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Study Finds THC Detected in Blood or Breath Does Not Indicate Impairment

by Sonny | May 30, 2022 | High Times

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A new study published this month adds further evidence that levels of THC detected in the blood or breath of cannabis users is not a reliable indicator of impairment. Researchers also found that levels of THC in blood and breath did not provide reliable evidence of how recently a test subject had used cannabis.

In their introduction to the study, the researchers noted that “finding an objective measure of recent cannabis use that correlates with impairment has proven to be an elusive goal.” Some states have enacted laws that set per se legal limits on the amount of THC a driver may have in their blood, similar to the 0.08% blood alcohol concentration limit in effect nationwide.

Critics of per se limits on THC concentrations in blood or breath have argued that such limits have little bearing on the level of impairment or intoxication, which can vary widely from person to person despite similar levels of THC concentration.

“These findings provide further evidence that single measurements of specific delta-9-THC blood concentrations do not correlate with impairment, and that the use of per se legal limits for delta-9-THC is not scientifically justifiable at the present time,” wrote the authors of the study published by the journal Scientific Reports.

To conduct the study, the researchers recruited a group of test subjects, most of whom were daily cannabis users. The scientists then determined the THC levels in their blood and breath prior to and after inhaling cannabis.

Before inhaling cannabis, most subjects had residual THC levels of 5ng/ml or higher, which exceeds the per se legal limit in several states. The authors noted that THC at such levels was detected despite “the absence of any impairment.” After the test subjects inhaled the cannabis, the researchers noted an inverse relationship between THC blood levels and impairment of performance.

“Our findings are consistent with others who have shown that delta-9-THC can be detected in breath up to several days since last use,” they wrote. “Because the leading technologies for breath-based testing for recent cannabis use rely solely on the detection of delta-9-THC, this could potentially result in false positive test outcomes due to the presence of delta-9-THC in breath outside of the impairment window.”

New Study Backed by Previous Research

The results are consistent with the findings of a study published late last year in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Review. In that study, researchers affiliated with the University of Sydney analyzed all the available studies on driving performance and THC concentrations in blood and saliva.

“Higher blood THC concentrations were only weakly associated with increased impairment in occasional cannabis users while no significant relationship was detected in regular cannabis users,” wrote lead author Dr. Danielle McCartney of the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics. “This suggests that blood and oral fluid THC concentrations are relatively poor indicators of cannabis-THC-induced impairment.”

To conduct the study, the researchers reviewed data from 28 publications that studied the consumption of inhaled or ingested cannabis. They then analyzed the association between THC concentration and driving performance, using measures of driving-related skills such as reaction time and divided attention.

The researchers documented “weak” associations between THC levels and impairment among infrequent cannabis users. But they observed no significant association between blood or saliva THC levels and impairment among regular pot users, defined as those who used cannabis weekly or more often.

“Of course, this does not suggest there is no relationship between THC intoxication and driving impairment,” McCartney said. “It is showing us that using THC concentration in blood and saliva are inconsistent markers for such intoxication.”

The authors noted that the findings in the study call into question the validity of widespread random mobile testing for THC in saliva in Australia and the reliance on THC levels by law enforcement in the United States.

“Our results indicate that unimpaired individuals could mistakenly be identified as cannabis-intoxicated when THC limits are imposed by the law,” said McCartney. “Likewise, drivers who are impaired immediately following cannabis use may not register as such.”

Professor Iain McGregor, the academic director of the Lambert Initiative, a long-term research program studying the medical potential of cannabis, said that “THC concentrations in the body clearly have a very complex relationship with intoxication. The strong and direct relationship between blood-alcohol concentrations and impaired driving encourages people to think that such relationships apply to all drugs, but this is certainly not the case with cannabis.”

“A cannabis-inexperienced person can ingest a large oral dose of THC and be completely unfit to drive yet register extremely low blood and oral fluid THC concentrations,” McGregor added. “On the other hand, an experienced cannabis user might smoke a joint, show very high THC concentrations, but show little if any impairment. We clearly need more reliable ways of identifying cannabis-impairment on the roads and the workplace.”

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Why The ‘Yutes’ Prefer The Weed Over Other Drugs

by Sonny | May 30, 2022 | Cannabis Culture

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youth prefer weed over drugs

https://www.reddit.com/r/EverythingScience/comments/urr63o/study_young_adults_consumption_of_alcohol/

It turns out that the Youths of today are far more interested in consuming cannabis as they are smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. While some might think this is bad news, it is in fact much better news than you could anticipate.

