It’s 2020 and many people are curious about CBD inhalers. What health conditions do they help manage? What’s the best way to use it? Are there advantages or disadvantages of using one? The specialists at ABC Company will answer all these questions and many more in this expert review. 

In the United States, the use of CBD inhalers is on the rise as the topic of cannabinoids remains a contentious area of debate. There are those who are well informed and those who are still holding on to the decades-long societal stigma perpetuated by the government in the early 1900s. Every week, more scientists, doctors, and experts are releasing the results of research and clinical trials, proving that the use of CBD has many benefits. It has been shown to help manage many conditions such as:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Nausea
• Inflammation
• Arthritis
• Sciatica
• Depression
• And many more

Specialists at the World Health Organization have even touted the therapeutic benefits of CBD. They concluded cannabidiol (CBD) is not addictive and can help people manage certain chronic ailments.

When choosing the right method to consume CBD, consider bioavailability first. Bioavailability is the relative amount of a drug that enters the circulatory system in its original form. For example, if you eat CBD in a brownie or edible, the bioavailability of the cannabidiol won’t exceed 20%. 

But when you inhale the substance, the bioavailability of the CBD rises to an amazing 50 to 80% depending on lung capacity or any underlying health issues.

Unlike vape pens, specialists at ABC Company point out that CBD inhalers don’t require additives. They deliver a product that is much cleaner and uncontaminated. 

A CBD inhaler (also known as a CBD nebulizer) is used to help manage respiratory conditions, including asthma. They create an aerosol mist that patients can use to get a fast dose of CBD. Nebulizers are ideal because they can administer a precise dose of cannabidiol per puff.

When using other methods like tinctures, salves, or creams, getting the necessary dose of CBD can be difficult primarily for those new to using CBD.

A person would use a CBD nebulizer just as they would a traditional one because both are so similar. CBD’s potential to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings is another benefit and could be of great use for people trying to kick the nicotine habit. 

So if someone doesn’t use an nebulizer to manage asthma, they can use it as an aid to curbing nicotine cravings.

We can’t say it enough. Consult with your doctor to determine when to use a CBD inhaler best if you feel it’s right for you.

According to the experts at ABC Company, the medical community has been aware that cannabis, when inhaled, acts as a bronchodilator. This means it causes the bronchi in the lungs to widen, making it easier to breathe. As a result, CBD can be very useful to manage asthma when it’s inhaled. There is scientific evidence that shows CBD reduces airway inflammation and helps with COPD.

Typically, asthma is a result of an increase in the production of mucus in the lungs, which leads to wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulty. Difficulty breathing can lead to anxiety, which makes it even more difficult to breathe.

CBD has been proven to lower anxiety and open airways, which is why so many people suffering from asthma use a CBD nebulizer to manage their condition. 

Keep in mind you should always check with your doctor before embarking on any regimen involving CBD. 

When managing asthma using traditional methods, treatment involves recognizing triggers, taking steps to avoid those triggers, and being mindful of breathing to determine if prescription medications are working. 

Often, nebulizers, like albuterol, are used to control asthma flare-ups. Medications are prescribed depending on a patient’s symptoms, age, and triggers. Unfortunately, a few prescribed medications for asthma have adverse side effects or may increase the risk of having a more severe asthma attack.

CBD nebulizers resemble and function as conventional inhalers in almost every way. The difference is that the risk of side effects is much lower because the body tolerates the components in the CBD inhaler much better due to their natural origin, the cannabis plant.

The professionals at ABC Company agree that no substance is entirely safe for everyone to use. Though the likelihood is low, certain individuals may find that inhalants are irritating. 

Additionally, CBD may interact with specific prescriptions. Even though cannabidiol isn’t habit-forming, always consult with your doctor before trying a CBD nebulizer or any other cannabinoid-based product. 

The federal government of the United States doesn’t govern the cannabis industry, so the FDA does not regulate CBD. As a result, consumers have the option of buying CBD products over-the-counter. This includes CBD nebulizers.

They can be purchased online, in health food stores, at dispensaries, and even in grocery stores, depending on where you live.

Drug overdoses kill tens of thousands of people every year in the United States. It’s no secret that opioid addiction is the primary cause of those fatalities. So, to a certain extent, it’s understandable why some people may have concerns about any foreign substance.

