Innehållsförteckning för December 2020 från High Times

WOLF TO THE RESCUE On October 13, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf urged state lawmakers to take action on recreational cannabis, despite setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolf argued that recreational marijuana is even more critical to the state now, because it would help repair the economic damage caused by pandemic shutdown procedures. This follows a statement from last month, when Governor Wolf and his lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, urged members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to join the ranks of other states and cities to end the prohibition of recreational cannabis. Pennsylvania GOP members, however, expressed doubt that a recreational cannabis program could be established this fall, because any bill would have to go through the State Senate’s committee process. A 2019 poll from Franklin & Marshall College found…

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION THANK YOU for talking about Dr. Grinspoon in your November issue! He was such an important figure in the marijuana community. It just warms my heart to hear about his life and the legacy that will live on. It’s astounding how much research has happened since he began his career, and it’s all thanks to himself and just a few other key individuals. The books he wrote back then still hold up, and the community is and was lucky to have him. Jonathan, WA RESPONSE: We are so happy to hear that our readers appreciate iconic researchers and scientists as much as we do. Dr. Lester Grinspoon will go down in history as a person who contributed so much to the science of marijuana, and it is inspiring…

The state of Vermont recently became yet another state to embrace recreational cannabis, and this time it was without the signature of Governor Phil Scott. On October 7, Scott stated in a press release that the bill in question, S.119, was “hastily crafted” and required more feedback from communities of color and state law enforcement. He expressed these needs in detail, including the need to strengthen the bill’s approach to social equity, along with the creation of a fun for public education. “This has been a top priority for the majority in the Legislature for four years, but their work is not complete,” Scott said. “They must ensure equity in this new policy and prevent their priority from becoming a public health problem for current and future generations. For these…

THE CURRENT STATE OF CANNABIS 36 MEDICAL STATES 15 ADULT-USE STATES (AND WASHINGTON D.C.) An unanticipated result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has been the accelerated growth of legal cannabis markets in states with active medical and adult-use sales. In 2019, the total combined illicit market for cannabis in the US was an estimated $64 billion, which through the growth of currently legal markets had been projected to shrink some $4 billion by 2022. Voters in each Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota each backed cannabis on their ballots; Mississippi legalized a medical market, while Arizona, Montana and New Jersey accepted recreational use; South Dakota went ahead and did both. As a result, now 36 states plus the District of Columbia (DC) have legalized cannabis…

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area of California, certain things were a given. The San Francisco 49ers, fog underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco sourdough, Mission burritos—and the ubiquitous California avocado toast. The avocado is known around the world as the “alligator pear.” In the “City by the Bay,” people have been eating avocado toast since the late 1800s. We know avocado trees were already flourishing in Hawaii and Florida dating back to the 1830s, but they landed in California in the late 1850s. Eating avocados has cultural roots going back centuries and over the years we have seen avocado toast mentioned many times in notable publications before it became “Instagramable.” It was mentioned in 1915 when the California avocado association described serving small squares of toast…

Tweet your best high observations and comments our way (@HIGH_TIMES_Mag) for a chance to be featured on this page! And be sure to follow us on Facebook: (Facebook/HighTimesMag) and Instagram: (@hightimesmagazine) for all the latest news as it’s happening! @AyushPratap @HIGH_TIMES_Mag I really love and appreciate your content, I had a humble request to y’all. In India every year some talks start but then subsides because no one is out there highlighting the Indian case. Help us… Indians and Chinese were the first to bring Cannabis to humanity and see now!! @mr_internet As long as “Legal Medical Cannabis” in Australia need not include REAL Cannabis or come from a plant at all then only anti-cannabis pharma & those invested in it win. #StopTheLies - Flour is not a cake, GMO…

