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A federal judge has issued a compassionate release order for Luke Scarmazzo, who was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for operating a state-legal medical marijuana dispensary.
Bonno
24-02-2023

A California man who spent nearly 15 years in federal custody for operating a state-legal medical marijuana dispensary was released from prison last week following a years-long campaign by family and restorative justice advocates to secure his freedom. Luke Scarmazzo, who was dubbed California’s last cannabis prisoner by marijuana policy reform advocacy group CalNORML, was freed from federal custody on Feb. 23 in response to a compassionate release petition filed on his behalf in 2019.

In 2006, the Drug Enforcement Administration raided the medical dispensary Scarmazzo and his business partner Ricardo Montes were operating in compliance with Proposition 215, the 1996 ballot measure that legalized the medicinal use of cannabis in California. In May 2008, they were convicted for operating a continuing criminal enterprise. Scarmazzo was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months behind bars, while Montes received a 20-year sentence. On Jan. 5, 2011, a federal appeals court upheld the convictions of Scarmazzo and Montes, denying them a new trial.

“We followed California law to the letter,” Scarmazzo said about their convictions. “We paid our taxes. We went to work every day providing a benefit and service to the community. Yet in the end, we were made out to look like common criminals.”

In May 2017, Montes was granted clemency by President Barack Obama, but for some unknown reason, Scarmazzo was left in prison. He was disappointed once again when President Donald Trump left office in January 2019 without granting Scarmazzo a pardon as many advocates expected him to do.

Scarmazzo’s case has received considerable attention and many criminal justice advocates including Weldon Angelos, a former cannabis prisoner who was pardoned by Trump in 2020, had taken up the cause for clemency. The two had served at the same federal prison in Lompoc, California from 2010 until Angelos’ release, where he had helped write the clemency petitions for Scarmazzo and Montes. After Obama commuted Angelos’ sentence, the former prisoner continued the fight to secure Scarmazzo’s release through his nonprofit group The Weldon Project.

“Luke’s story is one of the most tragic stories perpetrated by our criminal justice system. He was following state law but treated as a drug kingpin by the federal system. But I’m finally relieved that he can go home to his family and have a chance at rebuilding his life after serving 14 years in prison,” Angelos said. “We’ve helped a lot of people, but this one is different. Luke is my friend and someone I’ve been fighting for since we were in prison together seven years ago. Now, Luke has the ability to join us in this fight to free those we have both left behind.”

Judge Weighs ‘Unique Confluence’ of Circumstances
In his order releasing Scarmazzo last week, United States District Judge Dale A. Drozd wrote that he had considered a “unique confluence” of circumstances before reaching his decision. The judge cited Scarmazzo’s good behavior while behind bars; his pursuit of educational opportunities; strong support from his family and the community, including job offers; and noted the disparity between the sentences served by Scarmazzo and Montes, among other factors.

“The court is persuaded that the granting of the requested relief is appropriate at this point and is supported by both extraordinary and compelling circumstances and consideration of the sentencing factors set forth” by federal law, the judge wrote.

The campaign to free Scarmazzo was spearheaded by Mission Green, a campaign by Angelos’ nonprofit Weldon Project dedicated to securing the release of all cannabis prisoners. Kyle Kazan, a Weldon Project board member and the CEO of California cannabis company Glass House Group, said that his company has pledged support for Scarmazzo to help ease the transition following his release. He also said the company would continue to advocate for a full pardon for Scarmazzo and called on President Joseph Biden to end the incarceration of all cannabis prisoners nationwide.

“While I think the release is an excellent sign that some judges understand how unjust the dichotomy in the law is, Luke needed a lawyer to make the argument on his behalf,” Kazan wrote in an email to Cannabis Now. “It would be a lot easier and represent the will of the majority of the American people for President Biden to live up to his promise and simply end the War on Cannabis. It would not require him to do any prisoner swaps but to simply sign 2,700 pardons. And Congress is derelict in their collective duty to continue to allow people to be sentenced to federal prison for this plant.”

Only days after his release, Scarmazzo also pledged to fight for those still serving time for cannabis-related convictions.

“After serving nearly 15 years in prison for operating a cannabis dispensary, I was granted my freedom. The feeling is surreal. We’ve worked toward this day for so long,” Scarmazzo wrote in a statement.

“This was a huge victory for my family, friends, community and the entire cannabis movement. I’ll take a moment to enjoy this, but make no mistake, there’s still much work to be done—my people need to be free—and that hard work begins now.”

[Bonno]

Twins Study Busts Cannabis Gateway Theory
A new study has found that cannabis reform isn’t linked to substance abuse.
Bonno
24-02-2023

Legal access to recreational cannabis has no effect on increasing the probability of disorders using alcohol or illicit drugs, according to a recent study of twins.

In a recent report published by the journal Psychological Medicine, researchers observed data gathered from observing twins living in Colorado and Minnesota. They found no link to legal access to marijuana with the likelihood of developing substance abuse problems.

“Cannabis legalization was associated with no other adverse outcome in the co-twin design, including cannabis use disorder,” researchers found. “No risk factor significantly interacted with legalization status to predict any outcome.”

“We found mostly a lot of nothing, which I think is personally interesting,” lead researcher Stephanie Zellers added. “I think this is a case where we don’t find much is actually more interesting maybe than finding a bunch of results.”

The study also noted that residents living in legal cannabis states didn’t appear to show an increase in problems associated with mental health, relationships, work and finances.

“Recreational legalization was associated with increased cannabis use and decreased alcohol use disorder symptoms but wasn’t associated with other maladaptations,” researchers wrote. “These effects were maintained within twin pairs discordant for residence. “Moreover, vulnerabilities to cannabis use were not exacerbated by the legal cannabis environment.”

Access to Legal Market
Zellers and her research team observed 240 pairs of twins where one lives in the legal state of Colorado while the other lives in Minnesota, where cannabis remains prohibited. Now aged 24 to 49, the participants have provided data on their personal use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and several illicit drugs, as well as measures of “psychosocial health” since adolescence.

“This co-twin design automatically controls for a wide range of variables, including age, social background, early home life and even genetic inheritance” that can influence health outcomes, said co-researcher John Hewitt, professor of psychology and neuroscience at CU Boulder. “If the association holds up, it provides strong evidence that the environment, in this case legalization, is having an impact.”

“There’s lots of things that could explain why one person is behaving one way or why people of one state behave one way compared to another,” Zellers said. “But with twins, we were able to rule out so many of those alternatives—not everything, but a lot of them.”

The recent study acted as a follow-up to prior research that found an increase in adult cannabis use where states have allowed recreational use. Despite the rise in use, however, the team found no relationship to a spike in cannabis abuse or addiction.

“Obviously the cannabis use increases, but we didn’t see an increase in cannabis-use disorder, which is a little surprising,” Zellers said. “We didn’t really see changes in how much people were drinking or using tobacco. No large personality or workplace or IQ differences or anything like that.”

But while cannabis use increased in legal situations, twins living in such areas were also less likely to drive drunk or develop alcohol use disorders.

“You’re combining drinking with something that could be physically unsafe,” Zellers said. “The residents of legal states do that less, which is interesting and maybe something a little unexpected.”

Disproving the Cannabis Gateway Theory
The findings also reject the gateway drug theory that using marijuana only leads to using stronger substances.

“We asked in the last 12 months have you tried or used heroin, prescription opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens—kind of the whole 11 or 12 categories of illicit drugs,” Zellers said. “And there’s no difference there. People living in a state with legal cannabis, they’re not necessarily transitioning on to more illicit drugs.”

The results are quite promising but are far from an absolute conclusion. The study does have several limitations, as it focuses on adults, and few of whom consider themselves as heavy users.

“Our sample is an adult community sample broadly characterized by low levels of substance use and psychosocial dysfunction,” the researchers wrote. “This limits our ability to generalize relationships between legalization, outcomes and risk factors for the individuals at greatest risk.”

[Bonno]

The Nature of Things
Bonno 23-02-2023

Weed is stronger than ever, but it might not affect our brains that much: 6 surprising facts about cannabis
Cannabis was the first thing ever sold online, but we’ve been using it for thousands of years

A close up of a cannabis leaf
Humans have used cannabis in different ways for thousands of years. Now with a steadily growing market of innovative products, science is trying to keep up. (CBC/Science & Cannabis)

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Weed, reefer, Mary Jane, chronic.

Whatever you want to call it, cannabis has a lot of names — and a lot of uses — for a humble plant. Since it was legalized in Canada in 2018, the plant and its compounds have fuelled a steadily -growing market that offers everything from pre-rolled joints to gummies, soft drinks, vaporizers and oils.

In Science & Cannabis, a documentary from The Nature of Things, we discover how scientists are trying to untangle the health claims and benefits made about the "miracle weed" and distinguish the myths from the medicine.

Weed was the first online sale

It was sometime between 1971 and 1972 and it was illegal at the time, but the first e-commerce transaction was for a bag of weed.

Using ARPANET, a precursor to the internet, students at Stanford University struck a deal with students at MIT for the sale of an undetermined amount of marijuana.

This transaction wasn't like buying cannabis products online today. There was no exchange of money over the early web. Instead, the details of an in-person deal were "hashed out" over ARPANET.

