May 2021 Evercannabis

MAY 2021

EVERCANNABIS.COM

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 5

CANNABIS EVENT PLANNERS GET BACK AT IT SOME IN-PERSON GATHERINGS PLANNED Produced by Hempfest Canada and hosted by the C-45 Quality Association, a private sector advocate for quality in the Canadian cannabis industry, the C-45 Quality Summit brings the leaders of the global industry together to establish Canada as a world leader in cannabis quality and innovation.

GCI Virtual Summit – Global Leaders in Cannabis & Psychedelics June 8-10 summit.gcintelligence.com A line-up of cannabis leaders from around the world will discuss everything from research and science, medicine and treatment, to psychedelics, regulations and interational markets, consumer brands and retail, investment and finance, cultivation, and technology.

By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Anyone in the businesses of conferences, expos, and festivals learned how to pivot in 2020. Some moved their events to virtual platforms and others simply called it quits, shelving their events in hopes the world would re-balance in 2021. Both approaches still seem to be possibilities in 2021 but there’s still plenty of uncertainty whether we might have to wait an additional year until things approach how they used to be.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is still recommended that “large gatherings be avoided, particularly those in which physical (social) distancing cannot be maintained between people who live in different households. This guidance is intended for those who are planning a large event, such as sporting events, concerts, festivals, conferences, or parades.”

Two of Washington’s more prominent cannabis events, Lemonhaze and Seattle Hempfest, have still not provided information if they will attempt live events here in 2021, but there’s no information available about virtual options either.

Another annual event, Bellingham Budfest, was planning for its July 2021 event, but in late April, organizers announced it would have to be moved to summer 2022.

Although there was plenty of excitement and enthusiasm, planners said crowd requirements from the city and Port of Bellingham were too restrictive for what the event wanted to accomplish.

A multi-city weed-centric convention, CannaCon, which was first held in the Seattle area, is currently scheduled in five states in the Midwest and the South, but nothing has been scheduled for Washington.

There are a few virtual events scheduled with great line-ups for speakers and learning opportunities, which work well in the virtual world. And a smattering of live events scheduled for summer and fall, most likely hoping for a healthier populace by then.

Live event websites are generally short

LIVE EVENTS

THERESA TANNER/EVERCANNABIS

on details, however, possibly in preparation for a quick pivot if things swing in a less positive direction. With that in mind, here’s what appears to be happening in the world of cannabis gatherings.

VIRTUAL EVENTS C-45 Quality Summit May 17-19 www.c45summit.com/home

Cannabis Conference 2021 Aug. 24-26, Las Vegas www.cannabisconference.com Presented by Cannabis Business Times, Cannabis Dispensary and Hemp Grower, this convention brings industry stakeholders together to engage the opportunities and challenges facing the legal cannabis market.

The 4th Annual RAD Expo TBA Summer 2021, Seattle www.theradexpo.com RAD Expo features retail-specific exhibitors, including point of sale products, shelving, display cases, accessories, food, drinks, refrigerators, programming consultants, packaging, point of purchase displays, legal and accounting services, CBD products, medical products, and just about everything and anything a retail store owner or dispensary will need to set up shop.

Cannabis Science Conference West 2021 Aug. 30– Sept. 1 Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon www.cannabisscienceconference.com The conference, called the world’s See EVENTS, 4

T2 • Friday • May 7, 2021

Special Section

EVERCANNABIS

Study in Spokane looks at driving under the influence of cannabis

By Tracy Damon

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

We’ve long known the dangerous effects of driving under the influence of alcohol, but there’s been fewer studies about the possible impacts of cannabis.

But with a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) currently underway in Spokane, this is changing.

There are also opportunities for people to participate in this study, help shape policy around driving and cannabis use, and be compensated for it.

The Pioneer Research Study is a subset of VTTI’s larger “ADAS” study that looks at how people drive vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, such as lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control.

Volunteers for the ADAS study who use cannabis can also participate in the Pioneer Study that helps researchers determine the impacts of marijuana on driving decisions and actions.

“The Pioneer Study lets us see what the driver sees, road conditions, and the dashboard,” said Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, project manager and research associate with VTTI. “When a big event happens, we can see the cause, the reaction, and how we can improve both, whether through policy, manufacturers, or other methods.”

Both studies are new to the Spokane area, although ADAS has been underway for over a year in Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Pioneer Study concept originated in Colorado between 2013 and 2015.

