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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a batch of Starlink internet satellites from the Space Coast.
Not related to story, however, we encourage our interest. The CBD Effect on Cannabis
While Cannabis is a very crucial part of the Marijuana movement, we must remember that CBD is a complex field with ongoing research, legal considerations, and exciting technological advancements.
Florida has specific laws regarding marijuana, and it’s essential to understand them. Here are the key points:
Medical Use:
Medical use of marijuana is legal in Florida.
Qualifying patients (21 years and older) with specific medical conditions can purchase or use medical marijuana as recommended by licensed physicians.
Some qualifying conditions include ALS, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and chronic pain related to specific medical conditions.
Minors can designate adult caregivers to assist in obtaining medical marijuana.
Recreational Use:
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida.
Possession of any amount of weed is against the law.
Possession of more than 20 grams (25 lbs) of cannabis is considered a felony.
Growing Marijuana:
Individuals and businesses are prohibited from growing marijuana.
However, state-licensed cultivators are allowed to grow it.
Penalties:
Florida imposes fines and jail time for simple possession of marijuana.
Possession of any quantity of marijuana is illegal.
Medical Marijuana Cards:
Patients must possess active medical marijuana cards to legally use medical marijuana.
Over 750,000 Floridians currently hold active medical marijuana cards.
More than 2,500 certified doctors assist in determining appropriate medical marijuana treatments.
Dispensaries:
There are over 450 open marijuana dispensary locations in Florida as of October 2022.
Legalization Efforts:
Florida residents and lawmakers have been exploring adult-use marijuana legalization.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, vaping is making strides as a mainstream method for consuming rosin, a solventless cannabis concentrate known for its purity and potency. Despite a general decline in cannabis concentrate sales from 2021 to 2023, rosin has defied the trend, showing strong market growth.
According to Headset data, while overall concentrate sales dipped, rosin’s market share nearly doubled, indicating a shift in consumer preference towards cleaner, more natural cannabis products.
The Rosin market share soared from $24 million to $44 million, climbing from 6.5% to 16% within the cannabis concentrate segment. This growth propelled it past shatter in 2022, making it the second most dominant type of cannabis concentrate, just behind live resin.Industry Leaders Agree
Around the same time that data was released, industry experts at the 2023 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago gathered to discuss the future of cannabis consumption, with a particular focus on manufactured products like vapes. Luna Stower, CIO of ISPIRETechnology and upcoming speaker at this year’s Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference highlighted the increasing consumer shift from traditional flower to vape cartridges and disposables.
“Vaporizing offers numerous advantages over smoking, making cannabis more accessible,” Stower explained. She emphasized the importance of adhering to GMP and ISO standards to avoid regulatory issues, making vapes an appealing option for those new to cannabis.
Challenges And Opportunities in Vape Technology
Despite the growing popularity of vaping, challenges remain in finding vaporizers that can consistently deliver high-quality vaporization effects for live rosin. The complex nature of rosin, rich in terpenes, often leads to clogging issues in ceramic heating elements used in vapes. The industry has yet to overcome these technological hurdles to embrace rosin vapes as a widespread consumption method fully.Manufactured Cannabis Products Gain Traction
The conversation at last year’s conference also shed light on the broader trend of manufactured cannabis products gaining market share. Products like edibles and vapes offer higher margins, efficiency, and ease of use than traditional flower, making them increasingly attractive to consumers and businesses. Automation and technology play vital roles in this shift, enhancing the scalability and cost-effectiveness of manufacturing processes.
As the cannabis industry navigates these evolving consumption trends and technological advancements, vaping stands out as a promising area for growth. The move towards safer, more convenient, and more efficient consumption methods like vaping reflects the changing landscape of the cannabis market and consumer preferences.
The CBD Effect on Cannabis
While Cannabis is a very crucial part of the Marijuana movement, we must remember that CBD is a complex field with ongoing research, legal considerations, and exciting technological advancements.
Florida has specific laws regarding marijuana, and it’s essential to understand them. Here are the key points:
Medical Use:
Medical use of marijuana is legal in Florida.
Qualifying patients (21 years and older) with specific medical conditions can purchase or use medical marijuana as recommended by licensed physicians.
Some qualifying conditions include ALS, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and chronic pain related to specific medical conditions.
Minors can designate adult caregivers to assist in obtaining medical marijuana.
Recreational Use:
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida.
