Cannabis News

[blackstone]

Cypress Hill tackle government's reluctance to legalise weed on new track 'Open Ya Mind'

Cypress Hill have released a new track called 'Open Ya Mind', which targets the government's reluctance to legalise marijuana in the US

www.nme.com

(Official Lyric Video)

 

[Robert-in-YEG]

Legalization confusion in Canada? Absolutely.

In Canada, legal cannabis comes from a licensed dispensary. It has a standardized label. Most important, it has a tax-sticker showing that the government has received their taxes.

Grey-market, black market, call it what you will, there are also dozens of Canadian websites that sell cannabis to other Canadians. Typically these sites sell higher quality herb at lower prices. This cannabis comes in a plain bag, with little information. These sites work with local growers, selling directly to consumers.

In Alberta there is an interesting competition between legal and black market. Online it is pretty easy to find a decent ounce for about $100. As of late, local licensed retailers are selling a decent ounce for about $100. Black market weed is usually good quality, but there is no one grading the price or quality. Legal weed is tested and inspected.

Robert-in-YEG

Chris Selley: Ontarians befuddled and perplexed by the success of legalized cannabis

Ontario’s pot experience just might threaten some longstanding idiocies in this province

nationalpost.com

"Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives."
~ Ronald Reagan

"My mother slept with Fidel Casto. That's what I was advised" Do you wanna play Mr Dress-up?".
~ Justin Trudeau

 

[invertedisdead]

You know we’re a desperate bunch when we hinge our expectations on someone Sniffy “intends to nominate”

What a confidence inspiring post.

Here’s a quote from the article that’s worth posting: “FDA had yet to find that botanical marijuana is “safe and effective for any indication,”

Contrast that with cigarettes, which they’ve yet to find harmful enough to remove from market.

The DEA and FDA and any other anti-freedom alphabet acronym agency can go skip rope.

 

[Polarbearboy]

Inside the Rise and Surprising Crackdown of the Country's Hottest Weed Market: Oklahoma!

Inside the Rise — and Surprising Crackdown — of the Country’s Hottest Weed Market

In a deep-red state that became the nation’s hottest marijuana market, keeping regulations to a minimum didn’t keep the bad guys out.

www.politico.com

 

[JBone65]

Inside the Rise and Surprising Crackdown of the Country's Hottest Weed Market: Oklahoma!

Inside the Rise — and Surprising Crackdown — of the Country’s Hottest Weed Market

In a deep-red state that became the nation’s hottest marijuana market, keeping regulations to a minimum didn’t keep the bad guys out.

www.politico.com

Very interesting, although it might exaggerate the severity of the situation to some degree. It sounds like an invasion of criminal elements when it's really about who makes the profit. It didn't mention the benefits of the associated tax revenue or the benefits that come from stopping locking up normal people. I don't doubt lots of illegal growing is occurring, but not sure how big a deal it is. Growing is a lot of work, and it's not cheap, and the prices are already pretty low. Busting illegal operations might tend to support the price to some degree. Might be another reason to stick with a reputable dispensary, with genuine test sheets, consistent quality, etc. I can attest, going to some dispensaries in Oklahoma is a crap shoot. Still way better than it was back in the decades of oppression... IMO.

 

[macbill]

Comedians join in push for U.S. pot legalization

Big cannabis companies are backing a new, celebrity-infused campaign to enlist marijuana users to pressure members of Congress to legalize pot nationwide. Federal legalization has advanced somewhat bu

www.newsday.com

 

[blackstone]

Recent study sees no increase in traffic injuries after cannabis legalization - My Prince George Now

A study from a UBC Northern Medical Program Professor found that the 2018 legalization of cannabis did not affect the number of traffic injuries in Canada. Dr Russ Callaghan said […]

www.myprincegeorgenow.com

================

(British man jailed for 25 years in Dubai for CBD oil and a vape pen now feared missing after speaking out)

Billy Hood's family 'fear worst' after losing contact with him in UAE jail

The family claim they've heard nothing from Billy since he claimed he would 'expose the cops who framed him'

www.mylondon.news

Fears as 'framed' Brit jailed in Dubai 'vanishes' after vowing to expose cops

Football coach Billy Hood, 24, from London, was locked up for possessing CBD vape oil but his worried family say he has not been in contact with them since he was transferred to a jail in Abu Dhabi

www.mirror.co.uk

 

