Eco Friendly CBD OIL

The Best Eco Friendly CBD Oil

CBD OIL

Digital Holiday Sales Are Already Up & Expected to Climb, Particularly for CBD Brands

by

Amazon recently reported that the small and midsize businesses that sell on its marketplace made more than $3.5 billion during Prime Day. That’s a 60% increase over last year’s sales according to CNBC.

Although holiday shoppers’ wallets are billions of dollars lighter this year, there are still plenty of sales opportunities for market-savvy cannabidiol (CBD) brands.

Now Is The Time

Timing is everything, and the time to run holiday digital sales promotions is now.

Deloitte expects holiday e-commerce sales to surge by 25% to 35% with volume peaking between November to January.

And a survey by Coresight Research reports that three in 10 consumers expect to start their holiday shopping earlier than usual.

COVID-cautious Consumer Spending

With 31 million holiday travelers grounded this year and more than 47% of families reporting they are downsizing holiday events, this year’s holiday season will be dominated by “remote giving.”

Holiday shoppers’ traditional buying preferences and patterns are shifting in concert.

The three P’s of the promotional period–products, pricing, and promotions–don’t apply this year. This season is all about a brand’s preparation, perception, and pursuit, according to Michael Brown, a consumer market expert at Kearney.

CBD companies’ websites should be festive, fun, and filled with tons of sensational gift bundles.                Brands should invest more time in packaging and marketing offers. Banners like “great gifts for moms” and “deals for dads” provide purchasing cues that are likely to convert to higher-than-average cart size.

Remote givers are looking for smaller, more practical and attractively packaged gift bundles that convey as much warmth and sentiment as can be packed and shipped.

And they want their packages to arrive on time.

Shipping Slow Downs

Surges in online shopping are putting new demands on shippers, which are already straining to keep up with increased demand. CBD brands need to examine their shipping systems and have back-up plans in place.

Understand your delivery agent’s mailing performance and adjust customer promises accordingly. We recommend that brands create an automated customer shipping update to inform customers of any projected shipping delays. And, if service delays are anticipated, proactively issue special discounts or offers to recognize the inconvenience.

One way to avoid these predictable bottlenecks is to kick off holiday campaigns (and shipments) now to avoid the rush.

Gifts Cards Are On Trend

The most popular gift this year will likely be gift cards, according to Morning Consult, which reports that 48% of adults plan to buy or give gift cards this holiday season.

Three times as many shoppers said they will spend most on gift cards versus the next-highest gift type, clothing.

“The trend is real and it’s working,” says Scott Zabka, a CBD storeowner using CBD Marketing Hub to run live gift card campaigns.

According to Zabka the majority of recipients have become repeat customers.

We agree with the growing body of retail experts that recommend that brands examine promotional strategies to avoid over-discounting products–a move that ultimately drives down pricing and profitability.

Gift cards typically offer similar value to BOGO promotions but add a valuable kicker. They look and spend like cash, and consumers are more likely to redeem them and return to restock.

A Growing Need for Self-Care

The importance of self-care has become evident as a result of the pandemic and has risen to become one of the largest trends in the US.

Nearly one-third of consumers increased their self-care behavior this past year, according to IRI, which reports that nearly nine out of 10 Americans (88%) practice some form of self-care.

Many companies, including Austra, CBD for Life, Green Roads, Uncle Bud’s Hemp, and some Your CBD Store owners, are boosting their digital storefronts and in-store offers. Green Roads’ Self-care Deluxe Bundle is among trending gift items.

“[It’s] a really great gift, especially for stressed-out moms who need a break,” says Lee Sosin, CMO of Green Roads.

CBD for Life plans to leverage the trend with a co-branded promotion with Moonlit Skincare, according to Julie Redfern, the company’s director of marketing.

In order to help brands leverage the trend, CBD Marketing Hub created a cost-free small business icon for unrestricted use by CBD brands.

Big Growth

The importance of seasonal holiday sales has risen. Once considered a key part of many leading CBD brands’ growth strategies, this year’s fourth quarter holiday sales have the potential to re-order the marketplace.

Consumer preferences for smaller, more practical gifts, coupled with the elevated importance of self-care create a unique opportunity for CBD brands to do better than good this holiday season.