Possession of any amount of weed is against the law.
Possession of more than 20 grams (25 lbs) of cannabis is considered a felony.
Growing Marijuana:
Individuals and businesses are prohibited from growing marijuana.
However, state-licensed cultivators are allowed to grow it.
Penalties:
Florida imposes fines and jail time for simple possession of marijuana.
Possession of any quantity of marijuana is illegal.
Medical Marijuana Cards:
Patients must possess active medical marijuana cards to legally use medical marijuana.
Over 750,000 Floridians currently hold active medical marijuana cards.
More than 2,500 certified doctors assist in determining appropriate medical marijuana treatments.
Dispensaries:
There are over 450 open marijuana dispensary locations in Florida as of October 2022.
Legalization Efforts:
Florida residents and lawmakers have been exploring adult-use marijuana legalization.
Also on Friday, Doug Kass posted that on the social media platform X that the DEA will soon announce the rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III.
“We have learned yesterday that the US Drug Enforcement Administration will shortly approve a rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III –and that the biggest legal hurdle, an international treaty (the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)), to which the US is a signatory has been resolved favorably,” Kass posted.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also recommended the DEA reschedule cannabis as Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act
How hard it is to survive in the cannabis space?
On the one hand, the marijuana industry is nascent as the plant has been stigmatized for decades. Being illegal at the federal level makes operating that much more complicated. On the other hand, the industry continues to progress. Each year more states and countries embrace it, and new studies confirm the vast potential of marijuana’s healing properties that our ancestors knew centuries ago.
So, it’s difficult, but not impossible to maneuver in the cannabis space.
Often viewed as one of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to banking and financial services due to marijuana’s Schedule 1 status, which the DEA classifies as having no accepted medical value and has high abuse potential.
On the complexity of regulatory issues, she told us that “all of cannabis is complex, but the most complex regulatory issues arise with new regulations or changes to existing regulations – it can be difficult to understand how these regulations are used in practice. The most common misapprehension about the cannabis industry is that we are all risk-takers living on the edge – the reality is that most of us in this industry are all super compliance-focused and constantly checking to make sure that we’re following every single applicable rule.”
Regulatory Compliance First
In January, the government released hundreds of pages of documents related to its ongoing review of the status of cannabis under federal law, confirming that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended the DEA reschedule cannabis as Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that HHS has acknowledged some medical value of marijuana, and the rescheduling is being considered. We asked Ayinehsazian, a respected California Advocate of Marijuana Law Deregulation how much would change in the marijuana industry in terms of regulatory issues, banking services and taxes if cannabis is reclassified to Schedule III.
“I think that even with rescheduling regulatory compliance would still remain of great importance,” she said. “Banking and taxation would be greatly improved though – the current banking issues we face as a result of federal illegality would be greatly alleviated, as would the federal taxation issues associated with 280E.”
Ayinehsazian said that in terms of taxation and banking, both rescheduling and de-scheduling would be about the same. “In terms of regulatory requirements, de-scheduling may present a bit less of a burden, but I think that no matter what, we’re still looking at regulatory compliance being incredibly important.”
The 280E is an IRS tax code, which states that “no deduction or credit shall be allowed in running a business that consists of trafficking a controlled substance.” This means that until cannabis is removed from a list of controlled substances on the federal level, there will be no tax deductions or credits given to legal cannabis operators.
Sahar Ayinehsazian is an attorney in Vicente Sederberg’s Los Angeles office, where she focuses on cannabis banking, corporate transactions, and regulations. With her specialized knowledge, Sahar helped to establish and currently co-leads Vicente Sederberg’s Banking and Financial Services Department. As a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Banking Access Committee, Sahar also works on strategy and educational advocacy to enable state-licensed businesses to obtain accounts at depository institutions. Prior to joining Vicente Sederberg, Sahar served as the Director of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs at a multi-state money transmitter servicing the cannabis industry, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of credit card flow, banking and cannabis compliance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, from the University of California, San Diego and a law degree from Loyola Law School, where she was a Loyola Scholar
The CBD Effect on Cannabis
While Cannabis is a very crucial part of the Marijuana movement, we must remember that CBD is a complex field with ongoing research, legal considerations, and exciting technological advancements.
Florida has specific laws regarding marijuana, and it’s essential to understand them. Here are the key points:
Medical Use:
Medical use of marijuana is legal in Florida.
