{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/news-and-events/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2765-markdown","title":"FDA Approves Epidiolex, First CBD-Based Drug for Epilepsy","slug":"fda-approves-epidiolex-first-cbd-based-drug-for-epilepsy","content":"Medical marijuana users take note: [The FDA has just approved a new drug containing cannabidiol (CBD)](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-epidiolex-first-marijuana-based-drug-for-seizures/). Its aim is to treat two rare, severe forms of childhood epilepsy.\n\nCreated by U.K. giant GW Pharmaceuticals, Epidiolex is a CBD-based syrup to treat seizures associated with [Lennox-Gastaut syndrome](https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/lennox-gastaut-syndrome) and [Dravet syndrome](https://www.dravetfoundation.org/what-is-dravet-syndrome/) in patients as young as two years old.\n\nResearchers studied Epidiolex’s effectiveness in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 516 patients with either syndrome. Epidiolex, taken with other medications, was effective in reducing the frequency of subjects’ seizures.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThis is the first time that the U.S. government has given the green light to a drug derived from CBD. Though CBD is a cannabis compound, it’s non-psychoactive, unlike the other famous cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  \n\n“This approval serves as a reminder that advancing sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies. And, the FDA is committed to this kind of careful scientific research and drug development,” [says FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb in a news release](https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm611046.htm).\n\nThe announcement has led to speculation among experts that a new wave of approved cannabis-based medications may be coming. \n\n“This is a very good development, and it basically underscores that there are medicinal properties to some of the cannabinoids,” [says Dr. Igor Grant, director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California San Diego](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/19/health/epidiolex-fda-cannabis-marajuana.html), in a _New York Times_ interview about Epidiolex.\n\n### Epidiolex Pushes CBD Legalization\n\nEpidiolex may become available this fall, but it still has hurdles to clear. One potential roadblock is an investigation into its potential side effects. Also, despite the FDA approval, CBD remains federally illegal. The DEA classifies it as a Schedule 1 drug, defined as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” \n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA LEGALIZATON IS GOING GLOBAL](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/588f897cd5e9e1000c153b31/marijuana-legalization-is-going-global)\n\nBut with Epidiolex’s FDA approval, the DEA may reclassify CBD over the next three months. This will make it possible for patients to purchase the drug with a doctor’s prescription. Already, some drugstore chains such as Rite Aid say they’ll carry it.\n\n### But Does This Mean Cannabis Could Become Legal?\n\nIf CBD gets DEA approval and is put under a new schedule, that doesn’t mean cannabis as a whole will get the green light any time soon. Federal authorities seem to be sticking to a policy of marijuana prohibition, even though a majority of Americans are in favor of legalizing the plant.\n\nThe government only seems to be considering and testing individual cannabis compounds one at a time. Marijuana has so many different compounds and strains that with the government’s current stance, it’s hard to imagine whole cannabis receiving a general stamp of approval.\n\nCBD got FDA approval because it’s an isolated extract that’s been thoroughly studied and tested. It underwent even more testing during the development of Epidiolex, and the drug will meet strict manufacturing standards. \n\nIn fact, Gottlieb warns against other cannabis-based medications making similar claims without this kind of disciplined development: “We’ll continue to support rigorous scientific research on the potential medical uses of marijuana-derived products and work with product developers who are interested in bringing patients safe and effective, high-quality products. But, at the same time, we are prepared to take action when we see the illegal marketing of CBD-containing products with serious, unproven medical claims.”\n\nIt’s worth noting that once given the final go-ahead, Epidiolex will be treated like a traditional pharmaceutical. It will be available through licensed pharmacies, but not at dispensaries where many people currently get their medical marijuana. \n\n### Exploring New Medical Applications of Cannabis \n\nCaution aside, researchers are keen to explore the medical uses of CBD, as well as the potential of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the other 400 or so compounds found in cannabis. There’s already a growing library of research that shows CBD’s potential in treating:\n\n* [Pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ae222cb049b4f000a64e8eb/how-cbd-can-help-relieve-endometriosis-pain) \n* [Parkinson’s disease](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a1c9b13eea891000897e271/marijuanas-role-in-helping-parkinsons-disease-patients)\n* [Multiple sclerosis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5936cf68a81c05002adae2f7/new-studies-indicate-cannabis-helps-with-multiple-sclerosis)\n* [Tourette’s syndrome](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59e53141d652260aa3917b7d/studies-show-cannabis-may-help-with-tourette-syndrome)\n* [Glaucoma](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5acd032ff24d1300077ccbc8/how-does-cannabis-affect-your-eyes)\n* [Schizophrenia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/596d4c6768ca41512d3fe146/cbd-helps-alleviate-symptoms-of-schizophrenia)\n* [Inflammation](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5abeac04f24d1300077ccbae/how-cannabis-can-help-ease-arthritis-pain-and-inflammation)\n* [Anxiety]( https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99f400f24d1300077ccb72/finding-success-with-cannabis-to-reduce-anxiety) \n\nThe list of potential applications for diseases and conditions is nearly endless.\n\nFor its part, GW Pharmaceuticals has also [developed a new CBD-based nasal spray, Sativex, that relieves pain and has been approved by the British government](http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-cbd-in-marijuana-2018-2).\n\n“Advancing sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies,” says Gottlieb.\n\n### Not All CBD Medications Are Created Equal\n\n“Sound development” is the key here. Gottlieb and other medical experts warn that not all CBD-based medications are created equal. \n\nIn states where cannabis is legal, or in ones that have laws legalizing CBD only, CBD-infused oils and salves are sold through dispensaries. A 2017 study published in the _Journal of the American Medical Association_ found that [the levels of CBD contained in products from 31 different sellers were often different than the amounts shown on labels](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2661569). And in some cases THC was present, even though it wasn’t listed.\n\nThat said, you can’t put the genie back in the bottle. The testimony of people who have successfully used non-prescription CBD to treat childhood epilepsy and other conditions is hard to ignore. And given the choice between paying to go see a doctor for an expensive prescription or getting CBD from their usual supplier, people will often go with what they know and trust. Hopefully, Epidiolex is just the beginning of regulated, effective CBD medicine that will be made available to those who need it. \n\nPhoto credit: [Annie Spratt](https://unsplash.com/@anniespratt)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/14b42/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/f836f/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.jpg 200w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/2244e/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.jpg 400w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/14b42/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.jpg 800w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/47498/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/0e329/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/e0e30/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.jpg 3660w","srcWebp":"/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/58556/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/61e93/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.webp 200w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/1f5c5/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.webp 400w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/58556/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.webp 800w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/99238/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.webp 1200w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/7c22d/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.webp 1600w,\n/static/c41316ddb83ad71f6afa997fe85218ea/46196/7a2086394acad1ffab0c9a3bbb00cdd8.webp 3660w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2740-markdown","title":"Big Alcohol Is Eyeing Cannabis, Is That Good or Bad?","slug":"big-alcohol-is-eyeing-cannabis-is-that-good-or-bad","content":"For many cannabis consumers, enjoying a cold Bud with a bud is a natural combination. For others, marijuana is part of a wellness program, which helps reduce alcohol consumption. And still some cannabis opponents don’t hesitate to lump together “weed and wine” as dangerous intoxicants that should be avoided at all costs. \n\nFor years, powerful alcohol interests took an adversarial stance toward cannabis—even spending lobbying money and advertising dollars to help defeat marijuana legalization efforts. But public perception about cannabis is shifting rapidly. A recent Gallup Poll reports that [65% of Americans believe smoking marijuana is “morally acceptable.”](https://news.gallup.com/poll/235250/say-consuming-alcohol-marijuana-morally.aspx)\n\nWith the cannabis industry’s financial potential piquing the interest of liquor companies, is their involvement in this fledgling industry a good or bad thing? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Why Is Big Alcohol Interested in Cannabis? \n\nAs with everything else in today’s complex economy, you only need to follow the money to figure out why Big Alcohol has taken notice of the marijuana industry. A 2017 study by the University of Connecticut found that in regions where cannabis is legal, [monthly alcohol sales have fallen by 15%](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3063288). A 2016 study in Colorado, Oregon and Washington confirmed that [beer sales underperformed in the two years following cannabis legalization](http://norml.org/news/2016/12/22/report-beer-sales-fall-in-states-with-retail-marijuana-markets) in those states. \n\nOther studies indicate that cannabis consumers aren’t pairing marijuana with alcohol use; [they’re consuming cannabis as a substitute](http://norml.org/news/2014/02/20/cannabis-may-be-a-substitute-for-alcohol-study-says/). If this trend continues, it could spell trouble for the liquor industry. \n\nRELATED: [CAN CANNABIS BE A HEALTHIER SUBSTITURE FOR ALCOHOL?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a6630a88425e40008273a34/can-cannabis-be-a-healthier-substitute-for-alcohol)\n\n### When Pitted Against Each Other, Alcohol Comes Up Short Next to Cannabis\n\nMembers of the alcohol industry know that liquor is responsible for a staggering number of health conditions, as well as 90,000 deaths per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Conversely, cannabis has no known fatal dose. Experts might disagree about whether cannabis can be proven to be good for people, but all of us know alcohol has been shown to be extremely bad for many. \n\nThe alcohol industry has spent incalculable amounts of money touting the one health idea they’ve got: that drinking a glass of wine per day is good for you. Meanwhile, the cannabis industry can point to a growing list of health benefits that are gaining acceptance by medical practitioners. Many of marijuana’s relatively minor side effects like increased appetite or dry mouth can be controlled by the user. \n\n### Cannabis, Wine, Women & Wellness\n\nThe [uptick in cannabis sales that Big Alcohol is observing](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/04/26/trading-wine-weed-legal-marijuana/550949002/) could be tied to cannabis’s health benefits and alcohol’s health risks. Some analysts note that it’s the wine, and not the beer industry, that may soon feel the financial pinch. This is because cannabis offers women an alternative to their relaxation routine of an evening glass of rosé. \n\nAnother reason [women and some adults are turning to cannabis over alcohol is simple: calories](https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeadams/2018/05/01/marijuana-gives-health-conscious-consumers-something-alcohol-cannot/#317389b630ba). While younger alcohol consumers may not be concerned about alcohol’s calorific expense, people in their 40s and older have started to pay attention to the fact that smoking a marijuana pre-roll or eating a 10 mg cannabis gummy has a fraction of the calories or the carbs of a glass of wine or a flight of beers.\n\nThat said, cannabis is well known for bringing on the munchies. However, recent research has found that regular cannabis consumers have smaller waists and a lower BMI (body mass index) than their non-cannabis-consuming counterparts.\n\nRELATED: [THE MUNCHIES WILL MAKE YOU FAT, RIGHT? THINK AGAIN.](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56cb9d8ececb1b000b000073/the-munchies-will-make-you-fat-right-think-again)\n\nSo, is the wine industry eyeing legal marijuana like beer and liquor companies are? Rebel Coast seems to be the first winery combining its product with marijuana. The company has come up with a [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil-infused sauvignon blanc](https://www.investors.com/news/marijuana-industry-cannabis-business-threaten-beer-industry-420/ ).\n\nFor now, until regulations change, the alcohol must be removed from the wine and the focus is on taste. Brewers and vintners see some promise in large-sale cannabis-infused wine and beer, because of their ability to make a very consistent product from one batch to another. \n\n### Canada, Corona & Cannabis? \n\nSo, Big Alcohol isn’t wasting any time getting into the cannabis market. To see how this is playing out, watch what’s happening in Canada. Our neighbors to the north very recently became the first G7 country to nationally legalize recreational cannabis.\n\nConstellation Brands Inc. is an alcohol powerhouse. They own Corona Beer, Svedka Vodka and many other well-known alcohol brands. In February, in anticipation of Canada’s cannabis legalization, they purchased a [9.9% stake in Canopy Growth, one of Canada’s biggest suppliers of medical marijuana](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-10-30/liquor-industry-pushes-into-pot-with-constellation-s-canopy-deal). \n\nSouthern Glazer’s is the largest liquor distributor in the United States. The American company distributes wine and spirits in 35 states as well as in Canada. In May, it announced a partnering with Aphria, Canada’s largest legal cannabis producer. This deal pairs the enormous liquor distributor with one of the three largest cannabis companies in Canada.