California cannabis growers reeling, push in Congress for MMJ research to fight opioid crisis, Cape Cod cannabis, spooky songs & more

Oct. 13: California cannabis growers reeling, push in Congress for MMJ research to fight opioid crisis, Cape Cod cannabis, spooky songs & more Cannabist]( [thecannabist.co]( | [@cannabist]( | [fb/cannabist]( If someone forwarded this to you and you'd like to sign up yourself, just go here: [(. To view this on the web or share a link, [click here.]( [California cannabis growers reeling from “most financially trying, stressful year ever”]( This season has already been like no other for cannabis farmers in California, who are endeavoring to become compliant with state and local regulations. Farmers have spent tens of thousands of dollars — in some cases even more — to legalize their properties and their businesses, all the while knowing that the per-pound price for the 2017 harvest may well go into free-fall. The fire has only compounded their concerns. + [Some cannabis farmers’ livelihoods could be wiped out by California fires]( --------------------------------------------------------------- ["No simple solutions": What the U.S. government should do to combat the opioid epidemic]( The Food and Drug Administration should consider banning "ultra-high-dosage" painkillers from the market, and law enforcement must step up efforts to curb the flow of heroin and fentanyl into the United States if the nation hopes to come to grips with the opioid epidemic, two authorities on the crisis said Thursday. The policy directors' best steps included trying non-opioid alternatives first, but no mention of medical cannabis. + [Rep. Blumenauer to Congress: Let medical marijuana research help solve opioid crisis]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Californians on track to spend $2.68 billion on just medical marijuana in 2017]( A new study based on data gathered from dispensaries across the state attempts to capture how California medical marijuana users spend money at legal pot shops — an estimated $2.68 billion by the end of the year, according to Boulder-based research firm BDS Analytics. California is a behemoth where more than one-third of all legal purchases of marijuana in the United States take place, according to the report. There are an estimated 1,100 dispensaries and 2,000 [delivery services]( in the state, according to BDS. + [Colorado's 2017 marijuana sales reach $1 billion in just eight months]( Quote of the Day “A lot of folks’ hopes and dreams for legal cannabis are in ashes or covered in smoke right now.” [—Hezekiah Allen, executive director at the California Growers Association,]( commenting on cannabis farms that have been destroyed in the state's wildfires Numerology 2,300 That's the [number of plants seized in a high desert Nevada raid.]( Two suspects escaped on foot. Regional News [Phoenix man who says cops forced him to eat marijuana sues city]( A Phoenix man who says he was forced by police to eat marijuana or go to jail has filed a lawsuit against the city and the three ex-officers involved. Edgar Castro's suit seeks undisclosed punitive and compensatory damages. Attorneys for the 20-year-old Castro say their client's civil rights were violated. [Florida health clinics not signing up to approve medical cannabis]( Nearly a year has passed since Floridians voted to add marijuana to the list of medications the state's doctors are allowed to use. Though the result was decisive — [71 percent of voters approved]( — the change was not sudden. As required by Amendment 2, the [Florida Department of Health created a system of guidelines](, including a requirement for doctors to complete training before they could recommend medical cannabis to patients. Statewide, the numbers currently translate to roughly one trained doctor per 20,500 people. [Cannabis on the Cape: How Massachusetts water towns will welcome weed]( Medical Marijuana of Massachusetts will be the first of the state’s nonprofit organizations to open a dispensary on Cape Cod. It won’t remain the only one in the region for long. There are medical marijuana dispensary applications pending for Dennis, Bourne, Brewster, Nantucket, Provincetown and Martha’s Vineyard. More Regional Headlines + [Strip search of ex-Miss Kentucky after she dropped balloon of weed at prison visit was wrong, says lawyer]( + [Maryland medical cannabis lawsuit given green light]( + [Colorado town uses lottery to select 2 candidates to open marijuana stores]( + [Proposed ban on smoking, vaping for Denver’s 16th Street Mall discriminates homeless, advocates say]( #AllThingsWeed [The Cannabist’s SmokeSongs: Halloween Hits]( Elevate your listening experience with our new music column, SmokeSongs. Up first is a perfect playlist to help get you in the mood all month long — and especially on this spooky evening. [The Cannabist Show: She practices and teaches cannabis-infused asanas]( Get centered with this week's fresh Cannabist Show. Featured guest is Stacey Mulvey, founder of Marijuasana yoga classes. There's lots to talk about: Denver's new cannabis social-use program, and reasons why some businesses aren't going to apply for a license. Plus, how to find the right high for the right activity. And get a fresh twist on the top news stories with hosts Jake and Janae. Foodie Friday [Meet Canada's only certified kosher cannabis producer]( The Hydropothecary Corporation is Quebec's only licensed cannabis producer and now Canada's first licensed producer to offer kosher-certified cannabis. The company was granted kosher certification by the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut, a not-for-profit group that confirms products conform with Jewish dietary law. It's a process that requires several steps and takes months. [Get educated about edibles: Eight tips for getting right dose]( As any seasoned marijuana user can attest, edibles provide a mysterious high — one that is infinitely different than the buzz obtained from smoking or vaping. When you combine that with the varying ways edibles affect different people, it can be an unpredictable experience on your first foray. So how can consumers find the right dose of edibles? Here are some steps consumers can take. [Warm your belly: A spicy weed recipe for white sweet potato soup]( Sweet potato soup is a cold-weather must. If you have never tried it and you are a sweet potato fan, give this weed recipe a whirl. --------------------------------------------------------------- You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up at The Denver Post. Please add "members@mail.denverpost.com" and "members@direct.denverpost.com" to your trusted senders list. To unsubscribe from this mailing, [click here.]( To change your e-mail preferences, [click here](. To view this newsletter on the web [click here.]( The Denver Post 101 West Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80202