This past Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health revealed that the director of the Office of Medical Cannabis is stepping down after five years.
Chris Tholkes, who was appointed as a member of the new board at the government marijuana regulatory coalition Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) in July, has accepted a position with the City of Minneapolis, reported CBS News.
“I’m grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I’ve had during my 14 years with MDH,” Tholkes said. “I’m incredibly proud of our work and will be cheering folks on for the upcoming implementation work.”
Tholkes has begun her new job Friday.
Minnesota’s Marijuana Czar Quits After One Day
The news comes some two months following Gov. Tim Walz’ (D) failed attempt to name the first executive director of the new Office of Cannabis Management.
In September Walz named Erin DuPree to the role, saying that she “is a proven and effective leader, who will be successful in standing up Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis market and helping Minnesotans succeed in the industry.”
However, after allegations of selling illegal cannabis products through her company, Erin DuPree resigned the next day.
“I have become a distraction that would stand in the way of the important work that needs to be done,” DuPree wrote in a letter to local media outlets at the time.
DuPree had advertised certain products on the Loonacy Cannabis Co. website that were later flagged and removed due to their non-compliance with state regulations. DuPree, who founded Loonacy in Apple Valley in July 2022, said she took swift action to remove the products from the inventory.
Charlene Briner is serving as interim director at OCM.
Minnesota’s Cannabis Efforts
Meanwhile, Minnesota kicked off its adult-use cannabis program this past August, while continuously amending and improving its medical marijuana program.
The Office of Cannabis Management is soliciting public input on regulations for the burgeoning marijuana industry, with a focus on cultivation, processing and product manufacturing.
Last month, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed it would add dry herb vaporization to the list of approved delivery methods in the state’s medical marijuana program.
#IntheWeedswithSteve
Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Kratom tea is one of many forms of kratom, which comes from crushing and drying the leaves of the kratom tree, native to Southeast Asia. The tea has been traditionally used for hundreds of years to combat fatigue and improve productivity.
Kratom tea has gained popularity in recent years for uses including pain relief, management of depression and anxiety, and coping with substance use withdrawal symptoms.
The benefits and side effects of kratom are under debate. Its potential adverse effects have led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to warn people against using it. However, government organizations such as the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) support research efforts into the potential therapeutic benefits of kratom.
Given limited research and understanding of kratom’s medical uses, it’s best to seek the counsel of a healthcare provider if you’re considering using kratom tea to help with any health or mental health issues.
This article talks about why people drink kratom tea, the safety and legality of kratom, and how to approach preparing kratom tea at home.
Reasons People Drink Kratom Tea
People drink kratom tea for a variety of reasons. Traditional uses of kratom in Southeast Asia include chewing fresh or dried kratom tree leaves or making them into tea to combat fatigue and improve work productivity. Kratom has also been traditionally used to treat morphine dependence and act as a substitute for opium.
Kratom has gained popularity in Western societies. People cite the following reasons for its use:
For pain relief
To manage symptoms of anxiety and depression
To stop or reduce the use of opioids or other substances
Kratom’s opioid- and stimulant-like effects have made it an attractive substance, especially as it can be easily ingested in tea form. Stimulant-like effects include increased energy and alertness, while opioid-like effects include pain relief and relaxation.
Kratom can be taken in a variety of ways, including as a capsule, as a powder mixed into food or drink, or by directly chewing on kratom tree leaves. People may choose to drink kratom tea as opposed to using other forms as it may feel more natural and less like taking a substance.
Although kratom tea can be casually sipped like any other type of tea, there are still a lot of unknowns about the chemical compounds related to kratom. It’s important to keep in mind that the FDA approves no medical uses of kratom, and several safety concerns have been identified.
Controversy Over Kratom Safety
Debate is ongoing about kratom’s benefits and risks. Users or potential users may underestimate the risks associated with it.
