Cannabis News
The European Cannabis Market – Are You Buying or Selling the Hype?
Cannabis businesses are taking note across the Atlantic, where the grass appears greener. As the global cannabis business matures, Europe is emerging as a top location for entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in this thriving market. With its ever-changing legislative landscape and tremendous untapped potential, Europe presents a unique opportunity for cannabis growth and expansion.
In 2023 alone, the European cannabis market is estimated to be worth $8.47 billion, and projections suggest this figure could soar beyond $15 billion by 2027. These numbers highlight the continent’s unique potential and make it an attractive and highly lucrative prospect for innovative cannabis businesses. Entrepreneurs with ambition and foresight will have Europe at the forefront as they seek to tap into this new wave of growth and innovation.
The United States and Canada have traditionally been the go-to choices for many cannabis ventures. However, to advocate for Europe as the actual land of opportunity in the cannabis industry may be a go-to headline, but there is one big problem with thinking European cannabis will make investors tons of money. As Cannabis.net pointed out in a previous article called, “With a Gun to My Head Here is One Cannabis Idea to Go Long on and One Cannabis Idea to Go Short On?”, while Europe may turn out ot the biggest cannabis market in the world, legalization will also create the biggest illicit or black market in the world. With its promising market conditions, Europe is poised to become the focal point for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in this exciting and rapidly expanding field. Those entreprenuers may be looking to create higher margins by joining the illicit market as opposed to the legal market.
As the article points out:
Go Short
This one may surprise you and goes against some of the brightest minds in the industry, but if I had to pick a short, I am going to short EU weed. What? That massive market? Don’t you read your own stuff on Cannabis.net saying the European cannabis market could be the biggest weed market on earth?
If you think the US black market is a problem and decimating the legal industry at every turn, considering you can get edibles on the black market for $0.07 on the $1.00 compared to the legal market, the EU version of this will be 10x worse.
Europe will face much bigger problems with black and illegal markets than the US or Canada for a few reasons. One, the 27-country union very rarely can agree on anything, let alone enforcement of anything. Two, you have members who are very “rich” like Germany and Switzerland, and members that are dirt poor, like ex-Soviet Union countries like Romania and Belarus. Hence, there is a natural incentive for the “poor” countries to cheat and try and make more money since they can’t compete with the Germany’s and Poland’s of the EU.
That is not to mention the poor countries of Northern Africa that sit in beautiful geographic regions to grow cannabis. Go check out where Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Niger, and Chad sit on the climate zone map. They also have massive access to Europe to a variety of routes such as land, water, and air. If you think immigrants were a problem for Europe, wait until you see cannabis coming in by land, sea, and air.
Europe also has thousands of miles of borders by land and sea with a variety of poor countries. Basically, access points to Europe are 10x more abundant than the US and Mexican border.
History would pay a roll as well, if you followed the Euro crisis of a few years ago, it was Germany setting the rules and everyone else had to follow. There is ill will toward the northern, prosperous EU countries compared to the less productive southern European countries. It will be German legalization verse everyone else once cannabis gets rolling in the EU. The incentives financially to cheat and use the black market will be overwhelming for the residents of dirt-poor countries. The incentive to “do as Germany says” will fall on deaf ears regarding cannabis enforcement if every town mayor, immigration officer, and police chief if getting their share of the action.
Yes, the EU will be a massive cannabis market, but will also be susceptible to the largest illicit market on the planet. The EU having poor members and being surrounded by poor countries will help create high volume “weed corridors” of shipping and selling illegal cannabis.
Think California only x10. Instead of an ocean on one side of California, what would it look like if you put Haiti, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil next to California as borders instead of the Pacific Ocean? That is pretty much what the EU is looking at as they try to create a unified cannabis industry with rules and enforcement.
Making money in cannabis is a long game, sit tight, watch legalization and import/export numbers from around the world to get a feel on who will win and who will lose in the international weed game.
Europe’s potential in the cannabis industry reaches towering heights like the Eiffel Tower. It’s high time for cannabis businesses to embrace this promising continent fully. The diverse legal landscape and ever-evolving regulatory environment create a fertile ground for substantial growth, but that growth will be 2x higher for the illegal market as well.
