While some states have clamped down on the production and sales of Delta-9 THC products, they are still legal in many states. As a result, you might be curious about what the shopping experience might be like for you and how you can secure the best products for your needs. 

Before you jump into the purchase of Delta-9 gummies, chocolate, and other sweet treats, take a moment to consider the following points. You might then be able to make your purchase with much more confidence. 

Check Dispensary Websites

Whether you’ve decided to try Delta 9 today or another day, you’ve likely been thinking about the best places to buy your preferred products from. When you’re shopping for the first time, it’s unlikely that you’ll have a list of trusted stockists. 

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t build up a list through research. There are thousands of dispensaries throughout the United States, which means you’re bound to find at least a few standout options online with high-quality websites. 

Visit high-ranking dispensary sites through your preferred search engine and look for features that point to those dispensaries being trustworthy. For example, if you can identify a padlock in the browser bar, you can rest assured that the site owners take site security seriously. 

Pay attention to the design and build quality of the website, how detailed the product descriptions are, and whether plenty of dispensary information is present to learn more about who is offering the products.  The more you can learn from each website, the easier you might find it to make an informed decision. 

Look for Third-Party Lab Reports

Most people don’t look for scientific reports when purchasing anything online, but it’s something worth considering when the time comes to buy Delta-9 products for the first time. Lab reports can detail the contents of the products you’re purchasing, the CBD and THC levels, and any additional cannabinoids, toxins, and terpenes. 

This information can be crucial for your peace of mind when you’re trying to determine a product’s safety before purchase. If you can’t find lab reports on the websites of dispensaries you’re planning to purchase from, you’re within your rights to request them. If you’re unable to secure one, consider shopping with a trusted dispensary with this information readily available. 

Research Your Product Options

Buying Delta-9 products for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when you see the wide range of options at your disposal. While you might already know that you want to try gummies, it’s easy to be lured in by the prospect of delectable chocolate, baked goods, and even lollipops. 

To avoid being overwhelmed by the selection, consider your reasons for purchasing Delta-9 products in the first place and the environments in which you’ll be consuming them. Gummies and lollipops come in convenient packaging and are practical options for eating in a variety of settings. They are also compact enough to pop into a backpack to transport from one location to another. 

If you simply want to treat yourself to something with Delta-9 to satisfy your sweet tooth, chocolate or even peanut butter nuggets might be more to your liking. 

Consider Reputation

Word of mouth counts for a lot amongst consumers, and most people would much prefer to buy goods and services from businesses that others trust over those they don’t. Before you make your purchase, take a moment to read reviews and testimonials from genuine customers. 

Usually, you can find this information on search engines like Google, along with social media platforms like Facebook. If your friends and family members use Delta-9 products, you might even be able to rely on them for dispensary recommendations. 

Review Doses

Dosages are one of the most crucial considerations when choosing a new dispensary and Delta-9 products. Too much Delta-9 THC, and you might not enjoy your experience, but too little, and you might not have much of an experience at all. 

Currently, manufacturers and dispensaries can produce and stock Delta-9 THC products containing up to 0.3% THC dry weight. However, this can be challenging to put into serving size terms when you start shopping. Pay close attention to the milligram strength per gummy, rather than just per serving or container, as some are manufactured to be stronger than others for a more intense user experience. 

Check Out Dietary Requirements

If you have any specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free, you likely always check the packaging of any food products you purchase. Delta-9 THC products should be no different. 

Pay close attention to the ingredients listed on each product’s packaging and any claims they’re making. For example, some Delta-9 products contain no gelatin and are vegan-friendly, while others have no gluten or artificial sugars. 

How to Try Delta-9 THC Products for the First Time

After conducting plenty of research to have complete confidence in your purchasing decision, you might be ready to consume a gummy, lollipop, or piece of chocolate containing Delta-9 THC for the first time. Here are a few tips that might enhance your experience. 

Start Small

As tempting as it can be to consume more than one delectable gummy at a time, it’s essential to start small as a beginner. Everyone’s sensitivity levels are different, meaning how you’re affected by Delta-9 THC might differ from how someone else is. 

