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#3 In Senate Talks About Safe Banking

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Once again, Congress is working to pass SAFE Banking, a much needed boost to the cannabis industry.  Not only would SAFE Banking provide secure ways to move legal money, it would bring them deeper into the mainstream economy like alcohol and tobacco.

While this is the third attempt, it has garnered key allies like Senator Patty Murray, who is the 3rd in line for the presidency and has chaired the powerful Appropriations committee.  She known for speaking softly and carrying big influence.

The Fresh Toast Founder/ Publisher JJ McKay and Senator Patty Murray

“It makes absolutely no sense that legal cannabis businesses in states like Washington are forced to operate entirely in cash—and it’s dangerous to their employees, their businesses, and our neighborhoods,” said Senator Murray. “I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation that would bring legal cannabis businesses into the formal banking system, where they belong—making our communities safer and providing much-needed relief to these small businesses and their customers. Let’s make this the Congress where we finally pass this legislation into law—and let’s get it done as soon as possible.”

In speaking with her team and this media outlet, she reasserted her position of support and reasoning.  She states the bill is bipartisan, which is critical to its passing. Senator Murray is joined by Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate who has voiced his own support of the bill.

RELATED: Consumers show industry potential in 4/20 marijuana sales

Along with Senator Murray, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Steve Daines (R-MT), and U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2023. The bill would ensure that legal cannabis businesses would have access to critical banking and financial services.

 

The SAFE Banking Actof 2023 would prevent federal banking regulators from:

  • Prohibiting, penalizing or discouraging a bank from providing financial services to a legitimate state-sanctioned and regulated cannabis business, or an associated business (such as a lawyer or landlord providing services to a legal cannabis business);
  • Terminating or limiting a bank’s federal deposit insurance primarily because the bank is providing services to a state-sanctioned cannabis business or associated business;
  • Recommending or incentivizing a bank to halt or downgrade providing any kind of banking services to these businesses; or
  • Taking any action on a loan to an owner or operator of a cannabis-related business.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

The cannabis industry has been bedeviled by a surplus of flower, over taxation along with the same trouble of the mainstream industry such as finding staff. The SAFE Banking act would be a blessing for both the industry and the states who are driving strong revenue from legal sales.

 



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4 Ways Marijuana Can Help You Have A Better Thanksgiving

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If going the family Thanksgiving route, these gatherings can sometimes be stressful, especially when dealing with relatives you don’t see often or navigating potentially tense conversations. Marijuana can help reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Microdosing is a popular trend with the younger generations, and it could be helpful in during the holiday. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can effectively reduce anxiety. By helping to calm nerves and ease social tension, cannabis can contribute to a more pleasant and harmonious family gathering.



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Can Big Alcohol Help The Cannabis Industry

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It has been a rough few months for the cannabis industry…could Big Alcohol help during another rough patch?

The cannabis industry was worth $33 billion in 2023 and is filled with mom and pop businesses. With the majority of the population having access to legal marijuana, consumer use is up, states are filling their coffers, and more patients are using medical marijuana.  It has become so mainstream, even the staid AARP has acknowledge a signifiant portion of boomers are using it for medical reasons.  But federal restrictions are crippling the industry, despite the growth. The industry needs federal help, can Big Alcohol help the cannabis industry. Alcohol is in a majority of grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, resorts, planes and homes.  They understand the consumers and sell $260 billion in booze a year, not counting the second level market up.  The alcohol industry spends over $20 million annually on lobbying, a drop compared to the $220+ million pharmaceutical spends, but an impressive amount. But Congress, the DEA, and members of the administration are not fans…and help is needed.

Alcohol has a $14+ billion investment in the industry and has a voice in the Congress. Cannabis is a brand and revenue extension for alcohol rather than a competitor. A major change in the beverage industry came with the introduction of purified waters by PepsiCo (Aquafina) in 1994 and Coca-Cola (Dasani) in 1999.  Seeing it as way to reach more consumers and revenue, the two soda giants are now the owners of the top two bottled water companies in the North America. WIth a stake in the outcome, the big liquor companies could guide Congress to open up more for cannabis. This would provide both industries access to more customers and more revenue for everyone, including government entities.

