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Study Shows Cannabis Impairs Memory

Study Shows Cannabis Impairs Memory

A joint study recently released by two Universities recently provides new insight into how cannabis impairs memory. They discovered that habitual use of cannabis impairs memory in lab rats. The scientists dosed rats with the descriptively named WIN 55,212‐2 cannabinoid and they began struggling to identify and remember objects.
Universidade de Lisboa in Portugal and the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom conducted the study. They looked into the long-term effects of cannabis consumption for new insights into reducing the side effects of cannabis. After analyzing the data, they recently published their results in the Journal of Neurochemistry.
The peer reviewed paper is part of a new wave of research looking into the effects of cannabis. It is part of a larger initiative to uncover the mysteries hidden in cannabinoids and our own bodies. The authors of this study also conducted another that shed light on how cannabis impairs the ability to recall memories.Readers interested in more information can check out their current white paper at onlinelibrary.wiley.com or their previous research at squ.pure.elsevier.com.

Habitual Use May Pose Risk

The study found that rats dosed with WIN 55,212‐2 didn’t recognize objects they had previously seen. But the drug didn’t affect their motor functions or anxiety level. Brain tissue tests also showed structural changes in brain regions important to memory and cognition.
This means that heavy or habitual use can have long-lasting impact on users. Most people understand that cannabis impairs memory. But this is one of the first times that scientists have proven the link between cannabinoids and memory.
The discovery adds to what we know about cannabis interacts with the functional mechanisms in the brain. It also sheds new light on the importance of the serotonin system in processing cannabinoids. This is one more step forward for patients suffering from a variety of diseases that affect memory.

Cannabis isn’t perfect

Despite the claims of hippies and spiritualists, cannabis can provide negative side effects. Not everyone wants to be blazed while using cannabinoids. Many patients prefer CBD instead of THC because it doesn’t produce a noticeable “high”. Finding a way to counteract the high could allow high THC consumption without the normal negatives.
One of the most iconic side effects of cannabis is how it impairs memory. Yet the mechanics of how this happens are complex and difficult to study outside the lab. With so many countries changing their stance of cannabis, researchers are finally able to see what all the fuss is about. The complex nature of cannabinoids means that single cannabinoids interact with a variety of brain systems simultaneously.
The study author Ana Sebastião cited the growing cannabis market and therapeutic use of cannabis as a main consideration as reported by Medical News Today. The author claims we should consider the downsides of therapeutic cannabis use and try to find ways to address them. After all, only understanding the nature of the risks of cannabis use will allow us to take action to avoid or prevent them.

The information in this article is designed to provide helpful information. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. These are opinion pieces based on trusted sources.

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There May Well Be Some Benefits of Medical Marijuana, Session Admits