Consider cutting one gummy into quarters and starting with one quarter at a time. You might then like to work your way up to a whole gummy as you become familiar with your own bodily sensations. Most dispensary owners also recommend consuming no more than one gummy in a 24-hour period. 

Take Your Time

You might have heeded dispensary workers’ recommendations to cut your gummy into quarters and consume one quarter at a time, but you might not know how long you’re supposed to wait between each quarter. 

Start with one quarter, and if you don’t notice the effects you thought you would, you will know that you can consume half of a gummy next time. Repeat this process until you reach a comfortable level. For some people, that’s half a gummy; for others, it’s an entire gummy. 

Purchasing Delta-9 products for the first time can be a daunting process, and it can take some time to find a stockist you trust and a product you’re comfortable with. However, through research and with time, you can be well on your way to a memorable purchasing experience. 

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According to the World Health Organization, over 280 million people around the world struggle with depression. Meanwhile, the WHO estimates that around 264 million people have anxiety.

Then there are also those who struggle with both.

While many of us occasionally feel temporary anxiety and depression due to certain events in life, for these millions of people, these mental health disorders can be so overwhelming and debilitating. It can rob us of our quality of life, preventing us from living healthy social lives, maintaining relationships, keeping a job, having stable income, and so much more.

Those that can afford it undertake therapy with licensed psychiatrists and psychologists, while those that are in need of help for more serious anxiety and depression have to turn to medications. Prescription drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the first line of defense for anxiety and depression, including anti-depressant medications. While they can work for many people, they often have terrible side effects that are well known about – enough to make people want to quit them altogether.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Dry mouth

• Tremors

• Weight gain

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

And so much more.

Why Cannabis is Best for Anxiety and Depression

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in studies proving the efficacy of marijuana for treating anxiety and depression without the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.

Patients who have been using cannabis for anxiety and depression report significant improvements as well. In one recent survey in Canada, more than 7,000 patients who had access to medical marijuana and to a licensed MMJ clinic in the country, were polled. The authors said that there were “statistically significant improvements” when they compared the baseline to follow up scores of anxiety and depression for at least one year.

“To our knowledge, this study is the largest completed to date examining the impact of medical cannabis use on anxiety and depression outcomes utilizing longitudinal data and validated questionnaires,” said the study authors.

“It provides evidence on the effectiveness of medical cannabis as a treatment for anxiety and depression that otherwise is not currently available, demonstrating that patients who seek treatment with medical cannabis for anxiety and depression can experience clinically significant improvements. This study offers reasonable justification for the completion of large clinical trials to further the understanding of medical cannabis as a treatment for anxiety and depression,” they concluded.

In summary, the findings showed that patients can expect long-term relief from anxiety and depression when medicating with cannabis.

There are also some studies suggesting that anxiety and depression patients are better off with CBD products as compared to THC for treating their conditions.

One study from 2021, conducted by researchers at the John Hopkins University in Baltimore as well as investigators from Charleston’s University of South Carolina, involved analyzing patterns among depression and anxiety symptoms that were self-reported by a group of cannabis users and non-users. Most of the participants in the study were aware of the cannabinoid composition of products they consumed, saying most of them consumed cannabis dominant in CBD.

“Initiation of medicinal cannabis during the follow-up period of the study was associated with significantly decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms, an effect that was not observed in controls that never initiated cannabis use…. Adverse effects attributed by participants to cannabis product use were infrequent, were more associated with THC-dominant product use,” the authors wrote.

Whereas higher doses of pharmaceutical drugs may be recommended for patients struggling with severe episodes or treatment-resistant conditions, with cannabis, one may only need a small amount in order to cope.

Such is the findings of a 2021 study conducted by Realm of Caring, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to researching cannabis. The findings, which were published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, were gathered after assessing data from the organization’s Observational Research Registry (ORR). They found that individuals who used CBD products on their own, or those who continued to use them during follow up, reported great improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms. Aside from that, they also reported that they had better sleep and suffered from less pain compared to those who weren’t consuming CBD.

