INew analysis reveals likelihood of marijuana reschedulingby Rachelle Gordon
nterest in marijuana rescheduling is at an alltime high. Ever since President Biden directed his administration to review the Schedule I status of cannabis in late 2022, advocates have awaited the outcome with bated breath. Things got even more interesting several months later when the Health and Human Services Department recommended the plant be moved to Schedule III.
Despite rescheduling support from several legislators and outside entities, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has the
ultimate authority on marijuana and is currently conducting its own review. And while a definitive timeline for a decision has not been given, a recent Bloomberg analysis seems to have the answer.
According to insights from Bloomberg Intelligence, the DEA’s decision has an 80 percent likelihood of coming in the next few months. The number is in line with predictions from Washington insiders who believe action will be taken in the lead-up to the 2024 election. >>
>> Bloomberg based its forecast on several metrics, most notably President Biden’s mention of the marijuana rescheduling review during his recent State of the Union address. A subsequent tweet by the POTUS reiterating his message that “No one should be jailed just for using or possessing marijuana” garnered over 102,000 likes. The analysts also cited official conference call transcripts to note the increase in rescheduling conversations among publicly traded cannabis companies.
The prediction starkly contrasts reports from the Wall Street Journal, which wrote that the rescheduling debate is leading to turmoil within the DEA According to their sources, concerns have been raised about high-potency weed products and a perceived lack of scientific evidence surrounding medical marijuana.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, the feeling that change is coming is all but certain for the cannabis community. While many hope the DEA decides to deschedule cannabis entirely, the majority of analysts think rescheduling will be the favored choice.
Schedule I substances are defined as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Drugs on this list include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and cannabis.
Schedule II drugs are classified as dangerous and have a “high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” Some examples of Schedule II drugs are cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and Adderall.
Schedule III substances have “a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” Some drugs on the Schedule III list are ketamine, anabolic steroids, and Tylenol with codeine.
Schedule IV drugs are defined as “drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.” Many benzodiazepines and sleep aides are on this list, including Xanax, Valium, and Ambien.
Schedule V substances are considered to have a “lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV” and typically contain “limited quantities of certain narcotics.” Drugs on this list include many common medications, such as Robitussin AC, Lomotil, and Motofen.
When determining which schedule a substance should fall into, the drug is critiqued regarding its “medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability.”
Edible cannabis continues to evolve, offering new flavors and product types to attract consumers from every demographic. Buying the right edible for you at the dispensary takes a specific skill set, but there is more to ingesting cannabis than picking out the perfect product. Many consumers aren’t sure of the dosage they need or how long it will take to kick in. Some also wonder how long edibles last.
From storing edible products to understanding the lifecycle of effects–the process has nuance, which can feel overwhelming for newcomers. This guide to cannabis edibles will make a beginner feel more than ready to crack open that infused treat with the comfort of knowing what precautions to take to avoid overconsumption
Edible effects present differently in every person. Some need only 2 milligrams (mg) to reach their ideal experience, while others prefer 10 mg or more per experience. This range speaks to an individual’s tolerance and metabolism and shows the importance of understanding your dose before consuming.
As a budtender, I advised that people start with 2.5 mg at a time and wait up to two hours before consuming more. I chose this amount because edibles often come in 10 or 5 mg packages, so it’s easy to get 2.5 mg when cutting equally sized pieces. Your preferred dose may vary slightly between different products like a drink and brownie, always start slow when trying a new type of edible. >>
Store most edibles in a cool, dark place as cannabinoids degrade with light and heat. Additionally, follow the storage rules of the type of food purchased. For example, some baked goods would dry out in the refrigerator, but you should always refrigerate dairybased products.
Follow guidelines both for cannabis and food to store edibles properly. It’s also essential to keep products out of little hands. Ensure children are safe by investing in a lockbox or specialty lockable furniture.
Myriad factors are at play when evaluating how long it takes to feel the effects of an infused product. A person’s metabolism, what they ate that day, and liver function can all play a role in how long an edible takes to kick in According to a naturopath who spoke at a medical dispensary where I worked (and this educational pamphlet), edible effects can start anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours after ingestion.
Products peak four hours after ingestion, so waiting two hours before consuming another dose is crucial. Consuming more milligrams before the effects kick in could lead to an escalating high for up to eight hours. For many, this would be uncomfortable. Mind the window, and if necessary, set a timer while figuring out your dose with a new edible product.
