Cannabis News
How Does DOGE and the Federal Funding Freeze Impact the Cannabis Industry?
Published
1 month agoon
By
admin
The cannabis industry, a burgeoning sector with significant economic potential, operates in a complex landscape shaped by evolving state regulations and persistent federal prohibition. Recent events involving a temporary federal funding freeze have highlighted the vulnerability of this industry, particularly for Indigenous communities actively involved in its development. While the immediate crisis was averted, the episode served as a stark reminder of the precariousness of relying on federal support and the urgent need for self-sustaining revenue models.
In late January 2025, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo calling for a temporary pause on payments for federal grants and other programs[1][4]. This decision, stemming from an executive order by then-President Trump, triggered widespread confusion and anxiety across various sectors, including housing, education, and nonprofits[1]. The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) quickly issued a statement emphasizing the disproportionate impact such a freeze would have on Tribal Nations. Fortunately, the Trump administration rescinded the memo just two days later, following a temporary pause on implementation by a federal judge. Another judge followed suit with a restraining order.
While the immediate threat was neutralized, the incident exposed the inherent risks associated with federal funding dependence, particularly for Indigenous communities striving to establish themselves in the cannabis industry. The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), an organization uniting Native American tribes around the cannabis plant, released a statement addressing the situation and its implications.
Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous Communities
The ICIA’s founder, Rob Pero, a member of the Bad River Ojibwe and founder of Canndigenous, Wisconsin’s first independent Indigenous-owned hemp company, emphasized the disproportionate impact of a federal funding freeze on Indigenous communities. “The threat of a federal funding freeze has a disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities, exacerbating existing economic disparities,” Pero told Forbes. He explained that tribes with diversified economies, particularly those with established cannabis operations, are less vulnerable to the immediate effects of such a freeze because cannabis businesses operate without federal funding due to federal illegality.
However, the situation is drastically different for tribes heavily reliant on federal funding for essential services. Pero described these funds as “lifelines, not just budget items,” emphasizing that even a temporary freeze jeopardizes critical programs and highlights the precariousness of relying on federal support. The incident underscored the urgent need for Indigenous nations to develop self-sustaining revenue models to mitigate their vulnerability to external political decisions.
The Cannabis Industry as a Path to Economic Sovereignty
The cannabis and hemp industries offer unique advantages for tribes seeking economic independence. These advantages include regulatory sovereignty, geographic benefits, and cultural expertise. The ICIA encourages Indigenous communities to collaborate on cultivation, processing, distribution, and market access to create a self-reinforcing economic network benefiting all Indigenous nations, regardless of their stage of development in the cannabis or hemp industries. Pero envisions established operations mentoring and supporting those just beginning, ensuring that no tribe is left behind as these industries grow. This collaborative approach is not just about individual success but about collective economic sovereignty and reinforcing tribal self-determination for generations to come.
Federal Prohibition: An Ongoing Obstacle
The federal funding freeze saga highlights the broader challenges faced by the cannabis industry due to federal prohibition. Despite the growing number of states legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use, the plant remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This creates numerous obstacles for cannabis businesses, including:
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Limited Access to Financial Services: Many financial institutions are hesitant to provide services to cannabis businesses due to compliance concerns, forcing them to operate primarily in cash, which increases the risk of theft and makes it difficult to manage finances.
Potential Benefits of Federal Legalization
Federal legalization of cannabis could transform the U.S. cannabis market, unlocking its full economic potential and addressing many of the challenges currently faced by businesses.
Key benefits of federal legalization include:
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Increased Access to Funding: Legalization would open the door for traditional financial institutions to provide loans and other financial services to cannabis businesses, increasing their access to capital.
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Reduced Regulatory Burden: A national regulatory framework would replace the patchwork of state laws, reducing the regulatory burden on cannabis businesses and creating a more consistent and predictable business environment[2].
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Greater Research Opportunities: Federal legalization would facilitate research into the potential benefits and risks of cannabis, leading to a better understanding of its effects on human health and well-being[3].