Before we jump into the meat of the article, let’s take a closer look at what the latest study revealed and how it will impact drug trends over the coming years.

Reporter in NORML, an organization long standing for the national legalization of cannabis, the article read as following;

Researchers with the University of Washington assessed trends in alcohol, nicotine, and non-prescribed pain reliever use among a cohort of over 12,500 young adults (ages 18 to 25) in Washington State following adult-use cannabis legalization.

They reported, “Contrary to concerns about spillover effects, implementation of legalized non-medical cannabis coincided with decreases in alcohol and cigarette use and pain reliever misuse.” Researchers did find that the prevalence of past-month e-cigarette use increased post-legalization.

Authors concluded, “Our findings add to evidence that the legalization of non-medical cannabis has not led to dramatic increases in the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and non-prescribed opioids. … The findings indicate that the most critical public health concerns surrounding cannabis legalization and the evolution of legalized cannabis markets may be specific to cannabis use and related consequences.”

Commenting on the study’s findings, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “Real-world data from legalization states disputes longstanding claims that cannabis is some sort of ‘gateway’ substance. In fact, in many instances, cannabis regulation is associated with the decreased use of other substances, including many prescription medications.” – NORML

In essence, the researchers at Washington have confirmed something that cannabis activists have known since the dawn of modern legalization. When you legalize and regulate cannabis, there are no associated increases on other drugs – and seemingly, it has the opposite effect.

It seems that cannabis acts more as a “gateway out of drugs” as we discussed in an article last week. What we’re seeing is that people are tending to swap out their other drugs for cannabis. Medical patients use fewer opioids, tobacco addicts quit, alcoholics significantly reduce their consumption, psychiatric patients reduce their anxiolytic intake, and much more.

What we’re seeing is that cannabis in a way, consolidates the effects of all these other substances, and provides a more robust Return on Investment.

Personally, I prefer getting stoned…

I’ve long stopped drinking, except for when I want to get a little buzz on. However, for me alcohol is almost like taking a harder drug. I don’t take LSD just because, I always take it with an intent. Similarly, I don’t open a bottle of wine or some Whiskey unless I want to get a bit tipsy.

However, I can go months or even years without wanting or needing alcohol. For me, my main drug of choice is cannabis and it has been for over twenty years. That’s because I don’t get hungover as with alcohol, and I don’t have such severe withdrawal than what I get from tobacco.

Furthermore, since cannabis takes longer to consume per gram than tobacco – it lasts longer, meaning I spend less money on achieving almost the same effect as what alcohol and tobacco would give me.

It seems, the youth caught onto this truth as well.

The Youth Prefers Vaping

While I’m an old school stoner that still loves joints, blunts, pipes and bongs, kids these days prefer vaping. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to the idea of vaping either. I have my own Pax unit and I love it!

However, young adults primarily consume in vaporized format mainly due to its convenience, it’s ease of use, and it’s overall discretion compared to the other formats.

A recent study confirmed this trend published in the Journal of Addiction;

Cannabis vaping is increasing as the most popular method of cannabis delivery among all adolescents in the U.S., as is the frequency of cannabis vaping, according to research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The study found that the frequency of vaping cannabis among adolescents from all demographic groups is reported at six or more times per month, and rising faster than occasional use. Those who vape and smoke nicotine are more than 40 times more likely to also vape and smoke cannabis.

Until now time trends in vaping use had largely been unexamined including trends in use frequency, emerging disparities, and co-occurring use of other substances, which are all critical for surveillance and public health programmatic efforts. The findings are published in the journal Addiction.- Source

Of course, the study focuses more on an alarmist perspective, but the fact remains that kids these days are going to vape more than any other way.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Of course, we want our youth to be as “drug free” as possible. Yet, if they choose cannabis over alcohol and tobacco – on a physiological level they will have fewer detrimental effects. Unlike alcohol, cannabis isn’t associated with violent behavior and unlike tobacco, it’s far less addictive.

This isn’t to say that kids aren’t vulnerable to addiction but if we have to choose between the lesser of evils – cannabis consumption is far less damaging than the other mainstream drugs.

