Cannabis News

Minnesota Cannabis Producers Given the Greenlight after Momentarily in Limbo

Published

6 months ago

May 10, 2024

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Minnesota cannabis producers have raised concerns over the availability of products when the legal market finally opens. In response, the Minnesota legislature has acted quickly to allow an avenue for early cultivation providing key guidance for the forthcoming Minnesota legal cannabis market. Noting these concerns, industry participants have asked the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and their local legislators to consider opening cultivation and production of cannabis products early, in order to supply retailers with legal products to sell once licenses are awarded and retailers open for business.

The OCM’s problematic decision not to endorse or seek immediate changes for Minnesota cannabis production

The OCM issued a statement recently indicating it will not ask for changes to the current laws that would allow some cannabis cultivators to start growing plants early as a way to have products available and ready for retail when stores open sometime in early spring of 2025. The OCM notes that they remain receptive to proposals that could pave the way for early production, but are not seeking immediate action at this time. This recent decision highlights the issues and complexities of introducing a new legal cannabis market into an already existing marketplace. The main issue surrounds how legal retailers could open for business if they do not have any legal cannabis products to sell.

The OCM suggests additional delays could occur

One option would be to rely on existing medical cannabis rules for early cultivation. However, concerns that issuing producer licenses contemporaneously with retail licenses would cause unnecessary delays, are met with concerns over unnecessary delays from the OCM. The OCM notes that reliance on the existing medical cannabis rules presents inherent flaws, particularly in accommodating outdoor farms and ensuring equitable opportunities for social equity applicants. Allowing for early cultivation under the existing medical cannabis requirements only exacerbates challenges faced by social equity applicants and would place legal producers outside of the existing medical regulatory framework at a disadvantage.

Despite concerns legislators took action and have provided a proposal for early cultivation

Senator Lindsey Port spearheaded amendments, which culminated in floor debate lasting over six hours. In response to the challenges facing producer and retail licenses, as well as accommodating outdoor farms, ensuring equal access for social equity applicants, or allowing early cultivation under the existing medical cannabis regulatory framework, legislators are took up the issue and provided additional proposals. The amendments were aimed at facilitating early cultivation, an essential step towards nurturing a robust and inclusive cannabis market. These amendments seek to grant permission for early production to social equity producers, addressing the imperative of equitable participation in the anticipated Minnesota legal cannabis industry. By integrating the existing medical cannabis regulations with newly proposed social equity pre-approved licenses, Senator Port’s amendments offer a pragmatic framework for expediting cultivation timelines while safeguarding the interests of diverse stakeholders.

Early cultivation is key to a strong launch

The significance of early cultivation cannot be overstated in the context of Minnesota’s nascent legal cannabis market. Not only will Minnesota’s legal cannabis market be forced to compete with the existing illegal market, the same as every other state, but the new legal market will also be competing with the existing THC beverage and lower-potency hemp edible markets. Early cultivation holds the key to undermining the influence of illicit markets and channeling demand towards legal and regulated avenues, but only if the legal cannabis market can get a strong launch. Moreover, early cultivation will serve as a lifeline for small businesses and social equity applicants, affording them a crucial head start and robust launch in an industry characterized by fierce competition and evolving regulatory dynamics.

Licensing and lottery system concerns for Minnesota cannabis producers

Understanding the nuances of licensing is integral to navigating Minnesota’s cannabis marketplace. Although licenses will not be issued until early 2025 at the earliest, and the full regulatory framework has not been finalized, producers and cultivators will have access to three distinct production license categories – bulk cultivators, mezzo licenses, and micro licenses. Each category carries with it separate requirements and allowances regarding canopy space, facility size, quality control requirements, staffing protocols, and more. Notably, lower-potency hemp cultivation and sale remain exempt from canopy caps, presenting another wrinkle or opportunity within the overall regulatory framework.

Although the outline has been set regarding cultivation, mezzo and micro licenses, uncertainty remains regarding the license lottery system. This uncertainty was also exacerbated by the issues surrounding whether, and how, Minnesota would allow early cultivation. Some cultivators raised concerns over what might happen if they are able to begin early cultivation but then lose out on the later license lottery. Others worried that if they do not begin cultivating early, they could forfeit additional points that could have secured them a license. Disruptions to the point-based allocation mechanism also raise pertinent questions regarding fairness and transparency through the licensing process. Addressing apprehensions surrounding straw applicants and ownership transparency is paramount to fostering trust and accountability within the OCM and its regulatory framework. It’s promising to see Minnesota legislators and regulatory agencies working in conjunction to address these issues early in hopes of fostering a robust market.

Leadership is critical for Minnesota cannabis program success

Establishing a flourishing cannabis market will require a form of early cultivation and production to ensure retailers are stocked with products to sell at launch and both the Legislature and the OCM are aware of that fact and working towards addressing these issues. The OCM’s leadership and decision-making on these issues have the potential to reshape and drive the trajectory of Minnesota’s legal cannabis market as we approach the much-anticipated retail launch in early spring of 2025. As Minnesota moves towards that launch, the discourse surrounding early cultivation serves as a litmus test for regulatory agility and stakeholder collaboration. By navigating the complexities of licensing, and regulatory concerns, and addressing the imperative early cultivation period, Minnesota is poised to address many tough questions and policy dilemmas before a single seed is sown or a single flower is sold under the new legal cannabis market.

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Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em

Published

19 hours ago

November 13, 2024

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On Thursday, November 7th, Vince Sliwoski, Aaron Pelley and Fred Rocafort held a post election discussion “Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em”. Watch the replay!

Key Takeaways from the “Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em – 2024 Post Election Cannabis Wrap” Webinar:

Panelists:
- Vince Sliwoski: Oregon Business lawyer specializing in cannabis and commercial real estate.
- Aaron Pelley: Experienced in cannabis law since Washington’s legalization in 2012.
- Fred Rocafort: Trademark attorney working closely with the cannabis team.
Election Results Overview:
- Most 2024 cannabis ballot measures did not pass.
- Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota saw failures.
- Nebraska became the 39th state to legalize cannabis for medical use when it passed two cannabis initiatives, Initiatives 437 and 438.
Federal and State-Level Developments:
- Medical use is currently legal in 38 states, and 24 states allow recreational use.
- Republican support for marijuana legalization is growing.
Federal Policy Implications:
- Schedule III Rescheduling: The process to move cannabis to Schedule III is ongoing, which could significantly impact the industry.
- Importance of Federal Appointments: The future of cannabis policy depends heavily on who is appointed to key positions in the administration.
International and Domestic Trade:
- Schedule III status could ease import/export restrictions on cannabis.
- Unified control of House, Senate, and presidency might expedite legislative progress.
Economic and Industry Impact:
- Cannabis stocks experienced volatility post-election, reflecting investor uncertainty.
- Federal legalization and banking reforms are crucial for industry stability and growth.
Future Outlook:
- The potential for federal rescheduling remains strong, with hearings scheduled for early 2025.
- State-level initiatives and regulatory developments will continue to shape the industry.

Watch the replay!

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I Had Just One Puff

Published

20 hours ago

November 13, 2024

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one puff of a joint a drug test

“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..

HOW LONG DOES WEED STAY IN YOUR URINE FOR A DRUG TEST?

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Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage

Published

2 days ago

November 12, 2024

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is kratom addictive

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.

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.

Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.

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

Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.