Marijuana Blog

July 1st 2014 marked the 6 month anniversary of the launch of Colorado’s great social experiment – the legalization and regulation of marijuana for all adults age 21 and over.  News coverage of the state’s highly scrutinized, yet burgeoning retail cannabis industry has been lukewarm, but a review of the last six months shows that (although inconclusive in its early stages) this policy has not only failed to cause the reefer madness social breakdown predicted by prohibitionists, it appears that this new industry is starting to positively impact the state and its communities.

 

Colorado is projected to save tens of millions of dollars in law enforcement expenses this year.  Job opportunities continue to open up and revenue is expected grow at an unprecedented rate – a significant portion of which has already been allocated to public schools and education programs.

 

 Below are five positive social and economic developments that can be attributed to Colorado’s 6-month old retail cannabis market:

- $69,527,760 in retail marijuana pot sales.

-10,000 people working in the marijuana industry(1,000-2,000 gaining employment in last few months)

- 5.2% decrease in violent crime in the city of Denver.

- No Colorado stores found selling to minors.

- $10.8 million in tax revenue (not including licensing fees)

 

 

All in all, these first few months have shown in practice that the benefits of legalization significantly outweigh those of prohibition, both morally and economically.   One can’t deny that there will be bumps in the road.   As this new market continues to evolve we should be prepared for the emergence of new, unanticipated issues.  However, one can be comforted in the fact that any rising concerns are being addressed and rectified in a responsible and expeditious manner – both on the part of lawmakers and industry leaders.  As Colorado moves forward, and more states begin to implement similar policies, the politicians and the population will see that this is the right policy for our children, our economy and our society.

 

Source: http://www.theweedblog.com

While Colorado is wrestling with it's edible laws after a few unfortunate reports of people ending up getting way too high (some stories ended a lot worse unfortunately), Washington seems like it's ready to get stoned. The state legalized marijuana back in 2012 but has since put the new legal laws in to effect, saying that this summer is when the recreational stores will begin to sell. But since the state is medical, marijuana is still available and the company MagicalButter is on their game, ready with a marijuana food truck to dispense awesome medicated treats to card holding Washington residents.

 

"Samich" as the truck is called is currently on tour of the cities in the US that allow legal cannabis use. The truck started in Denver, back in April and has been a hit where ever it went. Run by the same company that makes the MagicalButter extractor to make tinctures, oils, and butter, the Samich truck is ready to keep Washington residents medicated with their "Savory Accessible Marijuana Infused Culinary Happiness", which as you notice is where they got their name!

 

The truck has a seriously delicious menu as well, ranging from truffle popcorn to their signature sandwich that includes what they call "trinity jam", a mixture of blueberries, raspberries, and pomegranates. They also throw on some nut butter and banana for a little extra kick! Each product will get you stoned though... Every item on the menu contains between 30 and 100mgs of THC, which is considered to be a healthy daily serving of cannabis.

 

As of right now, only people who have medical cannabis cards will be able to get products from the truck. Hopefully once Washington establishes their legal laws, others will be able to partake in the delicious treats that the truck will be selling. The truck will continue to travel around and serve the stoners of America as more and more states begin to allow legal weed.

Let's face it... Girls love going to the spa. Hell, with the stress that people experience these days, even guys should be going to the spa to chill out for a bit! A massage, perhaps a trickling fountain of some sort, and a totally calm environment? Sounds like the perfect Saturday afternoon! What could possibly make such an awesome time better? Simply, cannabis infused oils, salves, and creams of course! If you're a resident of Denver, Colorado, you can experience this amazing spa treatment at a select few spas around town.

 

The spa industry rakes in $14 billion a year. That's a staggering number. Add in cannabis for those patients who are really in pain and you should probably tack on another $6 billion to that number. The potential for a THC infused spa industry is absolutely incredible. Since the plant still remains illegal in many states, the spas haven't really taken off yet but they're expected to, especially in the recently legalized states of Colorado and Washington. Using THC and CBD in the massage process could absolutely help those suffering from arthritis, muscle pains, or physical injuries from sports and such.

 

Effects of the CBD oils and lotions are simple. The patient feels an even deeper feeling of relaxation and peacefulness, while at the same time the patient remains levelheaded and not so high. Both parties feel a benefit from this, as the massager has an easier time working longer since the CBD effects their hands also. Anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis help to soothe the aches and pains of the body, showing that these cannabis based massage products could be absolutely amazing for any age patient.

 

Cannabis is sure to make a huge impact on the spa industry. While the creams and lotions are still illegal in a lot of the states, it's definitely something that will gain more momentum as more find out about it. Women love beauty products and especially these days, with the worry about what's actually in our makeup bag, natural based cosmetics are steadily becoming more and more common. The spa is just the first stop on cannabis' take over of the beauty industry. Hopefully, women (and men) will be able to get cannabis leaf face peels and full leaf body wraps!