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Colorado Begins $5.7 Million ‘Good To Know’ Campaign For Marijuana Awareness

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COLORADO:  The state of Colorado is spending $5.7 million to educate its citizens about the responsible use of marijuana in a major public campaign beginning this month.

The “Good to Know” initiative will utilize radio broadcasts, newspapers and the Internet, USA Today reports.

The campaign apparently has a folksy and relatable tone to it, with one of the radio spots featuring a rhyming cowboy and banjo music. Colorado’s chief medical officer Dr. Larry Wolk says its goal is to educate without alienating.

 

Canna Moms Are Good Moms Too

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Hi. I’m Amanda, founder of Canna Mom’s Are Good Mom’s Too. A group that brings Moms, those who identify as and supporters together worldwide to educate them and spread more awareness to the cannabis plant and its medical benefits. Especially for mothers! Mothers that use the cannabis plant even with prescribed medical marijuana cards are feeling this stigma: Lazy Moms, Pot Head, can’t function high, “because a friend back in the day smoked and they were drug tripping for days”, it kills your brain cells, the list continues.

I’m a 35 year old mother living in the PNW. I suffer from Meniere’s Disease which has the worst side effects of vertigo and tinnitus. I as well have high anxiety and high ADHD. There were days my vertigo would bed rid me. Being a private daycare owner, only teacher, a wife and Mom, I can’t do that. I took two different prescribed CDC pills that aren’t actually made for either of those symptoms due to it’s a newer disease with little testing and no cure. One pill made me sick and the other a zombie. That doesn’t work either. Enter the wonderful world of finding the cannabis plant. I now can consume ONE medicine for my meniere’s, anxiety and ADHD.

Micro dosing through out the day I can stay level and not high as I could on an over the counter pill. Being able to stay level keeps me as me. Not bed ridden in a silent, completely dark room, always on the lookout for something that I should be doing, who I should be helping, feeling like I should be moving or touching something. I’ve missed moments I could have spent with my son or done a little extra for a daycare kid before cannabis, a little more for my husband. I’m happy now, calm, relaxed, can focus and be productive. I AM ME! I’m not running to the bathroom or so groggy and out of it I don’t remember certain parts. With that said, why can a man made pill or having a glass or five be okay when taken responsibility but a plant that heals more than any side effects or death rate isn’t?

Our group has over 1,300 Moms worldwide that are screaming me too! How can there be this many people, I know there are more and this still be so badly named over something that was wrongly accused over almost 100 years ago! Our group’s mission is to further education regarding this plant. To give Moms a safe place for support, call to see a friendly face, help and educate, to support and back science where needed for studying, membership groups and more.

The joy I feel everyday logging in and seeing the love all these people have for one another and everyday uplifting is beyond amazing. I want this discussion to be able to be as free and open as any medically regulated drug. Let people get the correct medical help they choose.

5 Interesting Things That You Need to Know If You Want To Grow Cannabis

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Scientists all around the world have worked hard to document the medical benefits of cannabis. Needless to say that they have been really successful so far. It is one of the leading reasons that the world is moving towards the full legalization of  cannabis. Medical marijuana is now legal in most of the states in the United States of America. In some states, even recreational marijuana is legal.

What if I tell you that you can grow your own cannabis if it’s legal in your state? Yes, you heard it right. All you need to have is a license, and you’ll be all set to grow your own weed. However, there are a few things that you need to know before you plan on growing your own weed.

Here you go:

Male And Female Plants Have Different Properties

Just like many other plants, the cannabis plant also has male and female characters. The best part is that you can identify them without being an expert on cannabis plants. signs of a male cannabis plant are visible and can easily be identified. So, before you plan to grow your own, make sure that you know everything about male and female plants.

There Are Different Types Of Seeds

It is something that most people don’t know. Not only cannabis plants have different strains, but their seed types also differ. You can get both unfeminine and feminized seeds based on your requirements. So, before you make any seed purchases, make sure that you are getting the right kinds of seeds.

There’s A Variety Of Growing Methods

Unlike other plants, you can grow a cannabis plant both indoors and outdoors. However, the equipment for both growing methods is different, and the results may also differ. Therefore, you need to have detailed knowledge of each method before you select one for yourself. Another factor that you need to take into account is the space that you have. The method of growing the cannabis plant highly depends on the kind of space you have to grow it. So, you need to analyze everything before you choose to ensure the maximum growth of the plants.

