it is popular, fun and filling – and some claim helpful to the body…juicing is big – but about doing it with cannabis?
Juicing is continuing to grow and become mainstream with juice bars popping up everwhere. It viewed as another way to eat healthy, quick and get some needed vegetables and fruits in just one drink. It has grown to over a $1 billion industry globally. So what is cannabis juicing? And does it make you high or give you any of the medical benefits?
Cold-press juices enable one to partake of the nutrients present in raw fruits, vegetables, and herbs that get lost once the products are heated or cooked. Juicing started popping up in the 1930s and then became popular during the healthy, hippy 70s. About the same time part of the mainstream public leaned into marijuana.
Adding raw cannabis leaves and buds to juice regime could be beneficial. While more research needs to be done as legalization grown, as a dietary aid it may increase the anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties of the plant. Raw cannabis can contain 500mg to 1,000 mg of non-psychoactive THCA, CBDA, and CBGA. In comparison, the same amount of cannabis once heated contains 10 mg THC. Also, as the THC in cannabis only becomes psychoactive when heated, consuming raw cannabis allows one to get the benefits of the plant in a non-intoxicating way. So no, you don’t get stoned while having cannabis juice.
Raw cannabis appears to be particularly beneficial in treating inflammation and autoimmune disease. Unheated CBDA and THCA (THC-acid) both have attributed medicinal attributes, but there has been comparatively little scientific research into cannabinoid acids.
As with any other cannabis product, results vary according to an individual’s unique endocannabinoid system. Some people report a dramatic change after just one serving of raw cannabis juice, while others may take four to eight weeks to see full results.
Also, juicing is not for everyone. Speak with a medical professional before starting a cannabis juicing routine if one has any pre-existing medical conditions. People at potential risk include patients with kidney or gallbladder problems, as well as those taking blood-thinning drugs or medications that can be blocked by pomegranate or grapefruit juice.
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How to make raw cannabis juice
Local dispensaries will not carry fresh leaves and buds. More dispensaries are carrying clones, so growing cannabis at home is becoming a viable option in those states where home grows are legal. Look for fresh organic cannabis plants grown without pesticides. Store leaves and buds in vegetable bags placed in the freezer or refrigerator to keep them fresh if not using them immediately.
Juice approximately 2 large buds and 15 to 20 large leaves. The buds should be clear not amber with the leaves picked while the plant is in the full flowering stage.
Soak the leaves for approximately five minutes, then juice them in a cold-press juicer or blender.
Adding freshly juiced organic fruits or vegetables to the cannabis juice will help cut the harsh taste of raw cannabis, and dilute the mixture so it goes down more smoothly.
Divide the cannabis juice into three servings and drink one serving with each meal.
Store freshly juiced cannabis in a tightly sealed container and put in the refrigerator where it should last for up to three days.
Delta-9 can pack a punch and are huge in states like Texas. So what are the key differences between Delta-9 and Delta-8
With marijuana become legal and offered in mom and pop dispensaries, it can be a bit confusing. It is becoming increasingly popular, but also a bit confusing – especially since Delta-8 is hitting the market in a big way. In states where cannabis isn’t fully yet, there is a concern Delta-8 will absorb part of the market before the marijuana industry has a chance to make major inroads. Already in Texas, you can buy Delta-8 beverages at Total Wine. Bayou City has done a great job building a distribution system in mainstream outlets throughout the Lone Star state. Customers find it convenient to buy it when it is alongside beer, bourbon and other intoxicants. So what is the key info on Delta-9 and Delta-8.
Hemp is a key crop – originally made popular by used for rope, it is makes paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed. Marijuana has been around thousands of years and used for medical, mystical and recreational. Marijuana and hemp plants contain many active ingredients, but the big consumer focus today is on two specific natural compounds found in these plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), THC gets you high and CBD can give other benefits without the psychedelic effects. Delta-9 comes from the cannabis and hemp plants, Delta-8 comes from him.
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Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring in cannabis plants, both hemp and marijuana. Although it occurs in very small concentrations, it can still be derived thanks to distillation. It has a unique molecular structure and exhibits unique effects when consumed.
Delta-9 is also naturally occurring in cannabis plants. The more popularly used term for it is simply THC. Whenever you see labels or information with THC it’s, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the molecule that can induce elation and a classic “high” feeling.
