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On this month’s episode, we are joined by James Schwartz, BSN, LNC CEO of Cascade High Organics

 Ep 13: Psychedelic Science: Understanding Emerging Research and Potential Therapeutic Applications

Don't miss our November/December issue focused on veterans and medical cannabis advocacy

Cannabis Patient Care November/December

Don't miss our October issue focused on pediatric cancer

Cannabis Patient Care October

Check out our July/August issue focused on autoimmune diseases

Cannabis Patient Care July/August

Madeline Colli is the Associate Editor for Cannabis Patient Care and Cannabis Science and Technology magazines at MJH Life Sciences.

The cannabis industry is growing every day with more support. According to his new book (1), one in seven Americans use a type of cannabidiol (CBD) product. 94% of Americans support the legalization of medical cannabis and 69% wish to see total legalization. In this book, Dr. Grinspoon will cover how spiked research was done in the past to devalue the medicinal properties of cannabis and aimed to find harm. The cannabis used for testing now with the government is unfit to yield quality data. One thing Dr. Grinspoon encourages and hopes to see change is for medical professionals, such as other doctors, educate themselves on cannabis. “Throughout the second half of the nineteenth century and right up until 1937, when cannabis became effectively prohibited in the United States by the Marihuana Tax Act, doctors routinely prescribed cannabis tinctures and considered it to be an effective, mainstream medicine,” Grinspoon mentions in his book. He hopes that his new book will help inform but also guide readers on their cannabis journeys.

https://mgmagazine.com/press-releases/the-science-about-mj-explained-in-new-book-by-esteemed-cannabis-expert/

Articles

Physician and cannabis expert, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, has released his new book titled,”Seeing through the Smoke”. In this informative piece of literature, Dr. Grinspoon discusses separating fact from fiction, cannabis research, and a guide on how to use cannabis safely.

‘Seeing through the Smoke’, Dr. Peter Grinspoon Showcases New Book

Providing cannabis is just one of the many ways that Jason Hanley, owner of CARE Waialua, has set out to help veterans. In this interview, you will learn the amazing things going on at this cannabis farm in Hawaii.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/veterans-farming-at-care-waialua

Medical Cannabis Health Insurance Coverage Bill Approved in New York State Senate

In early June 2022, the New York State Senate approved a bill which mandated public health insurance programs to cover medical cannabis expenses and defined how private insurers are allowed to handle these expenses as well.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/medical-cannabis-health-insurance-coverage-bill-approved-in-new-york-state-senate

Medical Cannabis, Mushrooms, and Cancer: Latest Research Developments

Dr. Stephen Barnhill, Apollon Formularies, plc, discusses the work his company has been doing with patients in Jamaica. Dr. Barnhill shares that the cancer cell killing activity of Apollon’s products were similar in efficacy to that of Herceptin and significantly improved cancer cell killing when combined with Herceptin.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/medical-cannabis-mushrooms-and-cancer-latest-research-developments

“Cannabis Saved My Life:” An Interview with Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor, Nikki Lawley, Part I: Journey to Health

What happens when traditional medicine fails a patient? When all recourses have been tried and the patient still suffers? In part I of this interview series, Nikki Lawley, founder of Nikki and the Plant, LLC, and retired licensed practical nurse (LPN), takes us through her journey from a medical professional in the healthcare industry to a brain injury survivor. Lawley also describes the medical cannabis industry from a patient perspective, learning about the medicinal properties of the plant, and finding what ways cannabis could be beneficial to her symptoms.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/cannabis-saved-my-life-an-interview-with-traumatic-brain-injury-survivor-nikki-lawley-part-i-journey-to-health

Medical Cannabis Helped Beat the Odds: Brooklyn Hall’s Fight to Survive Brain Cancer

When she was three-and-a-half years old, Brooklyn Hall was diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma, class 3, a rare and unique form of brain cancer. Here, her mother Meghan Hall shares how Brooklyn’s prognosis drastically changed with the help of Rick Simpson Oil.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/medical-cannabis-helped-beat-the-odds-brooklyn-halls-fight-to-survive-brain-cancer

Overview of the Research on Cannabis for PTSD

To date, clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabis for PTSD has been positive in nature but weak in power; hopefully stronger clinical evidence will be forthcoming.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/overview-of-the-research-on-cannabis-for-ptsd

The Latest News on Cannabis and Autoimmune Disease

Evidence suggests that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids can be beneficial in the treatment of many symptoms related to autoimmune diseases.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/the-latest-news-on-cannabis-and-autoimmune-disease

Cannabis for Autoimmune Disease: Benefits Beyond Symptom Relief?