The FDA has stated that there is no evidence showing the safety and efficacy of kratom for medical use and warns against using kratom in any form to self-medicate and treat pain or manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
However, the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and NIDA support and conduct research on the potential medicinal uses of kratom and its related chemical compounds as well as potential adverse effects.
Weighing the Benefits vs. Side Effects
Kratom has been used in traditional medicine, and many people have used kratom to self-medicate for anxiety, depression, pain, and substance use disorders.
According to NIDA, animal studies have suggested that kratom has antidepressant and pain-relieving properties, warranting more research. The agency notes research findings that it should be studied as an experimental treatment for substance use disorders, specifically opioid use disorder.
In short, though there may be medical applications for kratom, more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of kratom in treating certain medical conditions.
While people have used kratom for centuries, including kratom tea, risks are associated with kratom use. Adverse effects of kratom intoxication include:
Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations, sedation, confusion, agitation, tremors, seizures, and coma
Cardiovascular symptoms, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Digestive symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting
Respiratory symptoms, such as hypoventilation (slow, shallow breathing)
Liver problems
There is also the risk of becoming dependent on kratom. As with any unregulated substance, the FDA does not regulate kratom processing and sales, and there is a risk of buying kratom that’s been contaminated with harmful substances.
If you purchase kratom tea, be sure to get as much information as possible regarding how it was processed and where it came from. Note that it’s impossible to guarantee the safety of kratom tea leaves, and the short- and long-term safety effects of kratom are not well understood.
In its 2018 statement noting kratom’s potential for abuse, the FDA reported deaths that involved kratom use. Though the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that of the deaths where mitragynine (a compound in kratom) was confirmed, almost all the deaths involved the use of other substances, making kratom’s contribution to these deaths unclear.
If you’re considering using kratom tea for its potential benefits, discuss it with a healthcare provider. It is important to avoid any potentially dangerous drug interactions.
Kratom Plant Facts
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeast Asia. Kratom tree leaves contain two chemical compounds that are known to have psychoactive effects: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
The leaves contain several other chemical compounds, but mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the most studied due to their effects on the body and brain.
Kratom leaves are crushed and dried to make kratom tea leaves. The leaves can also be smoked or made into a powder, extract, or capsule.
How to Steep Kratom Tea
You can find countless recipes for kratom tea online. Preparation methods vary depending on whether you’re using kratom tea leaves (loose or in a tea bag), kratom powder, or kratom extract.
Steeping loose-leaf kratom tea will require hot water, the tea leaves, and either a reusable tea bag or something to strain the tea (such as cheesecloth) if you’re using loose-leaf kratom tea.
Many recipes recommend steeping the tea for 15 to 20 minutes. Flavor enhancers like lemon and honey may also be added to the tea to help mask the bitter taste.
Because much is still unknown about the use of kratom tea, especially regarding routine use, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider or medical professional from the CAM community to make sure that you follow any recommendations on how much and how often kratom tea should be sipped to avoid any potential adverse effects or dependency.
Where to Find Quality Kratom
The FDA does not regulate kratom. You always risk buying poor-quality kratom. However, there are reasonable things to keep in mind when buying kratom tea.
For example, buying kratom tea from reputable health stores may be a safer option than, say, a gas station. When looking online, stick to reputable websites with clear indications of their reputation and qualifications to sell kratom tea.
Where Is Kratom Tea Legal?
Whereas the use and sale of kratom is banned in many countries, kratom products are legal at the federal level in the United States.
However, as of August 2023, it was banned, regulated, or age-restricted in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Since laws are in flux, consumers should research whether kratom is legal where they live.
The FDA asserts that kratom cannot be lawfully marketed as a drug product, dietary supplement, or food additive in the United States.
Despite the legality of kratom tea and the fact that kratom is not a controlled substance in the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has labeled kratom a drug and chemical of concern. Kratom remains on the list of substances under surveillance by the WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence.
