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New Year’s Resolution for Making Edibles Healthy? Try FA Nino’s Smokin’ Green Pot Sauce!

Author: Ron Calef

The Galley has been working on amazing products all year and any of these would make great gifts for the cannabis enthusiast in your life - even if it's just yourself! The next holiday gift we are recommending for this season is F A Nino’s Sauces. 

After 25 years of providing sauces and condiments to the food service industry, this Petaluma, California business made a strategic change to its business and adjusted its product strategy to emphasize cannabis infused products. While the size of this market is difficult to pin down with certainty, industry sources suggest that there may be as many as six million Californians who are regular cannabis consumers. The company leadership team believed that this market was underserved and was ready for a new product offering. 

Beginning with a favorite family recipe, the owners created a unique sauce which was infused with 250mg of hemp CBD per six-ounce bottle. The sauce was very well-received by consumers from day one and sales grew rapidly with strong customer reviews. Featuring a newly developed quick-onset effect known as Rapid Effect Active Cannabinoid Technology (REACT), the sauce soon gained sales momentum as word spread in the cannabis user community. Unique within the industry, the quick onset edible technology was developed by Kushla Life Sciences and it was a game-changer that offered an important competitive advantage. Customer feedback was exceptionally positive reporting that users loved the quick action response which produced a euphoric effect within five minutes as opposed to ten plus minutes with other edibles.  

F. A. Nino’s Sauces offers twenty items including their popular organics line, a CBD infused BBQ bundle, a spicy Latin blend and fire roasted habanero pepper, sage, beer and tarragon flavors. Owner Chuck Ross has created a successful business model by targeting his culinary passions towards a quickly expanding edible cannabis market. He attributes his success to an unwavering commitment to the highest quality ingredients available and strictly adhering to the principles of taste over heat and savory over sweet.

The company’s rubs and sauces are highly versatile and recommended for grilled meats and veggies, dips, dressings and marinades or any other culinary creation the user might select. Critically acclaimed as an exceptionally high-quality product, Nino’s Sauces are certified as low-sodium, vegan-friendly, organic and contain no artificial preservatives. Mr. Ross assigns memorable names to the products and his best-seller is The Godfather of Sauce, inspired by his close friend and advisor, a Monsignor in the Catholic Church. The company’s sales have enjoyed a sharp increase which Mr. Ross attributes to customer response from a health-conscious consumer base that favors the principle that “hotter is not always better!”

Selected customer comments include:

Amazing hot sauces and killer catering.

Best hot sauces in northern California, hands down.

Absolutely excellent rubs and cutting-edge concentrate.

You can’t go wrong with The Godfather of Sauce!

This sauce rocks.

One of the best sauces I have ever had.

If you’re looking for something a little different in your Holiday cannabis selection, check out this company. You will find them online at www.faninos.com. 

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The Galley’s Holiday Gift Recommendation: Tossed, Sauced and Baked Sauces

Author: Ron Calef

The Galley has been working on amazing products all year and any of these would make great gifts for the cannabis enthusiast in your life, even if that’s you. The fourth and final gift that we are recommending are the unique products of Tossed, Sauced and Baked: Sauces.

With the introduction of so many exciting new cannabis products, it’s often difficult to select one over another for review. However, after looking at a broad range of new products, we have selected Tossed, Sauced and Baked: Sauces as the final item on our list of gifting recommendations for the 2020 holiday season. 

Why sauces? Simply stated, it’s about their versatility as cooking staple that can differentiate a successful kitchen at home or a commercial setting.  And cannabis you may ask?  No longer the exclusive domain of hippies and stoners, cannabis has gained a fresh reputation for its healing powers, which we are just beginning to understand. Cannabis derived products are migrating to a mainstream status with consumers as the legalization trend continues to expand at the state level. Accompanying this trend is a surge of new cannabis infused edibles in the sauce category which is not usually associated with this versatile plant. 

For the commercial chef or home cook, sauces are the finishing touch that can turn an ordinary meal into a gourmet offering. For food lovers that enjoy creating something extra special, it’s often the sauce that sets a dish apart from more ordinary fare. Cannabis infused sauces are playing a small part in the evolution of the fine art of gourmet cooking.

Businesswire, a publication that tracks commercial trends has projected that the edible cannabis market will reach $12 billion in annual revenues by 2027 and sauces are expected to represent a substantial portion of that revenue base. Near term projections suggest a market size of $863 million by the conclusion of 2020. In this holiday review we are pleased to feature a unique cannabis edibles company with a very special product. 

