CBD for Dogs?

Posted by CANNASaver on Thursday, 22 September 2016 in Canna Blog

CBD for Dogs

 

Unlikened to the 2000 stoner movie Dude, Where's My Car? where Jesse (Ashton Kutcher), and Chester (Seann William Scott), are entertained by Nelson's (David Herman), stoner dog as the dog tokes from a self resembling pipe, CBD for dogs seems to be having a positive growing effect on man's best friend.

 

CBD Cannabis produced pet products are produced mostly from hemp which has significantly different properties than the most consumed pot plants. Further discussion on the difference between hemp and medicinal marijuana will be discussed in another post, but for the most part, Hemp is part of the cannabis plant family but has an extremely low level of THC,  grows differently than THC-containing cannabis, and is well known for industrial use. Both are derived from the Cannabis Sativa L plant. Hemp contains from 0.3%-1.5% of THC while medicinal cannabis contains around 5% to 10%.

 

CBD extracted from Hemp -aka- Hemp Cannabidiol, or Hemp CBD is a non-psychoactive oil  extracted from cannabis plants.  Non-psychoactive meaning your dog won't get stoned!

 

Dogs, similar to humans produce natural chemicals in the body that interact within the endocannabinoid (EC) system called cannabinoids.  These cannabinoids work the same way in animals as they do in humans.  They work directly on the endocannabinoid (EC) system through cannabinoid receptors.  

 

Cannabinoid receptors are a class of cell membrane receptors. There are two types.  CB1 receptor which is expressed mainly in the brain, the central nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys. The CB2 receptor is expressed mainly in the immune system. 

 

There are several companies and entrepreneurs already extracting, baking and shaping cannabis derived pet products. A quick internet search and you'll delight your best pal with a variety of healthy CBD treats including liquid concentrates, oils, edibles, biscuits, and capsules with plenty of treats sure to please and keep your pet at peace.

 

The American Pet Products Association suggests that the U.S. pet industry grew at an 8% CAGR to reach $58.51 billion in 2014.  $13.72 billion of that was derived from the retail pet medicine market with CBD-based products.  

 

The APPA ( American Pet Products Association) has shared some interesting data that should provide insight as to the future revenues of CBD for dogs. They report that in 2015 the total pet industry expenditures in the United States hit $60.28 million and is estimated to hit $62.75 million this year.

 

$15.42 billion was spent on animal care, followed by $14.28 billion spent on animal supplies and over-the-counter medicine. Live animal purchases captured $2.12 billion while  pet food delivered $23.05 billion. Pet services such as grooming and boarding grew to $5.41 billion in 2015.

 

Dogs are best friends and family members.  They are loyal and trustworthy. They also know all your secrets and see everything you do when no one else is around.  Just think... what if your dog could really speak?!

 

Enjoy the Now!

MrD.
 

About the Author: MrD. (pen name) is a writer, educator, musician, producer, public speaker and founder of 420GIVES(tm) a non profit organization giving back to the community.  420GIVES.com

What is Hemp and How It's Different From Marijuana

Posted by CANNASaver on Tuesday, 20 September 2016 in Canna Blog

What is Hemp? Difference Between Marijuana

It is reported that the United States founding fathers were hip on hemp. George Washington grew industrial strain hemp crops that were used for the production of rope, thread, canvas, and many other industrial applications.  It's also been rumored that refusing to grow hemp in America during the 17th and 18th centuries was against the law!  You could be jailed in Virginia for refusing to grow hemp from 1763 to 1769.

Amazing how times have turned and today ladies and gents, let's take a look at this crop and shed some light on this animal, well actually plant.

Hemp is a part of the Cannabis sativa plant family. It grows very fast and has a very low level of THC with much higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD).  It has been said that hemp use dates back ten thousand years ago when it was first spun into useable fiber.  Modern day use after it's been refined include commercial items such as paper, textiles, food, fuel, and clothing to name a few. Hemp does not produce psychoactive effects.

