Yes! Cannabis!

Cannabis Happenings By HER and FoxTale Events

World’s most popular lesbian social app to work with unique cannabis-friendly experience event creator to form one-of-a-kind event programming.

Pride heart graphic. Image by mmi9 from Pixabay.

HER, the world’s most popular social app for womxn and queer people, is partnering with FoxTale Events to produce cannabis-consumption friendly events for the queer community. The two organizations will work together to produce events based around food, art, music, and community in a cannabis-consumption friendly environment. The partnership brings together HER’s community of over five million users with FoxTale Events’ exquisite curation to produce truly unique social gatherings.

“HER’s mission is to help lesbian, bisexual and queer people to meet each other. Although our app does this at scale, we care deeply about bringing people together on a local level and in person,” says Kris Chesson, Head of Global Events at HER. “FoxTale’s events hit the spot for anyone who enjoys good food, good music, and good people, and, of course, top-quality cannabis.”

Based in Oakland, FoxTale Events produces supper clubs, brunches and social games in a space where people may consume cannabis. The events regularly feature food from notable chefs, live music performances and cannabis experiences with consumption available in pre-rolled joints, vaporizers, and other forms. With restrictions on cannabis consumption written into state and local laws, FoxTale Events provides a needed safe space for cannabis users to meet and enjoy themselves.

“Cannabis enthusiasts and the LGBTQ community both need to seek out spaces where they are safe and welcome. We’re working with HER to create incredibly chill, enjoyable programs where people can get together, laugh, and be themselves,” says Amber E Senter, co-founder of FoxTale Events.

HER and FoxTale Events share the goal of providing safe, inclusive spaces that bring people together. Their partnership will bring the best of each organization to form a social environment unlike any currently on offer.

Nebraskans For Medical Marijuana Partners With ADOPT

Chimney Rock, Nebraska. Photo by Balazs Busznyak on Unsplash.

ADOPT (Adopt a Decrease in Oppressive Property Taxes), a newly-formed statewide coalition, partners with Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana in an effort to grow the state’s economy and reduce high property tax. Together they will work to support the November ballot measure to allow medical cannabis in Nebraska. If the ballot initiative passes, medical cannabis sales could generate millions of dollars for the state. Currently, Nebraska is 1 of 17 states where cannabis is completely illegal.

“Our campaign is excited to partner with ADOPT, which reflects a broad coalition of Nebraskans that support access to medical cannabis and recognizes the health and economic benefits of passing this initiative,” said state Senator Anna Wishart from Lincoln who co-chairs Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.

ADOPT is chaired by Tommy Garrett, a former Republican Nebraska state senator from Bellevue and decorated U.S. Air Force veteran. Garrett is currently is president and CEO of The Garrett Group, Inc., a consulting firm. In 2015, he introduced the first bill (LB643) to allow medical cannabis in Nebraska.

“We support the ballot initiative because it will improve health outcomes for citizens across the state, while also raising millions of dollars in revenue and economic growth,” Garrett said. “This new economic growth and revenue to our communities could be used to fund roads and bridges, support education and reduce taxes. Once the ballot measure passes, we will work with the Nebraska Legislature to ensure the positive economic impact from medical cannabis will help reduce excessive property taxes.”

ADOPT will work with Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana to immediately deploy a statewide network of supporters to collect signatures to meet the November 2020 ballot requirements. They will also work to launch a full-scale voter education and mobilization campaign.

“We are so thankful to the hundreds of Nebraska volunteers and advocates across our state who have tirelessly committed their time and energy to collect signatures for this campaign,” Senator Wishart said. “Without their support, we would not be able to expand our efforts to an additional paid drive and ensure this measure crosses the finish line.”

ADOPT also announced that it has retained 1st Tuesday Campaigns, one of the premier ballot initiative and state referendum firms in the country. The firm has helped civic-minded citizens and organizations pass ballot measures across the country, including work in California, Washington, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri, and other Midwestern states.

“1st Tuesday Campaigns is opening offices in our state and employing Nebraskans to assist in securing the voter signatures necessary to get the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana ballot initiative language on the Nov. 2020 ballot,” Garrett said. “When Nebraskans vote this fall on Election Day, they will have an opportunity to meaningfully impact the physical and economic well-being of their families, neighbors, and communities across the state. I’m confident the partnership between ADOPT, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, and 1st Tuesday Campaigns is the right team to help us with this important mission.”

