Drugs and the Brain: Understanding the Default Mode Network

We are going to explore the underlying neuroscience of drugs: how different drugs affect the brain and which areas are activated or suppressed when we are high. The many benefits of drugs: psychedelics and cannabinoids are known when it comes to mental health and cognitive functioning. At CBD testers we have already reviewed lots of evidence for psychedelics and cannabis having positive effects on mood, creativity and the regulation of emotions.

Whilst understanding these positive effects from a distance can be useful as an introduction to these drugs, understanding the neural mechanisms underneath these benefits will help us to understand drugs even better. In today’s article I am going to introduce you to one of the most talked about networks of connected brain regions in neuroscience, the default mode network.

An intimidating name, but a very simple system that has been tied to so many psychological processes of late. The default mode network is a bit of a rockstar when it comes to modern cognitive neuroscience and in this article we will get to know exactly what it is and the many functions it may be linked to, as well as understanding how drugs may affect it.   

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 is the Default Mode Network?

The default mode network (DMN) in its simplest terms is a collection of brain regions that seem to be active when your brain is in its resting state: When you’re not thinking about anything, when your mind is wandering, when you’re using your inner monologue. The idea is that the brain is actually always active, even during states of rest and even when you are asleep. Though this theory itself isn’t exactly new (researches in the 30’s, such as Hans Berger believed this) the DMN was only really discovered after a huge leap forward in the technologies used to measure brain activity.

In the 80’s and early 90’s, much research done on brain regions and their functions was carried out using CT scanners or MRIs. Both produce pretty stationary images of the brain that give little information about the current activity of the brain being scanned. Then, a new method of brain imaging emerged, fmri (functional magnetic resonance imaging). fMRI allowed for real time brain activity to be examined, showing psychologists exactly which parts of the brain were active during an activity, or during rest when participants were doing nothing. Raichle et al were some of the first researchers to define a default network of brain regions active during this resting state. fMRI allowed researchers to look at how different areas of the brain worked together under certain conditions and allowed scientists to view the brain in a much more connected way.

The key areas that seemed to be active in this default mode network were: the posterior cingulate cortex, the medial prefrontal cortex and the angular gyrus. Crikey, those are some rather grim names, but let’s break down what they do. All of these areas in the brain are linked to the perception of the self, as well as predicting what other people are thinking. The posterior cingulate cortex, PCC (labelled on the diagram below) is linked to a variety of functions, including the remembrance of autobiographical memories and the orientation in time and space. The medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex is linked to emotional processing and the retrieval of memories. Then, the angular gyrus (AG), seems to be linked to self-processing and mentalizing (imagining yourself doing something in the future) as well as putting oneself in another’s shoes (Theory of mind). 

All of these areas, when firing together make up this default mode network and create the resting brain state when our mind wanders off, or when we think about ourselves, or imagine what other people are thinking. So, it seems that the DMN is mostly active when we’re not doing anything, but less active when we are doing goal directed behaviour. Initially the discovery of the DMN was deemed interesting as it allowed for us to remove it from scans of the brain if we wanted to remove a control state, but with more research, the role of the DMN in a number of cognitive functions has come to light.

What does the DMN do?

Since its discovery, the DMN has been implicated in a whole host of functions. It has been linked to the ability to think about the future, imagining future events. It has been linked to theory of mind, experiencing how someone else thinks about the world. It also seems to have a role in dreaming, with the DMN seemingly active in REM sleep. Most notably though, the DMN has been theorised as a network linked to our conscious experience of the world. Recent studies have shown that people with disorders of consciousness (brain injury or a lack of consciousness) seem to have issues in the links between the DMN. Researchers have begun to hypothesise that our DMN is very important in the subjective experience of consciousness and it kind of makes sense given the links the DMN and its constituent areas have with autobiographical memory and daydreaming. 

Getting High & the DMN

With such an integral link to consciousness and perceptions of the self, it’s easy to see why researchers have wanted to investigate the effects of drugs on the activity of the DMN. What would you predict different drugs do to our DMN, an area that seems to be linked with thinking about the self? Well many researchers actually believe that drugs can act as a way to calm down and control the DMN. Overactivity in the DMN has been linked with some mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

What Happens to Your Brain When You Hallucinate?

As you can imagine a network of brain areas linked to thinking about the self, if overactivated would lead to dangerous thought patterns and indeed that’s true. Studies have shown that the DMN is more active in depressed participants when thinking negatively. So how can specific drugs help?  Well, A recent study into schizophrenia and the DMN has suggested that there may be a rather incredible relationship between cannabis and DMN activity. The paper argues that schizophrenia is linked to a hyperactivity of the DMN, this means that there is too much activity between the different brain areas.

This hyperactivity then makes it harder for the brain to allocate attention to other functions, but also may result in problems with distinguishing between real events and internal thoughts. What the study found, rather incredibly, was that patients with hyperactive DMNs, when given a low dose of cannabis or THC, actually showed a reduction in this hyperactivity. Not only this, but a possible reduction in symptoms was also observed. Though further research is needed to exactly understand the relationship between THC and the default mode network, this study seems to suggest that THC actually decreases the activity in the Default Mode network.

Psychedelics & the DMN

Similar calming effects to the DMN have been observed from psychedelic drug research. Robin Cahart-Harris investigated what was happening to the brain on LSD by scanning participants’ brains using multiple imaging devices. He found that there was a significant decrease in DMN activity, particularly in the Posterior Cingulate Cortex (described above). What the study showed was that this decreased DMN activity was correlated with the experience of a dissolved ego, or ego death. Incredibly, it seems that LSD allows us to think in a less egotistical way because of the dissolution of our DMN. This dissolution, it also seems, allows for experiences of spirituality too. Perhaps, this decrease in DMN activity from psychedelics can explain the many benefits of the drugs on disorders such as depression and anxiety. If LSD and Psilocybin reduce an overactive DMN, this would make sense.