\n\nTo some, this all may seem like a Big Alcohol takeover. Others may see the injection of the alcohol industry’s considerable capital as a way to push forward cannabis research and product development as well as make legal cannabis even more accessible to consumers. When announcing the deal, [Aphria made sure to highlight Southern Glazer’s wide-reaching infrastructure and distribution operations](https://www.thestar.com/business/2018/05/17/aphria-strikes-deal-with-wine-and-spirits-supplier-southern-glazers-for-cannabis-distribution.html).  \n\nIn a fledgling industry with lots of competition and a continuing stigma attached to the product, it makes sense why a Canadian cannabis company would say yes to all of the advantages a Big Alcohol deal brings.\n\nAlcohol companies collaborating within the marijuana industry could also mean that the plant and its products will gain mainstream acceptance that much quicker. This could help break the many negative stereotypes attached to cannabis that persist today.\n\nTo make this happen, Big Alcohol will have to go about its new investments in the right way, listen to its marijuana industry counterparts, and hopefully keep the integrity of the plant and its products in mind. Of course, because of the United States’ federal ban on cannabis, these titans of alcohol aren’t talking about working within the U.S. cannabis market—yet. \n\n### Are Cannabis-Alcohol Mergers Inevitable? \n\nTorsten Kuenzlen is a former executive for The Coca-Cola Co. and Molson Coors. He signed on with Sundial Growers, a Canadian cannabis firm. Mr. Kuenzlen doesn’t mince words when he says, [“We know that virtually all alcohol companies are very carefully looking at the cannabis space and looking to partner in some shape or form.”](https://mjbizdaily.com/virtually-alcohol-firms-looking-cannabis-qa-ex-coors-exec-new-sundial-ceo/) \n\nFrom the regulatory standpoint, there has always been a push to treat cannabis the same way as liquor. Investors seem to agree and [analysts foresee cannabis mimicking alcohol](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/20/marijuanas-margin-like-alcohol-is-going-to-be-captured-in-the-end-product-investor-says.html). They predict that it won’t be the actual cannabis plant matter that sells, rather products derived from the plant like edibles, tinctures, vape cartridges and topicals. This is much like the beer and wine industries in that we don’t buy grapes or hops, but products derived from them.\n\nThe numbers don’t lie. With estimates that [U.S. cannabis sales could top $30 billion](https://www.investors.com/news/marijuana-sales-after-legalization-compares-with-beer-wine-cigarette-sales/) by 2030, and with current U.S. wine sales estimated to be at about $60 billion, it’s no wonder that liquor industry executives are putting down bottles and picking up vape pens.\n\n### Make Your Voice Heard on Big Alcohol in Cannabis\n\nIn Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa counties, as well as many other Central California regions where the climate is favorable for the production of wine grapes and cannabis, dozens of regulations governing water use, stream siltation and even disabled access parking in vineyards and cannabis orchards are completely different. Cannabis farmers are held to standards that agriculture experts agree couldn’t be met by the majority of grape growers.\n\n“I can’t tell you how upset it makes me when I’m being forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars to comply with environmental regulations that my neighbor who grows grapes doesn’t have to comply with,” one farmer told HelloMD.\n\nIf you feel strongly about the alcohol industry’s growing involvement in legal marijuana, reach out to your city and county governments to make your voice heard. Talk to dispensary operators, who are often among the most informed people in the cannabis movement. Many counties have citizen-based committees helping draft their local ordinances.\n\nYour cannabis expertise could be invaluable to your community. When it comes to creating an inclusive industry that welcomes and supports small and large operators, lawmakers need to hear a spectrum of voices—not just the lobbyists representing Big Alcohol.\n\nPhoto credit: [Eaters Collective](https://unsplash.com/@eaterscollective)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/14b42/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.jpg","srcSet":"/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/f836f/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.jpg 200w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/2244e/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.jpg 400w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/14b42/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.jpg 800w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/47498/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.jpg 1200w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/0e329/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.jpg 1600w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/8bb93/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.jpg 3906w","srcWebp":"/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/58556/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/61e93/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.webp 200w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/1f5c5/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.webp 400w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/58556/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.webp 800w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/99238/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.webp 1200w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/7c22d/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.webp 1600w,\n/static/150540003642df9e3864f5d555a9a011/653aa/98e0bba55230bd908d08cac589a10b59.webp 3906w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2730-markdown","title":"CA Cannabis Retailers Bracing for Next Phase of Legalization","slug":"ca-cannabis-retailers-bracing-for-next-phase-of-legalization","content":"Though Proposition 64 was staged as a multi-tiered rollout, most consumers assumed the bumps in the road would be smoothed over by the summer. Buckle up, because the rockiest part of the journey is just ahead.\n\nAs of July 1, all products sold at dispensaries must be part of the statewide track and trace system. All marijuana products, whether flowers or edibles, are [required to go through a distributor, must be lab tested and sold in compliant packaging](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/article/NP/20180618/NEWS/180619905). Shops that don’t comply with the regulation rollout will be subject to fines and possible loss of license.\n\nFor weeks, many dispensaries have been deeply discounting products that won’t make the cut. According to state law, all noncompliant products must be destroyed by the July deadline. Those products are labelled as noncompliant, and licensed retailers are trying to recoup whatever they can before the July 1 deadline.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### A Long, Hot Summer May Await Cannabis Consumers\n\nOnce the clearance sales subside, cannabis industry experts expect to see the next wave of challenges affecting retailers. There may be product shortages and some items disappearing altogether, particularly any edibles sold in more than 100 mg amounts per package. \n\nThere may also be a backlog in the products that the state’s 31 licensed labs can push through to the 350-plus retailers up and down the state. With most labs able to test approximately [100–150 samples per day](https://mjbizdaily.com/california-testing-labs-expect-marijuana-bottleneck-july/), most retailers are anticipating a significant turnaround time for products to pass testing before they can be sold to consumers.\n\nThe cost to test individual batches of cannabis flowers is pricey. Fifty-pound lots are the most affordable option for distributors. This might mean that boutique cannabis growers cultivating a little of “this and that” may find it difficult to sell their product to distributors who must look out for their bottom line. Many labs are still waiting for state approval and aren’t prepared to take on the volume of work that will engulf the testing business from July forward.\n\nAt a recent gathering in the Mendocino redwoods, [Bureau of Cannabis Control Chief Lori Ajax suggested a few potential solutions](https://cannabisnow.com/meadowlands-mixes-california-legislators-with-public-consumption/) to the testing issues. These included donating non-tested cannabis to compassion programs, or the possibility of allowing distributors to test cannabis not already in the supply chain—something retailers are hoping will be implemented.\n\nRELATED: [PROP 64 UPDATE: 100 DAYS OF LEGAL RECRATIONAL MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ad112b38e85e50008ade432/prop-64-update-100-days-of-legal-recreational-marijuana)\n\n### The Upsides & Downsides of New Cannabis Packaging\n\nOne notable change that consumers can count on is accurate sourcing of their cannabis. Come July, if a product claims it’s from Mendocino County, 100% of the product must be from that county. Another upside to legalization is that all ingredients in your edible or topical medication will now be listed on packages. \n \nSome product manufacturers were still scrambling in June to devise childproof containers, and dispensaries are adapting to the stringent packaging requirements. If an edible comes in a childproof package, there’s no longer the need to place that item into an additional childproof exit bag—something that environmental activists believe is a win for Mother Earth.\n\nThe downside? Not all manufacturers have the capital or the human resources to transition to the new regulations. Some edibles manufacturers are already saying they’re closing their businesses. Others are scrambling to modify formulas and packaging. Though the state felt that six months was a long enough time to transition to the new requirements, for manufacturers, particularly smaller operators, the time frame just hasn’t been long enough.\n\n### Tracking & Tracing Marijuana\n\nThe state’s long-awaited track and trace system also goes into effect July 1. The [“METRC” system, short for marijuana enforcement tracking reporting compliance](http://www.sfweekly.com/news/who-will-survive-the-license-game/), will follow every cannabis item from seed to final sale. Every cannabis product, whether a gram of flower or your favorite single-serve edible, will receive a unique serial number. Items will be scanned with ID chips upon pickup and delivery. \n\nAlong with ensuring that your cannabis didn’t get to the unregulated market, track and trace will hold data on:\n\n* Taxes\n* The total inventory held by farmers and nurseries, including the strain type\n* Plant age\n* Proposed use for that plant \n* Where the plant is housed\n* Lab test results \n\nAnd the price for track and trace? Anywhere from $250 to $20,000 per month, plus staff training costs. Even plants that die must be weighed and given to a third-party disposal service that will verify the final resting place for the dead plant. Unfortunately, because of all these additional costs, consumers may see an increase in prices this summer.\n\n### The Challenges of Cannabis Distribution\n\nThere are currently between [50 to 100 large-scale distributors](https://mjbizdaily.com/nothing-going-smoothly-californias-regulated-marijuana-market/) selling regulated products to cannabis retail businesses. Distributors, not retailers, are on the hook for paying state taxes for the products they receive. Some experts feel that this regulation has been misunderstood by some distribution companies, and fear that these distributors will face steep, unexpected taxes at the end of the year.\n\nWith fewer products able to meet the strict regulatory hurdles, expect to see a reduction of all cannabis products on your retailer’s shelves for the time being. If you have concerns about what’s in your cannabis, be sure to familiarize yourself with the new packaging information. On what the Bureau of Cannabis Control calls the primary label—the portion of the label consumers usually see first—the following information must be included: \n* The identity of the product\n* The amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in the package\n* The California Department of Public Health-issued universal symbol\n* The net weight or volume\nPrimary paneling for edibles must also include the words “cannabis-infused” and note the amount of THC/CBD per serving.\n\nOn the package’s informational panel, the following must be included:\n* Manufacturer's name and contact information (website or phone number)\n* Date the product was manufactured\n* The government warning statement\n* Ingredients list\n* Instructions for use\n* Expiration date\n* Unique ID/batch number\n\nThe informational panel for edibles must also include allergy information, artificial food coloring information and basic nutrition information—like amounts of sodium, sugar, carbs and fat per serving. “For medicinal use only” must also appear on medicinal products.\n\nRemember: These regulations were designed to standardize dosages, educate the consumer, and protect you from harmful and unwanted additives to your cannabis products. Supporting businesses that are following these challenging new regulations is the best way to ensure safe, clean cannabis products from today onward.\n\nPhoto credit: [WeedPornDaily](https://www.flickr.com/people/weedporndaily/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/14b42/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/f836f/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.jpg 200w,\n/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/2244e/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.jpg 400w,\n/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/14b42/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.jpg 800w,\n/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/973fc/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.jpg 1158w","srcWebp":"/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/58556/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/61e93/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.webp 200w,\n/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/1f5c5/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.webp 400w,\n/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/58556/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.webp 800w,\n/static/2aac4633dfb02ddea1a3c71da6549dd3/53323/6165ab5bf88154baf08175345d6cbc91.webp 1158w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2726-markdown","title":"World Health Organization Opens the Door to Cannabis Law Reforms","slug":"world-health-organization-opens-the-door-to-cannabis-law-reforms","content":"A World Health Organization (WHO) committee met earlier this month to go over a pre-review of the research it’s done on cannabis. This pre-review, which deems marijuana a “relatively safe drug” and includes a number of studies pointing to the plant’s beneficial effects, could ultimately bring about cannabis law reform all around the world. The WHO, which is made up of 194 member countries including the U.S., works within the United Nations framework to “achieve better health for everyone, everywhere”—meaning, it can and does influence the legal classification of various drugs by its member countries.