Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Time to read: About 4 minutes. Contains 825 words.
Good morning!
Well, the entire political landscape has flipped upside down since I was last in your inbox (which was only two weeks ago!!!) Insane. We all knew this election year was going to be wild, but I don’t think any of us could’ve foreseen this degree of drama. The cannabis world remains fairly unchanged, though—same boat, floating in a sea of uncertainty, without much direction from anyone as we navigate state laws, federally legal but unregulated hemp business, and a dearth of answers to a bottomless pit of questions. I do think, at this rate, intoxicating substances will remain a priority purchase for the rest of the year. Take care out there.
One-Hitters: Cannabis News at a Glance
Snoop Dogg is literally passing the torch at the Olympics this Friday. The question is—will he make any weed references while commentating for NBC? Snoop also opened the doors to his own dispensary, S.W.E.D. (Smoke Weed Every Day), in Los Angeles last week.
The window for public comment on rescheduling cannabis has closed. Now comes the review of the 40,000+ comments by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Justice. In theory, the DEA would proceed with the rescheduling process after that, but the timeline is unclear, as is the potential for legal challenges to any rulings.
The recalls keep rolling—consider how you can get ahead of consumer’s concerns. From licensed vapes in California to hemp products in New York, cannabis recalls have become a regular part of news headlines. We’re already working uphill when it comes to convincing people that this plant can provide safe and reliably consistent experiences. Storytelling around supply chain education and transparency around careful sourcing and vetting will be increasingly key to putting new and veteran customers at ease.
A new study and new excitement around CBG. Cannabigerol, sometimes referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” for the way all cannabinoids lead back to CBG’s early forms during a plant’s development, only gets more interesting. The euphoric vibes I experienced the first time I smoked a CBG-dominant joint certainly stayed with me, but seeing Dr. Ethan Russo’s enthusiasm about the results of his novel double‑blind, placebo‑controlled field trial on the compound’s significant anti-anxiety effects reignited my interest in the cannabinoid. That, and this Story share from Rose Los Angeles on Instagram. Anyone have a clue? Let me know. 👀
A Japanese pop star paid $28k in bail and more in shame over a few grams. In May, Junnosuke Taguchi, a former member of the popular boy band KAT-TUN, was detained by the Tokyo Metro Police for possessing a “few grams of dried marijuana” and smoking accessories. He and his girlfriend, actor Rena Komine, were granted bail after each paying 3 million yen (roughly 28,000 USD). Following his release, Taguchi made a grave public apology that included a 20-second bow with his forehead touching the ground.
In Italy, the hemp industry faces an extinction-level crackdown. The Italian government has placed CBD on the country’s list of narcotic drugs, going against the European Union’s ruling legalizing hemp containing less than .2% THC. Trade groups like Federcanapa are doing their best to appeal this move.
A federal judge strikes down an attempt by illicit New York shops at constitutional protections—and the shutdowns continue. I’m honestly a little impressed that illegal shops had the cojones to try filing a class-action lawsuit against NYC for padlocking their businesses without due process. With public safety at stake, the judge had no qualms saying, ‘nah.’ Meanwhile, state law enforcement is plowing forward with its Operation Padlock to Protect program, which has now closed 640 unlicensed smoke shops since early May.
A new upscale consumption lounge dedicated to flower opens in West Hollywood. Private Reserve is the second location from the owners of Off The Charts, a multi-state chain of dispensaries, but a far grander one, with luxury hotel bar vibes and chic decor. Rather than offering food and drink (although Cann is on hand), flower is the focus here, available as joints or via bong with a flight of curated half-grams.
The coolest ashtray in my feed this week: a mini skate park. Someone get this artist an exhibit at a museum.
Saran wrap rolling papers? If that was also your first time seeing one of those clear rolling papers, it’s apparently made out of “plant cellulose.” The internet is not in consensus on the health risks of smoking them, but if you’re curious, Friends NYC sells some made out of cotton mallow cellulose.
Dispensary menus aren’t complete without a lockable stash. Arizona dispensary Giving Tree added a branded stash box with a combination lock to their offerings—a wise move for all dispensaries if we want to help cut down on nightmarish headlines about kids and pets getting into weed. Customers: Just please think of a better password than “420.”
Your high clearance confidant,
Lauren Yoshiko