There are many differences between hemp and marijuana with the most obvious being its use. Marijuana is used as a consumable and topical product for medical and recreational purposes. Hemp is used for industrial purposes. Hemp fibers are very strong and have many practical applications.  Marijuana has psychoactive effects (you feel stoned). Hemp does not have psychoactive effects. Hemp is a high-growing plant and produces CBD which has many of the same pain management benefits of marijuana without feeling stoned. Marijuana plants produce high levels of THC (the get stoned compound).

The biggest difference between marijuana and hemp is that research has shown, CBD acts to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. That means what is extracted from hemp counteracts that which is extracted from marijuana, even though they are from the same Cannabis sativa plant family.

Hemp is hip!  It's a usable practical plant that has incredible benefits.  As states continue to legalize marijuana and countries open their borders, the Cannabis sativa family of plants has a great chance of becoming the new "cash crop" of the millennium.

**

Cool quip from wiki: Hemp was made illegal to grow without a permit in the U.S. under the Controlled Substances Act passed in 1970 because of its relation to marijuana. Some states have made the cultivation of industrial hemp legal, but farmers in many states have not yet begun to grow it because of resistance from the DEA. In 2013, after the legalization of cannabis in the state, several farmers in Colorado planted and harvested several acres of hemp, bringing in the first hemp crop in the United States in over half a century.

**

Way to grow Colorado! A state where new beginning flourish and new ideas come to life.

 

Enjoy the Now!

MrD.

Weed Deals this Week from the Best Dispensaries in Colorado

Posted by CANNASaver on Tuesday, 20 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Low Price Marijuana in Denver: Best Dispensary Deals this Week

Denver marijuana dispensary deals abound this week. From ounce specials, deals on concentrates and edibles specials, the best dispensaries in denver are offering a lot of great marijuana deals for the savvy stoner to take advantage of. Here’s a lowdown on here to find the best dispensary deals in Denver on low cost marijuana right now. If you’re looking for marijuana deals in Boulder, we’ve got you covered there, too.

Best Ounce Deals in Denver

There are several marijuana dispensaries in Denver that are offering ounce deals on low price marijuana this week. For the cheapest ounces in Denver and the best quality go to The Joint by Cannabis. They’re offering $70 ounces of popcorn shake for recreational marijuana customers. Livwell has the next best marijuana deals in Denver for recreational ounces. A high CBD flower ounce is $89.99, or you can get an ounce of THC marijuana for $99 plus tax on select strains. This is good for all their locations such as Livwell Stapleton, Livwell Evans, and Livwell Broadway. For medical marijuana patients, the best deal on an ounce of marijuana in Denver can be found at Platte Valley Dispensary. A medical ounce is only $100 right now with the marijuana coupon on Cannasaver, and tax is included in this price.

Best Concentrates in Denver

The best concentrate deals Denver wax and shatter lovers can enjoy right now are at Medicine Man Aurora, CannaBotica, River Rock North, and Starbuds. Medicine Man Aurora is holding a BOGO 50% off sale where if you buy any vape cartridge, you can buy another vape cartridge for half price. This deal is only for recreational customers. If you’re looking for deals on concentrates for medical marijuana, River Rock North is worth a visit for their BOGO 50% off sale they have going on wax products produced by 710 Labs. CannaBotica also has a sweet deal for med customers, offering 500mg Wana cartridges for only 4 for $100. Starbuds also has a good deal on concentrates this week with a BOGO 50% off deal on all wax.

Best Edibles in Denver

The best dispensaries for edibles this week are The Joint by Cannabis, Whole Meds, and Rocky Road Aurora. Rocky Road Aurora has the largest selection of edibes in Aurora and is offering recreational customers 25% off on the purchase of a second edible if you buy one at the regular price, while the Joint by Cannabis is taking $3.00 off the price of any edible priced $11.99 or higher. At Rocky Road Aurora, you can buy two edibles and get a third edible for free, but the deal is only good on select edibles, and it’s only for medical purchases.

Best Marijuana Deals in Boulder

The best marijuana deals in Boulder this week are at MMJ America Boulder. One of the best priced dispensaries in Boulder, MMJ America Boulder is offering recreational ½ ounces for $60 with the money saving marijuana coupon from Cannasaver.