With 25 participants at first, researchers decided to expand the study to increase sample size and dataset. Spokane was chosen both because marijuana is legal here and the city has infrastruc-

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The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is conducting research in the Spokane area with drivers of vehicles with driver assist systems who use cannabis. ture hard to find in other parts of the country.

“It’s so historical in Spokane and so many of the roads are one-way multilane,” said Fitzgerald. “That’s not something we get to test as much in Virginia.

LiDAR (light detection and ranging sonar that uses laser waves to map the distance to surrounding objects) and more research is needed to understand if sensors struggle with multi-lane one way streets. Plus, we get a lot of snow in Spokane that wears off street markings, which LiDAR sensors need.”

Participants in the Pioneer Study are asked to do everything they normally would when driving, including use cannabis if that is part of their routine.

“We started a new style of driving

research, called naturalistic driving. We don’t want them to change consumption habits or driving habits,” Fitzgerald said.

Those habits will all be recorded by cameras in the car as part of the study.

One looks at the driver’s face for identification purposes and to study time looking between the dashboard and the road, one is focused on the dashboard, and one looks out the windshield.

For those worried about privacy or information on their driving or consumption being publicized, Fitzgerald says there are built-in confidentiality assurances.

“That is people’s biggest red flag, right?” she said. “The National Institute of Health has issued us a Certificate of

Confidentiality. Your personal participation cannot be used in court against you, even federally. Say you are driving under the influence, you get pulled over by an officer and he sees you have cameras in your car. We provide you with a letter about the study to help protect you.”

The Certificate of Confidentiality means that the data collected can’t be used against you in legal proceedings.

Researchers also aren’t looking to get anyone in trouble for bad driving habits, unless they recognize behavior that puts the participant or others at risk repeatedly.

“People ask if they accidentally do something like run stoplights, will they be in trouble? We likely won’t see that until the end of the study. We just chalk most of that up to human behavior.”

All video collected will be reviewed by technicians when participation is complete. Before that, study participants are asked to self-report every time they drive. That includes documenting any time they take prescription drugs or use marijuana, when they experience a peak feeling of intoxication, and their current level of intoxication when they get in the car.

A smartphone app also prompts participants to do breathalyzer tests. A once-a-month self-administered drug test is required.

To ensure confidentiality, this information is stored separate from personal identifiers.

“In my eyes you are participant No. 001. I only know your driving data and your substance use data by number, not name,” said Fitzgerald.

The Pioneer Study will be underway for three years. Fitzgerald expects it to take about a year to analyze data and publish results.

How to participate in ADAS and the Pioneer Study

Both ADAS and the Pioneer Study have an ongoing need for volunteers. To participate in the Pioneer Study, you must have a car with an advanced driver-assistance system and be a regular cannabis user. You also must have access to a 2018 or newer vehicle with lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control, and have a smartphone and be willing to install and use a free app on it.

Volunteers can sign up to participate for as little as three months, and extend participation for up to 24 months ($2,600). Compensation is approximately $500 for a three-month enrollment of dual participation in ADAS and the Pioneer study or $350 per each three months of participation in the ADAS study only. Visit www.vtti.vt.edu/adas/pioneer or call the VTTI recruiting number at (540) 231-1583 to learn more.

@EvercannaNews on social media and at evercannabis.com Evercannabis@spokesman.com 509-459-5095

PROUD MEMBER OF:

Evercannabis, The Spokesman-Review and the Cowles Company don’t promote or endorse the use of cannabis products. We acknowledge that marijuana products remain illegal under federal laws. If adults age 21 or older choose to purchase or use them, we encourage them to consume sensibly and at their own risk in legal jurisdictions, in accordance with state and local laws. Some cannabis products have intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Consumption of marijuana also may be associated with health risks and impaired concentration, coordination, and judgment. Keep away from children. To learn more, visit the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

Evercannabis magazine is a monthly supplement of The Spokesman-Review. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.

Special Section

May 7, 2021 • Friday • T3

EVERCANNABIS

SPOTLIGHT

Shanel Lindsay: Advocate for change in cannabis industry

Delta-8 push raises eyebrows

By Linda Ball

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

COURTESY ARDENT

Shanel Lindsay, creator of Ardent, has designed several appliances that make it easier to create edibles at home, including the Ardent FX.

Ardent founder brings hope through better preparation

By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Shanel Lindsay is an attorney in Boston, as well as the founder and CEO of Ardent, a biotech and medical cannabis device company.