However, there is zero evidence that it’s possible to overdose from CBD. As with water, the body uses what it needs and expels the rest. Specialists at ABC Company state CBD is still a medical substance and suggest always starting slowly after consulting your physician. 

Despite the precipitous growth of the cannabis industry, getting many people to realize the many benefits of CBD is still a challenge. Realizing the myriad of advantages and the potential of the field, more manufacturers are creating alternative products (like CBD nebulizers) that resemble more familiar medical devices. 

Another advantage of cannabis is that CBD comes in several forms. The days of taking foul-tasting syrups and applying malodorous ointments are far behind us. Now that 2020 is in full swing, CBD can be ingested in delicious edibles, coffee, tea, sweets, drops, and absorbed through the skin via fragrant salves.

Because of its high level of bioavailability and minimal possibility of overdose or abuse, CBD inhalers are a viable option for anyone who wants relief when managing their asthma or other respiratory condition.

The cannabis plant is one of the more fortunate wonders of nature because it can be genetically diversified to survive. This means it can develop inimitable traits as a result of evolving in various areas of the world.

It has many practical applications used today as they were hundreds of years ago such as making paper and rope. Also, there’s overwhelming clinical evidence showing cannabis has many medical benefits that help people cope with certain medical conditions, but the effects of cannabis are greatly determined by the cannabinoid receptors in a person’s body and the cannabinoid profile of a specific plant.

To be an informed consumer, being knowledgeable about the different types of plants is a great place to start. For example, there has been an ongoing debate about the efficacy of indicas, sativas, and hybrids. 

Cannabis is commonly categorized in the following classifications:

• Indica is used to produce a plant that’s denser and has heavier buds during the flowering stage. Strains of this type are thought to give users a physical high more than a mental one.
• Sativa has buds that aren’t as dense and give users more of a cerebral buzz.
• Hybrid strains are a blend of indica and sativa. The high sensation is believed to be a balanced combination that affects the mind and the body.
• Hemp is also a member of the cannabis family. The difference is that hemp only contains a small amount of THC, the compound responsible for the plant’s altering effects. Most notably, hemp produces CBD (cannabidiol) which is used by millions who want the beneficial effects of the chemical without the high.

Cannabis plants can be either male or female and each individual component of the plant serves a unique purpose.  

To make the distinction between male and female plants, the grower will have to wait until the plant is approximately six weeks old. 

Taller than females, male cannabis plants will produce sacs of pollen that initially resemble small orbs, but they soon grow into bigger clusters of oval-shaped sacs. 

A female plant is characterized by pistils resembling thin hairs in the early stages. They gradually mature into stigmas and ovules.

In addition to being familiar with the different categories of cannabis, it’s important to know there are different types of seeds you can purchase.

Regular cannabis is the result of a male cannabis plant fertilizing a female cannabis plant. The seeds produced have a 50% chance of being male or female.  To determine the sex, the seeds will have to be germinated a month and a half until their gender becomes apparent. 

In short, if the cannabis plant produces pistils, it’s female. If you notice pollen sacs, it’s male.

Many growers and breeders prefer sensimilla buds over buds that are loaded with seeds. The term “sensimilla” refers to female cannabis plants that have no seeds because they haven’t been fertilized. As a result, the plant’s energy is used to bloom flowers instead of manufacturing seeds. New buds are created from the flowers and consequently, the plant develops a higher concentration of THC and other compounds.

The cannabis plants that produce both pollen sacs and flowers will not generate as much THC, so cultivators often separate the males from the females before the latter is pollinated. 

Alternatively, they simply grow crops that are entirely female.

Female cannabis plants can continuously produce seeds on their own, primarily with the assistance of males. So, if you want to reduce the number of seeds in your crop, don’t allow the male plants to pollinate the females.

If your objective is to start cultivating feminized seeds, it’s imperative that the male plants are segregated from the females. Failing to do so will disrupt the potency of the female cannabis plant.

As you cultivate the seeds, their height, color, and leaf length may vary as will the degree of the “high” the plant will produce.

Regular seeds are ideal for any grower who prefers a more natural approach to cultivating their cannabis. Experienced breeders often use regular seeds so they can glean the most genetically superior plants and create exceptional hybrids. 

Another benefit of regular seeds (depending on your goals) is that they are more cost-effective then feminized or auto-flower seeds. 