Best Weed Deals in Colorado

To guarantee you can get in on the low price marijuana deals described above, be sure to print out the coupons for each marijuana deal or simply show them on your smartphone at the store when you want to take advantage of a great weed deal. Just go to CannaSaver and click on the link to the marijuana dispensary you want to go to and you will be taken to a list of that dispensary’s best deals on concentrates, deals on edibles, and marijuana specials. Or, just click on the link to the newest deals tab, or use the search box on top of the page to find the best priced dispensaries right now and the latest deals on low priced marijuana in Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs. There are deals for things besides actual marijuana products too, such as cannabis tours and 420 friendly hotels and other 420 friendly businesses and services. Basically if it’s in or near Denver and it has anything to do with weed, there’s a good chance you can find a money saving coupon for it on CannaSaver. 

CBD vs. THC - What are the Differences?

Posted by CANNASaver on Sunday, 18 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Differences Between CBD and THC

To explain the difference between CBD and THC it's important to first know what these abbreviated symbols mean and then explore what each compound is made of and it's effect on the human body.

CBD is short for Cannabidiol.  Why CBD instead of CNL? Who know's. There's still worldwide confusion over the term "jumbo shrimp".

Cannabidiol is a natural compound within the Cannabis sativa plant. As scientist continue to research the many different types of cannabis plants, scientist are also discovering the chemical properties that make up the plants. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of several hundred compounds found within the chemical structure of the sativa plant. It has become popular due to its effects on the human brain and body.

THC is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol. Now this abbreviation makes a lot more sense. The t, the h, and the c are all right there standing front faced at attention as proud members of the american english alpha-bet should be!

THC is the chemical compound in cannabis that produces the "high" effect. CBD on the other hand, does not produce   a "high" feeling like THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is probably the most popular compound in cannabis because it is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Psychoactive is anything capable of affecting mental activity. It's a chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness.  It's the chemical that leads to various euphorias felt within the body and brain.  Some  examples of psychoactive substances most people have heard of include LSD, cocaine, crack cocaine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and ephedrine to name a few. Both THC and CBD  interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the human body.

Hundreds of different cannabinoids have been isolated from the Cannabis plant. Cannabinoids in simple terms are chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in cells within biological systems.    

The human body has what is called an Endocannabinoid system.  Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the body connected to this system.   Having a well-functioning endocannabinoid system is vital for human health. It is responsible for many of body's physiological processes such pain-sensation, mood, memory and appetite.  

With this understanding, one may ask, what are the benefits of using one over the other.  The answer would have to be based on each individual's preference.  A look at a few of the other differences point out that CBD is technically legal because it does not produce the psychoactive “high” effect that THC does.

CBD is widely used for medical purposes and especially important for children and elderly patients who may be greatly helped by the cannabis plant but certainly would not and should not have any substance that would affect mental activity.

THC on the other hand produces a 'high' that people just love and it's high time the cannabis plant is respected for all the medicinal, social and financial benefits it produces.

The one thing about CBD and THC that is most impressive, is that you can try them both and see what works best for you!

 

Enjoy the Now!

MrD.

What Marijuana Legalization Means for California and other States

Posted by CANNASaver on Saturday, 17 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Marijuana Legalization What it means for California and Other States

by Mrd 

Recreational cannabis cultivation, sales and use are the premise of Amendment 64. California voters will have the power and authority to follow the lead set by 1,383,139 Colorado voters on NoMvember 6, 2012, who voted yes to legalize cannabis.  A 52% favorable vote which has already had great impact on the industry forcing systems, rules and regulations into place. 

 It's reported that California's legalization of recreational marijuana would bank $1 billion in additional taxes per year.  Colorado collected more than $135 million in legal cannabis taxes and fees in 2015. If you compare the market size and tremendous growth in consumer purchases, $1 billion just may be a bit little low.

