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Can You Bring a Vape on a Plane? The 2026 TSA & Packing Guide
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations mandate that electronic smoking devices be transported only in carry-on luggage. Protect your sesh by following lithium battery rules. According to FAA safety protocols, cabin storage allows flight crews to monitor thermal events effectively. With over two decades of global shipping experience, Grasscity experts note that seasoned travelers prioritize accessible gear to avoid confiscation and ensure the next sesh arrives safely. Lithium batteries should be included in carry-on luggage to ensure crew access in the event of a thermal event. Vape cartridges containing cannabis oil or e-liquid follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, requiring storage in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures focus on aviation threats, such as explosives, rather than personal accessories. Grasscity experts recommend adhering to federal safety protocols to pass security without delays. Why Must Vape Batteries Go in Carry-On? Lithium-Ion Battery Cargo Restrictions Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 Hazardous Materials due to thermal runaway risks in unpressurized cargo holds. Thermal runaway occurs when battery cells short-circuit. According to research from the FAA Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety in late 2025, cargo fire suppression systems fail to extinguish lithium fires in 94% of test simulations. Airport security scanners detect dense battery packs in checked luggage to prevent this risk. Watt-Hour Limits and Safe Transport. FAA regulations limit personal lithium-ion batteries to 100 watt-hours (Wh) per unit. Standard 510-thread batteries, such as the Yocan or Pax units carried by Grasscity, operate well within this safety zone. Disconnecting the battery from the cartridge prevents accidental firing during flight. How Do You Pack Vape Cartridges According to TSA Rules? Vape cartridges must be stored in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag to comply with the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule. Cannabis oils and distillates are classified as liquids or gels under TSA screening procedures. Cartridges stored loose in backpacks or pockets trigger additional screening. Follow the TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule First, disassemble your setup. Unscrew the cartridge from the battery. Place the battery in your electronics case where it belongs, but put the vape cartridge inside your single, quart-sized clear plastic bag with your other liquids. This separation is vital. When you pack your cartridge alongside mini bottles of lotion and mouthwash, it creates visual camouflage on the X-ray scanner. To a security agent, it blends in with the organic mass of your other toiletries, reducing the chance of a manual bag search. Preventing Leaks at 30,000 Feet The physics of air travel can make a mess of your gear if you aren't careful. This is due to Cabin Pressure Dynamics. As the plane climbs and the cabin pressure drops, the air bubble inside your cartridge expands. Trapped expanding air forces sticky distillate out through airflow holes. Traveling with partially filled carts allows for pressure equalization without leaks. A little extra air space allows for pressure equalization without pushing liquid out. For extra security, wrap your cartridges in a paper towel and seal them in a separate baggie. Grasscity recommends you always store them inverted (mouthpiece down) to help manage where that air bubble sits during the flight. The "Pre-Flight" Hygiene Protocol A dirty vape is a loud vape, and we don't mean volume. When your gear goes through the airport X-ray scanner, organic residue, like that sticky resin building up on your mouthpiece, shows up as orange. Orange is the color code security scanners assign to biological threats and explosives. Deep cleaning devices prevent false alarms during X-ray screening. Grab some 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a Q-tip to vigorously scrub the 510-connection pin and the mouthpiece until they shine. Cleaning the threading specifically prevents connectivity failures upon landing. A spotless device looks like a standard piece of electronics to a TSA agent, while a grimy one looks suspicious. After cleaning, use smell-proof storage to secure the stash. Famous X or Ongrok bags use activated carbon linings to trap terpenes, ensuring the carry-on smells like fresh laundry. Navigating the Legal "Grey Zones" State vs. Federal Airspace Restrictions: Understanding the difference between state laws and federal rules helps prevent travel interruptions. While you might be flying between two legal states, the airspace above them falls under federal rules. Domestic Travel & The Hemp Loophole The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived products, including CBD and Delta-8, federally legal. This creates a legal conflict because TSA agents cannot distinguish between legal hemp oil and illegal Delta-9 THC without a lab test. TSA security checkpoints lack the