The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a dramatic impact on the world over the last couple of weeks.

As countries like Italy, Spain, and Iran begin to break under the increased demands on the healthcare system, people in countries less affected are taking extreme measures to avoid contracting the infection themselves.

How is COVID-19 affecting the cannabis industry? Is it a good idea to be consuming cannabis as we wait-out the pandemic?

Here’s everything we know so far.

Summary: Cannabis & COVID-19

• Despite online reports, there’s no evidence to suggest cannabis or CBD extracts can help prevent or treat infection of COVID-19
• Epidemiology experts are recommending you avoid all public gatherings until further notice — including the upcoming 420 festivities
• Shortages of cannabis products are not expected as a result of the virus — with the exception of vape pens and cannabis packaging materials from China
• The best way to avoid the virus is to limit contact with other people and wash your hands regularly
• If you’ve been infected, don’t panic — contact your local health authority for further steps to take

Staying Informed on the COVID-19 Situation

The spread of the virus is all over every major media outlet in the world. As a result, there’s a lot of misinformation being passed around — it’s important you get your information from credible sources lead by expert medical and public health professionals.

The best source for up to date information on the spread of the virus is the World Health Organization website where you can find a and .

Other Recommended Sources of Information to Stay Informed:

• — Signs, Symptoms, and Information on How to Prepare
• — Scientific Research on COVID-19
• — Tracking Worldwide Cases of the Outbreak
• — When and How to Wear Masks, Wash Hands, and Avoid Infection
• — Scientific Research & Updates

What Do We Know So Far �������Ƶ the Virus? 

Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae) are a family of similar viruses that include SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS (middle east respiratory syndrome), and a handful of viruses responsible for the common cold.

Sometimes these coronaviruses’ evolve — leading to a change in symptoms and infectability or allowing viruses’ that infect animals to jump species and infect humans.

It’s believed the new coronavirus COVID-19 came from animals, but scientists are still trying to understand what species it may have come from. Some evidence suggests the virus came from bats after researchers found the virus shares about 96% of its genome with a known bat coronavirus. It should be noted that even a 4% difference in viral genome structure is a significant difference and isn’t conclusive evidence that bats were the source of the infection.

The virus affects tissues deep within the lungs — unlike the common influenza virus (unrelated to coronavirus) that tends to infect the upper regions of the respiratory tract. It’s also different from the other main culprit of the common cold — rhinoviruses — which infect tissues in the nose and throat.

Deep lung infections are particularly concerning because the cell damage and inflammation can lead to problems with gas transfer — making it difficult to get enough oxygen to the cells. This can make us feel exceptionally fatigued and short of breath.

What Are the Effects of COVID-19?

Connor Reed, a British man living in Wuhan China spoke about his experience with the infection in an interview on 4 News. He said the virus started out the same as any other cold and flu. However, as the condition worsened and moved deeper into the lungs he developed signs of pneumonia — a deep infection of the mucus membranes in the lungs.

He says that during this stage of the infection he felt like his lungs were only working at about 20% capacity.

Signs and symptoms can take anywhere from 2 – 14 days after initial exposure. 

Signs & Symptoms of Coronavirus Infection

(Source: )

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Other side effects may include nausea, muscle aches, a general feeling of malaise, and dizziness.

What Happens If I Get Sick?

There’s a lot of information going around about what you can do to prevent contracting the virus, but not much information on what to do if you actually get sick. Let’s cover some of the recommendations from the WHO, the CDC, and various health professionals reporting on the outbreak:

1. Don’t Panic!

This step is very important. Panicking is going to cloud your judgment and isn’t necessarily warranted. Most people who get the virus will recover in self-isolation without any major concerns.

Remain calm, stay home, and keep yourself occupied while you wait out the epidemic.

2. Inform Your Local Health Authority

If you think you may have the coronavirus, call your doctor immediately to inform them of your symptoms. They may give you another number to call to report your condition and have a test kit ordered to confirm infection.

3. Stop Hitting The Bong & Smoking Joints… For Now

Coronavirus infects deep regions of the lungs where gas exchange occurs. In order to minimize the risk of severe symptoms and speed recovery from the illness, you should avoid any activity that can cause further damage or inflammation to the lungs. This includes the smoking of any kind — including E-cigarettes, cigarettes, joints, blunts, vapes, and bongs.

A recent study reported the expression of ACE2 (the key receptor the virus uses to infect cells) was much more prevalent in smokers compared to non-smokers. In theory, this could improve the viruses’ ability to infect your cells — potentially leading to more severe symptoms. The same study hypothesized that the reason more Chinese men suffered the most severe symptoms of the illness compared to women was a result of the higher smoking rate among men in the region.

If you must use marijuana, opt for edibles and give your bong a break — perhaps this is a good opportunity to finally get your filthy bong cleaned anyway.

4. Quarantine Yourself Immediately

Cancel any scheduled events, work from home if you can, or call in sick. While it’s likely you’ll recover from the illness in a matter of weeks, you need to take measures to stop the spread from reaching populations that are most at risk.