HEMPVET Expands CBD Pet Product Brand to Feline and Equine Markets

(Top) Kittens in a basket. Photo by Jari Hytönen on Unsplash. (Bottom) Horses in a meadow. Photo by Fabian Burghardt on Unsplash.

HEMPVET launched nine new pet wellness products, including its first for cats and horses. Each of its new products is designed to address a specific issue, including anxiety, digestive disorders, hip and joint pain, inflammation, and immune deficiencies through the use of organic hemp as its halo ingredient.

As more and more pet owners turn to hemp-based alternative treatments, HEMPVET has become a leader in an emerging, rapidly-growing segment of the pet industry. Acquired by leading multi-state cannabis operator Revolution Global in 2019, the company has taken off by filling gaps in the pet supplement and wellness market. In the past six months alone, HEMPVET has effectively doubled its assortment of offerings.

“Hemp-derived pet products were unheard of only a few short years ago. Now swaths of CBD treatments are available at pet specialty retailers across the country,” said HEMPVET CEO Will Billings. “We believe that the industry has not even scratched the surface of the potential of hemp to improve animals’ lives. With this next phase of our growth, we are excited to treat a wider range of health concerns while providing pets with safe, natural alternatives to traditional medicines.”

For cats, HEMPVET now offers soft chews for anxiety reduction, hip and joint pain relief, and immunity support. In the equine category, HEMPVET now provides powder-based remedies to reduce anxiety, hip and joint inflammation, and digestive disorders. The expansion also includes a hemp-infused flea and tick spray and topical gel remedies which are all-natural and beneficial for both dogs and cats.

The company is also currently developing a hemp shive-based bedding for pets of all sizes. The spongy, absorbent material will solve several problems associated with standard pet bedding, including limiting dust exposure, naturally controlling odor, eliminating toxic chemical exposure, and extending product life.

HEMPVET was founded on the idea that hemp-based treatments coupled with multiple active ingredients can help animals live longer, healthier lives. Their products are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and created by a board-certified animal nutritionist, Dr. Gary Pusillo, who has managed the nutrition programs for 17 Kentucky Derby winners. All formulations are rooted in science and designed to be natural alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines. The active ingredients are lab-tested to ensure quality, traceability, and safety and all formulas contain multiple active ingredients to create a synergistic effect.

HEMPVET is a leading hemp-derived cannabinoid pet product company in the rapidly-growing pet supplement and nutrition industry. HEMPVET’s products are expertly formulated by renowned, board-certified animal nutritionist Dr. Gary Pusillo. All active ingredients are lab tested to ensure quality, traceability, and safety. The brand’s sophisticated product offerings treat a range of health challenges, including anxiety, digestive disorders, inflammation, and the effects of aging.

HempStaff Gets Accredited In Massachusetts As Cannabis Industry Responsible Vendor Trainer

Image provided by HempStaff.

HempStaff, a leading training and recruiting agency for the cannabis and hemp industry, has been leading and preparing candidates to enter the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana program since 2015. The company is continuing support for the Massachusetts Cannabis Commission with additional coaching to assist applicants for both the medical and adult-use programs.

HempStaff will be presenting its Massachusetts Responsible Vendor Training starting Saturday, May 30, 2020. To date, the company has hosted over 15 various training classes in Massachusetts, proudly certifying almost 1,000 of their 8,500 trained nationwide candidates.

In 2019, HempStaff was also state-approved for the Illinois Responsible Vendor Training as well. “Massachusetts and Illinois are currently the only two states that require a responsible vendor training of this type. We hope other states follow their model and create requirements like this in the future, as it helps employees stay current on laws and regulations and creates a safer and better work environment for everyone,” said James Yagielo, CEO of HempStaff.

All owners, managers, and employees that are involved in the handling and sale of marijuana will be required to attend Responsible Vendor Training through a certified provider within 90 days of hire. The certification is good for one year and must be renewed annually. The fee for this 3-hour class is $129.00. Previous HempStaff students may take this class to fill the requirement for free their first year, and all students get a $99.00 annual return rate.

Training includes the responsible use of cannabis, laws, and regulations on driving while under the influence, sale to minor prohibitions, safe storage of cannabis, waste handling, security and surveillance requirements, packaging and labeling requirements, safe delivery practices and all the other required topics.

