Winter 2019
Hemp Hotels Law Enforcement Weighs in on Legalization
An In Depth Look at Vaping Introducing... MusicBuff!
See reverse side for local deals!
FREE
CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 1
Poster by Rochester artist @dellarious. Inspired by Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau. Currently on view at the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester through January 19th, 2020.
2 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019
Publisher’s Letter It’s hard to believe that we’re already on our third issue. While we begin to close in on the new year, we wanted to tell you a little bit more about who we are and how we got started.
but I definitely don’t believe that cannabis is completely harmless. There are risks associated with everything we consume, even with certain types of food if we consume them in excessive amounts.
My name is Geoff. Earlier this year I noticed that there was a lot of media attention given to cannabis on TV and in the newspapers. I found it interesting that cannabis news was reported very differently than other subjects in the news. It seems that news and media organizations find ways to mention cannabis without really saying anything at all. To make matters worse, the information provided is often wrong or misleading. An example is the repeatedly published statement that CBD is non-psychoactive. This is incorrect and has allowed a misperception of the word psychoactive to grow.
In February of this year, I started a blog called CannaBuff, CannaBuffMag.com. Then I had the idea to create a print publication. I attended WNY NORML meetings and met with some friends I knew from UB that were in the industrial hemp business. I told them my idea to turn CannaBuff into a print publication. They supported me 110% and they’re ultimately the reason that CannaBuff magazine was born. Special thanks to John, Nhi, Jack, and Joey.
I started to think about what I would do differently if I were covering cannabis news. I knew I’d talk more about how these topics relate to home; our city, region, and community. The other thing I knew I would do differently, was to give more attention to the potential drawbacks of cannabis and legalization, which in my opinion, were given very little attention. I’m pro-cannabis in general,
My goal for CannaBuff is to become a valuable outlet for those interested in cannabis to share thoughts, ideas, and promote their causes. I hope to elevate cannabis culture and the discussion about these important issues, meanwhile, highlighting all the great things happening in Buffalo and the rest of Western New York. We hope you enjoy the third issue. Thanks for reading.
In this Issue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Christmas Cover Dellarious/Mucha MAG Publisher’s Letter Music Buff: Bridge Studios Building Buffalo Pink Elephant Inn An In-depth Look at Vaping
THE TEAM Printer: Jamestown Post Journal Photos By: Kim Buchner KMBuchnerPhotography Magazine Design: Samantha Jean Design Cover and Ad Design: Deanna Clohessy Comic Artist: John Comeau Publisher: Geoff Brown Editors: Brendan Murphy, Hazel Ball Writers: Jack Porcari, Meredith DeLuca, Melissa Moore
ADVISORY BOARD: Terrance Bellnier, RPh, MPA Maria Janda, PharmD Michael Infranco, PhD Michael Monzillo, MS Jake Schecter, RN Website: CannaBuffMag.com Twitter: @CannaBuffNY Facebook: @CannaBuffNY Instagram: @CannaBuffMag Phone: (716)-218-0624
Legalization Will Boost Tourism Law Enforcement on Legalization Job Postings Blitzed: The NFL and marijuana Our Partners New Hemp/CBD Regulations GLD Comic Crossword Happy Shack Oils
Special Thanks to: Happy Shack Oils, Buffalo Botanicals, One Hemp Holistics, Landmark Health Systems, Welcome716, SativaRemedy, WNY NORML, Memorial Art Gallery of Rochester, @Dellarious, Brennon Anderson and Ground Level Distribution. Disclaimer: The information and documents herein (the content) are intended for personal, noncommercial, general informational purposes, do not constitute medical advice, and are not a substitute for the advice of a medical provider or other licensed professional. CannaBuff makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, timeliness, correctness, suitability, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose of the content, and in no event shall CannaBuff or its employees be liable for damages resulting from reading or use of the content. References to specific commercial products, or services by tradename, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by CannaBuff.
CANNABUFF IS PROUD TO BE PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 3
INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST COLUMN: MUSICBUFF Highlighting artists, bands, and musicians hailing from or passing through Buffalo.
MusicBuff About this column: It’s no secret that cannabis is sensory enhancing and one of the most commonly sought enhancements is the experience of music. In this column, we aim to highlight artists, bands, and musicians hailing from or passing through Buffalo. From Goo Goo Dolls to Griselda, we hope this column inspires readers to get out, dance, tap their feet, and listen to the talent that’s performing and producing music locally.
