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https://hightimes.com/

Ohio Company Signs Deal To Grow Hemp for Bioplastic

A hemp producer based in Dayton, Ohio has a new customer for its crop after the firm signed a deal with a processor in nearby Michigan to provide raw material for hemp-based bioplastics. Under its new contract with Detroit-based Heartland Industries, Ohio Hemp Company will provide hemp fiber to produce bioplastic that will eventually become auto parts manufactured by a Belgian firm. Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine signed legislation to legalize hemp in the state in 2019, the year after Congress legalized the crop on the national level with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. TJ Richardson and Justin Helt, the owners of Ohio Hemp Company, were among the first farmers in the state to farm the crop. They planted 11,000 cannabinoid hemp plants in 2020 to take advantage of the then-booming CBD market. After the CBD market began to retract, Richardson and Helt pivoted to growing hemp plants bred to produce grain and fiber, rather than CBD and other cannabinoids. Because of the versatility of hemp, the company still had opportunities with the crop to explore. “My grandpa always says that hemp is the most exciting new thing in agriculture since soybeans in the 50s,” Helt told agriculture news source Farm and Dairy. “That gives you a little perspective on how often something like this comes along. We see a huge trajectory path for this crop to grow in the state.” Richardson and Helt knew from the time they launched their operation that there are a multitude of uses for hemp. After transitioning away from CBD hemp, the partners began looking for businesses near Ohio that were using the crop in their products. Before long, Richardson and Helt discovered Detroit-based Heartland Industries, a hemp processing facility founded in 2020. In 2022, the company began a partnership to provide hemp fiber to Ravago, a Belgian bioplastics manufacturer. Tim Almond, chairman and co-founder of Heartland Industries, said that from the beginning, his company and the farmers it works with faced challenges as they learned to grow and work with the crop. “It had been illegal for 80 years, a lot of the knowledge and planting equipment has been either lost or transitioned to corn, soybean and wheat,” said Almond. “Farmers didn’t know what technology would work. So we had to understand how to plant the crop all over again.” Heartland Industries uses the hemp fiber grown by Ohio Hemp Company and other farmers in the Midwest to manufacture small hemp pellets known as nurdles. After this initial processing, the nurdles are transported to Ravago, where they are mixed with plastic nurdles to produce a bioplastic composed of 70% plastic and 30% hemp fiber. The bioplastic is then used to manufacture parts for the auto industry. “Everybody wants to have a product that’s better for the environment, but it’s hard to do it if it compromises the cost and it compromises performance,” Almond said. “We found a happy balance with the plastic manufacturing world where we can use this ingredient at 30% in the recipe, and we could see cost savings, we can see weight reduction, we can see performance maintaining the same, but most importantly we can see the reduction in carbon footprint.” To maximize efficiency, Heartland Industries originally began partnering with farmers in Michigan to source the hemp the company needs. But as the hemp fiber market grew, it also started working with growers in nearby states including Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. In 2022, Ohio Hemp Company began growing and researching dual-purpose hemp that produces both fiber and grain. Last year, the company grew 100 acres of the crop. Thanks to the new contract with Heartland Industries, Helt and Richardson plan to plant 200 acres of dual-purpose hemp this year. The hemp grower’s new agreement is a purchase contract to provide hemp fiber to Heartland Industries on a non-binding, year-over-year basis. Ohio Hemp Company is in the process of adding new infrastructure to support its expanding operations. The firm is building a new processing and storage facility, as well as researching new varieties of hemp. Helt said that the new contract with Heartland Industries and other developments at his operation are signs of the growing demand for hemp in the region. “It means everything to the growth of this company and to the growth of the industry in (Ohio) to have a major processor (with) a great demand,” said Helt. “All the different pieces of the puzzle are finally coming into place to create an entire industry from front end to back end, from the plant in the field all the way to the end consumer. It’s beautiful to see.”

https://hightimes.com/

Roll Easy and Burn Slow With Al Capone

Al Capone is a towering name in the business of smoking. For over two decades now, the well-respected brand has delivered consistently and earned more trust among consumers – and cannabis connoisseurs – thanks to their flavorful wraps. In particular with their Leaf Wraps, cannabis smokers can enjoy an especially good, sometimes tasty high. Al Capone hit the smoking scene in 1996 with their premium cigarillos. In the 28 years since then, it’s almost impossible to go into a respectable smoke shop or liquor store without seeing the brand’s name prominently featured behind the register. When people buy Al Capone, they know they’re getting the good stuff – a natural tobacco leaf hand-rolled and crafted to excellence. In short, it’s a reliable brand. Seven years ago, the company expanded with their Al Capone Leaf Wraps. They were meticulously crafted with a slow burn and ease-of-use in mind, ensuring consistency. Moreover, the pre-cut, double leaf layer includes a self-sealing sugar strip, eliminating any concerns. This means you can enjoy your smoke without fretting over your rolling skills; the double-bonded self-stick cellulose/sugar strips ensures a perfectly sealed blunt every time. There is no need to worry about a sloppy or insufficient lick. Simply follow the quick and easy method of 1) Roll, 2) Pull, and 3) Stick. This makes a mellow smoking experience all the more mellow. The Wraps were originally the only double-bonded self-sealing wraps available on the market, too, so they came out of the gate connecting with smokers immediately. There is nothing flimsy about these Leafs; they’re light yet strong. There are three distinct flavors to these Leaf Wraps – the Original, Cognac, and Rum. Original for a natural taste. Cognac for soft malty notes. Rum for mellow with hints of fruit. Always fresh without any thick veins, a box of these babies keeps each Wrap in an individual pouch ensuring a consistence in quality and stretchiness. For now obvious reasons, last year all three flavors were on the Top 10 Best Selling Wraps in the United States (MSAi 2023 data). There is not an ounce of artificial sweetness or pesky chemicals, only pure tobacco, and the flavor of the earth. If anyone wants a little extra kick, though, obviously Cognac and Rum is the road to go down. The taste and smell are authentic. Thankfully, never too strong on either front, either. The flavors will not ever overwhelm the taste and smell of the flower. Consider the flavors just stronger as an added bonus – a nice alcoholic cherry on the top, so to speak. At their best, they just make a smoking session fuller and more flavorful. Whatever your flavor of choice, the result is tasteful, not tacky. Often when you see flavored rolls, well, they lay it on a bit too thick, the result is a bit garish, and it kind of dampens the experience. That is not the case with Al Capone, especially with the original flavor. It’s not remotely bland, just earthy, and smooth. These flavored Leaf Wraps pair especially well with a tasty beverage or meal. Whatever the experience, a solo smoke session or enjoying a feast with friends, these Leaf Wraps are a low-key enhancer of said experience. Al Capone prides itself on the freedom for smokers to incorporate their products however they want. “Real, not perfect,” the company boasts. These Leaf Wraps are cared for since day one of their farming. The seeds, the growing, the maintenance, all of it, top-notch across the board. Al Capone purifies their water for the finest growth conditions and only uses all-natural soil. The leaves are then air-cured for the best flavor and color, then hand-picked for the ultimate test of premium quality. By the end of the process, only the best-of-the-best leaves are chosen to hit the market. Hand-picked, mind you. The above is important for the simple reason that there is a tangibility to an Al Capone Leaf Wrap. As consumers, we know when something is mass produced by a machine or carefully handled by skilled individuals. Sometimes it’s a gut feeling and ya just know when you see it or, in this case, smoke it. From the inception to the ingestion, Al Capone is more personal for a mass market brand. At such a high commercial level, Al Capone has an independent spirit about them. Whatever the flavor, when smoking one of these Leaf Wraps, the passion is always there behind the construction. Above all else, it’s just a damn fine way to smoke your cannabis. Roll the REAL way with Al Capone’s All Natural Tobacco Leaf Wraps. Follow Al Capone on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Additionally, an online store locator is available on their website.

