{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/news-and-events/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3940-markdown","title":" The Best 420 Events 2022","slug":"the-best-420-events-2022","content":"For decades, the term \"420\" has had special meaning for cannabis lovers everywhere. The origin of these magical digits has been open to speculation for years. Still, their meaning is clear: April 20th is the day to celebrate marijuana at festivals, concerts, and other in-person or online events. \n\nLet's take a look at how 420 became associated with cannabis culture, and a sampling of the events held around the country.\n\n![420 is a celebration of weed](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_04_15_at_12_15_16_PM_09a6728e3c.png)\n\n### How Did 420 Get Its Start?\nThere's [no shortage of stories](https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/4/19/18484698/what-is-420-meaning-marijuana-legalization)\n attempting to explain the origins of 420 and its place in cannabis culture. \n\nThe best known – and most likely – [origin story](https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a6833/420-meaning-0110/) traces 420 back to 1971 when a group of high schoolers in San Rafael, California, who started using the phrase as code for getting together at 4:20 pm to smoke pot. \n\n![420 a celebration of weed](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_04_15_at_12_15_00_PM_155c62258f.png)\n\nSome sources even say that the group (now known as the Waldos)  got together to smoke weed with the Grateful Dead, who had their band HQ around the corner from San Rafael High. It's unclear how the term 420 leaped from an insider joke to mainstream vernacular. It's speculated that the term 420 became famous after a music flyer by fans of the Grateful Dead urged people to smoke marijuana on the date 4/20.\n\n### 420 Celebrations Across America\nAs marijuana has moved into the mainstream, so has the celebration of 420. The holiday has [an array of events](https://www.celebstoner.com/reviews/concerts-and-events/2022/04/01/ultimate-4/20-events-guide/) in cities across the country, and many are free and open to the public. \n\nHere's a sampling of events scheduled on and around 4/20/2022 in various parts of the US.\n\n### Cannademix Unity Day, New York City\nNew York's [Cannademix Unity Day](https://www.axs.com/events/430733/cannademix-unity-day-tickets?skin=websterhall) features yoga, cannabis education, and live music from a mix of hip-hop, Latin and other artists. The event is held at New York City's Webster Hall, and it's open to everyone over 21.\n\n![Denver's Mile High Festival](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_04_15_at_12_24_13_PM_8510119885.png)\n\n### Mile High 420 Festival, Denver, Colorado\nDenver's [Mile High 420 Festival](https://www.milehigh420fest.com) is a daylong event that features food, and music from artists including Big Boi and Lil Jon, a rally, and plenty of retail vendors selling a variety of marijuana-related merchandise. It's Denver's largest 420 festival, and everyone is welcome free of charge – but you must be over 21 to drink.\n\n### National Cannabis Festival, Washington DC\nWashington's [National Cannabis Festival](https://nationalcannabisfestival.com) isn't actually held on 4/20, but it's 4/20 adjacent. Held at the RFK Festival Grounds from 4/22 to 4/23, this massive festival celebrates cannabis in all its forms, with cannabis education, food, and music from cannabis-friendly artists like Wiz Khalifa.\n\n![Hippie Hill San Francisco](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_04_15_at_12_25_27_PM_3b05517d23.png)\n\n### Hippie Hill Festival, San Francisco\nSan Francisco is an icon of stoner culture. The [Hippie Hill Festival](https://www.420hippiehill.com) in fabled Golden Gate Park celebrates that heritage with a daylong event that features food, music, and lots of cannabis products to sample. It's free to everyone over 21, and visitors are welcome to bring their weed to enjoy.\n\n### Waldos Forever Fest, Chicago\nChicago's [Waldos Forever Fest](https://www.waldosforever.com) is a 4/20 event on 4/23. \nNamed for the high school stoners who started it all, the festival is a daylong free event with local food, cannabis products, drag shows, and live music from various artists. No minors are allowed -it's only for 21 and over.\n\n### Canna Celebration 420 Fest, Albuquerque, New Mexico\nAlbuquerque's [Canna Celebration 420 Fest](https://allevents.in/albuquerque/nm-420-fest-40/200021963524349) on 4/20 celebrates the legalization of cannabis. This daylong event features vendors, food, music, and booths from cannabis dispensaries around the state. It's the largest cannabis festival in Albuquerque, and it's free for everyone to attend.\n\n![Smoking weed at a 420 festival](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_04_15_at_12_28_17_PM_c56dee8fcf.png)\n\n\n### Sweetwater 420 Festival, Atlanta, Georgia\nAtlanta's [Sweetwater 420 Festival](https://sweetwater420fest.com/#) runs from 4/29-5/1 at Centennial Olympic Park. This three-day event includes live music every day, an artist market, and plenty of food. There's even a 5K road race. It's not free, though -- buy a wristband for entry to all events.\n \n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/ee604/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.png","srcSet":"/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/69585/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.png 200w,\n/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/497c6/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.png 400w,\n/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/ee604/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.png 800w,\n/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/f3583/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/58556/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/61e93/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.webp 200w,\n/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/1f5c5/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.webp 400w,\n/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/58556/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.webp 800w,\n/static/f2e431fc131253dce3668e879bd5d8cb/99238/4108b45e2d935e1670836edbf221608e.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2943-markdown","title":"Farm Bill Update: Hope for Hemp Farmers & CBD Consumers","slug":"farm-bill-update-hope-for-hemp-farmers-and-cbd-consumers","content":"Hemp cultivation in the United States is as old as the country itself. As the story goes, even [George Washington grew hemp](https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-man-the-myth/george-washington-grew-hemp).\n\nOur first president certainly saw the virtues of the versatile plant, used for:\n\n* Paper\n* Fiber\n* Medicine\n* Food \n\nHe’d no doubt approve of the signing of the Farm Bill in 2018, which legalized industrial hemp.\n\nThe potential for [hemp to radically improve the lives and incomes of America’s farmers](https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrebourque/2018/12/17/how-hemp-and-the-farm-bill-may-change-life-as-you-know-it/#1aba7ff9694c) is astounding. Large-scale hemp cultivation gives the U.S. a competitive edge against China, the country that cultivates 50% of the world’s hemp. \n\nHemp brings in a much higher per-acre price to the famer than corn does. And unlike corn, hemp takes a fraction of the water to grow.\n\nOver the next few years, hemp farms will begin to blanket the American landscape.  A [state-by-state-guide of the current laws regulating the growing and manufacturing of hemp](http://www.ncsl.org/research/agriculture-and-rural-development/state-industrial-hemp-statutes.aspx) shows that even though industrial hemp is legal at the federal level, it will be up to individual states to define how hemp will be licensed, manufactured and distributed. \n\nRELATED: [HEMP’S HISTORY AS A SOURCE OF FOOD, FIBER AND NOW CBD](https://hellomd.com/articles/hemps-history-as-a-source-of-food-fiber-and-now-cbd/)\n\nBecause the bill passed only a few months ago, farmers are having some challenges buying hemp seeds for planting. Many states are creating pilot programs to help lawmakers grapple with the new challenges of creating rules for hemp. It’s a plant that was, until now, erroneously lumped together with its cousin the cannabis plant, which contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid responsible for the well-known euphoric high. \n\nDespite the fact that industrial hemp contains an almost untraceable amount of THC, it was federally regulated as if it were a dangerous drug on par with heroin. With the passage of the Farm Bill, everything has changed. \n\n### Now That the Farm Bill Passed, Is CBD Legal? \n\nCannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many chemical compounds found in the hemp plant. Hemp-derived CBD oil forms the basis for the products currently sold in many parts of the United States to help address a variety of medical issues including inflammatory conditions, anxiety and insomnia.  \n\nPrior to its use as a therapeutic support for medical conditions, hemp was mostly used for industrial purposes such as fiber and cloth. With the explosion of CBD products being manufactured for the health and wellness markets, lawmakers are working overtime to determine the best way to regulate all aspects of the CBD industry. \n\nOne of the Farm Bill’s most exciting changes to the regulation of hemp and hemp-derived CBD products is moving its regulation from the Controlled Substances Act to the Department of Agriculture. For the first time in nearly 80 years, hemp is no longer a controlled substance. \n\nChallenges still remain regarding [how the Drug Enforcement Administration will ultimately classify CBD](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/cbd-farm-bill-legalization-marijuana-hemp-769944). Currently, the DEA has lowered drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration containing CBD from Schedule I, where THC-containing cannabis remains, to a much-lower Schedule V. Right now, there’s only one drug that falls into this FDA-approved category: Epidiolex, which contains CBD and is used to treat a form of epilepsy. \n\nThere’s still a great deal of uncertainty regarding how or if the DEA will regulate the thousands of therapeutic CBD products available to the public. CBD activists point to the fact that to date, the [FDA “has not prohibited the sale of hemp-derived CBD products or ordered a product recall](https://hempsupporter.com/statement-on-the-status-of-hemp-derived-cbd-under-federal-law/).” Activists are heartened by recent comments from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who stated that [there could be a path by which cannabis-derived compounds would be permitted in a food or dietary supplement](https://www.consumerreports.org/marijuana/will-new-farm-bill-make-cbd-legal-everywhere/). \n\n### Hemp & CBD Producers Are Optimistic About the Future \n\nDespite some of the early confusion regarding CBD’s legal status, those in the industry couldn’t be happier. The Farm Bill [protects hemp farmers and hemp-derived product manufacturers from prosecution](https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/2018-farm-bill-hemp-cannabis-businesses/). For the first time, U.S.-based CBD manufacturers will have the opportunity to purchase large quantities of CBD oil from American farmers. \n\nRELATED: [ONE FARMER’S TRANSITION FROM CATTLE TO CANNABIS](https://hellomd.com/articles/one-hemp-farmers-transition-from-cattle-to-cannabis/)\n\nThe growing industry has [enormous possibility to support small farmers](https://www.themonitor.com/2019/01/07/budding-industry-2018-farm-bill-bring-new-opportunity-local-cbd-distributor/). Farmers who choose to grow hemp organically will now be able to get their hemp organically certified, because of its new status as a legal, federally recognized crop. \n\nHemp product manufacturers are already looking into the possibilities of the inclusion of CBD and other hemp derivatives into other products, as consumers continue to show their interest in consuming CBD in foods and beverages, as well as using it topically and in other preparations.\n\n### The Farm Bill Will Help Researchers Hone in on the Scientific Basis for CBD’s Efficacy \n\nNow, with the legalization of hemp, [the opportunities for research on CBD will grow](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/12/13/18139678/cbd-industry-hemp-legalization-farm-bill). Research will result in bringing better, safer and more standardized products to the consumer, while pinpointing the exact ways CBD works on the body and mind. \n\nResearch has already confirmed that hemp-derived CBD has been shown to be a safe additive in foods and supplements. Even the World Health Organization’s findings determined that CBD doesn’t lead to abuse or dependency, and that it appears to be well-tolerated by the majority of the public. \n\nAnother tremendous benefit of the Farm Bill will be the research that can now take place on some of the other cannabinoids in hemp. These are already showing promise for the delivery of other beneficial properties for health.\n\n### Can I Get Arrested for Possessing a CBD Product? \n\nIs it possible that an asteroid will fall on your house? Sure. Is it possible that you’ll be arrested for possessing a product containing CBD? It’s legally possible, but the likelihood of law enforcement busting the public for possession of CBD is probably equivalent to that asteroid falling on your home. \n\nHowever, it’s important to remember that the CBD products you currently own were grown and purchased prior to the passage of the Farm Bill. So technically, they’re still considered federally illegal to possess.\n\nIs law enforcement interested in [arresting someone for possessing what’s akin to a dietary supplement](https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3bbvv/congress-just-legalized-hemp-but-what-does-that-mean-for-cbd)? Probably not, but it’s important to keep your CBD products as you would a prescription medication or beauty product—away from the kids and not stored on the dashboard of your vehicle.\n\n### CBD Has a Bright Future, but it Will Take Vocal Consumers to Help Take it to the Next Level \n\nAs we’ve seen with states that have legalized adult-use marijuana, the regulations for clean, lab-tested products is one thing that everyone agrees has greatly benefitted the cannabis industry and consumers. \n\nAnd though some CBD producers have already received [warning letters from the government](https://mgretailer.com/cannabis-news/farm-bill-means-cbd-is-legal-producer-receives-letter-that-could-indicate-otherwise/) regarding their business practices, most industry analysts feel that with the support of enthusiastic and vocal consumers, CBD will find a legal place on the shelves of grocers, health food stores and pharmacies. \n\nAdvocates hope that with consumer pressure, the FDA will be compelled to regulate CBD similarly to over-the-counter medications or health supplements. Though it will take time for states and local jurisdictions to weigh in on the growing, manufacturing and sale of hemp-derived products like CBD, the industry, which is slated to top $1.6 billion in sales in the next few years, is poised to bring a [plethora of new products](https://www.menshealth.com/health/a25559940/farm-bill-legal-hemp-cbd/) to store and virtual shelves in the very near future.