Image Credit: Daria Yakovleva

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/christmas-new-year-s-eve-postcard-1911637/

West Virginia Issues 10 Medical Cannabis Processing Licenses

by

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PRESS RELEASE — Jushi Holdings Inc., a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator, has announced plans to nearly double the square footage of its subsidiary’s grower-processor facility in Scranton, Pa., from approximately 90,000 sq. ft. to more than 160,000 sq. ft. in a phased expansion. The majority of the approximate 70,000 sq. ft. expansion project will be focused on increasing the facility’s canopy space, which upon completion will nearly triple to approximately 98,000 sq. ft. The first phase of the expansion is expected to come online in mid-2021 and the final phase will be completed by the second quarter of 2022. In total, Jushi expects to invest approximately $50 million on the expansion project, which is expected to create over 100 new jobs in the Scranton area. Jushi (through its subsidiary Pennsylvania Medical Solutions, LLC), will work with Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (through its subsidiary IIP-PA 1 LLC) to partially finance the expansion project via an upsize to the existing lease agreement between the parties. The expansion project is subject to the company’s successful completion of certain milestones, including receipt of all local and state approvals and permits, and the finalization of a mutually agreed lease amendment with Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. related to the facility.

“The medical cannabis market in Pennsylvania is rapidly growing and with our products in high-demand, this investment will significantly expand our cultivation capacity and market share,” said Jim Cacioppo, chief executive officer, chairman and founder of Jushi. “This is a robust operating environment and with the market intelligence gained through our eight currently operating BEYOND / HELLO retail dispensaries, we believe that patient demand for high-quality, medical grade cannabis products is still far from being satisfied. With the phased build out, the support of our financing partner Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc., and our strong balance sheet with ample liquidity, we expect to remain fully funded to operating cash flow positive, including our likely investment beyond Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.’s support. We believe that by investing in the expansion of our grower-processors, we will generate the greatest potential return for Jushi shareholders.”

Cacioppo concluded, “We are very excited by the opportunity ahead of us in Pennsylvania, and as one of the fastest growing jobs sectors in the U.S., Jushi and its subsidiaries look forward to bringing additional new local jobs and tax dollars to the region and further investing in Scranton’s economy and community.”

The company recently completed an expansion project in the third quarter 2020, which included increasing the Facility’s indoor cultivation from approximately 20,000 sq. ft. to approximately 45,000 sq. ft. (~33,000 sq. ft. of canopy) and supplementing the current CO2 extraction with new Class I, Division 1 ethanol extraction technology. The facility produces high-quality, indoor grown flower and extracts and is strategically located within minutes of Interstate 81, Interstate 84 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, enabling efficient wholesale distribution to the 98 dispensaries currently operating across the commonwealth, including the company’s eight operational BEYOND / HELLO dispensaries. The facility is expected to supply the company’s subsidiaries, and other licensed retail facilities.

Oleamide: Intriguing Endocannabinoid Effects – CBD Health and Wellness

by

Oleamide is fatty acid amide found in the nervous system of mammals, with research indicating it can play a role in sleep induction. The process in which this occurs seems to involve the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and in particular the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor. To better understand oleamide, we looked at a research review summarizing the evidence to date.

Pre-clinical studies have shown that oleamide is found in the cerebrospinal fluid during periods of sleep deprivation and that it has the ability to help encourage sleep.[1] Since oleamide is also found within human blood plasma, the possibility exists that the same effects might occur in humans.

To explore this possibility, an understanding of how oleamide uptake occurs within the central nervous system is necessary. Researchers used an agent known to block the CB1 receptor that also prevents other cannabinoid actions such as analgesia and memory disruption.[1]

The use of this receptor blocker eliminated the sleep-inducing and hypnotic effects of oleamide.[1] The amide was still present at levels that helped induce sleep under previous observation but these data indicates that oleamide is, in part, mediated through ECS pathways.

The presence of oleamide in human blood plasma demonstrates the potential for the compound to be further studied and analyzed for potential sleep inducing and calming benefits. Research into this human potential is lacking but the pre-clinical study described here shows another intriguing function and purpose of the ECS found within mammals. However, the review also pointed out that oleamide works with other systems in the brain, similar to how cannabidiol (CBD) has a widespread effect, not limited to the ECS.[1]

As we gain a better understanding of the ECS and how different compounds and substances, such as oleamide, interact with it, we stand to unlock further insight into this fascinating system found within the human body.