Contingent on your personal needs, regular cannabis seeds may not be the best investment for you. 

Fortunately, there are other options.

Succinctly, feminized cannabis seeds are derived from two female plants.

Modern technological innovations have allowed growers to become more familiar with the procreation process. To produce feminized seeds, the cannabis plant must be put under stress.  

Growers and cultivators expose the female plants to colloidal silver. This stress causes the plant to increase the production of pollen. The resulting pollen fertilizes the female plants that produce the feminized seeds.

When cannabis cultivation first emerged, the only way to grow marijuana was with regular cannabis seeds as nature intended. However, most growers want to harvest the plants so they can sell or smoke the buds. To that end, their primary interest is in the female plants.

Because the demand for female plants is greater than that for the males, feminized seeds were created.

As the process became more perfected, the demand for feminized seeds grew. It hit its peak around 1999. The market has become so profitable, many contemporary seed banks don’t sell regular cannabis seeds at all. 

Growing with feminized seeds ensures your crop will only be female, which makes the process that much easier. There is no need to grow plants for weeks just to determine which are male and which are female.

Because the commercial demand for feminized seeds is so high, many forget that regular seeds are imperative for the creation and maintenance of a varied cannabis gene pool. Breeders, home growers, and seed banks must realize the importance of offering regular seeds to ensure the scales don’t tip dangerously in one direction strongly favoring one sex over the other.

For those who want to harvest their crop more quickly or need to operate with discretion, there is another type of seed available. 

Auto-flowering cannabis seeds are derived from both male and female cannabis plants, but at least one of those plants must have genes that are predisposed to auto-flowering.

Strains of auto-flowering cannabis instinctively evolve from a vegetative growth stage to the flowering stage as they age. This particular strain of cannabis is the result of combining a typical strain of the plant with cannabis ruderalis, a variety of cannabis originating from Russia and Central and Eastern Europe.

Naturally having lower levels of THC, cannabis ruderalis originated in northern parts of the planet that had shorter summers. Therefore, sunlight wasn’t as available annually as it was in other parts of the world.

Its adaptation is flowers that blossom based on the plant’s age instead of a specific time of the year. This is a stark contrast when compared to other forms of cannabis that depend on varying hours of light for them to flower.

This adaptation is what inspired cultivators to develop a hybrid with the same cannabinoid levels of indicas and sativas but also can flower as they age. 

As with any personal or professional endeavor, there are advantages and disadvantages to strains of auto-flowering cannabis. 

One of the advantages is that auto-flowering strains provide a competitive advantage for growers who want to benefit from a fruitful yield sooner rather than later. 

Maturing from seed to harvest in as little as eight weeks, this strain grows much faster than sativa or indica.

Faster flowering times and harvests would be an asset to people who need to go to market quickly or need to be more covert with their cultivation.

Additionally, auto-flowering cannabis plants are smaller and more compact than other strains due to their genetic background stemming from cannabis ruderalis. 

Characteristics of this nature could benefit those who don’t have much space for an elaborate home grow.

By their very nature, sativa plants are tall with long slender leaves and able to grow to massive bushes if the outdoor conditions are favorable. 

Indicas are smaller in stature with wider leaves. Cannabis ruderalis are even smaller, but they are durable and can adapt to many environmental conditions.

Among the benefits of auto-flowering cannabis, there are a few drawbacks. 

If a company or individual grower has a vast space for cultivation, it may be better to opt for another strain that will not only be larger in size, but will produce the corresponding yields as well. 

Though cultivators can employ strategies that will maximize the yield of their crop, the fact is that auto-flowering strains are smaller genetically and can’t reach the level of yields produced by larger strains of sativa.

Depending on the grower’s mission, the lower THC content of auto-flowering cannabis may not be desirable. 

Currently, there are several breeds of cannabis strains. The selection of products available at seed banks can be overwhelming due to the variety. This is especially true if you are new to the industry and are on your maiden voyage toward becoming a home grower. 

Confusion mounts as you consider the various names of strains and the numerous breeders. There are regular, feminized, and auto flower seeds. Some are indica. 

Others will be sativa. Some plants will flourish indoors while others will only reach their maximum potential outdoors. 

There are other considerations such as the varied flavors, plant size, yield, flowering time, and potency.

With so many components to the equation, how can someone make the decision that’s right for them?

