Cannabis legalization in Germany will provide many benefits, including benefits to non-cannabis consumers. Arguably one of the most important benefits will be the savings to the nation’s criminal justice system, including Germany’s court system.

Enforcing prohibition policies that outlaw cannabis is often, if not always, extremely expensive. Every law enforcement position that is tasked with enforcing cannabis prohibition comes with a cost. The same is true for court proceedings to convict an individual of a cannabis offense, and in cases of jail time, that costs a considerable sum per offender as well.

Cannabis prohibition is particularly expensive in Germany.

According to a 2021 report from Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Germany would save 1.05 billion euros annually by no longer enforcing cannabis prohibition, in addition to judiciary savings of 313 million euros per year. Imagine what those funds could do when applied to such things as education and infrastructure projects.

Those potential savings are not lost on Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. Minister Lauterbach recently posted on social media about the judiciary savings that Germany will experience once cannabis legalization takes effect:

Auto-translated from German to English, the post states, “If cannabis becomes legal we must remove the penalties. The courts reject this, workload. But legalization will greatly reduce the burden on the courts. We cannot keep people in prison because we want to avoid having to work with them.”

With cannabis legalization inevitable in Germany despite cannabis opponents’ attempts to thwart it, Germany would be wise to immediately suspend cannabis prohibition enforcement against individual consumers within its borders.

Part of that involves releasing cannabis consumers from incarceration and expunging their convictions, as well as expunging all other consumer offenses currently on the books.

This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission.

The push for a greener way to grow cannabis is changing the game. As the industry grows, so does the need to keep our planet healthy. People are developing smart, eco-friendly ways to grow cannabis that are good for both the plant and the environment. These new methods are not just about being green; they’re about growing better cannabis in a way that respects the earth.

Understanding the Need for Sustainability in Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis cultivation runs into several key environmental challenges that demand immediate attention and innovative solutions:

• Energy Consumption: The indoor cultivation of cannabis is notorious for its high energy usage, primarily due to lighting, ventilation, and climate control systems. The carbon footprint associated with such energy use is substantial, highlighting the need for more energy-efficient technologies.
• Water Usage and Waste: Cannabis plants are quite thirsty, and inefficient water use can lead to significant waste. This is a particularly pressing issue in regions where water resources are scarce or in times of drought.
• Chemical Runoff: The reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in conventional cannabis cultivation can lead to runoff that pollutes soil and waterways, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems.
• Carbon Footprint: Beyond energy use in cultivation, the cannabis industry’s broader aspects, including transportation and packaging, contribute to its carbon footprint. Minimizing these emissions is critical for the industry’s sustainability.

Innovations in Sustainable Cannabis Cultivation Technologies

With cannabis cultivation’s growing environmental impact, the industry is responding by adopting groundbreaking sustainable technologies and practices. These innovations aren’t just good news for the planet but also make cannabis cultivation more efficient and cost-effective. 

LED Lighting Systems

Surpassing traditional High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps, LED lights excel in energy efficiency, significantly reducing both electricity use and heat emission. This advancement allows for considerable savings on energy bills and cooling requirements. LEDs stand out for their ability to adjust light spectra, enabling growers to replicate natural sunlight closely, which is essential for optimal plant growth.

Such customization not only boosts plant development and cannabinoid content but also grants cultivators enhanced control over their growing environments. With the cannabis sector on the rise, the shift towards LED lighting is key in advancing eco-friendly cultivation practices, marking a pivotal move towards sustainability.

Automation and Efficient Equipment

The adoption of automation and efficient equipment in cannabis cultivation is streamlining operations and enhancing sustainability. Automated systems control climate, lighting, and irrigation, precisely adjusting conditions to optimize plant growth. This not only improves efficiency but also significantly reduces waste and resource use. 

Among the advancements in this area is the development of powerful equipment for making rosin, which exemplifies how automation can support sustainability in cannabis processing. Rosin presses utilize heat and pressure to extract cannabinoids without chemical solvents, offering a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional extraction methods. This innovation highlights the role of efficient equipment in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint while ensuring high-quality cannabis products.

Organic Cultivation Practices

Organic cultivation practices represent a shift towards more natural and sustainable cannabis farming, emphasizing the use of non-chemical inputs. By relying on organic fertilizers and natural pest management strategies, growers not only reduce harmful runoff into ecosystems but also enhance soil health and biodiversity. These practices contribute to producing cleaner, more eco-friendly cannabis, aligning with consumer demand for natural products.

For consumers concerned with the purity of their products, such as CBD oil, the importance of organic cultivation cannot be overstated. If you vape CBD oil, knowing it comes from organically grown cannabis can provide peace of mind about avoiding unwanted chemicals. This approach benefits the environment, the consumer, and the overall quality of the final cannabis product, making organic practices a cornerstone of sustainable cultivation.

Smart Water Management

Smart water management uses advanced technology to revolutionize water use in cannabis cultivation, targeting the industry’s significant environmental impact from water wastage. Systems like drip irrigation and recirculating aquaponics deliver water and nutrients with precision directly to the plant’s roots, minimizing waste and optimizing resource use. This method is particularly crucial in water-scarce areas, enhancing sustainability.

