The FDA Gets Curious About the Medical Benefits of Marijuana

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is questioning the many medical benefits that some marijuana companies have claimed (like anti-tumor effects in cancer patients).

Can they do that?

As Gottlieb said, “It’s a much broader question about where our responsibility is to step into this and start to ask questions about the claims that are being made…”

This was in response to queries from Congressman Buddy Carter who said he feels the federal government is “putting their head in the sand” about the number of states who are beginning to allow medical cannabis.

But really, as something that is not federally legal, is it the FDA’s responsibility to get into this kind of testing? Even if it was, would it be something that the Feds could do without bias? These are the kinds of questions many people are posing regarding this process.

Now what?

The only thing that’s clear is that everything is still pretty unclear.

The FDA sounds like they are not quite sure if they can get involved in reviewing cannabis companies’ medical claims, and haven’t revealed their methodology in doing so yet.

This has huge implications for the industry. If cannabis companies can stand up to the FDA’s (unbiased) test of their medical claims, it could provide more substantiation for federal legalization. If cannabis companies fail these (unbiased) tests, it stands to bring the legitimacy of the industry as a whole.

October 13, 2017

✅ California Companies Rethink Drug Testing

While data shows more people are consuming cannabis every year, this also means more people are failing their workplace drug tests.

California companies, particularly, are beginning to rethink their no-tolerance policies on cannabis in the new world of legalization, paving the way for companies around the country to consider doing the same.

Lion, tigers, failed drug tests, oh my!

According to one of the nation’s largest clinical lab companies, cannabis was detected in 3% of Northern California’s workplace drug tests (that’s 1.5 times the national average).

Companies are beginning to question whether prohibitive pot policies are now untenable given the consumption habits of its workforce. An increasing number of companies are working together with local lawyers to re-think their pot policies, potentially moving towards more forward-looking options like “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” or specific protections for those with medical cannabis recommendations.

Why are pot drug tests in legal states still a thing?

Fair question. Current drug tests are notoriously non-specific when it comes to cannabis, which can stay in your system for up to 30 days.

They are generally unable to determine exactly when cannabis was consumed. If an employee is using a state-legal substance outside of work hours, is it fair for them to lose their job for doing so?

This is a signal to the rest of the country that more must be done to develop accurate testing for cannabis use. It also identifies the need for state laws to specifically address workplace protections for cannabis consumers and patients in legal and medical states.

October 10, 2017October 10, 2017

💰 Oregon pays out $85 million in cannabis-related taxes.

Payday has arrived! Over the next few weeks, Oregon will distribute over $85 million of marijuana-related tax revenue to schools, law enforcement, local towns and substance abuse programs. [tweet this]

Give me a slice of that cheddar!

This its the first time the tax has been distributed since Oregon legalized cannabis back in January 2016.

Schools stand to benefit the most, receiving 40% of the entire payout. Mental health and substance abuse programs will have 20% of the total coming their way, the police 15%, and the Oregon Health Authority 5%.

The remaining amount will be divided among cities, counties and towns. What district gets how much, however, is confusing and controversial. Some regions don’t even know how much money to expect, making it difficult to plan their annual budgets.

Why is this important?

Time and time again, states with legalized cannabis use show the financial perks of regulating and taxing the industry.

Colorado has brought in over $500 million in pot taxes, with about half going to schools. Washington state similarly has collected over $650 million in taxes. Nevada, which went legal this past July, collected over $3.7 million in taxes in just its first month.

While there’s a minor controversy over Oregon’s distribution formula, the fact remains that a significant payday is coming. For the rest of us, cannabis taxes have consistently provided real dollars to boost cash strapped schools, programs and municipalities.

Money talks, and right now it’s shouting “legalize it!”

October 5, 2017October 5, 2017

🏔️ Alaska voters reject proposed cannabis ban.

Please enable images.

This past Tuesday, voters in three Alaskan communities decisively rejected a bill seeking to ban commercial cannabis operations. [Tweet this]

So, someone cares enough to try to ban pot?

Yup, and the bill is actually quite unique for being suggested this far into legalization.

Marijuana has been legal in Alaska since 2014 and has enjoyed strong public support for the much needed influx of tax revenue. When this anti-pot bill was introduced, it shocked the local industry and sparked a high profile debate.