https://hightimes.com/

Black Thought Gets Back to His Roots

Black Thought was midway through another episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with his band The Roots, a typical Tuesday—at least for him. This time, Fallon was having him freestyle about various audience members for a segment called “Freestylin’ with The Roots.” He rapped off the cuff about a guy who was convinced artificial intelligence is going to ruin the world, an 18-year-old from Tampa, Florida who swore he was an “adult,” and Mark Miller from Indianapolis whose family is competitive about losing weight. Black Thought cracked a few smiles behind his tinted sunglasses and black fedora as the audience roared with laughter, likely unaware of what he’s endured over the last 50 years. Born Tariq Trotter in Philadelphia, Black Thought suffered a series of tragedies before he even finished high school. His father was murdered before he was a year old, forcing him to grow up with a single mother who battled a crack-cocaine addiction. When he was 6, he accidentally lit his family’s apartment on fire, prompting a visit from the local fire department. His older brother accused the firefighters of pocketing jewelry and destroying some family photos, and a fight ensued. His brother wound up getting arrested, sparking a series of subsequent jail visits. By the time Black Thought got to high school, he was selling crack-cocaine as a means to make money. Once his uncles found out, they shipped him off to Detroit for a new start. When he returned, his mother—still hooked on drugs—went missing. She ultimately turned up at the morgue, having been stabbed to death by a 22-year-old Philly man who lived just a few blocks away from her. Through all of this, Black Thought found music, more specifically hip-hop. He poured all of his pain, grief, sorrow, love, and every other possible human emotion into his extensive catalog with The Roots as well as his solo work. More recently, he put pen to paper for his first memoir, The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are, which was released in November 2023 and quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. It was a way for him to honor a very conscious decision to be more honest and candid about himself and his journey. “It was the idea of just getting it out there, which is always a trust fall,” he says. “If there is any transaction, any energy energetic exchange in that fall, right, I feel like it’s still taking place. Even though the story is in the book and the information is there, it focuses on such a specific part of my life and specific relationship dynamics that I know there’s so much more of a story to tell.” As cathartic as purging negative emotions can be, it’s still no easy task. At one point in the book, Black Thought reflects on finding his mother in a crack den and unsuccessfully trying to pull her out. It was only later he realized he’d developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the entire experience. Somehow, he still managed to carve out a beautiful, fruitful life for himself, the very definition of the “upcycled self.” “So much happened to me and around me in such a short period of time, and that remains the case,” he admits. “So much so that I can’t even tell you the point at which I became as numb as I am now to loss, which isn’t always healthy… a few years ago, that time still represented the beginning of a self-discovery. I think the pandemic worked in my favor in that way because it gave me time for introspection and to continue to work, but in a different way.” The world stopped for nearly everyone in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic made its rampage. Artists were suddenly grounded, unable to tour. The concert industry fell to its knees, at the mercy of an invisible monster. But during that period of downtime, Black Thought found therapy and discovered how to become “wise as opposed to wounded.” As he dissects in the book, the arts proved to be his saving grace and helped him digest the horrific events that ultimately shaped him. “I’ve always talked about how I’ve seen that as my salvation because it presented me with that avenue, that outlet,” he says. “There’s a certain amount of aggression, anger, beef, and all the things associated with it. But I think the biggest jewel for me that I’ve walked away from this process with is the knowledge of the significance of working through the shit. “As someone who’s always been fiercely private, I don’t know that is always the best policy. You have to talk to someone, right? If you’re not going to go to therapy, and if you don’t have that shoulder to lean on, that person to listen from the right perspective and offer you the right advice, the arts—or any hobby—are great. Mastery of a thing is a great way to work through it. Because I’m able to be selective in the projects that I accept, I try to accept the projects that are going to help me rise to that same challenge. Whether it’s music or a book, it’s all the same sort of thing. It’s using different muscles to serve the same greater good.” Still, Black Thought had to work through a lot of anger to get to a place of peace, not uncommon when it comes to grief. Again, it was music that provided a lifeline. “I was definitely angry,” he says. “Because I was so young—I lost my mother between 15 and 16 years old in 11th grade—I believe, even in that, I was mentally mature. But I was young in my years. I discovered Bob Marley, Nina Simone, and got into James Brown really heavily, three artists who had such extensive discographies and who were so dynamically different but all outspoken, profoundly political in their own ways, and that was huge. It helped me get over some of the grief and anger that I felt at that time.” Even Black Thought was surprised at how well he handled it. After all, he’d made up his mind that if another catastrophic event happened in his life, he’d “go batshit crazy” and “be all the things that people are when they fly off the hinge in dealing with loss.” Fortunately for him, he wasn’t compelled to act out and, instead, focused on the blossoming career of The Roots. “I’m definitely thankful for the mentorship that I had,” he adds. “I didn’t have a live-in role model, like a father figure in the home, but in the extended community, I had many examples that I’m super thankful for.” Black Thought turned 50 last year, a number he didn’t necessarily expect to see: “Who at 50 isn’t imprisoned or dead? I feel like there were a couple generations that because of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement, drugs, the War on Drugs, and crack epidemic—there were a couple of generations that were just lost to that. That was my representation. That’s the era that I come from. That’s the place in time that I’m from. So my peers, my classmates, my neighbors, my family members, they all met the same end.” Despite his mother’s plight, Black Thought hasn’t wrestled with substance abuse and lives by the rule “all things in moderation.” He also believes education is key when addressing drugs and alcohol with the younger generation, but he’s not naive to their pitfalls. “Everything isn’t for everyone and everybody isn’t going to be able to function under the influence,” he says. “I take long periods of my life where I fast from all things addictive—social media, drugs, alcohol, whatever. Sometimes I go for a year, two years, three years at a time. “There’s something to be said about having a drink or smoke and then going into the booth or to the drawing board. But when I’m on a cleanse or fasting, I’m productive, just in a different way, and I appreciate the difference. I’m able to with both extremes. But that’s me. And that’s a tolerance that I’ve discovered over 50 years.” While a lavish “rap lifestyle” often comes with copious amounts of weed, seemingly endless bottles of Moët & Chandon champagne, and more illicit drugs than one can dream of, Black Thought takes a more modest stance. “I’m never gonna promote drugs or alcohol in that way through my art,” he says. “I’ve never been about impressing that upon the beholder. I think what you do behind closed doors, that’s your business, but I think a greater responsibility comes into play when what you represent in public. It’s been a conscious decision for both Quest[love] and me. I’ve never been big on virtuous profanity. It’s not like I’m not going to curse, right? But I’ve never been big on cursing for no reason where it doesn’t drive a point home. I’ve always been careful what imagery I project and put out there.” This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of High Times Magazine.

https://hightimes.com/

Cheech & Chong Celebrate First Film with Clothing Line Dropping 4/20 at Shoe Palace

Represent the duo that started it all with 1978’s Up In Smoke, Cheech & Chong, with high-quality gear that grabs attention. In a collaboration just in time for the 4/20 holiday, Shoe Palace is partnering with Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin to launch a line of stunning T-shirts, shorts, and assorted apparel. The Shoe Palace x Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke collection is inspired by the 1978 Paramount Pictures film of the same name, in its stores and online. The collection includes tees and shorts that feature the likenesses of the comedy icons, with tye-dye colors available. All the pieces in the line, the company states, were brought to life using top-of-the-line materials and craftsmanship and every piece in the collection captures the film’s trademark humor and style. The collection boasts dozens of new designs, many of which come with embroidered features. We particularly liked the pink Up In Smoke Tie Dye Fleece Men’s Shorts, which comes with two embroidered designs. The pink really makes it pop and there’s a matching Up In Smoke Tie Dye Short Sleeve Men’s Lifestyle Shirt to boot. This combo is pink but maintains a modern, masculine look. Some of the other designs feature embroidery and oversized graphics that really make them stand out. Beginning on April 20, you can find The Shoe Palace x Cheech & Chong’s Up In Smoke collection at Shoe Palace stores and on the website. 1978’s Up In Smoke remains the most popular film starring the comedic duo. The first film spawned a string of hit movies including Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie (1980), Nice Dreams (1981), Things Are Tough All Over (1982), Still Smokin (1983), Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers (1984), Get Out of My Room (1985), Hey, Watch This! (2010), and Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie! (2013). They also appeared as Cheech & Chong in numerous other movies and on TV. Most recently, last month the duo announced Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie, the definitive documentary on their career, comedy, and of course, cannabis. The documentary was directed by David Bushell and premiered at SXSW on March 12 at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. The documentary explores Cheech & Chong’s five-decade career performing stand-up, making music, and starring in a string of films. It covers their lives, partnership, and lasting influence, especially within the cannabis community. Shoe Palace is one of the most trusted athletic footwear and apparel chains in the United States. What began as a small family business has grown into an extremely popular chain of stores, currently over 200 worldwide, and an online retail site, shoepalace.com. Shoe Palace was built on a strong belief that amazing service, above all else, is the most important reason why any business succeeds. The duo met in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada in 1968 and quickly became the faces of the pot movement in the early days. Cheech & Chong have promoted cannabis long before it was cool and High Times has covered the comedic duo since day one. “When I grew up in Canada, you would smoke it if you had it,” Chong told High Times in 2016. “But we never had a way of getting it, so I really grew up smoking it when it was there, and then when it wasn’t there, no problem. To me, that was one of the greatest things about pot, is that it was non-addictive. I had no problem, and I do it every once in a while.” In 2003, during the George W. Bush administration, Chong was the prime target of Operation Pipe Dreams, and High Times interviewed him about the ordeal in 2020. Chong was sentenced Sept. 11, 2003, to nine months in a federal prison, a fine of $20,000, forfeiture of $103,000 in assets, and a year of probation. He ended up sharing a cell with Jordan Beleforte—the real “Wolf of Wall Street.” And the crime? Bongs. Chong was charged for his alleged part in financing and promoting Chong Glass Works/Nice Dreams, California-based companies started by his son Paris. Nowadays, Chong and Marin live a quieter life, promoting several cannabis-related brands and projects. Most recently, Cheech & Chong partnered with the beloved game series Call of Duty. The famous stoner duo can be purchased and usable in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile. The content was first announced on March 27 along with CoD Season 3 details, but only recently became available for purchase starting on April 17. The bundle is priced at 3,000 CoD points, which is the equivalent of $30. Cheech and Chong Operators come with a variety of offerings. This includes three weapon blueprints, including “Dankest,” “Hashassin,” and “Mellow and Mild,” each of which comes with the “Still Smokin’ Tracers” and “Up In Smoke” death effects, as well as a finishing move called “Secondhand Smoke.”