Summary
Kratom tea comes from the leaves of the kratom tree, native to Southeast Asia. Kratom tea traditionally was used to combat fatigue and improve productivity, and in recent years, it has gained popularity for a variety of uses, including the management of pain, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and warns against its potential adverse effects. It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider or medical professional who specializes in complementary alternative medicine to ensure that, if you use kratom tea, you use it safely.
The year is nearly coming to a close and little federal progress has been made regarding the legalized cannabis industry. In August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) formally recommended reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III controlled substance. Four months later, it is unclear if the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
will heed the advice of the HHS or wait until the first quarter of the new year to reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substance Act. However, there is a group of six governors who want to see cannabis rescheduled by year’s end. “We hope that [the] DEA will follow suit and reschedule cannabis to Schedule III this year, given that 88 percent of Americans are in favor of legalization for medical or recreational use. Rescheduling cannabis aligns with a safe, regulated product that Americans can trust,” a five-page letter signed by Governors Jared Polis (Colorado), JB Pritzker (Illinois), John Bel Edwards (Louisiana), Kathy Hochul (New York), Phil Murphy (New Jersey) and Wes Moore (Maryland) reads.
It is great to see state leaders acknowledge the benefits of cannabis and hold President Joe Biden accountable for his promises to decriminalize the plant. Reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substance Act is an “overdue step” in the right direction. Though we are not expecting it until next year, it would be incredible if the DEA doesn’t wait until the ball drops and the calendar turns. The time is now.
GOP pushes back as recreational marijuana use begins in Ohio
At the direction and will of the voters, Ohio will enter the world of legalized adult-use cannabis in December. Adults over 21 years of age can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in plant form or up to 15 grams in extract form and grow up to six marijuana plants per adult.
“Marijuana is no longer a controversial issue,” Tom Haren, a spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said. “Ohioans demonstrated this by passing State Issue 2 in a landslide. Ohioans are being extremely clear on the future they want for our state: Adult-use marijuana legal and regulated.”
Despite Ohioans voting to legalize of adult-use cannabis in November, state lawmakers are threatening to make significant changes to the state’s adult-use landscape. Most notably, the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate voted 28-2 to approve a measure that would tax cannabis sales at 15% and cut the number of cannabis plants residents can own in half.
“Ohioans will remember blatant disregard for the voters on marijuana. I have been a Republican my entire adult life, but I have never felt as disrespected or disenfranchised by my own party and my legislature as I do right now,” Ohio resident Tyler Ward wrote in a letter to the editors of The Columbus Dispatch.
The latest measure pushed through the Ohio Senate must be approved by the Ohio House of Representatives before it can be signed into law. In the meantime, the voters of Ohio and those in the other 49 states will be watching and hoping the lawmakers abide by the will of the people. That is what’s right for Democracy and for basic economics.
News broke this week that the initiative is now being fast tracked, with recreational marijuana sales now expected to commence within 90 days. It seems the compromise included a 15% excise tax and caps on potency, which are both illogical. We expect some serious unintended consequences around the potency cap with vape as just an initial example. The positive is that the market will quickly open with existing medical doors being able to sell adult use.
Most Floridians support legalizing adult-use cannabis
Less than four weeks stand between American voters and another eventful election year. Aside from the high-profile federal races, many will be watching the Sunshine State as state-level initiatives bring the topic of legalized adult-use cannabis to the forefront.
Florida has entertained the idea of adult-use weed legalization before, but each attempt has missed the mark for one reason or another. However, Florida has changed quite a bit since the most recent failed attempt at legalizing recreational cannabis use.
A recent survey conducted by the UNF Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) found that 67% of Floridians would vote for an initiative that legalizes the possession and regulates sales of small amounts of cannabis for personal use among adults. Support was highest (77%) among adults between 18 and 24 years old, followed by Floridians between 55 and 64 (70%). While the survey sample size was limited to 716 respondents, it was surprising to see support among 35 to 44-year-olds sit below 60% and no data was presented about adults between 25 and 34.