Proponents of the bill said lax zoning laws were negatively affecting local communities. While many supported state-wide cannabis legalization, they did not support it in their own cities.

Opponents successfully argued this was hypocritical thinking, and that those same communities were happily benefiting from the industry. 70% of votes agreed, and the bill was rejected.

Why is this important?

As communities continue to have more skin in the game, it’s important to notice how voters lean in the prohibition wars.

Its true that neighborhoods continue to bear the brunt of enforced cannabis regulation and zoning. It’s up to the businesses and members of those communities to find the right balance.

Giving voters control over cannabis businesses in their neighborhoods means that people are given a voice. If that voice is supportive, the industry can enjoy years of unattested growth.

Prohibition is nearing its end and there are both bumps and successes on the way there. As long as the successes continue to win out, we’ll be sitting pretty.

October 5, 2017October 5, 2017

🐻 Colorado bans gummy bear edibles.

Earlier this week, Colorado started enforcing a ban on gummy bear (and other animal-shaped) edibles. The legislation, which was approved last year but only recently went into effect, is an effort to keep cannabis out of the hands of children.

How big is this issue, anyway?

Colorado has seen a 34% increase in children ingesting marijuana after legalization took effect. [tweet this]

While poison control centers get more calls about children drinking household cleaners than digesting edibles, this increase is still troubling and something the industry has been working to address. Edibles already needed to be wrapped in child-proof packaging, but lawmakers were looking to altogether ban the practice of making pot candy look like real candy.

With many companies looking to appeal to adults, and having over a year to prepare, phasing out these edibles has been generally met with support.

Why is this important?

Regulating marijuana sales is key in ensuring its success and largely accepted across the industry.

How and to what extent regulation occurs, however, is still up for debate. Washington State, for example, requires products to be approved by the government before being sold, which hinders industry growth and causes inconsistencies (such as rejecting a product for being the wrong color yellow).

Ultimately, each state will have to strike a balance in how they want to regulate cannabis. This will continue to shape the industry and significantly impact what products you see hit shelves. Let’s just pray cannabis-infused BBQsauce never goes away .

October 3, 2017October 3, 2017

🚨 New stats show pot arrests remain at the forefront.

#crime #arrests #dontdropthedime

New data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report recently revealed that last year, over 1.5 million people were arrested for drug related offenses.

Despite medical and adult recreational use coming a long way, more than 41% of those arrests came from marijuana — that’s more than murder, rape, aggravated assault and robbery, combined.

So why are people still getting arrested for weed?

Someone is arrested for weed every 48 seconds, proving that the drug war is far from over. [tweet this]

While legalization is painting a pretty picture of progress across the states, there’s still a long way to go. There is some good news, though — the annual amount of marijuana arrests has actually been decreasing every year since 2007.

Why does this matter?

Arresting people for weed can tarnish someone’s record for life, making them unable to retain jobs, housing and stability.

On top of that, arrests disproportionately affect communities of color, sparking up deep-rooted issues of civil rights, racism, and criminality.

Conversely, activists claim that regulating cannabis can provide much needed tax dollars, create jobs and protect consumers. Since Colorado’s decision to legalize, for example, the state now has a cannabis industry larger than some countries’ entire GDP. Who knows…with that kind of economy, maybe Colorado can secede (and bring the 60% of Americans who support recreational use with them!)

October 3, 2017October 3, 2017

🇨🇦 Cannabis jobs flood in to Canada.

#canada #economy #gethigh-ered

Please turn on your images

Good news, everyone! Plentiful, well-paying cannabis jobs are coming to Canada. With the country’s medical marijuana biz booming and nationwide recreational use just around the corner, cannabis license holders are scaling up dramatically (and bringing jobs with them!)

I like jobs! Tell me the deets…

According to some estimates, as many as 150,000 new cannabis jobs will be created in Canada within the next few years. [tweet this]

We’re not talking about minimum wage, scrubbin’-the-toilet jobs, either. Salaries have increased significantly in an effort to attract top talent, particularly in professional-type services such as marketing and accounting.

With legalization coming to Canada next July, and the market expecting to balloon to over $20 billion in the next few years, this explosive growth is likely not slowing down.

Why is this important?

For those in the USA, Canada’s booming industry shows a glimpse of what the future might look like.