Introducing Brennon Anderson of Bridge Studios Brennon Anderson is a producer, studio head, and entrepreneur. We met at University at Buffalo. Brennon had just started an Indie record label called Indie-Visuals and was producing and recording music out of his apartment in University Heights. At the time, Brennon was collaborating with a number of different artists from Buffalo and Rochester and was performing at venues such as Broadway Joes, Iron Works, Ohm lounge, Dubland Underground, and The Waiting Room. I was immediately impressed by Brennon’s commitment to his craft. I knew other talented artists, but so few of them managed to figure out how to pursue their art full time. Too often musicians and other artists allow their passions to become hobbies that are thrown in the closet and are only dusted off on occasion when they have some spare time. Brennon refused to let that happen. He doubled down on his commitment and quit school to pursue music fulltime. Shortly after, he saw a Facebook post advertising a vacant room in New York City. The post was by Mr. Green, a Brooklynbased producer and creator of VICE’s hit show “Live from the Streets.” Brennon responded to the ad, packed his things, and moved to Brooklyn.
4 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019
Once settled in Brooklyn, Brennon began working for The Fader, a hip hop lifestyle and culture magazine. He also mixed tracks for Duck Down Music. While Brennon honed his craft in the big city, he continued to grow his brand in WNY producing music under the name Beats Anonymous and continuing to setup and promote shows for his IndieVisuals artists. Brennon has been instrumental, no pun intended, in elevating his artist’s platforms. They’ve served as opening acts for the Queens-based collective World’s Fair (Remy Banks) and hip hop legend that needs no introduction, Talib Kweli (Black Star). Now, Brennon has moved back to Buffalo and on to his next chapter, Bridge Studios. A secure, full service, music production and recording studio on Hertel Avenue. Brennon rents the space to local artists and assists them with their projects. The space features classic production equipment, DAW software, computer workstations, and other standard studio amenities. The space houses Brennon’s extensive record collection, turntables, and a video game lounge for breaks during long sessions. Bridge studios is available for booking any time of day to accommodate artist preferences. He hopes the space will foster the burgeoning hip hop scene in Buffalo.
Building Buffalo: Monthly Networking Events In addition to his studio project, Brennon has started a monthly meetup called Building Buffalo (@BuildingBuffalo on Instagram). Building Buffalo is a monthly networking event for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and just about anyone to come out and enjoy free food and exchange ideas. Attendees come together in a positive atmosphere and bond over shared interests in making Buffalo a better place to work, live, and be a part of. The event is held at local breweries, restaurants, and other spaces throughout the city. Past events have been held at Lafayette and Big Ditch Breweries, Misuta Chows, and Preservation Pub. See the below ad for more details on the next event. The events feature discounted food & drinks, pop-up tables for vendors, games, voter registration, and live DJs. Attendees can also register for an affiliate program that offers discounts to local businesses.
BUFFALO’S PREEMINENT NETWORKING GROUP for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Young Professionals
Q
PROFESSIONAL Q
RECORDING STUDIO Recording, Mixing, and Producing Voiceovers & Music/Video Shoots QQ
Bookings Start at $40 per hour QQ
(716) 222-3002
Booking@BridgeStudiosNY.com
Follow us on Instagram @BuildingBuffalo and see us at our next event
Tuesday, January 14th, 6-9pm Big Ditch Brewery (55 E. Huron St. Buffalo)
CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 5
CANNABIS COMMUNITY Sharing stories from patients, advocates, and professionals in the cannabis space.
