The federal administration is all over the board around fed cannabis policy…and millions of patients are worried.

The industry employees over 440,000 workers at all lives and is driven in a large part by mom and pop businesses.  Millions use medical marijuana for health issues ranging from chronic pain to sleep.  But there are mixed messages from the feds about cannabis, and people are very worried. The federal government’s stance on marijuana has become increasingly complex, as recent developments show conflicting approaches to the drug’s potential benefits and risks. On one hand, there’s a push for research into medical marijuana for veterans, while on the other, a campaign against cannabis use is being launched.

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The Department of Defense (DOD) has allocated nearly $10 million in funding for research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA for active-duty military members. This initiative, driven by congressional efforts, aims to explore MDMA’s effectiveness in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) expressed pride in this development, stating that it could be a “game-changer” for service members battling these combat-related injuries.

Additionally, a bipartisan effort in Congress has been pushing for VA research on medical marijuana for PTSD and other conditions affecting veterans. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, introduced in both the Senate and House, would mandate studies on how cannabis affects the use of addictive medications and impacts various health outcomes for veterans.

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Not everyone has access to marijuana to help them sleep – good news, hemp is available.

Wana Brands has launched a hemp sleeping product nationally, Mike Hennesy, Vice President of Innovation shared the following about how it works. Naturally hemp-derived sleep gummies contain the same cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and THC as cannabis or marijuana.  These ingredients interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress, and sleep-wake cycles. For example, CBD may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, CBN can relieve discomfort and reduce awakenings, while THC can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, especially at low doses. Together, they may help ease the mind and body into a sleep-ready state.

The best sleep products don’t rely on just one cannabinoid like CBN but instead use a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other sleep-supporting ingredients such as melatonin. This is because the reasons for sleeplessness are multifaceted, and include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, chronic, pain and anxiety. Each ingredient targets different root causes as well as synergizes with the other cannabinoids and terpenes for the best night sleep.

Longer lasting formulations can actually help reduce awakenings in the night. CBN has been shown in recent research to reduce the number of times you wake up in the night. Combined with other cannabinoids they can synergize to reduce discomfort and anxiety helping consumers stay asleep.

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If you do wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep products including CBD and CBG to reduce middle of the night anxiety and racing thoughts that can keep us awake, and they have only 1mg of THC so you wake up refreshed and not high in the morning.

For most people, hemp-derived cannabinoids are considered safe and non-intoxicating, with a low risk of dependence. When THC is included in small amounts, it can produce mild effects and can help us fall asleep faster. It generally poses a minimal risk when used in moderation, but there is a potential for dependence if overused, just like with any sleep aid. Adverse events are far more prevalent in pharmaceutical and even over the counter sleep aids than with hemp-derived cannabinoids.

The key is responsible use, including starting with a low dose and taking breaks when needed. If you rely on it every night at high doses, your body may adjust, and it can be habitual. But when used in moderation and with a well-balanced formula, cannabis can be a sustainable part of a healthy sleep routine.

Wine is one of the popular drinks in the world, 

Roughly 75% of adults worldwide drink wine, with a significant portion consuming it regularly, and the US wine market sees a substantial number of people drinking wine and refining their taste. In fact, mearly half of adults (44%) drink at least a couple of glasses per week. But this wine issue is becoming more common, Charles Rice, Executive Director of the Wine Education Council shares the following.

Smoke taint is like a bad hangover for grapes—it leaves them feeling a bit burned. When wildfires rage nearby, mature and growing grapes absorb volatile compounds, imparting an ashy, smoky flavor to the wine. It’s not just a surface issue: these compounds penetrate deep, forming glycosides that release their smokiness during fermentation. The result? Wines that taste more like a campfire or a doctor’s office than a sophisticated vintage. It’s a “grape” big disappointment!

Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are fueling longer and more intense fire seasons. This means more frequent and severe wildfires, especially in regions like California, Oregon, and Australia—some of the world’s top wine-producing areas. The impact is twofold: not only do fires directly damage vineyards, but the smoke also compromises grape quality, leaving winemakers feeling crushed. It’s a drain on their passion, and their profits.

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Fortunately, researchers are working tirelessly to find ways to put a cork in the problem and coming up with some innovative solutions. Synthetic materials called ‘molecularly imprinted polymers’ can selectively remove smoky compounds from wine without stripping away desirable flavors and aromas. Activated carbon has been shown to be effective but can also remove some of the good stuff. It’s akin to using a broad-spectrum filter that catches both the smoke and some of the wine’s natural charm. Interestingly, producing sparkling wine from smoke-affected grapes is another creative workaround. The carbonation process can mask some of the smoky flavors, turning a potential loss into a bubbly opportunity. 

Smoke taint is undoubtedly uninvited guest when it comes to wine in the age of climate change, but the wine industry is not going to complain too much about sour grapes. With innovative solutions and a dash of creativity, winemakers are finding ways to keep the party going. So, the next time you sip a glass of wine, remember the uninvited guest that might have been there, but thanks to science and ingenuity, didn’t ruin the party.