With Canada leading the way in nationalized recreational use, America stands to learn from this rapid expansion. While the positives (like new jobs) will be studied in depth, so will the inevitable growing pains that come with the rollout. Any serious missteps could very well derail progress in the states.

For Canada, cannabis might provide a much-needed windfall to shrinking industries (such as oil). With a nationwide focus on diversification, the timing of the emergence of an entirely new industry couldn’t be better.

And for the rest of the world…well, it shows that Canada is so much more than just America’s hat 🇨🇦.

September 20, 2017September 23, 2017

🚭 You Can’t Smoke That Here!

Hey rockstar, here's three quick take-aways from Wednesday, September 20th.

College campuses in rec states ignore cannabis laws, causing issues for many. »
California goes big, formally urging Washington to re-classify marijuana. »
LSU starts a grow house, proving even red states can go green. »

Today's Reading Time: Faster than 15 year-old Patrick Ponce's insane Rubik's Cube record ⚡. Read on ahead.

State Rights Aside: College Campuses Prohibit Cannabis Use.

#legalization #medical #highereducation

Despite medical and recreational cannabis making huge strides nationally, smoking weed on college campuses where it's legal can get you kicked out [tweet this]. This has caused a stir lately, with some noting the problems it poses for student's rights and those with medical needs.

Who cares?

One of the major problems with this kind of prohibition, is that it doesn’t differentiate between medical and recreational use.

For college students who use cannabis to treat PTSD, seizures or chronic pain, they have to risk their “higher education” for the sake of their choice of medical treatment. Not to mention that this is a total violation of the state’s constitution and proof that entities still states’ rights to be somewhat optional. As Northern Arizona University has claimed, as long as universities receive federal funding, they must adhere to federal law.

Well that's messed up. Is there any hope?

As long as Congress continues to block marijuana bills, this issue will persist.

Colleges are, unfortunately, still tied to federal laws to receive federal funding for research. On the other hand, private colleges can institute whatever rules and penalties they want. Also - smoking weed in college (legal or otherwise) is a still a prerequisite to graduation 🎓.

Forward

How'd you like this article?
Yay 👍 / Boo 👎

A California Joint Resolution Urges Congress to Loosen Cannabis Restrictions.

#politics #law #punintended

Last Thursday, California legislators filed a joint resolution formally urging Congress to pass a law reclassifying cannabis [tweet this]. While a long shot, this move could have massive implications on everything from research to civil rights to banking.

What’s going on?

Marijuana is currently known as a Schedule I drug -- the most restrictive -- with the federal government claiming it’s abusive and has “no known medical use” (cough, bullshit, cough).

In 1970, the government cracked down on pot by classifying it as Schedule I -- comparing it to heroin, claiming it’s more dangerous than meth, and restricting it to the fullest extent of the law. Though the bill was intended to be temporary until more research was done, the classification prevented that same research from happening. Add in Nixon, racism, and political apathy and you get modern day prohibition.

Though numerous attempts have been made to re-classify it since then, hearing it from the 6th largest economy in world might finally make the government take notice.

Why is this important?

If Congress listens to California, the floodgates will open on cannabis research, finance and even civil rights.

One of the largest fallouts from a Schedule I classification is the inability to conduct large-scale research on the drug. This leads to a whole lot of bunk science and general ignorance. Also, national banks fear that opening cannabis-related bank accounts might break federal law. This causes the industry to be intensely cash-heavy and creates major issues and unnecessary danger. Finally, some have claimed the scheduling of the drug leads to major civil rights violations, unfairly treating those with a medical necessity.

So, will it actually happen? Fortune cookie says….Maybe! While it may be difficult in a Republican-controlled Congress, the country is moving that way anyway, so many believe it’s an eventuality.

Either way, states have adopted their own rules, counting on the government to look the other way. So fear not, Californians...even if the feds are square, your local government is still the best smoke buddy you can wish for 🌬️.

Forward

How'd you like this article?
Yay 👍 / Boo 👎

From around the web 🌎

Red state gone green. After a lengthy bidding process, Louisiana State University finalizes its contract for a medicinal grow house. The products -- oils, pills and edibles -- are expected to reach patiences by mid-2018, proving progress in even the most conservative states. The Advocate reports...

