Legal Hemp Spurring Nascent Industry in Alaska

Denali Hemp’s Ember and Chris Haynes

The Denali Hemp Company in Talkeetna, Alaska is a family affair. Ember and Chris Haynes, along with their 18-year old daughter, have been making and selling hempseed-oil-based products like balms, oils, butters and soaps since 2014.

Denali Hemp grew out of their other business, Silverbear Sundries, a retail store in Willow where part of their Extreme Alaskan product line includes a handful of hempseed-oil items. Their customers loved those products so much that the Haynes’ decided to start a second business solely devoted to hemp.

The Haynes family got a boost on April 18 when Gov. Bill Walker signed Senate Bill 6 into law, which legalizes industrial hemp production separate from marijuana (0.3 THC threshold). It sets up regulations for hemp farming, and clarifying that adding hemp to food “does not create an adulterated food product.” The program should be up and running by the 2019 growing season.

Until now, they  sourced their hemp from Colorado. They make and package their hemp products by hand and use organic and fair-trade ingredients, most grown on their own land. “We make products with hemp seed oil and we’re proud of it,” Ember tells Freedom Leaf. “Cannabis is a safe product and there’s no reason for it to be a Schedule I drug.”

Having some land dedicated to hemp would allow the Haynes’ to utilize all the benefits of the plant—its fibers as well as the seeds they in their products.

EMBER HAYNES: “There haven’t been many voices for hemp. I want to be sure there’s room for people like me and my husband to have a little plot. It’s not about big agriculture.”

 

While they’re mostly about hemp, the “heart of the business,” Ember explains, is Devil’s Club, a shrub in the ginseng family. “It’s a big leafy plant with treacherous thorns and a big red club. The root is medicinal, and it has these amazing properties for reducing inflammation.” It’s mixed with hemp in their salves and balms.

They also grow cottonwood, an excellent antimicrobial; the skin-healer calendula; and yarrow, which helps reduce inflammation. “We wildcraft as much as we can,” Ember says. “My mom grows some plants. We have local people that grow some of the herbs. And we also forage in the woods.”

The Haynes’ started off with a line of Extreme Alaskan products to combat the effects of the cold climate. “The herbs and plants I forage have been a necessary staple for Native Americans for generations,” she notes. “I’ve been taught by our elders that food should be medicine and our medicine our food. The strongest medicines are right out the front door.“

Alaska has had a confusing relationship with legal cannabis. In 1975, shortly after the state legislature decriminalized recreational use, the state Supreme Court legalized it in the decision Ravin v. State, ruling that the laws against personal possession and cultivation violated the constitutional right to privacy. That gave Alaskans the right to use marijuana at home.

In 2002, Alaskan voters approved a ballot initiative to recriminalize cannabis—but the state Court of Appeals ruled they couldn’t legally do that, citing the Ravin decision. In 2006, the legislature recriminalized cannabis anyway. Meanwhile, Alaskans voted in 1998 to legalize medical use. And in 2014, voters approved Measure 2, making Alaska the fourth state to legalize recreational marijuana.

During the long decriminalization vs. recriminalization debate, hemp was largely overlooked. Since the legal cannabis market began in 2015, Ember has noticed a difference in her customers. “People are a lot more comfortable talking about hemp and using more products,” she says. “These are really good introductory products for someone just becoming familiar with cannabis.”

Denali Hemp Products

Devil’s Club & Hemp

Salve for arthritic aches and pains; reduces inflammation.

$47 (4 oz.)

Denali Hemp for Pain

Includes hemp seed oil, Devil’s Club root, lavender oil, tea-tree oil, eucalyptus oil; for achy muscles and inflammation.

$29 (2 oz.)

Denali Hemp Beard Balm

A combo of hemp seed and coconut oils and shea butter; moisturizes and softens facial hair.

$20 (2 oz.)

Hemp & Calendula Balm

A mixture of hemp seed oil, olive oil, beeswax and calendula blossoms; moisturizes dry skin.

$20 (2 oz.)

Hemp Seed Oil & Shea Butter

Strictly hemp seed oil and shea butter.

$20 (2 oz.)

Hemp Seed Oil & Goat Milk Soap

Hemp Seed Oil & Goat Milk Soap

Hemp seed and coconut oil, plus “hemp hearts” as an exfoliant, combined with goat milk, create this luxurious soap.

$8 (per bar)

Hemp Seed-Oil Lip Balm

Strictly made from hemp seed oil.

$8 (per piece)

Original Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed and olive oils infused with lavender, calendula and chamomile; use on wounds and irritated skin.

$25 (per container)

Next is a line of hempwear t-shirts and hoodies. Purchase hemp seed oil products here.

Related Articles

Hemp to the Future: U.S and Canada Industrial Crops on the Rise

The Battle  for Hemp and CBD in France

Senate Majority Leader McConnell Sponsors Hemp Bill

prAna Takes Lead in Hemp Clothing Revival

If you enjoyed this Freedom Leaf article, subscribe to the magazine today!

The post Legal Hemp Spurring Nascent Industry in Alaska appeared first on Freedom Leaf.

from https://www.freedomleaf.com/hemp-alaska/

The article Legal Hemp Spurring Nascent Industry in Alaska is available on Nick Adams' Blog

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/31/legal-hemp-spurring-nascent-industry-in-alaska/

Poll: 85% of Americans Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana, 57% Support Recreational Legalization

According to a new HealthDay/Harris Poll, an overwhelming majority of adults in America support legalizing medical marijuana, with a strong majority also in support of legalizing the plant for recreational purposes.

