Cannabis

Legal Cannabis Leads To Healthier State

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2023

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What happens after a state fully legalizes marijuana? A new study finding shows legal cannabis leads to healthier states, at least when it comes to mental disorders. Over 59 million Canadians and American has some form of mental illness. It has become one of the most pressing health issues in the countries and citizens are struggling with responses. Despite the gloom and doom from some areas, states who legalize weed not only have happier citizens, but gain more tax revenue that alcohol, and have fewer drunk drivers.

In 1981 President Ronald Reagan, who had made major efforts during his Governorship to reduce funding and enlistment for California mental institutions, pushed a political effort through the U.S. Congress to repeal most of Mental Health Systems Act. The MHSA was considered landmark legislation in mental health care policy. The repeal lead the way to the homeless and mental issues crises today.

Legal Cannabis Leads To Healthier States

This study finds in the early years following states’ adoption of legal marijuana, there was a 37% decrease in mental treatment admissions. The results are driven by those under 65, Black, and white individuals. There is also a significant decrease in Medicaid-funded treatment admissions, with a much smaller statistically insignificant effect for non-Medicaid admissions.

Data also revealed a 37% reduction in admission to mental health facilities, which translates to around 92 fewer out of 10,000 people in the state. Cost saving all around and better patient outcomes.

The CDC has deemed the growing prevalence of mental health disorders and suicides a “serious public health problem”. So it would seem this is a positive outcome for states, health care systems and the public alike.

In 2020, among adults aged 18 or older who had any mental illness in the past year and a perceived unmet need for services, 30% reported not receiving care because their health insurance did not cover any mental health services or did not pay enough for mental health services. This number was similar for those with serious mental illnesses.

Medical marijuana is a safer and more cost effective way to help people. People are turning to cannabis rather than addictive opioids who have caused such a misery.

Respected research has shown cannabis and medical marijuana has benefits, and at the vary least is better than alcohol for the human body and brain.

smoking marijuana — Photo by AnnaStills/Getty Images

Mental illnesses are common. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. It seems the federal government should use this data to evaluation a push for marijuana legalization.

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Bitcoin

Cyptocurrency’s Role In The Cannabis Industry

Published

45 minutes ago

April 7, 2025

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The both started with a bang and have had ups and downs. So what is cyptocurrency’s role in the cannabis industry? Like marijuana, the currency continues to be popular. In fact, 28% of American adults, or as many as 65.7 million people, own cryptocurrency in the U.S. today, rising from just 15% in 2021. When first launch, there was a ton of buzz and buckets of hope cannabis and crypto would work side by side, but the pathway forward for a joint operation is still a bit murky.

RELATED: How Hemp Helps You Sleep

Despite initial optimism about cryptocurrency as a solution to the cannabis industry’s banking challenges, Bitcoin has failed to deliver meaningful benefits. The cannabis sector remains heavily burdened by federal regulations, operational constraints, and financial hurdles that cryptocurrency has been unable to resolve.

Cyptocurrency's Role In The Cannabis Industry

The core issue lies in cannabis’s federal illegality in the United States. While medical and recreational cannabis is legal in many states, federal law prohibits traditional banks and credit card networks from supporting cannabis businesses. This forces dispensaries and companies to rely on cash transactions, which increase security risks like theft and armed robberies. Bitcoin was seen as a workaround to bypass traditional banking systems, but federal oversight complicates its use. For example, Coinbase shut down a cannabis dispensary’s account in 2018 due to regulatory concerns.

Bitcoin’s inherent volatility poses significant risks for cannabis businesses. Accepting Bitcoin payments exposes merchants to unpredictable price swings, which can erode profits or complicate tax obligations. Additionally, high transaction fees make Bitcoin an impractical alternative to cash or credit cards for many businesses. These factors discourage widespread adoption among cannabis entrepreneurs who already face tight profit margins due to high taxes and competition with the black market.

The association of Bitcoin with illicit activities—stemming from its use on platforms like Silk Road—has contributed to its negative perception within the cannabis industry. Many dispensary owners fear that adopting cryptocurrency could further stigmatize their businesses, which are already under intense scrutiny.

While blockchain technology has potential applications in areas like supply chain transparency and compliance automation, Bitcoin itself has proven ill-suited to solving the cannabis industry’s banking woes.

