Mexico Cannabis Update: Another Missed Deadline and Political Nepotism

Mexico has sure been on a bumpy road in its effort to legalize cannabis. Led mainly by Supreme Court rulings, Mexico has inched forward, though not always in the expected ways. For this episode of Mexico cannabis update, let’s take a look at another missed deadline, and ex-president Fox’s foray into the cannabis market.

Mexico’s Congress sure it’s making it easy, and the market that should already be flourishing, hasn’t even started. Hopefully my next Mexico cannabis update will include legislation to officially legalize the industry. We’ll have to wait and see. We’re on top of everything going on in this industry, and working hard to make sure you get important stories. Sign up for the THC Weekly Newsletter to keep informed, as well as for access to premium deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more! We also offer great prices on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which won’t break the bank. You can find them in our “Best-of” lists. Go ahead and enjoy responsibly!

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Mexico and cannabis legalization

To call it a ‘bumpy road’ is a bit of an understatement at this point, and Mexico’s government should be embarrassed of itself for how it’s handling legalizing marijuana. This episode of Mexico cannabis update features a new low for the governance of the country. But first, let’s go over how we got to where we are now.

In 2018, the last of five consecutive cases passed through the Supreme Court, all related to the personal use of cannabis, and all ruled on in the same way: that not allowing personal use and cultivation, is unconstitutional. So though Mexico’s written laws state that cannabis is illegal for recreational purposes, the five consecutive rulings set off ‘jurisprudencia’, whereby the Supreme Court verdicts override written law, to become the new law. This has to be the case, because jurisprudencia prevents a lower court from ruling against an individual in a personal use case, as that would mean ruling against the Supreme Court. And this creates a massive discrepancy since laws on paper still give police the right to arrest people for crimes for which a court can’t find them guilty.

Problem is, the Supreme Court is more about big moves, and doesn’t worry about the intricate ins and outs of legislation, that’s for Congress. This means that the rulings made for a direct command to Congress, to update the written laws in order to be in concert with the court rulings. Without this, the country stays in a gray area in terms of personal legalities, but also in terms of production and setting up a regulated industry.

The government missed four deadlines to do this, first, a year after the last court ruling, in December 2019. Then in April 2020, December, 2020, and April 2021. In all cases but April 2021, the government asked for an extension, and in all cases, it was granted by the Supreme Court. Upon missing the April 2021 deadline, since the government didn’t ask for an extension, it put the ball back in the Supreme Court’s court to do something. Though the Supreme Court could have just waited, it didn’t. Let’s remember, it gave the government a directive, and that directive was blatantly not followed. It’s hard to maintain power when no one listens, right? So the Supreme Court did what anyone would if they want to retain their power, it went ahead with dropping laws of prohibition.

On June 28^th, 2021, the Court voted to drop the laws of prohibition in regards to personal use and personal cultivation. The vote went 8-3, and the laws were dropped. This had no impact on any other part of cannabis law, and came with none of the stipulations or regulations of a piece of legislation. It just merely pushed things along, giving Congress that much more time.

The start of legal production

This left Mexico in the position of having legal private and personal use, as well as personal cultivation rights, but did nothing about a regulated market, social or public smoking, production, or anything else. What came next was not from the government doing its job, but yet another Supreme Court ruling that pushed things forward yet another step.

New Mexican Supreme Court Ruling & the Start of a Commercial Cannabis Market

In a previous Mexico cannabis update I reported on the Supreme Court ruling of December 1^st, 2021. The unappealable ruling, was that it was unconstitutional to bar the production of low-THC cannabis (up to 1% THC). Much like the 2018 ruling, which made the requirement for Congress to write up corresponding legislation, this ruling put the requirement of implementation on Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS).

The case was brought on by the company Xebra Mexico, the Mexican branch of the Canadian-based Xebra. The case was not about a regulated market, but rather solely about production for medical and scientific purposes. Xebra used the five consecutive rulings that brought on jurisprudencia, and the dropping of the prohibition laws last June, to challenge the ban on commercial production.

Realistically, how could Xebra Mexico not have won? If the Supreme Court didn’t rule in Xebra’s favor, it would show inconsistency with its own ruling. Sure, there are no rules to govern an industry, but that shouldn’t mean that the people of a country shouldn’t have access to the laws and legal rights provided to them.

Xebra has announced plans for a commercialized market, but for now the laws don’t exist. If nothing changes soon, Xebra will be in court again if it wants to actually sell products in Mexico. And at the rate things are going, that might be the only way to get the market open. Of course, it could just be producing for exportation back to Canada or somewhere else, but regardless of where it ends up, it can now be legally produced in Mexico.

Mexico cannabis update – what’s new?

Since the ruling in favor of Xebra, there have been some other happenings to go over in this Mexico cannabis update. The first, is yet another missed deadline by Congress. The end of the sitting period in the Senate, as in, when the season ended, was December 15^th, 2021. This deadline wasn’t a specifically set deadline like the last ones in terms of getting the legislation done. But it was a deadline for getting a vote by the end of the year, and the Senate never took its vote.

Last March the Lower House did approve a bill, but that bill was never voted on by the Senate. Called the Federal Law for the Regulation of Cannabis, the Senate decided there were too many inconsistencies, at least 17 that it counted. This included, apparently, the fear of a loophole that would permit unlimited sales in terms of quantity, which is arguably funny in that that’s already how black markets operate. You can buy as much as you want.

Mexico Became the 4th Legalized Country

While my belief holds firm that fear of cartel backlash is the bigger reason for this inability for the government to get its stuff together, (it’s good to keep in mind just how dangerous it can be in Mexico for politicians), the reason why is less important than the fact it simply didn’t get done, leaving Mexico still without written legislation for a legal cannabis industry.

Mexico cannabis update – what else of interest?

What would a new drug industry be, if not a chance for former government officials to exploit it through their government nepotism? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening in Mexico. Vicente Fox, Mexico’s former president from 2000-2006, is making sure he gets a big old slice of the pie, and that he gets his first.

It was announced last week that, Paradise, a cannabis head-shop, will mount an aggressive expansion campaign including upping its current tally of 70 stores across 28 states, to 200 stores across all states, by the end of 2022. The stores currently sell the likes of CBD, hemp oil, and smoking paraphernalia like bongs, pipes, grinders, papers, etc. Paradise already has locations in places like Monterrey (its birth city), Mexico City, Juárez, Saltillo, Mazatlán, Culiacán, Aguascalientes, Pachuca, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Playa del Carmen, and Querétaro, with San Luis Potosí city on the way.

Paradise is co-owned by Fox along with Roberto Palazuelos, an actor, Marcus Dantus, and company founders Fernando Carcamo, Fernando Espinobarros and Guillermo Palau. Though no regulation exists at the moment to sell actual cannabis out of these shops (with the exception of CBD), they are certainly positioned well to be the first ones to do so when legislation is finally passed.