"When I was a kid I inhaled frequently. That was the point." ― Barack Obama

Reward yourself.

We're building out an amazing ambassador program, and want your help picking the rewards. Tell us what matters to you and win big for helping us spread our mission of demystifying the cannabis industry.

Be our hero. Answer five quick questions.

Choose a prize »

September 14, 2017September 14, 2017

💵 Get High, Get Paid, Help Science. #sweetdeal

Be like Kate M. -- Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! (congrats, Kate!)
Get 5 friends to sign up with your unique link and be entered to win:
http://thedailyorganic.com/

Hey cool kids, here's three quick take-aways from Thursday, September 14th.

A new study not only pays people to get high, but also lifts up the whole industry. »
The California legal market faces unenthused growers. »
Drone drug dealers officially won't be a thing...yet... »

Today's Reading Time: Faster than Ted Cruz can retweet a porno. Read on ahead! 💋

ASU’s New Study Will Pay Medical Cannabis Users

#CannabisResearch #MedicalCannabis #SubsidizedConsumption

Arizona State University will pay Medical Marijuana patients $95 to participate in a study by a leading U.S. cannabis researcher [tweet this]. Participants have to sign on for a 10 hour study that takes place over the course of one week. The study will include a two hour lab visit and several surveys throughout the week.

What are they studying?

ASU researcher Madeline Meier won’t divulge exactly what the ongoing study is trying to determine, but did broadly say the study is looking at the effects of different types of cannabis.

If this study is anything like her last album, it’ll be a hit 🎤. Some of Meier’s past work includes published studies showing long-term cannabis use in adults can cause a decline in IQ; another that claims the most serious health issue facing long term cannabis users is dental health; and another that claims adolescents 12-18 showed no sign of IQ loss when consuming cannabis short-term.

Who cares?

Besides the patients getting enough money to buy a few more grams of their favorite meds? Medical professionals. 😷

The lack of research on cannabis-based treatments is one of the most cited reasons medical professionals, even those in legal states, are hesitant to include cannabis in their treatment plans. The Schedule I classification of cannabis has historically made it difficult for researchers to study the plant. Meier’s ability to conduct continued research on cannabis is a sign of the changing times.

Forward

How'd you like this article?
Yay 👍 / Boo 👎

California Growers Shy Away from the Legal Market

#legalization #growers #readyornot

With some estimates stating only 11% of growers in California have applied for legal permits, potential revenues may be overestimated [tweet this]. Taxes and fees have proven to be a romance killer for those courting the legal market (a recurring theme in Cannabis regulation).

More so, confusing application processes and rules have disincentivized illegal grows from participating in legalization. Generations of growing families add to a culture of dissent and generally unfavorable impressions of permitted grow operations.

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

Adding to the mired application process and inherited family practices, California is also big player in the illegal exportation game.

Some reports claim production is over 7 times the consumption rate, sending their goods out East (where profits are significantly higher). With a small percentage of growers applying for permits to grow, this is a problem not only for the illegal market but also for anticipated legal revenues in 2018.

There Are Hippies In Oz

Most police involvement doesn't actually come from illegal exportation, but rather environmental concerns. 🚓

Unfortunately, some reckless growers are marring the industry’s reputation and the ground. Police stated that conviction was more likely in the case of environmental degradation than for illegal possession. Let’s be clear, the Red Woods and their army will fight back, and we don’t actually blame them. California is the fairest of them all.

Forward

How'd you like this article?
Yay 👍 / Boo 👎

From around the web 🌎

Although California cannabis delivery services are blowing up - drones will never be dropping weed off at your door. The state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control just ruled that deliveries must be made by a human in an enclosed motor vehicle. Because a weed delivery drop by drone would just be too cool. MJBizDaily dives in...

"Of course I know how to roll a joint." ― Martha Stewart

Reward yourself.

Be our hero. Answer five quick questions.

Choose a prize »

September 12, 2017September 12, 2017

🏥 Medical Marijuana’s Dramatic Week, the Industry’s Diversity Problem, and Fantasy Football Tips.

Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Get 5 friends to sign up
with your unique link and be entered to win:
http://thedailyorganic.com/

Hey muchacho, here's three quick take-aways from Tuesday, September 12th.

