Botanical blends and CBD: LiftMode Hemp’s synergistic secret – Leafly

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This article is brought to you by LiftMode Hemp, creating full-spectrum CBD products that allow you to choose your hemp.

LiftMode Hemp is bringing one-of-a-kind CBD oils to the market—boosted by plant-based powerhousesBy adding complementary plant compounds to its hemp-derived CBD, LiftMode Hemp creates blends that they hope will change how people consider their health and wellness.

“We wanted to use our expertise in plant-based natural ingredients to make a synergistic product that would be greater than the sum of its parts, then maximizes those benefits using other natural ingredients that were compatible, ” explains Armand Tuzel, a managing member of LiftMode.

With their botanical expertise, the team at LiftMode was able to begin crafting families of full-spectrum CBD oil products for health-conscious consumers. It’s this collaboration of natural ingredients that created the aptly named Synergy CBD Oil- their flagship product.

Ingredients that work with cannabinoids for synergy

Tuzel uses his background in biochemistry and years of studying plant-based health to help LiftMode find just the right ingredients for their Synergy CBD Oil. It’s blended to bring out the best in CBD, and conversely, for CBD to bring out the best of other powerful plants—whether taken orally or used on the skin.

It starts with raw, full-spectrum hemp extract in coconut-derived MCT oil, rich in terpenes, phytochemicals, and even chlorophyll.

“We chose the ingredients based on evidence along with personal experience using these ingredients on their own for different benefits,” explains Tuzel. “I knew how effective they were for me, and I realized that they were all compatible with CBD oil because they’re all oil soluble.”

Blackseed oil is the muscle of the blend. It’s rich in thymoquinone, an ingredient gaining popularity in natural wellness for its antioxidant and antifungal properties and reducing inflammation.

“It’s very well known for helping with a variety of health and healing properties, ranging from relaxing a tight chest to soothing achy joints,” Tuzel notes. It also contains curcumin, the robust compound in turmeric, and Boswellia, also known as frankincense. Methyl salicylate from wintergreen packs an extra punch when taken orally or cools the skin when used topically.

The unique combination of oleamide, derived from oleic acid, and CBD in the right proportions is what Tuzel is especially proud of—he says they’re likely the first company in the CBD market to use it.  The combination is particularly effective to help promote relaxation and aid with sleep.

“Every ingredient synergizes extremely well with the other trace cannabinoids that are present in a full spectrum extract,” says Tuzel. “The combination of these ingredients is unique—they don’t occur in other products on the market.”

“It makes it a more noticeably effective product,” he adds.

Creating a family of CBD products 

For its Energy and Calm CBD oils, LiftMode takes the same ethos they applied to the Synergy CBD Oil – making “The CBD That Does More”—and harnesses it for specific situations.

Designed for winding down at the end of the day, Calm CBD Oil for Sleep contains melatonin, a hormone your brain creates in response to darkness, along with a collection of terpenes and essential oils designed to promote relaxation. The Energy CBD Oil, on the other hand, is designed to give a boost. B12, a vitamin that helps regulate red blood cell production and the nervous system, and a terpene blend optimized for revitalization.

Both oils hold up to the same rigorous potency and purity standards as the Synergy CBD Oil and are packed with minor cannabinoids for a robust addition to a wellness routine.

The bee’s knees of CBD?

Whether it’s the synergy oil or a gummy, quality is always front-of-mind for LiftMode Hemp.

For example: When developing their Silk Relief CBD Hemp Salve, they didn’t settle for just any carrier oil or base.

“We searched for something that wouldn’t be greasy or oily or leave residues on the skin,” he explains. “We wanted it to absorb quickly and have soothing properties.”

They ended up settling on a unique grade of beeswax that wasn’t waxy. Instead, careful processing allows it to be absorbed quickly by the skin, leaving a silky finish. As with their other products, in addition to full-spectrum CBD oil, the salve contains a host of corresponding botanicals, like geranium and chamomile, meant to help with minor joint pain and muscle soreness.

“We spent time trying to find the perfect components that would maximize skin soothing and moisturizing without any residue,” says Tuzel.

He was inspired to create the product from his own experience. When they developed the salve, it was wintertime, and he’d just come back into town to cold, dry weather—and the resulting dry, itchy skin.

