Created as the autoflowering version of the Wembley, the Wembley Autoflowering strain is derived from the union of the original Wembley with a Ruderalis. It harbors 60% Indica, 20% Sativa, and 20% Ruderalis genetics. This Indica-dominant hybrid has low to moderate THC levels and CBD content, allowing this cannabis to provide calm, pleasant, and long-lasting effects. Moreover, this cannabis tastes and smells very sweet and fruity, making it a real treat to its users. This hybrid is also surprisingly productive and generates decent yields of beautiful buds.
Strain Effects
This strain is Indica-dominant, it only delivers a soothing and long-lasting high. Its super pleasant effects allow users to plunge into extreme relaxation without experiencing a non-functional, body-wrecking punch. This strain is perfect for nighttime use.
Strain’s Flavor, Aroma & Appearance
Just like its mother strain, this autoflowering variety exudes a delectable odor that is filled with sweetness. As for its taste, this weed has very sweet, fruity, and tropical flavors that are fresh and pleasant to the taste buds. Wembley tends to produce medium-sized nugs that fall in between “light and fluffy” and “tight and thick,” despite being an Indica-leaning hybrid strain. The beautiful fluffy orange hairs that frequently cover the buds provide an accent to the forest or olive green color of these large nugs. Wembley nugs are renowned for being highly sticky and covered in a thick layer of transparent trichomes that resembles resin.
Growing Information of Wembley Strain
The Wembley Autoflowering strain is one of the most highly desired cannabis due to its ability to produce productive and generous yields. It can be grown indoors and out but grows super tall outdoors. This is a tall plant for an autoflowering variety. When given lots of land and space, it can reach its full potential and grow up to very tall heights. This cannabis finishes its whole flowering cycle and reaches its maturation within 7-8 weeks. Under optimal conditions, huge and compact buds yield decently to around 400 G/M² indoors and 550G per plant outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wembley Indica or Sativa?
Wembley strain is an Indica dominant. It harbors 60% Indica, 20% Sativa, and 20% Ruderalis genetics.
What does Wembley taste like?
This weed has very sweet, fruity, and tropical flavors that are fresh and pleasant to the taste buds.
Established in 2005, Crop King Seeds has been perfecting the genetics of the cannabis plant for medical and commercial grower seeking maximum results in THC levels and harvest size.
From classic strains to new age hybrids, our seeds are ideal for beginners and advanced growers wanting the best from the crop. Read more about us here.
Established in 2005, Crop King Seeds has been perfecting the genetics of the cannabis plant for medical and commercial grower seeking maximum results in THC levels and harvest size.
From classic strains to new age hybrids, our seeds are ideal for beginners and advanced growers wanting the best from the crop. Read more about us here.
Established in 2005, Crop King Seeds has been perfecting the genetics of the cannabis plant for medical and commercial grower seeking maximum results in THC levels and harvest size.
From classic strains to new age hybrids, our seeds are ideal for beginners and advanced growers wanting the best from the crop. Read more about us here.
Established in 2005, Crop King Seeds has been perfecting the genetics of the cannabis plant for medical and commercial grower seeking maximum results in THC levels and harvest size.
From classic strains to new age hybrids, our seeds are ideal for beginners and advanced growers wanting the best from the crop. Read more about us here.
What are the Flavor and Effects of Peanut Butter Cake Feminized Strain?
Living up to its name, the Peanut Butter Cake feminized strain has flavors and smell that can be compared to actual peanut butter. The smell is sweet and nutty with hints of sour and earthy notes. Given its high THC content, this cannabis provides a high that will instantly kick just right after exhaling the smoke. Users have proven that this strain initially delivers an uplifting head high and a physically relaxing effect. The wide range of effects includes having high energy levels and being giggly most of the time. Also, it makes the users get into their creative side and makes them more focused on their tasks. This strain can even get its users aroused.
What are the Medical Benefits of Peanut Butter Cake Feminized Strain?
Aside from providing recreational effects, the Peanut Butter Cake feminized strain also offers a number of medicinal benefits. Its uplifting qualities can help those who are suffering from stress, anxiety, and even depression. The calming and relaxing body buzz can help relieve chronic body pain, migraine, nausea, and fatigue. Also, this cannabis can be effective in treating appetite loss.
Negative Effects You Can Expect from Peanut Butter Cake Feminized Strain
Like any other cannabis strain, this one can cause a few adverse reactions. Users can commonly experience having dry eyes and dry mouth. These can be easily treated by drinking lots of fluids and staying hydrated. After a few puffs, some, especially those who have a low tolerance for high THC, may experience couchlock. This strain can also cause a case of munchies, leaving its users hungry. It is advised to have a toke of this strain in moderation, especially with the newbies, so as not to experience unwanted negative effects.