Tossed, Sauced and Baked: Sauces is a California business that is carving out a market niche of unusual cannabis infused products and we featurg them as our final gift recommendation for 2020. As for product offerings, this company currently offers three sauce versions, each of which are infused with 100 milligrams of THC and 25 milligrams of CBD per 236 ML bottle. Marketed as both savory and sweet, these sauces are aimed at the cannabis enthusiast as cannabis infused prepared food that fits your lifestyle! 

The company’s Executive Chef, Glenn Cybulsky, credits his brother for the inspiration which led to the creation of a cannabis-based product that could be used on a daily basis in home kitchens. When asked how the business started, Mr. Cybulsky tells the story about his oldest brother’s return Viet Nam tour, and planted a small patch of cannabis. Enquiring as to why he was growing it, Glenn’s brother said that it helps him sleep. This attracted his attention and his exploration of the healing properties of cannabis began. Today he is an industry pioneer in the fast growing cannabis infused sector offering a unique food product with acclaimed healing benefits.   

Tossed, Sauced and Baked: Sauces offers a full line of fine cannabis-based products including a Sweet N’ Spicy BBQ Sauce which is an especially noteworthy item itself. “A pinch of Kansas City and a dab of southern smoke makes this award-winning sauce simply amazing”. This unique sauce is recommended for chicken, pork ribs and BBQ beef and it features a 4:1 ratio of THC to CBD.

Next on the company’s menu is a tasty caramel sauce made with fresh cream and real butter. This is a rich, multipurpose sauce offering a savory taste which works especially well with morning coffee, as a natural snack with apple slices, cookies, pie or as a flavoring for seasonal drinks like egg nog. Customer product reviews have been very favorable åwith a 95% positive rate. 

If you are looking for something a little different this year, consider this unique offering. This fine company is only as far away as your phone or laptop and you can order from them directly at https://www.tossedsaucedbaked.com/ 

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The Galley’s Holiday Gift Recommendation: 19forty LA Bath Bombs

Author: Ron Calef

The Galley has been reviewing amazing cannabis products all year and any of these would make a great gift for the weed enthusiast in your life. Our first recommendation is a bath additive offered by a Los Angeles-based cannabis products business, 19forty Bath Bombs. 

The English Rose Bath Bomb makes a great holiday gift for those on your cannabis-friendly shopping list. This is a high-quality bath additive package of three hand pressed essential oils, each infused with 50 milligrams of CBD. List prices range from $14.99 to $40.00 and discounted holiday pricing is currently available. The product is a one-of-a-kind CBD bath enhancement that will long be remembered as a product of exceptional quality that delivers “as advertised”.  You can find this fine product online at 19fortycbd.com.

The bomb contains nourishing essential oils and fizzy goodness to deliver maximum benefits. Easy to use with no special preparations required, the user simply drops the compressed bomb package into the bathtub and all-natural ingredients dissolve and immediately begin to work their magic. Customers love the product and reviews indicate that it is most effective as a tension reducer that delivers skin nourishment as an added benefit.

19Forty was founded by Mike Hannegan, an electronic musical event promoter who became interested in cannabis through colleagues in the entertainment business. Recognizing a unique opportunity in a growing industry, Mr. Hannegan launched his product in 2019 with an “infused wellness” theme and was rewarded with early success. 19Forty produces and sells both THC and CBD infused bath bombs with scents including English Rose, Lemongrass, MuscleMelt and several more are in the pipeline. If you are looking for more variety in your cannabis, then this company is a worthwhile resource to consider. 

This bath product offering is important to the industry as it demonstrates the commercial potential of cannabis beyond traditional ingestible and inhalable products. Many companies similar to 19Forty are offering innovative cannabis-based products and every new product pushes the old stigmas linked to cannabis further into the background. It is products like this that will make cannabis an ever-increasing contributor to the country’s economic growth.

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The Galley Holiday Gift Recommendations: Laurie & Mary Jane Edibles

Author: Ron Calef

The Galley has been working on amazing products all year and any of these would make a great gift for the cannabis enthusiast in your life, even if it's just yourself! This week we are recommending Laurie and Mary Jane Edibles. 

In the early days, the prevailing cannabis practice was to smoke the dried leaves in a pipe, water-cooled bong or rolled in a cigarette paper. As the health risks linked to tobacco smoking became well-publicized, health-conscious cannabis smoking consumers turned to edibles and those products skyrocketed in popularity. Presently, edible cannabis products are the fastest growing segment of the industry with sales increasing by 50% annually. 