The Pink Elephant Inn
Niagara’s First Luxury Cannabis Resort By Jack Porcari Move over shot glasses and wine bottles, there is a new complimentary gift with your room key — rolling papers. The launch of Canada’s legalization of marijuana has left many medical patients, tourists and cannabis enthusiasts curious about what the Great White north has to offer. Conrad Floyd, owner of The Pink Elephant Inn, saw marijuana legalization as an opportunity to break the stigma and promote a cannabis-friendly atmosphere where consumers don’t have to worry about the consequences of using marijuana at their hotel. Floyd, a longterm landlord who has “never had a problem with a tenant who smoked pot,” entered the cannabis industry when he was renting space to a dispensary. He listed two rooms above the dispensary as a “Cannabis Friendly Condo.” Floyd then expanded to Airbnb, where clients could rent the space for a few days, without any worry of a $50+ smoking fee. After seeing the groundbreaking success of his Airbnb listing, the idea for a four-season luxury cannabis resort was born. Thirty-seven fully furnished rooms and a fourseason Vegas-style pool are currently under construction at the Pink Elephant Inn located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Additionally, each room includes a 65-inch television, automatic blinds, and
6 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019
an air filtration system. Floyd is also promoting safe driving by offering guests a complimentary ticket on the pink MercedesBenz party bus. Floyd envisions hosting events such as weddings, art installations, comedy shows, food trucks, and movie screenings at the resort. Floyd hopes his resort helps revitalize the Niagara Falls area. “They don’t want another strip mall…they want rejuvenation with a brand-new hotel that’s nice and clean because Niagara is on the comeback.” Many entrepreneurs are following his lead by opening cannabis friendly yoga studios and restaurants in Canada. The Pink elephant Inn will be an unprecedented destination and cultural spectacle for the Niagara region. The grand opening of the hotel is expected to happen in the spring of 2020.
An In-Depth Look at Vaping
are created for use in the lab since cannabis has been difficult to obtain for use in research. Bad actors provide these substances outside the lab and the use has been blamed for at least 11 deaths in Europe. Synthetic cannabinoids bind to some of the same sites in the body but produce much stronger reactions.
By Melissa Moore
Project CBD reported that the same symptoms that can indicate synthetic cannabinoid toxicity surface repeatedly in EVALI. The Associated Press performed a nationwide investigation to understand the availability of products spiked with synthetic cannabinoids and when they commissioned the testing of 30 samples including a sample that sent a teenager into a coma in Utah, 10 of them tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids. According to a survey of law enforcement agencies in all 50 states, 128 samples out of more than 350 vape cartridges tested by government labs, had synthetic cannabinoids in products marketed as CBD.
2019 contained many historical events for the cannabis industry, but nothing may be more memorable than the vape crisis. According to the CDC website as of December 3, 2019, a total of 2,291 hospitalized cases of e-cigarette, or vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported in the United States. Cases have occurred in all 50 states, with forty-eight deaths confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia. The e-cigarette was introduced to the U.S. in 2006, but it wasn’t until August of this year that the first vape-related death was reported in Illinois. As the injury reports piled in, samples have been collected. The CDC has run a study on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from 29 affected patients. BAL is a minimally invasive procedure used to collect fluid from the lungs in order to diagnose disease. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have reviewed lung biopsies from 17 injured patients, and several investigative teams have set out to discover what is being sold and where it’s coming from. CDC laboratory test results found Vitamin E acetate in 29 BAL fluid samples collected from patients in 10 states. CDC states that THC and nicotine were identified in 82% and 62% of the samples, respectively. Other plant oils, petroleum distillates, MCT oil, and terpenes were tested for, and none of these chemicals were detected. A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine by doctors at the Mayo Clinic says lung biopsies they reviewed appeared to be caused by chemical pneumonitis. This is contrary to previous reports that hypothesized lipoid pneumonia to be the potential cause of lung injury. Chemical pneumonitis is a form of lung damage caused by chemical toxins or irritants. Prior research shows that the same carcinogens seen in cigarette smoke are present in vape aerosol, but at lower levels. However, people who used e-cigarettes had roughly 19% more lead, 23% more cadmium, 20% more pyrene, and 66% more acrylonitrile in their urine. Researchers purpose this comes from using cheap parts and solder in the construction of the battery and vape cartridge electrical components. Vaping products often contain added flavors and thinning agents. In 2018, researchers at the University at Rochester analyzed 148 e-liquid samples and placed the samples on human cells. They found varying levels of toxicity produced by the samples, with the greatest toxic effects coming from flavor additives such as vanillin and cinnamaldehyde. “The higher the concentrations of these compounds, in particular, the more toxic the e-liquids were.” Research on thinning agents used in vapor products shows they produce inflammation and oxidative stress in cells. Two popular agents used in vapes are propylene glycol and glycerol which can convert to toxic byproducts at high temperatures. Observations suggest that propylene glycol converts to formaldehyde when batteries are set to 5 volts, but not at 3.8 volts. NBC News learned about the prevalent use of a prohibited fungicide found in cannabis called myclobutanil which can transform into hydrogen cyanide when burned and causes cellular inflammation. They tested 17 vapes and found 10 black market vapes contained myclobutanil. To this date, no one has concluded the cause of EVALI and it may very well be possible that numerous compounds and mechanisms are at play. One important class of compounds to mention which seem to be getting little attention are synthetic cannabinoids. These compounds
How to Protect Yourself The easiest way to protect yourself is simple, avoid the use of vape products. If you continue to vape, the best way to limit your risk is to obtain your product from a licensed distributor (dispensary). Prices may be higher, but you’re paying for increased safety and protection. Licensed dispensaries are required to have their products tested for cannabinoids and contaminants. Convenience stores are not licensed and should not be trusted as such. There is little that stops them from buying vapes illegally and reselling them. To lower the risk of inhaling toxic substances use lower temperatures, 3.3 to 3.8 volts is sufficient. Purchase high-quality batteries from reputable brands only. Vaping is healthier than smoking, but that comparison likely applies only to regulated products.