The first step toward making the best choice is understanding what constitutes a great cannabis seed:

• Do your research and gauge the popularity of the seeds you would like to grow. If no one is selling them or growing them, there must not be a demand. Or a strain could not be very popular because no one knows about it. You many consider experiencing it for yourself to see if a grow is worth pursuing.
• The seeds should have an abundant yield. You will want to research seeds that produce the highest yielding plants. When it’s time to harvest, you will want to benefit as much as possible from your hard work. 
• Finally, you will also want to cultivate cannabis that has the potency that you want. Every individual is different, so make sure you are aware of his tolerance.

Regardless of the type of seeds you decide to cultivate, most likely your objective is to grow strains you’ll be able to smoke or sell. Even those with extensive experience as growers have periodic questions. 

For any inquiries you may have, contact us if you run into issues with your home grow, equipment or any other concern you may have.

 Just like the iPhone, CBD is one of those rare products that has made an explosive entrance into the marketplace. 

One day most of society never heard of CBD. The next day, it seems that CBD products and their advertisements are everywhere.

Thanks to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 signed by Donald Trump, CBD products are not only widely available in the US but is now very high demand. The farm bill made industrial hemp legal in addition to legalizing recreational and medical cannabis at the state level. 

How pervasive are CBD products?

Depending on the state in which you live, you can buy CBD products restaurants, gas stations or even your local CVS. 

Since last year, the sale of CBD products has increased by over 700% according to the reputable research firm Brightfield Group.

However, also spreading through society more quickly than CBD products is confusion about what CBD is and who should use it. 

Without question, the popularity and revenue potential of CBD means it will be here for quite some time. 

First, a brief refresher on CBD.

One of the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant is cannabidiol, also known as CBD. 

It’s a substance that’s naturally produced by the cannabis plant. Scientists have been able to identify over 100 different types of cannabinoids so far.

The one most widely known is THC due to its ability to create a sense of euphoria. CBD is swiftly gaining ground strictly because of its potential to help people manage several ailments ranging from stress and migraines to chronic pain and inflammation. 

Our body maintains a state of homeostasis through several regulatory processes that are governed by the endocannabinoid system or ECS. 

The endocannabinoids function as neurotransmitters sending messages throughout our body. The two receptors that interact with CBD are CB1 and CB2 receptors.

The former primarily exist in the brain. They help with memory, motor function, identifying pain, and cognition. CB1 receptors also exist in our liver, peripheral nervous system, thyroid, and other organs. 

Research has proven that CBD coaxes the body into producing more endocannabinoids which may help people manage pain, inflammation, and anxiety. 

The benefits of CBD are well-documented, but its future is still met with both optimism and concern.

As a cannabis copywriter and cannabis content writer, I have learned many things. Ever-increasing awareness of the benefits of CBD will lead to an upsurge in the demand for CBD oil in beverages and food. This growing cognizance is expected to help propel the industry forward.

CBD and its related products are primed for expansion in the United States in three primary markets:

• CBD derived from hemp
• CBD derived from marijuana and 
• Pharmaceutical CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill, recent developments in the hemp industry, and technological advancements have caused farmers and manufacturers to turn their attention to the commercialization of CBD as the path toward immense profits becomes more visible.

New genetically engineered crops as a result of cross-breeding will result in higher yields and better overall quality. 

As the benefits of CBD become more widely published and accepted, funding for research and development will increase as well.

One of the companies to watch out for is Hempistry, Inc. which is a privately held corporation operating out of Nevada. They will receive $1M in capital over the next year from one of the biggest publicly traded hydroponics companies in the country.

Hempistry has already planted a strain of industrial hemp that is exceptionally high in CBD. 

The company has also entered into an agreement that will allow them to reserve over 22,000 acres of beautiful farmland in Kentucky strictly for hemp cultivation.

Though the future looks very bright for the CBD industry as a whole, there are still several concerns and a significant number of detractors.

There is a constant battle between the millions of people who claim CBD helps them manage their health issues and scientists who still question whether CBD truly influences the body. 

Many scientists and researchers debate whether people are obtaining relief or are experiencing a powerful placebo effect (meaning those who expect a positive outcome are more likely to see benefits).

Regardless of who is right, funding for CBD Research by the National Institute of Health skyrocketed from zero dollars five years ago to approximately $16M last year. 

