable way to get more evidence without turning patients into guinea pigs.”

One of the first German politicians to push for medical cannabis was Frank Temple, a former narcotics officer who is now a representative of the liberal Die Linke party. He sees the law as a step in the right direction but also aired criticisms during the debate. “I have to disagree with the impression that the federal government acted for the benefit of patients,” he said. “It explicitly did not, but quite the contrary: For years the federal government prevented medical care with cannabis for ideological reasons.”

A brief look behind the scenes suggests the federal government’s change of heart was less about values and more about caving to the pressure of more and more patients winning court cases against the health ministry. The sudden hurry is also due to the hundreds of patients applying for cultivation licenses after Michel F., a patient with multiple sclerosis, became the first German patient to successfully sue the government to obtain a grow license.

Until the new law is in place and the system works, it will be hard to turn down patients’ applications. Moreover, the government is likely to run into legal time limits on pending applications before the new law will be in place.

The Bundestag will vote on the measure this fall. It’s slated to take effect in early 2017.

With 'Calabrian Wave,' Legendary Red Cannabis Returns to Italy

Calabria is considered Italy’s wildest region. Besides being home to one of the most secretive and ruthless mafia organizations, the ‘ndrangheta, it also gave name to the Italy’s only psychoactive cannabis landrace strains.

Located in the southernmost part of the sunny, hilly countryside, Calabria forms the “toe” of the Italian peninsula. To foreign visitors, Calabria might sometimes be overwhelming. The food is a bit coarse and very spicy — peperoncino, the local chili peppers, are sold not by the gram but by the kilo.

As the home to resilient landrace strains, the region is known for its toughness. Calabria’s history is full of struggle against foreign invaders: Turks, Albanians, Greeks, and the Lombards from Germany. But while these guests weren’t welcome, they introduced agricultural products and flavors that have become typical of Calabria and southern Italy: hot chili peppers, bergamot oranges, anchovies, spicy sausages, and, increasingly of interest among cannabis connoisseurs, the unusual red Calabrese cannabis.

These fabled strains are believed to have originated from Afghan cannabis plants in the Botanical Gardens of Naples at the end of the 18th century, and they’ve since diversified in a region with numerous microclimates. For a long time the blush-colored buds were hard to find, but thanks to the breeders of Italy’s own Zoe’s Seeds, this former rarity has a new lease on life with a special hybrid strain, Onda Calabra.

The revival comes thanks to the efforts of an anonymous Calabrian breeder based in Bologna. The breeder crossed a red-hued local strain growing in the Sila Plateau with Northern Lights XXL, creating an orange and citrus taste with some hints of pine and eucalyptus and a typical earthy taste.

The result is a hybrid strain that merges the heady effects of the local varietal with the timeless genetics of a Northern Lights offshoot. Northern Lights, a pure indica descendant of Afghani and Thai landrace strains, remains among the most famous strains of all time and is cherished for its resilience, fast flowering, and resinous buds.

The name of the new Italian strain, Onda Calabra, translates to “Calabrian wave.” It’s named after a popular song by Peppe Voltarelli, a musician and actor from Calabria. The song was the main theme of his movie Doichlanda, the Calabrese name for Germany. To Voltarelli, Doichlanda is a symbol of a place that offers new opportunities: “Your eyes are a place of the mind. Passing the river, nothing remains. On the beach there are roses, but if I look there, they aren’t roses anymore. Under the never-laughing sky you will be waiting for me, singing. Calabrian wave in Doichlanda, is this a dream?”

The song asks whether Calabrian wave is a dream, but thanks to Zoe’s Seeds it’s now also a plant — and a very sturdy one at that. Many sub-varieties of the legendary ‘Calabrese Reds’ are shaped like Christmas trees and resistant to bad weather (rain and even snow), making Onda Calabra a contender for reliable outdoor cultivation. If it’s a dream, it’s a very pleasant one.

German Parliament Opens Talks on Medical Cannabis Bill

After years of pressure from patients and advocacy groups such as the German Hemp Association (DHV), the dream of securing unfettered access to medical cannabis in Europe’s most populous country is finally coming to fruition.  On Thursday, at the request of Germany’s left-leaning opposition party Die Linke (The Left), the Bundestag, or German Parliament, opened […]

The Definitive Cannabis Travel Guide to New Orleans

  New Orleans is the nation’s best example of revelry done right, and it’s been done by millions of people who were hammered on six Hurricanes and three Hand Grenades at a time. But, in my opinion, far too few people have done New Orleans while tingling on a summery sativa or floating on an […]

Laguna Blends Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Distribution Rights of Swiss Made Cannaceuticals CBD Skin Care Line

Laguna Blends (CSE:LAG; OTCMKTS:LAGBF; FRA:LB6A) announce that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Cannaceuticals of California, USA, whereby Laguna and Canna plan to enter into a definitive Manufacturing and Exclusive Licence Agreement for the purpose of pursuing mutually beneficial business opportunities in the Cannabidiol skin care industry.  The parties have agreed to an […]

Naturally Splendid CEO Interview by SmallCap-Investor TV

In a recent interview with SmallCap-Investor Naturally Splendid (TSXV:NSP) CEO, Craig Goodwin, discussed how the company is offering investors an opportunity to gain exposure to the hemp-based healthy foods and omega markets. Connect with Naturally Splendid (TSXV:NSP) to receive an Investor Presentation. The post Naturally Splendid CEO Interview by SmallCap-Investor TV appeared first on Investing News Network.

Mettrum Increases Revenue by 35% and Gross Margin by 47% in Q4 2016

Mettrum Health (TSXV:MT) released its fourth quarter and full-year 2016 financial results on Wednesday. According to the press release: Q4 2016 versus Q3 Financial Highlights: Revenues increased 35% to $2,714,468 Grams sold increased 32% to 305,950 grams Gross Margin increased 47% to $1,993,109 Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by 38% to a loss of $823,066 Registered clients […]

Brexit Shocks Europe, but How Will It Affect Cannabis Policies?

The United Kingdom voted late last week to leave the European Union, sending shock waves around the world, putting financial markets in a tailspin, and raising questions about the future of the E.U.

But what about cannabis?

Thankfully, many European countries are continuing their reform efforts unfazed, steadily moving toward legalization and broader access for medical patients. Britain’s departure may have shaken European countries’ faith in their union, but the European desire for a more perfect union with cannabis is very much intact.

In two of the EU’s largest countries, Germany and Italy, legislation to free the herb remains a top priority for some lawmakers.

Following Britain’s vote last week to leave the E.U., Italian Senator and Deputy Foreign Minister Benedetto Della Vedova sent messages of sadness to followers on social media. But in the same breath he also reiterated the need for cannabis legalization.

“We want to win this game; we must believe in it and [we must] all work for this goal,” he said, expressing support for both legalization and the cannabis-friendly parliamentary group Intergruppo Cannabis legale. Italy’s Parliament is slated to begin debate on adult-use legalization this week.

In Germany, despite the news from the U.K. and the ensuing political confusion, plans are moving forward on a medical cannabis program that would grant patients broader access to medical cannabis and could create a medical cannabis market of tens of thousands of patients as soon as next year.

Georg Wurth, director of the Deutscher Hanfverband (German Hemp Association), the largest cannabis advocacy group in Germany, said on Friday he’s happy that the German medical cannabis bill is progressing without interruption. The bill has already been approved by the German cabinet and is now in Parliament, where it’s expected to be approved by November. It would take effect early next year.

While post-Brexit talk in the media focuses on uncertainties, Wurth noted that efforts to reform cannabis policy in other countries also continue to march forward.

In Denmark, the violent police attack on Copenhagen’s pro-cannabis neighborhood of Christiania has not quashed the cannabis movement, Wurth said. Instead it’s having the opposite effect. “The raid in Christiania has revived the pro-legalization debate” in the country, he said.

In the Czech Republic, the cannabis community largely views the E.U. as a defender of civil rights. Despite some bluster from populist politicians who’ve bashed the E.U., the overwhelming fear in the country regarding cannabis is that a weakened E.U. plays into the hands of Russia — a country with draconian drug laws.

The Kremlin has waged a steady and ruthless campaign in recent years to support right-wing extremist parties in Europe, back anti-E.U. politicians, and generally sow seeds of discontent in the continent in order to expand Russian influence, part of President Vladimir Putin’s grand vision of restoring the state’s former glory.

Tomorrow: Cannabis Charity Open, Benefiting The Denver Colorado AIDS Project

If you are in the area, below is an oustanding event: Premium Pete’s Cannabis and High Rollers dispensary are partnering with The Hemp Connoisseur Magazine to host the Cannabis Charity Open benefiting the Denver Colorado AIDS Project (DCAP). As part of an industry born by the will of the voters, we feel it is important

Holland’s Former Prime Minister Was the Guest of Honor at the Country’s Biggest Cannabis Event

Cannabis Liberation Day, Holland’s biggest cannabis event, welcomed a surprise special guest this year: former prime minister Dries van Agt, who 40 years ago introduced the country’s famous policy of cannabis tolerance.

The event, which celebrated its eighth year earlier this month, is a free festival organized by the VOC, the union for the abolition of cannabis prohibition. Since the High Times Cannabis Cup abandoned Amsterdam in 2014, Cannabis Liberation Day is the only cannabis and hemp event in the Netherlands. The venue, Flevopark, is one of the oldest and biggest parks in the capital city.

This year’s Cannabis Liberation Day was special for a number of reasons. Notably, it was the first without Joep Oomen, one of VOC’s founders and the driving force behind numerous drug-reform campaigns and NGOs, such as Encod and Trekt uw Plant, Belgium’s first Cannabis Social Club. On the evening of June 12, a video commemorating Oomen, who died in March, was shown on a screen next to the event’s main stage. As it played, Oomen’s widow Beatriz and representatives of the Belgian Cannabis Social Club movement handed out bags to the audience. Inside were two female seeds, peat plugs to plant them, and a flyer quoting one of Oomen’s final writings:

“Now that years have passed during which people have employed millions of words to convince authorities of the utter madness that their drug policies are bringing the world into, it is time for the plants themselves to become actors in the debate. By growing plants for personal use we can demonstrate that it is possible to regulate the drug market in a manner that ensures transparency, accountability, honesty, sustainability, and health.”

A banner above the stage read, “Thuisteelt vrij, achterdeur open!” (“Home cultivation free, backdoor open!”) The phrase refers to the so-called backdoor paradox of Dutch cannabis policy: Coffeeshops are allowed to sell cannabis to consumers, but any form of cultivation or wholesale remains strictly illegal. The backdoor paradox has caused a range of negative effects, from gang involvement to inferior quality and inflated prices.

Former Prime Minister Dries van Agt, 85, who in the ‘70s and ‘80s led three governments as prime minister for the conservative Christian party CDA, appeared on stage to explain the origin of the policy. In 1976, when Van Agt was the youngest-ever Dutch minister of justice, he introduced a fundamental legal distinction between cannabis and other illegal substances, paving the way for today’s cannabis coffeeshops.

The 8th annual Cannabis Liberation Day was held in Amsterdam’s Flevopark. Photo by Derrick Bergman

“Of course it would have been much better if we had opened up the whole cannabis issue: no crime, no offense, no legal restriction whatsoever for cannabis,” Van Agt told the moderator. “But, my dear friend, in politics — unfortunately for the Netherlands — I wasn’t the only one who decided.’

After the initial breakthrough in 1976, he said he expected that “the whole system would start to move, and we would go further — much further.” But no Dutch government ever took the next step, and the backdoor paradox lived on. “This is the big disappointment,” Van Agt said.

But the future looks bright, he assured the audience. “The latest news is darned good, friends. The latest news is that Canada — yes, Canada — has decided to legalize cannabis.

“Why is this so important, more important than a few or even a lot of American states [that have legalized]?” he said. “Canada has an enormous political and moral influence on Western Europe. So this cannot remain unanswered here.”

Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt addresses the crowd. Photo by Derrick Bergman

Van Agt stayed at the festival for over three hours, participated in one of the debates in the film tent, and relaxed backstage in the VIP lounge. For attendees, it was a rare opportunity to meet the man who played such a historic role in Dutch cannabis culture, alongside other legends like Rick Simpson, John Sinclair, James Burton, Wernard Bruining, Doede de Jong, and Mila “Hashqueen of Amsterdam” Jansen.

Not a single incident of violence or conflict was reported at the event — just like the seven Cannabis Liberation Days before it. As British author Percy Grower wrote:

“This is how a safe and enjoyable festival can exist. With the absence of alcohol, the good vibes were infectious. Parents played with kids, young groups of people were just hanging out and dapperly dressed elders made out on the grass. The festival is a magnificent example of the benefits cannabis can bring to a society and gave me a real boost of optimism; not just for the cannabis movement in Europe, but the advancement of the human race as a whole.”

Amsterdam newspaper Het Parool published an interview with Dries van Agt the following day.

“When you look around you,” the reporter asked the former prime minister, “do you feel it’s an attractive idea that more cannabis will be used?”

Van Agt replied, “The more happy people I see around me, the happier I become myself. And if this is caused by cannabis, I say: ‘Do as you please, friends. Do as you please.’”

How to Survive Summer's Cannabis-Friendly Music Festivals

With so many fun and exciting musical festivals to look forward to this summer, we put together this handy Summer Festival Survival Guide to make sure you know what to do should you decide to indulge in some cannabis while you’re dancing your way to autumn. What happens if you get too stoned, or if some sketchy dude hands you a mystery joint?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

What to Do if You Get Too Stoned at a Summer Music Festival

Getting stoned with your closes friends as you watch your favorite musician perform sounds like an amazing time. But what should you do if you go a little overboard with the cannabis and begin to feel really uncomfortable? Here are some tips to bring you back down to a more comfortable state.

1. Get Some Air

If you’re feeling the overwhelming effects of that edible you devoured two hours ago, it’s probably not the best idea to remain in the mosh pit dazed and confused. Walk over to an open space where you can take a few deep breaths and sit down until you’re feeling more comfortable and less dizzy.

2. Drink Some Lemon Juice

If you happen to have an overly intense reaction to the THC, drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. Did you know that lemons have the terpene limonene in it? The terpenes in lemons may reduce and alleviate the effects of THC on the brain. If you can, toss the peel of the lemon into your drink — that’s where the limonene is.

3. Listen to Your Friends

Bring your wingman/wingwoman with you if you know you’re going to be consuming at the festival just to be safe. It’s a smart idea to attend the festival with at least one friend who will remain sober and can think logically if things get a little out of control.

4. Take an Ibuprofen

Studies suggest that ibuprofen can help you feel noticeably less high. Ibuprofen affects the same receptors in the brain as THC, suppressing some of the less desirable side effects THC can have on your cognitive ability. (Just don’t go overboard with the ibuprofen, and take it with plenty of water.)

5. Bring Some Peppercorns or Another Peppery Snack

Black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene, which can affect cannabinoid receptors in the brain and work synergistically with cannnabis’s THC to quell panic and anxiety.

6. Don’t be Afraid to Seek Medical Attention

We know the normal effects of smoking marijuana: red eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite and heart rate. But if you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or worse and the above tips above don’t help, you should immediately stop consuming and seek medical attention. Many music festivals have emergency personnel and volunteers who are trained to assist festival-goers for a variety of medical issues, so don’t feel bad or embarrassed to ask for help. Remember that their purpose is to keep festival attendees safe and provide emergency aid to those who need it.

Be Safe and Aware of Your Surroundings

You never know who you’re going to meet at a music festival. Don’t take cannabis or any other drugs from someone you don’t know or trust. If someone offers you a substance that you’re not sure about, just say no. Be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of those around you. If anyone is persistent in making you feel uncomfortable or is harassing you, don’t hesitate to contact security personnel.

Know Your Rights and Follow the Rules

Typically, before you enter festival grounds you have to go through security, where they check you and your possessions for weapons or drugs. Be mindful that security may be patting you down before you pass the entrance gates. If you’re caught trying to enter festival grounds with drugs, festival staff has the right to confiscate them before you enter. Yes, it’s a bummer, but it’s also a risk you take when you attempt to sneak in items that aren’t allowed.

Also, remember that cannabis may be legal in four states, but it’s still a federally regulated substance. Consumption laws vary, and it’s important to know your rights and educate yourself regarding cannabis consumption and possession laws, especially if you’re visiting from out of state.

Summer Music Festival Tips

Now that you’ve brushed up on some cannabis-specific festival advice, it doesn’t hurt to go over some general tips to make sure your summer music festival experience is fun and exciting. A good way to stay organized before you leave is to prepare a checklist and write down everything you’ll want or need to bring with you. Before you leave for the event, consult your checklist, going through each item and double-checking that you have everything packed (plus any extras just in case).

Here are some recommended items to pack in your cross-body bag or backpack.

1. Your Wristbands, Passes, or Tickets to the Festival

I know this seems obvious, but you’ll be incredibly irritated and pissed off if you end up at the festival entrance, reach into your bag, and realize that you don’t have your passes. What’s even more awkward than realizing you left behind the most important item you needed to bring is having to tell your friends back home that you missed seeing your favorite band or musician perform because you forgot your tickets in your hotel room. Seriously, this is probably the ULTIMATE music festival buzzkill. Nobody wants to miss an event they’ve planned months in advance for and just dished out hundreds of dollars to attend for an easily avoidable reason.

2. Reusable Water Bottle

Bottled water can cost a pretty penny at festivals, so keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times and refill it as often as possible. The sun will be blazing and one of the last thing you’ll want to do is pass out in front of an enormous crowd of strangers because you’re severely dehydrated. Trust me, waking up in a grassy field feeling disoriented while a bunch of unfamiliar faces stare down at you can be super awkward and traumatic.

3. Money and Identification

Please don’t forget to bring your money and ID. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but you wouldn’t believe how many people wind up forgetting to bring cash and ID. If you want to bring a credit card instead, consider a secure option like Apple Pay, where you can digitally store your banking cards in your smartphone (we all know how much of a hassle it is to call and cancel a credit card once you’ve realized you misplaced yours or it got stolen).

4. Hats, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen

Check yourself before you wreck yourself, because excessive sunlight can be bad for your health. I can’t stress enough the importance of wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during the hot summer months. Sunburn is not only painful, but excessive sun exposure can lead to health problems down the line. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime, so that summer tan may look good now, but your dried, wrinkled skin and melanoma a few years down the road aren’t a good look long-term.

Make sure to pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply the sunscreen throughout the day and be sure you protect your eyes from the beaming sun with your Leafly shades.

5. Hand Sanitizer and Tissues

Let’s be blunt here, Honey Bucket, porta-potties are disgusting. If you’ve ever had to use one, which I’m sure you have, you know how dirty and nasty they are. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer and tissues for yourself and your friends, as they’ll definitely come in handy on a hot, festival day.

6. Portable Cell Phone Charger

Let’s keep it real — you’re going to want to capture tons of moments during the festival of you and your friends having the time of your lives. By the time you get the perfect shot of everyone, and just as you’re about to upload the photo to Instagram, a notification pops up on your screen alerting you that your phone’s battery is slowly approaching death. What’s worse is that the festival’s headliners haven’t hit the stage yet and you’re already in the red.

Charge your cell phone the night before so you know it will be completely charged when you leave to go to the festival. Since music festivals are usually all-day events, make sure you invest in a portable charger (Amazon has a variety of affordable options to choose from) that you can toss in your bag and keep with you at all times. When your phone starts running low on battery life, grab your portable charger, plug it in, and you’re good to go. No longer will you have to worry about your phone giving up on you mid-Snapchat story or while you’re trying to find your friend among the massive crowd.

7. Comfortable Shoes

You’re going to be on your feet all day, so make sure you’re wearing shoes that won’t be a pain after several hours in them. Flip flops can break, so consider comfortable slip-ons or other alternatives that won’t feel bogged down if they get wet, muddy, or dirty.

Lastly, depending on the music festival’s location and how many people are set to attend, receiving service on your cell phone may be tricky. With so many people trying to use their cell phones to upload videos and images to social media, it can become extremely difficult to reach out and communicate with your squad.

If you or one of your friends get separated from the rest of the group or if service becomes terrible, you should all decide on a designated location where you all know to meet at in case of emergency or if anyone gets lost.

Which festivals or concerts are you looking forward to this summer, and what are your festival survival tips? Share in the comments!

Sipp Industries Announces Launch of Branded Hemp and CBD Products for the Equine Industry

COSTA MESA, CA–(Marketwired – Jun 23, 2016) – Sipp Industries, Inc. (OTC: SIPC), a diversified conglomerate corporation specializing in technology, manufacturing and distribution of commercial and consumer products announces the launch of its uniquely branded hemp and CBD (cannabidiol) products specifically developed for the equine industry. These products are slated to be available by mid to […]

Outdoor Cannabis Grows 101: Everything You Need to Start Growing Outside

Growing your own cannabis can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, frustrating, and expensive. For the first-time grower with limited resources, an indoor grow can prove too costly to be an option. The good news is that a small outdoor garden can yield plenty of quality cannabis without a large monetary investment. If you have access to a sunny spot in a private yard or even on a balcony, terrace, or rooftop, you can successfully grow cannabis. Our guide to outdoor growing will go over the different factors you need to consider in order to set up your first outdoor grow.

Step 1: Consider the Climate

It’s crucial to have a good understanding of the climate in the area where you live. Cannabis is highly adaptable to various conditions, but is still susceptible to extreme weather. Sustained temperatures above 86°F will cause your plants to stop growing, while temperatures below 55°F can also cause damage and stunting, even death. Heavy rains and high winds can cause physical damage to plants and reduce yields, and excessive moisture can lead to mold and powdery mildew, especially during flowering.

In addition to weather patterns, you need to understand how the length of day changes seasonally in your area. For example, at 32° N latitude (San Diego), you will experience just over 14 hours of daylight on the summer solstice (the longest day of the year), while at 47° N (Seattle) you will have about 16 hours of daylight on the same day.

One useful resource is Sunset Magazine’s climate zone map, which takes multiple factors like elevation and proximity to large bodies of water into consideration, unlike the USDA hardiness zone maps. It’s also a good idea to utilize local resources, as experienced gardeners in your area will have a wealth of knowledge about growing flowers and vegetables that can be applied to growing cannabis. If you have some experience gardening and growing veggies, you might also find that growing cannabis outdoors is a fairly easy endeavor.

Step 2: Pick a Location

Choosing the location for your outdoor garden will be the most important decision you make, especially if you’re planting in the ground or in large, immobile containers (some plants grow outdoors in containers that can be moved around depending on the weather and location of the sun). Your cannabis plants should receive at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally during midday when the quality of light is the best.

If you live in an area where sustained daytime temperatures are above 86°F, you might want to choose a spot that gets direct sun early in the day and filtered sun during the hottest parts of the day. An area that gets a constant breeze is also a good choice in hot climates, although this will increase water consumption. On the other hand, if you live in an area that sees a lot of high winds, you should consider planting near a windbreak of some sort, like a wall, fence, or large shrubbery. Those who live in cooler climates can benefit from planting near a feature that retains heat, like a south-facing brick wall or fence, while those in hot areas will definitely want to avoid these spots.

Finally, you will want to consider privacy and security. Most people will want to conceal their gardens from judgmental neighbors and potential thieves. Tall fences and large shrubs or trees are your best bet, unless you happen to live in a secluded area. Some folks plant in containers on balconies or rooftops that are shielded from view, while some build heavy-gauge wire cages to keep thieves and animals at bay. Whatever you decide to do, remember that outdoor cannabis plants can grow to 15 feet tall or more, so plan accordingly.

Step 3: Acquire Some Soil

Soil is made up of three basic components in various ratios:

  • Clay
  • Sand
  • Silt

Cannabis plants need well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich with organic matter in order to thrive. If you decide to plant directly in the ground, you’ll need to understand your soil composition and amend it accordingly.

Heavy clay soils drain slowly and don’t hold oxygen well, so they will need to be heavily amended. At least a month before you plant, dig large holes where you’ll be placing your cannabis plants and mix in large amounts of compost, manure, worm castings, or other decomposed organic matter. This will provide aeration and drainage as well as nutrients for the plants.

Sandy soil is easy to work, drains very well, and warms quickly, but doesn’t hold nutrients well, especially in rainy environments. Again, you will want to dig large holes for your plants and add things like compost, peat moss, and coco coir, which will help bind the soil together, providing food and air circulation. In hot climates, sandy soil should be mulched to help with water retention and to keep roots from getting too hot.

Silty soil is the ideal growing medium. It’s easy to work, warms quickly, holds moisture while also having good drainage, and contains a lot of nutrients. The best silty loam is found in prehistoric riverbeds and lake bottoms. This dark, crumbly soil is the most fertile, and will likely need little or no amendment.

If you really want to ensure good results and minimize headaches, having your soil tested is easy and relatively inexpensive. A soil testing service will tell you the makeup and pH of your soil, notify you of any contaminants, and also recommend amending materials and fertilizers.

Step 4: Get Some Fertilizer

Cannabis plants require a large amount of food over their lifecycle, mainly in the form of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and how you choose to feed them will depend on your methods and soil composition.

Commercial fertilizers aimed at home gardeners can be used if you have a good understanding of how they work and what your plants need, but should generally be avoided by less experienced growers (particularly long-release granular fertilizer like Miracle Gro). You can purchase nutrient solutions designed specifically for cannabis from your local grow shop, but these are often expensive and can damage soil bacteria as they are generally composed of synthetic mineral salts and intended for indoor, soil-less growing.

Many long-time outdoor growers are dedicated to organic methods of fertilization because it takes full advantage of the microbial life in the soil and minimizes harmful runoff. There are many different natural and organic fertilizers available at your local home and garden store like blood meal, bone meal, fish meal, bat guano, and kelp meal. Educating yourself about what they are and how they work will be extremely useful.

Concentrate on the products that are least expensive and most readily available. Some of these materials release their nutrients quickly and are easily used by the plant, while others take months or years to release food that is useable. If done correctly, you can mix in a few of these products with your soil amendments to provide enough nutrition for the entire life of your plants. Again, having your soil tested can provide very useful information on the types and amounts of fertilizer you should use. If you are unsure how much to use, be conservative; you can always top dress your plants if they start to show deficiencies.

Another method of fertilization being used more and more often these days is organic pre-fertilized soil, aka “super-soil,” which can be homemade or store-bought. Either way, it is more expensive than simply amending the soil in your garden, but it requires almost no thought, as all the required nutrients are already there. Simply dig large holes for your plants, fill them halfway with super-soil, and top with potting soil.

Step 5: Give Your Plants Water

While outdoor cannabis gardens have the benefits of rain and groundwater not found indoors, you will most likely need to water your plants frequently, especially in the hotter summer months. Large cannabis plants can use up to 10 gallons of water every day in warm weather. Growers who live in hot, arid places will often dig down and place clay soil or rocks below their planting holes to slow drainage, or plant in shallow depressions that act to funnel runoff towards the plants. Adding water-absorbing polymer crystals to the soil is another good way to improve water retention.

If you live in a particularly rainy climate, you may need to take steps to improve drainage around your garden, as cannabis roots are very susceptible to fungal diseases when they are in waterlogged conditions. These techniques include:

  • Planting in raised beds or mounds
  • Digging ditches that direct water away from the garden
  • Adding things like gravel, clay pebbles, and perlite to the soil

If you’re using tap or well water, it’s a good idea to test it first. Water may contain high levels of dissolved minerals that can build up in the soil and affect the pH level, or it might have high levels of chlorine which can kill beneficial soil life. Many people filter their water for this reason.

Container gardens dry out much quicker than those planted in the ground, and will often need to be watered every day. Plants grown in hot and/or windy conditions will need to be watered more frequently as well; high temperatures and winds force the plant to transpire at a greater rate. Remember that over-watering is the most common mistake made by rookie growers. The rule of thumb is to water deeply, then wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before watering again. An inexpensive soil moisture meter is a good tool for the beginner to have.

Step 6. Choose Your Container Gardens

Container gardens are often a good choice for people who don’t have the ideal spot to grow or have really terrible soil conditions. There are numerous benefits to growing outdoors in containers, but there are drawbacks as well. If you’re unable to perform the heavy labor involved with digging holes and amending soil, containers can be the only way for you to grow your own cannabis.

If you don’t have a suitable patch of earth to make a garden, containers can be placed on decks, patios, or rooftops, and moved around during the day to take advantage of as much sun as possible or to shield the plants from excessive heat or wind. Additionally, you may use regular cannabis nutrients designed for indoor grows, taking much of the guesswork out of fertilizing your plants.

These benefits lead many first-timers to use containers for their initial outdoor grow. However, plants grown in pots, buckets, or barrels will likely be much smaller than those planted in the ground because their root growth is restricted to the size of the container. In a broad sense, the size of the pot will determine the size of the plant, although it’s possible to grow large plants in small containers if proper technique is used.

In general, five gallons is the smallest size you would want to use, and 10 gallons or larger is recommended for hearty plants. Regardless of the size, you will want to protect the roots of your plants from overheating during warm weather, as pots of soil can rapidly reach 90°F or more on a hot day. This will severely limit your plants’ growth, so be sure to shade your containers from direct sunlight. And finally, you will need to water your container garden much more frequently, even every day during the summer. Water your plants deeply in the morning so they have an adequate supply throughout the day.

Step 7: Protect Your Plants

Without the ability to control the environment as you would indoors, outdoor cannabis growers have had to figure out how to protect their plants from storms and other weather events that could damage or even kill them.

Temperature Changes

Temperatures below 40°F can quickly damage most varieties of cannabis, so if you live in a climate where late spring or early fall frosts are a common occurrence, using cloches, hot caps, cold frames, or other protective enclosures will likely be necessary.

Wind Conditions

High winds can break branches, damage trichomes, and stress your plants, leaving them vulnerable to pests and disease. If your garden is located in a particularly windy spot, or you’re expecting a particularly heavy blow, erecting some sort of windbreak is highly recommended. This can be as easy as attaching perforated plastic sheeting to garden stakes around your plants.

Rain

While helpful for watering your garden, rain is generally seen as a nuisance by cannabis growers as it can severely damage your crop and cause mold and mildew issues, especially when plants are flowering. If summer and early fall rains are likely in your area, it’s wise to choose a variety that has a natural resistance to mold. Make sure to fully support your plants with cages or stakes because rainwater will collect on leaves and buds, weighing your plants down and breaking branches. Otherwise, you can use plastic sheeting and stakes to build temporary shelters over your plants when you know rain is on the way.