https://hightimes.com/

Bud Belts

Like any majestic city, you never know what’s happening behind a door in Barcelona, Spain. Someone walking by any given space has no idea what kind of wonderland is on the other side. During Women in Cannabis Presents Self Defense—taught by Gina Contel, Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and black belt, and held during Spannabis 2023—a group of about 30 scrappy women defied stoner stereotypes by learning how to kick ass. After training, they gathered around a Puffco Peak Pro, the “pinnacle of hash technology” for aftercare (the use of topicals is also encouraged) and shared personal pieces of inspiration or, to sound less corny, ways to not only survive in this world as a woman but how to take over. “The hardest self-defense class you’ll ever take is the first one,” says Chelsea Kossower, vice president of global expansion at Puffco, an acclaimed dab rig company. Kossower’s job is to travel the world and accelerate hash culture. She also has a side project called Rolladek, a jiu-jitsu content and education platform. Both Rolladek and Women in Cannabis hosted the self-defense event. Women in Cannabis, organized by Giuliana Roldán, is an invite-only movement aimed at fostering a safe and collaborative environment (for all genders) currently operating in nine countries. The Women in Cannabis event comprises two parts: a panel of women from the cannabis industry sharing insights and opportunities for newcomers. The second part is dedicated to a women’s self-defense class, underlining the importance of self-protection skills alongside professional networking and relationship building. The Barcelona event was located at Atos Jiu-Jitsu Barcelona, one of the best jiu-jitsu academies in Europe. For Kossower, jiu-jitsu is the first activity that matched her passion for cannabis because of the community. Her resume is intimidating, although she doesn’t like to assign the word “intimidating” to the sport. She explains at first, that when the self-defense class was announced, she received feedback that folks were scared of what they imagined to be intense combat. But she convinced them to attend. “They had us lined up against a wall, and then one by one we had to go up against [world champion Contel],” describes workout aficionado and hash maker The Dank Duchess, who attended the event last spring. “At first, it’s kind of intimidating. But I gotta say, cannabis always brings us together. Fighting over the course of an hour and learning and being open-minded and open-hearted, it felt really good. It was a good way to end the cannabis trip.” Duchess was new to self-defense but very familiar with combining cannabis and working out, two topics which, to the uninformed, are strangers, perhaps even characters who shouldn’t meet. “It’s generally men that give you some shit about it,” Duchess says. But thanks to science, even that is changing. In a groundbreaking study from January 2024 by the University of Colorado Boulder (CU), researchers found that legal, commercial cannabis positively influences exercise, making it more enjoyable. Focusing on 42 runners, the research delved into participants’ cannabis consumption and its effects on their physical activities. This study, featured in the Sports Medicine journal, suggests an increasing normalization of cannabis use in fitness despite ongoing debates in the sports sector. Laurel Gibson, the study’s lead author and a research fellow at CU’s Center for Health & Neuroscience, Genes & Environment (CUChange), sums up the findings: “Using cannabis before exercising seems to heighten the mood and enjoyment during the workout, regardless of whether THC or CBD is used.” While the women in last year’s cannabis class aimed at general self-defense, the influence of jiu-jitsu, which emphasizes technique over brute strength, is undeniable. Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. While it originated in Japan, jiu-jitsu was later adapted and popularized in Brazil, known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Jiu-jitsu teaches how smaller people can successfully defend themselves against a larger assailant through technique. Brazilian jiu-jitsu has achieved significant global popularity in the sporting realm and is frequently regarded as a crucial element in mixed martial arts (MMA) training. “The point of the seminars is to create distance from your attacker. God forbid, you’re past that point; we teach you how to fall properly so you’re not breaking your neck and hitting your head,” Kossower says. The self-defense class covered what to do if someone grabs your wrist and (God have mercy on them) what to do if someone tries to put their hands around your waist in a club. “Never are we encouraging people to fight or hurt people,” Kossower says. “We’re simply giving them the tools they need to create distance and get to safety.” While the self-defense and dabs seminar was a unique, one day class, if attendants decided that they liked the class and would like to explore jiu-jitsu further on their own, it’s a win-win situation. “It’s mainly to give them a few skills that could potentially save their lives one day,” Kossower says. According to UN Women, about 736 million women, which is nearly one out of every three, have faced physical and/or sexual violence. Women who have experienced such violence are at a higher risk of suffering from depression and anxiety disorders, not to mention post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a plethora of other health consequences. The majority of such violence comes from former husbands or intimate partners. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Black women in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by such violence. “I would like to say, yes, I’m Wonder Woman, but sometimes the world is scary,” says Roldán. Roldán also works with Puffco. Born in Colombia, Roldán has an intimate relationship with cannabis, which she describes as vital in treating her anxiety. “I’m very into indigenous culture, and I truly love all the ancient plants and all the real medicine that comes from nature,” Roldán says. For her, such medicine helps with stress by reinforcing her own strength. “Self-defense makes you feel empowered like, ‘OK, I’m strong, I can do it. I’m not afraid of this situation.’ We empower the women, create a safe space, create networking [opportunities]. We come together because together we are better,” she says, adding how important that is for women in a male-dominant industry. While Roldán is talking about cannabis, that industry could just as well be combat sports. According to MMA Facts, the audience is predominantly male. For instance, studies have found that MMA audiences are roughly between 75-90% men and 10-25% women. But combat sports are embracing at least one female: the psychoactive cannabis plant. In January 2021, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced a significant update on its stance on cannabis use among fighters. The leading MMA organization announced a major amendment to its anti-doping policy, indicating that fighters would largely not face penalties for cannabis use. This decision stated that the UFC would no longer concern itself with positive tests for THC, unless there is evidence that a fighter used marijuana deliberately to improve performance. What most people, both amateur and professionals alike, have come to realize is that cannabis can be immensely beneficial when performing athletic activities. “Because your brain is relaxing, your emotional state changes,” Roldán describes. At first, jiu-jitsu was very difficult for Roldán due to mental blockage manifesting as anxiety. There’s overthinking, overthinking, and more overthinking. But as Duchess details, anything that has to do with body movement and getting your mind right and getting your body right is always going to be a good step because those two components work hand in hand. But when the participants add cannabis to self-defense (while it was only officially sanctioned after class, most consumed before and during), in the words of Roldán: “Everything just flows. I believe in myself more. I feel more confident. I also feel more happy.” At the end of the session, seated together, engaged in the millennia-old tradition of puff, puff, pass, the primary emotion described was pride. The event organizers are currently making plans to bring it to as many other locations and communities as possible. Learning self-defense, paired with dabs, can help you settle into your body. It makes grappling with black belts less intimidating. It teaches women how to physically protect themselves from an attacker. Women like Kossower describe cannabis and jiu-jitsu as the loves of their lives, their two favorite communities, only improved when brought together through community. But there’s one more desperately important reason for adding dabs to self-defense, whether through your own local community or a Women in Cannabis event: It’s fun. And not just silly fun, but spiritual, transformative, stepping into a secret wonderland kind of fun. “Jiu-jitsu kills your ego. It allows you to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and it teaches you to be proactive and not reactive. And I think those were the biggest things I was able to take away from the mats and apply in my everyday life,” Kossower says. “And one of the biggest ego killers in the world is also cannabis, right?” This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of High Times Magazine.

https://hightimes.com/

Manage Your Munchies: This Year’s Top 420 Meal Deals

It’s that time of year again, and High Times is presenting this year’s roundup of munchie deals you can score on April 20 weekend, many of which start Friday and run throughout the weekend. Many restaurant chains in recent years are being honest about catering to a major demographic: smokers with the munchies. While scouring the internet for the best munchie deals on April 20 weekend, we found everything including 420-themed burgers and sauces, rolling trays, frisbees, and even a Cypress Hill endorsement. Del Taco, Popeye’s, Jimmy John’s, Wingstop, Fatburger, QDOBA, and (year-round cannabis-themed) Cheba Hut are all offering deals. In some cases, delivery services will be provided for the April 20 weekend. (We couldn’t find any 420 deals for Chick-fil-A, but their classic chicken sandwich happens to have 420 calories.) We’ve seen it all in the past, sometimes pushing the envelope of local laws: In 2019, Carl’s Jr. even launched a CBD-infused burger, but it was only in Denver, Colorado, and you had to add the CBD-infused special sauce, which was sold separately. On a local level, some spots are selling infused foods. This year, If you’re in New York City or on the East Coast, check out Time Out’s spots with 420 deals. Tipsy Scoop’s Brooklyn and Manhattan locations, for instance, are serving THC-infused ice cream. Del Yeah!™ To satisfy their cases of the munchies, patrons can snack down on munchy-maker Del Taco’s Snack Tacos, and as an extra bonus—$0 Delivery with $15 orders this weekend, running through Sunday. 4/20 Weekend Deals (Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21) 8 Snack Tacos for $4.20 Offer valid Friday, 4/19/2024 through Sunday, 4/21/24 only. Del Yeah!™ Rewards registration required to access deal. Available only on orders placed through the Del Yeah!™ Rewards app or deltaco.com. Must add $4.20 Snack Tacos bundle to cart to receive discounted price. No offer required. Limit one discounted bundle per purchase. Not valid with any other offer, discount, or coupon. No cash value. Price and participation may vary. Not valid with 3rd Party delivery providers. $0 Delivery Fee with $15 Orders Offer valid Friday, 4/19/2024 through Sunday, 4/21/24 only. Del Yeah!™ Rewards registration required to access $0 Delivery promotion. $15 minimum purchase required. Delivery and digital service fees may apply. Available only on orders placed through the Del Yeah!™ Rewards app or deltaco.com. No cash value. Price and participation may vary. Not valid with 3rd Party delivery providers. Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, a division of Restaurant Brands International Inc., is offering a Munchies Menu this weekend through Saturday. The $4.20 Chicken Sandwich deal and Munchies Menu offerings are available again this year through the Popeyes smartphone app or at Popeyes.com for mobile order pickup and delivery. Through Saturday, April 20, guests can order off the Munchies Menu, which includes a Chicken Sandwich however they want it (Classic, Spicy, Blackened, or Spicy Blackened) for just $4.20. Each choice has the same whole chicken breast atop a toasted brioche bun with house or spicy mayo and pickles. Don’t forget to grab Cajun Fries, Mac & Cheese, and Mashed Potatoes as well, which they’re also promoting. See the whole Munchies Menu here. Smashburger has got you on deck this Saturday to satisfy not only your cravings, but with a little help from your friends. On April 20, Smashburger is offering for Classic Smash Singles for $20* so you can split the deal with your entourage. That’s four Classic Smash Burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, Smash Sauce®, ketchup, and a toasted bun. Keep in mind that this deal is for one day only. *Classic Smash, Singles only; only applies to beef, no other protein. Available on the website, app, and in-store . It’s said that smashing the burger sears the outside of the burger, locking in the savory juices. Not in the mood for burgers? Also check out the new Mango Habanero Crispy Chicken Sandwich, complete with a blend of mango and sassy habanero. Check out Smashburger locations in dozens of states. Wingstop dropped the new s T.H.C. Rub: In celebration of 4/20, Wingstop is taking the munchies to new highs with an “elevated flavor experience” that’s available nationwide. Available April 18-21, 2024, the Flavor Experts are bringing back the Wingstop Hot Box, featuring their newest strain of T.H.C. (The Hot Chili) Rub*. The cooked-to-order Wingstop Hot Box will spark up fans’ taste buds with their choice of the iconic chicken sandwich, 8-piece classic or boneless wings or 3-piece tenders. “Our fans count on Wingstop to deliver flavor when cravings hit, and 4/20 is no different,” said Wingstop Chief Brand Officer Melissa Cash. “This year, we’re bringing back the Wingstop Hot Box, with a bold new flavor that elevates any experience during this special day.” The crave-busting Wingstop Hot Box comes hand sauced-and-tossed in the new strain of T.H.C. (The Hot Chili) Rub*, complete with a fiery zest of chili peppers with a secret blend of herbs and spices, paired with a side of Wingstop’s iconic ranch, seasoned fries and a 20 oz drink. These guys are even throwing in a rolling tray! Jimmy John’s is rolling out the new Deliciously Dope Dime Bag, a specially curated meal will surely satisfy your case of the munchies. The Deliciously Dope Dime Bag comes with everything you need to celebrate: a tasty meal and a rolling tray, all for $10* Jimmy John’s is celebrating the holiday with a curated combo meal including a hand-sliced smoked ham and provolone cheese sandwich topped with Jalapeño Ranch, XTRA Oregano-Basil, sliced pickles crispy jalapeños and fresh-sliced lettuce and tomato, alongside a spear of a fan-favorite Jimmy John’s pickle, a Fudge Chocolate brownie, and a serving of Jimmy Chips. The Deliciously Dope Dime Bag will be available for online order only at participating restaurants nationwide for $10 with the use of the promo code DIMEBAG and select fans across the country will be surprised with additional merch, including a Jimmy John’s branded rolling tray. All-American burger chain Fatburger has “a blunt approach to 4/20 this year” with the return of its $4.20 Original Fatburger—for one day only on April 20. That’s right, to satisfy munchies of every kind, the beloved burger brand is offering a smokin’ deal on Original Fatburgers when ordering online via fatburger.com. The Original Fatburger, made with 100% pure lean beef, grilled to perfection, and topped with the freshest ingredients, is sure to light up fan’s days. And it doesn’t stop there, buds! Fatburger is further shaking up the high holiday by offering a sweet deal all month long—guests who order online at fatburger.com will receive a free shake with their next order through the month of April. As a cannabis-themed toasted sub shop—year-round—Cheba Hut is the perfect place to cure the munchies with new deals going on this year. Patrons can visit their local Cheba Hut to indulge in their favorite Nug subs (4” sandwiches) for just $4.20 all day long. You will also receive a free Cheba Hut-branded frisbee which can be used to play catch with some buds or as a rolling tray! Cypress Hill also partnered with Cheba Hut: From April 2 to June 30, the cannabis-themed restaurant and bar will sell swag co-branded with Cypress Hill on the Cheba Hut merch site. This merch includes gear for those who enjoy taking “hits from the bong,” like stickers, bucket hats and T-shirts. “We’re beyond stoked to be collaborating with Cypress Hill!” Cheeba Hut Marketing Manager Mel Banister told High Times. “The vibes of our brand and their music just click. And of course, we have both been advocates for cannabis culture for over 25 years, so there was no question when the opportunity to partner came up. From the Lowrider Amplified bar special, co-branded merch, ticket giveaways for their shows, and feeding them with our dank food while they’re on the road, Cheba Hut and Cypress Hill will be homies for a long time!” Certain Cheba Hut locations will be offering chances to win free tickets to one of Cypress Hill’s “We Legalized It 2024” tour dates (mission accomplished, to some degree). “When we were approached to partner with Cheba Hut on our upcoming tour, we knew we had to say yes,” said Sen Dog of Cypress Hill. “Their culture, creativity, and sense of community pair perfectly with Cypress Hill’s vibe. Our shows are meant to celebrate the diversity of our fans, and Cheba Hut embraces that, too, creating welcoming spaces for everyone to not only enjoy great food but also great music. We’re excited to collaborate with them to bring our fans exclusive menu items like the Lowrider Amplified cocktail, plus merch and more!” This year on April 20, QDOBA has a stacked menu of delicious items that will satisfy your munchies! Mexican-inspired bowls, burritos, quesadillas and more are the perfect solution. Bring your buds and build a custom burrito, bowl, quesadilla, or tacos with any of QDOBA’s fresh ingredients. There’s sure to be a combination that’ll hit the spot! Find a QDOBA location near you.

