Seth Yakatan

Here, sharing an article I contributed to: "Rescheduling of Cannabis: What the Experts Think" on CBD Oracle. 🚀 This compilation joins thoughts from a dozen industry experts, around what moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III could mean for everyone involved – from users and researchers to businesses and policymakers. I had the chance to share my thoughts alongside a strong group of other experts in the field. We covered a lot of ground, from legal implications to scientific research and economic impacts. It’s a comprehensive look at a topic that’s more relevant than ever. Check it out the summary here: https://lnkd.in/es5E745R Or the full interviews here: https://lnkd.in/euGCHbiQ This discussion isn't going anywhere... no matter who gets elected, cannabis will be front and center of human culture from now on... Certainly so, if there's anything I have to say about it! 😉 Let’s keep the conversation going! 🌿💬

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Organic Blooms LLC, Niagara Nugget LLC, Blackmark LLC, and Windward Management LLC have filed a verified petition and complaint against the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). This action challenges the respondents' actions, claiming they exceeded their statutory authority under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). Key points: - The MRTA, signed into law on March 31, 2021, requires the application period for adult-use cannabis retail dispensary licenses to be open to all applicants simultaneously. - In 2022, the CCB and OCM created the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, limiting applicants to those with prior cannabis convictions and qualifying business experience. - The CCB and OCM allowed CAURD applicants to apply without identifying proposed premises or notifying municipalities, which contradicts MRTA's requirements. - Petitioners argue that this selective application process was arbitrary and capricious, lacking factual justification, and unfairly burdensome to other applicants who complied with all rules. Petitioners are seeking: - A declaration that the CCB and OCM’s actions were unlawful. - Annulling all licenses improperly granted under these conditions. - Temporary and preliminary injunctions to prevent further licensing without proper compliance. - Damages, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees. The case points to significant concerns about regulatory fairness and adherence to statutory requirements in New York. 

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Prescription Cannabis Flower: Secret Santa for Chronic Pain Relief? A groundbreaking study dives into the largest-ever U.S. dataset of real-time reactions and side effect reports from patients. The mission? To uncover how cannabis impacts pain intensity in the moment and which product traits pack the biggest punch for therapeutic relief. Science just got a little greener. https://lnkd.in/euPc_5yc

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War on drugs is a war on people. Thanks to Gov. Newsom's emergency regulation, parents needing safe access to cbd for their kids are now criminals. Again. This is a massive step backwards. I do not support regulations like this at all. There were several other options that could have created a safer hemp market. Do I think we need to figure out the farm act so that it protects consumers? Yes. Do I think these products need age gates? Yes. Do I think these products should be tested by a reputable lab? Yes. Prohibition does not work. Do better.

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⚡️ The Beam Laser: More Than Just a Vaporizer – It's a Platform for Innovation ⚡️ Let’s be honest: The way we vaporize cannabinoids and active compounds today is stuck in the past. Whether it’s in the cannabis industry or pharmaceutical sector or clinical psychedelics or nicotine, we’re long overdue for a serious upgrade. That’s where Lumenary comes in. This isn't just a vaporizer – it's a cutting-edge platform that can revolutionize multiple verticals. From cannabis to pharma (and beyond), we’re talking about a technology that delivers unparalleled dose precision, safety, and scalability that other methods can’t compete with. Imagine a world where your actives are distilled with precision dosing for consistent delivery without carriers, cutting agents, or propellants. The Beam Laser opens up possibilities that stretch far beyond what we’ve come to expect from traditional vaporizers. It’s time we challenge the status quo: 🛑 Why settle for technology that only serves a single purpose made unsustainbly with questionable sources, when we can embrace a technology platform that scales across multiple industries? Creating a new gold standard of inhalation safety. This is about more than just cannabis. The Beam Laser is ready to disrupt markets that haven’t seen innovation in years, offering solutions in pharmaceuticals, wellness, clinical psychedelics and more. Are we ready to move forward, or are we stuck playing catch-up? The future belongs to those who innovate across industries – and that future is now with The Beam Laser. Let’s talk about how this tech can push boundaries. What’s your take? Are we ready to see vaporization and delivery systems evolve, or are we too comfortable with old tech? Drop your thoughts below or reach out if you want to learn how the Beam Laser is reshaping the future of multiple industries. 🚀