Marijuana is one of the most widely used drugs the world over. This is especially true among the younger generation, despite it being illegal in most nations. In the U.S, some states have yet to legalize marijuana us, causing a bit of confusion among American citizens. Worse yet, U.S Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recently gone on record to support the use of medical marijuana, when he had previously been dead set against it. Let’s take a look at how he came about his decision.
Sessions’ View
On April 25th, 2018, Sessions went before the Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee panel and acknowledged that indeed there are some benefits from medical marijuana. He went further to support the appropriateness of studying cannabis for medical uses. Many were a little taken aback as the Attorney General had previously gone on record to say that he did not believe that medical marijuana was a medicine.
During his speech, Sessions admitted having seen research indicating lower overdose deaths in states that allow marijuana use. However, he was fast to criticize the current use of cannabis, suggesting that it is not being used for medical purposes. This is not too shocking as indeed younger people seem to be using it more especially in states where marijuana use is legal. A recent poll on the matter asserts this claim as it found out that one in four young adults uses cannabis every so often.
Additionally, Sessions indicated that steps to license more marijuana growing entities would soon be taken. However, he had some conditions for this as they would be for marijuana research only. Also, he did not give a timeline on the same, raising some questions on his end game.
The Confusion
In 2016, the DEA enacted a policy that was intended to license more marijuana research growers. Since then, the agency has received at least 25 applications but has yet to act on any of them. According to the Washington Post, this delay has been caused by top Justice Department officials who stepped in to prevent DEA from approving them.
However, one can sympathize with Sessions’ dilemma as, during his answers to the Senate committee, he admitted that allowing the research would expose the U.S to the risk of violating international drug treaties. Furthermore, he seemed hesitant to give an actual timeline as he considered that most people who take medical marijuana do not have a prescription for it. In his view, it is just another excuse to get high within the confines of a medical prescription.
Advocates of marijuana being legalized were pleasantly surprised at his new stand. Considering that he had previously worked against their beliefs, this came as a good shocker. However, they urged the Justice Department to act on allowing cannabis research and broadening policy changes sooner. In their defense, they supported that marijuana does indeed help many patients, and the recent drag in research was a great hindrance to patients’ health.
Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, told Marijuana Moment that what Americans needed was better research on consumer marijuana as well as lawful policies for legal markets. During his interview, he pointed out that the continued deliberations from the DoJ were affecting over two million registered medical marijuana patients in the legal markets.
In his testimony, AG Sessions told the subcommittee that the priority of drug agents and federal prosecutors was heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, and not cannabis. However, he stated that if indeed cannabis agents ‘were illegally acting and violating federal law,’ their agents would work on that case.
Sessions remain opposed to the idea that cannabis is helping to address the U.S opioid addiction crisis. He still does not think that it is safe to use medical marijuana, which may indicate why his office is slow in giving a timeline for the research program to kick off. Despite studies showing that legalized medical cannabis has caused a reduction in opioid overdose, Sessions believes that this development will not be sustained in the long run. However, he acknowledged this and even asked his staff to look further into the matter, as he views science to be very important in combating drug addiction.
Many are confused as to how U.S Attorney General Sessions will tackle the research of medical marijuana. This is as a result of his change of heart in the matter, yet research is still on hold. However, patients of medical grade cannabis can rest assured that his changed views on the matter are the right step towards more research. It will take some time though.
 

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Canadian Government Marijuana Sales

The use of cannabis is gradually increasing in many countries. With over nine states in the USA legalizing it, the number is likely to increase. Other states have started following suit by voting for its legalization.
Canada has not been left behind and it will make history on October 17, 2018. The Federal Government will legalize recreational marijuana. The push has been there for years. Medical marijuana has been in use since 2000. However, there would be laws that’ll govern the sales, possession, and usage of marijuana.
The marijuana prices have already become a talk of the town with every investor stretching their hands to this soon to be gold-mine. However, the government has stepped in to regulate the sales.
I am going to discuss three important factors about Marijuana legalization in the country.
The Effect Marijuana Sales Will Have on the Economy
The marijuana business is a guaranteed huge payday to the Canadian Government. According to statistics, over C$6 billion was spent on marijuana in 2014. Remember, at this time marijuana was not legalized. The government was able to generate a tax of over C$400 million. Now the drug is about to be legalized. The number is likely to double or even triple.
Bloomberg.com has stated that the weed sale has exceeded what the largest plane manufacturer produces. Statcan – a statistics agency company – has conducted a research and found that legalization would greatly boost the country’s GDP.
The agency has also gone a step further to find out how much the weed will cost. The agency wants to compare the cost of marijuana while it’s legalized and when it was still under the black market. The drug price is likely to reduce but users will increase. If you do the math well, the overall sales will be higher.
Tourism
Canada is the home to rich culture and incredible wonders of nature. The Rocky Mountains and cities of Victoria, Calgary and Vancouver are mainly dominated by itineraries. These are just but a small number of attractions professed by the country.
The government marijuana sales are likely to hit this sector in a positive way. Canada is trying to compete with the industry in the USA which is considered to be abnormal. According to the CEO and co-founder of Cannabis Data Firm BDS analytics, all the pharmaceuticals industries are interested in the sales. The move is likely to welcome many visitors to the country. This is so because it seems like the government is backing up the sales. Many European countries are closely monitoring the legalization with the aim of starting to tour the country. With the expansion of tourism, the economy is likely to be boosted.
The measure of weed consumption
The Canadian government is obviously going to reap quite a fortune from the sales. Upon legalization of weed in Colorado, the state government was able to collect over $76 million and $87 million in the first and second year respectively. Canada is the second largest country in the world and one of the most populated countries in the world. The sales are likely to be more.
To get the data straight, the government came up with models to measure the amount of weed consumption. The data collected will help in establishing the amounts of dollars the government would be able to raise.
The government came up with these guidelines to help in getting the average weed consumption.

