The ABCs of Cannabis
A - Accelerators
Companies like Gateway and Canopy are supporting “canna-preneurs” and investing in cannabis startups.
B - Bong Appétit
Vice’s docu-series focuses on cannabis-infused culinary concoctions. Featuring expert chefs and unique recipes, Vice showcases the art of cooking with marijuana.
C - Cannabinoids
The chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that bind to receptors in the brain and body to create various effects and relieve certain symptoms. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most widely known cannabinoid, which creates the “high” feeling.
D - Dabbing debate
Dabs are concentrated doses of cannabis, providing an increased potency, that are heated and inhaled using Dab Rings. Dabbing is a controversial topic, especially when it comes to safety and product consistency, given the complicated (and potentially dangerous) means of extraction and experimental consumption.
E - ETF
The Medical Marijuana Life Sciences ETF allows you to invest in North American companies best positioned to grow and sell marijuana.
F - Farming females
From starter seed to end game weed, growing marijuana takes a lot of skill, space, time and money. Only female marijuana plants produce the flower or “bud,” and factors like temperature, light, humidity and bugs need to be controlled throughout the growing process, all before getting to the complexities of harvesting, trimming and drying the bud. Your chill friend Mary Jane sure can be high maintenance.
G - Growth
The cannabis industry created $6.7 billion in revenue in North America last year, and is forecasted to grow 25% annually, producing over $20 billion in revenue in 2021, according to Arcview Market Research.
H - Hemp
Extracted from agricultural hemp, hemp CBD products are low in THC (therefore do not give a “high”) and are suggested by some as an alternative medicinal treatment. Products are legally accessible from online retailers such as HempHealth and HempCo.
I - Infused edibles & products
Whether it’s THC-infused Root Beer from Dixie, chocolates from Kiva confections, or body care products such as bath soaks from Whoopi Goldberg’s Whoopi and Maya, cannabis is becoming a go-to ingredient.
J - Jobs
By 2020, it is estimated that the legal cannabis market will create more than a quarter of a million jobs.
K - K9
Charlotte’s Web not only produces hemp products shown to be beneficial for adult and pediatric epilepsy patients, but also offers pet products for canine wellness.
L - Legalization
Legalization happens at state level, like alcohol. The cannabis market has expanded to 28 states, with 8 of these states allowing recreational use.
M - Medical benefits
With benefits including reducing pain, nausea, and stress, medical marijuana is used by patients to relieve symptoms associated with illnesses such as MS, cancer, epilepsy, arthritis, ADHD and anxiety.
N - Nutrition
Sports drinks and supplements from IsoSport help enhance athlete performance and recovery. There is also increasing focus on the benefits of raw cannabis (which does not create impairment unless heated). Green ganja smoothie anyone?
O - On demand
Medical marijuana delivery services such as Eaze and Meadow allow users to order medical marijuana at the touch of a button.
P - Pot portfolio
Private equity firm and industry pioneer Privateer Holdings is one of the top investment players in the space. Portfolio companies include Marley Natural, the official Bob Marley cannabis brand.
Q - Quantity
When buying marijuana, amounts are typically measured in grams and ounces. A gram is the smallest quantity you can buy, followed by an ⅛ oz or “an eighth”, ¼ oz or “a quarter”, and so on. For someone smoking daily, a quarter may last about a week or so. Colorado allows buyers to purchase up to 1 ounce at a time, rules can differ by state.
R - Research
With so much controversy in the industry, the lack of transparency and infrastructure can make it hard for researchers to get uncontaminated cannabis for studies and experimentation. To help provide scientists with samples, stealth player Biopharmaceutical Research Company is in the process of being qualified to grow pharmaceutical grade cannabis for research purposes. (Check out our interview with BRC's Founder and CEO).
S - Strains
Indica strains of marijuana tend to give a relaxing effect, whereas Sativa strains can be more invigorating. Hybrids fall somewhere in the middle. With countless strains within these buckets offering varying effects and benefits, information hubs like Leafly help consumers and patients explore and filter strains depending on desired experience.
T - Taxation
For states that have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana, there can be a big difference in the taxation. For example, in Colorado, medical marijuana bears a 2.9% tax, compared to recreational marijuana at 17.9%. With $875 million in recreational marijuana sales in Colorado last year, you can understand the state’s cause for concern if the government were to ban the recreational pot business, wiping out that annual tax revenue.
U - Unbankable
Banks are struggling to navigate the complexities of federal law when it comes to handling cannabis cash, and even the likes of leading retailer and dispensary Colorado Harvest (with the appearance of Restoration Hardware) has had its own banking drama.
V - Vaping
Vaporizers can be used to inhale both traditional marijuana flower (bud) or a concentrate (like hash oil). By removing the smoke out of “smoking”, vaping is can be seen as a cleaner inhalation approach. Vaporizers, also known as “Vape Pens,” come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and have become a top-selling accessory.
W - Women
Who run the weed? Girls. Women Grow empowers women to influence the cannabis industry by cultivating a network of female leaders.
X - X marks the spot
Sites like WeedMaps help patients and consumers find local dispensaries.
Y - Yes to the dress
Cannabis is increasingly popping up at weddings, with expos highlighting vendors that provide anything from bud bars (complete with a budtender to help serve your guests) to cannabis-adorned flower arrangements.
Z - Zig Zag
The iconic rolling paper brand is no longer the only name in town with the purpose of papers expanding beyond just a tool, and becoming more of a statement item.
For more, check out The Modern Marijuana Lifestyle
