Cannabis News
Selling Cannabis Licenses for Pennies on the Dollar
Once again, Oregon’s cannabis producers have faced an oversupply issue, as revealed in a recent report. This perpetuates the ongoing challenge of excess marijuana within the state’s regulated cannabis industry.
Throughout much of the current year, analyses of Oregon’s cannabis production indicated a downward trajectory compared to the previous year, resulting in a slight uptick in prices. However, a November 20 report by state economists Mark McMullen and Josh Lehner unveils that the fall harvest of outdoor cannabis this year surpassed the production levels recorded in 2022.
The economists noted, “During the first nine months of the year, the marijuana harvest was nine percent lower than the previous year and 15 percent lower than the record crop in 2021. As the market seemed to be adjusting, prices were stabilizing. However, this changed with the substantial outdoor harvest in October, which is 15 percent larger than the previous October.”
Oregon’s cannabis cultivators have consistently outpaced consumer demand for at least five years. Mark Pettinger, a spokesperson for the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), acknowledged last year that part of the problem stems from the challenges operators and regulators face in predicting cannabis production. Due to a significant portion of the state’s cannabis being harvested simultaneously, the industry struggles to adapt swiftly to evolving market conditions at both the wholesale and retail dispensary levels.
Pettinger explained, “About 85% of the crop is grown outdoors, harvested in October, but planning for planting takes place the following April. This timeline doesn’t provide sufficient opportunity to accurately assess how the previous fall’s harvest impacts the market.”
Economic Downturn Spurs Financial Struggles in Cannabis Industry
The surplus of cannabis in Oregon’s regulated market has wreaked havoc on the industry over the years. The oversupply has led to a sharp decline in wholesale cannabis and retail product prices. While consumers welcome the lower prices, cannabis companies are grappling with shrinking profit margins and, in some cases, no profits at all. Consequently, producers, wholesalers, and retailers across the state are struggling to stay financially afloat.
Beau Whitney, an economist based in Portland who monitors cannabis prices in Oregon and the United States, revealed that over one-third of respondents in a cannabis industry survey reported difficulty in paying taxes. A larger percentage expressed challenges in managing debt.
Whitney emphasized that the timing of the latest report on Oregon’s abundant fall harvest is particularly unfavorable. “People are walking away from cannabis licenses or selling them for pennies on the dollar,” Whitney told Willamette Week.
The decline in cannabis prices is also impacting the collection of Oregon’s cannabis taxes. Tax delinquencies have increased throughout the state, and cannabis tax revenue has fallen short of estimates for four of the past five quarters.
Whitney suggested that Oregon regulators could boost cannabis prices by implementing production controls, such as limiting the number of licenses or their capacity. However, Pettinger of the OLCC argued that the current oversupply is the result of deliberate policy decisions and the federal government’s ongoing refusal to legalize cannabis. Federal legalization would open up markets nationwide for Oregon’s cannabis growers.
“The state, the industry, and elected officials envisioned Oregon becoming a net exporter under federal legalization,” Pettinger explained. “The oversupply we’re seeing underscores the dilemma in all states where marijuana is legal—it’s akin to an Iowa corn farmer only being able to sell his crop within Iowa.”
Fiscal Impact on Oregon’s Cannabis Tax Landscape
In response to the instability caused by declining cannabis prices in Oregon, two prominent industry groups recently merged. The Oregon Cannabis Association and the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon formally announced their merger last month, following unanimous votes by both organizations’ boards of directors.
Hunter Neubauer, a board member of the newly combined trade group, emphasized the wealth of knowledge and passion within Oregon’s cannabis industry. He stated, “Those individuals need a unified platform where they can contribute their resources, become members, and collectively advocate for sensible regulations and future growth opportunities in the industry, particularly when engaging with policymakers in Salem.”
The consolidated organization has adopted the name Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon and proudly represents over 500 member businesses in the state’s licensed cannabis market, contributing approximately $1 billion in annual sales.
Mike Getlin, the board chair of the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, expressed the collective commitment to preserving and nurturing the valued cannabis community. He highlighted the group’s vision for more than just a proliferation of minimum-wage jobs controlled by out-of-state and potentially overseas financial interests. “This fight is truly about ensuring the survival and prosperity of a thriving and locally rooted industry,” Getlin conveyed to local media.
Industry Consolidation Aims to Tackle Challenges
Recognizing the pressing challenges posed by the persistent oversupply, efforts are underway within Oregon’s cannabis sector to address the issues head-on. Stakeholders are exploring innovative solutions, with a focus on collaboration and strategic consolidation, as they seek to navigate the intricate landscape of fluctuating prices and market dynamics.
In recent developments, industry leaders are considering various approaches to streamline operations and enhance the overall resilience of the cannabis market in the face of ongoing uncertainties. As the industry seeks to adapt to changing conditions, collaborative initiatives and strategic partnerships are emerging as crucial components of a collective strategy to foster sustainability and growth. Stay tuned as the industry continues to evolve in response to the complex interplay of economic forces and regulatory landscapes.
Bottom Line
In 2023, Oregon’s cannabis industry grapples with a persistent oversupply issue, highlighted once again in a recent report. Despite initial signs of a downward trajectory in cannabis prices throughout the year, a substantial outdoor harvest in October disrupted the market’s stabilization. This oversupply has led to financial hardships for businesses, with declining profit margins and tax revenue shortfalls. The industry’s response includes strategic consolidation, as demonstrated by the merger of the Oregon Cannabis Association and the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, forming the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon. This consolidation aims to unite resources for collective advocacy and promote sensible regulations. As stakeholders collaborate to address challenges and streamline operations, the industry’s future evolution in the face of economic forces and regulatory landscapes remains a dynamic narrative, emphasizing the pursuit of a resilient and locally-rooted cannabis community in Oregon.
OREGON’S SUPPLY PROBLEMS, READ ON…
“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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