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nPrior to the WHO meeting, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked the general public to weigh in on whether marijuana should remain a [Schedule 1 drug](https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml) on par with LSD and heroin—as designated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. The FDA received over 17,000 comments, the majority of which favored an end to cannabis prohibition. These comments were submitted to the WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), the group conducting the formal review on cannabis’s safety and medical value.\n\n### The WHO Highlights Cannabis’s Beneficial Effects With Certain Conditions\n\nThe ECDD reaffirmed its preliminary findings, released back in December 2017, with a critical review that states cannabidiol (CBD) has no negative health-related problems associated with its consumption. Rather, it concludes, “[CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile](http://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/WHOCBDReportMay2018-2.pdf?ua=1),” and no potential for abuse or dependency.\n\nMeanwhile, the committee’s pre-review included a look at current research on cannabis and cannabis resin, extracts and tinctures, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC isomers. When it comes to the therapeutic use of marijuana for specific conditions, here’s some of what the committee found:\n\n* **Appetite stimulation in HIV/AIDS infection:** “Dronabinol and smoked cannabis led to significantly greater weight gain. … Both dronabinol and smoked cannabis … did not adversely affect viral load.”\n* **Chronic pain:** “Many randomized, controlled clinical trials have shown cannabis to be an effective analgesic. … [However,] no randomized, placebo-controlled trials of cannabis for treatment of chronic pain have been published.”\n* **Crohn’s disease:** In the only randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the use of smoked cannabis for patients with Crohn disease, … the cannabis smokers group had a significant response on the Crohn Disease Activity Index.”\n* **Dementia:** “Cannabis oil containing THC as an add-on pharmacotherapy for dementia produced a significant reduction in clinical global impression (CGI) and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) scores.”\n* **Diabetic neuropathy:** “Inhaled cannabis was found to be associated with a dose-dependent reduction in pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.”\n* **Migraine and cluster headaches:** “Acute administration of cannabis as abortive therapy decreased attack pain from both migraines and cluster headaches [in participants with a history of childhood migraine].”\n* **Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy:** “[Six] studies [of oral THC capsules] suggested a greater benefit of cannabinoids versus both placebo and active comparators, but these benefits did not reach statistical significance in all studies.” \n* **Parkinson’s disease:** “In an open-label, uncontrolled, observational study of smoked or vaporized cannabis …, cannabis significantly decreased motor disability and pain scores.”\n* **Sleep disorder:** “While many patients report that cannabis improves their sleep due to its propensity to reduce sleep latency, cannabis has also been shown to reduce REM sleep. … Therefore, the quality of sleep achieved with cannabis may be poor.”\n* **Tourette syndrome:** “In two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials …, dronabinol produced either significant improvement in tics or a trend toward such improvement, as well as a significant improvement in obsessive-compulsive behavior.”\n\n### Cannabis Isn’t Good for Everyone, Though More Research Is Needed \n\nThe ECDD concluded that randomized, controlled studies were scarce or non-existent for a number of other ailments such as autism and opioid withdrawal, making it impossible for the committee to review marijuana’s effectiveness in treating quite a few conditions. \n\nThough the committee found that “cannabis is not associated with acute fatal overdoses,” it did highlight potential adverse effects as follows:\n\n* Smoking cannabis was reported to raise testicular cancer risk two-and-a-half times the norm.\n* Cannabis consumers gave birth to babies who weighed on average of 109 g less than [that of] moms who didn’t consume marijuana. \n* Cognitive issues included short-term memory loss, impaired judgment, and reduced motor coordination.\n\n### A Final Recommendation From the WHO Will Go to the UN Secretary General\n\nThat said, the positives appear to outweigh the negatives in the ECDD critical review as well as its pre-reviews. A more extensive review will take place, and any new scientific data discovered will get rolled into a final recommendation presented to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.\n\nAs Portugal’s prime minister, Guterres led the country in decriminalizing all drugs, including marijuana. So, it’s safe to assume that he’d look positively on a change to international cannabis laws, one that might remove marijuana from Schedules I and IV of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs—an international treaty meant to block the production and supply of illicit drugs.\n\nWere this to happen, it could then open the door for the UN’s participating countries to reform their own cannabis laws, making the plant more accessible for both research and consumption purposes. \n\nAs Jahan Marcu, chief science officer of Americans for Safe Access, explained it to [_Weed News_](https://www.weednews.co/the-world-health-organization-takes-first-steps-to-reschedule-marijuana/), “The reports posted by WHO are supportive of nations considering rescheduling or de-scheduling CBD, pure-THC, cannabis and cannabis extracts.\n\n“Hopefully, the work of the WHO will allow international leaders to expand access with policy recommendations and changes with reports showing that the public health risk of cannabis and its extracts are minimal.”\n\nPhoto credit: [Xiquinho Silva](https://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/14b42/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.jpg","srcSet":"/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/f836f/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.jpg 200w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/2244e/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.jpg 400w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/14b42/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.jpg 800w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/47498/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.jpg 1200w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/0e329/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.jpg 1600w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/4d692/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.jpg 1631w","srcWebp":"/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/58556/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/61e93/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.webp 200w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/1f5c5/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.webp 400w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/58556/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.webp 800w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/99238/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.webp 1200w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/7c22d/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.webp 1600w,\n/static/eee13ae5b9201f40b0f457d06a79912f/57ec4/3b9422ff3aac77d73eac874391a3b465.webp 1631w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2702-markdown","title":"Big Pharma & Cannabis: 5 Trends to Watch ","slug":"big-pharma-and-cannabis-5-trends-to-watch","content":"The pharmaceutical industry has long been an opponent of cannabis legalization. It’s no surprise, because when people turn to marijuana for medical purposes, they often turn away from pharmaceuticals. But now, as more states remove hurdles for recreational marijuana use, the trend is shifting—with Big Pharma starting to make forays into the cannabis industry. \n\nThere are a lot of questions about the drug industry’s apparent about-face regarding cannabis. How is Big Pharma changing its strategies to mainstream manufactured cannabis products? How are synthetic cannabis pharmaceuticals legally hitting the market when marijuana is still illegal federally? How will Big Pharma’s pursuits likely impact local marijuana growers and small cannabis businesses? \n\nYou’ll find the answers to these and other questions in the following five trends we see with Big Pharma getting in on the green rush. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### 1. Big Pharma Taps the Global Cannabis Market\n\nStrategic partnerships between cannabis producers and Big Pharma have the potential to expand global access to cannabis. The Canadian cannabis market offers an interesting case study to explore the benefits of collaboration with unlikely allies. \n\nIn the first formal agreement of its kind, [cannabis licensed producer (LP) Tilray and pharmaceutical giant Canada Sandoz are working together to develop new non-combustible cannabis products](http://business.financialpost.com/cannabis/big-pharmas-first-foray-into-cannabis-arrives-with-sandoz-tilray-deal). These include gel caps, edibles and sprays—even though they’re not yet legal in Canada. Along with new products, Tilray and other LPs are looking to pharmacies to officially distribute their new cannabis products. \n\nWhat does all this mean for consumers? It means that cannabis will probably be exported and distributed in more global markets—as a biotech product. In addition, Big Pharma is entering the ring as an industry player, rather than as an opponent—meaning, they’re looking to expand access to cannabis, not thwart it. \n\nTilray’s Chief Executive Officer Brendan Kennedy thinks this is a good thing. In a recent interview with _VICE News_, Brendan comments that as Canada builds its reputation as a “safe and reliable source of medical cannabis,” [it can use the considerable resources of a global pharmaceutical company to educate medical providers about marijuana](https://news.vice.com/en_ca/article/ywxzdw/big-pharma-has-officially-entered-the-canadian-cannabis-industry). This will in turn make cannabis more accessible to patients around the world.  \n\nOr so the thinking goes.  \n\nTime will tell if these types of partnerships bring about more education and access, or if they’ll simply lead to more outrageous profits for Big Pharma at the expense of smaller cannabis producers and patients alike. \n\n### 2. Synthetic Marijuana Qualifies for Schedule 2 & 3 Classifications \n\nBig Pharma’s two-pronged approach to entering the mainstream cannabis market relies on industry partnerships and producing its own cannabis products. This is interesting given Big Pharma’s history in blocking marijuana legalization on the state level.\n\nLet’s not forget what happened in Arizona, when a pharmaceutical company called Insys paid $500,000 to [halt a measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana](https://hightimes.com/news/shady-pharma-company-sabotages-legal-weed-and-gets-dea-approval-for-synthetic-thc/). This happened just as Insys prepared to launch its own drug made with synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). \n\nSo far, the FDA has approved three lab-made, THC-based drugs: Marinol, Syndros and Cesamet, all to help reduce nausea, vomiting and weight loss associated with cancer and HIV/AIDS. These pharmaceutical companies’ products are receiving a Schedule 2 or 3 rating by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).\n\nThis in turn makes it easy for Big Pharma to enter the mainstream drug market with laboratory-produced cannabis—much easier than marijuana producers growing botanical cannabis, which is still classified as a [Schedule 1 substance](https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml).  \n\n### 3. Marijuana Research & Clinical Trials Take Place Overseas \n\nSo, we know that Big Pharma is actively producing synthetic cannabis, and companies are investing millions of dollars in research and development (R&D) to create cannabis-based medicine. According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, \"Study of marijuana in clinical trial settings is needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of marijuana for medical use.\" \n\nBut how is this happening when cannabis is still a Schedule 1 substance? It turns out the clinical trials for these synthetic marijuana drugs aren’t carried out on American soil where federal cannabis prohibition remains firm. Instead, many drug companies are [running the first two phases of their cannabis clinical trials in places like Israel](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/how-booming-israeli-weed-industry-is-changing-american-pot-w499117).\n\nIsrael has policies to support researchers in investigating many aspects of the cannabis plant and its effects on the body. So, some American pharmaceutical companies are starting their R&D process in Israel, then completing phase 3 of their trials in the U.S. for quicker FDA approval. \n\nAn early adopter of this trend is GW Pharmaceuticals. This U.K.-U.S. company just received a [green light from the FDA for its new epilepsy drug, Epidiolex](http://www.businessinsider.com/marijuana-epilepsy-drug-approval-2018-4). If approved by vote in June, it will be the first cannabidiol (CBD)-based pharmaceutical on the market. \n\n### 4. Big Pharma’s Profits Will Decrease Slightly as Legalized Cannabis Sales Go Up \n\nOnce the federal government finally allows medical marijuana to become a legitimate part of the health-care industry, those pharmaceutical companies not invested in cannabis could suffer financial losses. According to a 2016 report using data from the University of Georgia, [Medicare prescriptions decreased significantly in states where medical marijuana is legal](https://www.salon.com/2017/05/27/medical-marijuana-could-cost-big-pharma-4-billion-a-year_partner/).\n\nAnalysts predict that legal marijuana use for ailments from chronic pain to epileptic seizures to glaucoma may cost Big Pharma about $5 million dollars. However, seeing as the drug industry makes about $425 billion per year, this isn’t going to affect Big Pharma’s bottom line that much. \n\n### 5. Politicians Recognize Marijuana as Part Solution to the Opioid Crisis\n\nMarijuana is often stigmatized as a “gateway drug” for other more addictive and harmful substances. Yet [two-thirds of drug deaths in 2017 were caused by opioids](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-fentanyl-overdose-deaths-us-life-expectancy-drops-for-second-year/). According to a 2018 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report, opioid abuse is on the rise in nearly every segment of American society, claiming 115 lives every day.