Sleep deprivation affects so many people, especially during this time of economic instability and other stressors associated with the pandemic. A natural way to induce sleep is greatly needed and further research will allow us to better understand safer ways to get those Zs.

Image Credit: Enrique Meseguer

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/fantasy-dream-magic-female-child-4040384/

Reference

  1. Mendelson WB & Basile AS. The hypnotic actions of the fatty acid amide, oleamide. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2001 Nov;25(5 Suppl):S36-9.

Cannabis Won Big: A Post-Election Analysis

by

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include the presidential and congressional election results.

While the votes continue to come in for the presidential and congressional elections and we have some concrete results materializing, cannabis legalization has emerged as a clear winner across the board. Five states had initiatives on the ballot to legalize cannabis in one form or another and voters in all five states approved those measures by wide margins.

As of this writing, 15 states now have legalized adult use cannabis and 36 states have legalized medical cannabis. That is a significant portion of the United States with some form of legal cannabis, even without counting the emergent hemp markets across the country.

After a tight race and mail-in vote counts diminishing President Trump’s lead days following the election, Joe Biden has won the White House. Most cannabis industry stakeholders see this as a win for cannabis as both Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris have voiced support for federal decriminalization of cannabis. The vocal support is very much so tied to their campaign on ending racial injustices and systemic racism, citing the failed war on drugs for disproportionately harming communities of color.

While it is looking like the Democrats will retain control of the House of Representatives, it is still unclear which party will control the Senate. That  question likely won’t be answered until January 2021, when voters in Georgia will decide on two Senate seats in runoff elections that will decide which party gets the majority. With a Democratic majority in the House and Senate, it is entirely possible that the Biden administration could decriminalize cannabis on a federal level within the next four years. Without that majority, however, it is possible reform could come at a much slower pace.

As more states legalize cannabis, their neighbors see the potential economic benefits and want to cash in on the movement. Just take a look at the West Coast.

Comments made by politicians leading up to the election in the Northeast also shed some light on the alleged domino effect coming to the United States. In late October, about two weeks before the election, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was asked when his state will legalize adult use cannabis. His answer: “Soon, because now we need the money.” Back in September, Pennsylvania Governor Tom wolf specifically asked the state legislature to legalize adult use cannabis. Governor Wolf said “people will go to New Jersey” to purchase cannabis once it becomes legal in the neighboring state.

Question 1 in NJ won by a very wide margin

Well, New Jersey legalized adult use cannabis. So now it appears we are in a waiting game to see which neighboring state will move forward before the other. Alyssa Jank, consulting services manager at Brightfield Group, predicts cannabis sales in New Jersey to reach about $460 million in 2021, up from about $94 million this year. She says the market could reach $1.5 billion by 2025.

Sam D’Arcangelo, director of the Cannabis Voter Project, a division of HeadCount, says the New Jersey measure is pretty bare-bones, so the legislature will need to pass enabling legislation that actually creates the adult-use program. “It’s tough to tell exactly what that legislation will look like or how long it will take to pass, but it’s possible it will be approved pretty quickly,” says D’Arcangelo. “Tonight’s results could set off a domino effect that inspires lawmakers to move forward with legalization in a number of states throughout the region.”

Let’s take a closer look at Arizona: Back in 2016, Arizona had a measure on the ballot to legalize adult use cannabis that failed to get enough votes. Things have clearly changed in the state in the last four years because Prop. 207 (the 2020 ballot initiative to legalize adult use cannabis) won 59.8% to 40.2%. Arizona now joins a massive West Coast bloc of states slowly creeping inland that have legalized adult use cannabis, including, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and now Arizona, not to mention Montana. Drug Policy Alliance’s Emily Kaltenbach believes that New Mexico will follow suit as well, with three out of four voters in the state in favor of it.

Voters in Mississippi approved a medical cannabis program by a wide margin with almost 74% in favor. Even more encouraging, voters in the state rejected the legislature’s attempt to hijack the initiative with their own alternative measure that would have involved developing their own program as they see fit without any sort of deadline.