How to Grow Peanut Butter Cake Feminized Strain
Cultivating the Peanut Butter Cake feminized strain is quite easy. It’s perfect for beginner and skilled growers alike. This cannabis plant has a flowering time of 9-11 weeks on average. It can be grown indoors and outdoors. But it’s highly suggested to grow the plants outdoors where they can fully thrive. The basic plant needs should be supplies such as organic nutrients, water, and a constant light source. As the plant matures, the colors of its buds are an added area of note with this cannabis. It has been described to twinkle due to its purple and blueish hues accentuated by the light green streaks. Furthermore, the smell of the nugs intensifies. By harvest time, growers can collect medium yields of large and aromatic buds.
Established in 2005, Crop King Seeds has been perfecting the genetics of the cannabis plant for medical and commercial grower seeking maximum results in THC levels and harvest size.
From classic strains to new age hybrids, our seeds are ideal for beginners and advanced growers wanting the best from the crop. Read more about us here.
Improving upon the AURORA, its award-winning predecessor, the STELLA portable concentrate pen is the next generation vaporizer from Dr. Dabber.
LESS HEAT, MORE FLAVOR
Let’s face it. There are a lot of vape pens on the market today, but the STELLA pen is different. The handheld vaporizer utilizes cutting-edge technology and a stylish look and feel that sets it apart from the rest.
Retailing for under $100, the STELLA vape comes with a built-in alumina ceramic vaporization chamber with a fully sealed alumina ceramic heating element. The design allows air to move more freely due to the offset air inlets integrated in the vaporization chamber and reduces heat transfer to the body of the pen, keeping the pen cool to touch even after several draws.
The battery of the STELLA was designed with a Temperature Coefficient Resistance (TCR) heating element. Instead of the battery putting out a constant voltage, the TCR technology allows the device’s battery to adjust its voltage based on the desired temperature of the heating element. Thanks to TCR, we can say good-bye to those nasty, burnt-tasting draws some vape pens are known for… and hello to extended battery life and overall consistency.
UNBOXING
One of the first things you notice when you start unboxing the Dr. Dabber STELLA vape pen is the packaging. The high level of design inspires confidence that the product inside will not disappoint. The device is encased in a sleek, sturdy black box that works great as a carrying case later on if you find it necessary to take it with you; it fits easily into a purse, backpack, etc.
The overall design of the STELLA device is simplistic. The pen breaks down into three parts: (1) the magnetic mouthpiece assembly which houses the silicone filter/airflow regulator, (2) the ceramic bowl atomizer, and (3) the battery.
It is worth noting that although the device has a standard 510-threaded atomizer to battery connection, Dr. Dabber cautions that the STELLA battery is NOT compatible with 510-threaded cartridges.
GETTING ACQUAINTED
Most of the functions of the STELLA pen are accomplished by clicking / pressing the slightly raised Dr. Dabber logo located on the battery piece. It can easily be found – even in the dark – by running your finger over the device’s smooth, black, stainless steel surface.
We’ll call this the “go” button since it has multiple uses; it not only powers the vape on and off, but also cycles through the battery heat settings, monitors battery charge, and activates the draw.
There is also a Dr. Dabber logo on the bottom of the battery piece that lights up to indicate the device’s heat status; the lights are fun as well as functional.
Another cool feature is the haptic feedback that lets you feel a slight vibration when the STELLA unit is turned on/off or when the temperature settings are changed.
CHARGING
The Dr. Dabber STELLA vaporizer features a 600-milliamp battery. Like other pen vapes, it is recommended to fully charge the device before your initial use.
The charging port is found near the go button on the battery piece. After inserting one side of the fast-charging USB-C cable (included) into a USB port and the other end into the vaporizer pen, you should see lights on the unit blinking to indicate the device is successfully charging. A solid green light indicates charging is complete. On average, it takes about an hour to fully charge the STELLA vape pen.
It’s time to recharge the battery when the Dr. Dabber logo blinks 3 times and vibrates to warn you the battery level is getting low. There is no specific color for the warning; the lights blink the color of the current heat setting.
Although you can charge the STELLA battery with the other pieces attached, it is a good idea to get into the habit of removing the atomizer and mouthpiece when charging. This is especially important if there is any oil left in the chamber.
So you forgot to charge your STELLA – no problem. The device’s pass-through charging means you can use it even while plugged in and charging. The battery holds a good charge and can handle 40-60 hits before needing a recharge.
LOADING
Once the STELLA dab pen is fully charged, it is easy as pie to get started. Simply (1) remove the magnetic mouthpiece (pull upwards to separate from the atomizer), (2) load your concentrate of choice directly on the bottom of the heating plate inside the ceramic bowl, and (3) replace the mouthpiece. A dabbing tool is provided in the kit (and don’t lose this tool, it has other uses – see section on cleaning below).
How much wax/oil to put into the chamber will depend greatly on the type of concentrate being used, how many hits are desired, and the experience level and tolerance of the user. When it comes to dosing cannabis concentrates, we always recommend starting with low doses, working your way up to bigger doses once you are more comfortable with the concentrate’s effect on your body.
In any case, NEVER fill the atomizer chamber more than half of the cup’s capacity. Overloading will restrict air flow, inhibit vapor production, and may possibly cause damage to the unit itself.