Pests

Protecting your cannabis garden from pests can be challenging. Animal pests like deer and rabbits are dealt with easily enough: fences and cages will keep them at bay. When is comes to the vast array of crawling and flying insects that can attack your plants, things get a little more difficult. The best protection is to simply keep your plants healthy; most vigorous cannabis plants have a natural resistance to pests that makes minor infestations easy to deal with. It’s also a good idea to keep your plants separated from other flowers, vegetables, and ornamentals as pests from these can easily spread.

Examine your cannabis plants daily for signs of pests. An infestation is far easier to deal with if you catch it early. Washing plants with a mild solution of soap and water can stop a minor infestation in its tracks. In the event that doesn’t work, there are many organic insecticides designed for use on cannabis, often derived from neem or other natural botanical extracts. These are quite effective when used correctly.

Step 8: Decide on Genetics

The success of your outdoor cannabis grow will depend heavily on choosing the right variety for your climate and location. If you live in an area with a history of cannabis growing, chances are good that there are many strains that have been proven successful there, or were even bred specifically for your climate.

Mismatched Climates

Some strains simply don’t produce well in unfamiliar climates, the prime example being tropical sativa varieties. Cannabis plants start flowering when days start to get shorter; these tropical plants are acclimated to areas closer to the equator where the length of day doesn’t vary as much. When you attempt to grow them in northern latitudes, they begin flowering much too late to take advantage of the late-summer sun. These strains can also take 50-100% longer to finish flowering, meaning they sometimes don’t finish until December. If you live in southern California, you may grow these varieties without any problems; in Seattle or Vancouver, B.C. they just won’t produce before being killed by lack of light, heavy rain and cold weather.

Seeds vs. Clones

While most indoor growers grow from clones (rooted cuttings that will be genetically identical to the plant they were taken from), outdoor growers often prefer to grow from seed. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks.

Cloning requires a “mother plant,” which is a plant kept under 16-24 hours of light per day to prevent it from flowering. Alternately, you may purchase clones from a local dispensary. The benefit to this route is that “mother plants” are generally proven to produce quality bud, and all clones will be female plants that exhibit the same characteristics. These clones will need to be rooted indoors, and then hardened off much like you would a seedling that was started indoors.

One drawback is that clones tend to be less vigorous than seeds, meaning plants are smaller and yield less, although you can still produce large plants by growing clones indoors in late winter and early spring to get a head start on the growing season. Also, cloned plants don’t develop a taproot, the thick central root that penetrates deep into the ground to stabilize the plant and take up ground water, so they’re more susceptible to high winds and drought.

Plants grown from seed are generally more hearty as young plants when compared to clones. Cannabis seedlings are tolerant of low temperatures and wet conditions, meaning you can plant seeds directly into the garden in early spring, even in cooler, wetter climates. If you choose to start them indoors, though, they will still need to be hardened off before transplanting.

The main drawback to growing from seed is that there is no guarantee as to what you will end up with. Each cannabis seed is unique and will produce a different plant, so unless you choose an inbred seed line, you can’t really be sure what the final product will be like. Also, regular cannabis seeds produce both males and females, so you will have to sex your plants when they reach sexual maturity and cull any males. For this reason, many people choose feminized seeds.

Autoflowering seeds are another popular choice for outdoor growing, as they start blooming as soon as they reach maturity regardless of the length of day. Many gardeners in temperate climates will get two crops every year using autoflowering seeds, one planted late winter or early spring and another planted early summer.

Hopefully you now have enough knowledge to successfully start your own outdoor cannabis garden. Cultivating and growing plants should be an enjoyable and rewarding pastime, so remember, spend lots of time with your plants, and have fun!

Naturally Splendid Secures Additional $1,450,000 Purchase Order for Export

Naturally Splendid (TSXV:NSP) announce that it has received additional purchase orders for $1,450,000 CDN from the Korea Beauty & Health Care Co., Ltd. who are based in South Korea. The Company is pleased to report that with this most recent purchase order, the total value of export purchase orders to date in 2016 exceed $5,700,000 CDN. As […]

Naturally Splendid (V.NSP): The wild success you may never heard of…

In a recent article Naturally Splendid (TSXV:NSP) CEO and Director Craig Goodwin highlighted how the company is building a portfolio of high quality hemp and plant-based products. As quoted in the article: Naturally Splendid has a solid business strategy. We strive to be cash flow positive with our conventional line of natural products through exporting and our […]

Tinley Announces Board and Management Changes

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – June 16, 2016) – The Tinley Beverage Company Inc. (OTC PINK:QRSRF)(CSE:TNY) (the “Company” or “Tinley“) is pleased to announce that Jeff Pencer has joined the Company’s newly-formed Advisory Board. Jeff was previously head of product development and operations. With the company’s significant ramp up of activity in California, the company is building […]

The Definitive Cannabis Travel Guide to Los Angeles

Welcome to Leafly’s travel series, our definitive 24-hour cannabis-infused guides to the best cities in the world.

When most people think of Los Angeles, a few images come to mind: the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, Malibu beaches, and TCL Chinese Theater usually among them. The other major thing L.A. is known for? A high (sorry, I couldn’t resist) concentration of medical cannabis dispensaries. You can scarcely make it a few blocks without seeing the iconic green cross indicating yet another dispensary location. To make it even more of a cannabis-friendly playground, there are glass shops everywhere, so you never have to go far to find a pipe, rig, or rolling papers and hemp wicks. If all that isn’t enough to convince you, come for the weather – Downtown L.A. had a whopping 292 days of sunshine in 2015.

Los Angeles Vitals

Cannabis legality: Medical only (doctor recommendation + valid state ID required to enter dispensaries)

Nicknames: L.A., City of Angels, LaLaLand, Hollywood

Population: 9,818,605

Pop culture claims to fame: The Big Lebowski, Pretty Woman, The Muppet Movie, and The Fast and The Furious, just to name a few. Los Angeles is the epicenter of the film industry.

Dispensaries on Leafly: 60

For the record: It is illegal to consume cannabis in public, but it’s not strictly enforced. Be smart, and when in doubt, use a vape pen.

Day One

At 4:20 p.m., you’re: Checking into The Magic Castle Hotel, perhaps the most enchanting accommodation in L.A.

Photo credit: Cavalier92

This is a neat hotel in its own right, but it’s also a means to access the incredible members-only club next door. More on that later (but go ahead and start getting excited now).

Head’s up: Lyft and Uber are the best ways to get around Los Angeles – public transportation is terrible.

At 5:20 p.m., you’re: Taking advantage of the 10% off happy hour special (Monday through Friday, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.) at La Brea Compassionate Caregivers, a cute little dispensary in Hollywood that offers a great selection of high-quality flower, plus a friendly, knowledgeable staff who remember the names of all their regulars.

You’re buying a gram of Blue Dream and an awesome new pipe to put it in, plus a pre-roll or two for convenient toking on the go.

Word to the wise: At the dimly lit ristorante you’re headed to next, no one will notice if your eyes are a bit red, so snag a hit or two of that Blue Dream from your new pipe before you arrive.

At 6:00 p.m., you’re: Walking into Miceli’s, Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant, which has been owned and operated by the Miceli family since 1949.

Photo credit: Miceli’s

Here, the wait staff will serenade you with Italian arias and far more in between classic courses like prosciutto with melon, chicken marsala, shrimp and scallop cacciatore, and cannelloni (don’t forget a glass of Chianti). You’ll likely be fine without reservations, but feel free to call ahead if you like (get in touch with the Las Palmas Avenue location). While you’re here, don’t miss checking out the famous piano bar, and be sure to tip the pianist when he plays your requests.

What you’re skipping: Madame Tussauds wax museum. It’s overpriced (do you really want to spend $20 apiece to see creepy wax figures?), plus you’d be fighting mobs of people trying to get selfies. If you’re itching to see a celebrity, you’re just as likely to spot one at Miceli’s.

At 7:30 p.m., you’re: Seated and waiting for the lights to dim to kick off the feature presentation at the El Capitan Theatre, a short walk down Hollywood Boulevard.

Photo credit: Loren Javier

The state-of-the-art theater seats 1,000, boasts pristine acoustics for a truly sensational experience, and screens recent and throwback Disney movies alike. In short, it’s made for people who have just come from the dispensary.

Fun fact: ¡Feliz cumpleaños, El Capitan! The landmark celebrates its 90th birthday this year.

At 9:45 p.m., you’re: Walking 10 minutes back up Hollywood Boulevard to iO West, a comedy club where some of the brightest up-and-coming improv performers put on an amazing array of shows every night of the week.

Photo credit: Ryan Coil

Shoot for the 10:00 p.m. showing (you can check out upcoming themes here).

At 11:15 p.m., you’re: Realizing that you just time-warped back to four decades ago.

Photo credit: Luke Gibson

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a straight-out-of-the-70s living room of a bar, complete with exactly the sort of psychedelic color scheme, radical rock walls, far-out wallpaper, righteous back patio, retro drinks, and groovy clientele you’d expect of the most canna-tastic decade of them all. Among the menu items: Choco Tacos and cocktails with names like “Some People Call Me Maurice.” There’s a reason Davey Wayne’s lands on virtually every “best bars in LA” list – any place you have to enter through a refrigerator door is straight-up awesome. Don’t miss it.

Head’s up: On weekend nights, this place is likely to be busy. If you have to wait to get in, take advantage of the free time and step into the alley around the corner to smoke your pre-roll – you’ll want to be high for time-travel this trippy.

At 12:45 a.m., you’re: Hopping in a cab and heading to Wi Spa, a 24-hour family-friendly Korean spa in Koreatown.

Wi Spa has gender-segregated floors where guests must disrobe entirely (yes, I mean get naked) and shower before soaking in one of the warm, hot, or cold tubs, or using the dry or steam saunas. There is also a mixed-gender floor (don’t worry, they give you shorts and a t-shirt to wear) called the Jimjilbang, where you’ll find five dry saunas at different temperatures (including an ice sauna). The co-ed floor has a restaurant, children’s area, and free WiFi, and is the best possible spot to relax after a long day. By the time you grab a ride share home, you’re going to be completely and entirely ready to face-flop into bed.

Day Two

At 10:15 a.m., you’re: Starving, so you head to The Ivy to brunch with the best of Beverly Hills.

Photo credit: The Ivy

This lionized establishment is as gorgeous as it is spendy. Menu items like fig, apricot, and pecan brioche French toast (adorned with Italian ricotta di bufala cheese) will set you back a hefty $25 – but what better time to splurge? After all, it is fig, apricot, and pecan brioche French toast we’re talking about here. Reservations are a good idea; make them on OpenTable.

Don’t want to splurge? If you’re here on a Sunday, the Mud Hen Tavern is a neighborhood fave that rocks a classic L.A. cool-casual vibe, and a Sunday brunch menu with mouthwatering options like lemon poppy seed waffles (with raspberries and coconut syrup) and chile relleno breakfast burritos.

At 11:45 a.m., you’re: Back at your hotel and finally ready to investigate it in full (request a late check-out so you don’t have to deal with your bags as you explore). The Magic Castle serves as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the practice of magic. Real talk – this is one of the coolest spots in the city. There are several bars, four theaters with multiple performances every evening, and maybe a ghost. Throughout the castle are an eclectic mix of magical artifacts from famous magicians including Houdini’s cuffs, which you’ll find in the Houdini Séance room.

Photo credit: Victor Lee

Word to the wise: There are no photos inside the castle, only out front (there’s a branded step-and-repeat) and in the lobby. You enter the Castle through a secret passageway behind a bookcase in the lobby that opens when you say, “Open Sesame.” No, I’m not kidding. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.

At 1:30 p.m., you’re: Stopping at Woodland Hills Treatment Center (WHTC) in Studio City for supplies before heading to Universal Studios.

The dispensary has white columns and iron fences, and looks more like someone’s house than a dispensary. You walk into the waiting area and before long you’re ushered into the gigantic main floor of WHTC. Three flat-screen TVs list the menu offerings and there are beautiful glass cases displaying the location’s high-quality products.

What you’re leaving with: Make sure you pick up some Lord Jones Sea Salt Caramels, a mouthwatering hand-crafted confection manufactured locally. Also check out the dispensary’s selection of sexual wellness products: it carries both Foria Pleasure and Foria Relief, which you can’t get outside of California and Colorado.

At 2:15 p.m., you’re: Chewing on your recently acquired caramels as you enter Universal Studios (since there are lots of kids running around, edibles are your best options, plus the lengthy high will sustain you throughout the afternoon). Universal Studios boasts experiential rides and attractions that will delight your inner child, most exhilarating of which is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Photo credit: Ana Paula Hirama

You enter through Hogsmeade, passing The Hogwarts Express, The Three Broomsticks, and even a frog choir. Pick up a wand at Ollivander’s (you can choose from interactive and plain wands) and grab a frozen Butterbeer. Make your way to the Hogwarts Castle to experience the Forbidden Journey ride. Waiting in line is a joy as you weave through the castle past the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and even Dumbledore’s study. Holograms of Harry, Ron, and Hermione guide you and portraits have conversations above your head.

Word to the wise: The ride itself is intense, awesome, and not for those prone to motion sickness. If you’re looking for something more adult-oriented, The Walking Dead Attraction opens in July, or check out the areas devoted to The Mummy or Jurassic Park.

At 4:20 p.m., you’re: Headed back down the 101 (why do locals always prefix freeways with “the”? Local channel KCET has the answer), admiring the gorgeous homes that speckle the mountains of the Hollywood Hills.

Photo credit: Looking for Janis

You’re on your way to your last stop at Barney’s Beanery, a laid-back Route 66 spot with food, beer, pinball machines, and pool tables surrounded by brightly colored booths. You might recognize the decor from the 1991 film The Doors (which is appropriate because Jim Morrison is reputed to have spent a great deal of time here). Barney’s classic all-beef chili has been on the menu since 1920, and you can enjoy each delectable bite as you ponder which of the booths Quentin Tarantino was sitting in when he wrote some of his screenplays.

Fun fact: The West Hollywood location in particular has hosted lots of celebrities over its nine decades of business, including Janis Joplin, whose favorite booth was #34.

19 Canadian Marijuana Stocks

Things could be looking up for the cannabis space, and for Canadian marijuana stocks in particular.

At this year’s United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS 2016), Canadian health minister Jane Philpott announced that the Liberal government intends to introduce legislation to legalize marijuana in spring of 2017. The move gets Canada one step closer to legalizing cannabis for recreational use, a subject that is no doubt top of mind for investors in Canadian marijuana stocks.

A number of states and provinces in Canada and the US are in various phases of legalization for both medical and recreational marijuana use, making the market confusing for new investors. What’s more, the pot bubble of 2014 serves as a good reminder for investors to do careful due diligence on any potential cannabis investment. Still, there are good opportunities out there for interested investors willing to do their research.

With that in mind, here’s a look at a few publicly traded Canadian marijuana stocks. The list includes cannabis and hemp focused stocks listed on Canadian exchanges.

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Canopy Growth (TSXV:CGC)

One of the larger Canadian marijuana stocks, Canopy holds producers Tweed and Bedrocan under its umbrella. Tweed’s production facility is located in the old Hershey factory in Smith Falls, Ontario.

Near the end of May, Bedrocan stated that it would begin offering same-day delivery services in Toronto. Canopy Growth also announced it would be expanding into Australia as well through a partnership with AusCann Group Holdings.

At the start of June, Canopy announced it had received conditional approval to list on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Mettrum (TSXV:MT)

One of the first medical cannabis producers in Canada to be licensed under MMPR, Mettrum Health is a vertically integrated provider of cannabis products. It operates three facilities in Ontario with an annual production capacity of 12,000 kilograms. Mettrum offers a range of products in both whole-bud and extract forms.

On May 9, the company received an amendment to its license allowing it to both produce and sell medical cannabis and extracts.

OrganiGram (TSXV:OGI)

As its name suggests, OrganiGram specializes in producing organically grown medical marijuana. The company is licensed under MMPR, and has a production facility located in Moncton, New Brunswick. On June 2, Organigram closed a $10 million bought deal financing and announced the appointment of Peter Amirault to the company’s board of directors.

Aphria (TSXV:APH)

Also licensed under MMPR, Aphria is located in Learnington Ontario, at “Canada’s southernmost point.” The company announced on June 2 that it expects to more than double its growing capacity—the company’s board recently approved a $10 million project increasing its greenhouse square footage from 43,000 to 100,000 square feet.

Aurora Cannabis (CSE:ACB)

Aurora’s production facilities are located in Mountain View County, Alberta, near the Rocky Mountains. The company aims to “produce the cleanest, safest medical cannabis available on the market,” and all of its strains are currently offered at $8 per gram.

On June 8, Aurora acquired CanvasRx, the largest medical cannabis patient outreach service in Canada. It also announced a best efforts private placement for gross proceeds of approximately $15 million. 

Naturally Splendid (TSXV:NSP,OTCMKTS:NSPDF)

Naturally Splendid has a slightly different focus—rather than being involved in the medical marijuana space, the company offers investors exposure to the hemp-based healthy foods and omega markets. It is the only publicly traded company in the world offering investors exposure in this area.

After securing a nearly $1 million purchase order for hemp food products for Korea Beauty & Health Care back in February, Naturally Splendid reported in May that purchase orders from the country had risen to C$3 million in value. The company is planning to move to larger production facilities (12,000 square feet vs. 6,700 square feet) in response to increased sales opportunities. The move is expected to be complete by July 1 2016.

Naturally Splendid also has a sister company listed on the OTC, Laguna Blends (OTCMKTS:LAGBF), which is focused on the nutritional health benefits of hemp.

Beleave (CSE:BE)

Beleave is still in the review stage for its license to produce cannabis under Canada’s Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR). However, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in March with Ryerson University relating to drug standardization research in March, and also entered a letter of intent (LOI) in April with gDial for the research, development, and licensing of a proprietary drug dosing, detection, and usage-tracking technology.

Beleave has also been endorsed by the City of Hamilton Planning and Economic Development Department.

Golden Leaf Holdings (CSE:GLH)

Listed in Canada but located in Oregon, Golden Leaf Holdings is focused on producing high quality cannabis oils. On May 26, the company announced a new Golden Private Stash product line, a premium solvent-free cannabis oil produced in small batches.

Vodis Pharmacueticals (CSE:VP)

Vodis has medical and recreational marijuana business operations in both Canada and the United States. The company reported successful production cycles for recreational marijuana at its Washington Facilities on April 4, and appointed Sean Côté as the company’s new CEO on May 11.

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THC Biomed (CSE:THC)

Located in Kelowna BC, THC BioMed has been granted permission to conduct research and development for scientific purposes with medicinal marijuana. The company provides scientific and biotechnical services to current and potential licensed producers under MMPR.

On May 26, Health Canada granted TCH BioMed a license to produce fresh marijuana, cannabis oil and cannabis resin.

PharmaCan (TSXV:MJN)

PharmaCan is a merchant bank focused on investing in the Canadian marijuana industry. It also supports the companies in which it invests through management consultation.

Examples of comapnies in which PharmaCan currently holds an interest include In The Zone (100 percent), Whistler Medical Marijuana Company (21.5 percent) and the Peace Naturals Project (27.3 percent).

Calyx Bio-Ventures (TSXV:CYX)

Calyx is an agri-tech company which owns a portfolio of proprietary intellectual property with applications in crop enhancement, as well as a software platform tailored to the advanced indoor agriculture sector.

The company reported in September 2015 that its software subsidiary, Cannigistics Agri-Solutions, had signed two software licensing agreements in just over a week. There has been no news from the company so far in 2016.

Abattis Bioceuticals (CSE:ATT)

Abattis Bioceuticals is a vertically integrated biotechnology company focused on natural health products including cannabis. The company develops natural health products and conducts research and development for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, bioceutical and cosmetic markets.

On May 11, Abattis announced it had selected Ingredient Identity as its regulatory management partner. “Abattis’ and its subsidiary companies presented us with one of the most fun and unique opportunities to date in the history of our firm,” said Brandon Griffin, CEO of Ingredient Identity, in a statement. “We created an incredibly comprehensive solution to work closely with the Abattis team now and seamlessly as it grows.”

Emerald Health Botanicals (TSXV:EMH)

Emerald Health Botanicals, previously Emerald Health therapeutics, is a licensed medical marijuana producer under MMPR. Also, as a federal research grant recipient, the company conducts research and development into the characterization of cannabis strains and cultivation technologies. It also collaborates with academic and medical research to help gain further understanding of the effect of cannabis on humans.

Emerald Health announced in November 2015 that it had received a supplemental license from Health Canada to begin producing cannabis oils and capsules. More recently, the company completed a shares for debt transaction at the start of May.

Tinley Beverage (CSE:TNY)

Tinley Beverage is the producer of Hemplify, a drinkable vitality supplement containing hemp extract made from the stalk of industrial hemp. The vegan, sugar free drink is a source of electrolytes, vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids.

The company reported receiving its first orders for Hemplify products on March 10. The company’s first commercial bottling run for Hemplify is scheduled for mid June.

Cannabix (CSE:BLO)

On the technology side of things, Cannabix technologies is developing a breathalyzer that detects THC for use by law enforcement. The company’s marijuana breathalyzer is currently under development in partnership with University of Florida chemists. The company’s researchers have confirmed the ability to specifically detect THC at standard temperature and pressure, and have isolated THC and THC-related by-products in controlled simulated breath samples.

On May 11, Cannabix added Dr. Marilyn Huestis to its advisory board, one of the world’s foremost experts on the effects of marijuana use on driving impairment.

Puf Ventures (CSE:PUF)

Puf Ventures has a diversified portfolio of assets in the Canadian marijuana sector. It owns a passive, non-controlling interest in AAA Heidelberg, which is focused on using all-natural nutrients to grow healthy, pest free plants. AAA Heidelberg has had an MMPR application pending with Health Canada since 2013.

Other ventures the company has invested in include 1313 Cigs, VapeTronix, and Weed Beacon.

True Leaf (CSE:MJ)

Canada-based True Leaf is focused on the production of hemp-based functional dog chews. This year, the company has made waves with its product in the US, passing a 6,000 store milestone in April. On May 17, the company announced that it would soon offer True Hemp pet treats for sale in Europe as well.

Maple Leaf Green World (TSXV:MGW)

Maple Leaf Green World is involved in a number of different projects around the globe. In Canada, the company is seeking MMPR licensed producer status, while in California, the company is joint-ventured with a non-profit collective to set up a growing facility. The company is also involved in an eco-agriculture venture in China, focused on growing value-added tree seedlings.

The most recent news from the company came on April 20th, when it announced $485,000 in subscriptions for private placements.

Any Canadian marijuana stocks we missed? Let us know in the comments. And don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!

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Securities Disclosure: I, Teresa Matich, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include Puf Ventures, True Leaf and Maple Leaf Green World.

The post 19 Canadian Marijuana Stocks appeared first on Investing News Network.

The Value of Community in the Legalization Movement

The 2016 NORML Aspen Legal Seminar

I just returned a few days ago from a lovely long weekend in beautiful Aspen, CO, a charming old silver-mining town in the Rocky Mountains with breath-taking views, that serves as a popular playground for skiers in the winter and biking and hiking enthusiasts in the other seasons. And it is the location of an annual NORML legal seminar held each year in early June.

The Seminar Itself

First, for those attorneys who attend this event, it is a truly unique opportunity to hear from some of the most brilliant and creative criminal defense and marijuana business attorneys in the country.

This year the attendees heard San Antonio’s Gerry Goldstein present his annual review of the many 4th Amendment decisions handed down by the Supreme Court, and the federal appellate courts, each year. Few lawyers in America are more familiar with the legal intricacies of search and seizure law, or can present the information in such an entertaining manner. And NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, who lectured on the science legalization advocates need to know to counter the frequent claim that “we just don’t know enough about marijuana,” citing more than 23,000 marijuana studies available on Pub Med.

Former ACLU lawyer Adam Wolfe from San Francisco discussed the several legal challenges to the CO legalization law; while Mary Chartier and Natalie Alane from Lansing, MI, lectured on the impact of marijuana use on child welfare and custody cases.

This year we heard from a range of impressive new speakers as well, including Carl Hart, Ph.D, from Columbia University, talking about ways that marijuana legalization can significantly reduce racism in the criminal justice system; and Emily Gant, from Seattle, whose lecture “Marijuana Business 101,” analyzed the basic business issues with which any attorney needs to be familiar, if they intend to represent some of the newly legal marijuana businesses arising either in the medical use states or the full legalization states.

And certainly one of the more inspiring lectures was given by former US Attorney for the state of Kansas (he had retired just three weeks earlier), Barry Grissom, entitled “Why Marijuana Legalization Makes Sense from the Perspective of a US Attorney”, in which he compared the record of the Obama administration with that of three prior administrations. Grissom stressed the several significant steps taken by President Barack Obama and his Department of Justice to reduce the length of non-violent drug sentences and the number of non-violent drug offenders serving time in federal prisons; and the administration’s willingness to stand-back and permit the several states to fully implement their various marijuana laws, free from federal government interference. It reminded us that not all prosecutors are mean-spirited, and some of them are seeking justice, just like most defense attorneys.

And we heard from Law Professor Sam Kamin, who holds the Vicente Sederberg Professor of Marijuana Law and Policy position at Denver Law School, discussing ways to overcome the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws; Lisa Padilla from New York discussing estate planning techniques for cannabis business owners; Mary Conn from Houston, TX discussing the damage to society of criminalizing mental illness, drug addiction and homelessness; Danica Noble of Seattle discussing the unfair business practices and consumer protection issues emerging in the newly legal marijuana markets; and Portland, OR attorney Courtney Moran discussing the law and history of industrial hemp.

Those who might enjoy listening to these lectures, you can find those audio files online, thanks to Cannabis Radio personality “Radical” Russ Belville.

The Social Events – More Than Just Fun

The weather this year was perfect, with brilliant blue skies and temperatures in the low and mid-severties, and the opening reception on the roof of the Gant conference center; the benefit dinner at the fabulous log-cabin mansion of Christine and Gerry Goldstein, catered by Cache Cache Chef Chris Lanter; and the Saturday afternoon picnic with live music at Owl Farm, the legendary home of the late Hunter S. Thompson, were all fabulous events giving the seminar attendees and their guests special memories to last a lifetime (one attorney, as he was leaving, said to me, “I just wish I had discovered this seminar 10-years earlier!”).

In short, these various NORML events held throughout the year provide a valuable opportunity for those of us who are responsible marijuana smokers to make new friends and meet new colleagues who share our support for legalization, and to renew friendships we have made in earlier years. It is largely from this network of like-minded individuals that we draw the inspiration and emotional strength required to continue the struggle to end prohibition.

The Community of Marijuana Smokers

While it was certainly not the intention of those who initially put prohibition in place in the early 20th century, in fact prohibition forced those of us who did not accept the government’s exaggerated anti-marijuana propaganda, and who chose to find a way to obtain and smoke marijuana despite the threat of harsh criminal penalties, to build an underground community comprised of others who share our values and were also willing to assume the legal risks associated with “scoring” and using marijuana. Those same oppressive forces who dedicated their lives to arresting and jailing marijuana smokers were unwittingly establishing an underground culture that would nurture us during the most difficult years, and help us find a black-market supply of marijuana all during the decades of prohibition.

And that was no small task. Without the many daring smugglers and growers and “dealers” willing to risk long prison sentences to provide us consumers with marijuana, we would have had no marijuana to smoke; and with no marijuana to smoke, there would be no marijuana legalization movement.

We need to recognize the crucial role these brave pot pioneers have played in getting us to where we are today, and to find the political courage to demand those individuals who remain in jail be freed, and those with criminal records have their records expunged. Otherwise we find ourselves finally winning this long, terrible war against marijuana smokers, but leaving our POWs behind. That is neither a moral or ethical option.

Inspired and Re-Energized

As I left Aspen this year, and headed home to Washington, DC, I was reminded of the tremendous value these communal experiences play in our personal and professional lives. We draw critical strength and energy and inspiration, and our commitment to change is reinforced, when we spend quality time with others who share our political views and our belief in the importance of ending prohibition.

I would encourage any of you who share our values and political goals to join us at the next opportunity, to take a public stand for freedom. The 2016 NORML Key West Legal seminar on December 7, 8 and 9 would be a good place to start.

________________________________________________________________

This column firs ran in Marijuana.com.

Photo courtesy of EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Rick Steves: A Wonderfully Effective Advocate for Legalization

Travel writer and public television travel host (and NORML board member) Rick Steves is truly a breath of fresh air.

As countless American travelers know, Rick Steves is a popular, prolific, and clean-cut travel expert who hosts the popular public television series “Rick Steves Europe” as well the National Public Radio show “Travel with Rick Steves,” and he has written many guidebooks for Americans traveling in Europe. His company, Rick Steves’ Europe, also hosts hundreds of trips to Europe each year. He helps readers, viewers, and tour participants discover not only great cities but cozy villages off the usual tourist-trampled paths. He helps American travelers connect intimately with Europeans—often for a fraction of what mainstream tourists pay.

Steves says his company’s mission “is to inspire, inform, and equip Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. We value travel as a powerful way to better understand and contribute to the world in which we live. We strive to keep our own travel style, our world outlook, and our business practices consistent with these values.”

Steves, who is an active member of his Lutheran church, has a wonderfully wholesome and charming style and has developed a unique comfort level with average Americans. They like and trust him. And it comes as a surprise to many to learn that Steves has another side to him: he is also a marijuana smoker and a public advocate for legalizing the responsible use of marijuana. Because of his ability to personally connect with his audience, Steves is an especially effective NORML advocate whose public support carries great credibility.

More and more public figures are beginning to speak out, but Steves was ahead of most all of them and has insisted on making his personal views on the subject public, regardless of the audience. Steves made his first appearance as a featured speaker at a NORML conference in 2003, and has been a featured speaker at many of our conferences since. He also frequently joins us to address the annual Seattle Hempfest. He was first elected to the NORML board of directors in 2013 and he continues to serve in that capacity.