The two compounds have similar properties and effects and regarding molecular structure, they are almost identical apart from a couple of electrons. However, there are some key differences.
Overindulging in Delta-9 THC can induce feelings of anxiety and paranoia. It can also impact the performance of mental work. The “too much high” effect is only tied to Delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC is less psychoactive than Delta-9. People who experience these unpleasant feelings should instead try Delta-8. It is far less potent than Delta-9 and can enable people to enjoy cannabis or cannabis-based products carefree.
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Due to its potency, Delta-9 THC is more likely to induce elation rather than relaxation. After taking Delta-9 THC, people report the “high” which can build up to euphoria. It can elevate moods and give an intense relaxation.
Another key difference is they don’t only induce different effects, but they also do it at a different pace. Delta-9 THC is absorbed quickly, and it can induce the feelings mentioned above quite fast after consumption. This is an important thing to note as it can alter your plans for the afternoon or evening.
Unlike Delta-9, Delta-8 THC is a slow kicker. It delivers a significantly smoother experience than Delta-9. After the consumption, the feelings of relaxation gradually come on, and there is considerably less risk that it can induce anxiety.
Another key difference, is you can find Delta-8 in states like Texas….which makes it more available to the general public.
There is an increased number of people diagnosed with depression, which may mean more people are open to be diagnosed and are seeking some form of treatment. Understanding depression is key. There are two general categories, situational and clinical. While similar, they are not the same. Medically, situational depression is an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood. It often resolves with time, and talking about the problem can ease recovery. Clinical depression, known medically as a “major depressive disorder,” can develop if the individual does not recover. This is a more severe mental health condition. Recognizing the differences between these types of depression is the first step toward getting help. Can depression be treated by CBD?
If you are struggling with depression, talk to a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan which might include CBD. Many people using CBD to treat a wide variety of health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress relief. During the past few years, there has been growing popularity regarding CBD, or cannabidiol.
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CBD is one of the numerous substances isolated from hemp; however, the other primary substance is THC. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Even though a lot of people believe CBD can get you high, this is not the case. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects.
Yes, CBD can be used to treat depression. Many prescription medications treat depression by altering levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that causes people to feel happy. There is some evidence that CBD can alter serotonin levels, making it an effective treatment for depression. Even though CBD can be helpful in certain cases, it also has the potential to interfere with other prescription medications. Therefore, if you are taking prescription medications for depression, you need to talk to your doctor ahead of time. This way, you can figure out if CBD will interact with anything you are taking. This could have an impact on the treatment plan.
If you are trying to find CBD that can help you treat depression, you need to choose the right product. In particular, you need to pay attention to whether the product has any THC in it. If you take something with THC, you are going to feel psychoactive effects. Therefore, you need to make sure you do not operate heavy machinery. You should also think about how you want to consume CBD. Gummies tend to be very popular while some prefer to use substances which can be applied to the skin’s surface. Talk to a professional about the type of CBD product and dosage for treatment. This will allow it to be more effective.
Similar to other medical issues, depression can present in a variety of ways. Here are a few common symptoms of depression:
Issues falling asleep or staying asleep at night.
Changes in their eating habits, either eating significantly more or less.
Guilt about things that are not their fault.
Changes in an emotional state, leading to major mood swings including rapid mood swings ranging from happiness to sadness and anger.
Anyone who suffers from depression deserves to have access to a trained mental health professional who can help them address these concerns. If you are working with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan for depression, CBD could be right for you.
In a decision which will reverberate throughout the sports industry, the NCAA announced a major change with college players and marijuana.
Cannabis has been scientifically proven successful to help with sports injuries, inflammation, and chronic pain. The American Medical Association and the federal Health and Human Services department has both agreed it has medical benefits. But the professional and amateur sports industry has not be a fan. But things might be making a major turn. Today, the NCAA upends college sports with marijuana change…and is it just the first step?
College sports are a huge part of American culture with about a third of the country being a fan. Today, the NCAA Division I council voted to remove use of cannabis products from the banned drug class for championships and postseason participation in football. Football is a very tough sport on the body, but the decision was based on a variety of factors.
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The NCAA Division I council voted to remove use of cannabis products from the banned drug class for championships and postseason participation in football. Any penalties currently being served by student-athletes who previously tested positive for cannabinoids will be discontinued.
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement cannabis products “do not provide a competitive advantage.”
