:::::::USA Set to Reschedule Cannabis::::::: HHS Releases Recommendation Documents:::::::

[pipeline]

Take a minute and enjoy a puff on behalf of Sam the Skunkman David Paul Watson. Helped do build a foundation for the cannabis industry, serving humanity during the years of prohibition.

David Paul Watson – Obituary

Watson's ready supply revolutionized homegrown gardening globally, built the foundations of today’s most popular sinsemilla varieties, and spawned the steadily advancing international cannabis industry.

www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com

Robert C. Clarke
January 28, 2025

David Paul Watson passed away on Jan. 27, 2025, and will be missed by all who knew him well. We met 50 years ago when I knocked to deliver a copy of "Botany and Ecology of Cannabis." His partner Diana opened their door, and our story unfolds.

As many did when Bonzo became president, David and Diana fled to Amsterdam where cannabis had friendly logic, and they never regretted voting with their feet. The Amsterdam experience presented a turning point in their lives. By then David and Diana had traveled the “Hippie Trail” from Morocco to Thailand, and David returned many times to India and Southeast Asia in pursuit of landrace seeds.
His ready supply revolutionized homegrown gardening globally, built the foundations of today’s most popular sinsemilla varieties, and spawned the steadily advancing international cannabis industry. Known by many as “Sam the Skunkman,” David’s quest for understanding “all things cannabis” possessed his soul. His “they can’t stop science” approach with a “we can do it” attitude culminated in HortaPharm BV, a major milestone in his mission to normalize the Cannabis plant.
David believed in sharing information freely for the benefit of all who shared common interests. The Journal of the International Hemp Association “Dedicated to the advancement of Cannabis through the dissemination of information” attracted articles from hemp researchers worldwide.
As a keen follower of Cannabis’ progression through science, David attended many international conferences and regularly brought researchers up to speed with their chosen subject. There was no one he was hesitant to reach out to for the sake of science, and he never feared asking authorities for permission to pursue his quest for knowledge.
David wore his empirically grounded opinions on his sleeves. His “only seeing is believing” and “I call ‘em as I see ‘em” honesty offended some, but those who knew him well appreciated his honesty. Rant and rave as he might at times, he accepted truths as they unfolded, and within his prickly exterior pumped a kind heart.
David’s innate curiosity coupled with wide travels and unswerving dedication to science pushed Cannabis botany forward by leaps and bounds. He would only hope that others follow in his footsteps. Please honor him with a moment of highness.

Robert C. Clarke is a freelance writer, photographer, ethnobotanist, plant breeder, textile collector and co-founder of BioAgronomics Group, specializing in smoothing the transition to a wholly legal and normalized cannabis market.

 

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Less Than 1.5% of New York’s Banks, Credit Unions Service Cannabis Industry

The state launched a cannabis banking directory for the industry, but the list of financial institutions is limited.

www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com

 

[flower~power]

It’s so perplexing New York State with the whole legalization ...they promised the world but it’s a monopoly game

 

[pipeline]

Medical Marijuana Is ‘More Effective Than Prescription Medications’ For Treating Chronic Pain, Study Finds

New research on the use of medical marijuana for pain finds that it was “comparatively more effective than prescription medications” for treating chronic pain after a three-month period, and that many patients reduced their use of opioid painkillers while using cannabis. The study, conducted in...

www.marijuanamoment.net

 

[pipeline]

Pennsylvania Governor Calls for Cannabis Legalization in Budget Address: ‘Let’s Get It Done’

Gov. Josh Shapiro called on state lawmakers to legalize adult-use cannabis in the commonwealth, saying taxation and regulation are long overdue.

www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com

 

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The monopoly game has only begun, it may be pretty bad after rescheduling. There are companies/investors who own land with farms ready to roll once federal legalization takes place.

Banking is only being done by cannabis companies with a few banks who are willing to take the risk dealing with cannabis businesses since its still federally illegal.

When you look at this it seems like it would be considered neglect of duty of government to create on-going temporary allowances (spending bill rider against Justice department funds against cannabisi) for an issue federally to the extent of Billions of revenue, yet not regulating it or changing code to allow.

Creating a dangerous situation by the neglect of congress, and its also making it easier for a monopoly to take over by setting high requirements.

 

[pipeline]

Sports Leagues Took Steps To Update Their Marijuana Policies As The Legalization Movement Grew In 2024

As the politics around marijuana continued to evolve in 2024, so too did the policies concerning cannabis among major athletic organizations—from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to the National Football League. With more states enacting legalization, there’s been pressure on...

www.marijuanamoment.net

 

[pipeline]

Delta 9 THC vs THC: Exploring the Differences | The Hemp Doctor

Delve into the world of cannabinoids with a comprehensive guide to Delta 9 THC vs THC. ✓ Stay informed and be educated in your cannabis journey!

thehempdoctor.com

What is THCA and what are the benefits of this cannabinoid?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. Research suggests that THCA could possess immense therapeutic potential.

www.leafly.com

 

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THCA Flower - Gelato 41 - 3CHI

3CHI provides premium Delta 8 THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, CBG, and other cannabinoid-infused products.

www.3chi.com

​

The Potential Benefits of THCA​

Our THCA hemp is cultivated to harness the full spectrum of hemp’s natural benefits. While THCA is not psychoactive in its raw form, it still has the potential to offer various benefits. It may help reduce certain aches and pains, act as a cognitive benefit, and mitigate anxious feelings. These benefits of THCA are what make our THCA flower a must-try for both seasoned and new cannabis consumers.

