Category: Blog

Right now, a lot is happening state by state in the name of cannabis. While there are many who aim to legalize this year, we are still witnessing actions towards regulation or a stall in rights to access for states who have already passed legalization legislation. Here we have a list of what is going on in your state and how you can take action today to support legalization efforts and oppose those efforts that may chip away at our rights.  

 

 

Legalization Efforts

 

Delaware

Florida

Hawaii

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Maryland

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Virginia

Washington, DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

 

 

Announced Bills to Oppose

 

Florida: Oppose barriers to expungement

Illinois: Oppose THC caps & Oppose criminalizing minors

Michigan: Oppose caregiver restrictions

Nebraska: Oppose the false medical cannabis bill

Rhode Island: Oppose cannabis industry criminal background checks

South Dakota: Oppose THC caps & Oppose limiting patient protections

Virginia: Oppose referendum for retail dispensaries, Allow licensed business to retail seeds and plants, & Oppose traffic stops based on odor

Washington: Oppose THC caps

West Virginia: Oppose removal of employment rights based on medical cannabis use

 

 

Announced Bills to Support for Further Access

 

California: Support employee rights

Hawaii: Support hemp sustainability

Kansas: Ensure broader access to hemp products

Michigan: Strengthen hemp laws 

 

 

We want to get you the most up to date information so you can get involved at the state and federal level. Be sure to follow us on Instagram so you can be informed on any efforts that require immediate action!

Two groundbreaking new preliminary studies have found that not one, not two, but three cannabinoids may block the original, live SARS-CoV-2 virus. The evidence suggests that the cannabis compounds can lessen the severity of COVID-19 infection in both human cells and mice. We break down the findings here.

 

Research published in the Journal of Natural Products found that two cannabinoids, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), prevented the entry of the coronavirus into isolated human cells. They were both confirmed to block the original, live virus and two variants of concern: alpha and beta. An approach known as MagMass was used to screen which hemp extracts may bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. 

 

CBDA administered orally to human volunteers at 0.063 mg/kg showed greater bioavailability than CBD. In beagle dogs, oral administration of CBDA at 1 mg/kg was well tolerated and was 2-fold more bioavailable than CBD. Although no data on the bioavailability of CBGA are yet available, the data for CBDA suggest that concentrations for CBGA should also be possible.

 

Researchers conclude by stating, “With widespread use of cannabinoids, resistant variants could still arise, but the combination of vaccination and CBDA/CBGA treatment should create a more challenging environment with which SARS-CoV-2 must contend, reducing the likelihood of escape.”  

 

Newer findings published in Science Advances treated human cells and mice with cannabidiol (CBD), and found that the cannabinoid can prevent the virus from replicating in human cells after entering those cells. Specifically, CBD activates our system to respond to the pathogens, working on human cells after the virus enters, a telling sign for the potential of CBD as an early response agent.

 

To test the effect of CBD on SARS-CoV-2 replication, human lung carcinoma cells were pretreated for 2 hours with 0–10 μM  CBD prior to infection with SARS-CoV-2. After 48 hours, cells were monitored for expression of the viral spike protein and viral titer. CBD potently inhibited viral replication under non-toxic conditions, as well as inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung and monkey kidney epithelial cells. No toxicity was observed at the effective doses. In addition to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain three variants were tested as well, alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ), and their ability to infect cells was comparably inhibited by CBD.

 

Additionally, the study composed an analysis of more than 1,000 individuals using CBD for the treatment of epilepsy and found the patients tested positive for COVID-19 at lower rates than patients who were not administering CBD treatment. 

 

Martha Rosner, senior author of the Science Advances study explains, “We should think of this as another tool in our arsenal. We imagine if we find it works in clinical trial, it might be useful for breakthrough infections.”

 

So, what does all of this mean for cannabis users? The findings are certainly positive, but shouldn’t be viewed as a substitute for vaccines or other guidelines suggested by the CDC. Unfortunately, there has been no research that shows inhaling cannabis or THC has any positive effect against COVID-19 either. And while it may be tempting to run out and buy the nearest over-the-counter CBD, researchers are stressing the importance of using high-quality, high-purity CBD options, like those available from our supported brands.

