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Best Selling CBD Products: Vapes vs. Gummies vs. Topicals

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Projections of Statista estimate that cannabidiol (CBD) sales will grow to $ 1.8 billion by 2022, up from just under $ 0.5 billion in 2018. If you’re an investor looking to weather this wave, here’s a breakdown of the top CBD products made from the Shelves have flown.

CBD gummies

CBD gummies remain an all-time favorite for busy mothers who want to incorporate delicious CBD treats into their everyday lives. Gummies are available in sizeable doses such as 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg, which make dosing easier. They don’t require any special skills or tools to consume. All you have to do is toss a gummy bear or two in your mouth and wash it down with your favorite beverage. Compared to capsules, gummy bears come in brightly colored and delicious variants and are therefore more attractive. If you need to offer kids CBD, gummy bears are the way to go. It’s no surprise that they are among the top-selling CBD products.

Some of the best-selling CBD gums on the market include the Lord Jones gummy candies, which have lemon and strawberry flavors and contain 20 mg of broad spectrum CBD.

CBD vapes

Vaping is a pretty nifty way of consuming CBD. Manufacturers have worked hard to grab the attention of the younger population by making cheeky vaporizers in a variety of flavors. Like e-cigarettes, vaporizers deliver CBD to the lungs quickly; Blood peaks occur after about 10 minutes and the effects can last for up to 3 hours. This makes vaping an ideal way to relieve anxiety in high pressure situations.

The safety of CBD vapes was approved in 2019 following the Steam crisis. This, of course, affected sales of CBD vapes. However, there was a rebound in sales following analytical reports that the steam crisis was due to contamination with vitamin A acetate. Manufacturers who can determine the safety of the CBD vapes can continue to enjoy dominance in the market. Some of the most popular CBD vapes on the market are the artisanal CBD vape pens from Secret Nature and the exquisite vape pens from Funky Farms.

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This is a highly diversified product category that has taken the skin care market by storm. Skin care manufacturers are rushing to add CBD to their product repertoire for its purported skin benefits. The best-selling CBD skin care products containing CBD include bath bombs, lotions, creams, ointments, and patches, among others. Topicals are applied directly to the skin and are easily absorbed by the numerous endocannabinoid receptors located there. They have wide appeal because they are effective in fighting skin diseases.

What’s in the future?

We expect product inventions and diversification in the CBD sector. The fierce competition in the market will force manufacturers to be more resourceful when it comes to product development. It will be interesting to see how this space evolves in 2021 and 2022 as we get closer to the $ 1.8 billion mark.

Image source

https://pixabay.com/id/vectors/best-seller-penjual-cap-merah-158885/

Dangerous Heat Is a Reminder of Our Shared Community Inside and Outside the Business: Week in Review

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The Olympic dream for American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has been crushed by cannabis.

The 5-foot-1 track and field star rose to fame in 2019 as a freshman at Louisiana State University, where she clocked 10.75 seconds in the 100-meter dash to break the NCAA record.

On June 19, Richardson won the 100 meters during the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., where the 21-year-old stopped the watch at 10.86 seconds to punch her ticket to the Tokyo Olympics that are scheduled to begin July 23. That’s the exact same time it took to land a top-three podium spot during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Richardson’s personal best of 10.72 seconds is the fastest time in the world this year.

But Richardson’s Tokyo aspirations were halted July 1, when it became public she tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component found in cannabis, from a urinary sample collected during the team trials, as first reported by Jamaica Gleaner.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, cannabis has been classified as a “Substance of Abuse” by the World Anti-Doping Agency and currently carries a maximum four-year ban. However, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said in a statement July 2 that Richardson accepted a one-month suspension—as permitted under the applicable international rules.

“The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said. “Hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her.”

According to the USADA, the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code newly classifies THC as a Substance of Abuse because it is frequently used in society outside the context of sport. Should an athlete who tests positive for a Substance of Abuse establish his or her use of the substance occurred out of competition and was unrelated to sports performance, the athlete would receive a three-month sanction. However, if the athlete satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment program approved by USADA, the sanction may be further reduced to one month.

NBC Sports Group 

Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson embraces her grandmother following her victory in the 100-meter dash during the U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field June 19 in Eugene, Ore.

