As our Los Angeles cannabis business lawyers can explain, while the state has clear guidelines in place mandating marijuana products be screened for contaminants and THC content by licensed testing facilities, what is lacking is any sort of uniform methodology to do so. The result of that is that two facilities may be using different processes, ultimately leading to a variation of findings.

Products with a greater THC concentration (which has the greatest potential for intoxication) are going to be in higher demand. The state’s problem is a pattern it has identified of marijuana growers shopping around for labs that employ testing methods that have a greater tendency to indicate a higher THC concentration.

In an effort to drill down on this matter, the state’s Department of Cannabis Control recently initiated the process of rulemaking that would ultimately lead to development of a standard test method that would need to be adopted by all licensed cannabis testing labs. The state agency’s director said this issue comes about partially as a result of regulating an industry that lacks federal recognition, and thus has no standard, validated testing methods. Licensed labs have reportedly issued THC concentration data that may be inconsistent – or possibly even inaccurate – according to the agency. Having a streamlined testing process, the agency said in a press release, will improve testing accuracy, stakeholder confidence, and market integrity.

Public comment on the proposed testing method rules is being accepted through July, with a public hearing scheduled for the first day of August.

Word of this proposal came just after the governor signed a state bill to restructure the adult use cannabis program through removal of the state’s cannabis cultivation tax – the end goal of that being to undercut illegal sales. That measure also includes a one-time, $20 million grant to support development of local retail licensing in areas where no cannabis licensees are allowed to operate. The state recently launched an interactive map that clearly shows where cannabis companies are allowed to operate – and where they are not. This helps to provide consumers with a clear idea of whether a shop or provider may be illicit or not.

Lab shopping for potency analysis isn’t a brand new issue, but officials believe it has become more pervasive as demand for high-potency flower has grown in recent years.

As cannabis growers and retailers, it’s important to convey the message to consumers that potency of THC isn’t the only factor that determines cannabis quality. Specific strains, growth methods, light intensity, and other properties can be important to buyers.

Marijuana testing laboratories that are dedicated to accurate analysis and quality control take their role as public safety agent seriously. All labs should have a dedicated marijuana business lawyer on retainer to ensure their policies and practices adhere to the latest state laws, rules, and guidelines. legal compliance must be a top priority.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, ancillary companies, patients, doctors and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

California Seeks To Standardize Marijuana Testing To Prevent THC ‘Laboratory Shopping’ , July 8, 2022, By Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment

The bill states licensed growers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers and micro-businesses may allocate any already available inventory of cannabis and related marijuana products, for donation. Products set aside for donation can only be given by licensed retailers either directly to a medical patient, or to their primary caregiver.

Donation Requirements Our Los Angeles marijuana attorneys note that all cannabis and related products allocated for donation, are required to meet state marijuana regulations and provisions outlined in MAUCRSA. Those include:

• All donated marijuana products must travel within the licensed supply chain and meet all requirements surrounding cultivation, laboratory testing, distributing, manufacturing, and labeling and packaging, etc.
• Cannabis products that fail to meet regulatory testing and compliance standards are not permitted for donation.
• Donated marijuana products may only be made to qualified medicinal patients, and may only be donated by licensees permitted for retail sales, or non-profit organizations working directly with such licensed retailers.

Additionally, any licensee allocating items for donation must record each allocation within the Track-and-Trace system, as well as on sales receipts and invoices. Once a donation designation has been made, it cannot be changed. Any licensee that does try to change a donation allocation will have to pay sales and use taxes, and may also suffer disciplinary action. Manufacturers wishing to donate cannabis products must also label products “FOR MEDICINAL USE ONLY.”

Retailer Requirements Section 11362.7 of the Health and Safety Code states that retailers can only donate cannabis and related products to medical marijuana patients, or their primary caregivers, who possess a valid medical marijuana ID card, or recommendation from an attending physician.

Should a medicinal patient not hold a valid ID card, before donating any marijuana, the retailer must first:

• Verify the attending physician recommending the medical marijuana therapy is licensed, and in good standing, to practice osteopathy or medicine within the state of California. This must be verified with:
  • The Medical Board of California;
  • The Osteopathic Medical Board of California; and
  • The California Board of Podiatric Medicine.
• Take a copy of a government issued identification for the patient or primary caregiver; and
• Provide a written certificate stating the retailer has verified a physician’s medicinal marijuana recommendation, accordingly.

Daily Purchase and Possession Limits The Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) has clearly outlined daily purchase (Section 5409) and possession limits (Section 11362.77) within the Health and Safety Code. It is important to note that these limits still apply, both to patients and caregivers who may be receiving, or carrying, donated medicinal marijuana.

Implications Making marijuana donations to medical patients, and their caregivers, shows the industry’s compassion for those most in need. Offering cannabis business owners and operators tax incentives to get on board also helps to sweeten the act of donating. What will be interesting to watch is whether it will prove too cumbersome for retailers to jump through the hoops needed to get sign off to donate to those without a valid medical marijuana ID card, or whether they will do so gladly. The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, ancillary companies, patients, doctors and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734. Additional Resources: Senate Bill 34 The Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act Bureau of Cannabis Control – Health & Safety Code

As many industry insiders have echoed, anyone turning a profit in this new era, has to have at least one hand in unregulated dealings. Chris Coulombre, CEO of Pacific Expeditors in Sonoma, has said “I have to imagine that 60 percent of the market overall is probably playing in a parallel markets, but I don’t think they enjoy that. It’s truly a decision of necessity.”

Whispers of retailers selling counterfeit products are rife. Cultivators are known to sell unregulated product on the side. But how can we blame them? Suffering terribly at the hands of price undercutting from illegal competitors, these unregulated exchanges are all taking place in hopes of keeping doors open, and businesses afloat.