Here, Dr. Dustin Sulak shares how stress is a major factor in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases and how cannabis can be a great tool in alleviating symptoms.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/cannabis-for-autoimmune-disease-benefits-beyond-symptom-relief-

A Mother’s Hope: Cannabinoids Helping Kill Cancer Cells

Here, Tracy Ryan discusses the journey her family has taken to find treatment for her daughter Sophie’s brain tumor, the unexpected discovery of natural killer cells with Dr. Anahid Jewett, and the formation of their company NKore BioTherapeutics.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/a-mothers-hope-cannabinoids-helping-kill-cancer-cells

From Pediatric Patient to Teenage CEO: One Young Woman’s Journey with Medical Cannabis

Rylie Maedler shares her amazing journey from pediatric patient to teenage advocate. As a child, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer with a high recurrence rate and, through treatment with cannabis, is now in remission. Here, she shares her incredible story to change laws and hearts with her powerful message.

https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/from-pediatric-patient-to-teenage-ceo-one-young-woman-s-journey-with-medical-cannabis

Cannabis Patient Care published a wide variety of content throughout 2022—here is just a small snippet of some of the top articles and columns that our readers enjoyed. Click through and see if any of your favorites made the list!

Webinar from the Food and Drug Administration: Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products

On March 17th, 2023, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled in two separate cases that workers’ compensation should cover the cost of medical cannabis used for treatment of injuries suffered on the job (1). In both cases, the claimants were initially prescribed opioids for treating pain resulting from injuries suffered on the job, but later found cannabis more effective for treating their pain. Furthermore, in seeking compensation for their medication, both claims had been initially denied and the appeals board upheld those denials, but the Commonwealth Court’s decisions reversed the appeals boards’ decisions.

The court decreed that employers are reimbursing the patients for their medical costs, and are not being ordered to break federal law, because they are not being required to pay for the cannabis. “The General Assembly explicitly intended Commonwealth residents suffering from intractable pain to have the benefit of this therapy, and at the same time chose not to limit claimants from receiving their statutory rights,” the judges ruled (1).

“Based on its interpretation of the statutes discussed above, the court concluded that the employer’s failure to reimburse the claimant’s out-of-pocket expenses for medical marijuana is a violation of the Workers’ Compensation Act,” reads a summary of the decision for one of the cases (2). “This precedent will have immediate consequences for Pennsylvania employers and their carriers as reimbursement for medical marijuana treatment of accepted injuries will now be required in Pennsylvania when such treatment is reasonable, necessary and causally related to the acknowledged work injury.”

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2023/03/21/pennsylvania-court-workers-compensation-medical-marijuana-cost-injury/stories/202303210095

https://www.chartwelllaw.com/resources/pennsylvania-commonwealth-court-requires-insurer-to-reimburse-for-out-of-pocket-medical-marijuana-payments

In late March the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that workers’ compensation must cover the cost of medical cannabis for treatment of injuries suffered on the job. 

Pennsylvania Court Rules Workers’ Compensation for Medical Cannabis is Not Illegal

Emma Davis and her mustang Mikko. Photo courtesy of Emma Davis.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and Mikko’s story?

 I grew up around animals at home, at my childhood barn, and working in a veterinary hospital—all before college. Then I received my undergraduate degree in Animal Science and Masters in Animals and Public Policy. I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian my whole life. Unfortunately, I broke my back riding a horse. I deferred from school to learn how to move again. That is when I discovered the healing properties of cannabis and would eventually shift career paths into where I am now.