equipment to field-test liquids for cannabinoid content. If an agent flags your bag and questions you, the "Hemp Defense" is your safest strategy. Calmly stating that your product is legal CBD is a plausible explanation that fits within federal law. TSA’s official policy is to refer violations to local police, but it focuses on bombs and weapons. For small, personal amounts, they often prioritize keeping the security line moving over pausing everything for a minor enforcement issue. International Travel: The Red Line While domestic travel has loopholes, international travel is a hard stop. Never take cannabis products across international borders. Once you land in a foreign country, you are dealing with Customs, not the TSA, and their mandate is strictly to find contraband. The risks are extreme. Countries like Russia and the UAE have strict drug laws where possessing even a vape cartridge with residue leads to severe prison sentences. Risking foreign jail time is dangerous. Buying a cheap or disposable battery at the destination reduces the risk of international detention. Frequently Asked Questions Common Vape Travel Screening Inquiries. Will the TSA take my vape out of my carry-on? TSA agents typically permit vapes to pass through carry-on screening without issue when packed correctly. If you pack the battery in your electronics case and the cartridge in your liquids bag, the vape looks like standard gear on the X-ray. The device typically passes through without a second glance. Can I fly with a vape in my pocket? Flying with a vape in a pocket triggers a physical pat-down and immediate discovery. Emptying pockets before the body scanner prevents anomaly alerts. Can I bring a disposable vape on a plane? Disposable vapes belong in carry-on luggage due to their non-removable lithium-ion batteries. These units require cabin transport to comply with FAA fire safety rules. What happens if I put my vape in checked luggage? Baggage scanners detect the density of lithium batteries in checked luggage, leading to bag searches. Agents open flagged bags to remove the hazard, increasing the risk of product discovery. Are dab pens allowed on planes? Dab pens follow the same carry-on protocols as standard cartridge pens. Wax pens retain pungent residue, requiring thorough cleaning of the heating chamber to prevent detection of odor.
The Best Cannabis Events of 2024
Best Cannabis Events in 2024 The cannabis industry has skyrocketed in a big way, and attending cannabis events is the best way to stay updated on the trends in this exciting, ever-evolving industry. Whether you are interested in collaborating on the latest innovations, new product lines, legislations, or just expanding your network, these are the best cannabis events in 2024 that you must visit! Cannabis Events in 2024 January 2024 SUNY Cannabis Conference in Niagara Falls, NY (January 8-9) This 2-day event hosted by Niagara County Community College features the brightest minds in the cannabis industry. The first day will include the first-ever American Culinary Federation culinary cannabis competition, and the second day will give you insights on the latest research, technology, and opportunities in the NYS Cannabis industry. Lift Vancouver in Canada (January 11-13) Lift is the original large-scale cannabis trade show in Canada that showcases leading-edge content and innovative exhibitors. The 3-day event includes a business conference, expo, and an after-party where you can mingle with industry leaders, innovators, and regulators. Virginia Cannabis Conference in Richmond, VA (January 19-22) Hosted by Virginia NORML, this event is the Commonwealth’s premier cannabis industry and policy event. You’ll be able to hear more from national experts, state legislators, and local industry leaders. The event includes discussion sessions and after-hours networking. Cannadelic in Miami, FL (January 26-28) One of the largest cannabis conventions in the world, Cannadelic is a holistic health and consciousness event that includes an expo and trade show, seminars, a consumer marketplace, workshops, and awards. Another unique part of this convention is a special breakout session called the Investor Summit, where accredited investors can look for opportunities. February 2024 Hawaii Cannabis Expo in Honolulu, HI (February 2-4) Established in 2014, the Hawaii Cannabis Expo aims to unite and educate the cannabis community in Hawaii. The event includes seminars, discussions, demonstrations, and an expo. Canapa Mundi in Rome, Italy (February 16-18) This is an international fair that involves companies and visitors from around the world. It’s certified by national authorities and includes conferences, workshops on the latest technologies, and a wide range of attractions. Lift San Francisco, California (February 22-23) A renowned event for cannabis food, beverage, and hospitality that features expert panels and exhibitors from across the cannabis industry. It’s the perfect place for you to mingle and expand your network! Connecticut Cannabis Expo- XpoCanna in Uncasville, CT (February 24-25) The 3rd annual event will feature three activities rolled into one. There is