Romancing a Stoner: Poll Shows Cannabis-Themed Valentines Day Gifts Are Growing in Popularity2/13/2022 Although candy, jewelry, and flowers are still the preferred present ideas for many people on Valentine’s Day, an emerging trend on this holiday for lovers, is to buy cannabis-themed gifts for that special loved one in your life. I don’t speak for all stoners, but me personally, the only type of flower I ever want to receive as a gift is the green (sometimes purple), trichome-covered kind that gets me high. What better way to celebrate the holiday than with stoner Valentine’s Day gifts? From candy to body paint to lingerie, cannabis and Valentine’s Day sure go together like…peanut butter and jelly. We’re at the forefront of the cannabis industry, bringing you the most important stories of today. To follow along, sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter and get all the best stories as they come out, along with premium deals on everything like flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more! We’ve also got great deals on cannabinoids like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC , which you can find by going to our “Best-of” lists! About the studyThe small study, commissioned by MariMed, a multi-state operator that develops, owns, and manages state-licensed cannabis facilities, and conducted by The Harris Poll – 63% of cannabis consumers claim they would rather receive weed products for Valentine’s day than anything else. Add to this, roughly 72% of respondents said the cannabis will be somehow included in their Valentine’s Day plans, with 53% stating they will probably grab some extra edibles from their local dispensary to celebrate the holiday. Despite flower still being the number one selling category out of all pot products, edibles are also a rapidly growing niche. The short survey was conducted online from January 27-31, 2022. There were 1,967 adult participants (21 years of age or older) from the United States, 763 of whom consume cannabis products. In this survey, “cannabis products” are defined as anything containing THC including but not limited to flowers, edibles, concentrates, vapes, and so on. ![]() A quick note from MariMed’s press release regarding the survey: “This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].” So, if you have any further questions on methodology and results, you know who to reach out to. More about cannabis and sexThis survey looked at more than just Valentine’s day sales statistics, they also examined how cannabis enhances consumers’ sex lives. Among the findings: “weed consumers have more sex and enjoy it more than their non-using counterparts, with 50% saying they have sex several times or more each week, compared to 35% of non-users.” Further, just under two-thirds of cannabis users state that pot improves their sex lives, helps them get arounds, and makes their orgasms more pleasurable. Fifty-one percent of participants agreed with the statement that “cannabis is a natural aphrodisiac”, and 30% believe cannabis works better than chocolate or oysters. “The survey was fun and on-brand, but we also think the results should help smash the lazy stoner stereotype, particularly the data that shows cannabis users have more sex in a week than non-cannabis consumers,” said MariMed’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Shaw. “They are an active crowd, between the sheets and outside of them.” Despite being relatively small and obscure, this survey came to the same conclusion as many studies before it, that cannabis is great for your sex life. Many attribute it to the plant’s reputation for relieving anxiety and stress, which can lead to lowering of inhibitions and the willingness to be more open. Super Bowl weekend overlapIn addition to being Valentine’s Day weekend, today is also Super Bowl Sunday. Every year dispensaries report substantial sales increases in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. The numbers aren’t in yet for this year, but in 2021, dispensaries saw a boost of 33% in total sales on the Friday before Super Bowl and 22% on Saturday before the big game. Jon Lowen, co-founder of Surfside Solutions Inc., a NY-based marketing technology company, says he anticipates similar numbers this year, even more possibly since a growing number of states are legalizing recreational cannabis and implementing retail programs in different regions. “The Super Bowl being in California may help as well. We tend to see that when events are held in a state with recreational cannabis, you get a large influx of tourists that may be from other states that aren’t fully recreational, and we see an uplift from that.” ![]() Combine Super Bowl sales with Valentine’s just the following day, and the fact that many couples enjoy both weed, and the Super Bowl, together, it’s likely to be a very busy and profitable weekend for dispensaries in legal states. I, for one, am excited to see some of the sales figures reported after this weekend, as well as Q1 earnings for some of the larger companies and brands. Conclusion“Valentine’s Day seemed to be a good hook for the research,” Shaw said. “But we were surprised to learn how significant the holiday actually is to cannabis consumers.” Because such a large number of survey participants said they prefer pot-related gifts over anything else, it means that cannabis companies should take Valentine’s Day seriously as holiday to market new products and promote deals. If it wasn’t on the radar this year, brands selling consumer goods should take some time in 2023 to consider a legit advertising campaign to get products moving for next year’s holiday of love. As far as sales go, “Valentine’s day is right alongside 4/20”, Shaw added. Hello and welcome all! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet location, bringing you the latest breaking cannabis and psychedelics-related news stories going on now. Read-thru the site frequently to stay aware of the fast-paced world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you always know what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Romancing a Stoner: Poll Shows Cannabis-Themed Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Growing in Popularity appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/13/romancing-a-stoner-poll-shows-cannabis-themed-valentines-day-gifts-are-growing-in-popularity/
0 Comments
There are a lot of different religions out there. Apart from the numerous and varied beliefs people have on their own, there are a ton of registered religions that are considered official religions by the country legally. You don’t have the option of just Christian or Jew, Muslim or Mormon, Scientologist or Pastafarian. Nope, these days you can be a part of the First Church of Cannabis. So if you believe, if you really, believe, keep on reading… Freedom of religion is important, and the First Church of Cannabis is a trailblazer in cannabis for religious purposes in the US. I expect many more such churches will be popping up, and for good reason! We’re dedicated to following this growing industry, so make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for all the best stories, as well as exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and many more products! Also save big on cannabinoids like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC by going to our “Best-of” lists! What is a religion?This might sound like a silly question at first, but it’s actually not. There are two ways of looking at this. The first has to do with a system of belief, and can be described in different ways. Many definitions rely on the idea of a supreme being, like this one: “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods.” To something less concrete like this one: “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.” Sometimes definitions involve explanations for life and the universe as we know it, some definitions are more centered around an all-knowing being, and some rely on the idea of a group of people seeing something similarly and acting similarly. While some people take the idea of religion very seriously, others do not. And while some go to meeting places like churches, synagogues, or mosque’s daily to celebrate their beliefs, some avoid such places all together. There is another way to look at religion, though, and that involves legalities. While anyone can technically open a place of worship for whatever they want, a ‘registered church’ is an incorporated church, which is registered with the secretary of state for whatever state it operates in, and which is then eligible for tax-exemption status by the US federal government. None of this is a legal requirement to worship, of course, but to be considered a ‘legitimate’ place of worship, in the eyes of many this is necessary. ![]() So what does a place of worship need to do to get this tax-exempt, and more ‘official’ status? Well, a lot of it has to do not with belief, but with tax collection, and the IRS. The IRS has a specific tax code for churches, aka ‘places of worship’. And if the IRS (not some divine body) deems that the place of worship ticks the correct boxes of things, like having a religious history, a place for prayer, regular congregations and services, a legal existence, and a set of rules it goes by, then it might be able to get out of paying taxes. In fact, all that was just said, also applies to ‘religious organizations’ which aren’t where people worship, but which push some kind of religion, whether scholastically, or for some other purpose. Regardless of how broad that is, and how easily it can be manipulated, whether a ‘house of worship’, or a ‘religious organization’, in order to get the tax exempt status, and the more official ‘go-ahead’ by the federal government through the IRS, it must meet the five following needs:
First Church of CannabisIn March of 2015, the US’s First Church of Cannabis was founded by Bill Levin in Indiana. The First Church of Cannabis is a registered church that Levin claims received its IRS tax-exemption status around 30 days after filing. Levin, himself, serves as the highest holy official of this church, and goes by the name ‘Grand Poobah’. That name, if it sounds familiar to anyone, was taken from the Flinstones, where it comes up repeatedly as an elected official in a secret society called the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes. Churchgoers are required to pay a monthly fee of $4.20. Services are held every Wednesday at 7, at a former Christian Church in Indianapolis. And the church holds 12 commandments, which it calls the “Deity Dozen”, and which go as follows:
