Seth Yakatan

Why are so many industry leaders bothered by pesticide contaminated products, but not by hemp-derived THC products? Both are produced by operators who work with the distinct understanding that their manufacturing methodologies could easily result in contaminated products. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself: How do hemp brands distinguish between naturally produced THC v. THC produced from CBD via chemical synthesis, when sourcing for their products? The honor system?! Oh, that’s right, I forgot. Everyone is just using mother liquor, right? Nothing to see here, just turning waste into gold for pennies. But any claim to this type of chromatography scale is too preposterous to entertain, even in hypothetical scenarios. The biomass and equipment scale needed to sustain hundreds of kilos of THC from CBD processing waste defies any reasonable or financial logic when it can be produced synthetically for much cheaper. But really, how do brands determine what methodology was used to produce their sourced THC, and does it result in a reliably safe ingredient? What’s actually in your product beyond the detected cannabinoids? Does anyone else find it disheartening that no one outside of analytical testing has an answer for this? And for all the hemp-derived THC CPG brands out there: Can anyone produce independent COAs that analyze foreign substances beyond basic environmental contamination controls? NMRs? Just one, even to confirm the process? Is it not extremely worrisome for consumers that these companies often have no idea about the true nature of the ingredients they’re selling? I know there are ethical cannabinoid manufacturers out there that truly care about active ingredient purity and safety. It’s amazing they’re still able to operate in this type of competitive landscape. But for every one of them, there’s one hundred backyard chemists trying to replicate Future4200 blog formulas. How does an industry address such supply chain naivety issues? It’s as if people don’t want to ask the question, let alone think about it. The fact that chemically synthesized compounds aren’t as inherently safe to manufacture as purified natural ones, especially in completely unregulated environments, upsets a lot of people in the industry. They see the word cannabinoid and automatically think natural and plant-based, when it’s anything but. I wish cannabinoid chemical synthesis was highly regulated so we could see safe, pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid products responsibly available to the public. But that’s not the reality of the situation, and the don’t-ask-don’t-tell policy of ingredient sourcing is pushing the entire industry in the wrong direction. How long can this can go on without some serious product scrutiny and honest hemp industry introspection? If you find yourself upset by potential pesticide contamination but not this, where do you draw the boundaries of your acceptable product contamination limits?

32

47 Comments

Here, sharing an article I contributed to: "Rescheduling of Cannabis: What the Experts Think" on CBD Oracle. 🚀 This compilation joins thoughts from a dozen industry experts, around what moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III could mean for everyone involved – from users and researchers to businesses and policymakers. I had the chance to share my thoughts alongside a strong group of other experts in the field. We covered a lot of ground, from legal implications to scientific research and economic impacts. It’s a comprehensive look at a topic that’s more relevant than ever. Check it out the summary here: https://lnkd.in/es5E745R Or the full interviews here: https://lnkd.in/euGCHbiQ This discussion isn't going anywhere... no matter who gets elected, cannabis will be front and center of human culture from now on... Certainly so, if there's anything I have to say about it! 😉 Let’s keep the conversation going! 🌿💬

13

5 Comments

Kratom deaths? Kratom the only thing in their system? Its hard to tell COD because of synthetic cannabiboids. They don’t show up in drug tests. And look at effects CDC “Synthetic cannabinoids are not detectable on most standard in-house hospital drug screens, including assays for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).” https://lnkd.in/gbhj6SZT Kratom deaths? Maybe or maybe not. Regarding substances how accurate are coroner reports of COD? There are several reasons they might not be too accurate. ““should be aware that immunoassay screening will not detect most novel hallucinogens.” https://lnkd.in/gHrf8Zss

6

Thank you Daniel Fowler, PhD! Exactly why we need to classify Cannabis by ratio type rather than cannabinoid content. I appreciate your explanation