the Connecticut cannabis business convention, consumer expo, and the X Cup, New England’s most rigorously tested and judged cannabis competition. Cannabis Business Asia-Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand (February 29-March 1) A leading event for the Asian medical cannabis and hemp market that features seminars, discussions, and exhibitions. During the seminar, leading innovators will show their latest developments, successes, and failures in a case study presentation. March 2024 Spannabis in Barcelona, Spain (March 15-17) One of the largest premier events in Europe for cannabis culture and business, Spannabis features the World Cannabis Conference, Spannabis Champions Cup, and International Cannabis Business Conference. A large part of the exhibition will be focused on CBD and industrial hemp. NECANN in Boston, MA (March 22-23) NECANN Boston is the second largest B2B cannabis industry event in the world. The 2024 event will feature over 350 exhibitors, five full programming tracks, multiple workshops, and an investor summit. It’s the best place to grow your brand awareness in front of cannabis industry professionals in the Northeast. Other notable events: GreenTech Americas in Mexico, Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA, CannExpo Toronto, Canada, and more. April 2024 The Emerald Conference in San Diego, CA (April 1-3) The Emerald Conference is an interdisciplinary cannabis science and psychedelic event. It serves as a forum for highlighting the latest research, scientific advancements, and practical applications in cannabis cultivation, processing, and product development. CannaCon South in Oklahoma City, OK (April 5-6) Focused on Oklahoma’s legal cannabis business, it’s the nation’s leading cannabis expo and B2B conference. Cannacon will unite leading pioneers and entrepreneurs with investors and experts to discuss the latest industry developments. MjUnpacked in Atlantic City, NJ (April 9-11) This is an exclusive event attended by cannabis retail and brand executives, R&D and licensed lab professionals, and investors. The focus of this event is to collaborate, connect, and access capital. Noco Hemp Expo in Estes Park, CO (April 11-13) The 10th Noco Hemp annual event features exhibitions and discussions on the latest policies, regulations, research, and products. Noco Hemp 2024 will focus 2024 more on hemp-based industrial materials, the environment, food, and nutrition. May 2024 NECANN in Baltimore, MD (May 3-4) NECANN Baltimore is a great opportunity for cannabis professionals in the Maryland area to expand their network. The first-ever cannabis convention in Maryland will give you insights on the latest cannabis trends, new products, and services. Cannabis Science Conference, Kansas City, MO (May 7-9) This is the industry’s premier science event, focusing on analytical science, medical cannabis, and cultivation. You’ll gain insights from expert panels, find new products in the exhibition hall, and network during the mixer. Other notable events: White Label World Expo Las Vegas, NV, Cultiva Hanfexpo Zagreb, Croatia, CannMed24 Marco Island, FL, and more. June 2024 Cannabis Business Europe 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany (June 4-5) This is a significant event in Europe where the cannabis business community can share knowledge on the latest developments, discuss during Q&A sessions, and participate in hands-on workshops. CWCBExpo in New York City, NY (June 5-6) CWCBExpo is a premier cannabis B2B expo for the East Coast. Attendees will enjoy educational sessions, innovative product displays, and elite networking opportunities. Other notable events: Med-Tech Innovation Birmingham, UK, The Flower Expo Greenfield, MA, Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research Haarlem, Netherlands, and more. July 2024 IFT First in Chicago, IL (July 14-17) A food expo with over 1,000 exhibitors sharing the latest in food science intelligence, including cannabis-related content. There’s also a multi-day pitch competition in the Startup Pavilion where you’ll gain access to 100 startups from around the globe. Cannabis Drinks Expo in Chicago, IL (July 30-31) Learn more about cannabis-infused beverages where professionals from all over the US and Canada share their knowledge. There will also be a product showcase pavilion with over 100 cannabis beverages. August 2024 Flower Expo in Allegan, MI (August 7-8) The Flower Expo is the Midwest’s premier cannabis trade show that showcases industry innovations and trends. Attendees will enjoy innovative product exhibitions, socialize with peers, and enjoy delicious food and beverages from local vendors. CannaCon Midwest in St. Paul, MN (August 16-17) A pioneer in St. Paul’s cannabis industry, this is a landmark business expo focusing on industry growth in the Midwest. Entrepreneurs will be able to mingle, seek seed money, find innovative technologies, and get business and legal advice from professionals in the field. Cannabis Business Times Conference in Las Vegas, NV (August 20-22) The Cannabis Business Times Conference is a leading event for plant-growing businesses. It features a day-long cultivation