Cannabis has made a lot of positive moves forward from a legal standpoint, but that doesn’t mean that the black market industry has ceased to exist. In California, over 1.1 million plants were eradicated in 2020 as a part of a statewide effort. An estimated 455 cultivation sites were targeted in the state’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), which is reported to be the largest effort in the country. “Illegal marijuana planting risks public safety, endangers public health, and devastates critical habitats and wildlife,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra in a press release. “Every year, the California Department of Justice works with federal, state, and local partners to hold illegal growers accountable and reclaim our public lands. I want to thank our CAMP teams for their resilience and commitment during…

People have been negatively impacted by the War on Drugs for far too long—even those who have received convictions for cannabis crimes continue to pay for it to this day. One such individual is Michael Thompson, who has been in prison for 25 years for selling three pounds of cannabis in 1994. He endured through the deaths of his mother, father and only son while he was in custody, and to top it all off, he contracted COVID-19 this past summer. “While technically legal, the sentence imposed on Mr. Thompson is the product of a different time in Michigan legal history. And it is a time that has passed,” wrote Attorney General Dana Nessel in a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer concerning Thompson’s release. Although Thompson finally received a parole…

2020 has been one of the most difficult years we have collectively faced, with the COVID-19 pandemic, riots over police brutality, racism, the environment and the dreaded 2020 Presidential election. Most people are fatigued from the cycle of current events, and simply need a distraction, some relaxation or at least some form of entertainment to keep their sanity. Fortunately, one area where 2020 has not let us down is with the plethora of entertainment options in the form of musical albums and streaming shows. From the endless offerings of Spotify to powerhouse streaming services such as Amazon, Netflix and FX, this year we all deserve some time to enjoy the arts. Not to mention that it’s also the perfect time to light one up or eat some edibles as you…

THMQ ironically wrapped up its most disruptive year ever with extremely stable markets. The East was merely $4 more per ounce at $329 and the South only $3 up at $324, while the West was but a buck cheaper at $273. Based on THMQ calculations, the average ounce across America cost exactly $300 in 2020. This month’s “Top Five Strains” had a a three-way tie for first, including brand-new entry Burkle. DECEMBER 2020 PRICE INDEX US Price Index YTD Average: $300 South Price Index YTD Average: $315 East Price Index YTD Average: $321 West Price Index YTD Average: $264 High Times wants to know what you’re smoking. Submit your strain information including location and price by the ounce to thmq@hightimes.com, or tweet us (#THMQ). TOP FIVE STRAINS SASQUATCH SAP “Sticky…

TOP STRAINS NORTHEAST High Times broke down the hype, sales data and demand for the top strains in North America, according to region. We included the top strains in US regions, as well as fierce contenders in Canada. Powerful, relatively new indica-dominant strains are pushing the limits of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol well beyond 34 percent. Conversely, hemp strains are commonly loaded with cannabidiol (CBD), delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and other useful compounds. While sativa and indica are generally poor ways of categorizing cannabis scientifically, we examined the energetic and sedative characteristics of the top phenotypes, and how they are categorized according to retailers. Purple Punch (Larry OG x Granddaddy Purple) In the Northeast United States, Purple Punch is available at nearly every dispensary. This delightful bud (which is the combination of Larry OG and…

Is anandamide just in your brain when you’re happy? -Felice Navidad Hi Felice, Anandamide, one of your cannabinoid system’s neurotransmitters, shows up during blissful moments (like the exercise-induced euphoria of the “runner’s high”) and plays a role in healing wounds, enjoying food and fighting cancer. (Our bodies rarely have molecules that only perform one task!) A little bit of anandamide appears in chocolate, too, so keep it a bit handy. My husband is freaking out about negative reactions to CBD. Are there any? -Auntie Oxydent Hi Auntie, A recent review suggested that, at least for adults, diarrhea is the only likely side effect, and it only appears at doses over one gram. The usual 20-30 milligrams most folks take is unlikely to cause any trouble. If you’re on special medications,…