SHOP LOCAL!
CBD GUMMIES CBD PAIN CREAM CBD TINCTURE CBD CANDLES & APPAREL CBD CAPSULES Locally Owned • All Products Made in Buffalo, NY
(716) 768-6884 1005 Elmwood Avenue • Buffalo, NY 14222 Follow us on Social Media @BuffaloHempSupply CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 7
Why Cannabis Legalization Would Contribute to Local Tourism in the 716 Recently, a new Marijuana Decriminalization Law took effect reducing possession penalties and punishments for smoking weed in public in New York. While this is a step in the right direction, it raises a question: why not just decriminalize it altogether? If marijuana was completely decriminalized for recreational use, the economy would benefit in a multitude of ways. In this article, I’ll specifically discuss the ways in which legalization of marijuana could improve and boost the tourism industry in WNY. More Tourists The most obvious way to increase tourism is to gain more tourists. (Duh, right?) If weed were to be legalized, it would make the 716 a boom town for pot-curious travelers from near and far. In Colorado for example, cannabis tourism has risen more than 50% since 2014. According to its Department of Revenue, Colorado welcomed roughly 6.5 million cannabis tourists in 2016! This is proof that legalization can create a wave in cannabis tourism. If weed were to become legal in New York State, Buffalo Niagara could benefit significantly from the rise in tourists and the money they spend while visiting. Compete With Canada While Colorado provides an interesting case study, we can actually look closer to home to see the benefits of legalizing marijuana. Weed is legal in Canada for recreational use. And while we love Niagara Falls, NY, perhaps legalizing marijuana could make this side of the waterfall a more enticing choice for travelers. For some visitors debating on what side of the Falls to stay, marijuana legalization might just be the factor that tips the scale. The taxes collected from legal sales of marijuana to tourists would support local public programs that would allow WNY to compete with our neighbors to the north when it comes to being a bonafide cannabis-friendly destination. Pot-Friendly Hotels Just because weed is recreationally legal somewhere doesn’t always mean that it’s legal to toke-up in public. For that reason, if marijuana were to become legal in WNY, it would be dope to have pot-friendly hotels. Imagine a hotel where you can smoke in your room, the spa, and the bar. Cannabis Air in Toronto is a luxury cannabis-friendly hotel and the first luxury hotel in the world to offer smoking lounges. A hotel like this could definitely work in Buffalo Niagara as well. These bud and breakfast joints can oftentimes charge more money because people are willing to fork over some extra dollars in order to smoke in peace. Pot-friendly hotels would boost the local economy, bring extra tourists, and create a multitude of new jobs for the area. Craft THC Beverages The craft beverage scene has been booming in recent years in Buffalo Niagara. It seems like a new brewery opens up on the daily. So imagine the endless craft beverage possibilities if recreational marijuana was legalized. THC infused sodas, wine and beer exist in places where marijuana is legal and there’s no reason why they couldn’t boost our local economy as well. Imagine the pub crawls that could take place if marijuana beverages were a thing. I’ll drink to that! 8 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019
Cannabis Cuisine It’s no secret that WNY is known for its amazing food. From traditional local fare, like wings and beef on weck, to decadent fine dining, the food scene in the 716 is a delicious excuse for any tourist to visit. So in a world where cannabis is legal in WNY, chefs and restaurants could create entire cannabisinfused menus. New restaurants with a sole focus on cannabis cuisine could open. Just think of how good THC-infused wings would be! Foodies from all over the country and the world would rush to WNY to try these new marijuana masterpieces. Entire foodie tours could be created to showcase the best of these marijuana menu items. And all of these new endeavors would bring tourists and their dollars to boost the economy. While most of these ideas are merely pipedreams for now, the chance for recreational marijuana legalization in New York is better today than ever before. And when the day arrives where cannabis is able to be used freely by adults, the impact on our local economy will be a positive one. With the potential for new hotels, bars, restaurants, and tours, comes new jobs and more opportunities for tourists to visit and boost our local economy. Some people may be skeptical of these changes, but at Welcome 716 we have high hopes and appreciate the potential of this budding industry and the positive economic impact it could bring to our local tourism industry.