The Situation Overview

• State regulators and Californian law enforcement officers are yet to curb the state’s extensive black market activity;
• So much illicit activity exists that authorities simply cannot investigate it all;
• Illegal growers in sizable numbers continue to operate throughout the state; and
• More cannabis is produced than consumed in California, leading growers often to supply and export their surplus crop to illegal interstate markets.

An Industry Fragmented Our Los Angeles cannabis business attorneys know, one of the big problems plaguing the legal California cannabis industry and its growth, is that it arguably cannot get out of its own way. Given the size of the state and the diverse ideas within it, it is very hard to achieve any kind of political unification. And that is a sticking point, because for changes to be made, you need lawmaker support.

As an example, not all industry insider votes supported Proposition 64, and the numerous Californian trade organizations often share differing speaking points for regulators and elected officials. It’s that kind of fragmentation that is hurting. Without unification, how can the industry centralize funds for lobbying activities, legal proposals or ballot measures, let alone make any political progress?

“The divisiveness among the industry is a really difficult component and one that (the California Cannabis Industry Association) is absolutely committed to working on in 2020,” said Lindsay Robinson, CCIA executive director, back in January.

Implications Current conditions show us that incentive exists for illicit growers to obtain licenses. And the number of retailers operating legally in California is so small, they could never move all of the state’s cannabis crop alone. So, it should come as no surprise there is no way of telling when the legal market will exceed the illegal one.

Looking forward, we can expect to see a number of cannabis businesses continuing to keep one foot in each market, while the state works to help legal businesses lower their product prices. Only then will consumers be more attracted to the legal market, which will then help licensed businesses better compete with their illegal counterparts.

To address the fragmentation within the industry, stakeholders must align on their joint political goals, otherwise it will be a very long time before we see any serious systematic changes made.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, ancillary companies, patients, doctors and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734. Additional Resources: Proposition 64 – The Control, Regulate and Tax of Adult Use Marijuana Act

Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield). The senator wanted to get on the books more concrete ramifications for dispensaries who sold marijuana to underage clients. The bill proposed a tiered system in which first offenders would receive a 15-day license suspension, second-time offenders within a three-year period would receive a 25-day suspension, and a third offense in three years would lead to a full license revocation. SB-1451, however, was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who called the bill “not necessary,” according tot a report from High Times. Gov. Brown pointed to the Bureau of Cannabis Control and cited their power to suspend or revoke licenses based on these exact kinds of violations and said he would rather the bureau be able to use their own discretion in determining punishment.

In the numerous discussions surrounding the issue of cannabis laws in California and other states across the country, there has been an extraordinary amount of focus on children. Can they be recommended marijuana by a doctor? What is the punishment for selling to a minor? How can marijuana businesses advertise in a way that would not be seen by or not be appealing to children? How do we make the packaging child safe? How does cannabis affect developing brains and bodies? How far should a business be located from schools? The list goes on and on, and many of these issues can be addressed simply with the guidance of a skilled marijuana legal counsel.Some of these questions are practical, common sense measures that must be taken seriously in the development of a marketplace that revolves around a controlled substance. Others are strawman arguments used to inject old-school fear tactics in order to derail any conversation about marijuana. “Think about the children” has long been a crutch on many issues in which there is not a strong enough argument on one side of the aisle. No one is against child safety, so implying that one side is not thinking of the safety of children is a sure way to win some easy points. We are currently seeing this argument play out in debates over whether marijuana delivery services should be allowed to bring product to private residences in cities with sales bans. One would think a child would be whisked away into a life of crime and drugs at the site of a marijuana delivery van the way some cannabis attackers paint the picture.

We’re finally seeing some sanity prevail, though, particularly in regards to medical marijuana and children with debilitating disorders. SB-1127, which would allow parents to administer cannabis-based medicines to their children on school grounds, is awaiting the governor’s signature. Currently, parents have to remove their child from school property to give them such medication and then bring them back to school, a terribly disruptive process. Furthermore, a discussion about cannabis and children simply cannot occur without noting that the absolute only marijuana-based medicine so far approved by U.S. Food & Drug Administration is one designed specifically for children with severe forms of epilepsy. This makes these children the most legitimized users of marijuana in the entire country. It’s safe to say if a family with an epileptic child lived in an area of California cut off from easy access to dispensaries, they would be pretty excited to see that delivery truck coming down their street with their much-needed medicine.

Our Orange County medical marijuana attorneys implore California’s leadership in their quest to protect children from marijuana that they also take equal time to think about the children who directly benefit from this life-changing medicine.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Governor Vetoes Mandatory Minimum Penalties for Pot Shops That Sell to Minors, By Patrick McGreevy, Sept. 10, 2018, Los Angeles Times

More Blog Entries:

Medical Marijuana for Children With Serious Medical Conditions, March 6, 2016, Cannabis Law Group

correlation between workplace fatalities and the legalization of medical marijuana, and the discoveries could be surprising to many. The data points compiled fly in the face of anti-marijuana rhetoric that has been peddled as “common sense” for decades and show, in fact, a sharp decline in fatal workplace accidents as access to medical marijuana increases. The research is set to be published in The International Journal of Drug Policy, and according to a report from Colorado Springs Independent, the connection the research demonstrated between continuous decreases in fatalities in the workplace and medical marijuana is compelling.

Researchers compiled data from 1992 to 2015, providing a set that included the several years leading up to the passage of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which legalized medical marijuana in California, making it the first state to do so. The study followed other states as well and found that deaths from workplace accidents would drop about 34 percent after medical marijuana had been legal in that state for five years. The connection was most notable in the age group of 25- to 44-year-olds, which demonstrated a 19.8 percent reduction. It was unclear what researchers would uncover going into the study given that there had never been an opportunity to collect this kind of data before. Additionally, it would seem reasonable that introducing a drug into society that had the potential for impairment could lead to an increase of incidents on the job, leading to more fatal accidents. Now that the numbers are demonstrating an opposite effect, however, we have an opportunity to learn more about cannabis and its effects.