There is a wide range of excellent cannabis edibles to choose from and it was difficult to narrow down our recommendation. After much consideration, we have selected Laurie and Mary Jane Edibles for our first holiday gift recommendation for 2020.  

And just who is this new player in cannabis edibles? This is a small, family business headquartered in cannabis-friendly Oregon that has carved out a niche by focusing on cannabis edibles produced with exceptionally high-quality standards. This strategy has been successful and has rewarded them with customer loyalty, favorable media coverage and sustained growth in a market with intense competitive pressure. 

Published product reviews and customer feedback credit their success to high quality ingredients, a smooth, distinguished taste and consistently dosed products. The founders have spared no expense with their ingredients as they are committed to the philosophy that only the very finest products will stand the test of time in a market crowded with competition. The strategy appears to be working zas Laurie Wolff was acclaimed by New Yorker Magazine as “the Martha Stewart of cannabis edibles.”

The company’s successful product strategy is attributed to use of the best quality ingredients obtainable. While there may be less expensive ingredients available, this company never allows cost to overshadow quality. 

Less expensive processes produce a distillate refined to deliver only a single extract of THC, which is generally less desirable. The company’s quality procurement strategy includes the purchase of pricey ingredients like European butter, organic chocolate and unadulterated coconut oils. This incremental investment has proven to be worthwhile as it has consistently delivered exceptional product to their customers.

The full-spectrum product manufacturing process begins with outdoor, sun-grown cannabis, which is processed directly by infusion into organic, non-GMO, solvent-free coconut oil. This special technique delivers a clean, robust and tasteful oil ensuring a superior quality edibles experience for the discerning consumer. 

Edible cannabis offerings continue to grow in popularity and forward-thinking growers seek to develop new strains designed to enhance the consumer experience. There are 1,700 licensed cannabis dispensaries in the USA and edible products are reported as best sellers with sales increasing by as much as 50% in many dispensaries. Industry observers suggest that that sustained growth of cannabis product sales industry lies in the development of a broader array of edible cannabis items with modest amounts of THC, CBD or perhaps both. 

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Cannabis and Your Skin

Author: Ron Calef

The beauty and personal care industry in America is a substantial economic engine generating $84 billion dollars in sales and reporting an annual growth rate of 4%. The average consumer spends $197 per year on cosmetic products provided by companies like L’Oréal, Gillette, NIVEA, Estee Lauder and Clinique. Products ranking high in sales are tanning lotions, moisturizers, skin tone enhancers, shampoos and eyelash products, all of which contain custom blended oils, herbs and chemical additives. Industry insiders report growing consumer acceptance of cannabis derived products as old stigmas associated with “weed” disappear. 

Young adults who have grown up in a “weed-friendly” society are conditioned to a more liberal view of cannabis and skincare products play prominently in that scenario. Regarding the level of interest in cannabis as a skincare treatment option, consider what the media is reporting on the subject. 

An on-line search for cannabis skin care benefits produced 8.3 million items, many of which featured topical CBD, a marijuana plant derivative. Mainstream media has been following the emerging story of topical cannabis as reported in a 2019 Forbes Magazine’s article entitled Everything You Need to Know About CBD Skincare. The author, Noma Nazish, describes the acclaimed healing properties of CBD (cannabidiol) as “offering some serious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.” In spite of federally mandated restrictions on cannabis, research and product development is underway and the skincare industry is leading the way. Insiders believe that the cannabis segment of cosmetics is on the verge of becoming a mainstream product that will gain traction as legalization advances at the federal, state and local level. 

Globally, the CBD cosmetics business is a substantial economic engine with $580 billion in estimated sales. The range of products is broad runs for hemp-infused serum, sunscreens and chap sticks to skin creams, exfoliants and cleansers. New cannabis-based products directed at cosmetics-skincare are introduced on a regularly and sales have been encouraging. The market is expected to open up as anti-cannabis laws are replaced by more liberal regulations.

In the United States, CBD-based skincare products are sold in beauty supply stores, a few general merchandise retail outlets and cannabis dispensaries. While the effects and benefits of CDB skincare products are not well documented, dermatologists familiar with its topical use considered to be quite safe. 

Dr. Adarsh Mudgi is a respected skincare specialist at New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital who regularly prescribes CBD in his dermatology practice. A pioneer in the field of medical-use cannabis, he commented “there’s is no harm in using a CBD infused product and if you happen to have a reaction, simply stop using the product and the symptoms will disappear.”  