\n\nPhoto credit: Felix Broennimann/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://hellomd.com/) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/14b42/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/f836f/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.jpg 200w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/2244e/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.jpg 400w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/14b42/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.jpg 800w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/47498/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/7ee10/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.jpg 1482w","srcWebp":"/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/58556/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/61e93/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.webp 200w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/1f5c5/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.webp 400w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/58556/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.webp 800w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/99238/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.webp 1200w,\n/static/199024a05819fd396544db9620a2d8c7/8d8c0/013fc10fce09100161a483dc7ee0e1a2.webp 1482w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2928-markdown","title":"Challenges Continue for Legal Cannabis in California","slug":"challenges-continue-for-legal-cannabis-in-california","content":"After years of wrangling, some portions of California’s cannabis community are breathing a little easier. The final [338 page-version of the state’s complex and controversial regulations](https://www.bcc.ca.gov/law_regs/cannabis_order_of_adoption.pdf) governing all aspects of cannabis have been approved.\n\nNow, marijuana businesses, investors and advocates can move forward working under a regulatory template. This is despite the fact that nearly all sides feel the rules either go too far or fail to address concerns voiced by many, including stakeholders, small businesses, farmers and consumers. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nSome advocates define California’s Proposition 64 as the approval of “regulated” cannabis, as opposed to “legalized” cannabis. \n\n### Most Parts of CA Have Limited or No Access to Cannabis\n\nHuge swaths of the state are still against having any form of cannabis in their communities. You can check out this [city search](https://www.thecannifornian.com/cannabis-business/database-see-cannabis-laws-support-differ-among-california-cities/) to see how your local government is regulating cannabis in your town. What’s immediately clear is that there’s a profound lack of cannabis availability up and down the state.\n\n### Marijuana Business Licensing Falls Short of State Projections \n\nCannabis advocates such as members of California’s chapter of NORML don’t mince words when they discuss what they see as the [failure of state regulators to address some of the most important components of cannabis legalization](https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-marijuana-year-anniversary-review-20181227-story.html). \n\nOne of these failures is licensing. With just 89 of 482 California cities allowing retail cannabis, it became imperative for the state to quickly license as many qualified retailers as possible. This hasn’t happened. \n\nTo date, the state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) has issued just 547 temporary and annual licenses to retailers—a staggering miscalculation of the state’s own estimate that 6,000 dispensaries would be licensed in the first year following legalization. \n\nAnd Angelinos seeking legal, tested cannabis still have to travel some distance to find a dispensary. In Los Angeles County, 82 of 88 cities aren’t allowing retail cannabis sales.\n\n### Want Your Cannabis Delivered? You’re in Luck—for Now \n\nOne of the winners in the hotly contested regulatory battle between cannabis businesses and state regulators is the companies providing delivery services. Last month, the state determined that [marijuana deliveries will be permitted throughout California](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Pot-Deliveries-California-502237782.html). The ruling has generated a concerted pushback from law enforcement and other statewide organizations, who’ve vowed to fight on to quash the state’s decision. \n\nFor now, this is a big win for cannabis consumers who find traveling to dispensaries challenging or inconvenient. But because this ruling enables deliveries into jurisdictions where cannabis hasn’t been locally approved, it’s anticipated that anti-cannabis cities will join existing opponents to challenge the state’s decision. \n\n### Cooperatives & Collective Are Now Part of Marijuana History\n\nYears ago, cannabis collectives and cooperatives were the go-to structure that paved the way for legalization. Though the BCC hasn’t tracked the number of nonprofit collectives operating in 2018, it’s estimated that hundreds of collectives and cooperatives had been growing vast amounts of cannabis—primarily for medical marijuana patients. \n\nNow, these organizations must close or transition to meeting state regulations. Those that don’t will be subject to both [civil and criminal penalties](http://www.canorml.org/California_Cannabis_Collective_Law_to_Sunset_on_January_9_2019). \n\nThe long-term impact of these changes is unknown. But collective operators are concerned that this will negatively affect the most vulnerable members of the medical marijuana community, as many collectives don’t have sufficient resources to transition to a regulated business.\n\n### Mandatory Testing Ensures Safety, but Reveals Contamination Issue\n\nOne of the upsides of legalization is the ability for folks to consume lab-tested cannabis products. Recently, testing revealed that a very small percentage of vape cartridges contained a measurable percentage of lead. Even “high-end” cartridges were shown to contain traces of the heavy metal, which has no safe level of exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control. \n\nOne theory is that the acidic oils in marijuana are helping to release the lead, pulling it out of the metals that make up cartridge tanks. But labs are also testing the empty cartridges themselves to determine their lead content prior to having contact with cannabis oil. \n\nFortunately, as of Jan. 1, 2019, vape cartridges sold in California will now be tested for lead, other heavy metals and mold—something that can only be considered a win for everyone in the cannabis community. \n\nOne of the questions raised by cannabis farmers and manufacturers is how many of California’s 52 licensed labs are ready and able to offer this new level of testing. To meet the new testing standards, labs must buy additional equipment and chemical compounds, plus train employees. \n\nMarijuana consumers deserve to have faith in the safety of the products they purchase, but the downside of the latest regulations is that additional testing costs, which farmers and manufacturers currently absorb, will most likely be passed onto consumers. \n\n### Terpenes Are Now Subject to Testing\n\nAnother legalization victory for consumers consists of standardizing the reporting requirements for terpenes. Manufacturers who declare the presence of terpenes in their products must now [back up these claims with testing](https://cannabisnewsbox.com/6657/social-cannabis/californias-next-phase-of-testing-costs-may-create-another-enormous-burden-for-licensed-cultivators/).\n\nTests will verify that the types of terpenes in cannabis products are consistent with what’s stated on package labels. Tests will also confirm that the terpenes fall within 10% of the terpene content listed on packaging.\n\nRELATED: [TERPENES PACK A THERAPEUTIC PUNCH](https://ondello.myshopify.com/blogs/articles/cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch/)\n\n### Some Legal Cannabis Rules Just Don’t Make Sense\n\nCannabis farmers and businesses have done their best to fight against regulatory requirements that didn’t appear to be sensible or practical. But a few of these rules remain on the books, resulting in ongoing industry challenges.\n\nFor example, when vape cartridges are tested, [labs must use a brand-new cartridge from a distributor](https://www.laweekly.com/news/cannabis-labs-were-thrilled-to-say-farewell-to-the-challenges-of-2018-10129681). The cartridge must be in its retail packaging, including a battery, if sold together. The cartridges are broken to extract cannabis oil for testing, and the remainder of the cartridge must be disposed of via hazmat or a cannabis waste management company, adding yet another unintended cost and consequence to legalization. \n\n### A Brown Bag Solution to a Non-Problem\n\nIf you were one of the frustrated consumers struggling with opening infuriatingly complex marijuana exit bags, it’s time to celebrate. Mandatory cannabis exit bags were roundly viewed as environmentally insensitive, difficult to open and simply put, over the top. They were particularly denounced when compared to the much more lenient packaging rules for the alcohol and pharmaceutical industries. \n\nBeginning next year, [cannabis retailers will forego exit bags and place your purchases into a simple, opaque bag] http://www.sfweekly.com/news/california-issues-final-cannabis-regulations/). Activists pushed hard to put a stop to this needless requirement and happily, they succeeded.\n\n### Cannabis Legalization by the Numbers\n\nA little over a year since Proposition 64 changed the face of marijuana in California, the numbers are beginning to tell the story of legalization in the Golden State:\n\n* Legal cannabis is selling for about [$500 per pound](https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Death-by-a-thousand-cuts-California-s-13494193.php).\n* Though cannabis tax revenues increased every quarter in 2018, the $234.2 million collected by the state for cultivation, excise and sales taxes fell far short of the state’s estimate of $630 million in projected tax revenues.\n* For the next fiscal year, Governor Gavin Newsom proposes a [51% increase in California’s cannabis budget](https://www.ocregister.com/2019/01/10/newsoms-proposed-state-budget-includes-more-money-for-cannabis-regulation/), which would bring state cannabis spending to $201 million—providing that cannabis revenues meet the state’s projections.\n* Retailers estimate that about 40% of the cost of marijuana goods is taxes.\n* Only about 10% of grower applications have been approved and licensed by the state.\n* A proposed way to help legal cannabis businesses move away from a cash-only system was to create a bank expressly for the legal marijuana industry. State Treasurer John Chiang determined that launching a state bank would take [$1 billion in capital investments and wouldn’t become profitable for 25 to 30 years](https://mjbizdaily.com/california-bank-for-marijuana-businesses/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=mjbiz_daily&utm_campaign=MJD_20181228_NEWS_Daily_12282018&elqTrackId=F720A8CE33D73A505B70D91FAE14C27A&elq=60aff5d3c04446bc9d1d3d0de94515b7&elqaid=917&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=617). So, it looks like this won’t be happening any time soon. \n* A Sacramento-based testing lab [falsified 700–800 certificates of analysis of cannabis products](https://mjbizdaily.com/falsified-california-testing-lab-data-may-result-in-major-marijuana-product-recall/), likely prompting the state’s largest product recall since legalization.\n* Cannabis farmers currently pay the state a whopping [$148 per pound in cultivation taxes](https://apnews.com/2a022328c0a04356be4cbc7c5a8a9f64). Assembly Bill 286, sponsored by California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, would eliminate the farmer cultivation tax for three years, along with temporarily reducing the state tax paid by retailers from 15% to 11%. If passed, the bill would provide some much-needed relief to farmers and retailers still struggling to meet local and state regulatory requirements.  \n\nPhoto credit: [Valmir Dzivielevski Junior](https://unsplash.com/@valmirdjr)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/tag/cannabis-101/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers//) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/14b42/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/f836f/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.jpg 200w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/2244e/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.jpg 400w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/14b42/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.jpg 800w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/47498/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/0e329/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/3f1f6/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.jpg 3689w","srcWebp":"/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/58556/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/61e93/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.webp 200w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/1f5c5/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.webp 400w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/58556/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.webp 800w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/99238/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.webp 1200w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/7c22d/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.webp 1600w,\n/static/1d87e71a6edb289763efb9de71e71377/66b96/35e1204eb8e8e87d5228e059d8481eb2.webp 3689w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2873-markdown","title":"New Cannabis Inhaler Targets the Opioid Epidemic","slug":"new-cannabis-inhaler-targets-the-opioid-epidemic","content":"\nOpioid overdose continues to cause nearly 100 deaths in the U.S. daily. Nearly half of those involve prescription medications for powerful painkillers such as oxycodone, fentanyl and morphine. A growing body of research reveals that [taking cannabis allows a majority of pain patients to reduce or even eliminate their use of opioids](https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/06/survey-pain-patients-overwhelmingly-prefer-medical-marijuana-over-opioids/). \n\nDoctors have been reluctant to embrace medical cannabis, citing worries about consistent dosing and monitoring. But now, a cannabis startup from Israel called Syqe is taking on the American opioid crisis with the [Syqe Inhaler—a medical grade cannabis inhaler](https://www.syqemedical.com/) that offers both consistent dosing and tools for doctors and other health professionals to keep track of patients’ cannabis use.