Tulin Tuzel, also a managing member at LiftMode, says this personal approach is part of what keeps their standards so high. The diversity of the LiftMode Team, in expertise and skillsets, and also age and gender, are a strong asset in developing products.

“It’s a common practice for all of us to use the product—to show that it actually works and continue to improve it to its maximum potential, based on our own experiences,” she says. “If we won’t personally use a product for the intended benefit, then it is not ready. We take time to formulate, develop, test, and improve because our ultimate goal is to earn customer trust,” she says.

At LiftMode Hemp, it’s all about Synergy—whether its products combining the benefits of botanicals and CBD, or the Team working together to make CBD the best it can be.

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Win a Dr. Dabber SWITCH and 2 CBD Cartridge and Battery Combos! | Houston Free Stuff – Houston Press

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Is It Safe to Use CBD While Pregnant? – Yahoo Lifestyle

Click here to read the full article. ” data-reactid=”28″>Click here to read the full article.

use of CBD oil has been all the rage in recent years, thanks to its treatment and relief from a number of ailments including stress and pain. From lotions to beauty treatments, CBD therapeutic products are popping up everywhere. So it’s no surprise that pregnant mamas might reach for a CBD salve to help alleviate any of their uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, like anxiety, nausea and sore feet.” data-reactid=”29″>The use of CBD oil has been all the rage in recent years, thanks to its treatment and relief from a number of ailments including stress and pain. From lotions to beauty treatments, CBD therapeutic products are popping up everywhere. So it’s no surprise that pregnant mamas might reach for a CBD salve to help alleviate any of their uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, like anxiety, nausea and sore feet.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid in the family of cannabinoids that can be found in marijuana.  Unlike THC — which is marijuana’s most active ingredient that leaves you feeling high — CBD is touted for its medicinal usage without leaving you feeling buzzed. “It is the sister that stays home and cleans the house, while the THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid, is the life of the party,” Dr. Mary Clifton, M.D., an NYC-based CBD and Cannabis expert, tells SheKnows.

Why Pregnant Women Might Want to Try it

Heally, tells SheKnows.” data-reactid=”38″>“While there are pharmaceutical treatments for all these ailments, many health-conscious women want to use more natural treatments wherever possible. As a plant-based supplement, an increasing number of pregnant women are interested in CBD products,” Dr. Cheryl Bugailiskis, Cannabis Specialist at Heally, tells SheKnows.

The reasons are valid.

Clinical research has shown that CBD has demonstrated to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as insomnia.” data-reactid=”40″>Clinical research has shown that CBD has demonstrated to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as insomnia.

However, says Bugailiskis, the use of CBD during pregnancy remains “controversial.”

Why it’s controversial

“The FDA released a warning in October 2019 cautioning against the use of cannabis products, including CBD, while pregnant,” says Bugailiskis. “While CBD research remains limited at this time, some animal studies have shown impairment of fetuses when CBD was used. Lack of regulation of CBD products is also a concern – while reputable providers offer quality products, less scrupulous ones have been found to sell products contaminated with harmful chemicals.”

According to Dr. Sarah Melancon, Ph.D, a sociologist and clinical sexologist, who has done extensive research on CBD, sexuality and pregnancy, CBD increases the signaling of the cannabinoid anandamide (AEA), and, as a result, has a dose-dependent effect on aspects related to reproduction, “which is cause for concern,” she says. Melancon says high levels of AEA are associated with miscarriage in humans, particularly in the first trimester. “On the other hand, low levels of AEA help with implantation and placenta development,” she says. “AEA levels stay low during pregnancy, rising during the third trimester of pregnancy 2-4x and are connected with labor onset.” According to Melancon women with preterm labor/birth have higher levels of AEA, and even among premature births, “those with the highest levels of AEA delivered fastest.”

Since CBD can elevate AEA levels, Melancon says using CBD during pregnancy has the potential to cause miscarriage in the first trimester, as well as increased risk of preterm labor and birth.

“This is especially concerning, because many women may be using CBD before they know they are pregnant, which may be contributing to miscarriages,” she says. “More research is needed, but at present a better-safe-than-sorry approach is warranted.”

Studies that are available regarding CBD and pregnancy include women who have chosen to use cannabis during their pregnancies. These studies “support that the use of cannabinoids result in intrauterine growth retardation  — stunting the growth of the unborn baby,” says Clifton.