While Montana can tend to lean slightly Democrat, it is surrounded by heavily Republican-dominated states like Wyoming and Idaho. With both Montana and South Dakota voters approving adult use legalization measures, this presents a potential inroad for cannabis to reach far more conservative states in the Northern Rockies and beyond.

Greg Kaufman Partner at Eversheds Sutherland and frequent Cannabis Industry Journal contributor, says this election puts considerable pressure on Congress to take some action on one or more of the cannabis-related bills currently pending. “In several states, cannabis was more popular than the winning presidential candidate, regardless of the party of the winning candidate,” says Kaufman. “This suggests that cannabis is not a partisan issue, nor should it be.”

The 15 states that have legal adult use cannabis now represents about 34% of the population in our country. “During the most divisive election in modern U.S. history, Americans demonstrated unity around at least one issue – cannabis policy reform,” says Aaron Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of the National Cannabis Industry Association. He says the victories we saw this week are commendable and will lead to a lot of new jobs, tax revenue and thousands of fewer arrests, but there is still a lot of work to be done. “We look forward to building on this progress as we continue to work with Congress to end the conflict between outdated federal laws and the growing number of states with regulated cannabis markets, and help undo the racially and economically disparate harms caused by prohibition.”

While we wait to hear who will control the Senate in 2021, which will have a massive impact on cannabis reform, we leave you with this great quote from Aaron Smith: “There is still a lot of work to do, but the wind is at our backs.”

To see the details and results of each cannabis measure on the ballot in this election, click here. 

How Topicals May Treat Atopic Dermatitis

by

Topical products are a unique way to administer cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids. Topicals possess many advantages as an alternative method, as patients who are not comfortable with broadcasting their cannabis use to the world can use lotions or creams discreetly. Topicals are also beneficial for targeting certain areas like the hands, back, or legs.

Topicals can also take effect rapidly, as they bypass the stomach and digestive system, going straight through the skin to bloodstream.[1] But the benefits of topicals don’t stop there. In fact, for some dermatological conditions, topicals might actually exert its effects by enhancing function of the skin barrier.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation and uncomfortable itching. Research on the mechanism of AD has revealed damage to skin barrier function due to the effects of pro-inflammatory substances like cytokines.[2]

Several cannabinoids are effective at relieving AD symptoms, likely due to their anti-inflammatory properties.[3,4] Studies have dug further to better understand the mechanism underlying these effects.

Treatment with oxazolone solution (1% in acetone) mimics the effects of AD in pre-clinical models. Using this technique, as well as cell assays, researchers found that cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor agonists (which increase the function of the receptor) inhibited the production of inflammatory compounds linked to AD.[5]

An additional study employing the same AD model confirmed these findings. However, researchers also found that CB1 agonists significantly accelerated and improved skin barrier recovery.[2]

These results support the use of cannabinoids like palmitoyl ethanolamide, or PEA. In fact, this endocannabinoid has been used to treat dermatological conditions like AD.[6] While PEA is a CB2 agonist, it stimulates anandamide, another endocannabinoid, to activate the CB1 receptor. These actions in turn alleviate itch.[3,4,6]

While there are many benefits of topical use, a greater understanding of how cannabinoids exert their effects on dermatological conditions like AD may help when choosing the right therapy. For example, knowing which cannabis compounds work directly via the CB1 receptor or CB2 can help you in discussing a plan with your doctor or dispensary.

It’s also important to keep in mind the benefits of the “entourage effect,” or the power of full-spectrum cannabis brought on by both cannabinoids and terpenes.[7] So, if you haven’t used topicals before, trying out different products may be best to determine what works best for you and your condition.