The survey found that 85% of Americans believe that marijuana “should be legalized for medical use”, while 57% support legalizing and regulating the plant for anyone 21 and older, for any use. Among younger respondents (those ages 18 to 44), 68% agree that cannabis should be legal.

“Voters believe that ending America’s failed marijuana prohibition laws is a common-sense issue, not a partisan one,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano told HealthDay, which commissioned the poll. “It’s time for their elected officials to take a similar posture, and to move expeditiously to amend federal law in a manner that comports with public and scientific consensus, as well as with marijuana’s rapidly changing cultural and legal status.”

The results of the HealthDay/Harris Poll are similar to those of a Pew Research Center survey released in January, which found that 61% of voters in the U.S. support legalizing marijuana.

The post Poll: 85% of Americans Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana, 57% Support Recreational Legalization appeared first on TheJointBlog.

from https://thejointblog.com/poll-85-of-americans-support-legalizing-medical-marijuana-57-support-recreational-legalization/

Poll: 85% of Americans Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana, 57% Support Recreational Legalization is republished from https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/30/poll-85-of-americans-support-legalizing-medical-marijuana-57-support-recreational-legalization/

Colorado Reps Create First State Cannabis Caucus

Colorado Assembly and Cannabis Caucus members Leslie Herod and Chris Hansen

Inspired by Congress’ Cannabis Caucus, Colorado lawmakers have launched the first-ever cannabis caucus in a state legislature.

While Colorado voted to legalize marijuana in 2012 and implemented a tax-and-regulate program 14 months later, the debate over various aspects of the law and its impact has continued. From job creation to law-enforcement priorities and public education to health care, the Colorado Cannabis Caucus will facilitate discussions among lawmakers about how to address matters such as social consumption, product testing and the use of medical cannabis on public campuses.

The staff of Rep. Dan Pabon (D-Denver) was the first to show interest in creating the caucus. They talked up the idea up with other lawmakers, while Denver NORML focused on recruiting and providing educational materials. The first six members, all Democrats in the state’s General Assembly, also include Leslie Herod and Chris Hansen of Denver, Matt Gray of Broomfield, Jonathan Singer of Longmont and Dylan Roberts of Steamboat Springs. Its first meeting took place at the state capitol in Denver on March 16. Discussion focused on leadership, taxation, regulations, enforcement and the need for consumer advocacy.

Letter from Colorado General Assembly members: “It’s time for members of Congress from Colorado and other states where marijuana has been legalized to step up and defend the rights of their constituents.”

Creating a formalized structure makes it easier for constituents and advocates to have influence. This streamlined system enables them to suggest policy ideas to many lawmakers at once, reducing the burden of persuading legislators individually. NORML stresses the need for state-level elected officials to create incubators for thoughtful debates and policy discussions.

On February 6, 33 Democratic members of the state’s General Assembly sent a letter to Colorado’s Congressional delegation, urging them to prevent Attorney General Jeff Sessions from interfering with state marijuana programs.

“It’s time for members of Congress from Colorado and other states where marijuana has been legalized to step up and defend the rights of their constituents—many of whom rely on these policies for their health and welfare,” the letter stated. “To accomplish this, marijuana must be removed from the Controlled Substances Act. States need to be given the power and flexibility to establish their own marijuana policies free from federal interference. Congressional action is necessary to protect the sovereignty of states like Colorado and ensure that marijuana businesses and consumers will be free from undue federal interference.”

A number of legislators in other states are looking to follow Colorado’s lead and establish their own cannabis caucuses. It’s another crucial step in building the foundation to responsibly end prohibition in a pro-consumer and pro-civil liberties manner.

Related Articles

Congressional Cannabis Caucus Takes Aim at Trump Administration

Colorado Medical Cannabis Activist Busted in Oklahoma

New Edibles Regulations Go Into Effect in Colorado

Colorado Legislature Fails to Resolve Public Use Issue

If you enjoyed this Freedom Leaf article, subscribe to the magazine today!

The post Colorado Reps Create First State Cannabis Caucus appeared first on Freedom Leaf.

from https://www.freedomleaf.com/colorado-cannabis-caucus/

The following article Colorado Reps Create First State Cannabis Caucus Find more on: Nick Adams (Smoking) In America

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/30/colorado-reps-create-first-state-cannabis-caucus/

Oklahoma: Enough Signatures Gathered to Put Recreational Marijuana Initiative on November Ballot

A nonprofit organization aiming to put a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot in Oklahoma announced Sunday that it has collected enough signatures to do just that.

Green The Vote says it’s collected 132,527 for State Question 797, which would legalize marijuana for everyone  21 and older. This is over the 124,000 signatures required to put the initiative to a vote of the people this November 6. However, the group will be continuing to collect signatures in order to reach their goal of 150,000 in order to ensure that enough of the signatures are valid (from registered Oklahoma voters).

If the proposal is put on the ballot, and subsequently passed by voters, the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana, and the cultivation of up to eight seedlings and four mature marijuana plants, would be legal for those 21+. The possession of up to two ounces of marijuana concentrates and up to 72 ounces of marijuana-infused products would also be legal, with a system of licensed marijuana retail outlets authorized to sell the plant.

Under State Question 797 marijuana would be taxed at no more than 7% at the state level, with localities allowed to place an addition tax of up to 2%. The majority – 75% – of the tax revenue garnered would go to the Department of Education, with the remaining 25% going to the Department of Health for drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

If the proposal is successfully put on the November ballot, Oklahoma voters will be deciding the fate of recreational marijuana less than five months after voting to legalize medical cannabis.