The march of CBD and its related products seems unstoppable now.

But unclear legalities and inconsistent regulation will put a ceiling on industry growth that was previously thought to be unlimited.  

The primary hindrance to growth in the CBD industry will be lax oversight. 

Because CBD isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, there’s no entirely accurate way to tell what’s inside oils, tinctures or creams unless a company's products are tested by a third party. Additionally, those results must be made available to the public or included in the product’s packaging. 

Needless to say, you shouldn’t do business with any company that doesn't have information about how their hemp and CBD are manufactured clearly detailed on the label.

Also, stay away from any products that claim CBD will cure any ailment or condition. If the information on the label isn’t from a third party, be wary of what is stated.

Last year, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control tested almost 30,000 products ranging from cartridges from vape pens, tinctures, oils, edibles, material from plants and creams. 

Approximately 15% of those products didn’t pass the state-run tests for purity or potency. This was due to improper labeling and residual levels of solvents, microbes, and pesticides that were found.

Until the cannabis industry is regulated on a federal level or until states create legislation that will strictly govern the enforcement of existing regulations regarding the manufacturing of CBD, the problems will continue.

As with most products, conduct your own due diligence and consult with your physician before considering the use of CBD to manage any health concern. 

The field of commercial cannabis is growing at an unprecedented rate. The growth estimates from Wall Street are astounding. Over the next 10 years, figures projecting annual sales growth range from $75 to $200 billion.

Financial analysts aren’t the only ones taking notice of the vast potential of the market.

Every aspiring entrepreneur and business owner with an interest in marijuana and a little bit of seed money is hoping to cash in on the modern-day gold rush. As a result, the industry is slowly (but surely) becoming saturated.

The following states have not only made recreational marijuana legal; they are reaping the tax benefits of allowing it to be sold:

Alaska     California     Colorado     Maine     Massachusetts     Nevada     Oregon     Washington

Without question, California (arguably the most progressive state from the list above) is leading the charge on cannabis sales in the United States. And even though their revenue alone tops $3 billion dollars, that figure is hampered by covert and illicit sellers who keep their transactions off the books.

Let’s stay with the theme of recreational marijuana. The following states have legalized its recreational use within certain limits, but are not selling it (at the time this article was created):

Illinois     Michigan     Vermont

Illinois looks to be the first of the three above to legalize the sale of recreational cannabis. The state’s governor, J.B. Pritzker, has signed a bill that has made it through the Illinois Legislature that will make recreational sales legal as of January 1, 2020.

Michigan is a close second with legally licensed sales also commencing a bit later that year.

The broadest category consists of states that have made medical marijuana legal, but its recreational use by adults is not:

Arizona     Arkansas     Connecticut     Delaware     Florida     Hawaii     Louisiana

Maryland     Minnesota     Missouri     Montana     New Hampshire     New Jersey

New Mexico     New York     North Dakota     Ohio     Oklahoma     Pennsylvania

Rhode Island     Utah     West Virginia

Though the revenue generated by medical cannabis is on the rise in the United States, that revenue will taper off as more states legalize the use of recreational cannabis. Many consumers will no longer feel the need to schedule a doctor’s appointment and get a prescription. They will have the option of strolling into a licensed dispensary as they would if they were buying Skittles from Walgreens.

As the number of states legalizing marijuana increases, so do the number of companies and individuals seeking to make a profit. 

Many capitalists would say that a bit of competition is a good thing. 

But is that really the case?

Growth within the cannabis sector is projected to continue rising at a very fast pace. 

Large corporate brands like Coca Cola are rumored to have their eye on the potential revenue generated by the industry. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions are transpiring more often than ever before.

As a result, executives within the cannabis industry are eagerly rubbing their hands together in anticipation of significant profits.

So how can your company remain viable?

Legalizing marijuana in several states has led to a gold rush-like tsunami of investors who have the capital to spend on thorough research, branding, marketing, and distribution.

Even though the market is soon to be highly saturated, there are still ways to stay competitive in the cannabis industry.

The first is to determine a market or identify a product with a high potential for growth, yet has minimal competition. 

Let’s examine a situation where the market isn’t ideal. Colorado is considered a pioneer in the movement to legalize marijuana. Growers, manufacturers, and dispensaries in this market are going to have a level of maturity in the industry that will make competing against them challenging. Even if you were to launch a product that isn’t in as high demand, such as edibles, the battle to get substantial market share will still be a tough one.