Image Credit: Skeeze

 Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/clasped-hands-comfort-hands-black-541849/

References

  1. Huestis MA. Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007;4(8):1770-1804.
  2. Kim HJ, et al. Topical cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist attenuates the cutaneous inflammatory responses in oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis model. Int J Dermatol. 2015;54(10):e401-408.
  3. Sheriff T, et al. The potential role of cannabinoids in dermatology. J Dermatolog Treat. 2020;31(8):839-845.
  4. Eagleston LRM, et al. Cannabinoids in dermatology: a scoping review. Dermatol Online J. 2018;24(6):13030.
  5. Nam G, et al. Selective cannabinoid receptor-1 agonists regulate mast cell activation in an oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis model. Ann Dermatol. 2016;28(1):22-29.
  6. Borrelli F, et al. Palmitoylethanolamide, a naturally occurring lipid, is an orally effective intestinal anti-inflammatory agent. Br J Pharmacol. 2015;172(1):142-158.
  7. Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-1364.

Law Enforcement Files Lawsuit Against South Dakota’s Voter-Approved Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Measure

by

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 23, 2020 /CNW/ – PRESS RELEASE – Village Farms International, Inc. has announced two positive developments with respect to its wholly owned Canadian cannabis subsidiary, Pure Sunfarms.

Pure Sunfarms Receives Cannabis Research License for On-Site Sensory Evaluation from Health Canada

Pure Sunfarms has received from Health Canada its Cannabis Research License to conduct human administration trials for sensory evaluation of cannabis, enabling it to engage in on-site assessments of the taste, sight, smell or touch of its products at its Delta 3 cannabis facility in Delta, British Columbia.

“This license provides us with significant new opportunities in the formulation and refinement of our products, and underscores our commitment to innovation and the advancement of the Canadian cannabis consumer experience,” said Mandesh Dosanjh, president and chief executive officer of Pure Sunfarms. “We look forward to leveraging this new capability to continue to extend Pure Sunfarms’ product leadership and further strengthen what is already one of Canada’s best-selling cannabis brands.”

Pure Sunfarms Brand Debuts Internationally in Hong Kong

Pure Sunfarms will be featured as part of a limited-edition Lane Crawford x Found CBD-infused gift set to be sold in the luxury department store’s holiday pop-up shops in Hong Kong this holiday season. The luxury gift sets will feature Pure Sunfarms branded CBD gummies created specifically for the Hong Kong consumer, among other CBD-inspired items such as chocolates, bath salts, and tea bags. The co-branded Lane Crawford and Found holiday pop-up shops aim to educate consumers and elevate their awareness of CBD.

The inclusion of Pure Sunfarms-branded CBD products was facilitated through a partnership between Altum International Limited’s Found, Asia-Pacific’s first CBD retail platform and café, and Lane Crawford, an iconic luxury department store in Greater China. In August 2020, Village Farms acquired 6.6% of Australia-based Altum, one of the Asia-Pacific’s leading cannabinoid platforms.

“We’re so pleased for the Pure Sunfarms’ brand to make its debut internationally, alongside such prestigious and progressive partners as Altum and Lane Crawford,” said Dosanjh. “This is just the beginning of what’s to come for Pure Sunfarms as we look to share our love of plants and B.C.-grown cannabis products with the global cannabis market.”

“We are particularly excited to be able to present in Asia-Pacific for the first time, Pure Sunfarms, Canada’s market-leading cannabis brand,” Fiachra Mullen, chief marketing officer for Altum International. “We believe that the leading cannabis brands in the Canadian market will hold a special place in the Hong Kong consumer’s heart. We are incredibly proud to have their trust in helping them access the Asia-Pacific markets for the first time through the most progressive cannabinoid jurisdiction in the region – Hong Kong.”

What Is CBD Paste? – CBD Health and Wellness

by

The rising popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) means there are always new CBD products hitting the market.

You may be familiar with gummies, oils, and capsules. Did you know that there’s another form of CBD called CBD paste?

Below, we take a closer look at CBD paste and how it compares to other CBD products.

What is CBD paste?

CBD paste is similar to other CBD products in that it contains CBD, but it differs a lot in terms of potency. It’s usually much more concentrated than other types of CBD.

Some companies add CBD paste to oils like MCT oil.

CBD paste is a good option for people who want or need to take higher doses of CBD, whether for a specific condition or because smaller doses don’t quite do the trick.

What does the research say about CBD?

While the research on CBD is still coming out, what we know so far suggests that CBD might have a few benefits.

Some research points to CBD as a potential treatment for pain because it affects cannabinoid receptor activity and reduces inflammation.