Fox, for his part, has been a strong advocate for cannabis legalization for quite some time. Fox is also a board member of Khiron, a string of Canadian-based cannabis wellness clinics, with operations in many Latin American and European countries. What he’s doing with Paradise isn’t bad at all, and it helps promote the industry. But there is something about a former president, who stands to be one of the first legal pot sellers, that does make questionable whether there’s a bit of government nepotism going on. This, of course, if you look at the Mexican government as one big family, and Fox as a member of it, using that family connection to get first dibs in the cannabis industry.

Conclusion

Will cannabis be legalized in Mexico this year? Certainly hard to say. As of this Mexico cannabis update, the country remains in a legal stalemate, but this can’t last forever. Begrudgingly or not, Congress has to pass something, and hopefully that something will be passed by year’s end (or preferably, before that).

Mexican Cannabis Legalization: Why Hasn’t Legislation Passed?

Welcome readers! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, your preeminent web spot for the highest quality independent news coverage for the cannabis and psychedelics-related industry, of today. Read-thru the website daily to stay informed on the fast-paced universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter, to stay on top of what’s going on.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The post Mexico Cannabis Update: Another Missed Deadline and Political Nepotism appeared first on CBD Testers.

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Grow It Yourself: Different Drugs You Can Grow at Home

Everyone knows you can grow weed at home, and a lot of us are doing it. But cannabis is hardly the only drug that you can make DIY style. If you want to grow drugs at home, there are plenty of options, here are some of the best ones, whether you already thought of them or not.

With cannabis and psychedelics inching toward legality, more and more people want to grow their own drugs at home. And it’s not that hard to do, so long as it comes from a plant. Here’s a look at how to grow some of the more popular plant-based drugs out there. We’re all about bringing you everything interesting and important from this industry. To keep up-to-date, subscribe to the THC Weekly Newsletter and also get access to premium deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and a host of other products! We’ve also got great offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which will save you plenty of $$. Head over to our “Best-of” lists, and and enjoy your products responsibly!

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Grow drugs at home

A home grow is exactly like it sounds, when a person grows something at their own house. Though the term ‘home grow’ often pertains specifically to weed, there are plenty of standard plant products that people grow themselves. In any case of home growing, it goes against the standard system of buying literally everything we need at a store. This goes for weed, or any other plant grown for a purpose.

Think veggies. It’s certainly not uncommon to see people growing their own vegetables, as well as fruit trees, herbs, and spices. Not everyone wants to depend on a supermarket, or trusts the practices of the world of agribusiness. Some people just have a green thumb and enjoy making plants grow, or simply like to pick their salad ingredients fresh every day, with no fear of where the products came from.

So the idea of growing plants at home is not new (certainly), and even a part of culture today. In many locations, with the exception of places like inner cities, growing one’s own vegetables is actually rather commonplace, with some people going as far as to have their own greenhouse. The idea of doing it yourself, certainly applies to the plant world beyond growing weed, but let’s be honest, that’s one of the plants we’re most interested in growing at the moment.

Grow drugs at home – cannabis

Though there might be plenty of options if you want to grow drugs at home, the most common and popular one to do, is cannabis. Not only is cannabis a plant that can be grown in large grow ops, but it can also easily be grown as a single plant in a closet in your home. Long before cannabis laws started to soften, tons of people were illegally growing the plant, sometimes to treat a medical illness, and sometimes just to promote the giggles.

Cannabis is fairly easy to grow, but there is some work involved. A prospective grower who is growing inside must buy equipment like lights (fluorescent lights, LEDs, (LECs) Light Emitting Ceramic, or metal halide & high-pressure sodium lights). They must choose the type of growing medium, and buy the equipment related, whether that’s soil, a hydroponics setup (grown with roots in water), or even an aeroponics setup (grown with roots in air). They must consider all the related nutrients, and the seeds themselves.

Not all cannabis was created equally, and this goes for growing times too. Most weed plants take between 3-5 months for the entire process, depending on the strain, with each stage requiring some tweaks to the setup, often in how long light is on the plants. However, so long as you have a nice dark place to grow, and the right lights and equipment, getting some amazing herb out of your own house, is easily a reality.

Grow drugs at home – mushrooms

Another drug that’s pretty easy to grow at home is mushrooms. Though they aren’t grown as widely as cannabis, the idea of home-growing mushrooms has also been around for decades, even as the drugs remain in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances list, federally. Much like with cannabis, mushrooms (and other entheogenic plants) have been gaining popularity, with medical legalizations starting to come in (eg: Oregon), tons of locations that have decriminalized (eg: Denver), and legislation for whole state recreational use (eg: California).

Growing mushrooms is different than cannabis, but overall requires about the same amount of energy output and know-how. The general materials include mushroom spores, vermiculite to create a mycelium network, rice flour, clean jars, rubbing alcohol to ensure all tools are clear of bacteria, foil or plastic wrap to cover air/water holes, a pan that jars can be heated in, a syringe to move the spores, perlite for the bottom of the growing container, a mist bottle for the mycelium cakes, and a dark place to allow the mycelium to grow.

Psychedelics Are Coming: Learn to Grow Mushrooms On Your Own

The process includes creating the mycelium in one place, and then moving the cakes to another container where the mushroom spores can then grow. The whole process takes only 1-2 months, making it a shorter grow than with any kind of cannabis. These days, as mushrooms grow in both legality and popularity, there are even growing kits coming out, that have all the necessary tools included. And which make the process that much easier.

Grow drugs at home – Coca

Okay, so before I get into this, I’m not telling anyone to go out and do it. On the other hand, I’m not telling anyone not to go out and do it either. Let’s be honest though, in most places, growing mushrooms is just as illegal, so why not share a little on how a person can grow their own coca plants? Interestingly, it’s not all that hard to do. And considering coca itself is a mild plant in comparison to its processed versions, it’s really not a big deal to do it, beyond risking prosecution. Anyway, here is the basic process. Interested growers should investigate further.

• Coca seeds, like everything else, are available on the internet, but its best to take them directly from a plant (which is obviously not possible in most places). These seeds cannot be dried out, so keep that in mind if buying them online. Dried seeds are probably not going to be the real deal, or useful at all.

• Seeds are germinated in vermiculite, which can be done in a Styrofoam cup or plastic pot. Seeds are planted in soil, but high enough that they don’t get stuck in water. It should take 2-4 weeks for the seeds to sprout roots. It must be constantly warm – think of where coca usually grows (Peru, Colombia). A terrarium works well, though its shouldn’t be sealed as the seeds need air flow. They need a lot of light too, and might benefit from using a grow light.