 On November 8, 2016, nearly 40 million California voters can flex their patriotic right to approve Amendment 64 which would legalize recreational sales to those age 21 and over.  Online consensus shows a strong positive movement toward legalization.

 Other states prepare to address many of the same issues and cultural norms within their communities when it comes to legalization.  Fortunately, in this country, voters have the power to make a difference and change old paradigms that no longer fit, ethically, morally or scientifically when there is greater benefit to all.

 If the population is educated with unbiased, un-agendaed, facts, with the number one understanding that in practise cannabis assists in relieving pain in the human body.  It is a plant that has a great impact on health, and obviously finances.

 Every state where medical marijuana is legal, you can expect recreational pot to follow.  There's an old saying, "Follow the money" and in this paradigm, it's growing out of the ground.

 Overall, legal marijuana in California, Colorado and every state that is forward thinking will have its impact.  Communities from coast to coast will begin to notice a much more positive vibe in their hoods as the populus begins to RELAX, and exhale from life's roller coaster ride.

 There will be less alcohol incidents, less fighting, less arguing and much more creativity flowing between neighbors.  Entrepreneurially speaking, the cannabis industry has already opened the door for those with the desire to become financially independant.  The cannabis industry has opened new avenues for job creation and for educational institutions who must teach the new industry employees.

 The scope of cannabis legalization is well beyond current comprehension.  It's like looking up at the sky and considering everyone is here on a single planet flying through space at an unheard of speed, hanging on the tip of a galaxy, surrounded by an infinite number of galaxies all in sync doing their own thing as we individually try to get a clue as to what's for dinner tonight.

Marijuana Use by Adults and Seniors on the Rise

Posted by CANNASaver on Wednesday, 14 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Marijuana Use by Adults and Seniors on the Rise

According to a recent report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, today's parents are smoking weed more often than their teenage kids do. Marijuana use among kids age 12 to 17 has fallen, while marijuana use among adults age 35 and up has sharply increased. With marijuana dispensary deals offering deals on ounces of buds, coupons for edibles, deals on concentrates, daily specials on marijuana and other incentives, older adults with more spending power have become one of the largest and most influential groups of marijuana consumers.

Since 2002, marijuana use by middle-aged adults in the 45 to 54 age group increased by 48%, while marijuana use by adults age 35 to 44 rose by 43%. These are pretty sharp increases, but they're nothing compared to the numbers of even older adults who are now using marijuana regularly. Marijuana use by seniors aged 65 and older increased by 333% over the past decade, while marijuana use by adults age 55 to 64 has increased by a whopping 455%. The one group who is using marijuana less often, however, is kids and teens. Only 7.4% of kids and teens age 12 to 17 reported that they use marijuana regularly, showing a 10% decrease in marijuana use compared to data collected ten years prior.

The report highlights the ways in which marijuana legalization is shaping our culture. In the “War on Drugs” era, more kids and teens were using marijuana. Now that parents and even grandparents are doing it, doctors are prescribing it, and national media outlets report on it daily, marijuana has lost much of the glamour it received from being something illicit and illegal, rebellious and “wrong” in the eyes of the parental units and society as a whole. Marijuana has become acceptable, recognized for its many potential benefits on both physical and mental health, as well as for its advantages over the far more dangerous and detrimental choice of alcohol for purposes of recreational relaxation. Opponents of marijuana legalization often tout their fears about legalization leading to increased marijuana use among youth, but the study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention proves these fears to be unfounded. It's a timeless truth that kids usually don't want to be like their parents, so if their parents are toking down, teens are less likely to see marijuana smoking as an appealing activity that's in any way cool or desirable. Stephen Colbert even did a skit about the phenomenon of parental marijuana use on a recent episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The skit featured a very normal-looking, middle aged Minnesota couple chilling out at home on the sofa. They're obviously stoned, bong in hand. Their teenage son walks in and they quickly stash the bong behind the throwpillow. The son accuses his mom and dad in a resigned and annoyed sort of way if they're smoking marijuana yet again, then he makes a comment about he doesn't use marijuana himself, but instead snorts adderall like a normal person.

