Understanding pain and recognizing that you are not alone.
Research tells us that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million experience high-impact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living. Pain is the number one reason that Americans access the health care system, and costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity.
Yet despite these staggering numbers, chronic pain is vastly under-recognized, underfunded, and under-treated when considering its significant impact on American lives. Research, treatment options, and support for those affected individuals still lag behind other major diseases.
CBD (cannabidiol) has garnered attention as a potential remedy for various health issues, including pain management. Let’s delve into how CBD can help with inflammation, chronic pain, and arthritis:
CBD for Inflammation:
Research suggests that CBD may have a positive effect on inflammatory pain. Although many studies have been conducted on animals, their results may not directly translate to humans.
A 2020 review indicated that CBD could interact with neurological receptors in the spinal cord, potentially suppressing chronic inflammatory pain.
Additionally, CBD may increase levels of AEA (an endogenous cannabinoid), which is known to reduce pain.
CBD for Chronic Pain:
In a 2018 study, researchers evaluated CBD’s pain-relieving effects in individuals who experienced chronic pain after kidney transplants.
Six out of seven participants reported improvements in pain. Interestingly, one participant experienced more pain at higher CBD doses but found better pain management at lower doses.
CBD for Arthritis Pain:
Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with receptors that influence pain and inflammation in the body.
While animal studies have suggested that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, these effects have not been conclusively validated in high-quality human studies.
Remember that CBD’s efficacy can vary from person to person, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your pain management routine. Always check your local laws and regulations regarding CBD usage.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
In 2024, several states are poised to make significant strides in marijuana legalization. Let’s explore some of the key developments:
Wisconsin:
Despite past disagreements between Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers, Wisconsin is a strong contender to legalize medical cannabis this year.
Governor Evers has expressed openness to a more limited medical cannabis program proposed by Republicans, which would initially allow for five stores to sell non-smokable cannabis products1.
Virginia:
Virginia lawmakers have already passed legislation that will legalize marijuana in 2024.
Starting January 1, 2024, possession of up to an ounce of marijuana will be legal, and regulations will be implemented to control the marijuana marketplace in the state2.
Other States:
While these two states stand out, there are other states with unfinished business in terms of cannabis policy.
Some states are likely to take up medical cannabis legalization, while others may move toward adult-use legalization.
Additionally, campaigns are underway in Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota to put legalization questions before voters in the November 2024 election1.
Remember, the landscape of cannabis legalization is dynamic, and attitudes are shifting. Whether through legislative action or citizen initiatives, we’re witnessing progress toward a more inclusive and informed approach to cannabis policy across the nation.
Now, Let’s delve into the world of CBD (cannabidiol) and explore various aspects related to it:
CBD Stigma:
Despite its growing popularity, there remains a stigma surrounding CBD. This stigma often arises from misconceptions and lack of understanding.
Some people associate CBD with the psychoactive effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), even though CBD itself does not cause a “high.”
Efforts are being made to change this perception and educate the public about the potential benefits of CBD.
Research on CBD:
CBD has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties. Early studies suggest it may help with anxiety, pain relief, and neurological conditions.
The FDA has approved a prescription drug called Epidiolex, which contains CBD as an active ingredient, specifically for treating certain types of epilepsy.
However, more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s benefits and safety.
State Legality of CBD:
The legality of CBD varies by state. Some states fully embrace CBD, while others impose restrictions.
Federally, CBD derived from hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) is legal. However, CBD derived from cannabis remains a Schedule 1 substance.
State laws play a crucial role in determining how CBD can be used, sold, and accessed.
Inspirational Technologies on CBD:
The CBD industry is evolving, and technology is playing a significant role.
Innovations include:
Smart Vaporizers: These allow precise control over temperature and dosage.
Concentrated Minor Cannabinoids: Companies are exploring over 100 minor cannabinoids found in hemp plants, such as CBN and CBG.
Regulatory Changes: Legislation could pave the way for marketing CBD as a dietary supplement, expanding distribution channels.
Big-Box Retail Access: CBD products may soon hit mainstream brick-and-mortar retail stores.
In summary, CBD is a complex field with ongoing research, legal considerations, and exciting technological advancements.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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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