  • The number of people consuming the drug.
  • The number of grams each individual is likely to consume.
  • The number of days each individual can take consuming the weed in a year.
  • The price of each gram.

Let’s assume that 150,000 people consumed 2 grams for a year daily. Let’s also say the price of a pop is C4$.  If you do the math well, the overall amount spent would be over C$3 billion. This is an assumption. We have also not counted the kilograms of weed smuggled overseas or out of Canada.  This is likely to boost the GDP of Canada.
The mathematics we’ve done above only reflect recreational marijuana, we’ve left out medical marijuana.
The Takeaway
The Canadian government did a lot of calculations before they opted to legalize the drug. Many people support the move and are optimistic that the plan will strengthen the economy. However, there will be some disadvantages in the social sector since many people will be addicts to the drug which can lead to an increase in criminal activities. However, for now, all the eyes are on the said date with the weed-lovers waiting for their big day.

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Will Mexico Be The Next Country To Legalize Marijuana?

On July 1st, Mexico elected a new president named Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The president elect won a landslide victory based on his promise to fight corruption and rebuild the economy. He wants to cut the pay of government officials and expand social programs – like increased pensions and universal college education. He wants to support Mexican farmers by fixing prices for crops and equipment.
He also wants to end Mexico’s violent drug war, using “abrazos, no balazos” (“hugs, not bullets”).

You Can’t Fight Violence with Violence

In 2006, then-president Felipe Calderón mobilized the Mexican military to take to the streets to fight organized crime. Since then, more than 100,000 lives have been lost – more than 200,000 by some estimates. And yet drugs are as available as they’ve ever been, and the cartels are just as powerful.
López Obrador has a different strategy in mind. “Why do people grow poppies?” he asks. “Because they have nothing to eat! You can’t fight violence with violence. This is an evil we have to fight by doing good, by creating economic growth, jobs and well-being.”
One of López Obrador’s more controversial proposals is offering amnesty to certain criminals involved in the drug trade. In a public forum in Mexico City, he said he would even consider the legalization of all drugs across the board.
“Legalization of drugs is a subject that should be debated,” he said. “Why not address it? And why not, if that is the right thing to do, approve it and let the government carry it out?”
“There are those that argue that this is why we have a lot of violence, because of prohibition,” he added.

Moving Mexico Forward

But is this just political rhetoric, or can we really expect drastic changes in Mexico’s drug policy? To get a better idea, take a look at his pick for Mexico’s next Secretary of Interior, Olga Sánchez Cordero. The former Supreme Court official has a history of supporting progressive policies. And in a recent interview with the AFP, she expressed her support for decriminalization of drugs, starting with marijuana.
“We have to start thinking about the decriminalization of drugs. Obviously marijuana,” she said. Adding, “I will propose to Andrés Manuel the decriminalization of marijuana, its planting, harvesting, sale and recreational use.”
In another interview on W Radio, Sánchez Cordero elaborated, “Canada has already decriminalized, and so have several states in the United States. What are we thinking, to keep killing ourselves when others have already decriminalized? We’re going to try to move forward.”
These statements indicate that Mexico’s incoming administration will likely push for legalization – of marijuana, at least, if not more. And with López Obrador’s MORENA party (Movimiento Regeneración Nacional, or National Regeneration Movement) winning a majority in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, he may just have the support he needs to do it.
But Andrés Manuel will not be sworn in to office until December 1st. So until then, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