You should wear a mask at all times if you live with roommates or family to reduce the chances of transmission. It’s also important that you clean surfaces regularly with a powerful disinfectant and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do this many times throughout the day.

5. Keep a Lookout for Signs of Emergency:

The majority of cases don’t require intensive care or treatment. For most people, the best course of action is to remain at home, drink plenty of fluids, get a lot of rest, and avoid contact with other people to limit the spread of infection as much as possible.

With that said, keep a lookout for signs of emergency — any of the following symptoms should prompt you to seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to stand up without fainting
• Bluish lips or face

General Tips For Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Outbreak

If you haven’t contracted the virus, there are a few key measures health authorities are recommending to limit your chances of transmission:

1. Keep Your Distance — No Sharing Blunts

COVID-19 is very contagious, it spreads via water droplets emitted through the mouth and nose. If an infected droplet is inhaled or transferred into the body through contact with the eyes, nose or mouth — you could become infected.

The best method of prevention is social distancing — remaining at least 6 feet away from other people at all times. This means no sharing joints or bong hits with your friends, at least until the epidemic comes to an end.

2. Wash Your Hands Often

Soap destroys the virus, so it’s vital you spend plenty of time throughout the day washing your hands — especially if you’ve come in contact with public places like doors or bus handrails.

Read this guide from the WHO on

3. Switch to non-Inhalables or Stop Using Marijuana at All

It’s recommended you avoid all smokeable forms of marijuana during the outbreak, or consider stopping consumption completely for the next couple of weeks.

Smoking, in particular, increases your risk of developing more severe side effects if you do get infected. Smoke inhalation can irritate the mucus membranes of the lungs — leading to a reduced ability to resist the infection and more severe symptoms.

4. Don’t Fall Victim to False Information in the CBD Space

There are currently no confirmed alternative health supplements for stopping the spread or severity of infection from COVID-19 — including CBD. With so much hype in recent years around this cannabis extract, it’s no surprise some CBD companies are trying to peddle their products as a preventative during the outbreak.

While it’s true CBD has potent anti-inflammatory effects, and can be helpful for promoting sleep and managing pain — there’s no evidence that CBD can be used to treat or prevent COVID-19.

If you’re using CBD oil to manage symptoms like chronic pain, anxiety, or other health conditions — there’s no immediate reason to stop taking the supplement. A little bit of stress-relief may even do some good to prevent fear and panic while you endure the quarantine periods.

With that said, if you begin to experience symptoms of the infection, it’s a good idea to ease-off for a while.

Here’s why.

While there’s potential for CBD to be helpful for reducing fevers and other symptoms of the infection — there are some concerns as well. For example, CBD has known blood pressure lowering effects — which could pose a greater risk to people with the virus that are already showing signs of low blood pressure.

Until we know more about how supplements like CBD are affecting COVID-19 symptoms, it’s best to hold off and instead focus on getting plenty of rest, eating healthy, and keeping yourself busy at home.

Has COVID-19 Affected The Supply of Cannabis in the United States? 

There’s been a ton of coverage on industries suffering severe supply shortages as a direct result of the outbreak. Dramatic reductions in Chinese manufacturing and overseas imports are limiting access to household items like toilet paper, canned food, and personal protective equipment.

Making matters worse, widespread hysteria among the public is draining the stock of various products from store shelves faster than it can be replenished.

So how has all of this affected the supply of cannabis?

A) Raw Cannabis Products Remain Unaffected

Experts don’t expect there to be any major shortages of raw cannabis products because most of the supply comes from local sources. Additionally, cannabis products haven’t been a common priority for people preparing for the impending quarantine measures in the United States.

As you might expect, sales of cannabis products spiked recently as people stock up in preparation for a potential quarantine. Restocking has been a common trend for all consumables, including food, toiletries, and cleaning products.

The CDC officially suggested people stock up on at least one month’s supply of essential medicines — which includes cannabis for many people.

Despite the recent pump in sales of cannabis products the past week has already seen this taper off dramatically. Dispensaries aren’t yet reporting any major problems with supply and report business as usual.

B) Vaporizers & Batteries Coming From China Are Experiencing Severe Delays

Most vape pens and e-cigs are produced in China, which was the first region to be heavily affected by the virus. With widespread shutdowns and quarantines, manufacturing within the country is expected to cause shortages of these products over the next couple of months at least.

C) Packaging Materials From China Are Likely To Affect the Cannabis Industry

A lot of cannabis companies manufacture their packaging in China and India. Slowed production is likely to affect the ability of companies to source their packaging materials from these countries.

How this will ultimately affect the availability of cannabis products is unknown. Dried herb is unlikely to be affected as other packaging options are readily available — however, tinctures, capsules, and other cannabis products that rely heavily on the use of specific packaging may become unavailable if the pandemic persists more than a few months.

Will 420 Celebrations Be Cancelled? 

With international 420 celebrations just around the corner, a lot of people are wondering if events near them will be canceled in light of the pandemic.

The simple answer here is yes — most, if not all 420 celebrations will be canceled or postponed until concerns over the virus diminish.