Incorporating sensors and automation, these systems adjust irrigation based on real-time soil moisture data, ensuring plants receive necessary hydration without excess. Such efficiency conserves water and supports healthier plant growth, setting a standard for responsible cannabis cultivation practices.

Renewable Energy Sources

Solar panels and wind turbines are increasingly common at cultivation sites, providing clean, sustainable power for lighting, climate control, and other energy-intensive processes. This shift reduces reliance on fossil fuels and significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts against climate change.

Utilizing renewable energy in cannabis cultivation marks a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. It demonstrates the industry’s role in promoting green technologies and sustainable practices, setting an example for other sectors to follow. As cannabis growers increasingly turn to solar and wind power, they pave the way for a future where all aspects of cannabis production are in harmony with the planet.

Artificial Intelligence in Cannabis Cultivation

The integration of artificial intelligence into cannabis cultivation is setting new benchmarks for precision and efficiency in the industry. AI systems analyze vast amounts of data from the cultivation environment, including temperature, humidity, light levels, and plant growth patterns. This analysis enables predictive modeling to forecast plant needs and adjust environmental conditions accordingly, optimizing growth cycles and increasing yield potential.

AI’s role extends beyond environmental management to include pest detection and nutrient optimization, tailoring care to each plant’s specific needs. This level of precision reduces waste and ensures optimal resource use, showcasing AI as a cornerstone of modern, sustainable cannabis cultivation. As AI technology evolves, its application in cannabis farming promises to enhance productivity while further reducing the industry’s environmental footprint, aligning cultivation practices with the principles of sustainability and innovation.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A sustainable approach to pest control, IPM combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical strategies to reduce reliance on harmful pesticides in cannabis cultivation. This method employs natural predators to manage pest populations and practices like crop rotation to disrupt pest habitats, effectively minimizing environmental and health impacts. By prioritizing ecological balance, IPM supports healthier cannabis plants and a safer cultivation environment.

Adopting IPM reflects the cannabis industry’s commitment to environmental and consumer safety. It showcases an advanced understanding of how to maintain crop health and pest control without compromising ecological integrity. Through IPM, growers protect their plants and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible cannabis production ethos.

Wrapping Up 

Embracing sustainable technologies and practices marks a significant stride towards an environmentally friendly cannabis industry. From energy-efficient LED lighting to water-saving irrigation, organic cultivation, renewable energy, and IPM, these innovations demonstrate a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint while enhancing product quality. As the industry evolves, integrating these green solutions is pivotal for a future where cannabis cultivation thrives in harmony with the planet. 

Chronically ill patients who use legally prescribed medical cannabis products report improvements in their overall quality of life according to the findings of a recent analysis conducted by a team of researchers in Germany.

Per data published in the German medical journal Schmerz, eighty-four percent of medical cannabis patients surveyed reported quality of life improvements following their use of prescribed medical cannabis.

The team of German researchers assessed patient-reported data in a nationwide sampling involving 1,582 patients authorized to use cannabis by their German physicians. Since 2017, doctors in Germany have been permitted to prescribe medical cannabis to patients who are historically unresponsive to ‘traditional’ therapies.

“The survey of Copeia captured early 2022 patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in Germany under cannabis medicinal product (CAM) therapy, with particular attention to symptoms, symptom changes, indications, side effects, dosages, and cost bearers,” the researchers stated about their analysis.

“A standardized questionnaire was administered online nationwide in dialogue form over a 15-week period to collect itemized symptoms and PRO. Recruitment was supported by pharmacies, prescribing physicians, and patient associations. Inclusion criteria included physician-prescribed CAM therapy,” the researchers also stated.

Patients involved in the analysis reported suffering from chronic pain, depression, sleep disturbances, and various other symptoms.

“Of 1582 participants, 1030 data sets (65%) could be completely analyzed. There was a heterogeneous patient population, whose common feature was disease chronicity. The frequency distribution of symptoms showed a homogeneous pattern for the respective indications, in which the most frequent six (pain 71%, sleep disturbance 64%, stress/tension 52%, inner restlessness 52%, depressive mood 44% and muscle tension 43%) seem to have a special significance,”researchers stated about their findings.

“A symptom matrix (SMX) composed of different symptoms seems to play a special role in CAM therapy to improve the quality of life of chronically ill patients, regardless of the underlying disease. The SMX could contribute to the identification of an indication and to targeted treatment monitoring,” researchers concluded.

This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission.

Artificial intelligence (AI), though still in its infancy, is no longer a novelty. AI is everywhere these days—from streamlining your cannabis grow facility operations, to helping craft your marketing content and beyond. But as it is with any innovation, AI has its pros and cons, especially in public relations (PR). 

Public relations is the ongoing practice of a brand, or outsourced provider on behalf of a brand, establishing its presence in the public eye via major media outlets. For cannabis organizations, PR is a must-have to circumnavigate cannabis advertising restrictions and to establish credibility for your brand. 

You’ve likely heard the saying “all PR is good PR.” Let me be the first to tell you, this isn’t always the case. Bad PR can send your brand down on a spiral tailspin—from which you may never recover. 

Likewise, bad PR habits, fueled by the ease of use of AI, can send your brand off with a one-way ticket to a bad reputation. This article will help you avoid these mistakes to ensure your PR outreach is authentic and effective.