Cannabis has over 100 active cannabinoids

You've likely heard of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), but they're only two of more than 100 cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are compounds that can be found in the cannabis leaf, stem and bud. They've become widespread in products that you can smoke, eat, vape, drink or rub on your skin, and are increasingly used to alleviate everything from pain to anxiety. But the full effects of cannabinoids are still being determined.

Because cannabis has been illegal for so long, researching its compounds has been somewhat difficult. Now, new and ingenious products are entering the market at such an incredible pace, and scientists are playing catch-up.

CBD: miracle cure or snake oil? | Science and Cannabis

With the rapid growth of the cannabis market, cannabidiol - or CBD - has been touted as an almost cure-all. But the research into this compound hasn't caught up and the science remains unclear on its actual health benefits.
People have used cannabis for thousands of years

Even though different countries and cultures have different views on cannabis use, humans have been using the stuff for millennia.

Cannabis was first domesticated in East Asia, where it grows naturally. For about 4,000 years, humans have used its fibres to make hemp rope and clothing, and the plant's oily seeds for food. Cannabis seeds have even been found with Japanese pottery shards dated to about 10,000 years ago. It was traded along the Silk Road and spread across continents. But until recently, we weren't sure just how long we've been using marijuana for medicinal or therapeutic purposes.

In a 2019 study, researchers discovered chemical residues from the burning of cannabis plants during burial ceremonies at Jirzankal Cemetery in the Pamirs region of western China — 2,500 years ago. Cannabis stems and seeds have been found at various burial sites in Asia and Europe, but according to one theory, these ancient humans might have been smoking marijuana to communicate with those in the afterlife.

Cannabis has a lot of different uses

Pot and hemp — one can get you high, but the other has more uses.

In 2011, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan sequenced the genome of Cannabis sativa. They discovered that over thousands of years, humans selectively bred the plant into two strains: one for fibres and seeds, and one for medicine.

"The … analysis showed that the [synthase gene of THC's precursor, THCA], an essential enzyme in THCA production, is turned on in marijuana, but switched off in hemp," said Jon Page, a lead author of the study.

Hemp has been widely used for millennia. Besides rope and clothing, it's been used for everything from art canvases to sails to paper. In fact, one study suggests Easter Island's massive statues might have been "walked" into place using hemp ropes (and a lot of elbow grease).

More recently, hempcrete — a durable, lightweight composite reinforced with hemp — has been used in construction and can replace materials like drywall, insulation and siding.

'Stoned' might not mean impaired

There's a stereotype about marijuana users: they're lazy and mentally slower than non-users. But recent research suggests that in earlier studies on the impact of cannabis on cognition, subjects were affected by unfamiliar lab settings while using drugs.

UBC doctoral candidate Michelle St. Pierre wanted to get to the bottom of how weed can affect our brains. "Is it safe to get behind the wheel of a car?" she said in the documentary. "Scientists and the public are really interested in this."

We found that there was actually no difference in cognition between the sober condition and the stoned condition.
- Michelle St. Pierre

St. Pierre had subjects perform a cognitive test and then asked them to get high as they normally would — on their own cannabis and in a familiar environment like their own home — and then had them perform another test so she could compare each person's ability while stoned and sober.

"We found that there was actually no difference in cognition between the sober condition and the stoned condition," she said. "I'm not saying cannabis doesn't cause any impact on cognition, but in regular near-daily users in a familiar environment, using cannabis in a way that's typical to them, we found not a lot of impairment if any."

Watch Science & Cannabis on The Nature of Things.

[Bonno]

Canopy Growth largue les Serres Bertrand
Bonno
21 février 2023

Dans un effort de réduction de ses coûts, l’un des plus importants producteurs et transformateurs de cannabis du Canada, Canopy Growth, a annoncé, le 9 février, qu’il cessera de s’approvisionner en fleurs de cannabis dans ses installations québécoises de Mirabel. Pour la famille Bertrand, copropriétaire à 45 % des Serres Vert Cannabis avec Canopy Growth depuis 2017, l’avenir devient ainsi incertain.

Au cours des six prochains mois, Canopy Growth transformera ses activités canadiennes pour alléger son modèle d’affaires et mettra également un terme à la production de fleurs de cannabis dans ses installations de Smiths Falls, en Ontario. La production de l’entreprise sera dorénavant centralisée dans les sites de Kincardine, en Ontario, et de Kelowna, en Colombie-Britannique, mais passera également par des fournisseurs indépendants.

Le directeur général des Serres Vert Cannabis, Steve Bertrand, mentionne que l’option de devenir un producteur indépendant en rachetant les parts de Canopy Growth fait l’objet de discussions. «?On a les capacités pour le faire?», mentionne-t-il en précisant avoir développé une expertise durant les cinq dernières années pour produire des fleurs de cannabis à faibles coûts. L’entreprise cultive 7,2 hectares de cannabis en serre.

Si l’entreprise devenait indépendante, elle devrait obtenir des licences de transformation et de distribution auprès de Santé Canada pour être en mesure de vendre sa production directement à la Société québécoise de cannabis (SQDC).

Retour aux légumes?

Le producteur n’exclut pas non plus de mettre un terme à la production de cannabis et de revenir à la production de légumes en serre. Rappelons que les Serres Bertrand ont cultivé jusqu’à 700?000 pi2 de tomates roses, leur produit phare, durant une trentaine d’années avant de se lancer dans la production de cannabis en 2018. Ils en ont même poursuivi la culture sur deux hectares durant les cinq années suivantes.

«?On comprend la stratégie de Canopy à travers tout ça, mais quand on s’était embarqués avec eux, c’était pour du long terme. C’est pour ça qu’on est en discussions en ce moment sur la suite des choses?», mentionne Steve Bertrand. Il soutient avoir été informé de cette dissociation seulement la veille de l’annonce officielle.

Sur une note plus positive, il explique avoir acquis une expérience que l’entreprise familiale n’aurait pu acquérir en restant dans les légumes de serre. «?Peu importe la direction que ça va prendre, on est très contents de l’expérience que nous ont apportée les cinq dernières années. On a évolué et, qu’on reste dans le cannabis où qu’on retourne dans les légumes, ce sera bénéfique pour le futur?», affirme le Steve Bertrand.

En réduisant considérablement la taille de l’entreprise, Canopy Growth espère réduire ses coûts de trésorerie et retrouver la rentabilité et la croissance. Ses pertes nettes se sont accrues de 151 M$ pour atteindre 267 M$ au ­troisième trimestre de l’exercice 2023, comparativement à la même période en 2022, alors que les revenus nets de 101 M$ au troisième trimestre de 2023 étaient en diminution de 28 % par rapport à celui de 2022. Canopy Growth confiera par ailleurs son programme de génétique de plants de cannabis à la société québécoise EXKA, une firme basée à Mirabel, qui se spécialise dans la recherche et le développement de variétés.

La Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) ne subira pas les contrecoups de l’arrêt d’approvisionnement des sites de Canopy à Mirabel et à Smiths Falls, indique son porte-parole Fabrice Giguère. «?Canopy a prévu suffisamment de stocks en production pour assurer l’approvisionnement jusqu’à l’automne prochain?», dit-il. Cette période laissera au fournisseur le temps de compléter sa réorganisation structurelle, poursuit-il, et de soumettre leur nouvelle offre de produits à la SQDC dans le cadre de la révision bisannuelle de l’assortiment de produits. M. Giguère ajoute qu’actuellement, 54 % des fournisseurs licenciés de la SQDC sont québécois, soit 26 sur 48 au total. Il rappelle que tous les détaillants de cannabis récréatif au pays doivent s’approvisionner auprès de producteurs canadiens.

[Bonno]

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THANK YOU PLANT MEDICINE DAY: 5 PLANTS TO THANK FEBRUARY 20, 2023
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February 20th is “Thank You Plant Medicine Day” where we celebrate the benefits and healing properties of plant medicine.

Of course, this is a grassroots movement.

The United Nations decrees May 12th as the “International Day of Plant Health,” where they seek to raise global awareness on “how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.”

Notice how “medicine” is missing from this list. As well as thinking we can sustain billions of people on a plant-based diet, the U.N. doesn’t consider psychedelic substances such as ayahuasca, psilocybin, and iboga to be medicine.

The U.N.’s Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs lists these substances as Schedule I drugs, which means they have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use.

Despite a growing body of research exploring the therapeutic potential of these substances, particularly for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The United Nations is as about as helpful regarding plant medicines as they were stopping George W. Bush’s illegal invasion of Iraq.

So while others may focus on the popular plant medicines that produce psychedelic effects, I’d like to focus on five other plants we should thank. Some of these plants are so common we can easily take them for granted.

So today, on Thank You Plant Medicine Day, I thank these five plants that, without them, who knows where we’d be.

THANK YOU PLANT MEDICINE DAY: CANNABIS

Thank You Plant Medicine Day
This one should be obvious, right? While Thank You Plant Medicine Day focuses on psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms, if you’ve ever ingested a large amount of THC, you know cannabis can become like a mild psychedelic.

But even if you’re microdosing THC, if you’ve ever had a stressful day at work, you know how cannabis heals.

And while CBD is barely psychoactive, let alone psychedelic, we have every reason to thank CBD-rich cannabis plants on Thank You Plant Medicine Day.

