As a still-young industry, many are all too familiar with the stringent compliance protocols attached to cannabis today. Cannabis retailers across the U.S. must comply with an array of rules carried down by state cannabis officials, in part to ensure they check ID and that products stay out of the hands of underage consumers.

Data published in the journal Addictive Behaviors sheds new light on just how well dispensaries follow these regulations, ultimately finding that adult-use retailers across five U.S. cities were in strict compliance with laws requiring patrons to show identification and proof of legal age.

“As cannabis retail expands in the U.S., its surveillance is crucial to inform regulations and protect consumers. This study addresses this need by conducting point-of-sale audits examining regulatory compliance (e.g., age verification, signage), advertising/promotional strategies, products, and pricing…” authors state in the abstract.

Cannabis Compliance: ID Verification, Warning Signage and Appealing to Minors

A team of investigators affiliated with George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health conducted point-of-sale audits of 150 randomly selected recreational dispensaries in Denver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle, 30 for each city. Investigators conducted the audits in summer 2022.

Age verification rates were high, above 90%, and the majority of retailers had signage indicating restricted access (87.3%), onsite consumption (73.3%), and distribution to minors (53.3%). Retailers were also likely to post warnings regarding cannabis use during pregnancy and while nursing (72%), followed by health risks (38%), impacts on children/youth (18.7%) and DUI (14%).

Conversely, 28.7% posted health claims about cannabis, 20.7% posted “youth-oriented signage” and 18% had products with “youth-oriented packaging.”

Other Signage, Marketing and Product Findings

The study also explored other information dispensaries generally posted and marketed in store. Price promotions were highly prevalent, especially price specials (75.3%), followed by daily, weekly, and monthly specials (66.7%) and signage regarding membership programs (39.3%). 

One-fourth of the stores had signs and promotions advertising curbside delivery/pickup (28%) and/or online ordering (25.3%). Social media and website promotions were noted in 64.7% of audited stores. 

Finally, investigators took a closer look at the product selection offered by retailers. The most cannabis products were most often e-liquids (38%) or oils (24.7%), with edibles appearing most frequently (53%) as the least potent product.

The most expensive product was often bud and flower (58%); the least expensive was joints (54%). More than 81% of retailers sold vaporizers, rolling papers and glass, like hookahs, water pipes and bongs; 22.6% sold CBD products.

Results Echo Past Compliance Data

“Marketing strategies differed across cities, reflecting differences in state-specific regulations and/or gaps in compliance/enforcement,” investigators wrote. “Findings underscore the need for ongoing cannabis retail surveillance to inform future regulatory and enforcement efforts.”

NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano commented on the study’s results, initially emphasizing, “Regulation works.”

“Illicit marijuana providers don’t ask for or check for ID, but licensed businesses most certainly do,” Armentano wrote in a NORML blog post. “States’ real-world experience with marijuana legalization affirms that these policies can be implemented in a way that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.”

The age verification numbers are consistent with previous research. Specifically, one 2022 study focusing on the California market found that dispensaries were highly compliant with ID policy, 100% total compliance with ID policy among the randomly selected retailers.

“It appears that licensed California recreational marijuana outlets avoid selling marijuana to underage customers. One reason could be a strong incentive for recreational marijuana outlet owners and managers to avoid being shut down for an illegal activity,” authors wrote.

That study also suggested that further studies and cannabis enforcement agencies should investigate if underage patrons attempt to enter cannabis retailers with fake IDs and whether underage patrons are obtaining cannabis from illicit dispensaries or other sources.

A bulletin issued by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division in August 2022 also found that, of more than 190 compliance checks utilizing underage operatives, four businesses in the state made a sale to those individuals, demonstrating a 98% compliance rate.

The post Study of Five U.S. Cities Finds Dispensaries Strictly Enforce ID Verification Laws appeared first on High Times.

The post Study of Five U.S. Cities Finds Dispensaries Strictly Enforce ID Verification Laws appeared first on Paradise Found.

Get your hands on these brand new premium rosin gummies from The Botanist and five for free today. Rich in minor cannabinoids.

The post Why solventless rosin CBD gummies are a serious upgrade appeared first on Leafly.

The post Why solventless rosin CBD gummies are a serious upgrade appeared first on Paradise Found.

Edibles today have gone far beyond THC—with added terpenes and countless other active cannabis compounds such as CBG, CBN, THCV and more to create a more refined experience that will take you beyond THC only. As always, learn a bit about titration and doses before wolfing down a large or potent edible—as the effects can take up to an hour and a half or longer to kick in.

This holiday season, shower your family and friends with tasty treat edibles that are much more fun than non-infused ordinary holiday goodies. High Times sifted through dozens of edibles before narrowing down 10 of the best edibles gift ideas for 2021.

five CBD+THC Gummies

five, the fastest growing company in the cannabis/hemp industry, is giving High Times readers FREE CBD+THC gummies or oils of their choice! Try all-natural vegan gummies with up to 5mg THC per serving or tinctures with 60mg of THC per bottle. Each serving is packed with terpenes and beneficial cannabinoids so you can enjoy that good feel relief. Don’t miss out on this offer!

Price: Up to $59.99

fivecbd.com

Bhang Infused Chocolate Bars

Bhang has something for everyone on your list this holiday season. From the its cannabis to its cacao, Bhang’s decadent 100mg THC gourmet chocolate bars use only the finest natural ingredients that are eco-friendly and sustainably sourced, and feature a cannabis-free taste. Bhang also offers vegan, gluten-friendly, lactose-free and keto friendly options. 