The Problems With Using AI to Write a PR Pitch

AI is Often Inaccurate

AI has a track record of providing false information — one study found that AI is inaccurate up to 26% of the time. As a result, using AI puts the quality and credibility of your pitch at stake. Not to mention, the likelihood of your story being told in major publications is also up for debate at that point.

Imagine sending a pitch to a publication like The New York Times with false information. Not only will your pitch be tossed to the side, the reporter would likely blacklist your company. Or worse, the misinformation goes unnoticed, your story gets published in the Times and when it comes to light, your brand and the Times face serious backlash for reporting falsehoods. 

Using AI to write your pitch is like playing with fire. If you’re not extremely careful, you will get burned.

Your Competitors Might Have a Similar Pitch

Have you ever seen a social post or a piece of content that was so blatantly written by AI because it used a phrase like “in the ever-expanding landscape of cannabis retail…” That’s because AI tools like ChatGPT only have so much creativity in their arsenal. What I mean is if AI-written content is starting to look the same from different angles, odds are, the PR pitch it just spit out for you is extremely similar to a pitch it spit out for someone else. 

In the cannabis industry, it’s hard enough to have business leaders’ voices heard in mainstream media. Now, if you have the same pitch as your competitor because you both used AI, the odds of a reporter choosing your brand to feature over the other are slim. Without differentiators to make your story unique, you’ll never be able to stand out in a journalist’s inbox. 

AI Content is Easily Detectable

If you think it’s hard to figure out if content was written by AI, you’re wrong. AI copy is not only easily detectable through free online text scanners, but it’s detectable to the human eye as well. Because, as I stated earlier, AI uses common phrases that no longer go unnoticed by readers. 

The point I’m making here is, AI-written pitches are going to be extremely noticeable by reporters and journalists. And while the majority of people understand the value AI brings to table, most are still skeptical about its capabilities and the ethics of its use. That being said, it’s probable that journalists receiving your pitch are less likely to move forward when it comes across as written by artificial intelligence. Is that a risk you’re willing to take?

A Robot Wrote It

Let’s just cut to the chase. AI content is written for humans by a robot. Personalizing your pitch without sounding robotic is going to be quite the challenge. When the root of public relations is all about making personal connections, the only way to do so is to write your pitch (and engage with journalists) in a humanistic way. That means your pitch needs to sound like it’s actually coming from a human.

With less personality and a flat-lined tone in your pitch, you’ll be hard-pressed to secure any media coverage for your brand. It’s the humanistic tone in conversations with reporters and journalists that leads to a solid professional relationship. All the above can make or break a PR program’s efforts. 

What Do You Have to Lose? Everything.

The problems with using AI in your cannabis public relations program go beyond the pitch. If you’re using AI to write bylines for you, you’re only hurting yourself and your brand. Your content will come across—to not only reporters, but consumers as well—as inauthentic and, for a lack of a better word, lazy. In such a competitive and niche market, you can’t afford to have your brand look weak.

While I still believe there is a valuable time and place for AI, it’s place is not in your PR pitch or byline. The best way to crush your PR strategy is to simply be human.

Despite the tremendous therapeutic promise of cannabidiol (CBD), some users who try it report they don’t feel its effects. Why could that be the case?

“A huge challenge this industry faces is dosing and quality of products,” John McDonagh noted. He is the CEO and President of NextEvo Naturals, a leading premium supplement brand focused on revolutionizing the delivery of nutritional compounds.

“Someone could be taking a 15 milligram CBD oil tincture and getting very little of that into their body. By underdosing you’re not going to get the full benefits CBD has to offer,” McDonagh continued. 

How can consumers be sure they’re getting the full benefits of CBD? One approach industry experts are targeting is improving CBD bioavailability rates. Bioavailability refers to the rate at which compounds are absorbed by the body. 

Many consumers are most familiar with conventional, oil-based CBD products. But — surprise, surprise! — conventional CBD formulations may not be the most bioavailable form of CBD available.

Gerry McNally, Ph.D., Head of Research and Development at NextEvo, explained that THC and CBD are fat-soluble substances. 

“When we say ‘conventional CBD products’, we’re usually referring to products like oil-based tinctures and soft gels. These products are an easy way to formulate CBD,” McNally said. “However, this isn’t ideal for the absorption of CBD from the
GI tract.” 

McNally added that oil-based formulations are often associated with relatively poor uptake from the body, resulting in a miniscule amount of CBD that’s ultimately absorbed into the bloodstream. “When you take these lipophilic or fat-soluble compounds and emulsify them,” McNally went on, “you enhance the absorption.” 

Wait: what? How does that work? What does it mean to emulsify fat-soluble CBD?

What is Nano-Emulsified, Water-Soluble CBD?

“CBD is naturally oil-soluble and hydrophobic, which means it does not dissolve in water. Our bodies are able to process water-soluble compounds much quicker and more efficiently than oil,” Vlasic Bioscience President Adam Rosenberg explained.

“Nano-emulsification is the process of breaking down the oil-soluble CBD into miniscule particles and encapsulating it in an emulsifier that allows it to be absorbed in water,” Rosenberg continued. “This process results in CBD that is more efficiently processed by the body, resulting in a significantly higher percentage of CBD entering the bloodstream.”