All agents, including all Principal Officers, must meet the 8-hour training requirement found in section 935 CMR 500.105, established by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. In addition to Responsible Vendor Training, HempStaff offers additional training hours for entry-level dispensary agents, position-specific training for employed dispensary agents and managers and a deep dive into the human body and how the cannabis plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes provide for a myriad of symptom relief.

You can find the complete training schedule, including webinars, at https://dispensarytraining.com.

Artisanal CBD Vs Pharmaceutical CBD: Which Is More Effective For Reducing Seizures?

Head and lightning epilepsy illustration. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.

A study finds artisanal CBD is not as effective as pharmaceutical CBD for reducing seizures. Children and teens with epilepsy who were treated with pharmaceutical cannabidiol (CBD) had much better seizure control than those who were treated with artisanal CBD, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 72nd Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada, April 25 to May 1, 2020.

CBD is a cannabis component that relieves stress and anxiety and has anti-seizure properties. It does not produce a “high” like another cannabis component called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Pharmaceutical CBD for epilepsy does not have THC. It is FDA approved for use in two severe forms of childhood epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which do not respond well to other medications. Artisanal CBD is manufactured using varying techniques and contains variable amounts of CBD and THC.

“The use of medical cannabis to treat various medical conditions has grown in recent years. While not always legal, artisanal CBD has been available longer, so some people have been using it to treat epilepsy for years,” said study author Nathan T. Cohen, M.D., of Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C., and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “They may want to reconsider because our research indicates that pharmaceutical CBD may indeed be more effective than artisanal CBD.”

For the study, researchers reviewed the medical charts of 31 children and teens with an average age of 10 who were followed for an average age of one year. All had some form of epilepsy including 32% with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and 6% with Dravet syndrome. Of the group, 22 were taking pharmaceutical CBD and nine were taking artisanal CBD. Researchers recorded medication doses, levels of CBD in the blood, seizure history and reduction in seizures with medication and side effects.

Those taking artisanal CBD had an average level of CBD in the blood of 31 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) compared to 124 ng/mL for those taking pharmaceutical CBD.

Researchers found children and teens taking artisanal CBD had a 70% increase in seizures during the study. Those taking prescription CBD had a 39% reduction in seizures.

However, 11 participants reported side effects. All were taking pharmaceutical CBD. Side effects included sleepiness, low appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. Six of those participants stopped taking pharmaceutical CBD due to side effects.

“The difference in seizure control is dramatic and is definitely of concern since many people continue to use artisanal CBD,” said Cohen. “However, a limitation of our study is that it was small. More research is needed to see if similar results are found in larger groups of people.”

Another limitation of the study was that it was a look back at medical records. It did not involve participants who were given either pharmaceutical or artisanal CBD and then followed over time.

The American Academy of Neurology is the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, with more than 36,000 members. The AAN is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. Learn more about epilepsy at BrainandLife.org.

Long Beach, California Lowers Cannabis Taxes

The Long Beach Collective Association (LBCA), cannabis business owners, policy advocates, patients, consumers, and city officials came together to support the city’s legal cannabis business community, lower taxes, and fight the illegal market. In December 2019, the Long Beach City Council voted to lower the city’s tax rate from 6% to 1% for cannabis manufacturers, distributors and testing laboratories. On January 7, 2020, the council voted to formally amend the city’s cannabis tax ordinance reflecting the revised 1% tax rate which took effect on February 13, 2020.

“There’s no question that high tax rates drive people to the cheaper illicit market increasing public safety concerns,” said Adam Hijazi, President of the LBCA. “Lowering the tax rate will also help keep more jobs in Long Beach because it helps keep prices competitive. We believe in #BuyLegal.”

The successful effort to lower taxes was a grassroots, community effort to effect change in the Long Beach cannabis community. While healthy competition exists, there is an esprit de corps that unites Long Beach’s cannabis business owners from cultivators to dispensary owners. In supporting the common good and serving as a strong, independent, and credible public voice, the LBCA helps the community thrive and keep a positive perspective.