\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA TAKES ON BIG PHARMA ON THE OPIOID FRONT](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578e5cb0687e76000700000c/marijuana-takes-on-big-pharma-on-the-opioid-front)\n\nEvidence-based research shows that marijuana consumption can help decrease prescription drug use. Cannabis’s healing properties make it a viable alternative to anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication, anti-seizure medication, painkillers and sleeping pills. According to a recent _Journal of Health Economics_ study, “marijuana is a far less addictive substance than opioids and the potential for overdosing is nearly zero.” \n\nLegislators are using federally funded research to take a stand against anti-legalization lobbying groups, including Big Pharma. In response to a [question posed to her on “Good Day New York” about marijuana being a gateway drug, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said](https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2018/02/23/senator-calls-out-big-pharma-for-opposing-legal-marijuana/#50f2385a1bac), \"I don't see it as a gateway to opioids. What I see is the opioid industry and the drug companies that manufacture it, some of them in particular, are just trying to sell more drugs that addict patients and addict people across this country.” \n\nIt’s time for marijuana’s efficacy as an alternative treatment to further come into the light through federally funded, peer-reviewed research. In order to disrupt the grip of Big Pharma and ultimately decrease opioid addiction, more supportive data and collaboration among physicians, lawmakers and influential players within the cannabis industry are sorely needed. Ironically, it’s the R&D investment and start-up capital from Big Pharma that could help push the ball forward on necessary research. \n\n### Will Big Pharma’s Entry Into Cannabis Help or Harm the Industry?\n\nBig Pharma’s presence in cannabis is inevitable (despite its best early attempts to sabotage marijuana businesses to protect their own interests). On the up side, strategic partnerships between cannabis producers and pharmaceutical companies will likely expand access to marijuana-based healing. And while this may produce a marketplace that’s more limited than that of a completely legal whole-plant cannabis market, having these partnerships will also drive innovative research that will hopefully further spur the FDA and DEA to re-evaluate federal laws around cannabis regulation. \n\nAs always, there can be major cons when big businesses co-opt production and distribution. One concern is over the quality of synthetic cannabis therapies. Many assert that synthetics aren’t as effective as whole-plant marijuana is. That said, these pharmaceuticals do provide relief for many, especially children suffering from epilepsy and other health conditions.\n\nAnother worry is that drug companies will come in and capture the lion’s share of the profits—after all, they have their shareholders’ best interests in mind. This profit motive will put the squeeze on small, local growers who lack the resources that Big Pharma has. \n\nBig Pharma’s involvement in cannabis will be both good and bad for those of us who’ve come to rely on the plant’s many medicinal benefits. Whether the bad will outweigh the good, or vice versa, has yet to be seen.\n\nPhoto credit: [Chris Potter](https://www.flickr.com/photos/86530412@N02/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101]( https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/f28e0/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.jpg","srcSet":"/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/f836f/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.jpg 200w,\n/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/2244e/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.jpg 400w,\n/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/f28e0/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.jpg 468w","srcWebp":"/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/be191/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/61e93/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.webp 200w,\n/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/1f5c5/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.webp 400w,\n/static/278143fd32a8e6e75c26ae6857535257/be191/bdd751495325517767373e1cc8449150.webp 468w","sizes":"(max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2695-markdown","title":"Why Are Some Cannabis Products  No Longer Available?  ","slug":"why-are-some-cannabis-products-no-longer-available","content":"Have you noticed anything different at your local cannabis retailer since adult-use marijuana became legal in California? Most dispensaries have experienced a sharp reduction in the variety of products they’re currently able to offer consumers.\n\nLet’s take a look at what’s happening with California’s marijuana supply chain to see why certain cannabis products are no longer available.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) &\n[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Paying to Play in the Legal Cannabis Industry\n\nThe cost to become a legal, regulated cannabis business—whether a dispensary, a distributor or a permitted farm— is exorbitant. In Sacramento, for example, [an indoor cannabis farmer will now pay between $9,000 and $28,000 for a city-issued permit](http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/california-weed/article137258763.html).\n\nThe cost of the city permit is piled on top of state licensing fees, taxes, other local permits and standard start-up business expenses. This entire bundle comes at a steep price. And it’s at the heart of the troubling exodus of mom-and-pop cannabis farmers and producers, who haven’t been able to scale up to meet the rigorous—and expensive—legal benchmarks required to continue their operations. \n\n### Is There Room in Legal Cannabis for Small Cultivators & Businesses?\n\nDuring the heated discussions that led up to the adoption of Proposition 64, cannabis activists told regulators that it was imperative for small cultivators and manufacturers to be protected from the advent of “Big Cannabis.” Historically, the bulk of the nation’s cannabis has been grown and produced by small-scale Emerald Triangle farmers.\n\nBut today, a significant percentage of these farmers can’t afford to make the transition to legal cannabis producers. Their crops aren’t large enough to justify the tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars necessary to go legal.\n\nCustomers are already seeing what Hezekiah Allen, director of the California Growers Association, characterized as just one of the many “unintended consequences” of legalization: a startling reduction in the range of cannabis products on dispensary shelves.\n\nRELATED: [OUTDOOR CANNABIS FARMERS FACING UNPRECEDENTED CRISIS IN CA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ac53a5ff24d1300077ccbbb/outdoor-cannabis-farmers-facing-unprecedented-crisis-in-ca)\n\nThis issue is most visible when it comes to cannabis edible products. As investors eye opportunities in the cannabis realm, the world of edibles looms large. More and more people are turning to marijuana edibles as an alternative to smoking or vaping, creating excitement with venture capitalists and large-scale, gourmet food businesses. Conversely, others see the advent of large-scale edibles manufacturers as an [extinction-level event for small producers](https://www.motherjones.com/food/2018/03/the-edibles-market-is-exploding-you-can-bet-big-corporations-are-watching/).\n\n### Marijuana Dispensaries Must Buy From Compliant Cannabis Companies\n\nRussell Green, owner of Kure Wellness, a dispensary in Mendocino County, is one of the only dispensary owners in the region who was born and raised in the Emerald Triangle. A third-generation county resident, Russell’s family grew a little marijuana to supplement the family income.\n\nRussell, who grew cannabis for a living, saw the handwriting on the wall and opened his dispensary three years ago. Today, like everyone else in the industry, he’s trying to put a thick thread into a thin needle. \n\n“Prior to legalization, when a farmer came to me to try and sell his flowers, it was a somewhat laissez faire situation. As a farmer myself, I could easily evaluate which flowers would do well on my shelves. Today, the first thing we have to look at is if the producer has a state license, a certificate of insurance and if their packaging is compliant,” Russell explains. “Right now, you have to be a big enterprise to put out a compliant edible, so customers have seen a shift in the brands dispensaries are currently able to offer.”\n\n### The High Cost of Cannabis Testing \n\nCannabis must be stored in optimal conditions to keep it from degrading. Because of that, dispensaries must purchase only as much flower as they can sell in a short period of time. New regulations require cannabis to be lab tested, and for dispensaries like Kure, the costs of testing are creating additional challenges.\n\n“If I buy three pounds from a farm, it’s hard on the margins. To compete in today’s market, you need to procure 50-pound lots to make testing more affordable. But if I take 50 pounds from a farmer and get it tested, I have to keep the entire 50 pounds,” Russell says. \n\nFor single dispensaries who wish to offer customers a wide selection of flowers, storing hundreds or even thousands of pounds of inventory is unrealistic. This is another reason you may be seeing a reduction in the number of marijuana strains available at your dispensary.\n\n### Well-Established, Small, Cannabis Edibles Companies Having Trouble Going Legal \n\nPrior to legalization, hundreds—perhaps thousands—of cottage-industry cannabis product manufacturers were cooking up a storm, offering up products from the sublime to the ridiculous. Regulators point to the adoption of safe health practices as part of the upside of legalization.\n\nIronically, California’s Homemade Food Act (AB 1616) has allowed for the production of cottage food operations for many years. The bill enables home cooks to prepare and sell a wide array of foods, including baked goods, toffee, jams, nut butters and other items not containing perishable ingredients.\n\nBut AB1616 doesn’t allow for cannabis to be added to these state-approved, homemade products. AB1616 has no crossover with the state’s cannabis regulations, making it even harder for small marijuana edibles companies to become legally compliant.\n\nIf California goes the way of Colorado, in a few years, only a handful of companies will be producing all of the edibles available on dispensary shelves. Even celebrated brands like [Golden Goddess, HigherVeda and Auntie Dolores](http://www.greenstate.com/news/california-marijuana-edibles-makers-are-going-extinct/) are having significant challenges licensing and operating their edibles businesses. Finding a community that approves commercial cannabis kitchens is nearly impossible, even for these well-known producers. \n\nIf licensing fees, taxes and locations to create your product aren’t enough challenges, edibles recipes had to be modified too. To comply with the state’s new regulations, cannabis edibles must be limited to 100 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per packaged item. A few exceptions are being made for a very limited number of items produced solely for medical marijuana patients—such as tinctures—but this costly do-over was yet another unintended consequence of legalization.\n\n### Cannabis Product Packaging Comes at a Price\n\nEdibles manufacturers must also now have compliant packaging. In addition to standard labeling requirements found on any foods—ingredients, allergens and use-by dates— packaging must comply with stringent childproof regulations.\n\nYour cannabidiol (CBD) chocolates or cannabis candies must be sold in a tamper-evident, opaque package. And if they contain more than one serving, the items must be packaged in a container that can be re-sealed to remain childproof. \n\nSome patients with physical limitations have complained that their new edibles packaging and the additional exit bags dispensaries are required to use are extremely challenging for them to open. While everyone welcomes safety, some industry experts wonder if cannabis packaging regulations have gone too far. Some ask how it’s fair that cannabis products are subject to such strict regulations while over-the-counter medications can be packaged in barely childproof containers and sold at grocers or retailers to virtually anyone of any age.\n\n“This is just another example of the continuance of a prohibition mentality prettied up and thrust into today’s legal framework,” grumbled one cannabis producer, who’s currently searching for investment money to re-start their edibles business.\n\n### Legalization Opens Marijuana Manufacturers Up to Crime \n\nAnother area where legalization has raised costs is security. The names of every legal cannabis business are posted on the state’s cannabis website. And with no clear pathway to banking, marijuana manufacturers have nowhere to stash their cash, making them [extremely vulnerable targets for burglary](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/new-marijuana-laws-put-pot-producers-at-risk-w518203). This is compelling business owners to invest in additional security services. Every one of these costly requirements acts as another nail in the coffin of cottage-industry manufacturers. \n\n### Is Anything Being Done to Address the Burden Put on Small Canna-Businesses?\n\nCalifornia continues to remain open to changes in current regulations. Lawmakers and activists are still pressuring regulators to maintain their commitment to supporting small cannabis farms and not just Big Cannabis. \n\nDispensary owners like Russell hope to expand their operations in the future. Russell is committed to supporting local mom-and-pop producers, who are also his neighbors, friends and colleagues—some of the very same folks who helped birth the California cannabis revolution. \n\n“As time goes on, I’m hoping to put up money for shared licenses,” Russell says. “This will provide access for small, boutique producers who would be able cook out of our commercial kitchen, or hash artists who could use a rosin press in our manufacturing facility. This may create an on-ramp allowing our small-batch, artisan producers to competitively return to the market, and a way we can support an essential part of the cannabis community.”\n\nPhoto credit: [Bob Doran](https://www.flickr.com/people/humblog/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101]( https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/14b42/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/f836f/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.jpg 200w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/2244e/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.jpg 400w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/14b42/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.jpg 800w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/47498/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/0e329/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/c4dfe/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.jpg 3034w","srcWebp":"/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/58556/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/61e93/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.webp 200w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/1f5c5/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.webp 400w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/58556/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.webp 800w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/99238/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.webp 1200w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/7c22d/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.webp 1600w,\n/static/cd2402ecdee530eaa8f30fc786a954b4/d9ac8/1816574f6a4bec02cf847b9bb3961b1d.webp 3034w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2686-markdown","title":"Key NY Players Push for Cannabis Decriminalization & Legalization","slug":"key-ny-players-push-for-cannabis-decriminalization-and-legalization","content":"April 20 (aka 420) was an exceptionally fine day this year. Not because folks far and wide came together to celebrate all things cannabis—though we can agree this is a good thing. What set this day apart from past 420s was New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer’s introduction of a bill proposing the decriminalization of marijuana on the federal level.