Steves has shown a willingness to articulate in public what many marijuana smokers believe but are uncomfortable saying out loud: that in the right situation, smoking cannabis can be a positive and life-enhancing experience. Not only is it not harmful behavior, when used responsibly, but it can actually improve the quality of one’s life. The mind is clearer, and one’s creative juices are enhanced by the experience of getting high. Beyond that, it can be a wonderful way to simply relax.

Steves has an effective way to explain his interest in marijuana smoking. “I’m a travel writer. For me ‘high’ is a place. Sometimes I just want to go there. And if my government says no, there better be a good reason. And there isn’t.” He finishes his talk by wishing his audience “Happy travels…even if you’re just staying home.”

Steves was an official sponsor and significant financial supporter, and toured his home state of Washington actively campaigning in support of the ballot initiative (I-502) that voters approved in 2012, and he actively supported and personally toured Oregon in support of the successful Oregon initiative (Measure 91) in 2014.

And he has announced he is making similar commitments to the legalization initiatives that will appear on the November ballot in both Maine and Massachusetts this fall. He will spend three days in both states this fall, barnstorming to build support for the measures, and he will make a significant financial contribution to the campaigns in both states.

“Just this past week Steves announced he was putting up $50,000 as a matching grant to the Maine Committee to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, to match the contributions from other supporters.

I’ve worked hard to help legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana for adult recreational use in Washington State (where I live) and in Oregon. This November, Maine voters will have the opportunity to approve a ballot initiative that will end prohibition and replace it with a sensible marijuana policy in their state too.

As a NORML Board Member, I am proud to announce that NORML is endorsing this initiative. And to demonstrate my commitment, I am going to match every donation up to $50,000, dollar-for-dollar. This October, I’ll be visiting Maine to speak about the initiative and help build support for legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana in the state.

Through my travels in Europe, I’ve learned that pragmatic harm reduction makes much more sense than legislating morality. And I believe in civil liberties. Responsible adults should be able to use marijuana, just as they can use alcohol. Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Alaska have demonstrated that it is possible to build a system of marijuana control and regulation that works.”

This isn’t about being “soft” or “hard” on drugs. This is about being smart – and controlling and regulating marijuana the right way.

Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can make history in Maine.

Best,

Rick Steves

Guidebook Author and Travel TV Host

NORML Board Member”

In a press release issued by the Maine campaign, they thanked NORML for endorsing the initiative and expressed their appreciation of Rick Steves’ generosity. “NORML has spent decades educating the public about marijuana and advocating for sensible marijuana policy reform,” said campaign manager David Boyer. “We are proud to have their support, and we are very grateful for Mr. Steves’ exceptionally generous offer. A lot of celebrities express support for ending marijuana prohibition, but few put their money where their mouth is.”

And that is the point of this column. Lots of celebrities talk the talk, but few actually walk the walk. It is a delight to be working with Rick Steves, a celebrity who does both exceptionally well. Rick Steves may well be the single most effective legalization advocate in America, and he is especially helpful bridging the gap between those of us who smoke and those who don’t.

Thanks, Rick, for all you do to advance the cause of personal freedom for all of us, smokers and non-smokers alike.

____________________________________________________

This column was first published on Marijuana.com.

Greenhouse Cannabis Cultivation: What are the Benefits?

Greenhouses are becoming the most popular way to cultivate cannabis. They harness the power of the sun, provide a warm climate, and protect gardens from harsh environmental conditions. Past the basics, a greenhouse allows for year-round cultivation, climate control, and controlled exposure to sunlight. What’s more, they’re cheaper than growing indoors and produce a more consistent product than outdoors.

How Does a Greenhouse Work?

How does a greenhouse stay warm even when the outside air temperature is low? This happens through a process known as the “greenhouse effect.” Solar radiation (energy from the sun) passes through the transparent walls of the greenhouse and heats up the soil and plants. In turn, the soil and plants release this energy as infrared radiation which cannot escape the greenhouse. The heat is trapped and warms the air. On a hot day, you experience the science behind a greenhouse when getting into a parked car that has been left in the sun.

The greenhouse effect opens up the doors to year-round cultivation. However, cannabis is a demanding plant that needs both adequate lighting and controlled exposure to lighting in order to harness its continual offerings.

Recreating the Cannabis Life Cycle

In the fall, winter, and spring, the sun stays lower on the horizon. Because of this, plants receive less energy and have a harder time growing. Cannabis requires sunlight for more than 12 hours a day to stay in vegetative growth. Once the plant receives 12 hours or fewer of sunlight a day, it will start to flower and produce trichome-rich buds. Outdoors, plants generally go in the ground around June, grow in a vegetative state in the long days of summer, and then begin to flower in the early fall when the days become shorter.

Advanced greenhouses allow for the control of the light cycles needed to cultivate cannabis. These greenhouses go far beyond just keeping the plants in a warm climate. Other manipulation tools include supplemental lighting, climate control equipment (dehumidifiers, heaters, air conditioning), and the ability to block out all incoming light.

Advantages of Growing Greenhouse Cannabis

Growing cannabis in greenhouses can be advantageous over regular outdoor growing. These four key reasons outline why many growers are turning to greenhouse cultivation.

Lighting Control

Supplemental lighting allows for the gardener to extend the hours of daylight. It also allows the gardener to improve the quality of light on overcast days. Extending daylight hours gives the gardener the ability to keep the plants in a vegetative state and control their natural course. Improving the quality of light with supplemental lighting also helps keep plants healthy and growing vigorously even when the weather is less than ideal.

Weather and Climate Control

Having a controlled climate is essential to produce a top quality product. Protection from the outdoor elements help keep the product safe. For example, heavy rains often result in damaged plants and rot if too much moisture is trapped inside the bud. Plants in a greenhouse are protected from rain and have windows that can be “burped,” or have dehumidifiers to control humidity. In addition, greenhouses may have heaters, air conditioning, and fans, all of which may be used to create a consistent ideal climate to grow while still harnessing the power of the sun.

Manipulating Life Cycles

A common practice among greenhouse farmers is to run cycles of plants known as “light deps,” or light deprivation, during the summer season. It allows the grower to harness the summer light while, at the same time, limit the light exposure the plant receives to trick the plant into flowering prematurely. This greenhouse technique mimics indoor lighting cycles and allows the greenhouse grower to harvest a crop in early August, replant, and then harvest a second crop in the fall.

To continue producing crops during the fall, winter, and early spring, the gardener leans more heavily on supplemental lighting and heaters. On winter solstice in Seattle, for example, we receive less than eight and a half hours of daylight. In addition, that light is very low in the sky and poor for gardening. In a greenhouse, that light would still help heat the greenhouse, but the gardener would need to use supplemental lighting to maintain a quality product and to extend the hours of light in the day.

Energy Conservation

The ability to balance light exposure, use supplemental lighting, and keep the climate stable allows for year round cultivation just like indoor growing. The difference is that the grower only uses supplemental light mechanics when Mother Nature is not providing an ideal environment. This results in substantial energy savings while the quality of the product stays consistent.

Many crops that require specific environments are already produced in greenhouses, including tomatoes, leafy greens, and peppers, so it’s only natural that cannabis finds itself at home in greenhouses as well. As cannabis legalization spreads, farmers are finding it safe and financially beneficial to move from warehouses to greenhouses as the industry develops.

Do Different Consumption Methods Impact Your Sexual Performance?

I’ve covered many ways cannabis can help enhance your sexual experience, but what happens when you experiment with different consumption methods before diving under the sheets with your partner? Do specific consumption methods impact pleasure? I decided to find out and have compiled a summary of how different sexual encounters felt when paired with various cannabis consumption methods.

Before we dive into my unofficial findings, overall, regardless of the method, I prefer sativas and hybrids for pleasure, so you might want to try those out if you’re thinking of combining cannabis with sex. Most indicas I’ve tried are too sleepy for the high energy sex that I prefer, but they’re not bad for a quickie before bedtime.

Of course, having said that, everyone experiences cannabis differently. The strain that causes you to feel creative, euphoric, and productive might make the person next to you feel anxious, uncomfortable, and paranoid. As with all cannabis consumption, your mileage may vary. Experiment on your own, try out different methods (or combinations of methods), and keep a journal or spreadsheet that allows you to track what worked best for your body. Make sure to include variables, like “I was stressed after a long week at work,” or “I’d just finished having hot phone sex with my partner” — that way, you can refer back to your notes to see how a particular combination made you feel under certain situations.

Flower (Smoked)

Smoking flower is definitely my most common method of imbibing cannabis. There’s something meditative about selecting your strain, grinding up the bud, packing the bowl, lighting the hemp wick, and taking that first long, slow hit of green. Smoking is great for anytime sex–you don’t need a lot for setup and, depending on your tolerance, the effects can wear off between 20 minutes and 2 hours.

The pleasurable effects of flower vary by strain, as one might expect, but overall smoking flower tends to give a nice combination of spacey head high with increased tactile sensations. For example, Big Sur Holy Bud, Blue Dream, Jillybean, and Juicy Jack are among my favorites for sexy time consumption because they inspire creativity, vivid fantasy experiences, and a marked increase of body awareness and decrease of mental distractions.

Pros:

  • Quick and predictable onset of effects
  • Most customizable in terms of amount of consumption
  • Tends to evoke feelings of being present and grounded in one’s body

Cons:

  • Tends toward dry mouth, arguably more than the other methods
  • Not always conducive to smoking inside if there are neighbors, hotel policies, or just those darn smoke detectors

Flower (Vaped)

I only have one vaporizer, the Hot Box, which doesn’t allow temperature controls. As such, all I’ve really noticed in terms of the differences between smoked and vaped flower effects is improved flavor and a slight tendency toward a head high with fewer body effects. However, after reading Bailey Rahn’s piece on customizing your high with temperature, I hypothesize that testing out vaping at different temperatures and evaluating the sexual effects would be a useful way to figure out what temperature settings and strain combinations work best to produce the effects you’re looking for.

Pros:

  • Some vapes take up to 10 minutes to warm up, so you’d better set a timer or you might forget to go back and vape after you’ve initiated foreplay

Cons:

  • Desktop vapes with whips can be a bit unwieldy for bedroom use, so consider using a handheld vape or a vape like the Herbalizer that comes with a squeeze valve balloon that you can take hits from throughout your sexual encounter

Dabs

I experienced my first dab-fueled sexual experience while away with a lover last month. It was exhilarating. The onset was immediate and profound, and so much more efficient than smoking flower. Every tactile sensation was magnified and it felt like we were melting into each other. My head was completely present and firing on all cylinders, while my body floated in a pleasure cloud that brought erogenous zones online that I didn’t know I had. There was a moment where we were staring into each other’s’ eyes and both of our bodies started spasming in unison as we rode the waves of pleasure together. So hot. Huge thank you to WVapes for letting me try their new product, WDabs, a CO2 concentrate that comes in at 85% THC.

Pros:

  • Clear head
  • Intense body sensations
  • Promotes feelings of intimate connection when done with a partner

Cons:

  • Easy to over-consume, especially for beginners, and find oneself in a paranoid and decidedly unsexy head space
  • The blow torch setup can be intimidating for new users

Edibles

Unfortunately, edibles are definitely my least favorite consumption method for sex. They’re so hit and miss, where one product’s 10mg serving might send me orbiting into next week and another product’s 25mg serving barely registers. However, if you find an edible that works for you and gives you the effects you’re looking for, they’re highly conducive to marathon sex. There’s no need to re-up when you use an edible that lasts 6-8 hours.

Pros:

  • Improved staying power

Cons:

  • High variability
  • Difficult to consistently dose
  • Large time commitment

Topical/Internal (Foria)

Oh, Foria. Between the original Pleasure spray and their new product, Explore, there are many benefits to exploring sex-specific topicals. You’ve heard about Foria Pleasure in Leafly’s lube comparison and my piece on cannabis and erections. Prior to June 1st, Foria was primarily intended for vulvas. Now there’s a new product offering, Explore, an anal suppository designed to enhance pleasure and promote muscle relaxation.

With 60mg THC and 10mg CBD per capsule, Explore allows users of any gender to heighten their anal experiences without numbing or desensitizing. For people with prostates, this product is a must, as there is a high concentration of nerve endings back there and the prostate gland is a magical pleasure center that can lead to orgasms you have to experience to believe. Additionally, the G-spot and internal clitoris can be stimulated anally, which makes this a great product for all bodies. The effects feel like a warm blanket of pleasure wrapping around your entire pelvic region.

Pros:

  • Cannabinoids absorb readily into the rectum at 50-75% bioavailablity, more than oral or inhalation
  • Increased pleasure with limited psychoactive effects–tends toward a body high versus a head high

Cons:

Explore is potentially incompatible with latex condoms*, especially if used in conjunction with Pleasure (use nitrile or polyurethane condoms instead)

Do you have a preferred consumption method for pairing with sex? Share your experiences by leaving a comment! Also, do you have a sex, relationships, or intimacy dating question? Send it to tips@nullleafly.com and I may address your request in a future article! (Don’t worry, we’ll keep your queries anonymous.)

*Foria Explore is formulated with jojoba extract instead of coconut oil, which some lube companies claim is safe to use with latex because jojoba is a “wax ester” and not an oil in the chemical sense. However, my sex educator brain says until I see a few peer-reviewed studies with significant sample sizes, I’m erring on the side of caution and treating it like any other oil, meaning I avoid using it with latex.

Cannabis Growing 101: Everything You Need to Get Started Indoors

Congratulations, you’re interested in growing your own cannabis plants for the first time! But before you flex that green thumb of yours, understand that growing cannabis indoors presents a unique set of challenges for the new hobbyist, and the sheer volume of information available on the subject can be overwhelming. Our guide to indoor growing will help simplify the process for you into clear, easy-to-digest sections designed to help the first-time grower get started.

Step 1: Designate a Grow Space

The first step in setting up your personal cannabis grow is creating a suitable space in which to do it. Whether it’s a closet, a tent or cabinet, a spare room, or an unfinished basement, you’ll need to tailor your equipment (and plants) to fit the space.

Start Small…

When tackling your first grow project, you’ll want to start small for multiple reasons:

  • The smaller the grow, the less expensive it is to set up
  • It’s much easier to monitor a few plants than a large number
  • Your mistakes as a first-time grower will be less costly

Remember, most new growers will experience setbacks and lose plants to pests or disease. A failed grow of two plants will put a far smaller dent in your wallet than 15 plants.’

…But Think Big

When designing your space, you’ll need to take into account not only the amount of room your plants will need, but also your lights, ducting, fans, and other equipment, as well as leaving enough room for you to work. Cannabis plants can double, even triple in size in the early stage of flowering, so make sure you have adequate head space!

If your grow room is a cabinet, tent, or closet, you can simply open it up and remove the plants to work on them; otherwise, you’ll need to make sure you leave yourself some elbow room.

Cleanliness is Crucial

Make sure your space is easily sanitized; cleanliness is important when growing indoors, so easy-to-clean surfaces are a must. Carpeting, drapes, and raw wood are all difficult to clean, so avoid these materials if possible.

Keep It Light-Tight

Another crucial criterion for a grow room is that it be light-tight. Light leaks during dark periods will confuse your plants and can cause them to produce male flowers.

Other Variables

When deciding where to grow your cannabis, keep the following variables in mind:

  • Convenience — You’ll need to monitor your plants carefully. Checking on them every day is important, and beginners will want to check in several times per day until they have everything dialed in. If your room is hard to access, this crucial step will be difficult.
  • Temperature and Humidity Concerns — If your grow space is already very warm or very humid, you’ll have issues controlling your grow environment. Choosing a cool, dry area with ready access to fresh air from the outdoors is highly recommended.
  • Stealth — You’ll most likely want to conceal your grow from nosy neighbors and potential thieves, so be sure to pick a place where noisy fans won’t garner any unwanted attention.

Step 2: Choose Your Lighting Equipment

The quality of light in your grow room will be the number one environmental factor in the quality and quantity of your cannabis yields, so it’s a good idea to choose the best lighting setup you can afford. Here’s a brief rundown of the most popular types of lights used for indoor growing.

HID

HID (high intensity discharge) lights are the industry standard, widely used for their combination of output, efficiency, and value. They cost a bit more than incandescent or fluorescent fixtures, but produce far more light per unit of electricity used. Conversely, they are not as efficient as LED lighting, but they cost as little as one-tenth as much for comparable units.

The two main types of HID lamp used for growing are:

  • Metal halide (MH), which produce light that is blue-ish white and are generally used during vegetative growth
  • High pressure sodium (HPS), which produce light that is more on the red-orange end of the spectrum and are used during the flowering stage

In addition to bulbs, HID lighting setups require a ballast and hood/reflector for each light. Some ballasts are designed for use with either MH or HPS lamps, while many newer designs will run both. If you can’t afford both MH and HPS bulbs, start with HPS as they deliver more light per watt. Magnetic ballasts are cheaper than digital ballasts, but run hotter, are less efficient, and harder on your bulbs. Digital ballasts are generally a better option, but are more expensive. Beware of cheap digital ballasts, as they are often not well shielded and can create electromagnetic interference that will affect radio and WiFi signals.

Unless you’re growing in a large, open space with a lot of ventilation, you’ll need air-cooled reflector hoods to mount your lamps in, as HID bulbs produce a lot of heat. This requires ducting and exhaust fans, which will increase your initial cost but make controlling the temperature in your grow room much easier.

Fluorescent

Fluorescent light fixtures, particularly those using high-output (HO) T5 bulbs, are quite popular with small scale hobby growers for the following reasons:

  • They tend to be cheaper to set up, as reflector, ballast, and bulbs are included in a single package
  • They don’t require a cooling system since they don’t generate near the amount of heat that HID setups do

The main drawback is that fluorescent lights are less efficient, generating about 20-30% less light per watt of electricity used. Space is another concern, as it would require approximately 19 four-foot long T5 HO bulbs to equal the output of a single 600 watt HPS bulb.

LED

Light emitting diode (LED) technology has been around for a while, but only recently has it been adapted to create super efficient light fixtures for indoor growing. The main drawback to LED grow lights is their cost: well designed fixtures can cost 10 times what a comparable HID setup would. The benefits are that LEDs last much longer, use far less electricity, create less heat, and the best designs generate a fuller spectrum of light, which can lead to bigger yields and better quality. Unfortunately, there are many shoddy LED lights being produced and marketed towards growers, so do some research and read product reviews before laying down your hard-earned cash.

Induction

Induction lamps, otherwise known as electrodeless fluorescent lamps, are another old technology that has been recently adapted to suit the needs of indoor growers. Invented by Nikola Tesla in the late 1800s, the induction lamp is essentially a more efficient, longer-lasting version of the fluorescent bulb. The main drawback of these fixtures is their price and availability.

Step 3: Give Your Plants Air

Plants need fresh air to thrive, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential to the process of photosynthesis. This means you will need a steady stream of air flowing through your grow room, easily achieved by means of an exhaust fan placed near the top of the room to remove the warmer air, and a filtered air inlet on the opposite side near the floor.

You’ll need to ensure that temperatures remain within a comfortable range for your plants, between 70*f and 85*f when lights are on and between 58*f and 70*f when they are off. Some varieties of cannabis (generally indica strains) prefer the lower side of the range, while others are more tolerant of higher temperatures.

The size of your exhaust fan will depend on the size of your grow space and amount of heat generated by your lighting system. HID systems put out a ton of heat, especially if they aren’t mounted in air-cooled hoods. People who live in warmer regions will often run their lights at night in an effort to keep temperatures in their grow down. It’s advisable to set up your lights, turn them on for a while, and then determine how much airflow you’ll need to maintain a comfortable temperature for your plants. This will allow you to choose an exhaust fan suitable for your needs. If the odor of cannabis plants in bloom will cause you problems, add a charcoal filter to your exhaust fan.

Alternately, you can create a sealed, artificial environment by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and supplemental CO2 system, but this is quite expensive and not recommended for the first-time grower.

Finally, it’s a good idea to have a constant light breeze in your grow room as this strengthens your plants’ stems and creates a less hospitable environment for mold and flying pests. A wall-mounted circulating fan works well for this purpose — just don’t point it directly at your plants, because that can cause windburn.

Step 4: Pick Your Controls and Monitoring

Once you have selected your lights and climate control equipment, you’ll want to automate their functions. While there are sophisticated (and expensive) units available that control lights, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, the beginner will generally need a simple 24 hour timer for the light and an adjustable thermostat switch for the exhaust fan.

The timing of the light/dark cycle is very important when growing cannabis; generally you will have your lights on for 16-20 hours per 24 hour period while the plants are in vegetative growth, then switch to 12 hours of light per 24 when you want them to bloom. You need your lights to turn on and off at the same times every day or you risk stressing your plants, so a timer is essential. You can use a timer for your exhaust fan as well, but spending a few extra dollars on a thermostat switch is a much better option.

With the most basic models, you simply set the thermostat on the device to the maximum desired temperature for your space and plug your exhaust fan into it. Once the temperature rises to the level you set, it will turn the fan on until temperatures fall a few degrees below the set threshold. This saves energy and maintains a steady temperature. Since you’re probably not spending most of your time in your grow space, a combination hygrometer/thermostat with high/low memory feature can be very handy in keeping tabs on conditions in your room. These small, inexpensive devices not only show you the current temperature and humidity level, but the highest and lowest readings for the period of time since you last checked.

It’s also a good idea to keep a pH meter or test kit on hand so you can check the pH level of your water, nutrient solution, or soil. Cannabis prefers a pH between 6 and 7 in soil, and between 5.5 and 6.5 in hydroponic media. Letting the pH get out of this range can lead to nutrient lockout, meaning your plants are unable to absorb the nutrients they need, so be sure to test your water and soil regularly and make sure the nutrient mix you are feeding your plants falls within the desired range.

Step 5: Decide on a Grow Medium

Growing indoors means you have many different methods to choose from, and whether it’s good old fashioned pots full of soil or a rockwool slab in a hydroponic tray, every medium has its benefits and drawbacks. Here we’ll examine the two most popular methods and the media they employ.

Soil

Soil is the most traditional medium for growing cannabis indoors, as well as the most forgiving, making it a good choice for first-time growers. Any high quality potting soil will work, as long as it doesn’t contain artificial extended release fertilizer (like Miracle Gro), which is unsuitable for growing good cannabis.

A very good choice for beginners is organic pre-fertilized soil (often referred to as “super-soil”) that can grow cannabis plants from start to finish without any added nutrients, if used correctly. This can be made yourself by combining worm castings, bat guano, and other components with a good soil and letting it sit for a few weeks, or it can be purchased pre-made from a few different suppliers. As with all organic growing, this method relies on a healthy population of mycorrhizae and soil bacteria to facilitate the conversion of organic matter into nutrients that are useable to the plant. Alternately, you can use a regular soil mix and then supplement your plants with liquid nutrients as the soil is depleted.

Soilless (aka Hydroponics)

Indoor growers are increasingly turning to soilless, hydroponic media for cultivating cannabis plants. This method requires feeding with concentrated solutions of mineral salt nutrients that are absorbed directly by the roots through the process of osmosis. The technique for quicker nutrient uptake leading to faster growth and bigger yields, but it also requires a higher order of precision as plants are quicker to react to over or underfeeding and are more susceptible to nutrient burn and lockout. Different materials used include rockwool, vermiculite, expanded clay pebbles, perlite, and coco coir, just to name a few. Commercial soilless mixes are widely available that combine two or more of these media to create an optimized growing mix. Soilless media can be used in automated hydroponic setups or in hand-watered individual containers.

Step 6: Determine Which Containers to Use

What type of container you use will depend on the medium, the system, and the size of your plants. A flood-and-drain, tray-style hydroponic system may use small net pots filled with clay pebbles or just a big slab of rockwool to grow many little plants, while a “super-soil” grow may use 10 gallon nursery pots to grow a few large plants. Inexpensive options include disposable perforated plastic bags or cloth bags, while some choose to spend more on “smart pots,” containers that are designed to enhance airflow to the plant’s root zone. Many people grow their first cannabis plants in five gallon buckets. Drainage is key, though, as cannabis plants are very sensitive to water-logged conditions, so if you repurpose other containers, be sure to drill holes in the bottoms and set them in trays.

Step 7: Feed Your Plants Nutrients

Growing high-quality cannabis flowers requires more fertilizer, or nutrients, than most common crops. Your plant needs the following primary nutrients (collectively known as macronutrients):

  • Nitrogen (N)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Potassium (K)

These micronutrients are needed as well, albeit in much smaller quantities:

  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Copper

​

If you aren’t using a pre-fertilized organic soil mix, you will need to feed your plants at least once a week using an appropriate nutrient solution. These nutrients are sold in concentrated liquid or powder form meant to be mixed with water, and generally formulated for either vegetative or flower (“bloom”) growth. This is because cannabis has changing macronutrient requirements during its lifecycle, needing more nitrogen during vegetative growth, and more phosphorus and potassium during bud production.

Most macronutrients are sold in a two-part liquid to prevent certain elements from precipitating (combining into an inert solid that is unusable by the plant), meaning you’ll need to purchase two bottles (part A and part B) for veg, and two bottles for grow, as well as a bottle of micronutrients. Other than these basics, the only other nutrient product you may need to purchase is a Cal/Mag supplement, as some strains require more calcium and magnesium than others.

Once you’ve purchased the necessary nutrient products, simply mix them with water as directed by the label and water your plants with this solution. You should always start at half-strength because cannabis plants are easily burned. It’s almost always worse to overfeed your plants than to underfeed them, and over time you will learn to “read” your plants for signs of deficiencies or excesses.

Step 8: Give Your Plants Water

Most people won’t think twice about the water they use on their plants; if you can drink it, it must be fine, right? Well, it may not be an issue, depending on your location, but some water contains a high amount of dissolved minerals that can build up in the root zone and affect nutrient uptake, or it may contain fungus or other pathogens that aren’t harmful to people but can lead to root disease. And some places may have high levels of chlorine in the water supply, which can be harmful to beneficial soil microbes. For these reasons, many people choose to filter the water they use in their gardens.

The most important thing to remember during this phase is to not overwater. Cannabis plants are very susceptible to fungal root diseases when conditions are too wet, and overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by the beginning grower. How often you water your plants will depend on the medium used, size of the plants, and ambient temperature. Some people will wait until the lower leaves of the plant start to droop slightly before watering.

As you gain experience and knowledge, you will alter your grow room and equipment to better fit your particular environment, growing techniques, and for the specific strains you choose, but hopefully this article will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge to get started on the right foot. And remember, growing cannabis is a labor of love, so spend a lot of time with your plants and have fun!

Cannabis: Out of the Grow Closet and Onto the Front Porch

The cannabis movement has come a long way in a short time from the days of “…but I didn’t inhale!” Sadly, we still have much further to go before the stigma surrounding cannabis use no longer holds back progress.

All Progress Starts In The Mirror

They say if you really want to change the world, you first have to change yourself. Time and time again throughout time, we see movements rise and fall. And, at the center of it all, we see individuals standing up and banding together for a single cause. Individual people are the building blocks of change.

Once people start to change, they either gain followers or don’t. Either their ideals align with those of others, or they don’t. If all goes well, with enough people advocating for the same ideal, the various arms of communities, the media, and eventually the government begin to follow. And, things are definitely going in the right direction for cannabis.

Lately, the media has begun the long and painful process of reversing the inane stigma associated with cannabis. Bill Clinton was reluctant to admit his experience with it in 1992; later presidents have been more candid about their own. These days, the usual supporters of the movement—rapper Snoop Dogg, country star Willie Nelson, and comic actor Tommy Chong, to name a few—are far from alone. Joining them are what seems like a majority of celebrities, plus more and more doctors and businesses like Walgreens taking vocal positions on the side of change.

Just Say No To Thugs

Of course, there are plenty of forces out there hoping to convince you otherwise: Staying comfortable is the real goal. Change is either futile or plotted at parties to which you will never be invited. Television loves to dish up—though less fervently in recent years—scornful news stories of ordinary people who happen to be cannabis consumers.

Prohibitionist thugs shame them for cannabis consumers choices, perpetuating a stale, bigoted, and outdated “reefer madness” mentality that does everything it can to punish people for consuming this particular plant. It doesn’t even matter if it’s an epileptic child suffering hundreds of daily seizures, a sick mom, or the most decorated Olympian of all time.

How To Be The Bearer of Great News

So, what does it look like to stand up as an individual? It’s simple. You don’t need to be a doctor or celebrity, or set up press conferences around your thoughts on cannabis as medicine. The first step is simply to be honest with those around you about your position on and relationship to the cause of cannabis freedom.

Often people are simply unaware of just how many loved ones they have who sympathize with the cannabis freedom movement. Parents and children hide away and light up separately, all the while wishing for a way to connect.

hugs

It can obviously be terrifying to confront one’s closest family members and friends about controversial topics, but being honest about cannabis use may be even more important now than ever. You could even save a life if, thanks to you, someone gets off addictive opioid painkillers and switches to cannabis.

The U.S. is in a bizarre position now. People can nearly always find access to their effective, yet still illegal, medicine. Yet, they remain threatened by the consequences of breaking the law to get it, meaning their freedom—their whole life—hangs in the balance. The medicine is actually here now. It’s just got bars around it. Half the states get it. The other half WILL get it.

Come out, come out, wherever you are

MagicalButter MB2e

MagicalButter MB2e

So, look in your mirror, and come out of your grow closet. Or, rather, jump! Tell your loved ones the truth about your relationship with this wonderful plant. But, don’t stop there. Be proud! Buy a shirt made of hemp, a super attractive one that will be sure to start conversations. Start asking for hemp milk in your coffee.

Better yet, treat yourself to a countertop MagicalButter machine to flaunt on Independence Day. Make some infused edibles for your guests, and make your barbecue really special. (Be sure everyone knows what they’re having!)

Be loud and proud. You’ll be amazed at the allies you never knew you had.

About the AuthorZachary D. Brown

Zachary D. Brown

Born in Arizona and raised in Maryland and Guinea, West Africa, Zach Brown claims the D.C. metro area as his home turf. He is currently back in Africa writing, teaching English as a second language, and making music in Bamako, Mali. Zach is an Eagle Scout who earned a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland. He was also president of the UMD chapters of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and SSDP (Students for Sensible Drug Policy).

RELATED: For dozens of scrumptious cannabis recipes, quick how-to videos, and how to get your own Botanical Extractor for converting cannabis to edible form, visit MagicalButter.com.

The post Cannabis: Out of the Grow Closet and Onto the Front Porch appeared first on #illegallyhealed.