MUNCHIES?
DAZED? BORED? WE’VE
GOT YOU COVERED
We’ll guide you to the best of the Buffalo Niagara region
Welcome716.com
CANNACRITIC Highlighting important and sometimes challenging issues related to cannabis.
Law Enforcement’s Perspective: Former Amherst Police Officer Weighs in on Legalization We recently sat down with a former police officer to get his opinion on cannabis legalization. While he wished to stay anonymous, here is an inside look at what was said. Q: Tell me a bit about your background in law enforcement? A: I worked for a local police department for over 30 years as a patrol officer and detective. Q: Do you think marijuana should be legalized for recreational use? A: I’m generally in favor of legalization because I think it’s safer to have people using regulated products, but I have a lot of concerns based on my experience and the research I’ve done on what’s happening in other states. Q: What have some of your encounters with cannabis in law enforcement been like? A: We never made a big deal out of it. If we apprehended someone for a serious crime, we’d tag it on, but most guys didn’t make a big deal about it and would let a small amount go. Usually just tossing it out, unless the person was being impolite or disrespectful towards us, then we’d be a little bit more willing to do the paperwork and charge them for possession. Q: What are some of your concerns about legalization? A: I have some concerns about public safety. I want to see more research that studies the impact of cannabis use on a population level because we don’t know what the negative consequences will be. We’re going to fully open up the market to everyone above the age of 21 and we don’t fully understand what will happen if we do that. We hear a lot about jobs and the economy, but it all can’t be good. There has to be drawbacks. Impaired driving is one of my big concerns there’s been studies done in other states that look at impaired driving before and after legalization, and impaired driving increases after legalization. Addiction is another big concern. We’ve thought for a long time that marijuana was a gateway drug, well if it turns out it is a gateway drug and we tell everyone that its ok to use then we might be increasing the chance that someone becomes addicted. Motivation is another concern, marijuana can negatively impact motivation, so how will that impact our society? At the end of the day, I know legalization is coming, and I’m not opposed to it. I’d just like to see New York do a better job at legalizing than other states have done. I’d like them to do it more intelligently. You make some great points and some really interesting ones as well. One thing that I think often gets overlooked is that even if you believe that THC doesn’t impair your driving ability, THC seriously potentiates the effects of alcohol, which we already know impairs driving ability. So, it’s definitely not a good idea to get behind the wheel if you’re consuming both alcohol and marijuana, in any amount. This can surprise people, especially if they’re new to cannabis. A person may only have a couple drinks, but they have THC in their system and they’re more impaired than they expect to be after the amount they drank.
A: Absolutely, and it creates a problem for law enforcement because right now there is no reliable test for acute intoxication from THC. This is just one example. I think there’s plenty more scenarios like this. It becomes a matter of how do we legalize intelligently, so we enable people to have their freedom, encourage responsible use and warn people about potential risks, but also enable law enforcement to do their job. It’s no easy task. There’s a lot of stakeholders in all of this. I completely agree. Thanks for taking the time to do this and we’d love to hear from you again in the future! A: Thank you, I’d be happy to! About this column: In this column we highlight important and challenging issues regarding cannabis. While we remain bullish on the industry, we hope to bring adequate attention to and spark discussion about these important issues.