Qualifying patients (21 years and older) with specific medical conditions can purchase or use medical marijuana as recommended by licensed physicians.
Some qualifying conditions include ALS, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and chronic pain related to specific medical conditions.
Minors can designate adult caregivers to assist in obtaining medical marijuana.
Recreational Use:
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida.
Possession of any amount of weed is against the law.
Possession of more than 20 grams (25 lbs) of cannabis is considered a felony.
Growing Marijuana:
Individuals and businesses are prohibited from growing marijuana.
However, state-licensed cultivators are allowed to grow it.
Penalties:
Florida imposes fines and jail time for simple possession of marijuana.
Possession of any quantity of marijuana is illegal.
Medical Marijuana Cards:
Patients must possess active medical marijuana cards to legally use medical marijuana.
Over 750,000 Floridians currently hold active medical marijuana cards.
More than 2,500 certified doctors assist in determining appropriate medical marijuana treatments.
Dispensaries:
There are over 450 open marijuana dispensary locations in Florida as of October 2022.
Legalization Efforts:
Florida residents and lawmakers have been exploring adult-use marijuana legalization.
Understanding pain and recognizing that you are not alone.
Research tells us that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million experience high-impact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living. Pain is the number one reason that Americans access the health care system, and costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity.
Yet despite these staggering numbers, chronic pain is vastly under-recognized, underfunded, and under-treated when considering its significant impact on American lives. Research, treatment options, and support for those affected individuals still lag behind other major diseases.
CBD (cannabidiol) has garnered attention as a potential remedy for various health issues, including pain management. Let’s delve into how CBD can help with inflammation, chronic pain, and arthritis:
CBD for Inflammation:
Research suggests that CBD may have a positive effect on inflammatory pain. Although many studies have been conducted on animals, their results may not directly translate to humans.
A 2020 review indicated that CBD could interact with neurological receptors in the spinal cord, potentially suppressing chronic inflammatory pain.
Additionally, CBD may increase levels of AEA (an endogenous cannabinoid), which is known to reduce pain.
CBD for Chronic Pain:
In a 2018 study, researchers evaluated CBD’s pain-relieving effects in individuals who experienced chronic pain after kidney transplants.
Six out of seven participants reported improvements in pain. Interestingly, one participant experienced more pain at higher CBD doses but found better pain management at lower doses.
CBD for Arthritis Pain:
Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with receptors that influence pain and inflammation in the body.
While animal studies have suggested that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, these effects have not been conclusively validated in high-quality human studies.
Remember that CBD’s efficacy can vary from person to person, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your pain management routine. Always check your local laws and regulations regarding CBD usage.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Their combined income with Harvest Health & Recreation in the second quarter of the year was an impressive $317.6 million. Trulieve’s strategic moves, such as securing $350 million in debt financing and Harvest’s recent $55 million licensing sale in Florida, have contributed to their financial strength. Trulieve reported $215 million in cash and cash alternatives, while Harvest brought in $71 million during the same period. Together, they achieved a combined revenue of $318 million, making Trulieve the top public reporting cannabis company in the country1. Trulieve’s CEO, Kim Rivers, expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the shared values and focus on core markets. This strategic move allows Trulieve to expand into growing markets nationwide, including the adult-use space in Arizona. Their goal is to create an iconic U.S. cannabis brand and provide best-in-class service to patients and customers across the nation1. Furthermore, Trulieve has actively contributed to efforts aimed at pot legalization in Florida. They recognize the challenges faced by small business owners due to hefty application fees and the state’s vertical integration model. By supporting legalization, Trulieve aims to foster a more accessible and inclusive cannabis industry in the state4. In summary, Trulieve’s commitment to vertical integration, strategic acquisitions, and dedication to serving patients and customers has solidified its position as a leader in the cannabis industry, both in Florida and nationally.
Kim Rivers, the CEO of Trulieve , has been a driving force behind the company’s substantial growth and strategic direction, especially in the context of recent federal rescheduling discussions and the company’s operational optimizations.
With her expected appearance at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in April in Hollywood, Florida, let’s dive into her expertise and what attendees can expect from Rivers at the conference.
Advocating For Federal Cannabis Reform
Rivers has been vocal about the potential impact of federal cannabis rescheduling on the industry. She highlighted the significant tax burdens cannabis businesses face due to current federal classifications.