Addiction & the DMN

One other area of drug related psychology that seems to be tied with the DMN is addiction. It seems that an increased activity of specific parts of the DMN, linked to internal thoughts may be linked with drug addiction. Again, suggesting a possible reason as to why some psychedelic drugs which decrease the activity of the DMN may help with some forms of addiction. Of course, this research is still preliminary and there is always a risk when using drugs to treat an addiction, but still it is fascinating research to read. There is also contradictory evidence that suggests that the DMN in drug addicts brains is decreased in certain areas, particularly those linked to self control and the evaluation of reward, so again, caution is needed when reviewing how drugs may help with the treatment of addiction.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article has given an interesting insight into one of the most relevant areas of neuroscience at the moment. The DMN is a truly remarkable network of brain areas and there seems to be no limit to the functions of human psychology it has been linked to. The interaction between the DMN and drugs is also truly fascinating, with the research suggesting that some drugs seem to reduce activity in the DMN, perhaps leading to the calming state of being high and the loss of ego one gets from some psychedelic drugs. I really do recommend looking further into the DMN as it likely holds the answers to some of the biggest questions in psychology.

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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.

The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter

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Are Women Less Likely To Support Cannabis Legalization Than Men?

When it comes to the majority of political issues – including support for social services and government spending, environmental regulation, equal rights, prison reform, mental health, and so on – women tend to lean more liberal than men. One of the few hot-button topics where more women seem to skew conservatively, is cannabis legalization, surprisingly.  

According to a Gallup survey conducted late last year, American support for cannabis legalization is at an all-time high of nearly 70 percent. However, despite the fact that a growing number of adults are in favor of weed reform, it seems that women are somewhat less open to the idea than men. A few other studies and surveys over the year shared similar findings.  

So, what is the reason for this gender gap? Is it related to religion, politics, or parenthood? Or is because, historically, women have always faced greater stigma than men for engaging in what society considers “deviant” behavior? Is it a combination of all these different elements? Let’s explore this further. 

As with most things in this world, cannabis use is not uniform across the board. Opinions vary based on age, religious beliefs, gender, and many other factors. But as a whole, it seems that most people are becoming increasingly supportive of reform efforts, and we’re here to keep you updated on these changes every step of the way. Subscribe to THC Weekly Newsletter for tons more stories like this one. Plus, gain access to exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more, along with premiere offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which will save you lots of $$. You can find them in our “Best-of” lists!

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The cannabis gender gap 

Using data from Pew Research Center surveys, researchers from North Carolina State University and Hartwick College conducted a new meta-analysis of their results and tested several different hypotheses to try and see if they could figure out more about this gender gap. They published their results in the Social Science Quarterly.  Although the numbers vary slightly based on the specific survey conducted, on average, just under 70 percent of men support cannabis legalization, while only about 60 percent of women do. The numbers run parallel to gendered patterns of recreational use, in which similar figures have been reported.  

Overall, it seems that among adolescents, males are more likely to use cannabis than females, and that continues into adulthood. These numbers remained constant whether cannabis was legal in the respondents’ areas or not. Additionally, among those who did use cannabis, there were gender-based differences in the way it was being used. Women were more likely to use it therapeutically, and the most common conditions listed were nausea, anxiety, and migraines.  

This makes a lot of sense, when we consider how standard medications are prescribed to women versus men. Statistics show that women are more likely than men to use antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-pain medications, although rates of diagnosis between both genders are practically the same. Women also typically seek medical treatment earlier and more frequently than men, and about 14 percent more women reported taking vitamins and supplements than their male counterparts.  

All-that said, it’s no surprise that among women, especially middle-aged to older women, the idea of using cannabis medicinally is a much easier-to-swallow pill than full-scale recreational legalization. Even so, the gender gap has certainly narrowed over the years and will likely continue to do so. In 2018, 68 percent of men supported cannabis legalization, while only 56 percent of women did. By late last year, these numbers were at 68-61. What’s interesting is that the number of men who support cannabis reform is now remaining stagnant, and the number of women who are flipping the switch is growing.  

The conservative mother theory  

A common assumption when it comes to women and cannabis, is that mothers are more inclined to oppose cannabis legalization efforts. This is, though, just an assumption that’s not rooted in fact whatsoever. It’s true that parenthood is political, and parents tend to support policies that help children and prevent crime. From this perspective it makes sense that mothers who are intent on protecting their children would oppose policies that are lenient toward any type of substance use, not just cannabis.  

Fascinatingly, that appears to not be the case at all. When this theory was tested, it was noted that mothers and fathers were just as likely to support cannabis legalization as men and women without children. When it came to harder drugs with more addictive tendencies, that’s where many began to draw the line, but views on cannabis were fairly liberal.  

A Complete Look at Cannabis and CBD Use While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

“Being a parent is not a predictor of attitudes on the marijuana support scale,” says Steven Greene, Professor of political science at North Carolina State University, and co-author of the study. “When the demographics-only model is run without the parenthood variable (not shown) and then with the parenthood variable added, the coefficient for gender does not change at all, indicating that being a parent does not account for any of the gender gap.” 

The real cause of the divide  

Numerous different tests were conducted to see if there was a “why” that could be explained. The first analysis looked at gender alone, to establish a baseline, then added different demographic variables to see which ones had the largest impact on cannabis-related opinions. They examined political party affiliation, age, education level, income, race, parenthood, marital status, religious affiliation/commitment, and past use patterns.  

Political party affiliation, age, education, and church attendance were all somewhat significant, with results implying that younger, liberal, higher-educated, and non-religious women were more likely to be in favor of cannabis legalization. Older and conservative women were more inclined to be opposed altogether or more prefered medical legalization only. Race, marital status, and parenthood all proved largely insignificant in all these analyses.  

But all the aforementioned factors were no longer noteworthy when past cannabis use was accounted for. According to the study authors, “Personal use had the strongest influence of all the variables considered, indicating that those who had ever used were more likely to support legalization than those who had never used marijuana, even when considering all the other factors.” 

Familiarity and comfortability  

So, if past use and familiarity are the common denominators in whether someone is more likely to support cannabis legalization or not, the next question is… why are men more often more comfortable with cannabis than women? When we think of stoners, we tend to think of carefree young males, and we’re not entirely off base with that association.  

