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Happy 4th of July, 2024 BACK LAST YEAR  July 11, 2023 More than 965,000 signatures collected to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.

Happy 4th of July 2024

More than 965,000 signatures collected to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, Trulieve says.

  TAMPA, Fla. – Trulieve says it has collected more than 965,000 signatures for the Smart and Safe Campaign to legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana in Florida. That’s more than enough signatures to get on the 2024 ballot, assuming the ballot language is approved by the state supreme court, a heavily conservative-leaning court. Attorney General Ashley Moody is among those fighting it, saying the court should reject the proposal. Still, this advancement in the process has the pro-legalization side feeling confident. “I have confidence that it’s going to pass the Supreme Court review. And then really, you know, it’s up to the voters and the people of Florida,” said Michael Minardi, an attorney and Chairman of Regulate Florida.

 

If the initiative does pass, it would need the approval of at least 60 percent of voters. In 2016, 71 percent of voters approved medical marijuana. Minardi believes legalization would increase tourism, jobs and create a tax windfall. “Absolutely, I would see in excess of, you know, one to two billion dollars the first couple of years of adult use here in the state of Florida,” he said. On the other hand, opponents say Florida doesn’t need another intoxicant, especially in the hands of kids. “There’re more problems with abuse and addiction. We need more treatment. So, I think the costs would be much higher than the average voter would know about,” said Ellen Snelling with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance. “It’s kind of like marijuana on crack. We do not need this legalized in our state,” she added. Trulieve says it has polling that shows 65 percent of Floridians support legalization.

Back to the Future, now 2024 on the Ballot!

 

The Florida Supreme Court has given the green light to a ballot measure that could pave the way for recreational marijuana legalization in the state. If this provision receives 60 percent approval from voters in November, it will make recreational marijuana use legal in Florida, which is the third-most populous state in the country1. Here are the key points:

  • The ballot initiative aims to amend the Florida Constitution to allow individuals over 21 years old to purchase and consume marijuana.
  • Additionally, it seeks to protect medical marijuana clinics and future licensed businesses from criminal penalties for selling marijuana for recreational use.
  • The proposal faced legal challenges, including opposition from Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and other groups. However, the Supreme Court disagreed with their argument that the initiative covered more than one subject.
  • The Court’s opinion emphasized that allowing businesses to distribute personal-use marijuana and authorizing individuals to possess it are logically related. Legalization of marijuana implies availability for consumers, and selling it cannot reasonably occur while possession remains criminalized.
  • The group Smart and Safe Florida, which pushed for the issue to be on the ballot, expressed satisfaction with the decision and looks forward to advocating for safe cannabis use among adults.
  • On the other hand, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner criticized the ballot initiative, calling it overly broad and driven by self-interests.

Recreational pot is now set to be a significant issue driving Florida voters to the polls on November 5thFor the change to take effect, 60% of Floridians must vote in favor of it12

More than 965,000 signatures collected to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, and the Florida Supreme Court Agrees. No April Fools, majority Rules. #IntheWeedswithSteveBe patient Florida, this too, shall pass!

Florida has specific laws regarding marijuana, and it’s essential to understand them. Here are the key points:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Growing Marijuana:
    • Individuals and businesses are prohibited from growing marijuana.
    • However, state-licensed cultivators are allowed to grow it.
  4. Penalties:
    • Florida imposes fines and jail time for simple possession of marijuana.
    • Possession of any quantity of marijuana is illegal.
  5. 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.
  6. Dispensaries:
    • There are over 450 open marijuana dispensary locations in Florida as of October 2022.
  7. Legalization Efforts:

Remember that while medical use is permitted, recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida, and the state prescribes stiff penalties for those caught in possession of the drug2345.

Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.

Inspirational Technologies
InspirationalTech.org for your Health Wellness Beauty and Inspirational Goals

For More Information on Cannabis and CBD and YOU.

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In 2024, several states are poised to make significant strides in marijuana legalization.

 

In 2024, several states are poised to make significant strides in marijuana legalization. Let’s explore some of the key developments:

Wisconsin
 
 
  1. 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
 
 
  1. 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.
  1. 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. 

