by Grow Up Conference | Oct 1, 2024 | Grow Opportunity, Media Partners
I’ve been breeding for just over 20 years now and growing for 30. I’m from Alberta, so we had to do everything very quietly. There was no real set culture in Alberta like there is in in B.C. and in lower Ontario; we’re a very conservative province. We had to be very quiet with what we were doing and it was tough to get genetics, short of driving to Vancouver.
I unfortunately lost my daughter to a fentanyl overdose; she was an opioid addict. I talked to Frenchy Cannoli shortly after that and it was a blessing. We talked for two hours about different terpenes, funny enough, that we were going to look for to help with this opioid crisis. That day I set out to create a cultivar to help battle the opioid crisis, and it’s still something we’re working on. There’s two major compounds we’re looking for: myrcene and caryophyllene.
We’re trying to create a cultivar that can help those people stop the need to use, and it’s something that we’re going to keep working on. And there’s a whole other myriad of things we look for when it comes to breeding structure, like how does it grow in a commercial facility?
Some cultivars are really beautiful at home in a tent, but you want to bring them to the commercial game and you can’t, because they’re just too much plant work and too much overhead. So how do you get that plant into something that’s commercially viable to grow?
I have also created a cultivar that pulls up 30 per cent less water than any other cultivar studied. It’s great for drought-stricken areas and went 28 days without being watered. I also grow on Galiano Island in B.C., and we have a lot of water restrictions there.
Some guys just want to breed for that high THC. Other guys want to breed for terpenes. Right now, at Big League Genetics, we sell mainly to Germany and Australia, and in Germany, they’re after terpene content. They don’t care about the THC; they want the experience. I think that’s something we need to be driving home more: the experience of cannabis and not the numbers. There is amazing stuff that’s 1:1 out there, and they make you feel fantastic.
I had a Violator Kush that was lightning in a bottle. When we had it on the legacy market, we couldn’t keep the packs; they were gone as soon as they were ready. We brought it to the legal market, did a proper COA on it, and my business partners said, ‘nobody’s going to want this.’ I said, ‘Get it into a market and just let them try it.’ It went to the OCS and it sold through right away.
I find with high THC, it’s a quick ramp up and I’m back down again. Whereas I find something that’s a little lower THC, higher CBD or even just lower THC and higher terpene content, sometimes I find those highs last longer, or it’s more enjoyable to smoke. Those super high THC for the most part are not the most tasty. I like something that I can sit back and relax with; that’s part of the experience. I can put it out halfway through and come back to it, and it still tastes delicious. At Ganjier, that’s called the ashtray test.
I breed for flavour. I look for dance partners: who’s going to make a real good dance partner coming from stable parents?
Gush Mintz by the team at Big League Cultivation. In Germany, where they export, buyers are seeking terpene content over THC – experience over the numbers.
Cherry pie is one of them out of California. I grow a lot with cherry pie; it’s a very dominant genetic plant, it’s a very crystally plant, it will pass on a lot of trichome structure to anything I put to it. It’s also delicious. I’m a cherry and grape fan. I love gas. I do like garlic as well.
As a breeder I take the Rick Ross McDonald’s approach to breeding, and I think a lot of LPs need to start this as well. We need to start telling the customer what’s on the menu and not asking them what they need. We need to force the narrative to our side, saying ‘this is what you need to smoke, and it will make you feel amazing. I promise you don’t need to worry about the numbers.’ McDonald’s doesn’t ask you what burger you want. They figure it out. They do research themselves, they’re ahead of the game, and they drop products and then they’ll pull them back if it doesn’t work. They have standards.
For me, White Widow Skunk, all the old standards, we need to bring those back to market. I have those as the standards and then we have our little exclusives that come in and out. I like to mix old school stuff with some new school stuff, so people get to experience a bit of both as a bit of a bridge; it’s been very successful for me.
My Thailand Wedding was at the Grow Up Conference four years ago, and no one was ready for it. Now I’m getting requests for the genetic constantly because it grows incredibly well in Ontario and Quebec, but it’s the old school flavour with some new school structure. I have some plants that grow the smallest little flowers, they are so bold, but it’s not commercially viable. How do I get that into another plant?