Statistically speaking, women were less likely to report having ever trying cannabis at all. Approximately 55 percent of men reported having tried cannabis at some point in their lives, compared to only 42 percent of women. Women also reported feeling “uncomfortable” around the plant and in regards to the industry in general.  

Considering how beneficial cannabis can be for women, I personally find these results jarring. Why aren’t more women at least trying it? It’s honestly hard to say, because in my own experience, most of the women I’ve met are cannabis-friendly. Aside from personal preferences, it could stem from historical double standards. Typically, women who engage in risky behavior are judged more harshly than men who engage in similar or even riskier activities. This includes but is not limited to drug use and sexual activity, the two of which are often believed to go hand in hand. 

American Stoner – Comparing Cannabis Culture in Legal vs Prohibited States

And in that same vein, women have been (and still are to some extent) restricted in how and when they can express their sexuality. Because the general consensus is that drugs lower inhibitions, and lowered inhibitions can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences, and women have been sexually oppressed since the earliest documented human civilizations, it’s no surprise that women face more stigma for using mind altering substances as well.  

Final thoughts  

It’s important to note that this gender gap, although present, is not very large and getting smaller with each passing day. Researchers believe that this will be a non-issue as soon as a few years down the line.  

“Though it is challenging to accurately predict the future contours of the gender gap in marijuana, we do think our findings here are instructive,” the team wrote. “As marijuana use becomes more common and seen as less risky or deviant behavior, and as marijuana use is framed less as a moral issue (which will presumably be the case as it grows more common and legalized), there is reason to expect the gender gap to shrink.” 

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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Dry Tobacco Vapes and A New Way to Smoke

Smoking cigarettes is bad, we all know that. And vaping e-liquid, while still a better option, still comes with its own issues of unknown, sometimes dangerous, chemicals being added. So what about just vaping directly? We do it with weed after all, and for anyone who’s made the switch, you know it makes a difference, whether the government is encouraging you to do it or not. So why has this not become a thing with cigarettes? Dry tobacco vapes present the safest way to consume tobacco, without the detriments of smoking.

Dry tobacco vapes seem like the most obvious answer to the smoking problem, yet are only coming out now. What better way to minimize the detriments of smoking and issues of chemical additives to e-liquid vaping, than to bring the temperature down altogether? We cover everything in this category and work hard to get you the best news possible. 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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Vaping

It’s pretty passe to see a person with a vape pen these days, whether its for tobacco or weed. But this is a relatively new trend in the Western world, even though it technically goes back thousands of years. In fact, vaping can be traced back at least as far as Egypt in around 1,554 BC. Egyptians used to use hot bricks or stones to create vapors, with henbane specifically, and likely other oils or herbs.

Vaping in general means heating something to the point of vaporization – which is the same as the boiling point. But making sure not to heat it enough to make it combust. In this way, a user will never experience the negative aspects of lighting something on fire and breathing it in, but can obtain medical benefits.

Our more modern vaping history stated in 1930 when a guy named Joseph Robinson obtained the first patent for an electric cigarette. It is unclear if that first model was ever built, and it was several decades before the industry actually moved forward. Though patents were filed in the 1990’s by different companies, the first commercially successful vape was created by Chinese pharmaceutical owner Hon Lik in 2003.

Lik’s company Golden Dragon Holdings manufactured the product, changing its name to ‘Ruyan’. The market really took off in 2006, when electronic cigarettes debuted in Europe and the US. And then from there the market really exploded. How much? Here are some statistics to illustrate it better.

According to this Singlecare article, which speaks of different research including Gallup polls, 9% of adults used vapes regularly or occasionally by 2018, and about 27.5% of high school kids were already vaping. A survey from 2019 reported that over five million middle school and high school students had claimed to use e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Between the years of 2011-2018, the number of consumers smoking e-cigarette skyrocketed from seven million to 41 million. And that’s already outdated by four years.

What about cannabis? A 2019 survey showed an increase of 3% in use of vaporizers among college students, which was already up 6% from the previous year. This survey accounted for students aged 19-22. What of their non-college attending compatriots? The percentage went up from 8% in 2018 to 17% the following year. And all this considering that in 2003, vaporizers didn’t even exist, with now close to 20%+ of young adults using them regularly.

To Dab or Not to Dab: What It Is and How It’s Done

Is tobacco super dangerous?

There are a couple things to understand about tobacco. First, it’s been used medicinally for thousands of years (you read that right), and second, the idea of burning it and inhaling it, is way different from consuming it in a way that does not involve burning it. I think this is a good time to remind (or inform for those who really don’t get it) that it was never about tobacco being the worst thing ever, it was about burning it and inhaling, because burning ANYTHING and inhaling is dangerous.

When there’s a house fire, and there are fears that a person breathed in too much smoke, is that about cigarettes? No! And when there are wildfires that produce a lot of smoke, and people are told to stay away to avoid breathing it, is that about cigarette smoke? No! Breathing in anything burning is bad. End of story. Doesn’t matter if its wood, plastic, cotton, or any other material. The term ‘smoke inhalation’ is not about cigarettes, its about simply breathing in too much smoke of any kind, and we already know that breathing in too much smoke is deadly. So, obviously it would be bad to have a habit where smoke inhalation is a key part to it. But realistically, with few exceptions, what is being burned and inhaled, is less important than the fact that something is being burned and inhaled.

In terms of tobacco, the plant is theorized to have been used for around 8,000 years, with cultivation likely beginning about 5,000 years ago in Central Mexico. Remains of both wild and cultivated tobacco were found in New Mexico in the High Rolls Cave, with radiocarbon technology dating it to between 1,400-1,000 BC. Natives to these areas used tobacco for ceremonial and medical purposes, with the plant earning the title of a cure-all.

Tobacco has been used medically for things such as wound dressing, for skin infections, sores, bruises, and sprains. It was used to fight intestinal worms, to induce vomiting, as a laxative, expectorant, and for fainting and dizziness. It was used for pain like headaches and toothaches, as an antiseptic, and to stop bleeding by constricting blood vessels.