Method of administration can play a role in the wait as well. When eating cannabis, delta-9-THC goes through the digestive system and the liver, a process that converts the familiar cannabinoid to 11-hydroxy-THC which creates a heavier effect than delta-9.
Many budtenders suggest taking the tincture, glycerin extracts, and other liquid products under your tongue (or sublingually) provides the fastest onset. A 1985 study for the American Journal of Cardiology investigated the bioavailability of sublingual nitroglycerin.
For the study, 16 healthy male volunteers were given 25 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml) of nitroglycerin. Researchers used capillary gas chromatography to quantify plasma nitroglycerin concentrations. In this study, effects took ten minutes, one of many instances where sublingual administration led to higher bioavailability and faster onset of effects.
Technology is the final factor that may influence how long it takes an edible to kick in. Nanoemulsion, for example, is the process of suspending a liquid in another liquid to get a stable end product. In cannabis, this process creates a uniform infused ingredient that companies sell to manufacturers to make gummies, drinks, and other edibles. Nanoemulsions claim to be reliably dosed and stable with a quick onset of effects of around 15 to 20 minutes.
With the variances between how long it might take to feel an edible, always ask a budtender if they’ve tried the product. Get the inside scoop at the counter, the product could be made with a nanoemulsion or take a few hours to get going, and the budtender probably has the details.
An educational pamphlet from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction claims an edible can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, which I can corroborate based on personal experience. When I eat an edible to go to sleep, I wake up with what I call a “weed hangover,” but this could just be lingering effects. Whether it’s a weed hangover or a 24-hour edible, be mindful of whether you’re still feeling it before operating heavy machinery or any other possibly dangerous activity
Many of us want to explore the bounty of edible products on dispensary shelves, but you’ve got to know the basics of cannabis edibles before jumping in. Knowing your dose and understanding the lifecycle of effects is an excellent way to avoid overconsumption.
AFTER ALL, A RELIABLE EDIBLE EXPERIENCE IS OFTEN AN
by Rachelle Gordon & Cara Wietstock
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by Cara Wietstock
Attitudes about cannabis have been trending up for some time. Past has shown that more Americans are willing to try medical cannabis than ever More recently, Pew Research Center revealed that most people in the country are in for some form of legalization. >>
AdobeStock
Pew Research Center polled almost 10,000 bi-partisan Americans from various backgrounds, genders, and ages about cannabis legalization Questions probed thoughts on whether cannabis should be available medically or recreationally, the impact it has on local economies, and more. Respondents were offered a gift card after filling out the survey What data analysts found is that Americans are siding with weed in droves, and opposition continues to shrink.
Results regarding legalization were particularly promising. According to this data, six in 10 Americans believe cannabis should be legal for adult use and medical patients (57 percent). One-third of Americans believe medical legalization is enough and recreational isn’t necessary. Only 11 percent of people in the U.S. believe cannabis should be illegal in all forms…
The survey also highlighted the stark difference in how young and old view the plant. 71 percent of those aged 18 to 29 favored full legalization and saw it as good for the local economy. In comparison, 50 percent of those aged 65 to 74 believe in full legalization, and about one-third of seniors believe weed can help the economy.
When it comes to whether cannabis is a gateway drug, 39 percent of seniors believe legal weed leads to more fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin use. Meanwhile, almost half of those under 30 believe that legalization decreases the use of other drugs
Widening weed approval may be due in part to the proliferation of the legal market; there are now almost 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S., according to a February Pew report With 74 percent of Americans living in a state with recreational or medical cannabis, it’s no surprise the tides are turning in weed approval
People gain access to regulated weed products with legalization, but the move makes even more impact. According to the most recent Pew Research, most Americans believe that legalization has a positive influence
By Alyssa Seidman
For thehealth-conscious cannabis consumer,itcan be hard to find certain products in amarketthatresembles thewildwildwest. RodeoCannabis Co.has wrangled up thebestpractices in theindustrytodeliver theonly live rosin products grownunder the Connecticut sun.
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Thepreceding contentisa paid advertisement forConnecticut Social Equity,LLC.Statementsmadeare not meanttooffer medicaladvicenor to
diagnose anycondition.Any studies citedheremay be preliminary, andmay or maynot be peer reviewed,and may or maynot have sufficientparticipants to be statisticallyrelevant. Anecdotal accounts should notbetaken as scientificresults. Products discussedin this articleare notdesignedtodiagnose, treat, prevent, or cure anydisease. TheFDA does notevaluatedietary supplements. Consultyourdoctor about possible interactions, allergies, andifyou areconsidering usingnatural and/or dietarysupplements forany condition. Individual resultswillvary.