Impressive claim. So, just how is this accomplished? Dr. Lucas McCann, co-founder and chief scientific officer at CannDelta Inc., offered an overview:

“CBD is mixed with a surfactant and a carrier oil. It is then subjected to high-energy mixing with a sonicator to break down the oil droplets. A sonicator uses very high-frequency sound waves that our ears can’t really hear but it can break up the CBD oil into very small droplets. When the droplets get that small, other materials can surround it and encapsulate it.”

Does all that work yield “better” CBD? Dr. McCann explains that because of their tiny size, CBD nano-droplets can be very quickly absorbed into the body — within minutes of them hitting the tongue or stomach.

This can result in quick-acting effects compared to “regular CBD” which is processed in the liver. CBD processed in the liver has a longer onset time.

“The liver metabolizes a lot of the CBD that gets absorbed conventionally,” McNally added. “And therefore these emulsified systems tend to deliver four to five times greater absorption into the bloodstream.”

Many companies have gone as far as developing proprietary processes regarding nano-emulsion. Jeff Koz, president and co-founder of Dr. Norm’s Wellness, a division of Dr. Norm’s brand focusing on minor cannabinoids, noted that all of their nanoformulations are created in-house, led by Director of Science and Technology Jason Jamrowsk. 

“We manufacture through what is called ‘controlled chemistry’,” Koz explained. “This is a pharmaceutical process that bonds the oil from the cannabinoids with water. This results in a uniform and repeatable particle, meaning consistency in size and weight from particle to particle.”

Koz touched on the sonification method as well. “Some manufacturers use sonification, where the molecules are blasted with sound waves to achieve the same effect.”

“This is not as efficient as the resulting nanoparticles are not consistent, and some are damaged. This is using force to achieve the result whereas ours is a chemical process.”

NextEvo spent over six years dedicating its R&D team — staffed by people with previous experience working at Johnson & Johnson — to finding the Goldilocks standard of nano-CBD.

“Our products have been tested over six years to find the right particle size, the right emulsifiers,” McDonagh said. “We’ve seen data proving that our products are exceptionally better absorbed than other products.”

McDonagh also proudly noted that this process is ongoing, “We’re going to continue to optimize and make products even better as we go.”

Exploring Better Absorption Claims

Do nano-emulsified CBD products deliver greater benefits than conventional, oil-based CBD? “The delivery system for anything makes a massive difference in how the body processes it or uptakes it,” says Sean Norris, director of chemistry at MC Nutraceuticals (MCN).

“There is research that shows there are higher levels of CBD in the blood when a nano-emulsion is used instead of standard CBD oil.”

The more CBD is absorbed, the higher the bioavailability, theoretically resulting in greater therapeutic benefit.

Koz summed it up nicely: “Nano-emulsified products have a faster onset — they get to work faster. They can be more potent, requiring lower doses to achieve the same effect. They are more bioavailable, meaning they are absorbed more efficiently into the body — utilizing more of the available cannabinoids.”

What’s Next?

What’s next in the world of nano-CBD? Many folks are looking into adding other “minor cannabinoids” into the mix: “There’s a lot of interest in the other cannabinoids and what benefits they can provide,” says McDonagh. “We’re definitely going to be looking at ways to study those benefits.”

Dr. Norm’s is also on the minor cannabinoid hunt: the brand launched their new SleepWell line and became the first company to “nanotize” CBN earlier this year. The SleepWell Elderberry Gummies are the only fast-acting sleep gummies that contain both nano CBN and nano THC. 

At the end of the day consumers still “need to be cautious in select-ing their Nano CBD products,” Koz cautioned. “There is a ton of misinformation out there that can mislead consumers.” 

This article first appeared in Volume 5 Issue 3 of Cannabis & Tech Today. Read the full issue here.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is a fascinating compound found in the raw cannabis plant. Unlike its well-known counterpart, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THCa is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with cannabis. This unique feature paves the way for a variety of uses and benefits that are just beginning to be explored.

Understanding THCa

THCa is a compound intrinsic to the cannabis plant’s biochemistry. As the non-psychoactive acidic precursor to THC, THCa represents a critical phase in the cannabinoid lifecycle, embodying vast potential that extends beyond the realm of recreational cannabis use.

Found in the trichomes of fresh, undried cannabis flowers, THCa is the result of the plant’s natural biosynthetic processes, which synthesize cannabinoids from smaller molecular precursors.

Uses of THCa Flower

THCa flower, or raw cannabis, can be consumed in several non-psychoactive ways. Juicing fresh cannabis leaves and buds is a popular method, allowing consumers to incorporate THCa into their diets without experiencing intoxication. Raw cannabis can also be used in salads or smoothies, providing a versatile way to access the potential benefits of THCa.

Biosynthesis of THCa

The journey of THCa begins with the synthesis of cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” due to its role as a precursor to several major cannabinoids.

Specific enzymes in the cannabis plant convert CBGa into various cannabinoid acids, including THCa, through a process that is influenced by the plant’s genetics and environmental conditions. As the plant matures, THCa accumulates, especially in the flowering stage, where it reaches its highest concentrations.

