Small Legacy Farms are Facing Extinction and Need Our Support

The perfect storm has been building in California’s cannabis industry, taking an especially hard toll on legacy, sun-grown farms. The combined pressures of massive overproduction, unprecedented droughts, and wildfires, along with regulatory burdens, have conspired to create what many in the industry are calling an “extinction event” for small-scale, family-run farms.

While Proposition 64, and the legalization of cannabis in California, held the promise of greener pastures, many of the state’s craft farms were left to fend for themselves in an inequitable marketplace.

Regulations adopted in 2018 laid the groundwork for massive cannabis production that is currently far-outpacing demand in the state.

According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, licensed cultivators produce more than six million pounds of cannabis annually, even though Californians consume less than a third of that amount. While craft cannabis farms can be as small as 2500 square feet, few limits exist for the acreage or number of industrial-sized farms. Overproduction has caused a precipitous price drop for all cannabis sold in California, and the small-scale outdoor farms are getting hit hardest.

When you add onerous licensing fees, regressive cultivation taxes, and other regulatory requirements, craft farmers are struggling to survive.

“Taxes are without a doubt the greatest cost associated with the regulated market.” said Daniel Fink of Down Om Farms in Nevada County, California. “Being held to the same commercial regulations as farms with the benefit of economy of scale makes huge challenges for the smallest farmers,” continued Fink. “If small farms were regulated as agricultural, we would have a fighting chance.”

A large majority of cannabis in California is now dominated by large-scale, indoor and greenhouse mono-crop facilities, but the Emerald Triangle (encompassing Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity Counties) is home to more than one-third of all cannabis cultivation licenses in the state, with over 1,700 licenses in Humboldt alone.

The Emerald Triangle is also where many legacy farms weathered decades of adversity during the era of prohibition, only to be squeezed out by the legal regime.

Many of the farms being affected by the current landscape are Sun+Earth Certified, upholding rigorous regenerative organic standards which go beyond USDA Organic requirements and include cover cropping, mulching, composting, and reduced tillage to increase soil vitality.

Such practices also eliminate a reliance on toxic pesticides and other chemical inputs and, through carbon sequestration, help reduce the cannabis industry’s extremely large carbon footprint. The health and environmental benefits of regenerative organic cannabis should be ample reason alone to preserve and protect these small legacy farms.

But their extinction not only impacts the lives of farmers tending the land but also spells the end of an era. Cannabis genetics that have been passed down over generations are being replaced by designer strains that fall out of vogue as quickly as they appear.

Cannabis grown in the Emerald Triangle and other California appellations carries with it the history of the modern cannabis culture and has a unique “terroir” that embodies the soil, topography, and climate in which it was grown, something that cannot be replicated by mass-produced, commodified cannabis devoid of heritage.

“We are undergoing a mass extinction of small, family-run cannabis farms, and this loss of diversity will be sorely missed once consumers realize the quality and terroir that is only possible on a small scale,” claimed Kila Peterson of Sweet Creek Farm in Guerneville, California, a Sun+Earth Certified farm.

“We are women-owned and run, and we farm where we live,” continued Peterson. “Because we own our land, we have that extra incentive to take great care of it. We go that extra mile with organic and constantly look at ways to close loops on our land. We teamed up with Sun+Earth this year to help communicate our integrity to our customers.”

The limited amount of retail opportunities in California is another externality many small producers and operators are facing. The cultivation rate and product availability continue to multiply, but the shelf space doesn’t exist to sell it all. It’s a buyer’s market, and the market is largely dictated by high THC potency and price point. Well-resourced entities are buying dispensary shelf space making it nearly impossible for small farm-owned brands to compete. Sun+Earth is working diligently to educate consumers at the point of sale about the devastating impacts of industrial cannabis and why choosing sun-grown cannabis can have a positive and direct effect on cannabis communities.

“We have to get the word out that earth-conscious cannabis is a better option for people and the planet,” said Judi Wood of Sun+Earth Certified Sol Spirit Farm in Trinity County. “We know this cannabis consumer is out there. They just have to learn that they have this option and understand how it benefits them.”

“Part of the barrier is cautious retailers not understanding that people will pay a little more for regeneratively farmed and sustainably packaged cannabis,” continued Wood. “If you buy organic produce and support your local farmers’ market, you should be buying Sun+Earth certified cannabis.”

The State of California has recently implemented modest recovery programs, but struggling farmers say the measures are not nearly enough to prevent their extinction.

In April 2020, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced that $30 million would be allocated under the umbrella of the Cannabis Equity Grants Program to help California cities and counties support low-income farmers and farmers of color. Then, in March 2021, GO-Biz announced another allocation of $15 million. However, the roll-out of equity grants to local jurisdictions has been slow and inadequate to meet the need.