“The biggest misconception this study addresses is that CBD doses need to be between 400-600mg before positive psychiatric effects can be achieved,” says Dr. Nicolas Schlienz, Realm of Caring’s Research Director. “We observed positive effects in people taking an average of only about 60mg per day, 1/10 of that dose,” he said.  

There was also another study from earlier this year, in January 2022, wherein findings from an open-label and randomized trial conducted by Advancing CBD Education and Sciences (ACES) published results of participants who purchased over-the-counter CBD products. According to MedScape, they found “clinically meaningful” improvements when it came to anxiety as well as sleep quality and pain.

“ACES is the largest clinical trial ever conducted on commercially available CBD products and provides first-of-its-kind real world evidence into what conditions users may experience benefit from CBD usage, whether these benefits are clinically meaningful, what attributes of CBD products may impact health outcomes, and what side effects may occur,” said Jessica Saleska, PhD, MPH, the study’s co-researcher and Radicle Science director of research.

Ethan Russo, MD, Radicle’s scientific advisor and a neurologist, as well as CEO and founder of CReDO Science, explains further that the study intended to advise consumers make knowledgeable decisions before buying commercially available CBD products.

Conclusion

CBD products are readily available for consumers throughout the country. Because of its safety profile, it’s an excellent way to mitigate everyday anxiety and depression. However, be cautious about mixing them if you are already taking prescription medications from a psychiatrist as there may be unwanted side effects.

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When you think about any crop farming operation, you likely picture field upon field of vibrant crops grown in the ground and workers tending to each row. While some cannabis growing operations are likely established like this, many manufacturers and growers are now showing interest in vertical growing setups.

This can sometimes involve high startup costs, but it can be an exceptionally rewarding industry in many ways. If the time has come to explore your growing options, this vertical growing guide might make you consider vertical cannabis farms as a valid business prospect. 

What is a Vertical Cannabis Farm?

A vertical grow system or cannabis farm describes a growth operation that spans upward rather than outward. Cannabis farmers purchase cannabis grow racks and lighting systems and position the racks around a central light source to grow more plants in a smaller cultivation space. These systems are generally set up inside large industrial buildings rather than out in fields, where temperatures, lighting, and security can all be meticulously controlled. 

Vertical Growing Options

When you’re weighing up your options with a vertical growing operation, there are two possible layouts to consider: stacked and true. 

The stacked vertical method consists of stacked square or hexagonal shelves with a central light source. This allows growers to utilize all available space between the floor and roof, which is typically not possible with a traditional horizontal growing system. 

These layouts also allow growers to deliver water and nutrients to the soil-based or hydroponic plants faster and with less wastage. However, those using this type of system must keep their plants short. 

The more experienced growers might like to consider a true vertical layout, which looks like horizontal farms stacked on top of each other. These systems have plants growing in the sides of the columns with water and nutrients drip-fed from top to bottom. 

Why Consider Growing Cannabis Vertically?

Deciding to transform your current growing setup can be a significant decision to make, but there are plenty of reasons why commercial growers are showing interest in vertical cannabis farms. 

Efficiency

A simple change in layout with vertical planting might be all it takes to enjoy reduced energy consumption. LED lights positioned centrally over your plants might mean you use fewer lights while still ensuring all your plants receive as much light as they need. 

Less Space Required

Owning and leasing land can be expensive, especially when you factor in the costs of purchasing or leasing it along with maintenance and harvesting expenses. When you build your farm upward as opposed to outward, you have fewer space requirements. 

You’re able to make use of previously unusable space, and there’s no need to purchase or lease land. Instead, you simply need to buy or lease a suitable building and develop your operation within a much smaller space. 

More Control

There are many outdoor growing operations throughout the United States, especially in areas where the climate is just right, such as Washington, Northern California, Maine, and Oregon. However, vertical farms can ensure that growers outside of those areas don’t have to miss out on the same growing opportunities. 

When you grow plants inside, you have complete control over how much water and nutrients they receive and can also control the temperature. As a result, you have a much smaller risk of weather-related crop failure compared to growers who rely on the outside elements. 