Now, it’s about drug education. But one thing is certain, the youth today isn’t as interested in getting “obliterated” than my generation was, but they also are smoking more potent forms of cannabis – so ultimately who knows what will happen.

For now, it seems that cannabis will be growing in market share over the coming years and the next generations will consume it far more openly than previous generations. The world is finally going Green. The way it was always meant to be.

THE YOUTH AND CANNABIS USE, READ MORE…

THE KIDS PREFER CANNABIS OVER BOOZE, HERE IS WHY!

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Best Rated Dispensaries in Arizona 2022 Edition

by Sonny | May 29, 2022 | Leafly

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Cacti abound but when it comes to quality cannabis dispensaries, Arizona is anything but a desert.

Mention Arizona to someone and their thoughts will likely turn to heat. That makes sense, given the Copper State’s vast desert landscapes and famed reputation as the home of the Grand Canyon. But high temperatures are no longer the only heat to be found in spots like Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe. To learn more, all it takes is a visit to one of Arizona’s top dispensaries.

To say the road to get to this moment was rough would be an understatement. Though Arizonians first began to cast ballots on legislation to approve medical cannabis back in 1996, the first iteration they approved — Proposition 200 — failed to survive legal scrutiny.

Ultimately, it would take until 2010, when Proposition 203 managed to squeak through with 50.1% of the vote. From there, a lawsuit in federal court further delayed the opening of the state’s first medical dispensaries, which finally took place in December 2012.

Highest rated recreational dispensaries in Arizona

marijuana legalization in arizona, recreational cannabis in arizona, marijuana policy in arizona — (kjschoen/iStock)

In 2020, Arizona voters likewise approved the Smart and Safe Act, legalizing the possession and cultivation of cannabis for adults. By January 2021, recreational sales had begun. At present, there are approximately 125 dispensaries operating across the state but expect that number to grow in the months ahead.

To help you find the ideal shop for your medical or recreational needs, we turned to Leafly user reviews to aggregate a list of top dispensaries. Here’s what our users chose as the best pot shops in Arizona!

4126 Indian School Rd., Phoenix — Recreational
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 9744 dispensary reviews

If you’re rolling through Phoenix and in need of top-quality flower, the oasis you seek is Herbal Wellness Center. Now blessed with bragging rights as Leafly users’ pick for best recreational dispensary in Arizona, this Valley staple is anchored by a seriously splendid strain selection.

Grown locally in Phoenix at HWC’s own 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art cultivation center, the results are flower that have made their shop at must-hit for locals and visitors alike. Upon arriving, a tastefully decorated lobby area with plasma televisions and a medible vending machine set the tone for what Leafly users describe as an overall high-caliber experience.

“Great place, great environment, and great smoke!” wrote one user in a recent five-star review. Added another: “The selection is huge. They have something for any price point.”

1985 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction — Recreational
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.6 star rating out of 1744 dispensary reviews

Nirvana Center marries a big vision with a personal touch. Currently operating ten dispensaries across Arizona, Michigan, and Maryland, they also have plans to open new shops in seven additional states.

But despite this large footprint, the family-owned and operated Nirvana Center makes good on their promise to deliver an experience of “tranquility and wellness” at each of their locations. Their Apache Junction outpost is no exception, offering deals like $99 ounces and 20% off on cartridges and pods every Friday.

Quality customer service is also on the menu, with one Leafly user sharing that they are a regular patron who had never had a bad experience at Nirvana Center. “Always a pleasure,” they added, rating the shop five stars.

“Love the deals they always offer,” shared another satisfied Leafly user. “Thanks, Nirvana, for saving me [moolah] and giving me wonderful products!”

1842 W. Broadway, Mesa — Recreational
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.5 star rating out of 2083 dispensary reviews

Once a destination for Mesa’s medical patients, the Good Dispensary now proudly offers adult-use sales as well. But this welcome new expansion hasn’t put a damper on the store’s long-standing commitment to patient care and great deals.

Leafly users are big fans of that latter point, with one praising the “great prices and super friendly staff” while another gave props to the “good prices and great customer service.” Keeping Mesa consumers’ wallets in mind, the Good offers different deals (Toasted Tuesday, Thirsty Thursday) for each day of the week.

“I always love going to the Good,” begins yet another five-star review. “They always have great prices and quality products and service!”