Rivers expressed optimism about the Health and Human Services Department’s recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration regarding cannabis rescheduling. This change could significantly alleviate operational challenges for companies such as Trulieve.
Operational Growth And Expansion
Under Rivers’ leadership, Trulieve expanded dramatically, growing from 10 employees in one state to a presence in 11 states with 9,000 employees. Last year, Trulieve made seven acquisitions, including a billion-dollar merger with Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. This growth strategy increased Trulieve’s market presence and its ability to serve a broader customer base.
Optimizing Operations And Financial Efficiency
Following Trulieve’s first quarter 2023 earnings report, Rivers discussed the company’s approach to optimizing its portfolio and efficiencies across its platform.
Despite declining revenue, Trulieve reported record results for the 4/20 period and demonstrated a commitment to financial efficiency by significantly reducing selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Rivers emphasized the importance of aligning operations across the combined assets of the company’s acquisitions and the strategic management of facilities to match market demand.
Addressing Overproduction, Market Demand
Rivers also noted Trulieve’s achievements in improving gross margins and managing inventory levels, even in the face of overproduction challenges.
The company’s new 750,000-square-foot facility in Florida produced higher yields and quality than anticipated, showcasing Trulieve’s operational capabilities and commitment to product excellence.
Speaking At Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference
Rivers is slated to be a speaker at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in April, where she will likely share more insights into Trulieve’s strategies, market perspectives and vision for the future of the cannabis industry. Her participation underscores her role as a thought leader in the cannabis space, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the rapidly evolving market.
The CBD Effect on Cannabis
While Cannabis is a very crucial part of the Marijuana movement, we must remember that CBD is a complex field with ongoing research, legal considerations, and exciting technological advancements.
In 2024, several states are poised to make significant strides in marijuana legalization. Let’s explore some of the key developments:
Wisconsin:
Despite past disagreements between Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers, Wisconsin is a strong contender to legalize medical cannabis this year.
Governor Evers has expressed openness to a more limited medical cannabis program proposed by Republicans, which would initially allow for five stores to sell non-smokable cannabis products1.
Virginia:
Virginia lawmakers have already passed legislation that will legalize marijuana in 2024.
Starting January 1, 2024, possession of up to an ounce of marijuana will be legal, and regulations will be implemented to control the marijuana marketplace in the state2.
Other States:
While these two states stand out, there are other states with unfinished business in terms of cannabis policy.
Some states are likely to take up medical cannabis legalization, while others may move toward adult-use legalization.
Additionally, campaigns are underway in Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota to put legalization questions before voters in the November 2024 election1.
Remember, the landscape of cannabis legalization is dynamic, and attitudes are shifting. Whether through legislative action or citizen initiatives, we’re witnessing progress toward a more inclusive and informed approach to cannabis policy across the nation.
Now, Let’s delve into the world of CBD (cannabidiol) and explore various aspects related to it:
CBD Stigma:
Despite its growing popularity, there remains a stigma surrounding CBD. This stigma often arises from misconceptions and lack of understanding.
Some people associate CBD with the psychoactive effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), even though CBD itself does not cause a “high.”
Efforts are being made to change this perception and educate the public about the potential benefits of CBD.
Research on CBD:
CBD has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties. Early studies suggest it may help with anxiety, pain relief, and neurological conditions.
The FDA has approved a prescription drug called Epidiolex, which contains CBD as an active ingredient, specifically for treating certain types of epilepsy.
However, more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s benefits and safety.
State Legality of CBD:
The legality of CBD varies by state. Some states fully embrace CBD, while others impose restrictions.
Federally, CBD derived from hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) is legal. However, CBD derived from cannabis remains a Schedule 1 substance.
State laws play a crucial role in determining how CBD can be used, sold, and accessed.
Inspirational Technologies on CBD:
The CBD industry is evolving, and technology is playing a significant role.
Innovations include:
Smart Vaporizers: These allow precise control over temperature and dosage.
Concentrated Minor Cannabinoids: Companies are exploring over 100 minor cannabinoids found in hemp plants, such as CBN and CBG.
Regulatory Changes: Legislation could pave the way for marketing CBD as a dietary supplement, expanding distribution channels.
Big-Box Retail Access: CBD products may soon hit mainstream brick-and-mortar retail stores.
In summary, CBD is a complex field with ongoing research, legal considerations, and exciting technological advancements.