When Christopher Columbus brought it back to Europe, it was believed the plant had magical powers. In fact, it was this belief that helped the trend of smoking tobacco when the method came out, as the idea was that smoking helped get a good daily dose of tobacco and nicotine. Maybe it’s not technically bad to get a daily dose, but certainly not from lighting it on fire and inhaling.

Dry tobacco vapes present new way to consume tobacco

So, if tobacco isn’t the culprit, but smoking it is, then simply changing the way its ingested is the biggest issue, not stopping its use. Since we have the technology to inhale in a different way now that doesn’t involve burning the material, it seems tobacco doesn’t have to be demonized in the same way anymore.

FDA Still Trying to Limit Vaping, the Healthier Smoking Option

Enter dry tobacco vapes. One of the only differences that exists between dry tobacco vapes and dry herb vapes for cannabis, is the temperature needed for vaporization. Cannabis is vaporized at about 160-230º C (320-446º F). Going to 232º C (450º F), and the cannabis will burn. Using the lesser temperatures will mean a lighter vapor, with higher temperatures in the range leading to a thicker vapor.

On the other hand, tobacco vaporizes at a slightly higher temperature, so dry tobacco vapes heat up to about 260º C (500º F). If this sounds high to you (and it will if you’re used to vaping weed), just remember that cigarettes heat up to about 900º C (1,652º F) when being actively puffed on. For complete combustion, you actually have to go higher than this, with temperatures in excess of 1,300º C (2,372º F).

In terms of benefits, while I’m not a doctor, I am an intelligent human being, and a strong supporter of basic logic. By cutting out the major issue (lighting it on fire and inhaling), the majority of detrimental aspects to cigarettes is erased, and what’s left is the plant that was touted as a miracle cure, and used in medicine for literally thousands of years. Whatever actual medical benefits that can be obtained by tobacco, would be much more relevant when vaping it, with few-to-none of the harmful attributes present without heat high enough for combustion.

Why are dry tobacco vapes not a big thing?

This is a great question, and one we could probably debate about all day. My opinion (since I’m writing the article)? Probably for the same reason that vapes in general are demonized. Because they represent moving away from Big Tobacco, and big corporations are known for their power in government. Some would even say that big corporations run the country (and the world). Even for those who disagree, what they can’t disagree with, is how much money big corporations give to the government.

Big Tobacco has had to cede much in the way of profits because of health concerns (which it tried to bury for decades). And the vaporizer game isn’t really a corporate one, or Big Tobacco one, though these corporations are getting in on it as much as possible. So Big Tobacco likes the idea of losing out to healthier means and smaller companies the same way that Big Pharma likes supporting cannabis, a plant that any consumer can grow on their own, superseding the need to buy the pharmaceutical version.

The government seems to be wildly unconcerned with the health of its people. If you have an issue with this statement, perhaps you can explain why opioids are still allowed on the market despite a growing death count that now equals over 100,000 a year. Sure, you could argue that some people need these medications, but chances are, if you’re arguing that, you have been kept monumentally in the dark about natural medicines like ginger (I use it most days to stand up straight), plants like kratom, or even ketamine, which works so well for pain, that even without a government-established market, consumers have been finding their way to clinics on their own.

Everything You Need to Know About Kratom

And what did the government do in response to this gray ketamine market? It legalized a different version, but not for pain. Maybe because ketamine isn’t addictive, can actually solve problems, and can be made easily enough on the black market? How much does the medical industry really like problems being solved? Kind of seems like it prefers the opposite. In fact, when the government did legalize esketamine for major depression, it actually did so with the requirement that the patient also take a regular antidepressant. Which makes so little sense, it’s concerning as to why.

So… why aren’t dry tobacco vapes big yet? Probably because it wasn’t financially viable for Big Tobacco to support them earlier. Or useful to take away one of the biggest factors to lower health in a country with so little preventative medicine (and so much ability for it), it implies a massive desire for the population to be sick. Go ahead and argue the point. While non-working, potentially dangerous vaccines are being pushed on people to the point of threatening their ability to go through daily functions if they refuse them, natural plant-based alternatives to fight coronaviruses were established as far back as 2003, yet for some reason, the government doesn’t like mentioning this at all. Which is odd if you care about your people, considering plants don’t require coming with a Vaccine Injury Program.

Conclusion

While I don’t believe that dry tobacco vapes were thought of as a good idea by major tobacco companies, I do believe they’ll get into it, because they’ll have to. Though the population at large isn’t always the best at making decisions (hence smoking in the first place), one of the awesome factors about life these days, is that if something catches on enough for the masses, big corporations must comply or lose out. And in a time period where trying to recoup health has become important, switching to dry tobacco vapes might be the very best method (better than e-liquid vapes) to get people into consuming tobacco in a safer way.

Welcome all! You’ve made it to CBDtesters.co, your one-stop-shop for the best independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics-related industry, 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

The post Dry Tobacco Vapes and A New Way to Smoke appeared first on CBD Testers.

Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/19/dry-tobacco-vapes-and-a-new-way-to-smoke/

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Bong Water Flavors for Tasty Smoking

Different parts of the world operate differently with their own trends, but some things seem to remain relatively constant across cultures. While joint smoking is hands down the most popular way to smoke that I’ve seen anywhere, bongs have always been a close second, even more than vaping. So what’s one way to improve the overall bong experience? Bong water flavors! Good for making each bong hit a truly tasty experience.

Bong water flavors are the perfect way to keep your bong tasting fresh and delicious. Check out options in stores, or go through your kitchen to find the best ingredients for a DIY job. We’re here to deliver the top cannabis news of today. Subscribe to THC Weekly Newsletter for tons more stories like this one. Plus, gain access to exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more, along with premiere offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which will save you lots of $$. You can find them in our “Best-of” lists!

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A bit on bongs

Fist off, a ‘bong’ is a form of ‘waterpipe’, which is a smoking device that uses water to filter the smoke. Waterpipes have a chamber that can be made air tight when the user puts their mouth to the mouthpiece. This chamber needs a stem which leads to a bowl where an herb can be burned (or vaporized if using a dab), with the other opening leading to the mouthpiece.