The Experience of THCA​

Does THCA give psychoactive effects? In its raw form, no. However, when heated, it converts to Delta 9 THC, which is known for its psychoactive properties. The strength of THCA can vary, but high THCA content typically ranges in the mid to upper 20% range.

Comparing THCA and Delta 9 THC​

Is Delta 9 stronger than THCA? In terms of psychoactive potential, yes. Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, while THCA in its raw form does not produce these effects. However, when you heat up THCA flower, it turns into Delta 9 THC.

The Origin and Consumption of THCA​

THCA is derived directly from the cannabis plant, specifically from the acidic form of THC found in the raw hemp flower. For those seeking the psychoactive effects, heating it through smoking or cooking will convert THCA into THC.

Your Gateway to Elevated Wellness​

Whether you’re a connoisseur of cannabis flower or new to the world of it, our THCA hemp flower offers a unique experience. It’s not just about potential physical relief or appetite stimulation; it’s about exploring the uncharted territories of THCA and THC in their most natural forms.

Ready to Explore?​

Discover the exceptional quality and potential benefits of our THCA flower. Visit 3CHI today for your journey into the world of THCA and the purest expressions of the cannabis plant. Remember, while our products have the potential for various benefits, they are not intended as a cure or treatment for any condition. Explore responsibly and enjoy the journey with 3CHI’s THCA flower.

 

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Is a higher level THCA or THC better?​

All states with a medical or recreational cannabis program require cannabis brands and operators to test products at a third-party lab to ensure their compliance and safety before they can be sold to the public. THCA and THC levels will help you determine how potent a product is and what kind of experience you’re in for.

While it may seem like you want a high THC number, applying heat to THC directly may burn away some of the cannabinoid content and leave you wanting more.

Related
Cannabis testing regulations: A state-by-state guide

Unless you’re looking for edibles, you want high THCA numbers, not necessarily THC; that THCA represents the full potency potential of what you’re about to smoke, dab, or vape, because it will convert to THC. If you’re looking for flower, vape cartridges, or concentrates, you want to check for the THCA number. These are all products that require decarboxylation, aka activation by heat, in order to produce a high.

 

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SEVEN POINT. of Danville Online Shop - Cannabis Dispensary - Danville, IL

Online menu to shop and pick your order at SEVEN POINT Danville, IL.

www.sevenpoint.org

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Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid​

THCA is a cannabis compound with a laundry list of potential mental and physical health benefits. THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, the most famous cannabinoid of all. While THC is responsible for the psychoactive “high” that so many of us enjoy, THCA has shown great promise as an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotectant and anti-emetic for appetite loss and treatment of nausea. THCA is found in its highest levels in living or freshly harvested cannabis samples. For this reason some users choose to juice fresh cannabis leaves and flowers to get as much THCA as possible.

 

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It seems apparent, cannabis is already legal through the loophole in the 2018 farm bill. THCa hemp may just be cannabis that produces little to no delta 9THC and all THCa. When the batch of flower is tested fresh it promotes the highest reading of THCa and the lowest reading of delta-9 THC.

Pretty wild, its here, cannabis is legal federally through this loophole, but only in the states which allow craft hemp flower to be sold. Most of the states with hemp flower prohibitions are selling it anyway since its federally legal and CBD hemp products are being sold. There is little to no enforcement from what I understand, the products can be sold as long as they meet the definition of hemp which is:

"contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight. "

So the THCa hemp flower could be cooked into edibles to produce delta9 THC or when it is smoked it becomes delta9THC.

Leafy said when looking at medicinal cannabis test results, choose a strain with high THCa because delta9THC can be lost due to evaporation during combustion, but loss will be less with THCa which converts to delta9- THC!

Sweet, congratulations, I guess we have won the battle already! War isn't over yet though.

 

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"THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, the most famous cannabinoid of all."

May be only a federal loophole which some states are seeking to close. If pre-cursers of THC are included in the potency calculation, THCa hemp may be considered medical cannabis then.