Ardent’s company philosophy is that “cannabis can become an inexpensive and effective source for plant-derived drugs and treatments, leading to improved health for all.” To that end, the company develops and promotes better ways to stabilize, utilize and deliver benefits.

Lindsay was building her law career in Boston, but had health issues. As a single mother and an attorney, she didn’t want to take pain medication, so she started growing a small amount of marijuana at home and making edibles from it.

Marijuana had been decriminalized in Massachusetts, but one day on her way to work, Lindsay was stopped for a minor traffic infraction. She happened to have a small amount of weed with her, less than half the legal limit. Without stating a reason, police asked her to get out of the car, handcuffed her, and took her to the police station.

Her car was impounded and soon she was sitting on a concrete slab, petrified her law career was over.

When she asked why she was arrested, she was told, “We had probable cause.”

She became incensed, and immediately realized, as a woman of color, they were violating her civil rights. She knew if she didn’t turn things around fast, everything she had worked for would be in jeopardy.

She confronted officers as an attorney. She knew her rights, expressed them, and was released.

Lindsay’s life changed that day. She knew that her education and position saved her from being prosecuted, but she still had to pay to get her car out of impound, she was late to work, and for weeks police hung

around her neighborhood, occasionally knocking on her door.

Knowing the police were watching, she stopped growing pot and bought cannabis from an outside source. It was expensive, low quality and inconsistent. She realized that weed may have been decriminalized, but not for everyone.

In 2014, when medical marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts, Lindsay started her own law practice. In 2015 she started Ardent, and Equitable Opportunities Now, or EON, a non-profit that fights to preserve equity provisions in cannabis laws to create equal opportunities for businesses and those seeking cannabis licenses.

“We are dedicated to ensuring just representation for people of color within the cannabis industry,” Lindsay explained.

“Our goal is to ensure equitable employment opportunities for Black and brown communities targeted by the war on drugs.

We believe that to best address the lasting effects of Prohibition, we must facilitate access, and we support paths to economic empowerment for people with past marijuana convictions.”

A recent victory took place when the largest marijuana business association in Massachusetts – the Commonwealth Dispensary Association – dropped its lawsuit against the Cannabis Control Commission’s new delivery license regulations, which are exclusively limited to Economic Empowerment and Social Equity Program participants for the first three years. They represent the last opportunity for meaningful diverse ownership in the billion-dollar sector.

EON sees this as the beginning of efforts to hold industry players accountable for efforts to manipulate and stop equity initiatives through lawsuits.

“We are using our voice to fight for equity in the industry and stand up for small businesses and the counterculture,” she

said. “We recently had a big win in delivery licenses, but now the next step is ensuring that the community and small businesses owners are empowered and take advantage of the opportunities. It’s on us to hold those accountable and ensure laws are implemented the way they were written.”

Lindsay promotes cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, but feels that patients and consumers have limited options. Restrictions such as geography, strain availability and cost can prohibit those seeking alternative methods. Solutions can be inconsistent, unreliable and, in some states, illegal.

Her first issue was how to tackle the process of converting cannabis into something reliable. The key is decarboxylation, the activation needed to create THC, CBD and CBG. This was easily mastered in controlled lab conditions, but she wanted to make it possible anywhere.

This effort led to creation of a device called the NOVA, which decarboxylates and infuses with no smell, using a minimal amount of product.

At the core of the NOVA is dual sensors and a “thermal blanket” that enables precise heating. The NOVA produces such a refined product there is little to no “weedy” taste. You can sprinkle it on your food or use more liberally for a more potent product.

After success with the NOVA, Lindsay launched Ardent FX, an appliance that infuses, decarboxylates and bakes. Nicknamed the Easy Bake Ardent, it makes customized edibles, topicals, suppositories and more, for a fraction of retail prices. The device fits on kitchen counters or can be used anywhere with a wall outlet.

“It’s all about removing the stigma,” Lindsay said. “I wanted to address the struggle of someone trying to treat themselves. I want to help educate people with a focus on total wellness.”

“We’re helping transform the space with our innovative technology and refined range of products, bringing the power of cannabis to the individual and allowing them to control the dosage, accuracy, ingredients, and beyond.”

Shanel Lindsay Founder and CEO of Ardent

Delta-8, a synthetic form of THC made from chemically processing a natural compound in hemp, is creating controversy in the cannabis community.

At its basic level, delta-8 is a psychoactive isomer cannabinoid found in small amounts in some cannabis plants. But most delta-8 products on the market are created from CBD. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found naturally in cannabis plants or created artificially. There are estimated to be more than 50, including THC, which attach to receptors in the body and create physical and mental effects.