Many bongs have a third opening which goes by many names including: ‘carb’, ‘choke’, and ‘hole’, which is used to clear the built-up smoke in the chamber. The hole must be blocked (usually with a finger) while lighting the herbs and inhaling the smoke. Much of the smoke gets inhaled, while much goes to this chamber. The chamber can then be cleared by taking the finger off the carb, and inhaling the built-up smoke. If a bong doesn’t have a carb, it usually has a removable bowl which can be taken off the stem, and which then functions the same way. Generally any cheap homemade bong will use this method, with super cheaply made bongs having neither.

A ’waterpipe’ can denote several different styles of smoking devices. There’s the standard bong design of today with a chamber leading up to a cylindrical tube and opening, sometimes going three-feet high. There are ‘dabs’ which actually vaporize, though the concentrate used for them is indeed lit on fire. There are ‘hookahs’ which can be seen throughout the Middle East, and which incorporate tubes to suck the air through and which use a form of tobacco; and ‘bubblers’ which are like little handheld bongs that look more like pipes, but with a water chamber.

Bong water

Bong water serves a very specific purpose. First, it cools the very hot air produced by the combustion of the cannabis so that it’s more comfortable to breathe in, and way less harsh than a standard pipe or joint. Second, the water filters the smoke by trapping the heavier particles within in when the air goes through, keeping them out of the user’s lungs. Prior to vapes coming out, this filtration made bongs the healthiest way to smoke.

The classic bong ‘gurgle’ sound happens when the air is sucked through the water with the carb held closed (if one exists). Bongs are known for creating very big hits, that hit very hard, making users very high off of just one hit.

As you can imagine, constantly sucking gritty smoke through water, can make the water pretty dirty. And if you’re a bong smoker, you know that not only does the water look dirty after only a couple hits, but it starts to smell very bad too. Every bong smoker knows the trials and tribulations of a knocked over bong and split bong water, and the smell that seems to never go away. And just as it smells pretty bad pretty fast, it starts to taste pretty bad as well. As most people don’t change the water every other hit, it suffices to say that something to improve the taste can make for a much happier smoking experience.

Gurgle Gurgle: The History of Bongs and Waterpipes

Bong water flavors

Bong water flavors are exactly what they sound like. Something to put into the bong water to make your bong hits taste good. This goes for when using nice, newly-changed bongwater, as well as for keeping the bong smokable after many hits have been taken, and the water has been clogged up with ash.

Bong water flavors are simply liquid flavoring concoctions that are meant to be mixed with water for use in your bong. Sometimes the instructions say to mix with a certain amount of water first (to get the right concentration) before putting whatever is necessary in the water compartment. One brand Original Bong Water Flavours puts out bong water flavors ($9.99) like Blueberry, Apple Kiwi, Peach, and Watermelon among others. All flavorings use natural and artificial flavors, are non-toxic, and stipulated to not be for internal consumption.

Some companies provide flavor drops like the company Bong Drops, which just require a drop or two to be added to bong water, rather than for a mixture to be made using more water. The company puts out regular drops (15ml for $8.99) in flavors like Cotton Candy, Banana, and Watermelon Sugar. This company also provides a line of organic drops (15ml for $9.99) in flavors: Organic Clove Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, and Organic Orange Oil.

Some even offer not only flavoring, but a way to keep your bong cleaner. The company Piece Water puts out its namesake solution with a proprietary blend of mineral, vegetable, and fruit extracts; that help to keep resin from building up while using the bong; aid in faster, easier cleaning; and provide a fresh taste for puffing. As per the company, use of their Piece Water should mean better smelling bong water, with no need for harsh cleaning chemicals. Interested users can purchase 4oz for $7, 12oz for $14, or three 12oz bottles for $25.

DIY bong water flavors

Truth is, much like the no-name bong industry (most of us just buy random pieces or make our own), you can add flavor to your bong water in a no-brand way. With just the right ingredients in your house, you can have your bong tasting way better, without buying a product at all.

What are some of the best things to use? Well, fruit juice is one option, to give your bong water a nice fruity appeal (requires washing after use to keep sugar from attracting dirt and bacteria). Other options include sparkling water for the carbonation buzz, Gatorade for its surgery sweetness (also requires washing your bong after due to sugar), or any kind of tea, which can actually be used hot or cold, though hot is not recommended for non-glass pieces. Or, just throw some orange or lemon peels in the water to give it an infused fruit taste.

How To Make A Bong Out Of Pretty Much Anything

What’s another interesting option? Wine! While high proof spirits are not recommended since breathing in alcohol fumes can be dangerous, and holding a flame near a highly flammable liquid could lead to bad things, the lower proof wine actually works well. It is recommended to use something like Lambrusco – sweet sparkling wine, or a red wine. Much like with Gatorade and fruit juice, the bong should be washed out after since wine has a high sugar content.

And while it’s not actually a flavor, ice has been a standard bong go-to for decades, providing a way to make a cooler, smoother hit for the user. Ice can be used on its own, or along with any other flavoring method (whether you buy it or find it in your house), to create that much better of a smoking experience each time.

Hot, carbonated, and alcohol – unlikely bong water additions

I mentioned a few things here which all go against logic, so I wanted to explain better. First off, putting ice in a bong is standard, but something hot? Unexpectedly, hot water hits are almost always said to produce smoother, less burning hits. This could be because hotter air has a higher water vapor content, making for a less harsh hit. Some say it makes you more high, but the jury’s out on that one. Nevertheless, for those who want something to warm them up in the winter, instead of making a cup of tea, you can make yourself a hot bong hit instead. Or use the tea for bong water flavors, and get the heated hit, with the taste of tea.

What about carbonated liquids to serve as bong water flavors? The carbonation is said to make a tingling sensation in the throat, and to provide very crisp hits. It was likened to smoking Pop Rocks, if that appeals to you. And though breathing in too much carbonation isn’t necessarily a good thing, when doing this in moderation, it can make for zesty, popping bong hits. Maybe not the norm, but an interesting bong idea.