This local effort may be the model to effectuate much-needed change at the state level. The regulated cannabis market is hurting across the state and the sales numbers reflect it. In 2018, legal cannabis sales in California amounted to $341 million in collected tax revenue, far below the projected $1 billion. To make matters worse, effective January 1, 2020, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (the CDTFA) implemented a legislatively required tax rate increase. It’s website states “An analysis of statewide market data was used to determine the average mark-up rate between the wholesale cost and the retail selling price of cannabis and cannabis products. Based on this analysis…the mark-up rate will be set at 80 percent.” Bipartisan industry advocates throughout California feel it’s exactly the wrong move at the wrong time.

In a November 25, 2019 letter to the CDTFA, State Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-36th District), wrote: “With the increased availability of purchasing power through websites and delivery services, the illicit market is able to substantially outsell the legal market due to the ever-growing price disparity.”

Government officials are paying attention. California Governor Gavin Newsom is not only proposing a structural change to the state’s cannabis regulatory agency’s structure, but he’s also considering tax policy changes as well. On January 10, 2020, Newsom’s administration proposed “In consultation with the industry and stakeholders, we will consider other changes to the existing cannabis tax structure, including the number of taxes and tax rates to simplify the system and to support a stronger, safer legal cannabis market.”

The Long Beach Collective Association is a non-profit trade association advocating for sound cannabis policy affecting businesses, patients, and consumers at the local and state level.

CBD Living Updates Product Packaging To Better Inform Consumers

CBD Living products with improved packaging to better inform consumers.

Global CBD manufacturer and distributor CBD Living unveiled brand-new packaging for all 100+ of its products, designed to better inform shoppers on ingredients, dosage, usage suggestions and more.

The new label design provides a more in-depth view of the product without becoming too cluttered or overwhelming shoppers. The front panel better describes what the product is, as well as how many milligrams of nano-CBD can be found in each container. The right panel shows nutritional information, serving sizes and a full ingredients list. Easy-to-read circles show that all CBD Living products are THC-free and non-GMO. Additional circles designate which products are vegan, gluten-free or all-natural for easy product comparison. On the left, you’ll find instructions for use, suggested dosage and FDA disclosures.

“CBD is becoming increasingly mainstream, but there are still a ton of people who need help deciding which CBD products – and brands – are right for them,” says CBD Living CEO and founder Bill DiSegna. “We hope that our new packaging provides useful information to shoppers, from dosage to ingredients, and allows them to make the best product purchase decision.”

CBD Living is one of the fastest-growing global cannabidiol (CBD) manufacturers and distributors, with more than 100 products in 5,000 stores and shipping to consumers worldwide. CBD Living’s prestigious in-house scientists use ultrasound waves to break down CBD into nanoparticles, allowing the CBD to pass through the blood membrane for enhanced absorption. This proprietary technique leads to up to 90 percent bioavailability, compared to 10-15 percent bioavailability when consumed in a traditional CBD product. From the original CBD Living Water product to CBD gummies, chocolates, freezes, tinctures, vapes, bath bombs and more, CBD Living is constantly innovating to bring the future of CBD to consumers today.

Vegan Cannabis-Infused Gummies From AbsoluteXtracts

AbsoluteXtracts cannabis-infused strawberry gummies. Image provided by AbsoluteXtracts.

AbsoluteXtracts (ABX), a wholly-owned CannaCraft brand, gummies are made with 100% all-natural, vegan ingredients, premium THC oil, and are available in three delicious flavors. The ABX gummy line is the newest form-factor to be added to the brand’s diverse product portfolio which includes California’s best-selling line of full-spectrum vape cartridges, carbonated beverages, soft gel capsules, tinctures, and more (source: BDS analytics).

“Cannabis use is personal and should fit a range of unique lifestyles and needs,” says CannaCraft Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder Dennis Hunter. Adding “AbsoluteXtracts products are designed to make customized cannabis easy. By offering products with a variety of therapeutic cannabinoids and terpenes to choose from, in familiar applications like edibles, beverages, and soft gels we are giving customers the necessary tools to tailor their cannabis to meet their needs.”

The ABX gummy line is masterfully crafted by CannaCraft’s in-house edibles expert, Chef Matt Kulczycki. Since graduating from Le Cordon Bleu with a degree in Pastry Arts, Chef Matt has worked with some of the most renowned names in the culinary world including Thomas Keller, founder and chef of the French Laundry in Napa, for whom Matt worked under in his role as chocolatier for K+M Chocolates, Mr. Keller’s signature chocolate line. Chef Matt also served as Chocolate Manager for at the Jean Philippe Patisserie and was the lead pastry chef at the Thomas in downtown Napa.