Market Watch, a consumer trend analysis firm, reports that the rapidly growing interest in skincare can be attributed to strong personal desires to postpone the outward signs of aging. Much of the growth in the skincare sector will be fueled by cannabis-derived products, according to industry observers.

Linking the expanding skincare market to the cannabis community has moved quickly thanks to widespread media coverage of CBD (cannabidiol), a key beneficial chemical in the cannabis plant. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a Market Watch advisor is the director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mt Sinai. He has characterized cannabis as an under-utilized plant with beneficial properties that are worthy of further investigation as a skin disorder medication. He observed that the CBD genie is out of the bottle and it’s going to be very difficult for the FDA to reverse that condition. 

Cannabis is on the cusp of legitimacy and the next few years will see a surge of health care applications that few would imagine possible. From what we see today, it appears that the skincare industry is going is going to be an early beneficiary of that work.

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Native Americans and Cannabis

Author: Ron Calef

While some historians have suggested that cannabis arrived in the New World with Columbus, many believe that it was already here when he made landfall in the Bahama Islands.

Although the precise history of cannabis use has been lost over time, we do know that native Americans were familiar with the plant. Based on stories passed down in the oral tradition, the euphoria attributed to inhaled cannabis smoke was well-known among native Americans and the effects held sacred significance.

Anthropologists have confirmed pre-historic cannabis use based on residue found in ancient ceremonial pipe bowls. Despite the plant’s mixed reputation in contemporary society, cannabis is a revered plant with sacred significance in many native cultures. 

The United States government recognizes the importance of natural herbs and plants such as cannabis, peyote and mushrooms in light of traditional use in religious ceremonies. The lack of religious freedom drove the Pilgrims to shores of America, and 400 years later, that freedom stands as one of our nation’s most respected traditions.  

Under well-defined conditions, cannabis use is permitted for religious purposes in America. Although the regulatory landscape is rapidly changing, recreational cannabis use remains unlawful by federal statute. Fortunately, there are signs of a shift to cannabis decriminalization in Washington and such a proposal is now under review by a congressional subcommittee. 

Preference polls suggest that cannabis legalization is quite controversial among voters and strong views prevail on both sides. Although the legalization movement has support from several congressional leaders, advocates do not expect real progress until after the 2020 elections. 

Regarding the White House’s cannabis perspective, President Trump supports federal legalization, but only for medical use. He believes all other cannabis-related decisions should be made at the state level. Mr. Biden supports the decriminalizing of cannabis use and would also expunge all prior cannabis use convictions from the court records.

Four states will vote on cannabis legalization in the election: New Jersey, Arizona, South Dakota and Montana. In addition, six states will have the option to vote for candidates who openly favor legalization. Industry observers view this as a favorable shift in public perception as most running for office choose to avoid cannabis discussions to avoid controversy. The national polling firm, Pew Research reports a decade-long increase of approval of legalizing cannabis.

Although this matter does not receive much attention in the national media, cannabis is economically important to the future of our native American community. The 2018 Farm Bill removed decades-long hemp cultivation restrictions and Americans can now legally grow cannabis. This was excellent financial news for the native American community as cannabis revenues could help reduce the widespread poverty found on native American tribal reservations. 

What is the potential economic impact? Due to its unlawful federal status, cannabis revenue dollars are difficult to confirm as few in the business release sales details. However, the New Frontier Data firm has estimated that as much as $2.5 billion dollars in cannabis income could flow to native American tribes by the end of 2025. Other sources note that this estimate is substantially under stated and the actual dollars may be twice those projected by the analysts.

Leading the way in the development of a cannabis presence in this ethnic community is the Native American Hemp Association (NAHA). An advocacy group headquartered in Arizona, the NAHA lobbies on congressional matters and represents the native American cannabis industry to the public. 

An important NAHA mission is to provide research on alternative uses for industrial hemp. One of their first recommendations was to plant hemp acreage to remediate contaminated soil and they recommended a specific project.  The Atomic Energy Commission’s nuclear test sites northwest of Las Vegas were considered the best sites for contaminated soils remediation research because of their remote location and prohibited public access. The research project was approved, and a substantial cannabis crop was planted.

Following a cannabis growing season on the most contaminated sites, a soils analysis was completed which produced favorable results. The specific findings were were detailed in a 1996 Environmental Impact Statement which ran 40 single-spaced pages. Native American representatives were deeply involved in the development of the study and provided location-specific details regarding affected tribal lands. Water quality was the critical issue for the tribal elders and much attention focused on that issue alone.