https://hightimes.com/

Cheech and Chong Become Newest Operators in Call of Duty

Call of Duty (CoD) has stepped up its game once more with a few new 4/20-inspired content. This year, a cannabis-themed bundle and new operator skins that callback to two famous stoners: Cheech and Chong. The famous stoner duo can be purchased and usable in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile. The content was first announced on March 27 along with CoD Season 3 details, but only recently became available for purchase starting on April 17. The bundle is priced at 3,000 CoD points, which is the equivalent of $30. “Forged in the counterculture revolution, yet armed with drive and creative power, Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin turned cultural friction into comedic success,” Season 3 patch notes continued. “Facing systemic barriers with humor and cannabis, the duo exploited adversity to bring underground voices into the mainstream. Chong’s ingenuity and Marin’s heritage primed them for fame, while their comedic chemistry made them icons. Their albums and films exposed injustice with subversive joy, pioneering stoner comedy and becoming symbols of irreverent truth.” Both Cheech and Chong Operators come with a variety of offerings. This includes three weapon blueprints, including “Dankest,” “Hashassin,” and “Mellow and Mild,” each of which comes with the “Still Smokin’ Tracers” and “Up In Smoke” death effects, as well as a finishing move called “Secondhand Smoke.” Players also receive two decals (entitled “Be Mellow” and “Cheech & Chong’s Large Decals”), a weapon sticker (which reads “Smoke Buds”), two weapon charms (which state the phrases “Iconic” and “Cheech & Chong’s Seltzer”), and a special loading screen that says “Blunt Buddies.” The finishing move features Cheech or Chong taking a hit, breathing smoke through the barrel of their weapon to eliminate enemies. Cheech and Chong share many of the same lines that communicate objectives, item deployments and discoveries, enemy activity warnings, and more. However both Cheech and Chong have a few unique voice lines as well, according to a full list of voice lines compiled by the YouTube channel CODSploitz. Cheech: “Calling in some smoke—my favorite kind.” “Hey, I smoke you like my favorite strain, man.” “Hey far out, dude.” “Hey dude, you’re magical.” ” “Hey man, I need a reefer resurrection over here.” “Hey man I need some help, feeling a little hazy, ese.” “Hey spill the doobie—I mean the details, man.” “Thanks, that really trips me out, man.” “Hey that was far out, man.” Chong: “Oh hey man, hey check to see if they got any weed, man.” “Groovy, man.” “Headshot from another dimension, man.” “I call it the cosmic cranium connection.” “Ugh, I’m feeling a bit lightheaded, but it might be this joint, man.” “Hey it looks like I live to roll another joint, man.” “Okay, man, consider me your good vibes body guard, man.” “Like a field of virtual marijuana plants.” “I’m stoned and I can’t get up, man.” “No way! A new life? Do I get a new joint, too, man?” “We can do this the hard way, or the chill way, man.” “Hey, man, what’s poppin’ amigo?” “Whoa, my health is higher than Cheech on a Friday night, man.” “Haha you’re cool man. Wanna smoke?” Additionally, John Price, who has appeared in numerous CoD games, has been given a “Feelin’ Slothy” operator skin as well. “Smoke your enemies with two Weapon Blueprints featuring Blazed Tracers and the ‘Ding Dong You’re Bonged’ Death Effect: the ‘High Hitter’ WSP Swarm SMG and the ‘Toke N’ Smoke’ XRK Stalker Sniper Rifle,” the official description stated. For a limited time, CoD will also feature two new events. According to Destructoid, the “Blaze Up” event, which runs until April 24, tasks players to complete specific challenges in quick play. “How high are you? Er, I mean, Hi! How are you? Complete event challenges for exclusively dank rewards. Warning: event may cause the munchies,” the event info stated. Players will receive a variety of rewards, such as a pot brownie weapon sticker called “Hot Out of the Oven,” “Weedson” killstreak skin, “High as a Duck” charm, and more. The second event, “Warzone High Trip” is also available for a limited time. According to OneEsports, players can pick up one of four skunk gummy power-ups in matches, which bring on effects such as receiving extra loot from supply caches, fast speed/no fall damage, highlighted enemies within sight, and faster reload times. Last year for 4/20, CoD introduced Snoop Dogg as an operator, complete with his bundle of cosmetics and the “Tactical Toke” highlight, the “Finishizzle Movizzle” finishing move, and MVP highlight entitled “Hit This, Fam.” In August 2023, Nicki Minaj also made an appearance as an operator, which features a finishing move where Minaj jumps on and eliminates enemies with her stilettos. As CoD celebrates 4/20 with cannabis consumers everywhere, we can’t help but wonder which stoner celebrity CoD will bring into the mix next year in 2025.

https://hightimes.com/

You Don’t Understand the Difference Between Decriminalizing and Legalizing, Do You?

Way back in 1993, I came across Jack Herer’s book, The Emperor Wears No Clothes, which was first published in 1985 and brought together an enormous amount of information regarding the history and uses of cannabis/hemp from the beginning of recorded history to present time. Information about hemp that now seems benign, was once prohibited and removed from libraries across the country and across the world. Even the Library of Congress would get caught removing historical facts about cannabis/hemp from our public records. Click here to watch a short video on YouTube about how Jack Herer found the references to the US government film, “Hemp for Victory” and had to formally request that the Library of Congress to add it back to its index. Cannabis has been a topic very close to me since I was a child. My mother was a hippie and I was a kid who had cancer, so it’s not surprising that after she read about marijuana being used by cancer patients, she decided to let me smoke a joint while I was going through a combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In 1979, I was only nine years old and the healing effects of smoking a joint after going through chemotherapy felt like a miracle, and I became an advocate for the legalization and understanding of cannabis for the rest of my life. Reading Jack’s book in 1993 would become a catalyst that would change my life forever. I was so moved by the historical information that he presented and I was angered at the prohibitionists that would deny us the most useful plant on the planet, so I called the phone number on the back cover and found out that Jack was running an effort to legalize cannabis in California. In January 1994, I drove to the Los Angeles office and volunteered immediately to help. My first question was; “How do you legalize marijuana?” Jack answered with a single word: “Democracy.” My second question was; “Why legalize instead of just decriminalizing?” Jack got pissed; “You don’t understand the difference between those two terms do you?” Clearly I did not, so I apologized for my lack of knowledge and I asked; “What’s the difference?” Jack went on to tell me that decriminalization leaves the cops in charge of who they harass and who they let walk because it allows for selective prosecution by bigoted cops. Decriminalization only quasi-legalizes the end user for a small amount of cannabis. Producers, distributors and people who make hash, would all be felons under decriminalization and their activities would still be illegal. Retail stores, testing, quality control, and all production would all still be completely illegal. Even research into how cannabis can help cancer or AIDS patients would be completely illegal. While explaining this, Jack would get angry and tell me that cannabis should have never been criminalized in the first place and that we should never settle for decriminalization because we would all still be living under the oppression of bad laws. Legalization makes all aspects from production to testing to distribution completely legal for people to engage in. Under most legalization, you have a legal right to grow cannabis at home and to give some to your sick friend or to give some to your friend at their wedding as a gift. I got it, Jack made clear sense and he realized that I had got the point, he smiled and he made me take an oath that I would fight for legalization until cannabis was legal, I was 84 years old or I was dead. We shook hands and spent years after that as best friends traveling around and passing out his book while educating whoever would listen. Jack needed 500,000 signatures in order to put the initiative onto the California ballot and in order to get those signatures, Jack brought me to a supermarket in Burbank California, where we stood outside with clipboards holding our initiatives and our voter registration forms in order to sign up new voters to be able to vote and to get them to sign our initiative. We would talk to every friendly person who walked by us and who would take the time to listen to us and try to encapsulate thousands of years of cannabis history into a few sentences that might get their attention. We were wearing hemp pants that looked like burlap sacks and showing them wallets made of hemp fiber, but most of the time they would look at us like we were a bit crazy. Standing in front of supermarkets until the police came and chased us away or stopped us, searched us, found some cannabis on us and then ticketed us or arrested us, all of which had happened to us multiple times in multiple places, but we never gave up. Jack also had a booth on Venice Beach Boardwalk, where some of his volunteers would be teaching the tourists about cannabis and hemp history as they walked by. At the time, standing at that booth on Venice Beach or standing outside of supermarkets was the only way we were getting our message out to the public that the prohibition of cannabis was wrong and should be challenged. In 1994, there was only one place in California where a medical patient could get medical cannabis and that was from Dennis Peron at the Cannabis Buyers Club in San Francisco. The San Francisco police would raid the SF CBC multiple times to try to shut it down and the oppression was incredible. Dennis would be successful in pushing a medical necessity defense initiative in 1996 that became known as proposition 215 and then California law; 11362.5 after it passed. Unfortunately, the initiative did not legalize any of our activities and many of us were prosecuted and sentenced to federal prison after passing. I was one of them and I spent five years in federal prison, mostly because I would not cooperate. The prosecutor made it absolutely clear that if I were to cooperate that they would not recommend prison time, but if I would not cooperate, that they would recommend the max penalty. It may sound crazy, but I chose the prison sentence and self surrendered on January 3, 2000 to a five-year sentence for doing nothing more than growing flowers in my Bel Air backyard. In the 1990s in California, close to 20,000 people were being arrested each year for marijuana possession, by 2009 that number would climb to almost 80,000 people arrested annually, and even then, that would not be close to the over 100,000 California citizens being arrested during each of the years 1972 and 1973. Between 2001 and 2010, there were over 8 million people arrested for marijuana possession in the United States, which accounts to one arrest every 37 seconds and billions of dollars wasted by pushing them through the criminal justice system. History has also shown us that the laws against cannabis were racist from their inception. People of color get arrested for cannabis in some places at four times the rate of white people. The very word “marihuana” was used by the government in a deceptive way, so that Americans who were growing hemp on their farms and using canvas, which is a cognate of cannabis, as all canvas goods were made with cannabis fiber, would not understand what they were talking about. The problem the government had in 1937 was that nobody was afraid of cannabis hemp, which is why they associated it with Mexicans, and accusing them of bringing it up from Mexico and calling it a name that you could not find in any dictionary or encyclopedia if you were to look up what the “Marihuana Tax Act” was relating to. This intended confusion by the US government is why at the 1937 hearings, the American Medical Association took the stance against criminalizing cannabis and said, “Since the medicinal use of cannabis has not caused and is not causing addiction, the prevention of the use of the drug for medicinal purposes can accomplish no good end whatsoever. How far it may serve to deprive the public of the benefits of a drug that on further research may prove to be of substantial value, it is impossible to foresee.” If you are somebody who has used cannabis as a medical remedy, there is a high chance that you have a very strong feeling about its medical effectiveness as do I. Many people in the cannabis community are very passionate because their lives have been touched for the better by cannabis, and if you are one of them and you believe that cannabis can help society, you should want to see cannabis sold at a reasonable price at every store that sells food, liquor or tobacco because we all have an endocannabinoid system. Statistics are already showing that in states that have legalized cannabis, alcohol and tobacco sales have gone down and that’s a clear indication of why both of those industries were working so hard and donating so much money to keep cannabis illegal. I personally hope that someday a senior citizen can go into the supermarket and purchase a can of Campbell’s canned cannabis at $.89 an ounce, with the hope that people can use cannabis to get off of alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs and live a better life. Legalization is not about cannabis investors getting prohibition era profits during legalization. Legalization is about the liberty of the individual to possess and home grow cannabis and the freedom of a flower to bloom.