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LP Indiva Ltd. preparing for the cannabis edibles market

Ontario licensed producer INIDIVA Ltd. is one of the most innovative small to mid-cap companies currently awaiting recreational cannabis legalization in the second half of 2018.  INDIVA Ltd. is traded on the TSXv under the symbol NDVA, and has been expanding its scope of operations as it prepares to open for business.
INDIVA Ltd. is focused on client care, delivering a high-quality standardized product and maintaining a designed diversity throughout its product offerings. To achieve this goal, the company works hard to be financially and environmentally sustainable, owning or having control over all its ventures. This means owning their production and processing facilities in London, Ontario, while gaining exclusive rights through their partnership agreements. Looking at the design of their production facilities, it’s easy to see they have been built to provide the company with a platform for sustainable success. State-of-the-art cultivation and processing capabilities, energy efficient climate control, and advancements like the revolutionary Bioroter Composting System, INDIVA Ltd. is sticking to their plan for growth and success.
Recommended: 5 Exciting Cannabis Stocks Of Today
INDIVA Ltd. is creating a profitable business that is capable of and ready for rapid growth. The facilities are being expanded to full capacity in 2018, while a number or strategic acquisitions and partnerships have been recently formed.  The partnerships provide to access multiple revenue streams that will enable the company to maximize potential revenue streams. INDIVA Ltd. owns all its facilities, and is closely involved in the compassion community through their Master Grower, Pete Young. Mr. Young has been a pillar in the community for decades and currently supplies over a thousand medical cannabis patients with their medicine. Unlike many other similar sized LPs, INDIVA Ltd. is ready to cultivate, process and sell cannabis.
The recent acquisition and partnership agreements with two companies in the cannabis edibles and derivative product market are signals of INDIVA’s intent. This sector is not talked about as much as dried cannabis flowers or concentrates, which is most likely due to the Canadian government not being ready to legalize cannabis edibles at the same time as recreational cannabis. However, INDIVA Ltd. envisions that cannabis edibles will play a major role in global cannabis consumption and once recreational cannabis is legal, edibles will quickly follow suit.  
According to Koby Smutylo, COO of INDIVA Ltd. “There are a lot of patients and people who do not wish to smoke cannabis but still want access to its benefits. Cannabis edibles are perfect for this and the market is deficient so far. While cannabis flowers are the backbone of our operations, we anticipate producing and selling cannabis edibles to separate us from the competition. Our partnerships with Bhang and DeepCell are indicative of this and an important aspect of our business plan.”
DeepCell Industries is known for its revolutionary Crystal Fusion™ technology and consumer sugar product Ruby™. The technology allows for cannabinoid extraction through mechanical fusion, instead of the standard chemical fusion.  The company has addressed a major roadblock to mass consumer acceptance of cannabis food products, by removing cannabis flavour from the equation while maintaining all the beneficial properties of cannabinoids. This allows for products that range from pancake mixes, teas or coffee to chocolate bars and drink mixes. The technology can also infuse salt in the same way, creating another “flexible edible” infused with cannabinoids.  Essentially, any food item or beverage can now be cannabis infused without altering the taste. INDIVA Ltd. has procured an exclusive license from DeepCell to manufacture, market and sell the complete product line and use the technology. Subject to regulatory approvals, INDIVA will assist DeepCell with product innovations to better provide its cannabis products to Canadian consumers.  Also, pending applicable regulatory approval, both companies will also work together to bring DeepCell’s product line to the international market.
Also Read: Cryptocurrencies And Marijuana: Made For Each Other
The Bhang Corp. deal is the perfect compliment. If you had the means to manufacture revolutionary cannabis edibles, you’d then want a proven method of delivering them to market. Bhang Corp. has made a name for themselves in cannabis edibles, currently licensing chocolate bars, gums, vapes, distillates, beverages and mouth sprays within the USA.  INDIVA Ltd. has gained exclusive rights to sell and manufacture in Canada and export branded products internationally.
INDIVA Ltd. has made a statement of intent here, but more importantly they have positioned themselves to be able to sell their cannabis once legalization occurs. The exclusivity agreements provide a distinct competitive advantage for INDIVA Ltd. As the cannabis market continues to expand and cannabis spending already estimated to top $57 billion USD globally, there is a lot of opportunity for an innovative and proactive company like INDIVA Ltd. to flourish.