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Photo by Alexander Sanchez/Getty Images

“While alcohol and cannabis can play in the same sandbox, we more often see consumers using cannabis as a replacement for more harmful substances like alcohol. In cannabis, we find a paradigm shift—entertainment and relaxation without the costs of alcohol’s physical and social tolls.” shares Jesse Redmond, managing director at Water Tower Research, LLC.

Like bottled water, alcohol could open up markets to an additional set of consumers.  They have the expertise and relationships most cannabis businesses lack. Already, hemp beverage are in mainstream retailers like Total Wine (Texas) and in convenience stores.

The incoming administration has few cannabis champions with both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and the cabinet doesn’t seem to be focused on marijuana legalization at all. But the majority of members are a fan of booze and that can be used to marijuana’s advantage.

Both would benefit from product development,  producing and marketing cannabis-infused beverages and edibles. From a marketing point of view it also makes sense consider the consumer reach.  In addition, research shows that people often pair cannabis with alcohol rather than replacing one with the other. The proportion of consumers pairing cannabis with spirits or liquor increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2022. The next 14 months will shape the cannabis industry path for years to come, let’s see if Big Alcohol plays a role.



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Can Microdosing Help Manage Holiday Family Anxiety

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The holidays can be festive, fun and heartwarming – but for some, there is too much family drama….microdosing could make it better.

Carols, gifts, parties, festive meals with favorite foods are all part of hte holiday season. But even in the best circumstances, there could be stress.  Some 89% say concerns around money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year. But roughly have say it is moderate and may not be any more than the rest of the year.   While family tend to provide a positive effect, if you look at Reddit, there are are plenty of causes of drama during hte holiday at gatherings. For those who are experiencing some level of stress, can mircodosing help manage holiday family anxiety? It could be a better solution than a half of a bottle of booze.

RELATED: Can CBD Oils Help With Anxiety & Depression

Microdosing marijuana can be an effective way to manage holiday anxiety, offering a subtle yet impactful approach to stress relief during the festive season. By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically between 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits without feeling overly intoxicated.

Microdosing cannabis can provide several advantages for those dealing with holiday-related stress. Low doses of THC can activate the endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to decreased stress levels without causing an overwhelming high. This can be particularly helpful during family gatherings or social events that may trigger anxiety. It may alleviate the effects of social anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more relaxed and confident in social situations. This can be especially beneficial during holiday parties or family reunions.

Small amounts of cannabis can boost mood and social confidence, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience. Another benefit is may induce deep, natural sleep patterns without excessive grogginess, helping to combat short term holiday-related insomnia.

To microdose marijuana effectively for holiday anxiety, consider the following tips:

  • Start Low: Begin with a dose of 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC and maintain this dosage for at least three days. If you’re new to cannabis, begin with an even lower dose and gradually work your way up.
  • Gradual Increase: If needed, slowly increase the dosage in 1 mg increments until you begin to feel the desired effects.
  • Consistency: Once you find an effective dose, stick with it for at least four days to assess its impact.
  • Choose the Right Product: CBD-dominant strains or products with balanced THC:CBD ratios may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
  • Consider Terpenes: Look for cannabis products containing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which have stress-relieving properties
  • Timing is Key: Plan your microdose schedule around holiday events or stressful situations to maximize its effectiveness.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

While microdosing can be beneficial, there are some general precautions. Consider potential interactions with alcohol or other medications you may be taking during the holidays. If you are some medications, it is important to talk to a health professional. And remember everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what works for others may not work for you.

By incorporating microdosing into your holiday stress management strategy, you may find yourself better equipped to handle the pressures and anxieties that often accompany the festive season. This approach allows you to potentially benefit from the calming effects of cannabis while maintaining clarity and function during holiday activities and gatherings.



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