I think about what people like, and I try to be ahead of the game by about two years. I find, you don’t chase today’s trends, you create tomorrow’s. I’m not chasing a trend; I’m creating the next smoke for the people.
Dustan McLean was a founding partner and head of cultivation for Parkland Flower Inc. He is now the head of cultivation and master grower for Big League Cultivation in Alberta. In 2024, Dustan was named one of Canada’s Top 50 Cannabis Leaders.
by Grow Up Conference | Oct 1, 2024 | Cannabis News Wire, Media Partners
Delaware, Ohio, has put a temporary pause on recreational cannabis businesses operating within its city limits; the city council voted 5 to 2 to enforce a six-month moratorium. This decision halts recreational marijuana businesses from opening in the city, giving officials time to consider how to best regulate them. The move follows the approval of Ohio’s Issue 2, which legalized recreational marijuana in November 2023.
The ban applies strictly to businesses and does not affect residents using cannabis in their homes. Although the council has the authority to lift the moratorium before the six-month deadline, opinions on the matter varied.
Councilmember Cory Hoffman, who ultimately supported the ban, stated, “I don’t think we need any kind of moratorium currently. The state is issuing licenses, so I believe Delaware should allow businesses to operate here.”
Despite this, other members, such as Vice Mayor Kent Shafer, argued that the city needed more time to decide on regulations that align with local standards. Shafer noted, “We’re not looking to ban these businesses, but we need time to discuss any potential additional limitations.”
In addition to the moratorium, the city is also reviewing separate legislation that could place further restrictions on the location of certain businesses, including those selling cannabis, tobacco or vape products. The proposed ordinance would prohibit these establishments from setting up within 500 feet of places such as parks, schools, playgrounds, churches and libraries. It also includes a clause to prevent two or more similar businesses from being within one mile of each other. The rule would apply only to businesses of the same type, meaning a vape shop could be near a marijuana dispensary, but two vape shops could not be within a mile of each other.
The new regulations would also limit the types of signage businesses can use. Temporary signage, such as banners or yard signs, would be banned, and flashing or animated signs would not be allowed. Businesses would also be limited to only two illuminated window signs.
More than 56 townships or municipalities in Ohio have also enacted moratoriums on recreational marijuana businesses. As in other states where recreational marijuana has been legalized, Ohio permits local governments to set their own rules about whether marijuana sales can take place within their borders.
Many of these moratoriums, like Delaware’s, are temporary, providing time for local authorities to evaluate existing laws and address potential conflicts.
The cannabis industry, including leading companies such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), could be hoping that the different local authorities in Ohio finalize their rule-making processes so that adults who would like to consume marijuana can access the products easily.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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by Grow Up Conference | Oct 1, 2024 | Extraction Magazine, Media Partners
Even today, the single word “psychedelic” can still lead to completely opposite reactions.
There are those who let themselves be carried away by the sweet and confused memories of an experimental youth, those who want to keep away even from the sound of this mysterious and frightening word, those who with genuine curiosity want to get closer to this fascinating world, and those who study and do research to find innovative solutions to problems that afflict many people.
By psychedelic substance, we mean any compound capable of influencing the central nervous system (CNS), thus changing the normal functioning of the brain and generally altering perceptions, moods, and behavior. [1] Substances capable of generating these behavioral alterations are commonly called psychotropic drugs.
It should be noted that the word “drugs” can be used to refer to medicines or substances that have been considered legal for years and that many of us regularly take, such as nicotine or alcohol. Some drugs can be useful to compensate for malfunctions in our body, mental or physical illnesses. Although we know that humans have been experimenting with psychedelics for thousands of years, the in-depth study of these substances is a relatively recent matter.
The “Birth” of Psychedelic Drugs
The most accredited theory assumes that the co-evolution of the animal and plant kingdoms led to the creation of the first drugs. To protect themselves from large herbivores of the past, many plant species developed metabolic pathways that led to the production of extremely powerful chemical substances: alkaloids.