Cannabis Plant Gives Signs Of Everything

You need to have a great deal of knowledge about the nutritional requirements of the plant. Cannabis plants need a very balanced amount of nutrition. Something as small as overwatering can halt the growth of the plant. The good news is that you can see all the symptoms of the growth requirements of the plants from how it looks.

It Can Be Very Expensive

Lastly, you need to know that growing cannabis can be very expensive. You may think that since you are growing your own weed, it is going to cost less. However, this is not the case. So, if you are growing it for business purposes, you need to make sure that you evaluate the cost before starting the project.

What Licensed Cannabis Businesses Must Know About Insurance

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By Eric Weisbrot

The cannabis business landscape has come into the limelight over the last several years, with some states making historic moves to legalize its production, distribution, and consumption. However, many eager cannabis entrepreneurs and prospective business owners still face an uphill battle. The federal stance on cannabis makes any activities surrounding the drug illegal, and this muddies the waters for companies trying to get started or remain in the industry.

Many states, however, have taken away the illegality of some cannabis products and their use, including medical marijuana, small recreational use, and hemp and CBD businesses.

Unfortunately, the insurance industry has been slow to embrace the growing marketplace for these products, given the state of federal regulations. Companies involved in cannabis need to understand what their options – and limitations – are as it relates to getting appropriate insurance coverage, and how that impacts their business operations and licensing both now and in the future.

Types of Insurance Available by Niche

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, more insurance providers are coming to the table with coverage options for specific business types. Based on the products created and sold, the following niche markets within cannabis may find insurance solutions to meet their needs.

Medical Marijuana

Distributors of medical marijuana, such as licensed dispensaries, have the most access to insurance compared to other business lines. This is mainly due to the fact that legalizing the use of medical marijuana is often the first step states will take to ease laws surrounding cannabis products. Also, medical marijuana dispensaries are required to obtain a valid license in order to operate in states where these types of businesses are legal. One component of the licensing process is securing a surety bond.

A marijuana surety bond provides some guarantee that a dispensary will operate in line with state rules and regulations. Depending on the licensing process imposed in the state where the business is located, the bond may guarantee a dispensary pays taxes on products sold to consumers in a timely fashion. In addition to marijuana surety bonds, medical marijuana companies may also have access to general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and product insurance in some states.

Recreational Cannabis

Similar to medical marijuana businesses, recreational dispensaries are required to have a valid license in the state where they operate, which means a surety bond may also be necessary. Surety bonds work in the same manner for recreational dispensaries as they do for medical marijuana companies, and they are available from similar surety companies. However, recreational cannabis businesses may not have access to general liability insurance coverage or product-specific insurance. Commercial insurance may be available depending on the ownership and location of the dispensary itself.

Legal Hemp and CBD Products

The legal hemp industry, driven mostly by Cannabidiol or CBD, is growing at a rapid rate, projected to reach a staggering $22 billion by 2022. Licensing may be required for legal hemp and CBD businesses, as does a surety bond requirement. Many CBD and hemp businesses do have access to other types of insurance, including general liability, product coverage, and commercial property insurance. However, the number of insurance providers offering coverage has not kept up with the impressive growth in the industry.

The Process for Getting Insured or Bonded

The good news for cannabis businesses is that insurance companies are beginning to expand what coverage options they offer in several different states. However, that does not mean the process of obtaining the right insurance policy is an easy task. First, businesses need to have a business license which requires submitting an application to the state’s licensing authority. Within that application, companies in cannabis may be asked to provide detailed information about the owners of the company, its financials, and submit to a background check.

Once a license is in place, then insurance coverage or a surety bond can be pursued. The insurance provider will need to know the type of cannabis business that is in operation, the location, and the type of coverage necessary. The insurer may ask for verifying information such as financial documentation, credit history, and licensing details to approve an application. After these details are reviewed and approved, the cannabis business is provided proof of insurance via a certificate. The premium must be paid before a certificate is sent to the company, and it is typically renewed each year.

Although the task of obtaining adequate insurance coverage as a cannabis business is not a simple one, it is becoming less daunting as more states legalize cannabis from a medical and recreational perspective. Business owners and entrepreneurs joining the industry need to recognize that insurance and bonding is a necessary component of operating a sound business, and understanding what coverage is available is part of the process.