221 E. 6th St., Tucson — Recreational
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 1545 dispensary reviews

To find the Downtown Dispensary, simply head to the heart of Tuscon’s happening arts district. Convenient, right? Well that’s the point as the Downtown Dispensary is all about making their customers’ shopping experience as easy as possible.

In addition to the stellar location and on-site parking, Downtown Dispensary also makes ordering a breeze thanks to ten in-store ordering kiosks available for use by both medical and recreational customers. Taking residence in Tuscon’s historic Stonecypher Building — built all the way back in 1916 — Leafly users today sound positively pumped about this Tuscon linchpin.

“I love everything about this dispensary,” gushed a Leafly user in a five-star review.“It’s easy to order from Leafly and go pick it up. Orders are quickly prepared. They have all the products that I want, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. This place is my jam.”

5210 South Priest Dr., Tempe — Recreational
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 450 dispensary reviews

Easily accessible from the I-10 and 60 freeways, Tempe’s Mint Dispensary strives to offer the most extensive array of medicinal and recreational products under one roof in Arizona. Setting Mint apart for their competitors is also the fact that you can score fresh meals and assorted food items from within their dispensary.

In a rush? No problem — Mint Cannabis Tempe has a drive-thru too! Perhaps that’s why it’s no surprise that Leafly users are big fans of a shop that one reviewer called “the greatest in the Valley.”

“Not only are the budtenders extremely knowledgeable about their products,” noted a separate Leafly user, “but everyone is so nice and friendly! I always leave with a smile on my face.”

12338 East Riggs Rd., Chandler — Recreational
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.6 star rating out of 767 dispensary reviews

Self-described as a company “born in the Arizona sun,” Sticky Saguaro is a family-owned and operated business with deep roots in Chandler. Inspired by family and friends suffering from conditions ranging from Crohn’s disease to cancer to serious migraines, Sticky Saguaro was founded with a medicinally-driven focus that continues to this day.

Now offering both medical and recreational sales, one Leafly user hailed Sticky Saguaro as “a needed addition to the community” in a spirited five-star review of the shop. The good vibes extend to new customers too, as evidenced by this effusive feedback from a first-time visitor.

“I just had the most amazing experience ever at Sticky Saguaro in Chandler, AZ,” they wrote. “Thanks again! Service was amazing. Keep up the great work.”

Highest rated medical dispensaries in Arizona

Rules and regulations currently require dispensaries to be separately licensed for medical and recreational sales. Though many shops are now proudly dual-licensed, some shops remain available only to valid medical patients. Don’t forget to double-check these details before catching a ride for a long-awaited shopping spree!

With that advice in mind, here are the Arizona medical dispensaries that Leafly users love best.

1250 S. Plaza Way, Flagstaff — Medical
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 1062 dispensary reviews

High Mountain Health prides itself as Flagstaff’s finest cannabis dispensary. Popular with Northern Arizona University students for its proximity to campus, the big draw with HMH is their deli-style flower and weekly specials. Even better, this former med-only operation is now licensed for recreational sales too!

Offering a menu infused with lots of locally grown strains. HMH has be keeping students and locals alike happy since 2013. With an emphasis on sustainable practices, reviews from Leafly users suggest there is a lot to love about this Flagstaff mainstay.

“The crew are spectacular in every way” reads one plaudit-filled, five-star review from a Leafly user. “They take care of me each time, even helping me with items I’d like to have from certain vendors. I refuse to go anywhere else.”

1613 N. 40th St., Phoenix — Medical
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 6661 dispensary reviews

TrueMed in Phoenix is an institution.

Offering sales for qualified medical patients only, this Sky Harbor Airport-adjacent dispensary is built to impress. Featuring, as one Leafly user ranked it, “some of the best wax and flower in Arizona,” TrueMed has a sterling national reputation earned from a commitment to treating every customer with the care and attention they deserve.

“Best in town,” stated a separate Leafly user is another five-star review. “Service is great, and the bud is excellent.”

“I’ve been going here for years,” shared a third, who then proclaimed TrueMed to be the “best dispensary” in Arizona. Hard to argue with acclaim like that!

9240 W. Northern Ave., Glendale — Medical
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.8 star rating out of 4618 dispensary reviews

Glendale’s Ponderosa Dispensary is a West Valley gem flush with tasty, in-house flower strains and a deli-style presentation featuring glass jars with distinct copper lids. Hitch your post to the Pondy and gain access to their full line of CopperTop flower — exclusively grown by their cultivation division, Sonoran Roots.