Grassroots Support for NORML’s Congressional Lobby Day

Today marijuana activists, patients and business owners from around the country are gathering in our nation’s Capitol to officially kickoff NORML’s 2016 Conference and Lobby day in Washington DC. We’re extremely excited about our line up of speakers and panelists for our conference, followed by a busy day of meetings with members of the House and Senate.

To start off, NORML members and supporters will be meeting at George Washington University, for a full day of presentations and panel discussions with policy experts and seasoned lobbyists. I’m especially excited to hear from John Hudak with the Brookings Institute. He recently wrote an open letter to presidential candidates urging them to take the issue of marijuana law reform more seriously. You can read more, here!

Tomorrow morning, NORML members will gather at the Longworth building on Capitol Hill where they will be addressed by: Congressman Blumenauer (D-OR), Congressman Polis (D-CO) and Congresswoman Delbene (D-WA). They are expected to speak in detail about the various pieces of legislation that are highlighted below. With more than twenty pieces of federal legislation aimed at reforming America’s archaic marijuana and hemp laws, it is imperative that we do our part by educating them on the many benefits of embracing a new approach. The same applies to everyone who will not be able to attend, except the focus will be on making phone calls, writing letters and/or sending emails using our online action center.

To access the information below, simply click on any of the links and you’ll be directed to a three-page document that includes everything you and your fellow activists will need to assist us with our lobbying efforts (talking points, phone script, letter template etc.). Feel free to contact your representatives about each one, or pick a few that you’re most passionate about!

House:

H.R. 3561: The Fair Access to Education Act

H.R.1013: The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act

H.R.1538: The Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act

H.R.1940: The Respect State Marijuana Laws Act

Senate:

S. 2557: The Stopping Unfair Collateral Consequences from Ending Student Success Act

S. 2237: The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act

S.683 – Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act

During last year’s congressional letter writing campaign, our network of affiliates and chapters generated more than 2000 letters and emails to congressional offices so I hope we can do the same or better this year!

Sex After 50: Can Cannabis Help Older Adults Rejuvenate Their Intimacy?

Meet the Fockers came out in 2004, my senior year of high school. I remember watching Barbra Streisand’s character, a senior sex therapist, thinking, “Wow. I love that she’s so enthusiastic and open about sex for older adults! I’ve never met anyone like that!” Fast forward nine years, and I’m at a sex conference face-to-face with Joan Price, a passionate writer, educator, and advocate for all things related to sexuality for the over-50 crowd. She was wearing a black t-shirt with the words “Naked At Our Age” proudly emblazoned upon it, and I knew right away I’d met a solid role model.

Joan has authored three books on the topic, the most recent being The Ultimate Guide to Sex After 50: How to Maintain – or Regain! – a Spicy, Satisfying Sex Life. In her introduction she shares a piece of wisdom that hit me right in the feels:

“Part of embracing our sexuality across the lifespan means redefining what sex means at different stages of our lives. I celebrated my sexuality in my late fifties and early sixties with my beloved Robert, who was my lover and then my husband. I celebrate it now, widowed–as many of us are–with drawers full of sex toys and occasional lusty dates. Things change. We change. But with knowledge and creativity, sex can remain a part of who we are.”

I reached out to Joan to see if she had some additional insights into the growing trend of cannabis use in the older adult population.

Joan Price, senior sex writer, educator, and advocate

Ashley: CBS recently ran a story about cannabis use increasing among seniors. What have you noticed in terms of shifting attitudes related to cannabis in your communities, peer groups, and folks you’ve worked with?

Joan: The CBS story doesn’t surprise me for two reasons. First, pain and the avoidance of pain are huge issues as our aging bodies challenge us. Of course we’ll try something that alleviates pain and helps us sleep!

Second, many of the people we’re calling seniors now are the Boomers who were smoking pot when today’s Millennials weren’t even a gleam in their parents’ eyes! I don’t hear much from people who are discovering cannabis for the first time. Rather, people who used it in the past (some still do, some don’t) are asking, as I am, “Why is medical marijuana, which helps people, legal in only 24 states – while cigarettes, which kill people, are legal in every state?” I do hear from women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who read my review of Foria and want to try it for increased sexual pleasure, but it is illegal in their state and they can’t.

Ashley: Do you think cannabis could positively impact senior sexuality when used mindfully? How might it be helpful?

Joan: Yes, if products like Foria and recreational cannabis were legal in all states, and the stigma of doing something shady and illegal were removed, seniors could benefit from the increased sensation and relaxation and decreased pain during sex. They’d also probably be interested in having sex more often because it would be so pleasurable! That’s just my guess, though.

Ashley: What’s one common misconception about seniors and sexuality that you’d like to see corrected?

Joan: The most serious misconception is that we have an expiration date when it comes to sexual expression and sexual pleasure. We do not! We are lifelong sexual beings.

As Joan points out, pain and avoiding pain are two major challenges for the aging population. Cannabinoids like CBD hold much promise in this area, even in states where THC-infused products are still illegal. One Denver-based company, Apothecanna, used CBD derived from industrial hemp, so they’re able to ship their products to all 50 states. My father, 60, speaks highly of the extra-strength pain spray for relief of arthritis and joint pain.

What are some ways you’ve found cannabis helpful for sex after 50? Tell us in the comments!

Joan Price calls herself an advocate for ageless sexuality. She has been writing and speaking about senior sex since 2005. In 2013, Joan conceived and edited the steamy anthology, Ageless Erotica. Her latest book is The Ultimate Guide to Sex after Fifty: How to Maintain – or Regain! – a Spicy, Satisfying Sex Life. Joan continues to talk about senior sex — partnered or solo – in speeches and workshops, and on her blog about sex and aging, NakedAtOurAge.com, which includes senior sex news, views, and reviews of more than 80 sex toys from a senior perspective. She also writes the “Sex at Our Age” column for SeniorPlanet.org. Joan received the 2014 Catalyst Award for “inspiring exceptional conversations about sexuality.”

Got a sex, relationships, or intimacy dating question for Ashley Manta? Send it to tips@nullleafly.com and we may address your request in a future article! (Don’t worry, we’ll keep your queries anonymous.)

Why Belgians Urge You to 'Pull Your Plant'

ANTWERP — The Belgian cannabis movement, a small but powerful force, is still recovering from the shock caused by the unexpected death of legalization advocate and long-time resident of the country, Joep Oomen, in March. Oomen was a pivotal figure in the broader European drug reform movement and founded Belgium’s first Cannabis Social Club (CSC). Members gathered at the 11th annual Cannabis Liberation Day in Antwerp last month and considered how Oomen’s legacy will inspire the European legalization movement going forward.

Cannabis Liberation Day, where cannabis can sometimes be smelled but is rarely ever seen, is organized by Belgium’s Antwerp-based “Trekt Uw Plant,” the country’s first CSC. The name translates literally as “pull your plant” and figuratively means “make up your own plan.”

Compared to Spain, where the communal clubs are widespread, the movement in Belgium — one of the smallest countries in the European union — is tiny. There are now five registered CSC’s across the nation. Trekt Uw Plant is the largest, with around 400 members. The club launched in 2006, when a government directive ended the prosecution of Belgians in possession of up to 3 grams of cannabis or one female plant.

These legal changes were all Joep Oomen needed to get busy. Fluent in Spanish, he linked Belgium and Spain, where clubs were already popular. And with that, Belgium’s era of Cannabis Social Clubs had begun.

Oomen, a native of the neighboring Netherlands, moved to Antwerp in the ‘90s and ran the office of ENCOD, the European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies. He reasoned that if you’re allowed to grow one plant, you could also have that plant cared for by someone else, outside your home.

All that was needed were name tags on every plant in the communal grow room.

Oomen and the members of Trekt Uw Plant went to court twice, but in 2010 the club’s organizers were finally acquitted. Since that last victory, the club has functioned without interference from authorities.

Club members gather once every two to three months at the ruilbeurs, or exchange market, where they receive the yield of their plants. They pay membership fees as well as costs for the care of the plants. This comes down to about €7 per gram, which is very cheap compared to both the black market and the licensed coffeeshops in neighboring Holland.

So far so good, but…

Trekt Uw Plant has generated lots of positive publicity, and more clubs are now trying to follow its example. One of them was Mambo Social Club, founded by Michel Degens, a Trekt Uw Plant member. He worked closely with Oomen, who didn’t see other clubs as competition but as a sign of success for the non-commercial, transparent system that is a Cannabis Social Club. The pair tirelessly explained and promoted the model and its benefits: no criminal involvement, clean cannabis without pesticides, accurate product information, an enforceable age limit, direct contact between growers and consumers, and the creation of new, legitimate jobs.

Mambo Social Club got off to a flying start. Degens made the case for Cannabis Social Clubs on national TV and was soon flooded with so much interest, he had to create a waiting list for new members. But tragedy struck in December 2013, when police searched him as he was carrying the dried buds of 60 plants to the club, where just as many members were waiting. Police also searched his house and found 27 plants, all with name tags. A month after the bust, another caretaker of the plants was raided and all the plants were confiscated.

The Mambo trial and subsequent appeal ended in disaster. This past February, the club’s organizers were acquitted of “inciting and facilitating drug use” but convicted for possession, production, and sale of cannabis. The court denied that the right of possession for personal use can be extended to a communal growing space, as clubs had argued. After long discussions with members, lawyers, and others involved, Degens decided to suspend the operation of Mambo Social Club.

“We’ve suspended cultivation because we’re legally obliged to do so,” he said at the Antwerp Cannabis Liberation Day. “We’re now awaiting the next lawsuit, which will probably be decisive. Our members now have to resort to the black market — even the sick people.”

His message was clear. “It’s time for the cannabis user to come out of the closet. It is crazy to just silently undergo the situation, and it will only keep the current system in place. People need to realize that they’re making criminals of themselves if they stay in the closet.

“This madness must stop. People should not quietly accept being made into criminals for choosing the softest drug over one of the hardest, alcohol.”

Reflecting on the current atmosphere in the cannabis movement after the verdict and the passing of Joep Oomen, Degens said: “The biggest shock has been absorbed. It’s beautiful to see how other people are now taking up the challenge and trying to fill a bit of the void that Joep has left behind. People take their responsibility [seriously], and Trekt Uw Plant has a competent team at the helm. The atmosphere is good, but we miss Joep and we all realize that we don’t even reach to his ankles. It’s impossible to replace him, but everyone is doing their utmost.”

Since Mambo and Trekt Uw Plant operate in exactly the same manner, the Mambo verdict could spell trouble for Belgium’s oldest Cannabis Social Club. But Trekt Uw Plant is ready to go to court a third time in the event of a new raid or investigation. They have a firm belief in the CSC model, a decade of experience, a spotless track record, and a war chest to fund a legal team if needed.

But their most powerful weapons might be their solidarity and their dedication to the club and its founder.

The Definitive Cannabis Travel Guide to Seattle

Welcome to Leafly’s travel series, our definitive 24-hour cannabis-infused guides to the best cities in the world.

Call me biased as I write this from the historic heart of the city itself, but Seattle is ahead of the game on a lot of things. Social values are progressive; music scenes of all genres thrive here; tech giants and startups bring big ideas and talent to town; the coffee is some of the best in the world; cultures and cuisines of all kinds collide; outdoor activities abound; the natural beauty is breathtaking; oh yes, and cannabis is totally legal.

While the Emerald City is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is between May and October. Forget all the rain-powered stereotypes ­– when the sun shines (and it does, for the majority of the summer), the whole metropolis comes out for boating, beach picnics, bonfires, and more – and trust me, you want to be here (and high) for all of it.

Seattle Vitals

Cannabis legality: Recreational (21+, ID required)

Nicknames: Jet City, Emerald City, Seatown, The 206

Population: 662,400

What people think of: Coffee, rain, Microsoft, Nirvana, the Space Needle

Dispensaries on Leafly: 41

For the record: When I-502 made recreational cannabis legal, Seattle cops celebrated by handing out Doritos at Hempfest.

Day One

At 4:20 p.m., you are: Admiring the airy space and the array of strains at Dockside Cannabis in Seattle’s SoDo (south of downtown) neighborhood.

It’s on your way into the city from Sea-Tac airport. In addition to picking up a vape pen and cartridge (it’ll come in handy at your hotel), we recommend ordering off the curated “blends” menu, which offers package deals designed to pair with certain excursions – for instance, an infused soda and cookies perfect for an afternoon picnic.

While you’re here: Be sure to browse the miniature on-site cannabis museum before you grab a cab to your accommodations.

At 5:20 p.m., you are: Checking in at Bacon Mansion, a cannabis-friendly B&B in Seattle’s most happening neighborhood, Capitol Hill.

Photo credit: the Bacon Mansion

Before you get overly excited imagining all-you-can-eat bacon buffets, be advised that the stately Tudor is named for its architect, Cecil Bacon. However, the cannabis-friendly part is no empty promise – guests may vape in their rooms, or smoke on the porch as they please. We recommend doing just that before heading out for the evening.

At 6:20 p.m., you’re strolling: Down Broadway (of “My Posse’s On Broadway” fame), the main north-south drag through Cap Hill, and stopping for a shot in a paper cup at the Espresso Vivace sidewalk bar.

In a city famed for coffee, Vivace is one of the few indisputable crown jewels: not only do some suggest that its espresso is the world’s best, American latte art was born here all the way back in the 80s.

Fun fact: Locals love the combination of THC and caffeine so much, it’s called a Seattle speedball.

At 6:50 p.m., you’re marveling over: The selection at The Elliott Bay Book Company.

Photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Since 1973, this beloved local family-owned bookshop has offered a huge selection of brand-new books as well as bargain copies, and hosted an immense number of authors (from rookies to presidents) for talks, readings. and signings.

Insider tip: Seattleites are friendly yet famously introverted, so the best way to blend in is to pretend you don’t want to talk to anyone as you people-watch surreptitiously over the pages of your page-turner.

At 7:20 p.m., you are: Next door at Oddfellows Café + Bar, one of superstar restaurateur Linda Derschang’s many local properties.

Photo credit: Dorothée Brand

It’s quintessentially Seattle: the elevated comfort food menu, printed on compostable paper, is peppered with organic, seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients from local purveyors; hipster and artist types fill the benches and chairs; and the historic space has been referred to as Capitol Hill’s living room. Assuming it’s nice out, snag a table on the secret brick-walled back patio.

At 9:00 p.m., you are: Trying to keep your jaw from dropping as you walk in the door at nearby Canon, which houses the largest whiskey collection in the Western hemisphere.

Photo credit: Canon

There’s a good chance it’ll be crowded, but belly up to the bar (tinted with Angostura bitters rather than wood stain) and watch the bartenders stir and shake up some of the best cocktails in the world.

What you’re ordering: The Campfire in Georgia cocktail. I’m not going to spoil the surprise, but trust me – it’s worth it.

At 10:00 p.m., a bouncer is: Letting you into Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room (just call it Neumos).

Photo credit: Laura Musselman Duffy via Flickr

This concert venue’s location at the intersection of 10th and Pike marks the epicenter of young Seattle, and serves as the beating heart of the city’s independent music scene. The grungy interior is part of the charm, and there’s a band on the schedule every night of the week: browse upcoming shows and buy tickets ahead of time here.

Take note: The quiet-ish section of 10th between Union and Pike streets is a good place to re-up on your vape pen.

At 12:00 midnight, you are: Still awake (thanks, Vivace!) and heading a block up the street to check out the famous Unicorn (with a basement club known as the Narwhal), where you’ll find the trippy, off-kilter circus décor from Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” video.

You won’t be able to hear yourself think on either level, but downstairs is always rowdier. Also, there’s no cover charge.

Pro tip: Tell them it’s your birthday and ask to wear the sequined unicorn helmet.

At 2:00 a.m., you are: Desperately in need of munchies. At this point, you have two equally tantalizing options. The first is the city’s signature 2:00 a.m. dish: a five-dollar Seattle Dog grilled at a sidewalk cart, pressed into a cream cheese-smeared bun, topped with caramelized onions and jalapeños, and smothered in mustard (sauerkraut optional). There are about eight of these carts within a one-block radius of the Unicorn.

The second option is the beloved Dick’s Drive-In: it’s been slinging classic burgers, fries, and shakes since 1953, and is on your walk back down Broadway to your B&B. No substitutions allowed here, and it’s cash only, but you won’t need much: for reference, a hamburger is $1.40.

Photo credit: Joe A. Kunzler Photo, AvgeekJoe Productions via Flickr

The third option? Follow your heart stomach and eat it all.

Bonus stop: Right before you reach Dick’s, you’ll come to the intersection of Broadway and John Street. Turn right; about a block down you’ll see Seattle’s famous mystery soda machine.

Photo credit: A Klar via Flickr

No one knows how it got there or who keeps it stocked, but the real mystery is what you’ll get when you insert 75 cents and push the “Mystery?” button. Go ahead – try it.

Day Two

At 10:30 a.m., you are: Waking and vaping. Why not? You can do that in bed. You’re also hungry, so once you’re up, head on down the street to Americana for a hearty brunch.

Photo credit: sea turtle via Flickr

There are always compelling weekly specials, but sometimes you just have to go with the maple-glazed pork belly, served alongside a corn and mozzarella pancake and scallion scrambled eggs.

At 11:45 a.m., you are: Cabbing to Uncle Ike’s, Seattle’s most well-known pot shop.

Pick up a bottle of Drift sublingual spray (a fun, fast-acting alternative to smoking or vaping), a few pre-rolls, and a couple of mouthwateringly delicious Goodship Cookies (whose packaging is so subtle you can take them, and eat them, pretty much anywhere). Then grab a cab back on down to Lake Union.

At 12:45 p.m., you are: Casting off from the dock at Moss Bay atop a rented stand-up paddleboard ($16 per hour).

Photo credit: Moss Bay

Float around on your knees a bit to get your bearings, then take a stab at standing (it’s easier than you think). Paddling across the lake takes about 20 minutes (barring strong breezes) and you’ll be met with views of the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and Gas Works Park. Be sure you bring those pre-rolls and a lighter – on a sunny day, there’s nothing better than lying back on your board, lighting up a joint, and savoring your surroundings.

What to bring: You’ll need an ID for rental collateral. Dry bags are available for your shoes and valuables. Though it’s unlikely you’ll fall in, it’s not impossible, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

At 2:45 p.m., you are: Feeling good about spending money at Miir, a one-of-a-kind store/craft beer bar/coffee shop in Wallingford (just north of Lake Union) where every purchase funds a “trackable giving project.”

Photo credit: Miir

Picking up an insulated growler or tumbler? Proceeds go toward providing communities with clean water access. Want to splurge on a beautiful bike? Miir donates a second bike to an individual without transportation. Whatever you buy, your receipt comes with a tracking number, and if you hold onto it for at least a few months, you can look the number up on the Miir website later to see GPS coordinates and photos of exactly how your purchase helped make a difference.

What you’re skipping: The elevator to the top of the Space Needle. Yes, the view is gorgeous, but the trip up is expensive, as is the bourgeois turning restaurant at the top.

At 3:20 p.m., you are: Strolling over to Seattle’s funkiest neighborhood: Fremont, also known as the Center of the Universe. Once an old-school hippie haven, the neighborhood has accumulated an eccentric collection of art over the years, and lends itself readily to a walking tour.

Photo credit: Via Tsuji via Flickr

Attractions include a giant concrete troll clutching a VW Beetle under the bridge; a bronze likeness of local clown J.P. Patches; a massive statue of Lenin (rescued from Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution); People Waiting for the Interurban (dressing them up is a favorite local pastime); a rocket; numerous celestial bodies; and two friendly topiary dinosaurs.

How to find them: This map may come in handy, but if you get lost, the Center of the Universe sign at 35th and Fremont can point you in the direction of the above points of interest, as well as Machu Picchu, Timbuktu, and the Bermuda Triangle.

At 4:20 p.m., you are: Nomming on as much chocolate as you want – for free!

The tasting room at original bean-to-bar manufacturer Theo Chocolate (a block up from those topiary dinosaurs – just follow your nose) offers samples of their numerous bars, and they won’t frown at you for trying them all more than once – so don’t be shy.

Don’t forget: As we all know, chocolate pairs beautifully with cannabis, so pick out a few bars to bring with you when you head on your way.

Poland is Slowly Warming to the Healing Properties of Cannabis

The Polish capital of Warsaw saw as many as 10,000 people turn out over the weekend for the city’s annual cannabis legalization demonstration, a peaceful march called Marsz Wyzwolenia Konopi (Cannabis Liberation March). The turnout, according to one of the organizers, Joanna Rutkowska, proves that more and more Polish people are fed up with prohibition.

The relationship between cannabis and Poles — there are 40 million of them — is a complicated one. Poland, by far the biggest and most populous country in Central Europe, is well known for its strong Catholicism and conservative traditions, both of which color attitudes against any illegal drug: In the eyes of most Poles, cannabis is a dangerous drug, like heroin or meth. But the tide might finally be turning as a result of an unprecedented increase in the number of sick people treating themselves with cannabis products, mostly extracts high in THC.

There are more objective media reports on the topic lately, thanks largely to the work of a new generation of Polish cannabis activists. With the influx of reliable information, public opinion on therapeutic use of cannabis seems to be shifting.

In 2011, the Polish government amended the drug law and officially decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis. But offenders are still arrested, and it’s up to the prosecutor alone whether to press charges or dismiss the case.

In March, former President Alexander Kwasniewski came out in favor of decriminalization. He encouraged considering all available options and noted that some jurisdictions have legalized cannabis without international repercussions.

Only a few years ago, if you’d have asked passersby in Warsaw about their views on medical cannabis, the vast majority would have either replied, “I don’t know” or “What are you talking about?” Today the situation is different. Medical professionals are becoming more and more interested in cannabis compounds, and patients are demanding legal access to the promising treatments. Media are not just presenting reefer madness; they’re also highlighting patients’ heartbreaking stories. And politicians are, at last, opening their eyes to possible forms of legalization.

Cannabis is starting to be seen as a medicine first and a drug second. Even some members of the clergy are now defending medical use of cannabis.

The case of Dr. Marek Bachánski, however, shows there’s still a long way to go. Bachánski, a renowned pediatrician, had to quit his position at a Warsaw hospital this past October after admitting he was treating young epileptic patients with cannabis preparations.

Like in most countries, the change has had to come from the bottom up. Just a few years ago, Polish activists repeatedly made dangerous journeys to the Czech Republic to smuggle back kilograms of cannabis extracts intended for seriously sick and dying patients. “Although it didn’t work for everybody, the positive results were overwhelming, and the word started to spread incredibly fast,” said Jakub Gajewski, a prominent Polish activist and the director of NGO Wolne Konopie (Free Cannabis).

Gajewski is currently facing up to fifteen years in prison for bringing “highly dangerous substances” — meaning cannabis extracts — from the Czech Republic to Poland. “I have never made any money on it and only gave it to sick people who needed it,” he said, “so I refuse all the accusations and I will fight our government at the International Court of Justice if necessary.”

Polish police did not take Gajewski into custody after he was arrested last year, and because his trial has not yet started, he and his fellow activists have been able to run a nationwide campaign for liberalization of cannabis laws in the country. They’ve organized dozens of seminars, medical conferences, and marches all around the country, and have even helped open a discussion in the Polish Parliament about legalizing medical cannabis.

Piotr Liroy-Marzec, also known as Liroy, a Polish parliamentarian and former hip-hop artist, earlier this year put forth a bill to legalize medical cannabis. But hopes of a fair law and access to medical cannabis faded in March, when Deputy Health Minister Krzystof Łanda announced the government will only refund payments for prescription cannabinoid spray Sativex and for dried flower from Dutch producer Bedrocan, and only if the doctor confirms that cannabis is the best medical option for a particular patient.

According to Polish journalist Jasiek Bluz, officials introduced the changes mainly to “get the activists off their backs and pretend they are actually doing something positive in this regard.” The reality, Bluz wrote, is that “doctors are scared as hell to prescribe cannabis, and so far there were just about four patients whose medical cannabis was refunded.”

Disappointing? Sure. But the genie of medical cannabis is out of the bottle in Poland, and it looks to be quite impossible to get it back in.

Paraguay Grants Historic Import Permit to CBD Hemp Oil RSHO as Medication for Epilepsy

This article is sponsored by CMW Media, the premier public and media relations agency proudly serving the cannabis industry worldwide.

Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA) announced today that its flagship product Real Scientific Hemp Oil™ (RSHO™) has been authorized by Paraguay’s government for import into the country as a prescription medication for refractory epilepsy.

“We are extremely proud of the wonderful news that RSHO has been approved for import by the government of Paraguay,” states Dr. Stuart Titus, Ph.D. and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Marijuana, Inc. “In the U.S., we enjoy the ability to easily access RSHO and many other CBD hemp oil products online. However, in other countries, we must respect their regulations and handling of cannabis-based products including hemp.”

Paraguay’s import permit makes it the fourth Latin American nation, after Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, to approve the company’s cannabidiol (CBD) hemp oil for import with a doctor’s prescription.

Making History in Paraguay: The Story of Mathias Alejandro Gonzalez

15-year-old Mathias Alejandro Gonzalez of Paraguay suffers from a rare form of epilepsy that causes severe seizures, which are difficult to treat with pharmaceuticals and lead to physical and cognitive disabilities. Gonzalez is now importing RSHO from the U.S.

This first shipment of RSHO into Paraguay will be used to treat 15-year-old Mathias Alejandro Gonzalez, who was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and suffers from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a rare type of epilepsy that causes him to have multiple types of seizures. Gonzalez’s tonic and atonic seizures have caused him both physical and cognitive deterioration.

Treatment for Gonzalez’s type of epilepsy is difficult because his seizures don’t respond well to standard medications. The medications his family have been able to procure are extremely cost-prohibitive, and must be ordered and shipped from Spain to Paraguay. The approval of RSHO import by the Paraguayan government will help Gonzalez and his family move away from expensive and ineffective pharmaceutical treatments for his condition.

Medical Marijuana, Inc.: Establishing the World’s First CBD Hemp Oil Supply Chain

“MJNA is a ‘company of firsts’,” says Titus. “It took many years to establish and streamline a standardized commercial system while developing the world’s first CBD hemp oil pipeline. We are extremely grateful to our investors who also saw and continue to see the vision of CBD hemp oil access in the U.S. and around the world. We couldn’t be more excited that South America is requesting our CBD hemp oil brand as the first for government-approved importation. It brings full-circle the efforts of creating [these] systems and infrastructure.”

In February of 2015, HempMeds® received official authorization to export Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X™ (RSHO-X™) to individuals in Mexico with government-issued import permits. Raul and Mayela Elizalde from the Por Grace Foundation, based in Mexico, helped explain their daughter Grace’s need for the cannabidiol (CBD) hemp oil product in a case similar to that of Mathias Gonzalez’s family in Paraguay — and were instrumental in the process of securing the permit. Since 2014, the government of Brazil has also continued to issue import permits for RSHO, as well as waive import taxes and subsidize payments for the product under the federal government’s healthcare system.

The Future of CBD Hemp Oil in Latin America and Beyond

The fact that indications including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and cancer have all been approved for treatment with RSHO in different Latin American nations marks a step in the right direction for Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s vision of “access for all” as the future for the company’s CBD hemp oil.

RSHO is derived from the mature stalk of the hemp plant and is considered a food nutrient delivering the benefits of cannabinoids without the psychotropic effects of THC. It contains no pesticides, herbicides, genetic modifications, or heavy metals. Before becoming a finished product, it goes through multiple quality tests by top cannabis industry and food laboratories.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

The mission of Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC Pink: MJNA) is to be the premier hemp industry innovator, leveraging its team of professionals to source, evaluate, and purchase value-added companies and products while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. It strives to create awareness within the industry and develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses while increasing shareholder value. For more information on Medical Marijuana, Inc. and the portfolio company brands that it promotes, please visit the company website.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Medical Marijuana Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). These companies do grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil.

Cannabis and Impulsive Behavior: How CB1 and CB2 Receptors Regulate Our Animal Instincts

This article is sponsored by PlusCBD Oil, a product line from CV Sciences (formerly CannaVest). CV Sciences is one of the leading suppliers and manufacturers of agricultural hemp-derived CBD bulk and finished products.

Impulsive behaviors are commonly associated with psychiatric and neurological disorders. For example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders are all associated with maladaptive levels of impulsivity.

Even those of us without a documented psychiatric or neurological disorder can be negatively affected by impulsive behaviors. Compulsive gambling and shopping, overeating, and regular participation in high-risk activities can lead to serious financial loss, legal difficulties, excessive weight gain, and even physical injury. It stands to reason that impulse control leads to improved executive planning, letting us evaluate alternative actions, anticipate negative consequences from poor choices, and ultimately direct our attention to achieve an ideal outcome.

CB1 and CB2 Receptors’ Role in Moderating Impulsivity

Broadly speaking, the endocannabinoid system comprises two receptors (CB1 and CB2), two endogenous compounds that activate these receptors (endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamide [AEA] and 2-arachidonoylglycerol [2-AG]), and two metabolic enzymes (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase) that control the synthesis and breakdown of these endocannabinoids. Over the past decade, research in rats and mice along with supportive evidence in cannabis users has shown that CB1 and CB receptors located in the prefrontal cortex or the ventral tegmental area play key roles in regulating impulsive behaviors.

As noted by Wiskerke and Pattij, cannabinoid signaling in these areas of the brain can modify the activity of several neurotransmitter systems, including the dopamine, glutamate, and GABA systems. In one study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, Spanish scientists examined the actions of two cannabinoid drugs that affect the CB2 receptor in a particular mouse breed that displays high levels of impulsivity. Their results indicated that modulating the CB2 receptor reduced impulsive behavior in the mice. In addition, chronic administration of the drug tended to modify the genetic expression of CB2 levels such that they resembled breeds that had normal levels of impulsivity.

Conversely, activation and overexpression of CB1 receptors have been linked to increased impulse control problems, including eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Animal studies have also demonstrated that blocking CB1 receptor signaling leads to improvements in impulse control and nicotine- or alcohol-seeking behavior.