![]() The first planned service was on July 1st, 2015, and was met with some fanfare including law enforcement and local Christian protesters. The idea had been to use cannabis at that first service, but the heat got in the way, and no cannabis was used at all. The service included the likes of comedy, live music, and dancing, and was garnished by food trucks, and tables selling items like stickers and T-shirts. The police restricted parking, claiming it had to do with enforcing a law about parking on roads no wider than 24 feet, and some locals blocked parking as well. Others allowed parking for a fee on their properties. For that first service, city officials installed a security camera outside the church which they argued was for public safety. Levin’s response? “I find it flattering. If you think we are important enough to install a camera so you can have a guy watch us 24 hours a day, good! Good! You’re spending our Hoosier tax money proper.” Why did the First Church of Cannabis come into existence?Levin himself grew up as a Reform Jew, and was inspired to start the First Church of Cannabis as a response to Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was approved in March 2015, and went into effect July 1st, 2015. This law “allows individuals and companies to assert as a defense in legal proceedings that their exercise of religion has been, or is likely to be, substantially burdened.” So what does this mean, and how is it different from the US’s own similar policy with the same name? While some say Indiana’s bill is likewise in that it “prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person’s ability to practice his or her religion — unless the government can show it has a compelling interest to do so.” Others say the Indiana bill specifically “protects the exercise of religion of entities, which includes for profit corporations.” And that it can “grant religious liberty rights to any corporation, any group of people and any business, regardless of whether or not members of that corporation or business share a religious belief.” This means that anything can have a religious right, and can use that right legally. Now think of someone who works for a bakery who doesn’t want to serve a gay man because being gay goes against the bakery owner’s religion. A law like this opens the door to close it in the guy’s face. Which, of course, opens the door to civil rights litigation. It should be remembered, neither the federal version or Indiana’s version are supreme court rulings. ![]() Legal encountersCannabis is not legal in Indiana for medical or recreational use. However, that pesky bill, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, should technically work to allow the use of cannabis legally for religious purposes. This discrepency ended up causing legal conflict. After the first service took place, Levin and the Church sued both Indiana and Indianapolis, with the claim that the state’s cannabis laws infringed on their religious beliefs. The case was dismissed on summary judgement originally, and then dismissed again on appeal. While this didn’t work out the way Levin and congregation had hoped, there are two things to keep in mind. The first is that neither of those rulings was a Supreme Court ruling, meaning these ideas can still very much be challenged, and judged as unconstitutional. And second, this is just Indiana, and there are plenty of other more accepting states in the US. Like Denver, home of the International Church of Cannabis, which opened its doors on April 20th, 2017. ConclusionIt says quite a bit about the contradictory nature of a government, that it can pass a law that rather explicitly sets things up for discrimination based on religious beliefs, and then doesn’t back up its own law in court when its challenged by an alternate religious belief, that it technically should be defending. Such is America. Or maybe just politics in general. Looks like a new trend starting though, and much like the other cannabis trends which have expanded the industry, so might the use of cannabis religiously. Other countries are already bowing to the understanding of a need to allow such use religiously, like with Rastafarians in Jamaica, or the Mahashivaratri festival in Nepal. Considering how fast America is moving toward acceptance, there could well be a religious exemption coming soon to the US too. Stay tuned to life to see what happens next. Welcome! You’ve arrived at CBDtesters.co, your one-stop-shop for the most relevant and important cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on today. Join us frequently to stay informed on the always-moving universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you never miss a single thing. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Religious Exemptions? First Church of Cannabis appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/13/religious-exemptions-first-church-of-cannabis/ Valentine’s day is the sexiest day of all, right? A day full of pleasure, romance and passion. A day full of no stress whatsoever, just love. Well, unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way. In fact, if you’re like me, you may see valentines day as just another day that could go terribly, terribly wrong if you don’t do the right things.Cannabis and Valentine’s day go hand in hand for many stoner-lovers out there. In fact, cannabis and sex are probably the best two things imaginable if they’re combined in the right way. So, today i’m going to be helping to quell your anxiety by telling you which cannabis sex gifts to buy your lover this Valentine’s day. Hopefully, after this, you’ll be able to have a day full of pleasure and passion. What better way to celebrate the holiday than with stoner Valentine’s Day gifts? From candy to condoms, cannabis and Valentine’s Day sure go together like…peanut butter and jelly. For more articles like this one, and for exclusive deals on vapes, edibles, tinctures, and more, make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter! We’ve also got great deals on cannabinoids like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC , which you can find by going to our “Best-of” lists! 1. Love ChocolateChocolate is always a safe bet on valentines day. In fact, some say that chocolate was the first ever gift in history given as a sign of love. Obviously, that was a joke, it was probably a rock or something. Nonetheless, chocolate tastes great, but what if it could taste even better? Love chocolate is a special kind of treat that not only can include cannabis, but also other ingredients that act as a perfect aphrodisiac. The cannabis-infused 1906 Love Chocolates takes around 15-20 minutes to kick in, which is the perfect amount of time for a bit of friendly foreplay. This product uses a variety of ingredients to trigger arousal, these include: damiana, ashwagandha and theobromine. All of these are known to increase libido and blood flow. Not only that, they’re infused with THC which is known to increase the pleasure of sex. This could be the perfect and most delicious cannabis gift for your lover this Valentine’s day. 2. CondomsImagine a condom that not only encouraged safe sex, but also tasted of cannabis. Well, imagine no longer. A company in (of course) Amsterdam has released the ‘cannadom’. These condoms have the aroma and look of cannabis, without actually containing any of it. This is ideal especially for those of you who don’t live in a country where recreational cannabis has been made legal yet. This product is legal everywhere. GQ writes: “If you are a safe sex practitioner who is also a raging weed addict, welcome to the greatest day of your life” ![]() 3. Massage OilSex is all well and good, but giving a massage shows true selflessness. A massage, if done well, is pleasurable, calming and definitely arousing. However, when you combine a slow and steamy massage with some CBD massage oil, there’s nothing else quite like it. The Juna CBD massage oil is made from CBD from Colorado farms. It contains lavender, turmeric, geraniums and jojoba oil. It smells terrific. Whilst CBD does not get you high like THC does, it has calming and anti-anxiety effects, as well as causing vasodilation. This widens the veins and allows more blood into the important sexual areas. The CBD massage oil might unlock your sex life this Valentine’s day. 4. LubeLubrication is an essential for any successful loving relationship. Whilst not everyone wants to use it, it’s always a great option in the bedroom. But, THC-infused lube is on a different level. Not only does it lubricate your lover, but it also enhances the pleasures of sex. Quim rock night move is a THC-infused lube that increases libido and sensations around wherever you decide to place it. Not only that, but it’s very safe and healthy to use on the reproductive body parts. This is very important. There’s nothing sexier than good health. One happy customer said: “It was like spreading my legs on the beach and letting my lady bits bask in the sun.” Get some THC lube for your partner this valentines day and watch them enjoy sex like never before. 5. CandlesCandles can be the most sensual gifts in the world. The smell and the candlelight are simply unbelievably romantic. However, what if we add CBD into the mix? The CBD Daily original mint candle acts as both a candle and moisturiser. Rather than melt into candle wax, this product will melt into a perfect massage oil. Essentially, you can use it to massage your partner, whilst also enjoying the calming smell of mint. The ingredients of peppermint, eucalyptus oil and CBD will completely relax your body and your partners. Be selfless this Valentine’s day with a 2-in-1 massage oil and candle. ![]() 6. Dry Herb VaporizerYou know what? Sometimes valentine’s day is the day to splash the cash a little. Chocolates and creams are all well and good, but how about a reliable and game-changing piece of kit? The dry herb vaporizer will unlock your lover’s cannabis experience. Not only that, but you’ll be able to enjoy it together before, during or after your sexual endeavours. Vaping is healthier, but also easier to do inside. So you can be vaping under the sheets, whilst doing the other stuff too. The Pax 3 is my personal vape of choice, as it’s sleek, beautifully designed and has incredible power. The chamber allows you to store a perfect amount of dry cannabis bud to be vaped. Not only that, but the specific temperature control function, allows you to make the most out of your cannabis – increasing the aromas and potency. At around $200, you’ll make your partner a very lucky person. 