Perhaps that’s why one Leafly user shared that Ponderosa Dispnesary is “pretty much the only place I buy flower from. Consistent quality, service, and pricing that, honestly, no other dispensary can touch.”

In another five-star review, a different user highlighted that the flower at Ponderosa Dispensary “straight smacks.” ‘Nuff said.

10040 N. Metro Pkwy, Phoenix — Medical
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 5610 dispensary reviews

As one of Arizona’s premier state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries, JARS Cannabis of Phoenix upholds the same level of quality customers will find at the any of the brand’s numerous locations. At present, that includes almost twenty stores in Michigan alone as well as an emerging presence in Arizona.

Enter JARS Cannabis of Phoenix, which earned kudos from Leafly users for employing a winning strategy that pairs excellent customer service with consistently sweet deals.

“JARS and their staff are by far the best around,” confirmed one review, adding that the shop is “definitely the place to go for quality and service.”

“Fast lines, friendly and knowledgeable staff,” added another user who gave JARS five stars. “Good deals on flower!”

6844 E. Parkway Notre, Mesa — Medical
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 1306 dispensary reviews

Head over to TruBliss Organics in Mesa and they will have have you channeling their namesake mindset in no time. That’s because qualified medical customers making their inaugural visit get to choose from one of a wide list of free cannabis products. But the savings don’t stop with your first visit!

To the contrary, regular customers can look forward to enjoying consistent savings thanks to everyday deals like 20% off when you spend at least $200. Concerned about variety? Don’t be, as TrueBliss currently offers over 100 different products and up to 30 strains from which to choose.

One Leafly user called it “[the] best flower in the state” in their five-star review of the store.

“Love this place,” added another user. “I’m agoraphobic, and even on the days when I can’t face Safeway, I’m cool here due to the friendly (and diverse) vibes.”

9949 E. Apache Trail, Mesa — Medical
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.7 star rating out of 1802 dispensary reviews

Good news! Mesa’s Health for Life is now licensed for both medical and recreational sales. But Health for Life’s dedication to the health and well-being of patients isn’t going anywhere. Long a cornerstone of this East Mesa shop, their commitment to doing good continues through an active charity of the month donation campaign as well frequent deals aimed at putting smiles as wide as the Grand Canyon on the face of every customer.

“My favorite dispensary in the East Valley,” proclaimed a Leafly user in a five-star review.

“This place is amazing,” wrote another user. “They have great product and excellent service.”

Selection Criteria for Leafly List

To calculate the highest-rated dispensaries in Arizona, our Leafly List team uses a methodology based on quantitative and qualitative review data of dispensaries listed on Leafly, as well as other quality indicators, like reorder rates and deals availability (in markets where discounts are legal). Our teams are dedicated to showcasing a wide variety of highly-rated medical and recreational dispensaries.

Remember, if you don’t see your favorite dispensary on the list, make sure you follow, rate, and review your favorite cannabis locations to let the world know where you find your favorite cannabis.

Zack Ruskin

Zack Ruskin is a freelance cannabis and culture reporter. His other bylines include the San Francisco Chronicle, The Nib, Vanity Fair, California Leaf Magazine and Variety. Follow him on Twitter: @zackruskin.

View Zack Ruskin’s articles

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Cannabis Reform Bill in South Africa Under Criticism from Unions and Rastas

by Sonny | May 29, 2022 | High Times

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It was all supposed to be so easy. The national strategy for the commercialization of the South African cannabis industry was published last year. This February, the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa said in his state of the nation address that development of the hemp and cannabis sector was a major priority for the country because of the economic engine it represents—including creating an estimated 130,000 new jobs.

According to Ramaphosa, “We are streamlining the regulatory processes so the hemp and cannabis sector can thrive like it is in other countries such as Lesotho,” he said. “Our people in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere are ready to farm with this age-old commodity and bring it to market.”

Imagine if President Joe Biden said the same thing?

However, all is not clear sailing.

Politicians vs. the People

The Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill, the current pending legislation at issue, resulted from a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling, decriminalizing cannabis for private use and cultivation in “private spaces.”

The bill is intended to create the blueprint for the industry.

Instead, it has come under heavy criticism along the way and by a variety of interests.

This starts with existing entities like the cannabis clubs, which have essentially been left in limbo.