13

5 Comments

Is D8 THC Safe? Probably: Delta-8 THC, recognized by the National Institutes of Health for its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, shows potential in reducing neuroinflammation and preserving brain health (source: [NIH Patent](https://lnkd.in/g6bM_jey)). As research unfolds, the compound's unique qualities continue to spark clinical interest. University of Colorado researchers have noted that D8 THC is naturally present in cannabis but only in trace amounts, and similarly found in aged cannabis material. Structurally akin to Delta-9 THC, D8 provides milder psychoactive effects due to its weaker affinity for the CB1 receptor, hinting at a possibly even safer usage profile than D9. However, the safety of D8 THC largely hinges on the quality of its production. Presently, D8 is typically synthesized from CBD using acids, catalysts, and solvents which can introduce variability in product purity and quality. This inconsistency is a safety concern and suggests the need for regulatory testing. While initial research points to D8 THC as being as safe as D9 THC, the real risk lies in the residual acids, catalysts, and solvents used in its production, which could pose significant health concerns if unaccounted for. Saying the quiet part out loud... The emergence of D8 presents challenges to the regulated cannabis market. By synthesizing D8 from CBD derived from hemp, producers can circumvent the strict regulations that govern D9 cannabis production, which ensures product safety and quality but also raises production costs and consumer prices. This lower production cost for D8 leads to more affordable products, increasing accessibility but potentially reducing control. This situation not only fosters market competition that could destabilize the regulated cannabis industry but also heightens concerns about consumer safety due to the absence of standardized testing and quality assurance in the unregulated market. To resolve these issues, a regulatory framework to include both D9 and D8 products is needed. These regulations would ensure that all cannabis-derived products meet safety and quality standards. Ultimately, treating all cannabis products under the same regulatory umbrella might even streamline the industry, although it appears there is little momentum toward a unified effort to do so. Why is that? and With the new farm bill this fall, how long will this seperation last?

23

45 Comments

Vijaya aka Cannabis-induced psychosis , in susceptible individuals, is a serious condition that can last at least 48 hours and can occur during both intoxication and withdrawal from Vijaya aka cannabis. The exact causes are still debated, but several potential pathways have been identified that somehow explain how Vijaya aka cannabis can lead to psychotic symptoms. Here's, in a nutshell, a summary of these pathways: 1. Disturbed Sense of Agency: Vijaya aka Cannabis, in susceptible individuals, can disrupt the ability to recognize oneself as the agent of one’s thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions and reactions. This can lead to a belief that one’s actions and reactions are controlled by external forces, resulting in symptoms like a false perception of objects or events involving one’s senses such as auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions etc. 2. Executive Function Deficits: In susceptible individuals, high THC strains of Vijaya aka Cannabis impact the prefrontal cortex, leading to difficulties in attentional processing, goal selection, and working memory. This can result in an inability to filter out irrelevant stimuli, contributing to delusional thinking. 3. Memory Dysfunction: In susceptible individuals, high THC strains of Vijaya aka Cannabis have been shown to cause both acute and long-term memory problems, affecting daily activities that require memory, such as taking prescribed medication or keeping appointments. 4. Neurophysiological Aberration: In susceptible individuals, Vijaya aka Cannabis use can worsen sensory gating deficits seen in schizophrenia, such as the nonsuppression of the P50 auditory evoked potential. This means two-legged ones aka individuals have trouble filtering out irrelevant sensory information. 5. Hippocampal Dysfunction: Regular use of high-potency Vijaya aka Cannabis, in susceptible individuals, is linked to gray matter loss in the hippocampus, which is crucial for distinguishing reality from illusion. This region is particularly sensitive to high THC, and its function remains impaired even after 28 days of abstinence. 6. Impaired Neuroplasticity: During adolescence, the endocannabinoid system is crucial for brain development. High THC exposure during this period can disrupt synaptic pruning, leading to long-term issues in impulse control and cognitive function. The IMAGEN study showed a negative association between Vijaya aka cannabis use and cortical thickness in adolescents. 7. Altered Neural Circuitry: Vijaya aka Cannabis use during adolescence has been linked to functional dysconnectivity between the nucleus accumbens and the medial prefrontal cortex, which are important for reward processing and decision-making. 8. Nonadherence to Antipsychotic Medication: Vijaya aka Cannabis use in patients with schizophrenia is associated with poor adherence to antipsychotic medications, leading to higher rates of relapse and hospitalization. Continues below