roundtable, networking opportunities, and pre-show workshops for newcomers to the industry. September 2024 NECANN in Atlantic City, NJ (September 6-7) NECANN New Jersey is a growing B2B cannabis industry event. In 2024, the event has a projected turnout of over 200 exhibitors and over 4000 attendees. Montreal Cannabis Expo in Montreal, Quebec (September 18-19) This expo is one of Canada’s leading Cannabis Industry Trade Show meant for professionals who would like to gain insights and expand their network. Attendees will join stage presentations on innovations, product exhibitions, and an industry mixer rooftop party. Grow Up Conference and Expo in Edmonton (September 29 - October 1) This is one of the largest Canada B2B cannabis events focusing on cultivation, cannabis retailers, extractions, and psychedelics. You’ll be able to mingle with world-class speakers and industry professionals in cannabis cultivation and extraction. October 2024 NECANN Connecticut Cannabis & Hemp Convention in Hartford (October 4-5) An event that highlights the emerging cannabis industry in Connecticut. This B2B convention will connect local cannabis companies, entrepreneurs, investors, job seekers, and advocates in the field. World CBD Awards in Lisbon (October 8) The World CBD Awards is a luxury international CBD and hemp event that seeks the best products around the world. You’ll be able to nominate a product on their website by filling in the form. The 3-day event features a meet and greet, conference and networking, and gala and awards. NECANN Syracuse in New York (October 25-26) This event is where you can check out new products and cutting-edge industry trends in the region. It’s the only cannabis expo in New York and it’s focused exclusively on the NY market. December 2024 9th International Weed Science Congress in Jerusalem (December 1-5) This is a global congress on weed science, featuring 3 days of sessions with plenary and parallel halls. Attendees will be able to enjoy case presentations, tours, exhibitions, and professional field trips. MJBizCon in Las Vegas (December 3-6) The largest B2B cannabis conference and expo, MJBizCon is where game changers and disruptors connect. The event features pre-show forums, exhibition pavilions, a 3-day conference, evening receptions, and lively meet-up spots where you can mingle with your peers.
Washington Prosecutor: Kids Aren't Going To Prison For Pot
If you’ve recently become fond of using Cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes it’s important to know about your local laws and regulations, and what to do and how to act in the dreaded instance that you are arrested for it. This is especially important if legalization hasn’t occurred in your state, province, or country. In this article we’ll take a deep dive into the state of marijuana arrests, as well as give you tips to help ensure that if these problems arise you will know what to do. How many people are arrested for marijuana possession each year? United States Despite the decriminalization of the substance in 33 states and Washington, D.C. the war on drugs continues in the United States. According to research of marijuana incarceration statistics in the US, law enforcement charges about 600,000 individuals every year for marijuana-related arrests. These frightening statistics suggest millions now hold criminal records for simply trying to alleviate chronic pain issues through the use of medical marijuana. In 2019 data from the FBI‘s uniform crime report (published yearly by the FBI) revealed that police arrested 545,602 people for cannabis related crimes. That arrest rate is 9% higher than the 495,871 people arrested for violent crimes the same year. And those being arrested for cannabis aren’t just those making money from selling, growing or manufacturing the drug they are mostly just people who use cannabis. The vast majority of these arrests (92%) were for simple possession of the drug. 500,395 of those arrested for cannabis were simply found in possession of cannabis. Even if we take out all the arrests for being involved in unregulated cannabis commerce and just focus on arrests for cannabis possession, the numbers still outpace arrests for violent crimes. The EU (European Union) The EMCDDA (European Monitoring Center for Drugs & Drug Addiction) collects routine arrest data on drug arrests from all EU Member States, Norway and Turkey. Broadly speaking, these are law enforcement reports of acts that breach drug laws, usually recorded regardless of any subsequent charge or penalty. It is estimated that around 1.5 million drug law offenses are reported each year in the European Union. Of these, about 760,000 were related to cannabis in 2015. 