Weed Wanted

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Marijuana Banking: SAFE Banking Act is Dead on Arrival. Again.

The hopes for better and increased marijuana banking, which were tied up in the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (a serious and common sense federal marijuana banking bill), are currently dashed since the SAFE Banking Act has been left out of the Senate’s changes to the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA“). The impact? Licensed businesses are left hanging high and dry (again) when it comes to marijuana banking.

Despite the fact that this bipartisan piece of legislation passed the House no less than five times over the past three years, the Senate just isn’t having it. And it’s not necessarily your usual suspects in the GOP that are among resisters. It’s actually a set of powerful democrats (looking at you Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Cory Booker) who insist that we can’t pass piecemeal federal cannabis reform because it will lessen the pressure on Congress to legalize/decriminalize cannabis in a bigger, broader sweeping bill.

To that position, all I can really do is shake my head. Especially given that these Democratic politicians have touted cannabis legalization, reform, and progress for sometime now. It’s pretty clear that everything we’ve heard is just routine lip service to constituents and stakeholders. Marijuana banking reform seems like a no brainer and an overall win for the industry.

In this latest Congressional misadventure for cannabis, significant negotiation took place around including the SAFE Banking Act in the massive NDAA. And it’s not unusual to get individual pieces of law passed in things like the NDAA that have nothing to do with national defense. The big joke of the day here is that we can’t get cannabis banking in the NDAA, but Congress was more than happy to include the creation of a permanent office to study UFO activity. Priorities, amiright?

The entire cannabis industry has been begging for standard access to bank accounts and financial services from financial institutions since at least 2010. It’s imperative to have banking at all levels of the industry, big, small and in every state, because of the massive public safety issues caused by running all cash businesses. Case in point, cannabis businesses in Oakland that can’t secure bank accounts have found themselves the constant victims of theft with little to no recourse. Running an all-cash business also makes accounting, paying taxes, and employee payroll a complete nightmare.

The overall lack of marijuana banking, and the routine shutdowns of cannabis bank accounts once financial institutions get wise to things, also prevents cannabis businesses from accessing money from institutional capital/financiers. This has had the effect of seriously undermining financial support for this grand democratic experiment.

In addition, ancillary businesses that only support the industry (but don’t engage in trafficking) are also handicapped by the current marijuana banking situation due to resulting secondary criminal liability stemming from potential aiding, abetting, and conspiracy charges. Translation–ancillary businesses are also in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, so financial institutions are wary of banking them.

The Senate’s changes to the NDAA must now go back through both chambers of Congress before President Biden signs the bill into law. Representative Ed Perlmutter (from Colorado), the main sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, vowed to file an amendment to the NDAA to get the SAFE Banking Act back in; he ultimately backed off though where such a move could upend the total progress around getting the NDAA passed at all.

At the end of it all, cannabis companies are back to square one. The best they can do is to locate and hopefully bank with financial institutions following the 2014 FinCEN guidelines, which currently represent the only lifeline to banking services for state-licensed cannabis companies. While other cannabis reform bills are floating around Congress (like the MORE Act and States Reform Act), no one knows their chances of actual passage, and none of these bills were as close to serious consideration as the SAFE Banking Act. Along with meaningful federal tax reform, marijuana banking just got sent to the back of the line. Again.

The post Marijuana Banking: SAFE Banking Act is Dead on Arrival. Again. appeared first on Harris Bricken.

from Canna Law Blog – Harris Bricken https://ift.tt/3EH6Dj0
via IFTTT

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Tasting Dosidos with Smoke DZA aka The Kush God

We invited NYC cannasseur Smoke DZA to taste the Leafly Strain of the Year 2021, Dosidos, and teach us about his city’s rich weed history.

The post Tasting Dosidos with Smoke DZA aka The Kush God appeared first on Leafly.

from Leafly https://ift.tt/3rLdtAg
via IFTTT

The Kush/Cookies Drift: Strains similar to Dosidos

Can't get your hands on Dosidos, the Leafly Strain of the Year 2021? Try these 13 similar strains that are related to the year's best weed.

