The Lessons Learned When a Company Overstated Products’ THC Potency
by Chane Leigh
When it comes to cannabis, Maine is one of the more progressive states in the country. In 1976, Maine became only the third state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis. This was an important step, as it always is because it disrupted the terrible impact of the War on Drugs. Decriminalization meant that even though cannabis hadn’t been legalized in Maine, possession of a small amount of the substance would be handled with a fine rather than an arrest that could ultimately prove life-ruining. In 1999, Maine continued to set the pace for forward-thinking states by legalizing medical cannabis. Legalizing medical cannabis allowed Maine doctors to give recommendations for cannabis to their patients. It also meant that, for the first time, Maine residents were able to grow their own cannabis plants. For the first time, Cannabis was being produced legally within the state of Maine. Then, in 2016, Maine passed the Marijuana Legalization Act, a piece of legislation that legalized cannabis for both recreational use and retail sale. Not only did this act lift some of the restrictions on who could grow cannabis personally, but it also provided for the growth of cannabis to expand dramatically as a business enterprise. As the cannabis industry found a foothold in Maine, more and more growers emerged to produce cannabis plants of their own. And now, almost five years later, Maine can point to cannabis as the most profitable crop in the state.
In fact, medical cannabis on its own is responsible for the massive sales that have displaced potatoes as Maine’s number one crop. Recreational cannabis isn’t even included in the numbers. That’s because recreational cannabis sales in Maine didn’t begin until October of 2020. It’s common for states to experience a delay between the legalization of cannabis and the actual rollout of a cannabis market that makes the substance available for purchase. In Maine’s case, that process took even longer than it might have otherwise because of the complicating effects of COVID-19.
But the medical cannabis market was solidly on its feet last year, and the numbers tell a story that can’t be argued with. Medical cannabis sales surpassed $221.8 million last year, beating out not only potatoes but also milk, hay, and blueberries—other crops that have historically performed well in Maine and that took a backseat to the success of cannabis in 2020.
In looking at the past year, the effects of the pandemic are stark. There are some things that American’s aren’t buying right now, but there are other things that we’re purchasing in as great a quantity as we ever have. Economists observe that cannabis is one of those things that just isn’t touched by a global pandemic. We as a people want it as much as we ever have.
But we still want our potatoes too, so why is cannabis doing so well by comparison? The answer may simply be that people are recognizing the effects of cannabis and business is booming. And Maine officials have recently approved new rules that allow for program reciprocity and give physicians the freedom to recommend cannabis for any medical condition they see fit—two factors that are almost certainly accounting for some of the increase in sales. Other states may look to Maine as an example of what a strong cannabis program can do for their economy, even during challenging times like these.
Maine is showing us the rest of the us (the USA) exactly what to do and how to do.
TAKE NOTICE!
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small. Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards? States That…
So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for blunts, joints, and spliffs. Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid…
Despite the fact that the legal cannabis industry is growing, many people are still purchasing from the illicit market. A recent study investigated this matter and found that buying cannabis from the illicit market may be “better” than legal weed. The obvious reasons for choosing the illicit market over the legal market include the likes…
Nations across the globe are beginning to recognize the dangers of restrictive drug policies—aka the “war on drugs.” Colombia and Mexico recently came together for an international conference focused on “redesigning and rethinking drug policy” given the “failure” of prohibition. The two countries will collaborate with other Latin American leaders to create new drug policies….
Mixing cannabis with recreational drugs, medications, or alcohol can be a rollercoaster ride for your mind and body. While it may seem like an exciting idea to indulge in some extra fun, the pursuit of pleasure could come with undesired risks down the line. With a unique mix of over 550 chemical compounds and 100…
A new Israeli study has confirmed that smoked cannabis extracts offer a more effective way to treat back pain than ingested CBD…
We sat down with the team at TerraLeaf, a medical cannabis dispensary servicing West Virginia, to ask them the Veriheal 5—five questions…
Gone are the days when cannabis was just an occasional treat—today, it’s a powerful source of holistic healing. According to a 2021…