“Unlike previous surveys when we simply asked if folks support or oppose [the] legalization of recreational marijuana, this time we gave respondents the specifics of the proposed amendment,” PORL Faculty Director Dr. Michael Binder said. “Yet again, it looks like (the amendment) has a good chance of passing, if it makes it through the courts, and that is a very big ‘if.'”
The results of the survey are consistent with the prevailing notion that young Americans nationally are very much in favor of ending cannabis prohibition. The future leaders of this country will bring about change despite efforts from the old guard who continues to hang on to their political positions.
More improvement could be made on California’s cannabis tax revenue
California, despite its many known challenges, remains the largest legal cannabis market in the world. Industry projections estimate California will make up 20% of the U.S. market by 2025 and be worth $5.4 billion by 2030.
This year, California’s cannabis market produced $285.1 million in tax revenue during the second quarter and $269.3 million during the third quarter. The market should be more desirable and implementing the following strategies could result in a more significant legal industry.
Access: Incentivize the many jurisdictions that have yet to allow for legal cannabis to open immediately.
Taxes: Cut the state’s excise tax down to 10%, as seen in many other adult-use legal states. It would also be beneficial to cap the tax rate that cities are also adding in.
Enforcement: Address the burning distribution license matter, that is currently allowing massive diversion to the illicit market and undercuts the legal market. The state is aware of this issue and public officials should address it immediately.
The state has our support as it takes steps toward enhancing its significant cannabis program. Some progress has been made, but there is always room for improvement, as no market is perfect. The state and its cannabis industry can tackle these issues, find solutions and provide citizens and legal industry participants with the healthy and thriving program they deserve.
#IntheWeedswithSteve
Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Illinois’ adult-use cannabis retailers reached a historic high in November, setting a record for the most legal cannabis sold primarily to in-state residents in a single month. Overall sales, including purchases made by out-of-state customers, ranked fifth-highest monthly total since weed shops opened in January 2020.
Breakdown of November’s Cannabis Sales
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported total recreational cannabis sales amounting to $139.1 million for the month. According to Marijuana Moment, this figure includes $105.5 million in sales to Illinois residents and $33.6 million by visitors, exclusive of taxes.
Moreover, state-licensed retailers sold more individual adult-use cannabis products in November than ever before, with a total of 3.77 million items.
Medical Cannabis Sales and Market Trends
While the latest figures for medical cannabis sales in November are still pending, October’s sales reached $26.2 million, including $12.4 million in dry flower and $13.8 million in concentrates and infused products. This data comes from the Medical Cannabis Patient Program.
Despite these impressive numbers, Illinois consumers are facing higher cannabis prices compared to many other states with legal markets. Governor J.B. Pritzker acknowledged the high prices but emphasized the industry’s consistent expansion and the substantial sales to out-of-state customers.
2023: A Year Of Record-Breaking Growth
State officials also highlighted the “unprecedented” surge of state-legal cannabis sales in fiscal year 2023. This growth is partly attributed to the opening of 28 new retailers and total retail sales surpassing $1.5 billion.
The fiscal year 2023 brought approximately $451.9 million in revenue from legal cannabis to Illinois, outperforming alcohol revenue, which was around $316.3 million.
Advancing Social Equity in Cannabis Licensing
To address the impact of the War on Drugs, Illinois issued 200 conditional licenses and established a Social Equity Criteria Lottery. This initiative aims to prioritize individuals disproportionately affected by drug laws, with over 2,600 applicants for 55 new social equity dispensary licenses. Most of these new licenses were allocated in Cook County, the state’s most populous region.
A Boost to Diversity and Challenges for Small Growers
The industry has also seen a notable increase in minority and women-owned businesses since 2020. Black-owned companies now account for 27% of the market, Latino/a or Hispanic-owned companies for 5%, Asian-owned companies for 3%, and women-owned businesses make up 16%.
However, small cannabis growers are facing challenges, struggling to thrive even with state aid.