7. Love PotionLove potion is like magical elixor that increases sexual desire and calms you down. It’s genuinely like something out of Harry Potter…if Harry Potter wasn’t a children’s film series. Again, this product highlights how much you care about your partner’s pleasure. It also highlights just how much cannabis can improve people’s sex lives. The cannabis love potion drops are a herbal and cannabis infused aphrodisiac that you can simply drip into your mouth. It contains both THC and CBD for increased pleasure and anti-anxiety qualities. Plus, the guaranta enhances sexual desire, and ginseng boosts libido. What a beautifully sexy concoction. ![]() 8. Cartridge VapeIf you’re wanting to purchase a cool-looking and game-changing vape device, but you don’t really have the pocket to spend more than 10 dollars, then look no further. Cartridge vapes tend to be cheaper as they don’t require the same design to heat up dry cannabis buds, instead they heat up cannabis oils. The G-pen cannabis vape is cheap and reliable, and looks spectacular. It also uses micro-usb charging, which makes it even more simple to use. With this, you can vape CBD or THC oils with your lover to enhance the pleasures of your sex life. 9. THCV CartsIf you want to get your lover something extra special and cool this Valentine’s day, then how about some new and exciting cannabinoid cartridges? You’ll need a cart vape of course. The USA is leading the charge in the findings of some incredible new cannabinoids, some a great deal stronger than usual THC. Remember, cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, and THCV is a new and upcoming one. The THCV cart by Binoid is one of the strongest on the market. Plus, it tastes like candy. This product will relax your partner and increase sexual pleasure. This gift is definitely for the cannabis-connoisseurs out there. If your partner loves cannabis, then this gift could be the standout one. 10. VibratorVibrators are one of the greatest gifts to give to your partner. It shows that you’re putting their pleasure above your own. In fact, in some cases, it shows your putting their pleasure above your own ego. Many women and men have much better sexual experiences when using the assistance of a vibrator, so why not make their valentines day extra special with a new one. However, to continue on with the cannabis theme, the Mary Jane ‘cannabis leaf teaser pleaser’ will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. This vibrator is water-proof and perfect for bath pleasure, as well as outside the bath during sex. The design is also perfect and well-suited for any cannabis-lover out there. ![]() ConclusionValentine’s day is about being selfless and romantic. Well, with these 10 new present ideas, your valentine’s day is about to get a lot more exciting and passionate. Why not give one of these – or all of them – a go? You’ll certainly see a smile on your lover’s face. Personally, I think I might try and get a few of these for my partner. Hello and welcome all! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet location, bringing you the latest breaking cannabis and psychedelics-related news stories going on now. Read-thru the site frequently to stay aware of the fast-paced world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you always know what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post 10 Best Cannabis Sex Gifts This Valentine’s Day appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/12/10-best-cannabis-sex-gifts/ First Oregon legalized psychedelics for medical use, and decriminalized them statewide. Then California and Michigan floated bills to legalize psychedelics statewide as well. Now, it’s Washington offering up a bill that would legalize magic mushrooms throughout the entire state for recreational use. Will the bill go through? It’s exciting that Washington might legalize magic mushrooms, but the bill hasn’t passed yet. Right now it’s one of three states looking to legalize recreational psychedelic substances in some way. We’re all about covering this new and emerging industry for both medical and recreational use! For more articles on the subject, subscribe to the Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, and get your regular dose of psychedelic news. Psychedelic drugsPsychedelics are classified as psychoactive drugs, under the heading of hallucinogens. Psychedelics are known for the hallucinations they cause, wherein the user has a sensory experience inconsistent with reality. This can mean hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, or feeling something that isn’t actually there. Psychedelics can be found in nature, like mushrooms, DMT, or ibogaine; or made in a lab like LSD, ketamine, and PCP. Psychedelics are also known for causing feelings of euphoria and well-being, of promoting feelings of connectedness between people and with the universe. Of inciting spiritual experiences; and of altering mood, perception and general cognition. Though psychedelics often promote positive experiences, they sometimes can lead to a bad trip, in which the user experiences negative, or even scary, hallucinations; as well as anxiety, paranoia, elevated blood pressure, nausea, chills, erratic heartbeat, and vomiting. Taking precautions to ensure the correct dosage and surroundings, can go a long way to ensuring a good trip. Despite being used throughout history, psychedelics were nearly uniformly banned by the mid-late 1900’s, starting with LSD and magic mushrooms. Drugs were used to detract from anti-war activists, and the counterculture movement that was driven on by opposition to the Vietnam war, and expanding ideas of social justice. The US passed the Staggers-Dodd bill in 1968 criminalizing LSD and mushrooms, followed by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, and the UN’s Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971. ![]() What’s the deal with Washington trying to legalize psychedelics?Right at the start of the new year, Washington state legislators introduced the Psilocybin Wellness and Opportunity Act (SB 5660), which, if passed, would legalize products with the two main psychedelic compounds found in magic mushrooms: psilocybin and psilocin. While this would qualify as a step up from needing some kind of therapist present (like in Oregon), it would require a trained and state-licensed psilocybin services administrator. This would entail going to your local neighborhood services provider to receive your magic mushroom experience, with the exception of those with medical conditions, who would be allowed to be serviced in their homes. Who would be allowed to access this service in general? Anyone of adult age, as the bill establishes a fully legal and regulated psilocybin industry. According to senior fellow and project lead on Harvard Law School’s Project at Psychedelics Law and Regulation, Mason Marks, who also helped draft the bill, “Under supported adult use, psilocybin services are made available to people 21 and older for nearly any purpose.” He goes on to clarify “The Act specifies that clients need not have a medical condition to participate, and psilocybin services in Washington will not constitute medical diagnoses or treatment.” Says bill co-sponsor Senator Jesse Salomon, “it is exciting to know that research shows that guided, safe and certified psilocybin services have some of the best results compared to any therapy in curing addiction, anxiety, depression and addressing inner challenges people face.” Some more specifics of this new billHow will Washington legalize magic mushrooms? Washington’s Department of Health would issue licensing and oversee the industry. A new body called the Washington Psilocybin Advisory Board would be created within the department which would offer insight into research, best practices, and the social opportunity program which would be started. What would this social opportunity program involve? Among other things it would provide a reduction in license fees, training opportunities, and further benefits for low-income licensees. To qualify for this program, applicants need to be low-income, or own a business where more than half of employees are low-income, and from ‘distressed areas’. Qualification for ‘distressed areas’ is determined by the federal free lunch program enrollment, or other criteria set forth by the Health Department. ![]() If the bill passes, the state’s Health Department would be tasked with creating a regulatory framework for all this, with 18 months to do this after the bill passes. The department would begin to receive applications no later than January 2nd, 2024, for everything including manufacturing, service centers, and product testers. Any incorporated city or town which does not want such service centers opening up, doesn’t have to let them. Service centers would have to follow certain guidelines, like needing to be more than 1,000 feet from elementary and middle schools, and for the first couple years of operation would only be available to Washington residents, (including entities which are majority owned and controlled by Washington residents.) Under this bill, employers could not discriminate against employees for using legal magic mushroom services, unless the employee is visibly impaired to the degree that it’s noticeable and effecting how they function on the job. Seattle already made a psychedelics decriminalization policyOn October 4th, 2021, Seattle Washington’s City Council unanimously approved a measure to decriminalize entheogenic plants like magic mushrooms. Entheogenic plants are plants that contain psychedelic compounds like magic mushrooms ( psilocybin, psilocin ), or peyote (mescaline). The decriminalization makes arresting people for possession and use of psychedelic substances one of the lowest priorities for law enforcement. Having said that, Seattle didn’t actually change any laws. The vote was for a non-binding resolution, which means its technically only a recommendation, not a legal update. This is important because it means though law enforcement is ‘recommended’ not to react to these things, it has not been legally mandated not to. Which means if law enforcement personnel do not agree with this measure, they don’t have to abide by it. This sentiment was also felt among some council members, like Kshama Sawant, who stated: “I am a little confused by this resolution… We have not pushed for resolutions in place of ordinances where it is possible, realistic, and necessary from a political and moral standpoint for the council to have an ordinance passed. I fail to see what the plausible reasons are for council members who claim to support this issue to let an ordinance which takes concrete action sit in the city’s computers un-introduced, and instead push a resolution which only has the power to make requests.” ![]() Unlike this non-binding resolution, should the state of Washington pass SB 5660, it would mean a complete legal update, not simply a recommendation to law enforcement not to harass people for using these substances anymore. Michigan & CaliforniaWashington isn’t the only state looking to legalize magic mushrooms, or other psychedelics. Michigan and California have similar bills in the works too. California’s initiative, called the California Psilocybin Legalization Initiative would “legalize psilocybin, including psilocybin mushrooms, truffles, sclerotia, and mycelium, in California.” This would include the “cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, transportation, possession, storage, consumption, and