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/564935726915516/united-states/san-francisco-california/hellomd/)\n\nSyqe’s innovative new cannabis inhaler directly addresses the concerns many American medical professionals have about prescribing or recommending cannabis for pain management: Inconsistent dosing and no way to manage a patient’s use of cannabis from things like edibles, smoking and vaping.\n\nAnd so, this new inhaler technology could be the tool that disrupts the U.S. opioid crisis and brings cannabis for pain management into the medical mainstream.\n\n\n### Chronic Pain Drives the Opioid Epidemic\n\nAn epidemic of chronic pain is what drives the American opioid epidemic, which is essentially a cycle of abuse and dependence on opioid medications. That’s why people with a variety of health conditions seek relief in the form of these potent painkillers—medications that can become addictive in less than two weeks.\n\nBut a majority of U.S. doctors prescribe opioids for far longer than that, often indefinitely. And because opioids affect receptors in the body and brain, withdrawing from them can cause the same severe symptoms as withdrawing from heroin, which is an opioid, too.\n\nOpioids can relieve pain by interfering with pain signaling in the brain. They can also boost the production of some brain chemicals, such as dopamine, that promote positive feelings. \n\nBut they also depress the central nervous system, which is responsible for functions such as breathing and heart rate. This is why taking too many opioids, or taking them with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or other prescription drugs, can depress breathing and other autonomous functions to the point of death.\n\nOpioids are easy to get and easy to abuse. But people who suffer from a wide range of painful conditions from chronic disorders like arthritis to pain from injuries and surgeries often find few other options for relief. \n\nOver-the-counter medications like aspirin and acetaminophen have their own risks and often aren’t strong enough to ease severe pain. This is why recent findings about the impact of cannabis on pain have given hope to many pain sufferers. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC?](https://hellomd.ca/articles/is-cannabis-an-%22exit-drug%22-from-opioid-dependency/)\n\n### Cannabis Can Be an Effective and Safer Substitute for Opioids\n\nBut people who take cannabis for pain are often left to figure out their own protocols for getting the right dose in the right format. For a variety of reasons, U.S. doctors are leery of actively prescribing or recommending medical cannabis instead of opioids. Federal regulations still label marijuana as a dangerously addictive drug, so severe restrictions and outright bans on its use continue to apply in many areas. \n\nAnd even in places where medical cannabis is legal, doctors say it’s difficult to establish standardized doses—something they can easily do with prescription medications. There are so many varieties of cannabis and a range of ways to consume them, which presents numerous variables for doctors to consider. \n\nDoctors aren’t the only ones who struggle with issues related to taking cannabis for pain.  Patients, too, can feel reluctant to smoke a medicine or eat it in a candy bar form. But the search for standardized, medical-grade ways to dispense cannabis have been hampered in the U.S. by regulations and limits on research.\n\nThat’s not the case in Israel, which leads the world in cannabis startups and innovation. It’s also the home of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, a pioneering researcher whose work on cannabis compounds has paved the way for today’s studies on the benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol [CBD] for health conditions of all kinds. Because cannabis is completely legal in Israel, [cannabis companies like Syqe have taken advantage of its support and resources](https://www.wired.co.uk/article/israel-cannabis-medicine-opioid-addiction-united-states) to produce an array of new cannabis products. \n\nTopping the list of current cannabis innovations is the medically modeled Syqe inhaler, which Syqe’s founders envision as a promising—and lucrative—new weapon for combating U.S. opioid abuse.\n\n### Syqe Inhaler Delivers Exact Amounts of Cannabis for Fast Pain Relief\n\nMany kinds of cannabis inhalers are already on the market, using a devise similar to inhalers for people with asthma or allergies. Inhalers bring cannabis compounds directly to the lungs, where blood vessels can carry them quickly to natural cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. But typical cannabis inhalers aren’t specifically designed for pharmaceutical-grade cannabis delivery—but the Syqe inhaler is.\n\nAnd this is what makes it a potential game changer for patients seeking pain relief with cannabis—and for doctors who are uncertain about prescribing the plant. \n\nTel Aviv-based Syqe bills its cannabis inhaler as a device that’s capable of delivering “plant medicine” in the same way as rigorously tested traditional pharmaceuticals. Unlike other cannabis inhalers, the Syqe inhaler comes with preloaded cartridges containing a given amount of cannabis for metered dosing.\n\nThe pocket-sized inhaler also features lung monitoring—a sensor that responds to the way a consumer inhales, so that the appropriate dose is delivered every time. The Syqe inhaler also comes with a chip that links it to a medical database, so that doctors can monitor a patient’s use and make adjustments remotely—a feature designed to satisfy doctors’ concerns about standardizing and controlling patients’ access to cannabis.\n\nThe Syqe inhaler promises to bring cannabis into the medical mainstream—and into the fight against opioid addiction. But does it work? A study reported by the _Journal of Pain and Palliative Pharmacotherapy_ says that it can, [accounting for a 45% reduction in pain intensity just 20 minutes after use](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/15360288.2014.941130). That’s on par with established pharmaceutical standards for inhaled drugs in general.\n\nCannabis can be an effective pain reliever without the many side effects and overdose risks of potent opioid medications. But medical cannabis remains out of reach for many patients, because of legalities and doctors’ reluctance to prescribe a medication that lacks the features of standardized pharmaceuticals.\n\nThe Syqe inhaler and products like it could change all that—and help many more Americans find their way out of the opioid epidemic.\n\nPhoto credit: [Pixabay](https://www.pexels.com/@pixabay)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/14b42/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/f836f/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.jpg 200w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/2244e/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.jpg 400w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/14b42/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.jpg 800w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/47498/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/0e329/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.jpg 1600w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/1c990/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.jpg 3132w","srcWebp":"/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/58556/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/61e93/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.webp 200w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/1f5c5/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.webp 400w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/58556/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.webp 800w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/99238/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.webp 1200w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/7c22d/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.webp 1600w,\n/static/684943a56db3bfdec60eb3d10a187092/15f01/f3b2306a4028be77a24eea0e88d045c5.webp 3132w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2857-markdown","title":"6 Ways to Support Cannabis Legalization ","slug":"6-ways-to-support-cannabis-legalization","content":"With the midterm elections just around the corner, supporters of legal cannabis are gearing up for pitched battles in several states. Although some voters will have the opportunity to weigh in directly on cannabis legalization or increased access for medical marijuana patients, cannabis initiatives aren’t on the ballot in every state. And many cannabis patients and recreational consumers are still unable to grow, buy or consume cannabis in their communities.\n\nChad Rea, a longtime cannabis activist and award-winning Mendocino County-based cannabis farmer told HelloMD, “Every time a person like me becomes a medical marijuana patient, another cannabis activist is born.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nLike nearly all political movements, [cannabis activism started at the grassroots level](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/us/politics/colorado-cannabis-governor.html). Many cannabis-consuming citizens became involved in politics for the first time—often because of restriction to their access to medical cannabis or because a friend, parent or loved one was behind bars simply for possessing a little marijuana. \n\nVoting is the end-result of our governmental system—an opportunity for each of us to choose laws providing safer, regulated access to cannabis. But there’s more we can do—today and every day to:\n\n* Increase our understanding of cannabis prohibition\n* Educate our families and elected officials\n* Support organizations striving for smart cannabis policies \n\nHere are six ways—besides voting—you can help support legal cannabis in the U.S.\n\n### 1. Learn Your Marijuana History, Stay Informed & Share Why You Think Cannabis Should Be Legal\n\nWith the holidays coming, opportunities will abound to discuss cannabis legalization with family and friends. Being an informed advocate is the best way to talk about what can be a controversial issue. \n\n[The history of cannabis prohibition](https://hightimes.com/news/legalization/cannabis-became-illegal/) is a fascinating story that continues to have day-to-day ramifications for millions of Americans. Many people still don’t know why cannabis was made illegal in the first place. Once they’re informed, some folks are able to take a more measured stance on their opposition to marijuana.\n\n[Patients Out of Time is an organization focused on the promotion of cannabis science and education](http://www.medicalcannabis.com/about/), with many links to scholarly journals, patient testimonials and archived video conferences. There are many resources and citations that will help you become a well-versed medical cannabis activist.\n\nFor over 16 years, [Americans for Safe Access (ASA)](https://www.safeaccessnow.org has focused on the goal of safe cannabis access for all. Cannabis activists regularly visit ASA’s portal to stay abreast of everything from its excellent patient resources to its certification program for medical professionals.  \n\nThe Marijuana Policy Project has created an at-a-glance sheet that delineates the [top 10 reasons to end cannabis prohibition](https://www.mpp.org/issues/legalization/top-ten-reasons-to-end-marijuana-prohibition/). Even if you don’t memorize all 10, find two or three reasons for legalization that resonate with you.\n\nDon’t be afraid to practice articulating your ideas with a sympathetic friend or family member. And always remember: Losing your cool is never a good way to win over someone with opposing views.\n\n### 2. Find Common Ground With Those Opposed to Legal Cannabis \n\nOne of the most complex issues surrounding cannabis legalization is the understandable concern around public safety. The [Law Enforcement Action Partnership](https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/about-us/mission-and-vision/) comprises:\n\n* Active and retired judges\n* Police chiefs\n* U.S. attorneys \n* Sheriffs from the U.S. and other nations\n\nThe group is committed to ending the War on Drugs, improving relations with law enforcement and improving the criminal justice system. Pointing cannabis legalization opponents to this group can show people that you can be concerned about public safety and still support legal marijuana—and hopefully dispel the myth that those in favor of legal cannabis don’t care about the safety of the public at large. \n\nDid you know that Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network supports cannabis being treated like alcohol? The [Marijuana Majority](https://www.marijuanamajority.com) has aggregated an impressive list of big-name supporters of medical or recreational cannabis. Though it may not be surprising to see Rihanna’s quotes on this site, have some fun quoting President Trump’s stance on medical cannabis, or conservative firebrand and musician Ted Nugent on “taking a toke.” \n\nThe list also includes pro-cannabis quotes from:\n\n * U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley\n * The American Medical Association\n * Author Stephen King\n * The International Federation of the Red Cross\n * Fox News Pundit Tucker Carlson \n * Syndicated conservative columnist Laura Ingraham\n\nThough the hundreds of celebrities listed on the site don’t all share full-throated support for legalization, they agree that cannabis laws must be addressed, with many supporting the legalization of medical marijuana.\n\n### 3. Tell Your Cannabis Story \n\nAre you a medical marijuana patient? Have you told your story about how cannabis improved your life?\n\nOne of the most compelling aspects of the cannabis movement is the positive impact the plant has on people’s physical and emotional health. But sometimes it’s hard to explain medical cannabis therapy, particularly to someone who may be skeptical. \n\nThere are few things more convincing to non-cannabis consumers than someone who can clearly associate improved health with the use of medical marijuana. [Pamela Hadfield, co-founder of HelloMD, is an inspiring example of a person who once dismissed medical cannabis](https://www.forbes.com/sites/heathercabot/2018/08/13/how-this-techie-became-an-advocate-for-marijuana/amp/ of) until she discovered it helped provide tremendous relief from excruciating migraines, changing her life, her career and her health in the process.  \n\nTelling your cannabis story or the stories of others you know is one of the most effective ways to open people’s hearts and minds, and one of the best resources in an activist’s tool kit. Write letters to your local newspaper, tell your story at church, or at the office of your local congressperson or city council representative.\n\n### 4. Find Your Cannabis Community \n\nThese days, you don’t have to live in a state with legal recreational marijuana to find cannabis kindred spirits. There are many organizations you can join or whose events you can attend.\n\n* If you’re a student, check out [Students for Sensible Drug Policy](https://ssdp.org/chapters/). It’s a grassroots, international organization dedicated to ending the War on Drugs. If there isn’t a chapter near your school, you can start your own. \n \n* Almost every state has an organization similar to the [Georgia Care Project](http://www.gacareproject.com), which provides legislative advocacy on cannabis issues at the local and state level. \n\n*And even a music festival like Texas’ [SXSW](https://schedule.sxsw.com/2019/events/track/Cannabusiness) assembles impressive cannabis lecture sessions, with about two dozen cannabusiness topics on its schedule. \n\nRELATED: [DR. PERRY SOLOMON: MY CANNABIS EXPERIENCE AT SXSW 2017](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58d2bfbd5606015edcfe1411/dr-perry-solomon-my-cannabis-experience-at-sxsw-2017)\n\n*The [Minority Cannabis Business Association](https://minoritycannabis.org) has been working to increase visibility, accessibility and representation for minorities in the cannabis community. \n\n*Similarly, [Supernova Women](https://supernovawomen.wordpress.com) focuses on creating local, state and national cannabis education, skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities for women of color. \n\n### 5. Track Cannabis Legalization \n\n“I smoke pot and I vote” is the motto of the [Cannabis Voter Project](https://www.cannabisvoter.info), which has sought to register as many cannabis-friendly voters as possible. The organization used the summer festival season to reach out to potential voters, and its website makes it simple to find out where your elected official stands on cannabis issues.\n\nA good place to keep track of cannabis votes around the country is through[NORML](http://norml.org/states), the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. NORML is arguably the country’s most well-known cannabis legalization organization], with numerous state and regional chapters throughout the country. It has a handy state-by-state menu that outlines legalization initiatives, candidate endorsements and even an extensive section of legal briefs.\n\nFor over 20 years, the [Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)](https://www.mpp.org) has worked to influence the political landscape and bring sensible legislation to voters. Unlike NORMAL, the MPP is based in Washington and focuses primarily on identifying supportive members of Congress and reducing punitive state marijuana laws.\n\n[Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Marijuana_on_the_ballot) provides cannabis policy wonks with an extensive, state-by-state history of cannabis ballot measures. You can search ballot measures by state and by year; it’s a great resource.\n\n### 6. Donate Your Time, Dollars or Skills to Local Cannabis Groups\n\nThere are so many ways to be a cannabis activist. Some people aren’t interested in attending meetings. Others are too busy to add one more thing to their complicated lives. But almost everyone can find a way to send a few dollars to an organization that aligns with their beliefs about cannabis.\n\nEven though today’s cannabis space seems overrun with investment capital, grassroots activists, many of them medical marijuana patients, still form the foundation for cannabis change in your community. \n\nArtists, musicians and writers are always needed to donate their skills to local cannabis organizations. Tech-types can often help a fledgling cannabis site with web-related support or upgrades. Bringing snacks to a meeting, making phone calls, driving a frail patient to a cannabis event or asking a question at a candidate forum—there are no limits on the ways you can help create a stronger cannabis community and support marijuana legalization. \n\nPhoto credit: [Roberto Valdivia](https://unsplash.com/@torovaldivia)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/14b42/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/f836f/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.jpg 200w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/2244e/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.jpg 400w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/14b42/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.jpg 800w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/47498/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/0e329/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/7d219/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.jpg 2923w","srcWebp":"/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/58556/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/61e93/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.webp 200w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/1f5c5/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.webp 400w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/58556/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.webp 800w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/99238/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.webp 1200w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/7c22d/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.webp 1600w,\n/static/bf5d11ba8beaeb9ede1375d7f0221262/e8ea7/ccbf9b42fbac828b3100c724ee2ef97f.webp 2923w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2851-markdown","title":"Cannabis Contested in the 2018 Midterm Elections","slug":"cannabis-contested-in-the-2018-midterm-elections","content":"In just a few weeks, Americans will be casting their ballots in the midterm elections. And in four key states, voters will have an opportunity to speak out on the future of marijuana in their region. \n\n[Cannabis activists are hoping for a “Midwest Miracle”](https://apnews.com/d70d6c75857a4ec997656af5a9d05230) as Michigan and North Dakota grapple with whether to legalize cannabis for adult use. \n\nMeanwhile, two other states, Utah and Missouri, look to legalize medical marijuana in other hotly contested initiatives. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Utah Voters Get Ready for a Historic Vote on Medical Cannabis\n\nUtah voters are deciding on [Proposition 2, the Medical Marijuana Initiative](https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2018%20Election/Issues%20on%20the%20Ballot/Postings/Proposition%202.pdf). If passed, Prop 2 would legalize medical marijuana in the state. \n\nProp 2 would create a state-run distribution system that would grow and distribute cannabis for qualified patients. But there would be restrictions, such as prohibiting people from smoking the plant. \n\nDespite the proposition’s extremely conservative approach to medical marijuana, and in spite of Prop 2’s early, enthusiastic support, [recent polls show a substantial dip in approval for the medical marijuana initiative](https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2018/10/16/new-poll-finds-approval/). A last-minute compromise between supporters and opponents of Prop 2, coordinated by Governor Gary Herbert, has taken the wind out of the sails of the initiative. The governor’s compromise deal promises patients some form of a medical cannabis program, regardless of whether Prop 2 passes, which has resulted in some degree of pullback in support.\n\nBut [cannabis advocates have many questions about the governor’s last-ditch efforts](https://cannabisnow.com/is-the-utah-medical-marijuana-compromise-a-scam-or-legitimate-deal/). Of particular interest is whether his compromise program, which would be instigated through a special session of the state legislature, will be designed to serve patients. Or was it merely dangled last minute as a device to shave off support for Proposition 2 on Election Day. \n\nRegardless of how it arrives, medical marijuana is coming to Utah. But it’s voters who will decide how they want cannabis to be regulated: by a proposition they can read and weigh whether to vote for, or to place their trust in the state legislature to craft a medical program that will meet their needs.\n\n#### Utah Proposition 2 at a Glance\n\nA yes vote on Proposition 2 will:\t\n\n* Allow patients with qualifying medical conditions to obtain medical marijuana cards from doctors.\n* Recognize those diagnosed with chronic or debilitating pain as potential qualified patients.\n* Enable medical marijuana cardholders to buy and possess up to 2 oz of unprocessed marijuana or products containing no more than 10 g of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD).\n* Limit purchases to once in a 14-day period.\n* Prohibit cannabis smoking of any combustion process over 750 degrees F.\n* Ban doctors from recommending specific cannabis dosages or to work in dispensaries. \n* Change how state law enforcement officials conduct cannabis arrests or seizures, which appear to comply with state medical cannabis laws.\n* Limit dispensaries to one per county, except in large cities.\n* Create guidelines for marijuana growing, testing, transporting, packaging and selling.\n\n### Missouri Headed for a Possible Split Vote on 3 Medical Marijuana Initiatives\n\nVoters in the Show-Me State are about to show America how they feel about medical marijuana. [Three separate cannabis initiatives](https://themissouritimes.com/52951/missourians-will-have-three-options-for-legalizing-medical-marijuana-on-november-ballot/) are on next month’s ballot: \n\n* Amendment 2, the Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Services Initiative\n* Amendment 3, the Medical Marijuana and Biomedical Research and Drug Development Institute Initiative\n* Proposition C, the Medical Marijuana and Veterans Healthcare Services, Education, Drug Treatment and Public Safety Initiative\n\nWithout getting too technical on these three competing initiatives, Missourians should note that two of the three measures, Amendment 2 and Amendment 3, are constitutional amendments. If they pass, like all bills, any future changes to the legislation would have to be voted on by the public.\n\nThe third measure, Proposition C, was drafted as a statutory change. This means that if passed, legislators could alter Prop C at a future date. \n\n#### Missouri Amendment 2 at a Glance\n\nAmendment 2, known as [New Approach Missouri](http://www.newapproachmissouri.com), has engendered high-profile support from organizations including the NAACP, Missouri’s Chapter of NORML and the St. Louis American Newspaper. \n\nA yes vote on Amendment 2 vote would create a state program to grow, license and regulate medical marijuana and would:\n\n* Allow patients to register with the state to grow marijuana.\n* Levy a 4% sales tax on medical marijuana products.\n* Use those tax dollars to fund state licensing programs and help veteran’s programs.\n* Cost the state an estimated $7 million a year, but make $18 million annually, with $6 million of that earmarked for local governments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n#### Missouri Amendment 3 at a Glance\n\nAmendment 3, backed by [Find the Cures](https://www.findthecures.com), also known as the Bradshaw Amendment, is funded almost solely by Dr. Brad Bradshaw, a Missouri lawyer and physician. Dr. Bradshaw made headlines for unsuccessfully filing lawsuits to attempt to remove the other two marijuana initiatives from the ballot. \n\nA yes vote on Amendment 3 would allow for medical marijuana and create a medical marijuana research center headed by Dr. Bradshaw. Amendment 3 would:\n\n* Not let medical marijuana patients grow their own cannabis.\n* Introduce a sales tax of 15% on marijuana products.\n* Use the sales tax revenue to fund Dr. Bradshaw’s medical marijuana research center.\n* Cost the state an estimated $500,000 a year.\n* Raise an estimated $66 million a year. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n#### Missouri Proposition C at a Glance\n\nProposition C, known as The Missouri Patient Care Act, is sponsored by [Missourians for Patient Care](https://www.missouripetition.com). It would allow state lawmakers, as opposed to voters, to change the program. Supporters of Prop C feel it would provide flexibility and quicker response to change.\n\nA yes vote on Proposition C would allow the Missouri Department of Health to regulate medical marijuana alongside the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. It would also:\n\n* Prohibit medical marijuana patients from cultivating their own cannabis.\n* Set the sales tax on cannabis products at 2%.\n* Earmark the sales tax revenue for organizations supporting veterans, drug treatment, early childhood education and public safety.\n* Cost the state an estimated $10 million annually\n* Estimate that the state could make back that $10 million, with $162,000 going to local governments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo make matters more confusing, Missourians may vote for more than one of the measures. If Prop C and either one of the Amendments passes, prepare to head to the courts to determine which measure will become law. Senator Clare McCaskill is endorsing both Proposition C and Amendment 2.\n\n### Will Michigan Be State Number 10 to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis? \n\nMichiganders are about to cast a very significant vote, which could have resounding impacts on the cannabis industry nationwide. If passed, [Proposal 1, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative](https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/08/heres_the_proposed_recreationa.html) would make Michigan the 10th state to legalize recreational cannabis. \n\n#### Michigan Proposal 1 at a Glance\n\nA yes vote on Proposal 1 would:\n\n* Allow adults to buy, possess and consume marijuana and marijuana-infused edibles.\n* Allow adults to grow up to 12 cannabis plants for personal consumption. \n* Impose a 10 oz limit for marijuana stored at home, with applicable storage rules.\n* Create a state licensing system, allowing municipalities to ban or restrict cannabis businesses. \n* Tax retail cannabis sales at 10%.  \n* Use tax revenues to fund implementation costs, clinical trials, schools, roads and municipalities where marijuana businesses are located. \n* Change several current marijuana violations from crimes to civil infractions.