Potential Effects of CBD on Impulsive Behaviors

So, can manipulating the ECS with cannabidiol (CBD) and other phytocannabinoids reduce the severity of impulsive behaviors? Given the known polymorphisms in cannabinoid-related genes that affect impulsivity and impulse control disorders, as well as inter-individual differences in responses to phytocannabinoid administration, time and more research will tell. That said, to say we are cautiously optimistic would be an understatement. Modulating the endocannabinoid system’s tone via lifestyle change, nutrition, exercise, and use of phytocannabinoid CBD-rich hemp extract could all be potential tools in the wellness toolbox used to address impulsive behavior.

Resources:

Wiskerke and Pattij (2015). The cannabinoid system and impulsive behavior (pp. 343-364). In Cannabinoids in Neurologic and Mental Disease. Elsevier Inc.

Francisco Navarrete, José M, Pérez-Ortiz y Jorge Manzanares. “Regulación de la conducta de tipo impulsivo mediada por el receptor cannabinoide CB2 en ratones DBA/2”. British Journal of Pharmacology 165:260-273, Jan 2012.

Frieling H, Albrecht H, Jedtberg S, Gozner A, et al. Elevated cannabinoid 1 receptor mRNA is linked to eating disorder related behavior and attitudes in females with eating disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2009 May;34(4):620-4.

de Bruin NM, Lange JH, Kruse CG, Herremans AH, Schoffelmeer AN, van Drimmelen M, De Vries TJ. SLV330, a cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist, attenuates ethanol and nicotine seeking and improves inhibitory response control in rats. Behav Brain Res. 2011 Mar 1;217(2):408-15.

How Austria Became Europe's Cannabis Clone Superstore

For those who want to legally grow huge amounts of cannabis in Austria, business is booming — but not yet blooming.

The Austrian Narcotics Act prohibits the cultivation of cannabis only for the purpose of obtaining narcotics, and THC can be obtained only from cannabis flower. But if you promise your intent isn’t for consumption or sale, and swear you won’t let the plants flower, you can buy truckloads of clones. More than 250,000 clones are sold annually in the capital city of Vienna alone.

The trade has made Austria, home of Mozart, chocolate cake Sachertorte, and deep-fried schnitzel, home to Europe’s only cannabis clone superstores. They attract locals and foreigners alike. In most European Union countries, cannabis seeds are legal and home growing is the name of the game. But Germany and Switzerland don’t allow the sale of cannabis seeds. So growers in these countries simply visit neighboring Austria, where not just seeds but cannabis cuttings are legal.

In Vienna, where the first cannabis growers opened their greenhouses more than a decade ago, sales by major vendors already surpass seven-digit figures. And numerous smaller vendors specialize in niche offerings, such as organic cuttings or breeding female seedlings from feminized seeds.

A Visit to “Hemp & Hemp”

When strolling through the storied cobblestone streets of Vienna, you may pass by Hanf & Hanf, one of Vienna’s premier clone shops. You’ll know you’re near when you catch a whiff of the sweet smell of freshly trimmed mother plants. And luckily, despite being home to many pungent garden centers, in Vienna there is no “Nasal Ranger” patrolling the streets like there is in Denver.

Strains prized in the U.S., like Bubble Gum, Cheese, Shiva Skunk, Herijuana or White Satin, exude their specific aromas, hinting at what’s to come once the baby plants are allowed to mature at home. But remember, the intention must remain pure — no abuse of narcotics.

In Europe’s “clone capital,” LED lights ensure short internodes on the seedlings, making the clones suitable for the Sea of Green growing method popular in large-scale cultivation operations. Outdoor strains and fully stocked growboxes are widely available. The staff at Hanf & Hanf has nearly 20 gardeners who grow cannabis legally in a facility thousands of square feet in size. The greenhouse extends over two floors in a contorted building behind the store. It’s home to a maze of mother, grow root, pre-grow, and fog rooms where more than 80 carefully selected varieties of the continent’s leading breeds are cultivated.

If visiting Vienna, come for a weekend. Once a month, it’s “Green Friday,” with special discounts on all cuttings. Business is so strong that Than Drazen, founder of Hanf & Hanf and an Austrian cannabis pioneer, sometimes has to lock the shop door despite long lines of people waiting on the sidewalk for clones. Sometimes vans with foreign license plates pull up to buy clones en masse.

A few subway stops away, you can even find flowering plants under artificial light in the Hemp Embassy. Stivi Wolyniec, owner of cannabis cultivation superstore Growcity, founded the Hemp Museum’s Club last year, which operates the Hemp Embassy in Vienna’s Esterhazygasse.

Austria is Simply Peculiar

Besides allowing clones but prohibiting the intent to consume, the country’s Narcotic Substances Act also defines when allowing your plants to flower is allowed. If the buds aren’t destined for consumption, cannabinoid extraction, or sale, the blooming plants are — at least theoretically — still legal by the letter of the law. That interpretation of the rules allows the Hemp Embassy to showcase lovely flowering cannabis plants sealed behind glass.

“It is not forbidden to possess or exhibit hemp flowers,” Wolyniec said of the Hemp Embassy’s permanent exhibition. “It’s about the purpose behind it. If the purpose is abuse, then both the growing and the flowering plant are prohibited. If the purpose is not abuse, but another — in our case an exhibition — cannabis buds are legal.”

But all good things must come to an end. Once the plants on exhibition lose their luster, they’re destroyed in an incinerator under a notary’s watchful eye.

The legal cannabis-clones business has spread across Austria. Only in the most conservative parts — such as Salzburg and Tirol in the Alps — does the justice system sporadically prosecute openings of so-called hemp greenhouses, as the stores are called in Austria. But only operators of really large, obviously commercial operations are punished with prison sentences — small-time growers usually face court hearings and probationary punishments.

NORML’s Legislative Round Up May 6th, 2016

Legislation around the country is moving quickly and we’ve got numerous updates for you this week. Keep reading below to find out if your state is moving forward with marijuana law reform!

Alabama: Governor Robert Bentley has signed legislation, House Bill 61, to protect qualified patients eligible for CBD therapy under a physician’s authorization from criminal prosecution. The measure, known as ‘Leni’s Law’, allows qualified patients to possess CBD preparations containing up to three percent THC. The new law takes effect June 1st, 2016.

Colorado: House and Senate lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved legislation, House Bill 1373, to permit qualified patients access to the use formulations of medical cannabis while on school grounds.The measure now awaits action by Gov. John Hickenlooper, who indicated that he would sign the measure into law. “My son, if he needed medical marijuana and he needed it during the day while he was in school, I’d want him to have that opportunity,” Hickenlooper said.

Connecticut: House and Senate lawmakers have approved legislation expanding patients’ access to the state’s medicinal cannabis program. House Bill 5450 permits qualifying patients under the age of 18 to possess and consume medical cannabis preparations and it also expands the list of qualifying illnesses eligible for cannabis therapy. Other provisions in the bill seek to establish a statewide clinical research program, and protect nurses from criminal, civil, or disciplinary sanction if they choose to administer marijuana to a qualifying patient in a hospital setting. The measure now awaits action by Governor Dannel Malloy. #TakeAction

Hawaii: Legislation is pending before Governor David Ige to expand medical cannabis access and dispensing. The measure expands the pool of practitioners who may legally recommend cannabis therapy to include advanced nurse practitioners. Separate provisions in the bill remove the prohibition on Sunday dispensary sales and on the possession of marijuana-related paraphernalia by qualified patients.It also permits the transportation of medical marijuana across islands for the purposes of laboratory testing. #TakeAction

Kansas: House and Senate lawmakers have signed off on sentencing reform legislation, House Bill 2049, that reduces criminal penalties for first-time marijuana possession offenses from a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year incarceration and a $2,500 fine) to a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by no more than six months in jail and a $1,000 fine). Second convictions will no longer be classified as a felony offense. The bill now heads to Gov. Brownback’s desk, and will become law if he does not veto it within 10 days. #TakeAction

Louisiana: Senate legislation to fix and expand the state’s dormant medical marijuana law received a boost this week after a House Committee amended and passed the measure. Senate Bill 271 seeks to change the language of existing law so that physicians may ‘recommend’ rather than prescribe cannabis therapy. Under federal law, physicians cannot legally ‘prescribe’ cannabis or any schedule I substance. It also expands the pool of patients eligible to receive marijuana therapy. The legislation is scheduled to be heard by members of the House Health and Welfare Committee next week. #TakeAction

New Hampshire: Members of the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted 12 to 7 this week to amend Senate-backed sentencing reform legislation, Senate Bill 498, to also include provisions decriminalizing minor, first-time marijuana possession offenses. The amended language would make first-time offenses a civil violation rather than a criminal offense. The civil penalty would be limited to a fine only: no arrest, prosecution, or criminal record. Subsequent offenses would continue to be classified as misdemeanors. #TakeAction

Oklahoma: House and Senate lawmakers have approved legislation, HB 2835, to expand the pool of patients eligible to possess cannabidiol under a physician’s authorization. As amended, House Bill 2835 would include legal protections to the following patient groups: those with “spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or due to paraplegia, intractable nausea and vomiting, appetite stimulation with chronic wasting diseases.” The measure also removes the age requirement limitation from existing law so that adults with various forms of epilepsy are eligible for CBD therapy. The measure now awaits action from Gov. Mary Fallin. #TakeAction

Pennsylvania: Representative Ed Gainey is seeking co-sponsors for soon-to-be introduced legislation that would amend minor marijuana possession offenses to a non-criminal offense. Despite both local and nationwide progress on the issue of cannabis prohibition, Pennsylvania continues to charge over 18,000 individuals each year with minor possessory offenses. Please urge your House member to sign on as a co-sponsor to this important legislation. #TakeAction

Rhode Island: Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee are scheduled to consider SB 2420, legislation to regulate the commercial production and retail sale of marijuana to those over the age of 21, on Tuesday, May 10th.  Adults would be permitted to purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana. It also permits adults to cultivate up to two marijuana plants (no more than 1 mature) at home for non-commercial purposes. You can read the full text of this proposal here. #TakeAction

Tennessee: Two marijuana related measures became law recently in Tennessee. The first permits for the licensed cultivation of industrial hemp when “grown by an institution of higher education in this state that offers a baccalaureate or post-graduate level program of study in agricultural sciences.” The second, amends third-time marijuana possession offenses from a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison, to a misdemeanor offense, punishable by no more than one year in jail. The new sentencing penalties take effect on July 1, 2016.

For a summary of all pending marijuana legislation, be sure to check out our full #TakeAction center!

And don’t forget to register to attend NORML’s 2016 Congressional Lobby Day  in Washington D.C. May 23rd and 24th! We have just recently confirmedthree members of Congress’ ability to address our group on Capitol Hill so you won’t want to miss it!

How to Roll a Joint

The joint is one of the more iconic ways to consume cannabis, and it’s a great way to enjoy the flavor of your flower. Every cannabis smoker should learn how to roll a joint. There are countless opinions on how to create a functional joint, but whatever you do, make sure your creation burns smoothly and evenly.

To help you hone your own craft, we’ve prepared a simple seven-step guide to successful joint rolling. Begin by gathering supplies (cannabis, papers, and optional crutch/tip material and grinder).

Step 1: Grind

Break down your cannabis into shake. If your cannabis is dried well, it should break down easily. A grinder keeps your hand from getting sticky and thus sticking to the joint paper. If you don’t have a grinder, you can grind the herb down by hand, using scissors, or any number of other breakdown methods.

Step 2: Crutch

Make a crutch, also called a tip or filter. You can make a crutch out of just about anything, but thin cardboard or business cards are solid go-tos. A lot of joint papers also include crutch material with their packaging. Start with a few “accordion” folds at the end of the cardboard, then roll the material to the desired thickness of your joint. The crutch isn’t absolutely necessary, but it does help keep the shake from falling out of the end or into your mouth as you smoke. It also adds some stability to the joint and allows you to enjoy every bit of cannabis without burning your fingertips.

Step 3: Fill

Fill the paper with the shake and the crutch (if you’ve made one). Once the paper has the right amount of shake (a half gram to a gram usually does the trick), you can begin to form and shape the joint with your fingers. (A quick note on papers: There are a lot of different types and flavors of joint papers available. Many people prefer hemp papers because they tend to be thin but strong, and burn evenly without affecting the flavor of the cannabis.)

Step 4: Pack

Once you’ve loaded and shaped your joint, it’s time to roll it. Pinch the paper between your fingertips and roll it back and forth between them to pack the cannabis down into its final shape.

Step 5: Roll

This step can make or break the quality of your joint. Tuck the unglued side of the paper into the roll and use the glued edge to tack down one end of the paper, using just a little bit of moisture. (Pro tip: Start with the crutch side because it can help guide the paper as it rolls around itself.) Once the paper is tacked on one end, you can work your way down the rest of the seam by tucking and sealing the joint from end to end.

Step 6: Finish

Finally, pack the end of the joint to help ensure an even burn. A pen is great, but you can use just about anything. Some good options if you’re on the go: the tip of your shoelace, the drawstring on your hoodie, or a small stick. If you’re not planning on sparking your joint right away, you may want to close the tip with a twist.

Step 7: Enjoy (and Innovate!)

There are limitless ways to roll a joint. You can roll them big or small. Get creative! Some people have even transformed joint rolling into an art all on its own, rolling their cannabis into a unique mix of functional origami.

What’s your favorite way to roll a joint? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below and make sure to teach others this basic cannabis skill!

How Does Cannabis Consumption Affect Autism?

Autism and Cannabis at a Glance

  • Autism is a collection of disorders that impact brain development, characterized by communication difficulties, social interaction problems, and repetitive and sometimes injurious behaviors
  • Autism is caused by a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors, such as advanced parental age and pregnancy problems
  • Autism management focuses on therapies over drugs, including behavioral modification and social-skills coaching
  • There are no clinical studies on cannabis and autism, but there is a growing body of positive anecdotal evidence from doctors and parents
  • Lack of scientific data keeps doctors from endorsing cannabis in treating autism, but some promising ancillary research exists
  • The many active compounds in cannabis may make proper dosing for children difficult to pinpoint, creating controversy in the medical community over its use

The Dilemma with Cannabis Treatment for Autism

It’s a chicken-and-egg thing: Doctors won’t prescribe cannabis to treat autism in children because no data exists to support such a course of treatment.

But the research doesn’t exist because of medical establishment fears about testing cannabis—with its many active compounds seen as potentially uncontrollable variables—on children.

In the absence of empirical data, however, is a growing body of anecdotal evidence that cannabis is making children with autism happier and healthier. And some doctors are listening.

“Anecdotes should not be dismissed,” said Dr. Daniele Piomelli, one of the world’s top neuroscientists and endocannabinoid researchers. The University of California-Irvine faculty member won’t consider prescribing cannabis at this time, but is aware of the growing clamor for it. “An anecdote is a pointer. It’s something that suggests something needs to be either proven or disproven.”

One researcher attempting to do just that is Dr. Giovanni Martinez, a clinical psychologist in Puerto Rico. His alternative therapy bona fides include his creation of SURF4DEM, a foundation that introduces children and families affected by autism to the therapeutic benefits of surfing.

Martinez is researching the therapeutic possibilities of treating children who have autism with CBD oil, and reports positive results. He recounted one particular case in which a child he treated spoke his first words after receiving a twice-daily spray of hemp oil. After three weeks, the child went from being non-verbal to developing significant language skills.

Moreover, Martinez reported that “initially the child would become so frustrated with his inability to communicate, he would would act out and injure himself. But, now that he can express himself, he laughs and enjoys life.” He added:

“It’s incredible to see a child go from being non-communicative to achieving a significant improvement in quality of life—for both the child and his family.”

Another success story comes from Mieko Hester-Perez, founder of the Unconventional Foundation for Autism, advisory board member to Cannabis Science. Coming from a conservative family with deep roots in law enforcement, she’s an unlikely cannabis advocate, But she is also the mother of Joey, the boy for which Aaron Justis of Buds and Roses Collective and master cultivator Kyle Kushman developed Joey’s Strain.

Hester-Perez’s conversion to cannabis came when Joey, who has autism, was later diagnosed with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, a rare and aggressively degenerative muscular disorder. He was given six months to live, and in that time, would need to take a cocktail of FDA-approved medications with a severe degree of documented toxicity. At the time, he was already taking up to 13 different meds each day.

After researching less impactful, life-extending alternatives, Hester-Perez came across cannabis. Curious, she experimented with giving her son cannabis-infused edibles. Soon after, Joey began making eye contact—always a struggle for children with autism—on a more consistent basis. The edibles seemed to stimulate his appetite and he put on weight. Six years after that six-months-terminal diagnosis, Joey is happy, sociable and thriving.

Despite the results, some professionals in the medical and scientific communities criticized Hester-Perez for treating a child with cannabis, Her response:

“Until you’ve walked in my shoes. Until you’ve walked in Joey’s shoes. Until you’ve seen where a child was before cannabis, how much progress they’ve made after cannabis, and how much their lives can improve, who is anyone to pass judgment?”

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to a collection of complex disorders that affect brain development. As a “spectrum,” ASD affects individuals in varying degrees, but generally a person with autism will suffer from three core symptoms:

  • Communication difficulties
  • Difficulties in social interaction
  • Repetitive—sometimes self-injurious—behaviors

While some ASD children may be characterized as having an intellectual disability, some—often characterized as “high-functioning”—excel in music, math, and art. Symptoms may also improve as they get older. However, other ASD children are unable to speak and may engage in self-harming behaviors.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1.5 percent—or 1 in 68—of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. The number of children diagnosed as being on the spectrum has increased tenfold over 40 years, with boys four to five times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

What Causes Autism?

Until recent years, the answer was, “We don’t know.” Now we know that while there is no single cause, research tells us that autism can be traced to early brain development.

Within just the last few years, researchers have identified a number of mutations, or rare gene changes, a few of which may act as a catalyst for autism. In other cases, autism may be caused by a combination of environmental factors and a genetic predisposition, which affect early brain development.

The most obvious signs of autism surface between ages 2 and 3, so groups like the Organization for Autism Research have been funding research efforts to help detect autism at earlier ages—as early diagnoses may improve the effect of treatment options.

Other risk factors may include:

  • Age of a parent (or parents) at time of conception
  • Maternal illness during pregnancy
  • Difficulties during pregnancy or birth—for example, oxygen deprivation to a baby’s brain

Independently, none of these factors causes autism; however, in conjunction with genetic factors, the risk increases. There is encouraging evidence that a woman may decrease the chances of autism in her child if she follows a diet that includes folic-rich foods and prenatal vitamins before and after conception.

What are Current Treatments for Autism?

Every child and his or her autism is unique, so what works for one child may have adverse effects in another.

The least controversial treatments are behavioral and may include target social-skills training or parent led therapy sessions under the supervision of a therapist. Evidence-driven studies demonstrate the benefits of two early behavioral intervention methods, including:

  • The Lovaas Model based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • The Early Start Denver Model

Other studied and validated behavioral therapies that may be effective include:

  • Pivotal Response Therapy
  • Floortime
  • Verbal Behavior Therapy

As children grow older, other methods such as extensive structured and therapeutic activities, social skill development, daily living, motor skills development, and communication coaching can be valuable.

There are an astonishingly few approved medical treatments for autism. In fact, there are currently just two drugs approved by the FDA to treat irritability associated with autism, yet no drug has been approved to treat autism’s three core characteristics—communication difficulties, social challenges, and repetitive behaviors.

The two approved medications are:

  • Risperidone (brand name Risperdal)
  • Aripiprazole (brand name Abilify)

While these two drugs can provide relief by reducing irritability, self-injuring behaviors, and aggressive outbursts, there can be significant side effects, including diabetes, significant weight gain, gynecomastia (development of male breasts), movement disorders, and heart problems.

Numerous other medications are “experimental” or “off-label.” “Experimental” drugs can carry significant unknown risks, while “off-label” drugs have been approved for conditions that appear related to autism such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, or sleep disorders.

Some of these drugs include:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin
  • Naltrexone, an FDA-approved medication to treat alcohol and opioid addictions; it has shown success in some patients by alleviating disabling repetitive and self-injurious behaviors

It’s important to note that there have been no significant clinical trials to demonstrate risk or efficacy of these drugs in children with autism. Moreover, predicting which drug (and what dosage) may be effective has proven to be problematic.

Can Cannabis Treat Autism?

Increasingly, parents of children with severe autism, frustrated with the lack of options, have turned to cannabis. Many have heard anecdotal reports of success; others have read of promising results with epileptic children. However, clinical research remains nonexistent.

While you can now find 562 clinical studies (studies outside the lab on humans) involving cannabis listed on ClinicalTrials.gov—none involve epilepsy or autism.

However, that doesn’t mean there is no promising research:

  • A 2013 study conducted by Dr. Dario Siniscalco found indications that certain compounds—namely the CB2 receptor—found in cannabis may be helpful in managing autism.
  • A study published in 2013 by Dr. Csaba Foldy at the Second University of Naples in association with Stanford University Medical School found that alterations in endocannabinoid signaling may contribute to autism.
  • According to the Autism Research Institute, some of the symptoms that MMJ have improved include “anxiety, aggression, panic disorder, generalized rage, tantrums, property destruction, and self-injurious behavior.”
  • Dr. Daniele Piomelli and Dr. Olivier Manzoni discovered that certain chemicals found in cannabis may help behavioral issues in children with autism or Fragile X syndrome.

Piomelli has presided over some groundbreaking discoveries, including the potential of cannabinoids—specifically one endocannabinoid called anandamide. He demonstrated it could be used to treat autism by regulating social reward.

According to Piomelli, his team discovered endocannabinoids appear not only to be important in regulating normal social behavior, but also to be possibly involved in the dysfunctional behavior that accompanies at least certain forms of autism spectrum disorders. “The endocannabinoids offer hope that one could—by interfering particularly with their destruction and by boosting their activity—normalize social behavior in children with autism,” Piomelli said.

Is Cannabis Therapy Worth the Risk?

Because scientists are driven by data, few doctors or researchers are willing to recommend cannabis to treat autism. In contrast to epilepsy, which has references dating back as far as 1843, there just isn’t a sufficient body of evidence for most physicians to feel comfortable recommending cannabis as a treatment.

Piomelli cautions that dosing can be problematic, that many parents may not be equipped to assess or monitor proper dosing, and that attempting to do so without the guidance of a qualified professional could have serious consequences:

“[P]harmacology is all about doses. Low doses can be good, while high doses can be bad. One thing people need to understand is that if the endocannabinoid system has a protective role, it doesn’t mean that activating this system may not be harmful.”

He cautions there is a possibility one risks “messing up the endocannabinoid system. Even though the intent is to enhance social behavior, one may end up actually having the opposite effect.

“Further, because we’re dealing with plants, there are added layers of complexity. Whereas, with most pharmacological drugs, there is usually a single active compound to treat a condition, cannabis contains potentially hundreds. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. Many attribute the efficacy of cannabis to an entourage effect—or a synergy between ingredients. While this may be an overall positive, it doesn’t lessen the complexity of determining which component may be helping, and which may be counterproductive or harmful.”

Piomelli, like most doctors, would not recommend cannabis as a treatment, because there is little scientific research to base it on. Unlike epilepsy, the research on autism is in its infancy. However, recognizing that parents who’ve tried everything see cannabis as a last defense, “I certainly would not pass judgment on a parent who is desperate and would do it. I’m just saying be very, very careful what you do.”

Other professionals privately admit that for parents who feel they’ve exhausted all other options, the unknowns and potential risks may be acceptable. According to the late Bernard Rimland, founder of the Autism Society of America and former director of the Autism Research Institute, “the benefit/risk profile of medical marijuana seems fairly benign” when compared to Risperdal or what Dr. Rimland considers the least useful and most dangerous: psychotropic drugs.

“Moreover, the reports we are seeing from parents indicate that medical marijuana often works when no other treatments, drug or non-drug, have helped,” Rimland added.

Industrial Hemp Producing Solid Revenue Opportunities for Cannabis & Agriculture Industries; Company Announces Product Sales of Raw Kenaf

CORAL SPRINGS, Florida, May 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ —

The Cannabis industry’s applications continue to grow with the increasing demand for hemp-based and other natural fiber composite products. U.S. consumers are likely to find kenaf fiber in carpet backing and padding, a fiber mat in automobiles, biofuels applications while the US government is starting to recognize the difference between marijuana and hemp. Legislation is being passed in many states to allow industrial hemp with a THC content of 0.3% or less to be grown in research studies.

In hemp operations of importance in the markets today:  As Hemp, Inc.‘s (OTC: HEMP) multi-purpose industrial hemp decortication facility nears completion, executives are shifting their focus to sales and marketing and are pleased to announce the sale of approximately 7,000 pounds of raw Kenaf to a Tennessee company involved in the biofuel industry. According to David Schmitt, COO of Hemp, Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Industrial Hemp Manufacturing, LLC (IHM), the company purchased the raw kenaf for testing and evaluation. “We are extremely optimistic that this sale will lead to even more sales of our raw kenaf,” said Schmitt. “We are also currently working with several Fortune 500 companies on various projects involving either kenaf or industrial hemp.”  Last week’s sale of kenaf (a cousin plant to hemp in the hibiscus family) has definitely kicked Hemp, Inc.’s product sales into action. Schmitt says the company is currently negotiating a five-million-pound potential sale of raw kenaf. “We received a serious inquiry and price request for five million pounds of the raw kenaf we have on hand. If we finalize this sale, we could be looking at $1,250,000.”

Read the full Hemp Inc. (HEMP) Press Release at:  http://www.financialnewsmedia.com/profiles/hemp.html

Schmitt went on to say, “We are in a very advantageous position because Industrial Hemp Manufacturing, LLC is the only company in America with millions of pounds of kenaf on hand, ready to sell and we are the largest facility capable of outputting forty million pounds per year. Not to mention, we have 400 acres of kenaf planted this year, but if we sell more, we plan to increase this year’s planting from 400 acres to approximately 2,000 acres.”  Once the, now fully funded, North Carolina Industrial Hemp Commission creates the guidelines for the cultivation of hemp, Hemp, Inc. will kick its hemp fiber sales into high gear and process massive quantities for distribution… an easy feat for the 70,000 square foot commercial multi-purpose industrial hemp decortication facility. Bruce Perlowin, CEO of Hemp, Inc. (OTC: HEMP) said, “Right now, we are focused on kenaf. That is what we are planting now. However, next year we expect to plant hemp.”

The raw kenaf is one of the company’s six initial products for sale. SpillSuck™, another one of the six products, is available for sale now. It is a super absorbent, environmentally friendly product made from the core of kenaf and hemp plants which is considered one of the world’s most absorbent natural materials. It’s generally used for oil, chemical and other liquid spills. It’s easy to handle and is thirty times more absorbent than clay. As mentioned in Hemp, Inc.’s previous press release, 25,000 pounds of SpillSuck™ are in the final stages of packaging.

In other Hemp/Cannabis operations, news and recent developments:  Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) recently announced that the Company and its portfolio company HempMeds® participated as exhibitors and speakers at the U-T’s Successful Aging Expo on Saturday, April 30 in San Diego. An estimated 8,000-10,000 was expected to attend the event, which is focused on education, entertainment and healthy aging solutions. Dr. Stuart Titus, Chief Executive Officer of Medical Marijuana, Inc., presented on cannabis-based anti-aging research and information on cannabinoids such as THC and CBD that are capturing global news headlines. Dr. Titus also provided insightful facts about non-psychoactive hemp cannabidiol (CBD)-based solutions available to any consumer without a medical marijuana card.

In other industry developments of note:  HempTech Corp. (OTC: HTCO), a provider of advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with sophisticated automation and analytical tools for the cultivators of legal industrial hemp and cannabis, announces today that it has signed an exclusive MVA (Master Vendor Agreement) with Tinkerer’s Obsession Labs (TOL) to be an exclusive provider of containerized grow systems (grow.droid II) for TOL in the following jurisdictions: Alaska, Continental United States and First Nations in Canada. TOL agrees to purchase from HempTech a minimum of 1000 “grow.droid II” systems between 2016 and 2022, primarily to satisfy the growing needs of the people of the Indian Reservations.  HempTech has also signed an exclusive agreement with FutureLand Corp (OTC: FUTL) to obtain financing and consultation support for the life of the MVA agreement to better service the agreement with TOL. HempTech will compensate FutureLand through revenue sharing on the project.

Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) announced this month to shareholders and the public that the Brazilian government has approved its hemp cannabidiol (CBD) oil product Real Scientific Hemp Oil™ (RSHO™) from HempMeds Brasil™ for a fourth indication for import as a prescription medication for the treatment of cancer.  The first three indications approved for HempMeds Brasil™ to import are: epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain.  “We are right now tempering our excitement because this is a process and it needs to be approached carefully and scientifically,” states Dr. Stuart Titus, CEO of Medical Marijuana, Inc. “The opportunity within Brazil may open doors for the Company to explore our RSHO™ product as an adjunctive, potentially post-chemotherapy prescription medication, by assisting patients with their recovery. Further, this may even allow us to enter into pre-clinical work to see if there may be merit for botanical cannabis and its derivatives as a primary treatment option for certain types of cancers in those places in our world that may allow such alternative and integrative treatment options.”

Greengro Technologies, Inc. (OTC: GRNH), a world class provider of ecofriendly green technologies, announced in late April that it has acquired growcameras.com, a revolutionary way to monitor crop health. The Grow Camera is a self-contained, WiFi enabled, five megapixel NDVI camera and temp/humidity sensor. It can be used with most modern DVR equipment that support networked cameras while also featuring monitoring capabilities through Android, iOS, or Windows devices using the mobile application. The Grow Camera NDVI technology is traditionally used in space imaging and weather satellites, and can be used to quantify vegetation health and provide an early indicator to problems in the grow room.

GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: GWPH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapeutics from its proprietary cannabinoid product platform, announced that Justin Gover, GW’s Chief Executive Officer, will present at the 2016 UBS Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.  A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available through GW’s corporate website in the investor relations section from the investor’s calendar of events page at http://www.gwpharm.com. A replay will be available soon after the live presentation..

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Liberal Laws but Hostile Policing for Czech Republic’s Cannabis Community

The Czech Republic’s drug policy was praised as a “great example of a successful liberal approach to drugs” during last month’s UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs in New York City. But the actions of the National Anti-Drug Agency, the Czech equivalent of the DEA, toward the country’s cannabis community reveals a painful gap between cannabis theory and practice.