25

5 Comments

Is Big Cannabis stifling the growth of hemp? 💡 The universal genie of hemp has escaped the confinement of stigma and misinformation. Yet, its widespread acceptance is far from complete. Big cannabis companies, for their strategic benefit, wish to keep hemp under strict federal control. A move that begs the question, "Is the green industry really all about freedom and natural alternatives, or just about monopolizing profits?" Oregon Senator Ron Wyden shared some noteworthy wisdom, "If we've learned one lesson from the failed war on drugs, recriminalizing these products won't make communities safer or keep the products out of the hands of kids." And indeed, he's right! This isn't about promoting illegal activities or jeopardizing societal safety. It's about opening up to the potential of a plant that has the power to revolutionize industries, from textiles to medication. With hemp's potential, we could be looking at a greener future with organic, sustainable options. However, with these big businesses aiming to keep control in their hands, that dream seems a little less bright. Is the right to cultivate hemp and benefit from its myriad application a luxury only reserved for the biggest corporations? Or should small farmers, entrepreneurs, and advocates have a fair share of the green pie? It's high time we lend our voices to the cause. Let's not allow the bottling up of hemp's potential for the interests of a select few. We owe it to ourselves, to future generations, and to the planet 🌍 I’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you think the authority to grow and distribute hemp should rest solely with big companies or should it be accessible to all farmers and entrepreneurs? #cannabis #hemp #farmbill #marijuana https://lnkd.in/euJTbHVT

45

15 Comments

In a subsector of the public stock market where cannabis resides, there is no substantial participation by conventional institutional investors and hence no real institutional market support for publicly listed cannabis operators. Public cannabis investors predominantly are retail and, in many cases, speculators that trade on news headlines and not on operating fundamentals. Hence, no surprise that the news headlines of last week moved stocks — and that some of the gains in these share prices of many names have already been given back. The news of last week wasn’t really any news at all. Cannabis was not rescheduled. Cannabis was not legalized. The headlines made things sound more juicy than what the DEA announcement was in simple form: an update on the cannabis rescheduling process that began in by President Biden in October 2022, which was later confirmed to be on track for rescheduling after the announcement by HHS in August 2023 that it was recommending Schedule III for cannabis, and which has now been updated with the DEA saying that they are moving into a public comment period following approval of its recommendation to move forward by the OMB. While it is positive to see movement in the process (the narrative in US politics about cannabis has been muted since August 2023, so it is good for the industry to have the narrative brought back into the center stage of political discourse), the “So what?” of the headlines is not that great. What the headlines did do was to resurrect the cannabis conversation and that itself is a positive event, overall, for the industry. Unfortunately, the actual change in scheduling is still months away and federal leagalization ever further out than that. Not a reason to stop talking about the legalization process, and, on the contrary, certainly a reason to raise the volume and push your politicians for greater, faster change. But it is also not a reason to expect major permanent upward moves in cannabis valuations other than the fundamental effect of some companies finding that they have greater free cash generation once 280E goes away as the main financial effect of rescheduling. Were institutional investors able to invest in cannabis stocks as they are able to invest in the public shares of other industries like pharmaceuticals, consumer packaged goods, tabacco, or alcohol, then cannabis stock whould trade far above the 1-2x revenue multiples or 6-9x EBITDA multiples that are reflected in today’s share prices. While cannabis stocks are very cheap, until the regulations are changed that allow institutional investors to hold and trade cannabis stocks within the legal financial framework (meaning held in banks and brokerage accounts, and traded on major US exchanges), do not expect much change despite attractive underlying financial fundamentals and despite an industry growing at 20%+ per year.

55

25 Comments

Life is dynamic, and so is Cannabis use and effects it has on us over time. As the smoke settles from the 420 celebrations - and because I just turned 40 - I was hoping to start a discussion: How has your relationship with weed changed as you've aged? Are there typical cannabis use patterns over time like have been identified for other intoxicating substances? (Can any social scientists recommend research on this?) I expect there is a much larger diversity of use patterns over time based on my anecdotal observations of people in the space - ranging from I increased my intake and now use all day everyday to it started to give me unwanted side effects so I quit. I'll start. I confirmed yesterday during 420 festivities that for me personally there is such a thing as "too much" as I've gotten older - uncomfortably high especially with unwanted anxiety. When I was younger this was not a thing for me. My use has therefore changed over time. Cannabis is still an important part of my personal life and I use it for enhancing certain experiences (like nature and concerts) and for some decompress times. But if you meet me don't expect me to burn a whole joint with you because I just can't - I'm one hit quit these days. As a breeder this makes things complicated because the culture often looks down on lightweights. What about you? What's your story?