The Science of Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction essential to unlocking the psychoactive potential of THC. This process involves the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from the THCa molecule, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2).

Heat is the primary catalyst for decarboxylation, with optimal temperatures ranging between 220°F to 240°F (104°C to 116°C). While decarboxylation can naturally occur over time with exposure to ambient heat and light, applying direct heat through methods such as baking, smoking, or vaporizing accelerates the reaction, efficiently converting THCa to THC.

Implications of THCa to THC Transformation

Psychoactivity Transition: The conversion from THCa to THC is pivotal for cannabis’ psychoactive effects. THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors, primarily in the brain, leading to the euphoric and intoxicating effects associated with cannabis use. In contrast, THCa does not exhibit this psychoactivity due to its inability to bind effectively to these receptors.

Therapeutic Potential of THCa: Despite the focus on THC for its psychoactive properties, THCa has shown promise in various therapeutic applications. Preliminary research suggests potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-nausea effects, among other benefits. These properties make THCa a compelling component of cannabis for medical research and applications, offering possible treatment avenues without psychoactive effects.

Consumption and Application: The understanding of THCa and its conversion to THC is crucial for consumers and medical patients, influencing how cannabis is consumed. For those interested in the non-psychoactive benefits of THCa, consuming raw cannabis (such as in juices or salads) is a viable method. Conversely, those seeking the psychoactive effects of THC can opt for methods that involve heating, such as smoking or cooking with cannabis.

Potential Benefits of THCa

THCa, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found abundantly in raw and unprocessed cannabis, is gaining scientific interest for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Unlike its psychoactive counterpart THC, THCa has shown promising anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, making it potentially beneficial for treating autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and lupus.

These effects may stem from THCa’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system and other cellular pathways involved in inflammation, including the inhibition of key inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.

Additionally, THCa has attracted attention for its neuroprotective properties, offering potential in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that THCa can protect brain cells from damage and oxidative stress, two mechanisms at the heart of neurodegenerative conditions. This protection likely arises from THCa’s antioxidant properties and its ability to modulate neuroinflammatory pathways, indicating a promising direction for future therapies aimed at neuroprotection.

THCa also exhibits anti-proliferative traits, suggesting a role in combating cancer. Early studies indicate that THCa can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines, including those of the prostate, breast, and colon, through mechanisms such as inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibiting their proliferation. Although the exact pathways through which THCa achieves these effects are yet to be fully understood, its ability to target cancerous cells without harming healthy cells marks a promising area of cancer research.

However, it’s crucial to note that much of the research on THCa is still in the preliminary stages, primarily consisting of preclinical studies. To fully grasp THCa’s therapeutic potential, efficacy, and safety, the transition from laboratory and animal studies to human clinical trials is necessary.

Further investigation into optimal dosages, delivery methods, and long-term effects of THCa is essential for developing targeted therapies. One significant challenge facing THCa research is its legal status in many regions, which can limit access to high-quality research materials and funding. Additionally, the variability in cannabis strains and THCa concentrations complicates the standardization and dosing in clinical studies.

Despite these challenges, THCa holds considerable promise as a therapeutic agent, with its potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-proliferative properties.

As the scientific community delves deeper into the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids like THCa, there’s hope that these compounds could provide new, effective treatments for a wide range of conditions.

This underscores the importance of continued research and exploration in the field, highlighting the need for a more profound understanding and application of cannabis-derived compounds in medicine.

Legal Status and Availability

The legal landscape for THCa is complex, varying significantly from one region to another. In areas where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, THCa flower is more readily available. However, its non-psychoactive status could offer opportunities for legal access in a broader range of jurisdictions, provided there’s clarity and support from regulatory bodies.

While initial studies on THCa are promising, there’s a vast need for further research to elucidate its full therapeutic potential. The exploration of THCa could lead to new, non-intoxicating options for patients seeking relief from various ailments.

THCa flower represents a relatively untapped source of potential in the cannabis plant. Its non-psychoactive nature, combined with promising preliminary research on its benefits, makes it an intriguing subject for further study.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, THCa could play a significant role in expanding the plant’s applications beyond psychoactivity, offering new avenues for health and wellness.

Patients who suffer from endometriosis frequently report using medical cannabis products to alleviate their symptoms, according to survey data that was recently published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Endometriosis is a serious disease involving tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the patient’s uterus. Endometriosis can cause severe pain in the patient’s pelvis. The condition can make it difficult for the patient to become pregnant. Patients can start experiencing symptoms of the condition during their first menstrual period and the symptoms can last up until menopause.

International researchers estimate that roughly 5-10% of women of reproductive age around the globe suffer from endometriosis. Unfortunately, very little is known about what causes endometriosis.

A team of Australian researchers recently surveyed 192 women who reported suffering from endometriosis and having a history of medical cannabis use. Sixty-three percent of the survey participants reported to the researchers that they had received a doctor’s authorization to use cannabis-based medicinal products, which is permitted in Australia.

“Most (63.5%) used a ‘cannabis clinic’ doctor, incurring an initial consultation cost of $100–$200+ (10.2% Medicare bulk-billed) and median cannabinoid medicine costs of $300AUD per month.” the researchers stated. “Cost was a major barrier to access, necessitating reducing dosage (76.1%) and/or consuming illicit cannabis (42.9%), despite a prescription.”