Another study found that CBD may also help with pain related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and arthritis.

However, this study used Sativex, a type of prescription CBD spray not approved for use in the United States. Sativex also contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, which may contribute to its effects.

Some people also take CBD to help with:

Evidence also suggests that CBD may help with cancer-related pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Additionally, CBD can help people with certain kinds of epilepsy. Epidiolex is currently the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that contains CBD. It’s available by prescription and specifically intended to treat epilepsy.

Other animal and human studies suggest that CBD may also:

  • Have antipsychotic effects. A 2015 review found this to be the case, though researchers note that more studies are needed.
  • Have anti-tumor effects. This was noted in a 2015 research review, but again, more research is needed.
  • Help with substance use treatment. A small review found that CBD may help with addiction to certain substances, including opioids, cocaine, and tobacco.

Benefits and drawbacks of CBD paste

You might be wondering, why choose CBD paste over other forms of CBD, like gummies or capsules? Here are some advantages of CBD paste:

  • It’s a more effective way to take CBD in high doses (instead of taking several gummies or capsules, for example).
  • You need to take a smaller amount to get a higher dosage, which can help you avoid additives.
  • It’s often more cost effective.
  • You can use it to make your own edibles or CBD products.

However, there are also several drawbacks of CBD paste compared to other forms of CBD.

It’s a little harder to figure out dosage with paste. It often comes in syringe form. Because it’s hard to dispense, it’s easy to take too much, which can increase your risk for experiencing side effects.

Paste also has a strong taste. The paste-like consistency means you might end up with it stuck to your teeth and gums.

How to shop for CBD paste

Here’s what you should look for when shopping for CBD products like CBD paste.

CBD source

You can choose between CBD isolate and full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD. If you prefer to stay away from THC, opt for an isolate. Know that by choosing an isolate, you’re not getting the full benefit of the entourage effect.

Potency

CBD paste is a lot more potent than other types of CBD. Keep this in mind when buying and taking it. It may not be the best product for people new to CBD.

Third-party testing

The FDA can take action against CBD companies that make false claims about their products.

But the FDA doesn’t currently guarantee that any over-the-counter CBD products are safe or effective. So, how can you be sure you’re buying a quality CBD product that is what it says it is?

Look for a certificate of analysis (COA). This means that the CBD paste has been tested for all sorts of contaminants, like pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.

The COA can also tell you whether the advertised potency is accurate or not, as well as which cannabinoids the product contains.

Hemp source

Look for companies that source their hemp in the United States, since U.S. hemp is subject to certain agricultural regulations. Bonus points for hemp that’s U.S.-certified organic.

Customer reviews

Look at customer reviews to get a sense of whether the company and its products have a good reputation. Reviews are a great baseline. If people are repeatedly mentioning the same problem, it’s usually a sign that that’s something to pay attention to.

How to use CBD paste

If CBD paste is already mixed with a carrier oil like MCT oil, you take it like you would a CBD oil.

Most CBD paste, though, comes in a syringe. You can push it out and add it to foods or beverages, or eat it straight from the syringe.

Because CBD paste is a lot more concentrated than gummies or oil, start off with a tiny amount. Remember, it can take some time to feel the effects of edible products.

Eloise Theisen, RN, full-time medical cannabis program faculty at the Pacific College of Health and Science, and president of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, suggests swallowing the paste instead of letting it dissolve under your tongue.

The longer it’s in your mouth, the higher the chance of the stuff sticking to your teeth and gums, which can feel unpleasant and delay its effects.

You can find out more about dosage by checking out our article on CBD dosage.

Safety and side effects

While research suggests that CBD is generally considered safe, some people can experience adverse effects, like:

  • fatigue
  • weight loss or gain
  • appetite change
  • diarrhea

Don’t forget to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any kind of CBD. It can interact with certain medications.

Also avoid taking CBD alongside high fat foods or meals. One study found that doing so might increase your risk for side effects.

Takeaway

If you’re finding it hard to take high doses of CBD with traditional gummies and oil, you may want to try CBD paste.

This cannabis-derived extract is a lot more concentrated, making it easier for people looking to take a high dose of CBD.

People with chronic pain or dealing with pain or nausea due to cancer and chemotherapy may need higher doses of CBD to feel any noticeable effects.