The first sign that something was changing in the Czech Republic came in the summer of 2013, when police accused a journalist of “spreading and encouraging drug abuse.” Why? He made an innocent joke about the improvement of sight after smoking a joint. It did not come to a trial, because the jurisdictional district court judge refused to open such a case.

A few months later the cannabis community was shaken by the “Black Day.” On Nov. 4, 2013, hundreds of police stormed dozens of the hundred-plus dispensaries spread across the country. The biggest such raid in Czech history was masterminded by Col. Jakub Frydrych, head of the National Anti-Drug Agency. Frydrych, a hardcore, Harry Anslinger-type drug warrior, decided that the vague language in Czech law against “spreading and encouraging drug abuse” gave his agency the right to destroy legitimate businesses that had been legally operating for up to fifteen years.

Mainstream media, members of the public and a majority of Czech drug experts condemned the raids as unnecessary, costly, useless and even illegal. The government’s top drug-policy adviser, Dr. Tomas Zabransky, told online newspaper Idnes.cz that “growshops selling growing equipment and cannabis seeds operate all around Western Europe, Canada, and the U.S., because that’s how democracy works. … This kind of police action is actually helping the black market.”

The raids led to a series of trials against dispensary owners. To the surprise of many, all were found guilty. The judges sided with the police and considered “selling pots, lamps, rolling papers and books about cooking with cannabis under one roof” a crime.

Nobody was sent to jail, though. The owners lost all confiscated goods, but got off on probation — provided they pleaded guilty. A few brave owners refused the plea bargain, and one eventually won his trial. Prague District Judge Helena Chaloupkova heavily criticized the police in this case for “acting cowardly and inconsistently,” and stated that “the owners did not encourage cannabis use” by selling the above-mentioned goods.

But the story does not end there. Last week, in an unprecedented move, the Czech Republic’s highest district attorney, Pavel Zeman, intervened. He asked for the case to be reopened, because in his opinion, the owners were indeed spreading drug abuse. Zeman’s statement was riddled with Reefer Madness cliches.

The dispensary raids aren’t the only examples of police hostility toward the cannabis community in the Czech Republic. In the fall of 2015, a group of legal-hemp harvesters were beaten and jailed. The “accident” gained international attention for its absurdity: Young police officers from a little town some 100 miles north of Prague were bored and decided to check legally approved fields of hemp that was properly registered with customs and contained no THC.

More repression came this May at the annual Konopex cannabis trade fair in Ostrava. Local police concluded that the hemp farmers and hemp clothes producers posed a threat to public safety and staged dozens of heavily armed officers around the exhibition grounds and the after-party club. Police harassed visitors with time-consuming searches, and they confiscated bongs, roaches and industrial hemp plants. Leopold Svaty, one of the country’s most prominent hemp producers, told Leafly: “Although I presented all necessary paperwork and documents proving my hemp and hemp products are 100 percent legal, the police confiscated everything, simply to prevent me from exhibiting at the fair and to damage my business.”

So what are the results of the dispensary raids and other police actions directed against the Czech cannabis community? “The number of growshops went down temporarily, but it’s on the rise again,” says Robert Veverka, director of NGO Legalizace.cz and editor of Legalizace magazine. “Many owners basically split their companies into more than one, so one only sells pots and lamps, the other just seeds, and a third one sells smoking accessories and cannabis literature. By not offering everything under one roof, they hope to avoid police accusations of ‘encouraging drug abuse.’ Legitimate businesses selling stuff that’s freely available all over Europe have been destroyed, dozens of people lost their jobs, growshop owners lost millions worth of legal goods. Hundreds of millions of taxpayers money have been wasted during these maneuvers and the same can be said of the human resources of the police and justice system.”

The rate of cannabis use and production has not gone down in the Czech Republic since the raids. What has been going down, rapidly, is respect for the police within the cannabis community. As Albert Einstein pointed out in 1921, regarding the prohibition of alcohol: “The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced.”

The Shake: Alaska’s VIP Bags Raise Hackles, Reefer Madness Meets Fargo, and the Clash of the Cannabis Titans

Tongues wag over swag bags in Alaska. Last weekend’s cannabis hot spot was the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, which hosted the Northwest Cannabis Classic trade show for the second—and possibly last—time. Alaska is famously legal, of course. Adults may possess and gift up to one ounce of cannabis. But that doesn’t mean local authorities have to like it. Last year the Anchorage Assembly prohibited cannabis giveaways inside municipal buildings during trade shows, a measure aimed directly at the Cannabis Classic. This year’s show, which took place over the weekend, saw Anchorage Police patrolling the Dena’ina to keep the air clear and the edibles unmedicated.

Any trouble? Just a house manager irritated by swag bags. A $299 VIP ticket got you a gift bag with party passes, breakfast and dinner tickets, and a few samples of actual cannabis. “They can’t do that,” said Steve Medina, the Dena’ina Center operations manager. But show organizer Cory Wray said it was all legal and by-the-book. “If Dena’ina wants to sue me because I broke their contract, then that’s up to Dena’ina,” Wray said. Anchorage Dispatch News has the full story. Extra tip o’ the cap to Radical Russ Belville, who kept us entertained all weekend with his live tweets from the show.

California and Canada battle over cannabis supremacy. Everybody wants to be the Napa Valley of cannabis. Canada thinks it’s got a shot. California laughs at the notion. The Guardian makes the case for the Great White North, while the Los Angeles Times shows why California remains the once and future king.

Maine hosts impaired driving summit today. On the heels of its groundbreaking report on cannabis and impaired driving — which concluded that science doesn’t support impairment charges based on THC blood levels—the AAA hosts an impaired-driving summit in Maine, which will vote on cannabis legalization in November.

Cannabis comes to West Virginia. But not in the way you’re thinking. For the first time in 70 years, cannabis will be planted legally in West Virginia, in the form of hemp. West Virginia University researchers will sow the hearty fiber as part of a project to investigate the plant’s ability to remove contaminants from the soil.

Legalization fights racism but doesn’t end it. It’s a point we’ve made before, and others have rightly highlighted. The London-based Independent carries the news overseas.

Speaking of which… Prohibiting people with criminal records from receiving cannabis licenses is an ongoing problem that extends the racism inherent in the drug war. Now California is considering an initiative that would end this barrier to market entry. The Christian Science Monitor has the story.

Prohibitionists emerge in Florida. The Vote No on 2 campaign announced itself earlier this morning by releasing a video alleging the state’s proposed medical marijuana amendment would lead to the opening of dispensaries. “Looks like Amendment 2 is still a scam to legalize pot,” the ad says. Interesting side note: Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who gave $5.5 million to defeat the MMJ measure in 2014, is now a leading contributor to the Donald Trump campaign, which raises questions about his financial commitment to Florida’s 2016 cannabis race.

Relax, Fargo, it’s not marijuana. An alert dog walker in North Dakota’s glamour capital spotted what he thought might be a sprig of cannabis peeking through the soil. Alarmed, he called the cops. They checked it out. Turned out it was just a tree putting up shoots. You betcha.

And finally… USA Today is on the case when it comes to cannabis moving beyond the borders of Colorado. But it appears that they missed the larger story here, which is Colorado’s clandestine takeover of its northern neighbor, Wyoming. Never bury the lead, folks.

Image Source: USA Today (since updated)

3 Cannabis YouTubers You Should Check Out

In the ever-changing social media landscape surrounding cannabis, video is quickly becoming a key player. A large reason why can be attributed to video streaming platforms like YouTube remaining flexible with their community guidelines, allowing users to post cannabis content on their channel without the fear of repercussions such as the removal of content or account deactivation. Conversely, competing social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook share a history of discriminating against cannabis-related content, thus stifling information sharing and suppressing an entire body of of voices within the community.

YouTube, however, has taken a slightly different approach wherein it simply encourages age restrictions for adult-oriented content. There, creators are free to post cannabis-related content without fear of removal. As a subsequent result, cannabis information sharing has flourished on YouTube over the last half decade, allowing users to upload cannabis content freely, amass followers, and use their platform to push cannabis activism forward to whole new levels.

Below is a list of three YouTube channels that have truly exemplified this movement to push video forward as a viable medium for cannabis activism and information sharing. Each of these profiles offer a unique take in facilitating a totally new perspective on sharing cannabis news and information. Whether you’re looking for videos on current events, strain and/or product reviews, recipes, grow tips, or historical information, you’re bound to find a spectrum of content in these three channels that’s guaranteed to grab your interest.

Bubbleman’s World

Ask almost any solventless hash enthusiast where to find a quality online video covering proper technique and chances are you’ll get referred to Bubbleman’s World. Marcus Richardson, founder of Bubblebags and FreshHeaddies.com, took to YouTube in 2007 to create Bubbleman’s World. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, his instructional videos offer an unrivaled openness to previous “proprietary” concepts in hash making, capturing nuances within the various processes that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

In September of 2014, Marcus set out to create a weekly online symposium for cannabis activists and enthusiasts by utilizing YouTube Live streaming in Google Hangouts to create a Sunday morning discussion series appropriately titled, “Hash Church.” These unedited discussions involve a rock star panel of speakers including long-time cannabis activist Todd McCormick of HempXXX.com and Berkeley Patients Group founder Etienne Fontan. Every week, new guest speakers are invited to join in.

Notable past guests include Dr. Lester Grinspoon, famed Harvard professor and author of Marijuana Reconsidered. Lifelong activist and researcher Robert Clark has also made appearances, as well as activist Rick Doblin, who appeared just last week. Discussions on the show range from current events within the industry to extraction techniques, patient testimonials, product R7D discussion, and much more. Anyone with a little free time on Sunday morning should tune in and check out the weekly 9AM-12PM show.

RuffHouse Studios

RuffHouse Studios is a cannabis culture video production company that began posting videos on YouTube in 2007. Today it boasts a body of over 300 videos packed full with high production quality content spanning from segments on cooking with infused cannabis to concentrate reviews and even cannabis themed parody movie trailers.

Popular videos on the channel include demonstration and tutorial pieces on joint rolling, canna butter recipes, and DIY hack videos that range from making water pipes out of household items to tutorials on various extraction techniques.

“Tips & Tricks,” a video series featuring RuffHouse Studios host Bogart, offers up a very polished and professional set of tutorial videos. Here you can learn how to roll various styles of joints, or how to extract kief from cannabis flowers with the use of dry ice. Each of these videos are between 8-10 minutes long, making them the perfect length for a quick look without being too lengthy or dense.

If you’re looking for some lighter entertainment, check out the cannabis movie trailer parody videos for a good laugh. There you can find gems such as “The Smoking Dead” and “Bongzilla.”

Green House Seed Company

Founded in Amsterdam in 1985 by Arjan Roskam, the Green House Seed Company and Coffeeshop has grown to become one of the most notorious seed banks in the world. In 2006, Green House Seed took its brand to YouTube by posting grow tutorials and Cannabis Cup coverage videos.

Two year later, in 2008 Green House Seed’s YouTube presence expanded with the introduction of a series called “Strain Hunters”, wherein Arjan and his partner Franco Loja traveled the world curating rare landrace seeds from remote destinations. Aside from being wildly entertaining, these hour long segments offer a unique perspective into the lives those behind the global cannabis trade.

After eight years and over 100 videos, The Green House Seed company is still posting exciting high-production content on a regular basis. Its series “Grow Sessions” gives one of the most polished and analytically sound analysis of any strain-specific cultivation journal currently available on the internet. In this series, Arjan and Franco analyze growth patterns of some of their most famed strains and seed offerings, even detailing disparities between certain strains grown hydroponics versus in organic soil mediums. Every week they chronicle further with lab tested terpene and cannabinoid profiles, macro photographs of trichome formation, and cultivation tips. This level of care and dedication to cannabis-related videography is practically unrivaled, and the Green House Seed Company has consistently pushed the bar forward by advancing its platform with quality content.

Looking for more great cannabis video content? Check out Leafly’s YouTube channel, where you’ll find strain spotlights, cannabis 101 features, our Cannabis Craftsmanship series, and more.

What Will Happen to Office Drug Testing Post-Legalization? Cannabis Attorneys Weigh In

A group of cannabis attorneys and industry advocates participated in a recent Reddit AMA, or “Ask Me Anything,” in which notable figures or persons of interest make themselves available to answer questions submitted by Reddit users. The lawyers weighed in on a variety of topics, from boating with blunts to post-legalization workplace drug testing.

Here’s a recap of the AMA featuring the following participants from Gleam Law, which practices in Washington and Oregon:

  • Representative Roger Goodman, a five term Washington state representative and a long-time drug policy reform advocate
  • Mike Herron, managing attorney of the Oregon Gleam Law office and its primary corporate attorney
  • Rachel Kurtz, drug policy reform advocate and policy wonk
  • Ammon Ford, Gleam Law clerk who started the Cannabis Law Society (CLAW) at Seattle University School of Law

What does the future look like for office drug testing in the states where it has been legalized? Can people looking to get a job still be penalized for using a recreational and legal substance?

Gleam Law (Neil): While it is federally illegal, an employer can still discriminate against cannabis users, even if it is permitted by state law.

What do you think the most difficult obstacle will be in making cannabis into a commodity that is comparable with alcohol in terms of ease of distribution and regulation?

Gleam Law (Neil): The current issue is that the agencies are trying to adapt alcohol regulation to cannabis. It is not an easy application for numerous reasons. Unlike alcohol, which is based upon one (-OH) group with predictable effects, we don’t understand how or why different strains and different administration methods have different effects. Commodification is much more difficult with such a wide variation in the product/medicine.

Do you see federal legalization for recreational or medical purposes on the horizon? If so what sort of timeline for it happening do you approximate?

Gleam Law (Neil): It is definitely coming. It will be determined by the next president. We have an inter-office betting pool on when it will occur. There are few bets on less than 12 months.

How does patenting strains work? Is that a possibility, or can you copyright a name for your strain?

Gleam Law (Neil): Technically it is possible. Plant patents have two main requirements: Novel and Non-obvious. The hurdle to overcome here is the obviousness rejection. Simply crossing two known strains is obvious. One would want to find a variation that is substantially different and not an obvious variation to already existing strains.

I’ve heard anecdotally that states are struggling with marijuana from the legal market being diverted to the black market, where it can be sold while avoiding taxes or regulation. Do you actually see this a lot in your business, and do you think it is a major unaddressed problem with legalization?

Gleam Law (Mike): Diversion into the black market is always a concern for legitimate cannabis business. What gets talked about less is the concern for diversion into the legal market from the black market. If you are going to break the law either way, which makes more sense: produce at a lower cost in an unregulated/unlicensed grow, and then try to sell for much higher prices into the regulated market, or produce at a much higher cost on the regulated market and sell at a much lower cost on the black market?

But to say either type of diversion is unaddressed is a vast understatement. The Department of Justice issued the Cole Memorandum in 2014, outlining the key factors any state’s regulatory system needs to address in order for the DOJ to take a less “hands on” approach to enforcing federal drug laws in that state as they apply to marijuana. Oregon’s regulatory framework was created with these factors in mind. Seed-to-sale tracking is an important element of that system, but it is not the be-all, end-all of anti-diversion measures. At some point a self-policing element will enter the industry and those who are set on operating a legitimate, law abiding business will have a lot of incentive to ensure their competition is playing by the same rules. Prices will also continue to drop in the regulated market, placing additional competitive pressure on black market operations, but we have to give these things time to work.

Neil: In WA and OR, there are traceability systems in place to track the plant from seed-to-sale. This mitigates some of the risks. My worry is that if we overtax and over-regulate it, closet grows will persist and undermine the new regulatory system. To use the alcohol system as an analogy, we do not see basement distilleries causing any major issues.

In addition, legal regulated marijuana provides some benefits that black market does not – proper testing, proper labeling showing cannabinoid content, proof that the product is made without harmful chemicals, and infused products created in sanitary conditions, to name a few.

There was a study recently done by some group on how hard it is to determine how much THC is in one’s blood stream and how the effects of the THC vary from person to person. In your opinion, does this hinder or help the [cannabis] community, and what would the laws on the amounts look like in the future?

Gleam Law (Ammon): The difficulty of determining the THC content in the blood is coupled with the difficulty of determining how much THC renders the user “high,” for different people it is different.

This comes into play most in drugged driving cases. Here in Washington, it is illegal to drive while under the influence or affected by an intoxicating substance. Statutorily, this is satisfied if the driver has a blood THC content of 5 nanograms per milliliter or greater. In order to determine this, the police need to take a blood sample at the station and then present that evidence in court.

These can be very difficult to beat, but we know trial lawyers who have successfully beat these cases by relying on the weak science. 5ng in the blood doesn’t tell you when the driver smoked. It doesn’t tell you whether they were high while driving. it doesn’t tell you that they were impaired or affected by the drug. If there was no affect by the drug, then arguably the act was not illegal.

What does this mean the future of the industry? It means that the science will continue to get better and law enforcement will continue to get smarter. Hopefully, as everyone gets smarter we will also get safer.

Can I take a [cannabis] vape pen on a plane from CA to NV? I have a CA prescription. I don’t plan on bringing it home with me on the return flight. Just wondering if it [is] ok to take with me on the flight from CA or will law enforcement be waiting for me when I land in NV.

Gleam Law (Roger): You can certainly take a vape pen on a flight – but only WITHOUT the cannabis oil cartridge. Transporting cannabis in any form across state lines, as well as in airspace, is a federal crime. It is not likely that you will be federally prosecuted, especially for traveling between two cannabis-friendly states, but it’s still illegal at this point. Your vape pen, if detected, would probably just be confiscated – but there’s no guarantee…

Ammon: The vape pen itself is not illegal to transport across state lines because vape pens are not only used for cannabis, they’re also used for tobacco products. If it were used only for cannabis then it would qualify as prohibited “paraphernalia” under the Controlled Substances Act. Your CA prescription will not apply in NV unless NV law specifically honors MMJ authorizations from other states. Since we do not currently practice in NV we cannot definitively say what NV law permits [Leafly note: Nevada does accept out-of-state medical marijuana authorizations]. The cannabis oil/wax/shatter inside it is the controlled substance that should not be transported across state lines. Doing so is a federal felony that could result in serious and long-lasting legal problems for you.

How are dosage sizes determined and is that something that accounts nationally or just regionally?

Gleam Law (Neil): It is almost arbitrary. In Washington state, the dosage is 10mg, which is about right for most users. In Oregon, the dosage was just set at 5mg, which is probably a little low. We need more research into proper dosage sizes, which is difficult with the Controlled Substances Act.

Ammon: Dosages in Washington were determined by state law. A single dose is 10mg of THC. They determined this amount with the unwitting user in mind…they don’t anybody to suffer through a Maureen Dowd incident.

There has been a lot of controversy over how they determined this dosage. Many, especially MMJ patients, take much more than 10mg. How your body processes it depends on many factors, including how often you use, your body chemistry, weight, etc. But for the average user, limiting the doses limits the risk of overconsumption.

Are you allowed to take a boat out and smoke a blunt on the water without repercussion?

Gleam Law (Roger): We have an “open container” law in Washington which disallows smoking cannabis or possessing an opened package in the passenger compartment (I sponsored that bill – sorry). However, it does NOT apply to boats, so it is permitted to use cannabis while boating – as long as law enforcement does not believe you are impaired – which can get tricky.

Neil: Also, it depends on which waterways you are on. The Coast Guard enforces federal law.

Can people with Christian beliefs fight marijuana charges? In the Bible there’s a verse, Genesis 1:29: “Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you.” Isn’t a marijuana arrest going against 1st amendment rights?

Gleam Law (Ammon): That would be a very interesting 1st Amendment Free Exercise of Religion case. You have a constitutional right to freely practice your religion, but that right is not absolute. The government may pass laws that limit religious practice only if that law is religiously neutral, applies generally to everyone, the government has a compelling purpose/interest for imposing the law, and the restrictions of that law are as narrow as feasibly possible to achieve that governmental purpose. If they satisfy this test then their reasoning only needs to be rational, even if you and I think it is BS.

Marijuana prohibition is not specific to any religion and applies uniformly to all people. Its purpose, to protect the public health from this “dangerous” drug, is legally rational even if it is factually wrong.

For comparison, take a look at the Supreme Court Case Employment Division v. Smith, where the court held that the state could deny unemployment benefits to a person because they tested positive for smoking peyote, despite the fact that they only smoked peyote as part of a religious ceremony.

My best guess is that courts would extend this reasoning to include marijuana prohibition even if it infringed on your free exercise of religion.

And finally, on a lighter note:

I for some stupid reason read the title as cannibal attorneys… so I don’t have any questions at the moment except.. how are you doing today?

Gleam Law: Hungry.

Berlin’s Cannabis Coffeeshop is Rejected but Inspires German Legalization Movement

Chances are you’ve seen media reports on a cannabis coffeeshop opening up in Germany’s capital, Berlin. While the idea is widely debated, it’s still a long way from being realized. The good news is that more German cities are joining in and developing their own plans for how to regulate cannabis.

“Hasch, Gras, Koks [hash, grass, cocaine] — what do you need?” This is a common refrain you’ll hear in the “Görli,” or the Görlitzer Park, in Berlin’s alternative district of Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain.

While such offers may be enticing to clubbers on their way home from a weekend of partying, or to frustrated medical cannabis patients looking in desperation for supplies, it’s definitely not what city officials want to hear. Which is why the German Hemp Association (DHV) has suggested a different approach to cannabis regulation in the area: opening a Dutch-style coffeeshop right in Görlitzer Park.

It would be a big change from past precedent. Back in 2013, a girl found a package of cocaine in the children’s playground there, and since then things have only gotten worse. That’s despite Berlin’s minister for domestic affairs adopting a new zero-tolerance measure, which punishes possession of any amount of cannabis in the park.

Just a few steps off the Görli, you get only a written warning if caught with less than 15 grams (about half an ounce) of cannabis. So street dealing has shifted to nearby streets and to the underground metro station. The Berlin government and other voices jawboned for more police, more surveillance and even a neighborhood watch. In short, the first instinct was more repression.

But officials, activists and the citizenry eventually recognized that chasing away the peddlers will only drive the problem to a new location. This mechanism is known as the waterbed effect: Push down a phenomenon in one place, and it will pop up somewhere else. It was this realization that led to local officials to the coffeeshop idea.

District Mayor Monika Herrmann, from the left-wing Green Party, picked up the idea to have adult-use cannabis sales regulated on the municipal level, proposing a trial-opening of a coffeeshop directly adjacent to Görli. After several meetings with drug addiction and prevention experts, representatives from the youth welfare and the DHV, the district government worked out an application. When it was announced, national and international media jumped on the news, simplifying it into a message of “Berlin will open a coffeeshop.” But a district or municipal government cannot influence federal drug laws, and the application for the regulated cannabis sales in Berlin was rejected.

The Plan Behind the Plan

Of course, Hermann was realistic enough to anticipate the rejection. But she kept encouraging other cities or even states to follow her example. The result? A growing coalition of towns and municipalities across Germany are now calling for a fact-based approach to drug policy and for federal institutions to give local administrations leeway in setting public-health policy goals.

Shortly after the Berlin application was announced, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Münster, the District of Hamburg-Altona, and Cologne’s city district decided to work out their own applications. The city of Bremen is going one step further. Alongside a coffeeshop trial, the city’s governing coalition of Social Democrats and Greens wants to decriminalize home cultivation for personal use and adopt a more liberal DUI measure. German consumers currently lose their driver’s license with as little as 1 nanogram of THC in their system. In other countries or U.S. states where cannabis is legal and regulated, the standard value is generally 5 ng.

Change takes time. The introduction of heroin-assisted treatment for longtime addicts in 2009 would have been impossible without the first successful pilot projects in the city of Frankfurt almost 20 years ago. The Frankfurt experiments succeeded because they were supported by local communities after numerous previous failures. They eventually led to a federal law and a significant drop in the number of heroin-related deaths in Germany. The Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain coffeeshop trial follows the same tactic: the more cities join in, the earlier it can be implemented.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD), Germany’s second biggest political party, holds the key to change. On a local and state level, the SPD has started to rethink its zero-tolerance stance on recreational cannabis, but it remains inflexible on the federal level. Since regulation of cannabis is an increasingly popular topic, the party could benefit from using it in the next federal election campaign, in 2017. State elections in Berlin, Bremen, and Thüringen have shown that cannabis no longer scares voters off. These days, the opposite is true.

The Shake: Colorado Cops Can’t Keep Up with Cannabis Laws

“No mas!” say Colorado cops. Leaders of the state’s three main law enforcement associations wrote a letter to lawmakers asking for a two-year pause in new cannabis laws. Local police, they say, “cannot keep up with the quantity and speed of constantly-changing marijuana law.” And yet somehow everybody else — including cannabis companies themselves — seems to find a way to keep up. We’re just saying.

Louisiana House approves a medical cannabis bill. Now it moves to the Senate. The bill allows access only through pharmacies. But pharmacies can’t handle federal Schedule I drugs without jeopardizing their DEA licenses. So Louisiana would allow a limited number of state-licensed “marijuana pharmacies.” Which are just dispensaries, right?

Yep, 12 million square feet oughta do it. A University of Washington study released today finds that the 12.3 million square feet of growing canopy currently approved by state regulators should be sufficient to satisfy Washington state’s entire cannabis market. The study was undertaken in part to determine if enough farming space was available to supply the state’s medical marijuana patients as they’re folded into the state’s regulated retail system.

Colorado cannabis sales up 30 percent over 2015. That’s the word from the state Department of Revenue, which reports that Colorado shops sold more than $270 million in products during the first three months of 2016.

Toronto mayor looking into licensing dispensaries. The city’s ongoing MMJ dispensary boom has Mayor John Tory fretting over the impact on the city. He’s asked for a staff report on licensing options, and could act as early as June.

Kentuckians shun ancient fibrous plant grown in local fields. The owner of the Kentucky Cannabis Company, which is growing the fiber as part of the state Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Program, finds himself in a bind. He’s had to slow production of the CBD oil made from his hemp because local business owners are refusing to sell him butane, which he uses to extract the CBD. “Uhh, we don’t deal with cannabis companies,” some have told him.

Corporate shenanigans at TheWeedBlog. Can’t get enough of the struggle over Sumner Redstone’s state of mind (sound, surprisingly) and the fight for control of Viacom? Then check out the drama at TheWeedBlog, where columnists Johnny Green and Jay Smoker are apparently in a dustup with a third member of the company, Steven Travis Maurer. Green’s password “has been changed without my authorization, again,” he writes. Which is so not cool, Steven. Play well with others, boys — we’re all fighting for the same cause.

How Bologna Became the Hemp Capital of Europe

The city of Bologna, home to the oldest university in Europe and famous for its gourmet food, has a long and rich history in cultivating hemp for fiber that’s connected, curiously, to cycling.

The northern Italian city’s hemp heritage isn’t trapped in the past, either. It’s on rise once again, and today the city hosts one of the country’s numerous, newly established cannabis trade fairs that support the reviving industry. On May 20, the fourth edition of the IndicaSativa Trade fair kicks off at the Unipol Arena.

For centuries hemp production was one of the main features of Bologna. By the end of the Middle Ages, about a third of all cultivated land in the region, from Bologna towards Ferrara and Venice, was used to grow hemp. Traces can still be found in the countryside today. Scattered between Bologna and Ferrara, you can find remnants of artificial ponds that were used to ret hemp stalks. Retting, or soaking the stalks in water or exposing to moisture, enables the separation of fiber from woody tissue. These ponds are now being repurposed as small wildlife reserves that make for an idyllic location for a traveling toke. [Leafly advises visitors to respect all local regulations.]

In its hemp heyday, Italy was Europe’s second biggest cannabis producer, trailing only Russia. The Bolognese countryside produced dozens of different hemp varieties used to make ropes, gorgeous clothes, and linen; the Italian fibers were praised as the best on the world market. By 1930, more than a million tons of fiber was produced annually, of which around 65 percent was exported.

As the industry grew, locals crossbred landraces for better yields, a precursor of today’s modern cannabis breeding that’s led to hundreds of strains of both hemp and the prized, THC-rich strains savored by modern cannabis connoisseurs.

Apart from the main hemp producing areas around Bologna and Naples, hemp fields were scattered all over Italy. The name of one the provinces of the Piedmont region, Canavese, is derived from the Bolognese words for the plant, caneva. Around Bologna, old folks still say they sometimes smell a fragrant, hempy scent on the plains — a sign of something positive about to happen. It could be new love, a noteworthy achievement, or an unexpected adventure.

Antonio Pezzoli with his bicycle

Antonio Pezzoli, who lived from 1870 to 1943, was a predecessor to modern cannabis entrepreneurs. He was a cannabis industrialist and founder of the Touring Club, the first and most powerful bicycle organization in Italy. A keen photographer and one of the first to depict life in the cannabis fields, Pezzoli took a collection of photos that can be found in the book Passion and Profession: Hemp Cultivation in the Work of a Cycle-Tourist, published by the Institution Villa Smeraldi, a museum of peasant culture. Located in San Marino di Bentivoglio, just 15 kilometers from Bologna, the institution houses a Hemp Museum and makes for a good day trip for cannabis tourists in the region.

Passion and Profession shows the development of different modern phenomena and how they coincided with the modernization of cannabis production. Leafing through the pages, you witness the explosive growth of the bicycle organizations that brought an influx of tourism into Italy. Best of all, you also get a detailed photographic account of the life of the hemp peasants in the Bolognese countryside.

While cannabis production was commonplace at the time, the bicycle was a new mode of transportation at the time, and it was seen by some as suspect.

Catholic leaders in Rome considered it immoral to show the lower parts of the body in public, so legs exposed while pedaling where problematic. Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso feared the bicycle as a new instrument of crime, having received reports about purse-snatching in Paris by the Apaches, a mysterious group of outlaws on bicycles.

But as with cannabis, opposition to bikes eventually gave way to appreciation. The Catholic Church changed its position after bicycles proved to be a useful tool in World War II and as people of all backgrounds increasingly enjoyed pleasant two-wheel cruising for work or pleasure.

Pezzoli remains a great figure in the history of Bologna. He’s remembered both as auccessful and progressive industrialist as well as talented photographer and producer of cannabis. His body of work gives testimony to the past — and now, the future — of the gracious and lively town of Bologna, where hemp was, is, and will be in the air.