One possible cause is what researchers call substitution theory. Our experienced Orange County medical marijuana lawyers can explain, substitution theory in simply when one factor in an observed setting is replaced by another. This, as it turns out, happens frequently when medical marijuana is introduced into an area, most significantly when chronic pain is a condition in which the state at-hand allows marijuana as a treatment. Frequently those with chronic pain turn to alcohol or strong, addictive painkillers, such as opioids.

If workers were turning to these substances during or before their shifts, the effects could be extremely negative, with impairments so severe it could easily lead to a fatal accident. If workers were to substitute these extreme forms of pain management with something like cannabis, they might experience some impairment for a limited time, but, as it’s turning out, not to the same effect of other previously more accessible substances. Of particular note is the use of CBD, in which patients would reap some of the benefits of cannabis without the sensation of feeling high. CBD does not have the psychoactive compounds of its cannabis sister THC, and therefore makes a very practical solution for those who need help with fewer impairment concerns. Ease of access also seemed to play a role, with significant drops in fatal accidents in areas where collective cultivation was permitted.

No one denies the need to set up common sense rules and structure around the use of cannabis, similarly to alcohol. The heavy-handed nature by which these rules have been handled, though, is clearly the aftermath of deep-seated propaganda and not in the reality of the dangers of this drug. In light of emerging data, our legal team hopes to see California join other states that have stepped up to protect the rights of workers who consume cannabis off-the-clock.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Workplace Deaths Drop After States Legalize Medical Marijuana, By Kyle Jaeger, Aug. 10, 2018, Marijuana Moment

More Blog Entries:

Maine Won’t Punish Workers for Cannabis Use On Own Time, April 4, 2018, Cannabis Law Group

marijuana-derived drug was recently approved by the FDA, making it the first of its kind. According to Washington Post, Epidiolex is a liquid anti-seizure drug which contains a purified cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive element in marijuana. CBD, as you likely know it as, only contains trace amounts of THC and does not create the “high” that so many marijuana naysayers point to as the defense for their outdated thinking. CBD oil is commonly used for pain management, anxiety, addiction treatment, and now in a drug used for childhood epilepsy. Clinical trials of Epidiolex have shown better results without the severe side effects of epilepsy drugs already on the market. The drug has now been approved for patients 2 and older. Of course this is significant for families battling this debilitating disorder, but it also could be a groundbreaking moment for the rest of us as well.

As our Orange County marijuana lawyers can explain, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I narcotic. According to Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, a drug is considered Schedule I if it meets three criteria:

1) It has high potential for abuse. 2) It has no currently accepted medical use. 3) Even under medical supervision, it lacks accepted safety standards.

Millions of Americans have come to understand that these three statements couldn’t be further from the truth in regards to cannabis. That is precisely why FDA approval of a CBD derived drug is so colossal. Now a federal agency has directly acknowledged the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana. It is predicted that now the Drug Enforcement Administration could reclassify cannabis within 90 days, though there is some question as to whether marijuana as a whole would be reclassified or only CBD.

In the past, FDA has approved drugs that attempt to mimic the effects of THC, for example in drugs that cancer patients use to fight nausea from their treatments. But we all know there’s no reason we can’t move past all the hysteria and start working with the real deal. Reclassifying marijuana would mean doctors would be more free to run more trials, perform tests to determine the proper dosages and strains for various treatments more freely, and the drug could be more seriously taught in medical schools. It also would finally legitimize the medical marijuana laws already in place in 29 states and Washington, D.C.

Californians have been able to enjoy the healing properties of medical marijuana for more than 20 years. Yet the federal government has waffled on declassifying or dropping cannabis to a lower schedule. Sometimes anecdotes, no matter how frequent or compelling, just aren’t enough to shift deeply engrained ideas. Our attorneys know FDA approval is a huge first step, but we still aren’t anywhere where we need to be as a country. Discussions about CBD that still demonize the effects of THC will continue to perpetuate old myths about marijuana and tropes about “stoners.” So long as such old-school propaganda continues to enter any serious conversation about marijuana, whether medical or recreational, our attorneys will be there to fight back with facts. We have your back with a variety of services that use our wealth of knowledge and experience, including helping entrepreneurs establish cannabis businesses, defending Californians against employers or landlords trying to infringe on rights, and assisting with criminal matters related to marijuana.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Researching the Potential Medical Benefits and Risks of Marijuana, March 29, 2018, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

More Blog Entries:

FDA: Liquid Marijuana Synthetic Approved for Cancer, AIDS Patients, Aug. 24, 2016, Cannabis Law Group

constantly find those who insist on fighting this useful treatment and punishing those who need it. The latest story comes out of Georgia, where a high school football player has been told the medical treatment that controls his seizures will prevent him from pursuing his dreams, according to a CNN report.

The senior committed to Auburn University in Alabama next school year, but was later informed that he would not be allowed to play football while continuing to use CBD oil. Because the decision came down from NCAA, it also means he wouldn’t be able to play for any other NCAA school. NCAA guidelines state that players cannot have any tetrhydrocannabidinol, better known as THC, in their systems. This is the component of cannabis known for creating a high sensation. Because it remains in the system long after the high is gone, it’s difficult to test whether a person is was under the influence an hour ago or three days ago.CBD oil, however, has less than .3 percent THC. Its primary ingredient is cannabidiol, the component in cannabis that does not cause a high, and has been used to treat many ailments. That less than .3 percent THC, however, can still show up on an NCAA drug test and disqualify players, regardless of the fact that the amount is so trace the player would not feel high, even right after taking it. Advocates are urging NCAA to revisit their rules and make exceptions for medical treatments, especially in this case when so little THC is involved. But NCAA iss ticking by the federal government’s Schedule I classification of cannabis under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812.

