Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (d9-THC) is a federally illegal Schedule I drug, however, one of its isomeric sisters, Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (d8-THC), is not. With this, many questions arise about why one of these compounds receives so much scrutiny from the federal government and the other does not. Throughout this blog, we will delve into those nuances to help provide a more clear understanding of the legality, chemical composition, and the pharmacological properties of these two similar, yet different compounds. Understanding the Federal Legality of d9-THC and d8-THC When referencing the federal ..read more

By: Hannah Grzech Microbes possess a remarkable ability to spread across various environments. These microorganisms have adapted to almost every condition and continue to be a daily pest. Florida provides an especially conducive environment for these bacteria and fungi to thrive. The warm and humid climate that is vital for cannabis cultivation serves as a prime breeding ground for microbes. Although many microbes are harmless and some even deemed beneficial for certain environments, there are plenty that cause detrimental illness. For this reason, it is essential for producers and consumers t ..read more

United States cannabis laws continue to undergo significant changes at a rapid pace. In August in the year 2023, a pivotal development emerged when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent an official message to the Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)  requesting the reevaluation and possible reclassification of marijuana’s legal status under federal law. The proposed reclassification of marijuana reflects emerging perspectives on its therapeutic potential and a shift in social attitudes regarding its use. If the HHS is ultimately successful in reclassifying m ..read more

The medical marijuana industry has experienced significant growth in recent years due to shifting public opinions and reliable scientific data. Legalizing medical marijuana in more states has improved accessibility and recognition of its potential benefits. Florida has recently implemented new regulations regarding hemp and marijuana, including HB 1387,  SB 1676, and issuing 22 New Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Licenses. HB 1387 is a comprehensive bill that addresses various policy issues. This article will focus on the provisions of HB 1387 aimed at preventing children from being at ..read more

A recently passed law in Florida, SB 1676, aims to ensure that all hemp products sold in Florida are safe for human consumption. Legal hemp products must comply with several requirements outlined in SB 1676. SB 1676 requires that any retailer distributing hemp products in the state test their products in a certified hemp testing laboratory. Hemp retailers in the state must obtain a license from The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The FDACS set hemp cultivation, processing, and distribution guidelines. SB 1676 establishes a level of quality control that assures the ..read more

The Florida Department of Health published an emergency rule in February 2023, 64ER23-1, establishing the application deadline for 22 additional Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) must issue four (4) additional Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC) licenses for every 100,000 registered patients. The addition of 22 licenses will keep up with 804,066 active patients as of March 31st, 2023. The applications are extensive and detailed, requiring substantial information and documentation. Application window  A “batching cycle” allows a co ..read more

There seems to be a constant focus in the media on terpenes and cannabinoids when it comes to marijuana, but is that all there is to this endlessly surprising plant? The popularity of marijuana has surged both scientifically and publicly, and the focus has shifted to the most distinctive and popular compounds. Several lesser-known compounds within marijuana could have a drastic effect on neurological metabolic health, including flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans, as well as alkaloids, cinnamic acid, and saponins. “The entourage effect” refers to the synergistic effects of these compounds on ph ..read more

By: Derek Perkins What are cannabis concentrates and how are they made? With emerging technologies in the growth and extraction of marijuana, consumers can obtain a variety of products for consumption. It is often difficult for consumers to understand what products are, let alone why they should consume them. The purpose of this article is to demystify the world of concentrates. We will discuss the importance of starting material, how products are extracted, and why consumers should smoke consciously to maximize health benefits. The goal is to increase comfortability with concentrates, allowin ..read more

By: Hannah Grzech “Fake weed,” “synthetic cannabis,” “herbal incense,” or whatever name tickles your brain, synthetic marijuana is anything but real marijuana. These commonly used names are the first red flag when it comes to these products because they are complete misnomers. These “designer” drugs are called new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are unregulated mind-altering substances that are made available to the public to mimic the effects of illegal drugs. The synthetic cannabinoids in “fake weed” are man-made psychoactive chemicals mixed with solvents and sprayed onto plant material ..read more

Viruses exist on the edge between life and death. They are acellular, or nonliving, agents that require living organisms as hosts to survive. This is unlike other pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi, which are cellular organisms that can survive independently of another living organism. Viruses are truly a twisted spectacle of nature, for they aren’t even a full cells. They are actually smaller than bacteria and are usually only made up of a few genes. All viruses operate under the same objective and roughly follow the same five steps: Infect Host Avoid Immune Cells Travel to Target Cells Mu ..read more