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Increased Tax Revenue: Legalization would generate significant tax revenue for federal and state governments, which could be used to fund important public services[3]. In 2031 alone, the MORE Act revenue impact expectation is $1.4 billion[3].
The Path Forward: Towards Economic Sovereignty and Federal Reform
The temporary federal funding freeze served as a wake-up call, highlighting the vulnerability of the cannabis industry and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. For Indigenous communities, the path forward lies in prioritizing economic sovereignty through collaborative development of the cannabis and hemp industries. By pooling resources, expertise, and infrastructure, tribes can create a resilient economic network that benefits all members.
At the federal level, comprehensive cannabis reform is essential to unlock the full potential of the industry and address the challenges posed by federal prohibition. This reform should include:
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Establishing a Federal Regulatory Framework: Congress should establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis production, testing, labeling, and marketing, ensuring consumer safety and creating a level playing field for businesses.
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Reforming Section 280E: Congress should reform Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code to allow cannabis businesses to deduct normal business expenses, reducing their tax burden and promoting economic growth.
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Promoting Social Equity: Federal cannabis reform should include provisions to promote social equity, ensuring that communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs have the opportunity to participate in the legal cannabis industry.
The cannabis industry holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and social progress. By embracing sensible federal reforms and empowering Indigenous communities to build self-sustaining economies, the United States can unlock this potential and create a more equitable and prosperous future. The federal funding freeze may have been a temporary setback, but it has also served as a catalyst for change, highlighting the urgent need for action and inspiring a renewed commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable cannabis industry for all.
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How Worried Should You Be about Schizophrenia and Psychosis if You Smoke Weed?
Published
2 days agoon
March 15, 2025By
admin
Should You Really Be Worried About Schizophrenia and Psychosis If You Smoke Weed?
Occasionally, a study on cannabis and schizophrenia or psychosis makes its way to the internet and becomes viral for a few weeks. It gets republished and circulated across numerous news channels and social media sites, spreading often unnecessarily alarming news and fear-mongering.
So what’s the truth behind it? Should you really worry about developing schizophrenia and psychosis if you smoke weed?
Let’s get the facts sorted first.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, cognitive distortion, trouble thinking straight, and lack of motivation. Extreme cases of schizophrenia can also lead to episodes of psychosis or delusion, which is what occurs when an individual can no longer tell the difference between reality and fiction. Being severely disconnected from reality can occur among patients of schizophrenia and psychosis, but these can be caused by a wide range of physical or mental conditions.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
There is no one known cause for schizophrenia, though several environmental and genetic factors can contribute to its symptoms. It’s also known to run in families, so if someone in your family tree has had schizophrenia, it’s important to practice caution when using drugs and alcohol.
Certain environmental triggers can cause psychotic or schizophrenic episodes, particularly going through extremely stressful life events. Stressful environments, such as fast-paced cities, may also trigger symptoms. Other factors include the experience of childhood trauma, or certain changes in brain chemistry.
Cannabis: Treatment Or Cause?
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be managed or reduced through the use of antipsychotic medications, which are typically the first line of defense for this condition. First-generation antipsychotics, such as Chlorpromazine, Perphenazine, and Fluphenazine, are examples of widely-used schizophrenia treatments. Second-generation antipsychotic treatments include Aripiprazole, Lurasidone, Clozapine, Quetiapine, and several others. In some occasions, doctors may also prescribe antidepressants if antipsychotic drugs don’t help with the depressive episodes that may be associated with schizophrenia.
However, many antipsychotic medications come with unwanted side effects. They commonly include sexual dysfunction, weight gain, sedation, heart problems, difficulty urinating, and many more.
The use of cannabis-based medications for treating the symptoms of schizophrenia has been gaining traction in the medical and scientific community over the past few years. That said, we must differentiate the compounds used in cannabis because we can’t generalize all the compounds in the plant and its effects on the human body. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, and cannabidiol (CBD), a relaxing, non-psychoactive compound, both work differently in the human body.