Whether it’s a double-blinded study showing that CBD can reduce anxiety, to promising research that CBD blocks a COVID infection, cannabis is perhaps the most versatile of our plant medicines.

Thank You, Cannabis.

THANK YOU PLANT MEDICINE DAY: COFFEE

The coffee plant, also known as Coffea, is a shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of Africa. The fruit of the coffee plant is a small, red or purple berry called a coffee cherry, which contains two seeds or beans. The beans are harvested, dried, roasted, and then ground into a powder to make coffee.

Of course, I don’t have to tell you that coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that helps increase alertness and cognitive function.

In fact, research has indicated that coffee can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and some types of cancer. Studies have also linked moderate coffee consumption to lower heart disease and stroke risks.

And like cannabis, coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.

Where would we be without this essential plant medicine?

Thank You, Coffee.

THANK YOU PLANT MEDICINE: COCA

Thank You Plant Medicine Day
Legal cocaine from once upon a time
Say what? Thank You, Plant Medicine, Coca? As in cocaine?

Traditionally, doctors used cocaine as an anesthetic for medical procedures. Today, they’ve replaced it with other “safer” anesthetics, which are more ideological than science-based.

Some studies have investigated the potential therapeutic uses of cocaine in specific medical settings. But given its reputation, most people aren’t thanking cocaine on Thank You Plant Medicine Day.

But why not?

Cocaine is a natural product derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America.

The coca plant has been used for centuries by indigenous people in South America for its stimulating effects. The leaves are chewed or brewed into a tea to alleviate fatigue, altitude sickness, and other ailments.

In addition to cocaine, the coca plant contains several other alkaloids, including caffeine, theobromine, ecgonine, and tropacocaine.

Researchers are currently studying these alkaloids for their potential use in treating pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Unlike cannabis, cocaine tends to alter our mesolimbic pathway, which gives the substance its reputation as “highly addictive.”

Yet, I’ve used cocaine numerous times without needing to consume it daily. Some people I shared these experiences with were incapable of moderating like this. One was almost fired from his job because he stayed up all night doing cocaine.

But I also know people who have lost their jobs because they stayed up all night playing video games. And video games don’t “hijack” our dopamine pathways the way experts claim cocaine does.

Addiction has little to do with the pharmacology of the drug. Don’t let decades of drug war propaganda blind you to the medical and therapeutic uses of the coca plant.

Thank You, Cocaine.

WHY WOULD I THANK TOBACCO?

Thank You Plant Medicine Day
Continuing with our controversial Thank You Plant Medicine Day plants, tobacco is next. A plant almost nobody ever thanks or considers medicine.

And for good reason.

The CDC reports that 1,300 Americans die every day from tobacco-related causes. But when it comes to the drug war, some nuance is required.

1,300 Americans die every day from smoking chemically-enhanced cancer sticks. Can you imagine heading down to the dispensary for a pre-roll, but instead of pure cannabis, you got a joint mixed with sugars, cocoa, licorice, or menthol?

Finding “organic” 100% tobacco cigarettes and cigars is possible. But, even when you burn this plant, you’re inhaling hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, lead, benzene, arsenic, ammonia, and radioactive elements such as polonium-210.

So why include tobacco as part of Thank You Plant Medicine Day? Two reasons. And the first one should be obvious.

The same “experts” that warn us of tobacco smoke warn us of cannabis smoke for the same reasons. Some even suggest cannabis smoke is more deadly than tobacco smoke.

But not all cannabis is created equal. Likewise, if you’re growing tobacco for personal consumption, you have complete control over your plant health, including any use of pesticides.

As opposed to relying on Big Tobacco.

But the main reason I’ve included tobacco is its nicotine content.

Studies have suggested that nicotine may have some potential health benefits in isolation—for example, potential cognitive benefits, including improving memory, attention, and focus.

Researchers have also studied nicotine for its potential therapeutic effects in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

And, of course, the benefits of nicotine have to be weighed against the significant risks associated with smoking tobacco. Therefore, the most effective way to obtain nicotine benefits is through products like nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches.

Thank You, Nicotine.

THANK YOU, POPPY PLANT?!


This might be the only blog online using Thank You Plant Medicine Day to thank the poppy plant, which is the plant that gives us opioids.

Aren’t we in an “opioid crisis?” Why the hell would I be thanking opioids?!

Of course, people with extreme anti-opioid positions probably don’t know much about this class of drugs.

Commonly used to manage pain, opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord. While opioids can be very effective at managing pain, they can lead to serious health problems if misused.

But aren’t they super addictive?

Have you ever been given morphine in the hospital? Add an acetyl group, and you’ve got heroin. Why would adding an acetyl group to morphine cause the substance to become super addictive?

What magical power is inherent in acetylation that turns medical-grade painkillers into street-grade people-killers?

And why did Vietnam vets, who used heroin recreationally during the war, return to America without undergoing treatment and recovery?

The fact is: opioids are extremely effective at managing pain. So much so that people who struggle with pain and suffering in their lives (whether mental or physical) tend to make their opioid consumption a daily habit.

For some people, particularly politicians, it’s easier to blame the country’s cost of living, inequality, and mental health issues on drugs, particularly opioids.

It’s an effective propaganda tool, but all it is is a scapegoat.

People are dying from drug ignorance and tainted supplies. On this Thank You Plant Medicine Day, I ask we shed the remaining vestiges of drug war propaganda and locate the real killer.

Thank You, Heroin. You may not be for me, but I won’t judge others who use you to find solace and relief.

Just as ayahuasca doesn’t appeal to me, I won’t judge you for doing what you feel is best for your life.

END THE DRUG WAR

Thank You Plant Medicine Day is an excellent way of promoting the different plant medicines and their use in our everyday lives. While the day started as a way of fostering psychedelic therapy, I’m weary of this bias for psychedelics and against “hard” drugs like cocaine or heroin.

Almost every plant on the planet can heal us or kill us. Even poison ivy has medical uses. Preliminary research suggests it may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and help treat arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

So on this Thank You Plant Medicine Day, remember the underdogs. Anyone who’s been on a psilocybin trip knows its potential to resolve mental health issues.

But heroin as an end-of-the-day stress reliever? (The way some of us use cannabis?) Or cocaine as a fun, recreational stimulant to overcome social anxiety at a party? (The way some of us use alcohol?)

Thank You Plant Medicine Day shouldn’t be exclusive to psychedelics. A lot of plants have the potential to heal. And for that, Thank You.

[Bonno]

[Bonno]

Virginia Republicans move to defund state marijuana regulator
Bonno
February 21- 2023
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Republican lawmakers in Virginia want to cut nearly 70% of the Cannabis Control Authority’s budget, a move that creates further uncertainty for the state’s nascent legal marijuana industry.

Under a state spending plan proposed by Virginia’s House Republicans, the budget for the Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) would be slashed by $13.4 million over two years, Richmond TV station WRIC reported Wednesday.

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The budget proposal comes after a Republican-controlled state General Assembly committee killed a bill intended to regulate the state’s impending adult-use marijuana industry.

Virginia has had a limited medical marijuana market since 2020, and adult-use sales were to begin Jan. 1, 2024, under a legalization bill signed into law in 2021 by the state’s former governor, a Democrat.

But new Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, appears more focused on regulating products containing intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC than implementing a recreational market.

Observers said the proposed defunding of the CCA is part of a pattern of Virginia Republicans trying to undermine legal marijuana in the state.

“The Republican party in the House of Delegates has been an impediment for legal sales for cannabis,” state Sen. Adam Ebbin, a Democrat, told WRIC.

The House’s proposed budget amendment is not final and subject to negotiations “in the coming days,” according to the TV station.

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The acting head of the CCA, Jeremy Preiss, told WRIC via email that the agency was blindsided by the potential budget cuts, adding that they “could undermine the regulation of medical cannabis and initiatives that address public health risks associated with marijuana legalization.”

Meanwhile, the Democrat-controlled state Senate’s budget proposal earmarks an additional $6 million for the CCA’s implementation of a regulatory structure for Virginia’s adult-use industry, the TV station reported.

[Bonno]

La SQDC a haussé son résultat net au 3e trimestre
21-02-2023
Bonno

Le résultat net et global de la société d’État s’est chiffré à 32,2 millions, comparativement à celui de 26,4 millions du troisième trimestre précédent.

(Montréal) La Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) a affiché lundi un résultat net en hausse de 22,2 % pour son troisième trimestre par rapport à la même période un an plus tôt, même si ses revenus ont diminué de 1,7 % pendant ce temps.

Le résultat net et global de la société d’État s’est chiffré à 32,2 millions, comparativement à celui de 26,4 millions du troisième trimestre précédent.

Les revenus de la SQDC ont totalisé 187,3 millions, ce qui se comparait à ceux de 190,5 millions du même trimestre un an plus tôt.

La société a admis que l’évolution de ses ventes était minée par un conflit de travail touchant 24 des 26 succursales représentées par le Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP). Les succursales touchées par une grève restent en activité selon un horaire d’ouverture réduit, grâce au travail des gestionnaires.

L’ensemble du réseau de la SQDC comptait 92 succursales en date du 31 décembre, soit le dernier jour du troisième trimestre. Ce chiffre se compare à celui de 81 succursales à la fin du troisième trimestre précédent.

