Cannabis News
2,600 Dispensaries and 9,000 Grow Licenses Later, Oklahoma Starts Cracking Down on Cannabis
Times are a changin’ as they say.
Oklahoma, the Wild West, no pun intended, of cannabis, is starting to crackdown on its over-exposed legal cananbis program. While the population has inched up, Oklahoma approved over 2,600 medical marijuana licenses and is now trying to get recreational cannabis started in the state. With over 9,000 marijuana cultivation licenses issued as well, it was a well known secret that cannabis grown in Oklahoma was ending up in other states.
Oklahoma’s new vigorous regulatory efforts within the cannabis industry persist as authorities impose fines on 161 dispensaries. These fines vary from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars and are related to alleged violations of patient purchase limits. Additionally, regulators are actively pursuing the revocation of permits for 39 of these establishments.
In a statement provided to KFOR News 4, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) stated, “Our agency recently filed petitions against 161 licensed dispensaries for sales over the legal limit. Of those 161 cases, 39 involve fines and license revocations, while 122 involve fines. Enforcing these legal limits on sales is crucial to upholding the integrity of our medical cannabis market, preventing unauthorized use or distribution, and controlling oversupply.”
The primary violation pertains to the purchase limit of 84 grams (approximately three ounces) in a single transaction, as reported by KFOR.
The resulting fines have had significant financial implications, ranging from $5,000 for one dispensary owner to $30,000 for a business owner with three dispensaries. These alleged violations occurred between January and May of this year.
Cynthia Myers, a dispensary owner, expressed her concerns: “It’s also a crisis for business owners to be fined so heavily; it’s closing people’s doors and costing them their livelihoods. I’ve been in this for five years and come November… I don’t have $30,000 to pay in fines on top of other permits and expenses.”
These fines create a precarious situation for dispensary owners who lack the financial means to comply. An industry insider informed Green Market Report that several dispensaries had received fines ranging from $20,000 to $35,000, and there are rumours of even higher penalties.
The source emphasized the significant financial burden imposed, stating, “$35,000 could potentially bankrupt an Oklahoma dispensary. Many of these establishments are small stores with limited product offerings and sales, and over 2,700 dispensaries serve a population of under 4 million in Oklahoma.”
Advocates within the industry are also raising concerns about the dispensary operators’ ability to defend themselves without access to more detailed information from the state’s track-and-trace system, which is managed by Florida-based METRC, as reported by KFOR.
It is worth noting that many of those who received notices from the OMMA have court dates scheduled for November 8.
Impact on Dispensary Owners and the Cannabis Industry
The Oklahoma cannabis business is experiencing tremendous upheaval due to the recent spike in fines levied against 161 shops, with far-reaching repercussions for both dispensaries and the larger market owners. The proprietors of dispensaries are under tremendous financial strain due to these fines, which may be as high as $30,000 in some situations. For many, these penalties represent a substantial portion of their revenue and operational budgets. Dispensary owner Cynthia Myers voiced her concerns, emphasizing that these hefty fines threaten the very existence of some businesses. The risk is especially acute for smaller dispensaries that already contend with fierce competition in a market where over 2,700 dispensaries serve a population of under 4 million. The potential for fines reaching up to $35,000 could push these smaller operations to the brink of bankruptcy.
Beyond the immediate financial consequences, the fines send shockwaves throughout the local cannabis economy. The potential closure of multiple dispensaries could lead to job losses and reduced tax revenue from the cannabis industry, impacting the state’s overall economic landscape. Furthermore, these penalties introduce an element of uncertainty into the business planning of dispensary owners. They are now confronted with difficult decisions regarding how to absorb these fines, whether to downsize operations and how to navigate the evolving regulatory environment. This uncertainty threatens the growth and stability of the cannabis industry in Oklahoma.
As these fines reverberate throughout the Oklahoma cannabis community, they underscore the need for a balanced regulatory approach. Such an approach should prioritize compliance while fostering an environment where cannabis businesses can thrive, contribute to the local economy, and provide patients with access to medical marijuana. Dispensary owners and industry stakeholders closely monitor developments and actively seek solutions to mitigate the financial challenges imposed by these penalties. The future of the cannabis industry in Oklahoma hinges on achieving this equilibrium between enforcement and economic sustainability.
Questions Surrounding Enforcement, Transparency, and the Road Ahead
The recent surge in regulatory actions against Oklahoma’s cannabis dispensaries, involving substantial fines and the looming possibility of license revocations, has prompted critical questions regarding enforcement practices, transparency, and the future direction of the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry.
Transparency and Due Process Concerns: Foremost among the concerns voiced by industry advocates is the lack of transparency in the enforcement process. Dispensary operators find themselves in a challenging position, grappling with fines that could be financially crippling. Yet, they often lack access to comprehensive information from the state’s track-and-trace system, managed by Florida-based METRC. This opacity in enforcement raises significant concerns about due process, fairness, and the ability of these businesses to defend themselves effectively. The call for greater transparency and access to critical information becomes increasingly urgent as more dispensaries confront fines and the threat of license revocations.
Legal Ramifications and Industry Impact: The legal implications of these enforcement actions are coming into sharp focus as dispensaries contend with potentially crippling fines. These fines can disrupt operations and sometimes force closures, leading to job losses and broader economic repercussions. The future trajectory of Oklahoma’s cannabis industry hangs in the balance as dispensary owners and industry stakeholders assess the best strategies to navigate these regulatory challenges. Striking a harmonious balance between rigorous enforcement of regulations and fostering an environment that allows the industry to flourish remains a central and complex issue.
Charting the Path Forward: Dispensary owners and industry advocates will closely follow the unfolding developments, especially as many of those served with notices from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) are set to appear in court on November 8. The outcomes of these legal proceedings will carry profound implications for the industry’s fate in the state. In light of these ongoing challenges, stakeholders will collaborate to address enforcement transparency concerns and explore potential avenues for regulatory reform. The overarching goal is to achieve a delicate equilibrium that ensures robust compliance while nurturing a thriving and sustainable cannabis sector that serves patients and contributes positively to Oklahoma’s economy. The challenges posed by these fines underscore the imperative of continued dialogue and cooperation between regulators, businesses, and advocacy groups to shape a cannabis regulatory framework that caters to the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Bottom Line
Oklahoma’s recent crackdown on cannabis dispensaries, marked by substantial fines and the looming threat of license revocations, has ignited a pivotal moment for the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry. Dispensary owners are grappling with crippling financial penalties, potentially pushing smaller operations to the brink of closure, raising concerns about job losses and economic repercussions. The opacity surrounding enforcement processes has amplified worries about due process and fairness. As legal proceedings loom in November, Oklahoma’s cannabis landscape teeters on the precipice. The central challenge is balancing rigorous regulation with an environment conducive to industry growth and patient access. Continued collaboration among regulators, businesses, and advocates is essential to shape a regulatory framework that serves the interests of all stakeholders, ultimately determining the course of the state’s cannabis future.
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“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
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Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
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