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In a recent podcast episode I did with Mind Aura Lab, we briefly touched on the ways my college degree has come into my work in the cannabis space. At Oregon State University, I studied Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. You might ask, what does that have to do with my journey as a cannabis entrepreneur? A lot more than you’d think! That degree has uniquely shaped my experiences as a female founder in the cannabis industry. It’s a topic that’s always on my mind, but the podcast conversation reignited my reflection on the HOST of challenges facing female cannabis founders, to name a few off the top of my head… ▸ Being the "only one in the room" Walking into meetings to discover you're the sole female presence can be isolating, but also disheartening, as it impacts your ability to build authentic industry relationships with a diverse cohort of peers. ▸ Identity modulation: This covers the exhausting pressure to "masculinize" behaviors, word choice, and communication styles to be taken more seriously in male-dominated spaces, which cannabis business spaces usually are. And, on the flip side, downplaying your assertiveness and confidence for fear that you’ll be branded as difficult or hard to work with. ▸ Silent endurance: Carefully weighing when and how to address discriminatory or sexist comments, knowing that speaking up could risk potential business relationships or deals. You always have to consider: what could providing pushback mean for cordial relations in the future? Do you want to risk it? ▸ The burden of proof is on you: It’s on you to prove your expertise and legitimacy as a leader. This can range from managing surprised reactions when customers find out you are the business owner (which I’ve encountered many times) to having industry knowledge challenged, such as your product pricing or your business model. My degree taught me that these aren't one-off personal challenges—they're systemic issues reflecting broader patterns of power and privilege. They exist everywhere, so of course they pervade the cannabis space too. My lived experiences coupled with my academic background strongly fuel my commitment to building relationships with other female-owned and minority-owned cannabis businesses. In an industry that emerged from social justice movements, I know I have a responsibility to create more inclusive spaces whenever I can. Do any of these experiences ring true for you? How do you navigate similar challenges while staying loyal to your business needs AND your values? Checkout the podcast episode here: https://shorturl.at/vhNoW #WomenInCannabis #CannabisBusiness #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Intersectionality

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Important read for anyone interested in the future of cannabis policy: The real cannabis policy power lies beyond the Oval Office. As presidential candidates make headlines with their stances, this article by Steph Sherer reminds us where the true power to shape cannabis laws lies—Congress. It's Congress that has the authority to make lasting changes and protect medical cannabis patients’ rights, something the executive branch can only partially influence. As Election Day approaches, let’s keep this in mind and ask those running for Congress if they’ll stand up for medical cannabis patients. Change will only happen if we push for it at the right levels. #CannabisPolicy #MedicalCannabis #Advocacy #GOTV