When shopping for CBD paste, look for a reputable company that provides customers with a comprehensive COA.

Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.

Image Credit: Julia Teichmann

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/cbd-cbd-kapseln-cannabidiol-4474928/

Original Article: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-paste#takeaway

Shades Of Cannabis Reform & Confusion Across Europe Seem To Mirror US Progress

by

Cannabis reform is proceeding globally right now in some interesting places, and in an oddly syncopated schedule yet again.

Namely, in the last few weeks, change has been moving forward not only in the U.S., but Europe too. That this effort in the EU came literally weeks before the American presidential election where as of now, no matter who will occupy the White House, even more states move into the adult use camp is also surely no accident. Particularly given the results.

In South Dakota’s case, voters agreed to legalize both a medical and recreational market in a single election. In New Jersey, the referendum that passed authorized a market that is moving quickly to get implemented. This is equally intriguing. Namely that to the average person right now, no matter where they are, the continued delays and gridlock to get going, no matter the problems along the way, are increasingly unpopular politically. That too, is showing up at the ballot box.

Indeed, cannabis reform is now absolutely one of the most pressing and yet unaddressed issues in several countries at present. See New Zealand (where the voter mandate for adult use reform failed during their Presidential election last week).

Europe Seems To Be Following New Zealand’s Caution As Germany Delays Further Reform But…

Last week, a proposal on adult use cannabis reform failed in the German Bundestag (Parliament). With the exception of the far right Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD), every other political party agrees that there needs to be forward motion on the topic, but nobody seems to want to fully address it. This is no surprise. Indeed, the recent appointment of a former German minister last month to a Swiss cannabis company seems, certainly in retrospect, to presage the same. As well as the many protest votes on the topic emanating from Berlin, one way or the other.

However, in the aftermath of what is expected to be a widely influential medical case here (namely the regional approvers may not interfere with a doctor’s right to prescribe to qualified patients), it may be that the government wants more time to grow its medical program while Denmark, Holland and Luxembourg (if not Spain) figure out the logistics on the ground.

French flags blowing in the wind in Le Havre
French medical trials expected to begin Q2 of 2021

Given that France has finally committed to a national medical trial to begin no later than the second quarter of next year, and further one where it punts the majority of the cost onto the industry itself, this would create a solid “medical cannabis” bloc in Europe’s most affluent states. Not to mention the first real, nationally authorized patient trial in Europe that is not commercial.

But even this is not the whole story. While dickering about the certifications and scheduling of the plant go on now at the highest international levels, let alone federal ones domestically, hemp products are clearly entering the consumer market here – from upscale CBD stores in city centers to hemp seed oil and hemp-infused mayonnaise appearing on the shelves of German mainstream grocery stores. Not to mention hemp infused alcohol of at least the vodka, gin and rum varieties.

And then of course there is Italy.

The Italian Market May Be The Dark Horse In Europe Everyone Has Been Waiting For

Within literally the month of October, all in public view, the Italian government circled on the topic of legalizing the CBD/hemp market. As of last week, the Ministry of Health finally decided that cannabidiol sourced from hemp is not a narcotic.

CBD in Italy went from widely available to banned and back to available again.

Given the fact that home grow now is not illegal, and medical cannabis is technically available, it would seem that Italy is positioning its hemp market to survive if not thrive at least domestically and further thread the needle of industry continuity against fluid and further rapidly changing European and international regulation right now.

In the meantime, like Germany, however, the country is clearly angling to create an industry infrastructure – and further beyond the pharmaceutical vertical – via “other” channels before taking the final plunge. Cannabis Lite fits that bill perfectly.

What Does This Mean For 2021 And Beyond?

No matter the official denials, it is very clear that recreational cannabis reform at the American and Canadian ballot box is moving the conversation forward globally, even if at a different pace.

With the WHO now poised to weigh in on the issue, more American states signing up, an expanding medical market across the world and adult use upstarts everywhere, 2021 is absolutely sure to be a meaningful year just about everywhere on the cannabis front.