An alkaloid is an organic compound, usually plant-based, that has the ability to cause significant physiological changes even after taking just a small dose. [2] The use of psychotropic substances has accompanied the development of human civilization since its inception. Hallucinogenic plant derivatives and alcoholic fermented drinks have been found in archaeological sites of the prehistoric age.
Paleolithic man had a knowledge of the effects of the herbs he collected and used for recreational, nutritional, and healing purposes.
In general, this is a behavior that also occurs in other species besides humans: numerous cases of living beings consuming plants with medicinal or, sometimes, simply intoxicating effects have been documented. The tendency to use narcotic substances is inherent to the animal kingdom itself. The reason has to be found in the adaptogenic function that some plants possess. Certain natural active ingredients improve the body’s resistance to environmental stressors and increase the possibility of adaptation and survival in a given habitat.
The First Traces of Use of Psychoactive Substances
Many researches and studies have been done to trace and date excavations and fossils found in the most disparate parts of the world. We must start from the assumption that in any part of the world, wherever there was abundant flora, the psychotropic substances contained in them were more or less used.
In the European area of prehistoric times there was a great variety of species and fungi with psychoactive properties, such as hemp (Cannabis sp.), ephedra (Ephedra sp.), opium poppy (P. somniferum), some members of the Solanaceae family, such as black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), jimsonweed (Datura sp.) or mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) but also hallucinogenic mushrooms such as the liberty cap (Psylocybe semilanceata), ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea), or even the fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria), among many others.
It is important to underline how these plants and fungi, despite being known for their psychoactive and psychotropic effects, could also be used for other purposes, such as the production of fiberl. Others, however, were used as food for animals or simply accidentally collected as infesting plants in the fields. Therefore their presence in archaeological sites does not necessarily mean that they were used by man as mind-altering substances.
One of the earliest findings testifying the presence of psychotropic plants in the Old World is that of a middle paleolithic burial cave in Shanidar, northern Iraq, approximately 60,000 years BC. A number of medicinal plants were found around the skeleton of an adult man aged between 30 and 40, including ephedra, a natural stimulant. [2]
Some evidence of the use of psychotropic substances by man dates back 7,000 years ago and comes from some rock representations in a cave in Tassili N’Ajjer in Algeria. The ancient illustrations depict priests holding mushrooms in their hands.
Some archaeological remains of “mushroom stones” highlight how in Guatemala in 1500 BC, there was a real mushroom cult. Instead, they date back to 1000 B.C. the Mexican statues depicting the Psilocybe mexicana, in which divine figures emerge from the bodies of the fungi, testifying to their spiritual value.
Petroglyphs depicting anthropomorphic figures with mushrooms attached to their heads date again to 1000 B.C., which tell us of the use of Amanita muscaria intoxicating mushroom, among the Čukotka people in Siberia.
The oldest evidence for peyote, on the other hand, is from 3700 B.C. from Native Americans in the Rio Grande area. In Shumla caves have been found remains of “peyote buttons” and small carvings showing a cactus. The Peruvian Chavin stone from 1300 B.C. has a carved sculpture showing a deity holding a San Pedro cactus. Peyote has been used for ceremonial purposes in many cultures in Texas and Mexico as early as 1000 BC. [3]
Psylocibin
As mentioned, the first uses of psilocybin date back thousands of years ago, but even in recent decades, this substance has aroused renewed interest in the field of medical research, more specifically in psychological therapy. Western medicine became interested in this substance in 1958, when it was first identified and isolated.
It was subsequently synthesized by Albert Hoffman in 1959. In 1960, psilocybin was widely used in the treatment of psychological disorders such as depression or to treat addictions, with time and diffusion, this substance also became famous for recreational use, from 1970 onwards, its use in the medical field slowly waned. Since the late 1990s, psilocybin has regained some popularity, but only ever as a recreational drug. [4]
Peyote
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a well-known cactus with psychotropic properties found mainly in northern Mexico, one of the most renowned hallucinogenic plants in the world. This plant was used in shamanic rites of the pre-Hispanic period. In fact, these rituals have been practiced by native populations since very ancient times and have partially fallen into disuse since the period of Spanish conquest. At the center of these rituals was the cult of Peyote. Based on some rock paintings and archaeological excavations, it has been deduced that these rituals date back 3000 years ago, this cactus was already known and used in very ancient times.
