{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/news-and-events/8","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2107-markdown","title":"Delays for Recreational Marijuana Rollout in California","slug":"delays-for-recreational-marijuana-rollout-in-california","content":"### Recreational Rollout Unlikely for 2018\n\nCalifornia recently passed a bill allowing for [recreational marijuana in the state](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57cf68b372d0670007e32abf/california-marijuana-legalization-prop-64), which is set to roll out at the beginning in 2018. $10 million have been earmarked by Governor Jerry Brown to assist with the rollout that is expected to generate $1.5 billion for the state. Many people, however, are doubting that California can get its recreational market up and running by the targeted roll out date. The plan is for California departments and legislature to create the structure and institutions to sustain the market during 2017, allowing for licenses to be handed out to dispensaries and growers at the beginning of 2018. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe roll out is a multifaceted process that involves the creation and restructuring of multiple state institutions. Though the state has every intention of meeting their projected deadline, they have a few lofty goals that may prolong it. It takes a long time to draft formal regulations, which need to be set up in order to monitor the creation of businesses and other issues like law enforcement. \n\n### New Regulations Take Time\n\nThe Department of Food and Agriculture must create new grow regulations for the product that has been produced in the state for over 20 years without formal regulation, due to its national status as a Schedule I substance. The Department of Public Health must create new regulations governing the manufacturing of products such as edibles and tinctures and the Bureau of Medical Cannabis regulation must also widen its scope to create new standards for lab testing of recreational retail products to be sure they are meeting certain safety standards. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS A SAFER OPTION FOR MANAGING PAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain)\n\nThough a lot of work has already been done in these areas, it is still not likely that all of the bureaucratic processes will be completed fast enough for a 2018 roll out. Some of the most probable road blocks are the creation of new platforms that involve the production of new technology. The new multilevel tax structure written into the bill needs to be formally created, as well as technological ‘track and trace’ platforms that allow the plant to be tracked from seed to selling. The ambitious desire of California to create these platforms from scratch, when they are already operational in other states with legalized recreational cannabis, is something that could cause a large delay. \n\n### Looking Towards 2019 for Rollout\n\nNot only does the California government have to formalize regulations for this whole process, but 58 counties and 482 cities have to draft their own regulations as well. All of these issues have left some people concerned that California may not have an operational recreational marijuana industry until 2019. Until the point when the state has all of their recreational marijuana programs up and running, all people are still required to have a medical marijuana card to access cannabis. It is important that no patients rely on any specific roll-out date, but instead still possess a medical card to be able to access their medication. \n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/ee604/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png","srcSet":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/69585/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/497c6/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 400w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/ee604/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 800w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/f3583/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 1200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/8259f/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 1296w","srcWebp":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/58556/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/61e93/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/1f5c5/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 400w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/58556/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 800w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/99238/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 1200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/b8788/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 1296w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2153-markdown","title":"Marijuana Legalization is Going Global","slug":"marijuana-legalization-is-going-global","content":"### Progressive Policies Taking Hold\n\nIn the past few years we have seen progressively more legislation in the United States that is swinging in support of marijuana, both medical and recreational. States have built billion dollar industries on the formerly banned plant and other countries have taken notice. \n\nThe United States hasn’t always been on the forefront of marijuana legislation, but it is becoming a hot-bed for creativity and innovation in the marijuana industry. Though the United States is still limited by the overarching federally illegal status of cannabis, states have taken it upon themselves to embrace the amazing plant on their own. \n\n### Countries Outside the United States\n\nOften if people think of cannabis outside of the US, there is one country that comes to mind, the Netherlands. The cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam has long been the center of cannabis in the world due to its laissez-faire openly progressive marijuana policies. Yet  those who are up to date on their medicinal cannabis studies know that Israel is also the center of many marijuana innovations due to their extensive studies devoted to the health benefits of the plant. Though cannabis is still illegal in most countries in the world, here is a snapshot of the countries that are embracing marijuana in one way or another. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Uruguay\n\nUruguay was the first county in the world to completely legalize cannabis. The move, which was initiated in 2013, has become an interesting model for countries who have partially legalized the plant. There are still some bumps in the road, however, particularly in relation to the registration process in the country. There is very little trust of the government in Uruguay and some worry that the government database for legal cannabis users could be used against them later if a different administration comes into power and changes the laws. Interestingly, the majority of Uruguay’s population is not in favor of marijuana.\n\n### Czech Republic\n\nThe Czech Republic legalized medicinal marijuana in 2013, but the country has struggled to provide a consistent and quality source of medication to their patients. It is still notoriously hard to access cannabis even after you have received the proper credentials to obtain medical marijuana. Many hope that the Czech Republic alleviates some of their issues in the coming year as they create a more established industry. \n\nRELATED: [CANADA'S CASE FOR LEGALIZATION](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/576ead4d16f3ba0007000174/canadian-prime-ministers-case-for-marijuana-legalization)\n\n### Ecuador\n\nEcuador is trying to change the image of drugs within their country. A long time victim of drug related gangs and the consequential War on Drugs, Ecuador has recently loosened their legal repercussions to cannabis. Though they have not technically legalized cannabis in any way, they have chosen to make it legal to have small amounts of marijuana. This has come on the tail of a widespread effort to pardon many non-violent drug offenders in the country. Many people believe Ecuador may soon follow in the footsteps of Uruguay and move towards full legalization of cannabis. \n\n### Canada\n\nOur neighbor to the north has often been quite friendly to medical cannabis, but they have yet to recreationally legalize cannabis in any provinces. Medical marijuana is widely available and is seen as respected medication. Patients are reimbursed by the government for visits to the cannabis doctor and there is government oversight for medicinal marijuana production and distribution. They have also decreased marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance, a move that the Untied States failed to make in the last year. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588f897cd5e9e1000c153b31/embedded_images/588f8b44c660b1000cff8542/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_10.49.48_AM.png) \n\n### Spain\n\nSpain is an interesting case in the world of marijuana. From walking down the streets of Barcelona, you would largely believe that marijuana is legal, but it is not. Amsterdam style “coffee shops” line the streets and they are quite popular, but technically they are still illegal. Marijuana has been decriminalized in Spain and it is widely accepted, leading many people to believe that it will soon be recreationally legalized. \n\n### Portugal\n\nCannabis is not legal in Portugal, but it is not illegal either. Portugal decriminalized all drug possession in 2001 and since, they have served as an experiment into the world of complete personal determination when it comes to drug use. Portugal is clear to point out that the medical marijuana industry in the country is completely distinct from the grey recreational industry that exists in a country with complete drug decriminalization.\n\n### Netherlands\n\nAmsterdam has built a reputation on its “coffee shops” that dish out made to order joints and famous “moon cake” edibles. In the rest of the country, however, recreational cannabis is not legal, however medicinal consumption is. This has created an interesting dichotomy in a county with a city famous for its cannabis tourism. Laws regarding cannabis have actually gotten harsher in recent years, making cannabis more difficult to access.