These test sites encompass 1,350 square miles and a substantial portion of it is highly radioactive. Most of this land will be unsafe for human occupancy for centuries to come. The test locations are highly restricted, fenced-in, and prominently posted as no-access areas and are patrolled by armed, law enforcement personnel. teams. There are substantial federal penalties for trespassing which can include incarceration and substantial fines. 

In 1998, a similar result was reported at the Chernobyl Reactor site in the Ukraine where hemp was planted following the meltdown of the core. A year after the initial planting, soils tests indicated a substantial reduction in heavy metals and other contaminants had been reduced by a substantial amount. 

The lead research scientist on the hemp project at Chernobyl commented that “hemp has proven to be one of the best phyto-remediative plants we have been able to find.” The plants are disposed as toxic radioactive waste by being buried in designated, secure exclusion zones.

From the native American perspective, there are eight Indian Nations that have considered cannabis cultivation, but many restriction problems remain at the federal level in spite of sovereign tribal rights. 

Oglala Sioux

Although this Sioux tribe legalized industrial hemp cultivation in 1998 it generated only minor interest with one family producing a crop for two consecutive seasons. In 2002 Federal authorities destroyed the second crop and then filed a restraining order prohibiting further cultivation. In 2014 a proposal to vote on cannabis legalization the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was rejected by the tribal council and the effort was abandoned.

Flandreau Santee Sioux 

In mid-2015, the tribe’s elders authorized growing a cannabis crop, which was to be consumed withing their tribal territory. Federal and state authorities advised the tribe that they were at risk of a law enforcement raid that could result in arrests, substantial fines and possible incarceration for those convicted of federal crimes. 

Menominee

In 2015, The tribe grew a field of low-thc industrial hemp, which they were lawfully allowed to do. The DEA raided the cultivated acreage and destroyed thousands of plants. The tribe went to court claiming they were growing industrial hemp, and the government arguing that the crop was cannabis. The tribe went to court and the judge ruled that that because hemp was not a permissible crop in Wisconsin, the tribe’s claim was denied.

Cherokee

America’s largest native tribe, the Cherokee nation announced in early 2020 that they were forming a working group to study hemp and cannabis opportunities. Tribal leaders agree that this is an emerging industry that could provide substantial economic benefits to its businesses and citizens. They also made it very clear that they would move forward with responsibility and in strict adherence to the law in order to ensure success and sustainability. 

Suquamish 

A western Washington tribe, the Squamish opened the first tribal-controlled cannabis store in the state. After legalizing cannabis within the tribe, they began selling cannabis to the public in their retail storefront location and it has been enormously successful.

Summary

The cannabis industry may be controversial and is subject to evolving legislation but there is there’s little doubt that it is here to stay. As a cultural - ethnic group that has been poorly treated by the government over the last 200 years, the Native Americans are entitled to any economic benefits cannabis may provide. A conservative estimate of a 5% market share owned by native American entities would generate 1.9 billion dollars annually and create between 6,000 and 30,000 jobs with wages approaching a billion dollars annually. Tax revenues to the states would be substantial and much welcomed by income seeking taxation agencies.

Cannabis cannot be ignored as an economic engine and the native Americans have recognized its significance and are well positioned to take advantage of the changing landscape.

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Is There Still A Harvest Season for Cannabis?

Author: Ron Calef

Croptober is usually the harvest season for 80% of the annual cannabis crop which runs from late September through early November. Cannabis enthusiasts look forward to the harvest which features new strains, farm-fresh products and reduced pricing on aged inventory.

Within the cannabis industry there is on-going conversation regarding quality distinctions between indoor and outdoor grown cannabis. While both sides offer convincing arguments in favor of their methods, indoor cultivation holds a slight edge. 60% of the growers surveyed prefer covered, or indoor production, citing control of temperature, irrigation, pests, soil conditions and harsh weather as the key decision-making considerations. This management all comes at increased production expense which makes indoor cannabis substantially more expensive to grow. Industry sources report the per gram cost of growing indoor cannabis at $2.00 compared to only $.25 for outdoor grown. 

Buyer experience surveys indicate a preference for outdoor grown cannabis because of its flavor, appearance, texture and other subtle qualities not found in greenhouse plants. Dispensaries report increasing requests for natural, outdoor grown products as quality-minded customers seek out earthy flavors, smoothness, and robust, healthy appearance. Many cannabis cultivators are environmentally minded and outdoor growing is preferred where possible. 