“Most (77%) medical consumers used two or more cannabis products, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol predominant oil and flower products most frequently prescribed,” the researchers stated about the medical cannabis products being consumed by the survey participants.

Pharmaceutical pain medications, and in some cases hormone therapy, are the most common non-cannabis forms of treatment for endometriosis. In cases of infertility, minor surgery to remove endometriosis deposits is another form of treatment. Such surgeries can also help in some cases of severe pain.

“The study was approved by the Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number H15099). An online survey was hosted via Qualtrics with responses received between October and December 2022. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, with the survey introduction and participant information sheet stating that completion of the questionnaire implied consent,” the survey’s authors stated. “For counts and proportions, 95% confidence intervals were reported.”

“This study found that THC-predominant CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] are commonly prescribed to Australians with endometriosis,” authors concluded. “Given major issues with symptom management and the self-reported reductions in pain and other symptoms, improving access to medicinal cannabis for this population is important and timely.”

Previous studies have arrived at similar findings, including a study conducted in Australia in October 2021 that concluded, “Cannabis appears to be effective across all reported symptoms, with a noted propensity for inhaled delivery due to the potential increased speed of onset of effects versus the slower onset of oral products, particularly for pelvic pain.”

A similar study conducted in New Zealand in December 2020 concluded, “Respondents reported clear evidence of a substitution effect, where the use of cannabis reduced or replaced other pharmaceutical medications, especially with respect to opioid-based analgesics, and also to other medications commonly used in the management of endometriosis-related symptoms, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and NSAIDs.”

This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission.

The battle between the old and the new as everything shifts to digital and AI offers many new considerations for business owners. One example is the product/retail packaging sector.

Retail packaging comes with a set of compliance requirements from the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) implemented by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC establishes labeling requirements for consumer commodities to facilitate value comparisons among similar products. They also aim to prevent deceptive packaging and labeling claims for household goods.

In general, retail packaging requirements in the United States include the following rules: identity of commodity; name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, distributor; net quantity of contents; using the units of both the customary inch/pound of system measure; and labels that are printed in a font and typeface that are to be in a fixed proportion to the main viewing window of the package and consistent across all parcels of roughly equivalent size.

In cannabis retail packaging, compliance is set by each state rather than the federal government. There are some general requirements adopted by all legalized states, like child resistance, designs that are not attractive to children, and warning labels, to name a few. 

Packaging for smokables and edibles may have different requirements. Kathy Knutson Ph.D., PCQI, chair of the education committee of the National Cannabis Industry Association, and author of Food Safety Lessons for Cannabis-Infused Edibles offers insight into all cannabis-infused edibles in an article that she wrote for Food Safety Magazine.

She listed the following general requirements: functional and protective of the contents, opaque, portioned or individually wrapped, tamper-evident, child-resistant, and unattractive to minors.

To discuss retail packaging for non-edible and non-smokable cannabis products and the difference between online retailers and brick-and-mortar retailers, Cannabis & Tech Today sat down with Michael Barenboym, a world-renowned medical-device engineer and designer who spent more than 35 years developing life-saving technologies. 

Barenboym has patented over 100 technologies: artificial heart systems, spine reconstructive surgical equipment, cancer ablation devices, and automated resuscitation machines, to name a few.

In 2019 he founded Weedgets, a company that creates innovative, patented smoking devices like waterless pipes, reusable filter tips for blunts/joints, and replaceable glass bowls for pipes. His devices allow smokers to remove the worst parts of smoking: harsh throat burn and debris. 

Cannabis & Tech Today: Have you designed or created product packaging in other industries? What are a few major compliance differences?

Michael Barenboym: Yes. I lead a packaging engineering group in the medical device industry. Compliance is very strict in the medical industry and package testing in that industry has to pass tests like drop testing, water and dust repellent testing, and UV light testing to name a few. 

C&T Today: Should online retailers and brick-and-mortar retailers have different packaging goals or compliance considerations?

MB: I think the goal for packaging for both online and brick-and-mortar storefronts should be the same — to better protect the goods and to have a nice, ergonomic appeal to the customer.

C&T Today: Did you spend a lot of time researching compliance rules for Weedgets product packaging; what about tests like those in the medical device industry?

MB: There wasn’t a big focus on compliance for packaging for our various products and accessories because these products do not require any compliance; however, we do try to design packaging to protect from accidents or easy opening by children. Tests like drop tests were done to ensure the durability and delivery of undamaged products.

C&T Today: What kind of role did transportation and storage of products play in Weedgets packaging design?

MB: All of our product packaging for pipes and accessories is designed for a long shelf life. We also pay attention to design for long-distance transportation to avoid damage when boxes are thrown around by shipping personnel. It is also important to minimize empty spaces in cartons to save on transportation fees.

C&T Today: If Weedgets were to open a brick-and-mortar location or have products in dispensaries, would packaging be different for those products? 

MB: Our packaging will stay the same for any dispensary or brick-and-mortar store. Our packaging provides all the necessary information regardless of where it’s sold.

C&T Today: What materials are used for Weedgets packaging?

