Florida

This State’s Medical Marijuana Patient Count Increased 71% In Two Years

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2023

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The Sunshine State is full of cannabis fans, apparently. According to state data, the number of registered medical marijuana patients in Florida increased by 71% in just the last two years, skyrocketing to 779,465 at the end of 2022.

That’s up from 455,425 registered MMJ patients in 2020, The Center Square reported.

The figures came up during a presentation by Christopher Kimball, the director of the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), to a state legislature subcommittee, according to The Center Square. Kimball said that not only did patient participation shoot up, but so did the number of physicians registered to issue MMJ certifications, from 107 in 2020 to 1,725 in 2022.

Patient numbers increased even further in the past month and a half to 788,633 as of February 10, and the number of registered physicians shot up to 2,601, according to the latest OMMU report.

The numbers are one of the major reasons the state will award new MMJ business licenses starting in April to ensure that the entire patient population is adequately served. State law triggers more permitting with patient count growth.

The next round will be for 22 new business permits, doubling the existing number of companies in the state (though only 19 yet have operational dispensaries, according to the OMMU).

Kimball said one of the major changes instituted by the OMMU that may have contributed to the increased numbers is same-day approval for patient certifications.

The state also repealed a ban in 2019 that it originally had in place for medical cannabis flower. The early days of the MMJ program only allowed for products such as tinctures and pills to be sold by licensed cannabis companies. That has also likely been a major contributor to the increased popularity of the program, given that smokeable flower has long been the most popular form of medical cannabis among patients.

In March 2019, when the flower ban was repealed, the state had just under 200,000 registered MMJ patients.

The surge in patients could also be a political boost to Trulieve’s ballot measure campaign, which is attempting to get a recreational legalization measure onto the 2024 ballot in Florida and has invested over $25 million so far in the effort.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

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anti-inflammatory

How Marijuana Can Help Your Golf Game

Published

1 month ago

November 15, 2024

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Fall is the perfect time to play golf…not to warm and a great exercise…and marijuana can help you up your game.

The weather is getting pleasant in the Southern part of the US. From Florida to South California, courses are packed with players, golf carts and clubs swinging in the air. But how can marijuana help your golf game? In 2023, more than 26.6 million people participated on the golf course. This is a record number of participants playing 531 rounds of the game. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf. And the younger set is embracing with 6 million playing. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf. But it seems they are indulging in midweek golf as many work for home.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

One of the key ways marijuana can potentially benefit your golf game is by reducing stress and anxiety. Golf is a mentally demanding sport with some players struggle with nerves. It can be especially high-pressure with all eyes on your performance for every swing. Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, has been shown to have calming effects that can help golfers relax and maintain focus.

Dosage is key, you want to be focused and relaxed, not on a full on trip. In moderate doses, some golfers report marijuana can enhance focus and sensory perception on the course. This heightened awareness can lead to improved reading of greens, better judgment of distances, and a keener sense of wind conditions.

closeup photo of white golf ball

By alleviating pre-game jitters and on-course anxiety, players may find themselves better able to execute shots and maintain composure throughout their round. This increased mental clarity can lead to more consistent performance and potentially lower scores.

After a few holes, the muscle-relaxing effects of certain cannabis strains can help golfers maintain a fluid, tension-free swing. This relaxation can contribute to improved technique and potentially greater distance off the tee.

Golf’s repetitive motions can often lead to muscle soreness and joint pain, particularly for frequent players or those with pre-existing conditions. Marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate these issues, allowing golfers to play with less discomfort

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

For the more competitive players, quality sleep is crucial for athletic performance, including golf. Some players use cannabis products to improve their sleep quality, potentially leading to better recovery between rounds and improved overall performance.

Used correctly with the right strain and dosage, your game could be on parr with seasoned players.

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Cannabis

What’s Next For Legal Marijuana

Published

2 months ago

November 6, 2024

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Going into 2025, the cannabis industry will have to be more limber.

The election is done and Donald Trump will be returning to the White House and Republicans having greater control in Congress. The election showed the majority of people want recreational in Florida, Nebraska will finally have medical marijuana, and cannabis wasn’t a deciding factor in swinging votes. With the House firmly in Republican hands, Mike Johnson has greater power to battle legal cannabis, but don’t count the industry out yet.

