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If Joe Biden wins the presidential election, legalizing cannabis will surge to the forefront of Congress’s 2021 priorities, according to Sen. Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts who’s presently running to retain his seat against a primary challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy. 

Markey made the declaration earlier this week, during a forum hosted by the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECM) and other organizations. After stating that legalization “should happen in 2021,” Markey tied the issue in with the horrific impact of the War on Drugs on minority communities and how to enact restorative justice measures.  

To that effect, Marky said, “[Legalization] should be, amongst other things, a recognition that so much of what has happened over the last 20 to 25 years in our country is that we have criminalized being black, being brown, being immigrant, being poor, substance issues, mental health issues, homelessness issues. We’ve criminalized it.”

The solution will begin, the senator said, with voting Trump out of the White House and empowering the Democrats to take charge. From there, Marky predicted, legalization will follow and lawmakers will undertake actions to empower minority ownership and economic benefits from the booming cannabis industry.  

“Ultimately at the federal level,” Marky said, “beginning on January 20, 2021, when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are sworn in, we create the programs that make it possible for businesses to gain access to the capital they need in the minority community so that they can establish their own businesses in the cannabis sector.”

After opposing legal weed for years, both Markey and his opponent Joe Kennedy are now running on pro-legalization policies. Last September, Markey signed on to the three major marijuana reform bills: the Marijuana Opportunity and Reinvestment (MORE) Act, the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, and the Marijuana Justice Act.

During an interview in July with the Young Jurks podcast, Marky said Congress would undertake major cannabis reform efforts despite Joe Biden’s steadfast belief in decriminalization over full legalization.

“From my perspective, this is another issue that’s just right there on the ballot in November,” Marky told host Mike Crawford. “We’ll move very quickly in January to change these laws to make sure that there are national protections which are put in place. But unfortunately, Trump controls the discretionary use of these personnel, and they’re kind of committed to keeping this crazy non-scientifically based analysis of marijuana front-and-center.”

When Crawford asked how legalization can happen with Biden in opposition, Marky replied, “We’ll have the majority of the votes in the United States Senate. And I know [Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer] has moved in that direction. He’ll be the majority leader in January. I think we’ll have votes to just move it, and the science has moved there.”

“All issues go through three phases,” Marky said, “political education, political activation, political implementation. We’re now through the political education on climate and marijuana, we’re into the activation stage, and in November, implementation. We win the election and then we begin to just legislate on the floor on Medicare for All on Green New Deal, marijuana — just to move the country, legislatively, to where it already is operationally in their lives and what they want to see happen.”

Rick Ross needs little introduction. One of the most iconic rappers of all time, the Miami native rose to notoriety at the end of the aughts on a flossy blend of boss vibes, Rozay lifestyle, and bigname features, the culmination of which can best be described by his signature phrase, Maybach Music. 

In addition to being synonymous with big daddy luxury and his music projects, the phrase also refers to Maybach Music Group, the record label Ross founded in 2009, which elevated him from just another rapper to the Teflon Don we love today. After a decade and a half of chart topping hits, nods for every award under the sun (including a 2020 Grammy nomination for Gold Roses with Drake), and the kind of career that dreams are made of, Ross has set his sights on a new kind of success. Specifically, investing in a handful of WingStop locations, and launching Collins Ave, his own line of flower.

For the latter venture, Ross has linked up with California mega-brand, Cookies, owned by none other than frequent rap collaborator and old friend, Berner. “I met Berner in 2011, just touring,” said Ross. “One of my homies brought him on the tour bus and introduced me to him. We smoked, and he gave me my own personal sack of what we were smokin’ on. That was the beginning of it. We just went from there.” He continued, “He’s a cool, laid back motherfucker. He’s real calm, and I like that.” 

For the lifelong stoner, who smoked his first spliff at age thirteen, weed has always served a positive role, making Ross’s foray into the legal market a natural progression. “I’ve always been a heightened individual. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. I can be aggressive. So smoking tones me down a little bit. It makes me a little more relaxed, gives me time to reflect by myself,” he paused, “but I’m a real smoker. Like I really intake. Big smoke. I love big smoke.” 

To celebrate the launch of Collins Ave, here are five weed products Rick Ross can’t live without, straight from the Don himself. 