https://hightimes.com/

California County Mulls Reduction To Cannabis Cultivation Tax

Amid declining revenues and plunging prices, officials in one California county are considering a proposal that would ease some of the financial stress currently felt by area cannabis cultivators. The Press Democrat reports that officials in Sonoma County, California on Tuesday recommended that the “Board of Supervisors approve new tax rates based on a model that would reduce the tax burden for most cannabis growers.” “Reduced tax rates may be in store for struggling cannabis cultivators and manufacturers in unincorporated Sonoma County, driven in part by decreasing prices affecting the industry…Under the proposal, cultivation tax rates would be reduced from $0.75 per square foot to $0.69 per square foot for outdoor cultivation, $3 per square foot to $2.51 per square foot for mixed light cultivation and $12.50 per square foot to $7.58 for indoor cultivation,” the newspaper reported. “The tax rate for manufacturers would also drop from 3% to 1.5%, while retailers would see an increase from 2% to 3%. The proposed changes come as the county sees a decline in the number of cultivators, dwindling prices driven in part by a glut of product and competition from large-scale growers and a projected long-term decrease in industry-driven revenue for its cannabis program.” It isn’t the first time that officials in Sonoma County, located in northern California, have moved to alleviate the burden shouldered by local marijuana farmers. Last year, the county’s Board of Supervisors approved a tax reduction for certain cannabis growers. The North Bay Business Journal reported at the time that the board “voted 4 to 1…to change how the tax on cannabis cultivation is set, lowering the amount some growers will pay while raising it for others,” which ensured that “cannabis growers in the county’s jurisdiction will be taxed based on which of the size of their operations categorized into three different methods, calculated on a gross receipt tax rate of 2.5%.” James Gore, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, told High Times in 2022 that he favored the tax reductions because it was “in line with the market impacts that cannabis producers are encountering right now with a precipitous drop in wholesale price-per-pound.” “The reason that this was justified, merited, warranted is that our cannabis tax, like many other jurisdictions, was based on coverage—square feet. It was intended to be one and 5% of gross receipts, but when you have a drop in wholesale price, and you’re still taxing based on square footage, all of a sudden that potential 3-5% grows into not just 15 or 20—but upwards of that,” Gore said. “We were putting people out of business with our policy, so this is the right thing to do,” he added. “The reduced cultivation tax rates are needed to account for changes in the market and our Board’s policy direction. The revenue surplus in our cannabis program will support operational costs for two years as we transition to a new tax model and policy framework. We’re committed to getting this issue right for Sonoma County, and that means continuing to work between neighborhoods and industry advocates, learning from other counties, and finding local solutions that are fair and sustainable for both communities and the environment.” McCall Miller, the cannabis program coordinator for Sonoma County, said that the reason behind latest tax change being considered this week “is to remain responsive to market changes and whatever those market changes entail.” Per the Press Democrat, “Sonoma County is seeing a decline in cannabis cultivators.” “The moves came under mounting pressure from cannabis industry representatives, who pressed for greater relief from taxes and fees they said were squeezing smaller operators out of business or into the illicit market…There are five manufacturers, six retailers and 75 cannabis cultivators in unincorporated Sonoma County, according to Miller,” the outlet explained. “In May 2023, there were 155 cultivators operating in unincorporated Sonoma County. Dropping prices may be one of the factors driving out cultivators, Miller said. But, she added that some cultivators have also said the county’s permitting process and backlog of applications is another factor.” According to the Press Democrat, the county’s “cannabis tax revenue is projected to decrease from $1.6 million this fiscal year, to $1.4 million in fiscal year 2024-2025.” “Factoring in departmental costs, the county’s long-awaited environmental impact study, launched in mid-2021 to streamline permitting and other costs, the program’s end balance is expected to decrease from around $3.7 million this fiscal year to about $2 million by fiscal year 2026-27, according to a staff presentation,” the paper reported. “The industry has struggled to compete with the illicit cannabis market that has undercut legal cultivators in price and fueled the supply glut,” it continued. “The recommended tax rate changes are based the results of an annual analysis completed by HdL Companies, a consultant based in Brea, California.”

https://hightimes.com/

North Dakota Committee Files Ballot Measure To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

Florida has been front and center as of late, after the state Supreme Court recently ruled that its amendment to legalize adult-use cannabis is fit for the ballot in this year’s election. But the Sunshine State is not alone, as North Dakota may be taking another go this November at ushering in its own recreational market. Earlier this week, a group of 27 North Dakotans filed a 2024 ballot measure petition that would legalize adult-use cannabis in the state if approved, according to a report from The Jamestown Sun. Advocates must gather 15,582 signatures from eligible North Dakota voters by July 8 in order for the measure to make the ballot. The New Economic Frontier committee is sponsoring the latest measure. The new proposal would allow adults over the age of 21 to possess small amounts of cannabis and purchase products from registered cannabis businesses in the state. “Cannabis legalization is coming, and it’s coming fast,” said New Economic Frontier chair Steve Bakken. “We’ve got a choice here — let out-of-state interests call the shots, or take the lead ourselves. We’ve carefully crafted this initiative right here in North Dakota, making sure it fits what our community really needs. Let’s embrace this opportunity the North Dakota way, with common sense and local input guiding the way.” Upon the filing, the committee shared in a release that the measure will lessen the burden on the criminal justice system and act as means for further economic growth in North Dakota. Specifically, the committee shared that legalizing adult-use cannabis would allow law enforcement to focus on serious or violent crimes and enhance public safety, ultimately saving taxpayer money. It also pointed to the safety benefits of a regulated market, ensuring products are tested for potency and screened for contaminants. It additionally referenced the increased accessibility for veterans and those with medical conditions who cannot access medical cannabis. Casey Neumann, CEO of local businesses Pure Dakota and Pure Dakota Health, nodded to this benefit, saying that he’s personally seen how medical cannabis can help residents battling numerous conditions like cancer, anxiety and chronic pain. “This makes it easier for our neighbors to access cannabis for their medicinal needs, but it also will benefit our state as a whole through its taxation,” Neumann said. “The positive economic impact alone is a key reason why all North Dakotans should vote yes. Legalizing cannabis paves the way for a more prosperous future for our state.” The committee cited a projected $38.4 billion in U.S. cannabis industry revenue for 2024, alongside 400,000 supported jobs and boosted funding for local school organizations and programs in communities throughout the state. If seeing “North Dakota,” “ballot measure” and “adult-use cannabis” elicits a bit of déjà vu, it’s not without merit. Voters weighed in on Statutory Measure 2 during the 2022 election season, which would have legalized the production, processing and sale of cannabis in the state while allowing for adults over 21 to possess and use various forms of cannabis. Voters ultimately rejected the proposal, garnering just 45% approval. North Dakota also made an effort to legalize recreational cannabis in 2018 through a ballot measure, but voters rejected that attempt as well with just 41% approving of the proposal. Voters in the state approved medical cannabis legalization via Measure 5 in 2016, though the state Legislature later amended it to remove a provision allowing medical cannabis patients to grow their own cannabis. Gov. Doug Burgum also signed legislation to reduce cannabis possession penalties in 2019, though ingesting any amount of cannabis is still a misdemeanor punishable by 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,500, with possession of less than a half-ounce punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. While neighboring South Dakota similarly rejected its own recreational cannabis ballot measure in 2022, Minnesota sits just to the east of both states and legalized cannabis in 2023, with residents allowed to cultivate, possess and smoke cannabis flower. Sales are expected to launch in 2025. Given trends of other states with neighbors gradually working to embrace cannabis reform — with advocates and lawmakers pushing to legalize rather than losing business and tax dollars through residents traveling across borders to purchase products — Minnesota’s recent leap could provide a bit of extra momentum for North Dakota’s effort this time around. It’s now up to the secretary of state and attorney general to draft a petition title, which must be provided to the sponsored committee between April 23-25.