Nebraska, passed two ballot initiatives to legalize medical marijuana and regulate the industry on Tuesday. A whopping 67% of the public said yes, which is great for a traditional lyconservative state. Nebraska was one of the few holdouts for medical marijuana. The legality of the ballot initiatives is being questioned regarding discrepancy over fraudulent signatures and fraudulent notarizations. It is a civil case with a ruling expected after the election is cleared up. The Governor spoke out against cannabis. Those arguing on behalf of the petitioners said there was no “clear and convincing evidence” of fraud, and throwing out entire petitions would punish thousands of Nebraskan voters. If the cannabis backers and voters win the civil suit, medical marijuana should start by the end of 2025.

While the initiative failed to reach the 60% of votes needed in Florida, it garnered an impressive 56% of public support. Showing the population of the sunshine state is for fully legal weed, but could be 4 years until it is available. There are issues are Governor DeSantis use of public assets to combat the issue, so my legal wrangling in Florida.

A portion of the industry supported the incoming president, but the biggest industry influence for the upcoming administration will be alcohol and pharmaceutical companies. Alcohol alone is probably one of the biggest investors in the industry with over $13 billion. Wana Brands, which is partial owned by Constellation, launched hemp gummies that can be sold in most states and are as effective as THC gummies. A smart expansion of their products.

Cannabis is popular with the public with Pew Research saying 88+% of the population supporting legalization in some form. Even the traditional AARP has come around to extoll the medical and wellness benefits of the plant. A clearer pathway will be laid out in December with the DEA rescheduling.

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election

2024 election results for the weed voter: What you need to know

Published

2 months ago

November 6, 2024

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The votes are coming in, and it’s time to see what 2024 means for cannabis lovers like you. From local measures to national policies, this year’s election could be a game-changer for anyone who believes in a little herbal freedom. Whether you’re in a state where weed’s still a bit of a gray area or you’re looking to see expanded rights and better pricing, this election’s outcomes could impact everything from where you buy to how much you’ll pay—and maybe even what you can grow at home.

So, what just happened? We’re breaking down the most important wins and losses in this year’s races, focusing on the stuff that’ll actually make a difference to the cannabis community. From legalization pushes to fresh tax laws, here’s what cannabis voters need to know about the new political landscape. Will 2024 finally be the year cannabis goes fully mainstream? Let’s dig in and see what the results mean for your stash, your rights, and your next dispensary visit.

Cannabis voter guide to the 2024 General Election

Florida’s Amendment 3: Not currently passing

With 52% of ballots counted at the time of polls closing, Florida Amendment 3 is not meeting the 60% threshold to pass, according to cannabis news site Marijuana Moment. Amendment 3 is losing 55 to 45% in early returns.

Wiz Khalifa, Wizard Trees, Rick Steves endorse Florida legalization

South Dakota cannabis legalization: To be determined

Polls are still closing across the country and we’ll have to wait until later tonight for for more on South Dakota legalization Measure 29.

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How to order weed delivery online with Leafly

North Dakota cannabis legalization: To be determined

Polls are still closing across the country and we’ll have to wait until later tonight for for more on North Dakota legalization Measure 5.

Nebraska medical cannabis: To be determined

Polls are still closing across the country and we’ll have to wait until later tonight for for on Nebraska medical cannabis legalization Measure 437.

Oregon pot unions: Too early to tell

Polls close on the West Coast at 8 p.m. PST, after which we’ll have the first returns on Oregon Measure 119 to force pot businesses to obtain pro-union agreements from unions.

Massachusetts psychedelics legalization: To be determined.

Polls close on the East Coast at 8 p.m. EST, after which we’ll have more on the Massachusetts psychedelics legalization Question 4.

State and local races of note

Several state and local races will play a role in spreading cannabis freedom. Among them, Marijuana Moment is tracking three cities in Texas: Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart. Legalizing cannabis in cities can percolate up to bigger changes in state capitols.

President of the United States: To be determined

Both candidates have expressed support for legalization, either federally or at the state level. Then again, neither expended political capital to foment cannabis law reform during their prior tenure as President, or Vice-President.

Control of the Senate: To be determined

Despite promises from Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer—the US Senate has blocked cannabis law reform passed by the House. Neither party has passed legalization in the Senate when they held power over it. It’s unclear exactly how either party controlling the Senate would result in gains for cannabis voters.

Control of the House of Representatives: To be determined

Numerous flavors of cannabis law reform have passed out of the House under both Democrat and Republican control. But they’ve died in the Senate. The parties are split on legalization over things like taxes, banking, regulations, special treatment for certain groups, and other facets of winding down the war on weed.

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