• Seeds shouldn’t be over-watered, but they should never be allowed to dry out either. Only water when necessary. Use rain or bottled spring water, as water with salts can damage the plant. The plant require sunlight, but different amounts at different stages of growth.

• At about 2”, the seedlings can be transplanted into regular plastic pots. Clay is bad because it can dry the plant out. Pots shouldn’t be too big for the plant, and can be switched up as the plant grows. When the roots can be seen through the bottom holes, its time to replant. Soil should be something like 25% of each: sterilized loam, perlite, course sand, and milled peat. Organic compost can be added, but no more vermiculite at this stage.

• The plants should be fed soluble organic plant food, but only about every three weeks. Iron chelate should be added every six months as the plant matures. As you can tell by that last statement, this is a much longer process than the previous two, and can take between 1-2 years for plants to reach maturity.

Grow drugs at home – other psychedelics

There are tons of entheogenic psychedelics, even if we generally focus on just a few in popular culture. Some are not native to certain areas, and therefore not accessible to them, or require very specific climates for outdoor grows. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of psychedelic plants that can be grown. And pretty easily, even if it takes some time…and a lot of them do.

Peyote – Peyote is a cactus that naturally has mescaline in it. In order to grow peyote cactus, a prospective grower must germinate the seeds (some can actually lie dormant for around 10 years), which is done in one part sand, one part heavy grit, and one part standard potting mix. This combination is soaked and then dried before putting seeds on top (not in it). Plastic film should be put over the pot. Soil should ideally be about 22º C (71.6º F). A heating mat or placing it next to a vent can help in colder temperatures. After a few weeks, when small green spheres appear, holes can be put in the plastic.

More holes can be made as time progresses, and after 10 weeks, the plastic can come off, and the plant can be watered. It’s a cactus remember, so it doesn’t need too much. Sometimes misting is best, and in colder temperatures, no water is needed at all. It takes about a year for a full root system to grow, and at that time it can be replanted. The temperature should be kept hot, but dry, just like a desert.

Desert Tripping – A Closer Look at Peyote: Spiritual, Medicinal, & Controversial

Peyote isn’t quick, and can take years to mature, making this a project for very patient people. A grafting method can help speed it along. This involves cutting the peyote plant and grafting it onto another cactus plant.

Iboga – Tabernanthe iboga is a plant native to Central Africa which is known as a strong painkiller, as well as a hallucinogen. To grow it, it helps to have fresh seeds, though apparently even rotting seeds have been known to work. The seeds, however obtained – (likely through the internet) should not be dried, or put in the cold. The seeds can germinate in weeks, or as much as 12-18 months. They should be put 10mm down in a tray or drainable pot, filled 5cm deep with rough sand. The sand should be moist and between 25-30º C (77-86º F). When leaves appear, it can be transplanted.

The plant can be transplanted to a pot with 90% rough sand/10% potting mix. It can be transferred once more when more leaves appear and the roots get woody.

Plants should be grown in an environment that is moist, humid, that’s well drained, and with medium light. Sandy clay soil is the best medium, and the plants should be kept from getting cold. At this point, horse manure can be used for fertilizer. The plant needs years to grow, and can gain psychoactive chemicals in about five years. You’ll know its ready when the roots become pale yellow, are bitter to the taste, and are like an anesthetic in the mouth and on the skin.

Psychotria viridis – the psychedelic part of ayahuasca, can also be grown in order to make your own ayahuasca, though I’m only going over this part of it, which is only 50% of ayahuasca. The other 50% comes from the caapi vine which acts as an MAO-inhibitor. This keeps the DMT in Psychotria viridis from breaking down as quickly, which creates a much longer experience.

Seeds are best planted fresh, and germination takes place in 2-5 months. It takes a while because seeds contain immature embryos which need time to mature. Seeds should be soaked first in a bleach solution to keep mold at bay, then soaked for 12 hours in regular water. They should be planted ¼ inch deep in soil. A heating pad can be used to keep it warm. It should be kept at about 22-28º C (70-80º F), without direct sunlight.

Plants require a well-drained potting medium, making sure the pH stays around 5.5-6.1, in a minimum temperature of 20º C (68º F). Soil should be moist, but not soggy. Plants should be watered regularly and kept in partial shade. Fertilizer can be used every 2-3 months, as this plant can take 1-2 years to reach full growth. Products like wettable sulphur, natrasoap or pyrethrum can be used to keep pests at bay. The plant grows into a small tree or large bush.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the options if you want to grow drugs at home. Some will only be relevant to some people, while others can be done by anyone with the right equipment and time. It should be remembered that any entheogenic plant can be grown by anyone with the right materials, so when you pick your plant, and locate your seeds, there are instructions online for almost anything. Regardless of what it’s for, growing plants is an enjoyable activity, and when the plants you grow have psychoactive effects, well, it just makes it that much better. Happy growing!

Weed Seeds: Top 5 Cannabis Seed Banks for Home-Grows

Hello and welcome! Thanks for making it to CBDtesters.co, the preeminent internet location for high quality independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics-related industry. Drop by when you can to stay on-top of the quickly-moving world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you’re never late on getting a story.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The post Grow It Yourself: Different Drugs You Can Grow at Home appeared first on CBD Testers.

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Shopify is Banning All THC Products From Being Sold on Their Platform

The once go-to industry payment processor, Shopify, is now banning the sale of all products containing more than 0.3% THC through their platform. That includes alternative cannabinoids like Delta 8 and 10, THC-O, THCP, and so on.  

According to a Shopify email that’s making the rounds, products containing more than 0.3% of any type of tetrahydrocannabinol (0.2% if you’re shipping globally) will be removed from account holders’ online stores. This is in order to comply with FDA regulations.  

Word for word, the email sent yesterday to numerous distributors states: “It has come to our attention that you are using your Shopify account to sell Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products containing more than 0.3% THC. Unfortunately, due to applicable laws and regulations in the United States, Shopify’s policies do not currently permit merchants to offer for sale products containing more than 0.3% THC regardless of compound type (e.g., delta-8, delta-9, delta-10).” 

Cannabis regulations are incredibly complicated and constantly changing, but we’ll continue doing our best to keep you updated every step of the way. Remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter all the latest news and industry stories, as well as exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and other products. Also save big on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & even HHC / HHC-O products by checking out our “Best-of” lists!

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A bit more about THCs 

To quickly summarize, there are about 15 different known tetrahydrocannabinol compounds, some are natural from the plant and some are synthetics. The main ones you’ll see in today’s market are delta 8, 9, and 10, THCV, THC-P, and THC-O. When people think of “THC”, Delta 9 is what they’re thinking of. Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. For decades, Delta 9 has been at the heart of prohibition efforts because lawmakers were too intently focused on its mind-altering properties while completely dismissing all of its many possible uses in the health and wellness sectors.  