 

 

Disclaimer

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major cannabinoid of the Cannabis sativa plant and we have witnessed interest in the compound skyrocket in the past few years due to its potential ability to alleviate the symptoms of several conditions. CBD has been sought after and researched for epilepsy, anxiety and depression, inflammatory conditions, sleep, overall wellness, and so much more. The considerable therapeutic possibilities of CBD have much to do with the modulating effects on the endocannabinoids within our endocannabinoid system as well as the realization that these benefits come without the harsh side effects of many current pharmaceuticals. One thing that individuals are left to wonder, though, is what about any long term effects? 

 

The acceptance from the medical community of CBD as a treatment for chronic conditions may relate to the missing long-term safety data. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has several years of patient data that has come from Epidiolex clinical trial programs; however they have stated that despite safety findings in studies with their trials, it is not clear if this data would be generalizable to the users of non-drug CBD products for healthy adults and children as well as adults and children with other comorbidities other than epilepsy. 

 

Researchers are filling in these gaps of missing data by looking to other ways for measuring long-term outcomes and safety. 

 

A study published in 2020 in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, gave us our first look at CBD lifelong exposure data using a living organism. Researchers looked at both acute and long-term exposure studies on the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a species that is accepted as models for studies related to lifelong toxicity of drugs due to their transparent bodies, their short lifespan of 2-3 weeks, and approximately 60-80% of its genes evolving from the same ancestral genes as humans. Because their mortality and motility is easily measured, C. elegans have been used frequently in research for decades to understand the toxicity and efficacy of drugs and have led to many breakthrough discoveries in research on aging. 

 

In this particular study, the C. elegans were exposed to a wide range of CBD amounts, where acute toxicity results showed that no animal from the study died, rather there was a mean maximum life extension of 18.3%. As well, compared to controls, CBD treatment increased the percentage of highly active animals throughout all life stages. At day 15 (old age for a C. elegans), there was a 206.4% increase in activity compared to controls, meaning that CBD reduced typical age-related motility declining. 

 

These findings indicate that there may not be long-term toxic effects of CBD. As it was shown with the C. elegans, CBD extended lifespan and significantly improved activity levels in the late stages of life. This research is important for our understanding of isolated CBD in one living model. For more insight to the questions of lifelong exposure, more research is needed in additional living models and with full spectrum and/or broad spectrum CBD products. 

 

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Effect of Cannabidiol on the Long-Term Toxicity and Lifespan in the Preclinical Model Caenorhabditis elegans is authored by M. Hunter Land, Marton L. Toth, Laura MacNair, Siva A. Vanapalli, Timothy W. Lefever, Erica, N. Peters, and Marcel O. Bonn-Miller (RoC Scientific Advisory Board Member).

 

 

Join our research!

 

Realm of Caring and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have developed the Observational Research Registry (ORR) to better understand medicinal cannabis use and its impact on key health outcomes including healthcare utilization, chronic pain, anxiety and depression, caregiver burden, epilepsy, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our registered clients provide critical information that leads to important insights into the therapeutic capabilities of medicinal cannabis. The ORR helps us develop client educational resources and may ultimately serve to legitimize the medicinal use of cannabis.

 

 

About Realm of Caring

 

Realm of Caring Foundation (RoC), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established by parents in 2013 to support families who were out of medical options. By creating educational resources, conducting research, and assisting families with data-rich answers to their questions, RoC continues to be a leader in the cannabinoid (cannabis/hemp) field. RoC’s no-cost Care Team has served more than 67,000 clients worldwide and supports a network of over 2,000 medical professionals. 

Whether you are a gourmet chef or a beginner, you can mix up your recipes this new year by infusing your meals with an ingredient you may or may not have tried yet. You can probably guess what we’re going to say next. Yep, cannabis!

 

Here’s why… 

 

First, it is no new thing that cannabis has been infused into home cooked meals. Dating back to even before Bartolomeo Platina completed the first printed cookbook in the 15th century, where he had several dishes that included the ingredient of hemp seeds as well as one for “cannabis nectar”, cannabis has been consumed in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes. 

 

Secondly, cannabis is now recreationally legal in 19 states and counting. If you are fortunate enough to be a resident of a green state, cannabis may be worth the try to add some zing and nutrients to your recipes.

