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Taking Marijuana Out Of The Black Market: Why The Business Community Needs To Lead

business community black market marijuanaBy Justin Hartfield
The future of marijuana legalization hangs perilously in the balance. While some may view decriminalization as a fait accompli, the reality is that the results of initial implementation efforts in Colorado, Washington, and the other pioneering states of legalization will significantly impact the direction and momentum for subsequent efforts. The stakes could not be greater.
In their current form, the proposed regulations for granting retail licenses in both Colorado and Washington will result in insufficient supply to meet the increased demand of an adult-use regime. This is more than an economic problem. Market shortages in the legal market enable underground suppliers to gain increased market access, thus eviscerating one of the major public policy rationales for legalization reforms. In fact, it is possible to legalize badly.
The easiest way for states to remedy this problematic and dangerous supply deficiency is to authorize internet sales and delivery of cannabis from licensed suppliers to verified customers in state. Delivery services with internet ordering are already commonplace in medical marijuana states, and government-issued identification is verified upon delivery. Delivery sales also have the additional advantage of making the purchasing process slightly less conspicuous for customers concerned about potential social ramifications. The adult-use regime could simply do the same, ideally adding online payment processing to the established procedures. About half the states already authorize in-state internet sales of wine, and the number has only continued to increase.
Aside from the economic benefits, perhaps the greatest advantage of enabling in-state internet-based cannabis sales is to avoid the political hurdles of licensing of additional brick-and-mortar retail locations. In those communities where cannabis-themed modifications to the Town Center fascia are unpopular or outright verboten, internet delivery sales can fulfill demand without compromising perceived local identity.
Retail sales, however, represent only a fraction of the total opportunity created by cannabis legalization. On-premises consumption is just as important, as evidenced by the experience with alcohol. According to industry data, 40% of American alcohol sales (approximately $76 billion of a total $190 billion annually) is generated from bars, restaurants and other on-premises consumption establishments versus retail stores. When it comes to intoxication – alcohol or cannabis – people prefer doing it socially, out with their friends.
Despite this positive precedent, however, neither Colorado nor Washington regulators have authorized licenses for on-premises consumption. Ideally, officials should specifically authorize on-site consumption licenses allowing sales and distribution, the same way it is done with liquor licenses. The additional sales taxes alone could generate millions for city and county governments, and should be seriously considered, perhaps by the next state to pass a legalization initiative.
On-site consumption of cannabis may seem like a controversial issue, but it shouldn’t. This country’s collective experience with alcohol decriminalization provides a useful blueprint for allowing social intoxication as a business model. Every state in the union, even Utah, licenses alcohol establishments for on-premises consumption. From speakeasies to microbreweries, and from dive bars to nightclubs, the diverse array of on-premises options in this country shows how consumer choice and competition leads to greater value. Wine list, anyone?
On-site consumption may create number of particular challenges, but each of those challenges, under a proper rule structure, can become mitigated, if not transformed into opportunities for substantial market innovation.
One way to allow on-site cannabis consumption while protecting public safety is to combine on-site consumption cafes with hotels and lodging establishments. Cannabis-focused hotels and resorts could provide customers with an enjoyable experience without implicating public safety concerns. By providing shuttle transportation to guests, the exclusivity and convenience of such a hybrid establishment would certainly attract local cannabis connoisseurs as well as curious tourists from around the world. Think of it as the adult Disneyland. Or Americamsterdam. Like all great American spinoffs, our on-site consumption industry should take what’s useful from the Dutch model, but applied to local conditions, with a unique capitalist twist.
Cannabis users’ well-documented affliction known as the “munchies” presents an obvious yet untapped market opportunity. Licensing food vending services within on-site consumption establishments, or even licensing entire cannabis-focused eateries, would create significant tax revenue and local jobs. However, in addition to state licenses, local zoning codes and county health regulations would have to be adjusted in nearly every jurisdiction to properly allow for this new form of culinary experience.
Entertainment venues would benefit from a similarly targeted regulatory approach. One of our companies sponsors annual cannabis-themed concert events in medical marijuana states. Based on this experience, we believe that licensing designated entertainment venues to sell cannabis for on-site consumption would be extremely successful. Even restricting on-premises sales to personal-use sizes (such as one joint or blunt per customer), would generate revenue for all stakeholders in addition to enhancing the overall market share of the legalization regime.
The potential impact of marijuana legalization on tourism can be seen in Amsterdam. It is estimated that 10% of the tourists come specifically for the “coffee shops”, and another 40% just happen to drop in for a bit. Beyond that, as you walk around the city, most of the souvenir shops have their cannabis-themed schwag upfront. It is a part of the contraband culture.
A complete cannabis legalization ecosystem must consider the impact on all communities, particular the most vulnerable and disenfranchised. A productive use of legalization revenue would be to fund transitional programs to help new parolees (incarcerated for marijuana offenses) acquire useful skills to transition back into the workforce.
Most of all, we should keep in mind how much more we have to learn about cannabis from a basic scientific perspective. The global ban on possession has eviscerated the ability for researchers to understand the plant and its psychoactive effects. Rather than diverting licenses fees to the general fund for the whims of politicians, officials should use the revenue to support scientific study on the effects and impact of cannabis in all its forms. From grant programs to develop clinically-proven methods and devices to determine the physiological indicia of cannabis impairment, to university studies isolating the neurological impact of cannabinoid release, the acquisition of useful and accurate knowledge about cannabis should be the highest priority.
The drive to end marijuana prohibition is gaining momentum every day for a variety of reasons, but if it is left to the politicians and the prohibitionists, the result will be a prolonged mess when it is time for a clean break from the past. We believe that the time has come for the business community to take the lead in the drive to legalize marijuana, and in a realistic way that creates jobs, without excessive taxes and regulations.
Source: WeedMaps.Com 