What The Research Says
Several studies have shown that CBD could be promising for treating and even mitigating the symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis. This is especially true if the condition is in its early stages.
For example, in a review conducted in 2021, scientists found that CBD may be beneficial in adjusting the levels of different brain chemicals which have been associated with symptoms of psychosis. One of these is anandamide – and the study found that CBD can increase its levels in the brain.
Anandamide is an endocannabinoid, and it’s believed to help reduce psychotic episodes through several mechanisms in the brain. For one, high levels of anandamide have been observed as successful in mitigating acute cases of schizophrenia.
Meanwhile, another review discovered minor albeit significant evidence that CBD could possibly reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia when administered in high doses. In the review, the researchers noted that 800 mg of CBD were given to patients over the course of 4 weeks. The results were similar to those yielded by amisulpride, an antipsychotic drug which is used in the treatment of psychosis. A similar trial found that 1,000 mg of CBD given to patients over 6 weeks was effective in reducing schizophrenia symptoms.
The results of a 2024 clinical trial also found that CBD was successful in mitigating the symptoms of patients who were at high risk for psychosis. For the study, there were 31 patients involved; they were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo everyday for 3 weeks. However, they weren’t given any prescription drugs during the course of the study. Researchers analyzed their baseline at 7 and then again at 21 days.
“Short-term treatment with CBD can ameliorate the symptoms of CHR state for psychosis and is well tolerated. These results highlight the potential of CBD as a novel treatment for psychosis, and the need for large-scale efficacy studies to further evaluate its clinical utility,” concluded the study’s authors.
So Who Needs To Worry About Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use?
Smoking pot won’t make you go psychotic. It doesn’t cause schizophrenia per se.
That said, those with pre-existing mental health conditions must tread lightly and be very cautious when it comes to using high THC products. In other words, if you already have a family history of schizophrenia or have had a history of psychotic episodes, THC may not be the medicine or recreational drug for you. Individuals with bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, or other similar personality and mood disorders with a tendency to have episodes of psychosis should first seek out medical attention.
Products containing high levels of THC may not be recommended in these situations, though CBD may help reduce symptoms. If you aren’t sure, it’s always best to consult with your medical provider.
Conclusion
Even if there is promising evidence that CBD can be beneficial for schizophrenia, we must be careful not to consider it as a substitute for any kind of medical treatment. There are many different types of cannabis products out there but there isn’t one-size-fits-all solution for mental health disorders. So while most people wouldn’t have a problem smoking weed, there is a small subset of the population as mentioned earlier – who do have to be careful.
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Cannabis News
What are Cannabis Dissolvables? Are These Products Trendy, or are They Worth Trying?
Published
2 days agoon
March 15, 2025By
admin
What are Cannabis Dissolvables? Are These Products Trendy, or are They Worth Trying?
For cannabis enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with consumption in an array of forms, or even for medical marijuana patients who simply want to look for the most convenient way to medicate, we’re spoiled with choices these days.
From vaping to smoking, edibles and beverages, tinctures, topicals, pills, and suppositories, there’s a way to medicate for everyone. But recently, a new way to consume marijuana has had some people talking: cannabis dissolvables! You might have heard about them as dissolvable cannabis powder or THC powder; these revolutionary powders are manufactured with cannabinoids and designed to be mixed into your food or drink. Upon consumption, you can enjoy the effects of cannabis within minutes.
But they work just like edibles, then, don’t they?
Nope!
Dissolvable cannabis powders are known for their fast-acting effects, which means that you can expect to feel the impact of the cannabinoids within minutes of consuming it in your food and drink. That’s because cannabis powders are water-soluble, allowing almost immediate absorption of the cannabinoids in your bloodstream. On the other hand, edibles can sometimes take up to 90 minute to take effect.