Eric Weisbrot is the Chief Marketing Officer of JW Surety Bonds. With years of experience in the surety industry under several different roles within the company, he is also a contributing author to the surety bond blog.

Finding The Best CBD Cream For Pain – What To Look For In A Good Product

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The market for CBD products is expanding rapidly, and looks as if it will continue to do so as more benefits are reported about this remarkable substance. What is CBD, and why is it controversial? Here’s a brief explanation of the origins of CBD, and you’ll soon see why there is some controversy!

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of more than 100 compounds that have been extracted form the cannabis plant. There is the controversial aspect for you – it comes from cannabis. Of course, cannabis – or marijuana or weed – is associated with getting you ‘high’ and, in most states of the USA, is an illegal substance.

However, CBD does not give you this high. This is because the psychoactive element in cannabis is another compound, known as THC. In CBD products – whether they are oils, edibles or – as we are talking about here – creams, THC is not present, or may be so only in minute trace quantities.

So, CBD is safe, is natural, and has been widely reported as being an active pain reliever. Yet, as more research is needed into the product and its effects, it is not yet passed in all states as a medical product (although it is in some states).

What Ailments can CBD Help With?

There are widespread reports from patients, and there have been some clinical trials, that prove CBD can help relieve pain for sufferers of a wide range of ailments. These include MS, arthritis, HIV, diabetes, psoriasis and many more, as well as the effects of chemotherapy. It also has properties that help people who have trouble sleeping, and may help with anxiety and depression.

CBD has been available in many forms for some time – some people vape oil, others chew on gummies – and one of the most useful for people with skin ailments is CBD cream. Applied to the skin, it can help soothe as well as ease the pain, and there are many specially formulated products on the market.

Which is the best CBD cream for pain for you, and what should you look for? First, you need to ensure that the product you buy is from a reputable manufacturer, and one who has used carefully cultivated industrial hemp plants – the strain of cannabis from which CBD must be made to be legal – as there are examples of fake products that come from China, and elsewhere. These can be contaminated, and may not even be CBD. The link above gives you an excellent guide to the brands to look for, and how and where to buy them.

Further Information

You may want to examine the ingredients of various CBD creams before you choose the right one. For example, while many patients have reported that a CBD cream containing the permitted trace amounts of THC is more effective for them, others do not like the effect of THC – which can be notable even in such small amounts.

If it’s for skin ailments, you may also want to look for additional ingredients that may help with your skin problem. Some creams include the likes of beeswax and cocoa butter, and you should always ensure the additional products are organic and natural.

We should add that prices can vary greatly, so you may want to shop around – but beware of very cheap products for the reason mentioned above – and if you are currently on any medication discuss it with your doctor first.

As research continues, so the uses for CBD become clearer, but so far it is clear that pain relief is one. Try it for yourself, and see if CBD cream can help relieve your chronic pain.

What Licensed Cannabis Businesses Need to Know About Insurance

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By Eric Weisbrot

The cannabis industry has been growing steadily for the last several years, with many states taking the initiative to legalize medical use, recreational use, or a combination of the two. Several legislative bodies are recognizing the potential of the industry, not only as a way to help individuals with chronic health conditions but also as a boost to tax revenues and economic growth. However, legal cannabis businesses have long faced one significant challenge above and beyond public and government perception – their ability to secure crucial insurance to protect themselves from financial loss.

Licensed cannabis businesses are predicted to grow annual sales to an impressive $57 billion throughout the world over the next ten years, with recreational use making up 67% of the market share. While these numbers are promising for business owners and industry experts, the lack of insurance coverage available in the industry puts it all at risk. Here are several points to know about the cannabis insurance market currently, and where it is headed in the years to come.

Available Coverage for Licensed Cannabis Businesses

Even though several states have moved forward in legitimizing cannabis and the companies behind its growth, distribution, and sales, the federal illegality of marijuana leaves many lines blurred. The ability to get affordable insurance is not simply a challenge for cannabis businesses; it is often not available at all. Insurance companies have previously viewed the risk in cannabis as far too high to provide even minimal coverage, but that negative perception is starting to shift.