“At this point, studies suggest that there is not only risk to the growth to the fetus in general, but also that early exposure to cannabinoids may impact the developing brain,” she says. “Pregnant women should avoid the use of cannabinoid formulations.” While the research on CBD has remained limited, according to Clifton, the studies done “are consistent that the growth of the baby is affected.”

What can pregnant women use instead?

“There are a number of things that stimulate and balance the tone of encodcannabinoid system (ECS),” says Clifton. “Pinene, for example, from pine trees or more commonly pine nuts or basil, is excellent for the ECS. Limonene from lemons and other citrus is also delicious and helpful.  Beta Caryophyllene and the extracts from black pepper support the tone of the ECS marvelously.” She recommends talking with your essential oils expert — as well as those at Boomer Natural Wellness — since they carry products “that support ECS tone without exposure to cannabinoids.”

Looking for something completely natural? Bugailiski says that “many women swear by ginger tea or candies to alleviate nausea. Some herbal teas and natural supplements can help with insomnia, and therapy is always an excellent option for dealing with depression or anxiety.”

The Best CBD-Infused Products to Enjoy” data-reactid=”55″>Launch Gallery: The Best CBD-Infused Products to Enjoy

SheKnows’ Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.” data-reactid=”61″>Sign up for SheKnows’ Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

COVID-19: How cannabis companies are helping in the crisis – Leafly

David DownsMarch 31, 2020

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Cops and nurses get first crack at Care By Design hand sanitizer in Santa Rosa, CA. The company repurposed industrial hash and topicals manufacturing equipment to battle COVID-19. (Courtesy Care By Design)

Cops and nurses get first crack at Care By Design hand sanitizer in Santa Rosa, CA. The company repurposed industrial hash and topicals manufacturing equipment to battle COVID-19. (Courtesy Care By Design)

During World War II, America crushed fascism by repurposing automobile factories into making fighters and bombers.

In today’s war on COVID-19, America’s $10.73 billion legal marijuana sector is rapidly redeploying assets to help fight SARS-CoV-2, with the goal of saving as many lives as possible. Legal cannabis makers have begun repurposing hash supply chains for hand sanitizer. Marijuana farmers are donating pest control gowns to desperate hospitals. And once-derided ‘pot shops’ are running food drives to keep America’s most vulnerable fed.

Looking for legal cannabis? Leafly has all your local menus

From hash to hand sanitizer

Healthcare workers nationwide have spent a month begging the public for more personal protective equipment—latex gloves, respirators, goggles, face shields, gowns, and disinfectants. Hundreds of thousands of lives are on the line if healthcare collapses under a wave of COVID cases.

Cannabis employs 243,700 Americans, many of them deemed “essential” and exempt from stay-at-home orders. They’re handling double the usual retail orders, and maintaining the weed supply chain, while also pitching into their communities.

Related

Cannabis and coronavirus: Here’s what you need to know

In Santa Rosa, CA, about 5,000, 1-ounce tubes of hand sanitizer went out to Bay Area hospitals and police departments March 28, with another 20,000 on the way, courtesy of leading extract maker Care By Design.

Known statewide for the THC gel caps, tinctures, and vape pens, Care By Design converted a portion of their manufacturing space and production capacity to formulate and package up some COVID-killing gel. Hand sanitizer is back-ordered for weeks on Amazon.

care by design, hand sanitizer, covid-19

Care By Design is making hand sanitizer instead of extracts to help with COVID-19. (Courtesy Care by Design)

Jim Hourigan, CEO of Care By Design’s parent company CannaCraft, said “when we started hearing reports of a shortage in hand sanitizer, we knew that we could be of assistance without negatively impacting our employees or our operations.”

CannaCraft founder Dennis Hunter told Leafly that ingredients and packaging once used to make cannabis extracts and skin creams are now keeping cops and nurses safe at work.

Earlier this month CannaCraft called upon three staff chemists to compound ethanol and other medical-grade alcohol with 55-gallon drums of aloe vera—both of which CannaCraft had at the plant. Their on-site lab verified the compound’s strength against SARS-CoV-2, according to FDA guidance documents. CannaCraft then repurposed unused topicals packaging, industrial bottle-filling machines, and label makers to mass-produce the needed supplies.