 

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Opioid Prescriptions Drop In States That Legalize Marijuana, Federally Funded Study Shows, Suggesting Some Pain Patients Prefer Cannabis

A new federally funded study shows that legalization of marijuana in U.S. states is associated with reduced prescriptions for opioid pain medications among commercially insured adults—indicating a possible substitution effect where patients are choosing to use cannabis instead of prescription...

www.marijuanamoment.net

 

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Federal Appeals Court Says Constitution Doesn’t Support Taking Guns Away From All Marijuana Users Categorically

A federal appeals court panel has dismissed a three-year prison sentence against a person convicted for possession of a firearm while being an active user of marijuana, ruling that the federal government’s prohibition on gun ownership by drug users is justified only in certain circumstances—not...

www.marijuanamoment.net

 

[pipeline]

Bill passed Indiana senate committee, and is now moved to Senate floor to receive a hearing!!!!!​

The representative from the prosecuting attorneys association said this bill would legalize marijuana (cannabis) edibles which would fit the definition contained in the bill for low-thc hemp!

Sweet! Receiving a hearing on cannabis regulation in 2025 in the state of Indiana!

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Senate Bill 478​

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Craft hemp flower products.​

Senate Bill (S)​

Authored by:
Sen. Travis Holdman, Sen. Chris Garten.
Co-Authored by:
Sen. Scott Baldwin, Sen. Eric Bassler, Sen. Kyle Walker, Sen. Rodney Pol, Sen. Brett Clark, Sen. Stacey Donato, Sen. Andrea Hunley, Sen. J.D. Ford, Sen. Blake Doriot, Sen. Ron Alting.

Digest​

Establishes certain regulatory testing and packaging requirements for the distribution and sale of craft hemp flower products and specifies penalties applicable to the unlawful possession or distribution of craft hemp flower products. Prohibits the possession of craft hemp flower unless it is being used by a licensee to manufacture a legal hemp product, including a craft hemp flower product. Provides that a food is not considered adulterated for containing low THC hemp extract or craft hemp flower. Provides that craft hemp flower product is not included in the definition of "controlled substance analog", "hashish", "low THC hemp extract", or "marijuana". Prohibits the sale of low THC hemp extract to a person less than 21 years of age, if it contains certain elements. Adds craft hemp flower products to a statute imposing an infraction that applies with regard to persons less than 21 years of age involving the sale, distribution, purchase, and possession of craft hemp flower product. Establishes a regulatory framework for craft hemp. Defines terms. Makes conforming changes. Makes technical corrections.

 

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Trump’s New DEA Leader Has A ‘Just Say No’ Stance On Marijuana, Linking Cannabis Use To Suicide Risk And Schizophrenia

President Donald Trump has officially named his pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—selecting a decades-long agency veteran and top Virginia official who’s voiced concerns about the dangers of marijuana and linked its use to higher suicide risk among youth. On Tuesday, Trump...

www.marijuanamoment.net

 

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Virginia Plan To Legalize Marijuana Sales Heads To Governor’s Desk Following Passage By Both Legislative Chambers

Both chambers of Virginia’s legislature passed identical legislation to legalize recreational marijuana sales on Wednesday, sending the proposal to the desk of Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). The governor, however, has already indicated he intends veto the bills—as he did with a similar lawmaker-passed...

www.marijuanamoment.net

 

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Honestly, at this point, cannabis and cannabis products are so prevalent, its becoming absurd to hold back opening up the market from absolute prohibition. Billions of dollars are being spent on cannabis annually in the United States.

If there are some potential health concerns, requiring warning labels on cannabis packaging would be a good option to help consumers know the potential harms until more research is done. There could be educational materials or a website with recommendations about how to use cannabis medically, and potential harms from abuse.

Cannabis is already out there and being widely used. Has been for a long time. Surveys consistently show the large majority of people want to see cannabis laws reformed.

I don't know why these lawmakers are still forcing people into the prison system for something like this. Federal legislators can act at any time, but they refuse to create standards and regulate an industry that has been open for almost 30 years in some states.

 

[pipeline]

The chair of the Courts and Criminal Code Senate standing committee said something I thought was interesting when they were discussing an amendment to a craft hemp flower bill which would legalize medical cannabis. He said, "All these states who have legalized it, after a few years will likely face lawsuits just like big tobacco companies did. They will say what have you done to our citizenry."

Research has been difficult to get permits because the DEA only gives permits to whomever they allow to do research. Cannabis remains a Schedule 1 substance.

These lawmakers are good people, maybe a little bit naive and leaning toward oppression, but it seems to be they want whats best for their communities. It really has been a stronghold of prohibitionists to continue the status quo of cannabis being a Schedule 1 substance under the control of the DEA and Justice Department. Cannabis research has been restricted to prevent additional scientific evidence from being available for the debate. The lawmakers really are powerless because they want to verify cannabis is safe for people who are adults as well as children to use under medical supervision.

What types of restrictions they place on it depends on the knowledge of potential harms which are known to be minimal.

Lawmakers are having a tough time grasping the subject because its been hidden for so long. Pharmaceutical companies are likely to benefit once the cannabis market is opened up federally. People will likely remain unable to create their own strains which work best for their needs and grow in their climate.

Cannabis is valuable crop being withheld from use by modern society, although its use can be such benefit to people's quality of life.