There are a wide variety of symptoms relevant to football players that could benefit from cannabis treatments. For example, Project CBD, A California-based nonprofit whose goal is to educate and promote the medical benefits of cannabis, has been petitioning NFL to investigate medical marijuana as a treatment for players, particularly those with traumatic brain injury. An emeritus professor at Harvard Medical School wrote an open letter to NFL commissioners asking that, in lieu of available research from pharmaceutical companies or the federal government, that they fund a program to find concrete evidence on the effectiveness of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties on concussions in football players.

As our Orange County medical marijuana attorneys can attest, we have seen plenty of cases where people’s lives were turned upside down because they had the audacity to prioritize their health with an effective and safe medical treatment. But some cases demonstrate more than others how ludicrous our current situation is regarding cannabis in this country. It’s incredible to see a young man overcome health problems as intensive as seizures and then go on to not only play football, but to help his team to the state championships. Seizures didn’t stand in the way of him achieving success, but the powers that be say a tiny, inconsequential percentage of THC in his system should end his career. That is wrong, and it’s why we stand up for the rights of medical marijuana patients and businesses. No one should have to sacrifice their health in order to participate in college programs or pursue a career.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Open Letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Jan. 4, 2016, B Lester Grinspoon, M.D., Project CBD

More Blog Entries:

It’s Time for NFL to Put Medical Marijuana in the Game, April 30, 2018, Orange County Medical Marijuana Lawyers Blog

marijuana for research: University of Mississippi. This is in spite of a 2016 decision to allow DEA to approve medical marijuana manufacturers for research purposes and dozens of applications to join the pool, according to a McClatchy article. But a bipartisan bill aims to break down some of the barriers currently standing in the way of necessary and groundbreaking research. HR-5634 would force an increase in the number of registered manufacturers producing cannabis “for legitimate research purposes.”

It also would lift restrictions on medical practitioners at the Department of Veteran Affairs, who as of now must follow federal law and are therefore not allowed to recommend cannabis to any of their patients. If passed, the bill would open the door to federally approved clinical trials for veterans seeking help through the VA. This is a crucial next step in the fight for medical marijuana legalization nationwide. Veterans have long reported relief for post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through cannabis, but if they seek treatment through VA medical professionals, they cannot access medical marijuana, even if they live in one of the 29 states that have legalized medical use. Even Washington, D.C., has approved medical marijuana, despite being the epicenter of restricting marijuana nationwide.Our Orange County medical marijuana lawyers know the passage of this bill is necessary for two reasons. First is Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic. So long as this federal classification stands, Congress and state governments will have to keep creating convoluted workarounds to protect cannabis production, testing, and use. A Schedule I status means it has been determined that cannabis has no medical benefits and is actually harmful and susceptible to causing additions. This determination, however, is rooted in political posturing and propaganda. Which brings us to reason two this bill is so necessary: Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Sessions has used his revered and respected title to uphold and reinforce archaic and backward logic about cannabis. This mentality had infected other federal agencies, such as the DEA and the VA, making it more difficult for them to fully engage in the progress the rest of the country is enjoying.

The ideal solution would be to declassify or change the classification of marijuana to fully free the nation from the shackles of marijuana prohibition. However, until that is possible, lawmakers are using whatever power they have to advance the cause. HR-5634 was introduced by Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and co-sponsored by a collection of 30 Republicans and Democrats in the House. One of those representatives is Luis Correa (D-Calif.), who recently authored another bill (HR-5520) that would further VA’s involvement in cannabis by tasking the group to research medical marijuana and its effect on chronic pain and PTSD.

Those who try to position cannabis as a partisan issue are still playing in to the misinformation that has been spread in the past. Both parties want what is best for the people of this nation, and rational minds can clearly see that opening the doors to more research and clinical trials is the only way to the safe and productive future of cannabis in the United States. We welcome these legislators in joining pro-cannabis advocates like our legal team in the fight for medical marijuana and for your rights.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Legislation to Explicitly Authorize the Veterans Administration to Facilitate Medical Marijuana Research, NORML

More Blog Entries:

Want to Honor Veterans? Access to Medical Marijuana a Good Start, April 13, 2018, Orange County Medical Marijuana Lawyers Blog

treatments. University of Utah is planning a $740,000, two-year study on how marijuana affects the brain and why it affects some people differently. UC San Diego, meanwhile, received a cool $4.7 million to research the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of autism. The university said it is the largest private donation for medical cannabis research in U.S. history, according to KPBS.

Where the federal government has failed, The Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation is attempting to fill a need for more comprehensive medical cannabis research. The foundation says it donates sizable grants to projects it believes will help build a “world where all people enjoy equal opportunities to achieve health, purpose, and happiness.” Our medical marijuana attorneys certainly agree cannabis research fits the bill. Project subjects the foundation is funding also include chronic homelessness, economic advancement, housing and health initiatives, and re-entry into society after serving jail time, in addition to cannabis research. The study at the University of Utah will track the reaction of the psychoactive compound in cannabis (THC) with certain brain receptors in 40 adults, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Finding the right balance of psychoactive and non-psychoactive compounds to produce the desired effect in the brain could be a major breakthrough for treating disorders such as PTSD and anxiety. UC San Diego’s research will stick to non-psychoactive CBD, which shows promise in helping autism patients adapt to brain abnormalities.

Because of marijuana’s status as a Schedule I narcotic according to the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, funding for medical marijuana research is more complicated than other types of medical treatments. Schedule I means a drug has been determined to have a “high potential for abuse,” “no currently acceptable medical use,” and there is a “lack of accepted safety” even with a doctor’s supervision. For drugs in which these qualities are true, it is understandable why federal agencies would have extremely strict standards for using the drugs in human testing. We would want the highest restrictions possible for medical testing involving other Schedule I narcotics, such as heroin and LSD. We all know cannabis is not in the same league as these highly dangerous drugs. Continuing to hide behind this classification as a reason to delay much needed medical testing is political posturing, pure and simple. To add insult to injury, the little bit of funding tagged for cannabis research often goes toward studying negative effects, like driving under the influence, or drug use prevention studies.