 

The best part is the therapeutic benefits that may come with cannabis. First let us take a look at cannabis in its raw form. The leaves, stalks, stems, and seeds contain essential nutrients including: carbohydrates, protein, fiber, fat, amino acids, water, magnesium, calcium, beta-carotene, zinc, vitamins (E, C, B1, B3, B6), and more. In addition, raw cannabis contains acidic cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that hold benefits of their own. 

 

As cannabis is heated, research shows there may be additional health benefits as these acidic cannabinoids decarboxylate. They have therapeutic potential to: 

 

• Relieve pain and inflammation
• Relieve spasms
• Relieve nausea and vomiting
• Improve sleep
• Improve moods
• Protect the brain
• Improve some psychiatric conditions

 

Cooking with cannabis is an intricate act where precision counts. That said, if you can follow directions, then it may be worth a try! We have rounded up some of our favorite how-to’s for incorporating cannabis in the kitchen from some well-known cannabis enthusiasts.

 

How to Make Cannabutter – Mason Jar Infusion Method

There are several methods of making cannabutter. As Cherri Sicard puts it, “There are many roads that will bring you to the same destination.” We have chosen to highlight her mason jar method because it is simple and easy even for beginners. You can use any food jars that you have at home, but they need to be airtight.

 

 What you will need

• A mason jar
• A saucepan or crockpot
• Two and ½ cups unsalted butter
• 1 ounce decarboxylated cannabis (your favorite strain)
• Small towel

 

Method

• Place the decarboxylated cannabis and butter in a mason jar and seal. 
• Put the towel in the mason jar. This prevents the mason jar from rattling.
• Place the mason jar in the saucepan and add water, do not allow the mason jar to float in the saucepan. You can use a crockpot to control the temperatures if you have one.
• Place on medium heat and allow the water to simmer. 
• Burp the mason jar (open to release air) every 30 minutes and also stir the contents. You can do this for 3-4 hours as long as you keep adding the water in the saucepan. When using a crockpot, you can do this overnight.
• Use a tea strainer to separate the butter from the plant material.
• Store the butter in a dark-colored container away from direct light

 

How To Make Cannabis-Infused Sugar

 

Cannabis sugar is very versatile and straightforward to make. As Emily Kyle puts it, “if you’re looking to increase the potency of your cannabis recipes – you can use both a cannabis-infused oil and cannabis sugar together for a double dose of CBD or THC.”

 

What you will need:

• 100mLs cannabis tincture
• One tablespoon sugar
• Glass baking dish

 

Method

• Place the sugar in the baking dish
• Pour the tincture into the dish and stir the mixture
• Cover the mixture with a breathable fabric and air dry for 48-72 hours. You can use a fan to speed up the process
• Store the mixture in an airtight container. It should resemble regular sugar.

 

How To Juice With Cannabis

 

Juicing raw cannabis excludes the decarboxylation step. This also means that you will be consuming raw cannabinoids as you enjoy the herbal taste of the herb. Science is now revealing that raw cannabinoids have significant therapeutic benefits. One recent study indicated that THCA has anticancer effects against prostate tumor cells. Juicing raw cannabis has additional benefits. As Royal Queen Seeds puts it, “Juicing allows you to squeeze all the beneficial vitamins and minerals from carrots, apples, ginger, and other desired foods while leaving unwanted fiber behind.”

 

What You Will Need

• Raw cannabis
• A mix of fruits and vegetables
• Water
• A juicer

 

Method

• Roll the cannabis leaves tightly into cylinders. This will increase the centrifugal force
• Chop the fruits and vegetables 
• Add the cannabis, fruits, and vegetables to the juicer and cover with water
• Run the mixer until the mixture is well blended
• Serve in glasses

 

How Long Do Edibles Last?

 

Typically, cannabis-infused edibles may last for approximately six to eight hours, with the strongest effects possibly kicking in after about one to three hours. Plan out your day, bearing this in mind. If cooking for others, do not allow your guests to drive home while still under the influence. Cannabis in edible form is known to be more difficult to dose than capsules or oils measured in an oral syringe, so remember to start low and go slow. 

 

A Secret About Cooking with Cannabis: Feel Free to Experiment!

 

The first dish you will try with cannabis may not be as awesome as you expect it to be, but try not to be discouraged. You can always experiment with different strains and recipes until you find one that brings out the oomph of the herb. Ensure that you do not exceed the set temperature to preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids. Otherwise, go ahead and enjoy an elevated meal!