Why You Should Try Dissolvable Cannabis Powders
There are several reasons why you should give dissolvables a try:
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There are odorless and flavorless options in the market: Marijuana dissolvable powders that are neutrally flavored make it a breeze to add to your favorite drinks and food, without worrying about altering its flavor. Gone are the days when you’d be surprised by the often-undesirable flavors of supplement powders; now with flavorless cannabis powders, you can easily medicate while still enjoying the taste of your favorite food and drinks.
Smoothies, baked goods, juices, coffee, and oatmeal are just some examples of common items you can easily add THC powders to. That said, you can also find flavored options in the market if that’s what you prefer.
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High bioavailability: Cannabis powders are formulated to be absorbed efficiently. This way, your body can metabolize and absorb all or most of the cannabinoids in the product. Thanks to enhanced absorption, you can maximize the benefits of the cannabinoids.
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Accurate dosing: For consumers who prioritize precision dosing in cannabis, powders are superior when it comes to this. Getting an accurate dose is so easy, since packets are already pre-measured. Meanwhile, powders can also easily be measured using a spoon. This offers total control over how much you’re ingesting, which is particularly important for medical users who require consistent dosing for symptom relief.
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Discretion: When you add cannabis powders to your food or beverages, they don’t have that notorious smell that cannabis smoke is known for. Because they are either odorless or have a neutral odor, there’s no need to worry that taking it out and mixing it into a drink will alert people around you.
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Low or no calories: Most cannabis powders have little to no calories, so it’s a healthy choice for calorie-conscious individuals. Whether you are looking to make a healthier choice or simply want to experiment with cannabis formulations in the kitchen, dissolvable cannabis powders are an easy way to do so.
What Conditions Can Cannabis Powders Help With?
While dissolvable cannabis can benefit all patients, cannabis powders have a particular advantage for patients of certain conditions:
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Nausea and vomiting: Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, or recovering from eating disorders, may find that medicating with cannabis simply through food and drink is an efficient way to medicate. These conditions make it difficult to keep nutrients down due to the constant urge to vomit, but that makes it even more important to eat – in order to have the necessary vitamins and minerals to recover. Mixing cannabis powders in water or juices provides a gentle alternative to medicating and keeping food down.
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Pain: Fast-acting cannabis works so well for pain relief. If you suffer from chronic pain and rely on cannabis for symptom relief, you can explore using cannabis powders. Thanks to its excellent bioavailability and quick results, there’s no need to wait several minutes to feel better. Powder can interact with the endocannabinoid system fast in order to reduce inflammation within minutes and positively affect the pain perception pathways.
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Insomnia and sleep problems: Cannabis is an excellent natural medication for treating insomnia and other sleep problems. This is especially true if symptoms from another condition can cause difficulty falling or staying asleep, such as pain or general discomfort caused by inflammatory conditions. Consuming cannabis powders a few minutes before bedtime can help you hit two birds with one stone: enjoy relief from your symptoms, while easing into a comfortable state of sleep.
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Anxiety relief: Many cannabis drink mixes are made with CBD, which provides excellent relief from anxiety. Start your day with a healthy dose of CBD to mitigate anxiety, and help you get through the day with some peace of mind.
In addition, many powder mixes are also formulated with other healthy ingredients. These vary from one product to another, and may include electrolytes, functional ingredients, hemp, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
Conclusion
Dissolvable cannabis powders are innovative, but they are also accessible and inclusive, offering a convenient way to medicate. Whether you are a recreational cannabis consumer or a medical marijuana patient, the benefits of cannabis dissolvable powders are endless. Check out your neighborhood dispensary to explore dissolvable cannabis and share with us your favorite way to consume it.
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If You are over 50, Should You Switch from Alcohol to Cannabis ASAP?
Published
2 days agoon
March 15, 2025By
admin
If You’re Over 50, You Should Consider Switching From Alcohol To Weed
Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances on earth. Despite being notorious for its carcinogenic properties, alcohol has become part of society and culture, accepted in nearly every western nation as a means of relaxing or having fun.
