Cannabis

Will House Speaker Chaos Hurt Cannabis Again

Published

9 months ago

April 17, 2024

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The House seems to be about ready to have speaker chaos again. Will it hurt the cannabis industry like last time?

It seems the US House of Representative might be thrown into turmoil again. Last fall, rejection of then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy lead to a bruising fight for a new leader. The winner of the fight is Rep. Mike Johnson, who is now again in danger of being ousted. The last fight ended with very little down in Congress and the only major bill to pass was a temporary funding of the government. Now it looks like it will start all over again. But will House speaker chaos hurt cannabis again?

After passing the House seven times, Safe Banking, which is key to help the industry, failed in the Senate. Then, like a miracle, last fall Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) put together an updated bill in the Senate with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Steve Daines (R-MT), and U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03). They introduced a bipartisan, bicameral Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFER) Banking Act of 2023. The bill would ensure that legal cannabis businesses would have access to critical banking and financial services. As they had big support in the Senate and a positive history with the House, things looked good – and then the House went sideways and McCarthy was ousted. But what about now?

green leaf plant

Now Representative Marjorie Taylor Green(R-GA) is calling to vacate Speaker Johnson (R-LA) and has a new ally in her efforts. But, at the moment, cannabis can ride a short term House hiccup. Rescheduling seems to be moving forward after a slow start by the Biden administration. Now the President, Vice President and other leaders are pushing the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to follow the Health and Human Service (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggestions to reschedule cannabis and recognize it as a proven medical benefit.

Rescheduling is the most critical to the industry providing long and short term infrastructure to help the marijuana market. It also signals to the public marijuana can be a benefit. Congress does not have a role in the process, so no worry there.

Senator Schumer has also made it clear a revised banking bill is important, but most likely will not happen until later in the year. This gives the House time to sort the mess and evaluate the benefits of a banking bill. And its appeal to younger voters. Hopefully this will all be cleaned up no later than mid-May.

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Cannabis

Joe Rogan Continues To Champion Cannabis

Published

3 hours ago

January 23, 2025

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He has a big audience and a huge voice with the administration – so what about Joe Rogan and marijuana?

The marijuana industry is struggling and thousands of mom and pop business are in limbo waiting for the federal government to add clarity to the future of the plant. During this difficult time, Joe Rogan continues to champion cannabis. Rogan, the prominent podcast host of The Joe Rogan Experience, has consistently voiced support for the legalization of cannabis. Recent cabinet and federal appointees are all over the map about the plant, so it is a benefit to have Rogan vocally being supportive.

Known for his candid discussions on controversial topics, Rogan often highlights the benefits of marijuana legalization, both in terms of personal freedoms and societal impact. His advocacy for cannabis reform is rooted in his belief in individual liberty and the potential benefits of marijuana use. He has argued adults should have the right to make their own choices regarding cannabis consumption, emphasizing its relatively low risk compared to substances like alcohol. In various episodes of his podcast, Rogan has pointed out that marijuana can foster creativity, relaxation, and even community bonding. He has also discussed its medicinal potential, particularly for veterans and individuals suffering from mental health conditions such as PTSD.

Rogan’s stance on cannabis legalization has intersected with political discourse. For instance, during the 2024 presidential campaign, he revealed Kamala Harris’s team declined to discuss marijuana legalization during negotiations for a potential podcast appearance. Rogan found this amusing given Harris’s prior public support for cannabis reform but speculated her prosecutorial record on marijuana offenses might have influenced this decision.

This incident underscores Rogan’s commitment to openly discussing cannabis policy, even when it challenges political figures. In addition to his advocacy for legalization, Rogan has debated the topic with guests who hold opposing views. For example, in a discussion with Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Rogan defended recreational cannabis use by comparing it to alcohol, which is federally legal despite its risks. He emphasized cannabis is a safer alternative and criticized stereotypes about marijuana users being unproductive. These debates reflect Rogan’s dedication to fostering nuanced conversations about cannabis policy.

Overall, Joe Rogan’s support for legal cannabis aligns with his broader philosophy of personal freedom and open dialogue. His platform continues to serve as a space for exploring the implications of marijuana legalization, from its social and economic benefits to its challenges. Through his podcast, Rogan has become a prominent voice in the ongoing debate over cannabis reform.

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Can Medical Cannabis Help Support Immune Health?

Published

23 hours ago

January 22, 2025

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The immune system plays a vital role in defending the body against infections, including viruses like COVID-19. When the body is exposed to a pathogen, the immune system activates defense mechanisms to fight it off. COVID-19 specifically targets the respiratory system, but it can also affect other parts of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. In some cases, COVID-19 can trigger an overactive immune response, leading to inflammation, organ damage, and even severe complications.

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Cannabis

TikTok’s Double Standard on Marijuana And Alcohol

Published

1 day ago

January 22, 2025

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The cannabis industry shouldn’t be a fan of TikTok considering their double standard with alcohol.

While it seems the administration is a fan China and their most famous tech company, the cannabis industry is not. Alcohol use disorder is a public health concern in China, especially among men. Culturally they are know for hard drinking, heavy smoking and occasionally illicit opium use. But the government is very anti marijuana lead to TikTok’s double standard on marijuana and alcohol. Despite a significant number of medical institutions recognizing the medical benefits, China and TikTok still hate on the green plant.

TikTok has established distinct policies regarding content related to cannabis and alcohol. TikTok strictly prohibits any content that depicts or promotes cannabis. This includes not only direct advertisements for cannabis products but also any visual or verbal references to cannabis use, sales, or trade. The platform’s community guidelines explicitly state that users should not post or share content that glorifies or encourages the use of drugs, including cannabis, regardless of its legal status in various regions.

While cannabis brands can create educational content about cannabis culture and personal experiences, they must avoid showing any actual product usage or making promotional claims. For instance:

Allowed Content:
- Educational videos about cannabis culture
- Discussions on the benefits of cannabis
- Personal stories relating to cannabis experiences
Not Allowed Content:
- Videos showing cannabis use
- Product promotions or sales pitches
- Tutorials on making cannabis-infused products

This strict enforcement means that many users find their content removed if it even indirectly suggests cannabis use, such as showing smoke without clear context.

But, in contrast to its stance on cannabis, TikTok has updated its policies to allow advertising for alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. As of August 2024, TikTok permits alcohol ads but requires that they target users who are 25 years or older. The rules around Alcohol ads are they must not feature individuals under the legal drinking age and promotions cannot depict excessive drinking or irresponsible behavior.

Success is possible, even though China-based TikTok hates weed. Its algorithm works fast and will take down cannabis content within minutes.

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