The cannabis space has been evolving at a breakneck speed in the era of legalization From high-tech gadgets and gizmos to a seemingly endless variety of products on dispensary shelves, the industry is in an R&D renaissance It turns out the latest innovation could change the cannabis cultivation and production game forever.
Triploid cannabis seeds recently made their commercial market debut, courtesy of Humboldt Seed Co. The California breeders released two new triploid strains, OG Kush and Donutz to the growing masses. Triploid varieties are bred to resist pollination, even if male plants are nearby, protecting crops from seeds and giving farmers peace of mind.
But that’s not the only benefit. It turns out triploids are also more robust plants, giving growers more bang for their buck. According to a press release, “triploid seeds offer a three to five percent increase in THC, 10–20 percent increase in flower yields, and a 10–15 percent
increase in fresh frozen live rosin yield.” The release also notes that the varieties flower five to ten days sooner
Looking at macro photos of triploid trichomes, the deviation is astounding. The trichomes are larger and seemingly shooting off from one another, a pleasant sight for hash makers worldwide.
When cannabis produces seeds, energy is taken away from the creation of terpenes and cannabinoids. Many growers use feminized seeds to help prevent male plants from making appearances, but even these genetics aren’t foolproof. Plants can also hermaphrodite, making seeds due to stress or genetic abnormalities.
The main difference in triploids is the chromosomal makeup. The vast majority of cannabis cultivars are diploids with one pair of chromosomes, triploids have three. With this increase comes naturally larger plant cell walls, resulting in bigger yields. Triploids are not genetically modified and are instead created through selective breeding. >>
” CONSUMERS LIKELY HAVE TRIPLOIDS IN THEIR HOMES RIGHT NOW—WHEN YOU EAT SEEDLESS GRAPES OR WATERMELON, THOSE ARE TRIPLOID VARIETIES.
Now, the technology has made it’s wayto
”
Humboldt Seed Co. teamed up with Richard Philbrook, a molecular biologist at Dark Heart Labs, to help develop the triploid varieties. Philbrook has conducted a significant study of triploids, releasing a paper in the journal Plants last year After discovering a naturally occurring triploid cannabis strain five years ago, the team set out to stabilize varieties for the market.
After multiple phenohunts on several large-scale California cannabis farms, the triploid OG Kush and Donutz were finally ready to be shared.
Humboldt Seed Co CEO and co-founder Nathaniel Pennington believes the new varieties could change the game while helping cultivators boost their bottom lines.
“Anything we can do to improve the chances of California’s small cannabis businesses that are having such a hard time right now, we want to do,” Pennington told GreenState. “This technology doesn’t come with a high price tag and still falls within the realm of organic practices.”
Cannabis horticulture expert and author Ed Rosenthal observed the results of the latest phenohunt, comparing triploids and diploids side-by-side in the field. He was impressed by the overall health of the triploid varieties.
“The triploids looked more vigorous and had a higher density of trichomes, with the buds visibly larger than the standard diploids,” Rosenthal said. “The farmer told me he noticed that the plants were more resistant to stress.”
Rosenthal added that while triploids aren’t new in the agricultural world, the introduction of the breeding process to cannabis is.
While triploids may offer the industry a leg up, the seeds do have one drawback: they’re unable to be bred further. In a recent article for mg Magazine, Humboldt Seed Co chief science officer and co-founder Benjamin Lind said that while triploid varieties cannot be reproduced, the benefits outweigh the issue
“Triploids are the ‘mule’ of the cannabis world, in that they are a
genetic endpoint,” Lind wrote. “Diploids will still be needed to produce triploid seeds. However, even this drawback is still a net positive, helping to prevent the possibility of unintended pollination.”
Lind told GreenState that the innovation surrounding triploids is one of the most exciting aspects in his mind, allowing for more diversity in terpenes and cannabinoids while also expanding, allowing cultivars to thrive in a broader range of climates.
“Advances in cannabis genetics allow for the creation of bioregion-specific seeds, enabling the growth of signature strains like Blueberry Muffin in bioregions well outside its normal range. This is our focus for 2024,” Lind shared.