As delta 9 ages, a significant portion oxidizes and “degrades”. Most of it turns into CBN (cannabinol), while a small amount turns into Delta 8 THC and possibly, other trace cannabinoids and compounds. As a result of this chemical process, Delta 8 THC remains stable when exposed to air, meaning it could have more potential medical applications than delta 9, although Delta 8 is somewhat less potent. In cannabis plants, delta 8 is only present in trace amounts, so in most of the products you find online or in stores, the delta-8 THC is actually a synthetic converted from CBD, not a plant-extracted compound.   

Then we have delta-10 THC. D10 is a completely synthetic cannabinoid that was discovered on accident. As with many of the nation’s Cannadelics trends, delta-10 THC started in California. An Adelanto-based company, Fusion Farms, bought some outdoor flower to manufacture concentrates. As many already know, California is subject to very large, nearly annual wildfires; and unbeknownst to Fusion Farms, the biomass they purchased was contaminated with fire retardant. Since they were unaware of the contamination, they continued with the extraction as planned but after the distillation process, unusual crystals began to form. These crystals were similar to THC, slightly different from any previously identified cannabinoid. And thus, it was dubbed delta-10 THC.   

THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, THCV is a naturally occurring analog of THC. THCV comes from the precursor cannabinoid CBGVA, which breaks down to into THCVA (tetrahydrocannabivarin acid), which then is decarboxylated to form THCV. What’s interesting about THCV is the way that it interacts with our endocannabinoid system, and the subsequent effects it has on appetite and weight.   

THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol), on the other hand, is a special type of THC analog called a homolog. A homolog is a molecule belonging to a series of compounds that differ from each other by a repeating unit. In this scenario, the repeating unit is the alkyl side chain. Delta 9 THC has a 5-term alkyl side chain, which means that it contains 5 total carbon atoms. THCP has an elongated 7-term chain.  

And finally, let’s take a look at THC-O-Acetate, which is referred to as an acetate ester of delta-9 THC. Let’s cover what exactly that means. We know that delta-9 THC is created as a result of the decarboxylation of THCA, but there are different ways that decarboxylation can occur. An acetate ester is a byproduct of a certain type of decarboxylation called LTA decarboxylation, a process that is very different from the standard method of heat/light induced decarboxylation.   

Special Deal – Free Delta 9 THC Gummies – Details Inside  

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What does the DEA and FDA say about THC? 

First and foremost, all THCs are still technically considered Schedule 1 one narcotics, as per the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). So naturally, this factors into Shopify’s decision. For reference, Schedule 1 narcotics are said to have the highest potential for abuse and addiction, and thus, are under the strictest regulations. That said, natural drugs that we in the industry know to be safe, like cannabis, mushrooms, and peyote, are listed under schedule 1, whereas substances like methamphetamine and heroin are a bit less stigmatized with a schedule 2 category. It really makes no sense, but that’s the way it is.  

Additionally, on Shopify’s page of resources for companies selling “hemp and hemp-derived products”, there is a link to the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency’s (FDA) statement governing the sale of these items. As per their website, “Even if a CBD product meets the definition of ‘hemp’ under the 2018 Farm Bill, it still must comply with all other applicable laws, including the FD&C Act. Furthermore, the FDA has concluded that THC and CBD products are excluded from the dietary supplement definition under section 201(ff)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(ff)(3)(B)].” 

So basically, they’re heavily regulated, product containing these compounds cannot even be legally sold as dietary supplements anymore, and Shopify simply does not want to deal with the drama, as is never-ending cycle of cannabis industry payment processing woes in the US. 

It’s Time The FDA Regulated CBD As A Food – Not As A Drug

More on global regulations – Europe and Canada

In other parts of the world, namely Europe until a very recent ruling, hemp was defined as having less than 0.2% THC, rather than 0.3% like in the US. The change is insignificant in terms of product quality and safety, but it’s a major pain for farmers and manufacturers.  

Under Shopify’s section on “Laws and regulations for selling hemp or hemp-derived products internationally”, it states that, “You can sell hemp or hemp-derived products if it’s legal, and you comply with all marketing laws in your jurisdiction and the jurisdiction of your customers. The products you sell can’t contain more than 0.2% of THC, regardless of the compound type, such as delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10.”

Now Canada. Because cannabis is legal at the federal level in Canada, the regulations for payments and banking are a bit different there. Here is what Shopify has to say about companies selling cannabis products in Canada: 

“In Canada, most hemp-derived products are classified as cannabis. To sell hemp or hemp-derived products in Canada, you must: Be licensed to sell cannabis either at the federal or provincial level, comply with all the requirements set out in the relevant legislation, use Shopify Plus, complete a specific onboarding process related to selling cannabis products in Canada.”  

Shopify Banning THC – Final thoughts

Although highly inconvenient, because companies are scrambling to set up new online shops and find payment processing solutions, if there is one thing to be said about the cannabis industry is that we are adaptive. As of now, it appears that WordPress/WooCommerce will be the next big thing for industry internet retail, so keep an eye out as things continue to unfold.

Product Reviewers Wanted – Get Free Cannabis Products!

Product Reviewers Wanted

Welcome all! You’ve made it to CBDtesters.co, your one-stop-shop for the best independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics, currently going on. Drop by the site regularly to stay abreast of the exciting world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you never miss a breaking story.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The THC Weekly Newsletter

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Can You Smoke Magic Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are becoming the next big thing, and that means more questions being asked. Like how to grow them? And if they mix well with weed. And whether or not you can smoke magic mushrooms. So, let’s take a look at that question today, and go over the different ways that magic mushrooms can be used.

Maybe its best not to smoke magic mushrooms, but there’s an entire skin care industry that wants you to put them on your skin; and medical research into skin patches for psilocybin medication. New products are sure to hit shelves soon. We cover everything going on in this growing industry, so remember to subscribe to The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter to stay on-top of everything relevant now. Plus, you’ll also get access to premium deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and tons more! Don’t worry, our offers on cannabinoids like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC , won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Find all the best products in our “Best-of” lists, and enjoy responsibly!

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What are magic mushrooms?

Mushrooms are pretty common, and you’ve probably eaten one before. However, the majority aren’t hallucinogenic, and offer a specific flavor and some health benefits, but no psychoactive high. Magic mushrooms are a group of fungi that contain psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin. These are similar to compounds like LSD, or DMT, and produce a serotonergic effect, meaning they attach to serotonin receptors to create a psychedelic response. Some examples of popular magic mushrooms include: Panaeolus, Conocybe, and Psilocybe – the most well-known.