Last, but not least, the idea of alcohol in a bong is a general no-no because of the danger of breathing in vaporized alcohol fumes. For this reason, and the risk of combustion, its best to use a low alcohol wine if going in this direction. Another issue is that alcohol is a solvent for THC, so there is some concern that THC could be lost by dragging the smoke through the alcohol. However, having made tinctures for years using alcohol (including weed tinctures), I know that it takes time for the alcohol to do its job, and a brief bong hit wouldn’t likely be enough to make much difference. It should probably also be stated, the wine should not be drank after.

Conclusion

No one said that just because you’re a bong smoker, that you have to deal with bad-tasting bong hits. With tons of bong water flavors to choose from in stores, and plenty of options for DIY flavors, you can have your bong tasting great, for every hit you take.

Thicket: Best Brand Name Bong on The Market

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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.

The THC Weekly Newsletter

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Ketamine at University: A True Story

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” – Charles Dickens

University, college, higher education, or whatever you want to call it, can be an extremely stressful time. However, it can also be the best time of your life. It’s the first time many kids are finally free from parental or school limitations. It’s the first time many kids experience alcohol, drugs and many other activities. On the other hand, it’s also a time filled with deadlines, mental health issues and heartbreak. Essentially, it’s a complete and utter mind field that no one can really prepare you for.

That’s why I wanted to tell you a true story. A story of a friend of mine, let’s call him John. John had an up and down experience at university and it was ketamine that, he says, was a big part of that. Ketamine – or horse tranquiliser – has been known to be the university drug of choice in the UK, and today you’re going to find out why…courtesy of John. 

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Ketamine 

Ketamine has a variety of different names, just like all recreationally used substances. These include: ket, wonk, K, donkey dust, Klein and many more. Whatever you want to call it, this drug was originally used – and still is – as an anaesthetic for doctors and veterinarians. This is often why people refer to this drug as a ‘horse tranquiliser’, because it literally is. Although, if you ever hear a drug dealer refer to their ketamine as ‘rhino ketamine’, then that’s probably just a marketing tool rather than hard cold facts. Ketamine is known by doctors to be the most successful substance to anaesthetise larger animals, this is why it’s often used on horses. Mind Bloom writes:

“In large animals, such as horses, gas-based anesthetics like nitrous oxide require several parts to administer. Dosage and administration are important safety considerations when dealing with an animal weighing several hundred pounds. This is why ketamine, which can be safely administered in one injection, is often used in veterinary clinics.”

Whilst this might seem alarming, ketamine is used as a party drug frequently. Whilst enough of it could take down a horse, when handled responsibly, it is used to give a buzz of anti-anxiety, joy and positive dissociation. However, of course, too much can cause the dreaded ‘K-hole’. We’ll get on to that later. 

The Ketamine Loophole: Everything You Need to Know

History

In 1956, a drug known as phencyclidine was used as an anaesthetic on monkeys. In consequence, they tried using it on human beings. However, people began to experience odd side effects. With this substance, patients would wake up without sensations in their limbs. After a bit of messing around with the formula, Dr. Calvin Lee Stevens formulated the drug that we now call ketamine. This substance was used in the Vietnam war to give to injured soldiers, as well as for those suffering from schizophrenia and depression. However, the use of this drug as a recreational substance caused it to be made illegal in the majority of countries. 

Now

Ketamine is currently going through a medical renaissance. Many professionals are finally beginning to acknowledge it as a useful medicine in the mental health industry. In the UK, ketamine is still illegal and a Class B drug – alongside cannabis and amphetamines. However, esketamine was recently made legal to be used medically. This drug is a ketamine-like drug that is used to treat severe depression. The Guardian writes:

“Esketamine, taken as a nasal spray, is one of the first rapid-acting drugs for depression and the first in decades that is thought to work in a fundamentally different way in the brain.”

This drug, which is very similar to ketamine, has been championed for its instant anti-depressant effects. Most drugs take weeks or even months to help people’s mood, whereas this drug has been shown to have enduring effects within hours. Unfortunately, when John was at university, this drug was not legal.

John & Ketamine

Let’s get back to John, and the story of his experience with ketamine at university. Just to be clear – university is a higher education course that occurs in the UK just after secondary school. So around the ages of 18-22. 

When John first arrived at university he had tried some drugs before – the likes of MDMA, ecstasy and cannabis – but ketamine was a substance he didn’t really know much about. It’s often that young adults instantly jump at the idea of taking ecstasy as a first substance because of the instant euphoria, connection with other young people and the youthful non-existent comedowns. However, as you get older, the horrific comedowns of ecstasy or even cocaine seem to make the drug less appealing. Ketamine is different. Ketamine doesn’t seem to burden the user with the same level of next day existential dread. 

John’s First Experience

John’s first experience of ketamine came in his first year at a friend’s house party. Levels by Avicii was playing and he was probably wearing some terrible ‘Johnny Cash’ T-shirt. Not that there’s anything wrong with Johnny Cash, just that he probably had never even listened to even one of his songs. Not even ‘hurt’. A friend of John’s came over to him and said there was a girl in the corner offering bumps of MDMA, and that if he went quick there may be still some left. John, feeling pretty anxious due to the fact he knew no one at the party, ran over and found this girl. She reluctantly gave him a bump. He asked why she wasn’t bombing it, which was a more usual way of taking MDMA. In response, the girl stared at him and replied: ‘that was ket, not MDMA, idiot’. 

About half an hour later, John began to feel wobbly. Like everything was slowing down. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling, it was just interesting. This feeling of warmth and calmness then bathed over him. He began walking around the party, speaking to everyone he could see. It was the first time he felt not even an inch of anxiety. It wasn’t the same sense of overpowering euphoria that ecstasy offers, but it was instead an easiness. A simple feeling of acceptance to everything and everyone. John loved it.