“The council’s focus is on policies centered on student-athlete health and well-being rather than punishment for cannabis use,” he continued.
The vote came after their committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports recommended that each of the three divisional governance bodies introduce and adopt legislation that would remove cannabinoids from the list of banned drug classes.
This could be the sign things are changing. College sports a soft $14+ billion industry, professional sports industry, based on the Best-Howard Model is somewhere between $471 billion to $1+ trillion.
Summer is time to be outdoors and garden, play random sports or other activities reactivating muscles not used a while…cannabis can be your friend in helping with soreness.
Summertime is perfect for soaking in the rays…but some want to more active, taking to gardening, playing sports or just going for a run. Pickleball, frisbee, doing a 5K are all things that might engage muscles which might have not be used in during the winter, or even spring. The good news is cannabis can help soreness after summertimes activities.
Marijuana has gained attention as a potential aid for muscle soreness and recovery, particularly among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. There is growing research evidence to suggest certain compounds in cannabis may offer benefits for managing muscle pain and promoting recovery.
The two primary cannabinoids in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are believed to play key roles in addressing muscle soreness. THC, the psychoactive component, has demonstrated analgesic properties that can help reduce pain perception. CBD, on the other hand, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate muscle inflammation and soreness following intense exercise or injury.
Cannabis use has been reported to assist with exercise recovery, pain relief from muscle soreness, and reduction of inflammation. Some athletes and active individuals have turned to marijuana to help speed recovery from post-game injuries and reduce pain. The potential benefits are attributed to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids, as well as their ability to enhance sleep quality, which is crucial for muscle recovery.
Studies have shown that both CBD and THC can acutely reduce subjective feelings of pain intensity. In particular, acute CBD intake has been demonstrated to attenuate muscle damage following resistance exercise in trained individual. Additionally, cannabis use may help regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially contributing to reduced muscle inflammation.
If you want to use marijuana to help with the soreness, you can take your bud tender about the best product – an edible, a vape, a cream or an oil. Very deep issues will not be helped by a cream.
It can throw you off and spoil a perfectly good day – can marijuana help calm an upset stomach?
From nausea to a rumbling tummy, nothing can spoil the day more. And an upset stomach when you are out and about it the worst. There are are ton of things which can cause your stomach to be upset, so moving it to a better place can be a bit tricky. Over 40 million people in the US and Canada have tummy issues annually a cost of $120 billion. But you use cannabis to calm an upset tummy. The answer is yes, for a few things.
One of the first things it helps with is nausea. Medical marijuana is known to help with it for millennia. Science has shown its effectiveness for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea, it can also be used if it is caused by other issues. It has a high rate of effectiveness, but concerns around high-risk populations, such as pregnant women and children is still being researched. Concentrates and flower usually produces better results than vapes or edibles.
it is also starting being seen for reducing abdominal pain. It can be especially useful for individuals taking opioid medications for abdominal pain, as research shows cannabis helps patients cut down on or eliminate their need for opioids and provides a treatment with fewer side effects. In the right dosage, it can reduce chronic abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and constipation or diarrhea.
More research is being done about Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but currently it may help relieve some of symptoms. Medical marijuana has the potential to help reduce the pain coming from cramps, bloating, and other pressures associated with IBS
There is anecdotal evidence microdosing can help with motion sickness, a relief for those on head our for car trips.
Marijuana also tends to releases endorphins which make you feel happy, relaxed and high. They are hormones released when we feel pain or stress. This could help you manage the anxiety around an issue which might last a bit longer. Allows talk to a health care professional is the issue lingers.
Sun’s out – fun’s out…or something like that – but does being under the blazing sun mess with your high?
Summer is here, time to slip on the shorts and head up to soak up the sun. BBQs, beach or water days, poolside or backyard relaxing, all part of the summer culture. Usually there is a cooler full of chilled drinks to either hydrate or intoxicate. With marijuana use on the increase and, in some case instead of alcohol, does being in the sun increase your weed high?
You always have to be careful drinking alcohol in the hot sun. Alcohol reduces the release of an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) called vasopressin. This ADH works with your kidneys to keep your body fluids balanced. It is also a diuretic, meaning more trips to the restroom and loss of fluid. Now, add in increased sweating from the hot sun, and it’s a recipe for dehydration disaster. Dehydrated also make the intoxication feeling more intense.