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❗❗❗Today is the LAST DAY to submit your public comment to the CDTFA to OPPOSE REG. 3802. California cannabis industry: It's time to come together to OPPOSE this taxation overreach. See the full announcement below: The CDTFA's move to permanently enforce Regulation 3802 represents a significant overreach that could drastically affect the cannabis industry by unfairly extending the 15% excise tax to include vape accessories, burdening both retailers and consumers with undue financial strain. With the deadline of September 12, 2024, looming, your participation is critical in averting this unwarranted tax imposition. Here’s your action plan: WHERE TO SEND: Directly Contact the CDTFA: Send your objections to Aimee Olhiser, Chief of the Tax Policy Bureau, either via email at [email protected] or through traditional mail at PO BOX 942879, Sacramento, CA 94279-0092. TELL THE CDTFA WHAT WE DON’T WANT: We do not want the CDTFA to certify emergency Regulation 3802. We want the excise tax to revert back to the original version of Regulation 3700. TELL THE CDTFA WHY REG. 3802 IS ILLEGAL: Beyond Legislative Intent: Neither Prop 64 nor AB 195 authorize the 15% excise tax on vape accessories. This inclusion by the CDTFA with Reg. 3802 exceeds the legislative mandate, diverging from the voter-approved propositions and legislative acts. Contradicts Tax Objectives: AB 195 emphasizes the need to regulate the cannabis market to combat the illicit market. By increasing taxes significantly, Reg. 3802 could push consumers back to illegal channels, contrary to the intent of reducing barriers and making the legal market more accessible. Original Tax Guidelines: Reg. 3700 stipulates that excise taxes apply only to the cannabis products if cannabis accessories are priced separately. This guideline was overridden without voter consent in Reg. 3802. Rushed Process: The emergency introduction and swift approval of Reg. 3802 within 15 days by the Office of Administrative Law lacked proper public participation, violating the Administrative Procedures Act which demands reasonable public engagement. Lack of Notification: Changes to Reg. 3700 that included taxes on vape accessories were implemented without adequate public notice or an opportunity for comment, breaching standard legal procedures for tax regulation amendments. IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED: Emphasize the urgency of submitting comments before the September 12 deadline to halt this detrimental regulation. Together, by voicing our concerns and highlighting the regulation's inconsistencies with established legal frameworks, we can safeguard the interests of the cannabis industry and promote fair taxation. Your voice is essential in this pivotal moment—act now to support the legal cannabis market. Elliot Lewis International Cannabis Bar Association The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce Beard Bros Pharms VERDANT Strategies 420 CPA

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From the Dept. of anti-cannabis: "Cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors, according to a new paper published in the scientific journal Addiction Biology. The paper describes cannabis as a "genotoxic" substance because it damages a cell's genetic information, which can lead to DNA mutations, accelerated aging, and cancer. To make matters worse, this genotoxicity may be transmitted via damaged egg and sperm to the cannabis user's offspring, making the risk of cannabis use trans-generational." Mind you... "The Science studies were not conducted in the context of cannabis use; however, they provide mechanistic insights into some observations about cannabis use that were not previously well understood, such as that cannabis causes both mitochondrial and genetic damage. Taken together, the article in Addiction Biology put older historical research about cannabis into context and suggests that cannabis-related genotoxic damage may be all around us -; even if we largely don't see it."

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Colorado’s cannabis market, once a success story, has now left a trail of failed businesses and cash-strapped entrepreneurs in its wake. Regulatory burdens, an oversaturated market and increasing competition from nearby states have all landed major blows, leaving other states with newer marijuana markets scrambling to avoid the same mistakes. For years, Colorado’s marijuana market minted successful local entrepreneurs who bootstrapped small businesses into national brands. The market drew aspiring cannabis professionals from across the country, whether ambitious college grads with a business idea or investors looking to get in on the green rush. In 2020, the market soared to $2.2 billion. But just three years later, sales had plummeted to $1.5 billion, leading to layoffs, closures and downsizing. The market downturn has spelled trouble for state finances too: Colorado took in just $282 million in cannabis tax revenues in the last fiscal year, down more than 30 percent from two years earlier. A messy assortment of factors has led to the pioneering industry’s struggles. A supply glut caused weed prices to plummet in the wake of the pandemic. The spread of cheap, largely unregulated intoxicating hemp-derived products further heightened competitive pressures. And marijuana remains federally illegal, subjecting operators to sky-high taxes and costly regulations. “It’s like the wind in our cannabis sails in Colorado has just been sucked all the way out,” said Wanda James, founder of Denver dispensary Simply Pure, one of the first recreational dispensaries in the state. But more than any other factor, Colorado’s market has been sapped by the rapid spread of legalization across the country. Neighbors New Mexico and Arizona are among the 24 states with their own adult-use legal marijuana markets, wreaking havoc on the business plans of dispensaries on Colorado’s southern border. Tourists who once flooded the state for the opportunity to legally experience Rocky Mountain highs have largely disappeared as the novelty has worn off. Even Texans aren’t driving north to buy weed anymore, satisfied with the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products in their own state. Colorado’s trailblazing cannabis market is now a cautionary tale for states with their own nascent weed programs. A top New York cannabis official recently pointed to Colorado’s dramatic marijuana market downturn to justify regulators’ hesitance to issue too many licenses at once. “We’re a victim of our own success,” said Jordan Wellington, a partner at Denver-based cannabis policy and public affairs firm Strategies 64. The number of total cannabis licenses in the state dropped more than 16 percent in the past year alone, according to state data. Cannabis jobs also dropped 16 percent in that same time, according to Vangst’s 2024 jobs report. It was the second straight year of job losses.