Ideas about marijuana use are definitely changing, and parents are finding new ways to talk to their kids about drugs and marijuana use more honestly and openly than ever. With marijuana's benefits as a medicine widely recognized by the scientific and medical community, and medical marijuana dispensaries and recreational marijuana dispensaries a common feature in many communities in states like Colorado, no longer can parents pretend to their children that marijuana use is something criminal or extremely detrimental or dangerous, especially when they are using it themselves to relieve insomnia, back pain, anxiety, just to unwind, or for a number of other valid and logical reasons. If we don't want our kids to use marijuana, it makes sense to talk about it as honestly as possible, being genuine about the positive as well as the negative aspects of pot smoking. When marijuana is unfairly demonized, kids who try it and discover its real-life effects are much more likely to distrust any warnings they've received about other drugs which actually do pose very serious risks. Legalization has forced a more honest and open dialogue regarding marijuana use, which in turn is leading to fewer kids overall using marijuana for recreational purposes.

Marijuana has matured, both in terms of its users and in terms of the marijuana industry itself. With all the medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries such as Livwell, Medicine Man Denver, and MMJ America, plus all the cultivation facilities, research institutes, seed banks and more, the marijuana industry has become big business. Paired with an increasingly older demographic of marijuana users, marijuana is no longer kids stuff. It's ironic that where the War on Drugs failed, marijuana legalization has apparently succeeded. Putting marijuana into the hands of parents and grandparents and other older adults has been the unexpected key to keeping it out of the hands of youth.

The Down Low on Pesticide Use for Cannabis Production

Posted by CANNASaver on Friday, 09 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Organic Pesticides and Cannabis Production

 I’ve gotten a good amount of questions into whether or not the weed my dispensary grows uses pesticides or is organic, the majority of people inquiring getting quite unhappy with my responses. The pesticide/organic stigma is of course a carryover from more heavily regulated industries like the food industry, and unfortunately with the way that dispensaries work these days it is not quite as available of an option for the marijuana industry. 

First off, noone in the recreational or medical side of marijuana sales can be actually considered organic, whether or not it technically is, because none of it has been tested by the FDA to receive that status. This brings up the question “What does that official classification actually mean?” One of the more interesting things is that if you do claim your weed is organic you can potentially be sued. There have been several dispensaries that had to change their names because they initially went with some kind of name referencing “organic,” which again they do not have clearance to use. 

As far as pesticides go, the dispensary that I previously worked for did use them, much to the chagrin of many snooty customers, trying to berate me for a decision that my company made to protect their product. In the current industry, at least in Colorado, most larger scale producers have to use pesticides on their product because of their scale alone. The goal for many dispensaries is always to expand into larger and larger grows, so as to minimize loss pesticides are a necessary “evil,” as one plant getting sick in a hundred plus plant grow can be devastating to the entire environment if not treated. As far as I know the only dispensaries I’ve heard of not using any pesticides are primarily the smaller, medical only locations. 

These conversations are always hilarious to me. It makes me wonder how much stock people put into labels and ingredient listings, and how much they actually know about the production of products they take to be the “clean” ones they pride themselves on maintaining consumption of. And on that note, some people that I know have been smoking for years previous to any kind of regulated cannabis, in which case there is a good chance they’ve had something with pesticides used on it, or that wouldn’t technically count as organic just because of how it was grown, not to mention I’ve heard a ton of stories about growing amazing weed with just Miracle Gro. 

At the end of the day, pesticides are necessary for full sized production facilities, and the CDPHE is very involved in making sure that everything used is above board, limiting the useable pesticide brands to six that are allowed to be used in growing marijuana, I believe. Not to mention no matter what is used in the product’s production should be flushed out before curing, unless the growers literally don’t know what they’re doing, and that stuff is instantly recognizable, it will make you want to die. 

I’m not saying don’t inform yourself to the specifics of your dispensaries products, but don’t look down on me if I tell you there are pesticides used during production, you made this industry what it is. Not to mention there’s probably toxic dust in every inch of air that exists outside of a can.  