Countries throughout Europe, North America, and Asia have already banned public events from taking place. In places where these regulations haven’t been put in place, it’s recommended you avoid the event on your own will to avoid placing yourself at risk of contracting or spreading the virus.

Large public gatherings are a perfect way to expose yourself and others to the virus.

Final Thoughts on Cannabis & The Coronavirus

The cannabis industry is unlikely to be severely affected by the COVID-19 virus aside from the annual 420 celebrations being canceled or postponed until later this summer.

While CBD and marijuana products have a lot of medical value, there’s little these products are going to do to stop the spread of infection, and in some cases could make symptoms and transmission rates much worse (such as smoking or sharing joints with friends).

If you’re using CBD or marijuana products to alleviate specific symptoms, you don’t need to stop using the herb — but try to make the switch from using smokeable products to edible or topical cannabis options instead.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ramp up and infect more people at exponential rates, it’s important to remain informed on the situation by following official sources like the CDC, WHO, and medical authorities. Avoid feeding into the frenzy of misinformed reporting on social media networks.

Remain calm and follow the CDC-recommended methods of prevention (frequent handwashing social isolation, masks, and avoidance of public events) and be patient. This will all be over soon if everybody works together to stop the spread.

The post Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Cannabis: Impact on Individuals and Businesses appeared first on Weed News.

• You’re sick of flipping burgers or spending 9-to-5 working in a tiny cubicle every day?
• You’re ready to do something on your own and make some real money?
• And you’re tired of always have to search for a new dealer – shelling out your hard-earned money – and getting schwag in return?

If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably at least thought about getting into business for yourself, especially if you’re in a state where full legalization isn’t on the horizon.

Selling weed can indeed be quite profitable. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, or a fast trip to bling-town. Like any other legal or illegal business, it’s not a hobby, it’s a business – that is, if you expect to rake in the sweet cash (and even have a little product left over for your personal enjoyment).

Ready to turn those green dreams into reality? If so, do yourself a favor and first check out our ten kush commandments for beginning dealers.

One note before we begin: these commandments are aimed at those who are planning to sell in states where pot is not yet legal. Competing against licensed dispensaries and legal home growers not only changes the game but makes working as a dealer a lot more difficult.

1. Thou Shalt Have Enough Money To Get Started

It’s easy to buy a half-ounce and say “I have three friends who I know will buy an eighth apiece. I can keep an eighth for myself and still make $30-$40. Then I just have to reinvest and find some new buyers, and I’m in business!” In theory, that makes sense (although you could probably find an easier way to make $40).

But what if two of those friends happen to be low on cash when you get your supply? You’re going to have to find other buyers, or you’ll end up sitting on that quarter for a while without collecting your share of the money. And be honest, how long will that quarter really “sit” after you’ve finished the eighth you originally kept for yourself? The bottom line: you need more than just a couple of hundred bucks to get started in this business if you’re really serious about it.

You’re also not going to make a decent profit if you’re paying close-to-retail for your weed and reselling it. As in any business, the way to make money by reselling products is to buy in bulk at lower prices, and that requires a decent bankroll to invest. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck slinging eighths and dime bags – until you decide that you never should have quit that day job after all.

2. Thou Shalt Do Thy Research

Every successful business does market research. Why should your weed business be any different?

You probably know, from a buyer’s standpoint, the market price in your area for a quarter, a half, maybe even an ounce. But what’s the going rate for a pound or more? You’d better find out. And while you’re at it, you’d also better have a good handle on how much competition you’d have, and what they’re charging.

If you want to maximize your profit and can find the right customers, you might be tempted to stock up on the high-quality green. If your experience has been primarily with ditch or brick weed, though, you’d better know the going rates (wholesale and retail) for top-shelf kush before bargaining with a supplier or finding out that you’re selling below the market.

You might possibly be aware that what you’re planning to do could violate a law (or ten). But do you know how big your stash has to be before your problems turn from misdemeanors into felonies? You’d better be aware of the legal ins-and-outs of marijuana laws and regulations in your community and state before you inadvertently dig yourself a hole you can’t get out of.

3. Thou Shalt Have the Right Equipment

Of course, you’re going to need a scale, but your kitchen scale isn’t going to cut it. Do yourself a favor and buy the highest-quality digital scale you can afford, and make sure it reads out in tenths of a gram. Paying for accuracy may not seem like the most important investment you could make when you’re handling your own stuff, but you certainly don’t want to be giving your customers more bud than they’re paying for. And imagine how high your medical bills could run if customers start accusing you of shorting them – and aren’t satisfied with your explanations.

One piece of equipment could be even more important than a scale, however, and that’s a burner phone that you change out regularly. There are two reasons to have a burner.

Some dealers are ready to do business 24/7. But the last thing you probably want is customers who are partying late into the evening (or even worse, those who are desperate for a meet-up) calling your house at all hours of the day and night when you’re relaxing, entertaining or trying to get some sleep. Giving customers your burner number makes nothing but sense.