609,000 of which were cannabis use-related offences (usually use or personal possession). Because some countries do not report recorded warnings or minor offences to the EMCDDA, these numbers almost certainly underestimate the true extent of drug law offences in Europe. What are the consequences of being arrested for marijuana? United States As we stated earlier, nine out of ten of the marijuana arrests in the United States are for mere possession of the substance. Depending on what state you’re in, and how much you are caught with, punishments can vary from large fines, community service, and even jail time. Additionally, your conviction will forever be on your permanent record, even if it’s just a misdemeanor. This can have dire consequences like parents losing children during court proceedings, deportation for immigrants, and eviction from public housing. The EU (European Union) Like the US, depending on what EU member state you are in punishments will vary. For instance, in France possession up to 100g entails a 200€ fine since November 2018, although a judge is still legally able to sentence you to a maximum prison sentence of one year and a fine of up to 3,750€. In Slovakia, possession or use of small amounts of cannabis (just 1 joint) is punishable by up to eight years in prison. The EU is gaining new member states by the year, and listing each countries particular laws would take a while, so if you are an EU citizen it is important to look up what the possible punishments are in your country. Racial Disparities Racial Disparity is when a particular racial group systemically and disproportionately experiences worse outcomes in comparison to another racial group or groups. Racial Disparities may occur in a range of areas, including but not limited to education, employment, wealth, policing, criminal justice, health, transportation, housing, homelessness, and especially marijuana-related arrests. According to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) arrest data revealed a consistent trend of significant racial bias in the US. Despite roughly equal usage rates, black people are 3.73 times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana. It’s sad to have to write that your ethnicity may also be a factor in wether or not you are even approached and questioned by a police officer. If you are like us and want to see change, become a member of the ACLU and make a donation today, anything helps. (click here) Tips to avoid getting busted Invest in smell-neutralization: Cannabis has a unique smell that police officers know all too well. One of the easiest ways one can get caught is by becoming careless about where you smoke and store your stash. Here at GrassCity.com we’ve got a wide variety of solutions such as deodorizing sprays, smell-proof storage solutions, and even a smell neutralizing machine! (click here) Where you smoke matters: If you live somewhere with harsh marijuana laws where you light up that joint important. Everyone has different life circumstances, and may live in highly congested areas so unfortunately there is no clear cut solution. What is most important is making sure you are free from prying eyes and curious noses. Choosing times of the day when most people are asleep is also a good tip. Ditch the smoke, get a vape: Discreet smoking is more comfortable with a vaporizer. The smell isn't as harsh as regular smoking because the vapes are designed for prudent convenience. Vaporizing herbs can be done anywhere. With portable dry herb vaporizers, there's no need to worry about where you're going to smoke. It doesn't matter if you have an office, home, car, boat, etc.; you can still enjoy vaping while on the go. You don't have to wait until you get back from work before enjoying some good weed. Don’t travel with your stash: Keeping your sticky buds in a safe place in your home will minimize your chances of getting a possession of marijuana charge. It may seem enticing to bring a joint to a concert, or just to decompress on the walk home after work. These acts will only increase your chances of coming across a police officer and even worse, a drug-sniffing dog. If you do have to travel with it (for instance if you have just purchased some and are taking it home) make sure you have a smell-proof bag or container to transport. pro tip: Research on how scents permeate have shown that even items in a smell proof bag can be smelled by dogs if inside for a long time. With this in mind, get your buds in their container only when you just about to hit the road. Putting that container inside of a jar of instant coffee will give you fighting chance as the smell of the coffee will overpower the cannabis scent for a short time Keep it secret, keep it safe: The words of Gandalf the Grey ring true in this instance. If you live in somewhere with harsh punishments for marijuana use, it’s best to keep your habits out of conversation. You never know who could be listening, and even a trusted friend or family member could find themselves in a position where they discuss your use with someone who works at your local police department. Move somewhere that has seen marijuana legalization: We have touched on this in a previous article, but if you need access to cannabis for medical reasons and your lack of safe access makes your day to day life unbearable it may be worth considering. Canada made front page news with their recent marijuana reform for medical and recreational use, or if you are a U.S. citizen moving somewhere like Colorado could be mean your days of getting a marijuana possession arrest could be a thing of the past.