Easy Installation Process

When vertical farming practices were not commonplace, innovative farmers had to develop their own growing racks and systems. However, the industry has come a long way.  If you’re interested in being a vertical grower, you can now purchase pre-built systems and growing racks that are ready to install. 

Straightforward Expansion Option

The cannabis industry is growing, and dispensaries are opening their doors across the United States, hoping to align with quality growers to provide their customers with what they want. If you’re struggling to keep up with demand with traditional horizontal farming practices, vertical farms offer a fast and easy way to expand. 

You can quickly increase your yield and possibly even enjoy an extra crop cycle compared to traditional farming methods. Before long, you might be well on your way to producing more cannabis to meet demand than you originally anticipated.    

How to Start a Vertical Farm

You might understand the many benefits associated with vertical farming, but that doesn’t mean you’ll know how to get started. Sometimes, it can be as straightforward as following the steps below. 

Step 1: Purchase Grow Racks

Grow racks are a central component of any vertical farm, so they should be one of your first considerations. Fortunately, there are many highly-regarded grow rack manufacturers that can help you create the best vertical farming setup. 

Step 2: Buy An LED Lighting System

LED lighting is efficient, long-lasting, and versatile for a range of cannabis-growing operations. It also burns cooler, which likely reduces the risk of light burn to your plants. There are many different LED lighting systems on the market, so look for one that specifically says it’s suitable for vertical growing. 

Step 3: Purchase Your Crops

It’s important to know that cannabis crops must grow shorter in a vertical setup than they would in a horizontal one. Some varieties grow taller than others, so consider purchasing Indica strains as opposed to Sativas, which might create spatial issues as they enter different growth stages. 

Step 4: Establish Your Setup

Before your new operation gets underway, take the time to make sure you have a well-set-up growing area that will serve you well for many growing cycles to come. Factor in where the water will drip down onto your plants, where you’ll place your new growing racks, and the positioning of your lighting to ensure all plants benefit. 

You might also see the value in installing floor drains to dispose of nutrient water left over from the plants, pumps to move the water, and holding tanks to store it. If you’re unsure how to set up the perfect vertical growing operation, consider bringing in the experts during the planning stage to avoid any problems you might not have expected. 

Growing cannabis vertically can take time and effort, but it can also result in higher yields and potentially more profit while requiring less space. If you haven’t yet looked into the advantages of this growing method, now might be the right time to consider it.

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The cannabis industry consists of different products ranging from flowers, extracts, edibles, and so on. With such a wide variety of products, their categories in the market tend to evolve and change with time. What this means is that some of these products possess tiers and sub-tiers that impact which products rank higher before the consumer. It is therefore important to look at what will make a cannabis product high in demand. Read on as we explore what sets a cannabis product out to consumers who set cannabis prices as the bottom line.

Cannabis dispensaries are organized to differentiate top-shelf products from generic products on the menus. Branding, marketing, and organization in the dispensary have served as key differentiators used to separate these products. The aim is to ensure that the customers can be attracted to the features, benefits, quality, and other traits of such top-shelf products. This is expected to inform the buying decision of such a customer and direct them to the top products in the dispensary. However, trends have shown that the major factor driving consumers buying decisions in 2022 is cannabis prices.

The purchasing power of a consumer is a very important factor that determines what the consumer can purchase market. This means that cannabis consumers are very conscious of the prices of products in line with their purchasing power. While this is predominantly true, the cannabis industry is such that consumers aim to get maximum satisfaction from their products. This means while also considering prices and their purchasing power, cannabis consumers want to get the most for their money.

Cannabis flower prices on the West Coast plunged recently with the prices of outdoor and greenhouse products dropping by 50% from last year. This means consumers that are very particular about the prices of products now have a bigger net of options to choose from.