Compounds like psilocybin and psilocin are part of a larger group of compounds known as hallucinogens, which are a category of psychoactive drugs. Not all psychedelic drugs create the same reaction, but they are all associated with similar things. These include causing hallucinations, which are sensory experiences that do not actually exist; promoting feelings of spirituality, euphoria, well-being, and connectedness; of creating mystical encounters; and of causing life changing experiences.

Mushrooms vary in how much of the active components they contain, and how strong they are. Like any other psychedelic (and most any compound in general), taking too much is bad and can lead to a ‘bad trip’ wherein the user experiences negative hallucinations, along with physical symptoms like irregular heartbeat, nausea, chills, sweating, vomiting, and anxiety. Getting the correct dose is highly important in guaranteeing a good trip, along with other things like being in comfortable surroundings, and with trusted people.

Mushrooms, and their active ingredients, are all Schedule I in the DEA’s Controlled Substances list. However, mushrooms often fit into a loophole in many places. This is because mushrooms themselves are not scheduled in either the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, or the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This was backed up in 2001, when INCB’s Secretary of the Board gave this answer to the Dutch Ministry of Health. (INCB is the monitoring agency for UN drug treaty implementation):

“As a matter of international law, no plants (natural material) containing psilocine and psilocybin are at present controlled under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. Consequently, preparations made of these plants are not under international control and, therefore, not subject of the articles of the 1971 Convention.” 

Can you smoke magic mushrooms?

Mushrooms have been around for millennia, but by all accounts were generally eaten. And sure, that works just fine, right? But we’re a curious species of animal, and we like to know things. And we like to test things out to see what happens. So its not that surprising that the question arises of can a person smoke magic mushrooms, or inhale them in some way? Now, the short answer is yes, of course! Just light it up and smoke it. But smoking something and eating it are very different, and mushrooms can be scary in how dangerous they are. So it’s not just about whether the material will burn so you can inhale it, but what happens when you do.

Psychedelics Are Coming: Learn to Grow Mushrooms On Your Own

The sad answer to this question, and one that might save people some time, money, and frustration from self-experimentation, is no, it won’t get you high. Yes, you can smoke mushrooms without ill effects (though this is not guaranteed), but it’ll also be without all the good effects as well. No hallucinations or spiritual experience, no euphoria and feelings of connectedness and well-being. Though some anecdotal evidence points to it causing a wee bit of a high, the lack of certainty on this indicates that whatever it does do, is mild, and probably not worth it.

Why is this? Well, the question of why it doesn’t work to smoke magic mushrooms hasn’t been thoroughly investigated, but there are some indications about why this would be the case. For one thing, psilocybin is not thermally labile, which means high temperatures will break it down. Smoking requires high temperatures making there little chance of psilocybin surviving being lit on fire. Beyond this, smoking fungi can get mold into the lungs which can bolster allergies or infection. Plus, mushrooms are known to have many dangerous compounds, and how they react to high heat isn’t always known, which means what response you’ll get, isn’t necessarily known.

The thing is, we know that drugs can often be used in different ways. Cannabis can be smoked or eaten, put on the skin, or sucked in through the nose. It can even be stuck in body orifices. Since smoking is a major form of drug taking in general, it can certainly be assumed that people have tried this, along with other applications. And a trip to different forums confirms this notion. Smoking might not be the best way of enjoying standard magic mushrooms, but not all magic mushrooms were created equally.

Can you smoke fly agaric magic mushrooms?

Though we tend to associate magic mushrooms with psilocybin, one of the most prominent of the magic mushrooms has no psilocybin at all. Fly agaric mushrooms – Amanita muscaria – belong to genus Amanita and family Basidiomycota. They got their nickname by their ability to attract small insects. These mushrooms are actually the ones most associated with the visual of magic mushrooms, with the red cone and white spots. They are what’s seen in Mario video games, and are associated with Alison in Wonderland.

These mushrooms are different from psilocybin mushrooms in that psilocybin is not what causes the high. Therefore they are often simply called ‘poisonous mushrooms’, though similar effects take placec. Technically, all mushrooms are ‘poisonous’ in this way, so the distinction doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, except for pointing to a different active ingredient. The active compounds in these mushrooms are muscimol and ibotenic acid. Not only are they entirely different kinds of compounds, but unlike most psychedelics, these compounds aren’t seratonergic. Instead, fly agaric mushrooms effect GABA receptors (gamma amino butyric acid), which are the same receptors targeted by benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and the now non-existent Quaaludes.

Muscimol is a potent GABA agonist, meaning it promotes activity at GABA sites, while ibotenic acid acts on NMDA glutamate receptors, which are responsible for controlling neuronal activity. This is thought to be the primary reason for psychoactive effects.

Amanita muscaria: The Most Misunderstood Magic Mushroom

According to posters in forums, smoking fly agaric mushrooms can possibly lead to psychedelic effects, while others say they got no effects, an amplification of current feelings, feelings of relaxation, or were put in a dreamlike state. Many people did find it to be a pleasurable experience, but anyone considering this should be very careful. Others talked about chest pains, horrible taste, or no good effects. It probably depends on the quantity smoked, as a larger amount could lead to more negative issues. In fact, anyone who does want to try this, would be smart to do it microdose style, and not assume that they can’t be hurt by smoking them, regardless of what someone else posted.

How else can mushrooms be used?

If you want to smoke magic mushrooms, you probably won’t get the effect you want, but what about other modes of ingestion? For one thing, though its technically the same mode of ingestion, mushrooms are often dried and then made into a tea. This, however, still processes it through the digestive tract in the same way.

Magic mushrooms are not generally spoken about historically as a skincare product, but mushrooms have certainly become the break-out skincare additive of today. These products wouldn’t have psilocybin, or any other Schedule I compound, but they do use the general power of mushrooms. This, of course, says nothing about whether psychedelic benefits can be obtained from magic mushrooms in this way.

Recently, researchers at the Terasaki Institute of California, in partnership with the company PharmaThe, have investigated a micro-needle patch for delivery of psychedelic compounds like LSD or psilocybin through the skin. It is being investigated for treating severe pain, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. The patches have tons of tiny micro-needles which enter the skin surface and biodegrade, leaving their medicine behind.

This is not the first venture of its kind though. Also last year it was announced that medical startup Ei.Ventures was partnering with Tioga Research to create transdermal patches for psilocybin delivery. Said Tioga Research CEO John M. Newsam, the patches “will deploy our proprietary technologies and deep expertise to address key psilocin formulation issues, such as delivery and stability. A transdermal delivery route can circumvent issues with oral administration, such as nausea.” Perhaps using a lotion won’t get you high (and perhaps it will), but it sure sounds like these patches will.

What about direct to the vein?