VIBES Hemp Rolling Papers

VIBES are an extremely high-quality line of rolling papers created by Berner, and made in France. Though they also come in Rice and Ultra Thin, Ross swears by the Hemp version. “They’re my white bread,” he said. 

Available: Nationwide

Swisher Sweets

“If I’m not smoking my hemp VIBES, I’m smoking my Swisher Sweet,” said Ross. Like him, these blunts are ultimately iconic, big in major cities, and need very little introduction. 

If you’ve been around the weed world at all in your life, you’ve hit a Swisher more than once. If you’re anything like Ross, you hit them every chance you get. He continued, ”I mean, I want an old school blunt. I’m talkin ’bout that old school ’95 shit. That Wu Tang shit,” he laughs, “that’s actually what I’m smokin’ right now.” 

Available: Nationwide

London Pound Cake #75

When asked about his favorite strains of flower, Ross said, “I love that London Pound Cake.” London Pound Cake #75 is a particularly fire Cookies strain as a cross of Sunset Sherbert and an unknown heavy-hitting indica. With a fruity, floral smell and a sweet, citrusy flavor, these beautiful buds, densely purple with orange accents, bring a creeper high that will leave you feeling euphoric, heady, and chill. 

Gary Payton by Cookies

Next up? Gary Payton. “Then that Gary Payton strain, that’s my main shit right now,” said Ross. 

The Gary Payton strain by Cookies is another all out banger, and a relatively new one at that. The strain dropped about a year ago in collaboration with the legendary Seattle SuperSonics and Hall of Famer. 

Known for its spicy, gassy buds and a hard hitting, long-lasting high, it’s a strain for feeling blissed out and floaty, with a heavy body and a head to match. 

Collins Ave 

Ross, of course, couldn’t live without the very collaboration he’s been working on. “Wow man, it’s really a big thing,” Ross said of the collaboration. “What Berner created out on the West Coast, you know that shit is global now. Cookies is global. I’m happy to bring that shit to the South.” 

He continues, “Growing up in Miami, I smoked a lot of Jamiaican weed, a lot of backyard weed. Anything you could imagine, we smoked it. But on the West Coast, there’s something in the air. That’s what I want to bring to the South. This idea is based on smoking the best bud, and working with homies everywhere.” 

Collins Ave is offering three strains: Collins Ave (a soothing indica), Pink Rozay (an all-day hybrid) and Lemon Pepper (a spicy, upbeat sativa). 

When asked his favorite of the three strains, Ross wasn’t shy. “My favorite is the Pink Rozay right now. This shit taste like my girlfriend.” 

He continued, “Indica and sativa, I don’t even talk that. It doesn’t matter. I wanted this to be something you could smoke all day, because that’s what I’m smoking for. I want a powerful effect. So that’s what’s important. That this shit tastes like my girlfriend,” Ross paused, “Wow I love that quote.” 

Photo by Jamie Lamor Thompson/Shutterstock. Graphic by David Lozada/Weedmaps

The post 5 weed products rapper Rick Ross can't live without appeared first on Weedmaps News.

It’s Hot Out There! Will Water, Ice Cream, Or Weed Cool You Down?

What we drink, eat, and smoke could influence body temperature.

The post It’s Hot Out There! Will Water, Ice Cream, Or Weed Cool You Down? appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

Study Links Legal Marijuana Access To Fewer EVALI Cases

The research corroborates previous reports that EVALI cases were mostly associated with vaping products purchased on the black market.

The post Study Links Legal Marijuana Access To Fewer EVALI Cases appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

Another study in support of seniors who use cannabis has been published.

It’s no secret that the cannabis industry is booming, in fact, dispensaries in some states were deemed essential businesses amid the coronavirus crisis.

According to a 2019 Los Angeles Times report, there are over 600 cannabis stores operating legally in California alone, a number that is anticipated to grow exponentially. But where does all that weed come from? The short answer is that it comes from hundreds of cultivators, many of which are located in Northern California’s Emerald Triangle. It’s estimated that 60% or more of all cannabis consumed in the U.S. is grown in the triangle, made up of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity counties. 