The post Oklahoma: Enough Signatures Gathered to Put Recreational Marijuana Initiative on November Ballot appeared first on TheJointBlog.

from https://thejointblog.com/oklahoma-enough-signatures-gathered-to-put-recreational-marijuana-initiative-on-november-ballot/

The blog post Oklahoma: Enough Signatures Gathered to Put Recreational Marijuana Initiative on November Ballot Read more on: Nick Adams' Blog

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/30/oklahoma-enough-signatures-gathered-to-put-recreational-marijuana-initiative-on-november-ballot/

Oklahoma medical cannabis law takes effect; revisions to problematic regs proposed

Yesterday, the penalty-reduction piece of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana initiative became operational. Individuals possessing up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis face a reduced penalty — a misdemeanor fine of up to $400 — if they “can state a medical condition.”

Meanwhile, regulators made application materials available online for patients and caregivers, along with information for businesses and physicians. It will begin accepting applications on August 25.

In another encouraging development, regulators released proposed revisions to many of the problematic final regulations. The Board of Health will meet on August 1 at 3:00 p.m. to consider them.

Draft revisions (summarized here) would make several welcome changes, including:

• Removing the ban on selling smokeable cannabis and edibles;
• Removing the THC cap;
• Removing the requirement that pharmacists dispense cannabis;
• Making the physician registration optional;
• Removing the requirement that doctors subject all “females of childbearing age” to a pregnancy test before recommending cannabis; and
• Removing the limitation on hours of operation, which banned Sunday sales.

However, we still have some concerns, including that:

• Patients who are tenants must obtain their landlords’ written permission to cultivate. Given federal law, even landlords who are open to cultivation may be unwilling to assent in writing.
• Physicians must to “ascertain” if a female is pregnant or likely to become pregnant before recommending cannabis. This strong language may essentially require pregnancy tests for many women, which is patronizing and invasive and drives up costs.
• Physicians must provide an in-person medical exam within 30 days of the certification. Oklahoma allows telemedicine for most medications.

Comments can be submitted to omma@ok.gov.

These proposed revisions follow a lawsuit filed by the Oklahoma ACLU on behalf of advocates, and advice from Attorney General Mike Hunter that some regulations exceeded the department’s authority.

If you live in Oklahoma, please speak out and spread the word. Congratulations again to everyone who worked to pass SQ 788!

The post Oklahoma medical cannabis law takes effect; revisions to problematic regs proposed appeared first on MPP Blog.

from https://blog.mpp.org/medical-marijuana/oklahoma-medical-cannabis-law-takes-effect-revisions-to-problematic-regs-proposed/

Oklahoma medical cannabis law takes effect; revisions to problematic regs proposed is courtesy of https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/27/oklahoma-medical-cannabis-law-takes-effect-revisions-to-problematic-regs-proposed/

Vermont: Primary election voter guide published

Early voting is already underway for the Vermont state primary election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14.

This year, we sent candidates a survey consisting of only one question: “Do you support regulating and taxing the production and sale of cannabis in Vermont for use by adults 21 and older?”

Our voter guides include responses from candidates for state representative, state senator, and governor, in addition to public statements and incumbent legislators’ votes on the legalization bill. If a candidate in your district has not responded to the survey, we encourage you to reach out to them directly and ask their position!

For information on where and how to vote in Vermont, click here.

If you are a Vermont resident, please take time to read our voter guide for state legislative races and our gubernatorial voter guide before you vote in the August 14 primary. Then, please share the voter guides with your family and friends!

The post Vermont: Primary election voter guide published appeared first on MPP Blog.

from https://blog.mpp.org/tax-and-regulate/vermont-primary-election-voter-guide-published/

Vermont: Primary election voter guide published is available on https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/27/vermont-primary-election-voter-guide-published/

Maine Legislature overrides Gov. LePage on medical marijuana reform

Earlier this month, the Maine Legislature overrode Gov. LePage’s vetoes of LD 238 and LD 1539, bills to improve Maine’s medical marijuana program. LD 238 allows for third-party extraction of medical marijuana. LD 1539 is the culmination of the Health and Human Services Committee’s session-long work reforming the medical marijuana program.

The bipartisan omnibus reform bill:

• removes the qualifying condition list so that any Mainer can use medical marijuana so long as their doctor thinks it would be helpful for them;
• eliminates the requirement that a patient must designate a caregiver or dispensary as their sole provider, allowing for more patient choice;
• adds two more dispensaries to the existing eight dispensaries and removes the cap on the dispensaries after January 1, 2021;
• allows for caregivers to open storefronts, if the town approves; and
• much more…you can read a summary of the changes here.

These reforms are a win for the patients and the industry, and a hearty “Congratulations!” is in order for everyone that worked hard to make this happen.

The post Maine Legislature overrides Gov. LePage on medical marijuana reform appeared first on MPP Blog.

from https://blog.mpp.org/medical-marijuana/maine-legislature-overrides-gov-lepage-on-medical-marijuana-reform/

Maine Legislature overrides Gov. LePage on medical marijuana reform is republished from Nick Adams' Blog

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/27/maine-legislature-overrides-gov-lepage-on-medical-marijuana-reform/

Study: Cannabis Use Associated With Increased Survival Rates in Heart Attack Patients

Those with a history of marijuana use who suffer a heart attack are less likely to die during hospitalization than those who don’t have marijuana in their system, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS One, and epublished by the National Institute of Health.

For the study researchers analyzed the hospital records of over 3,854 heart-attack patients who acknowledged that they’ve recently consumed cannabis or had tested positive for it, and compared the data with 1,273,897 individuals who were similarly matched but hadn’t recently consumed marijuana. Researchers found that cannabis use was not associated with adverse short-term health outcomes; this was found after they controlled for potential confounders such as tobacco use.