In October 2021, the newly-formed Department of Cannabis Control unveiled guidelines and application requirements for $100 million in grants to local jurisdictions, proposed by Governor Newsom and passed by the legislature earlier in the year. With three-quarters of the state’s cultivation licenses still provisional, these funds are intended to bring more farms into annual compliance.

But many in the industry believe this funding is too meager and does little to address inequitable market competition and formidable regulatory burdens.

High on the list of demands are (1) waiving the cultivation tax for small-scale farmers and (2) placing a moratorium on new licenses to stem the flood of cannabis due to overproduction.

Overproduction may also become less of a problem once the issue of interstate commerce is addressed and legal cannabis states can freely exchange cannabis products without the threat of federal enforcement. But, unless federal legislation contains explicit protections for small farmers, they will continue to struggle and face extinction.

The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), federal legislation introduced by US Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), is an important proposal, but it falls short of providing protections for small farmers. Comments submitted on the CAOA by nonprofit New York Small Farma embody the importance of regenerative organic farming and the critical needs of small farmers. These comments are a blueprint for legislators and should be heeded if we hold any hope of sustaining small legacy farms for more generations to come.

We are at a crossroads in the cannabis industry. If we continue on the current trajectory, small legacy farms will become a thing of the past, replaced by mass-produced cannabis lacking in terroir, culture, and respect for the land. We must come together to lift each other up, unify and amplify each other’s voices, and provide sacred stewardship of this powerful plant.

“To survive in the new regulated market, we must stay true to our roots of natural farming and connect with those who truly care about the source of their cannabis,” said Fink of Down Om Farms. “Stewardship of land and care of community is the highest honor imaginable.”

The post Small Legacy Farms are Facing Extinction and Need Our Support appeared first on Skunk Magazine.

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Top 3 Benefits of Using CBD Lip Balm for Healthy Lips

If you find that you are often annoyed by dry and irritated lips, a CBD lip balm may be the perfect solution! These ultra moisturizing products work wonders on chapped lips, fever blisters and split lips to restore your lips to their delightful form! The lip balm works so well because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe chapped skin, and the oil in the CBD seals moisture in your lips to prevent them from becoming dry or flaky! Here are the top 3 benefits of using CBD lip balm for healthy lips:

1. Moisturizes Your Lips

The primary goal of any lip balm is to moisturize your lips because the lips don’t have oil glands to hydrate themselves like the skin does elsewhere on the body. Therefore, one of the top benefits of using lip balm for healthy lips is that it provides hydration with ingredients such as beeswax. If you are wondering why not simply use a traditional lip balm, some of these products can do more harm than good! When the thin layer of some lip balms evaporates from your lips, your lips become drier and you may feel the urge to reapply it constantly. However, in the case of CBD lip balms, the CBD oil will seal moisture in your lips and prevent them from drying out!

2. Repairs Sun Damage 

While it is certainly relaxing to kick back in the sun on a beach vacation, the sun can often wreak havoc on your skin! The first area where you may notice the damage is on your lips, since this is an area of the body often neglected when heading out for a day of fun in the sun!  Since CBD contains antioxidants such as omega 3 and 6, CBD lip balm can help to repair damage related to excessive sun exposure. There are also other nutrients present in CBD balm, such as vitamins A, D and E, that help to nourish your lips while protecting them from the elements.

3. Reduces Inflammation

Another one of the top benefits of using lip balm with CBD oil is that it helps to reduce inflammation. After all, CBD is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve pain! Since CBD balm may be effective in minimizing inflammation of the lips, it can also reduce the pain that is associated with lips that are in poor condition. Skin is actually your largest organ, so it’s extremely important to take care of it! As a bonus, the CBD oil will help improve the overall appearance of your gorgeous lips!

Other Uses for CBD Lip Balm

You may be surprised to know that CBD lip balm may be beneficial to other areas of your skin as well! Since your skin is your largest organ, it is extremely important to take good care of it and CBD oil can help improve the appearance of your skin. The CBD oil also helps reduce redness, itchiness and swollen areas of the skin, and it can help lessen the symptoms of acne and eczema too. You can even use CBD balms on cracked heels and minor burns!

Now that you know the benefits of using CBD lip balm for healthy lips, check out our lip balm products and all of our other great CBD items for sale! We look forward to helping you achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle!