The ethno-geographical origin of Peyote appears today to be a fairly large area north-west of Mexico, corresponding to the territories of the Tarahumara, the Cora, and the Huicholes. From here, the ritual and medicinal use of the cactus spread to the south with the Toltecs and Aztecs in the classical era, and then to the north in a much more recent era towards the Indians of the Great Prairies in the 19th century.
Here, the use of peyote became a true sacrament, at the center of a syncretic cult that, at the end of the century, catalyzed the hopes of rebirth of the “native” nations with various shaman-preachers. The name peyote derives from peiotl of Nahuatl origin, a language of the Aztecs, a name that probably refers to the silk cocoon due to the white fuzz that covers the button-like surface of the cactus. The scientific name Lophophora also etymologically means “ridge-bearing”. [5]
LSD
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a psychedelic substance capable of causing behavioral changes, sensory amplifications, a sense of peace, extreme calm, but also hallucinations, or the famous bad trip, anxiety, fear, and psychological discomfort. Since its discovery, LSD has often been used in clinical trials on patients and even by psychiatrists themselves. Its use soon went beyond medical boundaries and spread very quickly as a recreational drug. LSD was first synthesized in 1938 by the Swiss chemist named Albert Hoffman (1906–2008).
After having brilliantly completed his studies, Hoffman joined a chemical-pharmaceutical laboratory in Switzerland as an assistant to dedicate himself to the search for natural molecules that could be used for the creation of new drugs. In 1938, Hoffman first systematized this powerful molecule, with similar structure to ergot alkaloids: in fact these fungi contain ergotamine which is the precursor of the lysergic acid.
After some unsatisfactory tests on animals, Hoffman accidentally absorbed a very small dose through his fingertips, thus experiencing sensations that were unusual for him, such as dizziness, restlessness, and hallucinations, which vanished after a few hours. A few days later, the chemist decided to voluntarily take LSD to confirm the origins of the sensations he had previously felt.
From here, experiments began in which Hoffman described the various sensations, both positive and negative, that this new substance caused him. LSD quickly spread even outside the academic sphere, influencing the cultural and social aspects of the time, which is why at the end of the 1960s LSD was declared illegal by the United States government. [6]
References:
[1] Baron S, Linton S, O’Malley MA. On Drugs. J Med Philos. 2023 Nov 3;48(6):551-564. doi: 10.1093/jmp/jhad035. PMID: 37352546; PMCID: PMC10629940.
[2] Guerra Doce E., The Origins of Inebriation: Archaeological Evidence of the Consumption of Fermented Beverages and Drugs in Prehistoric Eurasia. «Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory», 22 (2015), p. 715.
[3]https://www.slow-news.com/serie/il-lungo-viaggio-storia-universale-della-psichedelia/le-sostanze
[4] Filip Tylš, Tomáš Páleníček, Jiří Horáček, Psilocybin – Summary of knowledge and new perspectives, European Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 24, Issue 3, 2014, Pages 342-356, ISSN 0924-977X,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.12.006.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X13003519)
[5] B. de Sahagún, Historia general de las cosas de Nueva España, riportato in W. La Barre, The Peyote Cult, New York, Schocken Books, 1959, p. 10. L’opera del frate castigliano fu pubblicata per la prima volta in Messico nel 1829-30, cosicché il primo resoconto pubblicato sul cactus “divino” è quello di J. Cardenas nel 1591.
[6]https://www.swissinfo.ch/ita/scienza/60-anni-per-l-allucinogeno-lsd/3270724#:~:text=Nel%201963%20scadde%20il%20brevetto,la%20Sandoz%20cess%C3%B2%20la%20produzione.
by Grow Up Conference | Oct 1, 2024 | Media Partners, Stratcann
Sixteen men were arrested on October 1 in Quebec in connection with the production, trafficking, distribution and sale of illicit cannabis in Montérégie.