On the Today show July 2, Richardson said she consumed cannabis after learning her biological mother died just before the trials. As shown on NBC television during the trials, she hugged her grandmother in a post-victory embrace following the 100-meter finals.

“My family has kept me grounded. This year has been crazy for me going from just last week losing my biological mother, and I’m still here,” Richardson said during an interview shortly after. “My biological mother passed away, and [I’m] still choosing to pursue my dreams, still coming out here, still making sure to make the family that I do still have on this earth proud.”

While Richardson is disqualified from her U.S. Trials victory, and therefore forfeits her automatic qualification to Tokyo in the 100 meters, her 30-day suspension ends July 27. That opens the door for her to possibly compete on the U.S. women’s relay team races, including the 4×100 relay scheduled for Aug. 5-6.

Beyond the one-month sanction, athlete eligibility for the Tokyo Games is determined by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the USA Track and Field eligibility rules.

“Right now, I’m just putting all of my time and energy into dealing with what I need to do, which is heal myself,” Richardson said during her Today show interview. “So, if I’m allowed to receive that blessing, then I’m grateful for it, but if not, right now I’m going to just focus on myself.”

In a July 1 tweet, Richardson said, “I am human.”

Richardson’s sponsor, Nike, released a public statement July 2 saying it would stand by her: “We appreciate Sha’Carri’s honesty and accountability and will continue to support her through this time.”

U.S. Trials Champion Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson Tests Positive for Cannabis

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The Olympic dream for American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has been crushed by cannabis.

The 5-foot-1 track and field star rose to fame in 2019 as a freshman at Louisiana State University, where she clocked 10.75 seconds in the 100-meter dash to break the NCAA record.

On June 19, Richardson won the 100 meters during the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., where the 21-year-old stopped the watch at 10.86 seconds to punch her ticket to the Tokyo Olympics that are scheduled to begin July 23. That’s the exact same time it took to land a top-three podium spot during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Richardson’s personal best of 10.72 seconds is the fastest time in the world this year.

But Richardson’s Tokyo aspirations were halted July 1, when it became public she tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component found in cannabis, from a urinary sample collected during the team trials, as first reported by Jamaica Gleaner.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, cannabis has been classified as a “Substance of Abuse” by the World Anti-Doping Agency and currently carries a maximum four-year ban. However, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said in a statement July 2 that Richardson accepted a one-month suspension—as permitted under the applicable international rules.

“The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said. “Hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her.”

According to the USADA, the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code newly classifies THC as a Substance of Abuse because it is frequently used in society outside the context of sport. Should an athlete who tests positive for a Substance of Abuse establish his or her use of the substance occurred out of competition and was unrelated to sports performance, the athlete would receive a three-month sanction. However, if the athlete satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment program approved by USADA, the sanction may be further reduced to one month.

NBC Sports Group 

Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson embraces her grandmother following her victory in the 100-meter dash during the U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field June 19 in Eugene, Ore.

On the Today show July 2, Richardson said she consumed cannabis after learning her biological mother died just before the trials. As shown on NBC television during the trials, she hugged her grandmother in a post-victory embrace following the 100-meter finals.

“My family has kept me grounded. This year has been crazy for me going from just last week losing my biological mother, and I’m still here,” Richardson said during an interview shortly after. “My biological mother passed away, and [I’m] still choosing to pursue my dreams, still coming out here, still making sure to make the family that I do still have on this earth proud.”

While Richardson is disqualified from her U.S. Trials victory, and therefore forfeits her automatic qualification to Tokyo in the 100 meters, her 30-day suspension ends July 27. That opens the door for her to possibly compete on the U.S. women’s relay team races, including the 4×100 relay scheduled for Aug. 5-6.

Beyond the one-month sanction, athlete eligibility for the Tokyo Games is determined by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the USA Track and Field eligibility rules.

“Right now, I’m just putting all of my time and energy into dealing with what I need to do, which is heal myself,” Richardson said during her Today show interview. “So, if I’m allowed to receive that blessing, then I’m grateful for it, but if not, right now I’m going to just focus on myself.”

In a July 1 tweet, Richardson said, “I am human.”

Richardson’s sponsor, Nike, released a public statement July 2 saying it would stand by her: “We appreciate Sha’Carri’s honesty and accountability and will continue to support her through this time.”

