Category: Noteworthy Inspirations

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Trulieve is Florida’s and now National leader in vertical integration in Marijuana.

Trulieve, Florida’s largest medical marijuana operator, has made significant strides in the cannabis industry. Notably, they recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the largest cannabis retailer in the United States. This achievement was made possible through their acquisition of Harvest Health & Recreation, a former competitor, in a deal worth $2.1 billion123. Trulieve’s success is attributed to its vertical integration approach. As a seed-to-sale company, Trulieve cultivates and produces all its cannabis products in-house. They distribute these products through their Trulieve-branded dispensaries across Florida and also offer direct home delivery to patients. Additionally, Trulieve operates in several other states, including California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia1.

Marijuana dispensary Trulieve opens second Mass. locationTheir 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.

Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers to Give Keynote Address at Benzinga Cannabis ...

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.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid compound that has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric disorders 1. A 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 1. The 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 1. In 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 1. CBD 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 1. AI prompts for social media can help marketers overcome creative blocks and generate new post ideas 2. AI 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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Cannabis-Friendly Hotels To Visit This Year

As cannabis legalization continues to expand across the globe, more and more hotels and resorts are catering to cannabis enthusiasts. This year, travelers can look forward to a wide range of cannabis-friendly accommodations that provide a unique and enjoyable experience. From luxury resorts with designated smoking areas to boutique hotels offering curated cannabis menus, there will be plenty of options for those seeking a cannabis-friendly getaway.

The Lexi – Las Vegas

@lexihotelvegas/Instagram

@lexihotelvegas/Instagram© Provided by TravelNoire

The Lexi is the first cannabis-friendly establishment on the famed Strip. With its sleek and modern design, The Lexi aims to redefine the concept of cannabis-friendly accommodations. Guests can expect top-notch amenities such as in-room vaporizers and personalized cannabis concierge services. The Lexi’s prime location on the famed Strip ensures easy access to nearby dispensaries and a vibrant nightlife scene. They make it the ultimate destination for cannabis enthusiasts in 2024.

Scotia Lodge – California

@scotialodge/Instagram

@scotialodge/Instagram© Provided by TravelNoire

The Scotia Lodge is a 100-year-old boutique hotel situated just above the northern entrance to the Avenue of the Giants in Scotia. It offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. With its recent renovation in 2021, the hotel now boasts 22 beautifully designed guest rooms and suites. They provide a comfortable and stylish retreat for guests. Cannabis enthusiasts in 2024 will be delighted to know that Scotia Lodge is cannabis-friendly. The hotel provides a designated smoking area where cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite strains.

RoMarley Beach House – Riviera Maya, Mexico

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RoMarley is a seaside paradise for cannabis fans who want to get away to the tropics. In the beautiful Riviera Maya, this one-of-a-kind retreat offers guests a variety of luxury lodging and services to help them enjoy their love of cannabis. As an exclusive beach club, this cannabis-friendly retreat offers something new. This environment allows guests to get lost in the spirit of paradise.

RoMarley Beach House offers private smoking places and guided cannabis experiences to make sure that all marijuana fans have a great and relaxing holiday.

The Arrowhead Manor – Denver, Colorado

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@arrowheadmanorb&b/Instagram© Provided by TravelNoire

The Arrowhead Manor, a boutique hotel in Morrison, allows guests to smoke weed in the outdoor patio, and will book a cannabis-infused chef upon request. Guests at The Arrowhead Manor can indulge in their love of cannabis while enjoying the breathtaking views from the outdoor patio. For those looking for a truly unique culinary experience, the hotel also offers the option to book a cannabis-infused chef, ensuring a relaxing and flavorful stay. Any licensed and open option requires planning and traveling.

The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel – Amsterdam

The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel in Amsterdam is a popular choice for budget travelers looking to explore the vibrant city. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, this hostel offers affordable accommodations without compromising on comfort and cleanliness. Guests can light up their favorite type of weed, have a drink, and talk with other guests and staff. They also have a nice little deck outside.

#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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Cannabis researchers conclude, “Our results demonstrate that regular cannabis users are able to perform current motor tasks at the same level as nonusers.”

Regular cannabis users may need more brain power to perform simple motor tasks, according to a new study published in Human Brain Mapping.

Cannabis is the most popular recreational drug in the United States, with usage rapidly increasing, but the effects of regular cannabis use on the brain are not fully understood.

Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that cannabis can impair attention and memory, but its impact on functions such as motor control is less clear, with some studies suggesting an impairment and other studies suggesting no effect. The underlying brain mechanisms are even less well-understood.

Motor control is the ability to plan and execute movements, such as walking, typing, or playing an instrument. It involves the activity of nerve cells in the motor cortex, a part of the brain that sends signals to the muscles.

These nerve cells produce rhythmic patterns of electrical activity, called neural oscillations, that can be measured by a technique called magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive imaging technique used to measure the magnetic fields produced by neural activity in the brain. It offers high temporal resolution, enabling researchers to track brain activity in real time and understand how different areas of the brain communicate during various tasks and cognitive processes.

How to measure brain activity in people - Queensland Brain Institute ...

The research team, led by Thomas W. Ward from Boys Town National Research Hospital in Nebraska, set out to better understand motor function with cannabis usage.

They recruited 45 participants between 20 to 59 years old and used MEG to compare the neural oscillations of 18 regular cannabis users and 23 nonuser controls while they performed a motor sequencing task.

To qualify as cannabis users, participants had to consume cannabis no less than three times weekly for a minimum of three years. To qualify as nonusers, participants had to abstain from cannabis and any other illicit drugs, except for occasional past trials, and avoid any illicit drug use in the last 3 months.

The motor sequencing task required all the participants to place their hand on a button pad and tap a sequence of three numbers, after seeing a cue on a screen, with the corresponding fingers on their right hand. For instance, if “1” was visible on the screen, participants needed to tap their index finger, and if “2” was displayed they were required to tap their middle finger.

The researchers found that both groups performed the task equally well, with no differences in reaction time, accuracy, or movement duration.

However, they also found that the cannabis users had stronger neural oscillations in the beta frequency band (16–24 Hertz) in the primary motor cortex and several other movement-related brain regions.The cognitive effects of cannabis - Sensi Seeds Blog

These neural oscillations were increased during the execution phase of the task, but not during the planning phase. This suggests that the cannabis users needed more neural activity to perform the same task as the nonusers.

Ward and colleagues speculated that the stronger beta oscillations may reflect a compensatory mechanism that allows the cannabis users to maintain normal motor performance despite the potential impairments caused by cannabis. They also suggested that the beta oscillations may be influenced by the levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which is a chemical known to regulate the activity of the motor cortex and may be affected by cannabis.

Frontiers | Understanding the Role of Sensorimotor Beta Oscillations

The study authors concluded, “our results demonstrate that though regular cannabis users are able to perform the current motor sequencing task at the same level as nonuser controls, the two groups are quite different neurologically. These differences may reflect compensatory processing or be precursors of behavioral deficits that may emerge in the future. These compensatory mechanisms, though adequate for this relatively simple sequencing task, may break down in real-world situations where more complex motor control is needed.”

Image result for regular cannabis users are able to perform the current motor sequencing task at the same level as nonuser controls, the two groups are quite different neurologically.

The study has some limitations, such as not controlling for the amount and type of cannabis consumed by the users, and using a relatively simple motor task that may not capture the complexity of real-world motor control.

The study, titled “Regular cannabis use alters the neural dynamics serving complex motor control”, was authored by Thomas W. Ward, Seth D. Springer, Mikki Schantell, Jason A. John, Lucy K. Horne, Anna T. Coutant, Hannah J. Okelberry, Madelyn P. Willett, Hallie J. Johnson, Abraham D. Killanin, Elizabeth Heinrichs-Graham, and Tony W. Wilson.

#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. 🌿🇺🇸

Learn more.

1vice.com2en.wikipedia.org3en.wikipedia.org4thecannabisindustry.org
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Map of cannabis laws in the US
Legality of cannabis in the United States

  Legal for recreational use
  Legal for medical use
  Illegal

D  Decriminalized

Notes:
· Reflects law of states and territories, including laws which have not yet gone into effect. Does not reflect federal, tribal, or local laws.
· Hemp and hemp-derived products have been legal since the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The legal history of cannabis in the United States began with state-level prohibition in the early 20th century, with the first major federal limitations occurring in 1937. Starting with Oregon in 1973, individual states began to liberalize cannabis laws through decriminalization. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis, sparking a trend that spread to a majority of states by 2016. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use.