The introduction of triploid cannabis seeds to the market is another example of the cutting-edge R&D happening in weed. With robust buds and the promise of more unique terpene combinations, consumers and cultivators alike are poised to benefit. And if it seems like there’s already an overwhelming number of strains at your local dispensary, according to Humboldt Seed Co., you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Benjamin Lind of Humboldt Seed Co inspects triploid cannabis plants with Ellen Holland of High Times and Ravi Dronkers of Sensi Seeds. Photo: Zak Powers / Humboldt Seed Co
When it comes to consuming cannabis, I’ve tried most things, from top to bottom. Like, literally, bottom—suppositories are an effective form of medicinal cannabis. As most people, I have my preferred way to consume cannabis, but I also know the right time to try a different method. For example, it’s not ideal to bring a fat blunt to a celebration where you should be discreet about cannabis.
Though some people stand by their preferred method, but there’s no harm in branching out. I’ve learned these pros and cons of cannabis consumption methods over years of trying new things, budtending at cannabis dispensaries, and regularly consuming the plant.
There are many kinds of cannabis products, but flower remains a popular choice across generations. Headset data showed that the
market share of smoking products grew 28% from 2021 to 2022.
The thick smoke, quick onset of effects, and often rich flavor could be why many connoisseurs return to smoking flower after dabbling with other consumption methods. But while smoking cannabis is likely not as harmful as smoking tobacco, smoking is smoking when it comes to vascular health.
A 2013 review of animal and human studies showed that regularly smoking cannabis caused minor lung injury and chronic bronchitis that cleared up after cessation of use. Habitual cannabis smoking increased airway resistance, but a few epidemiological studies showed no increased risk of lung or upper airway cancer with low or moderate smoking.
While lighting a baton joint or ripping a tube can be a simply delightful experience, pulmonary risks are worth considering.
When I was budtending in medical dispensaries, I noticed that patients who sought to replace prescription opioids with cannabis coveted extract products. I watched the eyes of many patients on this journey slowly regain their sparkle visit after visit as they shed pharmaceuticals in favor of cannabis products. The high THC in extracts made them more effective for people used to fast-acting, intense pain-relieving opioids.
For those who don’t have a high tolerance or need a large concentration of cannabinoids, the heightened effects of dabbing may cause uncomfortable paranoia or anxiety These consumers might like dabbing CBD extracts. I love to dab high-CBD strains like Harlequin when I’m
Rachelle Gordon Editor RACHELLE.GORDON@HEARST.COM
Rachelle Gordon is a cannabis journalist and Editor of GreenState.com. She has been covering the cannabis space since 2015, and has been featured in High Times, CannabisNow, and many other niche publications. Rachelle currently splits her time between Minneapolis and Oakland; her favorite cannabis cultivars include Silver Haze and Tangie.
Cara Wietstock is Senior Content Producer of GreenState.com and has been working in the cannabis space since 2011. She has covered the cannabis business beat for Ganjapreneur and The Spokesman Review. You can find her living in Bellingham, Washington with her husband, son, and a small zoo of pets.
Ashley Sanderson Special Sections Designer
Consumption FROM PAGE 14
anxious. The quick shot of CBD successfully calms a doom spiral or persistently anxious day.
Dabbing also requires specific glass rigs, e-nails or torches, and other accouterments that can sometimes be expensive. Someone without an extensive budget may not be able to get everything together in just one day.
This method isn’t often ideal for beginners, but with the right gear and understanding of the process, dabbing could be accessible for all.
There are a few types of vape pens, like 510-thread cartridges, disposable vapes, and Pax Pods. Each product contains oil. A battery activates the cartridge or pod heating elements which creates a vapor.
Despite controversy in 2019, vaporizer pens continue to grow in popularity because they are discreet and don’t leave a lingering smell on people. Despite the benefits, consumers should consider what kind of oil a brand uses and the cartridge quality before purchasing a vape pen.
Brands use various extracts that contain different ratios of cannabinoids in cannabis cartridges. Distillates are often THC-only with little to no terpenes, while live resin cartridges are high in terpenes and have a full spectrum of cannabinoids. The type of oil used will impact your experience, so form an idea of what you are looking for before visiting the shop
The materials used to manufacture the cartridge elements can pose a consumer risk I learned from Corey Mangold, CEO of vape cart company PurTec, that though 510-thread cartridges are tested for heavy metals and ceramic dust after production, they are not emissions-tested or tested after multiple cycles of heating and cooling.