TURNING ON / OFF
The STELLA battery comes with a 5 click on / off feature to ensure the battery is only on when you want it to be on. When successfully clicked 5 times, the pen will light up and vibrate. This safety feature is especially important if you carry your device in your pocket or purse without encasing it in something protective like the box it came in.
When the unit is turned on, the pen glows either green, cyan, or orange depending on the last heat setting stored in its memory.
OPERATING THE STELLA
Preheating for at least 5-10 seconds is recommended, especially if you are working with more dense concentrates like shatters.
To preheat the Stella vape pen, click the go button 2 times. The lights on the unit will glow purple. The preheat cycle is complete when the STELLA wax pen heats to 460 degrees F – this takes about 15 seconds.
In addition to the preheat mode, you will find 3 more voltage levels. Simply click the button 3 more times to cycle through each of the heat levels:
Heat Level 1 – green 550 degrees F
Heat Level 2 – cyan 630 degrees F
Heat Level 3 – orange 775 degrees F
From here, all you do is press and hold in the go button to initiate heat with the atomizer. The lights should remain on during this process and blink when the cutoff has been reached. A draw is limited to 15 seconds and the unit will safely cut off if held in any longer. Remember, you must hold in the button while drawing to activate the heating cycle.
We recommend keeping the pen upright while in use and until the unit has cooled down. This helps prevent any residual oil from spilling outside the heating chamber.
CLEANING
Regular cleaning of your vaporizer will keep it sanitary, extend its life, assure better tasting vapor, and minimize the risk of breaking parts (skip cleaning and you risk getting your mouthpiece stuck!).
Get into the habit of wiping down the inside of the ceramic bowl atomizer with a cotton swab often. A little isopropyl alcohol (ISO) 91% or higher on the tip of the swab is okay to use in and around the atomizer chamber. The charging cable and STELLA unit itself can be wiped down lightly with ISO, as well.
For deeper cleanings, you’ll need just a few supplies and a little more time:
Dab tool – make sure it is clean
Isopropyl alcohol (ISO) – 91% or higher
A small glass container (a recycled 1/8 flower jar works great!)
Cotton swabs like Q-tips brand and/or pointed tip applicators (like those for makeup & nail polish)
Timer
Small clean cloth or paper towel
1. First, remove the mouthpiece assembly. Next, remove the silicone filter/airflow regulator (looks like a 3-blade fan) inside the mouthpiece. This is best accomplished with the dab tool that came with the STELLA. Insert the tool through the mouthpiece and push until the filter/regulator pops out – you may have to finish pulling it out gently with your fingers.
2. Put the mouthpiece and airflow regulator into the glass jar and cover with enough ISO to completely submerge them. Depending on the amount of residue on the pieces, leave in ISO for 5-10 minutes, but never more than 15 minutes. When finished, remove from ISO and place on a clean cloth or paper towel to air dry. DO NOT leave pieces in alcohol over the recommended time frame or risk damage to parts, particularly the finish. DO NOT rinse pieces in water. ALWAYS be certain pieces are completely dry of alcohol before use.
3. While you are waiting on the mouthpiece assembly to finish soaking, you can work on cleaning up the ceramic bowl atomizer. While still attached to the battery, heat up the atomizer slightly (no more than 4-5 seconds). This is accomplished by turning on the unit (click 5 times) and then click 2 more times to activate preheat, count off the seconds and shut off (click 5 times). Next use swabs to soak up any residue inside and around the chamber. DO NOT use too much force when cleaning the bottom heating plate. After absorbing as much as you can, use another cotton swab lightly dipped in ISO to remove any stubborn residue on the bottom and side walls of the atomizer. To finish, dry heat the atomizer another 4-5 seconds to evaporate any left over ISO.
4. It is important to allow all of the pieces to air dry before reassembling. At a minimum, allow 10-15 minutes.
5. After all of the pieces have dried, it is time to put the mouthpiece assembly back together again. Remember to re-insert the airflow regulator back into the mouthpiece so the side that looks like a fan is what you see. Next, place the assembly back onto the ceramic bowl atomizer. The final step is to dry heat the atomizer one more time (like 1-3 seconds) and you’re ready to go again.
REPLACING THE ATOMIZER
Never dry burn your atomizer. There should always be a small amount of oil in the bowl when in use. The only exception is when you are cleaning, and this is limited to only seconds for a particular purpose (see cleaning instructions above).
It is normal for the ceramic bowl atomizer to “season” over time. This is good because a seasoned atomizer tends to use less oil while producing more vapor.
Dr. Dabber recommends replacing the atomizer part every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on usage. Atomizers are not covered by Dr. Dabber’s warranty as they are considered disposable components that need to be replaced over time.
If the ceramic bowl atomizer begins to look dark and crusted, or you see visible signs of damage like a crack, or you are experiencing leakage issues, problems with air flow or unpleasant taste even after cleaning, then it is probably time to replace the atomizer.
The Dr. Dabber company continues to live up to the hype surrounding its brand. The STELLA vaporizer is not only sleek and easy to use, it is also very affordably priced at just $99.95 from Dr. Dabber. The STELLA’s solid feel, use of top-of-the-line materials, and smart construction makes it a high-end vape pen well worth its price.