[Robert-in-YEG]

Recent study sees no increase in traffic injuries after cannabis legalization - My Prince George Now

A study from a UBC Northern Medical Program Professor found that the 2018 legalization of cannabis did not affect the number of traffic injuries in Canada. Dr Russ Callaghan said […]

www.myprincegeorgenow.com

================

(British man jailed for 25 years in Dubai for CBD oil and a vape pen now feared missing after speaking out)

Billy Hood's family 'fear worst' after losing contact with him in UAE jail

The family claim they've heard nothing from Billy since he claimed he would 'expose the cops who framed him'

www.mylondon.news

Fears as 'framed' Brit jailed in Dubai 'vanishes' after vowing to expose cops

Football coach Billy Hood, 24, from London, was locked up for possessing CBD vape oil but his worried family say he has not been in contact with them since he was transferred to a jail in Abu Dhabi

www.mirror.co.uk

I guess that is one place that I won't be visiting.

It is depressing that cannabis is still viewed negatively, despite years of progress. If people would open their eyes, alcohol is far more damaging, both to individuals and societies. While it has been legalized in Canada, there is still a stigma. It is fine to say that PTSD is affecting my physical and mental health, but I would be very reluctant to say that I use cannabis; it isn't seen as anything other than a recreational drug.

Robert-in-YEG

"He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything."
~ Thomas Carlyle

 

[Adobewan]

I guess that is one place that I won't be visiting.

It is depressing that cannabis is still viewed negatively, despite years of progress. If people would open their eyes, alcohol is far more damaging, both to individuals and societies. While it has been legalized in Canada, there is still a stigma. It is fine to say that PTSD is affecting my physical and mental health, but I would be very reluctant to say that I use cannabis; it isn't seen as anything other than a recreational drug.

Robert-in-YEG

"He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything."
~ Thomas Carlyle

Cannabis is viewed as another way to profit off the people either by locking them up or taxation.
Hardly a negative for our greedy overlords,
Nothing to do with health risks or keeping it out of the hands of kids, all to do with their profits.

 

[Robert-in-YEG]

Cannabis is viewed as another way to profit off the people either by locking them up or taxation.
Hardly a negative for our greedy overlords,
Nothing to do with health risks or keeping it out of the hands of kids, all to do with their profits.

Except in Canada. Justin Trudeau and the Liberal's legalization plan has left us with more grey-market websites, than legal dispensaries. The actual tax stamp that is put in 'legal' weed is extremely low tech. I've even seen fake Canadian cannabis stamps on eBay. It has made weed extremely cheap and abundant, but I don't know if anyone is making money.

Robert-in-YEG

"He who controls the money supply of a nation controls the nation."
~ James A. Garfield

 

[Planck]

Except in Canada. Justin Trudeau and the Liberal's legalization plan has left us with more grey-market websites, than legal dispensaries.

yeah what a bunch of LuZeRs. WTF dude it's legal, one of the first countries in the world and you can grow your own. MAN THAT SUX yeah.

 

[Robert-in-YEG]

yeah what a bunch of LuZeRs. WTF dude it's legal, one of the first countries in the world and you can grow your own. MAN THAT SUX yeah.

Yes, cheap weed is a problem. The cheaper it is, the more I use

Recreationally, we are doing fine. On the medical side, we've stagnated. Some doctors no longer give cannabis related medical advice, because it is seen the same/similar way as alcohol.

Robert-in-YEG

 

[florduh]

Recreationally, we are doing fine. On the medical side, we've stagnated. Some doctors no longer give cannabis related medical advice, because it is seen the same/similar way as alcohol.

Was it common in Canada for doctors to recommend cannabis before full, recreational legalization?

Because I've now lived in two States during a medical only regime. In both States, "medical" simply meant you need to go to a MMJ doctor's office in a seedy strip mall, and pay them $50-$200 for a "recommendation" that allows you to legally buy cannabis at dispensaries. It was just a hoop to jump through, nothing more. It's not like regular doctors were commonly "prescribing" cannabis.