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Types/Forms of NN-Dimethyltryptamine; DMT

Although DMT is listed as a Schedule I drug in the U.S, there is documented use of this “psychedelic” for various reasons. Schedule I is the government’s way of not allowing humans to treat their conditions with plants, with nature. An example of the ridiculous schedule is Marijuana, which has historical and research confirmed medicinal benefits, legal and/or decriminalized for recreational consumption in at least a third of the U.S, and is recognized and legal as medicine in over half the states in the U.S. 

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, known as DMT and the “spirit molecule,” is described as a compound found throughout nature that has profound effects on human consciousness. The importance of it in life and nature is so profound that DMT is considered: nature’s neurotransmitter. 

In an article that we published earlier this year in Microdose.Buzz, some of the benefits of DMT are documented as treatment for opioid addiction and treatment for anxiety and depression. In a DMT study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the results revealed:

“In a survey of 362 adults, approximately 80 percent of respondents reported improvements in anxiety and depression after use. These improvements were related to more intense acute mystical effects during the 5-MeO-DMT experience and increases in rating of the personal meaning and spiritual significance of the experience. Improvements were also related to stronger beliefs that the experience contributed to enduring well-being and life satisfaction. These results were published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

The history of DMT is still being explored and discovered; however, it is noted that in western culture, DMT is noted to have been discovered in 1931 by Canadian chemist Richard Manske. It wasn’t explored for human consumption at the time, though. It was in 1946 that microbiologist Oswaldo Gonçalves de Lima, discovered DMT’s natural production in plants; and not until 1956 that Stephen Szara, discovered their hallucinogenic properties.

DMT Consumption, DMT Forms/Types, and DMT for Beginners Q&A with Henry Mariano

Photo: Henry Mariano’s first Ayahuasca Ceremony: Shipibo Tradition

Photo: Henry Mariano’s first Ayahuasca Ceremony: Shipibo Tradition

To learn more about DMT, I sat down with an experienced consumer and overall psychedelic educator and enthusiast; Henry Marianao. Henry is educated and/or experienced in/with:

• Extracted NN DMT. 
• Self-facilitated vaporized (which was the 1st Psychedelic Henry consumed).
• Facilitated vaporized NN DMT to family members.
• Partook in 5 Ayahuasca (Oral NN DMT with MAOI ) in this year (2021).
• Received 5 MEO DMT in this year (2021). 

From knowledge/experience/observation, which version of DMT is best for a beginner? If they can both be good for a beginner, please explain.

“Everyone has different experiences with both compounds, so it’s hard to pin that answer down. 

ORAL NN DMT: From personal experience, Ayahuasca (Oral DMT) was more progressive, calm, relatable to this earthly experience, and provided lessons that I can apply in my life. DMT helps me with personal relationships, soul purpose, and soul alignment. I would recommend this method for a beginner looking for a slow introduction to NN DMT.

Ayahuasca: My personal experience with Ayahuasca allowed me to see certain life events and directions I can take. I experienced a radical energy shift that made me sensitive to other people’s energies. If someone’s energy was not in alignment with mine, it was obvious, and adjustments had to be made in relation to distancing yourself from those energies. I also noticed more people telling me that they could feel my energy. 

Vaporized NN DMT: Vaporized DMT was very fast-paced for me and my first psychedelic experience ever. It’s very rare that vaporized NN DMT is the first psychedelic taken in a person’s life. I had closed-eye visualizations consisting of morphing geometry and also an encounter with other “beings” that we do not encounter here on earth. Not much was relatable to the life we see here on earth, and audible and physical sensations consisted of feeling and hearing vibrations.

One clear message is that there is a possibility of interactions with “things” that are typically “unseen” on earth on a daily basis; God, spirits, aliens, whatever you want to label it. You can believe it was just a vision or your imagination because you took certain plants, and it only exists in your mind. You can also believe the plant medicine allowed you to see things that were always there but were hidden or unseen. Plant medicine can be thought of as a portal to the unseen. 

Vaporized 5 MEO DMT: My first 5 MEO experience was also ten years after my first NN DMT experience. Lots of integration and growth between those two times. My experience was peaceful, with very little closed-eye visuals. Morphing clouds, in my case. Audible perceptions included hearing whispers in foreign languages from female voices.

I was facilitated in a group setting and was interrupted by another woman who had also taken the substance. She was screaming. At that point, I turned my attention to her and woke up to make sure she was ok. After speaking with that individual later in the day, she remembered singing songs in a peaceful way. Her internal experience was vastly different from her external experience that everyone was witnessing.” 

Online sources refer to DMT as a “new” psychedelic. Is DMT new or just new to the conversation?