Even worse than that, however, is the possibility that you end up on law enforcement’s radar. Can you guess what their first move will be? Hint: it has to do with your personal phone. Never do business on your own phone – and the more business you do, the more frequently you should get a new burner phone.

(One other thing while on the subject of protecting yourself – try to memorize phone numbers, dates, names, amounts and prices, and write down as little as possible. If you do have to take business-related notes, shred or burn them as soon as possible.)

4. Thou Shalt Choose the Right Places to Do Business

This one won’t take long to explain. Never have a customer come to your apartment or house. Ever. Before you know it, someone (cops, competitors, robbers) you’re not expecting and don’t want to see will find their way to your house, too. You also don’t want your neighbors to start gossiping and speculating about the strange people who keep showing up on your doorstep, right?

No one likes skulking around parking lots, grubby diners or street corners, but it’s part of the job if you’re selling in small amounts. Just be sure the research you did for commandment #2 included mapping out any “turf” that you might be inadvertently invading while you’re out peddling your weed. A good alternative is to provide delivery service, so you minimize the dangers of street dealing as well as the dangers of being spotted by the cops or reported to them.

5. Thou Shalt Provide Good Customer Service

Assuming you don’t want to be available to your customers 24 hours a day, make sure they know when you will be available – and make sure you are available, with product to sell, when you say you will be. It’s way too easy for them to find another dealer if they decide you’re unreliable.

Weigh, weigh again and weigh a third time; your rep will suffer or disappear if people spread the word that you shorted them. Be fair with your pricing and don’t hit customers with big, last-minute price increases; they’ll feel ripped off. Either let them know in advance that the price had to go up (and explain why), or eat the difference the first time and tell them that the next bag will be more expensive. And never brag about the quality of your product if it’s low-grade weed; let people know exactly what you’re selling. Whether people are buying pot or a Porsche, they’ll always appreciate the feeling that they’re dealing with an honest seller, and that their business is valued.

“The customer is always right” is a great mantra for retail stores and service businesses, but it applies here as well. If a buyer has the potential to be a regular customer (or already is one), go out of your way to make sure he or she is satisfied. That’s how you grow your business: keep customers happy, and there’s a good chance you’ll get lots of referrals from them.

Finally, budget in a few freebies for good customers. The goodwill you can build by throwing in an extra quarter for a great customer is worth much more than you’ll lose on the sale.

6. Thou Shalt Draw a Bright Line Between Customers and Friends

The quickest way to go broke as a dealer is by extending credit. And the people who are most likely to ask you to front them, unfortunately, are friends.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t supply friends; they might be the first customers you have when you’re starting your business. What it means is that the dirtiest word any dealer can hear is “credit.” Even when your friends try to run up a tab be aware that there’s a very good chance that if you agree, you’ end up losing the money, the friends, or both.

7. Thou Shalt Develop a Reliable Customer Base

If you’re only selling to friends (remember commandment #6, if you are) you’ll never be able to expand your business to any major extent. If you’re out cruising colleges (when you’re not a student), mall food courts or parks (good luck with that one!), you’re running a probably-unacceptable level of risk and are unlikely to develop a regular base of customers.

Good places to start building a base are at work (assuming you’re not a cop or DA, of course), at school, or at parties. Needless to say, go slow and be cautious; the time you spend becoming accepted by a group of potential buyers is well worth the investment. If you become trusted and treat your initial customers well, you may be surprised at how quickly your business grows through word of mouth. Just be sure to carefully screen each new customer, to make sure they’re not an informant or the type of person who might become a snitch.

8. Thou Shalt Not Get Too Greedy

You’ve bought and sold an ounce. You’ve bought and sold a pound.

“Hey, this is great! Imagine how much I could make if I invested in 10 (or 20, or 50) pounds!”

Slow your roll. You may not be able to handle a major increase in volume, either in terms of storing and packaging it, or in terms of having enough customers for it. In most cases, doing volume like that requires a network of dealers under you; that’s an entirely different business model that you shouldn’t just jump into without a lot of experience and preparation. It’s also exponentially increasing your level of risk.

Additionally, you may have a hard time finding a supplier willing to sell you 20 or 50 pounds of pot (in any form). They’re running a big risk doing that sort of business with you, and will want to know and trust you completely before they’ll put their own, bigger business on the line to sell you huge quantities of flower.

When you do think you’re ready to upscale, take your time and do it slowly. Expanding too fast can kill any business. In the weed industry, it can destroy your business and put you behind bars.

9. Thou Shalt Maintain Secrecy

When business is booming and you’re making the money you’ve always dreamed of, the temptation to start showing off your new-found bank can be overwhelming. Be careful. Not only do you want to keep the actual fact that you’re a dealer on the down-low, but you also don’t want outsiders suspecting it, either.

Keep all bragging and conspicuous consumption to a small circle of close friends you can absolutely trust. Always remember that you can’t enjoy the gold chains, 100-inch TVs and party lifestyle behind bars.