The Hawthorne Gardening Company Announces Exclusive Partnership Between Max-Fan and Industry-Leading Fan Manufacturer Ruck Ventilatoren GmbH

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PORT WASHINGTON, New York, July 1, 2021 – PRESS RELEASE – The Hawthorne Gardening Company, a house of brands that provides an array of tools for a multitude of gardening needs to help people live happier, healthier lives through gardening, announced a 5-year exclusive partnership between owned brand Max-Fan and German-based fan manufacturer Ruck Ventilatoren. The agreement is the latest in Hawthorne’s landmark efforts to join forces with leaders in the indoor cultivation industry, and will enhance product availability and innovation for growers of all kinds.

As a pioneer in indoor air filtration products, Max-Fan has worked with Ruck for more than 10 years. Together, the companies have engineered fans and filters designed to help encourage plant growth and help keep indoor facilities compliant with environmental impact regulations. This new exclusive partnership marks a significant milestone in the two brands’ relationship by empowering Hawthorne and Max-Fan to meet the skyrocketing demands of the indoor cultivation industry with high-quality, custom-designed products more quickly and consistently than ever.

“Max-Fan and Ruck are truly better together. Hawthorne is continuously forming elite partnerships to bring the best fans and filters to the North American market, and Ruck is no exception. We’re ready to push the limits of innovation,” said John Feather, manager, Max-Fan and Can-Filters at The Hawthorne Gardening Company. 

 

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North Carolina Senate Committee Passes Medical Cannabis Bill

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North Carolina took a step toward medical cannabis legalization Wednesday when lawmakers advanced legislation through committee to permit the sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products to patients with “debilitating medical conditions.”

Some of the qualifying conditions written in the bill include cancer, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more. 

The legislation would establish the regulatory framework for the manufacturing, licensing, distribution and cultivation of medical cannabis in the state.

If passed, a Medical Cannabis Production Commission would issue 10 supplier licenses. The legislation would also reduce the maximum number of medical cannabis centers per supplier from eight to four and would require suppliers to pay the state 10% of the gross revenue derived from cannabis and cannabis-infused products, The Associated Press reported.

The legislation was adopted in a voice vote by Senate Judiciary Committee members, according to the AP, as the majority agreed that cannabis should be offered legally to help alleviate symptoms like pain and nausea caused by severe illnesses and diseases.

Republican Sen. Bill Rabon, bill sponsor and cancer survivor, said the bill had moved him because of his personal experience. “At times, it has been difficult for me to talk to some people about that,” Rabon told the committee. “But I will say again that the time has come that this needs to be discussed, and we need to compassionately care for our fellow man in any way that we can.”

In the first hearing on the bill last week, military veterans expressed their support for the measure stating that cannabis helped alleviate PTSD symptoms. Others criticized the bill for being too narrowly drawn, the AP reported.

Chris Suttle, a cannabis legalization activist, told the committee that he used cannabis when he was suffering from a brain tumor to help alleviate symptoms like swelling in his brain, according to WRAL-TV; however, he said he doesn’t believe the bill would have covered his illness at the time because the tumor could not immediately be identified as cancerous.

“You call this the Compassionate Care Act. I call this an insult,” Suttle said. “The number of dispensaries that you are offering is ridiculous for a state that has 100 counties. The extra regulations that you are putting on this are not fair to those that have been hurt the worst by the war on drugs.”

Conservatives argued against the legislation saying it would lead to an increase in recreational use and that the effectiveness of cannabis use for medical illnesses remains uncertain, according to the AP.

Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, argued that “smoked marijuana is not medicine.”

Republican Sen. Kathy Harrington said that she would not have supported this bill six months ago; however, her mind has changed once her husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and has been going through cancer treatments. “I believe we’ve already had some moments in our lives where this type of medication would have assisted,” she said.

Although the measure cleared its first hurdle, it still has to pass through at least three additional panels before making it to the Senate floor. If passed, it would then head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Julia Jacobson Discusses Environmental Challenges and Solutions in ‘Beyond the Show’ Podcast

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Adult-use cannabis legislation has yet to be formally introduced this year in the Pennsylvania Legislature, but the state’s medical cannabis program was expanded June 30.

Pennsylvania Governor’s Office | www.governor.pa.gov

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signs legislation to expand the state’s medical cannabis program June 30. 