Choosing the Right Marijuana Edible For You

Posted by CANNASaver on Friday, 09 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Choosing the Right Edible for You

Edibles are becoming a major aspect of the Marijuana industry, in some people’s mind they have even more importance than just weed by itself. For a decent part of the Medical side of the weed industry they are very important, as they allow somewhat of a more seamless delivery of the cannibinoids they are looking for without having to interact with their lungs and respiratory system, as well as eliminating some of the less desirable aspects of smoking like coughing, dry mouth, resin dirtying up smoking utensils, as well as being a less challenging option for people with harsh arthritis or tremors, as grinding weed and packing a bowl and even smoking it can become a hassle for regular users. But more and more people are finding that the edibles they have been directed towards may not be as effective as they may have hoped, though the problem may not be with the quality of the edible itself. 

One of the major differences I have noticed people running into regularly is the kind of concentrates used to create the edibles themselves. The companies that produce edibles can go a few different routes in the infusion of their products, from the actual infusion process to the form of the THC being infused. For instance, some companies use what is essentially a very clean BHO product, similar to dabs but extra clarified, which work well for most people but in some cases doesn’t seem to process correctly in specific patient’s systems. When I encounter patients like this I generally try and push them to try something that has been created with cannabutter instead, which processes somewhat different and can be the missing element for several people I’ve talked to. Cannabutter also has some potential to retain a more complex profile than concentrates, as the flower itself is mixed straight with the butter that is then used to make edibles, usually more along the lines of baked goods and some chocolate hybrid edibles. If you have been having trouble getting the effects you’re looking for out of things like gummies or candies, it’s possible that this switch could greatly benefit you. 

Another element that is always important to consider is how much of the edible you are actually consuming. In some cases with larger edibles, such as full sized candy bars or very low dosage candies that you have to consume many pieces of to meet your dosage, the sugar content can become an issue especially when looking to use edibles for sleep, as the sugar can adversely affect the THC doing this job. This is also heavily dependent on what your actual dosage is, the higher you end up having to consume the more often you may run into these problems. I have talked to several customers that stray from edibles that may actually be more cost effective or the actual Indica/Sativa specific item they may be looking for simply because they don’t want to eat that much chocolate or candy. I am personally much more in favor of eating less actual edible mass in all categories, though I think there is definitely a market for full substantial actual snack or meal edibles. 

Some people that run into the common “THC gives me the munchies,” issue definitely benefit from having more to eat so as to avoid the problem of eating more than their dosage of edibles. Unfortunately because of the lack of regular demand for these kinds of products they are much harder to find on many dispensary shelves, even though there are companies that produce things like THC infused frozen pizzas. One solution to this is to go with pure cannabutter and just use it in conjunction with the food you  are going to eat anyway, everything from baked potatoes to a dollop in soup could be a much easier to control dosage option, though you will definitely have to feel out exactly how much yous hould be using, companies will always disclaim how much is technically in what amount of cannabutter bought at a dispensary but if you go the make-your-own route you definitely need to pay attention and start low, one of my neighbors basically quit trying after making a slightly too bomb plate of spaghetti. 

So there are many things to consider when you look for the edible that will give you the best version of what you are looking for, and I highly recommend making notes on what works for you and what seems to work less. I also recommend putting chocolate bar edibles in oatmeal, it’s the best. 

These Five States Will Vote in November to Legalize Marijuana

Posted by CANNASaver on Tuesday, 06 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Five States to Vote on Recreational Marijuana this November

The November elections are rapidly approaching, and marijuana industry entrepreneurs are watching closely the results of initiatives in five separate states that would pave the way for recreational marijuana dispensaries and more widespread cannabis cultivation. Voters in Arizona, California, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusettes will decide whether or not marijuana possession, cultivation, and retail recreational marijuana dispensaries will become legal just as they are in Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Washington D.C. Here is an overview of the different recreational marijuana legalization intitiatives for 2016 that will be decided on this November.