Consider a market where the legalization of marijuana is relatively new and you are poised to compete right out of the gate.

If you do decide to enter a market that is more established, offer a product that isn’t widely distributed. A new cannabinoid on the market, CBG, is one to consider. Continue reading to learn more about this innovative product.

The second step to staying more competitive in the cannabis industry is to know the demographics of your target customer. 

Not everyone who uses cannabis is your ideal customer: 

• There are those who have stressful lives or professions who use it to manage stress.
• There are older customers who may use it to manage chronic pain.
• There may be athletes who use it to reduce inflammation.
• Others may enjoy the occasional beverage with a dose of CBD oil.

Prior to investing in manufacturing a product and devising an extensive marketing strategy, create your customer avatar so you understand who is buying, what issues are they struggling with, and how your product is unique to addressing their pain point.

Third, do a lot of competitive analysis. Determine who the other players are in the space you want to offer your products. By doing so, you can gain insight into their strategic positioning. You will also better understand their customer base compare it to yours and adjust your marketing efforts if necessary.

Also, keep this in mind: Just because a company is selling the same product as you, that doesn’t mean they are your competitor.

For example, let’s say two companies in the same state sell edibles. 

One positions their products as edibles with a lower dosage. Their customer base consists of mature women who are looking for premium chocolates infused with CBD. 

The other company markets their edibles to those who are looking for higher potency. They could be more frequent users in their 20’s or 30’s.

Both companies sell edibles, yet both companies have entirely different customer demographics.

Conversely, you could move in an entirely new direction and offer a product that barely has any market penetration.

As we come closer to 2020, the cannabis industry will see an infusion of capital as increasingly savvy investors become aware of the market’s immense potential. They will seek companies that have sound fundamentals and superior manufacturing processes that yield superior products.

Years ago, many proponents of legalizing marijuana had a view that was somewhat limited. The envisioned how great it would be to buy a joint at a retail location or smoke one in public.

But the industry has evolved in ways few could have imagined.

Well-documented research has shown the plethora of benefits provided by CBD and its related products. Science has proven it can help people manage pain, discomfort, inflammation and a host of many other ailments.

As a result of fully funded trials and studies, many other products will be available in addition to CBD.

One of the most promising is cannabigerol, also known as CBG. It’s another cannabinoid that rarely exceeds a level of 1% in most strains of cannabis. It is worthy of study because both CBD and THC start out as CBG and are later converted into their respective forms. 

Essentially, CBG is the parent of CBD and THC. 

Breeders, cultivators, and growers are devising ways to acquire higher yields of CBG from cannabis through various methods of crossbreeding and the genetic manipulation of the plant itself.

They have the option of extracting more concentrated levels of CBG from growing plants by determining the best time for extraction which is typically the sixth week of a flowering cycle that lasts eight weeks.

In fact, Bedrocan, a Dutch company that manufactures medical cannabis, produces a strain of cannabis Sativa called Bediol that uses the flowering cycle method to harvest CBG.

Though relatively new, CBG has already shown promising results in helping individuals manage their pain and discomfort.

All mammals have what is known as an endocannabinoid system, which is a network of cannabis-like substances that occur naturally in our bodies. The primary function of this system is to ensure our bodies stay in a balanced state by performing numerous functions that are specific to every area of our body. 

For example, when an injury occurs, the endocannabinoid system regulates the distribution of immune cells in order to limit or reduce inflammation to the affected site.

Because of its impact on the endocannabinoid system, during clinical trials, CBG has shown promise in helping people manage a myriad of issues including:

• Glaucoma
• Huntington’s disease
• Bacterial infection
• Involuntary bladder contractions and 
• Inflammatory bowel disease 

In addition to capitalizing on the introduction of CBG to the market, there are other ways to be successful in the now-crowded field of cannabis.

All the information above is useless without a strong product, quality branding, and sound sensible advertising. A great product with a subpar design or terrible labeling will be perceived as one that is subpar.

It’s no secret that food from McDonald’s isn’t five-star. But their ad campaigns and marketing strategies have allowed them to become one of the biggest companies on the planet.

To stay competitive in a crowded cannabis market, your products or services must be positioned in a way that customers buy from you because you are trustworthy and you give them an experience that is better than your competitors.