“Indigenous tribes have been facilitating this medicine for a long time, and they continue to help and facilitate people till this day. It is new to the media and is slowly gaining social acceptance in modern society. The fact is, people have been healed from a wide variety of ailments for the longest time. New to the conversation? It depends who you talk to. It’s important to note that proper integration is 80% of the healing involved. Merely taking the substance does not guarantee positive results.”

In your opinion, are there specific types of people/ certain medical conditions that can benefit from DMT?

“I have interacted with a wide variety of people with a wide variety of trauma, who have been positively affected by the various forms of DMT. They have suffered from mental trauma, social trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and even racial abuse. I have seen these people process and react to their past in positive ways. Accepting what has occurred and moving forward into their future as new individuals not bound by their past trauma.

I have also seen people attending Ayahuasca ceremonies claiming huge breakthroughs but continuing to stay within toxic environments and also spewing out toxic behavior. Lots of work still needs to be done with the information gained during a ceremony. A question/consideration: are people willing to sacrifice the object or people in their lives that caused them illness in the first place? For instance, if you have trauma from your parents and they are always arguing and fighting, drinking Ayahuasca and returning back to that environment does not change a thing. How is the trauma received from parents in this case also affecting the trauma you give others, for example, friends and people in your work environment?

Integration of psychedelics is not only mentally processing what happened but also changing your environment so you can grow unobstructed—making the physical changes that can also affect your mind, mood, and soul.

In my case, I removed myself from anything not positively aligned with myself—business to personal relationships. I didn’t have a choice. I just didn’t have room for it in my life anymore, and I cut it off for the sake of happiness and peace.”

For someone wanting to consume DMT, do you recommend guided and/or group consumption; why/why not?

“I recommend an indigenous guided ceremony for Ayahuasca as ceremonies can last up to 10 hours. Indigenous music and music guidance are key. Vaporized NN DMT is not commonly offered by the indigenous tribes. Effects only last 10-15 minutes. I do not have much information on indigenous 5 MEO facilitation.

Group sessions have their positives as it is communal. Group sessions can also bring distracting behavior. Guided always for beginners. Non guided and self-administered for more personal inner work for the experienced.”

Are there any books/TedTalks/research that you recommend readers tap into?

“I would research testimonies of the people whose lives have been drastically changed for the positive. A simple internet search will yield a wide variety of experiences and testimonials. Youtube is great also.”

This piece was originally written and published in Microdose.buzz, a great place to learn more about psychedelics.

________________________________________________________________

Author: Veronica Castillo, a Writer from Miami, with a pre-Cannabis and Psychedelics Industries background in insurance and human resources. Currently, she is a resident of the road covering cannabis, psychedelics, and plant lifestyles all over the U.S and soon abroad.

IG: www.instagram.com/vee_traveling_veg_canna_writer

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vee-traveling-veg-canna-writer/ 

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Feature Photo Credit: Psy

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Michigan combines hemp and cannabis agencies to send more funds to schools, roads and first response

Michigan’s governor is consolidating regulation of hemp and THC-rich cannabis into a single state agency.

Citing efficiency, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order Feb. 11 combining two state regulatory bodies to oversee processing, distribution, and sale of cannabis and hemp. The executive order will take effect April 12, 60 days from the date of issue.

Gov. Whitmer said the change would lead to more efficient administration and enforcement, allowing those industries to grow and create jobs while directing a greater portion on tax revenue to local communities.

“Consolidating multiple government functions into the newly named Cannabis Regulatory Agency will help us continue growing our economy and creating jobs,” Gov. Whitmer said in a press release. “And to be blunt — safe, legal cannabis entrepreneurship, farming, and consumption helps us put Michiganders first by directing the large windfall of tax revenue from this new industry to make bigger, bolder investments in local schools, roads, and first responders.”

“To be blunt — safe, legal cannabis entrepreneurship, farming, and consumption helps us put Michiganders first by directing the large windfall of tax revenue from this new industry to make bigger, bolder investments in local schools, roads, and first responders.“

— Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency

Until now, hemp has been regulated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and THC-rich cannabis by the Marijuana Regulatory Agency.

Gov. Whitmer’s order renames the Marijuana Regulatory Agency as the Cannabis Regulatory Agency. The CRA will regulate processing, distribution, and sale of both hemp and marijuana going forward.

The department of agriculture will continue oversight of hemp farming.

The Marijuana Regulatory Agency was established in spring 2019, after voters approved legal medical and recreational adult use in Nov. 2018, according to The Detroit News. Since then, the agency has developed a regulatory structure for the marijuana industry and enforced those regulations. It’s also licensed dozens of farmers, testers and shops.

