Mexico Decriminalizes Recreational Cannabis

Mexico Decriminalizes Recreational Cannabis

This is huge… Mexico makes history today!

On Monday morning the Mexican Supreme Court struck down a law that criminalized the used of recreational cannabis. Ruling was won 8-3 in favor of decriminalizing recreational cannabis. 

This ruling was placed in effect to help reduce cartel violence fueled by the illegal sale of drugs. 

Although cannabis was already medically legal, this was not enough for advocates. The use of medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2017.

Four years later we see amazing progress with decriminalization of recreational cannabis as well as the cultivation and harvesting of cannabis plants(with a permit). 

A permit will also be required for recreational use from the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks(Cofepris). With said permit an individual can hold up to 28 grams of Cannabis. Lastly, users must be over the age of 18 per the Supreme Court ruling.

The court made it very specific that this substance should not be in the hands of minors and will continue to stand tall on the issue. 

After a few tumultous years for advocates since the medicinal cannabis ruling they can finally declare a victory. Although, we all know that it is not that simple and things will get complicated before they get simpler. That being said, it is still a victory and we are truly excited to see our neighbors to the south make this historic ruling and will continue to serve clients in Mexico, US, and Canada to keep the North American market strong! 

What does this mean for the North American cannabis industry?

Are you ready to scale your brand in Mexico, US, or Canada? 

What is Delta 8?

What is Delta 8?

What is THC & How Does It Relate to Delta 8?

Your average cannabis consumer may not be aware of the molecular structure of the plant and what are the chemical reactions happening. However, consumers continue to become more educated. It’s up to brands to educate consumers to make the best informed decisions. 

 

Psychoactive Properties of Cannabis: the cannabinoid molecule THC, known as tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta 9. Many of us are familiar with THC levels of specific cannabis strains (they are cited on packaging) and how one’s body and mind may react. Cannabis plants have a myriad of cannabinoids that provide different effects on the body and mind at different levels. Levels can vary between strains and modern growers are able to adjust the molecular structure to create different results and fine tune chemical levels.

 

CBD (cannabidiol) is another chemical in cannabis that is linked more to the effects cannabis has on the body. For example, the reduction of inflammation, anxiety, or a relaxation of the muscles. Most consumers understand the basic compounds CBD and THC which continue to evolve to provide consumers desired results.

The chemical reaction created by THC and CBD is by attaching to the body’s cannabinoid receptors living throughout the nervous system and the brain. Consumers all react differently to cannabis and it is important to have an accurate understanding of these reactions.

So now you know the basics, however we are covering something new. We say “new,” but this lesser known cannabinoid has been around since land strains started growing, but at raw plant levels so minuscule that until only recently, have not been equitable to extract and bring to market. 

 

Hemp is a huge part of the industry, especially for it’s legal distribution through the Farm Bill. Delta 8 is the new product derived from Hemp. Hemp is known for being the non psychoactive counterpart of cannabis but now with Delta 8 things are changing.

 

What is Delta 8?

First we will give you the technical answer as written by the National Cancer InstituteAn analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system; CB1 receptor activation inhibits adenyl cyclase, increases mitogen-activated protein kinase activities, modulates several potassium channel conductances and inhibits N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”

In short, it is a form of THC that is derived from Hemp CBD. Delta 8 provides some of the psychoactive effects that Delta 9 provides from traditional cannabis but not at the same potency. Which provides a low entry point for new users to explore cannabis without the high potency products that may be overwhelming for a new user.

Although it is chemically different from Delta 9 it can still be strong for users if not used carefully. By adjusting a small component of the legal hemp chemical chain, manufacturers are concentrating it and to provide users more effectively. 

 

This modification has led to the creation of products like Delta 8 consumables and hemp flower being sold online and in retail shops. Vape can no longer be shipped due to the PACT Act which is intended to keep vape and tobacco products out of the hands of children.

Cannabis retail is still staying strong!

