Cannabis

Based New Brunswick – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

Published

11 months ago

June 19, 2023

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Based New Brunswick?

Canadians with conservative, libertarian or classical liberal beliefs tend to snub their noses at the Maritime provinces.

After all, Canada’s east coast is a guaranteed win for the Liberal Party.

Because Canada’s fisheries were never properly privatized, the fishing industry exploited its natural resource to near depletion.

Rather than pivot to another industry (i.e. Learn to code), the Liberal Party bails out the Maritime provinces like that unemployed brother-in-law who lives on the couch.

So the phrase “Based New Brunswick” doesn’t occur often.

“Based” meant initially “being yourself without caring what others think of you.” The phrase is now common in political discussions indicating a contrary opinion that is correct.

Based New Brunswick isn’t a phrase I thought I’d ever type. But the latest news out of New Brunswick changes that.

Based New Brunswick: Private Cannabis Stores

Public health busybodies in Ontario complain about the “proliferation” of retail cannabis stores. They want a reduction. Some even go as far as to suggest the government shut down private stores and institute a Crown corporation model (like Ontario‘s liquor monopoly).

Based New Brunswick is going in the opposite direction.

On June 14, the first privately-owned cannabis store opened for business.

It’s not perfect – the store, Cannabis Xpress, has to purchase wholesale from the government. But it’s a step in the right direction.

The New Brunswick government owns 25 stores across the province. They are primarily located near denser populations. The goal of allowing privately-owned stores is to serve smaller communities better.

Three more privately-owned stores are “coming soon,” according to the New Brunswick government.

Based New Brunswick also allows for farmgate retail licensing. Currently, five cannabis producers are licensed for on-site sales directly to consumers.

The official rationale is (of course) to combat the “illicit market.” This is why the New Brunswick government requires private stores to display a QR code that consumers can scan and confirm that the private store is indeed legal.

But, in reality, it’s about revenue.

It’s much more efficient and profitable to tax private cannabis stores than to attempt a government-owned model. For confirmation, one only needs to compare Quebec‘s strict monopoly to Alberta‘s freer market.

Based New Brunswick took a cautious approach in 2018. But five years later, they’re moving in the right direction.

Based New Brunswick: “Far-Right Political Actors”

If Justin Trudeau considers you “far-right,” you’re doing something correct. That’s practically a guarantee.

Across Canada, schools have been instructing teachers to use a different name and pronoun at a student’s request. Even if the parents aren’t informed.

The based New Brunswick premier (and the Education Minister) put forward a reasonable policy. When the kids are 16 and older, schools will allow them to use a different name or pronoun according to their wishes.

Under 16? They’ll need parental consent. If they don’t get consent, schools will support them. That way, suppose the parents really are “far-right” and not just conservative; the students at least have the support from school staff to talk with their parents.

This moderate compromise recognizes a student’s right to be called whatever the hell they want while accounting for the fact that, if you’re under 16, you’re still your parents’ responsibility. Since they did, after all, literally create you. You’re their extended phenotype.

But in Trudeau’s “postnational” Canada, all nuance is lost. Justin Trudeau said “far-right political actors” are undermining children’s rights. He accused the based New Brunswick government of “cruelty and isolation” toward children.

Only radical left-wing activists believe him. And polls show Canadians are siding with the “far-right political actors” on this one.

Based New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs is willing to go to an election over the issue. And it’s about time.

Pride celebrations have become mandatory in schools. Conservative Christian and Muslim students are uncomfortable with this and have skipped classes in response.

This prompted one Edmonton teacher to tell a Muslim immigrant student, “You don’t belong here.”

Liberal Party vs. Liberalism

There is a world of difference between Canada’s Liberal Party and the philosophy of liberalism. And a based New Brunswick is highlighting that fact.

At its core, liberalism is “to each their own.” In other words, leaving people alone to the highest degree. Obviously, a rule of law is needed. You can’t steal, cheat, or murder. But you also can’t force people to believe the same things you do.

Adults who want to consume cannabis or switch up their names and pronouns can do so. But when it comes to children, nuance is required.

For example, a child with epilepsy needs cannabis for medical reasons. A teenager bored with school and smokes pot to pass the time should probably look for more productive things to do.

Likewise, some 12-year-olds may have gender dysphoria (as defined in the DSM-5). A trend reinforced by the corporate press captures the others.

If we’re not free to discuss and debate the issue, if all criticism is “transphobia” and “far-right,” then don’t be surprised when otherwise moderate parents actually become transphobic and far-right.

Of course, that’s likely the goal. Divide and conquer. Exploit sensitive issues for political gain.

It’s not very based. But it is effective.

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Cannabis

The Economic Impact of Cannabis

Published

6 hours ago

May 1, 2024

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The Economic Impact of Cannabis: A Growth Engine for Local Economies

The rapid expansion of the cannabis industry is reshaping local economies, injecting over $100 billion into the US economy in 2023, with a projected 12.5% growth in 2024. This significant impact is supported by companies like Seed Connect, a US-based cannabis seed bank.

Beyond direct sales, the broader economic ripple effect benefits various sectors, enhancing both community development and financial prosperity. The contribution of cannabis to local economies extends beyond mere financial injections.

For every $10 spent on cannabis products, an additional $18 flows back into the economy, driving economic activity that supports small businesses, creates jobs, and generates substantial tax revenue. This multiplier effect underscores cannabis as a robust driver of local economic growth.

marijuana money — Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

States like California, Colorado, and Washington have seen cannabis tax revenues surpass those from alcohol, highlighting the industry’s potential as a significant fiscal contributor.