Snoop Dogg Has A New Line Of Glass And It Is Dope AF
Famous Brandz has been bringing our stoner dreams to life by collaborating with the worlds top cannabis culture icons like Cheech & Chong, Trailer Park Boys, and perhaps the patron saint of all things cannabis, Snoop Dogg.
Raj Grower - Hightide CEO won O’Cannabiz Cannabis Person of the Year Award
We’re proud to announce that our CEO, Raj Grover, has officially been named Cannabis Person of the Year at this year’s O’Cannabiz Industry Awards Gala.
Operation Pipe Dreams
Operation Pipe Dreams was not so long ago, but still feels a world away from the smoking paraphernalia industry today. While now you can get a gorgeous designer bong or a high-end golden-plated herb vaporizer delivered right to your door, there was a time not too long ago when selling even a simple pipe could’ve landed you in jail.
Should You be Concerned about Trump's Vape Ban?
Last week the Trump administration announced that they planned to ban all flavored vapes. This news has rocked both vaping enthusiasts and health professionals. While I do occasionally vape, the real question on my mind was what about cannabis cartridges? While Trump did not specifically say that he was including cannabis or CBD oil cartridges, it is probably safe to assume that Trump’s vape ban will end up affecting those as well. Why Should we be Concerned? One of the reasons Trump has given for the vape ban is the epidemic of recent illnesses that have hospitalized and in some cases killed, otherwise healthy young adults. It’s not just nicotine vapers that have been getting sick however. You might recall that black market cannabis cartridges have been making people sick as well, giving the Trump administration all the ammo they need to bring cannabis cartridges into the conversation. If you remember, the Trump administration has not been too kind to the legal cannabis market (recreational in particular) in the past. The federal crackdown that he threatened when he first entered office may not have ever come to fruition, but that doesn’t mean that his justice department is not still considering it. Just wait until Barron Trump is caught smoking a blunt, then all bets are off. Is it Time to Panic? No, not quite yet. Cannabis enjoys wide bipartisan support; to go after it now would be pretty disastrous, especially with an election coming up. That does not mean we’re not completely out of the woods, but I would be wary. If Trump gets elected again, then I think it’s probably time to stock up on vape cartridges. What to do when vapes do get banned? If vapes do get banned there are luckily still many alternatives. For instance you can use a dry herb vaporizer. It let's you put your herbs directly into the device giving you an easy vaping alternative. Featured Image Source: CNN Will Trump’s vape ban effect cannabis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Canopy Growth CEO Fired, Did Not Step Down
Recently Bruce Linton, the CEO of Canopy Growth stepped down from his position as CEO and board member of the Canadian cannabis conglomerate. Well, that’s what everyone was told anyway. Linton ended up calling into CNBC early Wednesday morning to say that he did not step down, but was in fact fired. When referring to the verbiage in the company’s press release, Linton said, “ I think ‘stepping down’ might be the wrong phrase. I was terminated.” Linton co-founded Canopy Growth in 2013 along with co-founder and now sole CEO Mark Zekulin. He made the brand famous for brokering deals with moguls and celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. Canopy Growth then went on to become the largest publicly traded cannabis company in the world. Last year the company made headlines when beverage giant Constellation Brands, makers of Corona and Modelo made a significant investment in the brand. Canopy lost huge shares at the end of the fourth quarter of last year, which naturally did not please Constellation, nor Canopy’s board of directors, which now included members of Constellation. “The magnitude of losses for [Canopy] has expanded far more than we had expected, and while we commend Linton for his vision in establishing the world’s leading cannabis company, we believe new leadership will be a welcome change,” a note to investors said. After Linton stepped down/got fired company stock fell 5 percent. Canopy stock has halfway recovered since then. What’s next for the largest cannabis company in the world? Moving forward Zekulin and the board of directors hope to find someone better suited to meet their needs, or probably more accurately Constellation Brands’ needs. Zekulin has said that they hope to find a suitable replacement in the coming year. If I were wagering on this, I would bet that the replacement will end up being someone closely, if not directly associated with Constellation Brands. Source: CNBC Image Source: Rolling Stone What do you think? Was Linton let go justly? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Illinois Becomes 11th State to Legalize Recreational Cannabis