In a notable decision in California, the state’s Insurance Commissioner worked diligently from 2017 to encourage a variety of insurance providers tooffer a range of policies to licensed cannabis businesses. After this more than year-long push, the state has approved the first business owner policy for cannabis companies, consisting of property and liability insurance for dispensaries, processors, manufacturers, distributors, storage facilities, and other related businesses in the state. The good news is that many other insurance companies are following suit, offering the following coverage based on the type of cannabis business applying for a new policy:

Dispensaries – the risk faced by dispensaries focuses mainly on the threat of theft in the business, but damage to the product or building, or injuries on the job may also take place. The few insurance companies offering coverage to dispensaries do so by way of general and product liability insurance, property and medicine insurance, or business income/overhead expenses insurance.

Growers – cannabis growers are an essential part of the business landscape, but they often are exposed to a higher risk than other companies in the industry. The potential loss of inventory means a grower could be out of business in a hurry, so insurance companies provide coverage for living plant material, harvested plant material, and finished stock. Coverage typically protects against water and fire damage, theft, and explosions.

Hemp and CBD Production – the manufacturing of legal hemp and CBD products for sale to the consuming public also comes with high risks. Insurance companies offering coverage to these businesses do so through product liability policies, and in some cases, general liability.

Surety Bonds to Fill the Gap

Conventional insurance is often the route many small businesses take to cover their inventory, their overhead expenses, and their ability to generate revenue even when a disaster takes place. However, licensed cannabis businesses may not always have access to an affordable insurance policy to cover these significant needs.Surety bonds for licensed cannabis companies are one method to fill in this gap. A surety bond is not pure insurance, but instead, it provides some level of guarantee that the business will operate in-line with state laws and regulations. Securing a surety bond is not a requirement for all cannabis businesses, but it is becoming more common as states firm up legal necessities for licensed companies that grow, distribute, or sell cannabis products.

At the same time California announced its insurance company partnerships, the state also made it mandatory for licensed cannabis businesses to have a surety bond of at least $5,000 in order to keep their license valid. These bonds guarantee payments related to the financial loss of the destruction of goods and materials when a violation of state regulation takes place. Other states have followed this path and made surety bonds a requirement for receiving a cannabis business license, helping protect both consumers and the state from potential loss. Fortunately, when a surety bond is required, cannabis businesses are not on the hook for the entire bond amount but instead pay a small percentage of the total dollar amount of the bond.

The combination of business insurance coverage and surety bonds lays a strong foundation for cannabis-related businesses to thrive as the market continues to grow.

About the Author: Eric Weisbrot is the Chief Marketing Officer of JW Surety Bonds. With years of experience in the surety industry under several different roles within the company, he is also a contributing author to the surety bond blog.

Link to photo: https://www.jwsuretybonds.com/img/jwteam/Eric-Weisbrot—Marketing-Manager.jpg

Cannabis Industry Needs To Know Packaging Laws

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CALIFORNIA: A leading expert has warned the fledgling Californian Cannabis industry that businesses could soon face heavy fines for breaking new laws they don’t fully understand.

Brad Davis, Product Category Manager of Acorn Paper Cannabis Packaging, has warned that Proposition 65 has effectively changed the regulations already. As the legal cannabis industry is in a state of constant flux, more regulations could follow, and cannabis licensees need to understand that every change could affect their labeling strategy.

“Proposition 65 is not specified within the MAUCRSA guidelines,” said Davis. “But any cannabis products manufactured in California that contain chemicals above safe harbor levels will be required, under Prop. 65, to add to their label warnings. This applies to everyone in the cannabis supply chain.”

Prop. 65 regulations come into force on August 30, 2018, and every affected product must be clearly labeled unless it was manufactured before the cut-off date. But this is just one regulation, and there will be more changes as the cannabis industry matures.

It’s a controversial industry that has only just found acceptance after decades of prohibition. The cannabis industry will inevitably be under constant scrutiny, and there will be test cases to show that the regulators are taking a strong stance. Individual businesses could find they fall foul of the law and incur massive fines or sanctions if they fail to label their products properly.

Regulatory compliance can be a complete minefield, but there is a simple solution. Los Angeles-based Acorn Paper Cannabis Packaging specializes in helping clients navigate this pitfall-strewn maze. One of the ways APCP is helping clients is with an ‘in stock’ exit bag with 24-hour delivery where the state requires childproof bags for customer walkout.

The company goes beyond the rules and can help clients produce eye-catching packaging that will help them stand out in a competitive industry that is already turning over more than $31 billion a year globally according to a study by the Brightfield Group and could easily top $20 billion in California alone by 2023. That’s going to reap real rewards for suppliers and retailers at every stage in the cannabis supply chain.

