Rocker Melissa Etheridge is coming to Toronto, and she couldn’t be more excited.Story continues belowAside from performing for Canadian Music Week (on April 22 at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall), Etheridge is in town for the first-ever O’Cannabiz Conference & Expo, a three-day event running from April 21 to 23. The gathering will explore the latest marijuana regulations, industry standards and best practices for both medicinal and recreational marijuana in Canada. Several keynote speakers — including Etheridge herself — will discuss the future of cannabis and the “budding” Canadian market.Etheridge has been a cannabis activist since surviving breast cancer in 2005, when she used marijuana to deal with the adverse side effects of chemotherapy. She doesn’t mince words: she says the plant has changed her life. In 2014, she teamed up with Greenway Dispensary in California to create a line of cannabis-infused wine, called Know Label Wine, and then in 2016, she launched her own company, Etheridge Farms, which produces legal cannabis products (in California only).READ MORE: Marc Emery claims smoking marijuana makes people better driversShe’s looking to expand her businesses north of the border, and with Canada considering a change in marijuana legalization by June 2018, it’s looking positive for the longtime musician. Global News spoke with Etheridge about her new initiatives, why the U.S. differs so much from Canada in terms of our views on marijuana, and why she’s a big fan of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.Global News: Can you tell me a little bit about your background, your relationship with cannabis and how it has changed over the years?
Melissa Etheridge: Before breast cancer I was that casual rock-star user, it wasn’t something I did all the time, but I certainly didn’t turn it down. I probably did it more than I did drinking, but it was sort of a social thing.When I went through breast cancer, I used it as medicine, and it really became clear to me what a medicine it is. It can be so powerful and strong for so many things, and it made me an advocate when I felt the pain relief and its help with appetite. I started walking that walk and that led me into the community in California — these fine people who’ve been fighting this fight for many, many years — and inspired me to jump into the business.Why does marijuana have a terrible reputation? Is it historical, is it ignorance, is it both?
It’s lack of education, and there was a concerted, amazing effort in the ’30s and ’70s to really vilify cannabis, to make it scary. “This is from bad people across the border, they’re bringing it into our country…” They really did a number on Americans, especially my generation.Realistically, if we compare it to anything… any other sort of drug…
Anything. [Laughs]… marijuana is far less impactful, less damaging. Correct?
Yeah. You see what a good PR job they did on it! It’s very sad, but slowly… I feel it’s like the LGBT movement 20 years ago. It takes people to come out of the closet, to tell their family members, their coworkers, their neighbourhood, “Hey, I am a person who smokes cannabis. I am a contributing citizen and I’m not a stereotype.”READ MORE: Pot legalization in Canada: Here’s what you need to know about proposed lawYou have two marijuana businesses on the go right now. What sorts of products do you make?
We have vape pens coming out in a few weeks, edibles, oils… oh, and a topical! When I started seeing how many uses cannabis has, aside from the psychotropic effects, I was blown away. The topicals have been used for generations for broken bones, sprains, cuts, burns and bruises. It goes deep into the wound and helps healing because [humans] have our own endocannabanoid system that connects with cannabanoids. [Laughs] It’s like we were made to be on the Earth with this medicine.I have grandmothers who have knitted all their lives, and arthritis has crippled their hands. They sleep with gloves on after putting the topical on their hands, and they come in the next day and say, “It’s a miracle!” I’ve seen this with my very own eyes. If we could just reschedule it, make it a legal herb… we could investigate and research the amazing things this flower can do.Music-wise and songwriting-wise, how does cannabis impact you?
Cannabis and music go hand-in-hand. There is the experience of listening, which is a mystical experience that we can’t explain. This shows how important music is to our very existence. When you have an herb that enhances that experience, that deepens it into our soul and emotional life, then that’s something. My ultimate goal is… I want a Melissa Etheridge show and a Melissa Etheridge dispensary so people can have that experience. I love to smoke and write, it puts me in a place of inspiration. It sets me in a place to understand how human beings are connected in this wonderful way, and we shouldn’t be afraid of the spiritual side of us.Just last week, the Canadian government announced it would be tabling legislation to legalize marijuana. Things are changing here. Any thoughts on that, considering we’re just across the border, yet we have such different viewpoints?