Now we know you can eat magic mushrooms (tea, edibles, plain mushrooms), that you probably shouldn’t smoke magic mushrooms, but that a magic mushroom cream or patch can be applied to the skin. What about mainlining it? Many medications can be injected IV or IM, in order to get a quick response, and to have maximum bioavailability – the ability for your body to actually absorb compounds and not just expel them as waste material.

Delta-8 THC Delivery Methods: Best Way to Get It in You

There are reports out there of poisonings due to people injecting magic mushrooms. One such case involves a 30-year-old man who injected an extract and suffered vomiting, severe myalgias, hyperpyrexia, hypoxemia, and mild methemoglobinemia. Yet another relates to a guy who injected magic mushroom tea. According to stories, the mushrooms began growing in his veins, and the man entered the hospital with organ failure.

If all this makes it sound like IV injections are probably not the way to go with psilocybin, it should be noted that research has taken place where participants were given psilocybin injections. Of course, an injection in a medical setting, and a couple guys brewing tea or making an extract and then injecting whatever amount into a vein, are entirely different things. It should always be remembered that doing a drug frequently doesn’t make a person an expert on every aspect of it. And when traversing new territory, its best to consider all the dangers.

Conclusion

There you have it. It’s best not to smoke magic mushrooms, or inhale them in any way, and it’s best not to attempt to inject them either. But eat them however you like, and take advantage of the newly growing industry of psilocybin for the skin, to get the best benefits possible.

Welcome readers! Thanks for making it to CBDtesters.co, your preeminent internet spot for all cannabis and psychedelics-related news relevant to today. Check us out daily to stay informed on the exciting universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and subscribe to The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, and make sure you always know what’s going on.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

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Whered They Go? How Quaaludes Disappeared and Is Ketamine Next?

It’s not uncommon for a drug to enjoy its time in the sun before being put on a back shelf for something else. But the complete removal of a drug is harder to do, since black markets find ways of continuing on. Such is the case with quaaludes, however, which all but disappeared, leaving only the most minimal of a black-market presence. Why was the US so intent on getting rid of this drug?

Quaaludes disappeared decades ago, but the reason why is hazy. Touted as a dangerous drug, the planet was nearly scrubbed of them, even as much more dangerous drug classes were/are allowed to be used. So why was it done? Read on… Make sure to sign up for The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter to stay informed on everything important going on today, as well as to get access to exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more! We’ve also got great offers on cannabinoids like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC , which you can find by going to our “Best-of” lists!

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What are quaaludes?

Officially called methaqualone, the term ‘Quaaludes’ is actually just a brand name, though the drug became known by that name, along with the names ‘mandrakes’, ‘mandies’, ‘ludes’, ‘disco biscuits’, and ‘sopers’. Methaqualone is a sedative hypnotic, meaning it makes a user tired, and allows them to fall asleep. It comes from the quinazolinone class of drugs. At higher doses, the drug can cause extreme mental confusion, loss of motor control, and the shutting down of the nervous system. Think Wolf of Wall street, yeah, you know the scene.

Methaqualone was synthesized for the first time in India by scientists Syed Husain Zahee and Indra Kishore Kacker, who were doing research to find a cure for malaria. The drug soon became big internationally, and in 1955 it was found that the compound had great sedative and hypnotic properties. In 1962 it was patented by chemical company Wallace and Tiernan in the US. By 1965 it was the most prescribed sedative medication in Britain, and in 1972 it was the sixth best selling sedative in the US.

During the 1970’s it started to garner a bad reputation, partly from its illegal manufacture for use on the black market. Methaqualone is Schedule II according to the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which originally put it in Schedule I, before moving it to its current location in 1979. The US took it off the market in 1983, moved it to Schedule I in 1984, and officially banned it at that time.

In 1981, a statement by the US’s DEA claimed that methaqualone was second only to marijuana in terms of recreational drug popularity, and at that time approximately 90% of all the methaqualone being produced, was for the black market. This is important to know, because it means pharma companies and the government were not making money off of it. In fact, in 1980, the DEA claimed there were 20 million Quaaludes on the streets, and that that number would double in a year.

Methaqualone works with GABA receptors in the brain, much like both benzodiazepines and barbiturates (another class of drugs that all but disappeared), and promotes feelings of deep relaxation, euphoria, and behavioral inhibition, particularly related to sex. It creates physical tolerance with regular use, leading to more being needed and a higher chance of overdose. In the late 60’s and 70’s, it became a popular recreational drug in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand before being removed from markets in the 1980’s. It was still produced in Mexico til the early 90’s, and enjoys popularity still in the black markets of South Africa and India, but practically nowhere else.

Methaqualone came about when barbiturates were already starting to get a bad wrap for addiction and overdoses. When methaqualone was taken off the market, it was replaced by benzodiazepines, which became the new sedative darlings. Of course, those too have shown to be addictive and dangerous, as can probably be expected with any sedative. Somehow, though, they are allowed to remain when methaqualone was not.

Party Drugs: The Other Side of Psychedelics

How it is that Quaaludes so completely disappeared?

There are four things to consider here: 1) Quaaludes were out for at least 20 years and never had much of a death toll attached, and certainly nothing in line with the opioids of today. Meaning in terms of danger, whatever is said about Quaaludes, is lesser than the opioids issue by leaps and bounds. And not only do opioids enjoy legality despite a growing epidemic that claims upwards of 60,000 lives a year, but the US government wants to lower guidelines for prescribing them amid this.

2) If it was touted as being so incredibly popular, the death toll should have been massive for the level of danger spoken about. This creates a clear logical fallacy, as the drug was very widely used (apparently more widely than opioids), yet there weren’t bodies piled on the street. Meaning something in the danger story for removal doesn’t add up. In fact, a newspaper clipping from 1981 states that in 1980, there were 117 deaths from legally bought methaqualone in the US, and this considering it was the most popular drug next to weed. 60,000+ die a year from opioids alone now, so maybe Quaaludes weren’t the danger they were said to be.

Plus, 3), if they had the addiction rate that was spoken about, simply cutting people off would have resulted in a very big problem. But that didn’t happen. That line of reasoning – not wanting to force people into withdrawal – is used by the government to continue to push opioids despite the havoc they cause. So on one hand the government was fine with cutting people off from what they said was a highly addictive drug, but on the other, it refuses to do so with opioids, which have proven to be way worse. The fact that people could uniformly stop taking Quaaludes without a problem, shows their general low addictive nature, at least in comparison to alcohol, or opioids which cause users many problems upon cessation. One of the biggest complaints in terms of danger for Quaaludes, was not actually death, but that people made bad decisions. Let’s be realistic here, alcohol causes substantially more bad decision making, and much of the time with Quaaludes, the issue was that the person was consuming alcohol at the same time.