In addition, “marijuana-using patients were significantly less likely to die, experience shock, or require an IABP (intra-aortic balloon pump) post AMI (acute myocardial infarction) than patients with no reported marijuana use”, states the study. “These results suggest that, contrary to our hypothesis, marijuana use was not associated with increased risk of adverse short-term outcomes following AMI.”

Researchers state that “these findings suggest that additional study is warranted to further investigate these discoveries and to identify potential mechanisms by which marijuana is associated with improved short-term outcomes following AMI.”

The full study can be found by clicking here.

The post Study: Cannabis Use Associated With Increased Survival Rates in Heart Attack Patients appeared first on TheJointBlog.

from https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-use-associated-with-increased-survival-rates-in-heart-attack-patients/

Study: Cannabis Use Associated With Increased Survival Rates in Heart Attack Patients is courtesy of https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/26/study-cannabis-use-associated-with-increased-survival-rates-in-heart-attack-patients/

SSDP Establishes International Activities Fund

In 2014, the Students for Sensible Drug Policy international chapter network consisted of Ireland, Mexico and Nigeria. Four years later, we’re in 30 countries on every habitable continent.

During that time, we’ve taken action on regional issues, such as the Ayotzinapa student massacre and extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, co-hosted youth drug policy activists in Bangkok and organized dozens of workshops in West Africa, as well as four annual conferences in Ireland, the most recent of which in April included an announcement from the Green Party of Ireland that they would back cannabis legalization.

Juana Boateng founded the first SSDP chapter in Ghana—a country where defendants facing drug charges are stripped of due process. “We started advocating for the rights of people who use drugs by taking to the streets and talking to people about our cause,” Juana explains. “It’s been a tough road for us as we had minimal funds to accomplish this work. But the love, support and encouragement I received from amazing, intelligent SSDPers gave me a sense of belonging. I feel confident, bold and privileged because I know I belong to a family, a team of change makers and a group not scared to fight for what’s right.”

Marisa Morales’ sign reads: “Support. Do not punish.”

Estudiantes por una Política Sensata de Drogas México was founded in 2010 and has since grown to support students in 14 states. “The current prohibitionist drug policies in México only focus on security instead of health,” says Marisa Morales. “It’s been gratifying to be able to influence drug policy in México, especially because we’re the only youth organization working on this issue. Currently, we’re advocating for cannabis regulation. México took a promising first step last year by approving the use of medical cannabis. We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re moving forward.”

Most international chapters operate without any support from academic institutions, often having to pay fees just to print flyers for meetings or reserve a space on campus for an event. Heavy stigmatization surrounding drug policy also means that many international members find themselves at personal risk just for being involved in SSDP.

It’s absolutely remarkable what our international chapters have achieved over the last few years, and our International Activities Fund, launched in July, will give them the resources to accomplish so much more. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to kickstart the fund. Learn more about the program at ssdp.org/iaf.

Related Articles

Betty Aldworth: ‘It’s Time for Prohibition to Retire’

SSDP 2018: Student Activists Confer in Baltimore

Sense and Sensibility: SSDP’s Back-to-School Guide

‘Mary Janes’ Doc Features the Women of Weed

If you enjoyed this Freedom Leaf article, subscribe to the magazine today!

The post SSDP Establishes International Activities Fund appeared first on Freedom Leaf.

from https://www.freedomleaf.com/ssdp-international-activities-fund/

SSDP Establishes International Activities Fund is available on The Nick Adams Blog

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/26/ssdp-establishes-international-activities-fund/

How To Use Hemp Oil: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide

Hemp oil is quickly becoming all the rage thanks to its myriad uses and its health and nutritional benefits. But with all the information floating around out there, you may be wondering exactly how to use hemp oil.

Don’t fret! The hemp oil experts at Honest Marijuana are here to help. In this article, we’ll show you how to use the different forms of hemp oil so you can find the one that’s right or you.

Before we get to that, though, we’ll explain what hemp oil is, what benefits it has to offer, and what side effects to look out for.

What Is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil — or hemp seed oil, to be more accurate — is an oil (duh!) produced from the seeds (as opposed to the flowers) of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Astute readers will notice that the genus and species of the hemp plant are identical to the genus and species of strains such as Sour Diesel, Ghost Train Haze, and Super Lemon Haze.

The difference between the two lies in the fact that the hemp plant is bred to be low in cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, CBN. The percentage of cannabinoids in hemp is so low as to be almost zero.

That means that you can’t use the hemp plant — or hemp oil — the same way you would use other higher-percentage-of-cannabinoid strains of Cannabis sativa.

In other words, hemp oil is more akin to olive oil (in the way it’s produced, in its benefits, and in its side effects) than it is to CBD oil or THC oil. The bottom line is that hemp oil is primarily a foodstuff, as opposed to a medicine or a recreational drug.

Will Hemp Oil Get You High?

No, hemp oil will not get you high. As we mentioned above, the THC content in hemp oil is extremely low (almost zero). Without that THC, there’s absolutely no way you can get your high on or feel any psychedelic effects.

What Are The Benefits Of Hemp Oil?

Remember that hemp oil is a foodstuff just like coconut oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil. That means that the benefits of hemp oil are nutritional rather than medicinal or recreational.

Here’s a short list of what hemp oil can do:

• Promote a healthy immune system
• Moisturize dry skin
• Provide nutrition for your brain
• Act as a substitute for fish oil
• Prevent degenerative conditions throughout your body
• Contribute to healthy cardiovascular function

What Are The Side Effects Of Hemp Oil?

Because hemp oil is a foodstuff, its side effects are similar to other plant-based oils. An essential fact to remember is that you can experience these side effects only if you ingest hemp oil.