Moreover, the relatively untapped market presents an alluring alternative to the saturated North American scene. Let’s delve into why Europe stands as the perfect playground for ambitious cannabis entrepreneurs who decide to go legit or illicit in their attemps to join the industry.
A Solid Foundation in Europe
The United States boasts several states where cannabis has been legalized, yet it grapples with federal-level illegality, leading to a complex and uncertain banking landscape. This dichotomy has presented considerable challenges for cannabis enterprises, forcing them to navigate cautiously through federal regulations, resulting in a heavy reliance on cash transactions and limited access to loans and financial services.
In contrast, the European Union has taken a more progressive stance, enacting policies that actively cater to the banking requirements of the cannabis industry. By providing a well-established and accommodating financial framework, European cannabis businesses have enjoyed a more stable platform for growth and expansion. This advantageous environment has encouraged innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial ventures within the EU’s cannabis sector.
Europe Offers Huge Consumer Base
Europe stands out as a lucrative market with its staggering population of over 740 million people, presenting an unparalleled consumer base ready to be harnessed. In contrast, the combined populations of the United States and Canada hover around 360 million, underscoring Europe’s vast opportunity for businesses in the cannabis industry. As more European countries progressively legalize or decriminalize cannabis, the potential for market expansion becomes even more promising.
The evolving attitudes toward cannabis in various European nations allow businesses to tap into new markets, driving innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. This changing regulatory landscape fosters an environment conducive to promoting cannabis-related enterprises and attracting substantial investments.
Moreover, the diverse cultures and economies across the continent present a unique and exciting challenge for industry players, prompting tailored strategies and approaches to cater to the preferences and demands of European consumers.
Strategic Location for Import and Export
Europe’s central geographic location and its extensive network of well-established trade routes have positioned it as a hub for cannabis import and export, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses in the industry. As cannabis regulations continue to evolve across the continent, Europe has emerged as a pivotal player, connecting global markets in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
The strategic advantage of being a central cannabis trading hub grants European companies access to a vast and diverse customer base, fueling international collaborations and partnerships. This unique position has proven to be a desirable asset that U.S.-based companies can only envision from afar. The legal complexities and federal restrictions surrounding cannabis in the United States have hindered its businesses’ ability to fully capitalize on international trade opportunities in the same way European enterprises can.
By capitalizing on its prime location, Europe can facilitate the seamless movement of cannabis products across borders while adhering to evolving regulatory frameworks. This interconnectedness fosters a thriving global cannabis market and presents European companies with a significant competitive edge in the ever-expanding cannabis industry. As the trade landscape evolves, Europe’s influence will likely grow, reinforcing its status as a central force in the international cannabis trade arena.
Diverse Market Landscape
The cannabis landscape in Europe offers a rich tapestry of opportunities, ranging from the iconic coffee shops in Amsterdam to the progressive medical cannabis clinics in Germany and beyond. This dynamic range of market structures and regulatory frameworks creates a fertile ground for businesses to customize their strategies and cater to specific niches within the continent’s diverse consumer base.
As the cannabis industry in Europe continues to mature and evolve, forward-thinking entrepreneurs are presented with a golden chance to establish targeted brands that deeply resonate with the region’s multifaceted cultures.
Each country’s unique approach to cannabis presents distinct challenges and prospects for market entry and expansion. Adapting to the varying legal landscapes, cultural preferences, and consumer behaviors allows businesses to carve out their niches and establish a strong foothold in specific European markets.
Conclusion
Europe provides a distinct and promising landscape for cannabis entrepreneurs. With its continuously evolving regulations, diverse market conditions, and strategic geographical position, the continent holds a vast reservoir of untapped potential. If you’re a cannabis entrepreneur with ambitious goals, it might be the perfect time to consider venturing into Europe’s promising opportunities. If you are an investor, “buyer beware” as you will be competing with weak borders and poor countries surrounding the “golden goose” continent.
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“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.
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