\n\n### Germany\n\nGermany is one of the newest countries to approve medical marijuana within their borders. The move was unanimously voted in and will take effect in March of 2017. Much like medical marijuana within the Untied States, patients will have to be approved by a doctor using a list of qualifying conditions, or based on a physician’s opinion. Germany is increasingly becoming a world leader on cannabis and as well as other global issues, especially within the European Union, making it a pronounced example for other countries across the world. \n\n### A Snapshot of What's to Come\n\nThese eight countries only provide a snapshot of what is happening in cannabis industries all across the world. Eight other countries and territories across the world have also legalized cannabis recreationally, each with different rules and regulations governing what qualities a patient for medical marijuana must have in order to be eligible. Those countries are Australia, Chile, Puerto Rico, Israel, Macedonia, Croatia, Colombia, and Poland. \n\nThe tide has turned in favor of legalization all across the world and it is likely that that trend with continue to spread. Marijuana is also being widely decriminalized even when it is not being legalized. Continued research from all across the world will provide increasingly more countries with the motivation to legalize marijuana due to its widespread effectiveness as a medication. \n\n_____________________________________________________________________\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 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/14b42/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.jpg","srcSet":"/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/f836f/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.jpg 200w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/2244e/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.jpg 400w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/14b42/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.jpg 800w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/47498/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.jpg 1200w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/54ac5/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/58556/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/61e93/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.webp 200w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/1f5c5/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.webp 400w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/58556/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.webp 800w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/99238/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.webp 1200w,\n/static/19cbfd4a226e46e8dee58413d6ec9ea3/5e0b8/f1c222e2dbbc014c7e57d7c99266a549.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2353-markdown","title":"Attorney General Confirmation: Sessions Talks About Cannabis","slug":"attorney-general-confirmation-sessions-talks-about-cannabis","content":"### Confirmation Hearings Begin\r\n\r\nAs the new Attorney General goes through his confirmation hearings, we are reminded about the profound effect Senator Jeff Session’s nomination could have on the cannabis industry. His past positions on both medical and recreational cannabis are troubling to most in the business of legal pot. Well over 50% of the US now supports legalized cannabis and most states have cannabis legislature in place, yet, we are now faced with an incoming attorney general who joked in 1986 that the Ku Klux Klan was, “OK, until he learned that they smoked marijuana.” Of course, opinions change with time and these hearings are our first glimpse into the mind of Sessions and the direction he may take with his new position. \r\n\r\nThis week, Senator Mike Lee of Utah was first in questioning Sessions about his stance on the cannabis industry. Senator Lee probed sessions on his stances around whether there is a concern about the current approach the US government is taking with medical cannabis, specifically, how the state’s laws directly conflict with federal laws. “It’s not so much the Attorney General’s job to decide which laws to enforce, we should do our job and enforce laws as effectively as we are able.” \r\n\r\n### Hardline Stance on Pot\r\n\r\nFrom this statement alone, Sessions could appear to reiterate his hardline stance on cannabis, however, the senator went on to imply to Senator Leahy, that a “problem of resources,” may focus the new Attorney General’s attention away from legal cannabis. Session’s also commented that if “[Prohibition] is not desired any longer, then Congress should pass a law to change the rule.” \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\nThis is good news from a man who openly stated that, “Good people don’t smoke marijuana.” After the hearing, several of the “bad people” that do smoke marijuana spoke out in regards to Senator Session’s statements. The differing opinions oscillated from gloomy storm clouds to subdued silver linings. \r\n\r\n### What Industry Insider's Think\r\n\r\nWithin the storm clouds we find NORML’s Executive Director Erik Altieri, who said that, “[Session’s] comments are a cause for concern and can be interpreted as leaving the door open for enforcing federal law in legalized states.” \r\n\r\nRELATED: [AN OPEN LETTER TO JEFF SESSIONS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/an-open-letter-to-jeff-sessions)\r\n\r\nSimilarly, Mike Liszewski, the ASA’s Director of Government Affairs, announced, “The vague answers given by Senator Jeff Sessions during today’s Attorney General confirmation hearing provided little comfort for the 2 million American patients who rely on state-run medical cannabis programs to provide them with physician-recommended medicine. \r\n\r\nDrug Policy Alliance’s Executive Director, Ethan Nadleman took a milder approach by tweeting, “#Sessions declines to take a hard line on #marijuana during hearing, but his stance still differs from Trump's.” \r\n\r\nNCIA’s Executive Director Aaron Smith seemed to be more optimistic about the influence of Donald Trump’s opinions on the new Attorney General saying that, “President-elect Trump and his team, should lead Sen. Sessions to maintain the current federal policy of respect for state-legal, regulated cannabis programs if he is confirmed as Attorney General.”\r\n\r\nFinally, the Marijuana Policy Project’s Director of Federal Policies, Robert Capecchi, expressed, “It is notable that Sen. Sessions chose not to commit to vigorously enforcing federal prohibition laws in states that have reformed their marijuana laws. He also recognized that enforcing federal marijuana laws would be dependent upon the availability of resources, the scarcity of which poses a problem. He was given the opportunity to take an extreme prohibitionist approach and he passed on it.”\r\n\r\nIt appears the industry has yet to reach a consensus on the sessions hearings so far, providing us only a lukewarm idea of what is to come. However, a common thread exists within each of these statements. Senator Sessions expressed a mitigated version of the drug war dinosaur picture that many have been painting thus far. He gave us no clear answers about the real future of cannabis, whether or not the DEA still reserves the right to bust down our doors. Yet, he gave us two clear indications that cannabis could be left to its on its own in the coming administration. \r\n\r\n### Where Do We Go From Here?\r\n\r\nI find it comforting that he felt the need to state that Congress was free to change the laws on cannabis prohibition, suggesting that the will of the people should be the overarching force governing the US and not his own anti-cannabis motives. I also find it hopeful that Senator Sessions pointed to the limited resources of the federal government as a limiting factor to his potential persecution of cannabis, implying that there may be larger things to focus on that just medical cannabis. \r\n\r\nThis, in combination with Trump’s support of, at least, medical cannabis, has me optimistic that there is some room to grow in the minds of our new political establishment. Still, many still see Sessions as the largest threat to medical cannabis in the USA today and he should be watched closely. As long as he is in the office of the Attorney General, make no mistake, the future of legal cannabis is uncertain at best.\r\n\r\nI understand many have a different opinion about these hearings, so I invite you to [watch a clip I separated on C-Span of Sessions with Senator Mike Lee]( https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4645009/sessions-cannabis). It is one thing to read the headline’s, but I also think it is important to watch the hearing yourself. I know it’s C-Span, but it’s only two minutes!\r\n\r\n_______________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/ee604/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.png","srcSet":"/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/69585/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.png 200w,\n/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/497c6/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.png 400w,\n/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/ee604/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.png 800w,\n/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/cc568/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.png 894w","srcWebp":"/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/58556/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/61e93/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.webp 200w,\n/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/1f5c5/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.webp 400w,\n/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/58556/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.webp 800w,\n/static/94f2333c9b551ebf0e096b7697e55092/0d68b/40cab3194166acdf4ed23d29b42418ad.webp 894w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2424-markdown","title":"Top 10 Cannabis Trends for 2017","slug":"top-10-cannabis-trends-for-2017","content":"### 1. Artisanal Products\n\nSmall batch, artisan products have gained traction in the world of craft-beer, so why not the world of cannabis? More cannabis companies are beginning to embrace a farm-to-table approach to curating unique and specialized marijuana products. Small, artisanal producers have gained popularity in some of cannabis’ biggest markets, like California, and their popularity is projected to continue to grow.\n\nFlow Kana, a company out of California’s Mendocino Valley, focuses on sustainable, boutique cannabis strains that are grown in small batches. Flow Kana has relationships with small family farmers that allow them to access high-quality outdoor grown cannabis that is up to their high standards. Flow Kana fits a niche in the cannabis industry, providing specialized strains to dispensaries all across California. \n\nHerba Buena, another artisanal cannabis producer, is known for their specially curated tinctures and products that bring craft-style to functional medicinal cannabis. Herba Buena embraces its Napa location through a winery-like approach to producing unique, sun grown cannabis products. Herba Buena uses organic and biodynamic cannabis when crafting their products. They even embrace wine-like tastings that expose people to the wonders of different cannabis products and strains through the guidance of “sensameliers”. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756f01e4f694000c3eb6ea/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.31.41_PM.png) \n\nBloom Farms is another medical marijuana company that works with small family farmers in California. They extract their cannabis oil products without any solvents, leaving their products residue free. Lab testing is integral product production and release for both potency and purity, providing patients with small batch, clean products. Bloom Farms is also committed to bettering the world in which they conduct business by being a part of a 1 for 1 program. For every purchase from Bloom Farms, they will donate one meal to someone in need.\n\n### 2. The Industry is Getting Professional\n\nThe cannabis industry is moving out of a grey zone and into the mainstream. Overwhelming nationwide support means that cannabis no longer needs to hide in the shadows. According to the latest Gallup Poll, 87% of Americans support medical cannabis and 60% support recreational cannabis. \n\nSilicon Valley executives are now leaving their tech jobs to join the rapidly growing industry. Mark Williams and Sasha Robinson, the founders of Firefly Vaporizers, both left tech jobs in the Silicon Valley to create one of the most high end vaporizers on the market. This is a trend we expect to see continue, especially as the industry expands into new markets. It is no surprise, however, because the industry is expected to accelerate to a projected $25 billion in the coming years. \n\n### 3. Big Pharma & Synthetic Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoids are continuing to gain traction as viable medicinal products, particularly in the wake of the opioid epidemic sweeping the country.  As more people are becoming addicted to legal opioids, there is a constant search for pain relieving alternatives without the highly addictive qualities of opioids. There are a few synthetic cannabinoids currently on the market, mostly targeted towards patients with conditions like cancer. Synthetic cannabinoids, however, are becoming more attractive to people, especially after the DEA’s recent clarification that even hemp based cannabinoids are considered a Schedule 1 substance. Fear over possible legal repercussions will cause people to seek out synthetics, pushing the industry to expand. \n\n### 4. Sports Will Green Light Marijuana Use\n\nMany athletes have become advocates for marijuana use to help recover from sports related chronic pain and injuries. From UFC fighters like Ronda Rousey to football players like Ricky Williams, professional athletes have become advocates for stopping marijuana testing and allowing players to use cannabis as a medication. Rousey made comments at a press conference after the suspension of MMA fighter Nick Diaz for marijuana use, saying that marijuana is not a performance enhancing drug and it is only tested for political reasons. Williams, who also experienced a series of suspensions and repercussions from his cannabis use while in the NFL, has now become an advocate for marijuana use in the world of professional sports. The former Heisman Trophy winner and All-American has even founded a cannabis-friendly gym that allows people to incorporate cannabis into their workout regime. \n\nRousey and Williams are just two of the many athletes calling for a change. All major sports leagues in the United States, except for the NHL, ban the use of marijuana by their players, but they allow for the use of harmful substances like opioids. The opioid epidemic is one of the many reasons some players are hoping that marijuana will become allowed for players in states where it is medically legal. Many athletes, who often get injured due to the nature of their job, find themselves being prescribed opioids for everything from invasive surgeries to shoulder pain. Many players think that marijuana is the most viable alternative to addictive opioids and that if they live in states that approve of medical marijuana, they should be able to access it as a medication without repercussions.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756d28772f3e0008ef0ed0/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.23.16_PM.png)\n\n### 5. Luxury Cannabis Products\n\nLuxury cannabis products that give cannabis users an experience, rather than just a dose of marijuana, are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. Madame Munchie is a company that makes traditional macarons complete with a 20 mg dose of THC. The gourmet french pastries have won a variety of awards, including San Fransisco patients’ choice, High Times best edible, and HempCon’s best desert. The variety of flavors, including Hazelnut Mocha and Grilled PB+J, are made to be savored and enjoyed in one sitting. Unlike the high dosage of some cannabis edibles, Madame Munchie makes their products to be enjoyed completely rather than being split apart to be consumed. \n\nDéfoncé Chocolates makes luxury chocolate bars that happen to be medicated with high quality cannabis. Défoncé is a company run by two chocolatiers who have used their chocolate making skills to craft chocolate bars infused with single-origin, sun grown cannabis. The chocolate bars come in almost every flavor imaginable including vanilla, matcha, milk, coffee, mint, dark, hazelnut, and extra dark. Each bar comes with 180mg of THC. \n\nKikoko Teas, which are currently only available for pre-order, are specialized cannabis teas in a variety of flavors, each one with a different purpose. The teas were created by two incredibly accomplished women who designed their teas as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical medications. The teas come in four different flavors: positivi-tea (for mood enhancement), sensuali-tea (for libido), sympa-tea (for pain), and tranquili-tea (for sleep). Kikoko Teas is also a company with a cause, donating 5% of their profits to providing cannabis medication to children with seizure disorders.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### 6. Microdosing-Friendly Products\n\nMicrodosing is a great way to achieve many of the benefits of medicinal cannabis without the high that marijuana is known for. Microdosing can help people manage their symptoms throughout the day without any unwanted side effects. Microdosing friendly products are now becoming more popular as more people begin to embrace the low dose practice. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756e1d772f3e000cd4074f/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.26.35_PM.png)\n \nKiva Confections, who is well known for their product that are great for microdosing, has come out with a line of mints. Each Petra mint has 2.5mg of THC and they come in two different flavors, Moroccan Mint and Eucalyptus. Both flavors of mints are infused with matcha and are sugar free, making them a great choice for micro dosing on the go without an increased sugar intake. \n\nSatori chocolate bites are also giving patients the ability to deliciously dose small amounts of cannabis throughout the day. Satori chocolate bites come in a variety of different flavors and different doses. Satori’s coffee beans in dark chocolate and high bush blueberries in milk chocolate each have 2 mg of THC per piece, while their raisins in organic milk chocolate come in at 1 mg per piece. They also have wild strawberries in organic milk chocolate that have 3 mg of THC per piece. Their dark chocolate products are made with Fino de Aroma, some of the most sought after cocoa beans in the world, while their milk chocolate is sourced from THCO, an award winning and sustainable chocolate company. Satori infuses their products with sun grown cannabis oil that is created by AbsoluteXtracts. \n\nCannaAthlete, is a new brand to the market and is backed by two industry veterans Jim McAlpine of 420 Games and Seibo Shen of VapeExhale. Deep ties into the athletic community led them to the development of their micro dose product called Activation Spray which may be self titrated at 1mg a spray. They seek to elevate rather than obliterate.\n\n### 7. Cannabis Tastings\n\nCannabis tastings are becoming more popular as more states are legalizing both medical and recreational cannabis. Cannabis tastings are associated with the artisan cannabis movement. People are beginning paying attention to the quality and intricacies of different cannabis products. Herba Buena’s social club is a member only group that organizes wine-like cannabis tastings. The cannabis tastings are very educational and they provide patients with explanations of different products available and what their purpose is.\n\nHerba Buena’s social club currently requires a membership and a medical marijuana card, but the world of cannabis tasting is soon to expand to a wider clientele in California since the recreational marijuana legalization bill passed in the most recent voting cycle. Cannabis tastings have become popular in Colorado, where cannabis is often paired with food and wine for a fully immersive experience. Pairing cannabis strains with meals, much like wine, is the cutting edge of the recreational marijuana industry. Colorado is planning to increasingly capitalize on this trend too, as Denver recently legalized Amsterdam style cannabis cafes. \n\n### 8. Intriguing and Interesting Product Design\n\nMany of the products in the cannabis industry were built with utility in mind, but tides are turning as style is becoming increasingly incorporated into a variety of products. The recent swing towards design focused products include the sleek and practical Hmbldt vaporizer pen that was named one of the 25 best inventions of 2016 by Time magazine. The modern and minimalist styled vape pen dispenses a specified dose of cannabis oil, specifically with a medical necessity in mind. The pens include relief, sleep, bliss, and calm, each made to target a specific symptom or medical condition. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756e20772f3e000cd40750/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.27.29_PM.png)\n \nThe world of marijuana glassware is getting an update as well. Jane West, a leading cannabis activist and founder of Women Grow, has recently raised $1 million in capital for a new [glassware](https://cannabisnow.com/jane-west-raises-1m-capital-launches-modern-glassware-collection/) collection. West has collaborated with Grav Labs, an Austin based company that is known for their production of high quality glassware, on the venture. The collection includes 5 glass pieces so far, each in a stunning cobalt blue color with unique shapes curated with ergonomics in mind. \n\n### 9. More Marijuana on TV\n\nAside from cannabis guest starring more often on television shows as a casual or medicinal product, rather than a taboo, marijuana based television shows are starting to go more mainstream. High Maintenance, which started as a web series before making it to the small screen, follows the life of an unnamed pot delivery man. MTV’s new show “Mary + Jane” stars two women as “pot-reprenuers” who created a cannabis delivery app and follows their life in the industry. Sony Pictures recently booked John Malkovich to star in a new drama called “Humboldt”, which is about the marijuana industry that has flourished in the town. Even Netflix has jumped on the cannabis train, recently ordering a new series for 2017 called “Disjointed” starring Kathy Bates. \n\n### 10. Athleticism and Cannabis\n\nCannabis has gained traction in the athletic world, not only as a way to recovery after injuries, but also as a way to enhance athletic prowess. One Colorado triathlete and gym owner, who was interviewed by Men’s Journal, claimed that he trains with better form and focus when he enters a controlled meditative state caused by marijuana edibles. \n\nAn Outside Magazine [correspondent](http://www.businessinsider.com/how-marijuana-affects-working-out-2015-1), named Gordy Megroz, also got interested in cannabis’s relationship with sport through many of his friends who claimed it helped their skiing performance. Megroz conducted a series of test that compared his performance when he had taken cannabis and when he had not. In a series of tests he conducted on a treadmill, which was set at 5 mph with a 2.5% increase in incline every two minutes, he found that he could consistently last 30 seconds longer when he had consumed cannabis. \n\nMany pro-athletes who advocate for cannabis also thinks it helps their performance by assisting them in recovery and getting them back on the field faster than traditional pharmaceuticals, especially when they are rehabbing from injuries. Cannabis and athleticism is an topic which will be explored more in the coming year as more people have access to cannabis as a medical and recreational product.\n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3245033112582782,"src":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/14b42/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/f836f/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/2244e/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 400w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/14b42/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 800w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/47498/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/92af3/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 1359w","srcWebp":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/58556/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/61e93/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/1f5c5/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 400w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/58556/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 800w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/99238/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 1200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/52030/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 1359w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2261-markdown","title":"Microdosing: The Big New Trend","slug":"microdosing-the-big-new-trend","content":"### Microdosing Product Reviews\n\nI love to microdose cannabis! In a series of upcoming blog posts I will review several new microdosed products that have recently come to the California marketplace, all of which are under 3mg a dose. The products I have selected for review are [Satori Edibles](https://hellomd.com/products/586593fb159af1000c6d05fc/) by CannaCraft, [PetraMints](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-edibles/petra-mints-moroccan-mint) by Kiva Confections, and Activation Spray by CannaAthlete. In the coming month I look forward to sharing my experiences with you and I hope you will share your microdosing experiences with me as well. If you are new to microdosing I encourage you to read on.\n\n### What's Microdosing?\n\nWhen people think of consuming cannabis, they often will think of the psychoactive high associated with THC. In cannabis lingo this is usually referred to as recreational consumption. On the flip side of this is the medical consumer. This type of consumer may or may not seek the psychoactive component, but mostly seeks therapeutic benefit for whatever condition may be ailing them. In theory, medical consumers will intake the smallest necessary dose, psychotropic or not, to create the desired therapeutic effect. This is where microdosing comes into play, but it is also not strictly constrained to medical consumption as microdosing can have several positive mood enhancing benefits, among other things. \n\nRELATED: [MICRODOSING: CANNATHLETE'S ACTIVATION SPRAY](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/5895242981441900084c2b02/microdosing-cannaathletes-activation-spray-product-review)\n\nMicrodosing refers to the practice of ingesting small amounts of cannabis to create a specific effect. For a medical consumer this may be self titrating a small amount throughout the day to treat a condition without feeling the effect of being high. For someone not seeking to treat a specific condition, microdosing may be utilized to create a sense of well being, reduce anxiety, focus attention or uplift the spirits on a dreary day. Whatever the motivation may be, microdosing is not about achieving a stereotypical high. For me, [microdosing not only stopped my chronic migraines and fibromyalgia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain), it has increased my sense of overall wellbeing. And I’m not the only one.\n\n### Microdosing is Trending\n\n[Recent studies have indicated](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566631/) that microdosing may have a more positive effect than macrodosing. This is in large part due to what is called the biphasic effect. Essentially this means that there is a difference between low dosing and high dosing; a substance at a certain point will induce a positive experience but past that point it may turn into a negative experience or a ‘downer’ when too much of a product is consumed. The biphasic effect is often referred to with both alcohol and cannabis. With cannabis microdosing, the aim is to always stay within the positive realm of experience.\n\nMicro dosed products will be one of the biggest trends you will see in cannabis for 2017. Why? People are catching on to the fact that not everyone who enters a dispensary is seeking to get blown out of their mind. In today’s typical dispensary, it is not unusual to see THC percentage levels being anywhere between 60%-99% in a large selection of products. As new consumers have come to the market, there is a new demand for smaller amounts of THC, which create smaller albeit noticeable effects. This has fortunately led to the emergence of the microdosing trend as well as new product development. \n\nPersonally, this makes me very happy as microdosing to date has been largely left up to the consumer. A responsible bud tender may suggest to a new consumer to down-dose products with high levels of THC. For instance a chocolate bar may have 150 mg of THC. In order to microdose that chocolate the consumer would need to cut a small piece off and guess that he or she is taking anywhere from 5-10mg. This is not an exact science and can lead to a bad experience.\n\nRELATED: [MICRODOSING: SATORI CHOCOLATES REVIEW](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/58797273eb7401000b5ac214/microdosing-cannabis-satori-chocolate-edibles-review)\n\n### New Microdose Products Hit the Market\n\nFor the better part of two years I have been microdosing marijuana successfully. It has helped me as a medical patient but in addition I have also noticed the positive mood enhancement benefits. Microdosing also allows me to stay active both physically and mentally. For these reasons I have been a huge proponent of more microdosed products to be placed within the marketplace. New products will not only address a big gap but also will entice new consumers to give cannabis a try, especially those who are more fearful  due to a past experience or from stories they have heard. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/14b42/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/f836f/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/2244e/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 400w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/14b42/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 800w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/47498/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/54ac5/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/58556/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/61e93/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/1f5c5/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 400w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/58556/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 800w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/99238/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 1200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/5e0b8/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2379-markdown","title":"New DEA Ruling on Hemp & Marijuana Extracts","slug":"new-dea-ruling-on-hemp-and-marijuana-extracts","content":"### DEA Creates a New Regulatory Code\r\n\r\nThe DEA just released a three page report outlining the newest controlled substances code created for “marihuana extracts”, even using outdated spelling from the Reefer Madness era. This code regulates extracts, whether made from marijuana or hemp, separately then traditional cannabis plants and products. The code allows for cannabis extracts to be tracked and recorded separately than cannabis flowers, but technically does not change anything about the way they are represented or regulated. Marijuana extracts are still viewed as a Schedule I substance by the DEA, no matter if the extract is made from hemp or cannabis. This is a big deal as hemp based products, such as CBD extracts, are regularly sold across state lines on platforms such as Amazon.com.\r\n\r\nThere is a lot of confusion in relation to the recent report because many people do not understand if the regulation of extracts has been changed with the new code. This process of giving extracts a unique code, however, was first initiated in 2011. According to Russ Baer, a DEA spokesman, this recent move by the DEA is mostly administrative, allowing them to have a better handle on what is going on. It does not reflect any changes in DEA policy or how cannabis will be regulated going forward. Much of the confusion surrounding this recent news has come in anticipation of how the industry may change with the incoming Trump administration in January. The DEA completely denies any connection to the administration change and says it is simply assigning the new code to a particular category of cannabis products. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [OPEN LETTER TO JEFF SESSIONS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/an-open-letter-to-jeff-sessions)\r\n\r\n### CBD Hemp Extracts\r\n\r\nCBD cannabis extracts have always been a grey area in the cannabis world because some are derived form hemp rather than marijuana. Hemp based CBD products are technically covered under this code, meaning that hemp CBD products fall under the category of a Schedule I substance. The DEA did make it clear, however, that this does not really change anything with how they plan on regulating cannabis extracts in states that have internally legalized marijuana, medically or recreationally. \r\n\r\nThe DEA claims it is working towards better understanding of the cannabis industry and how cannabinoids from marijuana could possibly have medicinal benefits. Baer, the [DEA spokesman even said](http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/12/15/dea-cbd-new-rule-marijuana-extracts/69550/), “(The rule change) recognizes that there is a potential medical benefit to some of the cannabinoids.” Though the DEA has put a positive spin on the issue, the marijuana industry as whole is still very skeptical of the move. Some worry it is a power move by the DEA as they attempt to control and regulate all cannabinoids, rather than just marijuana products. The new requirements on cannabis extracts does have the ability to criminalize certain people, like those transporting completely non-psychoactive CBD products. \r\n\r\n### DEA to Focus more on Opioids?\r\n\r\nThe DEA has reiterated, however, that it is focusing its efforts on major problems like the opioid epidemic, rather than targeting people based on small marijuana infractions. When the DEA chose to maintain marijuana’s status as a Schedule I substance, Baer made it clear that innocent cannabis use was not their first priority, “The nation is in the throes of an opioid epidemic, and it is there — not cracking down on offenses such as a mother transporting CBD oil for her daughter across state lines to Nebraska — where the DEA needs to allocate its resources”. \r\n\r\nAs of January 13 of 2017 all extracts with cannabinoids present will be [tracked by the new code](http://www.krcrtv.com/north-coast-news/dea-finalizes-new-cannbis-extract-laws-gives-hard-deadline-of-30-days/211798577) of 7350 and will not be allowed to cross state lines. There have also been indications that there will be a new licensure for people who produce and handle marijuana extracts, since it is now seen as a separate substance than cannabis, but that remains to be seen. As of now, the DEA maintains that there has been no changes to their policy other than an administrative clarification that allows for easier internal tracking of cannabis extracts within the country. \r\n\r\n________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/14b42/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/f836f/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.jpg 200w,\n/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/2244e/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.jpg 400w,\n/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/14b42/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.jpg 800w,\n/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/cf18d/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.jpg 1186w","srcWebp":"/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/58556/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/61e93/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.webp 200w,\n/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/1f5c5/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.webp 400w,\n/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/58556/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.webp 800w,\n/static/9d2c40d424973cce3047ce6cfe670a04/a1ac9/bf2aa9ae04ed7a3a49ff2e62edeeee38.webp 1186w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2354-markdown","title":"Teen Marijuana Use Decreases Post Legalization","slug":"teen-marijuana-use-decreases-post-legalization","content":"### Teens Are Using Less Marijuana\r\n\r\nRecent data from the [2016 Monitoring the Future survey](http://www.usnews.com/news/data-mine/articles/2016-12-13/marijuana-is-harder-than-ever-for-younger-teens-to-find) found that 8th and 10th graders gave the lowest ever indication that marijuana was easy to get a hold of. The question of ease of marijuana access has been asked in the survey since 1992, and surprisingly 8th and 10th grade respondents had the lowest levels of accessibility to cannabis in 2016 of all of the years the question has been asked. \r\n\r\nAlthough the percentage point differences were not staggering, they were overall lower than in year’s past. 34.6% of 8th graders said that it would be easy to get marijuana, which is a 2.4% drop since 2015. 64% of 10th graders said that marijuana would be easy to get, a very slight drop since the previous year. 12th graders, however, did report an increase in ease of accessibility of marijuana, but it was not a statistically significant increase from 2015 when they reported the lowest ever rates of easy access. \r\n\r\nThese [surveys](https://news.vice.com/story/teen-drug-use-is-declining-as-more-states-legalize-marijuana) run contrary to the fears of anti-marijuana crusaders who claimed that marijuana legalization would lead to more access for underaged people. Marijuana use is down as well among teens as it dropped or stayed steady in all groups that were surveyed. 5.4% of 8th graders reported using marijuana in the past month, down from 6.5% in 2015. The number of 8th graders who reported smoking marijuana daily was also down 0.4% between 2016 and 2015. The number of 12th graders who smoked marijuana in the past month and daily remained stable from 2015 to 2016, which maintains the numbers at the lowest in the last two decades. \r\n\r\n### Legalization Leads to Less Underage Consumption\r\n\r\nIt appears that legalization, education, and regulation of marijuana seems to be better at quelling underaged use compared to complete prohibition of marijuana. Though there is a debate on whether less access and use is directly tied to legalization, legalization has still not caused an increase in either category. Some people believe that anti-smoking sentiments of the current teens could be more related to the decrease in marijuana consumption because they report less smoking of cigarettes, as well. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW TO TALK TO YOUR TEEN ABOUT CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-cannabis)\r\n\r\nOne explanation from the Netherlands for decreased teen marijuana use after legalization was the lessening of a desire to smoke cannabis when it is no longer an illegal substance. When cannabis is no longer a rebellious activity, it is no longer an exciting choice for teens who desired to do something out of the ordinary. The Netherlands, and particularly Amsterdam, is known for its marijuana, but it is not widely used by the population there who are underaged or of legal age. \r\n\r\n### Teen Drug Use Declines Overall\r\n\r\nIn [2009](http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Netherlands_v_US#sthash.igUPAJb0.dpbs), 15.8% less people in the Netherlands had consumed marijuana in their life compared to the United States, despite its legal status. No matter the cause, however, it is important to recognize that teen usage of cannabis is dropping as the country’s population is consistently voting in favor of marijuana legalization.\r\n\r\nAll of this nationwide information is consistent with the declined use of marijuana by teens in Colorado following recreational legalization in the state. Colorado has a lower than average use of cannabis by teens and in 2015 the number of teens who used cannabis in the last month had decreased even though the marijuana industry in the state continued to expand. Teen drug use is declining overall and alcohol and tobacco use are at their lowest since the 1990s, as well. \r\n\r\nThe recent Monitoring the Future data about teen access to marijuana and teen marijuana usage shows that concerns about teens and marijuana legalization are unfounded and, if anything, there is a positive correlation between the two. The War on Drugs advocates should no longer continue to deny the positive downward trends we are seeing in underaged drug usage during the widespread medical and recreational legalization of cannabis in the United States. \r\n\r\n________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/14b42/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/f836f/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.jpg 200w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/2244e/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.jpg 400w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/14b42/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.jpg 800w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/47498/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/54ac5/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/58556/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/61e93/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.webp 200w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/1f5c5/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.webp 400w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/58556/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.webp 800w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/99238/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.webp 1200w,\n/static/9fbe98b8ddfba36e9083b7e3d8b8bba7/5e0b8/291041ea6de5548d535b135c52d56b55.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2323-markdown","title":"The Trump Administration & Marijuana ","slug":"the-trump-administration-and-marijuana","content":"### The Future of Marijuana in the US\n\nI am one of the 65 million United States citizens that live in states that have legalized marijuana in some form. Currently, half of all Americans have access to medical marijuana and almost all of the others have access to non-pyschoactive CBD forms of cannabis. Only six states have not legalized marijuana in any form. This follows the tide of pro-marijuana sentiment that has swept across the United States in recent years.\n\nIf you are someone involved in the marijuana industry, either as a patient, a grower, or a producer, you have probably experienced a certain level of fear following the most recent presidential election. I too have found myself often contemplating the future of the industry that has dramatically increased the quality of life for so many people, decreased the need for harsh and addictive pharmaceuticals, and provided a plethora of new jobs in states that have legalized marijuana. \n\nThe marijuana industry has flourished under the Obama administration and has been able to provide help to many people who needed it desperately. So much progress has been made that has changed the image of marijuana, which was once labeled as a dangerous gateway drug (which has since been disproven). With widespread support of the American population, cannabis has rightfully found its place as a beneficial and applicable medication in the United States. Yet, there is a chance that this widespread access could change and people may no longer be able to access their much needed medication, if the new administration so chooses.