When the federal government is not fulfilling its obligation to the people, it is up to the people to stand up for themselves. Generous donors can help us progress with research and medical testing. Meanwhile, our skilled Orange County marijuana lawyers will protect your rights on the legal front. We have attorneys with extensive experience in both civil and criminal cases, so we can tackle a broad range of legal issues. We also can help cannabis businesses get started with business plans and licensing assistance. Our team is ready to help Southern California progress forward with hopes the rest of the country will follow.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

UC San Diego Receives Significant Medicinal Cannabis Research Donation, April 26, 2018, KPBS Public Broadcasting

More Blog Entries:

Research: Marijuana Possibly a Treatment for HIV, Nov. 20, 2017, Orange County Medical Marijuana Lawyers Blog

continue to disrupt that industry for the foreseeable future.

An investment firm industry analyst, who specializes in beverages, tobacco, and adult-use marijuana, recently shared data with CNBC, and she established a clear correlation between increased use of marijuana and decreased use of alcohol. She said in states where recreational marijuana use is legal, binge drinking rates have dropped “significantly.” She identified both as “social lubricants.” In other words, both are used by adults in social situations to help unwind, de-stress, have a good time, and feel relaxed with new people or in new environments.

In terms of stocks, the numbers are clear, as well. Her firm primarily valuates the Canadian market, with Canada on track to legalize adult-use marijuana nationwide by the end of summer. Several Canadian medical marijuana companies are seeing shares grow by up to 240 percent in the past year in anticipation. She said estimates from her firm put the U.S. cannabis industry as being worth $75 billion by 2030, assuming marijuana is removed as a Schedule I narcotic from the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812.Our experienced Orange County marijuana business lawyers know that, for quite some time, there have been numbers to support the story of the benefits of medical marijuana. Thousands upon thousands of patients have found relief from cancer treatment symptoms, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, migraines, and more. This evidence has been compelling to many, but momentum on legalization has been slow. It’s been more than 20 years since California led the way in medical marijuana legalization with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, and it’s just now we’re seeing the country really lean in favor of legalization. There are now 29 states (plus Washington, D.C.) that have legalized medical use.

The obvious health benefits, supported by the anecdotal evidence of a couple decades worth of patients, should have been enough to declassify cannabis a long time ago. Its Schedule I status indicates that the drug has no medical benefits, which is laughable when witnessing all those who have found relief under the supervision of their physicians. As we all know, though, money talks. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the numbers attached to dollar signs are the ones driving the most momentum in the cannabis legalization narrative today. The good news is, the potential for financial gain is plentiful for both medical and recreational, which means we could see more states supporting adult-use.

Even recreational use could have its health benefits if the analyst’s predictions are true. If people continue to choose cannabis over alcohol (where such a choice is legal) we could see fewer alcohol-related deaths. Because cannabis can be ingested in a variety of ways, there are choices that can limit exposure to health risks, unlike alcohol. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30,722 people died from causes induced by alcohol in 2014. This number only includes direct ways that alcohol affects the body and does not include accidents or homicides that took place while under the influence. While the comparison to cannabis is not precise, given the easy, long-term access to alcohol versus the abundant restrictions on marijuana nationwide, it’s still highly telling that there were zero marijuana-induced deaths that same year.

The benefits across the board are blatant, but if a strong bottom line is what it takes for the rest of the country to get on board with marijuana legalization, then so be it. No matter what the future holds, our team of attorneys will be here to protect your rights and assist you with all of your marijuana-related legal needs.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

We Took a Scientific Look at Whether Weed or Alcohol is Worse for You – And There Appears to Be a Winner, Feb. 20, 2018, By Erin Brodwin, Business Insider

More Blog Entries:

Cautious Optimism Surrounds Marijuana Business Stocks, Jan. 8, 2018, Orange County Marijuana Business Lawyers Blog

data than ever on its potential uses and benefits. With the stigma dissipating and access increased, people are more freely sharing their personal stories surrounding this life-changing plant. These anecdotes are important evidence in the fight to legalize marijuana nationwide.

A recent survey conducted by Sleep Cycle, an app designed to track your sleep cycle, has found that 14 percent of respondents used marijuana to help them sleep, according to Herb. The company surveyed about 1,000 of its application users on what methods they used to help them gets to sleep. Tea topped the list at 21 percent, melatonin came in second with 15 percent, and cannabis tied with milk and cookies at 14 percent.It should be noted that prescribed sleeping pills rested at the bottom of the list at 9 percent, an indication that people are eager for more natural remedies to their sleeping disorders, insomnia, or general sleep troubles. While tea certainly can do the trick, there is growing evidence marijuana can dig into more serious sleeping issues.

Some research has found the effects of cannabis on sleep to be two-fold. Cannabidiol (CBD) can have a soothing, therapeutic affect. Tetrahydrocannabidinol (THC) is reported to reduce REM sleep, thereby reducing the dream cycle. This is said to have significant benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as many may relive past traumas during nightmares.

Our skilled medical marijuana attorneys in Orange County know legalization at the federal level is critical not only to give more people access to the benefits of cannabis, but also to open the door to more comprehensive medical testing. The effectiveness of marijuana on certain sleep disorders is dependent on strain, balance of CBD to THC, and dosage. Doctors, however, are restrained by limited data on such matters as a result of Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. Under this act, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I narcotic, putting it in a class of drugs considered to have no medical benefits, and therefore making medical marijuana testing prohibited at the federal level. Much of the information our doctors know is from foreign studies or their own direct work with patients. All the evidence is there to declassify marijuana if our representatives can put aside archaic ideology and political posturing.