Yes! I love Canada! [Laughs] Do you know what’s weird? I can have my legal cannabis here and be in Canada and have my legal cannabis there, but I can’t fly from Canada to California with my cannabis. [Governments] really have to step up with how it’s changing and what’s happening. Once they take the fear out of it, then we can really move forward with it like you guys are. You’ll find there will be more jobs, the economy would be better, people are going to be healthier, there will be fewer opioid deaths, fewer alcohol deaths.. really, the plus sides of this are astounding.READ MORE: Melissa Etheridge reveals why she rejected Brad Pitt as sperm donorSo what is the difference here, between the U.S. and Canada?
Your country has been on its journey, and yes, you have religion and values, but there hasn’t been a sector of Canadians who’ve been taught that your country is based on certain religious values. That can kind of mess up something. When things are thrown into the category of “good” and “evil,” and they’re never looked at again… cannabis, we don’t even talk about it! It’s thrown into the “drugs” category.Canada has been moving along on all fronts. You were the first with the LGBT rights, now with cannabis, the immigration policies. Your [Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau, I want to kiss him on the mouth. [Laughs] OK, maybe not on the mouth! [Laughs]It’s because he’s “hot,” right?
[Laughs] He is, I know. Even to me, isn’t that weird? No, but seriously, I love what he stands for, and what you all stand for. He’s a consistent leader, and your government is showing consistent leadership. Not from fear, but from looking into the future and saying, “Wow, look where we can go.” I’m loving me some Canada.[This interview has been condensed and edited.]Follow @CJancelewicz
Here’s Why The Beauty Industry Is Embracing Cannabis Like Never Before
Weed is taking over the world of beauty. From hair care to body lotions, pot-infused products are on the rise. Though most of these products cannot get you high, they still come with their own perks. Not only can they moisturize dry skin, but they also can also ease inflammation and so much more. Hemp seed oil and CBD are all the rage these days, and people cannot get enough. For this reason, brands from all over the world are welcoming pot with open arms.
Weed is taking over the world of beauty
Sparking a bowl comes with its own set of benefits. But it’s cannabis beauty products that people are going crazy over.
From soaps to shampoos, the world of beauty is embracing weed. And so are the individuals who cannot seem to get enough of these luxurious, pot-infused delights.
The majority of these beauty products cannot get you high. However, they are still without a doubt useful in so many ways.
Not only can hemp seed oil and CBD beauty products reduce inflammation, but they can also treat a cornucopia of skin conditions, such as Eczema, and so much more. For this reason, beauty brands all across the globe are welcoming the herb with open arms. Ones that you may know and love.
For example, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, a beauty brand that’s famous for their beautiful bath bombs. In addition to their bath fizzers, which do not contain the slightest hint of weed, unfortunately, the company offers Henna Fluff-Eaze, a hair treatment containing organic hemp seed oil.
Smashing the herb’s stigma through beauty products
While most of these weed-infused beauty products include hemp seed oil, CBD products are also on the rise. And according to Andrea Revivo, product manager for Spa De Soleil, its healing properties and benefits are helping to smash the stigma surrounding the herb,
We’ve been seeing this step away from the stigma of cannabis and [people] really understanding the benefits and healing properties.
We’re seeing people wanting it in their skin care and anti-aging creams, face mists, face masks and lip balms. And now I’m seeing the rise of luxury skin care with CBD.
Of course, the majority of these CBD beauty products require a medical card and a trip to a dispensary. But you can also purchase some of these goodies from large, online retail shops.
As for THC beauty products, the ones that can get you high, you can find most of those in California. The Golden State is what has made has made medical pot a billion-dollar industry. Not to mention, it’s home to several top-notch weed brands.
Take Whoopi & Maya, for example, a company that focuses on relieving menstrual cramps. Women swear by these infused products, and beauty bloggers cannot stop talking about them.
With Proposition 64 being the new law in California, the state is now in a position to take advantage of post-prohibition product development. The future for weed beauty products is a bright one, indeed.
Brittney Sanger
I am a free spirit located in a small college town. Most of the time I am busy working towards my degree in Healthcare Management. During my spare time, I enjoy writing, reading, shopping, music and board games. Most of all, I like Cannabis. I am a firm believer in Cannabis and the good it does for people. Marijuana is my motivator, my medicine for when I’m sick, and my most favored pick-me-up. Meeting and connecting with other Cannabis lovers is a passion of mine. It’s a nice feeling to know that so many people feel the same way I do on the subject.