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Cannabis

Cannabis Consumers Are Being Hit By The Tariffs

Published

4 days ago

April 4, 2025

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Tariffs are the word of the day – but marijuana consumers need to be ready to see a change also.

From apples to automobiles, hundreds of industries are trying to figure out the new tariffs. What is clear is prices are going up on a random amount of things. But, why is a surprise, is cannabis consumers are being hit by the tariffs also. Although cannabis itself cannot be imported or exported due to federal restrictions, the industry heavily relies on international suppliers for key components like vaporizer hardware, packaging, and cultivation equipment.

For instance, products sourced from China now face cumulative tariffs as high as 45%, including a 10% increase imposed in February 2025. Similarly, imports from Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs. These measures have particularly affected items like vape cartridges, batteries, and specialized packaging materials, which are difficult to source domestically at competitive prices. As a result, many cannabis companies are passing these increased costs down the supply chain to consumer

The financial burden of these tariffs is substantial. Analysts estimate that most cannabis businesses lack the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% cost increase. This has led to higher retail prices for products like pre-rolls and vaporizers, potentially pushing consumers toward cheaper, unregulated black-market alternatives. Such a shift raises concerns about product safety and could undermine the legal market’s growth.

Additionally, the tariffs have caused stock prices of major cannabis companies like Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth to decline by 5%-10%, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.Smaller businesses, already constrained by high taxes and limited banking access, are particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures.

Efforts to mitigate tariff-related expenses include exploring alternative manufacturing locations in countries like Malaysia or India. However, transitioning production is complex and time-consuming due to logistical hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements. Domestic production is another option but often comes with higher costs and limited capacity.

Packaging regulations in many states exacerbate the situation by requiring child-resistant designs, further limiting affordable domestic alternatives. Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.

The ongoing trade tensions show no signs of easing under Trump’s administration, leaving cannabis businesses with little choice but to adapt quickly. Strategies such as diversifying suppliers, investing in automation, and innovating with local materials may help companies weather the storm. However, without significant policy shifts or financial support mechanisms, the industry faces a challenging road ahead.

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allergies

Cannabis Can Help A Sore Throat

Published

5 days ago

April 2, 2025

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There is a buzz about sore throats today. While they are most common in colder months, spring allergies bring the pain also. This is often due to postnasal drip, which is when mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a scratchy feeling. Overuse of the voice, like talking loudly or singing for long periods, can tire out and strain the muscles in your throat, causing them to feel sore. The good news is cannabis can help a sore throat.

RELATED: How Hemp Helps You Sleep

For those seeking natural alternatives to manage cold symptoms, cannabis is emerging as a promising option for throat irritation. Increasing research at medical center specifically targeting sore throats shows early insights. The data suggests cannabinoids and terpenes could offer symptom relief through their unique properties.

medical marijuana — Photo by Esther Kelleter / EyeEm/Getty Images

Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD, which studies indicate possess anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce throat swelling and irritation. Terpenes such as eucalyptol—found in some strains—are traditionally associated with decongestant effects, potentially easing respiratory discomfort. These components work synergistically to calm inflamed tissues, though their direct impact on sore throats requires further clinical validation.

Smoking cannabis while ill remains controversial due to potential throat irritation from heat and smoke. Instead, experts recommend gentler options:

Edibles/lozenges: THC or CBD-infused products bypass inhalation, delivering localized relief without aggravating the throat.
Cannabis tea: Warm beverages with cannabis extracts may soothe scratchy throats while providing hydration.
Tinctures: Sublingual CBD oils allow precise dosing and avoid respiratory irritation.

Beyond direct throat relief, cannabis may improve overall wellness during illness. THC’s appetite-stimulating properties can combat reduced hunger, while its relaxing effects might promote restorative sleep. CBD’s muscle-relaxing qualities could help alleviate the body aches often accompanying colds.

While preliminary findings are encouraging, users should consult healthcare providers before combining cannabis with conventional cold medications due to potential interactions. Starting with low-dose CBD products may offer benefits without psychoactive effects. As legalization expands, more targeted research is expected to clarify cannabis’s role in respiratory health.

Innovative cannabis formulations—from throat-calming lozenges to anti-inflammatory teas—are redefining how we approach minor ailments. For those navigating cold season, these plant-based solutions present a compelling fusion of traditional herbal wisdom and modern cannabinoid science

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