The Dr. Dabber SWITCH is a dual-use vaporizer with an induction heating setup. Dual-use vaporizers are designed to allow patients to consume both concentrates and dried herb using a different mode on the same device. Some drawbacks of dual functionality vaporizers are that these units tend to be bigger, heavier, and more pricey than other single-mode desktop vaporizers. Regardless, the SWITCH still gets a big thumbs up from our team.
The Good
The SWITCH completely revolutionizes the traditional dab experience with its simple button layout, rapid heating, and self-cleaning cycle.
Oil mode is good enough on its own to justify the cost of the vaporizer.
Outstanding battery life—can get up to 150 uses on a single charge.
No down-time while charging; the device can be used while plugged in.
Quick heat up time—reach desired temperatures in under 5 seconds.
Customizable LED lights add a bit of fun and flair to your medication experience, while also making it obvious when the device is being heated (red) and ready to use/inhale (green).
The Bad
Despite being marketed as a dual-use vaporizer, the flower mode leaves more to be desired. Dried herbs tend to burn unevenly causing lackluster vapor quality reminiscent of burnt popcorn. We only recommend using the SWITCH for concentrates.
Regular maintenance is required and no cleaning materials are provided other than alcohol wipes (more on that below).
No backup/replacement dishes are provided in the kit, although you can purchase them directly from Dr. Dabber.
The SWITCH Is Best For Vaporizing Oil
The SWITCH gets its name from the single switch on the bottom of the device that allows you to quickly change between vaporizing concentrates and dried herbs.
When in oil mode, the SWITCH acts as a full-fledged electronic dab rig. Taking dabs with the SWITCH is a very pleasurable experience, making the device worth the investment in its own right. We think you’ll be hard pressed to find a better e-rig for under $300.
“Dabbing concentrates ” gets a bad rap as a pastime for partiers, but medicating with concentrates (e.g., shatter, budder, sugar, etc.) can be especially comforting and cost effective for medical marijuana patients. Unfortunately, methods for dabbing have traditionally been cumbersome and frankly dangerous. This can be particularly overwhelming and intimidating for beginners.
So are the days over of using a blow torch to heat a titanium nail? Thankfully, we think so. Regardless of your experience level, you’re able to use the SWITCH to vaporize concentrates and get flavorful draws similar to the likes of a traditional dab rig without any of the risks, and that’s pretty awesome.
The SWITCH only takes an average of 5 seconds to heat up to the desired temperature; while similar vaporizers at the same price point take as much as 30 seconds to heat up to the same temperature. If you are someone with a busy schedule who desires to medicate multiple times per day, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to use. You’ll also appreciate the extra bit of time you gain using the SWITCH.
On top of all this, the device’s unique induction heating setup allows for the electronics housed in the device to be completely sealed off from the heating element. This removes the possibility of mechanical failure due to leakage. In fact, you could even pour water into the heating element of the SWITCH and it would simply bring the water inside the dish to a boil (although not recommended).
Cleaning Your Dr. Dabber SWITCH Is Essential
Nobody likes to think about cleaning vaporizers; but in this case, we need to highlight a few key points that make this product stand out from the rest.
For starters, the Dr. Dabber SWITCH is very easy to clean. It simply requires you to put the device on the highest temperature setting, then press and hold the button used to increase the temperature for about 1-2 seconds. If done correctly, the device LEDs will light up magenta and the SWITCH will begin to heat up to high temperatures in an effort to burn off any remaining oils left in the dish.
It’s a good thing it’s easy to clean because the device does require you to clean it every couple of days with regular/heavy use. Basically, whenever you see residue sitting in the bottom of the dish, you may want to consider running the cleaning cycle. Not only will having a clean dish and heating chamber make the SWITCH perform better overall, you’ll also experience a noticeable improvement in the flavor output.
You may want to note that the company does not provide any replacement oil or flower dishes, so be sure to treat the dishes that come with the SWITCH gently and to keep them as clean as possible at all times.
Before starting the cleaning process, there are some things you should know when using the Dr. Dabber SWITCH to make your experience better:
You need to have the oil dish nested in the bottom of the heating chamber for the cleaning process to work. In fact, there is no way to heat or clean the device without the dish in place. The device will not allow you to run the cleaning cycle if no dish is detected in the heating chamber, or if the dish is not completely flush with the bottom of the heating chamber. Rest assured, the dishes are meant to be heated to very high temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about destroying the dishes provided when initiating the cleaning process.
Consider taking the SWITCH to a different room in your house than the room you intend spending time in after running the cleaning cycle. The smell of resin burning is noxious at times and tends to linger for a few minutes after cleaning, so you’ll probably want to avoid running the cleaning mode while in your kitchen, bedroom, or main living area. A bathroom with a fan or a room with an open window will work to help ventilate the icky aroma that will inevitably be generated during the cleaning process. Don’t worry, it dissipates quickly.