 

 

 

Disclaimer

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.

Updated information from our previous blog, Getting to Know CBDA, to reflect new research.

 

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is one of three cannabinoid precursor compounds converted from Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). CBGA also converts to the precursor compounds Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) or may convert to it’s non-acidic form, Cannabigerol (CBG). 

 

The cannabis plant produces cannabinoids as prenylated aromatic carboxylic acids, which are converted to their more neutral forms by way of heat, light, or aging. When decarboxylation occurs, by exposing the cannabis plant to either heat or light, CBDA may convert to CBD. 

 

Research has shown that CBDA may be more potent than CBD, although it is thought to be not as stable of a molecule. Given that CBDA and THCA simply decompose when exposed to light or heat means that they can very easily change from their state. The most common extraction methods (ethanol and CO2) introduce heat at a point during their process. However, chemists have discovered ways to stabilize CBDA so that we may take advantage of this cannabinoid’s potential benefits as an anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, anticonvulsant, and anticancer. 

 

Anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesia 

 

CBDA inhibits the COX-2 Enzyme. These enzymes are associated with inflammation after injury or infection. Therefore, by blocking COX-2 Enzymes, CBDA may relieve inflammation and associated pain. In a rodent study, equivalent amounts of CBD and CBDA were administered to test efficiency in reducing hyperalgesia. The low amount of CBD was not efficient in reducing this increased sensitivity to pain when exposed to normal stimuli. The CBDA, on the other hand, did reduce hyperalgesia at that same low amount. In the same study, amounts of THC and CBDA so low that they were deemed “ineffective” were administered. When these ineffective, low amounts were combined it was shown in the animal models to have anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesia effects on acute inflammation. 

 

Antiemetic 

 

CBDA affects 5-HT1A Serotonin receptors by enhancing their activation. This action shows promise for CBDA as an antiemetic (anti-nausea).

 

In studies carried out with rodents, the ability of CBDA to inhibit vomiting induced by toxins or from movement was examined. CBDA appeared to reduce involuntary vomiting and simultaneously delay the onset of nausea and vomiting in response to movement. The effects were more powerful than what was observed with CBD because of the ability of CBDA to enhance 5-HT1A receptor activation. The data collected from one of the studies showed that the effective doses of CBDA to reduce nausea reactions are approximately 1000 times lower than those of CBD. As well, the doses with CBDA are non biphasic, as it has been reported with CBD. 

 

In addition to discovering these potential benefits, there is also promise for the prevention of anticipatory nausea. Anticipatory nausea is conditioned or psychological nausea, often provoked by a reminder of something that leads to vomiting. An individual going through chemotherapy treatments may experience this, showing further promise as an alternative option to those who are sensitive to the euphoric effects of THC. 

 

Anticonvulsant

 

CBDA is among other minor cannabinoids in cannabis sativa extracts being researched for its anticonvulsant effects in childhood epilepsies, including Dravet Syndrome. This is because there are various epilepsy-relevant receptors that CBDA may interact with, including 5-HT1A, GPR55, and TRPV1.

 

CBDA has shown to be anticonvulsant against hyperthermia-induced seizures in rodents. Children with Dravet Syndrome often exhibit seizures that are provoked by fever, suggesting that CBDA may benefit those who suffer from this epilepsy type. These reports are consistent with a report showing CBDA as anticonvulsant against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures; which can be described as general seizures that are chemically induced. 

 

Anticancer

 

When it comes to cancer models, the anticancer activity of CBDA was investigated on acute lymphocytic leukemia, promyelocytic leukemia cells, and human prostate carcinoma androgen receptor positive cells. CBDA was found to be less active than CBD for all of these, until tested towards MDA-MB-231 cells, a highly aggressive triple negative breast cancer. CBDA was found to inhibit breast cancer cell migration. 

 

Anti-anxiety

 

Research points to one of our endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA), as participatory in modulating our emotional states. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word “ananda” meaning internal bliss. Modulation of AEA has been supported through data to suggest therapeutic benefits for mood and anxiety disorders. CBDA is proposed to possibly increase and/or maintain levels of AEA in the body, leading to the hypothesis that it may have anti-anxiety effects.