For the outdoor grower, weather is always of concern as an early seasonal rain could cause mold to grow on the flowering plant, spoiling the entire crop. To avoid such an economic disaster, farmers plant a variety of strains that mature at different times thus limiting the risk attached to a single variety crop. 

Croptober is a difficult economic time for indoor cultivators as the influx of outdoor cannabis can drop the market price by as much as $400 to $500 per pound. With the expansion of indoor growing, the flow of product to the marketplace is spread throughout the year. This even flow of product reduces the negative effect of a single harvest month.

From a consumer perspective, the months following October are a perfect time to stock up on favorite strains at a reasonable cost. Dispensary inventories are at a peak, and the discerning buyer will find a wide variety of strain choices that are not always available at reasonable prices. Market research suggests that as most cannabis buyers are budget constrained, Croptober is the prime month to stock up on favorite strains at lower-than-average prices.

In general, outdoor grown cannabis is less expensive for the grower because soil preparation costs are lower and protective enclosures are not required.  One drawback to the outdoor method is that the farmer can only expect one yield per year from a single field. In addition, unpredictable weather conditions such as too much or little rain, frost or high winds can wipe out a season’s plantings overnight. 

While the economics of yield are an important consideration, some planters believe that outdoor plants are healthier because they don’t require intensive fertilization and the extensive use of pesticides. 

It is true that indoor growing is more expensive, but it has the benefit of control of desired attributes found in a well-tended, superior quality plant. Consumer’s agree and cannabis user studies report a preference for indoor flowers because they are consistent in appearance, smell and feel. For the grower, an enclosed or covered operation is a plus as it provides the highest product yield with 4 to 8 crops per year in a temperate climate. 

One of a cannabis grower’s primary objectives is to maximize the crop’s potency level, which is determined by its harvest date. The terpen and THC levels peak to deliver the most flavorful and potent cannabis after a two-month flowering stage, so getting the harvest date right is critical. Not only does selecting the right date come from long experience but the weather is always a concernng factor. Fortunately, on the West Coast, the weather is generally predictably clement during this time of the year. 

Augmenting the economics of a successful cannabis harvest is a new business associated with Croptober, called cannatourism.  \Locally known as Referred to locally as the “bud and breakfast” business, innovative farmers are promoting growing and processing tours hosted by knowledgeable guides, on-site educational presentations and some even offer sample “tastings”. 

As cannabis legalization makes state-by-state progress, public interest in behind-the-scene cultivation operations has increased substantially. Today’s consumers are curious about how their weed is grown, processed and packaged. As an innovative new business model, cannabis tourism has become the latest product of the weed-friendly Colorado. 

The harvest season is the most interesting time to see the cannabis industry in full operation. The best way to gain an inside look is to sign up for a tour that will open doors to small, guided groups.  Tours have the advantage of pre-set arrangements with industry resources that open doors unavailable to the general public. Two Denver companies offer this experience: Colorado Cannabis Tours and Experience Guide both provide guided tours to dispensaries to see the business from behind the counter.  Tour guides are knowledgeable cannabis experts who can discuss the complexities of cannabis strains in a user-friendly manner and answer almost any cannabis-related questions. For the socially minded, the tours can be animated experiences as the onboard consumption of purchases is encouraged. Designated drivers are always recommended for participants who may wish to sample products. 

The Spot 420 company is a full-service dispensary near Colorado Springs that offers behind-the-scenes grow and facility tours covering the seed to store cannabis cycle. Visitors can observe cultivation operations, tour a clean room processing facility and follow the rigid quality control procedures required for flawless cannabis processing. Spot 420 is an innovator in cannatourism that has set the new standard for a the cannabis industry. 

In Los Angeles, The Weed Bus Grow Tour and Lounge Experience, is a mobile seed to sale experience hosted by a master grower. Three hours long, patrons visit a grow, and two upscale cannabis retailers complete with sampling.

CannabisTours.com is a national source for cannabis tourism and offers 420 friendly tours, hotels, classes and activities in Denver, San Francisco Washington DC, Portland and Boston.

CannaVines in the San Francisco Bay Area provides a combined weed and wine tour and is acclaimed as “an exceptional experience”. It includes wineries and dispensaries north of the city complete with sampling.

If Denver is in your plans, you can sign up with My 420 Tours and learn how to roll a professional-grade joint followed by a lesson in rolling sushi. This two-hour class is offered three times a week and is frequently sold out.

If you have a creative side that includes painting, consider the Puff, Pass and Paint classes which are now offered in 13 cities across the United States.