La valeur des ventes réalisées par l’entremise du site web de la SQDC a atteint 10,7 millions au plus récent trimestre, un chiffre en hausse par rapport à celui de 9,6 millions des trois derniers mois de 2021.

Pendant ce temps, les ventes dans le réseau de succursales se sont élevées à 176,6 millions, alors qu’elles avaient été de 180,9 millions un an plus tôt.

Les charges nettes de la SQDC ont atteint 27,3 millions au plus récent trimestre, en baisse par rapport à celles de 27,6 millions enregistrées un an plus tôt. Le ratio des charges nettes aux ventes s’est établi à 14,6 %, comparativement à 14,5 % au troisième trimestre précédent.

La rémunération du personnel, qui est la principale charge nette de la société, a totalisé 14,2 millions au troisième trimestre, contre 15,1 millions un an plus tôt.

La SQDC remet à Québec la totalité de son résultat net, ainsi que les revenus fiscaux liés à son exploitation. Au plus récent trimestre, les taxes à la consommation et les taxes d’accise ont atteint 54,4 millions, dont 38,4 millions destinés au gouvernement du Québec.

La grève générale et illimitée des membres du SCFP, affilié à la FTQ, a commencé le 28 mai dernier. La dernière offre présentée par Québec, en décembre, a été rejetée à 94 % par les membres.

Le salaire est le principal point en litige. Le SCFP réclame pour ses membres un salaire comparable à celui d’autres sociétés d’État, comme la Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), soit au moins 20 $ l’heure. À l’heure actuelle, les syndiqués du SCFP gagnent 17,12 $ l’heure à l’embauche.

Dans le communiqué présentant ses plus récents résultats, la SQDC a indiqué qu’elle « [espérait] toujours en arriver à une entente négociée entre les deux parties ».

[Bonno]

[Bonno]

How to grow cannabis ebook or guide
HOW TO GROW CANNABIS?
Avatar photoCALEB MCMILLAN·FEBRUARY 19, 2023
ALL ABOUT CANNABIS
CANNABIS EBOOKS
EDUCATION
FEATURED
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GROWING CANNABIS

>> DOWNLOAD E-BOOK VERSION <<



OVERVIEW OF THE E-BOOK

This e-book will provide a comprehensive guide for beginners looking to start growing cannabis. It will cover everything from choosing the right cannabis strain to setting up a grow space to caring for and harvesting your cannabis plants. It will also include information about the legal and regulatory aspects of growing cannabis, pests, and disease control, as extracting and processing cannabis.


This e-book is meant merely as an introductory guide. We have listed additional resources for further learning at the back of this e-book.

BENEFITS OF GROWING YOUR OWN CANNABIS

Growing your own cannabis has several benefits, including:

Cost savings: Growing your own cannabis can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to purchase cannabis from dispensaries or other sources.
Quality control: When you grow your own cannabis, you have complete control over the growing conditions, which can lead to higher-quality buds.
Personalized strains: You can experiment with different strains and growing techniques to find the perfect strains and methods that work for you.
Privacy: Growing your own cannabis can also provide a sense of privacy, as you won’t have to rely on dispensaries or other sources for your cannabis.
Connection to nature: Growing your own cannabis can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience. It allows you to connect with nature and appreciate the plant’s life cycle.
Legal compliance: If you live in a state or country where cannabis cultivation is legal, growing your own cannabis can ensure that you comply with the law.


LEGAL AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS TO GROW CANNABIS

The legal and regulatory considerations of growing cannabis vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

UNITED STATES

how to grow cannabis in USA as per legal guidelines
Federal law: In the United States, cannabis is still considered a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This means that it is illegal to cultivate, possess, or distribute cannabis, even in states where it is legal. However, the federal government has adopted a policy of non-interference with state-legal cannabis programs.
State laws: Some states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, while others have decriminalized possession or have medical cannabis programs. It’s important to check the laws of your state to determine what is legal and what is not.
Local laws: Some municipalities have enacted their own rules and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation. Before starting to grow cannabis, you should check your local laws to see if there are any additional restrictions or requirements.
Licensing and permitting: Many states and municipalities require growers to obtain licenses and permits to grow cannabis legally. These requirements vary widely and may include background checks, fingerprinting, and security measures.
Personal possession limits: Some states and municipalities limit how much cannabis an individual can possess or grow. It’s essential to check your local laws to see what the limits are in your area and to make sure you comply.
CANADA

how to grow cannabis in Canada as per legal guidelines
In Canada, the cultivation of cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use under the Cannabis Act, which came into effect in October 2018. However, there are still some legal and regulatory considerations to keep in mind:

Possession limits: Adults in Canada can legally possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public. However, possession limits may vary in some provinces, so it’s important to check the laws of your province.
Growing limits: Adults can grow up to four cannabis plants per residence (not per person) for personal use. However, some provinces and municipalities have their own regulations, so it’s important to check the laws of your province and municipality.
Licensing and permit: To grow cannabis for commercial purposes, you require a license from Health Canada.
Age limits: The minimum age to buy, possess, and cultivate cannabis in Canada is 18. However, some provinces have set the minimum age to 19.
Public consumption: Public consumption of cannabis is illegal in Canada, and each province and territory has its own regulations regarding where to consume cannabis.
Advertising and packaging: There are strict regulations on advertising, packaging and labelling of cannabis products. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before growing.
Medical use: Patients with medical authorization from a healthcare practitioner can possess and grow more cannabis than recreational users, but they still need to comply with the laws and regulations.
Sharing and gifting: Giving or sharing cannabis with a minor is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
EUROPE

How to Grow Cannabis in Europe
The legal and regulatory considerations of growing cannabis in Europe vary depending on the country and jurisdiction.

Medicinal use: Some European countries have legalized cannabis for medical purposes. However, the laws and regulations vary widely among countries and regions. Some countries have a national program, while others rely on individual prescriptions.
Recreational use: The possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for recreational use remain illegal in most European countries. However, some countries, such as the Netherlands and Spain, have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis and have a tolerance policy towards its use in certain areas.
Possession limits: Possession limits vary among countries and regions. For example, in Spain and Portugal, possessing small amounts of cannabis for personal use is considered a minor infraction. In the Netherlands, possession of up to 5 grams is allowed.
Growing limits: Growing cannabis for personal use is illegal in most European countries and can result in severe penalties.
Licensing and permitting: Cultivating cannabis for commercial purposes is illegal in most European countries, and no licenses or permits are available.
Public consumption: Public consumption of cannabis is illegal in most European countries and can result in fines or penalties.
Advertising and packaging: There are strict regulations on advertising, packaging and labelling of cannabis products. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before growing cannabis.
Import and export: Importing or exporting cannabis is illegal in most European countries and can result in severe penalties.
CHOOSING A CANNABIS STRAIN

choosing the right cannabis strain
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANNABIS

There are different types of cannabis:

Cannabis sativa: This type of cannabis is known for its tall, thin plants with narrow leaves. Sativa strains are uplifting and energizing, and consumers often use them during the day. They produce a more cerebral and energizing high, which can help with creativity, focus, and sociability.
Cannabis indica: This type of cannabis is known for its short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Indica strains are generally relaxing and sedating; people often use them at night. They produce a more body-centered high, which can help with relaxation, sleep, and pain relief.
Cannabis ruderalis: This type of cannabis is a wild or feral type of cannabis. It is a small, low-THC plant in Eastern Europe and Russia. It is not as well-known as the other two types, and consumers don’t commonly use it for recreational or medical purposes. Still, it is considered a genetic resource for breeding auto-flowering cannabis strains.
Hybrid: This type of cannabis is a crossbreed between different strains of cannabis sativa and indica. Hybrids can combine the characteristics of both sativa and indica strains. Growers can breed them with desired traits such as increased yield, improved taste or aroma, or higher THC or CBD content.
It’s also important to note that within each category are various subcategories and strains, each with unique characteristics and effects. The genetic makeup of each strain will determine the plant’s growth pattern, the colour of the buds, the aroma, the taste, and the overall effect.