CannaCraft had planned to release the initial 40-gallon, 5,000-tube run of hand sanitizer to cannabis stores and delivery services. But a local newspaper story drew the attention of nearby nurses and cops. On March 26, CannaCraft loaded cases of Care By Design hand sanitizer into a Santa Rosa Police Department patrol vehicle.

Cannabis companies are redeploying industrial equipment and logistics to fight COVID-19. (Courtesy Care By Design)

Cannabis companies are redeploying industrial equipment and logistics to fight COVID-19. (Courtesy Care By Design)

That’s a far cry from four years ago, when public safety officials urged voters to reject Proposition 64.

“It’s just really amazing to be able to be in that position to help people and the community, and be part of the solution to the things we’re dealing with,” Hunter said.

Related

Is my dispensary open and can they deliver cannabis right now?

Stepping up around the nation

CannaCraft isn’t the only company stepping up. Others around the industry are doing their part, including:

“The industry is rallying,” said Hunter. “Not just to help each other, but others.”

Jahlibyrd: masks, hospital and food bank space

On March 30, Jahlibyrd, based in Nevada County, CA, near Lake Tahoe, received a huge order of masks destined for the entire front line—cops, nurses, and cannabis workers included. The company had anticipated the community need for masks weeks ago, and put in an order.

“We’ve been tracking this virus for a while and believe it’s a much bigger deal than most people do,” said Sky Rutherford, Jahlibyrd’s head of construction. “We are donating to multiple different first responders. We’re in touch with three different firehouses, the sheriffs department and two to three different medical clinics, as well the CEO of Dignity Health.”

Jahlibyrd has also donated the use of a 7,000 square-foot building to their local hospital for surge capacity, and 5,000 square-feet of space to the Nevada County food bank.

marijuana, covid19

Nevada County, CA cannabis brand Jahlybird distributes masks to local cops, nurses, and cannabis couriers this April. (Courtesy Jahlybird)

“We just want to show everyone that if everyone does a little we can accomplish a lot,” said Rutherford. “Just because we sell cannabis doesn’t mean we’re just in it for the money. It’s all about the community during these times.”

Food bank programs ramps up

Cannabis culture is rooted in compassion, from Brownie Mary Rathbun forward.

As sales surge at stores, cannabis retailers’ COVID-19 philanthropy efforts are just starting to ramp up. Many retail canna-businesses have existing food bank programs that they’re supporting as millions of Americans file for unemployment and face food scarcity.

For example, the Glass House group donates 5% of product sales from its Santa Barbara adult-use store to the Santa Barbara Foodbank. Farmacy employees also get paid sick leave and team lunches each day from local restaurants.

Santa Barbara’s local cannabis farming industry group has started the 93013 Fund (for the local ZIP code), and is donating $20,000 to local causes. Their fundraising target is $200,000.

Similarly:

  • Leading Bay Area, CA delivery service Sava donates 10% of sales to charity partners providing protective equipment for California medical workers.
  • ZoneIn CBD—a national brand from former NFL all-pro linebacker Lofa Tatupu—reports they will donate $5 of all purchases to Food Lifeline.
  • DefyCBD, co-founded by former NFL running back Terrell Davis, donated $400,000 in CBD drinks to Feeding America.

Compassion programs expand

Compassion programs earmark free or reduced-price cannabis for low-income medical cannabis patients and others. These programs have never been more important as folks on fixed incomes get squeezed hard.

Barbary Coast has two stores in San Francisco, and sold compassion eighth-ounces from Sherbinskis for $1, instead of the regular $75, to anyone in need on March 30. Dubbed Sherbinskis in Place, the eights sold out in a single morning. Similar sales will likely follow.

We’ll list more philanthropic sales drives as we learn about them.

See more cannabis industry efforts to fight COVID-19? Share them in the comments below.

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David Downs

David Downs directs news and lifestyle coverage as the California Bureau Chief for Leafly.com. He’s written for WIRED, Rolling Stone and Billboard, and is the former cannabis editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as the author of several cannabis books including 'Marijuana Harvest’ by Ed Rosenthal and David Downs. He co-hosts The Hash podcast. TW: @davidrdowns | IG @daviddowns

Colorado Hemp Companies Offer Free CBD to Unemployed | Westword – Westword

Several Colorado CBD companies are offering free products during the coronavirus pandemic, giving CBD oils, capsules, gels and even hand sanitizer to customers, health-care workers, people who’ve been laid off and others facing hard times financially.