Image Source: Hemp Now and Then in Bologna, Italy

The Shake: Hemp Convertibles, Debunked DUI Tests, and Loopr’s Denver Debut

The AAA Foundation for Safety Traffic says tests for THC are bunk. Six states currently have blood tests in place to determine whether a driver is under the influence of cannabis, but AAA’s traffic safety foundation concluded that none of those tests has scientific merit. The study found that it’s not possible to set an accurate blood-test threshold for THC to reliably determine impairment, but the laws on the books nevertheless presume guilt if a driver tests above the limit. The foundation warned that this could result in unsafe drivers going free, while others may be wrongly convicted. The study came to the recommendation that a more reliable alternative might be a field test by trained officers, using indicators such as pupil dilation and tongue color in conjunction with a test for the presence of THC. The report could spur state legislatures to look into better ways to keep our streets and highways safe.

Legal cannabis courier services may be coming soon to Colorado. A new bill from the House would create a new licensing system for “marijuana transporters” for cannabis couriers, specifically tasked with moving cannabis from warehouse to retail and dispensary shelves.

Denver’s got a new 420-friendly mode of transportation for riding high in style. Loopr is an Uber-like luxury coach that picks up and drops off passengers at various dispensaries and retailers around the city. Loopr is streamlined with all of the amenities: restrooms, wifi, refrigerator, glassware, a dab bar, and even a laser show!

This herbal chef is stepping up the gourmet game with new, five-star meals that incorporate cannabis in delightful and subtle ways. “You’ll never taste the cannabis in my cooking unless I specifically want you to taste it,” cannabis chef Chris Sayegh says of his new and mouth-watering style of infusion.

Check out this cute little convertible made entirely from woven hemp. Renew is a sporty prototype based on the design of a Mazda Miata, but with a resilient, lightweight and eco-friendly cannabis twist.

The world’s first luxury 2-in-1 electronic and manual cannabis grinder now exists. Could be a great innovation for those who suffer from arthritis or have limited dexterity.

Orlando decriminalizes possession of small amounts of cannabis. Rather than risk arrest or jail time, offenders will now receive a simple $100 fine for less than 20 grams of cannabis, an ordinance that will go into effect Oct. 1.

Image Source: Loopr

The Definitive Cannabis Travel Guide to Toronto

Welcome to Leafly’s travel series, our definitive cannabis-infused guides to the best cities in the world.

The Six: It’s not because Toronto has a “6” in its area code, or even its postal code. Back in the late nineties, the Province of Ontario combined the six cities in the greater Toronto region into one. The resulting megalopolis is now the 4th largest city in North America. What do they love in Toronto? Drake, for one. Boy, do they love them some Drake. The week I was there I read, saw, and heard Drake news every day of the week. And he didn’t even do anything newsworthy.

They also love poutine, which is a fancy word for French fries smothered in gloppy gravy and sprinkled with cheese curds. Other things Torontonians dig: pronouncing their city “T’ronnnah,” really expensive parkas with fur-lined hoods, surviving cold winters, rooting for a hockey team that almost never wins, and raising some of the world’s funniest comedians.

Toronto is currently experiencing a dispensary boom: where once there were a handful of MMJ outlets, now there are nearly 90 (although the exact count is uncertain, as more open every day). Word to the wise: Canada (and Toronto) remains legal for medical marijuana but not recreational. (Yet.) So arrive with your Health Canada card if you expect to be served.

Toronto Vitals

Cannabis legality: Medical only (doctor authorization required)

Nicknames: T.O., Queen City, The Six

Population: 6,055,724

Pop culture claim to fame: Did I mention Drake yet?

Dispensaries on Leafly: 88

For the record: City law makes it illegal to swear in a public park. Canadians value politeness, eh.

Day One

At 4:20 p.m., you are: Checking into the King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto, because you feel like indulging in old money luxury. The Eddie, as it’s known around the Six, is a grand old barn built by a whiskey baron who founded the distillery that would go on to produce Canadian Club. A recent $40 million renovation has the Eddie looking spit-spot once again, with guests enjoying the hushed elegance of the Consort Bar, high tea on weekends, and royal high-backed lobby chairs for private tet-a-tets. At the Eddie you’re within walking distance of the Entertainment District and the Air Canada Centre, home of the NBA’s Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs. Bonus: Plenty of royal portraits (King Eddie himself, Queen Elizabeth, et al).

At 4:40 p.m., you are: Cabbing it to Queens of Cannabis, Toronto’s only woman-owned and operated dispensary, in the city’s Bloorcourt neighborhood. Hang out and talk medical strains with co-owners Brandy Zurborg and Tania Cyalume, enjoy an aromatherapy massage in the back studio, or purchase chocolate edibles or cannabis-infused guacamole.

Distinctive dispensaries in other neighborhoods: Cannawide Dispensary and Cannawide Top Shelf, one company with two locations within a block of each other in Kensington Market, Toronto’s world-famous vintage district; The Toronto Dispensary on Church Street, east of the U of T campus; and 416 Medicinal Health Center near Stanley Park.

Hot local pick: Don’t forget a box of delicious Mary’s Wellness infused tea (peppermint, chamomile, or chai) while you’re at Queens of Cannabis. You’ll want this Toronto specialty later tonight for a sleepytime sip.

At 5:35 p.m., you are: Perusing the glassware at the Toronto Hemp Company, Canada’s most complete cannabis accessories emporium. Owner Dom Cramer opened his Yonge Street shop in 1994, and since then the joint has become known nationwide for its selection of pipes, papers, vaporizers, and all things desired by the cannabis consumer. The main floor overflows with consumption tools; the basement is all about grow supplies. Whatever your needs, Dom’s got you covered.

At 6:25 p.m., you are: Settling in for a cocktail and appetizers at Signs Restaurant & Bar, one of North America’s most unique eateries. Signs is an easy four-block walk down Yonge Street from Toronto Hemp Co., and you’re going to be telling your friends about this place. It’s staffed with deaf servers, bartenders, kitchen staff and hosts. Your menu contains helpful instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), which you’ll use to communicate with your server. (Hint: The sign for “martini” is one of the easiest in the book.) Pasta dishes are among their specialties, along with, of course, the Toronto staple: poutine. Ask for the check early, because you’ll need to hustle to make curtain at your next stop.

At 7:31 p.m., you are: Laughing your ass off at The Second City, the cradle of North American comedy. It seems churlish to call this the Toronto offshoot of the original Second City in Chicago because the Toronto stage has created its own legends since first opening in 1973. Gilda Radner, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Mike Myers, and hundreds of others cut their comic teeth here. Do yourself a favor: plunk down $30, yuk it up, and lay bets on which of tonight’s comics will be on Saturday Night Live next season.

Inside tip: Stick around after the show when members of the cast indulge in a little improv, just to strengthen their chops.

At 11:15 p.m., you are: Shaking it and making it at one of the city’s hot nightclubs. Check out Wayward (skews young, trendy, dressed to kill, bottle service); Apt. 200 (more relaxed, informal, hang out and play some pool or video games with your craft cocktail); Ballet; or Uniun.

At 2:15 a.m., you are: Enjoying a soothing cup of Mary’s Wellness infused tea. Seriously. This stuff is awesome. You will sleep like a baby. A baby who really, really likes to sleep.

Day Two

Late the next morning, you are: Rising and shining at the Dineen Coffee Company, on Yonge Street, if you’re looking for expertly pulled java and a pastry; or at Le Petit Déjeuner, on King Street, if you’re looking for a fuller menu with mind-blowing French specialties.

Local tip: The toast champignon, a halved bagel topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bacon, at Le Petit Déjeuner is to die for.

At 12:15 p.m., you are: Walking off that breakfast with a stroll through the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is, I kid you not, located in a Toronto shopping mall. Take a gander at the most famous trophy in professional sports, the Stanley Cup, which contains the name of every member of every championship team, hand-tooled into the trophy’s collars. Marvel at hockey memorabilia like Wayne Gretzky’s battered Edmonton Oilers helmet and Jim Craig’s goalie pads from the US Hockey Team’s “Miracle On Ice” win over the Soviets in 1980.

At 1:34 p.m., you are: Thinking about visiting the top of the CT Tower, but come on, you’ve got better things to do, such as checking out some of the world’s most beautiful, expensive, exotic, and rare footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum. This cobbler’s paradise was founded in 1995 by Sonja Bata, the businesswoman and philanthropist who, along with her husband Thomas J. Bata, ran the family-owned global footwear and fashion accessory company. The building itself is an architectural gem, and its collection of more than 13,000 shoes includes indigenous footwear from all over the world. I know. You’re saying “A shoe museum? Really?” Trust me. It’s completely worth it.

At 2:43 p.m., you are: Shopping in the vintage boutiques of the Kensington Market, Toronto’s justifiably famous funkytown. If secondhand jeans and throwback jerseys aren’t your style, stroll a few blocks to Queen Street West, named one of the 15 coolest neighborhoods in the world. Enjoy the abundance of trendy boutiques, indie patisseries, and art galleries there.

At 4:19 p.m., you are: Feeding loonies and toonies into the Biblio-Mat, the world’s first randomizing vending machine for used books, at Monkey’s Paw bookstore on Dundas Street. Now you’ve got your reading material for the flight home. Time to catch a cab to the airport!

Image Sources: Omni Hotels, Queens of Cannabis via Instagram, Toronto Hemp Company, Signs, Dineen Coffee Co., Hockey Hall of Fame, and Bata Shoe Museum via Facebook, The Second City, and BlogTo

PGT #298-Once in a Lifetime

  Hosted by attorney Michael Komorn from Komorn Law and Chad from Birmingham Compassion   Contributions from Rick Thompson from The Compassion Chronicles-also providing the news, and show producer Jamie Lowell from the Third Coast Dispensary in Ypsilanti   Tonight- We begin a mini-series on political candidates in Michigan in support of sensible cannabis reform. […]

S 02, Ep. 04 – He's a Washington edibles maker; He fights for U.S. hemp

Published: May 5, 2016, 4:09 pm • Updated: May 5, 2016, 4:09 pm By Vincent Chandler, The Cannabist Staff Featured guests: Patrick Devlin, a “zootologist” for Zoots Premium Cannabis Infusions making edibles in Washington state, and Eric Carlson, director of hemp affairs with the National Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. Podcast: Play in new window | […]

Brazil Approves U.S. Cannabis Product RSHO as Imported Medication to Treat Cancer

This article is sponsored by CMW Media, the premier public and media relations agency proudly serving the cannabis industry worldwide.

Medical Marijuana, Inc. has announced to its shareholders and the public that the Brazilian government has approved its hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) oil product, Real Scientific Hemp Oil™ (RSHO™), to be imported as a prescription medication for cancer, and is subsidizing its cost under the Brazilian federal government’s heath care system.

“We have the utmost respect for the Brazilian government that decided hemp CBD oil should be available to their people, for a variety of reasons. Medical Marijuana, Inc. is actively working with other governments to also make hemp CBD products available. We look forward to more progress on a global scale in the very near future,” states Stuart W. Titus, Ph.D. and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, with 14 million new cases and 8.2 million deaths recorded in 2014 alone according to data from the National Institutes of Health. South and Central America, along with Asia and Africa, account for 60 percent of these new cases, and 70 percent of deaths.

Real Scientific Hemp Oil™ [RSHO]™ Blue and Gold Label all-natural CBD hemp oil in oral applicator tubes ship to Brazil with government approved documentation.

Medical Uses for CBD Hemp Oil in Brazil

Until 2015, all cannabis products were illegal in Brazil, regardless of whether they were derived from drug cannabis or from hemp. In May of 2015, Medical Marijuana, Inc. made history as the first cannabis product approved by the Brazilian government for import. Its approval was due in large part to the efforts of Katiele Fischer, whose daughter Anny suffered from CDKL5 epilepsy. Fischer, who had been bringing RSHO into Brazil illegally, sued the federal government for the right to access the product. The government agreed that Fischer had the right to import the medication her daughter needed, and by the end of 2015, three conditions – epilepsy (including CDLK5), Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain – had been approved for treatment with RSHO. Cancer joins them as the fourth approved condition.

Research has shown that the cannabinoids found naturally in cannabis can lower blood pressure, fight cancer, induce sleep, decrease seizures, relieve nausea, reduce inflammation, stimulate appetite, and far more. This bodes well for the possibility that Brazil may expand the list of qualifying indications for import of RSHO in the future. Meanwhile, the non-psychoactive oil is legal and accessible in all 50 states and more than 40 countries, where purchasers may order RSHO products online without a medical recommendation.

RSHO™ all-natural CBD hemp oil products are available in all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries.

The Future of CBD Hemp Oil: “Access for All”

“We are extremely proud to have created a new American export category: CBD hemp oil,” says Titus. “Our focus is ‘access for all’ and what is legally accessible to all, at this time, is hemp CBD in oil, capsules, tinctures, liquids and topicals. We envision our hemp CBD oil brands – including RSHO – becoming household names in 2016.”

Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s CBD hemp oil is derived from the mature stalk of the hemp plant and is considered a food nutrient delivering the benefits of cannabinoids without the psychotropic effects of THC. It contains no pesticides, herbicides, genetic modifications or heavy metals. Before becoming a finished product, it goes through multiple quality tests by top cannabis industry and food laboratories.

Titus explains, “Every country operates under different guidelines; some consider hemp CBD a product that can only be accessed with a medical prescription while others simply consider it a food product or nutritional supplement.”

In Brazil, residents who have a government-recognized medical indication and want access to RSHO hemp oil products may order them with a doctor’s prescription and approved import documentation from ANVISA. The government agency has issued a statement on its website explaining how to apply for an import certificate. HempMeds Brasil has been working for more than a year on its formal product application and regulatory submission. The company expects to continue working on the application through 2016.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

The mission of Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC Pink: MJNA) is to be the premier hemp industry innovator, leveraging its team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. It strives to create awareness within the industry and develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses while increasing shareholder value.

For more information on Medical Marijuana, Inc. and the portfolio company brands that it promotes, please visit the company website.

About HempMeds® Brasil™

HempMeds® Brasil™ currently has three cannabis products approved for importation into Brazil as a prescription medication for epilepsy, Parkinson’s and chronic pain. The company had the first-ever cannabis product allowed for import into Brazil and its products are currently subsidized by the Brazilian government, under their health care system, for all three medical indications listed above. HempMeds Brasil™ is working on additional approvals for multiple indications, including cancer.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Medical Marijuana Inc. and HempMeds® do not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). These companies do grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil.

The Shake: California’s Golden Opportunity for Legalization

Get ready, California. Legalization is heading to the November ballot. A voter initiative to (finally) legalize adult use in the state appears to have collected more than enough signatures to qualify. Barring any unforeseen obstacles, it will go before voters in November. The law would allow adults 21 and older to possess, transport, and use up to an ounce of cannabis as well as grow up to six plants. It has the backing of state Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom as well as the financial support of Sean Parker, the former Facebook president and a Napster co-founder. The country’s most dynamic cannabis market might soon be open to all of us.

Chris Christie throws another cannabis tantrum. The New Jersey governor, who dropped out of the GOP presidential race in February, said he would’ve arrested NFL rookie Laremy Tunsil over cannabis use. Tunsil found himself in the spotlight last week after video, taken years ago but leaked right before the NFL draft, showed him hitting a gas-mask bong.

Federal rescheduling isn’t good enough. Oregon attorney Vince Sliwoski explains why moving cannabis to Schedule II — on par with opioids and cocaine, and the move Hillary Clinton supports — is basically public policy purgatory.

There are now three songs about Seattle’s largest cannabis retailer. The owner of Uncle Ike’s says he’s especially fond of one, which he described as “old-school wiki wiki hip hop.”

Vancouver launches crackdown on medical dispensaries. The city has issued 44 tickets and shuttered 22 stores, according to CTV News. B.C. advocate Jodie Emery says many owners have refused to close down and are considering legal action to keep their dispensaries open.

Toronto’s taking aim at dispensaries, too. City official Mark Sraga says Toronto’s medical dispensaries, which have been popping up across the city, are illegal and could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines. He pledged to step up enforcement in the coming months. Meanwhile, a new poll indicates that a majority of Ontario voters are in favor of the dispensary model, though support for home cultivation is down slightly.

Cannabis prices in Colorado are tumbling. We already told you what’s up with those $6 grams. Now here’s Denver alt weekly Westword with a closer look at market forces in the Rocky Mountain State.

Washington targets teens with anti-cannabis ads. The “Listen2YourSelfie” tagline already sounds a little stale — selfie was Oxford’s word of the year way back in 2013, people — but the intentions are good: The little evidence we have suggests that teen’s developing brains and cannabis don’t mix. (Hey, at least the state didn’t pull a Stoner Sloth.)

Canada may spend $25 million on medical cannabis for veterans this year. A government auditor is calling for Veterans Affairs to rein in the program and find a way to cut costs. Commercial suppliers were charging up to $14 per gram, the audit found.

Cannabis meets fine dining meets $500-per-person price tag. Chef Chris Sayegh is offering cannabis-infused private-dining menus at a premium price. Can’t swing it? Keep your eyes peeled for pop-ups around Los Angeles for a more reasonable cost of $20 to $200 a head.

You know the smell. Now Denver’s doing something about it. The City Council on Monday unanimously approved a strengthened odor-control ordinance aimed at cannabis cultivation facilities and other smelly businesses.

What’s up Wiz Khalifa’s sleeve? The 28-year-old rapper hopes to launch a line of beer, juice, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails infused with hemp. He intends to sell the merch under the Khalifa Kush name, already a namesake strain.

It’s time for an informed debate amongst the Kiwis. Psychiatrists in the latest issue of the New Zealand Medical Journal say the country needs to have a real conversation about cannabis. Only a single product — a medicated mouth spray — is approved for use by MMJ patients in the country.

A cannabis-focused credit union will continue its legal fight. Colorado-based Fourth Corner, which we’ve told you about before, is appealing a federal judge’s decision in an effort to provide financial services to cannabis clients.

California’s anti-tax watchdog takes stand against cannabis. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is representing the Southern California city of Upland in its effort to fend off the California Cannabis Coalition, which wants to introduce a ballot measure challenging the city’s current ban on dispensaries.

And finally, it’s still not a tampon. Alternet says Foria Relief “has come to be known as the ‘weed tampon,’” which is unfortunate because that’s not what it is. As we told you a while ago, it’s a suppository aimed at easing menstrual cramps. And apparently, it’s lovely.

Cannabis Evolution: What Do We Know About the Plant's Earliest Origins?

Cannabis is one of the earliest crops cultivated by humans, and as such, there’s abundant information available on its use by various cultures and peoples throughout history. Thanks to historical documents and archeological findings, we can decipher when and how cannabis was introduced to specific areas of the world and for what purpose. When it comes to the evolutionary origins of the plant, however, things become murkier.

Currently, we have no fossil record of the earliest cannabis plants. Because it has been dispersed far and wide through human migration and trade, it’s difficult to determine the natural range of cannabis. This lack of concrete evidence has forced scientists and researchers to use deductive reasoning and knowledge of related plant families to form a viable theory as to its true origins.

What Conditions Does a Cannabis Plant Need to Thrive?

When determining the likely evolutionary origins of cannabis, our first order of business is understanding its ecological requirements, such as the ideal temperature, soil conditions, and amounts of sunlight and moisture needed for it to thrive. We know that cannabis plants are heliotropic (sun-loving) and thermophilic (warmth-loving). Although they are tolerant of shaded environments, they produce far less seed and pollen when deprived of direct sunlight. This means we can safely assume that cannabis evolved in an open environment lacking concentrations of taller plant species.

We also know that cannabis responds to changes in photoperiod, exhibiting vigorous vegetative growth during the longer days of spring and summer, and not flowering until the nightly period of darkness reaches 10 to 12 hours. Additionally, cannabis is not tolerant of cold conditions, but can survive extreme heat with sufficient water and nutrients.

While cannabis is highly adaptable to various levels of moisture, it does not produce well in drought conditions. Conversely, cannabis is very susceptible to fungi and other pathogens when excess moisture is present in the root zone, so it requires well-drained soil to thrive.

When we take all these factors into consideration, we get a good idea of the type of environment the cannabis plant evolved in: a temperate northern climate featuring warm, wet summers, where it can complete its 4 to 6 month life-cycle between killing frosts, and in sandy, loamy alluvial soils, e.g., along river valleys.

When Did Cannabis Evolve?

Now that we’ve established the likely environmental conditions under which cannabis evolved, we turn to the question of when it evolved. Given the lack of fossil evidence, we must examine our knowledge of plants that are closely related. Even here, we find some controversy: throughout history, cannabis has been given different taxonomic designations by various botanists.

In 1837, Austrian botanist Stephan Endlicher gave cannabis and its sister plant, humulus, their own family, Cannabaceae, under the (no longer existing) order Urticales. Other botanists later placed cannabis in the Urticaceae (nettle family) then Moraceae (fig family), before a 2002 molecular phylogenetic study determined that the Cannabaceae was a distinct family that also included those species classified under the genus Celtis (formerly known as the Celtidaceae, or hackberry family).

A 2003 article exploring the relationship between parasites and plants by Drs. John McPartland and Judith Nicholson for the New Zealand Journal of Botany noted that cannabis hosts seven parasites that are also found on plants in the Urticaceae and none that are hosted by the Moraceae. Using Fahrenholz’s Rule, we can then postulate that the Cannabaceae evolved either from or alongside the Urticaceae.

The earliest convincing fossil records indicate that Urticaceae emerged during the Oligocene epoch, which began about 34 million years ago. Humulus lupulus (hops), the closest relative of the cannabis plant, was fully speciated by 6.38 million years ago. Therefore, the cannabis plant evolved sometime between 34 million years ago and 6.38 million years ago.

Where Did Cannabis Originate?

Next we look to historical and archeological evidence of the earliest uses of cannabis by humans to provide clues as where cannabis originated. A Neolithic site dating back 12,000 years recently uncovered on the island of Taiwan produced pottery shards with impressions of hemp rope on them. In 2003, the 2700-year-old tomb of a mummified shaman was discovered in northwest Xinjiang, China, and was found to contain fragments of cannabis leaves and seeds.

Cannabis use is well-documented in the sacred Hindu texts known as the Atharva Veda, which are thought to have been compiled 2000-1400 years BCE. There is evidence that the ancient Yamnaya culture of what is now Northern Europe used cannabis both for cordage and for its psychoactive properties, perhaps as early as the third millennia BCE. While there is some evidence that hemp was utilized by ancient Egyptians as early as 1550 BCE, cannabis was introduced to the rest of Africa at a much later date. Cannabis was not present in the New World until it was introduced by European colonists.

All of these findings indicate that cannabis is indigenous to the Eurasian land mass. Furthermore, the early development of two distinct varieties of cannabis, the low THC hemp type in Europe and the more psychoactive drug variety in southern and eastern Asia, suggests that the plant first emerged somewhere in Central Asia and diverged from there.

The natural range of cannabis would have changed repeatedly since it first evolved due to climatic fluctuation and encroaching glaciers, so pinpointing the exact area in which it evolved is difficult. Some theories posit that the upland valleys of the Tian Shan or Altai Mountains, with their frequent landslides and rich alluvial soil, could have been the specific locus of origin. Given what we know about the age and ecological requirements of cannabis, along with the earliest known distribution patterns of the plant, Central Asia certainly offers the most plausible, if not overly specific, area of origin. From there it would have been spread by early humans, who possibly first encountered cannabis as early as 120,000 ago after they migrated out of Africa.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Cannabis, Sleep and Nutrition: How the Endocannabinoid System Affects Our Circadian Rhythm

This article is sponsored by PlusCBD Oil, a product line from CV Sciences (formerly CannaVest). CV Sciences is one of the leading suppliers and manufacturers of agricultural hemp-derived CBD bulk and finished products.

Our circadian rhythm, or internal clock, helps to control much more than just our “sleep-wake” cycles. In fact, many tissues and cells throughout the body operate around this biological clock that changes how they metabolize glucose, amino acids, fats and other fuels. Moreover, most cells in the body also change how they respond to various hormonal and environmental signals based on where they are in the clock. These very signals of light, food intake, hormones and sleep also alter the body’s biorhythm in turn. Essentially, it is a two-way street where the existing rhythm of the body’s clock alters whole-body metabolism and physiology on the one hand, and environmental cues exert influence to regulate and help “set the time” on these biological clocks on the other hand.

Sleep Deprivation’s Impact on Endocannabinoids and Weight Gain

Based on this backdrop, it’s no surprise that people who don’t get enough sleep find themselves gaining more body fat and having a more difficult time losing weight or controlling their blood sugar levels. This happens, in part, because sleep deprivation amplifies certain aspects of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that increase appetite and cravings for energy-dense foods. Results from a recent study published in the journal Sleep suggests that a poor night’s sleep leads to an increase in the body’s cannabis-like chemical compounds (including the endocannabinoid 2-AG, or 2-Arachidonoylglycerol), and activates many of the same pathways as a THC-dominant, CB1-receptor-weighted cannabis that makes food more appealing and rewarding.

Hanlon et al. found that when a group of 14 volunteers was sleep-deprived to 4.5 hours of sleep over a four-day period in the sleep lab, their 2-AG levels rose to higher concentrations and remained elevated longer, leading them to snack on unhealthy foods as compared with the control group that slept for 9 hours. During the four-day stay in the sleep center all the light and sound was controlled, while all food intake and meals were carefully monitored. Blood plasma levels of 2-AG typically peak in the mid-to-late afternoon, and drop to lowest levels in the middle of the night while fasting, yet in this study subjects’ levels remained higher for longer periods of time. These elevated levels of 2-AG corresponded to when the research subjects were overeating snack foods.

We know that sleep loss leads to a drop in cognitive performance and increase in impulsivity. There are also other appetite and energy balance hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, that are modulated by sleep deprivation. Data along with other research suggests that sleep deprivation is amplifying the hedonic food-seeking drive, while impairing ability to resist temptation and make better decisions regarding food intake. This coupled with dysfunctional insulin sensitivity and partitioning of liver, muscle and fat tissue provides the perfect storm for weight gain and expanding waistlines.

Using CBD to Optimize the Circadian Rhythm

This emerging scientific evidence outlines some potential targets for optimizing weight management and metabolic health. One strategy is to improve sleep hygiene by getting plenty of natural light, eating meals early in the day, and making more time for shuteye. Unfortunately, artificial light, smartphones, TVs, stress, late nights, excess social media use and shift-work have all made it challenging to meet sleep needs.

Another strategy may be to bring the endocannabinoid system into balance (i.e., away from CB1-receptor preference like 2-AG endocannabinoids or a THC phytocannabinoid-dominant cannabis) via use of hemp-derived phytocannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol), which tend to be more weighted toward a CB2-receptor mediated response as opposed to a CB1-receptor pathway. By keeping our endocannabinoid system in balance, we pave the way for our circadian biorhythm to encourage optimal health and wellness.

References:

Hanlon EC, Tasali E, Leproult R, Stuhr KL, Doncheck E, de Wit H, Hillard CJ, Van Cauter E. Circadian rhythm of circulating levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Jan;100(1):220-6.

Hanlon EC, Tasali E, Leproult R, Stuhr KL, Doncheck E, de Wit H, Hillard CJ, Van Cauter E. Sleep Restriction Enhances the Daily Rhythm of Circulating Levels of Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol. Sleep. 2016 Mar 1;39(3):653-64.

Van Cauter E, Holmback U, Knutson K, Leproult R, Miller A, Nedeltcheva A, Pannain S, Penev P, Tasali E, Spiegel K. Impact of sleep and sleep loss on neuroendocrine and metabolic function. Horm Res. 2007;67 Suppl 1:2-9.

Knutson KL, Van Cauter E. Associations between sleep loss and increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008;1129:287-304.

5 Cannabis “Holidays” to Celebrate Besides 4/20

April 20th has long been accepted as the de facto cannabis holiday. The symbolism behind 4/20 has been a powerful ally and war cry for activists and supporters of cannabis reform. During times of prohibition, it has given the community cause to come together make some noise.

Now that cannabis reform is beginning to make headway across the nation, we have even more reason to celebrate. If you don’t want to wait until next year to rally behind a significant cannabis “holiday,” here are five other days throughout the year when you can light up in celebration of cannabis and how far our community has come.

February 1st: CBD Day

February 1st should serve as a celebration of cannabidiol, the cannabinoid also known as CBD. CBD holds great promise for advancing cannabis as medicine. Specially bred strains with a CBD:THC ratio of 2:1 or higher are sought after for their medicinal properties, with some strains reaching upwards of 25:1. To appropriately pay tribute to the benefits of CBD, we’d recommend vaporizing high-CBD strains like ACDC or Harlequin. Afterwards, spend your day resting, relaxing, and focusing on personal wellness through meditation, yoga, and other restorative activities.

What are High CBD Cannabis Strains and How Do They Differ from High THC Strains?

June 18th: Jack Herer’s Birthday

Jack Herer cannabis strain

In commemoration for all of the energy and effort put in by cannabis activists throughout the decades, we propose observing the birthday of Jack Herer. Affectionately named “The Hemperor,” Jack was a devoted marijuana activist and author. He fought tirelessly to emphasize cannabis as one of our most valuable resources and reinforce the ways in which our earth and society can benefit from hemp. To honor Jack and all of the others who have pushed the plant forward, we suggest smoking some Jack Herer, the sativa-dominant strain bred by Sensi Seed and named for the man himself.

July 10th: Oils and Concentrates Day

Cannabis oil with a dab tool

Everybody knows about 420 but in recent years concentrates, cartridges, and dabs have taken center stage. “OIL” flipped upside-down reads “710,” so July 10th is quickly becoming the connoisseur’s ceremony to honor oil. The day is a great excuse to dab your favorite concentrates with your friends, but it’s also an opportunity to commemorate the advancements in hash making technologies that modern cannabis laws are encouraging.

The Great Wide World of Cannabis Oil and Concentrates

October 5th: Commemorating the Victims of Prohibition

On October 2nd, 1937, the United States enacted the Marijuana Tax Stamp Act which effectively outlawed cannabis. Three days later, on October 5th, the FBI and the Denver police raided the Lexington Hotel and arrested Samuel R. Caldwell and Moses Baca. Caldwell and Bacca are recognized as the first citizens convicted of selling and possessing cannabis. Both men served the entirety of their sentences, with Caldwell dying shortly after his release from four years of hard labor. In respect to those who have risked their freedoms fighting for the personal right to grow and consume cannabis, we should all roll one up to remember the lives and families distressed by prohibition.