Drama unfolds in Washington as a crucial medical marijuana bill's fate gets called into question. »
Diversity in the industry is said to be growing, but is it really true? »
The first national TV spot for a cannabis-related business airs, suggesting ad laws are loosening. »

Learn the secret on how to dominate your fantasy football league, down below! 🏈

Medical use faces major heat from Congress.

#medical #politics #twostepsforwardonestepback

Medical marijuana activists faced a dramatic week on Capitol Hill, ultimately scoring a small victory amidst larger setbacks [tweet this]. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, which protects medicinal patients and businesses, came under fire last week when its renewal was blocked. Days later, the passage of a $15 million emergency aid package brought a small win, funding the amendment for the next few months.

Rohra...Blumen...Huh??

Yeah...it’s a mouthful. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment (pronounced ROAR-uh-bah-kur BLOO-meh-nou-ur) prevents the Justice Department from messing with state medical marijuana laws. With the legislation set to expire at the end of the month, last week’s drama began when the U.S. House Rules Committee nixed it from being included in the 2018 fiscal bill (which starts Oct 1st).

Enter: Hurricanes Harvey and Irma (donate here). The deadly storms forced the issuance of an emergency spending bill, which resulted in the amendment being extended through December 8th.

What’s the future of the bill look like?

LifeProTip: If you let your Hulu subscription expire, they’ll offer you a free month to try to win you back. This is kind of like that...With the amendment set to expire soon, it just got handed a 3 month extension. This gives medical marijuana activists extra time to win back the support of the House. While the Rules Committee denounced the amendment as too divisive, overwhelming public support suggests otherwise (plus the Senate already approved it last July).

This brings into question their true motivations, and highlights the continuing struggle between the current administration and the will of the people. Now that would make an excellent Hulu series...any showrunners out there 🎥 ?

Forward

How'd you like this article?
Yay 👍 / Boo 👎

Diversity in the industry takes center stage.

#equityclassandevolution #cannabisregulation #changeiscoming

Despite speculation that minorities were vastly underrepresented in the industry, MJ Business Daily recently published a survey indicating otherwise. This caused a stir, as folks have historically touted that these numbers were much lower. However, the distilled results reveal that almost 45% of those businesses were ancillary, not license holders and not investors.

Ancillary, Sm’ancillary

This matters. According to Jesce Horton, co-founder of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, the barriers facing minority cannabis business owners continue to mount against them [tweet this]. Difficult licensing processes, fees and hefty tax rates all work together “in opposition of minority entrepreneurship,” he told MJBizDaily.

Since whites hold a net worth 13 times that of blacks and 10 times that of Hispanics, these economic barriers disproportionately affect minorities. This means that minority ownership and leadership may, in fact, be as low as we all feared.

Minorities in Cannabis Entrepreneurship Matter

The War on Drugs has created a disproportionately negative impact for minorities; funding the industrial prison complex and creating lifelong penalties for minor possession of cannabis. As the legal industry booms, those same communities have been seemingly left out of the “green rush.” For example, regulations in Denver prohibit public consumption, overtly discriminating against those living in public/shared housing (versus those who have a private space to consume). For them, private consumption isn’t an option. This is pervasive -- white, flush-filled pockets continue to be served by the legal industry while minority communities suffer from Drug War hangovers.

As legalization continues to spread across the country, there is hope. Some agencies are working to help other states develop more equitable policies, while others are working to leverage community-buy in to support disproportionately impacted neighbors. Despite a rocky history, cannabis has the opportunity to do better.

Cannabis by the numbers:

19% of cannabis businesses were founded or owned by minorities
24% of those positions are in wholesale cultivators and 21% are in ancillary service firms
At least 3 US states, California, Maryland & Ohio, have measures that encourage minority participation in the industry

Forward

How'd you like this article?
Yay 👍 / Boo 👎

From around the web 🌎

Marijuana advertising laws are loosening up. The first national canna-business TV ad ran on CNN, Weather Channel, MSNBC and even Fox News recently. The Hoban Law Group delicately balanced the needs of the network with subtle industry messaging. While it's still a long way away from the Clydesdale Superbowl ad, it's a big step in the right direction. Check it out at Leafly.

p.s. here's our top fantasy football tips:
(a) pick up tarik cohen in week 2.
(b) trash talk the sh*t out of your teammates.
(c) ???
(d) take home that sweet trophy.