10. Thou Shalt Retain a Lawyer Sooner Rather Than Later

If the worst ever happens, you’re going to want to have an experienced cannabis lawyer on your side. And the chances of finding one are slim, if you wait until the cops are giving you one phone call during the booking process. Any good pot lawyer wants to know who their client is before getting a phone call from a stranger in the middle of the night. Just think: would Saul Goodman rush to your rescue, if he’d never heard of you before (unless Walt and Jesse vouched for you)?

Do some research around the local weed community as soon as you start bringing in some money, and put the best lawyer you can find on retainer. Then keep his or her phone number handy at all times, and keep some cash on hand so you can pay his often-substantial fees if you need him. Hopefully, you’ll never have to call your lawyer for help, but at the very least, you’ll sleep better at night knowing he’s available.

The post How To Become a Weed Dealer and Make Great Profits appeared first on Weed News.

Not too long ago the term “cannabist” was used as shorthand, interchangeable with “pothead,” “stoner” or even “wastoid.” Think Thurgood in Half Baked, Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, or just about anyone in Dazed and Confused.

But just as cannabis has been mainstreamed over the last decade, weed terminology has matured as well.

Today, “cannabist” is normally used in a more positive way, as a compliment rather than an insult. In fact, during the 2010s it even became a brand name.

Here’s more than you ever wanted to know about the term.

When Someone Calls You a Cannabist

People who have wine with dinner usually just enjoy wine. But those who go further, cultivating their palate and becoming an expert on varietals and vintages, are called wine aficionados.

It works the same way for cannabis. People who take a few hits off a bong at a party, or indulge themselves at home from time to time, simply like to smoke pot. Those who develop a deep affinity for marijuana, a high level of weed expertise and a robust enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge, however, are the ones who deserve the label of cannabist.

Want to know which strain is best to help with your back pain? Whether you should be buying Indica or Sativa to celebrate the end of final exams? The difference between early and late harvest products? A cannabist will have the answers.

He or she will also be able to tell you how (and why) to decarb your plant before baking brownies, how to collect resin and make hash, and the best type of lights to use for an indoor grow.

Honestly, there are still those who don’t use the term in a positive vein. A person who makes a show of checking out their buds with magnifying glasses or microscopes, or who talks virtually non-stop about weed (and nothing else) day and night – someone commonly referred to as a weed geek – may also be called a cannabist by those who just want to get high in peace.

In general, however, the word cannabist is a compliment. So much so, that it was adopted by a reputable news organization for its extensive coverage of marijuana-related stories.

The Cannabist

Shortly after Colorado became the first state in America to legalize weed in 2013, Denver’s largest newspaper, the Denver Post, started a website completely devoted to cannabis news and issues. Fittingly, it named the online publication “The Cannabist.”

The site became a powerful resource not just for Coloradans, but for all pot enthusiasts. Reporters covered a wide range of stories, from medical marijuana breakthroughs to analysis of THC levels in products sold in the state. The same journalistic standards applied to regular news coverage at the Denver Post were used at The Cannabist, resulting in balanced and professional coverage of both consumer and industry issues.

However, the financial woes that have hit all major newspapers took its toll on the website, with its dedicated staff laid off. The Cannabist is now a site that primarily accumulates marijuana news from a large number of sources. However, it remains a valuable resource site on topics including pot culture, recipes, and reviews – and is still deserving of its name.

The post What Does It Mean To Be A Cannabist: A Slam Or A Compliment? appeared first on Weed News.

Lots of people enjoy smoking weed. But for some, pot pretty much defines their lifestyle.

When the first group shops for clothing, they simply buy whatever appeals to them. The second group, though, is more likely to be focused on stoner fashion – either because they believe it fits their personal style, or because it broadcasts their love of the green to the world.

Stoner clothing brands understand that, so you can find lots of merchandise catering to both groups. Some retailers sell items ranging from tees, sweats, and hoodies, to hats, socks, even underwear, with pot designs and motifs. But you’ll also discover a large number of items that are more subtle in nature, featuring cartoon and animé characters, psychedelic and surfer designs, or trendy street looks. And several top brands take their commitment to the plant all the way, with entire clothing lines made from hemp.

12 Best Clothing Brands for Stoners

Looking to update your wardrobe? Here are some of the best stoner brands to consider.

The Higher Shop

This iconic brand has an enormous selection of t-shirts and hoodies with cannabis designs. There are lots of fashionable items whose design centers around pot leaves, buds, and bongs, but also plenty of tongue-in-cheek creations including the Kentucky Colonel pushing THC, the NBA logo labeled “DAB,” and even Rick and Morty in a meth lab. Shirts predominate, but there are also pot leaf dresses, leggings, and sweaters available at reasonable prices.

StonerDays

If you’ve always wanted to find a stoner superstore, Stoner Days may be the shop of your dreams. Pizza and kush socks? A cereal bowl-design dab pad? A hemp birthday card expressing the sentiment “You’re the Cheech to my Chong?” They’re all here. Naturally, there are also thousands of more “standard” items for sale, including tees, sweats and women’s tank tops with various pot graphics and clever slogans, a large selection of hemp/cotton clothing, and even collections for holidays like mother’s and father’s day.