Stuff your stockings with a variety of flavors ranging from Milk Chocolate, Dark chocolate, and White Chocolate Cookies & Cream to Blueberry Dark Chocolate, Caramel Mocha Milk Chocolate, and 1:1 CBD:THC Caramel Dark Chocolate. Products range between $15-20. Ask your local budtender for availability or visit Bhangnation.com to learn more.

Price: $15-20

bhangnation.com

Trippy Eats: A Cannabis & Psilocybin Cookbook 

Head down the rabbit hole belly-first with Trippy Eats: A Cannabis and Psilocybin Cookbook, the third mind-altering cookbook created by Ava Tyler and published by Stoner Strategies. Not only will this cookbook entice your taste buds but it will also expand your mind as Ava Tyler dives into the science behind cannabis and psilocybin while providing you with the knowledge necessary to properly prepare edibles with these medicinally beneficial ingredients.

Test your cannabis and psilocybin knowledge and prepare your very own cannabis and psilocybin edibles such as deviled eggs garnished with ahi tuna and bacon, birria tacos, vegan cheesesteaks, Cajun cornbread muffins, banana bread, marshmallows, gummies, and honey & lavender coffee. These recipes are perfect for kitchen newbies with easy recipes such as maple syrup or the lobster ravioli pasta salad while also including recipes for the seasoned home chef with recipes like the rose and pistachio cheesecake recipe with a homemade graham cracker crust. 10% of all book sales benefit Martial Arts for Kids, a program that helps kids who have experienced domestic violence attend martial arts classes for free.

Price: $3 ebook, $25 paperback, $35 hardcover 

Find Trippy Eats on amazon.com

Saka PINK

Handcrafted from 25 percent Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon and 75 percent Rose of Pinot Noir from Napa Valley with 40mg THC, 5mg CBD per bottle, Saka PINK features light tropical and floral aromas introduce mouthwatering flavors of fresh guava, white peach and red fruits balanced by lively acidity.  

Price: MSRP $50

houseofsaka.com

Delta 8 Gummies

Jolly holly gummy days to you and yours! Flora CBD’s Delta-8 gummies have been formulated to stimulate your mind and provide a deep sense of calm without the anxiousness often experienced with other edible products. Each gummy is infused with 10mg of Delta-8, a powerful cannabinoid found in hemp, known for its strong anxiolytic properties. So, if you are looking to elevate your mind and your senses this holiday season, Flora’s Delta-8 gummies may provide you with an all-natural solution.

Price: $35.99

Visit gotflora.com to learn more.

CBDips

Kick off your New Year resolutions to quit tobacco with Flora’s CBDips. Our signature CBD dip is made with non-GMO full-spectrum hemp flower for a healthier, tobacco-free dip alternative. Each can of our dip contains long cut CBD-rich flowers, providing users with a convenient and fast-acting consumption method. Available in a variety of naturally-derived flavors, including Southern Peach and Bourbon, our non-tobacco dip delivers all the natural benefits of CBD while stimulating all your senses. Also, you can buy CBDIP Bundle, which includes packs with different flavors.

Price: $11.99

Visit gotflora.com to learn more.

Focus Premium Delta 8 THC Tincture

Focus Premium Delta 8 THC Tincture is a great alternative for anyone who doesn’t vape or smoke, but wants to get high. This Sativa dominant Delta 8 Tincture has 1,000mg of premium Delta 8, and a great tasting spearmint flavor.

The total size of the bottle is 30ml and comes with a built-in dropper to monitor your Delta 8 intake. About half a dropper usually does the trick, but it’s always a good idea to wait before you take more.

Price: $39.99 (Use coupon code HIGHTIMES20 to get 20 percent off)

Available Exclusively at: deltaextrax.com

HHC Gummies

Rift HHC gummies are fire and they’re offering a free sample! These gummies contain 10mgs a piece and are sure to send you to the MOON. You can also get the larger sizes on pinnaclehemp.com.

Price: Ranging from *free to $39.99

freehhcgummies.com

Cheeba Chews’ Sleepy Chews with CBN

Try Cheeba Chews’ Sleepy Chews this holiday season—infused with CBN, melatonin and THC to help the adults sleep through the night. Each box contains 20 chews to help you snooze, with a 2:1 THC : CBN ratio in original chocolate taffy chews, enhanced by approximately 2mg of melatonin, a natural sleep aid. Each package comes with twenty individual pieces, dosed with 5mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBN. Cheeba Chews just rounded out its Wellness Line with its latest release of the Cheeba Chews THCV Charged Chews. The Wellness Line offers a Morning, Noon and Night options. Use Cheeba Chews’ locator to find the nearest dispensary.

Price: Varies

cheebachews.com

Relax by cbme CBD

Take relaxation to the next level. With an infusion of hops and magnesium, and sleep inducing, natural 5-HTP from griffonia seeds. The company’s dried papaya pieces are then coated in premium broad spectrum CBD—fortified with CBG and a combination of relaxing terpenes. Cbme relax before bed can help you wind down and ensure once you are asleep, you stay asleep—rested and recharged—ready to take on the next morning!  

Price: £49.00/$65.18

cbmecbd.com

The post Edibles Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on High Times.

The post Edibles Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Paradise Found.

Set yourself up for the happiest season of all with five’s BOGO delta-8 vape pens deal. Get a free pen when you add two to your cart.

The post BOGO delta-8 vape pens from five appeared first on Leafly.

The post BOGO delta-8 vape pens from five appeared first on Paradise Found.

five has been hard at work developing THC-O products that meet their high standards. Learn how to find THC-O from a reputable source.

The post Comparing THC compounds: What we know about THC-O versus delta-9 & delta-8 appeared first on Leafly.

The post Comparing THC compounds: What we know about THC-O versus delta-9 & delta-8 appeared first on Paradise Found.