Twitter Just Became The First Cannabis-Friendly Large Social Media Platform In The United States

Emily Earlenbaugh

Contributor

Hashtag made of marijuana leaves

Twitter announced Wednesday that they will be allowing legal cannabis companies in the United States to promote cannabis products with paid advertising on their platform. The announcement marks an important shift, as most social media platforms specifically ban content related to the federally illegal substance. A few smaller social media platforms have allowed for cannabis advertising in the past, such as Social Club, a platform designed specifically for the cannabis community. Still, Twitter is the first large and already established social media platform to buck this trend, laying out specific rules for how the legal cannabis industry can participate in advertising.

While cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States, the majority of states have approved some type of legal cannabis sales within their borders. 37 states have medical cannabis programs and 21 allow for recreational cannabis use. This leaves cannabis companies operating within their state’s laws mostly shut out of paid social media marketing – despite the fact that they are compliant with state laws.

Historically, many in the cannabis industry have ignored these rules, or tried to find ways to avoid detection. But even with these attempts, cannabis brands frequently have their posts, or even profiles, taken down. Twitter seems to have an especially active cannabis community. Some estimates suggest Twitter saw over 20 million tweets about cannabis in the last year alone. The new policy could draw even more cannabis brands and consumers to the platform, given the lack of competition for cannabis advertisements on other major social media platforms. Popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok all still ban content related to the medicinal plant.

Twitter’s announcement was lauded by many in the cannabis industry, who have hoped to see changes in social media policies reflect the fact that cannabis is legal for more than half the states in the country. “This is a welcome and overdue moment for the industry” commented Ashley Fields, SVP of Marketing and Communications for Cann, a cannabis beverage brand. “Advertising plays a significant role in our culture and Twitter’s announcement shows behaviors and conversations are trending in favor of normalization, legalization and frankly, “substance equality” reflecting where cannabis vs alcohol can advertise.”

  • 1937: The Marihuana Tax Act is enacted, effectively prohibiting cannabis at the federal level. Although medical use is still permitted, new fees and regulatory requirements significantly curtail its use.[1]
  • 1969: The Marihuana Tax Act is struck down in the case Leary v. United States. The Supreme Court rules that the act violates the Fifth Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination.[2]
  • 1970: The Controlled Substances Act is enacted. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, determined to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, thereby prohibiting its use for any purpose.[3]
  • 1990: The Solomon–Lautenberg amendment is enacted.[4] As a result, many states pass “Smoke a joint, lose your license” laws under which any drug offense is punished with a mandatory six month driver’s license suspension.[5][6]
  • 2014: The Rohrabacher–Farr amendment passes the U.S. House and is signed into law. Requiring annual renewal, it prohibits the Justice Department from interfering with the implementation of state medical cannabis laws.[7][8] The Cole Memorandum had in 2013 assigned similar policies from within the Justice Department.[9][10]
  • 2018: The 2018 farm bill legalizes low-THC (less than 0.3% THC) hemp and hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (CBD) at the federal level. The bill also fully removed or “descheduled” low-THC cannabis products from the Controlled Substances Act, where they had been listed as Schedule I drugs since the CSA’s inception in 1970.[3][11]
  • 2022: The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act is signed into law to allow cannabis to be more easily researched for medical purposes. It is the first standalone cannabis reform bill enacted at the federal level.[12][13]

State

Prohibition begins – 1911

  • 1911: Massachusetts requires a prescription for sales of Indian hemp.[14]
  • 1913: California, Maine, Wyoming, and Indiana ban marijuana.[14]
  • 1915: Utah and Vermont ban marijuana.[14]
  • 1917: Colorado legislators make the use and cultivation of cannabis a misdemeanor.
  • 1923: Iowa, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont ban marijuana.[14]
  • 1927: New York,[14] Idaho, Kansas, Montana, and Nebraska ban marijuana.[15]
  • 1931: Illinois bans marijuana.[16]
  • 1931: Texas declares cannabis a narcotic, allowing up to life sentences for possession.[17]
  • 1933: North Dakota and Oklahoma ban marijuana.[15] By this year, 29 states have criminalized cannabis.[18]