Not that the owners of those companies are in much better shape.

Chris Bedrosian, founder of Lakewood hemp and CBD shop Flora’s Mercantile & Hemp Emporium, says that she has about eighty bottles of CBD tincture that represented the profit from her latest batch. Although she can still sell products online, business has slowed significantly since her shop was forced to temporarily close under a statewide stay-at-home order from Governor Jared Polis. Even so, instead of selling her bottles of 2,000-milligram CBD tincture, she wants to donate them to people affected by the coronavirus.

„I can’t just sit here and do nothing but unfortunately, that’s all I can do,” Bedrosian says. „I’m not saying CBD will save them, but introducing CBD to your system is like switching the breakers on in the house, and everything starts to work better. If you can give anyone the tools to help their bodies, that’s worth it.”

Marijuana Deals Near You

Although not affirmed by the Food and Drug Administration and largely unregulated, CBD products taken orally have shown potential in treating daily and chronic ailments such as pain, inflammation and anxiety. Bedrosian says that anyone working in health-care businesses or at dispensaries is eligible for the hand-outs, and she’s open to hearing other legitimate requests, too. (If you think you fit the Flora’s criteria, send an email to info@florasmercantile.com with a photo of your work identification badge or a current — and blacked-out — paycheck, and well as your phone number, e-mail address and shipping information.)

„If someone asks me for it, and they need it and work in some version of health care, I’ll send them a bottle. If you’re out there on the frontlines, I will send you a bottle,” she explains. „When I can afford to buy more ingredients, I’ll offer some more.”

While Flora’s is offering free products for at-risk and critical employees, other brands are looking out for the unemployed or laid off. NewLeaf Brands, a Denver-based CBD company, has decided to give a free sample valued at about $15 to anyone who’s out of work or at-risk because of the coronavirus impact. According to chief marketing officer Ben Martch, a sample pack includes one of the following: a CBD vape pen, CBD-infused tea or CBD capsules, as well as a CBD-infused dog treat for pet owners.

„A lot of my close friends and associates are out of work. A pen or tea before bed or first thing in the morning, that can help,” he says. „I’ve worked in clubs and bars for a long time, and I’ve managed some artists. I have a lot of friends who are going through it.”

A former music promoter, Martch notes that bartending, waiting tables and other service jobs are common ways for musicians, comedians and artists to supplement their incomes. „When they’re not touring or doing shows, they work at bars and restaurants,” he points out. But not these days.

To sign up for a sample, head to the NewLeaf signup form, and answer some basic questions about your shipping address and current employment situation; Martch says that critical workers are eligible, too, as are those who are still working but losing wages. While the promotion is aimed toward local residents, Martch is open to sending packets outside Colorado for a select number of applicants before he has to start charging for shipping.

Other Colorado CBD brands have started other programs. Good Vibe Mafia is giving away free bottles of CBD-infused hand sanitizer with the purchase of any regular CBD product online. Denver-based hemp supplement company Entourage Hemp held a drive-thru giveaway on March 28, handing out CBD soft gels at a dance-hall parking lot in Wheat Ridge.

It’s not the same as free turkeys from Al Capone before Thanksgiving, but Martch believes it’s a sign of a growing community, and a unique one at that.

„It has a Denver-strong sort of thing about it,” he says.

Cannabis and Coronavirus – Packaging World

Recreational and medical cannabis deemed essential to cope with 'stay-at-home' orders.

Recreational and medical cannabis deemed essential to cope with „stay-at-home” orders.

According to MJBizDaily.com, in states where officials have issued “stay-at-home” orders, both medical and recreational (adult-use) cannabis operations have remained open, deemed essential services. 

Most states are requiring these businesses to observe social distancing recommendations and limiting number of customers in the facility at any one time. 

Like everything else in the cannabis world, each state has their own take on guidelines.  Colorado, for instance, allows medical customers into the dispensary, while recreational users have to order with curbside delivery.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock had to reverse his initial decision to close both dispensaries and liquor stores.  “Originally slated to close at 5 p.m. March 24 along with dozens of other retail operations deemed non-essential by the city, which are ordered to stay shuttered until April 10, recreational dispensaries and liquor stores in Denver may now remain open „with extreme physical distancing in place,”  Source: Westword.