\n\nWhat’s essentially an about-face for Senate Minority Leader Schumer, who once advocated for federal drug prohibition, this key piece of legislation would remove marijuana from the [list of scheduled substances](https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml) that classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug on the same level as LSD and heroin.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nSchumer’s bill would also set up funding for women- and minority-owned marijuana businesses and allow for more research on the impact that legalized cannabis consumption will have on the general public. And similar to regulations made in the tobacco and alcohol industries, it would ensure the federal government’s authority to regulate commercial advertising of the plant.\n\nIn an interview with _Vice News_, Schumer said, “This legislation is long overdue. [Criminalizing marijuana] affects communities of color disproportionately and unfairly. And ultimately, [decriminalizing cannabis is] the right thing to do. … Let each state decide on its own, and that’s what this bill allows.”\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spi23-6Cw_k`\n\nWhen asked in the same interview why he’d changed his mind, Schumer replied, “I’ve studied the issue, and we now have some evidence—state of Washington, other states—where [legalized marijuana] has done lots of good and no harm. … Crime did not spike any place. There’s no evidence that young people are using drugs of any type more. The [gateway] issue hasn’t proven to be true, so it all makes sense. So when you get evidence, act on it.”\n\n### Gov. Cuomo Not Yet Fully on Board With Recreational Cannabis Legalization\n\nMeanwhile, at the state level, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently released details on [what his adult-use marijuana legalization study will focus on](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/regulated_marijuana/). Key steps will include analysis of:\n\n* Peer-reviewed literature on regulated marijuana\n* The state’s experience with illicit marijuana use\n* The impact of regulated cannabis in other states\n\nNo timeline has been given as to when the study will start and end. But perhaps New York gubernatorial challenger Cynthia Nixon will put the fire to Gov. Cuomo’s feet, getting the governor to push the Department of Health to complete this study with all due speed. Nixon has been vocal about making the legalization of adult-use marijuana a key pillar of her platform. \n\nRELATED: [NY PROPOSES CANNABIS AS A SOLUTION TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a7a004ef24d1300077ccb32/ny-proposes-cannabis-as-a-solution-to-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nIf New York Public Advocate Letitia James has her way, recreational marijuana will be legalized by year’s end. She’s vowed to [work with Gov. Cuomo to achieve this goal](https://nypost.com/2018/04/17/letitia-james-supports-legalizing-marijuana-by-end-of-year/).\n\nJames told the _New York Post_: “I don’t see how you can call yourself someone progressive, a leader of the city of New York, and not come out or at least consider the prospect of legalizing marijuana given the adverse impact on communities of color.”\n\nWith 64% of all Americans now in favor of marijuana’s legalization, according to an October 2017 Gallup poll, it would make sense for Gov. Cuomo to finally come around on his opposition to cannabis. If he doesn’t, it could cost him his bid for re-election this year. \n\nPhoto credit: [Kazuend](https://unsplash.com/@kazuend)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/14b42/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg","srcSet":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/f836f/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/2244e/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 400w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/14b42/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 800w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/47498/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 1200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/0e329/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 1600w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/733d7/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 3620w","srcWebp":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/58556/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/61e93/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/1f5c5/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 400w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/58556/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 800w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/99238/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 1200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/7c22d/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 1600w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/156fb/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 3620w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2678-markdown","title":"Cannabis Laws Around the World","slug":"cannabis-laws-around-the-world","content":"Cannabis consumers are booking flights and packing suitcases in preparation for summer travel. Is cannabis legal in the country you’re traveling to? Chances are, if you’re a foreigner, the answer is probably a resounding no. \n\nMost cannabis regulations are written for the citizens of a country and not its visitors. With just a few exceptions, regardless of whether you’re a patient with a medical marijuana recommendation or a recreational cannabis consumer wanting to sample the local wares during your vacation, the penalties for travelers found violating drug laws in other countries can be severe.\n\nHere’s a guide to give you a brief overview of how cannabis legalization is moving forward around the world. Prepare for some surprises.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Cannabis Laws in North America\n \n**Canada:**\nCanada is moving toward becoming the next country after Uruguay to legalize recreational cannabis. But recent developments [pushed back the date for adult-use cannabis sales](https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/02/16/candada-marijuana-legalization-delayed/99298/. It’s expected that Canadians will be able to purchase recreational marijuana by late summer, but like states in the U.S., [cannabis regulations will vary from one province to another](https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/a-look-at-each-province-s-rules-for-marijuana-legalization-1.3894944).\n\n**Mexico:**\nIn 2017, Mexico [decriminalized marijuana for medical use only](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/legal-pot-in-mexico-everything-you-need-to-know-w503038). Mexico also allows for personal possession of six grams of cannabis.\n\nIn January, the country’s tourism secretary [recommended that marijuana be legalized](https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/01/31/mexico-marijuana-legalization-debate/97921/), starting with resort areas. But [it may be years before Mexican citizens support legalization](https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2018/02/05/582829086/in-mexico-is-legalized-pot-just-a-pipe-dream/).\n\n### Marijuana Laws Around Europe\n\n**Belgium:** Belgium has had an on-and-off relationship with cannabis, but [medical cannabis is currently legal](https://www.prohibitionpartners.com/european-country-review/2017/12/22/begiumcannabisreview). The country has a unique social club system that provides medical marijuana to patients.\n\n**The Czech Republic:** The Czech Republic authorized use of medical cannabis in 2013, but [patients are challenged to find a physician who will write a marijuana prescription](https://www.prohibitionpartners.com/european-country-review/2017/8/23/what-does-the-future-hold-for-the-czech-cannabis-industry) or a pharmacy that will fill it. That said, Czech hemp producers are creating huge quantities of cannabis-infused products, making them a world leader in that industry.\n\n**Germany:\n** Germany now allows medical marijuana patients to obtain prescription cannabis. The country’s police groups are also pushing to see [all forms of cannabis decriminalized](https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/02/05/german-police-marijuana-decriminalize/98176/).\n\n**Greece:** Looking to boost its economy after a disastrous debt crisis, [Greece approved the cultivating of medical cannabis](https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/02/07/greece-medical-marijuana-cultivation/98420/). In the near future, [medical cannabis will be available](http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2018/02/08/greece-medical-cannabis-draft-bill-details/) and distributed through pharmacies. \n\n**Italy:** Once one of the world’s largest hemp producers, Italy has seen a revival of hemp production, which has resulted in the legalization of medical cannabis in 2007. [Cannabis Light or low-THC cannabis](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/21/world/europe/italy-cannabis-flowers.html) is skyrocketing in popularity. Another piece of the Italian cannabis landscape is medical marijuana, which is [grown by the military](https://www.thelocal.it/20170201/cannabis-made-in-italy-inside-the-military-police-cannabis-lab) and distributed to pharmacies.\n\n**Malta:** This year Malta became the next country in the European Union to [approve medical cannabis](https://hightimes.com/news/medical-marijuana-malta-officially-legal/). Though there are restrictions on which health conditions cannabis can be prescribed for and how it can be used, this represents a landmark decision for a country that’s known for its social conservatism.\n\n **The Netherlands:** Famously, The Netherlands allows [legal cannabis consumption in coffee shops](https://www.government.nl/topics/drugs/toleration-policy-regarding-soft-drugs-and-coffee-shops) and possession of no more than 5 gm of the plant. But surprisingly, [crackdowns on cannabis shops catering to tourists](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/29/netherlands-coffee-shops-cannabis-terneuzen-checkpoint-cafe) have resulted in stricter laws. Growing marijuana in the country is strictly prohibited.\n\n **Portugal:** Portugal was the world’s first country to decriminalize all drugs. That said, [a bill to legalize cannabis medicines](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-portugal-marijuana/portuguese-doctors-back-marijuana-medicine-as-bill-enters-parliament-idUSKBN1F02MM) and allow patients to grow their own plants is considered by advocates as the next step for the forward-thinking country.\n\n **Spain:** Spain decriminalized marijuana possession and private consumption of cannabis, but cannabis sales are still illegal. Creative cannabis entrepreneurs [created private clubs for Spanish citizens](http://cannabis-education.org/info/spain-cannabis-tourism-guide/), giving Spain the reputation as “the new Amsterdam.” \n\n **Switzerland:** In 2011, Switzerland legalized low-THC cannabis. Now, the country has jumped into [growing low-THC flowers and oral cannabis preparations](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-cannabis-light/swiss-cannabis-entrepreneurs-develop-craving-for-low-potency-pot-idUSKBN16S2D4). Efforts to relax [stringent laws for recreational cannabis](https://hightimes.com/news/how-to-buy-legal-marijuana-in-switzerland/) may be coming soon.\n\n **United Kingdom:** Perhaps surprisingly, the U.K. is the [world’s largest exporter of legal cannabis for medical and scientific use](https://news.sky.com/story/uk-is-worlds-largest-producer-of-legal-cannabis-11278131). This is mostly to manufacture Sativex, the cannabis-based drug used to treat multiple sclerosis.\n\nIronically, every other form of cannabis is illegal. But Brits are watching legal countries like Canada and Portugal and [may be ready to look at marijuana legalization](https://hightimes.com/news/world/marijuana-legalization-uk-parliament-debates-week/) in the near future.\n\nRELATED: [CANCER, CANNABIS OIL AND THE UNITED KINGDOM](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/562fc90bb8c41f000c000000/cancer-cannabis-oil-and-the-united-kingdom)\n\n### Marijuana Laws & News From Eurasia\n\n**Croatia:** Croatia was the [first Balkan country to legalize medical cannabis](https://www.prohibitionpartners.com/european-country-review/croatiacannabisreview). But like other countries, getting cannabis to patients is challenging. What’s unique about Croatia is its measured, scientific approach to the issues.\n\n **Russia:** The big news out of Russia, and of interest to soccer fans worldwide, is that it’s [allowing medical marijuana patients attending this summer’s FIFA World Cup to bring cannabis into the country](http://www.newsweek.com/world-cup-2018-russia-cocaine-cannabis-heroin-narcotics-stadiums-eurasian-824385). Prescriptions and documentation must accompany your supply. The surprise ruling applies to several other drugs as well.  \n\n### Central & South American Cannabis Laws\n\n**Colombia:** Back in the 1970s, illegal Colombian marijuana was highly coveted. Now, [medical cannabis is legal for domestic use and export](https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/03/10/colombia-world-supplier-legal-marijuana/101044/). Dozens of companies are expected to turn out their first legal  marijuana harvests in the next few weeks.\n\n**Costa Rica:** Costa Rica has taken a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy toward cannabis. But a [recent discovery of marijuana in the luggage of an NFL player](https://cannabisnow.com/costa-rica-finds-nfl-players-holiday-stash/) traveling to Costa Rica resulted in the athlete being denied entry into the country.\n\nMany assume Costa Rica has extremely relaxed laws and attitudes when it comes to marijuana. Though the reality is that personal drug use is generally not treated as a crime, cultivation and distribution of amounts larger than for personal consumption are.\n \n **Ecuador:** Another Latin American country that [decriminalized marijuana is Ecuador](https://cuencahighlife.com/the-marijuana-situation-in-latin-america-ecuador-and-cuencas-expat-community/). Personal cannabis use is tolerated, and residents may possess 10 gm. Growing and selling marijuana is prohibited. \n\n **Peru:** Peru took a huge step last year by [legalizing medical marijuana](https://www.dopemagazine.com/peru-legalizes-medical-marijuana/). Patients may sell, transport and possess, but not grow medical cannabis. The details of patient access and the [types of medicine that will be available to patients](https://hightimes.com/news/peru-medical-marijuana-bill-signed/) are still being discussed by lawmakers.