In Spite of Setbacks, Michigan Cannabis Sales Are Growing

“Since legalization, Michigan’s cannabis industry has grown by leaps and bounds, experiencing a few growing pains along the way,” Maureen Meehan reported for the Michigan-based financial media outlet Benzinga.

Challenges include fluctuating prices, market growth, a disagreement over how much medical cannabis caregivers can grow and a Nov. 2021 recall that was recently ruled an overreach.

In spite of the setbacks, the state’s medical and recreational cannabis markets brought in roughly $1.8 billion in 2021, combined.

from Nothing But Hemp https://www.nothingbuthemp.net/post/michigan-combines-hemp-and-cannabis-agencies-to-send-more-funds-to-schools-roads-and-first-response

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Must Haves for Indoor Cannabis Growing 2022

Hey-hey-hey! I thought before the new year gets too old here, that I would do a must haves for indoor growing article. It’s basically 4 things that can greatly enhance your cannabis growing and appreciation. In the photo above you can see my record setting 35-gram hash ball. Dry sifted and hand compacted, wowzerz baybee! I found a good trick concerning hash making that I’ll share below.

There are of course other things that are must haves when growing indoors, like fire extinguishers, working fire alarms, and excellent ventilation, etc. Today’s article just isolates four of my very favorite, and highly useful things that go along with growing cannabis indoors here in 2022. My favorite light for Flowering/Full-Term for 2022, by-the-by, is the 420h by NextLight.

There are 3 of these things that will make you a better grower, turning out consistently higher-quality flowers. Let’s start out with a twist to the way I make my dry sifted hash I have recently adopted after hearing from several of you having problems finding a sifting fabric. No worries, you’ll dig this, I sure do. Have a look at my article Making Hash from Cannabis the Easy Way, for more info on how I make dry sift hashish. Let’s rock and/or roll…

Great Balls of Hash!

The New Dry Sifting Twist for 2022

Whether you are growing cannabis indoors or outdoors, hash is always a great option for about the lower/inner 25% of the harvested plants flowers. The smaller flowers. And any decent trim from the killer flowers too. It all makes some dynamite hashish. Especially if you make seeds, or have a subpar harvest, making hash is the way to turn that “trash” into great stash. Okay, here’s the twist…

I use these hash-bags, 1-Gallon Set of 4 Screening Bags for Under 20 Bucks, now instead of the fabric I used before… What I do is, make two hash shaking zones on trays covered with parchment paper. I use a 1-gallon metal can (shaker can) for holding the cannabis matter and dry ice, so these bags are perfect. I just shake it one good time using the 160-micron bag onto one of the parchment-paper covered trays. Then I switch over to the 220-micron bag and shake a couple more times on the other parchment-paper covered tray.

This not only makes you two grades of hashish—they both kick ass—but also, because of the nylon nature of the fabric, the dry ice gets it super cold and so it attracts moisture fast. This can clog up the works. By switching between bags, you allow them to dry out between uses. You can also use a hairdryer really quickly to keep them dry as well. Boom!

Dual Chambered Compost Tumbler

The compost tumbler has been a must have for me growing cannabis indoors for sure, for around a decade now. Truth be told I would always have at least one of these whether I grew indoors or outdoors, they are just wicked good at soil recycling for container growing, as well as making very high-quality compost. Now… you guys can have the best of both worlds using the dual chambered version, if your composting routine doesn’t always synchronize up with your soil recycling routine timeline. I have a single chambered 36-gallon FCMP compost tumbler. Check out this dual chambered FCMP with 18-gallon capacity per side, below…

These dual chambered tumblers are easily had online and the one above is from Amazon. Now, I have a worm farm, so my whole composting and soil recycling dynamic runs a bit differently. However, if I didn’t have a worm farm, I would for sure try and snag myself up one of these dual chambered tumblers. That way you can do 15 or 16 gallons of recycling soil on one side and use the other side to collect cannabis leaves and stems, and kitchen leftovers for making compost. Things turn into compost UBER fast in these tumblers, especially if they are in direct sunlight for half a day at least.

“Ancient Chinese Secret” Soil Mix

Using one of these dual tumblers, you could combine recycled soil to compost 50/50 at the end of the process. Add some perlite, and you are good-to-go! Assuming your compost ingredients include cannabis matter and other diverse sources, like cantaloupe/melons/gourds, lime, egg or oyster shells, potatoes, pumpkins, used grounds tea/coffee, banana/peels, etc. Just good water… then—the “magic” happens.