INDICA VS. SATIVA VS. HYBRID

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid
Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the differences between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid cannabis strains:

INDICA STRAINS:

Indica strains are known for their short, bushy plants with wide leaves.
They are generally lower in height and have a shorter flowering period than Sativa strains.
Indica strains produce a more relaxing and sedating high, which can help with relaxation, sleep, and pain relief.
Different indica strains contain varying levels of CBD (cannabidiol) compared to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
Commonly used for treating insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety.
SATIVA STRAINS:

Sativa strains are known for their tall, thin plants with narrow leaves.
They are generally taller and have a longer flowering period than Indica strains.
Sativa strains produce a more uplifting and energizing high, which can help with creativity, focus, and sociability.
Different sativa strains contain varying levels of THC compared to CBD.
Commonly used for treating depression, fatigue, and lack of appetite.
HYBRID STRAINS:

Hybrid strains are a crossbreed between different strains of cannabis sativa and indica.
Depending on the genetic makeup, they can combine the characteristics of both sativa and indica strains.
Growers can breed them with desired traits such as increased yield, improved taste or aroma, or higher THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid content.
They can have many effects, from energizing and uplifting to relaxing and sedating.
It’s important to note that these are general characteristics and that the effects of a specific strain can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the method of consumption. Also, remember that breeding practices and naming conventions can vary from seed bank to seed bank, so there may be some variation in the effects and characteristics of strains labeled as Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANNABIS STRAIN FOR YOUR NEEDS

Choosing the right cannabis strain for your needs can be a bit of a trial-and-error process, but there are a few things to consider that can help narrow down your options:

Purpose: The first step is determining what you want to use cannabis for. Are you looking for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia? Are you looking for something to help with focus and creativity? Understanding what you hope to gain from using cannabis can help you identify which strains may be best suited for your needs.
Genetics: Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, you can start to narrow down your options by looking at the genetics of different strains. Indica strains, for example, are known for their relaxing and sedating effects. In contrast, Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. Hybrid strains can have a combination of both effects, depending on the genetic makeup.
THC and CBD content: The next step is to consider the THC and CBD content of the strains. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use. At the same time, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound known for its medicinal properties. Some strains are higher in THC and lower in CBD, while others are higher in CBD and lower in THC.
Aroma and Flavor: Some strains have specific aroma and flavor profiles which can greatly impact the experience of consuming cannabis. If you are sensitive to the smell or taste of cannabis, this is something to consider when choosing a strain.
Grow characteristics: Some strains are more difficult to grow than others, which is something to consider if you’re planning on growing your own cannabis. Some strains are more prone to mold or pests, while others are more resistant.
Personal preference: Finally, it’s important to remember that the effects of a strain can vary depending on the individual, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and experiences.
SETTING UP YOUR CANNABIS GROW SPACE

Setting Up Your Cannabis Grow Space
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION

Choosing the right location for your cannabis to grow space is important in growing your own cannabis. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a location:

Light: One of the most important factors for growing cannabis is having access to the right amount of light. Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow, so it’s important to find a location with plenty of natural light. A south-facing window or a grow tent with artificial lights are good options.
Temperature: Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. It’s important to find a location to maintain these temperatures, especially during the flowering stage.
Humidity: Cannabis plants prefer humidity levels between 40-60%. The plants may become dry and stressed if the humidity is too low. The plants may be more susceptible to mold and mildew if the humidity is too high.
Ventilation: Good ventilation is important to keep your plants healthy and prevent mould and mildew. Make sure your location has good airflow, and you can exhaust the hot air and bring in the fresh air.
Security: Growing cannabis can be a sensitive topic, and it’s important to consider your growing space’s security. Make sure to keep your plants in a private and secure location where others can’t see them.
Legal considerations: It’s important to check the laws and regulations of your area before setting up a grow.
BUILDING AND OUTFITTING YOUR GROW SPACE

Building and outfitting your grow space
Building and outfitting a cannabis grow space can be a bit of a process. Still, with the right planning and equipment, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few steps to consider when building and outfitting your cannabis grow space:

Choose a location: As mentioned earlier. Choosing a location with the right amount of light, temperature, humidity, and ventilation is important. A spare room, a closet, or a grow tent are all good options for a grow space.
Build your grow space: Depending on your chosen location, you may need to modify the space to create the right environment for your plants. This could include installing lights, building a grow tent, or adding insulation to a room.
Choose the right equipment: You will need a few key pieces of equipment to set up your growing space. This includes:
Lights: You will need a light source to give your plants the energy they need to grow. HID (high-intensity discharge) lights, LED lights, or CFL (compact fluorescent) lights are all popular choices.
Grow medium: You will need a grow medium to hold your plants. Soil, coco coir, or hydroponics systems are all popular options.
Watering system: You will need a way to water your plants. A watering can, a watering wand, or a drip irrigation system are all good options.
Ventilation: You will need a way to exhaust hot air and bring in the fresh air. This could include a fan, an air conditioning unit, or a dehumidifier.
Pest control: Having a way to control pests is important for maintaining the health of your plants. Insecticides, sticky traps, or beneficial insects are all options.
Add nutrients: Your plants will need nutrients to grow. You can add these to the water or the soil. A good quality fertilizer will provide your plants with the necessary macro and micronutrients they need to grow healthy.
Monitor and maintain: Once you have your grow space set up, it’s important to monitor your plants regularly to ensure they are healthy and getting the right amount of light, water, and nutrients. This includes checking the pH levels of the soil or water, monitoring temperature and humidity, and checking for pests or diseases.
LIGHTING, VENTILATION, AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Setting Up Your Cannabis Grow Space Lighting, ventilation, and temperature control
Lighting, ventilation, and temperature control are all critical factors in growing cannabis. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each:

Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for cannabis growth. Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow, and the right spectrum of light will determine the rate of photosynthesis, affecting the plant’s health, growth, and yield. The most common light sources used in growing cannabis are HID (high-intensity discharge), LED, and CFL (compact fluorescent) lights. It’s important to remember that cannabis plants have different light requirements during different stages of growth, so it’s important to adjust the light accordingly.
Ventilation: Good ventilation is important to keep your plants healthy and prevent mold and mildew. Cannabis plants release a lot of moisture during the growing process, so it’s important to have a way to remove that moisture from the growing space. You can use a fan or air conditioning to bring fresh air and remove hot air.
Temperature control: Temperature control is also an important factor in growing cannabis. Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. It’s important to monitor the temperature in your grow space and make adjustments to keep your plants healthy. High temperatures can lead to stress and slow growth, while low temperatures can lead to mold and mildew.
By providing the right lighting, ventilation, and temperature control, you can create an optimal environment for your cannabis

GERMINATING SEEDS VS. BUYING CLONES

WHAT ARE CLONES?

germinating seeds vs. buying clones
Cannabis plant clones are exact genetic copies of a parent plant. They are created by taking a cutting from a mature female cannabis plant and rooting it to create a new plant. The new plant will be genetically identical to the parent plant. It will have the same characteristics, including growth habits, yield, and potency.

Clones are usually female, as most commercial cannabis cultivation focuses on producing buds, which female plants produce. Clones are a preferred cultivation method for commercial growers, allowing them to produce a consistent crop with predictable yields and characteristics.

HOW TO TAKE A CLONE?

To take a clone, you would need to select a healthy and mature female plant and use a sharp and clean cutting tool to take a cutting from the mother plant. The cutting should have at least 2-3 nodes (sets of leaves) and must be placed in a rooting hormone and then in a rooting medium (such as rock wool, soil, or water) to encourage root growth.

Once the cutting has developed roots, you can transplant it into a growing medium. It will grow into a new identical cannabis plant.

We often use clones in hydroponic systems and indoor cannabis grow rooms, as they allow the growers to control the environment and produce plants genetically identical to the mother plant. However, it’s important to note that clones can be more susceptible to disease and pests than seed-grown cannabis plants.

SEEDS VS CLONES

Both growing cannabis from seeds and growing from clones have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

GROWING CANNABIS FROM SEEDS:

Advantages:
Cannabis Seeds are easy to obtain, and you can select from various cannabis strains.
Growing from a cannabis seed allows you to create a diverse genetic pool, which is useful for breeding or creating new cannabis strains.
Seed-grown cannabis plants tend to be hardier and more resilient than clone-grown cannabis plants.
Disadvantages:
Germinating cannabis seeds can be more difficult than taking the clones, and not all seeds will germinate.
It can take longer for seed-grown cannabis plants to reach maturity and begin flowering.
You cannot assume a plant’s gender until the pre-flowering stage; some may turn out to be males, which is not useful for flower production.
GROWING CANNABIS FROM CLONES:

Advantages:
Clones are exact genetic copies of the parent plant, which means you know exactly what you are getting in terms of growth habits, yield, and potency.
You can take clones from a mature cannabis plant, which means they will begin to flower sooner than seed-grown cannabis plants.
Clones are usually female, so you don’t have to worry about male plants.
Disadvantages:
Clones can be difficult to obtain, and the selection of cannabis strains may be limited.
Clones can be more susceptible to disease and pests than seed-grown cannabis plants.
Clones can be more delicate and may not have the same level of resilience as seed-grown cannabis plants.
In general, growing from a cannabis seed is more versatile, but it is also more unpredictable. Growing from clones is more predictable, but it is also more limited. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your preference and experience.

HOW TO GERMINATE CANNABIS SEEDS

How to germinate cannabis seeds
Beginner’s Guide to Growing Cannabis
If you go the seed route, you’ll have to germinate the seeds. There are several methods for germinating cannabis seeds, including:

Paper towel method: This method involves placing the cannabis seeds between damp paper towels in a warm and dark place until the seeds sprout. Once the taproot appears, you can plant the seeds in soil or another growing medium.
Direct soil method: This method involves planting the cannabis seeds directly into the soil or another growing medium and then keeping the soil moist until the seeds sprout.
Rockwool method: This method involves placing the seeds in rockwool cubes, which are made of compressed rock fibres, and then keeping the cubes moist until the seeds sprout.
Regardless of the method chosen, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

The temperature should be warm, around 70-90°F (21-32°C)
The humidity should be high, around 80-90%
You should keep the seeds in a dark place until taproots appear
The seeds should be kept moist but not soaking wet to avoid mould.
Not all cannabis seeds will germinate; some may be old, damaged or low quality, so it’s recommendable to germinate more than the needed number of cannabis plants.