\n\n **Uruguay:** Famously, Uruguay was the first country in the world where [cannabis was legal to grow and consume](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-uruguay-marijuana-vote/uruguay-becomes-first-country-to-legalize-marijuana-trade-idUSBRE9BA01520131211). Each week, Uruguyans may purchase up to 10 gm of cannabis from pharmacies. Home growers must register with the government to grow a maximum of six plants.\n\nBy [setting prices below the black market rate](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/world/americas/uruguay-legalizes-pot-marijuana.html), the Uruguayan government hopes to hamstring the illicit market and provide a better drug policy model for the world.\n\n### Cannabis Laws in the Caribbean\n\n**Jamaica:** Despite its legendary status as ground-zero of Rastafarian culture, which considers cannabis use as sacred, Jamaica came late to the world’s marijuana party. You may be surprised to learn that Jamaica only decriminalized the plant in 2015.\n\nNow, the poverty-stricken nation is ready to cash in on its legacy. Jamaican citizens may now [grow and sell cannabis to locals and tourists](http://www.emeraldreport.com/whats-legal-status-cannabis-jamaica/).\n\n### Marijuana in the Middle East\n\n**Iran:** Noted for its repressive drug policies, Iran has taken [a surprisingly relaxed attitude toward cannabis](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/world/middleeast/marijuana-use-rises-in-iran-with-little-interference.html). Though it’s illegal to possess or sell cannabis in Iran, observers feel the government’s focus on more dangerous addictive drugs has created a niche for a [thriving cannabis culture](https://www.thedailybeast.com/as-irans-marijuana-trade-thrives-is-it-becoming-a-nation-of-stoners).\n\n**Israel:** Israel has become a powerhouse when it comes to [research on medical cannabis and exporting medical cannabis to other countries](https://abovethelaw.com/2018/04/israels-global-cannabis-dominance-will-help-the-u-s/). In March, a proposal to decriminalize cannabis was introduced, which if passed will impose a fine for smoking marijuana instead of prison time. As long as the United States continues to keep cannabis federally regulated at the Schedule 1 level, Israel will continue to make strides as [the leader in cannabis research](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/how-booming-israeli-weed-industry-is-changing-american-pot-w499117).\n \n### Africa & Cannabis\n\nAfrican nations grow a staggering amount of cannabis; this includes Morocco, long a prime producer for hashish. Lesotho is the next country to approve a limited medical marijuana program. With powerful economic incentives pressuring lawmakers, it’s expected [more countries like South Africa may move toward marijuana decriminalization in the future](https://www.dopemagazine.com/africa-cannabis-powerhouse/).\n\n### Marijuana Laws Around Australia & Asia \n\n **Australia:** Like so many other nations looking to cash in on the demand for cannabis, [Australia has legalized overseas exports](http://money.cnn.com/2018/01/04/news/economy/australia-legal-cannabis-exports/index.html) of medical marijuana products. [Growing or possessing cannabis is illegal in all but two territories](https://hightimes.com/news/country-next-pass-major-marijuana-law-reforms/). However, activists hope that the time has come for rethinking the country’s restrictive policies. \n\n **India:** India has one of the planet’s longest relationship’s with cannabis. This year, some members of parliament are [pushing toward legalizing medical marijuana](https://www.gqindia.com/content/marijuana-legalisation-india/). Ayurvedic medicine companies are jumping into cannabis manufacturing, and it’s expected that a [regulated medical marijuana market is on the horizon](https://mjbizdaily.com/indias-cannabis-industry-just-getting-started-says-executive/).\n    \n**Nepal:** Like India, Nepal is famed for its cannabis and hash production. Although the government tends to turn a blind eye to a person possessing a small amount of cannabis, it’s still illegal to possess, grow or consume the plant.\n\n **North Korea:** North Korea’s global isolation has resulted in a strange relationship to cannabis. The plant isn’t categorized as a drug and is [sold to Chinese tourists who take it over the border for resale](https://hightimes.com/culture/tourists-are-stocking-up-on-super-cheap-weed-in-north-korea/).\n\nBut is it legal? [Experts say no](https://www.thecannabist.co/2017/01/11/north-korean-marijuana-fact-checking/71083/). They surmise—because it’s hard to get much concrete information out of the Hermit Kingdom—that what’s being sold is probably closer to industrial hemp than THC-laden flower. \n\nCannabis experts agree the plant is still illegal in every way in a number of countries. This list includes: Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, France, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.\n\nWhen you travel, remember that you’re subject to the local cannabis laws at your destination. So, look them up before you go, and abide by them to ensure you’ll have a great trip. \n\nPhoto credit: [Artem Bali](https://unsplash.com/@belart84)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDAQT/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAH/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAeiGKG5Ys//EABkQAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEQADEv/aAAgBAQABBQJpX85A0bGDBek//8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD/2gAIAQMBAT8BZ//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQIBAT8BP//EABwQAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEhIjFRYf/aAAgBAQAGPwJ9Mo1kestcmJI//8QAGhABAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFRcf/aAAgBAQABPyHKc4ewgjEUPsd1ZY3cR0OF3krqI7y5/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABAw/wD/xAAYEQEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhQf/aAAgBAwEBPxAI55av/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAR/9oACAECAQE/EALG/8QAHBABAAMAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFhQaHx/9oACAEBAAE/EMzFlLpG8nbcoEFQKGCYA6XNr5CBqyxyhM9Q66KLvF53xBMaY8jvNT//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/14b42/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/f836f/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.jpg 200w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/2244e/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.jpg 400w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/14b42/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.jpg 800w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/47498/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/0e329/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/eecc5/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.jpg 3652w","srcWebp":"/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/58556/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/61e93/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.webp 200w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/1f5c5/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.webp 400w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/58556/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.webp 800w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/99238/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.webp 1200w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/7c22d/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.webp 1600w,\n/static/42d682b1a0ced19a80ccb0dcfdadc46a/0dca4/903580d74dcf221054dc8712cc49d5b1.webp 3652w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2658-markdown","title":"Unsafe Growing Practices Harm the Environment & Your Health","slug":"unsafe-growing-practices-harm-the-environment-and-your-health","content":"For about 50 years, California’s cannabis market was firmly rooted in the underground. Prior to marijuana legalization this year, many people entered the industry with one motive: the pursuit of the almighty dollar.\n\nIt’s pleasant to imagine a world where all of the farmers who tend the estimated 50,000 cannabis gardens statewide are committed to safe growing practices that support both consumers and the environment. Unfortunately, that thought can be filed under “pipe dreams.” Flagrant disregard for the environment has been one of the most shameful outcomes of the previously unregulated marijuana industry. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nMarijuana legalization advocates hoped that a regulated cannabis market would help to weed out growing practices that result in irreparable damage to the environment—[killing wildlife, endangering watercourses and affecting everyone who lives downstream](http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article148488874.html). \n\nNow, more than ever, it’s imperative that responsible consumers understand where their cannabis comes from. Your health and the environmental health of the regions that supply the bulk of cannabis to California are inextricably connected. And even if you don’t live in California, it’s important to see what’s going on in the state to help make sure the same thing doesn’t happen where you live. \n\n### The Cannabis Black Market Created an Environmental Black Hole \n\nCannabis may be called a weed, but today’s plants are more akin to pedigreed poodles. To create higher yields and to produce more fragrant, stronger strains, the plant has been groomed to perform under lights and in challenging weather conditions—from searing heat to pounding autumnal rains and even snow.\n\nBoth outdoor and indoor growing conditions are vectors for insect pests and fungi that can decimate an entire crop. Cannabis-specific amendments were created to maximize yield, address pest and mold issues, and produce the kindest bud. \n\nInsect pests such as mites, thrips and aphids become immune to pesticides. To save an ailing crop, farmers are often forced to use increasingly dangerous substances, with some growers exercising no concern for the safety of the consumer or the animal life that might come in contact with these products.\n \nRodenticides—rat poisons—are lethal. Countless illegal trespass grows, which are still common on state and federal lands, have been found to be the equivalent of toxic dump sites. This has resulted in the [near-extinction of the Pacific Fisher](https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/521352/), a small, weasel-like animal. Only 500 fishers are left in Northern California, and studies confirm that they’ve been dying due to rat poison consumed at illegal cannabis grows. \n\nA Humboldt County Environmental Impact Report estimates that only 2,300, or 15%, of the 15,000 cannabis gardens in the region have opted into the county’s marijuana legalization process. If you purchase your outdoor marijuana flower from an unregulated source, understand that you could be supporting criminals who are systematically ravaging our forest ecosystems.\n\n### Everything Flows Downstream—Including What’s Used in Illegal Cannabis Grows\n\nThe years of drought have taken an incalculable toll on California’s water resources. And no species is more dependent on healthy, clean water than coho and Chinook salmon, which may be [close to extinction](https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/03/22/how-changing-marijuana-laws-may-affect-californias-water-and-wildlife), in part from the unscrupulous theft of water by illegal marijuana growers. These growers divert water from salmonid breeding sites while others clear-cut forest lands to create unregulated growing sites, creating smothering siltation, which clogs streams and kills fish.\n\nFertilizers, kerosene, diesel and even human waste at illicit marijuana gardens have been discovered in and around our precious watercourses, creating additional concerns for rural residents and ultimately, for everyone coming into contact with these watersheds.\n\n### The Heavy Environmental Costs of Indoor Cannabis Growing\n\nSome cannabis enthusiasts make compelling arguments for the superiority of indoor-cultivated marijuana. But those hothouse flowers come at a price. Unregulated indoor grows are often improperly wired, creating hazardous conditions that have led to dangerous fires threatening entire neighborhoods. \n\nA [recent raid of over 100 residential houses in seven California counties](http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8188077-181/us-seizes-northern-california-pot-growing) yielded 36,000 plants. Illegal indoor operations are often associated with heavy mold and insect infestations, which once introduced to a grow room are virtually impossible to permanently eradicate, forcing growers to depend more and more on powerful—and in some cases illegal—pesticides and fungicides. The chemicals used to grow marijuana in these suburban neighborhoods go right down the drain and into city water tables, creating unknown consequences for local water agencies.\n\nKristen Nevedal, chair of the International Cannabis Farmers Association, studied data [comparing state-issued indoor and outdoor cannabis licenses](https://www.projectcbd.org/green-rush-blues-california-cannabis-after-legalization). Based on California’s various Type 3 licenses (for medium-sized indoor and outdoor growing operations), indoor operations producing six or more annual harvests expends the same amount of energy as adding nearly 300 houses to the electrical grid. Equivalent outdoor gardens expend energy that adds about 82 houses to the grid. But outdoor farmers pay more taxes and are paid less per pound for their cannabis flowers. \n\n### How Safe Is My Cannabis? \n\nBecause cannabis remains federally illegal, there’s a limited amount of knowledge about the effects of pesticides and fungicides on consumers. But as more and more states have adopted regulatory frameworks, a troubling pattern has emerged. Toxic residue has been found in _regulated_ cannabis in Colorado, Oregon and California. \n\nOne UC Davis 2017 study of 20 Northern California marijuana samples concluded that because of the presence of molds and fungi, those with [compromised immune systems and other serious health conditions shouldn’t smoke marijuana](http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article131391629.html). In some cases, [fungi and bacteria can severely affect patient health](http://www.emeraldreport.com/why-testing-weed-for-fungus-may-save-your-life/). [Steep Hill Labs has been working with UC Davis](https://hightimes.com/grow/tainted-the-problem-with-pot-and-pesticides/amp/) to learn more about this issue. Today, legal cannabis sold in licensed dispensaries must be tested for microbiological agents (bacteria and fungi) and chemical residues (pesticides and herbicides). \n\n### Is Cannabis Legalization Addressing CA Environmental Problems? \n\nNorthern California counties are bearing the brunt of this crisis, and recently [Yuba County declared a state of emergency](http://amp.sacbee.com/news/state/california/california-weed/article192665729.html), in part due to the number of illegal marijuana sites that they’re unable to eradicate. In 2017, Governor Jerry Brown added $1.5 million to his budget to address cleanup of toxic cannabis sites in Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties. \n\nIt’s hoped that a [2017 report drafted by the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture leaves some room for optimism](http://www.thecannifornian.com/cannabis-business/cultivation/report-cannabis-cultivation-wont-harm-californias-environment-growers-stick-new-rules/). The report was praised by the California Growers Association and a number of environmental agencies, whose members hope that the higher standards placed on the industry, as well as beefed-up enforcement efforts, will begin to reduce the allure of the unregulated market.