The post The Kush/Cookies Drift: Strains similar to Dosidos appeared first on Leafly.

from Leafly https://ift.tt/3y4cv3c
via IFTTT

Top 8 cannabis strains of 2021

GMO, London Pound Cake, Cereal Milk and others vied for top honors.

The post Top 8 cannabis strains of 2021 appeared first on Leafly.

from Leafly https://ift.tt/3oAbAof
via IFTTT

College Students Holiday Gift Guide

Despite the stress, the threat of COVID-19, the anxiety of finding a job and the looming fear of lifelong debt in some cases, college students deserve some recognition. A recent The Washington Post study has shown that cannabis use is rising rapidly among college-aged adults, and they’re drinking much less alcohol as a result. To support this healthy life change, check out these affordable cannabis accessories students can use to spice up their life and help direct them toward the self-care routine they deserve. Don’t forget to provide a little weed, too!

2G XL Delta 8 Disposable

DABS TO GO! Introducing the new 2G XL Delta 8 Disposable from STNR Creations! This device is a total game changer, with adjustable airflow, 25watt auto-draw with a “burst button” the fires at 30 watts—OH, did we mention it’s also rechargeable?! Coming in holding two grams of the highest quality D8 distillate + natural terpenes, the flavor on these are stellar. STNR is the perfect place to find goodies for your stoner friends (or yourself!) for the holidays.

Use code “HIGHGIFTS” for 40 percent off on www.stnrcreations.com.

Price: $65

www.stnrcreations.com

Revelry—The Mini Confidant

Sometimes, it is prudent to leave your dorm room with your stash safely sealed. Avoid any unwanted detection with Revelry’s The Mini Confidant, which is a small smell-proof bag that’s the perfect size for taking your stash on the go. It’s small enough to fit into most pockets, is water resistant and has a carbon filter system to ensure that your favorite items won’t be detected when it’s in your possession.

Price: $20

revelrysupply.com

Santa Cruz Shredder

There are plenty of grinders on the market, but if you’re on a budget, get one that’s going to last you a lifetime. The Santa Cruz Shredder is a tried-and-true piece made of anodized aluminum that will never wear down, and its patented teeth design ensures a reliable grind every time. It comes in a variety of bright colors, and you can buy extra additions to add to this two-piece.

Price: $35.50

santacruzshredder.com

Veil OG

There are some things that every college-aged cannabis connoisseur needs, and you never want to be without—an air deodorizer. Whether you’re having someone special over to your dorm, or your family is visiting, the Veil OG is a great option. Infused with the scents of sweet orange, black pepper and Virginia cedar, this spray will excellently overpower any cannabis scents in your space with a potent, but nice smelling scent. Bonus points for being non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Price: $19.99

smellveil.com

Skunk—Mini Backpack

While this is more expensive than any other item on our list here, all students know that investing some extra cash in a good backpack is an investment that pays off. The Skunk Mini Backpack is the perfect way to transport your student essentials, but also doubles as an excellent way to store and transport cannabis items as well, thanks to its 100 percent smell-proof carbon lining.

Price: $60

skunkbags.com

Vibes Rolling Papers

Unlike your typical rolling papers, Vibes Fine Rolling Papers come in a variety of types, including Rice, Ultra Thin, Hemp and Organic Hemp. Vibes argues that its rolling papers can hold even more material than the average competitor, and the thinness of the papers allow for less paper smoke and more cannabis. Vibes’ King Size Slim rolling papers can fit a whole gram of dried herb within!

Price: $2.50

vibespapers.com

Handmade Pencil Pipe

Sometimes, a gift that is handcrafted means much more than the average, store-bought purchase. This beautifully crafted ceramic pipe, in the form of a traditional pencil, is the perfect gift to honor the courageous pursuit of knowledge as a student. You can’t write with it, but you can pose stoically with it while you smoke or take Instagram photos.