PLANT CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Cannabis Plant Care and Maintenance
WATERING AND FEEDING CANNABIS PLANTS

Watering and feeding cannabis plants are important steps in maintaining the health and growth of your plants. Here’s a general overview of how to water and feed cannabis plants:

WATERING:

The amount of water your plants need will depend on the plant’s size, the medium you’re using, and the humidity and temperature in your grow space.
It’s important to keep the soil or medium consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Staying your finger in the soil or medium is a good way to check if your cannabis plants need water. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil or medium is too wet, wait for it to dry before watering again.
When watering, it’s important to use water that is at room temperature and to avoid getting water on the leaves or buds.
FEEDING:

Feeding your cannabis plants is important to provide them with the necessary macro and micronutrients they need to grow healthy.
Most cannabis fertilizers come in two parts: a grow formula and a bloom formula. The grow formula is used during the vegetative stage, while the bloom formula is used during the flowering stage.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and not overfeed your cannabis plants, as this can lead to nutrient burn.
In addition to providing the cannabis plants with the required nutrients, you can add beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizae and bacteria to the soil to improve nutrient uptake and overall plant health.
It’s important to monitor your cannabis plants and their needs closely, as the watering and feeding schedule may vary depending on factors such as the size of the cannabis plants, the stage of growth and the environmental conditions. Regularly checking the pH level of the soil or water is also important.

PRUNING AND TRAINING CANNABIS PLANTS

Pruning and training cannabis plants are important techniques for promoting healthy growth and increasing yield. Here’s a general overview of how to prune and train cannabis plants:

PRUNING:

Pruning is the process of removing dead or dying leaves, branches, or buds from the cannabis plant.
You can prune at any growth stage, but it’s particularly important during the vegetative stage.
You prune to improve air circulation, light penetration, and overall plant health.
Removing the fan leaves and dead foliage will also help the cannabis plant to focus its energy on the buds and flowers.
TRAINING:

Training manipulates the plant’s shape and growth pattern to optimize yield and light exposure.
Several techniques are used to train cannabis plants, such as LST (Low-Stress Training), ScroG (Screen of Green), and topping.
LST involves bending the plant branches to expose more of the lower buds to light.
ScroG involves using a screen to hold the plant’s branches in a horizontal position and exposing the buds on the plant’s lower branches to light.
Topping is the process of cutting the top of the cannabis plant to promote bushier growth.
Training your cannabis plants can help to improve yield and light exposure. It will also help reduce the plants’ height, making them more manageable and easier to maintain.
It’s important to remember that cannabis plants have different needs during different stages of growth, so it’s important to adjust your pruning and training schedule accordingly. It’s also important to closely monitor your cannabis plants and their needs, as over-pruning or over-training can stress the plants and lead to reduced growth and yield.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

Pest and disease control are important considerations in growing cannabis.
Pest and disease control are important considerations in growing cannabis. Here’s a general overview of some common pests and diseases and how to control them:

PEST CONTROL:

Common cannabis pests include spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, and aphids.
These pests can cause damage to the leaves and buds and can also spread disease.
To control pests, you can use insecticides or miticides or release beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps, into the grow space.
It’s also important to keep the grow space clean and debris-free, as this can attract pests.
DISEASE CONTROL:

Common cannabis diseases include powdery mildew, botrytis, and fusarium.
These diseases can cause damage to the leaves, buds, and roots.
To control diseases, you can use fungicides, maintain good air circulation, keep the humidity levels in check, and avoid overcrowding your cannabis plants.
Prevention is key when it comes to disease and pest control. It’s important to maintain a clean and well-ventilated grow space, keep humidity levels in check, avoid overcrowding the plants, and not overwater or over-fertilize.

It’s important to remember that cannabis laws vary from state to state and country to country, so you should check your local laws and regulations before using any pesticides or fungicides in your grow space. Additionally, it’s important always to follow the instructions on the product labels when using any chemical control methods.

HARVESTING AND PROCESSING THE CANNABIS PLANTS

Harvesting and Processing the Cannabis Plants
TIMING YOUR HARVEST

Timing your cannabis harvests is an important step in growing cannabis. Here’s a general overview of how to time your harvests:

Understanding the growth stages: Cannabis plants have different needs during different stages of growth. The vegetative stage is when the cannabis plant grows leaves and stems, while the flowering stage is when the plant produces buds.
Identifying the trichomes: Trichomes are small, hair-like structures on the buds of the cannabis plant that contain the majority of the plant’s THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. You can use a microscope or a magnifying glass to examine the trichomes and determine when the buds are ready for harvest. As trichomes turn from clear to cloudy, it’s a sign that the cannabis plant is mature and ready for harvest.
Harvest timing: Harvest timing depends on the cannabis strain you are growing, but most cannabis strains are ready to harvest after 8-12 weeks of flowering. Indica strains tend to be ready for harvest earlier than sativa strains.
Harvesting the buds: When they are ready for harvest, it’s important to cut them from the plant with a pair of scissors or pruning shears. It’s best to do this in the morning when the humidity levels are low and to handle the buds gently to avoid damaging them.
It’s important to note that cannabis laws vary from state to state and country to country, so you should check your local laws and regulations before harvesting your cannabis. Additionally, it’s important to monitor your cannabis plants and their needs closely, as over-harvesting or under-harvesting can affect the quality and yield of your buds.

TRIMMING AND DRYING YOUR CANNABIS BUDS

Trimming and drying cannabis buds is an important step in growing cannabis.
Trimming and drying cannabis buds is an important step in growing cannabis. Here’s a general overview of how to trim and dry your buds:

TRIMMING

Trimming is the process of removing the leaves from the buds.
Some prefer to trim the cannabis buds when they are dry, while others prefer a “wet” trim. Whatever makes removing the leaves easier for you.
You can trim the buds by hand with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, or you can use a bud trimmer machine.
DRYING:

Drying removes moisture from the cannabis buds to make them ready for consumption.
The drying process should occur in a dark, well-ventilated area with low humidity and a temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
Hang the cannabis buds upside down from strings or a drying rack, or place them on a mesh screen.
The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of the grow space.
Once the cannabis buds are dry, you can store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
It’s important to note that the drying process is important for preserving the cannabis buds and getting the right moisture level. If the buds are not dry enough, they may develop mould or mildew. If they are too dry, they may lose potency or taste. It’s important to handle the cannabis buds gently during the trimming and drying process to avoid damaging them.

EXTRACTING AND PROCESSING YOUR CANNABIS

There are several ways to extract and process cannabis that you have grown, including:

Dry Sift: This method involves using a series of screens to separate the trichomes (the resin glands that contain the majority of the plant’s active compounds) from the rest of the plant material.
Ice Water Extraction: This method involves freezing cannabis buds and then agitating them in a container of ice water. The trichomes will break off and can be collected and pressed into a “hash” or “kief.”
Solvent Extraction: This method involves using a solvent, such as ethanol or butane, to extract the active compounds from the plant material. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated extract.
CO2 Extraction: This method involves using high pressure and extremely low temperatures to extract the active compounds from the plant material using carbon dioxide as a solvent.
Once you extract the cannabis, it can be further processed into various products such as oil, wax, shatter, and more.

It’s important to note that some of the above methods require specific equipment and experience. Also, some methods, like solvent extraction, must be handled cautiously as solvents are flammable and can be dangerous if not handled properly.

CONCLUSION

TO SUM UP, GROWING CANNABIS INVOLVES SEVERAL STEPS, INCLUDING:

Germinating seeds: This involves starting the growth process by placing cannabis seeds in a warm, humid environment until they sprout. (Alternatively, you can use a clone.)
Vegetative stage: Once the cannabis seeds have sprouted, you move them to a growing area with appropriate light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. The cannabis plants will grow leaves and branches during this stage.
Flowering stage: Once the cannabis plants have reached a certain size and maturity, you induce them to enter the flowering stage by reducing the amount of light they receive each day. This will cause the plants to produce buds containing most of the active compounds.
Harvesting: Once the cannabis buds have reached maturity, they are harvested, dried, and cured.
Processing: After you harvest the cannabis plants, they are processed to extract the active compounds, which you can use to make various products such as oil, wax, shatter, etc.
GROWING YOUR OWN CANNABIS CAN HAVE SEVERAL BENEFITS, INCLUDING:

Cost savings: Growing your own cannabis can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for the cost of purchasing it from a dispensary or dealer.
Control over quality: When you grow your own cannabis, you have control over the quality and purity of the plant, ensuring that you are consuming a safe and high-quality product.
Customization: Growing your own cannabis allows you to customize the strain and growing conditions to suit your personal preferences and needs.
Self-sufficiency: Cultivating your own cannabis can give you a sense of self-sufficiency and accomplishment.
Legalization: In some places, growing your own cannabis is legal and regulated, making it an easy, cost-effective option. And a safer option if you don’t trust the black or legal markets.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR FURTHER LEARNING

Here is the list of books that pair well with this e-book if this is a hobby you’d like to get into deeper.

Marijuana Grower’s Handbook by Ed Rosenthal is a good primary text.
Closet Cultivator: Indoor Marijuana Cultivation Made Easy by Ed Rosenthal is a good secondary text.
Big Book of Buds Greatest Hits by Ed Rosenthal is your dictionary for cannabis genetics.
Marijuana Garden Saver: A Field Guide to Identifying and Correcting Cannabis Problems by Ed Rosenthal is for when you run into problems.
The Cannabis Grow Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing Marijuana for Recreational and Medical Use by Greg Green is a good reference guide but not designed for beginners.
True Living Organics: The Ultimate Guide to Growing All-Natural Marijuana Indoors by The Rev is for those who really want to take this hobby to the next level and grow organically.
Cultivating Exceptional Cannabis: An Expert Breeder Shares His Secrets by DJ Short is also an organic, sustainable method that includes a section on creating your own strains.