Your marketing, social media and packaging speak volumes about your brand and your company. 

It must be professional and polished.

If you take shortcuts with these two items, customers may think you took shortcuts in other areas as well.

Anyone who has the slightest interest in marijuana or the cannabis industry is aware that the subject has as many detractors as it does proponents.

The legalization debate is one encompassing many different elements and opinions (factual or not). There are several recurring questions that always seem to arise during the discussion:

• Is marijuana a gateway drug to other substances that are more harmful?
• How will the legalization of marijuana affect those already incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses?
• Will the legalization of marijuana make communities safer or more dangerous?
• How will the revenue generated by the industry be used to benefit communities as a whole?
• Is cannabis really as effective as people claim when it comes to helping individuals cope with certain physical and mental conditions?

It may appear the debate has occurred relatively recently, but questions such as these have been asked for decades.

The only contemporary change in the conversation is the shift from when will marijuana be legal to how will legalization impact society? Additionally, what are the benefits now that it has been legalized in most states?

Though the dynamics of the debate have changed, the one thing that can’t be questioned is marijuana’s long-standing history in the United States.

Dating back to the 1600s, Americans, with the blessing of the federal government, used hemp to produce clothing, rope, and sails. 

In 1619, the state of Virginia passed legislation that required all farmers to grow hemp. The commodity was considered so valuable, it was legally allowed to be traded as legal tender in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Production across the country flourished until the end of the Civil War. At that time, hemp was replaced by imported goods and materials manufactured domestically. 

In the late 1800s, marijuana rose to prominence as an ingredient in several medicinal products sold to the general public by pharmacies. As it gained popularity, the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906mandated the labeling of any products containing cannabis which were sold over the counter.

Shortly thereafter, the Mexican Revolution concluded. With its end came Mexican immigrants into the United States. It’s worth mentioning many lawmakers of the period attributed the introduction and use of recreational marijuana in the United States to Mexican immigration.

Prejudice and hostility toward the new arrivals became intertwined with marijuana use. As a result, marijuana consumption was demonized. From the early 1900s through the 1920s, politicians ran on anti-drug campaigns. Rumors circulated that Mexican immigrants were giving marijuana to schoolchildren.

Also, at the time, immigrants and sailors from the West Indies smoked marijuana in port cities along the Gulf of Mexico. Publications in New Orleans associated the substance with African-Americans, prostitutes, and jazz musicians. 

The vilification of cannabis peaked with the proliferation of stories about “The Marijuana Menace”. It was considered a drug that was used by social deviants, sub-human races, and the dregs of society.

The strategy worked.

The federal government deemed marijuana illegal in the late 1930s. Congressional hearings in 1937 resulted in the first federal restrictions on marijuana. The Marihuana Tax of 1937 regulated the cultivation, importation, and/or distribution of marijuana.

Before the restrictions, it was a legal cross-border import.

It’s important to note that the restrictions in 1937 weren’t the only obstacles on the path toward marijuana legalization:

• In 1930, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was created. Its birth was largely attributed to the increasing fear and resentment of Mexican immigration during the Great Depression which started one year before. Questionable research was conducted to link marijuana use with crime and violence. Over half of the states in the country banned marijuana by 1931.
• In 1932, the public was very concerned about the use of marijuana. The rate was gradually increasing. To satisfy their constituents, elected officials in the federal government created the Uniform State Narcotics Act. They strongly urged administrations on the state level to adhere to the legislation. The act’s purpose was to create a uniform law across different states that governed the use and sale of narcotics.
• After years of steep taxes, propaganda films, exaggerated caricatures of marijuana users, and stricter sentencing laws, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs was created. It was the result of a merger between the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and the Bureau of Dangerous Drugs.

Fast forward a few decades and the cannabis industry begins to show signs it won’t be stopped even with federal constraints.

Today, there are over 30 publications specifically targeted toward the cannabis industry. Many people are unaware of the godfather who started it all- High Times. 

While today's magazines are primarily online and just getting their baby teeth, old issues of High Times could once be found in the Library of Congress.

Issues from the 1970s showcased ads where kids could get a unique pipe (the predecessor of today’s bong) if they bought a frisbee. Other advertisements showed board games where kids could pretend to be marijuana dealers.