\n\nUltimately, the demise of black market cannabis and the destruction it brings to California’s environment is in the hands of consumers choosing the regulated market over the unregulated one. \n\n### 3 Ways Marijuana Consumers Can Help Preserve CA Ecosystems\n\n**1. Know the source of your medicine.** Make sure you’re purchasing cannabis from a licensed dispensary by [checking your dispensary’s status](https://aca5.accela.com/bcc/Cap/CapHome.aspx?module=Licenses&ShowMyPermitList=N ) on the state’s website.\n\n**2. Stay informed.** Follow the work of the [California Growers Association](https://www.calgrowersassociation.org) and the [International Cannabis Farmers Association](http://icfa.farm), both of which are working for farmers and supporting the best legislative solutions to protect our environment.\n\n**3. Remember, “organic” and “sun-grown” are not legal terms.** Look for cannabis that has been certified by reputable third-party certifiers such as [Clean Green](https://cleangreencertified.com/?_ga=2.244024845.924514412.1523301619-1109615046.1523301619) to ensure your cannabis meets the highest health and environmental safety standards.\n\nPhoto credit: [Chris De Wit](https://unsplash.com/@skyxperience)\n \nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/14b42/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/f836f/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 200w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/2244e/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 400w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/14b42/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 800w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/47498/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/58556/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/61e93/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 200w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/1f5c5/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 400w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/58556/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 800w,\n/static/2edb7b8042942769544dff7b9ce17534/99238/448fb5d824daeda724736b53705a6486.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2657-markdown","title":"Prop 64 Update: 100 Days of Legal Recreational Marijuana","slug":"prop-64-update-100-days-of-legal-recreational-marijuana","content":"The first quarter of the calendar year has passed and California cannabis consumers, industry members and activists are still on the fence regarding the success of Proposition 64. Touted by state officials as a work in progress, it’s been about 100 days since marijuana became legal for adults 21 and over. Experts agree the law is just beginning to get tested. \n\nAt an official hearing in March, the state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control expressed a willingness to listen to concerns from the farming community, many of whom feel that several components of the state’s regulatory scheme have all but decimated the craft cannabis industry. Dispensaries have had challenges keeping regulated, tested products on the shelves. Meanwhile, distributors have the burden of collecting state taxes from farmers, but have nowhere to bank all of the fees.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nSo, has the Green Rush been successful? Let’s take a look. \n\n### The High Cost of Doing Business in the Legal Cannabis Industry\n\nWith wholesale cannabis prices plummeting, stiff state taxes and exorbitant consultant’s fees to bring businesses into compliance, the plight of craft cannabis farmers and manufacturers is reaching crisis levels. Taxes are at the heart of this conundrum, with some analysts predicting that the [combined state and local taxes are keeping marijuana farmers from entering the regulated market](http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/california-weed/article207815209.html) and may reduce the state’s 2016 projection of a $1 billion cannabis tax windfall. \n\nThough California grows more cannabis than any state in the nation does, the small number of licensed farmers can’t easily supply the state’s dispensaries, resulting in [cannabis shortages at the retail level](http://observer.com/2018/03/california-faces-cannabis-undersupply-growers-struggle-to-get-permits/amp/) and significantly reduced options for consumers.\n\n### Back to Black? The Continuation of the Unregulated Cannabis Market\n\nAs larger, more southern-reaching municipalities like Santa Barbara are scooping up licenses for large greenhouse operations, some Emerald Triangle farmers feel they’re being left in the dust. Unable to raise the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with county and state regulations, they’re forced to make a decision to retire or continue as renegade, unregulated farmers. They still make up the majority of the estimated [69,000 California cannabis farmers](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/national/wp/2018/03/16/feature/californias-outlaw-marijuana-culture-faces-a-harsh-reckoning-legal-weed/?utm_term=.fb5d5b871919) who provide the majority of cannabis to California and other states without legal marijuana industries. \n\nThe state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control recently sent out [cease and desist letters to nearly 1,000 cannabis-related businesses](https://mjbizdaily.com/chart-breakdown-california-marijuana-companies-got-cease-desist-letters/?elqTrackId=ca2a567d9a674c51ab54b8dd5298263c&elq=296216be27f64bfb9ddce2e45c9494ac&elqaid=117&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=41). Almost 400 of these businesses are located in the Greater Los Angeles area.\n\nThe majority of these businesses appear to be delivery and retail outlets. A few are in the process of licensure and are attempting to get their names cleared with the state. This action makes clear that state lawmakers are taking a strong stance on those who choose to continue in the unregulated cannabis market.\n\n### Prepare to Travel Long Distances to Buy Legal Cannabis \n\nCities and counties have the choice to opt-in or opt-out of any aspect of Proposition 64, which means that [huge swaths of the state aren’t growing or selling cannabis](http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/california-weed/article205524479.html). Currently, as reported by the _Sacramento Bee_, 38% of the state remains between 60 and 120 miles away from a licensed dispensary.\n\n### Want a Medical Marijuana State ID? Hurry Up & Wait\n\nDue to added state and local taxes, medical marijuana patients are lining up in droves to obtain state-issued ID cards from the Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program, which [exempt patients from paying sales and use taxes at dispensaries](http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/7909283-181/cannabis-legalization-revives-nearly-defunct?view=AMP). Though the cards have been available for 14 years, interest in obtaining them has skyrocketed, as patients search for ways to make higher-priced cannabis products more affordable. Cards are issued through your county, and reports of month-long waits for the card indicate that patients are clamoring for ways to reduce the cost of their medicine. \n\nRELATED: [WHY YOU’LL STILL NEED A MEDICAL RECOMMENDATION AFTER JAN 1](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a302030100a820006562ebf/why-youll-still-need-a-medical-recommendation-after-jan-1)\n\n### Will Cannabis Prices Drop—And Is That a Good Thing? \n\nNo one’s happy about the higher prices dispensaries are charging consumers. In some jurisdictions, cannabis is being taxed at 40%.\n\nBut at the same time, farmers are receiving far less for their crop. Farmers selling premium-grade flower for $1,200 per pound in 2017 are lucky to receive $800 per pound today. Historically, farmers could make ends meet by selling shake to concentrate and edibles producers. Today, a state-authorized $40 tax per pound of shake makes this option unrealistic.\n\nLegalization’s exorbitant operations costs combined with stiff taxes leads some researchers to believe that [the adult-use cannabis industry is stacked against small farmers](http://www.emeraldreport.com/cheaper-cannabis-legalization/), as only large-scale operators can survive a precipitous price drop. This was what happened in Washington, where the state allows 90,000-square-foot cannabis operations that sell the majority of cannabis statewide.\n\n### CA Growers Association Sounds the Alarm \n\nHezekiah Allen, director of the California Growers Association (CGA) has been repeating the same two words at every meeting he attends regarding the rollout of Prop 64: “unintended consequences.” A [landmark report by the CGA](https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/emeraldgrowers/pages/3249/attachments/original/1519106158/An_Emerging_Crisis.pdf?1519106158/) underscores exactly what those consequences are, including the inability of small- and medium-size operators to enter the regulated market, and large-scale operators allowed to stack licenses together to create mega-growing operations.\n\nThe CGA is concerned that “big cannabis” will result in an increased dependence on synthetics, pesticides and questionable farming practices, all of which could hamstring a biodiverse industry and result in cannabis monocropping and the loss of diverse, exciting, and healing strains and products.\n\nSome would argue that cannabis farmers prefer to operate in the shadows. Though there will always be bad actors, most are eager to enter the regulated market, but can’t. \n\nThe CGA addresses specific barriers to entry that prohibit people from moving forward. The first barrier is the extremely limited amount of time people were given to enter the legal sphere. The ability of counties to overlay local policy over state regulations has resulted in only 13 of the state’s 58 counties passing ordinances to allow and regulate cannabis activity. Local zoning restrictions further limit small operators from successfully navigating the road to legalization.\n\nAs of February, the state had issued fewer than 60 licenses for delivery services, reducing options for patients and consumers. This is only a handful of the issues the report addresses. \n\nThe CGA does offer solutions to some of the problems that have surfaced post-legalization such as:\n\n* Expanding transportation licenses\n* Allowing small farmers to composite-test lab samples to reduce costs\n* Letting cottage businesses share kitchen or manufacturing space \n* Perhaps most importantly, lowering tax rates \n\n### Cannabis Legislation to Watch \n\nSome lawmakers have responded swiftly in order to address the emerging challenges of Proposition 64. [Several bills have been introduced](https://www.mpp.org/states/california/), including:\n\n* AB 1793, which would remove cannabis-related convictions from a person’s criminal history under specific conditions\n* AB 2069, which would provide new workplace protections for medical marijuana patients\n* AB 3157, which would reduce the state cannabis sales tax rate from 15% to 11% and suspend all cultivation taxes until June 2021 \n\n### Stay Engaged With State & Local Marijuana Laws\n\n* Learn what [the rules are for your county](http://www.counties.org/county-cannabis-ordinances), remembering that individual cities can adopt their own cannabis regulations.\n* Speak with your elected officials and stay informed on evolving legislative changes. \n* Support small farmers by purchasing responsibly grown cannabis from licensed operators.\n* Need a tax break? Talk to your county about getting a state-issued Medical Marijuana Identification Card, available to medical marijuana patients with a valid physician’s recommendation. \n\nPhoto credit: [Mark](https://www.flickr.com/people/eggrole/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/14b42/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/f836f/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.jpg 200w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/2244e/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.jpg 400w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/14b42/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/47498/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/0e329/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/82958/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.jpg 3116w","srcWebp":"/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/58556/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/61e93/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.webp 200w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/1f5c5/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.webp 400w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/58556/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.webp 800w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/99238/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.webp 1200w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/7c22d/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.webp 1600w,\n/static/0e0903e662e6bf49660937a387df2799/e9acf/28aaa841f617ee0f53a0023648efab2d.webp 3116w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2647-markdown","title":"Outdoor Cannabis Farmers Facing Unprecedented Crisis in CA ","slug":"outdoor-cannabis-farmers-facing-unprecedented-crisis-in-ca","content":"Chiah Rodriques is CEO of [Mendocino Generations](https://mendocinogenerations.com), a consortium of 60 outdoor, artisanal cannabis farmers based in Mendocino County—the heart of the Emerald Triangle. In this exclusive HelloMD interview, Chiah discusses how legalization in California may affect access to some of the best, cleanest and most effective cannabis flowers and products available.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Legendary Cannabis Farmers Are Calling it Quits \r\n\r\n“People are definitely leaving the industry, including some farmers with Mendocino Generations. It’s one of the hardest, saddest parts of my job,” says Chiah. “Some are quitting because they are nearing retirement and feel the new regulations are beyond their ability to navigate. They’re saying, ‘Why should I put all my savings into something that isn’t workable?’” \r\n\r\nOthers are quitting because they’re not technologically savvy. Adds Chiah, “Along with our ongoing responsibilities, we’re now required to enter data, get inventory into the system and stay connected to the state and county.”