https://hightimes.com/

Killer Pharmacist Who Diluted Life-Saving Drugs To Be Freed From Prison

A former disgraced pharmacist who was sentenced to prison over 20 years ago for diluting drugs for a cheap profit—impacting over 4,000 patients and likely leading to the deaths of AIDS and cancer patients—will soon walk free. The Kansas City Star reports that Missouri native Robert Ray Courtney, 71, was convicted of diluting patients’ medications to treat serious conditions such as cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and more over 20 years ago. While Courtney has not been charged with murder, a prosecuting attorney said the man is “one of the most prolific serial killers.” He primarily mixed intravenous drugs regardless of how critical they were to patients living with serious conditions. All the while, Courtney was supposedly an upstanding member of a church community at Northland Cathedral, an Assemblies of God megachurch in Kansas City, Missouri. Courtney was also the main character in License To Kill: Deadly Pharmacist that streamed on Oxygen in 2020. He was also featured in a 2010 documentary series episode on American Greed that aired on CNBC. Courtney began his crime spree in 1990, once he learned he could swap out expensive medications with generic drugs he could buy in the gray market, making a fortune. But that didn’t satisfy his greedy urges, so he started diluting chemotherapy drugs to multiply doses. By the late ‘90s, Courtney was diluting a swath of cancer and AIDS drugs that probably led to the deaths of patients who trusted him. (As if they didn’t already have enough to worry about.) Not only were his patients not improving, but chemo patients didn’t seem to exhibit the normal devastating side effects of the drug. Keep in mind that throughout the investigation the FBI and FDA initially would not accept that a licensed pharmacist would do such a thing intentionally. But he did. Courtney pleaded guilty on Feb. 27, 2002 to intentionally diluting over 98,000 prescriptions for multiple types of life-saving drugs. He was officially charged with tampering with drugs, adulteration or mislabeling of drugs, but given a hefty sentence due to the seriousness of his actions. Police estimated that his pharmacy scheme could have impacted some 4,200 patients. Courtney was sentenced in federal court in December 2002 to a maximum of 30 years, plus a $25,000 fine and $10.4 million in restitution according to court records. And according to Bureau of Prisons records, Courtney is currently incarcerated at a federal prison in Littleton, Colorado. Victims and their families said they received a letter indicating that Courtney will be released June 20 to a halfway house in Springfield, Missouri. He is expected to remain there until his release on May 2, 2026. Attorney Michael Ketchmark, who represented 275 families in wrongful death lawsuits against Courtney, said in a phone interview Monday that his phone “has been lit up all day with Robert Courtney’s victims.” “The raw pain and emotion is overwhelming,” he said. “In my opinion, he is one of the most prolific serial killers,” Ketchmark said. “He diluted chemotherapy drugs that people need when they’re fighting for their life and he took away their hope and he took away the life of his victims.” Ketchmark called on the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office to bring charges. “It’s our hope that that will happen. There’s plenty of justice still to be delivered to this man. He should never walk free again.” Courtney’s insurance company agreed to pay $35 million to victims, and two pharmaceutical makers paid $71 million in settlements. High Times has reported on the pressure to prescribe painkillers in the pharmaceutical industry that has wreaked havoc on American society. Pain Hustlers, a recent film directed by BAFTA award winner David Yates, follows a mother who gets entangled with a failing pharmaceutical startup and the addiction it leads to. The CDC says there were 80,411 overdose deaths in 2021—75.4% of all drug overdose deaths involved opioids, with 88% of opioid overdoses being synthetic. So given these numbers, you should be more worried about pharmaceutical abuse than street heroin. That means opioids killed more Americans—during 2021 alone—than the Vietnam War. The Pharmacist debuted in 2020 on Netflix, a docuseries that follows a Louisiana pharmacist who takes extreme measures to expose the “rampant corruption behind the opioid addiction crisis.” There is a flood of other popular opioid-themed shows: Netflix’s 2023 drama series Painkiller starring Matthew Broderick, Uzo Aduba, Taylor Kitsch and West Duchovny briefly took the top spot on the platform. Netflix reported that Painkiller has two sources, the 2003 book Pain Killer by Barry Meier and the 2017 New Yorker article, “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain” by Patrick Radden Keefe, which was later expanded into Keefe’s 2021 book Empire of Pain.

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New York Cannabis Control Board Approves 101 New Adult-Use Licenses

New York is continuing its slow roll toward expanding the number of cannabis businesses operating throughout the state. On April 12, the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) approved 101 more adult-use cannabis licenses, and now the total number of licenses approved in 2024 so far sits at 403. Gov. Kathy Hochul continues to be vocal about celebrating these milestones. “With the Cannabis Control Board’s issuance of 101 adult-use cannabis licenses, New York’s legal cannabis industry continues to make significant progress with over 400 licenses issued in 2024,” said Hochul. “Strengthening New York’s equitable cannabis industry and ensuring the hard-working small business owners operating in the legal market have the licenses to open are the best way to protect the integrity of sales in New York.” The CCB recently approved a resolution that allowed for a diverse, ranging from varying microbusinesses, cultivators, processors, distributors, and retail dispensaries. “This resolution opens pathways for entrepreneurs and businesses to participate in the budding adult-use cannabis market, fostering economic growth and innovation,” the CCB wrote in a press release. This license round includes 25 cultivators, 25 dispensaries, 22 microbusinesses, 11 distributors, 10 provisional dispensaries, and eight processors. Another resolution was passed, which gives the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) the ability to issue provisional licenses, which the CCB hopes will speed up the licensing process. “This measure aims to provide provisional license holders with opportunities to begin operations swiftly while adhering to regulatory requirements, fostering a dynamic and competitive marketplace,” the CCB explained. Now, provisional licenses can be approved by the CCB in regularly scheduled meetings, as well as the OCM, allowing license holders to lock down their retail locations until its time to receive final approval from the CCB. Provisional licenses are granted if the applicant provides all the necessary materials that they would need to apply for a full retail license, with the exception of not yet having a physical store location. CCB board chair Tremaine Wright praised the passage of the new resolutions, which will help build up the cannabis industry in New York. “These resolutions represent a significant milestone in our efforts to establish a robust and responsible adult-use cannabis market,” Wright said. “By issuing this new batch of licenses, enhancing enforcement protocols, and introducing provisional licensing, we are creating a framework that prioritizes equity, transparency, and public safety.” OCM executive director Chris Alexander called the move a “crucial step forward” for the 101 new licensees “who have the grit, skill, and ability to make sure our equitable market has the power to deliver the quality cannabis products New Yorkers expect to purchase when they walk into a legal dispensary.” Earlier this month, a New York State Supreme Court ruling struck down the state’s current ban on third party advertisements. Initially, the ruling invalidated all of New York’s adult-use regulations but was amended to apply only to the state’s rules on marketing. The lawsuit was led by Leafly Holdings, Stage One Dispensary, and a New York-based consumer. “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of providing consumers with choices, and educational information when making purchasing decisions,” Leafly said in a statement. “It is critically important that licensed retailers have equal access to important advertising and marketing tools to help them succeed in a competitive landscape.” Individuals such as Sen. Jeremy Cooney (current chair of the Senate cannabis subcommittee) were not as happy about the outcome. “Today’s State Supreme Court decision was another setback in a series of blows New York’s adult-use cannabis market has faced since legalization, three years ago,” said Cooney. “While some changes to marketing regulations are needed, the decision by the Court to throw out all agency regulations will ultimately slow progress at a time when we need to more aggressively combat illicit shops to grow a stronger, more-equitable legal market.” In late March, the CCB also addressed the needs of struggling cannabis farmers by waiving cultivator license fees for the next two years. Hochul called farmers the “backbone” of the state, and explained the need to support those family farms. “I have made it clear that New York State needs to issue more dispensary licenses and kickstart cannabis sales in New York, and this two-year promise to Adult-Use Conditional Cultivators will make sure these farmers can reap the benefits of this growing industry,” Hochul said. Previously, cultivators needed to pay a fee when they applied to transition to a non-conditional license (including cultivation and microbusinesses). The fee can be as low as $4,500, and as high as $40,000, depending on the license tier size and canopy size of their grow. New York’s adult-use cannabis industry was signed into law in March 2021 by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. While Hochul took office in August 2021, adult-use cannabis sales did not begin until December 2022. In January 2024, Hochul commented on how the rollout of the adult-use cannabis industry was a “disaster,” and in need of review. As of March 18, Hochul announced that her administration would be assessing the current state of industry regulations.

https://hightimes.com/

Doctors Join Call To Regulate Intoxicating Hemp Cannabinoids

A professional organization of physicians who support drug policy reform is calling for the regulation of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids including delta-8 THC, arguing that the safety of products containing the compound is unknown. The recommendation was recently made by Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (D4DPR), a group of healthcare professionals formerly known as Doctors for Cannabis Regulation. “Our stance at D4DPR is that all intoxicating cannabinoids should be subject to a regulatory framework to ensure public safety,” the group wrote in a policy paper released this month. In the paper, D4DPR notes that the legalization of hemp with the 2018 Farm Bill “may have inadvertently legalized the chemical conversion of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and other phytocannabinoids (those derived directly from the plant) into intoxicating minor cannabinoids like delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC, also known as delta-8).” The legislation, however, did not include provisions to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids, leading to a thriving industry of products containing intoxicating compounds that is unregulated in many jurisdictions. “Taking advantage of this opportunity, ∆8-THC (chemically synthesized from hemp CBD) quickly became available in various retail outlets such as gas stations, CBD shops, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online platforms,” the group notes in the paper. “Several states have now either banned or imposed regulations on its sale. However, in 22 states (as of November 2023), ∆8-THC remains legal and unregulated, with limited laboratory testing and taxation, lacking warnings about its intoxicating effects, without dosing limits, and easily accessible to minors.” To address the issue, D4DPR called on policymakers to develop and enact a regulatory framework for all intoxicating cannabinoids, regardless of their source. The group included several recommendations for the regulations, including a provision that would only allow the sale of intoxicating compounds by licensed dispensaries. The group also called for “appropriate taxation” to fund public health initiatives and regulatory oversight of the cannabinoid market. The group also recommended that sales of intoxicating cannabinoids be restricted to adults aged 21 and older. The recommendations call for intoxicating hemp products to be sold only in child-resistant packaging that does not appeal to minors, with clear labeling about the intoxicating effects of the product. Packages should also include the International Intoxication Cannabinoid Product Symbol (the silhouette of a cannabis leaf) to indicate their contents in graphic form. The recommendations also call for required lab testing of intoxicating cannabinoid products for purity, potency and safety, with certificates of analysis available to consumers for inspection. The group also recommended that research into the clinical safety and toxicology of minor cannabinoids be conducted, noting that many of the compounds are new to the market D4DPR also recommended that regulations for intoxicating cannabinoids be aligned with those in place in states with medical marijuana or adult-use cannabis programs and that states without regulations develop them as soon as possible. The group also called for the rescheduling of cannabis at the federal level, noting that a ban on intoxicating or minor cannabinoids “will result in a continuation of the drug war, leading to negative outcomes on public health.” “This policy stance reflects our commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring reasonable access to cannabis- and hemp-derived products within a responsible regulatory framework,” the D4DPR concluded in its recent policy paper. The policy paper from D4DPR joins a chorus of calls to regulate intoxicating cannabinoids. Last month, 21 state attorneys general sent a letter to congressional leaders asking them “to address the glaring vagueness created in the 2018 Farm Bill.” “The reality is that this law has unleashed on our states a flood of products that are nothing less than a more potent form of cannabis, often in candy form that is made attractive to youth and children — with staggering levels of potency, no regulation, no oversight, and a limited capability for our offices to rein them in,” they wrote in the letter.