 

SARS-CoV-2 and Emerging Variants

 

Recent research explored if specific cannabinoids could be used to block the infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Two cannabinoids that showed the highest affinity for the virus spike protein were CBDA and CBGA. They were both confirmed to block the original, live virus and two variants of concern: alpha and beta.

 

CBDA administered orally to human volunteers at 0.063 mg/kg showed greater bioavailability than CBD. In beagle dogs, oral administration of CBDA at 1 mg/kg was well tolerated and was 2-fold more bioavailable than CBD. Although no data on the bioavailability of CBGA are yet available, the data for CBDA suggest that concentrations for CBGA should also be possible.

 

Researchers conclude by stating, “With widespread use of cannabinoids, resistant variants could still arise, but the combination of vaccination and CBDA/CBGA treatment should create a more challenging environment with which SARS-CoV-2 must contend, reducing the likelihood of escape.”

 

Although there is much promise for the therapeutic potentials of CBDA, it is still considered an understudied compound. Further research and studies carried out in humans, beyond what anecdotal data is available, is necessary to deepen our knowledge of the possible uses and efficacy, as well as understanding adverse effects and how to administer so that therapy is most effective. 

 

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Disclaimer

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.

 

As we head into this New Year, many of us have health improvements on the mind. As we consider gym memberships, new recipes, and the seemingly impossible feat of how to get more sleep – one thing we should remember to keep in mind is our gut health. 

 

Our gut health is a complex ecosystem, composed of over 1,000 microorganisms. These microorganisms have significant roles in our daily energy uptake by breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. They also impact our immune system and imbalances of the gut may contribute to weight fluctuations, obesity, food sensitivity and more. 

 

In addition, you may be familiar with the brain-gut connection (sometimes referred to as gut-brain), which helps us to understand how functional bowel problems and bowel disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be responsible for sending signals to the central nervous system that trigger mood changes, leading to anxiety and depression. 

 

How may cannabinoid therapy help improve our gut health? 

 

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) performs protective activities in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract and shows promise as a therapeutic target against bowel disorders such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel disease (IBD), and motility-related conditions. The main role of the ECS in the GI tract is controlling intestinal hyper-contractility, modulating visceral sensations, intestinal inflammation, and gut-brain communication. 

 

A significant population of individuals suffering with IBD use cannabis to relieve symptoms of pain, nausea, and appetite, as well as to improve their overall mood. THC has been shown through anecdotal evidence to improve abdominal spasms, cramps, and visceral pain; whereas CBD may contribute to the relief of intestinal inflammation, modulating cortisol and metabolism, improve the immune response of the gut, and alleviate the anxiety and stress associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. In a 2021 review of 682 studies of cannabinoid use for IBD patients, clinical symptoms (abdominal pain, general well-being, nausea, diarrhea, and poor appetite) were all improved with cannabinoid therapy. 

 

As more research becomes available for additional cannabinoids, we further our understanding of the benefits this plant may provide. For example, CBG may reduce effects of IBD and the development and growth of colon cancer. CBDA shows promise by inhibiting vomiting induced by toxins and possibly reducing involuntary vomiting. 

 

We invite you to read client stories and share yours through research if you have had success on your wellness journey with cannabinoid therapy. While preliminary studies confirm the assumption that the ECS is a promising therapeutic target for bowel disorders and the mood disorders that may follow, additional clinical research is necessary to explore the efficacy of these cannabinoids, as well as how to best administer so that therapy is most effective. 

 

If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1, email us at info@realmofcaring.org, or visit our website and sign up for a free client account at www.realmofcaring.org.

 

 

Disclaimer

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

 

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.

In the beginning of 2021, 13 states had recreational cannabis legalization measures up for vote. Five of those states succeeded in legalizing cannabis for all adults. Those were Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Virginia. These five states brought the national total of states with legal recreational cannabis to 19.

 

States where recreational cannabis is legal:

 

Since 2012

• Colorado
• Washington

 

Since 2014

• Alaska
• Oregon
• Washington, D.C.