ONE HEMP HOLISTICS WNY’s Leader In Industrial Hemp Sourcing The Highest Quality CBD Products
STAFF IS FULLY EDUCATED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE
• SUBLINGUAL TINCTURES • GEL CAPSULES • PAIN TOPICALS • EDIBILES
• PET CARE • CONCENTRATES • VAPES • SKIN CARE • AND MORE
CALL US TODAY: (716) 362-9499 2023 Military Road • Niagara Falls, NY 14304 (Across From Fashion Outlets)
M-F 10am - 7pm • Sat 11am - 7pm
Largest Variety of Products Around ONEHEMPHOLSITICS.COM CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 9
Find a Job in the Cannabis Industry! With the legalization of medical marijuana and the legalization of recreational use looming, more and more jobs are popping up in cannabis and ancillary industries.
MEDMEN Hospitality Associate Buffalo, NY (Full-time)
In 2018 the cannabis industry created more than 250,000 jobs according to some sources.
The Hospitality Associate is responsible for creating a world class “showtime” customer experience for each and every customer who walks in the store.
Many may be surprised that there is almost certainly a job in the cannabis industry out there for you. Some jobs are similar to that of other industries such as management, marketing, and customer service, while others are unique to this emerging industry. If you’re ready to make the jump into a growth industry, here are some local postings in our region!
VERILIFE (FORMERLY KNOWN AS PHARMACANN) Outreach Representative Amherst, NY (Full-time) This position is responsible for executing initiatives that facilitate the achievement of outreach goals, the increase of new medical patients and driving awareness of our brand and dispensaries in the community. NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Horticulture/Cannabis Instructor Sanborn, NY (Part-time) NCCC has a need for a part-time instructor to teach various courses in the horticulture/cannabis program. COLUMBIA CARE Lab Manager, Extraction Rochester, NY (Full-time) The Extraction Manager is responsible and accountable for the testing and production of concentrates and formulated products and all aspects of the tracking and quality control management. COLUMBIA CARE Pharmacist Rochester, NY (Part-time) The Pharmacist is responsible for consulting with qualified patients and caregivers and administering approved medical marijuana products. MEDMEN Pharmacist Syracuse, NY (Part-time) The Pharmacist ensures that our customers’ needs are met and exceeded delivering remarkable customer service and providing customers with exceptional product knowledge, efficient service, and a friendly attitude.
10 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019
MEDMEN Operations Associate Williamsville, NY (Part-time) The Operations Associate is responsible for all policy and procedure, compliance, ingestion and all other operational objectives of the business.
JUSHI Inside Sales Rep-Nira Buffalo, NY (Full-time) This role will be responsible for the outbound-calling of assigned business units to ensure increased account retention, upselling/cross-selling within an assigned portfolio, and to convert inbound leads.
Blitzed: Why the NFL should consider changing its policy on marijuana use By Antonio Guerrucci Ahh, Football Sunday. With the National Football League (NFL) season in full swing, sports media outlets everywhere are sharing the latest news, upsets, and interesting storylines. From superstar holdouts ending, to newly amended rules such as reviewable pass interference, to the latest Antonio Brown developments. Along with this diverse list of narratives, there are new details emerging regarding the NFL’s stance on marijuana. NBC’s Pro Football Talk reported in March that, “the NFL is prepared to make major concessions regarding the substance-abuse policy, especially as it relates to marijuana.” While this is definitely good news coming from a conservative organization, let’s not start breaking out our best touchdown celebration dances just yet. Marijuana policy will have its place on the agenda at the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) meeting and will most likely not be revised until the start of the league’s 2020 season. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why the NFL should consider changing its stance on marijuana. Reason #1: Most of the NFL’s viewers approve of Marijuana. Football is America’s most dominant sport and approximately 62% of Americans are in favor of the legalization of marijuana. It’s likely that a large percentage of the NFL’s viewers favor legalization. In addition, the legislative mismatch between Federal and State laws challenges the NFL’s policy on marijuana. Players are forced to consider both Federal and State laws, as well as the rules they are subject to under NFL contracts. Then, during the offseason, players may change their behavior based on what state they reside in. Cannabis friendly players may be more likely to take into consideration a State’s legalization status when considering where to play next or where to live during the offseason. Reason #2: Other Professional Sports Leagues are already changing their Policies. All four major sports leagues administer drug tests for their players, but not all have similar policies regarding marijuana. The NFL tests each of their players during the offseason and randomly during the regular season. Testing positive for marijuana results in punishments that range from low-level fines to a one-year suspension. The National Basketball Association only tests its players during the regular season. If players fail to comply with the tests or if they test positive, they can be hit with fines as high as $250,000 and multiple game suspensions. Major League Baseball does not test for marijuana, but will if they have “reasonable cause” for a specific individual. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that “if a player tests positive, he might be subject to a treatment plan that can include progressive fines up to $35,000....” Finally, the National Hockey League doesn’t test for marijuana and instead places its main focus on helping those in need rather than simply punishing players. Hockey player Connor McDavid has voiced his support for further research into marijuana’s use for physical rehabilitation and as a possible replacement for more dangerous pain medications that are widely used for by injured hockey players. This segues us to our third and final reason...