Rasta Empire

Ganja and the memory of Bob Marley live on at Rasta Empire, where the reggae vibes are strong and the merch is even stronger. There’s a terrific offering of Marley tees, hoodies, tank tops and even a baby creeper, but the best collection may be the Rasta Wear assemblage of Jamaican-flavored shirts, dresses, beanies and headwear, necklaces and accessories. Other categories feature winter clothing, swimsuits, bags and regular 420-themed merchandise. Rasta Empire also carries cool lighters, oils, stash jars and more smoking necessities.

Happy 420

This small, family-owned company has become one of the most-recognized stoner brands out there, thanks to its unique, creative designs and its large selection of sweet accessories. There’s nowhere else, for example, you’ll find Pokemon rolling trays, matched Mickey and Minnie water pipes, or red, yellow and green Rasta grinders. Want to make a statement with a “4:19 — give me a minute!” pot leaf hoodie or a gold-foil “Shatter” t-shirt? Happy 420 is the only place you’ll find them. Their selection isn’t huge, but it’s quality all the way.

Personal Stash

The creators of the famed “I Bud You” logo, Personal Stash, take stoner art to a new level. They don’t have a lot of items in their online store, but who can live without an “I Bud You” logo skateboard or pillows? They’re not currently offering what might be the coolest MJ-themed item ever produced, but hopefully their weed shoelaces (sold in several different “strains”) will be back in stock sooner rather than later.

Mowgli Surf

What serious toker’s closet (or bedroom floor) would be complete without a psychedelic t-shirt or sweatshirt? Mowgli Surf has been the go-to source for this high-quality surfer wear for a long time, and they continue to set the standard. Their stuff is mucho expensive, and you won’t find pot-themed items for sale (although their tee picturing a delicious slice of pizza isn’t too far off the mark). But you deserve at least one fashion splurge, right?

Jungmaven

Here’s another brand that isn’t known for its weed designs, but Jungmaven practically defines stoner style. The company is built on a philosophy of sustainability, and its clothing lines are all made primarily from hemp blends. There are men’s and women’s tees, shirts, jackets, pants, shorts, sweats, skirts and dresses, with styles that range from “wear anywhere” casual to tie dye and psychedelic patterns. This is clothing that will fit perfectly for a visit to the grandparents’ – and then be just as cool for a late-night smoke sesh.

Stay Home Club

Where’s the #1 place most people smoke up? At home, of course. The Stay Home Club has the perfect tees and sweats for just hanging; comfortable and with a style that’s defined by their motto: Design for the Disgruntled. In fact, you could easily visualize a 2020 version of Daria wearing these shirts. Most of the clothing (and designs) are made for women, but there’s a decent selection of unisex wear as well. There’s no weed-themed clothing in the mix, but doesn’t wearing a pot leaf tee day after day get boring after a while?

Captain Chronica

Aimed at a stoner/skater audience, this company’s clothing selection is almost exactly what you’d expect from its name. There are t-shirts with slogans and graphics like “Always on the Grind,” “Better Living with THC” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blunts.” There are “Reefer without a Pause” and “H.U.S.T.L.E” sweats. You get the idea. They also carry tanks and raglans, as well as a very cool “Field of Dreams” zip-up track jacket. There aren’t thousands of items to choose from, but what they have is prime.

Stoner Chick

There are fairly-tame unisex graphic t-shirts available (almost all of them black) from this newer company, but their merch line is primarily aimed at exactly who you’d expect: stoner chicks. For example “Goodweed” (a play on Goodwill) and “Relax, It’s Just Pot” tees, “Flower Power” hoodies and hats, and “MMJ” tanks are among the best offerings. Just add attitude to these shirts and you have the ideal stoner chick.

Into the AM

There’s only one choice when you want a t-shirt that looks like the designer was as high as you are: Into the AM. It would be difficult to do justice to their mind-blowing and psychedelic graphic designs in a simple description; there are skulls, skeletons, rainbow trees, aliens, spaceships and spacemen – and those are some of the tamer ones. There are plenty of sizzling sweats and tanks also, plus wild jogging pants, shorts, and jackets; then add in crop tops, leggings, and bodysuits (our favorite is a 15th-century Rubenesque woman looking to the heavens and saying “Bruh.”). Not all stoners may be inclined to wear this type of in-your-face clothing, but it’s amazing stuff.

SukiShufu

SukiShufu certainly doesn’t market their products directly to those in the weed culture; they describe their clothing as “athluxury for urban lives.” This women’s sportswear, however, fits perfectly with the attitude of many of today’s upscale female users. Sheer “Eat Dirty” and “Asking for it?” t-shirts, slinky velvet crop tops and leatherback leggings (even a few for men), plus streetwear, sweats and more. Not everything at SukiShufu is edgy, though. There are more-sedate lace tops, patterned crops and leggings, and other pieces that let women show their “nice” as well as their “nasty.”

The post Top 12 Stoner Clothing Brands: Matching Your Style To Your Smoke appeared first on Weed News.

