Tax Troubles & Christian Weed
Legal news and launches of note.
The Broccoli Report
Monday, February 28, 2022
Time to read: 3 minutes, 50 seconds. Contains 769 words.
Good morning!
As we reach February’s end, the haze of 4/20 creeps closer. I’m gearing up to help with a big guide on 4/20 celebrations for Thrillist, so keep me in the loop of any happenings you’re planning to participate in, host, or attend. I’m still figuring out how I’ll spend my holiday as well. 😏
Before we get to the news, a reminder: Sign up as a paid subscriber to see this Friday’s highly anticipated dispatch about getting paid. Founders from Garden Society, Sessions, intū CBD, and Wandering Bud will share their experiences deciding when and how much to pay themselves, lessons learned over time, and reflections on early hiring decisions. Early-stage entrepreneurs won’t want to miss this one.
One-Hitters: Cannabis News at a Glance
The backlash toward proposed cannabis tax cuts in California is giving me whiplash. Currently, the funds support child and youth services, and advocates for these programs are decrying industry efforts to reduce its tax burden. While it is good to know that this tax revenue supports these services, that support won’t last if these businesses—some owned by members of underserved communities—are crushed by taxes. It’s a sign that law-makers, the industry, and community advocates need to come together to set tax rates that facilitate an equitable industry and ensure that communities reap rewards–and maybe establish a model for other industries that should be sharing more of the state’s tax burden.
The American Heart Association issued its first scientific statement on cannabis and brain health. It’s written in a refreshingly measured tone and acknowledges how much research they’ve yet to catch up on. It also delves into the contradictory studies examining how cannabis use during adolescence affects cognitive development of the prefrontal cortex, citing findings from studies following young adults for 25 years as part of a heart disease research project. Over that span, researchers found that the subjects’ verbal tests demonstrated memory declines which correlated to more years of self-reported weed enjoyment. There are some sobering details in this statement that point to real issues with the cultural mantra of “smoke weed every day,” indicating a more pressing need for regular users to have balanced cannabinoid diets and low-dose options.
Although I’ve come to love a few bud jars, I lament the lack of storage solutions for small amounts of multiple strains. I got excited when I came upon Stori, but their color-coded storage sets only feature joint-shaped tubes and 7g jars. I need something sized between their products and a weekly vitamin organizer, and I’d really love something small and stackable that swivels like a cosmetic compact.
On the theme of containment, Vessel—the accessory brand notable for its unique one-hitters—just dropped a concrete ashtray that slides to reveal a small storage compartment. The three-tiered piece has a slide cover, too, checking the box of one of my birthday wishes, though the price exceeds my ash budget.
California-based Green Monké partnered with iconic drag queen Shea Couleé for a vibrant photo series featuring the brand’s infused sodas. Through March, 1% of the profits will go to Couleé’s selected nonprofit, Our Academy.
Christian Cannabis—founded by Craig Gross, an unconventional pastor who organizes psychedelic retreats and co-founded a church targeting porn addiction—will sell “high-CBD, low-THC cannabis offerings with biblical ingredients such as frankincense and myrrh.” I’m assuming that means herbal flower mixes/ pre-rolls, but as a child who spent a couple years in Catholic school curious about the special wafer the big kids got to eat, this little heathen would love to see what spiritual edibles could arise from this venture.
Rose Edibles launched a rosin-infused chocolate bar inspired by the mole madre at Mexico City’s Pujol. Made with 70% cacao from the Chiapas region of Mexico and “2,714 day old mole madre,” this special bar, limited to an edition of 500, is one that I’m excited to catch.
Two interesting weed books on the horizon: The Joy of Cannabis is an illustrated guide of 75 activities designed to enrich and maximize cannabis experiences, whether through expanding the mind, unlocking creativity, or moving the body. Monica Lo’s upcoming The Weed Gummies Cookbook is a beautiful, moving collection of recipes inspired by Lo’s heritage, love for cannabis, and ingredients across Asian cuisines.
I’m all for terpene education at dispensaries, but I don’t find those little rows of glass vials very helpful (or aesthetically pleasing). This charming lineup, using old-fashioned perfume bottles, is getting warmer, though. Find it at Josephine & Billie’s, a speakeasy-inspired dispensary.
See you at the tea pad,
Lauren Yoshiko