In conclusion, the cannabis industry is alive and thriving and the 2020 harvest is anticipated to be another outstanding crop. While we are not quite there yet, the legalization movement is alive and well and the industry is cautiously optimistic with Vice President Harris as a supporter in the Oval Office. 

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Election Update:  A Clean Sweep for Cannabis

CNN’s November 7th headline announced Legal Weed Wins Big in Election and went on to describe the success of adult recreational cannabis use measures nationwide. Cannabis industry leaders were pleased with the election outcome as fifteen states approved its medical use and eleven more established recreational use guidelines. 

John Hudak is a senior cannabis policy advisor at the Brookings Institute who follows election outcomes on cannabis matters. Adult cannabis use laws passed in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota with substantial margins and he called the election “a resounding win for cannabis which is moving the industry out of the shadows of illegality”.

Mr. Hudak points to the Scotts Company that is acquiring hydroponics equipment businesses, which count cannabis growers among their largest customers. He also noted a public demonstration of cannabis support by Scotts executives which contributed $800,000 in support of New Jersey’s legalization campaign.   

The voters of the Garden State spoke and passed the state constitutional amendment permitting adult cannabis use by a wide 67% margin. New Jersey’s favorable cannabis vote is expected to influence similar legislation under consideration in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania. 

The New Jersey Governor, Philip Murphy, has been a long-time supporter of cannabis and regulatory reform. Speaking to the media shortly after the polls closed, Mr. Murphy commented that “Adult use marijuana passed convincingly tonight, marking a huge step forward in racial and social justice and for our economy.” 

From a financial perspective, cannabis will provide the state with a much-needed tax revenue source. The state is in a strong position to capitalize on cannabis sales because there is little local competition as with the closest cannabis-legal states far to the north in New England. Although New Jersey’s law did not include specific regulatory requirements, those are being developed by a subcommittee and expected to gain legislative approval without delay.

When New Jersey’s cannabis dispensaries are allowed open, over 130 million adults will be within driving distance of a legal retail outlet. The Marijuana Business Journal forecasts that New Jersey could realize $950 million tax dollars on cannabis sales and also provide tens of thousands of new jobs. 

The state’s economy has been seriously damaged by the coronavirus pandemic and their unemployment stands at 16.6 % - the second highest in the nation. New Jersey economists are encouraged by the likely expansion of employment in the cannabis industry and many believe it can put a meaningful number of its citizens back to work. With new jobs projected as an unexpected benefit, the cannabis industry is perceived more favorably as new jobs become available. 

Arizona’s Proposition 207 legalizes possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for adults and establishes a dispensary system for retail sales. The state’s measure also allows people convicted of minor cannabis crimes like possession of small quantities to have court records cleared through the expungement process.

At the national level, legal cannabis is on track to become a nine-billion-dollar business. While this projected revenue may not elevate cannabis to F-500 status, as legalization gains voter approval around the country, the business has gained credibility. New tax revenue is welcomed by state treasuries seeking fresh revenue streams from previously untapped sources such as cannabis cultivation and retail dispensary sales.

Other cannabis legalization victories in Montana, Mississippi and South Dakota are expected to encourage neighboring states to adopt legalization so that they might also share in these new tax sources. 

Cannabis use studies confirm that demand is at record-setting levels. With law enforcement attending to more pressing enforcement matters, in addition, the current legal prohibitions seem to have had little negative effect on consumer purchasing.  The reality at the state budget level is that an untapped tax revenue cannot be ignored, and many are seizing the opportunity, legality notwithstanding. 

For the moment, the question of when the federal government will call for cannabis decriminalization remains open to debate. Historically, President-elect Biden has not supported a taxed and regulated cannabis system. Mr. Biden does understand the reality of cannabis use and he supports penalty reductions for minor offenses such as possession of personal-use quantities. While this federal action would signal modest progress, it’s not likely to bring about meaningful change as those actions would be required at the state and local levels.

The President has said he would support cannabis penalty reforms like expungement of individual court records of minor cannabis convictions. He also favors federal legalization of cannabis for medical purposes and believes that recreational use decisions should remain at the state level. Mr. Biden announced his cannabis views on his campaign’s website making his favorable position known. 