The year 2020 is destined to be remembered in history books. Between stay-at-home orders, shelter-in-place orders and lockdowns in the US and at least 90 other countries, to a nasty virus that infected millions and took far too many lives, it has been a year that has ravaged small businesses, our daily routines and the world at large. Luckily, the individuals who make up the cannabis industry can weather the storm and persevere in even the toughest of circumstances, and this fateful year has been no exception. What’s important is that we’re able to take a look back at the past year and celebrate the small victories, moments and experiences that made it survivable—those little bits of happiness and discovery amidst daily news. 2020 may never be remembered as a…

The future of the hemp industry as we know it hangs in the balance. New hemp rules could ruin a portion of crops and hemp-derived products for countless farms and operators across the country. Back on August 21, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) addressing the implementation of hemp provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill, but allowed two months of public comment. This IFR sent hemp growers into a tailspin, with new requirements leaving many uncertain about the future. The DEA’s IFR clarifies that all hemp derivatives or extracts exceeding 0.3 percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) shall remain classified as Schedule I controlled substances—which could be interpreted to include “intermediate” hemp derivatives and byproducts that temporarily exceed 0.3 percent mid-process, but contain less than 0.3…

Surprising no one, Maine’s recreational cannabis industry has been booming since day one. On Friday, October 9, six cannabis dispensaries opened to consumers for the first time. Over the course of that weekend, approximately 6,400 transactions were made, which led to roughly $250,000 in sales tax. Consumers had long awaited the state’s legal recreational cannabis program to begin, having voted for it back in November 2016, but it took time for the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy to finalize the program’s operations without sacrificing high standards. Originally the program was set to launch in April but was pushed back due to COVID-19. Overall, Marijuana Office Director Erik Gundersen stated that the process “went smoothly,” and that businesses that participated in opening day sales kept everyone safe via social distancing laws…

TOP BRANDS We’re so spoiled in the legal world of cannabis. For many of us, it’s hard to decide on which product to purchase and which brand to support. Here, we’ve chosen our favorite brands that are the most altruistic, most committed to diversity, care deeply for the environment, have stellar marketing and finally, our favorite Canadian brands. You’ll notice California brands leading in terms of marketing, which makes sense, being the first state to legalize medical cannabis and legitimize marijuana companies. MOST ALTRUISTIC Bloom Farms California’s Bloom Farms has been a trendsetter of sorts when it comes to giving back. Bloom’s one-for-one program has provided over two million meals to people suffering from food insecurity. This brand is laser-focused on consistent giving, providing a meal to someone in need…

1 BOBBING AROUND $50 hemsongoods.com The Serra by Hemson collection features cannabis accessories that were inspired by current interior design trends. Not to be confused with “the bob” hairstyle, The Bobb is a grinder that no one will ever suspect is a grinder. And with a name like that, who isn’t a little bit curious? With its elegant curves, it looks more like a rounded wooden make-up container, or a sewing bobbin. It’s small enough to make a great stocking stuffer. 2 EASY DABBIN’ $249.95 GPen.com G Pen Roam is a durable, all in one concentrate device that features a spill-proof, self-contained borosilicate glass hydro-tube, an embedded quartz heating chamber, and a 1300mAh lithium-ion battery that heats to the desired temperature within seconds of activation—delivering the intensity of an e-nail…

ACROSS 4 A chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide by putting ground plant in a warm oven 5 A molecule that minimizes the effects of oxidation 7 First word of a bogus theory that claims that cannabis can lead to hard drugs 9 Removing criminal penalties under an act of legislation 10 A “drug” that has no pharmacological activity often used in control groups 11 A cannabinoid that helps treat epilepsy 12 The British equivalent of 28.35 grams 13 Your body’s own “bliss molecule” named after the Sanskrit word for “joy” 14 Terpene found in lemons and limes 15 Tech device that heats cannabis plant matter but doesn’t light it on fire DOWN 1 Another word for feeling joy 2 The plant’s most psychoactive cannabinoid…