Younger CBD consumers prefer CBD beverages over alcohol

by

Alcohol is on its way out among younger crowds, at least according to a new study. Younger consumers who are diverse and more affluent now prefer CBD beverages over alcohol for various reasons, including for socializing and “on-the-go” relief of anxiety, insomnia, and depression. The new information comes from cannabis market research firm High Yield Insights which ran a study this month of over 4,000 CBD users. The study included 1,200 people who drink CBD beverages.

According to the results, those consumers that use CBD drinks are younger, with 62 percent being Gen Z or Millennials. They are also affluent, with 33 percent living in households with income over $100,000.

The study also found that a significant number of respondents now use CBD since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also found that “CBD beverages users are much more likely than CBD users overall to use infused drinks to alleviate nausea and for exercise recovery. They also express more openness to household brands entering the CBD market.”

High Yield Insights collected the data in partnership with global consumer survey company InnovateMR. According to a statement released this week, it is the first study of its kind to research such consumer patterns concerning CBD and CBD beverages.

Furthermore, researchers note that the study also reviewed other categories, such as “currently used as well as those they would consider using or have discontinued using.”

According to a statement, “the study included over 35,000 respondents who answered key questions about their anxiety levels, impacts of the pandemic on their life, and their impressions of CBD products. Nearly 4,200 current CBD users gave additional responses about how and why they currently use CBD, product categories they would consider using in the future, and factors they consider when making a CBD purchase.”

“The beverage format appeals to consumers new to CBD because it is accessible, easy to dose, and resembles functional drinks in the mainstream market. Convenience was cited as a purchase driver for 42% of survey respondents and 45% report using other foods and beverages with enhanced ingredients,” said Mike Luce, President of High Yield Insights and a 20-year veteran in consumer insights and market research in a statement.

He continued: “CBD beverages is an omnichannel category as well. Drinks users are twice as likely to have purchased from a supermarket or drug store than CBD buyers overall. Picking up a single can or bottle is a relatively inexpensive solution for curious mainstream consumers. This is evident in the responses from non-users, who indicated greater interest in CBD beverages than any other format.”

Consumers use Hemp-derived CBD for many reasons. Research shows that many people use it for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Others prefer it because it has the potential to treat anxiety, stress, and depression. As a recent press release noted, “this has spurred increased interest in CBD as consumer seek out new products to add to their health and wellness repertoire. However, because many CBD companies are largely unknown by consumers, current and potential consumers face the challenge of finding a product suited to their needs.”

“The CBD market is ripe for innovation and brand-building,” noted Luce in a statement. “Of the 4,200 users surveyed, only 28 percent report having found a product, brand, or format that works for them. Efficacy is utmost in the mind of consumers. About 40 percent of CBD users indicated achieving the desired result as a driver for more frequent purchase, which was second only to lower prices.”

Original Article: https://www.potnetwork.com/news/younger-cbd-consumers-prefer-cbd-beverages-over-alcohol

NETA Announces Security Equipment Grant Program to Reduce Financial Barriers for Economic Empowerment and Social Equity Cannabis Businesses

by

FRANKLIN, Mass., Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — PRESS RELEASE — New England Treatment Access (NETA), a division of the privately-held, multi-state cannabis company Parallel and a cannabis operator in Massachusetts, has announced the launch of the first Security Equipment Grant Program designed to help reduce barriers to entry in the state’s cannabis industry for certified social equity and economic empowerment applicants.

The Security Equipment Grant Program will award $25,000 to two Economic Empowerment and/or Social Equity cannabis licensees to be used toward the purchase of compliant security equipment for their operations. Applicants must be provisionally licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to qualify.

The application can be found on the NETA website and will be accepted starting Nov. 23.

“We are excited to offer financial support to two certified social equity or economic empowerment cannabis operators through this new Security Equipment Grant Program. In introducing this program, our intent is to help lower the cost and complexity barriers that come with sourcing and installing security equipment for new cannabis operators,” said Kim Napoli, Sr. Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Affairs for Parallel. “This grant program, in addition to other work we have done to support social equity and through our NETA Cares initiatives, is a sign of our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry in Massachusetts and all our markets.”

A team from NETA will review each application. The dollar amounts each awardee will receive will depend on the needs outlined in the application. The committee may decide to grant all monies or a portion of the requested funds each year, depending on the applicants’ requests.