Other methods of using hemp oil (see the next section) won’t produce the same effects. Here are the side effects to watch out for if you eat or drink your hemp oil:

• Can cause digestive issues
• Contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Can affect your blood’s ability to clot
• Produces harmful peroxides under high heat (e.g., when used in cooking)
• Can interfere with the metabolism of other medications

This last side effect is perhaps the most disconcerting. No one wants something they eat to interfere with the effectiveness of their heart medication. But rest easy that this side effect is extremely rare.

Now that you know what hemp oil is, what its benefits are, and what side effects to expect if you ingest it, let’s investigate how to use hemp oil in all its forms.

How To Use Hemp Oil: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide

The fact that hemp oil is, well, an oil, makes it especially flexible in its uses. You can use it by itself, mix it into foods and drinks, or employ it as a base to make new products.

Here’s a step-by-step guide that shows you how to use hemp oil in its various shapes.

1) How To Use Hemp Oil Extract

Hemp oil extract (or just hemp oil for short) is the most basic form of hemp oil you can get. It’s hemp in all its pure, unadulterated glory — no other ingredients added. Hemp oil looks like a thick liquid and is often dark black or dark green in color.

Hemp oil is highly concentrated, so start with a small dose (usually about the size of a grain of rice) and work your way up from there. The easiest way to use hemp oil extract is to ingest it directly.

In case you’ve forgotten how to do that (maybe because you’re currently on a psychedelic journey of sorts…):

1. Dispense a small amount of hemp oil extract onto a spoon.
2. Lick the hemp oil extract off the spoon.
3. Swallow.

Hemp oil extract tastes like dirt and grass, so be prepared. If you just can’t handle the flavor, opt instead for hemp oil edibles, hemp oil drinks, or hemp oil tinctures (see below for details).

2) How To Use Hemp Oil Cream

Hemp oil cream is a powerful moisturizer with a long list of beneficial effects for your skin, including:

• Prevents cell damage
• Prevents varicose veins
• Treats skin rashes and acne
• Soothes irritated skin
• Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
• Keeps pores open
• Locks moisture in your skin
• Hydrates dry skin
• Prevents psoriasis
• Regenerates your skin’s protective layer

So how do you use hemp oil cream? Simple.

1. Place a small amount of cream on the palm of your hand (or directly on the dry skin itself).
2. Rub the cream into your skin.
3. If certain areas of your skin still feel dry, re-apply the hemp oil cream a second time for increased moisturizing and healing.

3) How To Use Hemp Oil In Edibles & Drinks

Hemp oil is a great substitute for other oils in all your favorite recipes. Hemp oil will add a distinctly woody flavor to the end result, so don’t put in too much. Instead, consider the following suggestion for using hemp oil in (or on) edibles.

1. Add a few drops of hemp oil into the mix along with the suggested amount of olive oil or coconut oil.
2. Use hemp oil for sauteing.
3. Drizzle hemp oil on top of a salad.
4. Add a small amount of hemp oil to your daily smoothie.

Another super easy way to get your hemp oil in edible form is to take a hemp oil gummy. It’s just like taking a multivitamin, but you get all the benefits of hemp oil instead.

If edibles aren’t your thing, try dissolving a bit of hemp oil in your coffee or tea (or just some hot water). Taking hemp oil in a drink masks the flavor and makes it easier to digest while still providing all the benefits.

4) How To Use Hemp Oil Tinctures

A hemp oil tincture is a diluted form of the original hemp oil. Manufacturers often mix in other beneficial ingredients like:

• Coconut oil
• Natural herbs
• Essential oils
• Terpenes
• Other flavors

These additives mask the natural flavor of the hemp oil and vastly improve its taste. The extra ingredients also make the hemp oil tincture more liquid.

The easiest way to take a hemp oil tincture is sublingually (under your tongue). Here’s how to do it.

1. With an eye dropper, place a small amount of hemp oil extract under your tongue.
2. Hold the hemp oil under your tongue for as long as you can without swallowing (we recommend 60 to 90 seconds).

That’s it! See why we say this is the easiest way to use hemp oil?

6) How To Use Hemp Oil For Vaping

If you want to try vaping your hemp oil, you’re going to need two key items:

• Hemp oil
• A vaporizer

You can usually get both at your local dispensary. The vaporizer (or vape pen, as those in the know call them) heats the hemp oil to a specific temperature.

When the oil reaches a certain point, it goes from liquid to vapor (hence the name “vape pen”). You then inhale that vapor like you would the smoke from your joint, blunt, or bong. Vape pens vaporize hemp oil at lower temperatures than smoking. That makes the “smoke” from a vape pen cooler and easier on your mouth, throat, and lungs.

Using your hemp oil in a vaporizer instead of burning it in a joint or bong is also cleaner and healthier. You don’t get any of the potential carcinogens that come with burning, just the nutritional benefits that hemp oil has to offer.

Pick The Hemp Oil That’s Right For You

Now, obviously, if you want to use hemp oil to treat dry skin, you wouldn’t choose a tincture as your method of delivery. Similarly, if you want to maximize the nutritional benefits you receive from hemp oil, you wouldn’t choose vaping as your method of delivery.

The nice thing about hemp oil is that you can pick and choose the method that’s just right for your needs. So talk to the budtenders at your local dispensary. They can help you find a product that’s easy to use and gives you all the benefits you’re looking for.

For more information on all things cannabis and to check out our 100-percent all-natural marijuana products, visit HonestMarijuana.com today.