Signed by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday, House Bill 1024 allows qualified patients to legally possess up to a 90-day supply of cannabis, an increase from the previously allowed 30-day supply. It also permits patients to continue utilizing curbside dispensing services. Both changes were adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new law makes those provisions permanent. 

RELATED: Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board Discusses Permanently Adopting Temporary Regulations Related to COVID-19

In addition, H.B. 1024 removes the cap that one caregiver may only support a maximum of five patients and authorizes “synchronous interaction,” or physician-patient remote consultations that occur in real time via audio or video conferencing. The law also expands the qualifying conditions for eligibility to include cancer remission therapy, as well as spinal cord or central nervous system damage with “indication of intractable spasticity and other associated neuropathies,” according to the bill’s text.

According to the governor, the new law acts on the recommendations made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to revise the Medical Marijuana Act, which was signed into law in April 2016.

“It’s been five years since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana, and in that time the Department of Health has examined the program’s successes and challenges and made important recommendations on improving the law,” Wolf said in a statement Wednesday. “This legislation provides important updates to our state’s medical marijuana program to ensure that patients have improved access to medication.”

More than 340,000 Pennsylvanians participate in the state’s medical cannabis program, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

Pennsylvania’s regional organizer for NORML, Chris Goldstein, told The Associated Press that H.B. 1024, which was first considered in committee May 24, moved quickly and there were no hearings to gather input from patients nor their caregivers.

“The bill actually has a lot of provisions that are industry friendly, and most controversial is to allow remediation of mold in cannabis flowers by extracting it into new products,” Goldstein said. “I think that’s where patient voices could have been heard.”

Under the signed legislation, cannabis producers can remediate contaminants, like mold or yeast, to turn it into products that are not to be inhaled or ingested, such as topicals.

With an adequate supply, there are 125 medical cannabis dispensaries in Pennsylvania with product available as of June 30, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

While the final version of the bill passed the House, 165-36, and the Senate, 47-3, in the Republican-controlled Legislature, the upper chamber voted to table Democratic Sen. Sharif Street’s amendment that aimed to allow qualifying patients 21 years and older to grow up to five plants at home for personal use. The amendment failed in a 29-21 vote.

In February, Street and Republican Sen. Dan Laughlin—who voted in favor of the home-grow amendment—teamed up to announce their collaboration on crafting an adult-use bill for this legislative session, but they have yet to formally introduce that bill.

RELATED: Talks About Adult-Use Cannabis Bills Heat Up in Pennsylvania; Introduction Does Not

Most provisions in H.B. 1024 became enacted immediately following the governor’s June 30 signing. However, the legislation gives the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture secretary 30 days to make public the list of pesticides that growers and processors can use. That list will be updated annually

How to cook with CBD oil

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While you can include cannabidiol (CBD) in your daily intake at any time by placing a drop under your tongue or vaping it, you can also take advantage of its healing properties while enjoying a meal or a sweet treat.

CBD can easily be added to some of your favorite recipes and enjoyed as a homemade edible, but there are a few basic rules that you must follow to get the most of cooking with CBD oil.

Consider the serving size

Make sure you factor in the serving size of the dish you are preparing or the batch of baked goods you bake so that the CBD concentration is sufficient to achieve the desired dosage. For example, if you want 20 mg of CBD in every cookie you make from a batch of 24, you need about 480 mg of CBD added to the entire batter. Adjust this based on the serving size and the exact dosage you are looking for per serving.

Do not cook over high heat

Overheating the CBD could destroy the active ingredients in the cannabinoid and make it less effective. When heating the oil on the stove do not keep the burner higher than medium. And when you bake, try not to set your oven above 350 ° F. Otherwise, the CBD could evaporate.

If possible, add the CBD oil to your dish after cooking. Otherwise, be careful how hot you turn up the heat on your stove or oven when cooking or baking directly with CBD.

Keep the taste in mind

Many CBD tinctures tend to have a bitter taste, so you might want to add some flavor to make it tastier. However, many other CBD products have different flavors that are reminiscent of berries, honey, citrus fruits, mint, etc.

When choosing a CBD oil, keep in mind the dish you plan to prepare as the flavors may not mix as well as you would like. It may take a little experimentation before you get it just right and create perfect flavor combinations.