Latest posts by Brittney Sanger (see all)
Pot lovers have more to celebrate on 4/20 Weed Day
Pot lovers have something extra to celebrate on this year’s Weed Day: the federal government’s legislation to decriminalize recreational marijuana introduced last week.The annual April 20 cannabis culture celebrations have grown in significance this year with Ottawa’s Cannabis Act, highlighting a path to legalize recreational marijuana use by Canada Day next year, with distribution and sale laws varying from province to province.The government introduced a series of bills, including one to strengthen impaired driving regulations.Story continues belowUntil anticipated laws are in place, however, it remains a criminal offence for an individual to possess any amount of marijuana.READ MORE: The highs and lows of pot legalizationWhile the federal government says current marijuana laws will be enforced until new laws are passed, marijuana activist Eric Shepard says he hopes the police take a relaxed approach to enforcement during a Thursday afternoon rally at Victoria Park.“There is a change in the air. I believe the London Police Service recognize that their strategy was ineffective and unnecessary so hopefully, now we will be able to have a more reasoned event,” said Shepard.In the meantime, it’s unclear how marijuana-related charges laid against smokers and pot shop owners before Ontario courts will be dealt with.Several pot dispensaries in London have reopened, after police raids in early March led to drug-related charges for up to 10 people. It remains illegal for medicinal pot smokers to purchase marijuana from non-government-licensed producers.READ MORE: Canadians trust pot producers less than banks, realtors and fast food companies: reportShepard is using Thursday’s gathering to address what he calls flaws within the legislation.“We do need to dampen that celebration by recognizing that these regulations are not perfect – they’re far from perfect in fact. This is an opportunity for us to unpack that legislation,” said Shepard. “I, for one, hope this is a gateway to a larger conversation around drug use because we all use drugs. From caffeine to alcohol to cannabis – they’re all drugs so we need to think about these things intelligently.”The proposed legislation would allow adults 18 and over to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana and grow up to four plants per residence for personal use.Hundreds of activists are expected to flock to Victoria Park Thursday afternoon to kick-start a day of smoking marijuana, with an emphasis on communal smoking – around 4:20 p.m.
Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money The Mobile Game Is Now Live
The national day of cannabis culture is about celebrating all things marijuana. To help keep your spirits as high as your minds, East Side Games is gifting the world with another pot-centric mobile game. Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money is available worldwide on iOS and Android today. The beloved brand has merged favorite Sunnyvale characters with a stoner-friendly aesthetic to create an idle-style game as addictive as it is hilarious. As Ricky would say, “That’s like getting two birds stoned at once.”
So how does Trailer Park Boys translate from the small screen to… an even smaller screen?
Pretty well, it turns out. Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money sticks close to its infamous source material, delivering right-on gameplay through story-driven seasons. Grab your brainphone and play as Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles through episodic levels and quirky storylines.
Run shady schemes, try to get rich quick, get thrown in jail and save the best f**kn’ trailer park in the goddamn world. Too lazy to work? That’s okay! Upgrade businesses and hire Cory to run them while you’re gone.
Worst case Ontario, use crowbars to bust open car trunks and unlock more characters, liquor, hashcoins and cash. Oh yeah, and you also fight bosses at the end of each season and get thrown in jail. ’Cause jail is awesome.
The best part is you can play the game with one hand and smoke a jay with the other. Decent. The team at East Side Games worked closely with the boys to make their mobile game a truly greasy experience.
Unlike similar mobile games, this one has an end (for now). Luckily, developers will be shipping more content to Sunnyvale to keep things fresher than a ripe stash of OG Kush.
Trailer Park Boys + East Side Games = the most Canadian collaboration ever
The boys are known dope fiends (they’re even launching their own line of weed), so it only makes sense that they’d partner with East Side Games to create their first mobile game.
Not to mention that with hundreds of hours of community content, including weekly streams on Twitch and Facebook, ESG is no stranger to comedic screentime. The entire studio is so obsessed with Trailer Park Boys that the founder even wrapped his rally car with game graphics.
For the Vancouver-based developers who created “the world’s largest cannabis community”, 420 is a huge day. Pot Farm was released seven years ago on April 20th, 2010 and Pot Farm: Grass Roots was released exactly four years later on Android.
To date, more than 25 million people have played ESG’s games. Ready to play Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money? Download the game on your phone to make this 420 an all-time high – it’s not rocket appliances.
Let the team know what you think of the game by downloading Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money, reading the FAQ’s and joining the community on Twitter, Facebook, and
Instagr am.
For more information on the Trailer Park Boys, visit trailerparkboys.com and swearnet.com.
Canadians approve of Liberals’ marijuana legalization, but with some reservations, poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians approve of the Liberals’ plan to legalize marijuana but have mixed views about some provisions, as well as doubts that it will succeed in cutting organized crime out of the trade and keeping marijuana out of the hands of underage users.