The post How To Use Hemp Oil: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide appeared first on Honest Marijuana.

from https://honestmarijuana.com/how-to-use-hemp-oil/

The following post How To Use Hemp Oil: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide Find more on: Nick Adams' Blog

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/26/how-to-use-hemp-oil-the-complete-step-by-step-guide/

Rhode Island Governor Signs Marijuana Expungement Bill Into Law

Legislation allowing those with past marijuana convictions to have the charges expunged (removed) from their criminal record has been signed into law by Governor Gina Raimondo (D).

House Bill 8355 and companion measure Senate Bill 2447 allows those with past convictions for crimes involving the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana to petition the court for an order of expungement. It states, “[W]here the court has determined that all conditions of the original criminal sentence have been completed, … the court [will] order the expungement without cost to the petitioner.” The law took effect immediately upon passage,

In Rhode Island, the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana has been decriminalized since 2013.

“If an act has been decriminalized since a person was charged and paid their price for it, that person shouldn’t have to keep paying the price in the form of being denied jobs and other opportunities because of their criminal record,” bill sponsor Senator Harold Metts said in a statement. “Let them move on, and they can better support themselves and their families and contribute to our communities and our state.”

Delaware lawmakers passed similar legislation this month permitting the expungement of marijuana-related offenses that have since been decriminalized. That bill is awaiting action from the Governor. Maryland enacted a similar law in 2017.

Both Massachusetts and Oregon have enacted legislation vacating the convictions of marijuana-related crimes that are now defined as legal under state law. In California, where voters elected to legalize the adult use of marijuana in 2016, District Attorneys in various cities and counties – including San Francisco and San Diego – are automatically reviewing and dismissing thousands of past marijuana-related convictions.

The post Rhode Island Governor Signs Marijuana Expungement Bill Into Law appeared first on TheJointBlog.

from https://thejointblog.com/rhode-island-governor-signs-marijuana-expungement-bill-into-law/

The post Rhode Island Governor Signs Marijuana Expungement Bill Into Law is courtesy of https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/26/rhode-island-governor-signs-marijuana-expungement-bill-into-law/

N.J. hits pause on low-level marijuana prosecutions

It was a confusing news cycle, with Jersey City’s municipal prosecutor, Jake Hudnut, releasing a memo effectively decriminalizing marijuana locally and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal declaring that action invalid. Now, AG Grewal has told all prosecutors to “adjourn” (postpone) marijuana prosecutions in municipal court until at least September 4, when his office will issue new guidance.

Hopefully, the state will legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana prior to that, and people with pending cases will never be prosecuted. If you are a New Jersey resident, your lawmakers need to hear from you! Please click here to ask them to end New Jersey’s failed policy of marijuana prohibition today, before one more person is branded with a criminal conviction for choosing to use a substance safer than alcohol.

In other good news, Asm. Jamel Holley announced plans to propose amendments to improve upon Sen. Nick Scutari’s bill to tax and regulate marijuana, such as making it easier to expunge prior marijuana convictions. We hope the final bill will also include small business opportunities and provisions that ensure that people harmed by prohibition have an opportunity to participate in all aspects of the industry.

The post N.J. hits pause on low-level marijuana prosecutions appeared first on MPP Blog.

from https://blog.mpp.org/tax-and-regulate/n-j-hits-pause-on-low-level-marijuana-prosecutions/

The following blog article N.J. hits pause on low-level marijuana prosecutions See more on: https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/25/n-j-hits-pause-on-low-level-marijuana-prosecutions/

CBD Water: What It Is And Why It’s So Awesome

It’s a wonderful time to be alive! Sure, the world seems to be going to hell in a handbasket faster than ever. We can’t ignore that. But there is a bright spot amidst all the chaos: cannabis is finally getting the attention and credit it rightly deserves.

And because the world is finally starting to see what cannabis can do other than get you high, an exciting set of events are occurring: people are coming up with novel and unique ways to get cannabis (or cannabinoids, to be more specific) into your system. Case in point: CBD water.

Yes, you read that right. CBD water is actually a thing. You can buy it right now if you want to. But just because it’s available to anyone with a few bucks in their pocket, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask questions first.

If you’re new to the ganja game (or even if you’re not), you may be wondering:

• What is CBD?
• What is CBD water?
• Why is CBD water so awesome?
• Will CBD water get you high?

In this article, the experts at Honest Marijuana will answer all those questions so you can make an informed decision. We’ll also investigate whether CBD water has any side effects and whether or not you can make your own CBD water at home.

So let’s start with the most basic question in this discussion.

What Is CBD?

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of a group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is probably the best-known cannabinoid, but CBD is rapidly growing in popularity and notoriety. Other cannabinoids include:

• CBG
• CBN
• CBL
• CBT

And that’s just for starters. Scientists have isolated 113 different cannabinoids so far. Who knew the cannabis plant held such a wealth of ingredients, right? But back to the topic at hand.

CBD interacts with neurons (or receptors) in your brain — and in your body itself — to produce a variety of interesting effects (which we’ll talk about in another section). The awesome thing about CBD is that it interacts with specific receptors in your brain that other cannabinoids (like THC) just can’t reach.

So with that in mind, we can now answer another question.

What Is CBD Water?

CBD water is just what it sounds like: CBD mixed into water. There are no hidden ingredients (or there shouldn’t be) and no multi-syllable chemicals (other than cannabinol, of course). Just two atoms of hydrogen, one atom of oxygen, and a whole lot of CBD goodness.

Why Is CBD Water So Awesome?

CBD water is awesome for two simple reasons: water and CBD.

Water is just all-around awesome all by itself. It lubricates your brain (sounds like fun, doesn’t it?), keeps your organs doing what they’re supposed to, and basically just makes your whole life better. Bottom line: you need water to live, so be sure to drink at least eight cups of it every day.