Skywalker OG Cannabis Strain Review And Pictures


skywalker og marijuana strain
skywalker og marijuana strainSkywalker OG Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures

Skywalker is a hybrid product of the blueberry and mazar strains. This Indica dominant strain is known to provide above average pain relief, headache management, appetite stimulation and heavy sedation. The skywalker strain is sticky and mildly fragrant with fruity undertones and a flowery scent same to other indicas. The effects are immediate and last up to two hours.

Date Acquired: July 30, 2011

Grade: A++

Type: Indica

Looks: Mostly small, tight deep green conical shaped nugs with a crusted layer trichs.

Smell: A very earthy and brilliant dank pine smell with hints of lemon and fuel.

Taste: Very similar to the odor. Very earthy with some lemony highlights, but mostly pure dank, mild earthy smoke.

Buzz Type: Extremely heavy head buzz. Eyes felt like they were sinking further back into my head. Pressure all around the head. Excellent pain and stress relief!

Buzz Length: Long to Very Long (2+ hours)

Summary:

* I always break a smile when I see Skywalker OG on the menu. Having it several times, it has become a favorite strain of mine. But, its been a few months since I have medicated with Luke himself. Actually, the last time I had it was December 2010.

So, on my very first bowl from my refill, it was HEAVY! It put me straight to bed. I am usually up until 1:00  2:00am. The first night medicating with Skywalker OG, I found myself crawling to bed before 10:00pm. That is EARLY for me. But a full shutdown and long good nights snooze is just what my body needed.

Skywalker OG is a heavy Indica strain consistently couch locking me during evening and tardy night sessions. I did a Sunday morning wake and bake session and this strain basically put me in a lazy, anything friendly of mood. I had a stress free Sunday which was very pleasant.

Skywalker OG is a very serene smoking strain for how heavy it hits you. I was able to take kind mild rips and for those times I needed a tiny extra, I was also able to take deep hits with very tiny cough factor. This strain is stoney and bit euphoric too. I felt a bit drunk like a few times as it felt as if I was swaying when walking.

This strains biggest benefit for me is the pain relieving qualities on summit of releasing stress. When in some serious pain, a strain like Skywalker OG is one I want to have on hand. A bowl of this does me just as good as a Vicodin or narcotic pain pill.

During my last marijuana nugget of Skywalker OG, I actually medicated after doing a 7:00am 5K morning jog. Taking a week off from the gym, I decided to jog 5Ks for that same week. The first day, I was in tremendous knee and neck/upper back pain (its been half a year since I jogged outside so, got to work up those running muscles again) and bowl of Skywalker OG light sabered that pain away. Being this was in the morning, I was a bit groggy. But, my pain was gone and since I had a good amount of morning caffeine in my system (~200mg), I was slow but, not couched.

I have never had a bad bowl or batch of Skywalker OG regardless of what collective Ive obtained it from. It is just an overall solid strain that performs time after time again.