We’re fortunate here in California to have more than 20 years of medical marijuana legalization, making our doctors some of the most experienced in the country when it comes to serving patients. Our team of lawyers also have amassed years of experience in this field and will use it to protect patients and the medical marijuana doctors and dispensaries that serve them. We hope the day comes soon when people all across the country will have the freedom to choose marijuana for PTSD or pain management or recreational use or for a good night’s sleep. Until that day comes, and beyond, you can rest easy knowing we are here fighting for you and your rights.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Can You Use Cannabis to Restore Your Natural Sleep Cycle?, Feb. 20, 2018, By Sian Ferguson, Healthline

More Blog Entries:

Banker Seeks Promotion of Cannabis as New Chamomile, Feb. 24, 2017, Medical Marijuana Attorneys Blog

when those same veterans seek help ease the mental and physical pain they endure as a result of fighting for our freedoms, their pleas often fall on deaf ears. That’s why many veterans find themselves standing up and fighting once again, this time in a battle for their own lives in the ongoing war over medical marijuana.

A group of veterans in Louisiana has been on the front lines pushing for legalization of medical cannabis in the state. According to the Leesville Daily Leader, they want to help veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as well as chronic pain that developed as a result of their service time. Even though these veterans know medical marijuana to be a safe and effective form of treatment for these issues, using it would make them a criminal in the country they risked their life to defend due to the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic with no medical benefits. The group hopes to at least change the law in Louisiana so the state can join 29 others in legalizing marijuana. Furthermore, they also recognize that legalization would be beneficial to all residents, so they are putting their efforts behind cannabis education. The group knows legalization has become particularly critical for veterans right now as the opioid crisis is coming to a fever pitch. As the damaging effects of opioids are becoming more widely known, government officials are pressuring doctors to cut down on prescriptions. It is obviously important to limit these harmful and addictive drugs from the mainstream, but our experienced Orange County medical marijuana attorneys know it needs to be done in a responsible manner that benefits patients. At current, many veterans have been prescribed opioids for pain and PTSD and pulling them off the drugs cold turkey can be risky. Many veterans are also experiencing one of the other negatives of opioids: users are highly susceptible to resistance to the drug over time. This leads to veterans both addicted to opioids and also still suffering from the ailment that led them to the prescription in the first place. This is precisely why so many veterans are turning to marijuana, both to ease pain and also to help wean themselves off more harmful legally prescribed drugs.

In California, we are very fortunate to be the first state to legalize medical marijuana with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Even so, veterans in California cannot be recommended marijuana through a Veterans Affairs health care provider because they must abide by federal law. Patients must seek a recommendation through another physician. The VA Department has made it clear, though, that veterans will not be turned away for cannabis use. They are encouraged to discuss medical marijuana use with their VA doctor so the physician can consider it in a broader treatment plan. Regardless, it is outrageous that men and women who courageously served our country must jump through such hoops to receive the treatment they need. This is why our attorneys humbly stand next to these veterans to fight for their rights as they so bravely fought for ours.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

VA and Marijuana – What Veterans Need to Know, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

More Blog Entries:

American Legion Joins the Cannabis Cause to Improve Veterans’ Lives, Aug. 15, 2017, Medical Marijuana Legal Blog

stemming primarily from the introduction of legal cannabis Jan. 1st and the barrage of regulations that came with it. Marijuana businesses have varied reports on supply issues thus far, with some experiencing few supply chain problems, and others reporting major lapses. Many of these issues are typical growing pains associated with a budding new industry. These problems could become major snags this summer, though, when tourist season his, and we’re flooded with curious new customers.

In San Diego, for example, about 8 million tourists visit during the summer months, according to a recent report discussing the potential impending shortage from San Diego Union-Tribune. Lines are already out the door at stores in this city, so there is worry businesses may not be able to keep pace. The issue is not necessarily that overall supply can’t keep pace with demand, but more that businesses are grappling with supply bottlenecks due to erratic regulation across jurisdictions throughout California.As our trusted Orange County marijuana business lawyers can explain, cannabis growers have been registered as cultivators for dispensary collectives in California for years, in accordance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and the medical market guidelines that followed. The addition of recreational marijuana has rocked the scene, however, with the ushering in of Prop 64 and the establishment of Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, which sought to streamline regulations for both the medical and recreational markets. While this system is far more efficient than maintaining separate oversight for each sector, the lagging issuance of licenses at the state level has caused long-time cultivators to stand in line to participate in the very economies they helped found. Right now, there are no cultivators specifically serving San Diego, which means product must be imported.

Other business owners are reporting issues finding distributors who are state-certified, and the distributors who are active are often asking higher prices due to the additional fees and taxes they must pay.

Meanwhile, more bottlenecking is occurring at the point-of-purchase. San Diego has only issued 13 of the agreed upon 36 licenses for storefronts to sell marijuana. It is clear that zoning issues are the root of this problem, preventing businesses from setting up shop in several districts. This issue is further complicated by the fact that not all of those are licensed for adult-use sales, limiting the locations tourists can visit even more.

If this sounds like a lot for cannabis business owners to sort out on their own, you are right. That is why it is essential to have someone on your side who will advocate for your rights and look out for your best interest as a business owner. Our team of skilled marijuana business attorneys have the experience and know-how to help your business remain in compliance while meeting the demands of a growing customer base to optimize your potential for success.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

With Growers in the Shadows, California Faces Cannabis Shortage, March 26, 2018, By Pete Hecht, Leafly

More Blog Entries:

California Now Accepting Recreational Marijuana Business License Applications, Dec. 12, 2017, Marijuana Business Lawyers Blog

Thanks to the implementation of IB 2015, c.5, “Question 1 – An Act to Legalize Marijuana” in February, employers can no longer drug test applicants for marijuana or fire workers for using cannabis on their own time.

This part of the new law has taken effect despite the fact that other portions are still lagging, namely the regulations necessary to begin sale of cannabis and cannabis products.