A Must Have for Indoor Cannabis Growing: LED Lanterns

If You Are Growing Cannabis Indoors You Need LED Lanterns

This one is kind of situational, meaning that using these lifesaver LED lights will depend upon whether or not you are at your garden’s location during a power failure, or other electrical fuckery. Because if you have some plants flowering indoors and their lights go off unexpectedly, this is a sure way to get hermaphrodites. Depending on the duration of the outage—when the flowering lights are supposed to be on. Even 10 or 15 minutes gets iffy. After longer outages plants can get hermaphrodites, and mutant looking growth, like they are trying to vegetate again a little bit. Your resin production takes a hit at least. If there are hermaphrodites those can bone a whole garden easily with hermaphroditic seeds.

All you have to do during a power outage is light up your garden with LED lantern lights. I flower in tents, so I use one lantern per tent. In a larger bedroom sized garden a few would work fine. The plants just need to get some light, so they don’t wig out a bit. The lanterns supply enough light to keep the plants “thinking” it’s still daytime and the season is still the same. All is well, no wigging—wink.

An Indispensable Tool for Growing Cannabis Indoors: Bluetooth Thermometer/Hygrometer

Govee – Bluetooth Thermometer-Hygrometers are the Brand I Got

You Can See Your Data for Up to a Year in the Past

I recommend you absolutely get yourself some of these Bluetooth thermometers/hygrometers. The information you get from these devices, that is sent to your phone or pad, helps you enormously to dial in your grow ever so perfectly. These devices track temps and humidity for a year back. You can really get a grip on fine tuning your environment avoiding hot blasts, humidity onslaughts, and too chilly for happy plants temperatures. You can always look and see how things are trending in real time so you can tweak garden environments proactively.

I got the Govee brand of these thermometers/hygrometers as shown in the photo above. There are quite a few brands of these types of tools. I am very happy with these; they have been working great for about a year now in my gardens and I have three of them. Here’s the link to the ones I got: Govee Thermometer/Hygrometers on Amazon.

Another great feature these have is alarms you can set when temps/humid drop below or rise above your set values. Whatever device you have these connected to, your phone or pad or whatever, will alert you whenever anything is amiss, per your presets. On a hot day I can turn my extraction fan up higher, open my tents and rooms, or even employ a mobile A/C unit if I need to. The more ya know

I Place My Thermometer-Hygrometer About 6 Inches Above Plant Tops (The Yellow Arrow in the Photo Shows Its Location)

Afterword

You can see in the photo above where I place my devices in my tents. As a rule of thumb, I hang them under the lights about 6-inches above the plant tops. It’s always good to have a laser thermometer to dial in your settings perfectly anytime you change your Govee placement or plants grow taller. It’s an awesome combo baybee!

A Laser Thermometer is Another One of My Essential Tools Growing Cannabis Indoors

Springtime is right around the corner now—yay—and I am sure tired of wintertime, ugh. The new book is closing in on being finished now, shouldn’t be more than a couple of months before I am done with the manuscript. One thing is for sure, writing a book is way more work than you think going in, heh heh.

Rev Babbling at The Emerald Cup in 2013

If you want to get some great healthy and potent cannabis seeds swing by Kingdom Organic Seeds and grab yourself some of the new Red Russian Skunk seeds. I got the originals from an old buddy on my way home from The Emerald Cup in 2013 (see photo above). Also, if you are a TLO (True Living Organics) fan already, make sure you get a copy of my last book before the new one comes out, here: True Living Organics 2nd Edition by The Rev. Well, that’s it for today my green amigos, catch ya back here next Tuesday for another article. L8r G8rs…

• REv

  

  

  

Crossword for February 2022 Baybee

I do a crossword about once per month here at SKUNK, FYI. Today’s crossword is a little challenging I think—moderately. It has some clues from this must haves for indoor cannabis growing article today. Other things too, but all cannabis related. There’s a link to the key below the crossword, in case you are not up to the challenge. Mhuhahah! (Dr. Evil voice)

February 2022 Crossword Key Link

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Utah bill would ban delta-8 THC

State’s Cannabinoid Product Board takes stance against delta-8

A bill introduced to Utah lawmakers this week would expand the state’s medical program while removing delta-8 THC products from the market, reports Salt Lake City news station Fox 13.

The bill would also allow midwives to recommend cannabis, allow terminally-ill patients access to medical cannabis, and create new labeling requirements.

Senate Bill 190 was introduced Feb. 9 by Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers (R-Cedar City). The bill revises existing definitions so that delta-8 and other THC isomers count toward a 0.3 percent THC limit in hemp products.

Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in cannabis plants at trace levels. But the delta-8 you’ll find in stores is first extracted as CBD from hemp plants, then chemically altered to create the delta-8 molecule. Unlike delta-9 THC (the molecule that made cannabis famous), it’s not explicitly illegal.