The survey, conducted by the Angus Reid Institute (ARI) shortly after the government tabled its marijuana legalization legislation last week, found that 63 per cent of respondents were strongly or moderately in favour of the Liberals’ plan. Just 37 per cent were opposed.
A majority of Canadians of every age were in favour of the legislation, though support was strongest among those 18 to 34 years old (72 per cent).
The poll also found that 58 per cent of Canadians polled thought that marijuana legalization would do more good than harm, whereas 42 per cent felt that it would do more harm than good.
But on some of the specific provisions in the legislation, ARI found that Canadians’ views were less clearcut.
Though 45 per cent of Canadians felt the limit of 30 grams for personal possession was “about right,” 26 per cent felt that it was too much and another 22 per cent felt that no amount should be legalized.
Just seven per cent thought that the personal limit should be higher.
The split was similar on allowing Canadians to grow four marijuana plants within their own homes: 43 per cent thought the limit was about right, 11 per cent thought it was too low, 18 per cent thought it was too high and 29 per cent believed that Canadians should not be able to grow marijuana in their own homes at all.
Taken together, the results suggest that some 52 to 54 per cent of Canadians agree with the Liberals’ proposal or feel the laws should be even more permissive, while 47 to 48 per cent express some reservations with the plan when the details are laid out.
Pot at 18 too young
This discomfort was especially high concerning the legal age for buying marijuana, which the federal government will set at 18 (provinces will be free to set it higher). Fully 58 per cent thought that the legal age should be higher than 18, while 42 per cent felt that the government was on the right track.
Even among supporters of the government’s legislation, more than two-in-five disagreed with setting the legal age at 18.
This echoes a recent Ipsos poll conducted for Global News before the legislation was tabled. It found that 49 per cent of Canadians thought 21 was the right legal age for buying marijuana. Just 23 per cent thought 18 was the right age. Another 23 per cent chose an age between 18 and 21, while five per cent felt the age should be set at 16 or 17.
Doubts that preventive measures will work
The Liberals have presented their plan to legalize marijuana as one that will help keep pot away from kids and the marijuana trade out of the hands of organized crime. According to the ARI poll, Canadians have doubts that will happen.
Fully two-thirds of respondents believed that measures to discourage marijuana use would fail to prevent underage users from consuming even more marijuana when it is legalized. A slim majority, or 55 per cent, believed that organized crime would still find a way to profit from the trade.
But some concerns raised about increased use of marijuana seem misplaced. The Ipsos poll found that just 26 per cent of Canadians said they would be more likely to use marijuana after its legalization — and these were primarily people who were already habitual users.
Among those who have never smoked pot, just 6 per cent said that legalization would make them more likely to give it a try.
The poll by the Angus Reid Institute was conducted between April 17 and 19, 2017, interviewing 1,467 Canadian adults who were members of an online panel. A probabilistic sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The poll by Ipsos was conducted for Global News between April 10 and 11, 2017, interviewing 1,004 Canadian adults who were members of an online panel. A probabilistic sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
4 Products Medical Cannabis Patients Need To Avoid
Currently, the cannabis industry is in an odd stage of growth. Individual states have created mandatory consumer safety requirements for medical and recreational products, yet some states are still working out the kinks with their new systems and others are lagging behind with meaningful regulation. In the wild west of the cannabis space, it’s particularly important for medical cannabis patients to be picky. After all, you are your best medical cannabis advocate. Here’s are the medical cannabis products it may be best for patients to avoid.
1. Products that have been exposed to commercial chemicals
There was a recent scare in California when Steep Hill Lab found that 93 percent of randomly sampled California cannabis strains tested positive for toxic, residual pesticides and fungicides.
Of specific concern was the use of myclobutanil, which is a fungicide often used in grapes. The chemical is considered safe for eating when used properly, but when it’s heated and inhaled, that’s another story.
When smoked, myclobutanil transforms into toxic hydrogen cyanide. Exposure in high doses can be fatal, in low doses, this compound is aggravating and can potentially make you sick. Medical cannabis patients don’t want to be inhaling this stuff.
No matter where you live, there are a few ways to avoid pesticide contaminated bud. Here are some general tips and tricks:
- Grow yourself and grow organic
- Ask a caregiver to grow organically for you
- Visit your caregivers grow to get an idea of how they treat their plants
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, like:
- What kinds of products do you use on your plants?
- Do you flush your soil?
- Have you sent samples into a lab?