Jason Bridges as the head of merchandising with Amuse which is one of the largest cannabis distributors in California. He recently weighed in on the discussion about price-conscious consumers in the cannabis industry. Bridges believe that consumers are more price-conscious now than they were a couple of years ago. He added that consumers are normally willing to pay top dollar for flowers with as high as 30% THC due to their quality and potency. However, a number of small brands now possess flowers with high THC content at low prices. Bridges, therefore, believes this has affected the mindset of consumers to seek products with high THC content and low prices irrespective of brands.

What will help you understand this market characteristic of cannabis consumers is how cannabis products perform in mature markets. Headset reported on the popularity of cannabis products in mature markets earlier this year. The results showers that the products are consistently ebb and flow based on consumer performance in the market. As the markets mature, edibles and other products are gradually taking prominence from cannabis flowers which normally dominate the market. Other products such as tinctures, sublingual strips, pre-rolls, and beverages are also becoming important. Canada recorded a stunning 3,000% growth in tinctures and sublingual products over the year.

Distinction across groups of products also affects the prices and performances of such products. As stated earlier, some products easily possess tiers and sub-tiers which perform differently and thus cannot be generalized. Flowers for example according to Bridges possess about five different tiers which are more than that of any product. These tiers have different prices and so are expected to be arranged differently and perform differently. Edibles on the other hand are all within the same price range which means their performance in the market depends on the customer’s preference. Other products like vape cartridges and pre-rolls despite their small distinctions are still similar in performance. This means only flowers possess a wide margin in pricing tiers that might influence the customer’s choice.

BDSA analysis also showed the performance of some products of some of these products in the cannabis market in California from 2021. The product that has recorded the most increase in the vape market is live resins. Resins are gradually becoming a household name in cannabis dispensaries as they are top-shelf products with a top stake in the vape market. The analysis from BDSA shows that live resins make up 30% of vape sales in California in 2021. This was a steady increase.10% in 2019. Presently, live resins have grown to more than 75 percent of top-priced products in that category. This trend of live resins is similar to that of flowers in the market where top-shelf products outperform budget buds.

With more subcategories emerging, differentiation in cannabis prices is set to be a major discussion topic in 2022 as products jockey for top-shelf. Consumers have to decide which products have additional benefits and deserve the premium of higher prices. This category is already seen in the edibles market where consumers willingly pay more for additional functional benefits in the gummies. Gummies that have CBD are 20% higher in price than those without. Nonetheless, they have recorded an increase in sales by 40 percent from 2020 to 2021 according to BDSA. Gummy products with minor cannabinoids such as CBN and CBG are also increasing in popularity and performance in California markets.

The performance of cannabis products in the market has shown that the cannabis industry is not like other industries out there. While predictions can be made on which product should perform more than the other, the onus still lies in the hands of the consumer to choose what he wants. With a wide array of products available to meet the need of the consumer, jockeying for the top shelf has become less definite. Purchasing power and prices might be a strong determinant in some regions while benefits are the major factor for some categories. This means ultimately the products which suit the personal preference and capabilities of the consumer should be expected to perform more. Yet, this too is not set in stone so don’t bet on it.

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Massachusetts cannabis companies have paid $50M-plus in community fees since 2018

Cannabis businesses based in Massachusetts towns and cities have paid more than $53 million in “impact” fees since recreational cannabis sales kicked off in the state. This is the conclusion reached by a survey carried out by Northeastern University researchers on 88 communities.

The survey was published by the Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association as lawmakers debate on a final bill that would compel these towns and cities to justify their actions. An action many critics call a government shakedown.

One of the sponsors of the legislation, state Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz affirmed that the report further proves how unequal and arbitrary the local process of approval had become. She added that she’s looking forward to a time when the cannabis marketplace meets our expectations, aspirations, and values.

Presently, Massachusetts state law enables communities to charge a 3% tax on cannabis sales. Communities also get to charge impact fees to a max of 3% of a firm’s yearly revenue given the fee is ‘reasonably related’ facility imposed cost. However, given the absence of state supervision, a lot of these communities charge cannabis business to the maximum percentage without quoting specific impacts.

Meanwhile, local officials have argued that the fees were arranged in good faith. They said the fees have gone a long way in curbing the cost of setting up cannabis regulations, managing heightened traffic, and reviewing license applications.