\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IS IN JEOPARDY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/583dbdca3a73fb0008647e42/marijuana-legalization-is-in-jeopardy)\n\n### President Obama’s Position\n\nPresident Obama recently reaffirmed his position on marijuana in his interview with [Rolling Stone magazine](http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a51145/obama-weed/?dom=fb_thril&src=social&mag=esq) by saying, “I do believe that treating [marijuana] as a public-health issue, the same way we do with cigarettes or alcohol, is a much smarter way to deal with it.” \n\nHe stressed in his interview, however, that cannabis related issues are not decided by the President but by laws and DEA policy. He expressed that the DEA might not always be on the “cutting edge” about marijuana related issues. This is consistent with President Obama’s previous remarks about how he believes that cannabis is less dangerous than alcohol for personal consumption. President Obama and his administration put the Cole memo in place to established a non-interference policy with marijuana in states where it has been legalized, allowing for the industry to expand un-impeded by marijuana’s title as a Schedule I substance. \n\n### The Trump Effect\n\nOur current President Elect, Donald Trump, does not have a record for being against the use of marijuana, specifically medical marijuana. Long before his time a politician, Trump expressed concerns about the War on Drugs because of the amount of money it has wasted and the amount of money it brought to drug cartels. Recently though, he has expressed trepidation about recreational marijuana, though he has stayed completely in support of medical marijuana. Many members who are beginning to be added to Trumps cabinet, however, have harsh anti-marijuana records that concern me greatly. \n\nJeff Sessions, Trump’s current nominee for Attorney General, is one of the most outspoken supporters of the War on Drugs in the United States congress. [He has referred](http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/12/jeff-sessions-coming-war-on-legal-marijuana-214501?utm_medium=email&utm_source=flipboard) to marijuana reform as a “tragic mistake” and thinks there has been widespread disturbances in states where it was legalized. \n\nSenator Sessions words completely disregard all of the obvious medicinal value of cannabis and instead promotes the use of a draconian drug policy. He has criticized Attorney Generals Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch, as well as Obama, for being soft on marijuana and allowing state legalization to occur under their watch. As someone involved in the industry, it is hard to watch someone who clearly knows nothing about the potential benefits of cannabis, say that marijuana has not helped thousands if not millions of people. Cannabis can prevent suffering from a plethora of conditions and is replacing extremely addictive and deadly drugs like opioids. \n\n### Reversal of Cannabis Protection\n\nIf Jeff Sessions is approved as Attorney General, he has the ability to reverse the years of progress in support of marijuana through just one signature. Sessions has the ability to revoke the Cole memo that essentially protects citizens in legal states. Reversing the memo would immediately allow the DEA to enter states and arrest growers, retailers, and patients at will.  \n\nThe current $6.7 billion industry could be completely wiped out against the favor of the majority of the American population. As Obama said, marijuana policy is far more dictated by people outside of the presidency, so even if Trump does not intend to wipe out the marijuana industry, members of his cabinet like Sessions could drive these decisions. \n\nSome members of Congress believe that Sessions would allow for the continuation of the marijuana industry due to his staunch belief in the protection of states rights. Unfortunately, I believe it is unlikely that an anti-marijuana crusader like Sessions would not take advantage of his position to push his agenda. \n\nUntil we know the stance our new administration will take on the future of cannabis in the United States, it is hard to project what unhindered progress will be made within the industry. The temporary memos side step formal federal laws, so sadly, they can be unraveled just as quickly as they were instated. If this happens, the short term future may be rather bleak. There are a lot of unknowns. My hope is that with 60% of the population in favor of recreational marijuana and 90% of the population in favor of medical, the will of the people will ultimately prevail. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/ee604/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png","srcSet":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/69585/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/497c6/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 400w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/ee604/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 800w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/f3583/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 1200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/4cc43/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 1220w","srcWebp":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/58556/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/61e93/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/1f5c5/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 400w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/58556/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 800w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/99238/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 1200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/5740f/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 1220w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2384-markdown","title":"New York Attempts to Reduce Barriers to Medical Marijuana","slug":"new-york-attempts-to-reduce-barriers-to-medical-marijuana","content":"### Nurses Can Now Recommend Marijuana\n\nAs of November 30th, patients in New York are now able to receive medical marijuana recommendations not only from doctors, but from nurse practitioners as well. Nurse practitioners in New York can now register with the state Health Department to receive a certification in order to recommend medical marijuana to patients. This is a huge and potentially positive development for a state that has put up enormous hurdles for patients to obtain state issued medical recommendations for cannabis. \n\nNurses, just like doctors within NY, will be required to take an approved online course called “Medical Use of Marijuana” and submit their credentials of completion to the Health Department before being allowed to sign off on patient recommendations. The Health Department also started a 45-day comment period on another proposed amendment that would give Physician’s Assistants the ability to give medical marijuana recommendations to patients in addition to nurses. What is interesting in this development is that nurses, not doctors, are often more well informed regarding the efficacy of cannabis with patients.\n\n### An Incomplete Medical Program with Big Hurdles\n\nMedical marijuana has experienced mixed reviews in the state, particularly with patients who believe that the implementation of the medical marijuana program was incomplete, making it incredibly difficult and expensive to obtain marijuana as a medicine. HelloMD talked with a New York dispensary that confirmed that the impediments to doing business mostly centered around the lack of patients. This dispensary was quoted as saying “We have been prepared to do business in a difficult market as we believe the state will eventually ease requirements to getting a medical recommendation.  If this happens it will result in larger patient flow, increase overall business and ideally lower the costs reflected back to the patient.”\n\nOfficials from the New York Department of Health, however, have declared medical marijuana a success in the state. The health commissioner of the state, Dr. Howard Zucker, has expressed that adding nurses, and possibly physicians assistants, to the recommendation process will serve to help improve the program, especially in rural areas where doctors are limited. \n\nThe current program in the state involves roughly 10,500 patients and 740 doctors who have been approved to recommend medical marijuana to patients. The ratio of doctors to patients at about 14:1 isn't nearly as bad as the lack of dispensaries in the state. The state did not even reach its goal of having five dispensaries up and running by the time of medical marijuana roll out in the state. Still to this day, 27% of registered patients and caregivers have to travel one to five hours to reach a dispensary. \n\nRELATED: [WHY DOCTORS IN NEW YORK AREN'T RECOMMENDING MARIJUANA](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/56eb327eed004d0008000011/why-doctors-in-new-york-arent-recommending-marijuana)\n\n### Medicine: Too Costly for Patients\n\nNot only are dispensaries costly to reach for over a quarter of the people enrolled in the program, but the cost of marijuana in the state is extremely expensive. In a survey of people enrolled in the medical cannabis program, 70% of respondents said that their monthly cost for medication would be $300 or more. All of these factors add to New York’s reputation as on of the hardest states to access medical marijuana. Previously, the state has also experienced some major problems within the Department of Health. The Department of Health previously mishandled regulations on how doctors could be certified, leaving many gravely ill patients unable to access medication that could have been truly life changing for them. \n\nAnother major problem was the faulty dispensary roll out, which is an issue that still has not been completely resolved. People having to drive over an hour to get their medication is a major problem that shows incomplete commitment to the program by the state. Medical marijuana should be viewed on the same plane as pharmaceutical medications, so accessing a dispensary should be as easy for patients as accessing a pharmacy. \n\n### Too Few Doctors & Not Enough Education\n\nNew York has also had some problems getting doctors interested in enrolling in the program to recommend medical marijuana. Many doctors in the state are fearful of federal retribution for being involved in the marijuana program because it is still considered a federally illegal substance. Doctors across the country must register with the DEA in order to handle prescription drugs and many are worried that their right to prescribe pharmaceuticals could be revoked if there is backlash against medical marijuana in the future. \n\nMany doctors in the state also feel under educated on cannabis, despite the fact that New York is one of the few states that requires doctors to take a course before being allowed to recommend medical marijuana. Unlike in other states, however, New York physicians are suppose to recommend doses to patients, rather than patients getting dosage information from dispensaries. \n\nMany Doctors who do recommend medical marijuana in the state feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of people interested in medical marijuana for their various conditions. One of the conditions where medical marijuana has the most efficacy, chronic pain, is still not an approved condition in the state, leaving many people who could greatly benefit from cannabis to resort to harsher, and often addictive, pharmaceuticals like opioids. \n\nNew York is starting to turn the tide and potentially change their reputation on medical marijuana by giving patients more access to recommendations through nurses, but these improvements do not take away from the large changes the state still has to make to provide their patients with a consistent and affordable source of medication. The bottom line is that New York needs to keep moving in this direction and quickly. The state must improve overall education for medical providers as well as patients, make a significant effort to help licensed dispensaries to lower overall costs and license more dispensaries for those in more rural areas.