The Sûreté du Québec’s Cannabis Smuggling Investigation Service conducted its investigation in collaboration with the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Police Department, the Richelieu-Saint-Laurent Intermunicipal Police Department and the Longueuil Agglomeration Police Department.
The arrests took place in Brossard, Carignan, Chambly, Napierville, Saint-Alexandre-d’Iberville, Saint-Constant and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
The arrests come from previous searches carried out by law enforcement, particularly in September 2023, on production sites operated by individuals police say are linked to organized crime.
These individuals were primarily producing cannabis using Health Canada registration certificates for personal or designated production for medical purposes, but police say their investigation found the sites were being used in violation of those medical allowances.
More than 200 police officers worked on this investigation while the arrests on the morning of October 1 used more than 30 police officers, including the Sûreté du Québec’s tactical intervention group.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Public Security, the ACCES Cannabis program (Actions Concertées pour Contrer les Économies Souterraines) is a government initiative set up in 2018 to combat cannabis smuggling at all stages of supply, from illegal production to neighbourhood smuggling, throughout Quebec. Its objective is to promote the integrity of Quebec’s tax system, reduce the accessibility of cannabis for young people and direct consumers to a legal and safe market.
Recently, Sûreté du Québec also said it had seized thousands of illegally-grown outdoor cannabis plants so far this year. Investigators from the ACCES Cannabis Unit of the Quebec City Police Department (SPVQ) recently arrested a 47-year-old man during a search of a business on rue Saint-Joseph for the illegal sale of cannabis and its derivatives.
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by Grow Up Conference | Oct 1, 2024 | Media Partners, Stratcann
To date, Health Canada has issued just two Notice of Violations associated with potential violations of promotion prohibitions since October 17, 2018.
Between October 17, 2018 and March 31, 2024, Health Canada assessed 1,541 cases of potential non-compliance related to promotions. This resulted in 134 actions taken, the vast majority of them compliance emails or letters or compliance promotion emails or calls.
Despite all of this activity, as of the end of March 2024, the federal agency has only issued two Notice of Violations (NOV) associated with potential violations of promotion prohibitions since October 17, 2018.
Just 11 of those 134 actions taken included warning letters, and 32 resulted in referrals to RCMP.
Health Canada also says they conducted five inspections at promotional events from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, two in Toronto, one in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, one in Victoria, BC and one in Regina.
The federal Cannabis Act includes several different enforcement tools that can be considered when deciding on the appropriate enforcement actions to prevent or address non-compliance. While these tools do include options, from calls and/or letters to suspension or cancellation of a federal licence, the issuance of a ministerial order, or the issuance of administrative monetary penalties (AMP) of up to $1 million, the federal government tends to take a soft-touch approach, focussing more on first informing licence holders of their potential violations of federal rules before escalating to more significant penalties.
Health Canada uses information from both internal and external sources to help it identify any possible risks to public health and public safety, but a spokesperson for the agency tells StratCann that they do not collect data that shows how they became aware of any potential issues.
A media representative with Health Canada tells StratCann that the agency could, in the future, publish Notices of Violations or information related to administrative monetary penalties on its website once it has been determined that the recipient committed a violation.
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by Grow Up Conference | Oct 1, 2024 | Media Partners, Psychedelic News Wire
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently announced new production quotas for controlled substances under schedules 1 and 2. The new quotas show increases in the supply of psychedelics such as ibogaine, psilocybin and psilocyn, which the federal agency notes shall be used for research purposes.
Specifically, the 2024 quotas for psilocyn and psilocybin have risen to 36,000 grams and 30,000 grams respectively. Ibogaine’s quota has also risen, from 150 grams to 210 grams, to help meet the increasing demand for research.
The agency’s increased focus on the production of psychedelics comes at a time when more anecdotal reports and studies are highlighting the potential these substances have in managing various mental-health conditions. For instance, studies have found that ibogaine may be useful in treating addiction. Advocates and researchers are calling for the DEA to support further studies on the substance.
In its statement, the DEA added that it remained committed to ensuring that all patients with legitimate medical needs can access prescribed drugs.