Use a fat base

CBD works quite well when the recipe includes a healthy fat, such as coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, or butter. Because of this, CBD oil is perfect for baking and cooking. You may even want to mix your CBD with the fat you use in your recipe before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients.

Image source: Galina Afanaseva from Pixabay

CBD for diabetics – CBD health and wellness

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When it comes to the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), researchers have only scratched the surface.

This phytocannabinoid, which was first isolated in 1940, has far-reaching effects due to its interactions with the receptors of the dynamic endocannabinoid system (ECS). Other Mechanisms and ways got involved too.

Diabetes, which affects about affects 32 million Americans, is a chronic disease that is associated with a disorder in the production or sensitivity of insulin. To date, no known medical cure is known for diabetes, although naturopaths often swear by nutrition-assisted diabetes reversal.

Since the endocannabinoid system is involved in maintaining a state of homeostasis in the body, it would be interesting to know what role it plays in controlling diabetes and how much of it can be influenced by CBD.

To determine this, it is important to look at the research results.

About 95% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes, which occurs when cells in the body become insensitive to insulin, also known as insulin resistance. This means that there is a large amount of sugar floating around. If this continues for a long period of time, it can cause significant inflammation that begins to damage the blood vessels.

The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD have been studied for decades. A study from 2007 entitled “Cannabidiol attenuates inflammatory reactions of endothelial cells and barrier disorders induced by high glucose” is one of interest for diabetes control. [1]

This study showed that CBD exerted potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in non-obese diabetic mice. CBD has been shown to have beneficial effects on a number of markers of inflammation. This shows one way that CBD can mitigate some of the damage caused by chronic inflammation in diabetics.

This study also showed that the non-obese diabetic mice treated with CBD had a lower risk of developing diabetes. This forms a good basis to examine in randomized studies whether there is a similar effect in humans.

Patients with advanced diabetes may experience neuropathic pain commonly known as diabetic nephropathy.

Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, demonstrated the effectiveness of CBD in suppressing neuropathic pain in a rodent model. [2]

On the other hand a Study 2016 published in Diabetic Care showed low effectiveness of CBD on HDL cholesterol levels and other markers, including insulin sensitivity. [3]

In conclusion, there is enough preliminary evidence that CBD can be effective in relieving diabetes inflammation and pain, as well as preventing diabetes in non-obese individuals. On the other hand, there is insufficient evidence to support the effects of CBD on HDL cholesterol or blood sugar levels.

Image source

https://pixabay.com/photos/diabetes-blood-sugar-diabetic-528678/

References

  1. Mohanraj Rajesh et al. (2007). Cannabidiol dampens the inflammatory reaction of the endothelial cells induced by high glucose and the barrier disruption. American Journal of Physiology-Cardiovascular Physiology. 293: 1, H610-H619
  2. Wei Xiong et al. (2012). Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3-glycine receptors. Journal of Experimental Medicine. 209 (6): 1121-1134.
  3. Jadoon, KA, Ratcliffe, SH, Barrett, DA, Thomas, EL, Stott, C., Bell, JD, O’Sullivan, SE, & Tan, GD (2016). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabivarin on glycemic and lipid parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group pilot study. Diabetes treatment, 39(10), 1777-1786.

Is CBG the New CBD?

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Cannabigerol (CBG), the parent cannabinoid of cannabidiol (CBD) and other phytocannabinoids, has only recently come to the fore as a potentially medicinal cannabinoid that is on par with other market favorites – mostly CBD.

Today, consumers are faced with a growing list of exciting and medicinal cannabinoids including CBD, CBN, THC, CBC and now – CBG. This father cannabinoid can reportedly be found in cannabis in small amounts, removing it from the restrictions on synthetic / man-made production. CBG is found in a number of cannabis products, including edibles, tinctures, gums, and a number of other goods.

Dr. José Torradas, a doctor specializing in alternative therapies, told Women’s Health that CBG works on the CB1 and CBD receptors but does not produce highs like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its Delta-8 and Delta-10 variants. Similar to CBD, CBG reportedly has no psychoactive effects, making it much more palatable to a broader market looking to avoid getting high and experiencing paranoia, anxiety, and other side effects commonly associated with THC.

“In terms of how well it connects with CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBG appears to be a lot more effective and direct than CBD,” says Torradas told Womens health. “Similar to CBD, CBG has no psychoactive effects (meaning it doesn’t get you high).”

