Cannabis Legalization

Marijuana Stocks – What to Know When Investing In Cannabis Industry

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2019

As the decade starts, you might be keen on finding ways on how to better handle your finances and even grow your money. Financial advisers and even industry experts would say that one of the best ways to do this is by investing in marijuana stocks. This is where cannabis products and CBD products come in.

If you have been keeping your eyes peeled on the news, you might have seen marijuana stocks on the rise. Not to mention, the industry is undoubtedly growing at a slow and steady pace that’s been predicted to keep rising in the next few years.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of the old green herb or simply an individual who is eager to take charge of his future, there’s no denying that the money is on cannabis.

Because of the steady climb and the momentum MJ has been getting, investing in some of the hottest companies and stocks are ideal. While it is indeed quite a challenge to part with your hard-earned money, there is no time like the present to strike while the iron is hot.

Why Invest in CBD Products

Before you jump in headfirst, it is always best to know what makes your chosen industry stand out from the crowd. In this case, we are talking about marijuana.

Alongside the recent waves of legalization hitting different parts of the United States of America as well as other countries, it seems that the new year has only brought prosperity in the region. More than providing a sense of hope after a nine-month downfall, marijuana stocks are once again seeing a rise in demand not just within different states in the country, but also in other parts of the globe.

The popularity of these can be chalked up to the public support rallying for marijuana legalization in the country. According to the Pew Research Center, 59 percent of adults in the United States say cannabis should be legal on both the recreational and medical level. With more people showing support and interest for the businesses, one can certainly expect returns in investment in the near future.

In addition to the growing support from different sectors of society, there are now more avenues and dispensaries where MJ goods and CBD oil products are now sold. From online websites to brick and mortar stores, it appears that one of the key factors why cannabis is getting more attention these days is its accessibility. After all, in a day and age where buyers are all about buying bang for buck deals, they can find establishments and licensed producers to give the down-low on what they intend to purchase.

Above all, more brands and products are joining the market. Together with the rise of new businesses and the strengthening of old ones, the novelty of new products seems to pique everyone’s interest.

Different Types of Cannabis Products

Prior to investing in the stock market, it is essential to have a deeper understanding of the different cannabis products at play in the market today. This allows potential investors like you to determine which route seems the best for you and what falls in line with your interest.

Edibles, marijuana, skincare vapes, concentrate– you might be asking, “what categories do these fall into?” On the one hand, there is medical marijuana. This category focuses on providing pain relief and pain management, as well as administering treatment to patients whose medical conditions can greatly be managed with marijuana. Among the products on the market, the most popular modes are tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which contains the psychoactive compound, and cannabidiol or CBD, the non-psychoactive counterpart.

Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, focuses mainly on providing the public with access to products that are geared towards their enjoyment and relaxation. This mainly involves using THC-based goods. However, CBD oil items still remain highly in demand because of its versatility and potency – such as those found in skincare, edibles, and the like.

Marijuana Stocks Making Waves

Now that you are aware of the types of goods available on the market, it is high time that you learn more about the different players and companies in the field. Take a look.

Ancillary Product and Service Providers

These players are responsible for providing products and services that allow MJ-related businesses need. These include lighting systems and another equipment one may need to grow marijuana in the best conditions, and sometimes that includes fertilizer. These industry specialists are also regarded for their consulting and management services.

Biotech Firms

Drugs and medicine are undoubtedly one of the biggest players in the field because it caters to a wide range of patients with varying conditions. This is a primary reason why numerous biotech companies dedicate their operation and their resources towards developing and manufacturing cannabis-based drugs for its customers.

In short, biotech firms are in charge of creating medicines or treatments. These are usually aimed towards reducing and alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, stimulating appetite, and battling cancer cells.

One of the success stories is the rise of Epidiolex. Finally, approved in the United Kingdom by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the drug is now able to cater to Dravet Syndrome and LGS, two kinds of rare epilepsy found in children. GW Pharmaceuticals, with its Sativex brand targeting multiple sclerosis, also took 19 years in the making prior to making an outbreak in the sector.