Acorn Paper Cannabis Packaging even offers a full range of products that can benefit each stage of the cannabis supply chain. The company is building out a white label range of goods for those that want to get into the explosive cannabis industry, beginning with the development of a supply chains solutions website and an eCommerce platform to launch in Q2.

It’s a novel way for companies to dip their toes into the water in one of the most lucrative, and yet highly-regulated new industries in North America. With Acorn Paper Cannabis Packaging on their team, they can rest assured that the products are compliant and clients can simply focus on marketing, sales, and the customer.

Eating Raw Cannabis – How Good Is That?

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By Stephen Charbonneau

Normally the dried and cured marijuana is consumed. But have you ever thought of consuming raw marijuana? Its taste? Its benefits? Many research experiments have already shown as the health benefits of marijuana, but very few speak about the health benefits of raw cannabis. From a nutritional perspective  Marijuana should be included in the list of superfoods along with spinach, kale, and broccoli.

Dr. William Courtney, MD, a member of International Cannabinoid Research Society, the International Association of Cannabis as Medicine, and the Society of Clinical Cannabis and the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, says that he doesn’t want to refer to Marijuana as a medicine, but as a dietary essential.

Here are Dr. Courtney’s reasons, why raw cannabis is good:

  • One can make the best use of the therapeutic properties of marijuana, through ingestion.
  • Raw cannabis activates the brain’s cannabinoid system, more effectively, which in turn, triggers the release of antioxidants. These antioxidants will effectively get rid of the damaged cells in the body, and this is something that dried cannabis, can do.
  • Raw cannabis consumption makes the cells in the body, more efficient.

Medical marijuana sales at the state's dispensaries grew more than 30 percent in 2014 to over $16 million.

Raw Marijuana consumption – a better step towards health

Loaded with proteins, minerals, vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants,  raw cannabis is rich in digestible globular proteins, and the balanced proportions of essential amino acids (the amino acids that cannot be synthesized in our body).  Raw marijuana has an ideal ratio of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, with  antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are very much important for the overall well-being, as these preserve health, boost the immune system, reduce the risk of heart diseases, address diabetes complications, and most importantly, lower the risk of cancer development.

During the normal drying and curing process of Marijuana, the chlorophyll pigment from the herb is lost; however, it is this component that has loads of dietary benefits. Chlorophyll has the ability to rejuvenate the body, at the cellular level. With its structure similar to that of hemoglobin, chlorophyll has plenty of benefits such as it prevents DNA damage, promotes overall cleansing or detoxification within the body, encourages healing, treats inflammation, improves the iron content absorption, etc.

And, when you consume raw Marijuana, you will not be consuming THC or CBD; instead, you will be consuming the acid forms of these components- Cannabidolic Acid (CBD-A) and Tetrahydrocannabonolic Acid (THC-A). Just like other components of raw cannabis, CBD-A and THC-A are also very good antioxidants. Recent research experiments show that these components can be powerful healers of serious medical condition, like cancer. In latest study conducted at Hiroshima International University, and published in 2017 January, the researchers discovered a possible way through which, CBD-A inhibits the COX-2 enzyme in aggressive breast cancer tumors. The study further talks about CBD-A’s ability to inhibit a proto-oncogene, c-Fos, which is an element involved in the cancer metastasis.On the other hand, THC-A is known to be neuroprotective, antispasmodic, and an excellent pain-reliever.

Raw Cannabis will also hold most of its terpenes. Terpenes not only decide the aroma and taste of the buds but also have their own medicinal properties, such as anti-fungal, antibacterial and anticancer properties.

The cleansing properties of raw cannabis, cannot be emphasized enough. Like any other raw herb, cannabis is also rich in fibers and foliates. Toxic accumulation in the body may happen for different reasons; it might be either due to your poor diet habits, or your body’s inability to fight against the free-radicals. In either condition, your body will need fiber content, which kicks out the toxic substances, from your body.

To make the best use of all the above-said benefits, you should be using the raw leaves and buds from live cannabis plants.

Best methods to consume raw Marijuana-

  • Smoothies: Weeds are usually bitter, so, mixing it up with other fruits or veggies, can make it taste, better.
  • Salad:  Just the chopped fresh marijuana and some dressing, can make a delicious salad.
  • Juicing: Fresh Marijuana with some spices, if you wish, can make your morning, a refreshing one.