I agree that taxing weed enough that black/grey markets can thrive is stupid. But from where I'm sitting, I'd take what Canada is doing over the bullshit going on down here, any day of the week. Sometimes the grass literally is greener on the other side.

Like, the fact you can legally send actual weed through the Canadian Post Office blows my mind. We don't even have an option to ship empty vaporizers down here anymore.

 

[Robert-in-YEG]

Was it common in Canada for doctors to recommend cannabis before full, recreational legalization?

Because I've now lived in two States during a medical only regime. In both States, "medical" simply meant you need to go to a MMJ doctor's office in a seedy strip mall, and pay them $50-$200 for a "recommendation" that allows you to legally buy cannabis at dispensaries. It was just a hoop to jump through, nothing more. It's not like regular doctors were commonly "prescribing" cannabis.

I agree that taxing weed enough that black/grey markets can thrive is stupid. But from where I'm sitting, I'd take what Canada is doing over the bullshit going on down here, any day of the week. Sometimes the grass literally is greener on the other side.

Like, the fact you can legally send actual weed through the Canadian Post Office blows my mind. We don't even have an option to ship empty vaporizers down here anymore.

It wasn't common for doctors to recommend, but it did happen. More common were doctors referring to a specialist (mental health, pain, cancer, etc.); the specialist would sometimes consider cannabis.

As for the post office? That is how the grey-market survives. Order today, and cannabis arrives about 72 hours later.

In terms of legal weed, there are at least 3 stores within walking distance.

Robert-in-YEG

 

[Ramahs]

It wasn't common for doctors to recommend, but it did happen. More common were doctors referring to a specialist (mental health, pain, cancer, etc.); the specialist would sometimes consider cannabis.

As for the post office? That is how the grey-market survives. Order today, and cannabis arrives about 72 hours later.

In terms of legal weed, there are at least 3 stores within walking distance.

Robert-in-YEG

View attachment 14370

I'm jealous! But I'll be moving to one of the most legal states in the US in a couple weeks.
I'm so looking forward to it!

 

[Planck]

I'm jealous! But I'll be moving to one of the most legal states in the US in a couple weeks.
I'm so looking forward to it!

That's great man, happy for you.

 

[BabyFacedFinster]

U.S. Republicans move to decriminalize marijuana at federal level​

U.S. Republicans move to decriminalize marijuana at federal level

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation on Monday that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level and eliminate legal hazards facing many cannabis-related businesses while regulating its use like alcohol. Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who...

www.yahoo.com

 

[pakalolo]

Except in Canada. Justin Trudeau and the Liberal's legalization plan has left us with more grey-market websites, than legal dispensaries.

This is incorrect because Ontario. Doug Ford's approach has led to pot shops on almost every corner. There are five less than a three minute walk from here, three of them within 30 meters of each other. I live in a city of about 150,000.

 

[Robert-in-YEG]

This is incorrect because Ontario. Doug Ford's approach has led to pot shops on almost every corner. There are five less than a three minute walk from here, three of them within 30 meters of each other. I live in a city of about 150,000.

That's NOT incorrect; it is the same in Edmonton. There are cannabis shops on every corner here as well. Add in the grey-market websites, and supply is not a worry.

The question is, "is anyone making money?". The reason I ask, is that stability is important too. If the government were to crack down on the grey market/we would see the price of cannabis skyrocket. I quite like being able to get 28g of AAA, AAA+, or (rarely) AAAA grade product for around $100. Before legalization, it was common to pay upwards of $250 for a decent ounce.

For the current system to survive, there needs to be a profit. I certainly don't want prices to go up. If weed kept forever, I would be hording it; there is some excellent product at amazing prices right now.

Robert-in-YEG

"I had to abandon free market principles in order to save the free market system."
~ George W. Bush

 

[pakalolo]

That's NOT incorrect; it is the same in Edmonton. There are cannabis shops on every corner here as well. Add in the grey-market websites, and supply is not a worry.