Use cotton swabs after the cleaning process to assist with cleanup. This will make absorbing the residual oil that pools up in the heating chamber a breeze after running the cleaning cycle. To save energy and to make cleaning the unit easier the next time around, you will want to remove any remaining oil before it cools down and begins to get hard and sticky (usually after 3-4 minutes). Included in the kit are alcohol wipes which can be used to clean the device when the power is OFF– just be sure to let the alcohol dry completely before attempting to use the device. Unfortunately, there are no cotton swabs provided in the bundle, so you will want to pick up some sooner rather than later so you are prepared when it is time to clean the unit. They do a good job of absorbing material quickly, and you can easily toss them when the cleaning is done. We recommend cotton swabs with a precision tip because the tips are more tightly formed and are much better at getting into small places. We are also strong believers that your morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. Therefore, it is a good habit to get into cleaning (and charging) the SWITCH before going to bed. This way, you are ready to take on the next day without any hassles.
The water in the bubbler attachment should be replaced before each use, especially when using the flower mode. Without cleaning your water source, there is a good chance the vapor will have a tinge of oil/flower flavor in it (which may sound good, but we promise you it’s not). If you plan to interchange between vaporizing oil and dried herbs multiple times per day and care about vapor quality and saving time, you may want to invest in a separate device for vaporizing flowers — or be prepared for a rigorous cleaning regimen before each use.
How To Charge The SWITCH Vaporizer
The SWITCH has remarkable battery life and can get up to 150 uses on a single charge. For the average user this means well over a week of use on a single charge. Add to that the convenience of pass-through charging, and you can choose to use the SWITCH whichever way fits your life. This kind of efficiency and versatility in a device as powerful as the SWITCH is simply unheard of. Taking into account that a full charge takes only 60 minutes, it’s safe to say the SWITCH is in a league of its own.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Dr. Dabber SWITCH is a great unit. For what it lacks on the dry herb setting, it makes up for on the oil setting. The SWITCH is so much easier to use than traditional dab rigs and the flavor is way better than what you get from an overheated titanium nail. If you are looking for a quality e-rig that won’t cost you a fortune, then we recommend giving the SWITCH a try.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
DISCLAIMER – These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These
products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
As more and more states legalize cannabis use, the demand for medical cannabis products and cannabinoid-based therapies continues to grow. Unfortunately, the knowledge and application of these therapies by American healthcare providers is underwhelming.
A newly published article in the Epilepsy & Behavior Journal highlights the findings of researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham after surveying healthcare providers on their attitudes and knowledge about cannabis, and has confirmed what most of us already knew– healthcare providers need more education on cannabis.
The online survey of US-based (1) neurologists, (2) nurse practitioners / nurses, and (3) pharmacists was conducted in August–September of 2018. There were 451 survey participants, equally divided among the three professional groups.
Use and legalization of medical cannabis was favored by over 80% of the participants, especially cannabidiol (CBD) for epilepsy and when prescribed by a medical provider. Unfortunately, almost half of the group (40–50% depending on subject) felt unfamiliar with cannabinoid pharmacology and clinical applications. A total of 43% favored legal recreational cannabis.
Pharmacists scored higher than the other participants on the knowledge test, and nurse practitioners / nurses had more favorable attitudes than neurologists and higher perceived knowledge than pharmacists.
Magdalena Szaflarski, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences at UAB and the study’s lead author says, “We know there is a knowledge gap among clinicians.” Szaflarski went on to say, “Previous studies had suggested that as many as 94% of epilepsy providers report their patients have sought cannabis treatment for epilepsy, and 64% say their patients use some form of cannabis. However, more than a quarter of those providers didn’t feel knowledgeable to make a recommendation to their patients, and only 2% had knowledge or information on proper dosing.”
“Cannabis sativa L, also referred to as marijuana or hemp, has been used as material and medicine by humans for over 5,000 years.” – M Szaflarski, Ph.D.
A significant number of the providers considered themselves not knowledgeable at all about medical cannabis, or were ill-educated about regulation and the availability of cannabis products.
Attitudes about using CBD for epilepsy have particularly changed over time. In the current study, 77% of neurologists either strongly favored, favored, or somewhat favored the use of CBD for epilepsy. In 2014, only 48% were in favor of using medical cannabis, and only for severe cases of epilepsy.
This study should be an eye-opener to everyone interacting within the medical community. More and more patients are looking to healthcare professionals to help them understand cannabis and the proper methods of medicating and safe dosages. Patients should not be left to figure it.
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Five more states have passed marijuana legalization initiatives.
Mississippi and South Dakota voters approved legalizing medical marijuana, joining 33 other states and the District of Columbia.
Adult possession of cannabis was legalized in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota. These states now join the District of Columbia and the other 11 states that have already approved the recreational use of the plant.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s constitutional amendment is one we will need to watch. It establishes a state-licensed system of dispensaries for patients to obtain cannabis products. The measure mandates that State officials begin providing licenses for retailers no later than August 15, 2021.
Arizona
Arizona voters approved Prop. 207, a statewide ballot initiative to legalize, regulate, and tax the adult use of marijuana. Prop. 207 lays the groundwork for a regulatory system that will allow for licensed commercial production and retail sale of cannabis to adults age 21 or older.