Price: $45

www.etsy.com

Pax—Era Life

Out of the countless vape pens, the Pax Era Life is one of the most celebrated when it comes down to size and price. Small, discreet and affordable, the Era Life is a reliable and long-lasting oil vaporizer that makes consumption a breeze. Enjoy an extended battery life while offering quality from Pax, which historically has had over a decade of innovation.

Price: $35

www.pax.com

Ugly House—Dab Kit

Despite its name, Ugly House has a really fresh take on cannabis accessories. We fell in love with the art on its dab kits, which come with a silicone rolling tray, a metal rolling tray, a silicone dab container and a matching dab tool! Ugly House offers a variety of pieces that are creative and artistic, but don’t perpetuate that overplayed “stoner” aesthetic.

Price: $27.99

getugly.co

ChaCha Chainz—Joint Holders

Smoke in style with a joint holder handblown in the US of A. Offered in the colors of Purple, Amber, Grey, Emerald, Lilac on ChaChaChainz main website, these holders all have slightly different shapes to make them unique from one another. Each one is approximately 3.75 to four inches long, with a diameter of 7mm, and is offered either a “small” size that’s ideal for slip rolled joints, or a “medium” joint for standard size pre-roll cones. Don’t smoke your joints like a chump any longer!

Price: $30

www.chachachainz.com

The post College Students Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on High Times.

from News – High Times https://ift.tt/3oBBvvA
via IFTTT

The Freak Brothers Cast Members Blake Anderson and John Goodman Discuss Series and Pop-Up

FOX’s free streaming service Tubi hosted an exclusive event on December 6 at the Fred Segal in Los Angeles, California to honor the platform’s animated ode to smokers new and old—The Freak Brothers.

Most members of the epic voice cast attended, including Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live), John Goodman (The Connors), Blake Anderson (Workaholics) and Andrea Savage (Veep), Phil LaMarr (Futurama) and Danny Gendron.

The Freak Brothers is the story of three fictional characters who regularly venture out on escapades that inevitably involve pot. It’s the tale of Freewheelin’ Franklin Freek (Woody Harrelson), Fat Freddy Freekowtski (Goodman), Phineas T. Phreakers (Davidson) and their cat Kitty (Tiffany Haddish).

The series debuted on Tubi on November 14, 2021, after it was resurrected from the original comic series by artist Gilbert Shelton that debuted in the late ‘60s and into the ‘70s, amid a wave of hippie writers and artists who tested the legal boundaries of publishing.

To showcase this modern interpretation, the Fred Segal store has been transformed into The Freak Brothers universe, bringing the animated series to life—complete with gigantic cartoon mushrooms under fluorescent light and faux pot plants aplenty. Running through January 15, the immersive pop-up experience at the Fred Segal is open to the public.

High Times was on-scene as Anderson and Davidson hotboxed the room. I couldn’t help but notice a High Times back issue with the Freak Brothers on the cover, chilling on the glass coffee table in front of them. I did a little digging, and found out it was the November 1990 issue—one of multiple times that the Freak Brothers graced the cover of the magazine.

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 6: (L-R) Blake Anderson and Pete Davidson attend Tubi’s “The Freak Brothers” Experience at Fred Segal on December 6, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. © 2021 FOX Media LLC. (CR: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for TUBI)

“Really the two characters are just an extension of me and Adam [Devine]. So, it’s kind of cool being in the booth and recording [our voice roles]. It’s improv and all of that. It’s pretty cool.”– Blake Anderson

The juxtaposition of the old and new timelines is a testament to changing customs surrounding cannabis. After smoking a magical strain of weed in 1969, the Freak Brothers are transported 50 years into the future to 2020, bringing their counterculture lifestyle to the modern world. Legal cannabis is everywhere.

Things get funny when they confront current-day smokers. Blake Anderson and Adam Devine—two-thirds of the Workaholics trio—play Chuck and Charlie, stoners who live in the present day.

“They’re really stoners of modern times,” Anderson told High Times. “They’re really working the system. They know that weed is legal—weirdly. So they’re in a whole different realm from The Freak Brothers.”