- Do your research on who supplies for your collective or dispensary
- Chat up your budtenders to get a better idea of what cannabis products are the safest and best suit your needs
- Do your research on companies that supply your CBD or hemp oil online
- Buy lab tested bud whenever possible
If you’re making your own medical cannabis oil, it is highly recommended to only use organic cannabis. While a particular batch may pass pesticide testing in a given state, cannabis oil is highly concentrated.
An extract or an oil made from bulk bud considered safe may not actually pass pesticide screening in a concentrated form. Thus, it’s best to go organic from the start.
2. Products that contain potentially toxic additives
Recently, Project CBD has released reports on possible toxic additives in vaporizer cartridges. Of particular concern was propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Both of these thinning agents are considered safe to consume orally, but when heated and inhaled they are less safe.
In fact, both compounds transform into formaldehyde when heated to high temperatures. PEG also breaks down into the known carcinogen acetaldehyde.
While these toxins seem to be released at temperatures higher than the average pen vape (446˚F, 230˚C), holding on to a button too long or taking hard draws may increase the heat in your vapor pen and thereby put you close to the off-gassing temperature.
This is not to say that all vapor cartridges are bad. Based on this evidence, however, it may be beneficial to be a bit more picky about the products you buy. Ingredient lists should tell you whether or not PG or PEG were added to your pen. If concerned, contact a manufacturer.
Instead of purchasing these products, opt for cartridges that use vegetable glycerine or medium-chain triglyceride oils (MCT oils, like coconut oil). Though, unfortunately, even MCT oils can produce small amounts of acetaldehyde when heated to high temperatures. Though, it produced 33 times less than PEG.
For more information on how to buy healthier vapor cartridges, check out the full article here.
3. Discolored extractions
As a general rule of thumb, if it doesn’t look good, smell good, or taste good, you probably don’t want to put it in your body. Sometimes low-quality butane hash oil (BHO) and other concentrates will be a deep brown color.
These products are not ideal for medical cannabis patients, who may have compromised immune systems and less able to clear out environmental toxins from the body.
Whether or not discolored extractions (or any extracts, for that matter) have unsafe levels of residual solvents will vary from sample to sample. Opting for lab tested extractions whenever possible will help you avoid inhaling potentially harmful or irritating solvents.
However, discolored extractions may have been heated at very high temperatures, compromising the integrity of the plant and its medicinal compounds. This makes for poor quality medicine.
To find a high-quality concentrate, look for a golden or amber color. Sometimes it can be a little on the dark amber side, but avoid products that are:
- Muddy brown and waxy
- Lumpy or burnt looking
- Hard black rocks
Discolored or weird textured extractions may also hit very harshly and induce uncomfortable coughing that can be a little too jarring for someone who is ill. In times of sickness, it’s recommended to get the highest quality products that are still in an affordable price range.
It’s important to note that Rick Simpson Oil is almost always a very dark green, black, brown color. Some types of hash that have not been extracted using a solvent may also be quite dark. If you’re concerned, ask a budtender if possible.
4. Bud that may be moldy
In another California investigation, Steep Hill Lab in Berkely gathered 20 samples of dispensary bud and analyzed them for the presence of pathogenic bacteria and fungus. For this work, Steep Hill teamed up with Dr. George Thompson, an infectious disease expert at UC Davis, and Dr. Joseph Tuscano, at the UC Davis Cancer Center.
After analyzing the microbial DNA in the samples, Dr. David Land of Steep Hill was taken aback. He told KPIX 5,
We were a little bit startled that ninety percent of those samples had something on them. Some DNA of some pathogen.
The team found several different harmful pathogens. As Thompson explains,
Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, these are all very serious infections for anybody in the hospital. But particularly in […] the cancer population.
Of course, the easiest way to avoid moldy cannabis is to purchase bud that has passed laboratory inspections. However, many people around the world lack access to proper cannabis safety measures. For everyone else, there are a few simple but imperfect ways to avoid moldy cannabis:
- Avoid cannabis with visible white, gray, or black fuzz
- Avoid cannabis that smells musty
- Avoid cannabis bud that is too damp or has been exposed to rain and water
- Avoid smoking cannabis that tastes “off” or causes chest pain and excessive irritation when inhaled
- If possible, make sure your grow room is humidity controlled
- Handle cannabis plants with clean hands and clothing
- Make sure your grow room is well ventilated
- Always keep your grow room clean and animal-free
- Check out your caregiver’s grow and make sure it is clean, dry, and well ventilated
For more information on how to spot moldy bud, check out the full article here. Want to know what moldy weed looks like? Read here.