MDMA – The New Way to Treat PTSD

John’s K-Hole

As John began his second year, he was going out a lot more. He was listening to more experimental music and enjoying attending events with music that matched the drugs he liked taking. For instance, funk and soul music events he found to go well with MDMA. And, for ketamine, he enjoyed going to jungle-music nights. However, on this specific night, John made the error of forgetting how much ketamine he’d taken. With a lot of alcohol consumed, John began taking too frequent visits to the toilet for a key of ketamine. Usually it takes around 30-40 minutes for a bump of ket to be fully experienced. However, if you take too much too quickly, it can cause the dreaded k-hole. This was what John experienced. Very Well Mind writes:

“One way to think about a k-hole is a state between intoxication and a coma. As the consciousness of the real world diminishes, alterations in your senses may lead to illusions and hallucinations. While temporary, some users may show ongoing dissociative and psychotic symptoms.”

John remembers time standing still. At one point, he often thought that he may be dead. That perhaps this was what death felt like. Whilst it may have only lasted 10-15 minutes, this K-hole felt like it lasted days. Whilst it may be hard to understand why anyone would take a drug that could so easily lead to a horrific experience like this, John felt if he was able to harness the powers of ketamine, he’d be able to live a happier life. In a sense, this k-hole was the wake up call he needed. He wouldn’t exploit ketamine again.

John’s Studying & Mental Health

John began using small amounts of ketamine to microdose during his studying. He found that if he took the perfect amount, at the right time, he’d be able to study for longer without losing focus. He also found he became more interested in the topic he was looking at. He knew that if he took too much, he would end up being too inactive to work, so he understood it was a bit of a balancing act. 

John also was dealing with social anxiety and mild depression at university. According to Mind, 1 in 5 UK students are diagnosed with a mental health problem whilst at university. He found that ketamine was the perfect drug to use to quell these feelings of anxiety and depression. Just as esketamine is being used now, the drug would chill him out, and allow him to speak to people with ease, as well as diminishing negative and intrusive thought patterns. John was using ketamine to help him through the struggles, surprises and downsides of university. However, he was beginning to realise he was becoming dependent on ketamine.

The End 

As John neared the end of university he realised how he often would need ketamine in order to go to a social event or get through a stressful situation. Due to this, he decided to go cold turkey during a ‘dry January’. This is where people decide to not take any substances during the first month of the year. Whilst it was difficult, and slightly miserable, this month allowed John to force himself through situations that would usually require ketamine. Now, John still uses ketamine, but does not rely on it. However, he has spoken to his doctor about the potential use of esketamine. Perhaps if it had been available whilst John was at university, he would have been able to have a healthier relationship with the substance. 

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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.

The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter

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Massachusetts Rakes It In With Cannabis Taxes More Than Alcohol

When cannabis markets started opening, one of the more consistent factors in legislation was the advent of very large taxes, and in many forms. From excise taxes to local taxes to sales taxes to THC taxes, states with legal policies are going crazy to bring in as much tax money as possible, no matter how much it raises the price. Now, recent reports point to how Massachusetts just brought in more cannabis taxes than alcohol taxes, not because cannabis is more popular, but because it’s taxed higher.

Massachusetts just brought in way more money from cannabis taxes than it did for alcohol taxes. Does this make sense, or does it show a failing of the legal cannabis industry? We cover all of it, and are excited to provide you with the best news possible. Sign up for THC Weekly Newsletter for the most important stories going on, and take advantage of exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and much, much more! Additionally, we offer great savings for cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC. Check out our “Best-of” lists to find them!

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Taxes, taxes, taxes

There are a bunch of different ways to tax a product, and different markets are obliged to carry out certain taxes for their own specific products. When we buy something in a store, we see the sales tax applied in America, but this is just one of many taxes that might be factored into the overall price of the product, in this case cannabis. Cannabis taxes fall into the following groups:

Sales tax: This is the one we’re most familiar with because we watch it being applied to the product in question when we get to the cashier. This tax is imposed by the government at the point of sale, and amounts to a specific percentage of the price of the product being bought. This rate can be different between states and locations.

Excise tax – This tax is put on specific goods. These taxes get absorbed into the sales price and are paid most of the time between a manufacturer and vendor, though it factors into the overall cost of the item. An excise sales tax is an excise tax that gets collected at sale like a sales tax. A ‘sin tax’ is an excise tax specifically imposed on goods that are thought to be harmful or dangerous to society. Sin taxes are higher than standard taxes for this reason.

Cultivation tax – This tax applies to all the cannabis that’s cultivated for either recreational or medical purposes. Much like an excise tax, its absorbed into the final price, with the amount paid at the time of transfer to a distributor from a manufacturer.

THC taxes – These are taxes designed to add more to the price depending on the amount of THC in the product. These taxes vary not just on the THC content, but on the type of product. There can be different tax amounts for standard products vs infused products, generally with a THC cutoff above which the tax rate increases.

Local cannabis business tax – This tax is collected on non-medical cannabis businesses, which means it applies to all recreational businesses/products.

Some locations mix it up a bit, like Alaska, which charges taxes in dollar amounts, rather than percentages, and these taxes get paid by growers. These taxes are flat rates for specific products: flowers, immature flowers, trim, and clones, and this operates as a sort of excise and sales tax for the state.

Massachusetts collects more from cannabis taxes than alcohol

Last week it was reported that Massachusetts had collected more from cannabis taxes than for alcohol taxes for the first half of the fiscal year. In Mid-December 2021, according to the Cannabis Control Commission, Massachusetts collected $74.2 million in cannabis excise taxes, and $51.3 million for alcohol excise taxes.

U.S. Cannabis Price – Which Is The Most Expensive State?

For anyone concerned, no need to worry! People aren’t suddenly drinking less, and they’re likely not smoking more. But they are buying products in legal dispensaries. Massachusetts dispensaries have brought in $2.54 billion in revenue from the recreational market alone since the market opened in 2018. Excise taxes specifically have brought in $112 million from the recreational market in 2021, with a total of $208 million in total tax revenue brought in last fiscal year from cannabis.

In terms of all recreational states, the total revenue from the start of regulated markets back in 2014, has topped $10 billion in tax revenue.

So how were these incredibly high numbers already achieved, when the alcohol industry isn’t bringing in that much? Because the cannabis industry is taxed at a much higher rate than the alcohol industry. The tax in question is the excise tax, that pesky tax between manufacturers and vendors which customers never see added on. And in this case, we’re talking about sin taxes. Exorbitantly high taxes for items deemed dangerous by the government.