Stephen Charbonneau is the owner of Stone-Tool-Seed and is a firm believer in the herbal use and an advocate for recreational marijuana. He and his wife of over forty years live on a farm and believe in organic farming and cultural practices that are eco-friendly and safe for people.

What You Need To Know Before Talking To Your Doctor About Medical Marijuana

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By Zack M

Despite marijuana’s legalization, cannabis continues to remain illegal on a federal level in most states.  However, the United States’ federal law has lifted the ban on the usage of medical cannabis, which has encouraged certain states to permit the consumption of medical marijuana.

It isn’t hard to understand why one would want to use medical marijuana as a means of treatment; medical cannabis has plenty of benefits that include the prevention and treatment of glaucoma, controlling epileptic seizures, decreasing anxiety, and inducing appetite.

But before you can go to the dispensary or enlist medical marijuana delivery services, you must see a doctor in order to obtain a medical marijuana card or a valid written verification. If you are interested in using marijuana for medical purposes, here are some things you need to know before consulting a doctor:

When to see a doctor

It’s important to consider the qualifying medical conditions that make you eligible for treatment specific to the state you live in. Every state has specific medical conditions and symptoms that must be confirmed by a doctor before you can be deemed a medical marijuana patient.The first step is to research your state’s list of approved illnesses and injuries that allow you to receive treatment. If you have any of the ailments listed or think you are showing symptoms of them, it’s a good time to consult a medical professional.

Finding a doctor

Firstly, asking your doctor about the health benefits of medical marijuana is completely legal. The 2002 case, Conant v. Walters ruled in favor of protecting the rights of patients and physicians to discuss medicinal cannabis for the purpose of therapy. Depending on where you live, most healthcare providers are eligible to write you a prescription, including, in some cases, your primary physician. Research which types of medical professionals in your state are qualified to prescribe medical marijuana.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean all doctors are willing to give you a prescription. You can opt to visit a medical marijuana clinic or a doctor that has the specific role of working with patients looking to receive treatment with cannabis.

What to expect at the doctor’s office

Be prepared so that your physician can make a proper assessment and diagnosis. Anticipate the doctor to ask you about your medical history, your current condition, and any current and previous medication. Remember to clearly identify your symptoms.

If you have already been diagnosed, let the doctor know if previous pharmaceutical treatment hasn’t helped. You may also wish to bring studies (scholarly journals or academic studies are the most useful) of cases in which medical marijuana has proved effective in treating your condition.

Questions to ask your physician

Being fully aware of your health gives you more confidence in your treatment and recovery. It’s therefore critical to raise any questions or hesitations you might have.  Some common, but nonetheless important inquiries are:

    • What are the health risks and side effects of medical marijuana?
    • Will medical marijuana interfere with my current medication?
    • What is the recommended dosage?
    • Which method of consumption is the best for me?
    • What activities should I avoid?
    • I have children and/or pets. Is second hand smoke harmful?
    • Should I seek treatment if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Finally, remember to work with—not against—your doctor so you can achieve the best solution possible. Your physician is there to help and a neutral, medical opinion on your ailment is important to get the therapy you most need.

 

 

Five Things To Know Before Joining The Cannabis Industry

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By Sue Vorenberg
Cannabis Daily Record

WASHINGTON: Legal cannabis may be the fastest growing industry in the country right now, but how do you know if it’s the right fit for you?

Working in the industry comes down to a lot more than just a love of pot. Whether you’re looking for a career as a bud trimmer, budtender, grower or anything else, it’s important to keep in mind that the rules in this young industry aren’t well established – and joining it isn’t for the faint of heart.

Still think you’re ready to go? Here are five things to consider before jumping in:

1. Every business is a startup business.

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Why does it matter if a business is old or new? It comes down to money and structure.

Established industries offer jobs with benefits, stability and often a well-thought-out chain of command.

Don’t expect that in the cannabis industry.

The oldest marijuana businesses – at least legal recreational ones – have only been around for about a year and a half. Most don’t offer health or retirement benefits, and with markets in legal states still in flux, there’s no assurance that your job will still be there in six months.

Management and human resources aspects of these businesses may also not be as well thought out as you’d find in other industries. If you want to work for a good company, do some research first, ask questions about how employees are treated, and don’t just jump at the first offer that comes along.