#IntheWeedswithSteve
Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Thank you for consideration.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), one of the most vociferous cannabis supporters among U.S. senators, recently said he was honored to vote for the SAFER Banking Act.
Commenting on recent Ohio’s cannabis legalization, Fetterman told City & State in an exclusive interview that “it’s absolutely absurd – how many states around Pennsylvania are we failing behind?”
“It just makes it more silly. It’s just so simple and so easy – just give people what they want,” he said. “And again, make it safe, make it pure and make jobs. All the benefits are going to the cartels, but now, it should be going to the state.”
Fetterman said though he doesn’t consume cannabis he believes sales should be allowed and taxed, just like alcohol. “I don’t remember the last time I even drank hard alcohol, but you should be able to buy it because we all realize what bathtub gin does to people. There are things that are so much more lethal and dangerous and addictive – you don’t have any of those issues with cannabis.”
The senator undertook expungement of minor drug charges, saying no one’s life should be ruined “because they had some stupid, silly weed charge.” As lieutenant governor and head of the pardoning process, “we got that process started. It’s always astonishing when you have people in front of you who can’t be a volunteer at their child’s school, can’t get a better job, can’t get a loan because 12 years ago they got caught with a joint.”
Fetterman said that because cannabis is illegal its value is distorted and is often the cause of violence and robberies.
No-Brainer
“There’s no medically documented THC overdose, and marijuana is not lethal at all. It’s a no-brainer,” he said.
He called President Joe Biden a man of his word because, on the first anniversary, he recommended marijuana de-scheduling. Furthermore, he added that it’s “always Republicans going against something that should be common sense and that a majority of people really want, whether it’s abortion or weed,” and that legalization is inevitable.
#IntheWeedswithSteve
Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Despite the incessant nitpicking on the part of Ohio’s Republican leadership, which is seeking changes to the Nov. 7 voter-approved initiative that legalized adult-use cannabis, one Cleveland representative has stepped up to question what many are calling anti-democratic procedures.
Republican Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Senate president Matt Huffman are seeking, among other changes, to redirect the usage of the hundreds of millions likely to be raised by excise taxes. One example that is raising the most dissent is the Republicans ‘ insistence on utilizing cannabis revenue for law enforcement rather than the agreed-upon social equity program and community reinvestment that earmarked tax dollars to support individuals who have been “disproportionately affected by past marijuana-related law enforcement.”
Enter Juanita Brent
Ohio Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleve) underscored the importance of having people who were directly impacted by cannabis prohibition participate in the legal marketplace and have seats at the table, as the Republican leadership moves ahead with its changes.
“If you’ve been criminalized by cannabis, the best thing you can do is come back into the field,” Brent told The Statehouse News Bureau.
Brent also pointed out that it is equally important that those involved in amending the initiative, known as Issue 2, are not outright anti-cannabis crusaders, which alas seems to be the case in Ohio.
Why Are Prohibitionists Making These Decisions?
“Ohioans have to remember that the people who are trying to be the loudest at the [statehouse] are people who were anti-cannabis,” Brent said. “We cannot have anti-cannabis people leading on what’s going to happen with cannabis. We need people who are involved. We need people who have been doing the work. We need people who have been advocating.”
Social equity provisions, by the way, are built into every legal marijuana program across the U.S. as a way to deal with well-documented racial disparities in marijuana arrests.
“We need to build more cultivators because there is going to be a lot of demand. We can have dispensaries that we want in the state, but if we don’t have cultivators there will be an increase in price,” she said.
GOP Lawmakers Running Out the Clock Before Dec. 7 Deadline
Republican lawmakers have said they are planning to publicize their policy changes to Issue 2, Huffman said last week, although he did not give details on the exact proposals or a timeline.
Huffman famously implied last week that Ohioans had not understood that the social equity elements in the new legalization law were prioritizing people affected by past cannabis-related enforcement.
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#IntheWeedswithSteve
Be patient Florida, this too, shall pass! Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
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