Arizona: Despite many challenges and obstacles along the way, Proposition 205 which would legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona has made its way onto the November ballot. A lawsuit that sought to block the measure from placement on the ballot was dismissed by the Superior Court of Maricopa County, and the Arizona Supreme Court upheld this decision after the challengers appealed. If voters approve the proposition, Arizona residents who are of adult age would be allowed to legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana, consume marijuana privately, and grow up to six marijuana plants. The proposition would also pave the way for retail recreational marijuana sales, imposing a 15% tax on cannabis sold at adult use marijuana dispensaries. The vote on the proposition is likely to be a close one. While a July poll showed only 39% of Arizona voters in support of marijuana legalization, the campaign in favor of Proposition 205 has raised a lot more money than the oppossition groups. The campaign for voting “yes” on Proposition 205 has amassed over three million dollars in donations, while the opposing campaign has raised less than one million. If Proposition 205 passes, revenues from taxes placed on retail marijuana sales will be utilized in part for education and public healthcare initiatives.

California: This November, California voters will decide on Proposition 64, titled the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The proposition would allow for recreational marijuana sales and establish the right of citizens age 21 and over to grow up to six plants and posess up to an ounce of marijuana. A15% retail tax on recreational cannabis would be established, and a system for expunging the records of past non-violent marijuana convictions would be put into place. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana, way back in 1996. If aproved, the taxes imposed on marijuana cultivation and sales could bring in over a billion dollars each year to California's strained budget, and could save the state millions by forgoing the expense of keeping non-violent marijuana offenders in prison. With millions more in fundraising donations raised by supporters and an August poll showing over 61% of California voters in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, Proposition 64 is very likely to pass.

Maine: It was a rocky road, but Question 1 which would legalize recreational marijuana sales, possession, and cultivation within the state of Maine will be put into the hands of voters this November. When supporters of the measure first submitted the signatures required to place Question 1 on the ballot, over half of the signatures were invalidated which left the group falling short of requirements. They challenged the decision and the ruling was overturned. When the signatures were reexamined in April, it was found that there were enough valid signatures to get Question 1 on the November ballot. If Question 1 passes, Maine residents age 21 and older will be able to purchase or possess up to 2 ½ ounces of marijuana and grow up to 6 flowering marijuana plants at a time. It would also impose a 10% sales tax on recreational marijuana sales. With a March poll indicating only a little over 53% of voters in Maine in favor of legalization, the fate of Question 1 is unclear, but it's likely to be a close call whichever way voters decide.

Massachusetts: Voters in Massachusetts will decide on Question 4, which would legalize the possession of an ounce of marijuana, allow for the cultivation of up to six marijuana plants, and establish a sales tax for recreational marijuana sales. Although Massachusetts approved medical marijuana in 2012, the first medical marijuana dispensary in the state didn't open its doors until June of this year. That doesn't give voters much time to see the marijuana industry in action and gauge its potentials, so it may be tough for some people to make a decision on Question 4. While an April poll conducted by Western New England University found 57% of Massachusetts voters in favor of recreational marijuana legalization, a poll conducted in July by Gravis Marketing showed only 41% of Massachusetts voters in support of making recreational cannabis legal. If campaign finance is any indication of who the winning team is, Question 4 has a really good shot of passing. Supporters have raised nearly half a million, while the oppossition has collected virtually nothing. River Rock Wellness of Colorado is one of the top contributors to the campaign, donating $10,000 in support of Question 4.

Nevada: In Nevada, voters will decide on Question 2, would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and allow adults to cultivate up to six marijuana plants. A 15% sales tax on recreational marijuana sales would be imposed, and consumption would be restricted to private areas which could include retail marijuana dispensaries. The tax revenue would be earmarked for use in the k-12 public education system. A poll conducted in July by a local news station found 50% of voters in support of Question 2, 41% oppossed, and 9% undecided, so it could really go either way and at this point, it's too close to call.