“Somebody’s always pushing the envelope,” Senator Vickers told Fox 13. “That’s kind of what’s happened. That envelope is being pushed so we’re trying to rein it back in.”

Under this bill, any THC isomer — delta-10, THC-O, you name it — would count toward the overall THC limit. Nonintoxicating cannabinoids like CBD would not be affected.

Utah groups have mixed views on the measure. According to Fox 13, Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Advocates (TRUCE) supports the new law, while the Utah Patients Coalition has opted to stand on the side of delta-8.

Cannabinoid Product Board takes stance against delta-8

Utah’s Cannabinoid Product Board has taken a stance against what it called “synthesized cannabinoids” including delta-8 THC, reports KUER, a listener-supported radio station broadcasting from Salt Lake City.

The Cannabis Product Board is a state agency that reviews medical and scientific research to develop guidelines for medical providers recommending cannabinoid products to patients. Though not a policy-making body, the Cannabinoid Product Board reportedly holds sway with lawmakers.

“After listening to researchers and reviewing literature on the matter, the Utah Cannabinoid Product Board voted unanimously to take a stance against analog cannabinoids Tuesday,” reported Ivana Martinez for KUER.

Board Chair Perry Fine said the decision was based on evaluation of the risks versus potential benefits.

“At this time, there is no evidence of therapeutic benefit of the analog derived synthesized cannabinoids, [including] delta-8 THC,” Dr. Fine told KUER. “Risks have been described by federal regulatory bodies and peer reviewed publications regarding delta-8 THC,” Fine said. “At this time, we do not support any therapeutic uses of analog cannabis products.”

Rich Oborn, director of the Center for Medical Cannabis for the Utah Department of Health, said lawmakers would be the ones to decide policy changes, but that the board’s stance would be influential.

“I think the board and its recommendations do hold a lot of value in policy, and we would hope that they would continue to be considered as a factor in decisions that the policymakers make,” he said.

A National Shift?

Recently-proposed revisions to the federal Farm Bill could have a similar impact to Utah’s SB 190 — but on a national scale.

The Hemp Advancement Act, introduced to Congress Feb. 8, revises language from the 2018 Farm Bill that limited delta-9 THC specifically. If passed, it could end legal sales of delta-8 gummies, vapes, and other hemp-derived THC products across the U.S.

from Nothing But Hemp https://www.nothingbuthemp.net/post/utah-bill-would-ban-delta-8-thc

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Celebrating Black History Month with Cannabis Compliance Extraordinaire: Ebony Andersen

Known as the Olivia Pope of Cannabis, Ebony Andersen is a black woman, standing at the top of an empire, ensuring that black-owned in cannabis gets a seat at the table. 

Compliance is conforming to rules; such as policies/regulations/law. When businesses are in compliance, it means that they have complied with the wish/command set in place by policies/regulations/law. In cannabis, compliance is described as: “being able to fulfill the obligations that state governments place on newly legalized cannabis industry organizations.” 

All industries have compliance requirements/policies/regulations; however, because of America’s history with cannabis, cannabis compliance may appear, or may very well be, a harder ship to navigate. The industry describes cannabis compliance as: “Compliance is more than defensive protection; it is affirmatively necessary to progress as a viable business. Internal controls to prevent and detect misconduct are attractive to investors and to merger and acquisition partners. This is why there are leaders in cannabis like Ebony Andersen.

Ebony Andersen, known as the Olivia Pope of cannabis, comes to the industry with a powerful resume and over a decade of experience navigating: land-use, planning and development, legislative lobbying, and making start-up businesses fully compliant. Her resume in cannabis includes being a partner and Chief Operating Officer of Josephine & Billie’s: “an educational space and community where women of color and their allies feel safe and welcome amidst a unique speakeasy-style cannabis retail concept.”

Ebony either works with, partially owns, and/or is a partner of, multiple black-owned cannabis businesses in California, and consults in other states across the country. The leader and fixer is keeping black-owned in cannabis in compliance, and helping solve some complex issues to ensure that their seat remains at the table. Ebony says:

“I started with policy and permitting, and quickly found operators who needed help with licensing and compliance. I knew that world well, so I quickly became the “Olivia Pope of Cannabis,” solving complex problems bringing legacy operators into compliance within the new regulatory framework.”

The importance of this work doesn’t go unnoticed!

Q & A with Ebony Andersen, The Olivia Pope of Cannabis

Please tell me about your work- pre cannabis industry. 

“I have over 15 years of experience as a land-use professional. As an urban planner, I managed the Natural Resource Program for the County of Ventura, where I oversaw the surface mining and oil and gas programs. After moving back to the Inland Empire, I started a land-use consulting firm, ejma Planning + Development. I routinely work with special interest groups and legislative lobbyists on environmentally controversial or politically sensitive projects in the Los Angeles region.”