Cannabis production quotas remain unchanged, however, with the DEA maintaining its aggregate quota of 6.6 million grams since 2023. Quotas for other drugs such as mescaline, LSD, MDMA and DMT also remain the same.
This stability in marijuana production quotas comes as the agency prepares to decide on its rescheduling in December. This comes after it was recommended that the drug be rescheduled to schedule 3. Other substances under this schedule include ketamine and anabolic steroids.
Currently, cannabis is classified under schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. Drugs under this classification are said to have no accepted medical use along with a high potential for abuse. If the drug is rescheduled, it could change how scientists access the drug for research, eliminating it from the aggregate production quota process.
A recent report by the Congressional Research Service notes that rescheduling may not eliminate all barriers in research, however. The report explains that researchers and drug sponsors of cannabis or CBD-containing drugs can only benefit from looser restrictions linked to rescheduling if congressional action is taken.
In other news, the DEA is expected to take part in a hearing involving a proposed ban on DOC and DOI. The two psychedelic compounds are analogs of DOM, a hallucinogen classified under schedule 1. These compounds act on an individual’s central nervous system and are highly selective agonists for serotonin 2 receptors in the brain.
The 10-day hearing comes after a lawsuit that challenged the scheduling process for these compounds was dismissed by a federal court.
These increasing production quotas for psychedelics suggest that more companies are joining the likes of Compass Pathways PLC (NASDAQ: CMPS) in studying hallucinogens with a view to leveraging their therapeutic potential.
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by Grow Up Conference | Sep 30, 2024 | Cannabis News Wire, Media Partners
A recent federally funded study published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open” has revealed that cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, reward response and working memory do not change significantly after a year of cannabis use. The study refutes the long-held notion that marijuana use impairs memory and brain function. It involved adults who typically used cannabis for issues such as depression, anxiety, pain or sleep problems.
The research team conducted the study on 57 patients who had recently received medical cannabis certification in the Boston area. Brain activity was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while participants performed various cognitive activities. Brain activity was evaluated at the beginning of the trial and again after a year of marijuana use.
The fMRI scans showed no discernible changes in brain activation related to mental activities even after a year of consuming medical marijuana. Furthermore, there was no correlation observed over time between the frequency of cannabis use and changes in brain activity.
In a statement summarizing their findings, the researchers emphasized that medical cannabis users who typically consume it in small to moderate doses to manage medical symptoms often experience minimal long-term neural changes in areas such as working memory, inhibitory control and reward processing. They reiterated that no notable differences were observed in brain activity between the initial and follow-up scans taken a year later.
These results may provide reassurance to individuals who rely on medical cannabis to manage their health concerns but are worried about the potential long-term effects on their brain health. However, the researchers recommended that further studies be conducted, particularly focusing on higher doses of cannabis, more frequent usage and studies involving younger individuals.
The study findings align with recent research that suggests prescribed medical marijuana has minimal short-term impact on cognitive function, even for those managing chronic illnesses.
While more research is necessary to fully understand the long-term consequences of marijuana use, a growing body of evidence indicates that some concerns may have been exaggerated. For instance, a study from last year found that cancer patients who used medical cannabis reported clearer thinking and better pain management.
Another study involving young people at risk for psychosis found that consistent marijuana use—more than two years—did not lead to early psychosis, as some critics of cannabis claim. Instead, it was linked to slight improvements in cognitive abilities and a reduction in the use of other drugs.
Furthermore, an analysis of data from about 65 million health insurance policyholders by the AMA revealed no discernible increase in diagnoses for psychosis in places where the drug has been allowed as opposed to those where it has not.
As more misconceptions about the effects of marijuana on the brain are debunked, the overall industry could grow more explosively and other verticals, such as the one in which Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) operates, are set to also experience faster growth.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
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by Grow Up Conference | Sep 30, 2024 | Cannabis News Wire, Media Partners
The National Cancer Institute recently published scientific articles on cancer and cannabis to help individuals better understand questions they may have on how patients perceive marijuana. The articles, which were published in a special issue of the “JNCI Monographs,” discuss the results from federal surveys on patients from cancer centers in different parts of the country. This includes areas where marijuana is still outlawed, allowed for medical use only or is legal.