But the critics do not stop here. Most recently, they include Cosatu, the country’s largest union. They say that the bill is contradictory—and further raised doubts as to the government’s commitment to full reform. Namely, while the legislation delineates how cannabis can be produced for personal use and how it can be used for medical purposes, it is not clear how the commercialization of the industry will proceed. And even more importantly, who will be allowed to participate in it.

As Cosatu noted, this will send confusing signals to both producers and law enforcement agencies.

Beyond this, the Umzimvubu Farmers Support Network (or UFSN) which represents traditional farmers and cannabis growing communities in the Pondoland (a large segment of the south-eastern coast of the country which is bordered by Lesotho) is also being vocally critical of the legislation.

Their biggest concern? Apart from feeling ignored by decision-makers, they feel that the vague definitions in the bill are being disregarded by the government. According to them, “It remains abundantly clear that the Bill does not, even in the slightest, make provision for the centuries old custom of cannabis use and cultivation by the beneficiaries of the UFSN—the same farmers that our Honourable President Ramaphosa specifically mentioned in his most recent State of the Union Address.”

UFSN members have been frequently raided by the police in the last couple of years.

The USFN believes that the current legislation is “lip service” to the idea of cannabis reform that will benefit Indigenous farmers rather than foreign and corporate interests.

They have now been joined in their opposition to the current provisions in the bill by the Rastafarian community.

The Fight Over Formalization in South Africa

This is not a new issue, no matter the specifics at stake in South Africa. It is actually going on all over the world right now as the legalization movement begins to be formalized into regulations. Those who are crafting the legislation are not those who are most familiar with the dynamics of the legacy industry or connected to it in any tangible way. Nor do they appear to care about the associated issues that come with that.

For example, in California, legacy growers believe they are being left out of an industry which has evolved because of them.

In Canada, the discussion is now, perennially, how to limit patient home grow.

In Germany, the discussion about domestic cultivation was so fraught that patients, who initially won the right to grow their own, even if via special license from the government, lost the same as the Bundestag decided to only allow certified companies (and only from Canada) to participate in the cultivation tender in 2017.

The reality is that cannabis legalization may sound great, but increasingly, the road to legislating that legality is fraught with such clashes.

The questions around who may or may not legally cultivate and sell the plant start with a certification process that is capital intensive—and leaves out precisely the smaller cultivators who stand to benefit the most from full and final reform.

So far, these issues have not really been answered, yet, in any jurisdiction. This is also likely to be hard fought, and emotionally fraught territory just about everywhere. In this sense, the cannabis industry, so far at least, is not just like any other commodity, and it is likely to stay that way for some time to come.

Who ever heard of such fights over tomatoes?

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Rhode High-Land is Lucky Number 19

by Sonny | May 29, 2022 | Cannabis Culture

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Rhode Island legalizes recreational cannabis

As Memorial Day weekend dawns in the US, cannabis advocates have a victory to celebrate as Rhode Island became the 19th state in America to legalize recreational cannabis. Governor Dan McKee signed the Rhode Island Cannabis Act into law just a few days ago, marking a big swing for the small, Northeast state. Under the newly passed law, possession and home-growing of cannabis is now legal for adults age 21 or older, and in-store sales may begin as soon as December 1, 2022. The Rhode Island Cannabis Act also establishes a framework for “common-sense” adult use cannabis regulation with a strong emphasis on public health and public safety. The new law will give courts until July 1, 2024, to automatically expunge past convictions, and those who want their expungement sooner may request it.

Governor McKee stated, “This bill successfully incorporates our priorities of making sure cannabis legalization is equitable, controlled, and safe,” said Governor McKee. “In addition, it creates a process for the automatic expungement of past cannabis convictions. My Administration’s original legalization plan also included such a provision and I am thrilled that the Assembly recognized the importance of this particular issue. The end result is a win for our state both socially and economically.”

Other details in the new law include:

The legislation calls for a 20 percent tax rate, split up into the 7 percent sales tax, a new 10 percent cannabis tax, and a 3 percent tax by the municipality where the marijuana is sold. In addition, the legislation makes numerous investments in the creation of an equitable, accessible cannabis retail market through the set-aside of certain application fee revenues and the reservation of a portion of new licenses for social equity applicants and worker-owned cooperatives.

Congrats to Rhode Island and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!