Going forward, the most likely Executive Branch support for favorable federal cannabis policy will be that of the Vice President, Kamala Harris.  Committed to “sharing her views on cannabis” with President Biden, Ms. Harris believes that prior presidential efforts to slow drug trafficking were ineffective and cites the Reagan Administration’s substantial efforts as an example. Mrs. Reagan’s Just Say No program has been evaluated as ineffective in stemming the flow of drugs throughout America’s younger generations. Post program assessments confirmed that just telling young people to refuse drugs without any supportive treatment didn’t work. Accordingly, Ms. Harris supports cannabis decriminalization and regulation at the state level, leaving the federal branch out of the discussion. 

Also of interest is the proposed rescheduling of cannabis to a Class II Drug. Those in favor of this change believe it would allow researchers to study the effects of cannabis use without unwanted attention from federal law enforcement authorities. While Mr. Biden has promised to consider rescheduling, many cannabis supporters prefer to have it treated like alcohol and removed from the Controlled Substance schedule altogether. 

The cannabis rescheduling option is controversial, and the new administration has many important matters pressing for attention. The good news for cannabis is that policy decisions will be formulated by the White House senior staff which is directed by Mark Mulvaney. A longtime advocate for marijuana regulatory reform Mr. Mulvaney will be guiding the conversation with the President’s advisors. Cannabis industry leaders are delighted to have an influential voice in the Oval Office regarding matters of federal cannabis policy. 

From a financial perspective, cannabis equities continued to increase in value in response to the surge of cannabis support by voters nationwide. Canopy Growth equities rose 10% in value and Aurora Cannabis shares increased by 20%. Encouraged by the election results, the CEO of Canopy Growth remarked that “ballot results clearly support adult-use marijuana legalization across geographic and party lines”. 

CNN Business reported a “triple whammy” of good news for cannabis:

Recreational use was approved in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and New Mexico; New Jersey and Arizona are both pegged as billion-dollar markets; major cannabis players are positioning themselves to take advantage of legalization; cannabis industry leaders believe legalization is the “new normal” and congress will likely enact federal cannabis reform legislation in the near future. As former Speaker of the House, John Boehner, remarked, “when cannabis is on the ballot, it wins, and it is the one topic on which America is united.”

How the cannabis industry will develop over the next few years remains to be seen but the future appears positive. Some of the more enthusiastic projections suggest that the cannabis segment could employ 10-15% of the US workforce and contribute as much as $100 billion to the nation’s economy. Imagine what the industry might look like if it were legal.

The future of the American cannabis industry looks very promising with legalization efforts making progress at the state level and there’s still hope in Washington. 

Looking back, most will recall the election of 2020 as one that marked a year of exceptional progress for the cannabis industry. 

[thegalley]

How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Water Pipe for Halloween

Halloween is a little different this year, so while you’re at home, why not get crafty? Don’t just make a Jack-o-lantern, carve up your own seasonal smoking accessory. The ultimate autumnal smoking device for the discriminating cannabis user is a pumpkin water pipe for Halloween. With the right tools, modest effort and a measure of creativity you can carve your very own device just in time for Halloween.

Viewpoints differ on the best way to set up your pumpkin bong. The first question is do you clean out the seeds and fibers that fill the cavity? Emptying the cavity will allow for more open space but will also reduce the airtightness of the bong. Leaving the innards intact adds to the flavor, so that becomes a personal choice. Either way, the desired outcome is to create a channel to get the cannabis smoke through the pumpkin.

Here’s what you will need: Erasable, black medium point Sharpie Small to medium sized pumpkin Glass down stem and bowl piece Mouthpiece or glass straw Carving tool or a very sharp, sturdy, narrow-blade knife Heavy duty cooking spoon Size matters when carving because it’s much easier to work with smaller, hand-held pumpkins when you can easily change carving positions. While the shape of the pumpkin is an individual preference most carvers favor a balance between height and roundness.

Steps: 1) Using your Sharpie, map out the holes you will be cutting. 2) Mark the positions of the following:  Down stem hole  Mouthpiece hole  Top or cover piece wide enough to scoop seeds out (but not too wide or it will interfere with the mouth straw)  A medium sized, round shaft screwdriver is about the right size for this hole. Start small as you can always enlarge.

3) Adding a small amount of water to the pumpkin will allow the smoke to flow more smoothly; if you want your pumpkin to function more like a bowl or dab rig, then don’t add water. 4) You can decorate your pumpkin by craving designs on the exterior but be careful not to cut completely through as that would allow your smoke to escape. 5) Some add paint instead of carving designs, so it’s really all about the makers personal artistic talents.

As with all things natural, over time your pumpkin bong will eventually soften and decay, signaling that it’s time to move on to the next seasonal device. But for cannabis lovers on Halloween this year, why not take your pumpkin carving to the next level?