Marijuana tends to releases endorphins which make you feel happy, relaxed and high. They are hormones released when we feel pain or stress. They can also be released by our bodies during pleasurable experiences like exercise, eating, listening to favorite music, getting a massage, or sex.
The sun UV rays can release the same endorphins. Science concludes exposure to the sun’s UV rays can increase endorphin levels by 30 to 50%. So, when you combine sunshine with cannabis’ own feel-good cannabinoids, it’s possible that the mix of these feel-good chemicals could result in an elevated state of bliss and euphoria.
But while chilling in the sun can intensify the experience, you have to be careful about a couple of things. Getting lost in the enjoyment in heat and sunlight could lead to an unexpected sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Hydration is also key when drinking or consuming marijuana, water or other electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated are important, especially in the heat.
Have a way to check in and seek shade and a cooler environment so you can live to bake another day.
It is a big summer for the cannabis industry – will Boomers join Gen Z in embracing marijuana?
It is the summer of cannabis with the potential for rescheduling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) has recognized marijuana has medical benefits and is not a dangerous drug. The American Medical Association also recognized it can help patients and they and research show it is better for you than alcohol. Gen Z has started moving away from alcohol (mainly beer) and embracing cannabis. With all these changes – here is key information for the 60+ about marijuana in today’s world.
There are two uses for cannabis – recreational (fun stuff) and medical. Even though a little high has never hurt anybody, you don’t have to get high to benefit from medical marijuana. Effective medicinal CBD strains contain small amounts of THC. These strains focus their efforts on the therapeutic side of the plant, producing little to no psychoactive effect.
The other interesting update is the days of smoking cannabis tends to be waning. it is used more by the aficionado and the old school consumers. Today, most users have used a vape or a gummy. You can manage dosing better, they are discreet and you take it to events without the smell. Gen Z has truly embrace the on-the-go aspect of today’s marijuana.
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With aging, bodies start to deteriorate in every way, leading to some pain and discomfort. Seniors are more prone to experience inflammation, mental and bone health issues and high blood pressure. Evidence and studies show cannabis is a good way of providing some relief, especially in the chronic pain area.
One of the most common wellness ways cannabis is used is for sleep. Like most natural medicines, it needs to be taken occasionally, but enough to change your sleep patterns. With the correct dosage, it can increase total sleep time and decrease the frequency of arousals during the night.
Another key issue is anxiety. Some people use marijuana to cope with anxiety, especially those with social anxiety disorder. THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and increase anxiety at higher doses. Studies has shown CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all doses.
In the fun category, marijuana is healthier than alcohol and can make experiences much more vibrant and alive. Science shows listening to music, watching a movie, or just looking at scenery is more vibrant. Part of the reason is while on THC, is slows the “memory search part” of the brain and allows it to focus on the moment. Also, cannabis and cannabis creams can help in the intimacy department, sometimes reopening a door which might have been closed.
There needs to be an awareness on the possible effect marijuana can have with common medications taken by older adults. A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology says that marijuana can interact with common heart medications, such as statin and blood thinners. Marijuana use can alter the time in which these medications have an effect and could also result in bleeding.
People should also avoid pairing marijuana with anti-seizure medications or any other substance that produces strong effects. If having surgery, it’s important for older adults to disclose marijuana use to doctors, even including the use of CBD. The compound has also been linked with altering the way in which the liver processes dosages in medications.
Like alcohol, cannabis can make you a bit unstable on your feet. Using either could result in dizziness and in feeling out of control of your body. This in turn could increase the risk of falling and getting involved in all sorts of accidents. Falls pose serious risks for seniors, with 1 out of 5 resulting in a head injury or broken bones. The good news, if done right, cannabis makes you chill.
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According to a study published in the journal Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, like with alcohol, older marijuana users are more likely to experience depression than non-users. While it’s not know exactly why this occurs, it’s likely a combination of things; these users might be taking cannabis instead of seeking medical help, or maybe cannabis is interacting with the medications they’re already taking in ways that are not beneficial.
Science has proven the cannabis plant has medical benefits…but it shows more is not better.
Anxiety is something most people experience at some point, but for some, they experience it way more frequently. An estimated 31.1% experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Cannabis can help with anxiety, but dosage is a key. It is a case of too much hurts rather than helps. Studies show low THC with a mix of CBD can be the most effective treatment. It is always good if you have a mid or long term issue with anxiety to talk with a health professional and work with them to find the right dosage, just like any other medication.