MB: We use carton boxes for shipping but all of our pipes are packaged in plastic sealed containers to minimize exposure to weather. 

C&T Today: How does product packaging play a role in marketing? 

MB: Product packaging is a perfect tool for spreading the word about your company and its products. You have to ask yourself a question: “How do you make your customers share your company information?”

The best method of design is to have packaging that can be repurposed after the product has been used. A great example of that would be our best nano crystal charcoal filters for joints and all our pipes. They come in a tin black box that can be used afterward, for storing and carrying joints, flower, and other small tools.

C&T Today: What’s one thing you learned and one thing you can teach about product packaging for cannabis consumption products and accessories?  

MB: You have to be very innovative in terms of packaging. The packaging that is not thrown away and can be reused time after time is always a reminder of your company when people see logos and product information.

This article first appeared in Volume 5 Issue 3 of Cannabis & Tech Today. Read the full issue here.

The legal cannabis industry has evolved considerably in recent years. It has gone from an industry made up of several silo industries operating at a local level to an international community of emerging cannabis companies, with more entrepreneurs and investors joining every day.

The cannabis import and export markets are increasing in size as a result. Tribal Nations and Indigenous-led cannabis companies in North America, while still underrepresented in the cannabis industry, are at the forefront of international cannabis imports and exports.

Such entities act with autonomy due to tribal sovereignty, giving them a distinct advantage at both producing cannabis for export, as well as creating opportunities for international players looking to do business in North America.

A great example is Indigenous-owned All Nations Cannabis. All Nations Cannabis completed its first export to the international market in 2023. The company, in partnership with Shxwhá:y Village, became a vertically integrated business in 2022, producing and selling cannabis both at their own retail outlets and abroad.

“We’ve continued to grow high-quality cannabis and we’ve put that cannabis into two brands that we’ve launched, our All Nations premium brand, and Uncle Bob, our secondary brand, and we are selling through the provincial distribution system throughout Canada,” Darwin Douglas, CEO of All Nations Cannabis, told The Abbotsford News back in April 2023.

“I think it’s a huge accomplishment as a licensed producer operating not only on First Nations land, but also just as a licensed producer in the Fraser Valley to be making these big moves on the export front,” Douglas also stated at the time. “So we are really, really proud of our team, and all the hard work that’s gone into this, and excited for what the future holds on the export markets.”

Helping drive the Indigenous cannabis industry forward is the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA). A first-of-its-kind organization, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association exists to promote the exploration, development, and advancement of the cannabis industry for the benefit of all Indigenous communities.

ICIA is dedicated to the advocacy and empowerment of Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs along with being a conduit of connection and data for Indigenous Nations as they push towards a vision of an equitable, just, and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy.

Founded by cannabis entrepreneur and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians Rob Pero in August 2022, ICIA creates opportunities for Indigenous people in cannabis and empowers the Indigenous community through policy, programming, and outreach initiatives.

In 2016 the National Congress of American Indians passed a resolution approving cannabis production to promote tribal self-determination and self-governance, create job opportunities, strengthen tribal governance, and promote equity in the cannabis industry. The current legal landscape of the cannabis industry is complex.

Tribal corporations are eligible to establish a ‘Foreign Trade Zone’ according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated geographical area where foreign and domestic goods are treated, for tax and tariff purposes, as if they had never entered the United States. It’s an important distinction for cannabis imports and exports and is one of the many areas of public policy and industry regulations that the ICIA helps its members navigate.

Members of ICIA are also given access to ICIA’s network of Tribal Nations, industry partners, advocacy groups, mentors, businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs to help navigate the complex landscape of tribal, state, and federal policy and to provide resources for Tribal governments and Indigenous people to design and advocate for equitable cannabis policies.

“In the rapidly evolving landscape of the international cannabis industry, the most significant yet untapped opportunity lies within the Indigenous cannabis sector. As founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and a member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, I am proud to say that our communities and partners are pioneering a collaborative approach towards this burgeoning industry,” said Pero.

“We are committed to engaging in all aspects of the cannabis industry at the highest level, prioritizing public safety and wellness, while also recognizing the profound economic and workforce development potential. By activating our sovereign rights and abilities to self-determine sustainable commerce in emerging industries, Indigenous Nations are not only building global relationships but also setting a precedent for equity, justice, and sustainability in the cannabis economy.”

ICIA serves Tribal Nations and Indigenous-led businesses as the leading Indigenous trade association in the nation, working to develop Indian Country’s roadmap for federal, state, and local lobbying and advocacy while providing technical assistance to tribes and their members for optimum access to cannabis industry resources.

“Our journey represents a pivotal shift from Indigenous-led cannabis efforts operating locally to a formidable presence in the international market, as demonstrated by milestones like All Nations Cannabis’s first international export,” said Pero. “This is just the beginning. Together, we are charting a course for a future where Indigenous-led cannabis businesses thrive, contributing to the wellness of our communities and the global economy.”

Rob Pero will be presenting at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany. The event, which is the largest and longest-running of its kind in Europe, takes place on April 16-17 at the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel. Register today to come learn more about Rob Pero and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association along with several other world-class speakers. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets as soon as possible before the event sells out.

Featured image via the Indigenous Cannabis Business Association. This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission.