\n\nRELATED: [CA CANNABIS RETAILERS BRACING FOR NEXT PHASE OF LEGALIZATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b2fbeb9bf4c4d000a0e74e3/ca-cannabis-retailers-bracing-for-next-phase-of-legalization)\n\n### North Dakota Will Vote on Legalizing Cannabis & Expunging Past Marijuana Convictions\n\nNorth Dakota residents will be voting on one issue: [Measure 3, the Marijuana Legalization and Automatic Expungement Initiative](https://www.potnetwork.com/news/north-dakota-goes-bare-bones-its-recreational-cannabis-measure). This atypical measure, sponsored by [Legalize ND](http://www.legalizend.com/the-measure.html) has created a stir in the state. This is in part because if the measure passes, along with legalizing cannabis, prior marijuana-related convictions would be expunged. Future marijuana convictions would resemble sentences for alcohol-related offenses. \n\nThe supporters of Measure 3 have raised just a few thousand dollars, while the opponents of Measure 3 are dipping into a war chest of over $100,000. But it appears the success of this measure will be based on getting young people to the polls. Recent online polling by the _Bismarck Tribune_ estimates that 82% of young people polled in North Dakota support the initiative.\n\n#### North Dakota Measure 3 at a Glance\n\nIf passed, Measure 3 would:\n\n* End cannabis prohibition in North Dakota.\n* Remove criminal and civil penalties for adults over 21 to possess, privately consume and privately cultivate cannabis for personal use.\n* Allow for future industrial cannabis growing.\n* Green-light cannabis sales in the future.\n* Legalize all forms of cannabis products including hash and cannabis oils. \n* Allow for lawmakers to enact specific regulatory measures for licensing and taxation of cannabis in the future.\n\nPhoto credit: [Parker Johnson](https://unsplash.com/@pkrippermachine)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABw0UMqJ//xAAaEAADAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRAxIh/9oACAEBAAEFAotM8o6SLjUmJGn/xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIf/aAAgBAwEBPwGH/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPwE//8QAFxAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEhIP/aAAgBAQAGPwKoqz//xAAdEAEAAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABARMSFBUWFx/9oACAEBAAE/IRNE7J5m0eCEWywwCj//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEN/P/8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREQIf/aAAgBAwEBPxAYadz/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEBH/2gAIAQIBAT8QhX//xAAaEAACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhMXFR/9oACAEBAAE/EMz+la6NUSgtGRhRqgoWYCdB9mIiEAUp/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/14b42/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/f836f/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.jpg 200w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/2244e/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.jpg 400w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/14b42/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.jpg 800w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/47498/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/0e329/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.jpg 1600w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/f39a8/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.jpg 2611w","srcWebp":"/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/58556/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/61e93/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.webp 200w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/1f5c5/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.webp 400w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/58556/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.webp 800w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/99238/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.webp 1200w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/7c22d/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.webp 1600w,\n/static/f1bac4182d070a8755ff6edc40c0d42e/f2c8e/904ed13b00ca4141bd7292d5f9bc9bc8.webp 2611w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2841-markdown","title":"Will Legal Cannabis States Clear Past Marijuana Convictions?","slug":"will-legal-cannabis-states-clear-past-marijuana-convictions","content":"If suffering lies at the core of all great tragedy, then those convicted of marijuana offenses have realized more than their share, facing such humiliations as having trouble getting jobs, housing and loans. But what’s happening in states where cannabis is now legal? Are people with cannabis convictions still penalized by marijuana laws that no longer exist? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Vermonters Can Clear Their Cannabis Records—But They Have to Initiate the Process\n\nIn Vermont, for example, 31-year-old lighting designer Joshua Rowe claims that two past misdemeanor convictions have prevented him from taking jobs in Canada, because of his well-founded fear that he may be denied entry.\n\nHe says: “There are jobs I don’t even want to attempt to take, because it will look bad on my record if I get denied going into Canada for a job. [These old [cannabis] charges are holding me back](https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2018/06/22/marijuana-legalization-convictions).”\n\nOn July 1, Vermont became the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana. Vermont now allows adults to possess an ounce of marijuana, two mature plants and four immature plants. More and more people such as Joshua who are living in cannabis-friendly states are seeking forgiveness for past marijuana misdemeanor convictions, so they can stop living their lives under a cloud.\n\n### Some Folks Aren’t Aware of or Can’t Afford Cannabis Forgiveness \n\nThese nine states are moving towards—or already have mechanisms in place—allowing people to apply to have their records expunged. Last year, Colorado approved a bill that enables people convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession before Dec. 10, 2012, to petition to have their convictions sealed. This means that convictions wouldn’t be accessible to the public or they’d be destroyed. \n\nIn Maryland, people can also petition for expungement. Meanwhile in Oregon, judges are now directed to take the current law into account—stating that possessing and selling marijuana is legal—when they’re deciding whether to change a person’s criminal record.\n\nThe trouble is that minorities and low-income people are disproportionately arrested for drug offenses. In California, for example, [police arrested African Americans for marijuana offenses at more than twice the rate of Latinos in 2015, and more than triple the rate of Caucasians](https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article197967114.html). \n\nOften these police targets haven’t heard about the possibility of getting clemency, or if they have, they often can’t afford the money, time and legal headaches required to make those petitions. \n\nRELATED: [KEY NY PLAYERS PUSH FOR CANNABIS DECRIMINIALIZATION & LEGALIZATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5aecfde9b869a6000796590c/key-ny-players-push-for-cannabis-decriminalization-and-legalization)\n\n### California Leads the Way in Forgiving Marijuana Convictions\n\nNot surprisingly, California leads the way in forgiveness of past cannabis offenses. Assembly Bill 1793 is currently waiting for Governor Jerry Brown’s signature to be passed into law. Assembly member Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, introduced the bill as a response to 2016’s Proposition 64, legalizing recreational marijuana use for those 21 and older.\n\nWhile the proposition allows for “resentencing and destruction of records for prior marijuana convictions,” it doesn’t specify a process of how to do this. So, enter Bill 1793, placing the responsibility of reviewing and expunging convictions on the state—not those convicted.\n\nWith a deadline of July 1, 2019, the state department of justice must search its database for eligible cases from 1975 to 2016, sending them to district attorneys for review. District attorneys then have exactly one year to challenge any case that they don’t agree is eligible for resentencing. Cases unchallenged or surviving the review process would automatically have their sentences expunged or reduced. \n\n“Long after paying their debt to society, [people shouldn’t continue to face the collateral consequences](http://www.dailycal.org/2018/08/26/california-bill-provides-process-erase-reduce-sentences-marijuana-possession/), like being denied a job or housing, because they have an outdated [marijuana] conviction on their record,” Bonta said in a press release.\n\n### San Francisco Starts Its Cannabis Pardons Early\n\nSan Francisco wasn’t content to wait for the passage of Bill 1793. Last winter, District Attorney George Gascon announced that the city would immediately dismiss all cannabis misdemeanor convictions dating back to 1975.\n\nThe city also said it would review marijuana felony convictions for the period, and in appropriate cases resentence them to misdemeanor offenses.\n\n“We want to address the wrongs that were caused by the failures of the war on drugs for many years in this country and [begin to fix some of the harm that was done not only to the entire nation but specifically to communities of color](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/marijuana-san-francisco-cannabis-convictions-wiped-1975-california-drugs-recreational-weed-prejudice-a8188676.html),” said Gascon at a news conference.\n\nHe estimated that more than 3,000 misdemeanors will automatically be dismissed, and almost 5,000 felonies will be reviewed.\n\n### Delaware Decriminalized Marijuana Possession, But There’s no Cannabis Crimes Amnesty\n\nIn Delaware, wider amnesty didn’t pass in the state’s general assembly earlier this year. However, in July, the state—which decriminalized possession of less than an ounce of marijuana three years ago—passed a bill that will [automatically expunge the records of nearly 1,300 people with a single conviction of marijuana possession or use](https://whyy.org/articles/new-delaware-law-guarantees-expungement-for-one-pot-conviction/).\n\n“As a supporter of criminal justice reform, this is [common sense legislation to provide equity for those previously convicted of offenses that are no longer illegal](https://delawarestatenews.net/government/carney-signs-bill-expunging-some-pot-convictions/),” says Delaware Senate Minority Whip Greg Lavelle, the bill’s main sponsor. “The narrow scope of this legislation provides relief specifically to those with no other criminal convictions. This will expedite these expungements without overburdening the system,” he continued.\n\nWith the cloud of past marijuana convictions removed, more people will be able to enjoy lives free of black marks and unfair restraints.\n\nPhoto credit: [Sebastian Pichler](https://unsplash.com/@pichler_sebastian)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/14b42/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/f836f/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.jpg 200w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/2244e/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.jpg 400w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/14b42/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.jpg 800w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/47498/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/0e329/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/cc054/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.jpg 3679w","srcWebp":"/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/58556/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/61e93/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.webp 200w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/1f5c5/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.webp 400w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/58556/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.webp 800w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/99238/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.webp 1200w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/7c22d/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.webp 1600w,\n/static/e80e522495e8694321990aaaf036e638/7c017/ea98eeeba1e165fdc3d624cf1c6caf6f.webp 3679w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2825-markdown","title":"NCAA Bans the Use of Seizure-Preventing CBD Oil","slug":"ncaa-bans-the-use-of-seizure-preventing-cbd-oil","content":"Imagine working your entire life towards your dream, only to have it snatched away because of an outdated policy. This is exactly what’s happening to C.J. Harris, a talented high school football player who was recruited to play college football at Auburn. \n\nHarris thought his football dreams had come true, but then he got the terrible news: He could only play football if he stopped taking his medication—the cannabidiol (CBD) oil that controls his seizures. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### C.J.’s Story of Seizures & How CBD Helps \n\nC.J. has been battling seizures since the eighth grade. By sophomore year of high school, the problem had escalated to two to three seizures per month. \n\nLooking for a workable treatment, C.J. tried out a variety of pharmaceutical options. Unfortunately, like [30–40% of those with seizures, the traditional anti-seizure medications were ineffective for him](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Epilepsies-and-Seizures-Hope-Through#3109_29). That’s when doctors decided to put him on an alternative treatment that had shown promising results for others: CBD.\n\nCBD is a cannabinoid, or chemical, derived from the cannabis plant known for its ability to calm and even prevent seizures. \n\nRELATED: [EPILEPSY RELIEF POSSIBLE THROUGH MEDICAL CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c28a2c65663200065c0000/epilepsy-relief-possible-through-medical-cannabis)\n\nThe results were incredible. Since starting the CBD oil in January 2017, Harris hasn’t had a single seizure. With his condition completely under control, Harris went on to lead his high school football team to the state championship game. \n\nC.J.’s performance caught the eye of recruiters from Auburn, who offered him a spot on its team; it’s one of the top college football programs in the country. \n\nIt was a dream come true for C.J., but soon he received some crushing news. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) reviewed his medical files, and they wouldn’t let C.J. play while he had CBD in his system. As a cannabis-derived product, CBD is banned in college football with no exceptions. \n\nC.J. was left with an impossible choice: Give up his football dreams or go back to having regular seizures. Of course, stopping his medication wasn’t really option, because he had no other treatment alternatives—and having dangerous seizures wouldn’t be safe.