72

37 Comments

For cat lovers, an important case report: In a cat with advanced cancer, a full-spectrum cannabis product relieved their symptoms & gave them six more months of happy life "The Use of Medical Cannabis as Palliative Care in a Feline With Advanced Cancer" https://lnkd.in/gXRZr8bm From the excellent veterinarian & animal cannabis advocate Dr. Trina Hazzah of Green Nile, a case report about cannabis giving more life to a cat with advanced cancer. In this case report, a 10-year-old male presented with a history of dyspnea (shortness of breath), coughing, and lethargy. An exam revealed skeletal abnormalities, severe clouding of the eyes, and advanced arthritis. Then X-rays discovered a large tumor. “A grave to poor prognosis was given, with estimated survival time of days to weeks”. The owner decided to keep the cat comfortable with steroids but just two doses of prednisolone caused sleepiness and urinary accidents. They switched to a full-spectrum cannabis product. Their initial formulation was a 4:1 CBD:THC oil that also contained minor cannabinoids as well as the terpenes beta-caryophyllene, alpha-pinene, and linalool (included for their anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory & calming effects). They commenced at 2 mg/kg per day which worked out to 4.25 mg of CBD, 0.94 mg of THC, 0.9 mg of THCA, 0.5 mg of CBG, and 0.06 of CBN served in wet food once a day. Within a week, the coughing and lack of appetite resolved completely. The cat was tolerated the medicine well & they increased the dose to twice per day. “After 1 month of receiving the cannabis product twice daily, the owner described the cat’s energy as being better than it had been for most of his life. He was able to run up and down stairs with the other animals in the household and had no clinical signs associated with the thoracic tumor” including no negative effects except for polyphagia, the cat version of the munchies. They continued to increase the dose by a few drops every two weeks while also somewhat increasing the levels of minor cannabinoids and terpenes. No adverse effects were observed besides some weight loss despite eating more food. A round of testing at 5 months returned unremarkable results. After 6 months of good living, the owner came home to find the cat yowling, circling, and distressed. An eye exam revealed that the cornea had become clouded to the point of complete vision loss. “Due to the blindness causing a decreased quality of life, the owner elected to have the pet euthanized. Even so, on the day of euthanasia the cat was still breathing normally and had a ravenous appetite.” For all the research ever done on animal companions, see the  Dogs & Cats page of CVResearch.info.  

6

1 Comment

Colorado’s cannabis market, once a success story, has now left a trail of failed businesses and cash-strapped entrepreneurs in its wake. Regulatory burdens, an oversaturated market and increasing competition from nearby states have all landed major blows, leaving other states with newer marijuana markets scrambling to avoid the same mistakes. For years, Colorado’s marijuana market minted successful local entrepreneurs who bootstrapped small businesses into national brands. The market drew aspiring cannabis professionals from across the country, whether ambitious college grads with a business idea or investors looking to get in on the green rush. In 2020, the market soared to $2.2 billion. But just three years later, sales had plummeted to $1.5 billion, leading to layoffs, closures and downsizing. The market downturn has spelled trouble for state finances too: Colorado took in just $282 million in cannabis tax revenues in the last fiscal year, down more than 30 percent from two years earlier. A messy assortment of factors has led to the pioneering industry’s struggles. A supply glut caused weed prices to plummet in the wake of the pandemic. The spread of cheap, largely unregulated intoxicating hemp-derived products further heightened competitive pressures. And marijuana remains federally illegal, subjecting operators to sky-high taxes and costly regulations. “It’s like the wind in our cannabis sails in Colorado has just been sucked all the way out,” said Wanda James, founder of Denver dispensary Simply Pure, one of the first recreational dispensaries in the state. But more than any other factor, Colorado’s market has been sapped by the rapid spread of legalization across the country. Neighbors New Mexico and Arizona are among the 24 states with their own adult-use legal marijuana markets, wreaking havoc on the business plans of dispensaries on Colorado’s southern border. Tourists who once flooded the state for the opportunity to legally experience Rocky Mountain highs have largely disappeared as the novelty has worn off. Even Texans aren’t driving north to buy weed anymore, satisfied with the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products in their own state. Colorado’s trailblazing cannabis market is now a cautionary tale for states with their own nascent weed programs. A top New York cannabis official recently pointed to Colorado’s dramatic marijuana market downturn to justify regulators’ hesitance to issue too many licenses at once. “We’re a victim of our own success,” said Jordan Wellington, a partner at Denver-based cannabis policy and public affairs firm Strategies 64. The number of total cannabis licenses in the state dropped more than 16 percent in the past year alone, according to state data. Cannabis jobs also dropped 16 percent in that same time, according to Vangst’s 2024 jobs report. It was the second straight year of job losses.