Reason #3: Marijuana may help NFL players recover from injuries. According to the NFL’s Play Smart Play Safe Injury Data, there were 402 instances of injury last season on a list where only three different types of injury were reported (concussions (214), ACL tear (57), MCL Tear (131)). The statistic they don’t show is the hundreds of opioids & pain medications that are ingested each week to relieve the pain or at least reduce it enough to a playable injury. A study by Cottler, Abdallah, Cummings, et al. was conducted in 2010 to “evaluate the intersection of sports pain and opioid use and misuse among former NFL players.” The results, while not surprising, were undoubtedly staggering. Results showed that 52% of the 644 retired players questioned in the survey reported using opioids during their career, with 71% of them reporting misuse. Recently, current and former NFL players have spoken out about the misuse of these drugs, along with their experiences and struggles while using opioids. Retired players such as Eugene Monroe, Chris Long and WNY native Rob Gronkowski have publicly discussed the potential benefits of marijuana as a safer alternative. Gronk even partnered with Abacus Health products, a hemp CBD company, to launch a line of topical CBD products aimed at treating pain. The company is called CBD-MEDIC and markets products with patented formulations in the form of creams, balms, and massage oils. The company rivals another former NFL players’ company, Marvin Washington’s Isodiol. Washington serves on the board of Isodiol and co-founded ISO-Sport, a line of CBD products marketed to athletes for management of muscle soreness and inflammation. CannaBuff Insights: With the CBD craze still in full swing, we are likely to see more athletes capitalize on marketing opportunities through joint partnerships.
Western New York’s Home-Grown Hemp Products
O
BOTANICALS, INC. FDA Registered NY State Licensed Hemp Grower/Processor
• • • •
Certified Lab-Tested Cold-Pressed Hemp Seed Oil CO2 Extracted Hemp Flowers Organic
Hemp oils are a great addition to your pantry, your medicine chest, and your beauty regimen. For more information on the benefits and uses of hemp oil, and to see all our available products, check out the website at: www.buffalobotanicalsinc.com
716-200-7459 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 11
moc.ydemeRavitaS
HEMP MADE EASY 19 Main St. Tonawanda, NY. 14150
GROWING
FRESH PERSPECTIVES WNY
NORML
Working to Change Cannabis Laws in Buffalo and Beyond. Scan the QR Code to view our newsletter!
12 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Providing the latest on cannabis and hemp laws.
New Hemp Regulations Signed into Law On December 10th Governor Cuomo signed bill S6184-A into law. The bill includes significant changes to the regulation of hemp and hemp extracts in the state. The bill was sponsored by State Senator Jennifer Metzger and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo. Currently, only three types of licenses regarding hemp are available under the state’s hemp research pilot program. There are licenses for (1) Growing, (2) Processing for CBD purposes and (3) Processing for non-CBD purposes. The research pilot program will remain in place, but will also be subject to the same regulations as hemp for non-research purposes. The new bill creates licenses for growing, manufacturing, and extracting hemp. The extractor license is the broadest and allows licensees to procure, possess, manufacture, and extract hemp for human or animal use. The law aims to improve consumer safety by requiring anyone who produces cannabinoid products for human or animal consumption or use to be licensed with the state. Other notable changes include permits needed by retailers, wholesalers, and distributors to sell cannabinoid extracts. The “Cannabinoid Permit” requirement is likely to eliminate the sale of
hemp extracts at gas stations, bodegas, and other retailers (like family video) that currently operate with little to no oversight. The bill also sets the limit for CBD in beverages at 20 milligrams per 12 fluid ounces and requires that hemp extract included in beverages be grown and produced in New York. Additional regulations prohibit the sale of out-of-state hemp extracts unless they meet NY’s regulatory requirements. Labeling requirements have also changed. A QR code providing information on serving size, concentration, and region of origin is now required. Labels shall include a supplement facts panel if applicable and must avoid making claims regarding the treatment, cure, or prevention of disease. The bill also requires the establishment of an industrial hemp and hemp extract workgroup to make recommendations for the program, develop policy, and foster the growth of the industrial hemp market. The new law goes into effect March of 2020.
CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 13
14 CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019
CannaBuff Crossword: Xmas Crossword by Maria Janda | Find answers online CannaBuffMag.com/crossword or @CannaBuffMag on Instagram. 1
2
3
4
5
14
18
19
23
24
6
7
8
9
15
16
20
21
25
12
13
17
22
28
29
37
38
30
39
44
46
47
49
59
69
71
ACROSS 1. Unit of weight 5. Mistletoe activity 9. Lowest point 14. Cheerleader cry 15. Role model 16. Precious metal found on the fifth day of Christmas as seen on the periodic table 17. When repeated means “Bye”, or “Cheerio” 18. Deadly element 20. “__ __ or not __ __” (same word used twice); other word is in 35-down 21. To speak, or absolute 23. Right side of 29 across 26. Where the bloodiest WWI battle was fought 27. Where to find Buffalo’s tastiest 49 Across treats 28. Abbreviation for example 29. One sailed in on Christmas Day, along with two others 32. A nightmare to shop at on Black Friday 36. Buffalo magazine that features “Who Was There” photo section 40. German grocery store chain 42. Nestle candy bar with air bubbles 43. What feels like an eternity
32
41
33
34
57
58
35
42
45
48
50
53
31
40
43
68
11
26
27
36
10
51
52
54
60
61
64
65
55
62
56
63
66
67
70
72
44. Ibuprofen or naproxen 45. Protactinium on the periodic table 46. “__ Camino” Black Keys’ seventh studio album 47. To leak out 48. Shakespeare’s rodent 49. Glazed morning goodie 51. Swedish supergroup 53. Length x width 55. Also known as a sea hawk 59. Online shopping leaves this vacant 61. The only way on foot during “Snowvember” 64. Breadhive has a pickle and a deli version 65. Abbreviation in finance applied to savings or investment accounts 66. Craft material 68. Genetic material 70. Nickname of Nike’s first endorsed runner 71. If a Buffalonian is able to get a 10-down this season, it’ll be his 72. The bright 2019 Buffalo Christmas ceremony occurs downtown here: _______ 31-down
DOWN 1. To hold something tightly 2. S hortened form of religion developed in Jamaica 3. “ __-Ha!!”; Exclamation of discovery 5. To eradicate 6. Plan 7. W hen repeated, means alright 8. What one does on a sled 9. W hat a novice may experience on 29-across 10. A John Hancock 12. Sometimes a couple is referred to as this 13. Order for steak 19. A college one ends in .edu 22. Letters in symbol to indicate a registration 24. Element symbol of what to buy that special someone (the writer is clearly hinting at something she wants the publisher to get her!) 25. Home camp 30. Greek goddess you pray to during flu season 31. Second part of 72-across 32. Abbreviation on prescriptions meaning “three times a day”
33. Equipment 34. Destination for Santa if he fell off a roof 35. “__ __ or not __ __” (same word used twice); other word is in 20-across 36. It’s exciting when it germinates 37. Water sport 38. Abbreviation for a nurse 39. The Gulf of St. Lawrence river is the largest one in the world 41. A jackal 44. Rudolph’s was red 48. To mouth off 50. What a yule log is cut from 52. What to decorate a present with 54. Quickly! Now! 56. Expression of annoyance 57. Fish spawn 58. A ray-finned fish 59. Often used to dilute scotch 60. Type of examination 62. Foam ball or darts used in childhood 63. Sandwich style cookie 67. Number of lords a-leaping 69. Its capital is Amsterdam (abbreviation)
CANNABUFFMAG.COM • WINTER 2019 15