Some processors have begun creating delta-8 commercially, even though the process raises the amount of THC in it, making it no longer fit the definition of commercial hemp.

(Natural hemp is defined as containing no more than .03% of THC.) The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, an independent nonprofit organization that advocates for full hemp legalization, has been warning growers that seeking synthetic ways to increase THC in hemp in the lab is a dangerous road to take.

It recently released a statement against “marketing products, under the guise of the hemp name, for any intoxicating value or euphoric effect,” calling the practice irresponsible.

“Unlike marijuana, hemp is, by definition, not intoxicating,” the Roundtable said in a statement. “Rather, hemp products like CBD are popularly used by consumers to benefit their general health and wellness, not to get them high.”

Crystal Oliver, executive director of the Washington Sungrowers Industry Association, a group of independent and outdoor cannabis farmers, said that when the 2018 Farm Act passed, it allowed for broader cultivation of hemp products.

But initial oversupply led to falling prices, so some hemp extractors started looking for other products to create to bring in more revenue. Some turned to converting their hemp CBD into delta-8, which like naturally-derived delta-9, contains more THC. Delta-8 is created when hemp CBD is altered with chemicals, heat and pressure. It’s considered less psychoactive than delta-9, because it connects to fewer cannabinoid receptors.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has taken steps to stop the selling of synthetic delta-8 products. Earlier this year, it issued a draft document specifically mentioning commercial products, including a Smokiez Edibles See DELTA 8, 4

Younger first-time users more likely to experience addiction

By Theresa Tanner

EVERCANNABIS WRITER

A study, published by JAMA Pediatrics March 29, 2021, found a higher prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) within 12 months of first using cannabis among adolescents than among young adults.

Researchers examined the prevalence of specific SUDs since first drug use (including tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin) or prescription misuse (including opioids, stimulants and tranquilizers) in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years and young adults aged 18 to 25 years.

The study examined data collected in the 2015 to 2018 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Alcohol, cannabis and tobacco were the most used substances. Adjusted prevalence of cannabis use disorder was higher

among adolescents than among young adults within 12 months of initiation (10.7% vs. 6.4%) and at more than 36 months (20.1% vs. 10.9%).

Prevalence of alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence did not differ between the groups within 12 months of initiation but was higher for young adults in subsequent periods.

“One in 10 teens having a marijuana addiction – that’s huge,” said study senior author and director of the U.S.’s National Institute on Drug Abuse Nora Volkow in a phone interview with Bloomberg.com.

The findings reinforce previous studies and concerns that early drug use may have a negative impact on developing teenage brains. While cannabis use is becoming more culturally accepted in adult populations with increased legality across the country, education and science-based information are needed to help adolescents understand the risks of underage use.

T4 • Friday • May 7, 2021

Special Section

EVERCANNABIS

COOKING WITH CANNABIS

A citrus treat perfect for sunny May days

By Mary J. White

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Are you all, like me, feeling like you can breathe a little easier?

Now that we’re into a beautiful spring and vaccinations are available to adult populations, it seems like things are turning around. I mean – lilacs! Birds! Sun! It’s just the best time of year to get outside and do fun stuff and, oh yeah – try my incredible new recipe for Citrus Curd.

I don’t know if you’re familiar with curds but think a lighter lemon pie filling that you use like jam. This curd will take your toast to a new dimension and make your yogurt feel very fancy.

This tart tangy curd is one of my favorite things. My folks used to bring it back from Canada, and even though my mom always reminded me it was full of butter and sugar, I did not care. A big glob of this on hot buttered toast ... heaven!

Make my Stoned Sea Salt Shortbread (recipe in my book “EveryDayMaryJ” and on my website, www.maryjwhite.com) and sandwich two cookies together with curd – your grown-up guests

DELTA 8

Continued from 3 gummy product by Pacific Northwest Consulting labeled as featuring “250 mg delta-8.”

In late April, the LCB followed up with a formal policy statement regarding these types of THC compounds. It clarified that it is considered an unfair or deceptive practice to distribute, dispense, manufacture, display or sell products that include any amount of synthetic cannabinoid, including delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC made from commercially altering CBD. LCB officials have been concerned about synthetic delta-8 because there are no mandatory testing standards for it, and Washington hasn’t established potency or concentration limits.

Advertising claims for the Smokiez gummies asserts that they contain 25 mg

will love you even more.