Denver residents immediately began forming long lines at both types of establishments, and Hancock had to reverse his order.  His actions were creating the exact problem he as trying to avoid—gatherings of larger groups of people!

With both cannabis and CBD often associated with helping anxiety, it no wonder Denver residents ventured forth when their supply was threatened to be cut off.  It’s all about the chain!

As Covid 19 plays havoc with the world economy, MJBiz writers John Schroyer and Bart Schaneman discus cannabis’ possible role as a “recession-proof” industry and point to alcohol as a good indicator.  Consumers use alcohol, cannabis, and even OTC and prescription drugs to relax.  And in some cases, with liquor and pot, to reward themselves after a hard day at work (or a hard day staying at home, either alone or with children and seniors they might be caring for). 

Not as certain is the link between cannabis packaging and the global supply chain.  Many producers, especially those on the West Coast, order packaging materials from Asia and there have been disruptions at shipping terminals, etc.  Growers and retailers using local packaging sources may have some advantage, at least temporarily.  Like severe weather events and other natural disasters, Covid 19 illustrates the necessity of having multiple suppliers in different locations.

The virus has brought even more confusion to the cannabis industry, as discussions continue over the necessity for workers to wear gloves and masks, as well as implementing stepped-up cleaning procedures (how much and how often.)

Packaging World and Healthcare Packaging editors write extensively about cannabis packaging. 

 For the Umpteenth Time, Cannabis Market Hard to Define

 Contract Packaging Potential in the  Industry 

 Or listen to our podcast, ”Don’t Fear The Reefer.”  

Cannabis businesses committed to protecting public health in call for state to designate licensed adult sales – MassLive.com

An open letter to Massachusetts state officials:

On March 23, Gov. Charles D. Baker issued COVID-19 Order No. 13, requiring all businesses that do not provide “essential services” to close their facilities to workers, customers and the public until April 7, 2020. The order included “licensed medical marijuana retailers” in a list of essential services that would be allowed to remain operational, but it did not include adult-use cannabis retailers. As a result, licensed sales of cannabis for adult use have been halted since March 24.

The governor explained the decision at a news conference, noting medical cannabis retailers would be „treated for all intents and purposes the same way we treat healthcare operations.” He also said the „main reason” for shutting down adult cannabis sales was to avoid attracting visitors from other states, which could hinder efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

We fully share the governor’s concern for the health and safety of Commonwealth residents. At the same time, we know from experience that tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of residents do, in fact, consider cannabis essential, which in turn makes our services essential. Individuals who purchase cannabis in the adult-use market range from veterans who are unable to obtain medical marijuana cards to hard-working citizens who rely on cannabis for a good night’s sleep. This is why other states, such as California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and even the highly impacted state of Washington, have declared adult-use sales essential or otherwise allowed adult-use sales to continue in their COVID-19 declarations.

Public policy must take into account the unique status and history of cannabis in our society. If there is no pasta at the Stop & Shop, people don’t turn to the underground pasta market. The same is not true of cannabis. Absent our services, consumers are likely to seek cannabis through unregulated, hand-to-hand transactions with friends, family members, or other individuals who are not subject to the type of strict controls that can be enforced in a licensed business. We do not believe that is in the public interest.

To prevent an increase in underground transactions, we want to work with state officials, including members of the Cannabis Control Commission, to ensure that Massachusetts residents continue to have safe and reliable access to cannabis. To that end, we are 100% committed, as we have been since the launch of the regulated cannabis market, to complying with whatever regulations are deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of our fellow citizens.

Limiting transactions to Massachusetts residents

We will start with Gov. Baker’s primary concern about the adult-use market: that individuals from other states will travel to Massachusetts to purchase cannabis from our regulated market. We are fully supportive of limiting sales to Massachusetts residents during this health crisis and will not only enforce that policy, but will do our part to educate the public about that restriction once it is enacted.