“We crafted the ABX gummy line knowing that we wanted to make an all-natural cannabis gummy that also tastes good,” says Matt Kulczycki, Head of CannaCraft’s infusion lab. “Formulating the vegan gummies without artificial flavorings or colorings added a layer of complexity, but the end result is a delicious and healthy edible that is accessible to a wider group of consumers.”

ABX gummies will retail for $16. Each pack contains 20 gummies with 5mg of THC per piece, for a total of 100mg THC, and is packaged in portable, discreet, and child-resistant packaging.

Cannabis Space Race. Yeah, It’s A Thing.

(Top) Marijuana plant. (Bottom) Earth from space. — (Top) Marijuana plant. Photo by Roberto Valdivia on Unsplash. (Bottom) Earth from space. Image provided by SPACE PICKS.

Just as Elon Musk announced his plans to launch marijuana into the cosmos, SPACE PICKS came out victorious in the cannabis space race, launching 20,000 mg of dope into outer space four weeks ahead of the tech mogul’s schedule. The company launched a High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) to the edge of space filled with 2,000 of their signature THC-infused toothpicks Wednesday (February 5th) morning from an undisclosed location somewhere in Oklahoma.

SPACE PICKS ignited a revolution in the cannabis industry, introducing an inconspicuous product made from ethically sourced, freshly harvested North American white birch wood that’s imbued with natural ingredients and flavors. The toothpicks are handmade, dosage-controlled disposable and biodegradable, boasting fast activation and the utmost level of discretion. With premium THC concentrates infused into each toothpick, quality and delivery remain unmatched at its size and efficiency.

According to SPACE PICKS Brainchild-in-Chief and Commander Chris Beauchamp, “A package or two of SPACE PICKS™ requires just about zero space in your suitcase. It’s the most discreet, effective and portable way to experience an amazing high anywhere. Great for long trips to space or short trips to your in-laws!”

Now that the batch of THC-infused toothpicks has made their safe return to Earth, they will be available to purchase along with the company’s other five flavors later this month.

CBD Businesses 1 of 4 Emerging Startup Industries For 2020

99designs forecasts the fastest growing emerging industries for 2020. See below for full infographic. Image provided by 99designs.

Astrology, CBD, veganism, and biohacking: these are among the fastest-growing industries for entrepreneurs in 2020, according to data released this week by global creative platform 99designs.

As it has done for the past two years, 99designs has identified the following emerging industries forecast for explosive growth in 2020, based on analysis of the number of companies in these sectors requesting design work on the platform:

CBD businesses: Already estimated to be a multi-billion dollar global industry spanning food and drink, health and beauty, pet products and more, 99designs has seen an incredible 1568% increase in CBD-related design work since 2015. With a sharp 61% increase over the past 12 months, the sector is showing no signs of slowing down as it continues to shed its social stigma thanks to more widespread legalization and increased public awareness of the difference between psychoactive (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabis extracts.

Click on image for larger view of infographic.

Biohacking: Also known as ‘DIY biology,’ biohacking encompasses a wide array of practices used to boost physical and mental performance. That can mean anything from sleep tracking and IV hydration therapy to intermittent fasting and much more. The number of businesses in this sector commissioning creative work on 99designs is up 445% since 2015 and 71% in the past year alone.

Astrology-related businesses: Already an estimated $2.1 billion industry that’s caught the eye of venture capitalists, astrology businesses include everything from horoscope apps and podcasts to spiritual consultancies. The number of astrology-related brands in this sector getting design work has risen 209% since 2015 and more than doubled (127% increase) in the past 12 months.

Vegan and plant-based products: Continuing with the health and wellness trend, vegan and plant-based brands continue to flourish with the number of design projects in this space showing a 20% increase year-over-year, and a 214% increase since 2015.

“Every year we take the pulse of what’s on the rise and the wane in terms of the types of businesses creating brands on our platform. It’s a fun way to spot emerging industry trends on a global scale,” said 99designs COO Pamela Webber. “While last year it was all about drones, AI healthcare, and influencer agencies, 2020 shows a notable shift toward the wellness space. We think it is driven by consumers seeking to take control, and wanting to address social anxieties and concerns about their health, happiness and future success.”