I adopted Mikko as an untouched wild mustang from the Bureau of Land Management. At the time I was working for a ranch and was trying to train him for their operation. That was two months before my accident. After my accident, the ranch sold him, and I lost track of him. Two years later, he randomly appeared on Craigslist. He was in rough shape physically, but more so mentally. I don’t know what he went through, but it was bad. I was told to kill him because he was so dangerous. A few people tried to help me with him, but he broke their bones. So, I decided to just go for it on my own. Many years later he now helps me with similar problem horses. You would never know about his past, but he only lets me ride him—anyone else he bucks off.

What inspired you to create Mikko’s Choice?

 Mikko! When I found him again, I was basically recovered from my accident and deep in the human cannabis industry running a delivery service with my brother. This was before states were recreational, I was operating under medical laws in California. I saw how the plant was helping humans and knew it could help animals too. At the same time, I used it to send my wolf dog's hepatocellular carcinoma into remission for four years, which was unheard of. Between that and Mikko’s explosive anxiety, I knew I needed to create a product for animals—there were none, especially for horses. I started there and used connections in the industry to create hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) pellets. I gave it out to friends to try on their horses and within a few months brought it to market for the general public.

Can you explain the difference between a phytocannabinoid and a cannabinoid?

 A phytocannabinoid can be defined as any natural plant derived product that can interact with a cannabinoid receptor in the body or that shares chemical similarities to cannabinoids. A cannabinoid is also a natural plant derived product that bonds to the same receptors. These specific compounds are found in the 

 plant and although there are hundreds of them, the popular ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

How have you seen CBD help horses? Are there other cannabinoids that they can benefit from?

 I am not someone who believes CBD will help with “everything.” However, I have been pleasantly surprised by client testimonials. I’ve seen CBD help horses with trailer loading anxiety, pacing and weaving, general anxiety, laminitis, chronic and acute lameness, Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), and inflammation from injury and sore muscles. In the human space, cannabinol (CBN) is becoming popular to help with sleep. Some people think it may also help with pain. It is not ready for animals yet, but that is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Have you used CBD or other cannabinoids on other animals?

 Yes. I’ve used both hemp and cannabis-derived CBD on animals and it works beautifully. I’ve also used cannabis derived THC and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which is a non-psychoactive form of THC, on dogs. You can give THC to dogs, but it has to be no more than 2 mg–basically not enough to get them high, just enough to benefit them. I’ve used 30:1 CBD:THC ratio cannabis products for dogs with arthritis and anxiety. That ratio is also what I used to treat my dog's cancer, but sending it into remission was definitely a rare case and I was giving him A LOT. I have also used a 1:1 CBD:THCA ratio for the same reasons. I like this formulation because you can give more THC without getting the animal high. The trick is to keep the product in the fridge so it doesn’t heat up, then there will be a high. THC and THCA are great for pain relief and cancer.

Do you experience any stigma that surrounds cannabis/hemp?

 I did in the early years (2015-2019). People thought it was for stoners, that it wouldn’t work, and that I was stashing cash under the mattress. As time has gone on people are becoming more accepting and understanding of these products.

Have your veterinarians been receptive to the use of CBD? Is there any specific education you think vets need on this area?

 Vets need A LOT of education about these products. This is something I aim to focus on in the coming year. I want to be a source of information for them. In the beginning vets couldn't and wouldn't talk about using CBD, some are still very much that way. These days though, I have run into many more vets who are open to it. Although, they don’t typically advise their clients how to use the products or which ones to use.

What advice do you have for pet parents looking to use cannabinoids for their animals?

 Find a brand who is transparent about their products—they share lab results, source from the USA, manufacture in the USA, and are happy to answer any questions you have. Do NOT go for cheap products. Find a product that has at least 20 mg in a single serving with 1000 + mg in the entire product. Many products have less than 500 mg in the entire product which can equate to 4 mg per serving, which is nothing! Products like that drive me insane. It's a money grab with no benefit to your animal. This is why Mikko’s Choice has very high concentrations of CBD.

Emma Davis with her mustang Mikko and her Kangal Shepherd Dog Brian. Photo courtesy of Emma Davis.

Do you participate in any cannabis research to help benefit animals?

 I would love to, but that would be a conflict of interest. I’m a believer in more research and am always happy when studies come out.

Would you like to see more research and cannabis or hemp options for animals?

What kind of charity work are you involved in?