In the introduction, the National Cancer Institute explained that the project’s objective was to address major gaps in knowledge in our understanding of marijuana and cancer. This would, in turn, allow readers to learn more about how patients with cancer accessed and used the substance, and evaluate the perceived benefits and risks with the drug’s use, among other things.
One of the studies included in the report focused on patients who used medical cannabis to manage cancer-related pain as an alternative to opioids. The researchers discovered that their findings showed that patients were using marijuana regardless of its legality in the state they resided in.
A separate analysis discovered that the most common consumption mode for marijuana by patients was gummies and smoking, with the main reasons for use being mood, insomnia and pain. Another study examined the use of cannabis by patients living with cancer in different stages, discovering that survivors who had been diagnosed with the illness at its advanced stages were more likely to consider using marijuana than patients who had been diagnosed at the early stages.
Another study that was included in the report examined prescription opioids and marijuana use among cancer patients, with researchers observing that marijuana was used to manage symptoms of cancer, as well as an alternative to opioids.
In their report, the researchers noted that most participants used marijuana because it was safer, while others preferred it because it was less addictive. Some also preferred it because it had fewer side effects.
Professor Rebecca Ashare, the lead author of this study, revealed that the focus needed to be on educating providers on how to discuss the co-use of opioids, marijuana as well as their substitution.
The recently published monograph can be found online.
In other news, research published earlier in the year found that some minor cannabinoids may have anti-cancer effects on leukemia. The study examined minor cannabinoids and multiple myeloma, testing how cell models responded to cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC, CBG and CBDV.
The researchers determined that these compounds held the potential to be anticancer agents for multiple myeloma, primarily because of their cytotoxic effect on the cancer’s cell lines.
The growing attention that federal health authorities are giving to medical marijuana is likely to send positive signals to cannabis companies such as Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) regarding the possible future changes in marijuana policy at the federal level.
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by Grow Up Conference | Sep 30, 2024 | Garden Culture Magazine, Media Partners
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation occurs annually in Canada on September 30th. It’s a day to remember the children who never returned from the residential school system, their families, and their communities. Commemorative events are held nationwide, including Orange Shirt Day; people can also participate in ongoing reconciliation efforts by planning to grow a heart garden.
What is a Heart Garden?
In June 2024, the Canadian government launched the Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams heart garden at Rideau Hall. This garden remembers First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were in the residential school system – the survivors as well as those who never came home.
Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon worked with schoolchildren to make hearts with written messages. They glued the hearts onto sticks and planted them in a garden.
Each heart represents our responsibility to remember the Indigenous children’s stories and acknowledge their pain, strength, and courage. Throughout the summer, visitors to Rideau Hall were encouraged to add more hearts to the garden.
The garden at Rideau Hall is in a public outdoor space, but heart gardens can be grown in yards everywhere or indoors. Anyone can participate!
Getting Started
The first step to creating a heart garden is to learn about residential schools and their devastating impacts and understand the definition of reconciliation.
How To Create A Heart Garden
- Next, decorate a paper heart and honor the children who attended residential schools with written messages. Use the heart template at the bottom of this Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams PDF.
- Cut out the heart, but leave it joined at the top so you can fold both sides together to make it two-sided.
- Glue a stick to the inside of the heart and fold the other side over to seal it closed.
- Plant the stick in your garden soil or flower pot.
What To Plant In A Heart Garden
The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society suggests planting native species that bloom throughout the seasons and support pollinators and wildlife.
Consider a native wildflower mix or tall grasses local to your region. For example:
- Black-eyed Susans
- Butterfly Milkweed
- Foxglove
- Wild Aster
- Fowl Bluegrass
- Yello Prairie Grass
- Wild Bergamot
- Bee Balm
- Little Bluestem
- Shasta daisy
Maintaining A Heart Garden
Don’t bother deadheading plants or removing garden debris in the fall. Insects and other wildlife will use the stems and leaves for shelter over the winter, and birds will nibble at the seedheads when food is more scarce. Fallen plant debris will eventually decompose and nourish the soil.