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Synthetic Marijuana Poisoning Sparks 3 Chicago Arrests

Synthetic Marijuana is causing problems.

A rash of synthetic marijuana fueled hospitalizations recently led federal investigators to the King Mini Mart in Chicago’s west side. There they found three men selling a synthetic version of marijuana called “spice”. After using a drug-test kit on the substance they discovered it was laced with a deadly chemical commonly found in rat poison.
Synthetic marijuana is widely available around Chicago and across Illinois. Despite feeling safe and being widely available, many synthetic cannabinoids are illegal and can cause severe reactions. But loose regulations allow these distributors to get onto store shelves anyways. Despite looking like weed, it often affects people in drastically different ways.
The investigation was launched after authorities noticed a sharp spike in cases of people coming to the ER. Once doctors confirmed that the cases were linked, the hunt was on. In the last month there were at least 107 cases involving the tainted synthetic weed in the Chicago area. With three confirmed deaths and more possible, officials can feel the pressure building.

Police are cracking down.

Once authorities tracked the tainted product back to its source, they needed to get evidence. Agents posing as customers bought packets of spice from the small convenience store before making arrests last week. After taking three people into custody, authorities warned of a continued threat from the tainted product throughout the state.
Prosecutors charged the men with a host of offenses including conspiracy, intent to distribute and sale of controlled substances. Police also confiscated $280,000 in cash and several brands of spice during the arrest. The bust is part of a larger effort to crack down on illicit drugs in Chicago.
So far three convenience store workers are facing charges for selling synthetic marijuana tainted with a deadly chemical called brodifacoum. Chicago police continue looking for more sources of the tainted product. They fear that other locations may have spice contaminated with the same substance.

There are big differences between real and synthetic weed.

Most people understand that there is a difference between natural and synthetic products. But some struggle to identify the actual differences because they equate processed with synthetic. The real difference between the two is what chemicals go into the process.
Natural weed comes from the flowers of a living, breathing plant. It’s easy to find quality information on real weed and its uses. Nobody dies from consuming too much natural weed and some doctors recommend it medicinally.
Synthetic weed is different because technicians produce it in a lab by combining chemicals. Chemists take a bunch of stuff you can’t pronounce and mix it in ways to create something close to THC. These chemicals can combine in dangerous ways and loose regulations help some producers get away with passing them off to unsuspecting consumers.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tracking similar cases of serious health problems in people were files since March 7th. So get checked out if you experience uncontrolled bleeding from the eyes, ears, and mouth. These symptoms can indicate internal bleeding and led to the death of three victims so far.

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Youtube Creators Get Shut Down for Cannabis

Youtube creators  are shut out

Video streaming is so popular, that Youtube and Netflix account for over 70% of peak internet traffic in the U.S. Billions of people watch Youtube creators every day. The sheer volume made Google purchase Youtube for $1.65 billion in 2006.
The company grows and thrives off user-created content. Many Youtube creators made fortunes off the site by attracting millions, then billions of views. Even small creators could earn enough money to support themselves by catering to a niche.
But recent trouble with advertisers is hurting the community Youtube works so hard to cultivate. Known as the “Adpocolypse” because of the size of the exodus, many longtime creators can no longer support themselves on the platform. In response to the lost revenue, Youtube has had to implement significant changes to their algorithms and updated their terms of service.