And 4), there are plenty of illegal drugs that never disappear, like heroin, crack, meth, and weed. And some, like heroin, meth, and crack, are significantly more dangerous. Yet it was monumentally important to the US government to get rid of this specific drug. How important exactly? Well, in order to get rid of it, the US didn’t worry about users, it worried about producers, and it worried about them all over the world.

In a classic case of the US overstepping boundaries and telling other countries what to do (which is essentially why cannabis has illegal status in so many places), the US went after anyone producing the powder all over the world and ‘convinced’ them to stop production. This is interesting, because technically, another country doesn’t have to care about US drug policy, or what the US wants to be available or not. Yet just like in tons of other cases – including weed – the US government forced its will, making sure production stopped under some idea that this drug was so dangerous.

Oh, and maybe a 5^th thing to know… methaqualone was patented in 1962 in the States, meaning there were many years before that when any company or person could access how to make it. I expect the government was trying to avoid a situation like with ketamine today, where a loophole allows it to be prescribed for off-label use creating a gray market for ketamine therapy that the government can’t capitalize on. It also means that Big Pharma companies probably didn’t like it since they lost massive amounts of money to black market production. In fact, most money made off it, was made on the black market.

The Ketamine Loophole: Everything You Need to Know

Current day

Today, the not-as-dangerous Quaaludes have all but disappeared, with the much more dangerous opioids and benzodiazepines showing what really dangerous drugs can do in terms of death counts. And even with the knowledge that the drug ketamine can treat issues like pain without causing the same addiction or overdose threat as opioids, it remains a suppressed industry. This doesn’t stop clinics from popping up offering treatments outside of regulation under off-label use, though. Well, guess what? That’s what was happening with Quaaludes before they disappeared.

Yup, that’s right. Clinics were set up that handed out prescriptions as high as the medical limit would allow. Called ‘stress clinics’, these operations would provide prescriptions without the user having to go to their GP – also like with ketamine, where a user can simply go to a clinic to get a prescription by the attending doctor there. And if today’s ketamine industry is any indication, the government did well for itself by moving methaqualone to Schedule I, thereby alleviating the fear of an off-label market.

So Quaaludes, the drug that got everyone to relax in the 60’s and 70’s, have disappeared, and the internet seems to be scrubbed of any useful information. What can’t be found, are any kind of death or injury statistics that can legitimately back up the idea that this drug was so dangerous it had to be removed entirely. What kind of death and injury statistics do exist? The above mentioned article pointed to 117 deaths from 1980. Here’s another statistic that makes clear how much of a smear campaign was built around Quaaludes: 246 methaqualone-related deaths in Dade County Florida in the 11 years from the beginning of 1971 to the end of 1981.

Considering that county had between one and two million people during those years, it suffices to say that 246 deaths over 11 years is like saying something is safe (let’s remember Dade is the home to Miami). In comparison, in just 2019, that same county had 300 drug overdose deaths, which equals 11.04 per 100,000 residents. That was just one year, and the majority were from opioids. Here’s another comparison to consider: each year approximately 458 people in the US die from acetaminophen (Tylenol). It also leads to 56,000 emergency room visits every year and 26,000 hospitalizations every year as well. Which means if you think about it, Tylenol is more dangerous than Quaaludes. Maybe the US should protect us from it.

Conclusion

The question of why Quaaludes disappeared is an interesting one, mainly because it seems to be an example of something growing in popularity, of the US government not being able to control it (or benefit from it), of the US government then launching smear campaigns about it, followed by the US government outlawing it. Much like with cannabis. If anything, Quaaludes seem to be less dangerous than opioids or benzodiazepines (the latter of which were responsible for approximately 300 deaths from 2019-2020 in 32 states and DC only.)

The whole thing starts to make me wonder if methaqualone was actually a worthwhile medication, as the medical industry and government so rarely act to the benefit of consumers. The opioid-ketamine conundrum is a fantastic example of this, and the way the two entities work together to keep people off the better option in favor of a more dangerous one. I wonder if the government will attempt the same thing with ketamine as it did to make sure that Quaaludes disappeared. Illegalize it, demonize it, and then go after every producer to eradicate the market. Stay tuned to life to find out.

Want Ketamine or Esketamine Therapy? Here’s What to Do…

Welcome to the site! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, the preeminent internet location for all cannabis and psychedelics-related news that’s important today. Read thru the site regularly to stay knowledgeable on the quickly-moving landscape of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to sign up for The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, so you’re never behind on what’s going on.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The post Where’d They Go? How Quaaludes Disappeared and Is Ketamine Next? appeared first on CBD Testers.

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Non-Cannabis Companies at Alternative Products Expo Shows Shift in Mainstream Views on Cannabis

When it comes to cannabis conferences, a common assumption is that exhibitors and attendees will only be people and companies who are already in the industry. However, a growing number of ancillary brands, most that have no prior connection to the cannabis sector, are showing interest in this growing market. This is clearly evidenced by the variety in food, tech, clothing, and security brands that will be present at the upcoming Alternative Products Expo.  

Use the coupon code CBDTESTERS for 50% off tickets to Alternative Products Expo in Fort Lauderdale, FL from March 11^th to 13^th. And remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for more deals on show tickets and exciting new products!  

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About the conference  

The Alternative Products Expo, formerly known as The USA CBD Expo, has expanded to cover so much more than just CBD. This year, like last, you can expect to learn more about Delta 8, 9, and 10 THC, THC-O, HHC, psilocybin, THCV, CBN, and so many more exciting cannabinoid and alternative products. Taking place March 11^th to 13^th in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida! 

2022 is expected to be an incredible year for the industry as a whole. Amazing shows, pending legalizations, and so many new products and compounds hitting the shelves. The cannabis trade-show experience is unparalleled. Alternative Products Expo offers attendees the opportunity to build connections, learn about all the latest trends and innovations, and be among like-minded people in a rapidly growing industry.  

This event will include over 50 speakers, more than 300 exhibitors, and thousands of products. Alternative products expo is sponsored by 3chi, Lost 8s, Dimo, Trinity Hemp, Cake, and other big names in the industry. That said, you can expect to find a lot THC (Delta 8, 9, and 10, THC-O, THCP, and THCV), CBN, CBG, CBD, CBC, and pretty much any hemp/cannabis derivative you can think of. 

Another exciting aspect about this year’s expo is the inclusion of psychedelic (or psychedelic adjacent) products. There won’t be any actual psilocybin on the convention floor, since it’s still in legal flux throughout the US, but a lot of companies that have already laid the groundwork to sell such products once they are legal, will be there. Many cities and states have mushroom legislation in the works, and it is prime time to start learning about them and connecting with people in that field. 