Microdosing has become very popular for those who use medical marijuana. The most common reasons including anxiety and chronic pain. More complex reasons include treatment of cognitive deficits, mental illnesses, and many diseases considered incurable. But to understand the benefits, you have to understand your situation and dosing. Microdosing means using between 2.5-5 mg to take the edge off and allow the plant’s benefits to take evenMore research is being put into the benefits of marijuana, but it important to work with professionals.
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Like alcohol, there needs to be an eye on the amount and strength of marijuana consumed. In a of study published in JAMA Psychiatry this week found regularly consuming high-THC marijuana and marijuana products could lead to mental health and addiction problems down the road.
Specifically, researchers reported those who consistently used high-THC marijuana were four times more likely to abuse the drug and twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders. The study’s authors added regularly consuming potent cannabis increases your chances of subsequent illicit drug use by 30%. The study had a significant limitation, the authors wrote, regarding where participants sourced their cannabis with survey respondents not having scientific way of determining THC levels in their cannabis.
Previous research has show that today’s marijuana is stronger than it needs to be. This is especially true when buying illegal marijuana, as black market producers breed cannabis strains designed to deliver the highest high to consumers in hopes they’ll come back for more. A study published earlier this year also found that 70-90% of medical marijuana products were too strong for effective chronic pain relief.
Measures in Springfield that would ban hemp-derived cannabis beverages in Illinois — a move that the state’s breweries say would have dealt a big blow to operations — did not go forward. That includes legislation that would have begun regulating delta-8 and other forms.
All parties involved, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, say the issue will come up again during the next session — the growing industry needs rules, they argue. In the meantime, the summer should provide some data in terms of how popular THC-infused drinks can be in Illinois. Observers believe the state could generate larger sales — and tax dollars — compared to Minnesota. Minnesota, whose lawmakers have embraced the drinks, has become
THC drinks have been a lifeline for struggling breweries aiming to diversify revenue streams. Breweries say they were caught off guard by bills that were introduced to regulate the THC industry — actions they say they support — and then altered to crush their business. There’s the belief that no one wants the drinks truly banned, but larger players want to weed out smaller competitors that were first to market before introducing their own brands.
Security patrols backed by Boka, LEYE, and One Off start in West Loop
It’s been a year since news that some of Chicago’s major restaurant groups — Boka, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, and One Off Hospitality Group — were organizing to deploy private security patrols in West Loop and Fulton Market. The owners of restaurants including the Publican, Aba, and Girl & the Goat, have gotten their wish. Block Club Chicago reports P4 Security Solutions is working with the groups and patrol SUVs have been spotted outside the restaurants in those neighborhoods.
The restaurants are part of the Fulton Market District Improvement Association, and the patrols are “entirely funded by contributions from businesses and organizations.” Security guards carry handcuffs and are armed. Their shifts extend to 3 a.m., according to Block Club. Chicago police have launched nightlife or “entertainment patrols” in areas like Wicker Park and the Near West Side. P4 is supposed to augment that and serves Bucktown and Lincoln Park. Greektown is another area that has its own patrols.
Springfield keeps the tipped minimum wage
Observers who witnessed One Fair Wage’s efforts in Chicago to abolish the tipped minimum wage could see this building. Lawmakers in Springfield did not move forward with the measure to abolish the tipped minimum wage statewide, but the campaign is still going national. The National Restaurant Association, which earlier in May hosted its annual show in Chicago, is gearing up its opposition to the effort. After lawmakers finished their session in Springfield ended, the association sent a statement to Eater defending the tip credit (a government subsidiary fills in the gap, and allows restaurants to pay workers below the minimum wage) as a “win-win-win for tipped restaurant workers, restaurant operators, and customers.”
“This win for Illinois restaurants will help keep menu prices down and will protect the jobs and high-earning potential of tipped workers in vibrant Illinois restaurant communities,” a statement from NRA Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Sean Kennedy reads.
North Center diner closed after a Thursday fire
Irene’s Finer Diner in North Center is closed indefinitely after a fire on Thursday at 2012 W. Irving Park Road. The owners announced the news on Friday morning: “We’re deeply saddened to share that due to a recent fire, we are forced to close for further notice. We are very grateful that no one was harmed. We’ve put a lot of heart and sweat into this diner, and will keep you posted on when we can welcome you once again for breakfast.”