The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics is the first graduate program in the country dedicated to the study of medical cannabis. It aims to meet the needs of all individuals interested in advancing their knowledge about medical cannabis, including health care professionals such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists; scientists and regulators; growers and dispensary owners; and policy and industry professionals.

“Medical cannabis has been legalized in 33 states, including Maryland, as well as in Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico,” says Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FCP, FAAPS, dean and professor of the School of Pharmacy. “This number is only expected to increase in the future, fueling a demand for an educated workforce that is well-trained in both the science and therapeutic effects associated with this medicinal plant. Our MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics has been critically designed to prepare students to meet this demand. Innovations in instructional design throughout the curriculum will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on communities across the United States.”

The School of Pharmacy’s MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics addresses the areas of basic science, clinical use, adverse effects and public health, and federal and state laws and policies surrounding medical cannabis. Online coursework is designed to accommodate students with or without a background in science or medicine, as well as offer flexibility when completing assignments. In-person symposia held once each semester at USG provide students with opportunities to network with peers, as well as meet and interact with experts in the science, therapeutics, and policy of medical cannabis.

The application deadline for this program is August 15, for classes beginning on August 26, 2019.

“The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics is an incredibly unique program,” says Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, BCPS, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at UMSOP, director of the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program, and a clinical pharmacist who practices in the field of palliative care. “Faculty from the School of Pharmacy who lead courses for the program are experts in both basic and clinical sciences related to the study of medications, and are dedicated to making coursework both interesting and accessible to all students.”

She adds, “There is truly no other educational program that offers the in-depth instruction on the science, policy, and therapeutics of medical cannabis that students who are accepted into our program will receive.”

To better meet the needs of working professionals, the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics does not require the completion of a thesis. Instead, students complete a capstone course that features a selection of expert seminars, case studies, and discussions. Graduates of the program will be able to help identify patients appropriate for medical cannabis therapy and determine appropriate dosing and administration for those patients; ensure the safe and effective design, development, and manufacture of medical cannabis products; identify potential research opportunities related to the science and health effects of the cannabinoids found in medical cannabis; and participate in health policy decision-making processes related to medical cannabis.

“Students who complete our program will have an unparalleled competitive advantage when it comes to pursuing or advancing a career in the medical cannabis industry,” says Sera. “These individuals will be well-prepared to support patients and the medical cannabis industry with the knowledge and skills gained from their coursework. They will also be able to add to existing clinical and scientific research on medical cannabis, and will be able to contribute to well-informed policies related to medical cannabis.”

The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics welcomes students who possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, currently work or are interested in working in the medical cannabis industry, and have the ability to travel once per semester to attend required symposia at USG, which is located in a suburb of the nation’s capital.

To learn more about the program, view the short video below or  visit .

�������Ƶ the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

Established in 1841, the  is ranked as one of the top ten schools of pharmacy in the United States. The School is a thriving center for professional and graduate education, pharmaceutical care, research, and community service. Its faculty create the future of pharmacy by pioneering new roles for pharmacists in advanced clinical practice and conducting cutting-edge research in drug discovery and development, comparative effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes, and disease management. A contemporary curriculum, innovative educational experiences, and strategic professional relationships help to inspire excellence in the School’s more than 800 students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows. Together, we are critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and leaders who are sought for our expertise.

The post UM School Of Pharmacy Launches Nation’s First Master’s In Medical Cannabis Science And Therapeutics appeared first on Weed News.

Canadian investigators performed a systematic review of published studies evaluating the performance of on-site oral fluid detection technologies. They reported that available devices do not meet acceptable standards of sensitivity and accuracy, that products lack standardization, and that there are no known “correlations between THC concentrations in OF (oral fluid) and the level of impairment.”

Authors concluded, “[T]he methods for measuring OF at the roadside need to be improved.”

In recent years, lawmakers in several states have suggested the idea of permitting police to administer roadside oral fluid tests as a potential means of determining prior cannabis exposure.

The post Review: Mouth Swab Saliva Tests Not Sufficiently Accurate For Cannabis Detection appeared first on Weed News.

Lifetime cannabis exposure is associated with lower body mass index (BMI), according to longitudinal  published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.

Researchers from Arizona State University and the University of Pittsburgh assessed the association between long-term cannabis exposure and cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of 253 men. They reported that greater marijuana exposure was associated with lower BMI as well as lower cholesterol levels and other risk factors.

“Cannabis use is associated with lower BMI and lower BMI is related to lower levels of risk on other cardiometabolic risk factors,” they concluded.

The findings are consistent with those of prior studies concluding that cannabis exposure is associated with ,��, and .

The post Long-Term Cannabis Use Associated With Lower Body Mass Index appeared first on Weed News.

The use of cannabidiol products for the treatment of either a specific health condition or for general well-being is becoming prevalent among the general public, according to  published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Researchers at San Diego State University and at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon surveyed a self-selected cohort of 2,409 respondents with regard to their use of CBD products. Respondents typically ranged between 55 and 74 years of age.