\n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBAv/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHXFaEkUf/EABkQAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEwEDEf/aAAgBAQABBQLeRPSQvVvKMXY//8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAxL/2gAIAQMBAT8Byh1xP//EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEv/aAAgBAgEBPwG2Wz//xAAYEAEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARBBcf/aAAgBAQAGPwJtcQx//8QAGhABAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARIVGBMf/aAAgBAQABPyF7wsNUX2dikqX6jmRuw9E//9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABAjP//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAEf/aAAgBAwEBPxDKSu3/xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARH/2gAIAQIBAT8QUxf/xAAdEAEAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMUFhcYHh/9oACAEBAAE/EEpZ6mvc9SnZeRcWGDMKtgl6bKc6U+Q9Cmedcz//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/14b42/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/f836f/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/2244e/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 400w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/14b42/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 800w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/47498/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/54ac5/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/58556/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/61e93/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/1f5c5/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 400w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/58556/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 800w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/99238/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 1200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/5e0b8/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2338-markdown","title":"Marijuana Legalization is in Jeopardy","slug":"marijuana-legalization-is-in-jeopardy","content":"### Sessions: The New Attorney General\n\nJeff Sessions, who was recently recommended for the position of Attorney General under president elect Trump, could be the worst case scenario for the marijuana industry. The senator from Alabama is one of the most outspoken anti-marijuana advocates in the country and he represents a state with some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country. Sessions has spent his whole career speaking out against marijuana and its legalization and, in the position of Attorney General, he may have the power to do something about it. \n\nJeff Sessions has spoken to the Senate many times about his concerns related to marijuana. He has referred to it as “a very real danger” and has expressed concerns about it being legalized in various states. Similarly to gateway theorist Chris Christy, Sessions has called out President Obama for not doing enough to prevent marijuana from being legalized on the state level. \n\n### \"Good People Don't Smoke Marijuana.\"\n\nSessions believes that Obama should have never let legalization happen and has said, “You can’t have the President of the United States of America talking about marijuana … you are sending a message to young people that there is no danger in this process. It is false that marijuana use doesn’t lead people to more drug use. It is already causing a disturbance in the states that have made it legal.”. \n\nSessions has even gone as far as stating, “good people don’t smoke marijuana”. He believes that the American population and many legislators are widely under informed on the dangers of cannabis and that people should be paying much more attention to concerns like drivers who are driving under the influence of cannabis. \n\n### Strengthening a War on Drugs\n\nMarijuana’s “biggest opponent in the Senate” has even come out with a pro-war on drugs stance. Widely contrasting with Trump’s personal sentiment expressed towards the war on drugs, Sessions has said that the war on drugs has made tremendous positive progress since the 80s. Despite many widespread concerns related to the war on drugs, Sessions believes that this outdated crusade should be maintained or, “lives will be impacted, families will be broken up, children will be damaged.”\n\nRELATED: [ON OPEN LETTER TO JEFF SESSIONS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/583219913aebad000c886c17/an-open-letter-to-jeff-sessions)\n\n### Anti-Marijuana Policies?\n\nTrump’s personal opinions on marijuana may appear quite harmless and, in the case of medical marijuana, extremely supportive, but Sessions could serve to add to the anti-marijuana cabinet staff that Trump is starting to build. It is quite possible that Trump’s own personal opinions could be changed by Sessions, who could serve to halt the non-interference policy currently in place in states with legalized marijuana programs. \n\nSessions, if confirmed, could aggressively enforce the current laws in place under the Controlled Substances Act, which would make state marijuana industries completely illegal under federal law. The Cole memos, which currently protect the state run industries, could be quickly revoked if Session is able to gain Trump’s ear on the issue of marijuana. Only time will tell if Session will be confirmed to the position of Attorney General and if he will use his position of power as a platform to fuel his anti-cannabis crusade. \n\n_____________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/14b42/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/f836f/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/2244e/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 400w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/14b42/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 800w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/47498/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/54ac5/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/58556/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/61e93/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/1f5c5/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 400w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/58556/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 800w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/99238/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 1200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/5e0b8/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2239-markdown","title":"Florida Approves Medical Marijuana","slug":"florida-approves-medical-marijuana","content":"### Amendment 2 Passes in Florida\n\nThis past November Florida voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2 which legalizes medical marijuana. The state had previously rejected a similar amendment in 2014, though there currently is existing limited medical marijuana availability in the state. Previous to the most recent Amendment 2, only terminally ill patients were allowed to access THC containing marijuana to help aid with their symptoms. \n\nUnder the recently passed ballot measure, people with a variety of terminal and non-terminal medical conditions will be able to access marijuana as medicine. A variety of medical conditions have been approved for medical marijuana use in the state including: cancer, HIV/Aids, MS, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or any other comparable medical condition. The ability for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to any patients they deem to have comparable conditions to those listed above greatly opens up the population of people who will be able to access and benefit from medical marijuana. \n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION VICTORIES SWEEP ACROSS THE US](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/582b8899821758000c751310/marijuana-legalization-victories-sweep-across-the-us)\n\n### Medical Marijuana Eligibility\n\nIt is estimated that 400,000 - 500,000 people could be eligible for medical marijuana in the state under the new requirements, providing many more people with a medication that could truly help  to relieve their symptoms. Florida provides an interesting dichotomy to traditionally pro-marijuana states because 36.9% of the population of Florida is over 50, an age group that only supports full marijuana legalization at a rate of 35%. Across all age groups, however, there is an 89% approval for medical marijuana, so it can be inferred that more of the over 50 population supports medical marijuana than full scale legalization. Medical marijuana legalization in Florida, however, passed in a landslide of 71%, meaning that it required at least some support from all age groups to be able to pass. Florida is also just one of multiple red states in the recent election that chose to support marijuana legalization in some capacity. \n\n### Framework for Medical Marijuana\n\nFlorida still has a way to go before full scale implementation of its medical marijuana bill is able to take place. The Florida legislature plans to meet in March to begin to discuss the framework of medical marijuana use in the state. Their goal is to complete and pass a law by June, which would allow patients to acquire cards as early as September of 2017. \n\nBetween June and September, infrastructure for medical marijuana in the state will be able to expand and set up. Currently the state has only six marijuana dispensaries, which serve the limited number of people who currently have access to cannabis. Other important factors need to be sorted out, like the relation between medical marijuana