Cannabis News
Is It Expensive to Grow Weed?
The legal cannabis industry may seem like a lucrative cash cow to outsiders. Although there is potential for significant profits, the expenses associated with running a cannabis business can be pretty high, especially for those at the bottom of the supply chain – the growers.
In addition to the costs of labor, utilities, and fertilizers used in crop cultivation, farmers must also pay for the transportation of their products to different parties, such as processors, distributors, and retailers. They must also pay numerous taxes and fees frequently deducted by state and local authorities to receive a cultivation license.
Cultivation Costs: Indoors vs. Outdoors
The cost of indoor cultivation is generally higher, primarily due to exorbitant rents, which can be as much as $75 per square foot in specific locations. The average cost of greenhouse and combination cultivation across the country is approximately $50 per square foot. Indoor operations are also more costly because they require complete control of the environment, necessitating various equipment such as grow lights, temperature, humidity control systems, and automated water and nutrient technology.
Cutting-edge lighting systems alone can cost small growers up to $120,000, while security systems may exceed $50,000, and other essential equipment can amount to around $150,000 in expenses. Depending on the size and location of the business, a lean operation may only yield a gross profit margin of 55 to 57 percent.
In contrast, outdoor cultivation relies on natural sunlight, allowing Mother Nature to regulate environmental conditions. But due to the unpredictability of natural elements, this can both be a blessing and a curse. Land for outdoor growing is priced between $10 to $17 per square foot, though it can be substantially more in some locations. Automating tasks is also more challenging in outdoor grows, which can result in higher labor costs.
Sun-grown operations can yield multiple harvests annually in states with a moderate climate like California. However, in states with shorter growing seasons, like Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, and New York, cultivators must cultivate at least some crops indoors to ensure year-round production.
The cost of making a profit by growing marijuana varies from state to state. Cultivators, suppliers, and consultants have shared rich insight into fees, challenges, and strategies for managing expenses to determine estimated figures.
Nevada
Nevada faced a significant concern when transitioning to recreational marijuana: whether the supply would meet the demand. This was partly due to the state’s high taxes and fees, such as the $5,000 application fee for cultivators, a $30,000 charge for the initial recreational grow license, and a $10,000 yearly renewal fee.
Medical cannabis production has an application price of $5,000, a $3,000 initial licensing fee, and additional costs of $1,000. The Nevada Department of Taxation also levies a 15% tax on medical cannabis goods. Local cities and counties are also allowed to impose taxes and levies. Operating a cannabis business runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars before making an initial sale when additional costs like utilities, labor, and fertilizers are evaluated.
Oregon
Oregon first had supply shortages, which led to an increase in license grants. However, this resulted in a drop in flower prices, which forced smaller boutique growers out of business. Larger producers are consequently pressured to run lean to stay competitive. Considering that Oregon’s application fee is only $250, it is good and evil that it is one of the lowest in the nation. Furthermore, the state only taxes the retail sales of recreational goods.
According to Jazen, a cultivator working at Wisely Organics, approximately 20% of the revenue generated from the 20,000-square-foot indoor cultivation is paid in federal and state income taxes. The grow allocates 5% of its budget towards cultivation licensing and regulatory fees, 10% for utilities such as water and power, and 15% for rent and supplies.
Labor accounts for the highest cost, at 42%, for Wisely, similar to most other cultivators nationwide. Despite the state’s inclination towards technology as a replacement for workers, Wisely places great importance on its employees. Jazen stated that they intentionally avoid high-tech solutions, and their most advanced machinery is a skid steer tractor. Although they experimented with a trim machine to substitute workers, they discovered that the product’s quality was superior to manual operation. Currently, the device is only used for 2% to 5% of the harvest batches.
Ohio
The cultivator licenses issued by Ohio are divided into two levels. The first level, level I, permits a canopy area of up to 3,000 square feet. Growers must pay an application fee of $2,000, an initial license worth $18,000, and $20,000 yearly for renewal to own a license. Level II growers must pay a $2,000 application fee, an initial license fee of $80,000, and a $200,000 annual renewal fee to cultivate cannabis on 25,000 square feet.
Buckeye Relief’s CEO, Andrew Rayburn, stated that for their 60,000-square-foot farm, he allocates 2% of the estimated annual revenue for payroll taxes, 3% for licensing fees, 3% for water and power, 24% for labor, 17% for rent and supplies, and 1% for technology.
California
In the largest and most established market, the annual fees for application and cultivation licensing are relatively low, ranging from $135 to $8,655 and $2,420 to $77,905, respectively. In addition, there is a weigh-master license fee of $155. However, taxes can be a heavy burden.
The state charges $9.25 for each dry-weight ounce of flower, $2.75 for every dry-weight ounce of cut, and $1.29 for each ounce of the fresh plant, up to a maximum of $5,000. In addition, cultivators are charged an excise tax of 15% market average value of their crops, whether or not such crops sell. A land use tax may be levied by some jurisdictions even while a field is fallow, and counties and towns may impose extra taxes and levies.
Conclusion
Although the legal cannabis industry can appear to be lucrative, many costs are involved, especially for producers. Depending on the type of cultivation used and the area, the cost of operating a cannabis business might be high. Because of the equipment requirement, indoor culture is typically more expensive; in contrast, outdoor cultivation is less expensive but more difficult to automate.
Due to different taxes and fees, the cost of producing a profit differs from state to state. To ensure they turn a profit, cannabis business owners must carefully consider their prices. Despite its difficulties, the cannabis sector still has promise for individuals who are prepared to put in the time and effort and manage their expenses wisely.
GROWING WEED WITH OR WITHOUT A LICENSE, READ ON…
HOW MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE IS IT TO A LICENSE AND GROW LEGAL WEED?
“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.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
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.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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