Almost 62 percent of respondents reported using CBD for the purposes of treating a specific medical condition. The top three most commonly cited medical conditions were pain, anxiety, and depression. Almost 36 percent of subjects reported that CBD treats their medical conditions “very well by itself,” while only 4.3 percent reported the substance to be largely ineffective.

Authors concluded: “The use of CBD among individuals for both specific health conditions and general health and well-being is widespread. … CBD is being used as a specific therapy for a number of diverse medical conditions – particularly pain and inflammatory disorders, in addition to anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. A large percentage of respondents indicate that CBD treats their condition(s) effectively in the absence of conventional medicine and with non-serious adverse effects. These data provide a compelling rationale for further research to better understand the therapeutic potential of CBD in treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions.”

The post Use Of CBD Products For Health Becoming Widespread According To Study appeared first on Weed News.

More than two-thirds of chronic pain patients registered to legally access medical cannabis products substitute marijuana for prescription opioids, according to  published in The Journal of Headache and Pain.

Investigators from the United States and Canada assessed the use of medical cannabis and prescription drugs in a cohort of over 2,000 Canadian patients licensed to access marijuana products. Among those patients with a primary diagnosis of chronic pain, 73 percent reported substituting cannabis in place of opioids. Among those patients diagnosed specifically with headache/migraine, cannabis was frequently reported as a substitute for other medications – including opiates (43 percent), anti-depressants (39 percent), NSAIDS (21 percent), triptans (8 percent), and anti-convulsants (8 percent).

“Most patients in the pain groups reported replacing prescription medications with medicinal cannabis, the most common of which were opiates/opioids across all patient groups,” authors concluded. “This is notable given the well-described ‘opioid-sparing effect’ of cannabinoids and growing abundance of literature suggesting that cannabis may help in weaning from these medications and perhaps providing a means of combating the opioid epidemic.”

The post Majority Of Chronic Pain Patients Replace Opioids With Marijuana According To New Study appeared first on Weed News.

Today, Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) unveiled the Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2018 during a press conference held at noon on Capitol Hill. The legislation, which was introduced with widespread bipartisan support, finally allows researchers to study the potential cures medical cannabis may unlock. Further scientific research on medical cannabis could unlock cures for veterans, the chronically ill, and the elderly. Rep. Gaetz’s legislation does not change the legal status of cannabis, and does not interfere with federal, state, or local cannabis laws. The following Members of Congress also participated in the press conference: Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09), Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Lou Correa (CA-46), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48) and Barbara Lee (CA-13).

“Today, twenty-six members of Congress joined me in cosponsoring the Medical Cannabis Research Act. This bipartisan cannabis reform legislation will improve the quality of scientific research on cannabis, while protecting research institutions nationwide. I fully believe that this bill has a chance to pass this Congress and be signed into law by the President, who expressed his support for medical cannabis during his campaign.

It is monumental for the House Judiciary Committee to consider cannabis-related legislation. They have not tackled legislation on this topic since 1978, before I was born. I have been assured that the committee will take up my legislation, however; the Medical Cannabis Research Act was cosponsored by Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and his office was instrumental in helping to draft the final legislation. He has been invaluable in making this legislation a reality, and I thank him for his help.

Cannabis has always faced a Catch-22 in Congress: we can’t change cannabis laws without doing research, but we can’t do more research without changing the law. Our bill finally breaks that logjam. This legislation will make a tremendous difference to researchers nationwide, who may finally be able to develop cures for illnesses that affect many of America’s most vulnerable populations. I thank my colleagues for their support, and look forward to passing sweeping cannabis reform legislation this Congress,” Rep. Gaetz said.

Click  or below to view footage from the press conference.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE MEDICAL CANNABIS RESEARCH ACT

Currently, all federally-approved studies of medical cannabis get their product from one subpar source. It is weak and often moldy, which can cause illness. In addition to being poor quality, federally-grown cannabis is scarce; not enough is grown. This legislation requires the Attorney General to annually assess whether there is an adequate and uninterrupted supply of research-grade cannabis, and to ensure that there are at least three federally approved manufacturers at any given time.

Some federally-funded institutions, such as universities, want to research cannabis, but have been unable to do so; research cannabis threatens their federal funding. This legislation includes much-needed “safe harbor” for researchers and institutions studying cannabis, and for patients in federally-approved medical cannabis clinical trials.

Even though VA doctors/staff are not prohibited from sharing information about federally-approved cannabis clinical trials with patients, many VA offices believe mentioning these trials is illegal. This legislation codifies that healthcare providers at the VA are authorized to provide information about federally-approved cannabis clinical trials, and they are also allowed to fill out forms for veterans to participate in these trials.

Most importantly, this legislation does not interfere with federal laws, state laws, or law enforcement. This bill makes no changes to the legal status of cannabis. It simply unlocks the potential for research into a compound that could prove beneficial to veterans, chronically ill persons, and the elderly.

The post Federal Representatives Unveil Medical Cannabis Research Act appeared first on Weed News.