 

Since 2016

• California 
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Nevada

 

Since 2018

• Michigan
• Vermont

 

Since 2019

• Illinois

 

Since 2020

• Arizona
• Montana
• South Dakota (a legalization measure was approved but is pending a lawsuit)

 

Since 2021

• New Jersey
• New York
• Virginia
• New Mexico
• Connecticut

 

States considering legalizing recreational cannabis in 2022:

 

• Arkansas 
• Florida
• Idaho
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nevada
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Maryland

 

Of the nine states with cannabis legalization measures on the ballot this year, we are most bullish on Maryland and Florida succeeding. A March 2021 survey from Goucher College found two-thirds of Marylanders supported full legalization, including more than half of Republican voters, so the effort stands a good chance of success. The Supreme Court of Florida struck down two earlier cannabis ballot measures, saying summary language submitted by backers was misleading because it did not specifically warn about conflicting federal law, or accurately describe possession limits. This time, the group leading the effort, Regulate Florida, is confident their ballot language will pass legal muster. We are also keeping a close eye on Missouri, as the Legal Missouri 2022 campaign leader, John Payne, says they have a “strong coalition and strong fundraising,” giving the campaign a ​​“80-90 percent” chance of success this year.

 

It is no surprise that so many states are looking to legalize. Two in every three Americans believe that cannabis should be legalized at the state and federal levels. This demonstrates how the attitudes of Americans towards cannabis have changed over time. We look forward to a future where legalization happens on a federal level and accessibility is wide and far, until then, we will support the states leading the charge!

As 2021 comes to a close, we would like to bring attention to the accomplishments that have been made this year in the name of cannabis. Through much work and dedication by advocates, researchers, and educators there was a lot of positive news and much to celebrate! Let’s recap some of that positivity here: 

 

• On February 1, 2021 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated cannabis reform as a top priority for 2021 to right the wrongs of the War on Drugs. On July 14th, the 163-page Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) was introduced with an aim to “decriminalize and deschedule cannabis, to provide for reinvestment in certain persons adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, to provide for expungement of certain cannabis offenses, and for other purposes”. 

 

• Alabama legalized a medical cannabis program with overwhelming approval by the legislature on February 24, 2021. 

 

• New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a cannabis legalization bill into law for recreational adult-use and expungement of previous cannabis convictions. 

 

• In April, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill to legalize cannabis in the state, as well as expunge records for individuals with prior, low-level cannabis convictions. 

 

• Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut signed a bill to legalize cannabis, which became effective on July 1, 2021. 

 

• Virginia adults were able to legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis on July 1, 2021. 

 

• State-licensing began in South Dakota for medical cannabis dispensaries. 

 

• California rallied together to urge the passing of AB 45, signed by Governor Newsom in October. This established an overdue, comprehensive regulatory framework for the manufacture and sale of hemp products in California, making it so non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD can be sold as dietary supplements.

 

• Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4295, making it so individuals with cannabis-related felonies or misdemeanor convictions on their record may now qualify for medical cannabis business licenses. 

 

• In late November, the leaders of Germany’s next governing parties aligned to legalize cannabis in this upcoming four-year term in an official agreement.

 

• Lawmakers in St. Louis voted unanimously to approve a bill to decriminalize cannabis possession and cultivation for adults. 

 

• In early December, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) expressed they are in favor of research on schedule I drugs, such as cannabis and specific psychedelics, as proposed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). DEA Principal Administrator Louis Milione said, “It is critical that the scientific and medical community study Schedule I substances, as some may turn out to have therapeutic value…DEA supports the administration’s legislative proposal’s expansion of access to Schedule I research.”

 

We look forward to more cannabis advances heading into 2022. Want to get involved but not sure where to begin? Follow Realm of Caring to stay informed on what votes and initiatives are coming up that you can be a part of.  

With the holidays around the corner, it is likely you will be spending more time with your friends, family, and loved ones. Sometimes the reality of these life-long relationships is that our own beliefs and opinions might begin to differ from some of the people we hold most dear. Cannabis tends to be one of these hot topics, so we have compiled here some talking points on how to broach the subject with people in your life who may not have the same opinions about the plant-based therapy. 

 

The Current Political Landscape

 

Medicinal cannabis is now legal, or in the process of becoming legal, in 37 states and the District of Columbia, while a handful of others have legislation proposing legalization in the works. A 2019 report showed that at least two-thirds of Americans support the legalization of cannabis. A recent 2021 report showed that a majority of Republicans are in support of legalization. A week ago, information leaked about a pending Republican-sponsored bill to legalize and tax cannabis. 

 

Why is it Hard to Talk About Cannabis?