retail sale of psilocybin mushrooms.” If all goes well, it will end up on the 2022 ballot for a vote by the people, and if it does pass, it would create the first regulated sales market for recreational psychedelics in the US. Michigan has its own initiative in the form of Senate Bill 631. Introduced in September 2021, this bill would legalize entheogenic plants for cultivation, possession, delivery, and production, but not for sales. It would, however, allow for group use. The only time a charge could be applied, would be in the instance of “counseling, spiritual guidance, or a related service that is provided in conjunction with the use of an entheogenic plant or fungus under the guidance and supervision of an individual providing the service.” Apart from these states, individual locations around the country have already implemented decriminalization policies. These include: Denver, Colorado; Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Arcata in California; Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and Detroit, Michigan; Washington, DC; Somerville, Cambridge, Northampton, and Easthampton in Massachusetts; and Seattle, Washington. ConclusionWhether Washington will go ahead and legalize magic mushrooms is hard to say. However, with the current uptick in legislation to decriminalize or legalize psychedelics use, (spurred on by the US government’s own legalization of esketamine, and the constantly growing gray ketamine market), it seems likely that even if this measure fails, and the other two states fail too, that something will get through soon enough. Welcome to CBDtesters.co, your penultimate internet location for the most thought-provoking and relevant independent coverage of cannabis and psychedelics-related news. Drop by regularly to stay in-the-loop on the always-in-flux industries of cannabis and medical psychedelics, and make sure to subscribe to The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, so you’re always on top of what’s going on. Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Washington Wants to Legalize Magic Mushrooms Statewide appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/11/washington-wants-to-legalize-magic-mushrooms-statewide/ Is there another drug crisis occurring? Captagon, part of the amphetamine family, is supposedly dominating the middle-east. The opioid crisis is still rife in the US, and now there seems to be another situation in the middle-east involving captagon. Like with all drug crises’, the first step is a demand for the substance. However, the moment it becomes a problem is when the drug in question takes more than it gives.For instance, opioids were believed to be harmless painkillers, until it was soon revealed that their addictive properties were just as extreme as heroin. Captagon began as an amphetamine that treated concentration, depression and alertness, but has now potentially become a drug used to give militant Syrians the ability to endure warfare. Let’s take a deeper look into the substance that is captagon. Drugs are varied, complex, and can be harnessed for many different uses – not all of them good or enlightening. The captagon situations looks a bit grim, but only time will tell how problematic this drug will become. Best stick to cannabis and derivatives. To learn more about marijuana, and for exclusive deals on vapes, edibles, tinctures, and other products, make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter. We’ve also got great offers for cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC which you can find in our “Best-of” lists! What is Captagon?Captagon is a more common name for a substance known as fenethylline. It has also been labelled as the ‘terrorist drug’ and the ‘drug of Jihad’. However, before this drug became caught up in politics and warfare, it had a different purpose. The ACS writes: “Fenethylline is a combination of the drugs amphetamine and theophylline. It was formerly used to treat conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression; but its use has been banned because of the potential for abuse.” Amphetamines are referred to as psychostimulant drugs because they increase the rate of messages travelling from brain to body. The substance triggers the internalisation of a glutamate transporter, which in turn, increases the activities of these cells. This can lead to the release of adrenaline and dopamine, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. It’s these same effects that can also increase the addictive properties of amphetamines, which is why some are illegal. In addition, amphetamines that increase strength, muscle power or endurance are often banned due to their performance-enhancing qualities. The now-banned substance of captagon is known to contain a combination of amphetamines, caffeines and various fillers. What Does Captagon Look Like?Captagon usually comes in a white or brown powder. However, this can be made into a pill or tablet form. The presentation of captagon or fenethylline varies as the illegal producers have been mixing other substances with captagon, aiming to find cheaper, more addictive and more potent ways of creating it. In 2020, Italian police seized 14 tonnes of captagon that was supposedly produced by the Islamic State. 1 billion euros worth of captagon pills were discovered on three container ships docked in Italian waters. ABC news writes: “Police used electric saws to cut through two-metre-high cylinders, made thick enough to try to elude customs’ scanning devices, to remove the pills in the hollow centres” The History of CaptagonFenethylinne was first created in 1961. Back then, it was used and synthesised in order to treat concentration, depression and narcolepsy. However, in the 1980s, the drug was banned after medical professionals decided that its addictiveness weighed more than its benefits. In fact, almost every country in the world has illegalised the drug in 1986. People who tried to wean themselves off – who had used captagon for long periods of time – were suffering from extreme depression, sleep deprivation and blood vessel toxicity. Captagon seemed to be a forgotten drug until recently. The ACS also writes: “Fenethylline re-emerged this year because of its widespread abuse by Middle Eastern young adults. It is promoted by terrorist groups such as the Islamic State to enhance what they consider to be desirable characteristics—aggressiveness, alertness, and fearlessness—in their recruits” ![]() Gangs and groups from Bulgaria and Turkey are thought to be responsible for introducing the substance to the Middle East. Captagon then began to flourish in poorer and war-torn countries like Syria and Lebanon. Like any substance, captagon makes you feel a certain way. However, the drugs that are often banned or overused, are the ones that have a short-term beneficial effect. So, the question is: why has captagon come back around to be used in the way that it is now? How Does It Make you Feel?In a BBC documentary, the users of captagon described how they felt after taking it. Here’s what some of the people had to say about their experience: “There was no fear anymore after I took Captagon.” “I felt like I own the world.” “Like I have power nobody has.” It seems that the users of captagon are referring to the effects of amphetamines that make you feel happy, alert and less anxious. Let’s take a look at some of the positive and negative effects of the substance. Positive Effects
Negative Effects
As you can see, this substance is a perfect example of a drug that has short-term benefits but ultimately devastating long-term effects. For first time takers, this substance might feel like magic, but soon the drug takes less effect and your body requires more of it to be that same original experience. It becomes addictive and dangerous, much like opioids. Captagon Before & NowIt’s important to note that the captagon that is around now is extremely different from the same substance of the 60s and 80s. Producers in the Middle East are constantly trying to find cheaper and more potent ways of making this drug. Therefore, what captagon actually contains now, is almost nothing like what it contained before. The National News writes: “Although stamped with the Captagon logo, these counterfeit pills – often white or yellowish brown in colour – are much less likely to contain fenethylline, the chemical first used in the original tablets. They are instead more often made up of a mix of other amphetamine derivatives that are easier to produce, as well as additives such as caffeine, quinine and paracetamol” Who’s Buying Captagon?The captagon crisis is taking place mainly in the Middle East. According to the UN, countries which have recorded the most Captagon seizures are Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Reports have shown that these nations are using captagon for two main purposes, and it’s these purposes that have made the substance so popular. The first purpose is for aspiring students during exam season, much like the use of adderall. The second, and less innocent purpose, is for militants in Syria using captagon to help them fight. StudentsThe VOA News has reported that many wealthy students in Saudi Arabia have been using captagon, much like people use adderall, to help with the pressure of exams. The concentration that captagon gives, as well as the alert and awake effects, helps with revision and work load. If you’ve ever dealt with the pressure of examinations, then you’ll understand that desperate desire for something to help you focus. Even if it’s an illegal substance. ![]() MilitantsCaptagon has been labelled the ‘Jihadi drug’ for a reason. Many people believe that ISIS militants, and many involved in the civil war in Syria, were using captagon as a way to improve confidence and morale in the soldiers. Similar to how the British Army rationed rum in the second world war, militants in Syria have been given captagon pills to increase aggressiveness and concentration. However, other reports suggest that this rumour of militant use of captagon has been increased to cause fear. The Guardian writes: “Fighters from most of the warring parties in the conflict – with the exception of al Qaida-linked groups, which mostly hold to a strict interpretation of Islamic law – are now said to be making extensive use of Captagon, often on night missions or during particularly gruelling battles” Whatever the truth is, captagon is a druk that – in the wrong hands – has caused a major crisis in the Middle East. ConclusionCaptagon or fenethylline is an amphetamine drug that has stood the test of time. Whatever anyone believes, this substance has become popular due to its short-term positive effects. However, not only is it addictive, but it can lead to many long-term damages. Captagon is yet again another example of a substance that began as a medication, and has now become an addictive substance abused by certain groups. Hello and welcome all! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet location, bringing you the latest breaking cannabis and psychedelics-related news stories going on now. Read-thru the site frequently to stay aware of the fast-paced world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you always know what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post What is Captagon? And What are the Dangers of the Highly Addictive Substance? appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/11/what-is-captagon/ It’s that time of year again. Time to show your undying love to your significant other. Or to try to mend things with your partner. Or to just try to get some action from your last-minute date. No matter how the holiday hits you this year, here are some great stoner Valentine’s Day ideas to help make it the special occasion you’re hoping for. What better way to celebrate the holiday than with stoner Valentine’s Day gifts? From candy to body paint to lingerie, cannabis and Valentine’s Day sure go together like…peanut butter and jelly. We’re at the forefront of the cannabis industry, bringing you the most important stories of today. To follow along, sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter and get all the best stories as they come out, along with premium deals on everything like flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more! We’ve also got great deals on cannabinoids like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC , which you can find by going to our “Best-of” lists! A little on Valentine’s DayWe’re all familiar with the holiday, whether we like it or not. Heart candies that say ‘Be Mine’, Valentine cards handed out to loved ones, special time with that special someone. And for those among us without someone to cuddle up to, it’s a night on the couch, cursing ourselves for ending it with that last person, and sneering at those who are happy and in love. Let’s be honest, it’s true. Well, if you’re one of those who feels more brokenhearted than celebratory on Valentine’s Day, just remember, it didn’t start out as a love holiday, but as a feast holiday! Yup, St. Valentine (and there were more than one apparently) wasn’t a love martyr, he was an actual martyr. Though there are different stories related to the different St. Valentines about what exactly they did to earn this martyrdom, there are a couple versions that fit the holiday. One includes St. Valentine curing a blind girl, and then receiving a written message from her before being executed. And another has to do with the guy performing wedding ceremonies for soldiers who were told they could not marry. Originally started in 496AD, under Pope Gelasius I, the Feast of Valentine’s Day was to celebrate St. Valentine of Rome, who died in 269AD. It didn’t become a holiday about love until the 14th or 15th century when Medieval ideas of love with knights and nobility became popular. Somehow, it also tied into lovebirds which come out in the spring, and sit together in pairs tweeting their songs. Over the years, these ideas of love have vastly taken over, with the entire holiday now about celebrating that special someone in your life, and literally no one talking about feasting. It has become commonplace in this day and age to celebrate the holiday by writing notes to loved ones; with hearts; candies – often with sayings of love written on them; and good old Cupid, the winged child-man who by folklore goes around hitting people with arrows to make them fall in love. Valentine’s day is celebrated all over the world, but nowhere is it a public holiday. No one cares how in love you are; you still have to go work, sorry. Even with its basis as a Christian feast day, it’s only celebrated by certain sects these days, like Anglicans and Lutherans who still hold it as a feast day. It’s also celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church, but not on February 14! Instead, they celebrate it on July 6 AND July 30th in honor of two different St. Valentines. Stoner Valentine’s Day IdeasMy last boyfriend got me a bong with red hearts painted on it for the first Valentine’s Day we were together. I didn’t see it coming, as we had not been together long, but I thought it was the coolest gift ever. It broke not too long after when it was accidentally knocked over, as bongs tend to do. And though it’s sad when any bong breaks, in this case it was fitting as he and I are no longer together. Even so, was a great gift at the time. For anyone looking for a way to surprise their loved one this holiday season, you can use that bong idea, or check out some other great stoner Valentine’s Day ideas that will make your partner even more glad they chose you. ![]() Stoner Valentine’s Day Ideas – candy It might not be a standard gift-giving holiday, but Valentine’s Day has certainly established itself as a time to buy special things for special people in your life. When it comes to the person you love the most, here are some ideas to get your Valentine’s Day going in full swing. Everyone knows candy makes one of the best gifts for Valentine’s Day. Whether its small chalky hearts emblazoned with ‘I love you’ or ‘Be my Valentine’, or a heart-shaped box filled with chocolates, Valentine’s Day is all about the sweet tooth, and a way to tell your sweetheart how sweet you think they are. It doesn’t technically matter if the candy has weed in it or not. Without weed it’s way better for when the munchies kick in. But for the true stoner couple, that candy should be as high-inducing as your relationship. Pop over to your local dispensary to see what specific Valentine’s treats they have, or better yet, make your own! Need some help? Check out this guide on how to make your own weed gummies for Valentine’s Day, with several different recipes to try. Pick one, or make your own variation with ingredients you know your special someone loves. The only thing you’ll need to complete the project are some heart-shaped cookie cutters! Or, check out this recipe for heart-shaped cannabis-infused lollipops, another great way to create your own edibles that say ‘I love you’. After all, it’s one thing to go out and buy the candy, it’s another thing to provide your loved one with delicious pot candy made out of a labor of love. Stoner Valentine’s Day Ideas – Body For many people, Valentine’s Day is about giving gifts, writing love letters, and eating heart-shaped candy. For others, its about steaming up the bedroom. While couples tend to do this even when its not Valentine’s Day, there’s something about the holiday that makes bedroom time extra special. Here are some products to make it sexier than ever. For one thing, you’re obviously going to need edible cannabis body paint, right? I mean, what would a stoner Valentine’s Day be without it? Luckily, High on Love has you covered (literally) with their Dark Chocolate Body Paint ($35). Not only does it taste like rich dark chocolate, and is formulated to spread all over your (and your lover’s) body, but it’s made with premium grade hemp seed oil for that *extra level of satisfaction. Sounds pretty hot! For those who would prefer the body paint without the weed, check out Lovers Body Paints ($14.69), which is available on Amazon. ![]() Maybe you’ll skip the body paint, and go straight for the main attraction. Increase your pleasure with Foria Wellness’s Intimacy Sex Oil with CBD ($44). Not only does it contain 400mg of CBD for increased arousal, but it’s 100% all natural, made with organic botanicals, and without any synthetic additives. Pure and sensual, just like your relationship. Stoner Valentine’s Day Ideas – bedroom One last idea to leave you with, is weed lingerie. After all, you want to look your best this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re the one wearing it, or the one hoping to have someone wear it for you (so you can take it off them), these lingerie items make for a perfect cannabis-centric stoner Valentine’s Day gift. If your lover is the gift, these items provide the perfect wrapping. Etsy has a broad selection of cannabis-style lingerie and underwear for ladies, perfect for turning the heat up this Valentine’s Day. From sparkly thongs to sheer bras emblazoned with cannabis leaves, there are tons of ways to dress it up before taking it all off. If you’re a lady, surprise your man (or woman) with one of these cool designs, to make a perfect combination of cannabis and sexy. And for the men out there (or the ladies shopping for their men) (or the men shopping for their men), check out Etsy’s cannabis underwear for men, where you’ll find an array of weed-designed underwear for the man you love! Maybe it’s not all about sex, but part of it is, and sexy cannabis underwear is the perfect thing to have on…until they’re ready to come off. ConclusionLike most holidays, the important part of Valentine’s Day is to enjoy yourself. And to make sure your significant other enjoys themself too. Whether you’re breaking the bank to take your favorite person out for a night they’ll never forget, or keeping it chill at home with some joints and candy, these stoner Valentine’s Day gift ideas are sure to get a smile… if not more. So happy Valentine’s Day to those who are celebrating. And if you’re not, I personally suggest getting yourself high, and resorting to what Valentine’s Day used to be, a feast holiday! Get all your favorite munchies, and forget about your lack of love life in favor of stuffing your face. After all, we can’t all win every year, but there will be another opportunity in just 365 days. ![]() Hello and welcome all! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet location, bringing you the latest breaking cannabis and psychedelics-related news stories going on now. Read-thru the site frequently to stay aware of the fast-paced world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you always know what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Stoner Valentine’s Day Ideas for the Perfect Holiday appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/11/stoner-valentines-day-ideas-for-the-perfect-holiday/ You know things have really gone mainstream when major corporations start getting in on something. And such is the case with Pepsi and the growing cannabis industry. What did the company do? It just announced the release of its new Pepsi infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy Drinks. Pepsi is jumping in the weed game with its new infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy Drinks which contain a nice dose of hemp seed oil. Will this start a race between large drink manufacturers to get more cannabis products out? Stay tuned to life to find out. We’re all about covering this emerging field, and work hard to get you the best news possible. To keep up, sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter for all the best news items as they happen, as well as access to premium deals on products like flowers, vapes, edibles, and more! We also offer great deals on cannabinoid compounds like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC . Head over to our “Best-of” lists to find them! A little on PepsiOriginally founded in 1902, PepsiCo is a multinational corporation based out of America that manufactures and sells food and beverage products. The current version of PepsiCo came into existence in 1965, when its previous entity of Pepsi-Cola merged with Frito-Lay to form PepsiCo. How big is PepsiCo? As of the beginning of 2021, the corporation had 23 brands, which each bring in over $1 billion in sales yearly, and has products sold in over 200 countries. In 2020 alone, PepsiCo’s net revenue topped $70 billion. While we are familiar with all of PepsiCo’s varied brands, the most well-known is the company’s namesake, Pepsi-Cola, or just Pepsi. First developed in 1893, and introduced as Brad’s Drink (as it was first developed by a guy named Caleb Bradham), it received it’s new – and ongoing – name of Pepsi-Cola in 1898, which became simply Pepsi in 1961. Pepsi’s main rival has always been Coca-Cola, which debuted slightly earlier in 1886. Coca-Cola employed the actual use of cocaine in its drinks, hence the name of the beverage that still remains today. In contrast, Pepsi never had any narcotic substance in any of its beverages. These days Coke relies on its addictive sugary sweetness, much like Pepsi, with both sodas being two of the most popular beverages in the world today. ![]() Pepsi infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy DrinksThe cannabis industry has really taken off in the last several years, with legalizations in many states spurring on the growth of the industry. Tons of new products come out every day, including cannabis-infused foods and beverages, like energy drinks. Though the majority of these products are being put out by smaller companies, the popularity of cannabis-infused products has certainly reached a fever pitch, and we know this because Pepsi just launched its first cannabis infused product in the form of an energy drink. On Tuesday February 8th, the company unveiled its line of hemp seed oil infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy Drinks. The drinks contain other natural extracts besides hemp seed oil, and are also infused with spearmint and lemon balm. Each can contains 80mg of caffeine. Says PepsiCo’s general manager and chief marketing officer for its energy line, Fabiola Torres, “It’s a combination of herbals that can help us to relax, but not to sleep.” These Rockstar drinks have less caffeine than other Rockstar offerings which contain as much as 160mg to 300mg of caffeine. Said Torres in an interview with the New York Post, this product came around because about 91% of Pepsi drinkers have indicated that they “wanted a beverage that lifts their mood.” These Rockstar drinks, dubbed Rockstar Unplugged, are now available in 12oz cans, and come in the following flavors: blueberry, passion fruit, and raspberry cucumber. Prices are $1.99+ a can nationwide. This is not the first appearance of infused energy drinks by Pepsi though. In April of last year, Pepsi released its infused Rockstar Energy + Hemp drink in Germany, which was similar, except for containing double the caffeine of the US product. To be clear on the product being put out, the Pepsi infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy Drink is not a CBD-infused drink, but only uses hemp oil. This is at least party because its illegal to market CBD in food products since its an active ingredient in an FDA-approved medication. Hemp seed oil is not, and is simply the oil taken out of hemp seeds. Why the new Pepsi infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy Drink is a big dealIf everything about the PepsiCo company stated above seems like unnecessary background information, the reason for it, is to simply show the scale that PepsiCo (and the Coca-Cola company) operates on in the world. There are tons of smaller companies out there as well, of course, but they are often under the general radar because of size, and are often not known about widely. When companies like PepsiCo or Coca-Cola start doing something, it’s certainly noticeable. ![]() PepsiCo and Coca-Cola don’t have the option of being like smaller companies that can put out products like CBD-infused beverages, because they’re too big to get away with it. This explains the use of hemp seed oil, and no other part of the plant. What they can do, is what is being done now, capitalize on a new trend in the best way possible by legal means. Though smaller companies can put out products that aren’t completely legal (or that are), without getting a lot of press, it’s a big deal when these big corporations pick up on a trend. This is because it shows there’s a mass appeal, and big corporations sure hate missing out on revenue for something that the masses will buy. So it says quite a bit about the climate of an industry when they do. For example, when diet drinks came out, it was these companies responding to consumer desires to lose weight, or to simply not gain more from the beverage they’re drinking. And the fact that such products became so widespread, is because weight loss represents such a widespread idea among the masses. If it had only applied to a small percentage of the population, diet drinks probably never would’ve become a thing, but because it’s such a ubiquitous issue, its reflected by all the diet options these companies put out. This seems to be the same concept with this new entrance into the weed industry that Pepsi is making by releasing its infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy Drinks. Enough consumers have been jumping on the cannabis bandwagon of late, that this new desire of consumers is now being reflected by large corporations incorporating cannabis into their products. What to expect in the futureThe first thing to expect is that since Pepsi just released a cannabis product via its infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy drinks, that Coca-Cola is sure to put out its own offering soon. In fact, back in 2018 Coca-Cola was in talks with Aurora Cannabis to form a partnership, which never transpired. In 2019, Coca-Cola’s Monster Beverages paired with Corona company Constellation Brands. While there was initial consideration for a CBD drink, because of the legalities, this proposed too many problems. However, especially if sales are good for Pepsi’s new product, its nearly a sure thing that Coke will have its own version soon enough. And that’s just what works for current cannabis legislation in the States now. As regulations change federally, it can be fully expected that both of these corporate giants will be using whatever parts of the cannabis plant are deemed legal, to try to keep their cannabis-preferring drinking populations, from straying to other brands. ![]() What I also personally wonder about, is why neither of these corporations have created products that can be sold specifically in legalized locations. Perhaps regulation currently prevents this, but other smaller companies do legally produce infused beverages with both THC and CBD, and are authorized, sometimes in more than one state. While I admit that I haven’t dug into why this is the case, I do find it interesting that neither of these corporations exist in that capacity at the moment. Assuming they legally can, I expect this to happen in the future soon too. I also expect, quite sadly, that an industry built right now on mom-and-pop enterprises, will likely head more in a corporate direction with the entrance of large corporations into the mix. And products that are now often being produced with natural ingredients, and without as many harsh chemicals, will be replaced by the McDonaldized, low-quality versions that corporations like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are known for. ConclusionI’m actually surprised it took this long for a major corporation like PepsiCo to make a move like this. Especially considering the products are infused with hemp seed oil only, which isn’t as controversial as CBD and THC. Kind of seems like the second these trends started blowing up, that these corporations would be taking advantage. Even so, slow-with-the-pick-up or not, this signals the beginning of a corporate weed industry, and in my opinion, a horrible direction to go in. But that’s just me, you are welcome to form your own opinion. Hello readers! Welcome to CBDtesters.co, your favorite one-stop-shop, bringing you everything going on in cannabis and psychedelics-related news the world over. Join us whenever possible to stay on-top of the exciting universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and head over to The THC Weekly Newsletter, to catch every story as it happen. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Pepsi Joins Weed Game with Infused Rockstar Unplugged Energy Drinks appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/10/pepsi-joins-weed-game-with-infused-rockstar-unplugged-energy-drinks/ Different parts of the world move at their own pace when it comes to loosening restrictions on cannabis. Thailand has been pulling away from the rest of Asia, and was the first in the region to legalize cannabis for medical use. Now Thailand knocks it up a notch with decriminalized cannabis, and the ability for home growing. That’s progress! Thailand just decriminalized cannabis, and is the first in Asia to do so. Is this an indication of what’s to come in that region of the world? Stay tuned to life to find out! We’re on top of this new and growing industry, and have all the most relevant news in our THC Weekly Newsletter. Subscribe for all the latest stories, as well as premium deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more! We’ve also got great offers for cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC which you can find in our “Best-of” lists! Where was Thailand prior to this?Thailand might have just decriminalized cannabis, but this decriminalization is not the first move Thailand has taken to loosen restrictions on cannabis use. In fact, this progression started back in 2018, when Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly, a military appointed organization, voted unanimously (166-0) to legalize cannabis for medical use. This also meant getting a sign-off from reigning monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn. This was done, and the legislation officially went into effect in 2019. The medical legalization didn’t do anything to effect other laws related to cannabis. Cannabis still remained a ‘category 5’ narcotic under the Narcotics Act of 1979, though the law was updated in 2019 to cover the medical legalization. Illegally possessing the plant was still punishable by up to 15 years in prison with a fine of approximately 1.5 million baht (~$48,000). Even with the update, trafficking could