Employing a broad range of protective measures

As noted, the cannabis industry is already highly regulated. From our cultivation and production facilities to our retail stores, our employees are trained to follow standard operating procedures and treat regulatory compliance as a primary responsibility. They can be trusted to take on the additional responsibility of employing stringent protective measures in the coming months. In fact, we have already initiated new practices in our medical marijuana dispensaries in Massachusetts and, for some of us, in adult-use retail stores in other states. These protective measures, which are similar to those being employed in other industries, include:

  • Moving all adult-use sales to pre-order and pick-up only;
  • Requiring customers to show an order confirmation prior to entering a dispensary;
  • Adopting and enforcing social distancing requirements, as well as anti-congregating measures to eliminate lines;
  • Where permitted by regulation, implementing curbside pick-up; and
  • Ensuring employees follow all practices necessary to protect the health of customers and fellow employees, including mandated hand washing, regular cleaning of surfaces, and requiring employees to stay home if they feel sick.

Providing security for cannabis industry workers

While public health and safety is our primary goal, we would be remiss if we did not note that there are thousands of good-paying jobs potentially threatened by the continued shuttering of these adult-use cannabis stores. Of course, this is unfortunately true for so many other industries in the Commonwealth and our hearts go out to all employees who are currently out of work and to business owners who are struggling to keep their companies afloat. What does make us unique, however, is that cannabis businesses are not eligible for any share of the hundreds of billions of dollars in federal Small Business Administration loans being made available to businesses across the country. Because cannabis remains illegal under federal law, the Paycheck Protection Program enacted by Congress last week does nothing to protect the paychecks of our workers. Therefore, we can use all the support we can get from our state.

Thank you for considering our input as we all try to navigate these challenging times. We look forward to working with you to resolve this situation in a manner that addresses the needs and interests of all stakeholders.

Licensed Massachusetts cannabis operators and pending applicants:

  • 1906
  • Altitude Organic of Massachusetts Apothca, Inc.
  • Apotho Therapeutics
  • ARL Healthcare
  • Ascend Mass, LLC
  • Bask, Inc.
  • The Botanist
  • Bud’s Goods & Provisions Corp.
  • Cannatech Medicinals Inc.
  • Caregiver Patient Connection, LLC
  • CommCan, Inc.
  • Commonwealth Farm 1761, Inc.
  • Evokanna, LLC
  • Evoke
  • Full Harvest Moonz
  • Garden Remedies, Inc.
  • Green Line Dispensaries
  • Green Railroad
  • Herban Legends of Boston, LLC
  • MassGrow, LLC
  • Mayflower Medicinals, Inc.
  • Munro Associates, LLC
  • Northeast Alternatives, Inc.
  • OBCC, LLC
  • Patient Centric of Martha’s Vineyard, Ltd.
  • Pleasantrees
  • Pure Industries, Inc.
  • Sanctuary Medicinals, Inc.
  • Treevit, LLC
  • Western Front, LLC

Members of the broader Massachusetts cannabis business community:

  • 101 Bedford Investments LLC
  • Burns & Levinson LLP
  • CohnReznick LLP
  • GFA Federal Credit Union

Cannabis Delivery Proves Essential During COVID-19 Quarantine – Green Market Report

There are so many disturbing and upsetting developments that have occurred over the last month concerning the global pandemic, Coronavirus, that it is hard to count. But one specific development has been pretty interesting in regard to cannabis legalization. State after sate has determined cannabis to be an “essential” part of life. This is quite the validation the industry has been seeking since prohibition. And with this “essential” new status has come a surge in sales across the board as users stock pile the items they feel they need the most to get through these trying times.

Although sales are surging for the industry overall, one group of license holders have become more essential than others: delivery services. Considering the nature of a viral pandemic and the need to stay as far away from other human beings as possible, it makes sense that having your groceries, alcohol, toilet paper and weed delivered would feel the safest.

States like Louisiana, Pennsylvania and NJ, among many more, have changed their cannabis rules almost completely to allow for either delivery or curbside pick-up. It would have normally taken years to have these services accepted and implemented. Over the next year, as the virus begins to recede, it will be interesting to see if these changes will remain permanent.

Driven Deliveries Inc. announced that over the last 10 days the company has experienced record growth and demand with a greater than 100% increase in sales. Following California’s decision to deem Cannabis deliveries an “essential business,” Driven is increasing infrastructure to provide California customers safe access to legal cannabis through the government mandated quarantine.

“Driven Deliveries was founded on the bedrock principle of enabling universal access to cannabis to California’s population,” said Driven Deliveries’ CEO Christian Schenk. “Driven is the only service that provides deliveries to 92% of California’s population, giving millions of people access to on-demand legal cannabis from the security and safety of their own home during this very difficult time”.