\r\n\r\nShe explains that it takes farmers an average of 10 hours per week just to enter data for state- and county-mandated metric systems. Many areas of the Emerald Triangle have no broadband, meaning some farmers must travel significant distances just to access wifi. \r\n\r\n### Marijuana Farmers Struggling With “Big Cannabis” Demands\r\n\r\nThe relationship among farmers, state-regulated distributors, environmental agencies and the state licensing process is described as confusing, contradictory and most disturbingly for the Mendocino Generations farmers, geared toward “big cannabis” producers who can easily afford teams of accountants, attorneys, administrative assistants, consultants, social media specialists and marketing agents—all necessary to operate within the sphere of legal recreational cannabis.\r\n\r\n“Patients may notice fewer varieties of cannabis flowers and products on the market since January,” says Chiah. “In part, it’s because of the license-to-license situation we’re facing. Many distributors were unable to get licenses right away. Farmers had to apply for temporary state licenses, and then had just 120 days to apply for annual licenses. The state realizes they are behind schedule, so that date may be extended.”\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Farmers Held to Impossible Standards\r\n\r\nOutdoor farmers grow the majority of California’s organic cannabis—free of pesticides, molds and other harmful additives. Mendocino County is also famous for the development of some of the most celebrated cannabis genetics, created by a few of the very farmers leaving the industry.\r\n \r\nMendocino Generation’s farmers are vocal advocates for responsible environmental practices for all farmers, not just for those who grow marijuana. As stated by Sonoma County’s Agriculture Commissioner Tony Linegar [during a recent state hearing](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/article/NP/20180306/news/180309920), he can’t imagine any agricultural enterprise that could successfully operate under the constraints of today’s cannabis regulations. \r\n\r\n“The state's Livescan fingerprinting systems are still not up and running. We were supposed to receive state templates addressing security, pest management and waste plans. These were promised some time ago. Now we have deadlines approaching and planting season around the corner. Do we create our own templates or risk forfeiting our 120-day temporary licenses? No one knows,” Chiah continues.\r\n\r\n### Legalization Costs for Outdoor Marijuana Farmers Skyrocket\r\n\r\nChiah and her husband are second-generation farmers who’ve been growing cannabis on their off-grid family property for nearly 20 years. They’ve been doing everything possible to ensure their farm complies with county and state guidelines. But compliance comes with a hefty price. \r\n\r\n“We had a cultivation permit for a 10,000 square-foot mixed-light outdoor garden. For us, that means we place a tarp over our greenhouse to deprive light to our plants. Under the current regulations, we’re classified as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 mixed-light designation, which means we’re paying an an additional $6,000 above and beyond our $4,600 fee, essentially for a tarp,” Chiah says. “I think the state assumes we’re pulling in multiple harvests, but off-grid, small farmers can’t do that. If we don’t pay this gigantic expense when we get approved, we don’t get licensed. Many farmers are in this boat, and we’re trying to find a workable solution.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [PROP 64 ROLLOUT: HAS IT PUT THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN TROUBLE?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5aa2e353f24d1300077ccb81/prop-64-rollout-has-it-put-the-cannabis-industry-in-trouble)\r\n\r\n### Power in Numbers: Cannabis Associations Pooling Energy & Resources\r\n\r\nThe cannabis farming community hasn’t had the luxury of hiring lobbyists, social media influencers and political action committees. Mendocino Generations is banding together with like-minded organizations to try and create solutions and engender support.\r\n\r\n“We’re working with the [Mendocino Appellation Project](http://www.thelocalgreen.com/the-local-green/mapping-mendocino-cannabis-appellations/), the Mendocino County Regional branch of the [California Growers Association](https://www.calgrowersassociation.org), a farmer co-op called Emerald Grown and the Round Valley Growers Association,” explains Chiah. “We’re all helping farmers on a regular basis.”\r\n\r\nThe groups are advocating for “an alliance of alliances” as a way to aggregate information and create more streamlined communication for cannabis farmers.\r\n\r\n### Small Marijuana Businesses Are Struggling to Survive \r\n\r\nChiah is an herbalist who for years has been making cannabis medicines combined with complementary herbs. She fears microbusinesses may be hit hardest by local and state regulations.\r\n\r\n“There is no clear path for the amazing people who have been creating homemade cannabis salves and medicines, in some cases, for generations. I don’t believe pouring alcohol over a jar of herbs should be categorized as a volatile process. Concentrate-making requires mega-licenses, which is completely unrealistic for those who have cottage industries. Why do we have to go through this insane process to make salve?” she notes.\r\n\r\n### Stress Is Taking a Toll on Family Cannabis Farmers\r\n\r\nAdrenal fatigue, burnout, anxiety and stress aren’t unusual in today’s farming community. “Everyone is using their cannabis medicine, but at some point, it’s not helping anymore,” Chiah says.\r\n\r\nHalf of Mendocino Generations’ farmers are families with small children. “Self-advocacy is taking its toll,” Chiah adds. “We have a member farmer who is pregnant and due next month. She’s a committed cannabis advocate who sits on six county working groups. She lives over two hours from the county seat and four hours from Sacramento. This is affecting her health and the health of her baby. We’ve started a fundraising campaign to help provide support.” \r\n\r\n### What Solutions Do Marijuana Farmers Propose? \r\n\r\n“Reducing fees across the board is critical for small farmers, and maybe redefining the definition of what a small farmer is,” says Chiah. Humboldt County has a much broader interpretation of what constitutes a small farm. “We’re at a disadvantage in that way here in Mendocino.”\r\n\r\nMarijuana cultivators must also prepay a fixed tax rate to Mendocino County. “No other industry has to prepay taxes. We pay thousands of tax dollars to the county, whether we sell one ounce of cannabis or not,” explains Chia. “Our money needs to be spent on good inputs, good soil, good supplies and good staff, which all benefits our county.”\r\n\r\nAnother escalating cost is testing, the fees for which have doubled, according to Chiah, who adds, “We’re paying for original and backup samples simultaneously, which costs $300–$500 per batch, depending on the lab you use. For those growing from seed, every individual plant must get tested. Because our costs are rising, farmers will have to charge more, and sadly, that cost will trickle down to patients and consumers.”\r\n\r\n### How Can You Support Cannabis Farmers? \r\n\r\n* Visit the [California Cannabis Portal](https://cannabis.ca.gov), which outlines the regulations currently in place for the industry. \r\n\r\n* Familiarize yourself with your city and county’s regulations. Attend meetings and learn how you can help your local community.\r\n\r\n* Is a favorite cannabis strain or product unavailable? Ask your retailer why. Learn how what’s happening on farms impacts access to healthy medicine.\r\n\r\n* Become a member of cannabis advocacy groups and stay abreast of the latest news. \r\n\r\n* Support outdoor, organic farmers by asking your supplier where your medicine comes from. Purchase your medicine from small, family farmers when possible.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAACA//EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABPvk/AM2j/8QAGxAAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDEgARITH/2gAIAQEAAQUCPgqwPS4N4o9KYEXP/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAER/9oACAEDAQE/AYyv/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABH/2gAIAQIBAT8BV//EABsQAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESESIkFR/9oACAEBAAY/AqRUlNmKijaJfh0//8QAGxABAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFhUXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hYUwHdzcihbKXEOMwmItQaF+IlX1P/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABCz3//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQ/9oACAEDAQE/EAw//8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIf/aAAgBAgEBPxB4qQf/xAAcEAEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMUFRcYH/2gAIAQEAAT8QPtRwlrewJUITjB1Gzq4Kv7GI+kN052wagLmWemCFscp//9k=","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/14b42/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/f836f/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.jpg 200w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/2244e/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.jpg 400w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/14b42/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.jpg 800w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/47498/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/0e329/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/53a1a/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.jpg 3290w","srcWebp":"/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/58556/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/61e93/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.webp 200w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/1f5c5/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.webp 400w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/58556/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.webp 800w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/99238/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.webp 1200w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/7c22d/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.webp 1600w,\n/static/a390c5f1e0a27cc02af4b0cdc8b16402/f884c/0b1b050ae072a1a159afdc7615a1b725.webp 3290w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2639-markdown","title":"Liberal Policies Like Legalizing Marijuana Spark Innovation","slug":"liberal-policies-like-legalizing-marijuana-spark-innovation","content":"Socially liberal policies like [legalizing medical marijuana and same-sex marriage are good for innovation](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smj.2778), while socially conservative policies like abortion restrictions are bad for innovation, according to research recently published in _Strategic Management Journal_. This finding may come as no surprise to those of us in the marijuana industry. But now there’s research we can use to continue to make a case for supporting liberal policies to drive innovative—and ultimately, successful—outcomes.\r\n\r\nWith that said, policymakers and executives who want to stimulate innovation in their own regions and businesses should sit up and take notice. Currently, the most common way governments and businesses encourage innovation is by creating economic incentives, like tax credits, bonuses and public grants. But the findings from this study argue that creating a socially liberal environment—one that fosters collaboration among diverse groups of people—is also key. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### The Effects of Gay Marriage, Medical Marijuana & Abortion Restrictions on Innovation \r\n\r\nWhat do gay marriage, medical marijuana and abortion restrictions have in common? These policies are all hotly debated topics in the context of their social, economic and political impacts. But thus far, there’s been little discussion on the impact these policies have on innovation. \r\n\r\nFurthermore, they’re all policies that were enacted in different states at different times. This variation in timing let the researchers examine policies across states to see their effect on innovation as each policy was implemented. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [CANNABIS IN AMERICA: A STATE-BY-STATE GUIDE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a85fbfcf24d1300077ccb4e/cannabis-in-america-a-state-by-state-guide)\r\n\r\n### Socially Liberal Policies, Like Legalizing Marijuana, Are Good for Innovation \r\n\r\nThe researchers looked at these three policies enacted across states from 1994 to 2006 and compared them against the number of patents granted to individuals during those years, a common way of measuring innovation. \r\n\r\nThey found that socially liberal polices had a significant impact on innovation:\r\n\r\n* The legalization of same-sex marriage increased state-level patenting by 6%.\r\n* The legalization of medical marijuana did the same except at a higher rate of 7 %.\r\n* The enactment of abortion restrictions caused a 1% decrease in patent levels. \r\n\r\nThis 1% decrease led to 21 fewer patents per year at the state level. The authors noted that all percentages were significant and economically meaningful. \r\n\r\nBut what if states who have a higher level of patenting are just simply more likely to pass socially liberal policies? To compensate for this, the authors looked at the social environment right up to before these polices were enacted in each state and found no trends that would suggest this was the cause for their findings. \r\n\r\n### How Legalizing Marijuana Fosters Innovation\r\n\r\nHow do socially liberal policies encourage innovation? The study delves into how these liberal policies can influence interactions among people, and it examined the quality of collaborations those interactions foster. \r\n\r\nThe authors found that the enactment of socially liberal policies legitimizes certain issues, diminishing pervasive, longstanding stigmas. In this case, the policies enacted increased acceptance towards gay marriage and the use of marijuana as medicine. The breaking of these types of barriers allows for greater collaboration among individuals who wouldn’t necessarily work together under different, more conservative social conditions.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the authors found that the types of patents granted were on average of higher quality—they were more novel and more impactful. They also speculate that socially liberal policies widen access to resources, in turn making it easier for people to start their own businesses and pursue various ideas. Essentially, social liberal policies can make it easier for people to become entrepreneurs. \r\n\r\n### Innovation & Diversity in the Marijuana Industry \r\n\r\nWhile the study looked at medical marijuana and the effect that its implementation had on state-wide patent levels, the findings of this study can have direct applications to the burgeoning marijuana industry in the United States.\r\n\r\nIf diversity increases collaboration between individuals, leading to more innovation and more novel ideas, it would be in the best interest of those in the cannabis industry to support socially liberal policies that promote diversity.\r\n\r\nSome cities already seem to be one step ahead: Lawmakers in Oakland and Sacramento have prioritized distributing marijuana business licenses to people of color. And while these policies were initially created as a form of reparation for the failed War on Drugs, they could also have an unforeseen positive impact on innovation in a region’s marijuana industry. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Mervyn Chan](https://unsplash.com/@mervynckw)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  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