still land a person in prison for life. The medical legalization is meant only for those authorized by the government to use or grow cannabis, and anyone taking part is required to have a prescription from a doctor and a cannabis identification card. Not long after passage of the law, it was already being spoken about for an update. This due to the cabinet approving a proposal by the Public Health Ministry to allow patients, medical practitioners, and traditional medicine healers to all be able to cultivate cannabis. ![]() That update also included an import/export market, as well as allowing for manufacture of products within the country. Beforehand, all import, export, and production was for state agencies, and not manufacturers, so the update was made so that locals could compete with the global market. Thailand decriminalized cannabis and home growingOn January 25th 2022, Thailand’s narcotics board announced that it would officially take cannabis off of its narcotic drugs list, which decriminalizes the plant, and takes away penalties for things like home growing. Not everything goes, however, and in order to grow cannabis, residents have to notify their local branch of government, according to Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. All cannabis grown is for private use, and cannot be grown for commercial purposes, though those who would like to grow commercially can obtain a further license to do so. This rule has not gone into effect yet. In order for that, the new rule must be published in the official Royal Gazette, after which 120 days must pass before it will be legal to grow plants at home. This is not a legalization, and so far its caused some confusion. Both law enforcement and legal representatives have stated that it remains unclear if marijuana possession would still be an infraction that a person could be arrested for. How it will effect production and possession laws is still unclear at the moment, as well. The government is planning on releasing another bill with further updates to clarify. Thailand decriminalized cannabis – what comes next?In order to clear away the confusion created about Thailand removing marijuana from its narcotic drugs list, the Health Ministry is expected to introduce a separate draft bill with more specific details about how things will operate. This will include rules for production, commercial use, and yes, recreational use, which implies that this decriminalization might have some recreational aspects to it. According to Paisal Dankhum, Food and Drug Regulator Chief, homegrown cannabis is still meant for medical use, and random inspections will be made to ensure this is the case. And for those who don’t notify their local government, the draft bill enforces punishment with a fine up to 20,000 baht (~$603). For anyone selling without a license, the fine is up to 300,000 (~$9,000)baht, three years in prison, or both. ![]() As you can see, the update actually brings it closer to a legalization, as it will provide guidelines for selling cannabis. Thailand has been inching toward this for awhile, looking to cannabis as a cash crop which can be banked on by the country which has a third of its labor force in agriculture. Says Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the removal of cannabis from the drugs list, it “responds to the government’s urgent policy in developing marijuana and hemp for medical and health care benefits, developing technology and creating income for the public.” This last point is exemplified by the mad dash drink and cosmetics companies did last year, when hemp and CBD products became legal to use for consumer goods. Thailand and medical cannabis tourismThat Thailand decriminalized cannabis, and might be opening it for recreational use in some ways, is huge in itself. But Thailand has been pretty forward thinking on other cannabis-related measures, namely with opening the country up for medical cannabis tourism. Medical cannabis tourism is the idea of traveling to a country to take advantage of its medical cannabis treatments. As of right now, this is not the case, but nearly a year ago it was the talk of the country with Pipat Ratchakitprakan, Tourism and Sports Minister, saying “We would like to provide medical tour packages, such as detox, Thai massage and other wellness courses that use marijuana substances.” At the time there was draft legislation meant to allow foreigners to bring their own medical cannabis to Thailand as long as the patient already held a prescription. Now, with a decriminalization measure on the way, possibly to be followed by at least some recreational measures, the idea of cannabis tourism is being spoken about again, with hopes that the draft bill will contain more specific information. According to one source: “Thailand’s health ministry as part of accelerated plans to legalize cannabis for recreational use in the country is contemplating the setup of a so-called ‘cannabis sandbox scheme’ for interested foreign tourists, according to various local media reports.” The source goes on to say: ![]() “The planned tourism scheme, comparable to the current Covid-19 sandbox schemes which allow foreign travelers access to designated areas under various pandemic control regulations, would determine certain regions in the country where cannabis could be consumed as a pastime.” But of course, we don’t have anything officially stated to this degree yet. Elsewhere in AsiaAsia is not a region known for its acceptance of cannabis use. For example, in Japan, all use of cannabis is illegal and punishments for using cannabis come with a prison sentence up to five years, and a possible fine of up to two million yen (~$17,482), and this includes those only using it for medical purposes. Being caught cultivating it can carry a sentence of up to seven years. In fact, simply assisting another person in any of these crimes comes with a sentence of up to three years. China is similarly difficult, though its actual repercussions for law breaking are less well known as China is not the most forthcoming country when it comes to how it treats those who break laws. Minimum penalties have been said to be detainment for a number of days and a fine of up to 2,000 yuan (~$315). It is known that China uses the death penalty regularly, but as the country does not publish this information, its hard to know how often this might be applied to cannabis crimes. Speaking of death penalties, other Asian countries still use this as well for drug crimes. Singapore is an offender here, with the country’s prison system claiming that of four hangings in 2019, two were drug related, and out of 13 in 2018, 11 were related to drug offenses. The drugs in question were not defined, which doesn’t rule in or out that some of them could have been for cannabis. Malaysia isn’t any better. In fact, under Malaysian law, if a person has 200 grams or more, they are considered to be trafficking, and trafficking is a crime punishable by death. In a strange turn of events, Malaysia did legalize medical cannabis in late 2021 by way of an announcement by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who stipulated that there was no need for a legal update since none of the regulating laws: Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Poisons Act 1952, and the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, prohibit the use of medical cannabis. This means that Malaysia now allows cannabis medically, but could still kill traffickers with as little as 200 grams. ConclusionThailand is sure moving forward quickly, with a medical legalization in 2018, and now decriminalized cannabis just four years later, along with further talk of legalization measures. The Southeast Asian country has sure made itself one to watch, as it further puts together its new cannabis policies. Welcome all! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, the preeminent internet location for the most important and thought-provoking cannabis and psychedelics-related news globally. Visit us regularly to stay on-top of the fast-paced world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you’re sure to never miss a story. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Thailand Steps it Up with Decriminalized Cannabis & Home Growing appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/10/thailand-steps-it-up-with-decriminalized-cannabis-home-growing/ Want to try Delta 8 THC vape carts and edibles? Delivered to your house for only $10 each? And did we mention they come in a variety of flavors too? If you’re interested, subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for your coupon code, and scroll down to learn more about delta 8 THC and these particular gummies as well.To get your FREE delta 9 THC gummies, remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for more articles like this one and exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and more! For more deals on HHC-O, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! What is Delta 8 THC?Before we start getting into delta 8, let’s take a quick look at the more familiar Delta 9 THC, the type of tetrahydrocannabinol that is most commonly associated with cannabis. THC is the cannabinoid with psychoactive properties, and thus, the most controversial of the plant compounds. Delta 9 THC is derived from THCA – or Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid – which is found in raw plants before heat is applied and it loses its carboxyl acid group, or CO2 molecule, creating the chemical formulation (C21H30O2), and then turning into Delta 9 THC. This process is known as decarboxylation. As delta 9 ages, a significant portion oxidizes and “degrades”. Most of it turns into CBN (cannabinol), while a small amount turns into Delta 8 THC and possibly, other trace cannabinoids and compounds. Delta 8 is only a slightly altered version of delta 9. More specifically, Delta 8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon atom whereas Delta 9 has it on the 9th one. ![]() As a result of this chemical process, Delta 8 THC remains stable when exposed to air, meaning it could have more potential medical applications than delta 9, although Delta 8 is somewhat less potent. In cannabis plants, delta 8 is only present in trace amounts, so in most of the products you find online or in stores, the delta-8 THC is actually a synthetic converted from CBD, not a plant-extracted compound. The Deals – $10 vape carts and edibles!One gram vape carts in 20 different flavors to choose from: Maui Wowi, Purple Punch, Blue Cheese, Do-Si-Dos, Blue Dream, Blueberry Kush, Bubba Kush, Durban Poison, Grandaddy Purple, Green Crack, Jack Herer, LA Confidential, Sherbet, Sour Diesel, Strawberry Cough, Strawberry Shortcake, Super Lemon Haze, Trainwreck, Watermelon Zkittlez, and Wedding Cake. Each pouch contains 20 gummies, each one infused with 30mg of delta-8 THC. There is a total of 600mg per