\n\nSadly, he remains ineligible to play, despite all of his skill, talent and hard work. \n\n### C.J. Isn’t the Only One Taking CBD for Seizures \n\nAfter his story was widely reported, C.J. received a stream of supportive messages from many, including state representatives, epilepsy foundations and other athletes. They all urged the NCAA and Auburn to reconsider their decision.\n\nJerry Kill, who was Big Ten Coach of the Year while coaching the University of Minnesota football team, has battled seizures himself and harshly criticized the choice to ban C.J. \n\n\"That young man should not be punished for a disorder that is being controlled by cannabis oil,\" said Jerry. \"I encourage both parties to take a good look at what they're doing to a young man's dream. … A kid should not be punished for his seizures being brought under control. It's not fair to the kid.\"\n\nC.J. isn’t the only one taking CBD for seizures. CBD has been shown to be a safe and effective option. Studies show that [taking CBD can lead to a vast improvement in seizure disorders](https://nyulangone.org/press-releases/medical-marijuana-extract-curbs-seizure-frequency-in-early-trial-of-epilepsy-patients)—reducing the frequency of seizures or even stopping them completely. \n\nCBD is legal for medical use in many states, with hemp-derived CBD available nationwide. It’s [non-psychoactive, non-addictive and without any known negative side effects](http://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf) according to the World Health Organization.\n\nEven the pharmaceutical industry seems to be giving CBD its stamp of approval. Pharma giant GW Pharmaceuticals recently developed a CBD-based medicine for epilepsy called Epidiolex. [Epidiolex even made it through FDA approval](http://ir.gwpharm.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gw-pharmaceuticals-plc-and-its-us-subsidiary-greenwich). \n\nYet, despite these developments, CBD continues to be banned for athletes. \n\n### A Call to Ease the Ban on Cannabis for Athletes \n\nC.J.’s story has made more people think about why most sports leagues continue to ban cannabis. From managing pre-existing health conditions to treating the side effects of sports-related injuries such as concussions and chronic pain, cannabis has shown promising results. But in the U.S., almost all sports organizations ban cannabis, even isolated forms of non-psychoactive CBD. \n\nNow athletes from many different sports are [advocating for access to this life-altering—and sometimes life-saving—medicine](https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/18-of-the-biggest-marijuana-advocates-in-pro-sports-w429975/). From former pro-football stars like Ricky Williams and Jake Plumber to former NBA players like Cliff Robinson to pro mixed-martial artists like Nick Diaz, many are calling for sports leagues to reconsider their cannabis bans.\n\nOf course, there are a few notable exceptions to the blanket ban on cannabis in American sports. [The NHL doesn’t mention cannabis on its list of banned substances](https://www.cashinbis.com/mlb-nba-and-nfls-policy-on-cannabis/) at all. And some former NHL players like Riley Cote have been vocal about their own cannabis use for hockey-related injuries and pain. \n\nThe World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), the organization that regulates which substances are allowed in the Olympics, recently changed its rules on CBD. While all other cannabis is still banned, [WADA made an exception for CBD—adding it to the list of acceptable treatments](https://www.usada.org/wp-content/uploads/wada-2018-prohibited-list-en.pdf).\n\nWADA usually sets the international standards for what’s allowed in sports, with many organizations taking on these standards themselves. But with the exception of a new minor league basketball organization, the North American Premier Basketball League (NAPB), few in the U.S. have followed suit.\n\nHopefully, as public support for cannabis and CBD continues to grow, we’ll start to see more changes in these policies. Our athletes go through so much physical hardship for our entertainment. The least we can do is allow those who rely on CBD, like C.J. Harris, to continue to use the medicine that keeps them healthy.\n\nPhoto credit: [Pixabay](https://www.pexels.com/@pixabay)\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/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [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":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/14b42/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/f836f/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.jpg 200w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/2244e/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.jpg 400w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/14b42/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/47498/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/0e329/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/d5645/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.jpg 2834w","srcWebp":"/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/58556/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/61e93/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.webp 200w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/1f5c5/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.webp 400w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/58556/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.webp 800w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/99238/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.webp 1200w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/7c22d/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.webp 1600w,\n/static/3ea9c2c3a4a8d6f7cf48357c4ce2d87d/baba5/2b6ec9699ef0149c7e0d8f4c129d573e.webp 2834w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2802-markdown","title":"Ups & Downs in Legal Cannabis in the First Half of 2018","slug":"ups-and-downs-in-legal-cannabis-in-the-first-half-of-2018","content":"Late summer is always an exciting and busy season for cannabis farmers. Millions of plants are flowering and cannabis consumers across the state are beginning to anticipate new and exciting strains that will soon make their fall debut.\n\nBut this year, lawmakers, law enforcement officials and law-abiding cannabis businesses are struggling with California’s legal marijuana industry. And what’s being anticipated is far different from previous growing seasons. From the perspective of most marijuana business owners and producers, those hopeful, happy photos of excited customers eager to be the first legal cannabis consumers on Jan. 1 seem like they were taken decades ago. \n\nSteep taxes on cannabis products have taken a toll on consumers—particularly medical cannabis patients who may not be able to afford Medical Marijuana Identification Cards that would help eliminate some taxes. \n\nAnd challenges with lab testing continue to plague an industry struggling to compete with the black market, all while complying with stringent regulations. Let’s take a look at where legal cannabis in California stands today.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Taxes: Too High for Consumers, Too Low for CA\n\nAccording to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the excise tax on cannabis generated $32 million in revenue for the first quarter of 2018. The cultivation tax generated $1.6 million and the sales tax generated $27.3 million in tax revenues. This all makes for a grand total of just over $60 million. \n\nThis may sound like a hefty haul, but [$60 million falls far short of the $175 million in marijuana tax revenues](https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Cannabis-tax-revenue-in-California-falls-far-12902556.php) predicted by the state’s legislative office for the first six months of the year.\n\nProp 64 designated that [revenue from sales taxes would be transferred to the general fund](https://cannabiswire.com/2018/08/08/cannabis-taxes-state-by-state-what-we-know-so-far/). During the first quarter, about $16 million was dedicated to youth drug prevention and education, and about $5.4 million was earmarked for local law enforcement. The balance of tax revenues is divided into moneys supporting\n\n* Environmental restoration and preservation\n* Funding for the California Highway Patrol\n* Other research and community grants \n\nOn the consumer side of legalization, taxes are one of the main reasons shoppers continue to rely on the black market for their cannabis supply. A recent survey found that in the past three months, [one in five Californians bought marijuana from the unregulated market](https://www.investors.com/news/californias-legal-marijuana-business/). \n\nMore troubling for legal cannabis businesses is the fact that the survey found that 84% of these same customers are \"highly likely\" to continue purchasing from the black market because of \"the illicit market having cheaper products and no tax.”\n\n### Contaminated Cannabis Continues: Wasn’t Legalization Supposed to Fix This? \n\nOne of the most compelling arguments for legalization was that mandatory lab testing would guarantee that products were safe to consume and free from harmful materials. But so far, the industry has experienced some serious bumps in this road. \n\nAccording to the state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), since mandatory lab testing was rolled out in July, [one in five batches of cannabis has failed testing](https://www.ocregister.com/2018/07/26/first-tests-are-in-and-one-in-five-marijuana-samples-in-ca-isnt-making-grade/). \n\nBloom is one of the state’s most visible cannabis brands, selling products in nearly 100 retail locations throughout California. In July, the company announced a voluntary recall of some of its products when it [tested positive for a dangerous pesticide called Myclobutanil](https://mjbizdaily.com/california-vape-cartridge-maker-issues-voluntary-marijuana-product-recall/). This pesticide is used on inorganically farmed apples and grapes, but once combusted by a flame or in a vape pen, it morphs into dangerous hydrogen cyanide. \n\nYet another company, [Lowell Herb, which provides pre-rolls to about 74 retailers, initiated a voluntary recall](https://mjbizdaily.com/second-voluntary-cannabis-product-recall-issued-in-california/) only days after Bloom’s announcement. The company provided its product to one lab, where it initially passed testing. But the same products failed a second test at the same lab. Lowell Herb then had the product tested at a different facility, where the product passed, but decided to go ahead with its recall.\n\nAre companies the victims of overly aggressive state-sanctioned testing procedures, as some farmers alledge? Are companies working with unscrupulous farmers? Could labs be using inconsistent testing standards? Because mandatory testing is the newest part of the state’s legalization rollout, it will take time to determine where the confusion lies.\n\nAnd what happens to all of that noncompliant cannabis? It must be destroyed, according to the BCC. And its destruction must be logged with the agency. Just prior to the July 1 rollout of mandatory testing, one estimate suggested that over [$350 million worth of noncompliant cannabis could be headed to the incinerator](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/29/california-cannabis-laws-product-destroyed). \n\n### What’s in the Bag? Pricey Cannabis in an Even Pricier Package \n\nAnother challenge to marijuana producers has been the transition to compliant packaging. The process of changing over to packages that meet new regulations is complex and very expensive. What makes up a compliant package? A lengthy list of no less than [a dozen packaging rules that include everything from font size to the manufacturing date](http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2018/7/20/what-package-designers-need-to-know-about-californias-new-cannabis-regulations) and much more.\n\nEven more troubling is a requirement from the California Department of Public Health regarding packaging. Currently, it requires that the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in all products be stated in milligrams—something absolutely impossible for cannabis flower manufacturers to comply with.\n\nAnd for cannabis product manufacturers, perhaps the most confusing aspect of packaging is the fact that package designs aren’t approved prior to—but only after—the product is on the shelves. This leaves a business vulnerable to citations for improper package design and costly redesigns. \n\nRELATED: [CA CANNABIS RETAILERS BRACING FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF LEGALIZATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b2fbeb9bf4c4d000a0e74e3/ca-cannabis-retailers-bracing-for-next-phase-of-legalization)\n\nPackages that cost a cartridge manufacturer seven cents per unit prior to legalization are now costing 55 cents per unit. The costs for these and other new legalization requirements are being borne in large part by the farmers and the end consumers.\n\n### Back to Black? How Can Legal Entrepreneurs Stay Afloat? \n\nCannabis startups now require up to several million dollars and more to launch. And when marijuana startups with virtually no public track record must locate investors, even those who are great at what they do have a hard time finding funding. \n\nSome companies that have been in business prior to legalization may not have enough capital to stay afloat. One analyst even predicts that [thousands of existing cannabis operators may face closing their businesses](https://mjbizdaily.com/why-financing-is-a-key-hurdle-for-california-cannabis-companies-and-forcing-some-to-the-black-market/).\n\nAlternately, cannabis companies may be forced to relocate to a different jurisdiction where their type of business is allowed. Or businesses may even throw in the towel and return to the unregulated market.\n\nEven [industry giants like Oakland dispensary Harborside have laid off workers](https://www.ganjapreneur.com/california-cannabis-market-growing-pains/) due to increased business costs and underperforming retail sales.\n\n### Can CA Create a Regulatory Framework That’s Good for Everyone? \n\nThough California’s legal adult-use cannabis rollout has been rocky, this has generally been the case for all states that have legalized recreational cannabis. California’s domination as a producer state has created additional challenges. Other problems are rooted in the state’s large geography. \n\nAs Los Angeles gets closer to the conclusion of its complex three-pronged licensing period, some hiccups in the area that arguably houses the state’s largest concentration of cannabis consumers will begin to ease up. As cannabis farmers, breeders and retailers report what works and doesn’t work with the state’s testing and track and trace system, more changes will gradually result in improvements to regulations that better fit the reality of the industry. \n\nAnd as consumers continue to bring their voices to the table—demanding a wider array of products that represent their needs, perhaps those in Sacramento will begin to feel that they can revisit some of the most unreasonable, unworkable aspects of Prop 64. Hopefully lawmakers are willing to revamp regulations to reflect a more inclusive and sensible approach to marijuana legalization.