[Bonno]

RETAIL
They were convicted on marijuana charges. Now they’re first in line to sell it legally
PUBLISHED FRI, 19-02-2023
Bonno

As marijuana legalization spreads, states are looking at different ways to ensure those most affected by decades of racially biased anti-drug policies have a leg up.

Under a special program, New Jersey prioritizes granting licenses to dispensaries run by people with marijuana convictions on their records.
Lawmakers hope that by making equity a cornerstone of their newly legalized markets, those who dealt marijuana in the illegal, or “legacy” market, will be persuaded to go legit.
Tahir Johnson said he's on track to be one of the first people with a marijuana related conviction to open a licensed dispensary in New Jersey. "The generational wealth this will create for my family is surreal," he said.
Tahir Johnson said he’s on track to be one of the first people with a marijuana related conviction to open a licensed dispensary in New Jersey. “The generational wealth this will create for my family is surreal,” he said.
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
TRENTON, N.J. — Tahir Johnson has been arrested on marijuana possession charges three times. Now, for the first time in his life, his conviction on one of those charges won’t hurt his employment prospects. It will help.

Johnson, 39, will be one of the first people with a marijuana-related conviction to own and operate a legal dispensary in New Jersey when he opens Simply Pure Trenton in March in his hometown of Ewing, which borders the state’s capital city. He was among about a dozen in the state to win a conditional license in 2022 because of his status as a “social equity applicant.”

“I checked all the boxes,” Johnson said of his qualifications for the application. “And I was especially confident because of my previous arrests.”

New Jersey is prioritizing granting licenses to dispensaries run by minorities, women and disabled veterans; dispensaries located in “impact zones,” or communities disproportionately affected by policing and marijuana arrests; and dispensaries run by people with prior marijuana convictions. It’s part of a concerted effort to redress decades of racially biased anti-drug policies.

Johnson fit into all three priority categories. Since he won his conditional license, he raised capital, purchased a property and secured approval from municipal authorities.

Tahir Johnson stands outside the building that will soon be home to Simply Pure Trenton, in Ewing Township, NJ.
Tahir Johnson stands in front of what will soon be “Simply Pure Trenton”. The mixed use property is over 6,000 square feet and sits along a high traffic roadway.
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
A conditional license is a provisional license that allows awardees to begin operating while they fulfill requirements for an annual license. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, or CRC, issued the first 11 of them in May. Since then, about one-quarter of all licenses have gone to social equity applicants, and 16% went specifically to applicants with prior marijuana convictions, according to a recent report from the agency.

“It’s a full circle moment,” said Johnson, whose past is riddled with run-ins with police, overnight stays in jail, and court battles over small amounts of marijuana recovered during traffic stops. These days, Johnson spends his time hiring staff, meeting with contractors and preparing merchandise. He expects the business will be profitable.

Tahir Johnson interviews a prospective employee ahead of his dispensary's opening next month. His goal is to 45 employees for part time and full time roles.
Tahir Johnson interviews a prospective employee ahead of his dispensary’s opening next month. His goal is to 45 employees for part time and full time roles.
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
“The generational wealth this will create for my family is surreal,” he said.

In the third quarter of 2022, there was $177 million in marijuana sales across the state, including $116 million in recreational sales alone, according to data from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

Emphasizing equity

Lawmakers say efforts that prioritize entrepreneurs such as Johnson are a part of a broader reckoning to right the wrongs of the past and give those most affected by marijuana prohibition a leg up against corporate competitors. Similar initiatives are underway in other states, including New York, which has reserved the first 150 licenses solely for people with marijuana-related offenses or their relatives.

“There are plenty of people that went to jail or prison for marijuana that have more experience than a lot of these corporate entities,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. “We wanted to make sure they were able to get into the doorway themselves and be just as successful as a company coming in here from Colorado.”

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora stands on the balcony of his office in City Hall. It faces a busy commercial strip including storefront "NJWeedman's Joint & Dispensary."
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora stands on the balcony of his office in City Hall. It faces a busy commercial strip including storefront “NJWeedman’s Joint & Dispensary.”
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
Gusciora, who helped introduce legislation for recreational use, said he’s thrilled at the influx of marijuana businesses trying to open in Trenton. He hopes the city can be a model for what a healthy, equitable legal market looks like. But before that can happen, those most affected by the war on drugs need to be included, Gusciora said.

“The whole purpose of legalization was to put drug dealers out of business,” said the mayor. “And now unless you allow them to get in legitimately, that defeats the whole purpose of legalization.”

John Dockery has been dealing marijuana since he was a teenager in the 1990s. His first charge at 19 for simple possession significantly limited his job prospects and kept him dealing, he said.

John Dockery said he's "so used to stuff feeling like it's not programmed for us" and was surprised to have been awarded a license last year.
John Dockery said he’s “so used to stuff feeling like it’s not programmed for us” and was surprised to have been awarded a license last year.
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
“From the beginning of my adulthood, I had to disclose my charge every time I went for a job, and it stopped me from progressing in life,” said the Trenton native, who last year was among the first to receive a conditional license.

At first, Dockery was suspicious of New Jersey’s legalization efforts. He had racked up six charges over the years but said this was the “norm” for Trenton.

“I don’t know many people without at least one marijuana charge,” Dockery said. “Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, everyone here has at least one.”

John Dockery rolls a joint. He's sold marijuana since he was he was a teenager in the 1990s.
John Dockery rolls a joint. He’s sold marijuana since he was a teenager in the 1990s.
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
African Americans represent nearly half of Trenton’s population. In recent years, the state said it was an “Impact Zone,” or an area where marijuana criminalization contributed to higher concentrations of law enforcement activity, unemployment and poverty. In Mercer County, where Trenton is located, African Americans were more than four times as likely as white residents to be charged with possessing the drug, despite similar rates of usage.


Dockery said even though he was exactly the kind of applicant the state promised to give priority to while issuing licenses, he was “so used to stuff feeling like it’s not programmed for us” that the award came as a surprise.

From ‘legacy’ to legal

New Jersey lawmakers are hopeful that people such as Dockery, who dealt marijuana in the existing illegal or “legacy” market, will want to join the burgeoning legal market and apply as social equity applicants.

For longtime dealer Ed Forchion, the decision to go legit concludes a decadeslong saga of arrests, raids, court battles and stints in prison. Forchion, 58, has sold marijuana most of his life and gained fame in New Jersey as a staunch advocate for legalization, running for political office in the state through his Legalize Marijuana Party.

Ed Forchion, who also goes by "NJ Weedman," stands outside of Trenton City Hall. Marijuana is decriminalized in New Jersey, and individuals like Forchion have largely had their offenses reversed in recent years.
Ed Forchion, who also goes by “NJ Weedman,” stands outside of Trenton City Hall. Marijuana is decriminalized in New Jersey, and individuals like Forchion have largely had their offenses reversed in recent years.
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
Forchion, who also goes by the moniker “NJ Weedman,” began selling weed openly at his Trenton storefront in 2016. His dispensary, NJ Weedman’s Joint, sits opposite Trenton’s City Hall.

“Who wants the threat of arrest all the time?” he said. “While I was willing to fight, while I was willing to battle, I’d much rather pay taxes and be legal, and be considered an ingenious, smart, intelligent businessman, rather than a conniving, manipulative drug dealer.”

Marijuana is decriminalized in the state, and people such as Forchion have largely had their offenses reversed in recent years.

While he’s ready to join the legal market, Forchion sees some shortcomings to the framework proposed by the cannabis commission, such as its ban on dispensaries selling food or drinks of any kind.

Ed Forchion smokes marijuana in his dispensary located across the street from Trenton City Hall.
Ed Forchion smokes marijuana in his dispensary located across the street from Trenton City Hall. His decision to go legit concludes a decades-long saga of arrests, raids, court battles and stints in prison.
Stefan Sykes for CNBC
“I don’t see how I can comply,” said Forchion, whose dispensary doubles as a restaurant.

Nevertheless, he applauds the agency’s efforts at paving a way for people like him. He’s also moving toward legitimacy — albeit at his own pace.

“The black market was here first, so the state’s going to have to catch up to me and people like me,” he said. “But my goal in the end is to hand a thriving, legal business to my kids.”

[Bonno]

[Bonno]

A certain hype brand from the USA recently had their dispo "Grand Opening" in BKK... with no product. They had a contract with a grower, but they tried to lower the price on delivery and the guy told them where to go.
What a shit show.

[Bonno]

Bonno
South Africa
18-02-23

Five years after decriminalization historical cannabis records still block thousands of South Africans from immigration and employment.

Here are a few of their stories.

Arnold Malan* has lived with a heavy chip on his shoulder since 1994. A former officer in the South Africa colonial police, he, like thousands more, can’t easily emigrate because of a historical conviction for smoking cannabis blocks them from accessing visas to US, China, Australia and elsewhere.