In addition, Mangold informed me that ceramic elements, often used to heat cannabis oil inside the cart, must be made with grade A ceramic, or the possibility of the ceramic releasing dust into the oil increases. Inhaling ceramic dust in the air can develop Silicosis, but there are still no studies on the effects of inhaling ceramic dust in heated cannabis oil
When buying vape carts, be a conscious consumer, ask questions, and learn about the brand before purchasing. Though you’re unlikely to get answers on the manufacturing and materials on the cart itself, trusting the cannabis brand you are buying from is a good step in the right direction
Though they come in many consistencies, packages, and doses, these products are straightforward. Brands design salves, lotions, balms, and
but eating edibles creates a much different experience than inhalation.
Many ingestible products pass through the liver, where THC morphs into 11-hydroxy-THC which, in my experience, promotes a heavier, sometimes more psychedelic effect compared to inhalation methods. Edibles can also be enjoyed discreetly at parties and other social settings, making them a viable option for consumption at weddings and other celebrations.
Edibles take 15 minutes to two hours to kick in, far longer than the somewhat immediate effects of smoking and vaping. Additionally, edibles can last as long as 24 hours, taking them off the table for those who don’t have a full day to be high.
It can also take time to choose the edible that matches your desired experience with a wide array of products and variance in labeling. But if you ask the budtender the right questions, you will be more apt to find the right edible at the dispensary. For example, a beginner might want to find an edible that is easy to separate into smaller doses. But products like high-dose lollipops and drinks are easy to over consume, often leading to paranoia and a very uncomfortable high.
Tell the budtender what experience you are looking for, how much you would like to eat at once, and see what products they recommend to set yourself up for a good time.
creams to relieve pain, moisturize skin healing from a new tattoo, relieve itchy bug bites, and promote sexual stimulation.
A few topical products, like some transdermal patches, can breach the blood-brain barrier, but most will have minimal to no psychoactive effect.
Though it is the intended effect, many might consider topicals not getting you high a negative–but they come in handy I recommend having CBD balm in the medicine cabinet.
Cannabis suppositories are technically topical products but with a specialty intake method. People use suppositories anally or vaginally for myriad reasons like relieving menstrual cramps, sciatica, and cancer symptoms–all of which I have either facilitated as a budtender or tried myself.
When I worked in a medical shop in Arizona, a patient came in for her first visit after taking her can-
cer treatment into her own hands. After selling her molds and high-quality shake, we taught her a coconut oil infusion method and guided her through making her suppositories. That was my first experience with this cannabis product until working in an adult-use shop a few years later in Washington.
The store in Washington carried infused suppositories. One day I was having a sciatica flare-up, so I tried one. The suppository alleviated my nerve pain faster and more effectively than many other home remedies I have tried, like over-the-counter pain medications, using a foam roller, and topical cannabis products. A coworker reported that suppositories did the same for her menstrual cramps when taken vaginally
While some can feel uncomfortable talking about suppositories, I have learned that it is worth it to speak openly about this cannabis consumption method as it has personally provided me with relief from a persistent condition. >>
As a lover of smoking flower that also values my lung health, I am always looking for a dry herb vape that rips. There is a bevy of dry herb vapes available, from desktop tech like the beloved Storz & Bickel Volcano to portable pieces like the PAX 3.
These devices often use convection chambers that heat flower atmospherically. Some use a rechargeable battery, while others plug into the wall during use. Pieces often allow you to personalize the experience and maximize the terpene content in your hit with preset temperature settings.
Dry herb vapes are ideal for someone who wants to enjoy cannabis flower but finds smoking weed harsh or too smelly–though flower vape hits will still leave a lingering cannabis aroma The most common complaint with this consumption method is that hits are too light and don’t have enough visible smoke on the exhale, making people feel like they don’t “get anything.” But this is normal
Unless you are baking your herb into high heaven, vapor will appear lighter than smoke because it combusts flower at a much lower temperature. Terpenes have a boiling point between 200-350°F, and cannabinoids boil at a range of 300-450°F. A lighter burns at 4,074°F
The last con of dry herb vapes is that the best ones are pricey The Volcano Classic starts at $479, and the PAX 3 retails for $250. While there are cheaper options, I mention these products because they function well and last much longer than their less expensive counterparts. Someone who loves smoking cannabis would be well-served to invest in a dry herb vape, but understandably, not everyone can pay to play.
There are many ways to consume cannabis, and few are wrong. Instead, each cannabis consumption method has a time and a place based on desired experience, health considerations, budgetary concerns, and personal preference. These are the most common methods for smoking, eating, applying, and vaping the plant. SO,
Long before weed shops were in every strip mall, there was one stoner stereotype known to the world, and cannabis-loving moms or athletes hid their consumption in the shadows Fast forward, and states are legalizing adult use, bridging safe access to medical patients, and decriminalizing possession one way or another More types of people smoke weed than ever.