A culture clash is the result—and some of it includes a pinch of reality. Today, you can practically take a hit from a pen inside a store, instead of hiding in the woods.

“Really the two characters are just an extension of me and Adam [Devine]. So, it’s kind of cool being in the booth and recording [our voice roles]. It’s improv and all of that. It’s pretty cool. I’m here representing both of us.”

The voice cast includes some of the top Hollywood veterans—many of whom grew up reading the original underground hippie comics. Goodman plays Fat Freddy, the kind-hearted ginger stoner who in the comics, usually loses money or gets burned for weed. Goodman said that he has been collecting The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers comics by Gilbert Shelton for some time, which prepared him for creating the voice of Freddy. He went more into detail about it at the New York Comic Con last year.

When asked if the comics’ lasting power will be accepted by younger generations, Goodman is optimistic. “I hope so,” Goodman told High Times. “I wouldn’t have believed it” continues to impact readers as much as it did then today, he explained. “I still have a bunch of the comic books at home. I leaf through them every once in a while.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 6: John Goodman attends Tubi’s “The Freak Brothers” Experience at Fred Segal on December 6, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. © 2021 FOX Media LLC. (CR: Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup for TUBI)

“I still have a bunch of the comic books at home. I leaf through them every once in a while.” – John Goodman

The generational differences are especially evident in the way cannabis has become commercialized and how the plant was mostly removed from its taboo status, circa the Nixon era, when the comics were first popular, and when Goodman was reading them. “It was back then in the 70s—there were a lot of [drugs],” he said with a grin.

Goodman voiced the experienced monster Sulley in Monsters Inc. alongside Billy Crystal—paving the way for his new cartoon role as Freddy. Freddy’s voice is his new work of art, and he’s ready to share it with a new audience. “I hope it does” reach a new generation, Goodman said. “It would sure be nice.”

New Episodes of The Freak Brothers drop every Sunday on Tubi through December 26. Visit the Fred Segal on 8500 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles for an immersive Freak Brothers experience now through Saturday, January 15, where you can grab a selfie in front of towering mushrooms and faux fields of pot.

The post <i>The Freak Brothers</i> Cast Members Blake Anderson and John Goodman Discuss Series and Pop-Up appeared first on High Times.

from News – High Times https://ift.tt/3pFBjuI
via IFTTT

Growers Holiday Gift Guide

Cannabis growers deserve a little love, too, and anyone who has dabbled in the art of growing cannabis knows the gear can be pricey, so a little love goes a long way. From products that control Ph levels to butter-making devices, High Times picked out some of the best gear for your favorite grower.

TNB Up/Down

TNB granular pH UP & DOWN are composed of all-natural ingredients with the addition of no harmful chemicals. This innovative way to raise and lower the pH levels of your hydroponic or liquid fertilizer is both simple and cost-effective. Simply add a small amount to your water, mix thoroughly, and check your pH levels.

The pH (potential hydrogen) of a nutrient solution is a very important aspect of plant growth and proper management is essential for healthy plants and lush gardens. TNB Up and Down provide growers with a user friendly and safe way to maintain appropriate pH levels for optimal plant growth.

Price: 1lb (454g) Bag: $19.99 MSRP

www.tnbnaturals.com

Premium Seed Market: Apple Fritter

Many know this strain to be one of the most potent on the market with a high of 32 percent THC, yet you’d never know it by looking at her flower. Nugs are fairly average with just a light dusting of trichomes and fiery orange pistils. As you’d guess, her flavors take on that of the pastry she’s named after and incorporates a hint of cheesy goodness on the tail end to balance things out quite nicely.

Incredible flavors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this mystery hybrid, and if you’re not a super experienced smoker, you may want to tread very very lightly your first time around with Apple Fritter. Even if you’ve been enjoying cannabis for decades, clear your schedule before you toke, because you might end up glued to the couch far earlier than you’d expect.