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/14b42/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.jpg","srcSet":"/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/f836f/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.jpg 200w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/2244e/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.jpg 400w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/14b42/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.jpg 800w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/47498/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.jpg 1200w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/0e329/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.jpg 1600w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/40669/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.jpg 3979w","srcWebp":"/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/58556/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/61e93/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.webp 200w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/1f5c5/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.webp 400w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/58556/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.webp 800w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/99238/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.webp 1200w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/7c22d/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.webp 1600w,\n/static/55eee50773b11ebc35561a066493314d/f0629/f838697d617f1b3d9e7ad4d8642a90ab.webp 3979w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2789-markdown","title":"Legalization Encourages Sustainable Marijuana Farming","slug":"legalization-encourages-sustainable-marijuana-farming","content":"With legalization taking root in states throughout the U.S., [many innovative sustainable farming options have emerged for cannabis growers](https://www.coloradopotguide.com/colorado-marijuana-blog/article/cannabis-sustainability-how-marijuana-can-go-greener/). One of the most important outgrowths of the legal cannabis market in states like California is the necessity of following strict cultivation guidelines.\n\nIn the days when the black market was a farmer’s only option, nothing prevented unscrupulous growers from using questionable methods to bring their bud to harvest. Now that legalized cannabis must be tested before it reaches a retailer’s display case, the focus has rightfully shifted to sustainable growing practices.\n\nBut what exactly is sustainable cannabis farming? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Sustainability: Growing Marijuana for the Future\n\nThe definition of sustainable farming isn’t exclusive to cannabis. Farmers across the world have been adapting sustainable farm practices for decades or longer. There are a few hallmarks of sustainable agriculture, which are outlined succinctly by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program at UC Davis:\n\n“The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.”\n\nOne of the upsides of legalization is the necessity for farmers to incorporate sustainability into their farming practices. These include but aren’t limited to:\n\n* Maintaining soil health\n* Conserving water \n* Using environmentally friendly products in growing and production \n\nSustainability models also support healthy, safe environments for farm workers. \n\nThese days, the crossover between farmers, soil scientists, water control boards, and local and state regulatory agencies can make growing cannabis a daunting enterprise. But there are many indicators that overall, [the cannabis industry is moving toward accepting sustainable agriculture practices](https://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/14/making-the-cannabis-industry-greener/).\n\n### Legal Cannabis Excels in Sensible Water Use\n\nFarmers are working overtime to bring their gardens and industry into a world where [science and technology can help increase crop yields and protect the environment](https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/06/marijuana-organic-cannabis-industry-goes-green-energy-water-pesticides/).  \n\nManaging water use is key to sustainable farming. [Cannabis farmers are responding to the need to protect the environment](https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/02/06/why-californias-cannabis-industry-will-lead-water-innovation) by:\n\n* Installing drip irrigation\n* Using precise infusions of fertilizers to curtail runoff \n* Following best practices from dairy and other agriculture to make every precious drop of water count\n\n### Sustainable Marijuana Farming Can Be Economical \n\nOne of the knocks against cannabis cultivation, especially indoor growers, is the traditionally steep energy costs associated with expensive lighting. But the advent of lower-energy LED lights and other conservation techniques are beginning to show a [downtick in energy use by marijuana growers](https://www.thecannabist.co/2017/03/31/cannabis-industry-energy-use-declining/76454/). \n\nPower companies like [California’s Pacific Gas and Electric offer up to $100,000 in interest-free financing](https://www.greenstate.com/news/cannabis-goes-green-with-sustainable-business-practices/) for LED lighting. This is part of the growing evidence that [sustainable farming is cost effective](https://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/marijuana/5904808-151/sustainable-practices-profit-cannabis-companies) for farmers and for the energy grid. There are many more incentives in legalized cannabis states encouraging farmers to replace outdated technology with more sustainable practices.\n\n### Does Sustainable Farming Equal Organic Cannabis? \n\nIf you visit a retailer who claims to sell organic cannabis, Russell Green, founder and owner of Kure Wellness in Ukiah, CA, would respond with: Buyer beware. \n\nFor years, the USDA struggled with manufacturers marketing products as natural or organic before creating strict regulations that defined what these words actually mean. “Today, as unscrupulous marketers tout their wares as organic, the cannabis industry is in much the same situation,” says Russell. “Because cannabis is federally illegal, the USDA will not allow cannabis to be certified as organic,” he explains. \n\nIn fact, the word organic is _literally_ owned by the federal government, with [fines of up to $11,000 per violation for businesses who illegally represent their products as organic](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/enforcement/organic).\n \nMeeting the [high bar for organic cannabis certification is  complicated](https://www.thecannabist.co/2017/01/19/organic-marijuana-cultivation-commercial-usda-nop/68305/). In standard agriculture, inputs up and down the lifecycle of a plant must meet or exceed organic standards in order to be certified.\n\n“The majority of organically based cannabis rooting substrates like coco coir and rock wool generally have inorganic elements added to them. Unfortunately, this means that the vast majority of cannabis seedlings start their lives in a product that would not meet federal organic standards,” Russell continues.\n\nFertilizers are another gray area. Many cannabis companies produce fertilizers containing a combination of synthetic and organic nutrients. Unless a product is consistent with the [USDA’s National Organic Program](https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program), it probably wouldn’t pass muster were the farm able to undergo a USDA compliance review.\n\n### Sustainable Marijuana Certifications to Look Out for \n\n“The best farmers use products and practices that exceed stringent local and state regulatory standards,” says Russell. “As a farmer myself, I look at the types of pesticides and growing practices used by cultivators wanting to sell their products at our store. Most farmers we work with rely solely on [products certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute](https://www.omri.org).” \n\nBecause licensed cannabis retailers in California may only work with licensed marijuana farmers, all flowers and all other products are now subject to lab testing. “There are very few non-organic pesticides available to commercial cultivators. Any cannabis containing traces of unacceptable pesticides will never pass mandatory lab testing, and we’re seeing this play out with product recalls right now,” Russell notes.\n\nIn addition to the type and amount of cannabis in a product, Kure Wellness looks at the other ingredients that make up an edible or ingested item. “We place preference on manufacturers who use certified organic ingredients in their edibles, and we prefer concentrate manufacturers who use solvent-free [extraction] techniques,” says Russell.\n\nFor a fee, a few companies certify farms as meeting organic standards. “Until the USDA certifies farms as organic, we will respect the government’s definition of the word organic and only use it to describe general growing practices, and not entire product lines or farms. Our existing relationships with farmers are the best way to determine use of inorganic chemicals and pesticides. Our standard is, ‘Would we feel comfortable giving this product to our grandmother?’ If the answer is no, we don’t have a deal,” Russell says with a smile.  \n\n### Regenerative Cannabis Farming: The Next Frontier \n\nMany sustainable farmers are upping their game and taking their practices to the next level. DEMPure Farms is one example of a certification company that represents over 60 farms in Oregon, California, Washington and other legal states. They’re committed to a polyculture approach to cannabis farming. To receive their Pure certification, farms are required to:\n\n* Produce food \n* Have pollinator gardens \n* Practice seed-saving \n* Grow in the soil \n\nFarms must also refrain from:\n\n* Using petrochemical solvents \n* Selling or giving their product to manufacturers that extract cannabis oils using solvents \n* Using GMOs \n* Employing synthetic pots or synthetic fertilizers \n\nFor the farms that certify with DEMPure, the philosophy is that sustainability isn’t enough. That’s why they promote no-till farming, using compost and compost tea, cover crops, crop rotation, worm farming and integrating farm animals into the operation. \n\nTo a traditional farmer, it may sound like cannabis farms have come full circle—and are now just plain old farms.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEAv/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABXRA7G6DIv//EABoQAQEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhESITH/2gAIAQEAAQUC5T0bI9HNtt//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEBH/2gAIAQIBAT8BNX//xAAaEAEAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARIhMTJh/9oACAEBAAY/Amq7qIqZf//EAB0QAAICAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESFhcTFBUYH/2gAIAQEAAT8hhKUKxLbfCHik9GR5Hru5gfbfR//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQvA//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/ED//xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEBEh/9oACAECAQE/ENBF/8QAHhABAQACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITGBQVFxkcH/2gAIAQEAAT8QID4gGusGQibtz9xVPW1cdZQmYihn1j+hSFT405RNDmHP/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/14b42/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/f836f/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/2244e/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 400w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/14b42/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 800w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/47498/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/0e329/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/1e649/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.jpg 1981w","srcWebp":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/58556/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/61e93/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/1f5c5/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 400w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/58556/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 800w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/99238/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 1200w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/7c22d/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 1600w,\n/static/c300c5acf78b65b1f7c10470b6c2b376/8aa02/41469ce583233ca13801ac2eeca8a495.webp 1981w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2780-markdown","title":"NY Health Dept Allows Medical Marijuana to Replace Opioids","slug":"ny-health-dept-allows-medical-marijuana-to-replace-opioids","content":"Last month, the New York Department of Health filed an emergency measure allowing patients using prescription opioids to replace them with medical marijuana. This measure, which becomes official on Aug. 1, 2018, is an attempt to recognize cannabis “as an effective treatment for pain that may also reduce the chance of opioid dependence,” according to Dr. Howard Zucker, New York state’s health commissioner in a [press release](https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2018/2018-07-12_opioid_replacement.htm). \n\n\"Adding opioid replacement as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana offers providers another treatment option, which is a critical step in combatting the deadly opioid epidemic affecting people across the state,\" Zucker went on to say.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Opioid Overdoses & the Number of Opioid Prescriptions Handed Out Hit All-Time Highs\n\nIt’s estimated that [roughly 115 people die daily from an opioid overdose](https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/health/opioid-crisis-fast-facts/index.html). In 2016, a whopping 236 million prescriptions of opioid medications were given out to patients across the country. In 2012, that number topped out at 282 million.