Decriminalization begins – 1973

  • 1973: Texas law is amended to declare possession of four ounces or less a misdemeanor.[17][19]
  • 1973: Oregon becomes the first state to decriminalize cannabis – reducing the penalty for up to one ounce to a $100 fine.[20]
  • 1975: Alaska, Maine, Colorado, California, and Ohio decriminalize cannabis.[20]
  • 1975: Alaska’s Supreme Court establishes that the right to privacy includes possession of small amounts of marijuana.[21]
  • 1976: Minnesota decriminalizes cannabis.[20]
  • 1977: Mississippi, New York, and North Carolina decriminalize cannabis.[20] South Dakota also decriminalizes cannabis, but the law is repealed almost immediately afterwards.[22]
  • 1978: Nebraska decriminalizes cannabis.[20] No other state would decriminalize until 2001.
  • 1978: New Mexico passes the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act, becoming the first state to enact legislation recognizing the medical value of marijuana.[23]
  • 1979: Virginia passes legislation allowing doctors to recommend cannabis for glaucoma or the side effects of chemotherapy.[24][25]
  • 1982: Alaska passes legislation to further decrease penalties for cannabis.[26]
  • 1990: Alaska recriminalizes cannabis by voter initiative, restoring criminal penalties for possession of any amount of cannabis.[27]

Medical cannabis begins – 1996

  • 1996: California becomes the first state to legalize medical cannabis with the approval of Proposition 215.[28] Arizona also passes a medical cannabis ballot measure, but it is rendered ineffective on a technicality.[29]
  • 1998: Oregon, Alaska, and Washington all legalize medical cannabis through ballot measure.[30] Nevada also passes a medical cannabis initiative, but it requires second approval in 2000 to become law, as per the state constitution.[31]
  • 1999: Maine legalizes medical cannabis through ballot measure.[30]
  • 2000: Hawaii becomes the first state to legalize medical cannabis through state legislature.[32]
  • 2000: Nevada and Colorado legalize medical cannabis through ballot measure.[30]
  • 2001: Nevada decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[33]
  • 2003: Maryland passes legislation establishing reduced penalties for persons using cannabis due to a medical necessity (as established at trial).[34]
  • 2004: Vermont legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[35]
  • 2004: Montana legalizes medical cannabis through ballot measure.
  • 2006: Rhode Island legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[36]
  • 2007: New Mexico legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[37]
  • 2008: Michigan approves a ballot to legalize medical cannabis. Massachusetts approves a ballot measure to decriminalize cannabis.[38]
  • 2010: New Jersey legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[39]
  • 2010: Arizona legalizes medical cannabis through ballot measure.
  • 2010: California legislators reduce penalties for cannabis to a civil infraction.[40]
  • 2011: Delaware legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[41]
  • 2011: Connecticut decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[42]
  • 2012: Connecticut legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[43]
  • 2012: Rhode Island decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[44]

 