With the advent of a new pot era, New Frontier Data thought it was time to get granular and define the modern American cannabis consumer. The data company analyzed consumer information from over 4,200 self-administered surveys. Analysts considered home state regulations, product preferences, how often they partook, reasons they consume, how they purchase weed, age, and gender alongside results.
The Contemporary Lifestyler lights up to relax. This group consumes frequently, both medically and recreationally They opt for dispensary-purchased flower, though half also experiment with extracts and other products. >>
The Savvy Connoisseur will consume many forms of cannabis, not sticking to one form or device. This segment skews younger and tends to purchase from dispensaries and unregulated channels often called the traditional market in the weed world. These customers are searching for specific new flavors and the best prices. These are big spenders known to supply friends and family with their weed products
These consumers trust their friends and dealers over dispensaries and only buy from the legacy market They partake frequently and often recreationally, though many turn to the plant for medical purposes as well. Most smoke flower to take the edge off.
Modern Medicinals tend to be older and consume a moderate amount, but not as much as the Lifestylers. These are medical users buying mostly non-flower products like tinctures, capsules, and edibles from dispensaries.
The Medical Lifestyler lights up often and spends big bucks on flower at regulated retailers. Half of this group buys other kinds of products, too. They chose cannabis medically but will consume it recreationally or to achieve wellness goals like mindfulness.
This canna-curious consumer is a bit older and spends less than others on the list. They rarely stop by the weed shop The Infrequent Partakers almost exclusively buy flower in the form of pre-rolls to enjoy recreationally as a means to relax.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown great promise in a variety of health conditions, but could the compound help keep foods fresher longer? According to new research, the answer may be yes.
A recent study published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces suggests that CBD may prolong the shelf life of strawberries. The findings revealed that a coating containing CBD isolate prevented decay compared to untreated berries.
Researchers at Thammasat University and Chulabhorn Research Institute in Thailand decided to test the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of CBD to see whether the cannabinoid could extend the shelf life of fresh fruit.
The research team created a solution containing CBD isolate, biodegradable polymers used for drug delivery, a food additive called sodium alginate, and water. Strawberries were dipped in the liquid, followed by another bath of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride.
The coated strawberries were then placed in an open plastic container, which sat inside
a refrigerator for several weeks, alongside a container of non-coated strawberries. The CBD-treated berries saw lower levels of decay versus the non-treated berries; the treated berries also had better color and weight retention.
The team used various concentrations of CBD within the experiment. They found that higher amounts of CBD had the best results.
This isn’t the first time CBD has been touted for food preservation. A 2021 study published in Postharvest Biology and Technology revealed that CBD oil reduced microbial development in treated strawberries. The same study also showed that CBD-coated berries maintained their visual appearance for longer than uncoated berries, much like the study from Thailand.
While more research is needed to confirm these results, the two studies indicate CBD may be a viable option for consumers hoping to boost the shelf life of their fruit and vegetables. Though CBD dipped fruit isn’t yet a food industry standard, it could become a staple for shoppers hoping to reduce food waste.
Archetype FROM PAGE 19
Engaged Explorers moderately use cannabis to unwind, pretty much solely recreationally These customers will buy vapes and non-flower options from a dispensary most days over the legacy market
The Social Nibblers reach for weed less often, but when they do it’s edibles for stress relief or socializing. This crew will acquire infused munchies from friends and family rather than buying a package at the shop.
Medical use is front and center with the Holistic Healers. They tend to be older and use tinctures, topicals, and non-flower forms of cannabis for pain management, but sparingly
There are many reasons a person smokes, eats, vapes, or rubs weed on their skin. These archetypes clarify how people are utilizing the power of the plant and ascertain what behavior is trending up.
Modern Medicinals and Holistic Healers are expected to grow in the coming years as the stigma against cannabis as medicine continues crumbling. The Savvy Connoisseur segment decreased in 2023, signaling that shopping habits inch toward dispensaries over legacy channels as adult-use markets age.
New Frontier dissected the information at hand, and most cannabis consumers are people who enjoy the plant frequently, but that doesn’t account for everyone. People who enjoy weed products are a more diverse group than ever.
Explorers are trying out new relaxation modalities alongside the Lifestylers, and Nibblers are accepting gummies from friends. Brands, stores, and those creating art that depicts cannabis consumers should take note. There’s a place for everyone in the world of weed, not just heady stoners.
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