Voters in Maine approved recreational use, sale and taxation of marijuana back in November 2016. Initially, the law was supposed to go live in January 2017, but it soon became clear that wasn’t nearly enough time to get all the necessary regulations in place and build the foundation of a pot economy. So they moved the deadline to launch legalization out to February 2018, putting Maine on a similar timeline to California’s roll-out of Proposition 64, which also was voted on in 2016, and began implementation Jan. 1. Unlike California, though, Maine has yet to finalize rules for legal sales yet. To be fair, California had a lot more experience since our state legislators had been working with medical marijuana operations since 1996, while Maine only legalized medical marijuana a few years ago. But Maine state senators also did not extend the moratorium on the deadline to make sales legal, according to a report from The Press Herald.

This has left Maine residents in a weird limbo where the law is in effect, but there is still a lot of uncertainty for retailers. Some of the finer points of the law are more certain, though, which is where the employment portion of the law comes into play.

This is a huge victory for cannabis users and the industry as a whole. Our cannabis lawyers in L.A. know this is an important step toward the normalization of marijuana in the public consciousness. There are so many mixed signals being sent to the general populace on marijuana: doctors are prescribing it for medical treatment, states are legalizing it for recreational use, businesses are holding it against employees if they test positive for use, and the federal government is treating it like it is dangerous and has no medical benefits. According to Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, marijuana is a Schedule I narcotic, akin to LSD and heroin.

It is an especially big win because Maine is the first state to build such a protection into their marijuana laws. It is our hope that other states, including California, take note and use it as an example of how to move forward. It is nonsensical to legalize marijuana state by state (with 29 and Washington, D.C. joining together with some form of legalization), and yet treat people like criminals in the workplace for doing what we already have acknowledged is a safe and acceptable practice when done responsibly. Coming to work high is another issue entirely and would not be permitted any more than a worker is allowed to come to work drunk. It’s time we started implementing more sensible regulations around marijuana and get rid of these archaic restrictions once and for all.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources

Maine Law Requires Employers to Stop Drug Testing for Marijuana and Ignore Use Out of Workplace, Feb. 22, 2018, By Thomas Ahearn, Employment Screening Resources

More Blog Entries

Maine Doctor Reprimanded for Marijuana Permission Slip to Patient Employer, Aug. 28, 2016, Cannabis Law Group

catching up to what California and our trusted attorneys have known for a long time: That marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for many illnesses and ailments. So safe, in fact, that laws are expanding to open up marijuana for recreational consumption as well, with California implementing Proposition 64 Jan. 1. We are now one of 29 states that has some form of cannabis legalization.

But we also know the more things change, the more they stay the same.

High Times recently delved into the issue of medical schools and teaching about medical marijuana to students. One medical journal study last year showed that 90 percent of med students don’t learn anything about marijuana in medical school. Less than 10 percent of medical schools have any sort of medical marijuana curriculum. And roughly 25 percent of graduates wouldn’t even feel prepared to talk about cannabis as an option with a patient.

The findings are discouraging, but not surprising considering the stigma marijuana still holds on the federal level. As our Orange County medical marijuana attorneys can explain, it is difficult to conduct medical research studies involving cannabis when it is still labeled as a Schedule I narcotic under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. Thus, fewer schools are teaching how to use it as a treatment and the vicious cycle continues. So who has been prescribing medical marijuana all this time? Of course there are skilled physicians who have taken the time to study and research the benefits of medical cannabis and have written recommendations for a medical marijuana card. Writing a prescription directly is still not allowed because of marijuana’s federal classification, but state law allows a recommendation to be written for a medical card as a workaround. These doctors see patients with cancer, glaucoma, arthritis, epilepsy and more and know the substantial benefit the right form of marijuana can have on patients’ lives.

But with a lack of physicians comfortable discussing marijuana, it’s a not-very-well-kept secret that you can get a medical marijuana recommendation pretty easily from any number of medical cannabis pop-up shops. A few minutes telling the practitioner about what ails you, and you can be out the door with a recommendation. In the pre-recreational era, many were known to take advantage of such operations to obtain marijuana for personal use. Thankfully, the law is allowing people options to legally and safely get marijuana to consume under responsible, watchful regulations.

However, this still doesn’t help patients who really need marijuana for medical treatment. Sure they can access it easily enough. Even if they don’t want to fuss with a medical recommendation card, they can simply walk into any number of shops and find what they want. But that will only lead to more people self diagnosing and self medicating. There’s a difference between a drug being safe to consume and knowing the precise dosage and best method of consumption to treat your particular ailment. That is why our attorneys are calling for more training in schools to teach the next generation of medical professionals how to maximize the healing properties of cannabis and finally give it the recognition it deserves as a legitimate form of treatment.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

10 Diseases Where Medical Marijuana Could Have an Impact, April 16, 2015, By Jen Christensen, CNN

More Blog Entries:

Issues with Medical Marijuana Clinical Studies, Nov. 2, 2017, Medical Marijuana Lawyers Blog

All of these changes have been spurred on by the recent legalization of recreational use of marijuana in our state. Farmers who already have land and expertise in growing a high value crop (specialty wine grapes) are realizing that with some education in cannabis crops, they can make a lot more money cultivating marijuana.

One farmer said that with all the changes going on in the agriculture industry, if you are to stay economically healthy, you have to be willing to adapt and grow whatever the cash crop is of the day. As they are starting to realize, marijuana is going to be a main cash crop in California with cannabis being legal for recreational use, as we have seen in Colorado, between locals and tourists. It should be noted that marijuana tourism has become big business.

As our Orange County medical marijuana business attorneys can explain, there are a lot of opportunities currently to make money in the industry, and there will be a lot more opportunities in the future as things progress. However, there are also a lot of regulations, as well as the possibility of major changes from the Trump administration on whether or not it will enforce federal marijuana laws and crack down on recreational marijuana, which is legal in California under state law.

Additionally, while members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have vote against allowing any federal money to be spent on fighting medical marijuana in states where it is legal, President Donald J. Trump has said that this prohibition for Congress is not binding on his administration. While it is hard to see how this is true, there is no question that the attorney general, Jeff Sessions, is very much against medical marijuana and says he will do whatever is in his power to crack down on all marijuana distribution.