5419 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 878-7340
Most people get in a groove with consumption – be it alcohol or cannabis – but sometimes you want to go big
Roughly 88%+ of the population get into some type of routine….morning, sleep, weekend, dressing all are part of a system mentally developed. Another routine includes eating habits, which can be positive or negative. And, some people fall into a consumption routine – both with alcohol or cannabis. California sober is upending some of the routine. But is a long weekend a good time to try something new? Are you ready for to have stronger marijuana.
Most people get comfortable with how they feel and set their consumption based on it…but a few times a year, people want to go big. With alcohol, there is general knowledge, but with marijuana, here are some things to know if you want to up your dosage. Most strong strains are used for pain control or for a medical purposes. For fun, the average dose is 5 mg, some go up to 10 mg. So what can you expect from 10+ mg?
Like alcohol, increasing the dosage of marijuana can have positive and some negative effects. High-potency increased the “journey”, more intense feelings, experiences and sensations. If you are new to a more intense journey, have a conversations with your bud tender so you can understand the nuances. You might also consider using a strain which has a bit of CBD in it to even out the high. Low to medium dose strains can relax you and reduce anxiety. There is a risk with strong strains of becoming anxious or a bit paranoid.
If smoking or vaping, the high tends to peak from 10-25 minutes after consumption and typically last 1 to 3 hours, though they can linger for up to 8 hours. So don’t plan to drive or do anything serious.
If things go off the rails a bit or you start to feel uncomfortable, don’t panic, things will work out. There are things you can do to come down from a high…including drinking water, eat, take a shower and then take a long nap.
The Illinois beer industry is rallying against legislation in Springfield that, if passed, could make making low-dose THC beverages illegal. The brewers claim the dispensary lobby is ramrodding a bill through the state Senate and House that would mandate breweries and distilleries that produce drinks like THC seltzers to operate under the same (and more costly) licensing requirements as dispensaries.
Introduced in April, the Hemp Consumer Products Act (Senate Bill 3926) presents far-reaching regulations that impact bars and taprooms, which began serving hemp-derived products in February. These products are derived from hemp rather than cannabis. Licenses would come with a $5,000 application fee and a July 1, 2026 deadline to apply.
An amendment to that bill, filed on Tuesday, May 9, which brewers say goes beyond the scope of public safety, and adds stricter guidelines for hemp-derived products. In a statement, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild describes the legislation “as short-sighted and the monopolization of THC under the guise of legislation” and claims that the measures would “immediately prohibit thousands of Illinois businesses manufacturing hemp-based products, including craft breweries.”
The regulations would administer a big blow to the state’s breweries, which are searching for ways to boost sales since the industry’s peak at the start of the pandemic.
“As craft beer has leveled out, a bunch of brewers in Illinois have seen sales of craft beer replaced by the sales of hemp-derived products,” says Ed Marszewski, co-owner of McKinley Park-based Marz Community Brewing. Marz sells the most THC drinks in Illinois. These are non-alcoholic; the state forbids selling drinks mixed with both THC and alcohol.
About 30 Illinois breweries — roughly 10 percent of the industry — make THC-derived drinks. Marszewski accuses lobbyists of stealthily “slipping in some pork.” There’s a feeling the bills were designed to get through the Senate with minimum discussion, part of larger omnibus legislation. The fear is the bills would be bundled with other legislation and arrive on the House floor for a concurrence vote where representatives could only vote “yes” or “no” without scrutiny.
Choom Lite is a non-alcholic sparking drink with THC.Central Park Bar
“The high-level goal, which is certainly applaudable — and I support 1,000 percent — is public safety,” says Glenn McElfresh, a cannabis lobbyist, advocate, and owner of Perfectly Dosed, a Chicago company that makes emulsions so breweries can manufacture THC drinks. (Hopewell Brewing in Logan Square is one of its clients.) “The secondary part of this, the part that hurts is it’s protecting the economic interest of existing cannabis business owners.”
Brewers, like Marszewski, point to bills introduced in February (Senate Bill 2790 and its House companion, House Bill 5306) as evidence they aren’t opposed to regulation.