 

For many years, cannabis has been a misunderstood and stigmatized herb. The war on drugs has done more harm than good, especially for patients who needed or were looking for alternative forms of treatment. Cannabis is a schedule 1 drug, which means that it is classified as having no known medicinal value and at high potential for abuse. It has also been dubbed “the gateway drug” to other stronger substances.

 

However, science is now revealing that cannabis has immense therapeutic potential. One detailed report highlighted the following potential benefits of taking cannabis as medicine to include relief from:

 

•         Pain and inflammation
•         Insomnia
•         Anxiety
•         Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
•         Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity

 

Cannabis has several other potential benefits. Different states have varying conditions that qualify for medical marijuana treatment in their medical marijuana program. You can check out here how one individual utilized cannabis to overcome a substance-abuse disorder. 

 

Stigma has made it challenging to have a constructive conversation around cannabis. The scheduling of the herb compounds the problem. Fortunately, this might be coming to an end soon.

 

Who to Talk to About Medicinal Cannabis

 

You can talk to anyone about cannabis. However, it would help if you were cautious with the message that you want to put across. When talking to kids about cannabis, you want to make it simple and to the point. For adults, we recommend talking to those who will be most receptive to having an open dialogue. At the end of the day, you are only advocating for freedom of choice and not trying to compel everyone to use cannabis. Here are a few tips to get you started:

 

1.  Have the right information

 

Prepare adequately for this talk by researching the potential benefits versus risks of cannabis therapy. Learn a few things about the primary cannabinoids (THC and CBD), terpenes, and how they interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Be up to date with relevant studies on cannabinoid therapy, especially for the conditions you would like to share. Be sure to check out our own published study on anxiety and depression. 

 

2.  Choose the right setting

 

Make sure that you have set aside ample time to answer any questions that they might have. It is advisable to start with the information that they have and build the conversation from there. Let them tell you what they know about cannabis, what they think about it, and any concerns about the plant. 

 

3.  Don’t shy away from sharing your cannabis journey

 

Most people are touched by personal stories that they can relate to, much more than they would with scientific research or statistics that are out there. If you have tried out cannabis before, let them know your “why” and how your experience has been so far. If you need more anecdotal evidence, you may find some reassuring stories here that you can share.

 

4.  Make the discussion friendly

 

This is not a lecture, but a discussion. Be open to hearing their perspective about cannabis and admit when you are unsure about something, yet committed to seeking clarifications. Resist the urge to oversell, as this may raise eyebrows about your real intention.

 

5.  Group Setting Vs. One-on-One

 

You understand the personalities of your friends and family and therefore are best placed to decide whether to deliver this information one and one or in a group. If you have an open-minded family, then maybe you consider bringing up the discussion over a shared meal. Be prepared to receive all sorts of feedback and answer endless questions. For a more conservative family, you might opt for a one on one session. Although this takes a longer time, it may be more effective. 

 

6.  Dispel the myth that cannabis is all about getting high

 

When most (naïve) people think about cannabis, all that comes to mind is getting stoned. It is important to dispel this myth and let your audience know that out of the one hundred plus cannabinoids in cannabis, only one (THC) causes euphoria. THC isomers such as delta 8 and 10 might also cause intoxication. Other cannabinoids such as CBD are non-euphoric but offer a myriad of therapeutic benefits such as relaxation, pain and anxiety relief, and anti-seizure benefits. 

 

Where Can One Get High-Quality Cannabis Products?

 

An ideal way to wrap up this conversation is to share where one can source high-quality cannabis products. The cannabis market, as you may already know, is largely unregulated. Therefore, it is necessary to show your loved ones how to steer clear of unscrupulous vendors. And in the spirit of celebration, you can start them off by offering some thoughtful CBD gifts to get them started on their own cannabinoid therapy journey.

 

 

About Realm of Caring

 

Realm of Caring Foundation (RoC), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established by parents in 2013 to support families who were out of medical options. By creating educational resources, conducting research, and assisting families with data-rich answers to their questions, RoC continues to be a leader in the cannabinoid (cannabis/hemp) field. RoC’s no-cost Care Team has served more than 67,000 clients worldwide and supports a network of over 2,000 medical professionals. To learn more about participating or to donate to this cause, visit www.realmofcaring.org or call 1-888-210-3772.