As far as the vineyards go, they may be perfect for outdoor cannabis growing, because the soil has been cultivated heavily for years to create an environment perfect for wine grapes, and marijuana plants will thrive under these same conditions. It is not only the soil, however, as the air quality and temperature in the region are perfect for cannabis, as well, and there is already suitable irrigation in place.

While cannabis has been cultivated in wine country for quite some time, now that it is an official and legal crop under the state agriculture department, vineyard owners are starting to take a more serious approach to growing marijuana. They are traveling to other states, like Colorado, that have large and profitable marijuana farms and learning the best growing practices and tips from those farmers. These are the same farms that grew hops when that was a boom when craft beer and especially IPA first became popular, or they grew walnuts and whatever else was profitable at the time.

Now they are turning their attention to marijuana crops.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Wine country looking more like cannabis country in California, May 11, 2017, By Angela Hart, The Sacramento Bee

More Blog Entries: Report: Colorado Marijuana Laws May Not be Safe, Feb. 5, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Lawyer Blog

However, there haven’t been a lot of studies, because Congress still refuses to take medical marijuana off Schedule I of the U.S. Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (USCSA), and this may not change for quite some time, despite the majority of Americans now supporting legalization of medical marijuana.There has been much advancement in the knowledge base surrounding medical marijuana. We now have many different strains with different THC and CBD levels and they work for different conditions. Some are better for pain, and others are better for anxiety, for example. Some are better for vaping, and others are better for smoking in terms of treating certain medical conditions. Even the temperature at which a vaporizer is set can affect how the drug treats certain health conditions.

That is the good news for medical marijuana patients. The bad news is that there is not currently an acceptable source that holds all of this information, so people are left asking questions and watching YouTube videos for advice. However, according to a recent news article from The Portlander, the “Cannabis Health Index,” which has just hit the shelves, has promise of becoming what many see as the bible for medical marijuana. The hope, according to the author, is that a medical marijuana patient can turn to this book instead of scouring the Internet for comments to obscure blog posts to find out what works and what doesn’t. It is essentially being billed as the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) for medical marijuana.

As our Orange County medical cannabis attorneys have seen, there has been a real shift in public perception about the benefits of medical marijuana over the past few decades. While medical marijuana has been legal in California since 1996, there were many who still saw medical marijuana as an excuse for people to get high. While there are clearly some who use marijuana regularly under the guise of it being medicinal, you could say the same about many prescription drugs, and often to a much more detrimental effect. The fact that some states are legalizing recreational use of marijuana shows that the use is not as troubling as the recreational use of opioid painkillers that has become a nationwide public health crisis.

Now that more people are realizing medical marijuana is real medicine, it is important to understand more about how and why the drug works, so that new and more effective therapies can be developed. However, this means more testing. While more testing is necessary, you want to make sure you are not running afoul of any local, state or federal laws in the process. The best thing you can do to avoid this is to speak with an experienced medical marijuana attorney to learn the current state of the many rules and regulations.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

The Cannabis Health Index Aims To Be a Bible of Medical Marijuana, May 2, 2017, By Matt Stangel, The Portlander

More Blog Entries:

Marijuana Equipment Business is Booming, April 14, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Attorney Blog

The Michigan study is an ongoing, four-decades-long research on the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. In this most recent analysis of the data, we find that those who are in the 40s and 50s used drugs in their youth far more frequently than the teens and 20-somethings of today. Excluding marijuana, more than 7 in 10 individuals who are in their 50s used illicit drugs at some point in their lives. When you include marijuana, that figure spikes to 85 percent – the vast majority.

When this cohort was in college, approximately half were actively using illegal drugs. Today, about 40 percent of adults who are of college age are using illegal drugs.

When researchers looked at college students in 1980 versus college students in 2015, they found:

• 36.2 percent of college students in 1980 were smoking cigarettes, compared to 20.1 percent today;
• 22.4 percent of college students in 1980 were using amphetamines, compared to 9.7 percent today;
• 16.8 percent of college students in 1980 were using cocaine, compared to 4.3 percent today.

Cigarette use in particular is at the lowest it’s ever been. Flashback just 15 years ago to 1999, and 44.5 percent of college students were smoking cigarettes. That has been more than halved to 20 percent today.

And when we look college students’ use of prescription painkillers, there has also been a dramatic decline. Whereas 9 percent of college students in 2003 were using prescription opioids, today, that figure has dropped to 3 percent. This is true even though we know the use and abuse of these types of drugs has grown exponentially in recent years, meaning most of that growth can be attributed to older users.

Part of this decline could be the fact that awareness of the dangers of some of these substances is becoming more clear. This theory also explains why we’ve likely seen an uptick in marijuana use around young people. Legal marijuana, both for recreation and as medicine, has done a lot to lessen the perceived danger of the drug. In addition to studies that show marijuana is less risky in many ways than alcohol, negative messages about marijuana on social media are uncommon.

Compare that to the messages being received about synthetic marijuana, sometimes referred to as spice. When this family of drugs started to become popular, we began to see a flood of Twitter and YouTube videos revealing the horrifying effects of some of those drugs. That undoubtedly played a role in the reduction of spice use among college students from 8.5 percent in 2003 to 1.5 percent in 2015.

Researchers are careful to say this doesn’t necessarily mean we are moving to becoming a drug-free society. It’s possible that this period of overall declining drug use could be met with a surge, as we saw from the 1980s to the 1990s. However, there is also a fair amount of evidence to suggest that an uptick in marijuana use is associated with declining rates of opioid use. Marijuana is known to be safer and far less addictive than opioid substances, and this fact will likely dictate future use patterns to some extent.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

College High: Students Are Using More Marijuana, Fewer Opioids, Sept. 9, 2016, By Angus Chen, NPR More Blog Entries: Federal Appeals Court: License Plate Profiling Illegal, Sept. 7, 2016, Orange County Marijuana Lawyer Blog