Youtube is shutting down an increasing number of marijuana accountsYoutube Creators

Despite their best efforts, the ad revenue has not returned to pre-Adpocolypse levels. So Youtube has slowly increased the number of accounts they take action against. This includes demonetizing videos, removing content and shutting down accounts.
Cannabis based content is the most recent community sacrificed to the altar of capital. Since marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug, Google can’t advertise next to it without making special accommodations. So they are simply cutting those channels out of their network with little to no warning.
By giving no warning, the ensure the creators cannot send their viewers to alternative platforms. Unfortunately for longtime creators like CustomGrow420, Jorge Cervantes and StrainCentral, they are no longer welcome on Youtube. There is little any creator can legally do about it either.

The marijuana community is confused

Unlike previous changes, this one didn’t come with a press release or a warning. Accounts in good standing for years and with millions of followers are suddenly gone, with only a vague email about enforcing community guidelines. Even massive companies like Leafly got hit with the ban hammer.
The most frustrating part about this is that the enforcement of community guidelines get applied unevenly. There are tons of videos that break the community guidelines without suffering an instant dismissal. Not only that, but some cannabis channels remain active while others simply disappear in the blink of an eye.
Youtube still hasn’t made a statement about the reason or method behind the recent culling. Creators wait with baited breath for any word on what can keep their channels alive. But they may want to start looking for a new home sooner rather than later.

Finding a new home might be hard

Other communities need to relocate relocate after leaving Youtube. Pro gun channels ended up hosting their content on Pornhub before the site updated their terms of service and sent them packing again. Cannabis might get similar treatment if the new site feels the migration is damaging to their brand or bottom line.
Instagram and Vimeo are strong contenders for the move. They might not like the idea of hosting the worlds cannabis community and kick them off the same way Pornhub did with the gun community. In the end, people looking to make marijuana content will likely have to create their own hub.

Which would you love to see recreated on another platform? Would you migrate to a new video sharing platform because of them shutting down cannabis content? Let us know in the comment section!

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5 Exciting Cannabis Stocks of Today

The United States is a hotbed of exciting cannabis stocks. States from one ocean to the other are passing laws legalizing production, distribution and most importantly, taxation of marijuana. Yet the federal government still officially bans marijuana in all its forms.
This dual standard is a major challenge for the multi-billion dollar industry. Federal law makes it almost impossible to profit from weed in the traditional sense. But public opinion and state laws have shifted significantly in the last couple decades.
Despite many setbacks, the cannabis community is making great strides towards full legalization. One area of the canna-economy seeing amazing growth is the stock market. Current reform allows for a growing number of exciting cannabis stocks to benefit by taking advantage of the relative tranquility around marijuana. So we put together a list of the 5 best opportunities for investors right now.

MPX Bioceutical: Undervalued

Perfect strategic execution and leveraging in the most competitive marijuana markets across the U.S. are two reasons MPX Bioceutical Corp. (MPX.CN) (MPFEF) is so attractive. They even set a new personal record in early April with a $4 million revenue announcement from their sales of cannabis and concentrates in Arizona alone.
As MPX brings on a fourth dispensary and a concentrate production facility later this year, their profits are projected to continue to rise. This leads to a bullish stance on MPX with the company’s favorable leverage in Maryland, Massachusetts and Nevada. Comparing them to Canadian companies with comparable numbers, MPX is currently undervalued with significant upside.

Plus Products: Exciting

exciting cannabis stocksPlus Products (Private) gets us really excited. Significant increases in edible manufacturing and distribution market share in California over the last year is attractive. Their product line has expanded from the initial infused gum to include gummies. Additionally, they secured new manufacturing facilities and equipment, significantly increasing their production capacity.
This exciting cannabis stock is well capitalized and showing strong revenue numbers. Plus is on track to continue growing well into the future. The management team has a track record of success and has recently brought on some strategic additions to the board of directors. They plan to present a initial public offering later this year so keep an eye on them.