Let's Talk About The CBD Stigma - Holden Farms

Now, Let’s delve into the world of CBD (cannabidiol) and explore various aspects related to it:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
    • 5 Ways to Improve Your Emotional Wellness
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid compound that has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric disorders 1A systematic review of neuroimaging studies investigating the acute impact of CBD on human brain function found that CBD induces significant alterations in brain activity and connectivity patterns during resting state and performance of cognitive tasks in both healthy volunteers and patients with a psychiatric disorder 1The review also found that acute CBD enhanced fronto-striatal resting state connectivity in healthy volunteers, both compared to placebo and THC 1. Furthermore, CBD modulated brain activity and had opposite effects when compared to THC following task-specific patterns during various cognitive paradigms, such as emotional processing, verbal memory, response inhibition, and auditory/visual processing 1In individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis and patients with established psychosis, acute CBD showed intermediate brain activity compared to placebo and healthy controls during cognitive task performance 1CBD modulated resting limbic activity in subjects with anxiety and metabolite levels in patients with autism spectrum disorders 1. CBD is thought to have neuroprotective effects due to how it interacts with CB2 receptors in the brain. CBD acts on these receptors by creating an anti-inflammatory response in immune cells in the brain. This reduces the amount of damage caused by inflammation in the brain. Oxidation is one of the most common causes of brain tissue damage 2. Inspirational Technologies is likely to be adopting AI on social media to improve the efficiency of their content creation and marketing campaigns. AI-powered tools can help marketers generate new content ideas, optimize social media campaigns, and measure brand and trends across each social media channel 1AI prompts for social media can help marketers overcome creative blocks and generate new post ideas 2AI can also enable personalized recommendations, create more efficient customer service, and analyze data in real-time to help improve overall marketing campaign performance 3. AI tools have taken the world by storm over the last few months, and for good reason. Tasks that used to take hours are now finished in just a few minutes. The results AI tools can produce are blowing people away 2. However, it’s important to note that there are also plenty of examples where AI completely misses the mark. The difference between “omg that’s amazing 😱” and “omg… that’s not right 😐” is usually a well-crafted prompt 2. In conclusion, AI can be a powerful tool for social media marketing, but it’s important to use it wisely and with a human touch. AI can help marketers save time and improve efficiency, but it cannot replace human creativity and empathy 1. IF12278 (congress.gov)   Inspirational Technologies history 2018 farm bill hempsmart mcoa ceo cannabis reformation florida 2024 ballot on recreational marijuana #IntheWeedswithSteve

Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.
Inspirational Technologies
InspirationalTech.org for your Health Wellness Beauty and Inspirational Goals

For More Information on Cannabis and CBD and YOU.

 

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Inspirational Technologies announces ” 1st Cannabis Network USA ” an A.I. First for Innovation Technology in the Cannabis World.

Inspirational Technologies announces ” 1st Cannabis Network USA ” an A.I. First for Innovation Technology in the Cannabis World. Jacksonville, Florida based Inspirational Technologies announced Thursday, December 21st, 2023, that their platform series ” 1st Hemp USA” has reached a newer level of maturity and has evolved into 2024. ” 1st Cannabis Network USA ” will become the company’s new concerted effort to keep the public, at large in the US, informed of their needs being addressed by their respective oversight issues. Said, Steven Smith, founder and owner of Inspirational Technologies

1st Cannabis Network USA 2024

The legal history of cannabis in the United States is a fascinating journey that spans over a century. Let’s explore some key milestones:

  1. Early Introduction:
  2. State-Level Prohibition:
  3. Federal Restrictions:
  4. Medical Cannabis Movement:
  5. Recent Legislation:

So, from its colonial roots in Virginia to the modern-day legalization efforts, cannabis has woven a complex tapestry in the United States. 🌿🇺🇸

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Strong magnetic storm from our sun to disrupt Earth and Human population.