1

Trichome cap sizes in cannabis are pivotal in maximizing oil production, terpene storage, and cannabinoid synthesis. These microscopic structures act as the plant's chemical factories, with larger caps enhancing the potency and yield of essential compounds. Understanding and optimizing trichome cap sizes can revolutionize the efficiency and quality of #cannabis cultivation, driving advancements in medicinal and recreational applications.

51

15 Comments

Is HLVd Killing the Cannabis Industry? Check out my latest article on HLVD and if you want to read the entire article with a free eradication plan/SOP head over to growworld.com! Here's a sneak peak: Understanding Hop Latent Viroid in Cannabis: Identification and Management Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) stands as a prominent concern for cannabis cultivators globally. Despite its diminutive size, this infectious agent possesses the capability to inflict significant harm on cannabis crops if left unaddressed. Acquiring a comprehensive grasp of HLVd, discerning its symptoms, and executing effective management protocols are imperative for upholding the health and productivity of cannabis plants. What is Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd)? HLVd represents a single-stranded, circular RNA molecule classified within the Pospiviroidae family. Contrary to its nomenclature, this viroid impacts not only hop plants but also a variety of other crops, including cannabis. Devoid of a protein coat, HLVd relies on the host's cellular machinery for replication and primarily disseminates through contaminated plant material, tools, and water sources. Symptoms of HLVd Infection in Cannabis: Detecting HLVd infection in cannabis plants can be intricate due to symptoms that may vary based on factors such as strain, environmental conditions, and coexisting pathogens. Nevertheless, several common indicators may hint at the presence of HLVd: Stunted Growth: Infected plants typically manifest diminished vigor and growth in comparison to healthy counterparts, characterized by delayed development and reduced overall size. Leaf Deformities: Anomalies in leaf growth, encompassing curling, twisting, and cupping, are common in infected plants, affecting both new growth and mature foliage. Discoloration: Leaf yellowing or mottling, particularly along veins, serves as a prevalent symptom of HLVd infection, with variations in intensity and distribution. Reduced Yield: Infected plants commonly exhibit lower yields relative to healthy ones, with decreased flower and resin production significantly impacting the economic viability of cannabis cultivation. Identifying HLVd: While visual inspection may offer initial insights, definitive diagnosis of HLVd necessitates laboratory testing. Techniques like reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) can identify viroid-specific RNA sequences in plant tissue samples. Management Strategies: Upon detecting HLVd, immediate action is imperative to curtail its spread and minimize crop damage. Effective management strategies encompass: Quarantine and Removal: Swiftly isolate infected plants to prevent further contamination. Eliminate and dispose of affected individuals, including roots, stems, and leaves, to eradicate potential sources of HLVd transmission. Check out the rest of my article on LinkedIn and growworld.com!

49

7 Comments

Cannabis clash on the horizon! 🌿⚖️ The upcoming Farm Bill is igniting a fierce tussle amongst cannabis stakeholders. Hemp enterprises and marijuana companies sit at opposite ends, each seeking to secure their growth without diminishing the other. Hemp entities accuse their marijuana counterparts of attempting to corner the prospering market, adding a layer of tension in the cannabis environment. Top on the debate list are the intricacies of redefining hemp, framing regulations for intoxicating items, and tackling persisting regulatory challenges. Growth in any sector breeds its unique set of hurdles, and the diversity of the cannabis industry is no exception. But progress thrives amidst such battles. How is your cannabis enterprise positioning itself in these volatile times? Let's delve deeper into the direction our industry is heading. #hemp #cannabisindustry #regulations https://lnkd.in/eJ5ys6Ky

38

6 Comments

We have GOT to get the facts across to legislators!! Please share this video.

16

9 Comments