Sunniva: Attractive

Sunniva Inc. (SNN:CNX) (SNNVF) are a Canadian cannabis firm on track to become the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in Canada and California. They broke ground on their California cGMP Campus in late 2017 and hope to have it operational by the third quarter of 2018. The two-phase building plan includes the construction of a 325,000 sq. ft. facility and on-site dispensary in the first phase.
By strategically leveraging commercial real estate and merchant banking relationships, Sunniva can produce up to 100,000 kg of dried flower and trim. They are also creating long-term sales agreements with big retailers and distributors in California and Canada like Canopy Growth Corp. (WEED.TO) (TWMJF). We are bullishly favorable about their ability to capitalize on markets, their strategic relationships and supply agreements.

High Hampton: CUP Worthy

High Hampton (CSE:HC) (HHPHF) is focused on leading the global cannabis distribution market. They plan to increase their market share by using strategic initiatives and agreements like equity, royalty and leasing directly owned property. Plus, their 10.8 acre Coachella, California property is currently pursuing a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for cultivating and manufacturing.
Nobody involved with this exciting cannabis stock is taking any chances and the team engaged strategic partners early to ensure a flawless buildout. But with their focus on increasing California market share and a solid growth strategy, High Hampton is an attractive opportunity for investors to capitalize on the issuance of a CUP.

Phivida: High-Quality CBD

The burgeoning medical CBD market is full of opportunities for investors and the companies they support. Phivida Holdings Inc. (CSE:VIDA) (OTC:PHVAF) is leading the pack, especially with their hemp oil extracts. They offer a premium line of functional foods and nutraceutical supplements infused with CBD.
Their current products include hemp oil, tinctures, juices, teas and vitamin shots infused with CBD. But Phivida also has some new senior executives geared towards driving growth and increasing the value of their proprietary products. By focusing on their hemp-derived products, adding senior executives and expanding their product line, Phivida makes us very bullish.

How do you feel about our picks for most exciting cannabis stocks? What stocks do you find attractive and why? Let us know in the comments!

Medical Marijuana on Wheels in Lakewood

If you’re in the medical marijuana game, Nugrunner is a name you’ll likely hear a lot more as it continues to grow in and around Lakewood, California.
Nugrunner is a niche marijuana delivery service that caters to the Lakewood medical cannabis community. The company physically carries strains from its menu to showcase its variety for a more authentic dispensary experience that lets customers inspect its available products. The Nugrunner delivery team operates in full compliance with California Proposition 215 and is available to assist Lakewood patients by phone.
Here are some recent facts on medical marijuana:

  • Medical marijuana sales in 2017 alone were greater than three billion dollars.
  • The average price per ounce of high quality marijuana in the U.S. as of 2017 is over $320.