November 6th: Legalization Day

Without a doubt we should be celebrating the momentous first doors that opened for legal, adult access to cannabis in the United States. On November 6th, 2012, Colorado and Washington both passed recreational cannabis laws establishing and recognizing cannabis as a regulated industry in America that has gone on to spark an international debate on drug reform. To memorialize the shift towards legitimizing marijuana, 11/6 should be celebrated by visiting your local dispensary or traveling to a state with legal access in an effort to support the businesses that help us enjoy our right to consume cannabis.

These are just a handful of days to celebrate the cannabis plant (as if you needed any more), but really any day that cannabis can increase your quality of life should feel like a win. We hope you had a happy and safe 4/20 holiday. If you’re looking for more cannabis-friendly events, visit the Leafly Events Calendar to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Cannabis in the Great Outdoors: Tips, Tricks, and Advice for Hiking, Backpacking and More

The seasons are changing, which means more people are dusting off their hiking boots and setting off for adventures in nature. Cannabis is a natural companion for explorers of the great outdoors – there’s something about imbibing between breaths of fresh air that makes us feel more connected to these organic landscapes. Before shoving off on your journey, make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to be both safe and considerate with your cannabis use. We surveyed a large group of hikers with an affinity for cannabis to determine what tips to keep top-of-mind while outside, so let this be your map to positive experiences in nature.

Safety and Etiquette for Outdoor Cannabis Consumption

Safety is paramount to having a good experience, and etiquette is paramount to others having a good experience, so be sure to practice both when you hit the trail.

  • Be respectful of other hikers. This piece of etiquette was offered by nearly every hiker interviewed – not because cannabis is something that should be kept secret, but because, as one hiker put it, “Just like cigarettes, not everyone likes it, and everyone should be able to enjoy the trail.” This is especially important around crowds and children.
  • Leave no trace. This is the golden rule for all hikers – no one is an exception. When it comes to enjoying cannabis on the trail, it may seem like no big deal to toss an extinguished roach. (“It’s okay, the crutch is hemp paper!”) No. No one wants to see cannabis or cigarette butts on the trailside, and even if it seems too small to make any big impact, get in the habit of packing out all trash no matter how small.
  • Be conscientious of your use of heat and fire. This is particularly true in dry areas and seasons. Tossing a roach you thought was out could have devastating effects on a dry ecosystem and ruin areas that were once near and dear to many other hikers. And, as always, be smart with your use of campfires (in other words, don’t be a stoned idiot), and adhere to the conditional fire laws in your area.
  • Bring extra water. You should always bring more water than you think you’ll need in the event of an emergency, but this is especially true for those of us who like to pair our adventures with cannabis. As you may have noticed with the dry mouth phenomenon, cannabis dehydrates you, so be sure to pack and drink a lot of water. I always bring a water filtration pump with me, because unexpected things can happen.
  • Know your route. Some trails are obvious and easy to locate. Other are not. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed a switchback or had to retrace steps looking for familiar signs – it can happen to anyone, and being high while trying to navigate can make it even more challenging if you’re not an accustomed user. It may sound dorky, but bring a topography map or a GPS system, pay close attention to natural landmarks, and track your mileage.

Best Cannabis Pieces to Bring Hiking and Camping

What’s your favorite piece to bring while hiking? We asked our local hikers what they preferred, and here’s what we learned.

  • Joints. My personal favorite method for the great outdoors is the classic joint. Roll several before hitting the trail, and you’re good to go. I also like to throw the occasional spliff in the mix for that little kick of energy.

The upsides to joints: they stay lit even in windy weather, they’re easy to share with friends, they’re lightweight, and they pack a big punch. The downsides: they can be hard to light in the wind, you have to pack out roaches (bring an extra baggie, otherwise they make your backpack smell bad), they require a lot of bud, and a strong breeze makes them burn faster.

  • Portable vaporizers. A lot of hikers are loving their portable vaporizers and oil pens for use on the trail. Some allow you to fill them with your favorite flower, and many oil pens offer strain-specific cartridges so you can bring your favorite variety of cannabis with you on the trail.

The upsides to vaporizers: no lighter is required, they are discreet with minimal odor, and they allow you to take as few puffs as you’d like at a time. The downsides: oil cartridges provide a fairly different high from flower that some do not prefer, and their batteries can run out and leave you cannabis-less.

  • Pipes. The tried and true method of consumption favored by many hikers. As one Washington hiker said, “On busier trails I prefer to use a pipe. They’re easier to put out when other people are passing by.” Almost all hikers surveyed cited pipes and one-hitters as their go-to pieces, so there’s something to be said about this classic companion.

The upsides: pipes are lightweight, they’re easy to put out, and they’re easy to share. The downsides: they’re breakable, they can be difficult to light with a breeze, and it’s hard to hit them while walking.

  • Travel water pipes. For the hiker dedicated to cumbersome apparatuses that use water, bongs and bubblers are still a possibility. The good news is you don’t necessarily need to pack your most extravagant glass piece to enjoy the luxury of a water pipe. Small bubblers are easy enough to bring, and lightweight bongs are also available (like this silicone bong that folds up).

The upsides: water pipes provide extra cooling and filtration of smoke, and bongs can provide heavier effects than a pipe. The downsides: they can be heavy, they take up a lot of space, and they are not always discreet.

  • Edibles and tinctures. Although considered too heavy for many hikers, edibles can be an excellent smoke-free way to enjoy your time outdoors. Small doses are your best bet for a long-lasting mellow, gentle high that still allows you to be active. Tinctures have a faster onset and tend to be less intense than edibles due to the way they’re metabolized.

The upsides: edibles last longer than inhaled methods, they provide a good body high for relaxing muscles, and they’re small and lightweight. Sublingual tinctures are easier to dose than edibles and tend to offer more mild effects. The downsides: edibles can cause an overly intense high with sedating effects. Dose responsibly!

Legal Considerations of Enjoying Cannabis Outdoors

There are differences in marijuana policy and tolerances depending on which area of wilderness you’re visiting. Federal land like national parks can cite you for using marijuana, and technically you can still be fined for public consumption outside national parks even in legal states. State fines tend to be significantly lower than federal ones, but it’s still something to consider. Fees vary from state to state, so be sure to research your relevant laws if this is a concern.

We all see hikers cracking a well-deserved beer at a mountain peak despite consumption laws, so of course you’d expect to see others lighting up an equally well-deserved joint. So to wrap this point up, be educated about the laws and be respectful of those around you.

If a cigarette can be enjoyed out in nature, why on earth can’t cannabis – especially if it enables those with pain, chronic nausea, and other ailments enjoy a happy and active lifestyle? One hiker I spoke to mentioned that cannabis allowed him to hike without his heavy painkiller prescription, enabling him to stay pain-free and active as opposed to sedated and lethargic. Another hiker noted, “Cannabis helps quiet my mind so I can really enjoy the nature and its serenity.” A third said it allowed her to focus on the persistence in climbing, turning off the “I can’t do this” thinking.

Cannabis, in my experience, is one of the best available conduits between the mind and nature. It allows connection, appreciation, and access to peace during intense physical and mental exertion. We hope that lawmakers will soon see the ways that cannabis can encourage wanderers to protect the ground they walk on, as well as the benefits it extends medical patients who might otherwise be unable to be active and enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer. So speak up, citizens, and let your state representatives know why these laws should be changed.

Let’s hear from you! How does cannabis help you enjoy the great outdoors, and what tips and tricks do you have to offer your fellow hikers, backpackers, and campers? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Image Sources: Sara Dilley, Luke Gram, and Bailey Rahn

Batman in a Bow Tie: We Talk Cannabis Reform with Rep. Earl Blumenauer

Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) has been a champion for drug policy reform since he was first elected to Portland City Council in 1986, moving up to gain a seat in the House of Representatives in 1996. Don’t be fooled by the charming bicycle pin and unassuming smile — when it comes to fighting for justice, Blumenauer is Batman in a bowtie.

Not only was he a huge proponent for removing hemp from the definition of cannabis in Oregon, removing the barriers to create an industrial hemp revolution, but he has also written repeatedly to the president, most recently to ask for a new appointee to take the place of Chuck Rosenberg as head of the D.E.A. after Rosenberg made troubling remarks.

Leafly caught up with Blumenauer as he prepared to embark on a tour of states with cannabis reform on the ballot this November. He’ll be speaking in California in early May in support of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, and continuing on to Nevada, where he’ll speak in favor of that state’s legalization initiative, Question 2.

Leafly: What is your goal for supporting cannabis in the upcoming months?

Rep. Earl Blumenauer: My goal is to be in every state that’s in a battle to modernize its marijuana laws. I’m going to be looking at California, Nevada, Maine – which you may have noticed got back on the ballot, despite efforts to knock it off. This week I’m going to New York for the United Nations’ effort to modernize international drug laws.

My goal is to be a resource. I’ve been to any number of states, I’ve talked to editorial boards from the New York Times to the L.A. Times, and lots of publications large and small. I’ve even had a meeting on marijuana reform in Texas. I think those people were committing a felony just by meeting me in Texas. I say that only slightly in jest.

My goal is to speak out about the experience I’ve had. I was in the Oregon Legislature when we were the first state to decriminalize, in 1973. Just before that we had a proposal that would have legalized adult use in Oregon. We would have beaten Colorado and Washington by 30 years.

We had a debate at the Brookings Institution last night, which was kind of fun. They rolled out some of the trusty naysayers. It was a packed house. In the audience, believe it or not, was a person who was in the gallery of the Oregon House of Representatives when I was there speaking, arguing, arm-twisting back in 1973. He was there!

How has legalization changed Oregon?

We’re developing a model that we think can be used in any state. Legalization has already resulted in a significant amount of economic activity. We’re watching people who are extraordinarily excited about making this enterprise fully accessible and transparent. There are an amazing number of people in the industry that I’ve met who want Oregon to be the gold standard. They want to treat their employees fairly, they want to be good neighbors. It’s fun watching people on the ground floor trying to do it right.

We passed our measure over 18 months ago. No big rocks fell out of the sky, no cracks appeared in the earth. Most days, the sun continues to rise and set. People are accepting this as a reasonable way to treat a legitimate legal product.

Last week in Portland, I had three people — pillars of the community, baby boomers, extraordinarily successful and accomplished people — in three different conversations describe to me how they had used medical marijuana to deal with some physical challenges. Two had been in accidents, and one had a significant and painful operation. In normal conversation they nonchalantly mentioned that they went to facilities and got legal marijuana to deal with their ailments. And they told me how effective it was. Two or three years ago that wouldn’t have happened.

What do you find to be the most troubling aspect of the ongoing war on drugs?

Where do I start? What I find deeply troubling is the flawed premise of marijuana prohibition. It is absolutely unjustified, inequitable, and it falls most heavily on, as you know, young black men.

Some of the draconian punishments that have been handed out will be the shame of our government for decades to come.

I’m glad the president is using his power to grant clemency, taking care of some of the most egregious examples. But there are thousands more.

It’s so exciting, after all these years, to watch the pieces come together. But we still arrested or cited over 600,000 people last year. Fifty-eight percent of the public — maybe more depending on how you ask the question — don’t think marijuana should be illegal. Probably 75 percent of the public think that states ought to have their own marijuana policies. And yet, over 600,000 people were hassled by the law. They got a ticket. They got arrested. That disconnect is really jarring. It motivates me to do everything I can on a federal level to change things.

How likely do you think it is that Obama will deschedule cannabis on his way out of office?

President Obama is the first president to really tell the truth about marijuana. He said he smoked, he inhaled, it wasn’t as dangerous or addictive as other things that are legal. And that is a big deal to have the president of the United States be honest with the American public, unlike some of the officials in the drug bureaucracy.

Second, this administration could have struck down the state legal adult use — and they didn’t! They’re caught between a rock and a hard place. Theoretically it’s still illegal, and there’s lots of change going on. Public opinions are changing.

They issued the Cole Memo. And he started commuting some of these sentences, pardoning people. This is an important contribution. But I would not be surprised if, as part of his legacy, he did something else.

It might be something as dramatic as descheduling, as I hope it is, but I suspect we haven’t seen the last of what the administration does.

I am convinced that the next president of the United States, which I think will be Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, will continue to build on the Obama legacy. They’ll strengthen it. And I find that exciting. I’m convinced the war on drugs will all be over in five years, and probably sooner, if we do our part. It’s not guaranteed. There are forces out there opposing it. But I tell you, the next two or three years, they are going to be phenomenal.

Now is it true that you’ve never used cannabis?

Nope. Not yet.

Do you have any desire or interest in trying it?

Well, I will tell you unequivocally that if I or a member of my family had a condition — taking chemotherapy, chronic pain, some of the neurological disorders, PTSD — I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to use medical marijuana, if I had one of the conditions that cannabis is effective in remedying.

By itself, however, I have nothing against adults who choose to use it, but I have felt that as long as I am kind of the point person, that it is important that it not be confused with thinking that I’m doing this because I use it. I think it strengthens the case that I make to be able to honestly say I’ve never tried it, I don’t use it, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, and I’m working to make it legal.

But I truly think it is in the same genre as people who decide they’re going to have a craft cider, a fine Oregon Pinot. This is something a responsible adult ought to be able to decide for themselves, and we shouldn’t criminalize the behavior of people who do. I want to be as effective as I can in this, and I think this makes me more effective.

Tell me about your 4/20 fundraiser.

We’re going to be having some fun with it. At 4:20 a.m. and at 4:20 p.m. on 4/20, we are going to invite people to help be a part of the effort getting the resources so my staff and I can take this show from coast to coast to help with campaigns and make sure we’re successful getting it across the finish line. I’m trying to be that other voice to party delegates, to the media and trying to push the administration from top to bottom. I want to lay the foundation for 2019, when we’ve got a chance to have all of this come to a head because the United States ought to be exerting leadership for reform.

Part of the challenge here is to figure out how to be most helpful, because, well, you know, I do have a day job. I’m working on lots of issues that are important, and then I’ve got the commute across the country every week. There are people who need help with veterans’ benefits, and some of my crazy Republican friends in Congress have some things that we have to kind of push back on. There are some fascinating things in terms of health care reform, and food and agricultural policy reform, and nuclear weapons, so we’ve got other things. But this, this can be all-consuming.

On a personal note, I adore your bicycle pin.

The bicycle pin, I will tell you, is another one of these things — it makes people feel good. It’s simple common sense. We need to do more of that in politics. We can do it with cannabis reform, we can do it with bicycles. We don’t have to make it as hard as it is.

Image Source: Cecilia Snyder via Flickr Creative Commons

Cannabis-in-Schools Debate Returns to Colorado

DENVER (AP) — A new Colorado law allowing medical marijuana use at public schools is getting a second look Monday in a House committee.

The current law allows students who need medical marijuana to use edible pot at public schools — as long as the school districts agree.

No school districts currently does, so patient advocates are pushing the bill to make Colorado the second state to require schools to allow nurses or parents to administer medical pot. New Jersey made the change last year.

“They need to make reasonable accommodations so that children who need medical marijuana can go to school,” said Stacey Linn, a Lakewood mother of a 15-year-old with cerebral palsy who is not allowed to wear a skin patch delivering a cannabis-derived treatment to school.

Medical marijuana has been legal in some states for two decades. But school districts and lawmakers nationwide are only now starting to grapple with thorny issues about student use of a drug still illegal under federal law. Colorado is one of three states where medical marijuana is legal that has any rules for use in schools, according to the pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project.

Stacey Linn with her 15-year-old daughter

The possibility of medical marijuana in schools raises a number of questions for school officials. The law currently says that the drug must be in non-smokeable form and is to be administered by a school nurse or a caregiver, likely a parent. But those school nurses are also required to report to authorities any child who is exposed to an illegal drug, including marijuana-derived treatments.

That happened to the Wann family of Highlands Ranch, which got a call from Child Protective Services last year because their epileptic 8th grader uses a cannabis-derived treatment. Amber Wann said her son doesn’t take the oil at school, but the district reported the family as possible child abusers, despite last year’s law clarifying that schools may allow marijuana treatment.

“They were more concerned about losing federal funds and law enforcement coming after their nurses than about the new law saying they can allow a hemp-derived medicine,” Wann said.

School officials say they’re being unfairly asked to accommodate an activity that still runs afoul of federal law. This year’s update, for example, gives schools no guidance for the possibility of a student grabbing a cannabis treatment away from a parent and rightful patient on a school bus and taking it themselves.

“School boards do not lack compassion for students that benefit from medical marijuana,” said Jane Urschel of the Colorado Association of School Boards, which opposes the marijuana requirement. “How do you begin to deal with those difficulties in different venues?”

The parents counter that medical marijuana shouldn’t be treated any differently than Ritalin or other controlled substances that are routinely dispensed by school districts.

Supporters also say that schools are being too conservative about the prospect of endangering federal funding. New Jersey last year required schools to accommodate student medical marijuana use, with no repercussions from federal authorities.

The law’s backers say they’re not sure whether the school pot requirement will pass. The state Department of Education is neutral on the measure. Colorado has about 350 kids under 18 on the medical marijuana registry, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Sponsors say they hope that growing acceptance of marijuana to treat childhood illnesses gives the school pot requirement a boost.

“Kids shouldn’t have to choose between their medicine and going to school,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont and sponsor of the bill.

This story will be updated later in the day.

Image Source: AP

A Cannabis Activist’s Tribute To Merle Haggard

In a statement from his son, Ben Haggard said of his father, “He loved everything about life and he loved that everyone of you gave him a chance with his music. He wasn’t just a country singer, he was the best country singer that ever lived.” By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Merle Haggard, the prolific

The Shake: White House Protest Draws a Crowd, SpeedWeed is Sold, and Now There’s a Hemptsy

Enormous joint descends on White House lawn. Activists frustrated with the Obama administration’s lack of action on cannabis reform made their complaints heard Saturday by sparking up on the president’s doorstep. Organized by DCMJ, the group that helped legalize adult use in Washington, D.C., the Reschedule 420 event drew more than a hundred attendees — including Leafly’s own Lisa Rough — who at 4:20 p.m. began smoking joints, puffing on vapes, and even doing dabs outside the White House. (They’ll be back April 16 for a cannabis seed giveaway.) Though public consumption is illegal in the nation’s capital, police didn’t make a single arrest at the event — though they did politely ask activists to put away a 51-foot-long inflatable joint. TV host Bill Maher inspired the action but didn’t attend the event himself, something organizers at DCMJ weren’t too happy about:

Hey thanks for inspiring us even if you did nothing at all to help promote a real protest, smoking on TV is legal btw.. @billmaher

— DCMJ (@DCMJ2014) April 2, 2016

Advocates call on Senate Judiciary Committee chair to actually chair Senate Judiciary Committee. The National Cannabis Industry Association on Monday called on Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to hold committee hearings on the CARERS Act. The federal legislation would remove CBD from the Controlled Substances Act, recognize states’ rights to regulate medical cannabis, and clarify industry banking rules. A bipartisan group of senators introduced the bill more than a year ago, but it’s languished in committee as Grassley has refused to give it a hearing. Washington insiders say the senator’s stance could be changing, though, and the bill got a shot in the arm last month when former presidential candidate Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced his support. What do you say, Chuck? You could do a lot of good for a lot of people.

Branding firm to buy embroiled Southern California delivery service. Aquarius Cannabis announced late last week that it will acquire SpeedWeed, a Los Angeles area delivery service that boasts more than 25,000 medical marijuana patients and raked in more than $2.5 million in revenue last year, according to a press release. What the presser doesn’t mention is that SpeedWeed is being sued by officials in Los Angeles in an effort to stop deliveries in the city. The matter is ongoing, but a court decision last month doesn’t bode well: In a separate case, an appeals court ruled that all L.A. deliveries are illegal under a local ordinance known as Proposition D. It’s not yet clear how the lawsuit will proceed, but Aquarius’ announcement specifies that the company “will not assume any liabilities from the operation of SpeedWeed prior to closing.”

QUICK HITS:

  • U.K. arrests for cannabis possession are down by half. Arrests have fallen 46 percent since 2010, according to the delicious-sounding BBC Breakfast. One police force told the BBC that officers had been “freed up” for “more important” work.
  • A Colorado bill would limit medical cannabis advertisements. House Bill 1363 would restrict ads “having a high likelihood of reaching persons under 18 years of age.”
  • Also in Colorado: two more pesticide recalls. That’s numbers 15 and 16 in just six weeks. The recalls affect two Sticky Buds locations and a former Sticky Buds grow now owned by a different company.
  • Which might be why more people are asking about organic. An increasing number — nearly 60 percent — of wholesale growers claim their cannabis is grown organically, Marijuana Business Daily reports. Of course, they can’t actually use the term “organic” because the federal government still thinks cannabis is worse than cocaine or opium.
  • Hemptsy.com — like Etsy.com, but for hemp. Also much harder to pronounce.
  • Maine lawmakers nix cannabis blood-test bill for drivers. The House on Friday unanimously rejected a bill that would’ve set a 5-nanogram limit on THC in the blood. Critics said there’s no consensus on how blood THC level relates to impairment — a point even the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration agrees with.
  • Here’s a story about overzealous New Hampshire cops bringing the hammer down on a disabled Navy veteran. Why? Because — wait for it — he decided to switch from Vicodin to cannabis. Prosecutors are expected to win the case, but what are they winning, really?
  • Ann Arbor’s Hash Bash draws thousands, including Tommy Chong. It’s the 45th annual event in support of cannabis use, and organizers (and at least one former Red Wings player) were on hand to encourage support for legalization.
  • Rhode Island’s attorney general is cannabis curious. Peter Kilmartin will host a forum at Brown University on Tuesday to discuss legalization and regulation. Representatives from the cannabis industry and other legal states are set to speak.
  • Connecticut is lending advocates an ear, too. Proponents of cannabis reform will speak Tuesday at an informational hearing arranged by state lawmakers.
  • And finally, cannabis mini-malls are a thing now. Because some people don’t like standing in the rain.

Cannabis Seeds 101: All You Need to Know and More

What are Cannabis Seeds?

Cannabis is a dioecious plant, meaning its female and male reproductive organs are found on separate individuals. Female cannabis plants are grown in an environment without males to produce what we find in medical and recreational stores: seedless, high potency marijuana flowers, traditionally known as “sinsemilla.”

In order to reproduce, the flower of a female plant must be pollinated by a male plant after which the female flower produces seeds. However, many varieties of cannabis can produce some male flowers alongside female flowers on the same plant, especially if exposed to environmental stressors or left to flower for a longer than normal period. This is known as the hermaphrodite condition, and sometimes these male flowers will produce viable pollen and self-pollinate the surrounding female flowers to create seeds.

Once the seeds are mature, the female plant begins to die, and seeds are either dropped to the ground where they germinate and grow into new cannabis plants the next spring, or they are harvested for processing into hemp seed oil, food products, or to be sown to become the next generation of plants.

What are Feminized Cannabis Seeds?

Feminized cannabis seeds are seeds that are produced by causing the monoecious, or hermaphrodite condition in a female cannabis plant. This is achieved through several methods:

  • By spraying the plant with a solution of colloidal silver
  • Through a method known as Rodelization
  • Spraying gibberellic acid (much less common)

Feminized seeds produce plants that are nearly identical to this self-pollinated (or “selfed”) female parent plant, as only one set of genes is present. This is sometimes referred to as “cloning by seed” and will not produce any male plants. However, most producers of feminized seeds do not go through the lengthy (and costly) process of identifying a completely stable mother plant for seed production. Many, if not most feminized seeds end up being hermaphrodites, which can result in flowers with seeds in them and reduced yields. Most experienced growers will not use feminized seed, and they should never be used for breeding purposes.

What are Auto-Flowering Cannabis Seeds?

Most cannabis plants begin their flowering cycle when the photoperiod, or length of time they are exposed to light each day, is reduced to somewhere between 12 and 14 hours, regardless of the size or age of the plant. The species Cannabis ruderalis, however, will begin flowering once the plant reaches a certain age and does not depend on a change in photoperiod.

Some breeders have crossed the low-THC ruderalis with other more potent varieties to create auto-flowering strains. These strains will produce indica, sativa, or hybrid-like cannabis flowers that start blooming as soon as they reach maturity. This is desirable especially in northern climates where summers are short and cold, and wet weather comes early in the fall. Auto-flowering strains can be started in early spring and will flower during the longest days of summer to take advantage of the highest quality light available. Unlike clone mothers, auto-flowering strains cannot be kept in a vegetative state.

What is the Difference Between Cannabis Seeds and Cannabis Clones?

A clone is a cutting taken from a plant and then placed in some sort of grow medium to induce root production. Once it has rooted, it can be grown into a mature plant that is genetically identical to the one it was cut from.

Seeds carry genetic information from two parent plants that can be expressed in numerous different combinations, some like the mother, some like the father, and many presenting various traits from both. Creating identical cannabis plants using seeds is a very difficult and lengthy process. Generally, cannabis producers will plant many seeds and choose the best plant, and then take clones from that individual to grow their cannabis flowers, or simply start with a proven clone acquired from another grower as their mother plant.

Where Can I Buy Cannabis Seeds?

You can find cannabis seeds for sale from numerous online seed banks, many of which are located in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada, where the laws on selling cannabis seeds are much more lax than in other countries. If you are ordering seeds from these companies and live within the United States, there is always a chance that they will be seized by US Customs and Border Protection. In states that have home-grow provisions in their medical marijuana laws, you may purchase seeds at dispensaries. Seed banks are popping up in many of these states and will often ship cannabis seeds anywhere in the US.

What is the Legality of Cannabis Seeds?

Depending on where you live, it may or may not be legal to sell, purchase, or possess cannabis seeds. In the United States, all cannabis seeds are considered illegal at the federal level unless they have been sterilized. Of course, all state laws allowing medical and recreational grows are technically breaking these federal regulations, so if you have a recreational grow license or medical recommendation in one of those states and follow the applicable codes, you can probably consider it legal to possess cannabis seeds.

Seed banks in other countries are allowed to sell their products “for souvenir purposes only” due to the specific wording of the legal codes there. US Customs and Border Protection will seize any cannabis seeds found in packages shipped into the US.

What Makes a Cannabis Seed High Quality?

There are several factors that go into determining whether cannabis seeds are high quality or not. First of all, they must be allowed to fully mature before harvest. Next, they must be properly stored as to not acquire mold or other pathogens that can spoil them. Seeds should be stored in a dark, cool place and used within 16 months, or frozen for future use.

The most important factor in seed quality is genetics. To grow quality cannabis, you need good genetics. Some less scrupulous breeders will simply cross a nice female with a random male and sell the resulting seeds. Other breeders will take their time crossing and backcrossing plants to stabilize the most desirable traits, while still producing an array of different phenotypes. This group represents most of the seeds on the market.

Really dedicated breeders have worked for years to create “inbred lines”, or IBLs, that will produce plants with very little noticeable difference. IBLs represent only a small fraction of the cannabis seed market, as they are generally used by breeders and not by cannabis producers.

How Do Cannabis Seeds Germinate?

In the wild, female cannabis plants drop their seeds as they die in the fall, then when the warmer, wetter weather of spring comes around, these seeds sprout and become new plants. Traditional outdoor methods used for centuries involve simply broadcasting seeds by hand onto cultivated fields.

There are many methods used by modern growers to germinate seeds. The easiest is to put the seed in a light potting soil mix covered by ⅛ to ¼ of an inch of soil. Keep the soil moist and relatively warm (50-70 degrees Fahrenheit) until the seed has sprouted into a seedling. Other techniques involve lightly scuffing the seed coat to ensure the seed is able to crack open, pre-soaking the seeds, and even germinating them in a wet paper towel until the epicotyl emerges and then gently planting them in the grow medium with tweezers. There are also popular products called starter plugs that consist of a small block of growing medium, often compressed peat or coco coir, with a small hole in the middle into which the seed is placed.

What is There to Know About High CBD Seeds?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the chemical components (known collectively as cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant. Lately much has been made of the potential benefits of CBD for treating the symptoms of many diseases and conditions. Through millennia of human selection for high THC content, cannabis with high levels of CBD has become exceedingly rare, as the genetic pathways through which THC is synthesized by the plant are different than those for CBD production.

Cannabis used for hemp production has been selected for other traits, including very low THC content, so as to comply with various drug laws. Consequently, many varieties of hemp plant produce significant quantities of CBD. As interest in CBD as a medicine has grown, many breeders have been breeding cannabis that has high levels of CBD by crossing drug species with hemp species; some of these hybrids have little or no THC, some have 1:1 ratios, and some that still have high THC contents along with significant amounts of CBD (3% or more).

Seeds for these varieties are now widely available online and through medical dispensaries. It should be noted, however, that any plant that is grown from these seeds is not guaranteed to produce high levels of CBD, as it takes many years to create a seed line that produces consistent results. There are breeders who are currently working on making seed strains with consistent CBD levels, but until these seeds are widely available, a grower who wants to produce cannabis with a certain THC to CBD ratio will need to grow from a tested and proven clone or grow many seeds out to maturity and have samples tested at a lab to determine the cannabinoid levels of each.

Why are Cannabis Seeds So Expensive?

Cannabis seeds generally sell for about $10-$12 each, a far cry from the $3 pack of tomato seeds you can buy at the local nursery. People are often quite taken aback when they find that a pack of 10 cannabis seeds can cost well over $100. It’s not hard to pinpoint the reason for this: prohibition.

The breeding of commercial crop seeds can be done in a relatively short time because of the enormous scale and abundant resources of commercial breeding programs. The general rule is that if you can grow more plants at once, it’s easier to locate and stabilize desired traits and is less expensive to produce massive quantities of seeds. Add to this new scientific methods of testing for desired traits using tissue cultures and lab analyses, and you have a great advantage over your average cannabis breeder.

Even larger scale cannabis grows are miniscule when compared to your average commercial agricultural seed production facilities. Cannabis breeders working under prohibition or strictly regulated legal environments are simply not able to work on this scale, and must take much longer, sometimes as long as decades, to produce a quality seed line. When you combine this restriction with the threat of potential legal consequences for breeders (many have spent time in jail), it becomes easy to see why cannabis seeds are so expensive. It should be noted that high cost does not always equal high quality, as the industry is unregulated.