While there were several decades wherein alcohol enjoyed a spotless reputation, more people are now becoming educated about the dangers of drinking even a few glasses a week. Yet, it can be so difficult to quit drinking completely because booze is literally everywhere: it’s easily accessible in shops, groceries, and bars all over. Society has normalized drinking alcohol as a way to unwind and bond with loved ones.
That said, the dangers of drinking alcohol begin to creep up as you get older. Even a few drinks can pose serious health risks, so if you’re approaching 50 and still drinking, it’s time for you to reconsider the substances you use to unwind.
Here’s why:
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As you get older, your body becomes increasingly sensitive to the impact of alcohol. It’s more serious than hangovers getting worse: once you hit your 30’s, muscle mass gradually declines each decade, and it speeds up after you hit your 60’s. The reduction in your body mass and body water causes higher blood alcohol concentrations in your system, in other words, you’ll get drunk faster, even if you’ve always drank the same amount.
The consequences for this mean a greater risk of injury and falls.
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Medical conditions can get worse. By the time you hit your forties, if you have had any health issues in the past, they may only get worse with continued alcohol consumption. Whether it’s high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other condition that can get worse with age, it will similarly worsen with alcohol consumption. To add salt to injury, continually drinking alcohol when you already have certain health problems can cause new complications, such as cognitive disorders, osteoporosis, and a significantly increased risk of cancer.
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Drinking alcohol speeds up the aging process. Research shows that drinking alcohol over long periods of time has a negative impact on your biological age, most especially if you still engage in binge-drinking. Additionally, continued alcohol consumption will harm your heart, liver, and brain – putting these organs in greater risk of disease.
It may be time to give up drinking, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to end. Just switch it up with cannabis.
Why You Should Be Consuming Weed Instead
Switching up your substance of choice from alcohol to cannabis can have profound effects on your health, particularly as you age. There are so many different ways you can consume weed discreetly; while smoking pot is not for everyone, you can experiment with capsules, oils, tinctures, edibles, and even beverages.
As you get older, it can be easy to see how you can benefit from the therapeutic effects of cannabis, especially CBD. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound in the hemp plant, which means that it won’t get you high. Its anti-inflammatory properties and calming effects make CBD the drug of choice for the middle to older aged individuals, who still need something to “take the edge off” without having to worry about any side effects.
Other benefits of cannabis for aging include:
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Pain relief: As we get older, things suddenly start to hurt more, even for seemingly no reason. Chronic or frequent attacks of acute pain in different parts of the body become normal and even expected in your mid to late forties, but it doesn’t have to be a way of life. Cannabis provides excellent pain relieving properties, especially in cases that are related to neuropathy, arthritis, muscle pain, back pain, headaches, and much more. Making cannabis part of your lifestyle can alleviate pain and make it easy to stay active.
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Better sleep: Older adults commonly experience sleep issues. It can be difficult to fall asleep, and even stay asleep. All of this becomes much worse if you drink alcohol. However, medicating with weed is one of the best ways to enjoy deep sleep, naturally. Many people have found that giving up over-the-counter sleep aids has helped, when they turned to weed instead, to help mitigate sleep issues.
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Mental health: Whether it’s hormones, new types of stressors, or just life getting in the way, aging can make us prone to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Dealing with physical health problems and functional impairments can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. But medicating with cannabis can make these thoughts and problems more bearable.
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Relaxation: You deserve to relax more in your old age. A little weed, no matter how you prefer to take it, can heighten the pleasures that come with relaxation. It can also enhance your overall well-being and reduce stress.
Conclusion
Ditch the bottle and say hello to weed!
If you’re in your 40s or 50s and are thinking about ways to improve your overall wellbeing, quitting alcohol is one of the best things you can do today. In the meantime, replacing it with marijuana can offer a vast range of benefits for your physical and menta health. In doing so, you’ll also reduce the risks involved with aging, and improve management of age-related conditions including chronic pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and much more.
Reminder: Older adults are recommended to consult your healthcare provider about using cannabis especially if you are already on medications.
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