Recreational legalization begins – 2012

  • 2012: Colorado and Washington become the first two states to legalize the recreational use of cannabis following the passage of Amendment 64 and Initiative 502.[45] Massachusetts approves a ballot measure to legalize medical cannabis.
  • 2013: Vermont decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[46]
  • 2013: New Hampshire legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[47]
  • 2013: Illinois legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[48]
  • 2014: Utah becomes the first state to pass a low-THC, high-CBD medical cannabis law.[49] These laws allow low-THC cannabis oil to be used for treatment of certain medical conditions (mostly seizure disorders) with a doctor’s recommendation.
  • 2014: Maryland legislators decriminalize cannabis and approve a comprehensive medical cannabis law, expanding the very limited measure that was passed in 2003.[50]
  • 2014: Missouri decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[51]
  • 2014: Minnesota legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[52]
  • 2014: New York legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[53]
  • 2014: Alaska and Oregon legalize recreational cannabis through ballot measure.
  • 2014: By the end of the year, 10 more states pass low-THC, high-CBD medical cannabis laws: Alabama, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Tennessee, Iowa, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, and Missouri.[54]
  • 2015: Delaware decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[55]
  • 2015: Louisiana legislators pass a limited medical cannabis law.[56][57]
  • 2015: During the year, five more states pass low-THC, high-CBD medical cannabis laws: Virginia, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming.[54]
  • 2016: Pennsylvania legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[58]
  • 2016: Ohio legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[59]
  • 2016: Illinois decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[60]
  • 2016: California, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusetts approve ballot measures to legalize recreational cannabis. Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota approve ballot measures to legalize medical cannabis.
  • 2017: West Virginia legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[61]
  • 2017: Indiana passes a low-THC, high-CBD medical cannabis law.[62]
  • 2017: New Hampshire decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[63]
  • 2018: Vermont becomes the first state to legalize recreational cannabis through state legislature. Unlike all other states that had legalized recreational cannabis, however, no provision was made for commercial sale.[64]
  • 2018: Indiana legalizes CBD for any use.[65]
  • 2018: Kansas legalizes CBD for any use.[66]
  • 2018: Oklahoma legalizes medical cannabis through ballot measure.[67]
  • 2018: Michigan approves a ballot measure to legalize recreational cannabis.[68] Missouri and Utah approve ballot measures to legalize medical cannabis.
  • 2019: New Mexico decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[69]
  • 2019: North Dakota decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[70]
  • 2019: Illinois legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature, including its commercial sale. It became the first state to legalize the commercial sale of recreational cannabis through an act of state legislature.[71]
  • 2019: Hawaii decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[72]
  • 2020: Virginia decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[73]
  • 2020: Vermont legalizes commercial recreational cannabis sales through state legislature.[74]
  • 2020: Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota approve ballot measures to legalize recreational cannabis, with South Dakota becoming the first state to legalize recreational use without first legalizing medical use.[75] Mississippi and South Dakota approve ballot measures to legalize medical cannabis.[76]
  • 2021: South Dakota initiative to legalize recreational use is ruled state-unconstitutional by a circuit court judge.[77]
  • 2021: New York legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature.[78]
  • 2021: Virginia legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature.[79]
  • 2021: New Mexico legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature.[80]
  • 2021: Mississippi initiative to legalize medical cannabis is overturned by the Supreme Court of Mississippi due to issue with state’s ballot initiative process.[81]
  • 2021: Alabama legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[82]
  • 2021: Louisiana decriminalizes cannabis through state legislature.[83]
  • 2021: Connecticut legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature.[84]
  • 2022: Mississippi legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[85]
  • 2022: Rhode Island legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature.[86]
  • 2022: Maryland and Missouri voters approve ballot measures to legalize recreational cannabis.[87]
  • 2023: Kentucky legalizes medical cannabis through state legislature.[88]
  • 2023: Delaware legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature.[89]
  • 2023: Minnesota legalizes recreational cannabis through state legislature.[90]
  • 2023: Ohio legalizes recreational cannabis through Issue 2.[91]

Municipal

  • 1906: Washington, D.C. requires a prescription for cannabis drugs.[92]
  • 1915: El Paso, Texas restricts cannabis.[93]
  • 1972: Ann Arbor City Council decriminalized cannabis, reducing the penalty to a $5 fine.[94] The law was overturned by a Republican-led council a year later,[95] but reinstated through voter referendum in 1974.[96]
  • 1977: Madison, Wisconsin decriminalized cannabis through ballot initiative.[97]
  • 1978: San Francisco residents approved Proposition W, a non-binding measure directing city law enforcement to “cease the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the cultivation, transfer, or possession of marijuana”.[98] Mayor George Moscone was assassinated shortly afterwards, however,[99] and the initiative was disregarded by new mayor Dianne Feinstein.[100]
  • 1991: San Francisco residents approved the non-binding Proposition P in support of the medical use of cannabis.[101] The city Board of Supervisors followed with Resolution 141–92 in 1992, which allowed for the distribution of medical cannabis throughout the city.[102]
  • 1998: Washington, D.C. residents approved Initiative 59 to legalize medical cannabis, but the Barr amendment blocked implementation until 2009, with the first legal sales finally occurring in 2013.[103]
  • 2003: Seattle residents voted to make enforcement of cannabis laws the lowest priority.[104]
  • 2004: Oakland, California residents approved Measure Z, making private adult cannabis offenses the lowest possible priority for law enforcement, establishing a system to regulate, tax, and sell cannabis pending state legalization, and urging legalization on the state and national levels.[105]
  • 2005: Denver residents voted to legalize cannabis.[106]
  • 2006: San Francisco made enforcement of cannabis laws the lowest priority. The change was approved through a Board of Supervisors vote.[107]
  • 2009: Breckenridge, Colorado residents voted to legalize cannabis.[108]
  • 2012: Chicago decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[109]
  • 2012: Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Flint residents voted to decriminalize cannabis.[110]
  • 2013: Portland, Maine residents voted to legalize cannabis.[111]
  • 2014: Philadelphia decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[112]
  • 2014: After a city council vote decriminalized cannabis in March,[113] Washington D.C. residents voted to approve Initiative 71 in November to legalize recreational use of cannabis and personal cultivation.[114] A congressional rider passed afterwards prevented D.C. City Council from legalizing commercial sales.[115]
  • 2014: New York City decriminalized cannabis through a new policy announced by city officials.[116]
  • 2015: Wichita, Kansas decriminalized cannabis through voter referendum.[117]
  • 2015: Miami-Dade commissioners voted to decriminalize cannabis.[118]
  • 2015: Toledo, Ohio residents voted to decriminalize possession of cannabis less than 200 grams.[119]
  • 2015: Pittsburgh decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[120]
  • 2016: Tampa decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[121]
  • 2016: New Orleans decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[122]
  • 2016: Orlando decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[123]
  • 2016: Nashville decriminalized cannabis through a Metro Council vote.[124]
  • 2016: Memphis decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[125]
  • 2016: Residents in the Ohio cities of Bellaire, Logan, Newark, and Roseville voted to decriminalize possession of cannabis less than 200 grams.[119]
  • 2017: Houston decriminalized cannabis through a new policy announced by the city’s district attorney.[126]
  • 2017: Kansas City, Missouri residents voted to decriminalize cannabis, eliminating jail time for possession of 35 grams or less and reducing the penalty to a $25 fine.[127]
  • 2017: Atlanta decriminalized possession of one ounce or less of cannabis via unanimous city council vote.[128]
  • 2018: Albuquerque decriminalized cannabis through a city council vote.[129]