Ancillary brands showing interest in cannabis  

From tech to food, security systems to gardening products, it seems that everyone wants a piece of the cannabis pie. Take Amoretti, a well known syrup and flavoring manufacturer that has been in business for about 30 years. They are now looking to expand into the cannabis sector with infused syrups, and they will have a presence at the expo next month.

Another big ancillary sector in regards to cannabis products is label making and packaging. Although this event is heavily focused on B2C, there will still be a handful of these types of companies at the event as well, like Stickler, a digital label printing business.

Seed to Sale Surveillance – The True Role of Cannabis Security Companies  

Some payment processors and different types of money service companies will be there too, like Bitcoin ATMS, Greenway Payments – a trusted leader in electronic payments for regulated & non-regulated industries, and MerchantE – a company that offers payment processing, online and mobile sale options, hosted payments, invoicing, POS services, and more.

Less than one month left! 

Again, The Alternative Products Expo will be held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from March 11th to 13th. We’re expecting to see over 10,000 attendees, more than 50 speakers, and upwards of 300 exhibitors at the event, and we at CBD Testers are very excited to attend! 

–> Remember to use coupon code TESTERS for 50% off any ticket to any show <– 

Other upcoming locations include: Medellin, Colombia from May 21^st and 22^nd, Tampa, Florida from November 10^th to 12^th, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida again from March 3^rd to 5^th, 2023.  

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Hello readers! Welcome to CBDtesters.co, your #1 web spot for the best independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics-related industry, relevant to today. Join us whenever possible to stay in-the-loop on the constantly-changing universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you’re always on top of the latest story.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The THC Weekly Newsletter

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Israeli Study Finds Cannabis Can Reduce Need For Other Medications

A recent clinical trial conducted by Soroka University Medical Center and Israeli medical cannabis company Tikun Olam-Cannbit (TASE:TKUN) showed promising results, especially for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reported the Jerusalem Post. 

Cannabis research is constantly reaching amazing new heights, with the latest study confirming what many of us already know… that marijuana use can minimize the need for other prescription drugs. Subscribe to THC Weekly Newsletter for more stories like this, and to get access to exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and many more products! Plus, we have great offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which will save you $$. Go to our “Best-of” lists to find them!

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About the study  

The study was funded by Tikun Olam-Cannbit and was conducted over several years. Researchers examined 8,500 adults, both male and female, averaging 54.6 years old, and medicated them with strains grown by the company. A large number of cannabis-medicated patients stopped or reduced their dosages of opioids by 52%, anti-psychotics by 36.9%, anti-epileptics by 35.7% and hypnotics and sedatives by 35.3%.

Overall, over two-thirds of patients reported “at least moderate improvement with no serious side effects, and about half claimed that their “quality of life had improved during the time of treatment”. In total, 90.8% of treated PTSD patients being classified as therapeutic successes after six months.” Other benefits ranged from a notable decrease in outbursts of rage, improved restlessness, and a lower rate of digestive and sleep-related issues.

“In the past, we already demonstrated that treatment with medical cannabis products relieves symptoms and improves quality of life for patients,” said Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider the company’s head of R&D. “This is the first time that in-depth, organized and systematic analysis of a large amount of data on a very large group of patients was performed, and in which, without bias, the effect of the treatment for various indications was examined.” 

Israeli Nextage Explores Effective Delivery of Psychedelic Compounds

In December last year, an exclusive and mutual collaboration agreement was signed by Tikun Olam-Cannbit and Teva Pharmaceuticals, in which Tikun Olam’s medical cannabis products will be distributed by Teva Pharmacueticals throughout Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

“The medical cannabis arena is developing and being professionalized at a dizzying pace in Israel, and there is more openness to it in Israel and worldwide,” Teva Israel CEO Yossi Ofek said. “Today, it is clear to many in the pharmaceutical industry and in the medical community that the use of oils produced from specific cannabis strains may provide additional treatment options and respond to unmet medical needs of patients. I have no doubt that the medical cannabis oils Cannbit-Tikun Olam produces – according to Teva’s high quality and safety standards – will help us realize our goal of improving the lives of patients.” 

Who is Tikun Olam-Cannbit? 

Tikun Olam (adapted spelling from Tikkun Olam) gets its name from an important Jewish concept which refers to any activity that improves the world and brings it closer to a harmonious state. The phrase directly translates to “Repair the World”, and this is exactly what they have been doing with their world-class cannabis research. More than 20,000 patients currently use Tikun Olam’s products. 

Tikun Olam has conducted research on a number of different conditions including cancer, autism, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, fibromyalgia, and various motor disorders; just to name a few. Their chief scientist is Professor Zvi Bentwich – a leading HIV/AIDS researcher, board member of Physicians for Human Rights, and one of the first doctors in Israel (and possibly the world) to treat patients with medical cannabis. 

Despite a short period of drama and uncertainty, Tikun Olam was purchased by Cannabit a couple of years ago. Cannbit signed a memorandum of principles to purchase Tikun Olam for a total of $42 million, with a caveat to pay an additional $18 million of Cannabit reaches a market cap of $1 billion within the next 5 years. This marked Israel’s largest medical cannabis merger in history.  

Israel’s history with cannabis research  

No country in the world is better known for cannabis research than Israel. Not only is this the nation where it all began, but they are still paving the path with their modern research efforts today. Back in the early 1960s, Israeli scientist and University Professor, Raphael Mechoulam, first identified and isolated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from the cannabis plant. His discovery jumpstarted the medical cannabis revolution and helped change how the entire world looked at this plant.  

Today, Mechoulam is President of The Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he is leading a team of researchers that continue to uncover the numerous medical benefits associated with the now hundreds of compounds that have been found in cannabis. He has received millions in grants to create cannabis-based treatments for aggressive forms of cancer, and he was recently awarded the Technion Harvey prize for his work in the field. 

By 2017, many in the industry had nicknamed Israel “The Holy Land” for medical cannabis; still known as an international hub for some of the most advanced scientists and researchers in the industry and it’s one of the few countries in the world where doctors prescribe cannabis-based medications with some regularity.  

Global Cannabis Leaders – Most Advanced Countries for Medical Research

A great number of our most important cannabis studies come from Israel, including many about the endocannabinoid system, cannabis and cancer, mental health, addiction, and the list goes on. Israel has seen so much success with cannabis research that more restricted countries (like the U.S.) rely on Israeli data for their own scientific and legal initiatives. Although Israel has been shipping out cannabis products for some time now, many believe the small country’s most valuable export is medical data. 

Final thoughts

Israel is no stranger to cannabis research, and this data is just the latest in what is sure to be many more studies regarding cannabis and addiction, PTSD, medicine reduction, and overall mental health and wellness. As of now, cannabis-based treatments have proven effective in all the aforementioned areas.

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Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

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