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Now that we have the new proposed text for the Farm Bill, the bifurcation of hemp interests me. Thanks for the break down Michelle Bodian. HEMP GROWN FOR CANNABINOID EXTRACTION.—The term ‘hemp grown for cannabinoid extraction’ means any hemp grown for purposes of extracting cannabinoids intended for human or animal consumption, inhalation, or topical use INDUSTRIAL HEMP.—The term ‘industrial hemp’ means hemp— (A) grown for the use of the stalk of the plant, fiber produced from such a stalk, or any other non-cannabinoid derivative, mixture, preparation, or manufacture of such a stalk; ‘‘(B) grown for the use of the whole grain, oil, cake, nut, hull, or any other non- cannabinoid compound, derivative, mixture, preparation, or manufacture of the seeds of such plant; ‘‘(C) that is an immature hemp plant intended for human consumption ‘‘(D) that is a plant that does not enter the stream of commerce and is intended to support hemp research at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) or an independent research institute; or ‘‘(E) grown for the use of a viable seed of the plant produced solely for the production or manufacture of any material described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). It made me think about the last Policy and the Plant with Steven Philpott Jr., MS, CSCS, where he talks about natural vs. synthetic cannabinoids, which I think is going to be a BIG conversation with this new proposed language. If you haven't had a chance to watch the last episode, what are you doing with your life? Get the scoop now. cc: Frederika M. Easley #thepeoplesecosystem #thepeopleareblunt #cannabispodcast #cannabis #cannabisculture #cannabiscommunity #cannabisindustry

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Informative article by HempToday® for our service members! "Since 2021, the Army has banned 🚫 the use of ALL hemp products, including CBD and even edible hemp seeds. The ban on CBD mirrors the broader Department of Defense’s prohibition for all service members, despite CBD products being legal at the federal level!" U.S. Armed Forces Policy: Zero-tolerance for marijuana - All branches of the U.S. military strictly prohibit the use of marijuana, regardless of state laws allowing recreational or medical use. Ban on hemp and CBD products - Despite the federal legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, the U.S. armed forces prohibit the use of hemp-derived products, including CBD. This includes foods, oils, and topical applications. The prohibition extends to all hemp derivatives - The ban covers all hemp-derived products, including hemp seeds, protein, and oil. Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) - Service members who use marijuana or hemp products, even in states where they are legal, are subject to punishment under the UCMJ, reinforcing the military’s strict stance on controlled substances.   Read more 👇🏿

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🌟 Why Personalized Cannabis Therapies Are Transforming Chronic Pain Management Chronic pain isn’t just a physical condition—it’s a life-altering experience. For many, navigating treatment options can feel like a maze, with trial-and-error approaches often leaving patients frustrated. This is where personalized cannabis therapies step in, combining science with individualized care to deliver better outcomes. Let’s explore how this innovative approach is redefining pain management. 🌿 Off-the-Shelf vs. Personalized Therapies Off-the-Shelf Products: Prepackaged, standardized solutions. May work for some patients but lack flexibility. Personalized Therapies Tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Allows adjustments in: Cannabinoid Ratios: Balancing THC and CBD for precise symptom relief. Delivery Methods: From oils to topicals, matched to patient preferences. Dosing Precision: Fine-tuned to achieve results with minimal side effects. 🔬 What Does the Research Say? A Delphi consensus study highlights how customized cannabis formulations effectively target various pain types, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain (Bhaskar et al., 2021). Another study found that personalized cannabis use resulted in a 64% reduction in opioid dependency, fewer side effects, and improved quality of life (Boehnke et al., 2016). ✨ The Future of Precision Medicine Personalized cannabis therapies align with the global shift toward precision medicine, where treatments are designed around an individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and condition. For chronic pain patients, this means: ✔️ Better symptom control. ✔️ Reduced reliance on opioids. ✔️ Enhanced quality of life. 💬 Let’s Start a Conversation What’s your take on personalized medicine for chronic pain management? Could tailored cannabis therapies change the way we approach treatment? Drop your thoughts or questions below—I’d love to hear your perspective!  #MedicalCannabis, #ChronicPainManagement #PainManagement #HealthAndWellness