Adults may grow up to six plants for personal use.
Allows for expungement of marijuana-related offenses.
Imposes a 16% excise tax on sales; funds to be earmarked for public programs.
Montana
Montana shows its support for adult-use marijuana. Voters in Montana have passed Initiative 190, which allows for the use, production, and sale of cannabis by adults. Voters additionally passed Constitutional Initiative 118, which establishes a legal age requirement of 21 years for those who possess, grow, or purchase cannabis.
Possession is limited to one ounce.
Adults may grow up to four mature plants for personal use.
South Dakota
South Dakotans say no more Reefer Madness by passing a pair of ballot initiatives that legalize adult-use marijuana: Constitutional Amendment A and Initiative Measure 26.
Constitutional Amendment A allows adults to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis and to grow up to three plants for personal use.
Measure 26 permits qualified patients to possess and home-cultivate cannabis for medical purposes and establishes a state-regulated retail system for medical cannabis sales.
Measure 26 also establishes a medical cannabis program for patients diagnosed with serious health conditions and a doctor’s recommendation. The dispensaries will be overseen by the Department of Health. The measure goes into effect on July 21, 2021.
New Jersey
The majority of New Jersey voters decided in favor of Question 1 asking if they approved of amending the State’s Constitution to legalize cannabis for adults 21 years of age or older.
The State Commission created to oversee its medical cannabis program is tasked with overseeing the personal use cannabis market. Cannabis products would be subject to state sales tax; and if authorized by the legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax as well.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to therapeutic cannabis research and education known as the Realm of Caring Foundation, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, has been diligently collecting data from cannabis users and non-users alike over the past 4 years for purposes of evaluating the impact of medicinal cannabis use on patient-level health and quality of life.
A web-based study enrolled 1,276 participants (including those already using a cannabis product and those considering its use) between April 2016 and February 2018.
Of the 1,276 participants, 524 adult patients and 284 adult caregivers of children or dependent adults, all self-reported using cannabis for medicinal purposes. The control group consisted of 271 adult patients who were considering cannabis use, and 197 adult caregivers who were considering it for a dependent child or adult patient.
All of the participants self-reported that they or their dependent patient had a diagnosed health condition at the time of the baseline assessment. Primary conditions included neurological diseases such as MS and epilepsy, chronic pain from autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia, back pain, cancer, insomnia, and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The research findings of the study, entitled “A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Comparison of Medicinal Cannabis Users and Controls on Self-Reported Health,” was published this week in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, Volume X, Number X, 2020.
Study Findings
Fifty-eight percent of patients used CBD-dominant products. By comparison, THC-dominant products were used by 13%, balanced THC/CBD products by 5%, and products in which the highest concentration was a minor cannabinoid, such as cannabigerol (CBG) or cannabinol (CBN), by 3% of cannabis users. Many participants (21%) did not know or did not specify the chemotype of the cannabis products they used.
The results of the study found that cannabis users self-reported having a significantly better quality of life in several areas of their lives, e.g., improved sleep, less pain, less hospital and ER visits, less seizures, reduced anxiety and depression. Further, members of the control group who initiated cannabis use after baseline showed significant health improvements at follow-up.
Researchers at The University of New Mexico (UNM) have conducted a series of recent studies testing the effectiveness and safety of consuming cannabis, but this is the first study they have conducted measuring the therapeutic potential of hemp oil with low THC levels.
The UNM researchers set out to examine the effectiveness of consuming “legal” hemp oil extracted from the whole Cannabis plant. The results showed that whole-plant hemp oil reduced mechanical pain sensitivity 10-fold for several hours in mice with chronic post-operative neuropathic pain.
A chronic neuropathic pain model was used that exposed mice to post-operative neuropathic pain equivalent to several years of chronic pain in human patients. This allowed the researchers to examine how “full-spectrum” whole plant extracted hemp oil influences brief episodes of pain sensitivity to an affected region. For several hours after the mice consumed the hemp oil, they demonstrated effective pain relief.
Study: The Therapeutic Effectiveness of Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Using a Chronic Neuropathic Pain Model
In the present study, the Foramen Rotundum Inflammatory Constriction Trigeminal Infraorbital Nerve injury (FRICT-ION) model was used to measure the analgesic effects of “full-spectrum” whole plant extracted hemp oil, using ethanol and evaporation-based procedures commonly employed in the legal cannabis and hemp industries.
By creating a continuous state of irritation in the infraorbital nerve, the FRICT-ION model of chronic orofacial neuropathic pain can initiate mechanical allodynia in the mouse whisker pad for pharmaceutical investigation. Researchers used a standard von Frey test for mechanical hypersensitivity at 7 weeks post-surgery to measure the effects of orally administered hemp oil over a 6-hour observation window, in comparison to vehicle only and naïve control mice, to estimate the general efficacy of commonly used hemp-based products.