This week Illinois will become the 11th state in the US (not including DC) to legalize cannabis for recreational use for adults 21 and over, ABC news reports. After HB 1438 is signed by governor J.B. Pritzker (D), it will mark the first time recreational cannabis was legalized via legislation. All ten current legal states and DC legalized cannabis via ballot initiative. This bill will also make history as the first legislation passed having to do with cannabis legalization that also involves expunging cannabis charges from the records of Illinois residents in what Pritzker called an “equity centric approach.” What Pritzker means is that this is the first legalization bill that attempts to right the wrongs of the failed war on drugs. Pritzker, a billionaire businessman for governor in last year’s midterm elections, on the premise of legalizing cannabis, something that he made the cornerstone of his campaign. His story is similar to that of New Jersey governor Phil Murphy who also campaigned on legalizing weed and also ended up winning handily over his opponent. I’ve said before that legalizing cannabis was a winning strategy, but now I want to scream it from the rooftops. I must say that it is refreshing to see someone acknowledge that legalization should do more than simply legalize weed. As we’ve seen arrests of poor and/or PoC in legal states have stayed pretty much the same, while predominantly white people capitalize on pot’s popularity. Expunging old records has only been tried by large cities up until this point. Maybe now we’ll see some meaningful change in drug policy in the criminal justice system. Or maybe I’m just high. Either way, go Illinois! Source: ABC News Got anything to add? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Coca Cola Heir Arrested with Millions of Dollars in Weed Plants
In one of the more bizarre cannabis related news items/ celebrity gossip stories of 2019, two billionaires including the heir to the Coca Cola company, were arrested last week when 5 thousand cannabis plants totalling millions of dollars were found on his private plane. The plane also happened to contain Tudors actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers and his family who were riding as passengers. Alkiviades David or Alki, is the heir to the third largest Coca Cola bottling plant in the world in Athens, Greece. He and his business partner Chase Ergen were reportedly detained by customs officials when they landed in St. Kitts, an island in the Caribbean known as a playground for the rich and famous. They had in their possession an estimated 1.3 million dollars worth of cannabis plants. Alki and Ergen claimed that they were importing the plants, with which they planned to start a legal cannabis business. Alki later made the claim that the plants were hemp plants and were therefore not illegal. So they were basically smuggling weed into the country? Both were released after 8 hours with Alki having to pay a bail of 30k and turning over all travel documents. He was later arrested again when he tried to leave the country. Even more bizarrely, Ergen was arrested again days later when he was found in possession of Ketamine, aka Special K, which he claimed was medicinal. Ketamine, a horse tranquilizer and popular club drug, can also be used to treat depression, but I highly doubt that this is the case here (pun intentional or unintentional? You decide). Ergen remains locked up, but since he’s wealthy he’ll probably receive nothing more than a slap on the wrist. The Rhys Meyers family had no part in the pair’s smuggling operation, but this did not stop customs officials from subjecting the actor’s wife and mother in law to what I’m sure was a humiliating cavity search. Alki and Ergen will both be just fine because they are rich. They will pay a huge fine and maybe have to do some community service. Ergen might have to do some time for the Special K, but if he does you can guarantee that he will do time in a nice white collar prison for nice rich boys. Meanwhile poor people of color will continue to be arrested for carrying around dime bags. Smell that? That’s the smell of justice and it reeks more than weeks old bong water. Source: Fox News Image Source: Sky News Got anything to add? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Will New Jersey Legalize Cannabis This Week? It's Anyone's Guess
This week New Jersey lawmakers will vote on whether or not to legalize recreational cannabis throughout the state. The vote, which is on Monday, is expected to be extremely tight, will determine whether or not Jersey becomes the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis. It’s a pretty tight race and whether or not it passes is anyone’s guess. What’s in the Proposed Bill? The bill, if passed, would make it legal for adults age 21 and up to possess up to an ounce of dried flower. It also establishes a 5 person regulatory committee to oversee all the rules and regulations required to run the legal market. The bill contains another provision that no state has ever had before: the bill calls for the expungement of all possession charges of up to an ounce. Individual cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have begun the expungement of minor cannabis offenses, but this is the first time this has been tried by an entire state. Though legalization was popular in the state democratic party (it helped them win an election even), some state democrats seem to have lost their enthusiasm for legalization. Even some who supported the bill while it was in committee have not said whether or not they will vote for it. What was once looking promising now looks tenuous at best. Later this week Jersey lawmakers will hopefully vote on the SAFE act, which would permit banks to do business with cannabis companies, so long as they were compliant with state law. The current federal status of cannabis prohibits banks from doing any sort of business with dispensaries, growers, or anyone even remotely involved with the industry. All Eyes are on Jersey Both proponents and opponents of legalization are keeping a close eye on what’s happening in Jersey because New York will likely follow. If the state senate fails to pass the bill, New Jersey will have to put off legalization until the 2020 election, which will of course postpone legalization in New York. If on the other hand, the measure does pass, New York will follow, and eventually the rest of the east coast. Source: ABC News Is this the week New Jersey legalizes cannabis? How will this affect the future of legalization? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
We Should Abolish Drug Testing for Cannabis
As an enthusiastic lover of cannabis for nearly two decades, one of the biggest banes of my existence was always the dreaded work place drug test. I’ve lost out on more than a few good jobs because I could not pass a UA, despite having a great looking resume and all of the right qualifications. Every cannabis user out there can relate to the stress of not knowing whether or not enough time had passed since they’d put down the pipe. Smoke Weed or Keep Your Job? Things did not change when states began legalizing cannabis. In fact, many medical cannabis users found themselves out of a job, simply for daring to take their medicine. This of course caused a lot of undue financial stress that certainly was not helping people who were already in a delicate physical state. People who suffered from debilitating medical conditions were basically out on their asses, even if their doctor had suggested they try cannabis. This is not the case with people who are prescribed, for example, prescription pills. Drug tests have always been unfairly biased against cannabis users anyway. Cannabis being fat soluble makes it stay in the system for weeks longer than far more dangerous substances like meth and heroin, which are out of the system in a matter of days. It’s time to get rid of employment related drug testing for cannabis. What do we get from drug testing for cannabis? Law abiding citizens in legal states are unjustly punished for partaking in a perfectly legal activity, which of course leads to financial ramifications. Medical cannabis users are forced to choose between treating their medical condition or keeping their job, a thing that is necessary for them to treat their medical condition in the first place. On the employer’s side, companies are losing out on tons of qualified candidates, people who would surely be assets to their companies. It’s a lose-lose situation. Caesar's Palace stopped testing employees for cannabis last year. Image Source: Travel Channel A Lot of Employers are Phasing Out Drug Testing for Cannabis Fortunately, employers across the US are starting to come around to the idea of doing away with drug testing for cannabis. Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where recreational cannabis has been legal since July 2017, announced early in 2018 that they would no longer be including cannabis in the list of substances they would test employees for. Other companies in legal states have complained that testing for cannabis eliminates a significant portion of their pool of qualified employees. Yeah, we know. We cannabis lovers have experienced this frustration for years! There are no state laws that protect recreational cannabis users and few protections exist for medical cannabis users, though the groundwork has been lain down. Now they just need the legislation. Even members of the Trump administration have shown a change in attitude towards cannabis testing. At a hearing of the House Ways and Means committee, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta hinted that employers should reconsider drug testing for cannabis so as not to disqualify qualified candidates. Change is already in the works. I think that soon we will see the last of drug testing for cannabis. Spark one up in celebration folks! Image Source: industryweek.com Have you ever lost a job because of testing positive for cannabis? Got anything else to add? Tell us in the comments!
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What types of smoking accessories does Grasscity sell?
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