Unfortunately, the success of the magazine and paraphernalia marketed to kids created an enormous obstacle for decriminalizing marijuana in the 70s. 

As 1980 was approaching, a troublesome trend was reported. The daily or near-daily use of marijuana by high school seniors almost doubled between 1975 to 1978.

Almost 1 in 9 seniors were smoking marijuana daily. Kids just entering their teenage years were boasting how easy it was to buy on the street or from friends.

Understandably so, parents became angry. 

At the time, they saw paraphrenia marketed to kids and marijuana use in general as a gateway to other drug use.

Concerned parents across the nation created a movement that started in the mid-70s and peaked when President Reagan took office. The groups worked diligently to squash decriminalization bills on the state level. They also bolstered the anti-marijuana stance held by the federal government.

Once state-level bills were overturned, companies across the country that marketed paraphernalia to kids went out of business and quickly.

A product or service won’t survive in the marketplace if demand doesn’t exist.

The popularity of marijuana-related accessories in the 1970s was evidence of the country’s rising interest in the use of recreational marijuana. 

At the time, the economy was also struggling. Lines for gasoline stretched for blocks. Inflation continued to rise. Not only were unemployment rates very high, but the demand for goods from the United States was stagnant. 

Imaginative capitalists were looking for new ways to generate revenue.

A fledgling cannabis industry was born. 

But because marijuana was still illegal, most of the industry’s revenue was created by ancillary products. Aspiring business owners whittled pieces of wood in their garages to make “hash pipes.” Large companies imported incense and other products that complemented marijuana purchases. 

Not only were beaded curtains and other goods sold by bigger organizations, but this type of paraphernalia was also available at local 7-Elevens and record stores. It was a field that brought in over $200 million annually.

Now, the sale of cannabis and its related products is legal in many states. The field is so profitable, the capital generated could possibly surpass NFL revenue in 2020.

But none of this would have happened if not for the valiant efforts of a few pioneers in the cannabis industry.

As mentioned, the road to marijuana legalization was long and arduous.

One of the organizations at the forefront of the fight is The National Organization for Marijuana Legalization also known as NORML. 

NORML is a non-profit organization whose mission is initiating, supporting, and enforcing the fight for legalizing marijuana in the U.S. 

Pioneer Keith Stroup founded NORML in 1970. Since then, the organization has had significant triumphs in the fight to win favorable legislation.

Stroup was the leader of the organization for 34 years. A few victories of note include:

• Minor marijuana infractions were once felonies. Now they are misdemeanors in all 50 states.
• Several states (as many as 25 in 2018) have passed laws that partially or entirely decriminalize certain charges for possession.
• 33 states have made medical cannabis legal.

These milestones may have been reached without NORML, but there is no doubt the organization played an integral part in their acquisition.

Though the cannabis industry owes a great debt to Keith Stroup, other people have also contributed to the massive strides taken by the industry.

In 1971, a psychiatrist from Harvard Medical School wrote a book entitled, Marihuana Reconsidered. The book raised the ire of president Richard Nixon because it decimated the federal government’s case for maintaining the illegal status of cannabis.

Written by Lester Grinspoon, the book was immensely popular. His ivy league credentials made it difficult for critics to pan the work as hippie nonsense.

The White House wasn’t the only establishment that objected to the publication. 

Grinspoon believed Harvard disapproved as well. He was denied promotion to full professor two times even though his illustrious career included dozens of books, a leadership role at Massachusetts Mental Health Center (among others) and encompassed innovative research on schizophrenia.

During his entire tenure at Harvard, Grinspoon was only able to reach the mantle of associate professor.

The esteemed academic institution never provided a reason. But friends of Grinspoon felt he was a victim of discrimination. It was believed that conservative faculty and leaders at the school frowned upon Grinspoon becoming a full professor and a possible representative of the university.

In his own words, Grinspoon recalls a dean telling him the committee responsible for promotions “hated” the book.

The irony is that, before becoming a faculty member of Harvard, Grinspoon was certain marijuana was an illicit drug destined to doom the youth. As he conducted his research about the dangers, he came to realize he had been “brainwashed.”

Even though his decision prevented him from attaining the status of a full professor, Dr. Grinspoon’s book provided the foundation for cannabis legalization.

The legalization of marijuana still has its battles. The negative stigma associated with its use can be traced back as far as the 1930s. Fortunately, the fight is being won one state at a time.