https://hightimes.com/

The Ultimate High Times 420 Gift Guide 2024

It’s that time again! With the high holiday right around the corner, we thought it only fair to show you some of our favorite products to make this 420 the stoniest one yet! This year, we’re featuring products from the iconic watch brand Shinola, STORZ & BICKEL, Zig-Zag, and many more. Act fast, because some of these deals are only available for a limited time. Designed in collaboration with actor and Michigan native Quincy Isaiah, the Limited Edition Grassland Runwell features a matte velvet green dial, a bright green lume-illuminated number 4, and a thirty-second leaf. The olive leather strap with glow-in-the-dark stitching and custom hemp watch box sleeve pay tribute to the cause of decriminalizing cannabis, a theme central to the indie film ‘Grassland.’ Limited to 420 units. Price: $695 Looking for the perfect lift for 420? Look no further than ROVE’s popular Live Resin Diamond Vape! Crafted using a meticulous extraction process from fresh frozen flowers, these diamonds boast large faceted crystal-like formations that promise an amazing vaping experience. With a potency exceeding 99%, our diamond crystals are expertly liquified, resulting in the highest potency vaporizers available on the market today. Experience “Super Smooth Hits & Ultra Big Clouds” with Melted Diamonds! What sets ROVE apart is our commitment to quality and transparency. We use only 100% organically grown cannabis, ensuring a clean and natural product from cultivation to cartridge. Every step of the process, from seed to vapor, is carefully monitored and perfected in-house, guaranteeing a superior and consistent experience every time. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate cannabis experience with our Live Resin Diamond Vape. Find a ROVE retailer near you! Price: $45-100* *prices vary by state Learn More: rovebrand.com Al Capone Wraps hits better with a slow burn. Finally, rolling made it easy. Al Capone Wraps have become the number one natural leaf wrap in the US and are the only double-bonded self-sealing cellulose wraps on the market, guaranteeing an easy to roll and slow burn experience. Wraps are fresh, pre-cut, and boast a double leaf for a laid-back burn and self-sealing sugar strip. Available in three flavors: Original, Cognac, and Rum. Find a store and get rolling today! Price: $1.69+ Green Week Sale at STORZ & BICKEL: VENTY Vaporizer + Free Case! Upgrade your vaping experience with our Green Week Sale! Buy a VENTY vaporizer and receive a complimentary Case, valued at USD 449. Don’t miss out – Up to 40% discount on selected products from 4/15 to 4/22! Green Week Sale at STORZ & BICKEL: VOLCANO HYBRID 20% Off! Experience the power of the Volcano Hybrid vaporizer in both the sleek ONYX Edition and the classic Silver Version, now at an unbeatable 20% discount! Don’t miss out on this limited time offer and up to 40% discount on selected products 4/15 to 4/22! Introducing… The CCELL Rosin Bar! A brand new all-in-one, fillable vaporizer dedicated to providing pinnacle performance from your live rosin. The structure of the Rosin Bar’s heating element was scientifically designed to vaporize THC and terpenes at different temperatures in different areas, allowing for true-to-plant flavors from solventless oils. The two oil pathways built within its heating element also ensure a continuous oil supply to prevent dry hits from insufficient saturation, eliminating clogs and burnt tastes, and promoting the instant delivery of massive clouds of vapor. Unlike many conventional AIO devices, the airway within the Rosin Bar was designed to be isolated from the battery, PCBA, and other electronic components, ensuring the cleanest and safest possible vapor in every inhale. Price: $45 It’s the only vape you ever need! Unlock the future of vaping with AirVape Legacy Pro, where innovation meets sophistication. Elevate your experience with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled design. Price: $169 with the bonus code: “HighTimes100” Introducing the Cheech & Chong Mambo Herb Stick: Your Ticket to the Ultimate High! Hey, man! If you’re looking to take your vaping game to the next level, look no further than the Cheech & Chong Mambo Herb Stick. Approved and endorsed by the legendary comedy duo themselves, this vaporizer is like having Cheech and Chong right there with you, man! Picture this: a long-lasting battery that keeps you toking all day long, with no interruptions. Whether you’re chilling at home, hitting the streets, or jamming at a party, the Mambo Herb Stick has got your back – just like Cheech and Chong in their heyday! And let’s talk about the vapor quality, man. Smooth. Flavorful. With every draw, you’ll be transported to a higher plane – just like Cheech and Chong in their classic flicks. But here’s the best part, amigo: the Mambo Herb Stick is priced at just $50. That’s right – premium quality, iconic style, and budget-friendly? It’s like a dream come true, man! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Cheech and Chong or just someone who appreciates good vibes and good herb, this vaporizer is the answer to your prayers. So, what are you waiting for, man? Don’t miss out on the Cheech & Chong Mambo Herb Stick – get yours today and join the party! Trust us, it’s the best decision you’ll make since that time you watched Up in Smoke for the first time. Price: $50 Born in 2014, Bear Labs is a true legacy brand that sets the standard in producing high-quality products with unforgettable experiences. Boasting decades of combined extraction intelligence, our team of tenured operators have their fingers on the pulse of the market so that we are able to bring you the best of the best. For years, we’ve indulged in our own craft, so we refuse to release anything that we wouldn’t enjoy ourselves. At Bear Labs, we bring the fire enthusiasts crave as we continue to build a legacy defined by quality! Our team also understands, appreciates the importance of, and stands behind the pursuit of sustainability. We work with OneTreePlanted.org to help plant trees around the world. Price: $35-$40/gram Whether you’re a longstanding enthusiast or a casual participant in the 420 culture, Zig-Zag has something special for you. We’re rolling out an exclusive series of daily deals that cater to all your needs. From high-quality rolling papers that have become synonymous with Zig-Zag’s reputation to smoking accessories and apparel, each day unveils a new opportunity to elevate your 420 experience. Don’t let this chance go up in smoke—join us in the countdown and discover a new reason to celebrate every day. Spark the excitement and unwrap the ultimate 420 celebration with Zig-Zag. From now until 4/20, enjoy exclusive discounts ranging from 20-35% off select products. Here’s the promo code: 420_HIGHTIMES Discount runs through the month and ends May 1st at 11:59 pm PDT. Shop sale now!

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Majority of Florida Voters Support Cannabis Legalization, Not Enough To Pass Measure

The campaign to legalize cannabis in Florida is alive and well, as the state’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that voters will be able to decide the next chapter of cannabis reform on this year’s November ballot. With an already bustling medical market, Florida’s potential move into the recreational cannabis space has been highly anticipated since the Sunshine State first moved to introduce medical reform in 2016. Cannabis businesses also have a hefty investment in the reform measure, with Trulieve contributing more than $40 million to the campaign, alongside an additional several million dollars from a handful of other medical cannabis treatment centers. While the momentum ahead of Election Day feels significant, it’s possible that there may not be enough support to pass the measure under the state Constitution — at least when it comes to the results of a new poll. In Florida, measures must gain 60% support in order to pass. A new USA Today/Ipsos survey suggests that a majority of registered Florida voters, 56%, support the measure — along with 49% of Florida adults overall. Forty percent said that they would vote against it, and just 4% said that they were unsure. Democrats and independents were most supportive of the measure (69% and 63%, respectively), while 39% of registered Republican voters said they would vote in favor of the measure. The survey also found that support varied by region, with those in central Florida more likely to say they are in favor of recreational cannabis legalization than those in north or south Florida (54%, 49% and 38%, respectively). While there are no differences in self-reported plans to vote for recreational cannabis legalization by gender or age, white Floridians were more likely than Hispanic Floridians to say they would vote in favor of recreational cannabis legalization later this year (55% vs. 32%, respectively). The poll was conducted April 5-7 and included 369 Republicans, 264 Democrats and 316 independents. The poll is notable as the first to come out following the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to clear the measure for the ballot and reject the state attorney general’s constitutional challenge. It’s also the most recent survey among a slew of similar recent efforts to gauge Floridian support of recreational cannabis, with varying results. A November 2023 poll from the University of North Florida found that 67% of respondents said they would vote yes on a constitutional amendment to allow adults in Florida to purchase and possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use. It also notes that 70% of respondents supported recreational cannabis in Florida as of Spring 2023 along with 76% showing support in Spring 2022. The most recent poll notably gave respondents the specifics of the proposed amendment, rather than simply asking if respondents supported or opposed legalization of recreational cannabis. The measure, Amendment 3, would allow those over the age of 21 to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and five grams of cannabis concentrates. It would also allow existing medical cannabis dispensaries authorization to sell cannabis for adult use. The initiative is sponsored by Smart and Safe Florida. The poll results represent some of the gaps Smart and Safe Florida must close to see legal recreational cannabis in Florida as the organization enters its next phase of outreach and education. That said, Florida voters approved legal medical cannabis in 2016 with a vote of 71% to 29%. With more than six months until Election Day, it’s anyone’s guess how the cards will ultimately fall.

https://hightimes.com/

Illinois Lawmakers Seek Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products