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𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤'𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚. New York's legislative changes may influence regulatory, economic, and policy shifts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, promoting a more unified and competitive cannabis industry in the region. ❓𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬: 𝐃𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐌𝐄 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬.❓ Here's the recap on NY: On June 8, the NYS Legislative Session ended. Key cannabis-related initiatives included: 🔸 Enhanced enforcement powers 🔸 A new 9% wholesale tax replacing the THC Potency Tax 🔸 A reduction in the Medical Excise Tax from 7% to 3.15%. These changes aim to streamline taxation and strengthen regulatory oversight, fostering a more structured cannabis market. The session also saw the passage of several cannabis bills: Passed Both Houses: 🔸 S.9679-A/A.10398-A: Permits cannabis showcase events, promoting industry growth and consumer education. 🔸 S.1752/A.1234: Includes cannabis in the definition of crops and livestock, recognizing its agricultural value. 🔸 S.9359/A.10196: Allows electronic returns for cannabis product distributors, simplifying administrative processes. Passed Senate Only: 🔸 S.7528/A.7718: Adds a non-voting member from the Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development to the state Cannabis Advisory Board, ensuring representation for veterans. 🔸 S.7504/A.7694: Expands membership eligibility for Adult-Use Cooperative licenses, broadening participation in the industry. 🔸 S.8683-A/A.9311-A: Clarifies employment terms for those under state supervision, facilitating workforce reintegration. 🔸 S.2566-B: Addresses medical cannabis use and reciprocity with other states, enhancing patient access. 🔸 A.7826: Similar to S.2566-B but needs amendments due to late changes in the Senate. The Governor has until 12/31/2024 to sign or veto these bills. Any unsigned bills will be reintroduced in the next legislative cycle starting in 2025. This timeline provides a critical window for advocacy and potential amendments to refine the legislation further. #HerbalRubiksCube #Cannabis #CannabisLegislation #MedicalCannabis

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🚀 Game-Changer Alert! 🚀 What if I told you that one of the most critical processes in cannabis extraction just had a massive research finding? The first of 3 studies to be released focused on post-processing. Cambium Analytica, a leader in analytical Cannabis testing, has just unleashed a revolutionary study that establishes with public data for the first time, a significantly accelerated solvent purging process compared to legacy oven methods. From 222hrs of purging in ovens to just 80 minutes! Why does this matter? Purging solvents from cannabis extracts is crucial to producing clean, potent, and high-quality products. We’re talking about more efficient operations and, most importantly, a better end product for the consumer. Imagine cleaner extracts with fewer impurities, delivered faster and more consistently. For those of you not in the know, this isn’t just an incremental improvement—it’s a giant leap forward in precision and efficiency. Whether you're in the cannabis industry or just fascinated by innovations that push boundaries, this is something worth paying attention to. For those striving to optimize their operations or even those who just appreciate cutting-edge tech disrupting industries, this is your moment to dig deeper. How can you apply similar innovations in your work? 💡 Think big. Think efficiency. And always be on the lookout for that next big leap.💡 www.Flacktek.com #Innovation #CannabisIndustry #TechRevolution #Efficiency #ThinkBig 🔗 [Check out the full details here](https://lnkd.in/g-TF8pxn)

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Unlocking the full potential of your cannabis cultivation journey involves mastering the art of Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD). Understand the dance between temperature and humidity to create the optimal environment for your plants. Fine-tuning VPD isn't just a science; it's a passion that elevates your crop to new heights. Embrace the balance, and watch your cannabis thrive in an atmosphere of precision and care. #cannabis #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity

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