Cannabis Albatross

“It feels like a crime of a lifetime when it’s no really a crime,” Malan, 53, tells Cannabis Culture from his home in Johannesburg, South Africa’s commercial capital. To avoid further jeopardizing his future immigration chances to China, better-paying domestic job opportunities in South Africa or avoid reprisals, Malan chose to change his name out of the sensitivity of the discussion.

“It was in 1994 when colonialism ended and all officers serving with me in the army’s unit, Black, Colored, White were used to roll up smoke of cannabis to ease off the pressures of a volatile job. I got arrested one weekend and have carried a ‘criminal’record in the police database since then,” he says.

Malan, like many other South African who spoke to Bonno say a so-called criminal record for cannabis possession has stood between them and a good life for years.

“I got a job offer as a heating technician in Australia in 2018. It was the chance of a lifetime. I was on the door of emigrating until police clearance letters showed my arrest for cannabis smoking at a Valentine Day outdoor barbecue party in 2015. The Australian visa officer crossed off my visa approval,” Bhekumuzi Nyambose*, 39 tells Cannabis Culture.

Like Malan, Nyambose is highly skilled, and yet is now dependent on a ZAR 2000 ($180) monthly South Africa welfare grant thanks to a trivial cannabis possession ‘crime’ record.

Ugly history

In the case of Malan, the ex-South African soldier who is now idle because of a decades old cannabis so-called offence, history has been unkind to him in as much as the law has been a blight. Euro-Christian male fanaticism which underpinned South Africa’s past colonial apartheid regime for 100 years until 1994punished cannabis use aggressively. In 1971, the colonial apartheid regime in South Africa passed a very strict law criminalized the cannabis plant and its associated products.However, underneath the sheet of white-led colonial police and armies’ officers of all ethnicities freely used cannabis says, says South African historian Gladman Sithole.

“It was an open secret; despite the hypocrisy, some police commanders during colonial times and even now smoked a joint of cannabis in their private moments. The job was and is stillhectic, requires steaming off,” says Sithole,

However, police records for cannabis possession, which are yetto be automatically expunged in South Africa have today condemned countless white and Black South Africans (ex-soldiers, students, youths, civil workers, pastors) from decent work, foreign visas, emigration because the in a ‘free’ new South Africa, the police refuses to expunge historical cannabis individual ‘criminal’ records even though the country’s supreme court, in a landmark ruling in 2018, decriminalized cannabis use.

“It’s a Kafkaesque frustration that has ruined people’s families and careers over minor incidences like being found with a gram of cannabis in the past,” Brian Daliqebo, a criminal defense lawyer in the capital Pretoria tells Cannabis Culture.

“On my books I have dentists, sailors, English teachers who got lucrative job offers out of South Africa in the US or Singapore but can’t move an inch because police won’t expunge their cannabis criminal records.”

The US where there is not yet a federal-wide cannabis legalization take a dim view of cannabis possession on visa applicants files, says Daliqebo. Singapore, a city-state in Asia, strictly punishes cannabis possession with fines that reach up to $S20,000 ($15,000us) and its embassy in South Africa don’t tolerate cannabis details on a visa applicant’s file, added Daliqebo the attorney.

A slow bill

Yet, for cannabis users like Malan and others, South Africa’s economy is in the throes of debilitating electricity blackouts and mass unemployment that has made it the world’s top country for youth joblessness. Thousands of skilled workers have emigrated and are actively looking to take up viable jobs abroad and some complain that past and personal interaction with cannabis for leisurely use is throttling their professional careers.

A bill has been introduced in South Africa’s parliament to force police to automatically expunge cannabis so-called criminal possession records for ordinary South Africans and align the situation with the supreme court’s 2018 legalization ruling. It is being called the Cannabis for Private Usage Bill. However,lawyers representing South Africa’s skilled workers whose lives and careers are frozen by residual cannabis charges doubt that there will be will and capacity by police to automatically expunge criminal records.

“It’s a mystery. The police don’t consider this priority. Even if the bills pass, we doubt police will act quickly or set up the technology to automatically delete cannabis ‘crime’ records,” says Daliqebo the advocate.

The spokesperson for South Africa Police Service, Manfred Xulu says police’s hands are tied until the bill is passed. “We can’t promise automatic deleting of records until the law is passed to authorize that. We wait for relevant laws first.”

It’s improper what police are doing – maintaining past cannabis convictions as a ransom on people lives yet the South Africa supreme court long legalized all uses of cannabis in 2018.

“Very soon we are likely to see a big lawsuit against the South Africa police by private citizens whose lives have been held up by irrelevant cannabis use charges contained in their databases,” says Shimmer Pasi, treasurer of the Sandton Cannabis Boutiques Forum, a grouping of small startup businesses seeking licenses to openly sell cannabis on main street retail spaces in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“As participants in the local cannabis scene, we suspect police don’t want automatic expunging of cannabis records because the ability to affect cannabis arrests arbitrarily gives police so muchbragging power over ordinary South African citizens.”

A stubborn past

Gladman Sithole is perplexed that the Christian puritanism fervor of colonial South Africa which frowned up cannabis use has continued in a supposedly ‘new’ South Africa. “On cannabis criminalization of ordinary citizens, the ugly old has blended in well with the humiliating present,” he says explaining that, on cannabis criminalization, the goal was to block IndeginousSouth Africans from commercially exploiting a crop that they had cultivated for centuries.

“Cannabis record is now an albatross around my neck, a barrier to block me from getting a good state job or a better one abroad,” says Kimberly Ramogkopa*, 27, a newly qualified nurse in Johannesburg who says a cannabis possession arrest on her graduation party in 2020 has stalled civil service recruiters from hiring her for hospital jobs.

“I’m stuck sitting at home while hospitals battle shortages of midwives thanks to my cannabis police record. My lawyer says realistically my record could only be expunged when the bill passes around 2025. It’s so grossly unfair.”

*Asterik means people mentioned chose to change their names out of extreme fear of being targeted in South Africa.

[Bonno]

Why would the dealers be dirty? :) If it wasn't for them and people growing their own, nobody would be in the position to do it legally. It's the government that wants their cut of well established and existing market and industry, not the other way round

[Bonno]

Caritas Director, who opposed cannabis legalization is now Head of the Cannabis Authority responsible for cannabis legislation reform. Yeah, nothing will go wrong there and he's fully qualified for the job ????

[Bonno]

Black market sell a dirty, synthetic and untested product' - McKay defends 'harm reduction' cannabis reform
Head of the Cannabis Authority Lenoid McKay says the cannabis reform will regulate a market that was completely in the hands of the dealers
luke_vella
18 February 2023, 10:57am
by Luke Vella
Leonid McKay
Leonid McKay

TWEET SHARE
Head of the Cannabis Authority Lenoid McKay defended the responsible use of cannabis legislation reform, saying it tasked with harm reduction and discouraged commercialisation of the substance.

McKay was interviewed by university dean and ardent cannabis use opposer Andrew Azzopardi on Radio 103 Malta’s Heart on Saturday morning.

Azzopardi did not mince his words and went guns blazing against McKay’s past opposition to cannabis legalisation, during his former days as Caritas Director.

Local NGO ReLeaf Malta had expressed concerns at McKay’s appointment as head of the cannabis authority, saying this went against the spirit of the law.

He had replaced Malta’s first chair of the newly-created Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis, Mariella Dimech, who was sacked after just 10 months in her role by the Home Affairs Ministry.

“I was very angry at you [when you were appointed],” Azzopardi told McKay at the start of the interview. “Even your title [head of the Cannabis Authority] makes my stomach turn.”

McKay defended the cannabis reform saying that “the law matured to a one that regulates a market that was completely in the hands of those that had no interest in harm reduction.”

“Before, cannabis users got a product that was dirty, synthetic, and untested […] if you legislate and promote the substance, you will have issues. We are, however, legislating and regulating a responsible market with a model that is not motivated by profits,” McKay said.

Presented with the argument that the harm reduction argument could be applied to other substances like cocaine and heroin, McKay said that the use of certain illegal substances increased despite no legislation ‘promoting’ it.

Malta's Drug Report for 2021 found that cocaine and synthetic cannabis (SCRA) were the main drugs for which individuals sought medical assistance because of intoxication. There were 513 drug-related emergencies, with five leading to death.

Azzopardi argued that Caritas and OASIS were responsible for drug harm reduction and not the Cannabis Authority.

McKay disagreed and emphasised that every cannabis club would be connected to a centralised system, and no individual would be able to be a member of multiple associations.

He also said that no ID card numbers would be used and therefore, the names of the cannabis users would not be disclosed to the authorities.

McKay also emphasised that the associations would be Non-Profit Organisations. He said that the authority would make sure that their CEOs would not be paid exorbitant wages through legislation that took into consideration the market wages at the time.

[Bonno]

El Capitan
Despite this being one of my worst grows due to plants being root bound, I managed to nail 26% cannabinoids and 3.5% terpenes. Thanks for the amazing genetics and getting this tested @ChimeraGenetics . The guy with a spare bedroom beating LPs ??

[Bonno]

[Bonno]

INSIDER ONLY
‘I was sick’: Ex-Canopy Growth CEO Linton says firm’s latest job cuts likely not the last
David Sali
February 17 2023
3:55 PM
While Canopy's latest layoffs are another big blow to Smiths Falls and its residents, Bruce Linton says he thinks things could get worse for the cannabis producer before they get better.

No shit Bruce?