And how exactly do those cultivators grow all of that weed? There are two ways to go about producing cannabis: you can grow from seed, known as sexual reproduction, or you can reproduce through cloning, known as asexual reproduction. While cloning cannabis might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, it’s a highly effective way to cultivate — just ask Dark Heart Nursery, one of California’s leading retailers for premium cannabis clones. 

Dark Heart Nursery has become a go-to resource of quality clones for growers across California. Many of the most popular and emerging genetics utilized by growers come from Dark Heart’s stock. 

How clones are created at Dark Heart Nursery

Founded in 2007, Dark Heart Nursery specializes in cultivating clones that will perform well in a variety of settings for growers large and small. According to a Dark Heart representative, the nursery produces about 2 million plants each year in a number of configurations. 

Before we go in-depth about how clones are made, it’s important to cover the basics. A clone is a plant cutting that is genetically identical to the plant it was taken from, known as the mother. Cloning allows cultivators to create exact replicas of their best plants rather than growing brand new plants from seed. 

The steps of the cloning process seem simple, though it requires several skilled pros in order to execute properly. “You take a cutting from a healthy mother plant, remove excess foliage, place the clone in a rooting medium, and keep it under 24 hour light to allow the cutting to grow roots,” the DH rep said. A number of tools are also required, they added, including cutting tools to take a clone from the mother plant, a cloning medium such as rockwool, and lights to keep clones in a vegetative state.

Though Dark Heart is known for their high-quality clones, they provide a few options for plant configurations with different benefits for growers: 

• Clones are available in two sizes: heartlets (4.5 inches) and premiums (6 inches). Because clones are an exact genetic copy of a mother plant, growers know what to expect in terms of growth and flower characteristics such as cannabinoid profile and flavor. Clones are especially useful for indoor growers utilizing high-turnover crops to meet demand for specific strains. Clones are also useful to hobby growers that plant each spring.
• Feminized Seedlings are plants that are grown from seeds that have been “feminized.” This means that the breeder used a process called “feminization” to create seeds that are 99.5% female. These seedlings are an excellent option for field growers and large scale outdoor cultivators.   
• The Easy Pot is a product designed for beginner and first time hobby growers. It is an “autoflower” plant, which means it will flower as it ages, regardless of the light cycle. They will start flowering shortly after you bring them home and will be ready to harvest in around 40-60 days. Autoflowers are known to be hardier and less finicky than regular cannabis plants, which makes them perfect for beginner growers. 

Shopping for clones? Here’s what you should know 

Like shopping for any cannabis products, you should conduct some research before purchasing clones. Our Dark Heart rep recommends always buying from reputable, licensed nurseries or dispensaries with reviews, photos, and detailed information about the varietals they sell. For anyone interested in getting Dark Heart clones, Dark Heart has retail partners throughout all of California. 

“Healthy clones are crucial for a successful grow. Growers that plant healthy clones that immediately start growing and thrive will be much better positioned for success. It’s very costly and inefficient to have to nurse sick clones back to health as the grow is supposed to be getting started,” they said. 

Additionally, you should look for healthy clones that are a vibrant green color with white roots. Clones that appear veiny or tough looking, have droopy leaves, or yellowing or brown roots should be avoided. While there are lots of factors that affect how much cannabis flower a clone can produce if grown correctly, some cultivars grown outside are capable of producing over 10 pounds of flower per plant. 

What are the top strains of 2020? 

With over 75 strains in their catalogue, Dark Heart has something for every type of weed grower. The nursery’s top strains of this year are the following: 

• Banana Mango: Bred by the Humboldt Seed Company, this strain is known for its huge plants that produce gorgeous sativa flowers laden with mango nectar and banana candy terpenes. 
• Tahquitz: This three-way cross was created by Johnny N. at Elev8 Seeds as a special tribute to the legendary strain Panama Red. It is an incredibly unique strain often described as versatile, relaxing and focused.
• Freakshow: Visually stunning to grow, this one-of-a-kind strain has mutated leaves that look more like a fern than weed. Freakshow is known for its uplifting cerebral effects and sandalwood scent. The strain was created by Shapeshifter and has been reproduced by the Humboldt Seed Company.
• Blue Dream: As one of the most popular strains ever, Blue Dream is loved for its great yields and healthy balance of full-body relaxation and mental stimulation. This Haze x Blueberry varietal produces huge, dense buds packed heavily with trichomes, and covered with a fine coat of light orange hairs.

