Trends in Cannabis and Marijuana

As cannabis becomes more legal, the industry surrounding it continues to expand. Political campaigns are now being built on policies of legalization in many states because of its popularity. Startup companies are seeing headline making growth trends with average people becoming millionaire baking and selling edibles and now that it has reached the suburbs, companies want to expand marketing efforts.

Cannabis Oils

Cannabidiol or CBD, is a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel “stoned” and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC. Cannabis oils are arguably the fastest growing segment because of the general acceptance, its diverse uses and its availabilityin a number of different forms. CBD oils have very low traces of THC, so as a result they provide the intended goal such as pain relief, anxiety relief, nausea relief, etc, without psychoactive reactions or the feelings of being high.

Epilepsy is a condition the gets the most consistent support for use of cannabis oil, even federally. the FDA recently got a unanimous vote by their federal advisory committee to recommend approval of a pharmaceutical CBD oil known as Epidiolex, which can be used to treat certain rare forms of epilepsy. But CBD oil has also shown itself to be useful with regards to pain relief, cancer treatment, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues, among other conditions.

CBD oil, comes in several forms. E-liquid for a vape pen is the most common form, with other forms as tinctures, drops of concentrated CBD extract that are dropped under your tongue and absorb in the mouth. There are capsules, which can be taken with water like a pill. CBD hemp oil is legally sold at some dispensaries.

Cannabis Beauty Products

The beauty and skin care categories have seen a lot of product development using CDB oils. This market segment have seen significant growth in recent years.

CBD, is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties due to cannabinoid receptors in skin and some research says it may be able to help fight acne. These skin care and beauty products are marketed as beneficial for pain relief, hydration and feelings of relaxation. The variety of these products range from Cannabis balms for muscle pain relief, lotions and rubs for better skin, bath bombs and bath salts for relief and relaxation in the tub. The range is increasing at a fast rate with products that now include lip gloss and mascara.

Marijuana Edibles and Beverages

Cannabis beverages is an emerging category, but edibles are more matured.

Drinks infused with marijuana have been relegated to states where the drug is either totally legalized or decriminalized. In Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal, some dispensaries sell cannabis cola and fruit punch and there are coffee shops in New York that sell cannabis-infused coffees.

Beers are seeing the most experiments. In addition to the effects of marijuana, the plant provides an additional spectrum to the aromas and taste profiles. Blue Moon, is working on cannabis-infused non-alcoholic beers in Colorado, while other breweries have CBD beer available at select locations in both Oregon and Washington.

Edibles are more potent than other methods with the most well-known being weed brownies, cookies and marijuana gummies. Chocolates are becoming a trend and is being marketed as a more refined way to ingest the product. These chocolates are sold in limited amounts, because they contain THC. Défoncé is only sold and distributed in California. But should these marketing efforts remain successful, if legal marijuana spreads to additional states it won't only be CA dispensaries that stocks them.

Cannabis Pet Treats

There are some companies that are producing hemp and CBD products specifically for pets but at the time of this writing Vets aren't legally allowed to prescribe marijuana based products for pets. More studies are needed in the efficicacy of thes eproducts for pets, although hemp and cannabidiol haven't shown themselves to have any extraordinary risk to dogs. Canna-pet offer hemp dog treats in several flavors as well as tinctures. Pets can be picky about treats and capsules so the tictures provide an alternative delivery method. Dispensaries in Colorado may also sell treats for your dog.

Caution is warranted because THC is not good for pets and not all companies that say their product is low in THC can be trusted with proper disclosure.

Cultural and Religious Significance of Marijuana

Marijuana Tea is said to have originated in Jamaica, where it is called Ganja tea, but in India, it has been used in food and drink (called "Bhang") as early as 1000 B.C. Bhang is traditionally distributed during the spring festival of Holi. Tea that is infused using marijuana is known in India as "Bhang". Marijuana tea provides a similar effect as marijuana based edibles, and is said to provide a different experience compared to when it is smoked.

In Jamaica, Ganja is an important element the Rastafarian religious ceremonies. It is used to enhance feelings of unity and visions of a spiritual and soothing nature. Rastafari "reasoning sessions" are religious meetings that involve group meditation. Marijuana is used to help the follower fall into a trance-like state. The marijuana is usually smoked from a pipe (or "chalice", or "chillum pipe"). A short prayer is always recited before it is smoked: "Glory be to the father and to the maker of creation. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be World without end."