Cannabis Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

An ETF is responsible for providing investors with the chance to lower the risk of their investment. Rather than putting your money all in one place, an ETF provides individuals with investments in different fields within the industry. Apart from those found in this list, many ETFs are delving into partnerships and acquisitions of cannabis research facilities.

Growers, Producers, and Manufacturers of CBD Products and Cannabis

Cannabis items and CBD oil goods remain at the core of this thriving industry. This sector is mainly responsible for planting and growing marijuana as well as selling marijuana-based products in licensed establishments and dispensaries.

CBD firms, on the other hand, are focused on using the non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant and using it for other benefits such as pain relief, inflammation control, and the like.

What to be Mindful of When Investing in Cannabis Stocks and Products

Legalization Woes

Although the United States has taken steps to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis in the country, legalization on a federal level is something investors have to contend with. As such, companies that dabble in this business would have to result to use over-the-counter trading and buying as well as listing shares on the neighboring Canadian stock market.

Because cannabis remains to be illegal on the federal level, many financial institutions such as banks hesitate to work with MJ-related businesses. Moreover, related transactions are also not being services by these companies. With this, many businesses and consumers will need to keep on using cash instead of other more convenient options such as credit cards and online payment methods.

Infancy Stages

Since the marijuana industry and its foray into the legal scene is still in its infancy stages, you will need to give it time. More importantly, investors need to lend their patience, especially as the market is still coming back from its continuous decline in the past.

You also need to remember that scientists are still studying the plant, leading to the discovery and research of new cannabinoids. Moreover, the United States still considers the plant as a Schedule I drug, which hinders larger researches on the federal level. This means that there is more to learn and research about cannabis.

While this can be a good thing, the length and speed of research on newly discovered cannabinoids can lead to slow developments. Basically, current knowledge and trending products about marijuana will remain to be the mainstream knowledge until future significant discoveries occur.

The Law of Supply and Demand

The United States is not the only country to produce and sell marijuana on the market. In fact, there are countries that have fully legalized the plant. Countries such as Uruguay and Canada allow their residents to consume recreational marijuana, given that the companies and consumers abide by regulations. Because of this, companies have more freedom when it comes to growing, producing and distributing the plant and infused products.

Now, when it comes to supply and demand, the number of companies that venture into this business is rapidly growing. This includes big, international businesses that operate in the US and abroad, as well as local business owners. With the entry of big and small businesses, you can expect that the market will be saturated with products.

Conclusion

The cannabis market and industry continues to grow, especially with the optimistic mainstream perception of the plant. This is why now is a great time to invest in marijuana stocks and businesses. Just keep in mind that there are regulations you should consider and that legislation can change depending on your location.

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Cannabis Legalization

5 Ways to Support the Marijuana Legalization Movement

Published

5 months ago

August 11, 2021

Jordan Webber

The current state of cannabis legalization in the USA is a two-sided coin. On one side, 37 states have legalized medical marijuana, and on the other hand, 18 states where recreational use is legal. The fluctuation between these two numbers can be attributed to our country’s history with cannabis and their varying views on what should happen going forward. A recent report from CBS News found that 61% of Americans now favor legalization, up from 31% back in 2000. With public opinion shifting on this issue by leaps and bounds every year, there’s never been a better time than now to make your voice heard if you want to see an end to prohibition.

As a cannabis enthusiast, you may be wondering how you can help the country push for 100% legalization (at least medically). We’ve prepared 5 ways you can actively support the legalization movement and get the country to a place where the fears and myths about this healing plant are trending in the right direction, which is legalization.

1. Educate yourself about the benefits of marijuana

Marijuana is a plant that grows naturally in many regions of the world. It has been used for thousands of years as an herbal remedy and was first documented by ancient Chinese doctors as early as 2737 BC. The medicinal benefits of marijuana are now becoming more well known because it is now legal to use it medicinally in many states. Marijuana helps treat chronic pain, nausea, muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or paraplegia (paralysis), seizures due to epilepsy, weight loss from HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment, PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks and nightmares related to trauma experienced during the military.