Flavor: Apple, Cheese, Sour
Genetics: Sour Apple x Animal Cookies
Use Cases: Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Depression
Flowering Time: Indoor – 7-8 weeks, Outdoor – mid-October
50 percent Sativa, 50 percent Indica

Safe and discreet shipping
Guaranteed delivery within 7-10 days
We accept all major credit cards, no bank/routing number needed

Price: 10 pack $29.99, 100 pack $200, 1000 pack $1,500

www.premiumseedmarket.com

VIVOSUN Hydroponic Mylar Grow Tent

The VIVOSUN Hydroponic Mylar Grow Tent features extra-thick, 600D canvas with metal poles and corner adapters, so it is very stable and airtight.

Its unique, “diamond”-reflective, Mylar design provides 98 percent grow light reflection and offers a superior indoor growing environment. It provides plenty of ventilation that can be closed or opened using the cables, ducting and fans.

The VIVOSUN grow tents are also easily installed, even if you’ve never done anything like it before: no tools needed. Unrivaled craftsmanship and materials make VIVOSUN’s Hydroponic Grow Tent the best choice for professional and amateur growers alike. Don’t throw out your back bending over to check on your plants; the easy-access door unzips smoothly, and the observation window makes it easy to peek inside without disturbing your set-up.

Price: $119.99

www.vivosun.com

Magical Butter Machine

Give the gift of cannabis cooking with the Magical Butter machine. The device acts like a rice cooker for cannabutter. Just add cannabis and butter, and about two hours later, strain the butter, and put it in the fridge to harden. This is the perfect gift for the busy grower who wants to use trim to make butter, but is too busy growing to spend extra time in the kitchen.

Price: Ultimate Holiday Bundle – $345.05

www.magicalbutter.com

Timber Grow Cypress 8 Bar Lights

The Cypress 8 Timber Grow Bar Lights allow you to do tiered, stacked lighting layouts that maximize the lighting all around the plants, not just from above. The plants grow within inches of these lights without burn or bleach, all thanks to the cutting-edge technology of Timber Grow.

Price: $799

www.timbergrowlights.com

Design Toscano Garden Gnome

Just for fun, or for the growers who have everything, pick them up this zen garden gnome. How could he not be super chill surrounded by a garden of buds? He even has a little bird buddy to keep him company. This is the perfect, lighthearted gift for your favorite cultivator, and its cost won’t break the bank.

Price: $20.95

www.designtoscano.com

Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-3 2SP

We’re so stoked on this light and the potential it has for growers that we had to include it in this list. With more coverage for bigger yields, the PhytoMAX-3 covers the UV spectrum and is a great gift for someone looking to expand their grow. Give growers the gift of light this holiday season, and they’ll be forever grateful that you did.

Price: $399

www.blackdogled.com

Advanced Nutrients: Overdrive

With an NPK ratio of 1-5-4, this premium, late-phase bloom booster maintains peak performance all the way to the finish line. This product is perfect for growers looking to take it to the next level. Overdrive is packed full of phosphorus and magnesium to create the optimal conditions for catalyzing energy transfers. Plants continue packing on bud weight late in the game, resulting in heavy flowers. This is a must for serious growers.

Price: Starting at $10.95

www.advancednutrients.com

CenturionPro Trimmers

If the growers on your gift list are dealing with a serious influx of buds, you know what you’ll be getting this holiday season! But to help them get there, they may need a CenturionPro from you first. From tabletop and hybrid trimmers to full industrial machines, you can’t go wrong with CenturionPro.

Price: Contact for quotes

www.cprosolutions.com

PurePressure: Helix 3-Ton Manual Rosin Press

If you have growers on your list who are looking to turn their weed into rosin, you need to check out PurePressure. With precision and reliability baked into a surprisingly small package, the Helix 3 Ton Manual Rosin Press can sit on your kitchen counter or coffee table without causing problems, perfect for all levels of growers. It’s easy to make solventless concentrates from a home grow.

Price: Starting at $3,195.00

www.gopurepressure.com

The post Growers Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on High Times.

from News – High Times https://ift.tt/3rNMfsI
via IFTTT