Magnetic storm on December 27, 2023 (illustrative photo: Getty Images)

Magnetic storm on December 27, 2023 (illustrative photo: Getty Images)© RBC-Ukraine

On December 27, a powerful magnetic storm will hit the Earth as numerous solar flares have been detected on the Sun. On this day, it is advisable to reduce physical and mental exertion to avoid worsening well-being, according to the news outlet The Watchers.

The strength of the magnetic storm

Solar activity has increased to a moderate level, with researchers detecting flares of class M on the star’s surface.

Additionally, on December 24, a coronal mass ejection began. Initial analysis suggests a potential impact of this phenomenon until late in the night on December 27.

Thus, unstable conditions of the geomagnetic field will be felt until the end of the day on December 27.

Strong magnetic storm will cover the Earth in coming hours

Strong magnetic storm will cover the Earth in coming hours© RBC-Ukraine

Many solar flares have been detected on the Sun. A strong magnetic storm is expected to hit the Earth in the next few hours.

Detected solar flares (photo: watchers.news)

What are solar storms

These are explosive processes on the Sun characterized by the ejection of massive streams of energy, various particles, and electromagnetic radiation into space.

Most of these electrically charged particles head towards Earth. Upon entering the planet’s magnetic field, they interact with it, causing disruptions.

Particles from space can interfere with the operation of satellites, power grids, and communication systems. Solar storms are also responsible for occasional disruptions in GPS, mobile communication, television, etc.

Interestingly, the occurrence of strong solar storms is also the cause of the appearance of the northern and southern polar lights.

How to ease this period

The impact of magnetic storms varies individually. People with particularly heightened sensitivity may experience headaches, migraines, changes in blood pressure, and worsened blood clotting.

To avoid unpleasant consequences, paying attention to proper sleep is advised. Doctors recommend going to bed an hour before midnight and waking up without an alarm clock.

Remember physical activity: walk, swim, engage in gymnastics. However, do not exhaust yourself with strength training in the gym.

If you have a headache, it’s better to avoid drinks containing caffeine, which creates additional stress for the body. Instead, prefer herbal teas.

Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.

Inspirational Technologies
InspirationalTech.org for your Health Wellness Beauty and Inspirational Goals

For More Information on Cannabis and CBD and YOU.

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The cannabis industry’s employee enablement and training platform Seed Talent has launched Role-Based Assessments, with support from NAMCE.

The cannabis industry’s employee enablement and training platform Seed Talent has launched Role-Based Assessments, with support from NAMCE.

What’s It All About?

“After gathering feedback from industry professionals and companies alike over the last few years, the challenges we heard were consistent, and it was clear the solution required an outside-the-box approach,” Kurt Kaufmann, CEO of Seed Talent, explained.

Kurt Kaufmann, CEO of Seed Talent
 

Assessments aim to level the playing field for cannabis employees while providing focused growth pathways for professionals, focusing initially on roles such as budtender, cultivation agent and extractor.

These evaluations delve into the distinct skill sets required to excel in such roles, consolidating them into a comprehensive three-part assessment to determine an individual’s competency level.

Upon completion, individuals are recognized as entry, skilled or advanced, highlighting both their strengths and areas ripe for development.

“Assessments will serve as a solid step forward in bridging the gap between cannabis professionals and their employers, particularly for high-volume cannabis-specific roles,” Kaufmann continued. “We are excited to build upon these initial Assessments through industry feedback to ensure that this solution makes our industry more approachable, equitable, and scalable.”

Air Marketing Announces Launch of SaaS Recruitment Agency, Seed Talent ...

 

How Does It Work?

Start with the entry-level Assessment for a desired industry role. Each assessment is a prerequisite to advance to the next level.

Participants will be certified for the highest-level assessment that they achieve. Upon completion, Seed Talent will provide a digital certificate for each participant’s determined competency level. After completing the assessment, there is a brief survey for participants to help fine-tune the process to better serve the entire cannabis community.

What’s Next

Upon full commercial launch of the offering in early 2024, professionals and employers will be able to better communicate role readiness through the sharing of the assessment results, as well as create more targeted learning pathways based on skill or knowledge gaps identified through the reporting.

 

Those interested can participate in Seed Talent’s pilot program, where they are offering these Assessments free through the balance of 2023.