2. Let your voice be heard by contacting your representatives and letting them know how you feel

So you’re ready to do your civic duty and contact a representative about legalization? Great! Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your experience.

Find what issues matter most to you in this area of legislation, such as medical use or recreational use. Figure out which representatives cover these areas, then find their contact information and phone numbers.
Call them up on the phone! Most importantly, be polite when speaking with them so they can understand where you’re coming from. It’s also important not to interrupt them while they are talking because it might make them feel like you don’t respect their opinion or time.

3. Support local businesses that sell cannabis products

Cannabis products are now available in many stores and online. As cannabis becomes legalized, it is essential to support the communities that have been impacted by prohibition. One way you can do this is by supporting your local businesses that sell cannabis products. Another way is by raising awareness by wearing Legalize Marijuana Apparel to show your support!

4. Share articles on social media to raise awareness

Do you want to help legalize cannabis right now? If so, share articles like this one on social media!

The reality is that cannabis prohibition has failed miserably to prevent the use of marijuana in society. Prohibition leads to a black market where consumers don’t know what they’re buying or who’s selling it, which causes serious health risks. Cannabis legalization will create jobs and generate revenue for states with legalized recreational marijuana while simultaneously reducing criminal activity associated with illegal drug distribution. These reasons are more than enough to warrant sharing posts like this on social media.

5. Vote for candidates who support marijuana legalization in the 2020 election

America’s opioid epidemic is killing tens of thousands of people a year, and we are still struggling with the legalization of marijuana. It seems that the country has come to accept that medicinal marijuana can be a valuable treatment for specific conditions such as chronic pain or epilepsy. Still, there is a lot of confusion about whether it should be legal recreationally. The availability of medical cannabis could help reduce our dependence on these dangerous drugs. So do your civic duty and vote for candidates you align with and ones that support the legalization of cannabis.

Conclusion

The movement to legalize marijuana is gaining momentum across the United States. More and more states are considering legalizing the recreational or medical use of cannabis, so we all need to support this change in the law to make a difference. We hope you take these 5 ways and create the change we wish to see in the world today!

Cannabis Legalization

When Will Weed be Legal in Florida?

Published

6 months ago

July 20, 2021

Carissa Stevens

As of June 2021, 17 states in the United States have fully legalized the use of cannabis, including the District of Columbia. The rest, except four in which cannabis is fully illegal, have either decriminalized the plant, legalized medical cannabis, or a combination of both.

Florida is one of the states that has a mixed stand on the plant. It is legal for medicinal uses, but it is not yet decriminalized state-wide. So, for Floridians, the question is this: when will marijuana be legal in the state? Let us shed some light on this matter below.

The Current Status of Cannabis in Florida

Today, only medical marijuana including medical cannabidiol (CBD) is legal in Florida. There are penalties and punishments in place for marijuana possession and sale offenders. People found with the plant can be charged with misdemeanor or felony, jail time of 1 year to 15 years, and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the scale.

Those who are caught selling can also be penalized, incarcerated, and fined within the same range. Again, the intensity of the punishment will depend on how much weed or plant is found, and whether they are within 1,000 feet of a school, college, park, and other particular areas.

The good news is, some counties across the state have locally decriminalized the plant, the oldest being Miami-Dade County which passed the decriminalization law in June 2015 through a city council resolution. No criminal charges will be given to offenders found carrying 20 grams of cannabis. Instead, they will be given a fine of $100.

Other counties that passed similar laws include Alachua, Broward, Cocoa Beach, Hallandale Beach, Key West, Miami Beach, Orlando, Palm Beach, Port Richey, Sarasota, Tampa, Volusia, and West Palm Beach. All of them have a limit of 20 grams and penalizes offenders either through a $100 fine, cite and release, or 10 hours of community service.

Latest Attempts at Legalization

So When Will Weed be Legal in Florida?