 

Retail isn’t as impacted by these changes, as Delta 8 and Delta 9 products are available for purchase in recreational and medicinal states. However, since Delta 8 is classified as hemp, the Farm Bill protects Delta 8. Currently, there are many brands and cultivators that are fighting with the DEA to keep Hemp and Delta 8 legal. As of now, you can purchase Delta 8 online legally and have it shipped to most states in the US.

The fight is not over and details continue to evolve. Do you believe in these products? Join the fight and connect with the brands fighting to keep these products available for you. Can Delta 8 sustain and grow it’s popularity? We can only wait (actively if you’re joining the fight) and see how things progress and provide users with proper information to make the best decisions. 

Did your state make the list?

Legal

Alabama: Delta 8 is legal 

California: Delta 8 is legal 

Connecticut: Delta 8 is legal 

Florida: Delta 8 is legal

Georgia: Delta 8 is legal 

Hawaii: Delta 8 is legal 

Illinois: Delta 8 is legal 

Indiana: Delta 8 is legal 

Kansas: Delta 8 is legal

Kentucky: Delta 8 is legal 

Louisiana: Delta 8 is legal 

Maine: Delta 8 is legal

Maryland: Delta 8 is legal 

Massachusetts: Delta 8 is legal 

Michigan: Delta 8 is legal 

Minnesota: Delta 8 is legal 

Missouri: Delta 8 is legal

Nebraska: Delta 8 is legal 

Nevada: Delta 8 is legal 

New Hampshire: Delta 8 is legal 

New Jersey: Delta 8 is legal 

New Mexico: Delta 8 is legal 

New York: Delta 8 is legal 

North Carolina: Delta 8 is legal 

North Dakota: Delta 8 is legal 

Ohio: Delta 8 is legal 

Oklahoma: Delta 8 is legal 

Oregon: Delta 8 is legal 

Pennsylvania: Delta 8 is legal 

South Carolina: Delta 8 is legal 

South Dakota: Delta 8 is legal 

Tennessee: Delta 8 is legal

Texas: Delta 8 is legal 

Vermont: Delta 8 is legal

Virginia: Delta 8 is legal 

Washington: Delta 8 is legal 

West Virginia: Delta 8 is legal 

Wisconsin: Delta 8 is legal 

Wyoming: Delta 8 is legal 

Illegal

Montana: Delta 8 is illegal 

Utah: Delta 8 is illegal

Rhode Island: Delta 8 is illegal

Alaska: Delta 8 is illegal 

Arizona: Delta 8 is illegal 

Arkansas: Delta 8 is illegal 

Colorado: Delta 8 is illegal 

Delaware: Delta 8 is illegal

Idaho: Delta 8 is illegal 

Mississippi: Delta 8 is illegal 

Iowa: Delta 8 is illegal

Why would I purchase hemp over traditional cannabis?

 

The difference between hemp and traditional cannabis can be subtle to the uninformed consumer but cultivators see two completely different plants. This causes for a lot of debate when it comes to legalization. Which is why a lot of products tend to use hemp over cannabis because of its legality. 

 

Products that utilize hemp are able to ship more freely across state lines, while cannabis products can only be purchased from a licensed retail shop like a dispensary. Laws can vary from state to state on whether it is recreational or medicinal but Delta 9 THC products can’t be shipped to your door. 

 

When you purchase CBD products online, they should be derived from hemp or else they should not be able to ship you the product. Conversely, this is also for products you find in drug stores or CBD retail stores. Unless you have a license to sell cannabis like a dispensary would, you can’t sell any product that is directly derived from the cannabis plant. Especially if that product contains THC.

Delta 8 is the exception to this rule because it is derived from Hemp CBD. This is why it is such a unique product that is providing another avenue for the hemp industry to grow. 

 

CBD topicals and consumables are becoming increasingly popular and it is important that brands continue to educate consumers. That is crucial in the hemp industry because it is constantly changing and there are always new consumers curious about products that will fit their needs. Hemp has products for everyone from hemp flower to hemp sweaters.

You can wear hemp, consume it, apply it to your skin, and even build with it. The demographic for Hemp CBD continues to evolve because it can benefit people from all walks of life.

Quite an amazing product if you asked me!