 I donate a portion of sales to various animal rescues. On a personal level, I also foster and rescue animals.

With animals, are you held to the same regulations and testing standards as the cannabis market intended for human consumption?

 No, but we should be. I treat Mikko’s Choice as if we are. All products are tested by my manufacturers during the process and third party tested after. This ensures I know exactly how much CBD and THC is in the products, as well as heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. Spoiler: there are no THC, heavy metals, molds, and pesticides.

Is there anything you would like to see change in the cannabis industry in the next 5 years?

 From a business side, I would love to be treated the same as any other business. This means access to banks without fear of accounts being shut down, advertisements on social media, and advertisements in traditional media. We can finagle advertisements, but they have to be very vague and lead to landing pages. This weirds out customers, understandably, and just perpetuates the sketchy stereotypes that can surround the industry.

 I hope customers choose to shop small with brands that focus on high quality products and consumer education. The price might be higher, but there is so much time, experience, knowledge, and love that goes into those products. Think about who and what you’re supporting.

When you think of cannabis, you probably don’t think of horses or the potential medicinal benefit to animals. However, the cannabinoids found in cannabis have been shown to provide similar benefits in animals that are noted with human patients. In this interview, Emma Davis, founder of Mikko’s Choice, delves into how some cannabinoids—such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)—have provided medicinal benefits to horses. Davis also discusses her mustang, Mikko, who inspired her to launch her own cannabis and hemp product brand.

Breaking the Reins: How One Mustang Found a Second Chance with CBD

Professor Raphael Mechoulam, a researcher at Hebrew University’s School of Pharmacy, was a world leader in cannabinoid research. Mechoulam’s groundbreaking work included the isolation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the 1960s along with several other cannabinoids, as well as the discovery of endocannabinoids in the 1990s (1,2). He coauthored the book 

"Most of the human and scientific knowledge about cannabis was collected thanks to Professor Mechoulam,” said Professor Asher Cohen, President of Hebrew University (1). “He paved the way for a series of studies in the field and called for scientific collaboration among different researchers. He was a sharp-minded, groundbreaking, and charismatic intellectual. This is a sad day for the academic community, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family. May his memory be a blessing."

Professor Mechoulam was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1930, and after surviving the Holocaust, he immigrated to Israel with his family in 1949. Mechoulam completed his degree in biochemistry in 1953 at Hebrew University, began his research in cannabinoids at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in 1962, and then joined the Hebrew University in 1966, where he continued to study the compounds found in cannabis (1). He was appointed as a full-time professor in the 1970s, then was appointed to the Lionel Jacobson Chair in Medicinal Chemistry, and between 1979-1982 he served as the Rector of the Hebrew University.

Mechoulam was one of the founding members of the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines. In 1999, he was appointed the President of the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS), a position he held until 2002. The ICRS presents their highest award, the "Raphael Mechoulam Award," each year (3). Additionally, he served as the Head of the Natural Sciences Division at the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.

“This is a very sad day for me, for the science community, and for the cannabis community,” said Dr. David “Dedi” Meiri, associate professor at Technion Israel Institute of Technology, (4). “Professor Raphael Mechoulam, or as we called him Raphi, was one of the greatest scientists I ever met and was my teacher and mentor in many aspects. I truly believe he was deserving of a Nobel prize! Thank you Raphi for all the great things you did and discovered in your life and thanks for all the help and support you gave me. Rest in peace my dear friend.”

Throughout his life, Mechoulam received dozens of awards, honors, and decorations, including the Israel Prize for Chemistry (2000), the EMET Prize (2012), Rothschild Prize in Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences (2012), the Harvey Prize of the Technion Israel Institute of Technology (2019), plus several honorary doctorates (3).

We thank you for your numerous contributions to the science of cannabis, Professor Mechoulam. We are eternally grateful for your research, dedication, and legacy.

Special thanks to Ilanit Liberman for providing additional information and quotes.

https://www.afhu.org/2023/03/10/hebrew-university-prof-raphael-mechoulam-father-of-cannabis-research-dies-at-92/

https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/news/raphael-mechoulam-father-of-cannabis-science-dies-at-age-92-314671

https://www.icrs.co/INMEMORIAM/Raphael.Mechoulam.Obituary.html

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7039897744307544064/

A pioneer in global cannabis research, Professor Raphael Mechoulam died March 9th, 2023 in Israel at the age of 92.