So what is research saying?

While research on CBG and its purported benefits is still in its infancy, promising studies have been conducted in animals. Preclinical research has shown that CBG can potentially be helpful for inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety disorders, and motor dysfunction such as Parkinson’s disease [1]

“CBG” [research] is still in the early stages, ”Torradas told the magazine. “More robust research and data is needed, and a reduction in extraction costs would help unlock the keys to future adoption of CBG, when these early signs are true.”

Torradas also told the publication that there had been preliminary studies of CBG showing it as a potential antibiotic for MRSA as well.

As with most phytocannabinoid discoveries, there is still a long way to go in terms of medical research before definitive conclusions can be drawn about effectiveness. Until then, users will have to be content with limited medical knowledge and only early results, so the verdict on the effectiveness of CBG is not yet known.

 

References:

  1. Navarro, Gemma, et al. “Cannabigerol effect on cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and on CB1-CB2 heteroreceptor complexes.” Limits in Pharmacology vol. 9 632. 06/21/2018, doi: 10.3389 / fphar.2018.00632

 

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

The post Is CBG the New CBD? appeared first CBD health and wellness.

Gov. Wolf Signs Bill Expanding Medical Cannabis Access in Pennsylvania

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Adult-use cannabis legislation has yet to be formally introduced this year in the Pennsylvania Legislature, but the state’s medical cannabis program was expanded June 30.

Pennsylvania Governor’s Office | www.governor.pa.gov

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signs legislation to expand the state’s medical cannabis program June 30. 

Signed by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday, House Bill 1024 allows qualified patients to legally possess up to a 90-day supply of cannabis, an increase from the previously allowed 30-day supply. It also permits patients to continue utilizing curbside dispensing services. Both changes were adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new law makes those provisions permanent. 

RELATED: Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board Discusses Permanently Adopting Temporary Regulations Related to COVID-19

In addition, H.B. 1024 removes the cap that one caregiver may only support a maximum of five patients and authorizes “synchronous interaction,” or physician-patient remote consultations that occur in real time via audio or video conferencing. The law also expands the qualifying conditions for eligibility to include cancer remission therapy, as well as spinal cord or central nervous system damage with “indication of intractable spasticity and other associated neuropathies,” according to the bill’s text.

According to the governor, the new law acts on the recommendations made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to revise the Medical Marijuana Act, which was signed into law in April 2016.

“It’s been five years since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana, and in that time the Department of Health has examined the program’s successes and challenges and made important recommendations on improving the law,” Wolf said in a statement Wednesday. “This legislation provides important updates to our state’s medical marijuana program to ensure that patients have improved access to medication.”

More than 340,000 Pennsylvanians participate in the state’s medical cannabis program, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

Pennsylvania’s regional organizer for NORML, Chris Goldstein, told The Associated Press that H.B. 1024, which was first considered in committee May 24, moved quickly and there were no hearings to gather input from patients nor their caregivers.

“The bill actually has a lot of provisions that are industry friendly, and most controversial is to allow remediation of mold in cannabis flowers by extracting it into new products,” Goldstein said. “I think that’s where patient voices could have been heard.”

Under the signed legislation, cannabis producers can remediate contaminants, like mold or yeast, to turn it into products that are not to be inhaled or ingested, such as topicals.

With an adequate supply, there are 125 medical cannabis dispensaries in Pennsylvania with product available as of June 30, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

While the final version of the bill passed the House, 165-36, and the Senate, 47-3, in the Republican-controlled Legislature, the upper chamber voted to table Democratic Sen. Sharif Street’s amendment that aimed to allow qualifying patients 21 years and older to grow up to five plants at home for personal use. The amendment failed in a 29-21 vote.

In February, Street and Republican Sen. Dan Laughlin—who voted in favor of the home-grow amendment—teamed up to announce their collaboration on crafting an adult-use bill for this legislative session, but they have yet to formally introduce that bill.

RELATED: Talks About Adult-Use Cannabis Bills Heat Up in Pennsylvania; Introduction Does Not

Most provisions in H.B. 1024 became enacted immediately following the governor’s June 30 signing. However, the legislation gives the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture secretary 30 days to make public the list of pesticides that growers and processors can use. That list will be updated annually