bag. These gummies are available in 4 different flavors: apple rings, peach rings, sour worms, and watermelon slices. Pick your favorite or mix and match! To try these gummies and vape carts for only $10 dollars (all you will need to pay is a few dollars for shipping), you simply need to subscribe to our THC Weekly Newsletter to get the coupon code. These delta 8 deals are only available while supplies lasts, don’t miss out! The post $10 Delta 8 THC Deals – Vapes and Edibles – Click for Coupons! appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/09/10-delta-8-thc-deals-vapes-and-edibles-click-for-coupons/ The legal cannabis market in America saw a year-over-year revenue increase of 40% from 2020 to 2021, hitting $25 billion in annual sales by the end of last year. Some experts predict the US industry will reach roughly $46 billion in 2025. But when we’re talking about cannabis money as a whole, it’s not just direct-to-consumer sales that we’re referring to. Cultivators, lab owners, equipment manufacturers, and so many ancillary companies are riding the green wave. With so much money on the line, it’s no surprise that high-tech camera systems are a staple in every successful canna-business. But it’s not just a luxury there to help protect your assets, video surveillance is required by state law.Cannabis is a multi-billion dollar industry, but ancillary services like surveillance are making a killing in this sector as well. For more articles like this one, and exclusive deals on legal THC products, make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter. Also save big on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! Cannabis surveillance systems – an overviewAnyone interested in learning about the security sector should look no further than the trade-show floor at MJBizCon. Numerous security exhibitors were there to share their knowledge, equipment, technology, and basic protocols with those of us who were eager to gain more knowledge. I spoke to a few people from different companies and learned quite a bit regarding what they do and how it all works. Let’s start with pricing, since superior quality surveillance cameras will be a crucial part of any cannabis business plan. Naturally, average pricing will vary based on the type of business in question. For example, in dispensaries, the typical setup is around 16 to 32 cameras, depending on square footage, with remote access features, battery backup, and different methods for saving data. According to Security Grade Protective, a system like that runs about $10,000 for the initial installation. For a larger scale cultivation center, you’re looking at up to $300,000, although the average figure is around half that. You may also incur additional fees for upgraded services and features which can include but are not limited to: IP cameras, high end megapixel cameras, rapid response monitoring, armed or unarmed guard services, real-time notification of break-ins, off-site storage, and investigative background checks. For monitoring and maintenance, Security Grade Protective charges $35 per camera per month for dispensaries. Large cultivation centers are charged less per camera, usually some type of bulk rate since they need so many units. “Data and internet are not free and everyone is charging for that data package right now,” says David Beckett, vice president at SGP. “We explain to our customers to imagine using their cell phone to run 150 YouTube videos all day, every day. Imagine what your data bill is going to be. Then they kind of have an understanding of why the data is not free,” he added. The cannabis industry has a unique need for surveillance. Beyond the fact that it’s a requirement for state licensing, they are mostly prohibited from working with banks so these businesses that sell a fairly expensive commodity at high volumes, are forced to deal entirely in cash… and there’s a lot of it, so safety is essential. Security Grade Protective Services averages around 50 installations at dispensaries and cultivation centers per year, and they’re just one of many companies competing in this niche. Who needs cameras and where?Cannabis is tracked from seed to sale, so cameras need to be installed and fully operational in cultivation and processing centers as well as dispensaries/retail stores. For dispensaries, most states require business applicants to provide detailed security plans that will detect and prevent theft, diversion, trespassing, and any other activities that lead to loss of currency, products, or assets. As such, video surveillance cameras need to be installed at all points of entry, lobbies and waiting areas, elevators and hallways, point-of-sale areas, storage areas, employee break rooms, offices, around the outside perimeter of the building, and sometimes even in the parking lot. Basically, all areas except the bathrooms need to be monitored. Recording of grow ops and manufacturing centers is also required by law. Cameras are assigned to certain plants and need to be strategically placed throughout the area to keep track of growth and processing. With dispensaries, the regulations are pretty clear cut, but surveilling a grow area or extraction facility can be incredibly challenging because they need to work with whatever physical layout they have as well as stay abreast of the frequently changing regulations regarding security and seed-to-sale tracking. In dispensaries it’s easy, just put the cameras everywhere. Piggybacking off the last point, different states can also have different rules when it comes to this particular topic. Some states have pretty basic requirements while others can add many additional stipulations such as alarm systems, simultaneous on-site and/or cloud-based recording, a minimum number of security guards on site, and so forth. Staying compliantIf you’re trying to establish a legitimate canna-business, compliance is key. The problem is that compliance in cannabis is much more confusing than other industries, mainly because there is a huge disconnect between federal and state regulations, and at the state level, statutes are forever changing. State laws governing cannabis surveillance are no exception – they’re just as perplexing and all-over-the-place as nearly every other aspect of this industry. For example, the state of California requires a camera resolution of 1280 x 720 (720p) pixels or better and a minimum of 15 frames per second. Additionally, cameras need to be recording 24/7 with no interruptions (regardless of lighting and weather conditions) and they must be Internet Protocol (IP) compatible. In Illinois, cannabis security requirements include the recording every single stage of the “seed to store” operation including the plant’s growth, trimming, harvesting, processing or extraction if applicable, packaging, and transportation. Illinois also requires 24/7 surveillance of dispensaries. Additionally, each cultivation facility, processing plant, and retail store must ensure the availability of a video printer capable of immediately producing a clear still photo from any of the security cameras. Video retention time is also a matter of concern. Using the golden state as an example again, cannabis business owners in California must store footage for a minimum of 90 days, but in other states that could be up to one full year. Now consider that with a 24-hour per day filming requirement, a total of roughly 13 GB per day… that’s a lot of data to store! And storing data is not cheap, so finding flexible and affordable options to be able to work with these laws is an absolute must. For insurance coverageInsurance is a necessary evil for any business owner, but it’s not always easy to obtain when your business is cannabis. Insurers have claimed that cannabis companies are at higher risk for theft and organized crime because they keep piles of cash and pot on hand. Some states already require weed businesses to carry insurance (California and Massachusetts) and experts believe that if the practice was more widespread, insurance companies could collect billions in premiums off cannabis. Despite high earning potentials, most insurers are still not willing to chance it. According to Luke Ewing from Cannabis Compliance Company Simplifya, “Insurers like risk when you bear it. They like when they can quantify the odds of having to pay you money, so that they can price their coverage accordingly. But when the risk is on them, it’s another story.” “The legal uncertainty, while a problem for anyone dealing with the cannabis industry, is especially concerning for insurers because it hits at the heart of what they do,” Ewing added. “Insurance is priced according to the risk it covers, but with cannabis law, the rules, and consequently the liability risks, change literally every day.” Insurance will cover your butt if there is a fire, any type of damage to your store, natural disaster, theft, vandalism and destruction, and many other issues that could completely ruin a person financially. Plus, with successful dispensaries there will be a high level of foot traffic and you’ll want to protect yourself from liability claims. Of the few companies that actually are willing to provide coverage to the cannabis industry, a general requirement is that the business have a comprehensive security plan in place, and that always includes some type of video surveillance. Final thoughts on cannabis industry surveillanceAs you can see, the world of cannabis industry surveillance is much more convoluted than simply choosing to install a system because you want a higher level of safety. Although it’s definitely a good idea to have some type of security in place, because of current laws, you’ll need to buy one whether you want to or not. When adding expensive high-tech surveillance cameras to a business, compliance is probably the last thing on most people’s minds, but when you’re working with marijuana, it’s everything. Hello all! Welcome to CBDtesters.co, your ultimate online destination for the most relevant and thought-provoking cannabis and psychedelics-related news globally. Read through the site regularly to stay on top of the constantly-moving world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you never miss a thing. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Seed to Sale Surveillance – The True Role of Cannabis Security Companies appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/06/seed-to-sale-surveillance-the-true-role-of-cannabis-security-companies/ |
ABOUT MEHallo, ik ben Rosalina Klerkx, ik ben een RHIA-gecertificeerde zorgbeheerder met meer dan 6 jaar ervaring in het creëren van een productieve omgeving voor zorgprofessionals. Leiding gegeven aan een team van 12 opname- en verkoopmedewerkers in een instelling voor langdurige zorg met meer dan 170 patiënten. Opstellen van complexe HIPAA-conforme rapporten aan patiëntendienstcoördinatoren in een zorgkliniek. Archives
April 2023
Categories |