McElfresh will testify Wednesday afternoon in front of state senators in Springfield to share his insights. Reps from the Hemp Beverage Alliance and Illinois Craft Brewers Guild will assemble on Thursday morning at Hopewell Brewing for a news conference to discuss the latest news.
The beverage industry argues that cannabis companies want to be the ones selling them to customers and controlling the market. There’s also disagreement about how the bills came into existence. Brewers believe that one organization, the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, is behind the legislation. CBAI is a lobbyist group representing dispensaries and labs around the state.
“We share Leader Lightford’s goals to protect children, empower consumers, and strengthen our state’s legal cannabis industry,” CBAI executive director Tiffany Chappell Ingram says in a statement to Eater. “We appreciate her leadership on this important issue and look forward to continued conversations about the best way to rein in the proliferation of synthetic THC intoxicants that are currently sickening children, confusing customers, and undermining our state’s carefully crafted cannabis market.”
Tiffany Chappell Ingram, executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois speaks in April in Springfield.Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The bills’ sponsor, state Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) tells Crain’s that legislators are in the process of negotiating with the hemp and cannabis industry to design a bill that “all sides can agree upon while ensuring our common goal to have a fair, just and safe industry remains.”
While McElfresh commends Lightford’s commitment to public safety, he claims that the CBAI and other cannabis industry lobbyists have failed to engage with brewers: “How many times have you included the Craft Brewers Guild or the beer industry in discussions?” he says. “The answer has been zero’”
Dispensary owners undergo a detailed background check and are subject to strict security requirements. There’s resentment within the cannabis industry that breweries aren’t held to equal standards and don’t pay the same in taxes.
Breweries feel the amendment would effectively crush any growth in their sector while allowing massive cannabis companies to thrive
“So far we are setting these huge companies coming into the space that have seemingly unlimited funds,” says Samantha Lee of Hopewell Brewing, comparing cannabis with the early, scrappier days of the craft beer industry. “It’s a very different approach and feel.”
Lee says Hopewell began serving THC drinks in February after collaborating with Fair State Brewing Cooperative in Minnesota. Minnesota has already been a battleground for low-dose THC drinks, as the state has seen the market soar. Marszewski notes that more than 100 breweries in Minnesota manufacture THC-infused drinks. So-called “Big Cannabis” doesn’t want to see the same success unfold in Illinois, Marszewski and Lee say.
The Illinois Brewers Guild notes that Minnesota generated $1.5 million in tax revenue from $15.4 million in sales from hemp-derived drinks two months after that state began regulating the industry in June 2022. The guild claims the state “could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue if we follow Minnesota’s model.” Minnesota’s law does have loopholes.
The state’s beer distributors — often seen as representing the big breweries that compete with the smaller craft breweries — seem united with their smaller siblings. McElfresh says that’s uncommon.
“This is like getting dogs and cats to agree that loud noises are scary,” he says.
The head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says marijuana industry banking access would make the agency’s job easier, and officials “shouldn’t just sit on our hands” as the federal government moves to reschedule cannabis.
At a hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on Tuesday, Chairman Dave Joyce (R-OH) pressed IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel about cannabis banking and tax compliance issues.
The commissioner said the Justice Department’s decision to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is “recent,” and “what we need to do in a moment like this is understand the implications that this change will have on a whole variety of different elements of this part of the economy.”
“What will their status be with respect to financial institutions? Will they remain mostly a cash-based industry or would they move into something other than cash?” Werfel said. “All of these things are important moving pieces for the IRS to determine how this emerging and changing industry is assessed at the right level and paying what they owe.”
“We shouldn’t just sit on our hands,” he added. “We should be active and looking at what steps we need to take—and we need to interact with this community and make sure we understand and talk to them.”
The IRS commissioner also said that, in his experience, industries are generally “very amenable” to getting…
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Hemp and marijuana beverages represent about $4 billion in sales and are only going to get bigger. Tasty, intoxicating, and available in most states, here are some key things to know about hemp and marijuana drinks. You might enjoy either or both, but where, how and what happens varies between the two.
Hemp or CBD drinks are created by infusing hemp extract, derived from the cannabis plant, into a liquid base. The most popular hemp-infused drinks include water, juice, tea, and coffee. One of the big differences between marijuana and hemp drinks is the “high”. With Delta-9 hemp, consumers tend to have a more intense experience and comes on faster than THC. It is a euphoric high when altered sensory perception and a sense of relaxation.