Dark Heart has recently launched their own line of packaged flower and pre-rolls with new strains coming out each quarter. Currently, there are three editions available — Dark Heart Legends, which includes classic strains that have achieved legendary status, Dark Heart Head Stash, featuring new and buzzworthy buds, and Dark Heart Breeder’s Choice, an ultra-premium line of rare flowers hand-selected for their exemplary characteristics. 

Exciting things are also on the horizon for Dark Heart’s breeding program, led by Dr. Kay Watt. The program is currently researching and developing innovative new genetics for clone and seed production. 

Photos courtesy of Dark Heart Nursery. 

The post What is Dark Heart Nursery? Here is what aspiring growers should know. appeared first on Weedmaps News.

CBD producers are starting to add L-theanine, a compound commonly found in green and black teas, to their products. Learn about its wellness benefits and how it works well with CBD.

The post This new compound in CBD products can help with sleep, anxiety, and focus appeared first on Leafly.

5 Things CBD Is Good For

CBD has several perks that could make it a nice addition to your self-care routine.

The post 5 Things CBD Is Good For appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

Nebraska voters seem to want medical marijuana…but will a legal battle prevent them from voting on it?

Just CBD. Appropriately, that’s all you can buy from the online store, Just CBD. And, it’s because of this deep focus on the non-intoxicating cannabinoid that the brand has become a renowned favorite among those looking for natural relaxation remedies — especially the type that taste delicious.

“We are happy to be a comprehensive brand that can take part across several touchpoints of our consumer’s lives,” Just CBD’s Brett Sandman told us. “We offer numerous options within each of our product lines.”

Still, the mainstream obsession with CBD can be off-putting, especially because the market is saturated with product. While it’s impossible to test every CBD product ever made, we’ve sampled hundreds at this point. And we can definitively say Just CBD gummies are different from the others. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but the effects are felt almost immediately — and, believe us: That’s not typical of most CBD products.

We got our feet wet with Just CBD’s basic CBD Gummies 250mg Jar, and they rocked. These gummies greatly exceeded our expectations, so we decided to test the Just CBD Peach Rings. To our surprise, our second go-around with Just CBD gummies was just as stellar as the first. But the explosion of rich, fruity flavor made the Peach Rings boldly stand out.

Time and again, Just CBD delivered on quality, effectiveness and consistency. Opting for sour-flavors, we also tried the Just CBD Emoji Special. They, too, provided all the positives of other Just CBD Gummies — but they’re actually shaped like emojis! They’re adorable and make a great gift.

Since then we’ve stocked up by ordering the Just CBD 3000mg Party Pack. Our fur babies are aboard the CBD train, too, and they’re also in love with Just CBD, particularly the Just CBD Steak Bites for Dogs.

Just CBD Gummies go down delightfully and instantly shift us into a light, free, and happy mood every time — whether we’re looking to sharpen our mental focus or power down and mellow out. There’s also no funky aftertaste, either. It’s all… Just CBD! So what is the secret of Just CBD Gummies?

“Our customers like three things,” Brett said. “Simplicity, convenience, and effectiveness, and a gummy is the perfect way to deliver that. We all know what a gummy tastes like, and how to eat one. It’s easy, and it works. Just CBD Gummies, along with all our products, offer the best combination of scientific background with a real passion for CBD. We are fortunate to have a big team that is dedicated to creating top quality products. Our scientists work hard to create custom formulations that really pioneer in the CBD space.”

With Just CBD at the forefront of the revolution, we asked what Brett thought the future might hold for CBD itself. “I think the question should be, ‘What does CBD hold for the future?’” he replied. “I believe CBD will be sold in just about every store in the country within the next couple of years. Once that happens, it will be a part of daily routine and push society towards natural healing.”

As we head first toward a more enlightened future, Brett told us, “Just CBD will continue our extensive research to make sure we provide top quality products. We will always work fiercely and tirelessly to do so. We believe we can be the Band-Aid or Kleenex of CBD. If you want a CBD product you will say ‘Just CBD,’ regardless of the brand.”

If you try a Just CBD product, you’ll find that chewing is believing — in Just CBD!

*This was written in collaboration with Just CBD