Running a profitable cannabis cultivation operation is about more than growing plants. Achieving success starts with creating a smart design for your Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facility that fully aligns with your operational business plan.

So many things have to come together for a cultivation facility to function efficiently and produce a high-quality product. Here are a few critical items to consider when planning and designing a CEA facility.

Take a Holistic View

The first step to maximizing the efficiency of your cultivation facility through design is to create a well-articulated plan and program for your entire operation. As simple as this seems, this is where I have seen many companies fall short.

They jump into design and equipment without taking a holistic view of what their facility will look like, how it will operate, what their operating expenses will be, and how it can be expanded.  

Develop a high-level schematic design with a layout that emphasizes operational efficiency. Consider ease of maintenance, minimizing contamination, and expandability — you don’t want to “paint yourself in a corner” with a move like making your headhouse too small to support additional grow rooms. 

Thoroughly Assess the Feasibility of Your Property

In addition to finding a great location where cultivation uses are allowed per local zoning regulations, you also need to determine whether the utility infrastructure is adequate, and if it’s not, what it will take to meet your needs.

What is the amount and quality of water you can bring in, and what will the local authorities require for wastewater disposal? Is there space to locate the substantial amount of mechanical equipment that cultivation requires, either within the property setbacks or on the roof? 

If it’s going to be on the roof, can the existing structure support the load, or will it require reinforcement? How much electrical power service does the property have? A good rule of thumb is that every 10,000 sq. ft. requires 1,000 amps.

If you are unsure about something, don’t hesitate to engage an engineer for a consultation. It will be money well spent, especially if it prevents you from leasing or purchasing a property that is cost-prohibitive to adapt for cannabis cultivation. 

Let How You Grow Drive Your Flow

The layout of your facility should logically follow your plants’ growth cycle through final production. Try to visualize how each plant will move through your facility and create a seamless flow from mom, propagation, early vegetation, vegetation, flower, harvest, dry, cure, trim, manufacturing, vault, packaging, and shipping/receiving rooms.

Creating the right workflow will allow cultivation employees to move throughout the facility efficiently by minimizing the distances they have to walk and removing obstacles they need to get around. This increases productivity, decreases labor costs, and improves your bottom line.

Divide to Conquer… (and Avoid Contamination)

Creating physical barriers between certain areas like cultivation, manufacturing, shipping/receiving, locker rooms, and offices is a must to avoid contamination of your product. These barriers should be firm and reinforced with clear standard operating procedures to ensure the consistency of your product.

Certain passageways should have air showers that cannot be circumvented. Create multiple access points to areas like the electrical room or headhouse so anyone servicing equipment can gain access without having to traipse through the cultivation areas. 

Beware of the Max Canopy Trap

One trap that’s easy to fall into is trying to maximize your canopy but failing to fully incorporate the uses required to support all that canopy. These include maintenance, storage, the headhouse, and post-harvest areas.

Many facilities miss the mark when it comes to designing for easy maintenance with mistakes like providing easy access to shut-off valves and allowing enough space to circulate around equipment. You also need adequate space to store all of the growing supplies and equipment needed to service your canopy.

Also, be wary of using multi-tier benching to increase canopy. While it can work well with the proper approach and protocols, plants on upper tiers tend to receive less monitoring, which increases the chances of mold or insect infestations devastating an entire harvest.  

Prioritize the Right Technologies

A facility’s technology starts and ends with its control system, so do your due diligence to make sure the one you chose fits with your growing objectives and business plan. It has to work seamlessly with your fertigation and mixing equipment to drive the distribution of water and nutrients throughout your facility.

A large operation should avoid hand watering and mixing, ensuring your recipes remain consistent. Getting these simple, proven automations right will help you maintain control and consistency in your product across harvests. 

Your control system can also connect to flow meters and pressure transducers to monitor flow rates and check for pipe leaks. Control of temperature, humidity, and CO2 through a single access point is another major advantage of an automated control system.

Monitoring is important, so it’s useful to have sensors for tracking environmental conditions in your grow rooms, but try not to go overboard with alarms. If your grower is constantly bombarded with notifications for things that are minor, they can become inclined to pay less attention and miss something crucial. Better to dial in on the essentials. 

Stay on Top of New Innovations

Like most industries, cannabis has seen a bevy of innovations come to market in recent years and many have proven to be quite effective. For example, some LED lighting manufacturers have detached ballasts from grow lights and relocated them to a separate dedicated room. This helps lower heat loads in the grow rooms, which improves environmental control and electrical efficiency. 

There are also promising new air disbursement products that enhance airflow; seed-to-sale tracking systems that utilize RFID technology; new automated curing systems for precision venting gases to maximize the benefits of curing; and tank-level logic systems so you don’t have to worry about disrupting nutrient delivery because of empty batch tanks. Anyone planning a new cultivation facility should explore the latest innovations and see what could work for their business.

These guidelines provide a framework for how to plan and design a facility that performs the way it was intended and an efficient and successful cannabis operation. It’s not enough to know how to grow good cannabis. You have to be practical, thoughtful, and economical in your entire process. If you plan your CEA facility properly, the processes beyond growing can be seamless.

This article first appeared in Volume 5 Issue 3 of Cannabis & Tech Today. Read the full issue here.