So, yeah, water is great. But the sheer awesomeness of CBD water lies in the CBD itself. Here’s why.

The Benefits Of CBD

The benefits of CBD are legion. We’re confident that very soon someone in the know (other than us, of course) will proclaim CBD as a wonder drug for the 21st century. Here is just a small list of the benefits CBD has to offer:

• Reduces artery blockage
• Makes it easier to sleep
• Lessens the severity of psychosis
• Reduces inflammation
• Prevents bacterial growth
• Reduces blood sugar levels
• Reduces nausea and vomiting
• Decreases pain
• Fights tumor and cancer cells
• Prevents nervous system degeneration
• Suppresses muscle spasms
• Combats anxiety and depression
• Promotes bone growth
• Treats psoriasis
• Suppresses seizure and convulsion activity
• Stimulates appetite

CBD by itself has the potential to revolutionize medicine and bring relief to a lot of people. Imagine if a cancer patient could decrease her pain, reduce her nausea and vomiting, and fight the spread of the tumor just by drinking plenty of water every day. Are you starting to see why CBD water is so awesome?

So as you can see from the long list of benefits, CBD has the potential to treat a wide range of disorders. These are just a few of the medical and psychological issues that respond well to CBD:

• Acne
• ADD
• ADHD
• AIDS
• ALS
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Anorexia
• Antibiotic resistance
• Anxiety
• Atherosclerosis
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Autism
• Bipolar disorder
• Cancer
• Digestive distress
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Endocrine disorders
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• Huntington’s disease
• Inflammation
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mad cow disease
• Migraine
• Mood disorders
• Motion sickness
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Nausea
• Neurodegeneration
• Chronic pain
• Obesity
• OCD
• Osteoporosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• PTSD
• Rheumatism
• Schizophrenia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Skin conditions
• Spinal cord injury
• Stress
• Stroke

Whew! That’s a lot, right? And that’s without federal funding to investigate further. Imagine what scientists could discover if marijuana were legal on a federal level. They’d discover that there’s so much more to marijuana than just getting high.

That brings us to an important question about CBD water: will it get you high?

Will CBD Water Get You High?

No, CBD water will not get you high. It won’t send you on a space trip because CBD isn’t a psychedelic cannabinoid like THC.

On a chemical level, CBD doesn’t interact with the psychoactive neurons in your brain the way THC does. So no CBD product — including CBD water — will get you high unless it has been mislabeled, it contains hidden ingredients, or you took the wrong stuff.

Does CBD Water Have Any Side Effects?

This is always a tricky question to answer. The easiest explanation is “not really,” but it all depends on what you consider a side effect.

If you think of side effects as severe reactions like liver damage, addiction, nausea, and paralysis, then, no, CBD water doesn’t have any side effects. But if you think of side effects as ANY reactions other than what you are taking the drug for, then, yes, CBD water does have side effects.

That said, those side effects aren’t as bad as you might expect. The only two you may experience when taking CBD water are:

• Dry mouth
• A reduction in your liver’s ability to metabolize other pharmaceuticals

When you think about it, dry mouth isn’t really all that bad and is a small price to pay for the long list of benefits mentioned earlier. It’s that second “side effect” that might catch your eye.

It shouldn’t be a problem if you stop one medication and take CBD water for the condition instead. But if you’re taking medication for a heart problem (which CBD doesn’t treat), adding CBD water could cause problems.

To avoid any unintended consequences, be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any type of CBD into your daily routine.

Can You Make Your Own CBD Water?

The simple answer is yes and no. Yes, because you can buy water-soluble CBD (powdered CBD that will dissolve in water) online or at your local dispensary (talk to a budtender for details). No, because you can’t make water-soluble CBD at home. Sorry we can’t be clearer, but it really depends on how you define DIY.

Making your own water-soluble CBD isn’t like making your own CBD tincture with bud and vodka. It requires special equipment and knowledge. So, no, you can’t make take a few nugs of your favorite high-CBD strain and mix up a batch for water-soluble CBD in your kitchen. But that shouldn’t turn you off completely.

Think about it like Kool-Aid (mmmm!). There’s just no way to make the powdered mix in your kitchen. But you don’t let that stop you from whipping up a batch of the glorious grape elixir to quench your thirst during a bout of the munchies.

If you think CBD water might be the thing for you, don’t let the fact that you can’t make it at home stop you from buying a bottle.

Is CBD Water Right For You?

The only way to know if CBD water is right for you is to man (or woman) up and give it a try. When you think about it, what have you got to lose? CBD doesn’t have any side effects and there’s no way to take too much.

Really, it all comes down to personal preference. Do you like getting your CBD in the water your drink? Or do you prefer another delivery method? You won’t know for sure until you try them all.

And if you don’t like CBD water for some reason, you can always try the other methods. There are so many choices available these days, including:

• Pills
• Creams
• Gummies
• Dissolvable strips
• Patches
• Tinctures
• Isolates
• Oils
• Edibles

That’s the beauty of CBD products: there’s really no right or wrong way to use them. It’s whatever works best for you. So give CBD water a try. It just might be exactly what you’re looking for.

For more information on all things marijuana and to check out our 100-percent all-natural cannabis products, visit HonestMarijuana.com today.

The post CBD Water: What It Is And Why It’s So Awesome appeared first on Honest Marijuana.

from https://honestmarijuana.com/cbd-water/

CBD Water: What It Is And Why It’s So Awesome is available on Nick Adams' Blog

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/24/cbd-water-what-it-is-and-why-its-so-awesome/

Over $122 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Colorado in May

Those in Colorado purchased over $122 million worth of  marijuana and marijuana products in May, according to new data released by the state’s Department of Revenue.