Floridian advocates of legalization have campaigned for a ballot initiative for the 2022 elections through the Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative. The proposal, sponsored by sensible Florida, Inc., sought to legalize the possession of up to one ounce of weed for residents aged 21 years and above. It also suggested to let residents own up to six plants, with only a maximum of three plants flowering or mature per household.

Ultimately, the ballot initiative sought to amend existing laws and regulate marijuana including the issuing, renewal, suspension, and revocation of licenses for cultivation, production, testing, and retail. If this initiative has been successfully added to the 2022 ballot, residents would be able to vote to legalize possession.

Unfortunately, the Florida Supreme Court voted 5-2 against the initiative. According to Chief Justice Charles Canady, the language used to write the proposal was misleading.

So, When Will Weed be Legal in Florida?

As mentioned, the latest attempts to legalize the possession of the plant in Florida failed. Keep in mind that this is only talking about the legalization of possession and not the full legalization of the plant. With this, it may take a few more years before Floridians can access legal weed in the state.

Cannabis Legalization

Is Weed Legal in DC 2021?

Published

9 months ago

April 24, 2021

Daniel King

People often go to Google or ask Alexa for “weed delivery near me” in DC without knowing if it’s 100% legal. In 2021, weed laws can be somewhat confusing in the nation’s capital, and we hope that this article will help guide you through what is and what is not legal in the District of Columbia (DC).

Weed has been consumed by many nations for centuries and has become a viable business opportunity for those willing to take on the legalities and red tape of owning a cannabis-based business. The ability to legally consume cannabis has opened up some lucrative opportunities for dispensaries, cultivation specialists, and smoke shops around the area, as well as weed delivery DC. To successfully navigate the space, you must know the laws.

First off, let’s start with what is not a criminal violation in DC.

In 2014, voters in the district approved to legalize the possession of small amounts of weed for personal use. This action is commonly known as the Personal Use Initiative or “Initiative 71”. The law was instated on February 26th of 2015. With the Personal Use Initiative in place, it is now legal for a person who is 21 years of age or older to:

Possess TWO (2) ounces of marijuana or less;
Transfer ONE ounce of marijuana or less to another person who is also at least 21 years of age or older, just as long as there is no payment made or any other exchange of goods or services. This is roughly interpreted as “gifting.” ;
Grow / Cultivate up to SIX (6) marijuana plants inside their residence. Of the 6, no more than THREE (3) can be mature;
Have in possession, marijuana-related products and paraphernalia such as rolling papers, blunt or cigar wrappers, pipes or bongs – that’s associated with an ounce or less of weed; or
Use marijuana on the grounds of private property.

Alternatively, here are a few points that people can still be arrested for under the current laws of DC:

The sale of any amount of marijuana to another person;
Having more than TWO (2) ounces of marijuana in one’s possession;
Operation of a motor vehicle or boat while under the influence of marijuana; or
Smoking, eating, or drinking marijuana in any public place such as public parks, streets, sidewalks, alleys, etc.

Those possessing marijuana that is not of the age of 21 or older can be arrested if they have more than 2 ounces of marijuana. If local authorities observe a person under the age of 21 with up to TWO (2) ounces of marijuana, it will be seized. Still, the person will not be arrested nor issued a citation or ticket. If a person states that they are 21 years of age or older but cannot prove their age with a valid identification card, they will be issued a warning ticket. The seized item(s) will be returned if the person brings in the warning ticket and proof of them being 21 years of age or older. This will need to be presented to the police station in the same district where the seizure occurred. This sequence should happen no sooner than 24 hours of seizure and no later than 21 days after.

Individuals who have an authorized medical marijuana card (MMJ Card) from the District Department of Health can continue to possess up to TWO (2) ounces of medical marijuana per month.

In Conclusion

It is always wise to be in the know when it comes to the laws in your area. For adults 21 years of age or older, the laws are more favorable than they have been in the past. Stay smart and consume marijuana under the guidance of local laws. You can safely and legally consume marijuana in DC and enjoy the many healing benefits of the cannabis Sativa plant.