Territory

  • 2014: Guam legalized medical cannabis through ballot measure.[130]
  • 2014: The United States Virgin Islands decriminalized cannabis.[131]
  • 2015: Puerto Rico legalized medical cannabis by executive order.[132]
  • 2018: The Northern Mariana Islands legalized recreational cannabis through an act of legislature.[133]
  • 2019: The United States Virgin Islands legalized medical cannabis through an act of legislature.[134]
  • 2019: Guam legalized recreational cannabis through an act of legislature.[135]
  • 2023: The United States Virgin Islands legalized recreational cannabis through territorial legislature.[136]

Native American reservations

Opinions

Presidential

  • 1972: President Richard Nixon opposes the policy of cannabis decriminalization. He states: “I do not believe that you can have effective criminal justice based on a philosophy that something is half legal and half illegal … despite what the [Shafer Commission] has recommended.”[146]
  • 1977: President Jimmy Carter endorses legislation to federally decriminalize cannabis, declaring that “Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself.”[147][148]
  • 1980: Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan warns that “Leading medical researchers are coming to the conclusion that marijuana … is probably the most dangerous drug in the United States.”[149]
  • 1996: Former Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George H. W. Bush urge the defeat of medical cannabis initiatives in California and Arizona, asserting in an open letter that the measures pose “enormous threats” to the public health of all Americans.[150]
  • 2000: President Bill Clinton, in an interview with Rolling Stone shortly before leaving office, states his support for decriminalizing cannabis.[151][152]
  • 2015: President Barack Obama declares his support for cannabis decriminalization but opposition to legalization.[153][154]
  • 2022: President Joe Biden, in ordering a review of the scheduling status of cannabis, states: “We classify marijuana at the same level as heroin – and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense.”[155]

Public

  • 1969: Gallup conducted its first poll on legalizing cannabis, finding 12% in favor.[156]
  • 1973: General Social Survey‘s first poll on legalizing cannabis showed 19% in favor.[157]
  • 1977: Gallup reported 28% support for the legalization of cannabis, a number that would not be surpassed until 2000.[156]
  • 2011: Gallup reported 50% support for legalizing cannabis.[158]
  • 2013: Pew Research reported 52% [159] and Gallup 58%[160] in support of legalizing cannabis. In both polls, a majority of respondents supported legalization for the first time.
  • 2017: Gallup’s annual poll showed 64% support for the legalization of cannabis, including a majority of Republicans for the first time.[161]
  • 2018: Reflecting the increased growth of support for marijuana legalization, Gallup’s annual poll showed that 66% of Americans supported legalization, including 75% of Democrats, 71% of Independents, 59% of people over 55, and at least 65% support in the East, South, Midwest, and West.[162]

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

Thank you for consideration.

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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.
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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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