\n\nCurrently, chronic pain—which is typically linked with opioid prescriptions, use and abuse—is one of 12 conditions that qualify folks in New York for medical marijuana. However, the addition of opioid replacement as a qualifying condition also allows individuals with severe pain as well as opioid use disorder to qualify for medical marijuana. \n\n\n### No More Waiting-Now Doctors Can Prescribe Medical Marijuana for Severe Pain\n\n“While health care professionals will still have to provide the underlying acute condition that the patient is suffering from, they now won’t have to wait for the three-month qualifying timeframe that defines chronic pain. Instead, patients will be able to use cannabis immediately when injured if their doctor prescribes it to them,” says Dr.  Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer.\n\nDr. Solomon adds, “The awareness that cannabis can help decrease pain has been shown in an observational study with HelloMD and UC Berkeley. In this study, 97% of the nearly 3,000 patients who participated were able to decrease their opioid use with the use of cannabis. If only more states were as progressive as New York is, then deaths caused by opioid use and abuse could potentially be decreased even further.”\n\nOpioid replacement joins 12 conditions that qualify people in New York for medical marijuana. These include: cancer, HIV or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury with spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington's disease, PTSD and chronic pain.\n\nAs of July 10, 2018, there are 62,256 certified patients and 1,735 registered practitioners participating in New York State’s medical marijuana program.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/14b42/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/f836f/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/2244e/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 400w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/14b42/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 800w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/47498/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/0e329/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/dbe5d/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 1633w","srcWebp":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/58556/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/61e93/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/1f5c5/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 400w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/58556/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 800w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/99238/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 1200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/7c22d/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 1600w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/a914d/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 1633w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2775-markdown","title":"Is Big Tobacco Moving On Cannabis to Smoke the Competition?","slug":"is-big-tobacco-moving-on-cannabis-to-smoke-the-competition","content":"It’s easy to imagine why investors and tobacco industrialists see links between cigarettes and marijuana. After all, both can be smoked and vaped. Both have mood-altering components. Both plants have a long association with nearly every culture around the globe, and both are relatively easy to mass produce.\n\nBut today, [nicotine use is in decline](https://www.investors.com/news/philip-morris-sales-disappoint-cigarette-demand-dips-more/) while cannabis continues to gain in popularity. This is thanks to more data and anecdotal evidence that marijuana can be a relatively safe medical and recreational substance.\n\nSo, it’s no surprise that Big Tobacco looks to be making a move into the cannabis space. And in fact, it turns out they’ve been dabbling in cannabis for quite some time—as far back as the late 1800s.\n\nThe question is: Is this good for the cannabis industry? Only if we—the consumer—can have a voice in the conversation.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Tobacco Industry’s Long, Secret History With Cannabis\n\nLike many other industries, Big Tobacco has been interested in the profitability of cannabis. Many see the marijuana industry as resembling the tobacco market prior to 1880, when cigarettes began to be mass-produced and marketed for the first time. \n\nIn 2013, the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education along with the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies undertook an exhaustive study. The research, which was facilitated by UC San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Helsinki, revealed that [as early as the 1970s, tobacco companies have been eyeing cannabis](https://www.milbank.org/wp-content/files/documents/featured-articles/pdf/Milbank_Quarterly_Vol-92_No-2_2014_The_Tobacco_Industry_and_Marijuana_Legalization.pdf ) “as both a potential and a rival product.”\n\nThe jaw-dropping study cited tobacco company documents previously unavailable to the public. They revealed that as early as 1969, three multinational tobacco companies—Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and RJ Reynolds—had all considered manufacturing cigarettes containing cannabis. The tobacco industry undertook numerous confidential tobacco-funded cannabis research projects—with the implied knowledge of the Department of Justice. \n\n### Big Tobacco Grew Cannabis, But Didn’t Want Anyone to Know \n\nIn 1970, Philip Morris “applied and was granted a special permit to grow, cultivate and make marijuana extracts” at the same time that 11 states began to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.\n\nSimultaneously, _Time_ magazine broke a stunning story, stating that “tobacco men are discussing the potentially heavy market for marijuana, and some figure it could be legalized within five years.”\n\nThe tobacco industry was infuriated with the _Time_ article, and the magazine ended up  issuing an apology. All six major cigarette companies followed up by publicly stating no plans for marketing cannabis were in the works.\n\n### From Kools to Blunts: The Long Association Between Tobacco & Marijuana \n\nBut Big Tobacco continued to track the public’s growing acceptance of cannabis. Further confidential studies revealed that marijuana smokers preferred to smoke Kool mentholated cigarettes after getting high, stating that the two substances “just go together.” Tobacco marketing was revamped to capture the youth and African American markets. Further tobacco studies continued into the 1980s comparing long-term cannabis and nicotine use, noting there was no conclusive evidence that smoking cannabis resulted in long-term lung disease.\n\nThe advent of smoking tobacco-cannabis blunts and the explosion of the e-cigarette industry continued to pique the interest of Big Tobacco, which initially fought the allegation that cigarettes were considered a gateway drug to marijuana. \n\nBut by 2005, a new pattern emerged, with cannabis use often preceding tobacco use. A study of 10,000 teenagers by the American Academy of Pediatrics discovered that [the use of e-cigarettes was associated with cannabis use among kids aged 12–14](http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2018/04/19/peds.2017-3787.short). Regardless of the order of consumption, the establishment of a relationship between cannabis and tobacco has been substantiated. \n\nThe UCSF study noted it was nearly impossible for researchers to access any tobacco company documents produced after 1998, because of legal loopholes and claims of attorney-client privilege. But what’s clear from this study is that Big Tobacco has seen cannabis as both a threat and an opportunity for nearly five decades.\n\n### Big Tobacco’s Subtle Move Toward Cannabis \n\nIs Big Tobacco making inroads into the cannabis space? The answer is yes—and no. \n\nRecently, [Philip Morris International invested $20 million](http://observer.com/2018/03/legalization-has-tobacco-companies-interested-in-marijuana-industry/) into an Israeli-based firm producing 3D-printed cannabis inhalers. Additionally, the company’s European subsidiary applied for and received a patent for plants “producing terpenes of interest … including … Cannabis sativa.”\n\n### Is the Cannabis Industry Cozying Up to Big Tobacco? \n\nRob Kampia, longtime director of the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) [admitted to discussions with Michigan tobacco interests](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/marijuana-lobby-admits-tobacco-industry-executives_us_59382c9de4b014ae8c69dced). They reportedly talked about how to create a law that would build a limited number of licensees, including ones from the tobacco industry, that would handle the transport of marijuana in that state. \n\nWhether it was Kampia’s personal life or the resounding backlash from his overture to Big Tobacco, he was quietly ousted from his position with MPP and another high-profile cannabis organization. Clearly, there’s still resistance within the cannabis movement to any overt partnerships with Big Tobacco.\n\n### Dollars & Sensimilla \n\nLike everything in today’s cannabis space, it all comes down to money. Tobacco giants are already diving into the Canadian cannabis investment scene. But in the U.S. they must take a wait-and-see approach, because of the divide between federal cannabis prohibition and the growing number of states legislating medical and recreational marijuana use. \n\nUntil these issues are resolved, it’s unlikely tobacco titans like Phillip Morris will openly align themselves directly with the plant. What they’ll do is continue to branch out into subsidiary products such as rolling papers and vape pens. They’ll bolster their public image by enlisting spokespeople such as former [Senator and Speaker of the House John Boehner to serve on the boards of cannabis and tobacco companies](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-11/ex-speaker-john-boehner-joins-marijuana-firm-s-advisory-board) to win over anti-cannabis legislators. They’ll hire crossover employees who have familiarity with cannabis, and lobby for downgrading the plant’s restrictive Schedule 1 federal classification. \n\n### What Could Big Tobacco Bring to the Marijuana Industry? \n\nBig Tobacco has figured out the science of what the UCSF study calls a “puff-by-puff” delivery system, which provides tobacco users with consistent products. For cannabis consumers who want more control over their smoking experience, the tobacco industry has the potential to bring high-level technology and expertise to the cartridge and vaping industry. \n\nBig Tobacco has also created one of the world’s most powerful marketing and political lobbying machines. These are tools that some cannabis experts feel could be leveraged to ensure regulated, safe products and workable, consumer-driven legislation. \n\nThe tobacco industry has also engaged in decades of research and development. Perhaps they weren’t thrilled with the results, which only confirmed the deadly nature of tobacco consumption.\n\nBut if motivated, Big Tobacco has the money and the clout to engage in serious cannabis research. Big Tobacco has deep pockets and long arms that reach into halls of government, and they’ve had an image problem for decades. Could their association with cannabis help an industry, which has been associated with sickness, addiction and death?\n\nPerhaps. But like everything in this rapidly changing world, it’s up to the consumer to drive the conversation, to support sensible legislation and to educate opponents of marijuana legalization to the medical benefits of cannabis.\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA IS SAFER THAN ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO, STUDY FINDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56e884c21e4e2b000800001a/marijuana-is-safer-than-alcohol-and-tobacco-study-finds)\n\n### A Future Shrouded in Smoke \n\nFor years, there have been rumors of large tracts of land in the hills of Northern California, where secret mega-farms are growing marijuana for Philip Morris. We may never know the truth of this rumor.\n\nBut in 2016, a satire publication created a fictitious website launching the release of Marlboro M cannabis cigarettes. Many took it as fact that Big Tobacco had finally arrived in the cannabis space. Though the joke was on us, the question is: Who will be laughing if Big Tobacco becomes one of the primary drivers of the cannabis industry?\n\nPhoto credit: [Daniele Levis Pelusi](https://unsplash.com/@yogidan2012)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEBQb/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHP2CFjSKH/xAAaEAACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwACEBIi/9oACAEBAAEFAopetbMInK4bnH//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAECAQE/AT//xAAaEAACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIREFGB/9oACAEBAAY/AhzkuFRdI28//8QAGxABAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQBRESExEGH/2gAIAQEAAT8hmad04+LixhBybONjFK3fn//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQsM//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/ED//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAECAQE/ED//xAAcEAEAAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMUGBofD/2gAIAQEAAT8QiCjUgZQ0PW5GFFjjnuCRq+AKPEt97H7YttvM/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/14b42/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.jpg","srcSet":"/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/f836f/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.jpg 200w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/2244e/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.jpg 400w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/14b42/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.jpg 800w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/47498/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.jpg 1200w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/0e329/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.jpg 1600w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/db203/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.jpg 3642w","srcWebp":"/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/58556/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/61e93/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.webp 200w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/1f5c5/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.webp 400w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/58556/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.webp 800w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/99238/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.webp 1200w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/7c22d/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.webp 1600w,\n/static/312805c35085b9bfb855a21652f556f3/62b7a/81347f7b10acfe9678b1048edbf97f19.webp 3642w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":13,"currentPage":1,"id":5567,"name":"News & Events","slug":"news-and-events","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}