The question is, "is anyone making money?". The reason I ask, is that stability is important too. If the government were to crack down on the grey market/we would see the price of cannabis skyrocket. I quite like being able to get 28g of AAA, AAA+, or (rarely) AAAA grade product for around $100. Before legalization, it was common to pay upwards of $250 for a decent ounce.

For the current system to survive, there needs to be a profit. I certainly don't want prices to go up. If weed kept forever, I would be hording it; there is some excellent product at amazing prices right now.

Robert-in-YEG

"I had to abandon free market principles in order to save the free market system."
~ George W. Bush

My point was that the number of pot shops in this city alone is probably higher than the total of all grey-market websites.

I too wonder about the profitability of these shops. I can't see how this is sustainable. Sure lots of people use cannabis but the market just isn't that big.

I also find it interesting that the clientele I see in these shops is mostly middle-aged or older.

 

[C No Ego]

My point was that the number of pot shops in this city alone is probably higher than the total of all grey-market websites.

I too wonder about the profitability of these shops. I can't see how this is sustainable. Sure lots of people use cannabis but the market just isn't that big.

I also find it interesting that the clientele I see in these shops is mostly middle-aged or older.

only thing keeping it " profitable" is the illegal aspect ... anyone wanting to make any money from the plant ( drug dealer $$) via selling it for use will not once there are no more illegal aspects ... 100% decrim means 100% cheaper

 

[shredder]

My point was that the number of pot shops in this city alone is probably higher than the total of all grey-market websites.

I too wonder about the profitability of these shops. I can't see how this is sustainable. Sure lots of people use cannabis but the market just isn't that big.

I also find it interesting that the clientele I see in these shops is mostly middle-aged or older.

Michigan's dispensaries are expanding big time right now as small towns opt in. And just now prices are getting better.

As to profitability, watch the cannabis stocks. Investors will rush in buy anything available in a new market, but when profits don't materialize, bankruptcy follows. Those who eke out a profit in a competitive market will be left standing.

 

[JBone65]

Inside the Rise and Surprising Crackdown of the Country's Hottest Weed Market: Oklahoma!

Inside the Rise — and Surprising Crackdown — of the Country’s Hottest Weed Market

In a deep-red state that became the nation’s hottest marijuana market, keeping regulations to a minimum didn’t keep the bad guys out.

www.politico.com

Oklahoma is a deep red state. I would bet that hypocritical politicians are cashing in on the profit. Whether they are or not, state agencies probably should be used to shut down illegal operations.

The joke medical license is $100 for two years. There are 2200 dispensaries in little Oklahoma, so the prices are relatively good, but the real value of the license IMO is that it allows growing 8 mature (huge) plants and 8 seedlings, plus you can have 8 ounces at home. No home inspections or raids have occurred to my knowledge. After recovery of initial costs, home grown killer weed might cost only $25-30/oz. It should be cheap IMO.

 

[shredder]

It should be cheap IMO.

The politicians ain't cheap though.

The joke medical license is $100 for two years

Why is that a joke?

It's actually cheaper in MI, and we can have 10 ounces, more if it was grown and stored on your property. And we can flower 12 plants recreationally. 72 plants for a caregiver with 5 patients plus the caregiver. Dispensaries popping up everywhere.

But I don't see a joke, it's what people in our state voted for.

 

[BrianTL]

After recovery of initial costs, home grown killer weed might cost only $25-30/oz. It should be cheap IMO.

That's homegrown though. By the time it gets to store shelves...theres a loooot of overhead there. I would be curious to see a legitimate cost breakdown of the entire chain from grower to end user

Why is that a joke?

It's actually cheaper in MI, and we can have 10 ounces, more if it was grown and stored on your property. And we can flower 12 plants recreationally. 72 plants for a caregiver with 5 patients plus the caregiver. Dispensaries popping up everywhere.

But I don't see a joke, it's what people in our state voted for.

IMO the "joke" is needing a license to legally posses/consume. Especially considering its a "medical" license... meanwhile docs can prescribe opiates all day long and the consumer doesn't require a $100 license, to be renewed every 2 years

You could sell me on a "license" to produce and distribute to others. Pay-to-play medical cards are a complete scam as far as I'm concerned.