The impact of coronavirus has required Driven to scale its driver network to meet the increase in demand. In an effort to comply with Government orders to stay home, Driven expects further growth as people continue to incorporate delivery services into their new routines.

Finally, Driven continues to innovate in ways to make delivery both easier and safer. Driven’s delivery system allows consumers to leverage electronic payment methods as well as cash, making it significantly more convenient than other options. In addition to the extra steps being taken to ensure safe deliveries through the use of protective disposable gloves and continuous sanitization, Driven is also exploring new ways that technology can be used for a contact free delivery while still meeting the ID verification requirements.

Groups like Driven Deliveries understand that anxiety and stress are increased around the country, and that both medical and recreational customers want access to cannabis without the risk of exposure associated with visiting a dispensary.

Tokr, a Los Angeles-based delivery service, reports a delivery increase of 287 percent since March 12, 2020. The company also says that its average cart size has tripled. “People are really stocking up anticipating they will be home for an extended period of time,” explained Matthew Singer, CO-founder & CEO of Tokr . Its drivers also remain 6 feet from all consumers during delivery transactions, Tokr says.

Delivery has emerged as the ideal way to get your cannabis. It will be difficult for states that had not allowed delivery services prior to the virus to go back to business as usual once things clear up. Cannabis delivery will most likely be a staple to the cannabis industry country-wide moving forward.

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Imperium Group Talks to JetFuel CEO, Enas Barkho, a Cannabis Entrepreneur – Yahoo Finance

social piece of Los Angeles.” data-reactid=”12″>NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 31, 2020 / ​Let’s take it back to 1998 when Enas Barkho was a Junior in high school who at an early age knew that one day cannabis would become recreational and change the world. Enas knew he would be a part of this evolution and would be a key player in bridging cannabis and music together. Enas was a cannabis connoisseur and an entrepreneur by the age of 17 who in 10 years would be the founder of one of the greatest cannabis brands known as Jetfuel. Enas, not being a stranger to creativity, likes hitting multiple birds with one stone. His track record of talent management as well as keeping strong public relations in the community while running a cannabis brand have not gone unnoticed. Enas played a critical role in having joined the claim to fame of administering hip hop management with creating pot to order the social piece of Los Angeles.

many different social media influencers as well as customers that like to post pictures and caption "JetfuelOG" on their social media accounts such as Instagram and Snapchat.” data-reactid=”13″>Jetfuel, known as a luxury weed brand, has a reputation of being high quality with a strong high and is being sold in various dispensaries in all of California. It’s marketed by many different social media influencers as well as customers that like to post pictures and caption „JetfuelOG” on their social media accounts such as Instagram and Snapchat.

Recreational marijuana sales are up substantially from approximately $2.5 billion in 2018, the first year of licensed cannabis sales in California, in keeping with the evaluation by using multiple sales-monitoring firms. After a rocky start in 2018, outlets which have survived California’s tough licensing are trying out and packaging guidelines are „battle-hardened” and stronger because of an influx of investment that has allowed them to take benefit of the state’s big populace and pent-up demand for legal products, said numerous analysts for income-tracking firms. California being a global hotspot for hip hop and marijuana, Enas is successfully gaining market capitalization in both industries which is a very tough feat.

Enas, the founder of talent management group Face Card, has been in the creative industry for over 15 years. Enas and his team have managed artists such as Cypress hill, Talib Kweli and Xzibit. These rappers have been growing their platforms and user base rapidly as they focus on West Coast Hip Hop which is a re-emerging genre in the Hip Hop and R&B scene.

After managing such big artists, Enas wanted to venture off and see where else he could take artists’ careers. As the artists were all pioneers in the marijuana space Enas quickly pivoted and started to invest heavily in creating brands in the cannabis industry labeling the brand „Jet Fuel”. They have been creating a unique brand that offers a different, more high-end cannabis, with extremely high THC percentage, giving customers a very high-end product.

„JetfuelOG” is the strain of marijuana. The brand has a reputation for being high quality and consistent. It’s one of the traditional brands emerging in the compliant market.

shazir@imperium-pr.com

https://www.accesswire.com/583320/Imperium-Group-Talks-to-JetFuel-CEO-Enas-Barkho-a-Cannabis-Entrepreneur