patients and their employers. \n\nUnder the recently passed amendment, employers have absolutely no requirements to allow patients with medical marijuana cards to consume cannabis so employers are allowed to maintain zero tolerance policies if they desire without facing backlash for discrimination. Florida’s medical marijuana program has a long way to go, but it bodes well for people in the state to be able to access medication to help ease their suffering. \n\n_____________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/14b42/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/f836f/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.jpg 200w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/2244e/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.jpg 400w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/14b42/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.jpg 800w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/47498/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.jpg 1200w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/54ac5/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/58556/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/61e93/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.webp 200w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/1f5c5/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.webp 400w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/58556/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.webp 800w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/99238/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.webp 1200w,\n/static/86cf796d3b5a5b0fa0d94a3f56063cec/5e0b8/8a1a506446e5e5b184cc240612fd6e03.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2160-markdown","title":"Have We Come Too Far Too Soon?","slug":"have-we-come-too-far-too-soon","content":"I have never been a fan of states getting [too far ahead](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/580e6623b3a976000a79dfa9/why-i-am-voting-no-on-prop-64) of the federal government on drug policy. \n\nYes, I want to push the legalization agenda forward and I believe all drugs (not just cannabis) should be legal. However, we live in a country with both state and federal laws, and federal agencies like the DEA have significant power over citizens everywhere.\n\nWith President Obama in office, and the expectation that President Hillary Clinton would be next, it was frustrating that the feds had not moved the ball forward on cannabis, but not too much of an issue since the states seemed to be doing their part. The [Cole]( https://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/3052013829132756857467.pdf) and [Ogden]( https://www.justice.gov/opa/blog/memorandum-selected-united-state-attorneys-investigations-and-prosecutions-states) memos gave cannabis entrepreneurs some comfort that they at least would not be arrested (assuming they were following all local laws). That said, there were still exceptions to this with people getting [harassed by the DEA]( https://www.newcannabisventures.com/dea-and-local-law-enforcement-raid-care-by-design-cannabis-company/), sometimes seemingly without good cause or reason.\n\nMoreover, it did appear that at least on medical cannabis, there was a growing [sense of acknowledgement]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/08/11/what-congress-is-saying-about-the-deas-refusal-to-change-course-on-pot/) by members of congress, the [medical establishment]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/04/15/more-and-more-doctors-want-to-make-marijuana-legal/) and others of the plant's medicinal benefits. This summer the DEA even [considered]( http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/dea-considers-dropping-marijuana-dangerous-group-article-1.2591306) rescheduling cannabis from its ludicrous classification as a Schedule I drug, which states there are no benefits at all, medicinal or otherwise. Unfortunately, that [did not happen]( http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article94999837.html).\n\n[Proposition 64](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58099f9b6b40a8000bf0584e/about-prop-64-what-you-should-know) was passed with strong support from California voters, choosing to make it legal for anybody over the age of 21 to consume cannabis for recreational purposes. This brings the total to eight states that now have recreational cannabis laws passed, if not yet implemented. \n\n### How Things Have Changed\n\nIn just a few short weeks, the world looks very different as we sit in California looking east to Washington DC, wondering what might be coming our way.\n\nPresident Elect Trump, has stated that he [supports medical cannabis]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/10/29/trump-wants-marijuana-legalization-decided-at-the-state-level/) and believes it’s an issue for the states to decide, but his nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions has many in the industry reeling. The Senator’s opinion on cannabis seems more in line with that of the late Nancy Reagan than Mr. Trumps. He considers cannabis a gateway drug (which has widely been refuted now), and has [stated]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/18/trumps-pick-for-attorney-general-good-people-dont-smoke-marijuana/) as recently as April 2016 that “good people don’t smoke marijuana.”.\n\nWithout being alarmist before Mr. Trump has even taken office, it’s important to understand that - assuming his nomination is confirmed - Senator Sessions, as the country’s most senior law enforcement official will oversee the considerable resources of the DEA and have federal law on his side. If he were to follow his instincts, with nothing more than a simple instruction the DEA could begin arresting people across the nation at will and dragging them into federal court. This includes growers, retailers, delivery services, technology companies and anyone else involved in supporting the industry. Even investors, lawyers and accountants could be charged with aiding and abetting the illegal distribution and sale of a Schedule I controlled substance, in some cases putting their professional licenses at risk. \n\n### How Likely is This to Happen?\n\nThe frustrating answer to this is, nobody has any idea at the moment. All we have to go on is what these two gentlemen have stated publicly.  Since Mr. Trump will be President, one would hope that his opinions on medical and states’ rights would determine policy, and he does appear to be somewhat of an autocratic leader. Additionally, there are a lot of policy proposals he must deliver on, and cracking down on the cannabis industry would not seem to be one of them. So perhaps Trump and his Attorney General will be too busy with things like illegal immigration to spend any time on cannabis in the imminent future, at least for a time. \n\nOn the other hand, it’s not like the law needs to change, or resources appropriated to initiate a crackdown. The DEA makes it their business to go after drug offenders and I suspect that the ‘hands off’ approach of the Obama administration has been a period of frustration for them in this regard.\n\n### Medical vs. Recreational\n\nIf there is a compromise to be found between state lawmakers and the federal government, it’s likely in the distinction between medicinal and recreational use. While one can argue whether [all use is medicinal]( http://thefreethoughtproject.com/war-weed-quicker-realize-all-cannabis-medicinal/) (as some do), where states have passed specific laws billed as ‘recreational use’ it’s a distinction like to fall on deaf ears at the federal level. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5835e3743b6fb90008d8e5ab/embedded_images/5835e4dc74b2ca00084f3224/Screen_Shot_2016-11-23_at_10.48.29_AM.png)\n Senator Sessions is unlikely to like this guy.\n\nMore to the point, resistance is unlikely to be through the courts (since it's already illegal) but more likely to come from the DEA arresting people. One would assume that that the first targets on the list to be charged would be those oriented around recreational use rather than medicinal (nothing more than an assumption). At least in California we have 20 years of medicinal history to point to, whereas recreational cannabis has yet to be implemented.  \n\nStates with strong medical programs, product manufacturers with medically oriented positioning, and retailers focused on the needs of legitimate medical patients are likely in a better position than those clearly oriented to the needs of recreational users.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5835e3743b6fb90008d8e5ab/embedded_images/5835e6d674b2ca000c4c20f9/Screen_Shot_2016-11-23_at_10.57.20_AM.png)\nA less offensive image for those at the DEA\n\nI would like to emphasize that this is nothing more than an assumption, since both medical and recreational use of cannabis are equally illegal in the eyes of the federal government. There is so much uncertainty now, it’s very difficult to predict what will transpire over the next four years. \n\nOthers may disagree, but my advice for those in the cannabis industry, is to consider taking a small pause on any plans for recreational cannabis use, allow the new administration to take office and see how things look after the first quarter of 2017. If there is no change in federal policy, there will be time before January 2018 (when California’s law takes effect) to deliver on plans for a recreational market. If on the other hand it becomes clear that the DEA is going to start reasserting itself, I would not want to be one of the most visible, recreational cannabis vendors for the DEA to make an example of. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/ee604/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png","srcSet":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/69585/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 200w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/497c6/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 400w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/ee604/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 800w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/6c104/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 1167w","srcWebp":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/58556/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/61e93/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 200w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/1f5c5/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 400w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/58556/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 800w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/be444/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 1167w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":84,"numPages":13,"currentPage":8,"id":5567,"name":"News & Events","slug":"news-and-events","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}