In Memoriam: Raphael Mechoulam, “Father of Cannabis Research”

 (CSC), the premier cannabis science conference event focusing on analytical science, medical cannabis, cultivation, and psychedelics, announced today the return of their groundbreaking event to Portland, Oregon from April 19-21, 2023, a location which is perfectly positioned as a hotbed of cannabis activity and interest, and the epicenter of the new and emerging psychedelic market.

“Portland, Oregon is a natural fit for our Spring 2023 Cannabis Science Conference, with its established cannabis and medical markets, and openness toward emerging markets such as psychedelics,” said Megan L’Heureux, spokesperson for CSC, and the group editorial director of 

 magazines. “CSC’s goal is to spread information and empowerment through education, and we are bringing a hard-hitting team of professional experts to share knowledge and have in-depth conversations about how to move these niche industries forward. We look forward to tackling topics like using psychedelics and medical cannabis to help veterans and other patient demographics as well as our core topic areas focused on analytical testing and cultivation. Our agenda will hit every topic our audience has been asking to learn more about.”

The agenda will include four main program tracks, with professional expert chairs including Analytical chair Dr. Julie Kowalski, a technical consultant serving the cannabis and hemp testing markets; Cultivation chair Dr. Zacariah L. Hildenbrand, who sits on the Editorial Advisory Board of 

; Medical chair Cherissa Jackson, who served 23 years of active-duty military service with 10 years as a US Air Force Nurse; and Psychedelics chair Dr. Denise Vidot, an epidemiologist at the University of Miami where she is Founder of the International Cannabis and Psychedelic Research Collaborative.

The show will feature several key sessions, including:

“Low and Ultra-Low Doses of Cannabinoids: Are We Missing the Sweet Spot?” by Dr. Dustin Sulak, DO, Healer.com

“MDMA/Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: The Path to Potential FDA Approval” by Dr. Sue Sisley, MD, President of Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) and President/Founder of Field to Healed Foundation

A panel discussion on “Results from the First NIH Funded Population-based Study of Medical Marijuana”

A panel discussion on “Quality Assurance and Safety in Cannabis, Psilocybin, and Hemp”

, and a conversation on the increasing numbers of veterans are turning to cannabis as a safer alternative to pharmaceuticals by filmmaker Steve Ellmore

For the full show agenda and to register, please visit the 

The 2023 Portland show will include four tracks–analytical science, medical cannabis, cultivation, psychedelics–plus a discussion on medical cannabis for veterans, and more!

Cannabis Science Conference Returns to Portland, Oregon with Renewed Focus on Analytical, Medical, Cultivation, and Psychedelic Scientific Insights

On March 3, 2023, the US Department of Justice introduced a form for those who qualify under last year’s pardon for cannabis possession to obtain a certificate proving their pardon (1). “On Oct. 6, 2022, the President announced a full, unconditional and categorical pardon for prior federal and DC offenses of simple possession of marijuana,” reads the official announcement from the Justice Department (1). “The President’s pardon lifts barriers to housing, employment and educational opportunities for thousands of people with those prior convictions.”

To qualify for the pardon, a person must have been charged or convicted in a federal or District of Columbia (DC) Superior Court of simple possession of cannabis, among other qualifications. Those who were convicted of state offenses or of selling cannabis do not qualify (2). The Pardon Attorney’s office estimates that the form could take anywhere from 20 minutes to two and a half hours to complete, and that at least 20,000 applicants could apply for certificates (2).

 blog on the announcement, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) reiterated that they have been fighting for the past 20 years to protect medical cannabis patients and providers against unjust arrests. “Though we don’t know of anyone currently incarcerated who will be freed by this mass pardoning it will improve the lives of plenty of people with one of these convictions lingering in a criminal record,” wrote ASA (3). “Those individuals will have their civil rights; like voting, assuming political office or serving on a jury restored by this pardon and it will also make it easier for them to find work, receive professional licensing and generally stop being penalized for that conviction. We would love to see not only more federal pardons but also more Governors offering pardons to those convicted for cannabis ‘crimes’ that are no longer illegal in their state.”