Animal studies are not only valuable, they can also be superior to clinical trials in some cases because they can circumvent human biases and expectancy effects, or perceptual and cognitive reactions to participation in cannabis-based experiments. For example, there are several studies measuring the effects of cannabis in humans reveals patients reporting psychedelic experiences, whether or not they actually received the active cannabis agent. This disconnect is commonly referred to as the placebo effect.
“Our lab utilizes a unique nerve injury model mimicking human neuropathic pain that has allowed demonstration of hemp’s reversal of the pain related behavior” said one of the lead investigators, Dr. Karin N. Westlund, Department of Anesthesiology.
The study provides evidence that phytochemical extracts from the Cannabis plant, even with relatively low levels of THC, can significantly improve mechanical pressure pain in animals with established chronic neuropathic hypersensitivity.
The team’s article, “The Therapeutic Effectiveness of Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Using a Chronic Neuropathic Pain Model,” is published in the journal Life, Volume 10, Issue 5.
The Hemp Farming Act of 2018
The enactment of the Hemp Farming Act, effectively beginning in 2019, was a monumental milestone in the history of marijuana prohibition. Hemp is now federally legal to produce and consume in most regions throughout the United States as a result of this Act.
“Hemp” is defined in the Act as “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”
Most people forget or are unaware of the hundreds of additional phytochemicals found in hemp, including cannabinoids, terpenes, terpenoids, and flavonoids that may offer potent therapeutics, both individually and synergistically.
“Cannabis plants with low THC are still psychoactive, but tend to result in less psychedelic experiences, while still offering profound and often immediate relief from symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and depression,” says co-researcher, Dr. Jacob Miguel Vigil, associate professor in the UNM Psychology Department.
“Hemp plants contain numerous therapeutic constituents that likely contribute to analgesic responses, including terpenes and flavonoids, which in theory, work together like members of a symphony, often described as the entourage effect,” says one of the researchers, Jegason Diviant.
Several clinical investigations have shown that medications based on synthetic cannabis analogues and isolated compounds tend to offer lower reported symptom relief and a greater number of negative side effects as compared to whole plant, or “full-spectrum” Cannabis flower and plant-based extracts.
The takeaway here is that more research need to be done to ascertain how whole plant extracted hemp oil affects multi-sensory and cognitive-attentional systems that process pain.
Although medical cannabis has technically been legal in Missouri for over a year and cards have been issued, patients are still waiting desperately for dispensaries to open across the state.
On November 8, 2018, Missouri became the 31st state to legalize medical marijuana.
Missouri residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of Amendment 2, with 65.59% of the vote — more than 1.5 million votes. In fact, the amendment garnered more votes than any other measure on the ballot, including the vote for Governor.
Amendment 2, which became effective on December 6, 2018, legalizes marijuana for medical purposes, allows home growing, and imposes a 4% marijuana sales tax.
Since its legalization, more than 45,000 Missourians have been approved for medical marijuana identification cards — and about 1,000 new registrations are approved each week.
Problems plaguing the medical cannabis program in Missouri are three-fold. First, Missouri implemented a seed-to-sale system which added many unnecessary layers between growing the plant and selling product to patients. Second, the program has experienced controversy and claims of disparities from its inception. Lastly, lockdowns and restrictions imposed by COVID-19 have resulted in unpreventable delays and setbacks.
Seed-to-sale systems complicate production and sale of cannabis
Licensed medical marijuana businesses, e.g., commercial grow operations, manufacturing facilities, and dispensary stores, are required to use seed-to-sale systems.
All seed-to-sale tracking systems must be able to interface with the State’s track and trace system, provide the DHSS with access to all stored data, and assure confidentiality of patient information and records. While crucial to compliance efforts, these mandatory systems significantly amplify the burden of getting product to market and into the hands of patients.
A 2017 report by the Colorado Department of Revenue says that the average time from seed to harvest is 132 days. Some indoor growers claim to be able to bring a crop to harvest in as little as 60 days.
Whether 60 days or 132 days, the point is the growing process takes time and certifications were not awarded until the beginning of the year. That, coupled with various limitations imposed by the coronavirus, means dispensaries may have a limited selection of products when they first open.
Irregularities plague Missouri’s Medical Marijuana Program
The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) oversees the State’s medical marijuana program. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the DHSS received 2,266 cannabis business applications filed by at least 700 different groups. It awarded 60 licenses to grow, 86 to manufacture cannabis-infused products, and 192 dispensaries to open.
Claims of irregularities as to how applications for licenses were scored run rampant. Additionally, lawmakers have raised concerns about alleged conflicts of interest within DHSS and a private company hired to score the applications.
“…the adoption of certain policies, created a licensing process that is a complex, costly, opaque, inappropriate and unlawful obstacle course for the applicants, and more concerning, created unreasonable and unlawful geographic and economic barriers to Patients access to the medicine promised by a vote of the people.”
Currently, more than 800 appeals of denials have been filed by companies claiming disparities in the scoring, or potential conflicts of interest in the awarding of medical marijuana licenses.
Last month, Sarcoxie Nursery Cultivation Center and related entities filed a lawsuit against the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and several of its directors, seeking a temporary restraining order against several functions of the licensing program.