Illinois lawmakers last week joined representatives of the licensed cannabis industry to call for a ban on intoxicating hemp products including delta-8 THC. Under one proposal, non-intoxicating hemp products would be regulated with rules for licensing hemp businesses and the testing and labeling of hemp products. Synthetically produced hemp products such as delta-8 THC, however, would be banned by the legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp agriculture and hemp products, ending the prohibition of the crop that had been in place for decades. However, the legislation failed to regulate hemp cannabinoids, leading to a proliferation of intoxicating hemp products such as delta-8. As a result, intoxicating hemp products are widely sold at unregulated outlets such as convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops, often without any age restrictions or regulatory oversight. State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado, the mother of a teen, said at a press conference on Thursday that young people are buying intoxicating hemp products from local and call the use of them “greening out.” “It scares me to my core to think about young people putting that in their bodies and we just have no idea what’s in it,” she said. Many states have been implementing legislation to regulate hemp products, with some calling for a ban on delta-8 and similar intoxicating cannabinoids. At a press conference at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield on Thursday, lawmakers, regulators and owners of licensed cannabis businesses unveiled a proposal to regulate hemp products. Under the proposal, Senate Bill 3926, hemp products such as CBD could be produced by licensed businesses complying with testing and labeling requirements. Synthetically produced cannabinoids such as delta-8 would be banned. “The goal of this legislation is to empower consumers ensuring that they know exactly what they’re consuming and what they are,” Tiffany Chappell Ingram, the executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, said at last week’s press conference. “We also want to protect the public health and maintain the integrity of our state’s long-fought-for legal cannabis industry, which is undermined by these unregulated products.” A table at the news conference was filled with delta-8 products including candy and snacks purchased at unregulated outlets that proponents of the bill say pose a danger to young people. Many of the products were designed to imitate popular brands, including one bag of corn chips labeled “Fritos” which had small cannabis leaves on the products. “Without regulation, we have no idea what is really in these products,” Joseph Friedman, the former CEO of the former cannabis dispensary PDI Medical, said during Thursday’s press conference. “That should be concerning to us all, especially since some of these intoxicating products are chemically modified, and widely available to young folks, teenagers and kids.” The legislation includes provisions to penalize those who violate its hemp regulations. A first offense would be subject to a fine of $1,000, while a second offense within three years would carry a fine of $5,000. Subsequent violations of the legislation within three years would be assessed a fine of $10,000. Ron Miller, a co-owner of his family-run licensed cannabis businesses Navada Labs and BLYSS Dispensary, said that allowing unregulated intoxicating hemp products amounts to unfair competition for the regulated marijuana industry. “It is deeply disheartening and, frankly, a betrayal by the state to allow these shops to pop up and call themselves dispensaries,” Miller said at the news conference on Thursday, according to a report from Capitol News Illinois. State Senator Celina Villanueva warned about the potential impact on Illinois residents if the state does not adopt regulations to govern hemp products. “Without proper oversight, consumers are left vulnerable to a myriad of risks from unknowingly consuming products with inaccurate THC levels to encountering harmful contaminants,” Villanueva said. “The absence of regulation leaves too much to chance.” After last week’s press conference, those opposed to the legislation argued their case. Charles Wu, a co-founder of Chi’Tiva, a business with hemp stores in the Illinois cities of Chicago and Worth, said the proposed ban was a “money play” to eliminate competition. “We want to operate responsibly and on a level playing field,” Wu told the Chicago Tribune. “This would put us out of business.” State Representative La Shawn Ford has introduced alternative legislation that would allow the sale of intoxicating hemp products. However, the bill requires such products to be tested, labeled and taxed. Banning intoxicating hemp products, the lawmaker said, only creates an unregulated market for them. “This is so strange and hypocritical,” Ford said. “Just because you ban a product doesn’t mean it’s going away. We need to tax and regulate it.” Senate Bill 3926 was introduced on April 10 and has been referred to the Senate Assignments Committee. Ford’s bill was assigned to the House Rules Committee in October.

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March Marks New High for Cannabis Sales in Michigan

The newest set of data released by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) shows that the state has once again set a new record for adult-use cannabis sales. According to the CRA, the state collected $286.8 million in adult-use cannabis sales in March, which made up for 99% of all sales. In terms of product popularity, flower still reigns supreme with $131.4 million in sales. A total of $54.4 million was sold in vape cartridges, as well as $33.9 million in inhalable concentrates, and finally edibles at $26.3 million. The CRA splits Michigan up into five distinct regions: upper lower/upper peninsula (the region at the top of the state sandwiched between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and also the northern portion of land that borders Canada), mid lower (sometimes referred to as Central Michigan), southwest (containing cities such as Kalamazoo and Lansing), east/southeast (which includes cities such as Ann Arbor but spans all of eastern Michigan with the exclusion of the Detroit area), and Wayne (i.e. Wayne County, which mainly covers Detroit). Among these regions, the east/southeast region collected the most in total adult-use cannabis sales with $128,929,767, followed by $79,432,048 in the southwest region, $31,845,920 in Wayne, $29,373,053 in upper lower/upper peninsula, and lastly, $17,209,468 in the mid lower area. In total medical cannabis sales, the southwest area led with $141,535, followed by Wayne with $945,992, east/southeast with $809,515, upper lower/upper peninsula with $81,273, and finally mid lower with $79,695. The state has 785 licensed retailers operating, in addition to 260 processors, eight Class A cultivators, 112 Class B cultivators, and 845 Class C cultivators. Despite record-breaking adult-use sales, medical cannabis continues to decline, and the state only collected $2.1 million sold at 213 provisioning centers. As of March 2024, Michigan has a total of 107,040 medical cannabis cardholders, 8,302 caregivers, and 191 physicians in total. The state received and approved 2,636 initial applications for medical cannabis cards, alongside 1,158 approved renewals. Out of the 27 medical conditions approved to be treated with medical cannabis, the highest percentage by far is chronic pain, which affects 62.95% of all approved patients. Other significant percentages above one percent includes patients who suffer from severe and chronic pain (48.82%), arthritis (21.98%), post-traumatic stress disorder (8.32%), muscle spasms (6.83%), severe nausea (5.99%), cancer (2.83%), inflammatory bowel disease (1.33%), and glaucoma (1.13%). The CRA also reported that the Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section (MTIS), along with the Michigan State Police, worked together to conduct 37 seizures of illegal cannabis products. This resulted in the “confiscation of 14,929 plants, 11,165 pounds of flower, and 3,133 units of marijuana product.” The most recent record in Michigan’s March 2024 sales topples the previous record set in December 2023. Tallied numbers for the entirety of 2023 show that the state surpassed $3 billion. At the end of February, the Michigan Department of Treasury announced how adult-use cannabis tax revenue funds will be granted through its Marihuana Regulation Fund. The money was acquired with taxes from the state’s 737 licensees during FY 2023, with a total of $290.3 million. “This week, many Michigan municipalities and counties will begin seeing their share of adult-use marijuana payments appear in their banking accounts,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Through a partnership, the dollars received from the adult-use marijuana taxes and fees are distributed to our participating communities. These dollars may be spent how our local units deem fit to their needs.” The agency stated that 269 of the state’s municipalities would be receiving a portion of $87 million (approximately $59,000 for every licensed retail store or microbusiness in its jurisdiction), while $101.6 million would be granted toward education and an additional $101.6 toward transportation. “The tax funding for municipalities and counties that comes from the marijuana excise tax is a very important benefit of the legal cannabis industry in Michigan,” CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna said. “The CRA is committed to doing our part in supporting our licensees so that they can continue to grow the local economy throughout the state with good-paying jobs and increased revenues for local government budgets.” Michigan wasn’t the only state to break a few records last year. Connecticut’s monthly cannabis sales increased every month through December for a total of $274 million since sales began in January 2023. Maryland also saw an increase month-to-month in 2023 as well. Adult-use cannabis in Illinois just passed the four-year mark, and 2023 was a particularly strong year for the state’s sales. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation stated that total sales amounted to $1.2 billion last year, with 42 million items sold, which is a 15% increase from numbers in 2022 according to CBS News. “The legalization of adult use cannabis was the start of uplifting the communities most impacted by the failed war on drugs,” Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said last year. “The benefits from these sales will be used to continue investing in our economic growth in historically disinvested populations.”

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Psychedelics Offer Long-Term Improvement in Sexual Functioning, Enjoyment

Plenty of readers already know that the ego-busting effects of a good trip can also positively impact your sex life, and now there’s more science backing up the use of psychedelics for sexual dysfunction. A recent study featured in Scientific Reports has shed light on the potential benefits of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms and LSD, for enhancing sexual function, PsyPost reports. The research shows that participants found multifaceted improvements in their sexual well-being that persisted for several weeks after their experiences. This suggests that these substances not only can be fun during the trip (although note that not everyone likes to have sex while tripping) but may provide sustained benefits far beyond their immediate psychoactive effects. Before we move on to how psychedelics enhance sex lives, let’s recall how they can improve depression. Because the two are related. As the National Institutes of Health report, psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, have demonstrated potential as effective treatments for mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s thought that they work by facilitating the formation of new neural connections in the brain in a pretty awesome process of brain healing itself known as plasticity. This is notable because traditional antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft, can come with sexual dysfunction as a side effect. While SSRIs work for some folks, and it’s never really cool to hate on one person’s medicine, as the New York Times reports, the longer-term efficacy of such drugs is a little hazy, and for some people, they don’t seem to help much with depression at all. Couple that with the fact that sexual dysfunction caused by these meds can lead to a worsening of depression symptoms, as having your libido and intimate life messed with can be pretty depressing, and it’s clear why researchers are not only looking into psychedelics to treat depression but to help with sexual dysfunction. A team from Imperial College London looked at how psychedelics can affect sexual satisfaction by gathering participants who were already planning on taking psychedelics, either in a private setting or as part of a formal psychedelic ceremony. This included classical psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, DMT, and San Pedro cactus. The participants filled out questionnaires one week prior to their psychedelic experience to create a baseline), and then again at four weeks and six months after the experience. The study included a total of 261 adults, primarily from the United States. Perhaps one of the coolest takeaways, joining the sacred and the profane, is that those in the study cited the spirituality of the experience as a major reason why sex became better. Spiritual experiences can heighten intimacy, make one feel more comfortable in their own body, more aware of the beauty of human experiences such as sex, and so forth. While the results contain cool and notable outcomes, keep in mind that the researchers note that there could be some bias in the participant selection. Those who took part in the study and made their own plans to enjoy psychedelics likely already have a favorable view of them, and such positive thinking could also improve favorable effects on sexuality. While that’s not a bad thing, to get a clearer viewpoint of just how psychedelics affect sex comparatively, the researchers also examined data from 59 people participating in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. This trial assessed the effects of psilocybin therapy in comparison to escitalopram, a widely used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) you’ve probably heard of under the brand name Lexapro. In contrast to the control group treated with escitalopram, which saw their sexual satisfaction go down while rates of sexual dysfunction went up, which is, of course, less than ideal, the people who got psilocybin therapy showed significant enhancements. The psilocybin group reported marked improvements in “sexual interest, arousal, activity, and overall satisfaction” without anxiety around sexual disruptions that can come with SSRIs. As Tommaso Barba, a PhD student based at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London and first author of the study said, per PsyPost: “We believe this is the first scientific study to explore the effects of psychedelics on sexual functioning. Our findings suggest potential implications for conditions that negatively affect sexual health, including clinical depression and anxiety. This is particularly significant given that sexual dysfunction, often induced by antidepressants, frequently results in people stopping these medications and subsequently relapsing.” So, basically, not only could psychedelics treat depression and make sex better, but opting for them over SSRIs could help folks continue to take their meds. Of course, the only (massive) issue still standing in the way is that psychedelics remain illegal on a federal level and can be tricky for people to access, but readers can hope that such science is leading us closer to a day when these medicines are available for all.

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