But as always, make sure you know the tolerance of whomever is enjoying your goodies to avoid a negative experience. Try this with all lemon and be amazed at the puckery fun, or use part orange, grapefruit, or lime for a whole different vibe.

Green Citrus Curd

The great thing about this recipe is you can play with the butter.

Maybe use all infused butter, or tailor it to your tolerance. If you use the 6 tablespoons of infused butter, remember that your curd will have approximately 300 mg of THC. I’ve found that 3 tablespoons infused butter and 3 tablespoons regular butter gives the best taste, but you adjust to your preference.

Once you’re finished, you can figure about 10 mg of THC per tablespoon. Be smart!

Ingredients 3 eggs, room temperature 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon each orange and lemon zest (or just lemon – up to you) 1/4 cup orange juice (Note: If you want a super lemony curd,

delta-8 THC per serving and each package contains 10 servings, the equivalent of 250 mg delta-8 THC per package. Other products promoted as including delta-8 include Unicorn Brands vape products.

LCB communications director Brian Smith also has concerns about youth access and public safety to delta-8 products that could be sold outside of LCB licensed retail stores and online.

The updated policy statement describes “the process of synthetically deriving delta-8 THC from CBD or hemp may generate additional chemicals that are not naturally occurring in cannabis. The impact of those different chemicals on health are unknown and could be harmful.”

Oliver thinks investing in delta-8 is a dangerous for growers to explore. She has also said that delta-8 hemp

leave out the orange and use all lemon juice and zest) 1/4 cup lemon juice 6 tablespoons infused canna butter (adjust to your tolerance), cut into small chunks Dash vanilla Pinch salt Directions Put eggs, sugar, and zest into a saucepan and whisk till blended.

Turn the heat to medium, and add the juices and the butter.

Whisk constantly till the butter is melted and the curd is thickening.

Don’t let this boil or you could get scrambled eggs.

When the curd is thick and there are teeny bubbles, remove from heat.

If bits of zest bug you (I like ’em, but it’s up to you), strain thru a sieve with medium holes. Stir in the vanilla and salt, then let cool in a bowl before covering and storing in the fridge.

The curd will thicken up as it cools. Yields about 2 cups.

Add to toast, biscuits, ice cream, parfaits or anything else that you think could use a little citrus twist.

products are being sold in other states where cannabis isn’t legal but some CBD products are, including gas stations, and may lack cautionary messages or labeling.

These products are promoted as being able to reduce anxiety, protect nerve cells and reduce nausea.

“The delta-8 PR machine makes it sound safe,” Oliver said.

But she’s encouraged that the LCB has taken action.

“It is a positive step forward for Washington’s cannabis consumers who deserve to know if the THC they are being sold is naturally derived from cannabis or chemically synthesized in a lab,” she said. “It’s also great news for Washington’s pioneering WSLCB licensed cannabis farmers who have seen a decline in the sale of naturally derived THC as imported, chemically synthesized THC began flooding the market.”

VALERIE MCKINLEY

Among a variety of desserts, you can make lemon bars with this infused lemon curd filling.

EVENTS

Continued from 1 largest and most technical cannabis science expo, pulls together cannabis industry experts, instrument manufacturers, testing labs, research scientists, medical practitioners, policy makers and interested novices. The annual event is aimed at improving cannabis science.

Cannnatank420 Sept. 18, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.

Spokane Convention Center, Spokane cannatank420.com The one-day farm to retailer expo focuses on building relationships between farms and the retail purchasing managers for the legal cannabis industry throughout Washington.

Women in Cannabis Expo Sept. 27-29, Reno, Nevada womenincannabisexpo.com The Women in Cannabis Expo was established to help connect women working in or looking to join the cannabis industry with other women for support, collaboration and con-

nection.

MJBizCon Live Expo Oct. 20-22 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas mjbizconference.com/ The world’s largest cannabis event is offering a hybrid experience. For those who can attend and follow any legal guidelines, including mandatory masks, there will a live conference.

There will also be an online component starting the week of Oct. 18.

Retail Vision Nov. 9-10, Seattle Airport Marriott, Seattle www.cannabisretailvision.com Marijuana Venture’s Retail Vision is the first event of its kind, a bestin-class business and technology gathering specifically developed to help cannabis retailers grow their enterprise and dramatically increase profits.

Note: Due to health concerns, some events may be canceled, postponed or moved online. Please check with event organizers to verify prior to attending.