All together there was $122,868,216 worth of marijuana and marijuana products purchased legally in Colorado in May. This is a slight decrease from the $124 million sold in April.

Of the $122 million in marijuana sold in May, around $26.2 million came from the sale of medical marijuana, while the other $96.6 million came from those 21 and older purchasing marijuana for recreational purchases. From these sales, Colorado garnered nearly $20 million in tax revenue.

The new data brings the state’s total marijuana sales for 2018 to around $610 million. This puts Colorado on track to sell around $1.5 billion in legal marijuana for 2018, which would be on par with the $1.5 billion sold in 2017, and slightly higher than the $1.3 billion sold in 2016.

Marijuana was legalized in Colorado in 2012, with marijuana retail outlets opening for business in 2014.  Marijuana is taxed at 15% (plus the standard 2.9% statewide sales tax), with the revenue going towards schools, hospitals and roads.

The post Over $122 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Colorado in May appeared first on TheJointBlog.

from https://thejointblog.com/over-122-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-colorado-in-may/

The following blog post Over $122 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Colorado in May is courtesy of https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/23/over-122-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-colorado-in-may/

Study: States Decriminalizing Marijuana Doesn’t Increase Youth Usage Rates, Decreases Drug-Related Arrests by 75%

In a study of five states that have decriminalized marijuana, it was found that decriminalization did not increase usage rates among children in any state, and it led to a massive decrease in drug arrests.

“A number of public health professional organizations support the decriminalization of cannabis due to adverse effects of cannabis-related arrests and legal consequences, particularly on youth”, begins the abstract of the study, published by the  International Journal of Drug Policy. “We sought to examine the associations between cannabis decriminalization and both arrests and youth cannabis use in five states that passed decriminalization measures between the years 2008 and 2014: Massachusetts (decriminalized in 2008), Connecticut (2011), Rhode Island (2013), Vermont (2013), and Maryland (2014).”

Data on cannabis possession arrests were obtained from federal crime statistics; data on cannabis use were obtained from state Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) surveys, years 2007-2015. Using a “difference in difference” regression framework, researchers “contrasted trends in decriminalization states with those from states that did not adopt major policy changes during the observation period.”

According to the study, decriminalization was associated with a 75% reduction in the rate of drug-related arrests for youth with similar effects observed for adult arrests. Decriminalization was “not associated with any increase in the past-30 day prevalence of cannabis use overall or in any of the individual decriminalization states.”

The study concludes by stating that; “Decriminalization of cannabis in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maryland resulted in large decreases in cannabis possession arrests for both youth and adults, suggesting that the policy change had its intended consequence. Our analysis did not find any increase in the prevalence of youth cannabis use during the observation period.”

The full study, conducted by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine, The Ohio State University, the University of Illinois and Eastern Virginia Medical School, can be found by clicking here.

The post Study: States Decriminalizing Marijuana Doesn’t Increase Youth Usage Rates, Decreases Drug-Related Arrests by 75% appeared first on TheJointBlog.

from https://thejointblog.com/study-states-decriminalizing-marijuana-doesnt-increase-youth-usage-rates-decreases-drug-related-arrests-by-75/

Study: States Decriminalizing Marijuana Doesn’t Increase Youth Usage Rates, Decreases Drug-Related Arrests by 75% is republished from https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/23/study-states-decriminalizing-marijuana-doesnt-increase-youth-usage-rates-decreases-drug-related-arrests-by-75/

North Dakota May Have Recreational Legalization on the November Ballot

Michigan and Utah already have marijuana-law reform initiatives on the ballot in November. North Dakota may just join them.

On July 9, Legalize ND submitted 18,000 signatures (4,500 more than required) to get the North Dakota Marijuana Legalization Initiative on the ballot.

The measure is purposefully vague; it doesn’t call for specific amounts that would be legal or how to create a commercial market for cultivation, processing, testing and sales. That’ll be up to the legislature, says Legalize ND’s Cole Haymond:

“This bill is by far the most progressive yet most conservative marijuana legalization bill that will be on any ballot across the country. We leave our bill wide open so the legislature can do their job—regulations, taxes, zoning, whatever.”

There’s a precedent for such an initiative in North Dakota: In 2016, voters passed Measure 5, which legalized medical marijuana by a 64% margin. That bodes well for recreational legalization in the Peace Garden State.

Possession is currently a misdemeanor punishable by maximums of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. All other marijuana offenses are felonies. In addition to medical marijuana, hemp is legal in North Dakota. The state borders Canada, which has legalized cannabis federally; sales begin there in October, a month before the U.S. elections.

The signatures were submitted to North Dakota’s Secretary of State Alvin Jaeger. He’ll announce whether the initiative will make the ballot by August 13.

Read the full text of the measure here.

Related Articles

Oklahoma Legalizes Medical Marijuana, But Bans Smoking

Recreational Cannabis Store Openings Delayed in Massachusetts

On Bans and Taxes: California Hits a Few Speed Bumps

States Where Marijuana is Legalized, Decriminalized or Medicalized

If you enjoyed this Freedom Leaf article, subscribe to the magazine today!

 

The post North Dakota May Have Recreational Legalization on the November Ballot appeared first on Freedom Leaf.

from https://www.freedomleaf.com/north-dakota-marijuana-legalization/

North Dakota May Have Recreational Legalization on the November Ballot Find more on: https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com

source https://www.nickadamsinamerica.com/2018/07/20/north-dakota-may-have-recreational-legalization-on-the-november-ballot/