In Sarcoxie Nursery Cultivation Center LLC, et al. v. Randal Williams, et al., Case No. 19AC-CC00556, filed in Missouri Circuit Court, Cole County, Plaintiffs claim “the Defendants, through the promulgation of certain Rules and the adoption of certain policies, created a licensing process that is a complex, costly, opaque, inappropriate and unlawful obstacle course for the applicants, and more concerning, created unreasonable and unlawful geographic and economic barriers to Patients access to the medicine promised by a vote of the people, and guaranteed by Article XIV of the Constitution of the State of Missouri.”
The State claims no wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the DHSS said the allegations are simply based on a lack of understanding of the process.
Whether the claims are perception or reality, it is now a matter for the court to consider.
It is important to note that Plaintiff Sarcoxie is not asking that successful applicants be prevented from opening for business; or that patient access to medical cannabis be restricted; or that any applicant who meets the minimum standards be denied a license.
Coronavirus lockdowns have caused further delays in dispensary openings
COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have prevented state regulators and inspectors from gaining access to cannabis operations to certify that they are compliant with the program’s guidelines.
In late April, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson held a news briefing on the topic of the coronavirus crisis. During the briefing, Dr. Randall W. Williams, director of the DHSS, was asked about the launch of the medical cannabis program.
Dr. Williams implied that getting dispensaries open was not his top priority; however, he did say that inspectors should be able to perform inspections by mid-May and that he expects products to be on the shelves and ready to sell by “late July, early August.”
Dr. Randall W. Williams, director of the DHSS, said that he expects products to be on the shelves and ready to sell by “late July, early August.”
What’s the future hold for Missouri and marijuana?
Missourians for a New Approach, an organization with many of the same people and groups who supported Amendment 2, has been diligently working on getting recreational adult-use on the November 2020 ballot. Unfortunately, restrictions imposed by COVID-19 made collection of signatures impossible.
The organization is not giving up and will be targeting the next opportunity to get on the ballot.
The initiative aims to allow adults 21+ years of age to purchase and possess marijuana legally in Missouri. Retail sales would be taxed at 15%, with the funds split amongst veterans services, Missouri roadways and bridges, and drug addiction programs.
Missourians with marijuana-related offenses will also have the opportunity to have a criminal record expunged. Local communities would be able to opt out of allowing recreational sales.
California Gov. Newsom issued an executive order today that extends some critical deadlines that have been impacted by COVID-19. One of these extensions affects the expiration dates of some medical marijuana cards held by patients in California.
Medical marijuana identification cards issued under Health and Safety Code section 11362.71, which would otherwise have expired between March 4, 2020, and any day within 60 days from the date of the executive order (May 20, 2020), shall remain valid for 60 days from the date of the order.
It is important to note that the executive order only applies to MMJ ID cards issued under Health and Safety Code section 11362.71 and does not apply to medicinal cannabis recommendations obtained from a patient’s physician.
Licensed retailers must accept any affected cards as valid during the 60-day period provided by the Governor’s order.
Summitt Labs is voluntarily recalling Batch #730 Lot #K018 of KORE ORGANIC Watermelon CBD Oil Tincture, 30 ml bottle, 15mg 450x to the consumer level.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services tested a random sample of the watermelon CBD oil tincture from Kore and found it contained lead levels at 4.7 ppm.
Summitt Labs is licensed under the Florida Department of Food and Agriculture and Consumer Services to produce products containing CBD; however, the Federal Food and Drug Administration does not consider CBD to be a legal drug or dietary supplement at this time.
Ingestion of KORE ORGANIC Watermelon CBD Oil Batch #730 Lot #K018 could result in high lead exposure. According to the Florida Department of Health, signs and symptoms of acute lead poisoning could include:
Pain
Muscle Weakness
Paresthesia
Abdominal Pain
Nausea, Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Poor appetite
Weight Loss
Symptoms associated with encephalitis
Metallic taste in the mouth
Shock
Hemolysis
Kidney Damage
Although Summitt Labs has reported no calls, complaints or reports of any adverse effects from the use of the watermelon oil tincture, when informed of the high lead findings it immediately issued a voluntary recall and started an internal investigation. As part of this investigation, Summitt Labs had a sample from Batch #730 Lot #K018 tested at an ISO/IEC accredited lab. Lead results were 500 ppb (.5ppm), which is within the legal limits as defined by the State of Florida. However, based on the test from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Summitt Labs initiated and will complete a total recall in full cooperation with the agencies.
Distributors and customers of Summit Labs will be notified by email, phone, and personal visits to ensure the return of all recalled product.
Summitt Labs is asking anyone with a recalled product to either contact them by phone at (833) 810-5673 Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm EST, or through the website at www.Koreorganic.com. If you are in possession of the recalled Lot #K018 Batch #730 product, do not take it.
Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.
Read the full details of the FDA announcement published May 15, 2020 here.
Established in 2005, Crop King Seeds has been perfecting the genetics of the cannabis plant for medical and commercial grower seeking maximum results in THC levels and harvest size.