Alcohol excise taxes are charged in Massachusetts for each gallon produced. Though tax rates have changed through history, the last several years have been pretty consistent. Wines are taxed at $0.55-$0.70/gallon, for hard liquor $4.05/gallon, and beer at $3.30/31 gallon. When looking at a gallon of whiskey in Massachusetts, it’ll have $4.05 applied on the state level, and $2.70 (or above) on the federal level, for a total of approximately $6.75 a gallon. For a cheaper bottle of $40, this does amount to about 16% of the total, but would also have the 6.25% sales tax added for a new total of $9.25, or 23% of the initial value. But if you’re paying for a $100 bottle, it’s only 6.7% before the sales tax. When a sales tax of 6.25% is added for a total of $13 in taxes, the taxes become 13% of the initial price.

At the same time, Massachusetts charges 10.75% per the projected retail price of recreational cannabis as an excise tax, as well as a 6.25% state sales tax, and local taxes up to 3%. That’s as much as 20%. So if an eighth of weed has a projected retail price of $40 to start, it’ll have $4.30 added by the 10.75% excise tax, $2.5 added on for the 6.25% sales tax, and if a 3% local tax is applied, that would be another $1.2 added. This totals $8 added to the $40, making a 20% increase to $48.

Commission Executive Director Shawn Collins pat his agency on the back, saying “This number also underscores the entire agency’s tireless efforts, particularly those of our hardworking staff, to thoughtfully regulate a safe, accessible, and effective adult-use marketplace that keeps critical tenets of our mission—public health, public safety, and equity, among others—front of mind.”

What about alcohol and cigarettes?

Alcohol and cigarettes are different because they are both taxed by the federal government, as well as state and local governments. Cannabis is only taxed in state and local governments since it has no federal legalization. Alcohol has a myriad of taxes put on it by the federal government, depending on the type of alcohol, and the amount produced. It should be mentioned that taxes increase steeply after a certain amount of production. For example, the $2.70 per hard liquor gallon rate of 2020, increased to $13.34 after the first 100,000, gallons then to $13.50 for anything above 22,230,000 gallons.

For distilled spirits, excise taxes can range at the federal level from $2.70-$13.50/gallon, which depends on how much the producer produces. Then the product has another $4.05/gallon excise tax added on by the state of Massachusetts, as well as the sales tax of 6.25%, also mentioned above, and possibly other local taxes.

Cigarettes are similar. As of March 15^th, 2021, cigarette taxes between states varied, with a range anywhere between $0.37 per pack to $4.50 per pack. These rates have risen quickly in the last few years. The last federal increase was way back in 2009, when the federal cigarette tax went to $1.01 per pack, an increase of $0.62 from $0.39. This was done via the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, and has not been touched since that time.

Alcohol Yes, THC No? MJBizCon Highlights Inconsistent Cannabis Regulation

So, if you’re buying a pack of cigarettes in Massachusetts, the price includes $3.51 in state excise taxes for a 20-cigarette pack, $1.01 in federal taxes, plus the 6.25% sales tax. Other local taxes could be added in as well. If the pack of cigarettes starts at a cost of $6, it’ll actually cost 6+$0.38 (sales tax)+$3.51(state excise tax)+$1.01(federal excise tax)=$11.20, nearly double the price. This means nearly half that cost is taxes alone. Of course cigarettes, like alcohol, are actually very bad for health, so the idea of making them harder to get, makes way more sense than with a plant with tons of medical values.

To make it all more insane, vape products, the healthier option to cigarettes, which don’t kill 480,000 people a year, have an excise tax of 75% added in Massachusetts, as well as a 210% excise tax for smokeless tobacco products.

Why Massachusetts cannabis taxes might be bad

Truth is, while it looks like a lot of money, and it is, it might be coming at the cost of the industry altogether. While the apparent line was that this $112 million in excise taxes collected was 206% higher than projected, this means either, a positive spin on lower than expected general sales, or that the state already factored in the always present, and not really shrinking, black market.

How big it is in Massachusetts? By November 2020 it was already being written about that the high cost of Massachusetts dispensaries, was driving away clientele. According to cannabis analytics firm BDSA, via CommonWealth Magazine, 68% of cannabis users were still buying from the black market in Massachusetts in 2020, two years after dispensaries started opening. To be fair, I can find no original report by BDSA, only different sources referencing the CommonWealth article, so how that number was established is unknown. But it does make sense.

California has had such issues battling the black market that the industry had a bailout approved in the state. And in literally every legal market there are complaints of not being able to compete adequately with the black market. Let’s be honest, it’s a few years in, and the black market is still bigger, even in Massachusetts.

Maybe that’s okay. Maybe the legal industry will keep on growing. But there’s also the chance that the over-eagerness to overtax will lead to what’s going on in California. Massive overproduction, leading to massive price drops. And less taxes collected.

Conclusion

So sure, it’s great that Massachusetts thinks its okay to add on as much as 20% in taxes. And yes, it does bring in decent revenue for now. But when the novelty wears off, there’ll still be a guy on the corner selling weed for way less, and he’ll have all the same stuff you can get in a dispensary.

More important than that though, is this pervasive idea that cannabis needs to be treated more harshly than something like alcohol. These taxes get in the way of people being able to afford the product, meaning they’re sin taxes, like the tax on alcohol and cigarettes, meant for products that are considered harmful or dangerous to society. And Massachusetts has no problem overcharging people for…a plant. Realistically, if it continues, it won’t mean more and more sales, it’ll just mean death to the legal market, and a return to the black market. Or better yet, people just growing it for themselves.

Taxing Cannabis – How Different Countries Collect Revenue

Hello and welcome! Thanks for dropping by CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet spot for the most thought-provoking and interesting cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on today. Join us frequently to remain informed on the constantly-in-motion landscape of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you’re always first to get the news.

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 Massachusetts Rakes It In With Cannabis Taxes, More Than Alcohol appeared first on CBD Testers.

Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/02/17/massachusetts-rakes-it-in-with-cannabis-taxes-more-than-alcohol/

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