The ongoing legalization and increasing acceptance of cannabis across the U.S. promise to amplify these economic benefits. Furthermore, the cannabis sector has become a critical employment hub, supporting over 400,000 full-time jobs nationwide. This number is expected to rise as the market expands, illustrating the industry’s role in fostering a diverse range of job opportunities across retail, cultivation, and beyond.

The economic dynamics of the cannabis industry also include enhancing public health outcomes.

Many localities utilize cannabis tax revenues to fund public services such as education and healthcare, directly benefiting community welfare.

Moreover, the industry’s growth encourages sustainable agricultural practices and technological innovations that further enhance its economic and environmental impact.

Considering these factors, the economic influence of cannabis not only represents a compelling narrative for States contemplating or already benefiting from legalization but also positions the industry as a pivotal element in future economic planning.

Investors, policymakers, and community leaders are increasingly recognizing the potential for sustained economic benefits, making cannabis a crucial area of interest in economic development discussions.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, its capacity to contribute to economic stability and growth becomes ever more apparent, ensuring a dynamic and resilient future for local economies.

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Adam Bierman

These Two Iconic Cannabis Companies Could Disappear

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2024

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Both were high flying symbols of the promise of the legal cannabis industry. Both, at one point, led by an Adam and both made mainstream headlines. Now, as the cannabis world take another key step toward mainstreaming, these two iconic cannabis companies could disappear. Both High Times and Medmen went into receivership in the month of April.

As the cannabis industry enters a new era, both companies straddled the gulf between the weed wild wild west and today’s market-price/share-price focus. Early on, each became the darling of media attention and part of the general population’s conversation. Medmen’s antics saw them skewered on the hit show South Park. Both became regulars on Cheddar as industry thought leaders. High Times, the founder of the original cannabis cup, made high flying deals, did a controversial “non” public offering, and, in looks, expanded into dispensaries. Both are now in court waiting to see what happens to the companies and assets.

Medmen hit the market in 2010 with co-founder in Adam Bierman and Andrew Modlin. In 2018 MedMen West Hollywood was one of the first legal cannabis dispensaries to open in California. Hailed as the Apple Store of weed, their slick design captured the feel of the new wider market and set the pace for of retails wishing to attract an expanding mainstream consumer. From there came an expansion including an expensive sort of store on 5th Ave in New York City, greenhouse grows, a REIT, and lots of press. Things began changing when they went public with a reverse merger. Things took an ugly turn with a messy lawsuit with the outgoing CFO, the the Journal of the American Medical Association called them out for their marketing, and things went down hill quickly. On March 11, 2024, it was reported by several sources that Medmen had closed operations everywhere except for in San Diego and near LA International Airport. It was announced the company is $411 million in debt while awaiting the court’s decision about their future.

High Times was the leader of the marijuana movement, helping people learn, engage and get stoned. They taught people the value of medical marijuana and brought celebrities to the forefront of the movement. Then the 44-year-old magazine was sold to a group of investors led by Adam Levin and the Los Angeles-based Oreva Capital for $42 million. Rumor has it, the founder’s widow is still owed money from this deal. Levin claimed he could raise the value of the company to $100s of million of dollars, but followed was a messy, tangled trip leaving heartbroken investors behind. Multi rounds of funding with a variety of valuations, a semi-offering to the general public at $11 a share, cancelled cannabis cups, and a web of activities raised eyebrows. From a practical point of you, the site never really looked at the new legal market, they figured the newbies would immediately embrace the legacy culture. Instead, companies like Wana Brands appealed to them with gummies named Calm. The movement moved on and High Times tried to enter the dispensary market. Now all the assets sit with a receiver and the fate of the legendary leader is unknown.

These are the tails of a fast rising, consumer driven, mainstreaming industry.

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Cannabis

The Benefits Of Consuming Marijuana Alone

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2024

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Some times you want to relax and just chill in your own head – and that is 100% ok

Trivia night, parties, hanging with friends, sporting events…all group activities when you might imbibe in something to add to the fun atmosphere. Heading to a bar, going out to eat, or family events might including a bit of booze or a small toke. Both can put you in the right mood. But here are the benefits of consuming marijuana alone.

Drinking alone can cause issues as alcohol can have different effects. A big difference between marijuana and alcohol is the latter is a depressant. Cannabis, in the right dosage, tends to reduce anxiety and can help battle depression. Also, overindulges with weed leads to falling asleep, where overdoing it with cocktails can lead to blackout and serious help issues.

13 songs to add to your smoke sesh playlist — Photo by Matthew Henry via Burst

Marijuana is surprisingly effective and malleable when consumed alone. If you challenge yourself, it can be used for different activities including creative, social and physical. When getting the dosage right, weed can act as a stimulant for your brain, helping you journal and doodle, or for your body, pushing you to workout or clean and sort through your closet.

Another benefit is you can enjoy the wonder of being in a high state of mine. Experts express they love watching a movie on a large screen as it makes them feel they are in the movie (probably not a good idea to watch horror films). It can almost make you feel like you meld with music. when you’re high because cannabis affects your sense of timing. When you smoke weed, your brain slows down and becomes more sensitive to the rhythms in music. It makes it easier to appreciate the subtleties in the music

Personal reflection and growth are other prime reasons for solo cannabis consuming. It allows individuals to immerse themselves in a deep journey into their own being, stripped of the distractions and outside influences that often cloud our understanding. For introverts, this can be time to balance and recharge.

The best part about marijuana is you can enjoy it without ahangover allowing you the next day to be productive. Before diving in to your solo marijuana journey and all of the perks it can result in, here are the best & safest practices.

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