New Opportunities for Marijuana Businesses

The growing trend towards legalization opens the way for more marijuana businesses to thrive and profit. Entrepreneurs who are contemplating opening a marijuana dispensary, grow house, or other marijuana business in one of the five states who  are voting on recreational cannabis should look closely at each state's laws now to get an idea of all the details and regulations, and how to start the process of applying for a marijuana business license. States like Nevada will limit the number of marijuana establishments that can open up in any municipality if their legalization initiative passes, so business owners wishing to cash in will need to be ready to act quickly once the votes are counted. CannaSaver will keep you informed of the latest updates and elections results, so stay tuned.

420 Friendly Getaways for the Holiday Weekend

Posted by CANNASaver on Saturday, 03 September 2016 in Canna Blog

Just Say No…To National Parks, Spend Labor Day Somewhere 420 Safe

Marijuana is legal in several states now, with several more sure to come in the near future.  But just because pot is legal in a state does not mean that everywhere in that state is a safe place to spark up.  Marijuana is still illegal federally, so that means that it’s still illegal on any federal land.  Now it’s pretty easy to remember that federal courthouses and military bases are federal land, but there is one kind of federal land that we all seem to forget belongs to big brother - national parks and recreational facilities.  These lands are the most fantastic examples of what America the Beautiful really means, and because of this, they are the ones we want to visit and get high at the most.  But take this word of warning from the Savvy Stoner to heart.  Do not be tempted to bring pot onto federal land this Labor Day weekend, or anytime, even if it’s dank and the cheapest weed in Denver and you’re only cutting through the park.  You could end up like tens of thousands of others who thought they could get away with it – at the police station, having no fun at all. 

So where are some alternative places to enjoy your 420 friendly getaway, read on for some ideas to get you on your way to a legal and safe Labor Day celebration that includes memories that you want to remember.

State Parks

If your vacation plans bring you to Denver, or anywhere in Colorado, or the country, then state parks may be a great alternative to national parks. Every state has their own parks that uphold state laws, so if marijuana is legal in your state, then it’s legal in the state parks too unless it’s a park rule like no glass bottles.  And the choices of scenery, location, and recreation options are usually almost limitless.  In Colorado there are 42 state parks, with facilities in just about every nook and cranny of the state.  There is probably a state park within about an hour of where you are now, even if you don’t know it.  Many state parks are fairly unknown places, making the crowds much smaller than at more highly publicized places and making it much easier to rent a cabin, yurt, or campsite to enjoy your stash.  Remember though to always check individual park rules and always be private, discreet, and polite when enjoying your weed – it’s only right.

420 Friendly Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

Finding dispensaries, even good cheap dispensaries is pretty easy in Colorado, but that isn’t always the case when it comes to 420 friendly lodging.  Many national hotel chains still feel they must abide by federal law completely and refuse to allow 420 friendly advertising; but some do still make pot users feel right at home by providing accommodations like outdoor smoking areas to make up for the fact that marijuana smoking of any kind is not allowed in the guest rooms.  If that sounds a little too iffy, then there are pot friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts too.  420 friendly hotel rooms often come with, or have access to, bongs and vaporizers to add to your awesome Colorado marijuana experience.  If a little more homelike and cozy is what you want, then maybe the weed friendly bed and breakfast is for you.  These are just like “regular” B&B’s with one huge difference, weed!  Not only is its use encouraged, it is socially acceptable too.  These weed-centric B&B’s are usually within walking distance or so from at least one dispensary with great dispensary deals, and generally really nice places to just kick back and chill.

Private Property (with Permission)

Private property, like the kind owned by people you know, can be one of the best places to spend any holiday weekend.  Parking is usually free, the rooms are cheap, the roommates may be weird – but they’re usually related to you.  Oh, and there are usually plenty of great cheap dispensaries nearby where you can buy all the great cannabis products you need to have the best holiday weekend ever.  Edibles, wax, shatter, butter or dabs.  Whatever you call it; flower, bud, chronic or dank.  Friends and relatives’ homes or vacation property can make for the best 420 friendly vacation destinations.  Easy to book, 420 friendly, and best of all, cheap.  Your next Cannabis friendly vacation, think of your friends and family when you think of affordable and pot friendly places to stay and save your cash for great deals on $100 ounces and so much more.