Nonetheless, the Northeastern report has brought forward new questions relating to the practice, which entrepreneurs and advocates have long criticized as a form of bribery. They believe the funds are being channeled to unrelated state projects while locking our small cannabis businesses that can’t afford to pay the fees.

Out of the 88 communities that claimed to have changed the impact fees as inclusive of the agreements made with the cannabis business, only 47 communities provided a public record of fees collected. This means that the $53.3 million is way less than the actual amount collected by these towns and cities.

The Exception: Brookline

Fall River, a city whose ex-mayor is currently serving a 6-year jail time in federal prison for receiving bribes from applicants for cannabis licenses earned $5.33 million in impact fees, more than any other city that took the survey. Although Fall River did not disclose how the money was spent.

Brookline, the home of NETA, one of the most successful dispensaries in the country, is the second city on the list has and received $4.9 million in fees. The total fee amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars cannabis businesses have remitted to enforcement officials working compulsory town security details at cannabis dispensaries.

The city’s director of administrative services, Devon Fields, admitted that the inception of cannabis stores has led to considerable administrative costs and headaches in the neighborhood. Fields claimed the neighborhood has been impacted by various disorderly conducts including neighborhood trashing, parking, traffic, and various endowment issues. She believes the impact fees are justified and it would be a shame if the cash inflow is halted.

Different from other cities, Brookline diverted the funds into a separate account overseen by a community board that publishes a comprehensive account of all expenditures when due. Fields believe the town has judiciously managed the funds which have been used to kick start initiatives for racial justice and employ counselors for substance abuse cases. He also noted that the funds have helped Brooklyn push local cannabis retailers to also prioritize diversity in hiring.

Brookline has maintained a transparent process that everyone can see. Fields added that more oversight would be appreciated but the city does not want to be in a situation similar to Fall River. Brookline was quick to accept that legalization of legal cannabis was bound to happen, which gave the city the edge, time, and resources to make everything work.

Current Stance of The Massachusetts Municipal Association

As a representative of the local government, the Massachusetts Municipal Association is lobbying against the planned ban on impact fees. The association argued that the impact fees are fair and are a practical incentive for towns and cities to host cannabis facilities.

The executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Geoff Beckwith, affirmed in a statement that the cannabis industry is publishing another report that cares for the financial interest of its members. He believes this is an attempt to discredit agreements between host communities that had been fairly negotiated in the interest of the public.

Geoff believes that towns and cities should retain the power to make decisions on behalf of taxpayers and residents as regards agreements with the marijuana industry.

In the course of the survey only 42 cities made available their spending records to the researchers as proof of revenue disbursement. Among these cities, half claimed that the money is diverted to their general funds which are then spent on various budget items and local initiatives. This is regardless of if they were connected to the effects of growing facilities and cannabis stores. 

For instance, Wareham used a larger percentage of its $1.7 million impact fees to fund the latest police headquarters, while Maynard used a percentage of its $137,000 impacts fee for the construction of four park benches. Other communities claim the fees were used to fund various things like police cruisers, fire equipment, rides are programs, storm drains, and so on. 

However, according to Jeffrey Moyer, a professor of public policy at Northeastern University, while few of these claims are true, most of these cities are not transparent about their spending habits. The resident of the cannabis business association, David O’Brien, affirmed that many of these cities are using these impact fees mud funds with little transparency and zero accountability.

Just a few towns like Lee and Northampton have stopped receiving impact fees claiming cannabis businesses have been good to their neighborhood and exact several measurable costs. Meanwhile, other cities have doubled down. For instance, Haverhill is challenging a lawsuit issued by a local cannabis store disputing the impact fees.

Conclusion

As it stands, cannabis businesses are willing to cover the real impact costs they may inflict on communities. However, what’s objectionable is the compulsion to pay a flat rate fee that isn’t compelled on non-cannabis businesses with identical impacts. While there’s certainly the need for local control in towns and cities, the impact fee seems too ambiguous for comfort. It is basically legalized bribery.

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