There is absolutely no doubt that the demand for and popularity of medical marijuana is growing amongst Americans.
The Menu
Lakewood medical cannabis users can find more than 100 top-notch marijuana items. Nugrunner offers a full inventory of professionally cultivated cannabis strains such as Purple OG, Cocoa Kush, Jawbreaker, Tangie, and Bob Marley.
Nugrunner’s menu of extracts includes a large variety of vape cartridges by Bhang, FlavRX, and Kurvana as well as shatters and concentrates from Doughboy and THClear. Lakewood patients can medicate with delicious marijuana-infused brownies, CBD cookies, cereal bars, and gummies or orally apply a few drops of specially formulated Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid tinctures. Nugrunner also offers strain-specific prerolls by Kurupt and G-Stick to accommodate patients who prefer to spark one up and medicate the old-fashioned way.
Deals
Nugrunner welcomes first-time patients with the choice of an eighth of flower for the exclusive price of $40, two additional grams of flower, three eighths of flower for $100, or two grams of shatter for $50. Lakewood Veterans, seniors, students, and medical marijuana patients with disabilities will receive a 10% discount.
You can take advantage of Nugrunner’s daily deals with discounts on top-shelf flower strains and concentrates. You’ll be able to enjoy bundle deals on flower on Sunday and Thursday and receive five grams of flower for $50. Feel free to replenish your stock on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and pick up five grams of flower for $55 or three eighths of flower for $100. On Tuesdays, Lakewood patients can find two grams of shatter for $50 or three eighths for $100.
The Process
First-time Nug Runner patients are required to text a valid copy of their California recommendation and ID and have both documents available at the time of delivery for in-person verification. Nugrunner offers free delivery for orders $40 or more and charge a five dollar fee for orders under $40. Nugrunner delivers within an hour and only accepts cash as payment.
Service Locations
Nugrunner delivers high-grade marijuana to medical marijuana patients in Northern Orange County including Lakewood, Placentia, Brea, La Habra, and Cypress. Nugrunner extends their delivery services to cannabis consumers in Whittier, Downey, Stanton, Cerritos, and Anaheim.
Next time you have a need for medical marijuana in the Lakewood area, considering using Nugrunner. They are safe, reliable, and guaranteed to deliver a quality medical product.

Virginia MMJ

Virginia Governor Passes New MMJ Law

Virginians are getting excited about MMJ.

Back in February, the senate unanimously passed House Bill 1251. The bill is supposed to help struggling patients obtain MMJ treatments. After getting through the legislature, the bill landed on Virginia governor desk.
On March 9th, the governor signed HB-1251 into law. So with the stroke of a pen, governor Northam massively expanded the state’s medical marijuana program. The biggest area expanded by the new law is around the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD.
The new law gives doctors the ability to approve a medication if they feel it will help the patient. This is far more comprehensive than the previous law passed in 2015 which only allowed use for a select few.  Under the old rules, pretty much only patients with intractable epilepsy get covered.

The new law increases access for most Virginians.

The new law allows vertically integrated pharmaceutical processing companies to dispense up to a 90 day supply to patients that fit the bill. So advocacy groups showed lots of support for the bill as well. Pretty much all the advocacy groups working on the bill are ecstatic.
The executive director of Virginia NORML, Jenn Michelle Pedini, praised the law in local coverage. She told reporters in an interview, “This will bring relief to thousands of Virginians suffering from cancer, Crohn’s disease and PTSD,”. Pedini continued, “We could not be happier with the unanimous passage of these bills.”
These reforms come after a broad change in public opinion in the last few decades. According to a 2017 poll by Quinnipiac University, about 94% of Virginians approve of the medicinal use of cannabis. In addition, the poll found that a majority (59%) of Virginians support recreational marijuana as well.

Virginia doesn’t want opioids.

Republican House Delegate Benjamin L. Cline (r) Sponsored the bill as a way to combat the opioid epidemic. He explained to reporters that his reason for introducing the bill was to offer an alternative to patients needing pain management. He said, “This allows another option for residents of Virginia, and it does provide some assistance for pain management and may give people an alternative…”
The new bill helps many families struggling with opioids. Under the old rules, many people had to move to other states like Colorado or Oregon to get specific kinds of MMJ treatment. With the new regulations in place, those patents can stay right where they are in Virginia.

Patients don’t have to wait much longer.

Most bills like this have a transition period built into them. It gives retailers, regulators and the general population to adjust to the rules. But HB-1251 has a different clause embedded in the fine print. It says “that an emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage.”
So the only thing preventing Virginian’s from enjoying the new CBD rules is licensing. Although, vertically integrated facilities are racing to get the new product on the shelves and into the hands of needy Virginians. But the new demand may prove greater than the state supply in the coming days.

What do you think about the new law? Do you know anyone who moved to get MMJ treatments? Would a law like this keep you from leaving the state for medical treatment? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!

Edit: Updated for clarity and accuracy.