Learn more details about the qualifications or complete the form 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-application-form-marijuana-pardon-certificates

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/justice-department-launches-marijuana-pardon-certificate-application/

In early March 2023, the US Justice Department launched an online application for individuals who were pardoned for simple possession of cannabis under President Biden's October 6, 2022 proclamation. Applicants can now receive a certificate of proof of their pardon.

US Justice Department Launches Online Application for Certificate of Proof of Cannabis Possession Pardon

In early March 2023, the Arizona Senate approved a bill that would cut the cost—both initially and the two-year renewal—for a medical cannabis card from $150 down to $50, while making the card free for veterans (1,2). It would also add post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and autism spectrum disorder as qualifying medical conditions, and would require packaging for medical cannabis products to have a QR code with information such as health warnings.

"We felt it was really important to provide the veterans in the state access to medical marijuana as they see needed," said Ann Torrez, executive director of the Arizona Dispensaries Association (2). "And, in addition to that, with the change in medical conditions to include post-traumatic stress disorder, we just thought that this now is the right time to make sure that the access becomes even more available."

The bill must pass the House before being presented to the governor of Arizona.

https://norml.org/blog/2023/03/08/state-policy-weekly-update-3-8-2023/

https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_7c5e692c-ba09-11ed-b29b-674282525c40.html

If passed into law, SB 1466 would reduce cost of renewing a medical cannabis card in Arizona, among other changes. The bill passed the senate with bipartisan approval 24 to 6 on March 2, 2023 (1).

Arizona Senate Approves Bill to Lower Medical Cannabis Card Costs and Increase Accessibility for Veterans

In late February 2023, medical cannabis patient Jakie Hanan filed a civil lawsuit in Arkansas against three cannabis cultivators and one testing laboratory alleging collaboration to inflate tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels in cannabis products. The suit names cultivators BOLD Team LLC, Osage Creek Cultivation, LLC, and Natural State Medicinals (NSM) and testing laboratory Steep Hill in the litigation, alleging that Steep Hill inflated the THC listed on the cultivators’ labels (1).

Hanan, who had been prescribed medical cannabis for his chronic pain, alleges that in 2022 he purchased cannabis products cultivated from the three growers, but they did not adequately provide the relief he expected so he had the products tested (2). Hanan tested some cannabis at a different laboratory and found that the Steep Hill’s test results on the product labels significantly exaggerated THC content (2). “To further investigate, Plaintiff, and others, tested products from Arkansas cultivators using multiple state-approved labs,” the suit reads. “For flower samples, over thirty (30) potency results were collected and compared, primarily from Jan 2021 to February 2023…Excluding Steep Hill, local labs produced results within 10% or better of each other. Steep Hill’s results averaged 25%+ higher than the other labs,” (2).

“Marijuana flower with higher concentration of THC is more valuable,” the suit continues (2). “So there is incentive to exaggerate the THC content of flower — it can be sold for more money. As a result, cultivators often choose a lab that reports the highest THC value, a phenomenon known as ‘lab shopping.’”

Steep Hill denied the allegations (1). “We are an ISO-accredited lab and have our processes audited each and every year by reputable 3rd parties, which we’ve done since we’ve been in business,” said Steep Hill CEO and co-owner Brandon Thornton (1). “We stand behind the quality, integrity and efficacy of our lab, employees and impartial test results.”

In July 2022, Hanan had filed a federal class-action lawsuit against these four companies with allegations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (or RICO) Act (3).

https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/02/27/patient-sues-arkansas-medical-marijuana-growers-lab-over-alleged-thc-inflation/

https://arkansasadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/thc_inflation_suit.pdf

https://mjbizdaily.com/4-arkansas-marijuana-companies-hit-with-rico-suit-over-alleged-thc-inflation/

A civil lawsuit filed in Arkansas by a medical cannabis patient alleges that three cannabis growers and one testing laboratory inflated the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in numerous cannabis products.

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Register Today for Cannabis Science Conference Spring!

Ep 13: Psychedelic Science: Understanding Emerging Research and Potential Therapeutic Applications

Cannabis Patient Care November/December

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