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THC or marijuana drinks require digestion (like an edible) for the THC to hit the bloodstream. It takes between 15-20 minutes to kick in, with the effects peaking after approximately 45 minutes. The high from marijuana beverage can be unpredictable, and potentially more intense.
Another big difference is 47 of the 50 U.S. states and DC have legalized the sale and use of hemp-derived CBD products. Bayou City in Texas is a huge brand which sales in mainstream retailers. Cannabis drinks, a growing market but still way behind gummies, can only be purchased in the 24 legal recreational states.
Additional scientists determined liners inside aluminum cans cause the drinks to lose their potency. These liners are used for different reasons, among them extending the product’s shelf life, preventing the corrosion of the can and, most importantly, protecting the flavor of the drinks themselves. Without these liners, the natural metallic taste of aluminum would seep into the drinks.
“Our theory is the cannabis material, the droplets, will stick to the liner and cling on it. When you open the can to take a drink, it will lose its potency,” said Vertosa founder, Harold Han.
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Nearly two-thirds of Lubbock voters rejected Proposition A, which would decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses.
The Lubbock city council unanimously voted against the initial proposal in November, after the group Freedom Act Lubbock gathered enough verified citizen signatures.
Council members stated they believe the proposal would contradict state law, making it unenforceable. Earlier this year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the cities of Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen and San Marcos for passing similar ordinances. After the council vote, supporters then requested the measure be sent to voters.
“The main goal is to keep people out of jail for this if that’s the only thing they’re doing,” Adam Hernandez with Freedom Act Lubbock told KCBD in April.
Hernandez said if they’re involved in criminal activity all bets are off. The ordinance would not limit enforcement if an offense is revealed as part of a “high priority” felony narcotics investigation or part of the investigation of a violent felony.
Terisa Clark with Project Destiny called Proposition A a threat to the Lubbock community.
“The majority of the time, it started somewhere for people with hardcore addictions. Where did it start? It started typically with marijuana,” Clark told KCBD in April.
In addition to decriminalizing low-level marijuana offenses, the ordinance would prevent LPD from considering the odor as probable cause for a search or seizure. While Freedom…
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The reclassification will help the state’s therapeutic cannabis scene – particularly when it comes to accessing federal tax breaks
The Biden administration plans to remove marijuana from a list of the most dangerous and highly regulated drugs, the Department of Justice said Tuesday.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will propose moving the drug from a Schedule I substance, which also includes heroin and methamphetamine, to Schedule III, which is the category for regulated-but-legal drugs including testosterone and Tylenol with codeine.
“Today, the Attorney General circulated a proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III,” DOJ spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa said in a statement to States Newsroom. “Once published by the Federal Register, it will initiate a formal rulemaking process as prescribed by Congress in the Controlled Substances Act.”
The reclassification would not have transformative effects in New Hampshire, experts say. Recreational cannabis is still illegal in the Granite State, though since 2017, people have been allowed to possess up to three-quarters of an ounce at a time without the threat of jail time.
But the reclassification will help the state’s therapeutic cannabis scene – particularly when it comes to accessing federal tax breaks.
“If you view cannabis reform as an irresistible force and the DEA is the immovable object, this is the first movement ever,” said Matt Simon, director of public…
It’s a fact that the health of men is frequently neglected. While there’s been some progress in recent times to draw attention to this issue, there’s an extensive way to go. One aspect that is often ignored is male reproductive health.
It is estimated that one out of six men will suffer from some kind of reproductive health concern throughout their lives. The number could be much higher since many men are reluctant to seek medical attention due to fear of stigma or embarrassment.
Male reproductive health is vital not just for the man, however, but for the spouse and future children. Unhealthy reproductive health can impact fertility. Furthermore, infections may be transmitted from a man to his spouse in the event that hygiene and health continue decreasing.
Many factors can affect male reproductive health, such as lifestyle, medical conditions, and the aging process. It is, therefore, crucial for men everywhere to be aware of any potential dangers and to take the necessary steps to safeguard their reproductive health.
Simple lifestyle changes that could improve male reproductive health include eating a balanced diet, taking high-quality men’s health products, working out frequently, and avoiding drinking alcohol and smoking.
In addition, numerous other things can be accomplished to improve male reproductive health. One of them is to limit exposure to toxins or chemicals that could be harmful to the reproductive system.
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