When did your passion/interest develop for cannabis?

“I became passionate about cannabis policy when I realized how few policymakers valued social equity programs. I wanted to ensure communities of color have a voice when determining what is best for our communities.”

How did you break into the industry/ what was your first role/project in cannabis?

“Once in the Inland Empire, I was consulting for a city that embraced the idea of commercial cannabis licenses. Before I knew it, I found myself looking at land use issues around cannabis. I have now managed several cannabis projects, including cultivation sites, extensive manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, retail locations in California, and consulted on Washington, Oklahoma, and Nevada projects.” 

You are referred to as the Olivia Pope of Cannabis- you manage compliance for companies in the industry, and you’re an Agency Director- can you give us insight into what you do day-to-day?

“Well, a typical day for me starts at about 7 AM with the school routine. I usually go to bed as the sun rises, so my husband handles most morning activities. As a mom, I still have to do the hugs and affirmations, which helps me settle for my day. Next, I answer emails and texts until my first meeting, which I am almost always late for because it is inevitable that someone will call me with a fire I have to put out. 

Once I have the first meeting out of the way, I typically have several more to follow. After 5 PM, I spend my evening discussing project updates with my construction team or engineering team. Afterward, I return any missed calls and make it 1/3 of the way through the list before being interrupted by a time-sensitive task with a 24-hour turnaround time. Once that is complete, I get back on the phone, push meetings, and reassign duties. 

After adjusting my calendar, I hop on a call with my business partners to go over daily highlights. It sounds crazy, but I talk to them daily. I’m essentially Mission Control, so I must stay in contact at all times. I also look over sales numbers, product inventory reports, program decks, retail insights. After reviewing, I will then send feedback to each of my respective teams. It is late in the evening by this time, and it is time to begin the bedtime routine with the little one. 

Once he is down, I begin any remaining to-dos. I usually use this time to connect with all my night owl project managers or send lengthy emails that everyone despises waking up to. I get/give the rundown of everything we have set for the next day – inspections, contractors, pulling permits, etc. Then, I finish emails that were the lowest priority. 

Finally, I attempt to sleep, but by this time, the sun is usually coming up…so it all starts again.”

There is what seems to be a triangle of unity between Ball Family Farms, Sixty-Four, and Hope, and Josephine & Billie’s- is that wrong to assume and if not- can you discuss the triangle and your part in it?

“We definitely have unity! We are all Black owners of social equity businesses. The three of us have grown very close going through the licensing process in LA. We have witnessed firsthand how difficult it is for women and people of color in this industry. We are committed to uniting and supporting each other and other social equity businesses.”  

Can you discuss social equity for a sec; your role, your mission, how you help social equity qualified people and companies? 

“I see my role as helping translate the community’s goals to policymakers to ensure cannabis policy outcomes positively impact our communities. Through my consulting company, ejma Planning + Development, we work with municipalities on cannabis programs and develop equity-driven policies. I also work with social equity operators, providing licensing or building support.”

How does managing compliance differ from cultivation to dispensary, and which one presents a more difficult challenge? 

“Retail is much more complex than cultivation because there are far more touchpoints from distribution to customer sales. Counting, sorting, labeling, rating, and sampling every product in the store is quite an undertaking. Keeping track of hundreds of plant tags and memorizing tons of strains is also challenging.

Retail is harder because I have less control over a customer-facing business. Since retail is customer-facing, security is much tighter than at a production facility. We never know who might walk through the door and change our day. However, while managing, I look for the same things (safety, process, liability, etc.), so there isn’t much difference.” 

For those in compliance in other industries- let’s say- retail loss prevention- that aspire to get into cannabis compliance- what advice would you give? 

“Be flexible. It’s an odd piece of advice from a very rigid person. However, it’s important to share because this industry is still developing. You also need to understand the intent of the regulations and guide yourself accordingly. As the regulations evolve, you can’t fixate on a strict interpretation of the regulation; otherwise, you may cost your clients an opportunity.”

What do you want to see changed in cannabis compliance and how would those changes make a better industry? 

“I work in heavily regulated industries, and I am comfortable juggling regulations. From my perspective, cannabis is a relatively simple and environmentally mindful industry. That said, some of the regulations are extreme. For example, in my opinion, limiting trade samples is something the government should not be overly interested in. I would also like to see equity programs required for every county and city, funded by state grants. We currently have funding, but there are no requirements for the programs.”

—

More from Veronica Castillo: www.veetravelingvegcannawriter.com

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