I adore feelin that force probably why Skywalker OG is one summit favorite OGs!  ie420patient

Check out the Skywalker OG marijuana strain upon THCFinder.Com, and see what people had to say about it, and how it affects various ailments.

skywalker og marijuana strain



skywalker og marijuana strain



skywalker og marijuana strain
skywalker og marijuana strain

skywalker og marijuana strain

skywalker og marijuana strain

Blue Cheese Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures

Blue cheese is one of the all time favorites for pain relief (and many other ailments). it has a wonderfully unique flavor with the undertone of cheese and a smell of blue cheese. The parents of blue cheese are Big Buddha Cheese x Blueberry. Blue cheese is a personal favorite because of the uplifting/energetic high it produces… this works wonderful for those clients who need to medicate to relieve pain (and countless other elements) but that also need to focus and have drive for a job, taking care of a family or more.
“A fantastic daytime strain for those who need to get things done and get pain relief at the same time.” – Brad420Brad
Check out the Blue Cheese marijuana strain on THCFinder.Com, and see what people had to say about it, and how it affects various ailments.
blue cheese marijuana strain

blue cheese marijuana strain

blue cheese marijuana strain

Pineapple Kush Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures

Pineapple Kush draws from old-world genetics, a dark green Indica from California. The feeling is calming and brings a centered sensation. It is good for those that prefer a mellow high instead of a heart-racing speedy sensation. The aroma and flavor is decidedly pineapple, with a subtle sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the tongue.
“I like my kushes and this pineapple kush definitely stands out in aroma and quality, its enjoyably smooth yet packs a considerable punch but not so strong that its overkill and it puts me in a happy chill and social mood. Its just great, you won’t be disappointed with this.” – Moonphoenix89
Check out the Pineapple Kush marijuana strain on THCFinder.Com, and see what people had to say about it, and how it affects various ailments.
pineapple kush marijuana strain

pineapple kush marijuana strain

pineapple kush marijuana strain

How To Make A Cannaburger

I love hamburgers. I used to joke with my friends growing up that I was the man behind the hamburgler mask. As I’m sure all loyal readers know, I also like marijuana. It’s one of the few things that I like more than hamburgers! If only there was a way to combine the two…Oh wait, there is! I just found a great video on how to make cannaburgers. I know summer is virtually over, but it’s never too late to make a cannaburger. See below:





Jack Herer strain review

jack herer marijuana strainJack Herer is a prized sativa-dominant indica/sativa hybrid well known for both its cerebral high and its strong body high. The strain is a cross between Skunk #1, Haze, and Northern Lights #5. Jack Herer is the parent to many subset strains.
“Date Acquired: July 30, 2011
Grade: A+
Type: Sativa
Looks: Very dense, but soft yet sticky to the touch nugs; light green in color with orange/rust colored hairs and crystallized in trichs.
Smell: Sweetand spicy. Orange juice, lemon and pepper. Scent will linger in the room for a short bit (but in a pleasant way).
Taste: Very smooth smoke. Although not as noticeable as the smell, there is a sweet underlying tone with this strain with a lemon-peppery after taste. Somewhat like a fruit salad with spicy (taste, not heat) dressing. The inhale was more fruity with the exhale being “ginger” spicy. A very tasty strain!
Buzz Type: Gave me a solid sense of focus and awareness. Can be a bit “racy” during some sections of the buzz. Provided me with energetic full body tingle too.
Buzz Length: Above Average to Long (1.5 to 2 hours)
Summary:
* Finally! I’ve been craving a really solid Sativa for months! This batch of Jack Herer came calling to my rescue.
This is a “Feel Good” strain. Everything was enjoyable around me while medicating with Jack Herer. Sounds were nicely amplified; especially outside.
Jack Herer’s scent is quite strong; especially when scissoring, but the sweetness and spiciness of the smell I do like. The lingering smell is pleasing to my nostrils vs. some of the stronger Indica OG’s I medicate with. A “clean” smoking strain, Jack Herer left behind minimal resin build up in my glass bong.
I found myself flying all over the place during some sessions while really focused with deep intuitive thought on others. I got wrapped up into some “deep” conversations while medicating with Jack Herer.
Overall, just an awesome Sativa that was my perfect daytime medicine when I had various things to do and really needed to multi-task. Still be careful though… a few times while walking forward, it felt like as if someone was pulling me forward. I definitely enjoyed this strain.
R.I.P Jack Herer! You will never be forgotten and your legacy will live forever with this great strain.” – ie420patient
Check out the Jack Herer marijuana strain on THCFinder.Com, and see what people had to say about it, and how it affects various ailments.
jack herer marijuana strain
jack herer marijuana strain

jack herer marijuana strain