Spread The Word!
Planting a heart garden is a meaningful way to acknowledge mistakes from our past, remember the victims of the residential school system, and grow together as a society. Register your garden at honouringmemoriesplantingdreams.ca and share photos of what you’ve planted on social media with the hashtag #TRCHeartGardens.
by Grow Up Conference | Sep 30, 2024 | Media Partners, Stratcann
When Ontario Premier Doug Ford posted a video to social media of him smiling and clinking cans in front of a convenience store display to celebrate the start of beer, wine, and mixed drink sales, it signalled the province’s support of the liquor industry and desire to see it grow.
Posted to Ford’s Instagram account on September 5, the change to allow liquor sales at more than 4,000 convenience stores gives consumers “more choice and convenience,” he said, and will be expanded to include grocery and big-box stores in the near future.
“Delivering on our promise to treat people like adults while giving small businesses the chance to grow and create more local jobs,” read the post.
The cannabis industry doesn’t have a provincial politician or policy maker championing it like this anywhere in Canada, which is part of the reason why, nearly six years after legalization, small and mid-sized producers are still finding it difficult to stay solvent, the illicit market remains entrenched, and tourism has yet to take off.
It’s at the provincial level where change is needed to unlock the plant’s potential, says an Edmonton city councillor.
In October 2022, Coun. Michael Janz put forward a plan to make Edmonton the “Cannabis Industry Capital of the World,” but doing so would require policy changes by the province to allow places like cannabis cafes and lounges to operate.
Two years later, those changes still haven’t been made, and they are not being considered.
“The log-jam is at the provincial government,” said Janz.
“We need the provincial ministers who are giving the rhetoric about cutting red tape and Alberta is open for business and all of this, we need them to look at, it’s been six years, virtually without incident. (Legalization) has gone very well. Far, far better than even the toughest critics would have imagined … now we need them to get out of the way and start letting the entrepreneurs and creative spirits do their thing.”
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is in charge of sales, and Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally was tasked with overseeing the sector’s growth in 2023. Municipalities can create their own rules around consumption.
Cafes and lounges are “currently not being considered,” said press secretary Brandon Aboultaif in an emailed statement.
“In the last year, we simplified employment requirements for new employees so cannabis retailers can hire staff more quickly, while still ensuring necessary training safeguards,” it read. “We reduced listing fees for licensed producers by 83 per cent and shipping fees for retailers by 11 per cent, and we also now allow licensed cannabis retailers to operate temporary sales locations at adults-only events like trade shows and festivals.”
Nally was not available for an interview as he was away on vacation, but he spoke at the Grow Up Conference on Sept. 29 Edmonton.
Aboultaif also pointed to changes like allowing retailers to open at 9 a.m., removing signage restrictions, and simplifying the steps for age verification for online purchases.
“We look forward to continuing to work with industry to identify opportunities to ease regulatory burden and strengthen our cannabis industry,” he said.
BC now allows “cannabis consumption spaces” on patios where tobacco and vaping are permitted.
The slow pace of change around policy has prevented the industry from growing in Alberta, says Fernando Di Capua, a consultant and founder of the 10:01 Group.
“There’s statistics coming out right now that show the industry kind of flatlining, which shouldn’t be the case,” he said. “We should be growing month over month. Even with hundreds of thousands of newcomers to Alberta and across Canada, the industry is still flat, it should be growing.”
Rules should also be streamlined across the country, said Di Capua.
“You’re allowed to have a rosin press in Ontario in the stores, but no retailer in Alberta has ever had a rosin press inside their store,” he said.
“I feel like Alberta really got out of the gate with the legal industry, having the most stores right away. We had 100 stores before most provinces… we jumped the gun at the start of legalization, and I feel like other provinces have caught up and passed the AGLC in terms of deregulating and allowing for smoother performance of the industry.”
Along with cafes and lounges, Di Capua says allowing farm-gate sales and direct delivery from producers to retailers will make a big difference.
“We legalized the plant but we still have all these precautionary business tactics in place, it kind of feels like the industry has handcuffs on, or training wheels.”
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