 

#IntheWeedswithSteve   Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Thank you for consideration.
Inspirational Technologies
InspirationalTech.org for your Health Wellness Beauty and Inspirational Goals

For More Information on Cannabis and CBD and YOU.

 

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US States legalizing recreational use represents the Restart of a Newly Energized Cannabis Movement in the United States.

Half of all U.S. states have fully legalized marijuana and there are only six states where it is fully illegal — Kansas, Idaho, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Carolina and South Carolina (though cannabis is decriminalized in North Carolina and Nebraska).

It’s a cultural shift that has been decades in the making.

California became the first state to experiment with legal cannabis when it made medicinal marijuana legal in 1996. Maine, Hawaii, Nevada and Colorado followed suit over the next five years, allowing their citizens to also purchase medical cannabis.

The U.S. government gives the Drug Enforcement agency over $3 billion a year to fight its war on drugs, so a state openly defying the government’s edict against the plant was extremely radical at the time.

But between then and now, there was nearly two decades on no movement on the issue as the United States’ archaic federal laws against the growth and distribution of cannabis held firm.

But then in 2014 Colorado and Washington took it a step further than California did and became the first states in the union to legalize the recreational use and sale of marijuana.

That year, about 22.2 million Americans aged 12 or older reported current cannabis use, according to a national survey.

It turned out those two states legalizing recreational use represented the start of a newly energized cannabis movement in the United States. Since then, nearly two dozen states have also legalized recreational marijuana.

Washington and Colorado set the example

More than two-thirds of Americans polled by Gallup support legalizing marijuana. The 70% rate of support reached a record-high in October this year. Gallup has been issuing that cannabis poll since 1969.

Back then, just 12% of Americans admitted supporting the legalization of weed.

Gallup’s poll results also show the influence Colorado and Washington’s move to end prohibition in their states in 2014 helped spur the rapid adoption by the next 23 states.

While public support for cannabis legalization crossed the 50% mark for the first time in 2013, jumping up to 58% from 48% in 2012, it fell back down to 51% in 2014.

But since that year, support for legalizing marijuana has ballooned to the levels seen today.

“Although some health organizations and political commentators have raised concerns about the medical risks of marijuana, this hasn’t blunted the public’s desire for legalization thus far,” Gallup said.

“For now, the high level of support among younger adults suggests national backing will only expand in the years ahead, likely resulting in more states, and perhaps the federal government, moving to legalize it.”

 

Money is a major issue

If you think cannabis legislation moves slowly only at the federal level, you’d be wrong.

It took Hawaii, for instance, 20 years to graduate from legalizing medical marijuana — it was the first state to do so through a state legislature vote — to decriminalizing use of the plant in 2019.

While the journey has been long, the real inflection points for legalization came during the pandemic.

Shutting down the economy for over two years exposed and stressed many of the cracks in local economies that had been able to be hidden previously, and the money from taxes on cannabis (along with gambling) suddenly became more palatable for politicians who objected to legalization on moral grounds (see: John Boehner for reference).

Since 2020, Vermont, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota (later reversed by a circuit court judge) New York, Virginia, New Mexico, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Missouri, Delaware, Minnesota, and Ohio have all legalized recreational marijuana.

Alabama, South Dakota, Mississippi (reversed by the Supreme Court of Mississippi) and Kentucky have legalized medical cannabis since then while Louisiana decriminalized the drug.

Maryland launched its adult-use cannabis industry in July this year and is seeing sales of $89.5 million a month. Thanks to the state’s 9% excise tax on adult use cannabis sales, the state has also received tens of millions of tax dollars it did not have access to last year.

So the economic case for legalizing cannabis is apparent for the states that are now participating. But for the rest of the country, it may take the federal government changing its laws in order for them to get on the cannabis train.

#IntheWeedswithSteve

  Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.

Thank you for consideration.
Inspirational Technologies
InspirationalTech.org for your Health Wellness Beauty and Inspirational Goals

For More Information on Cannabis and CBD and YOU.

 

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Continue reading US States legalizing recreational use represents the Restart of a Newly Energized Cannabis Movement in the United States.
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