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CANNABIS& COVID 19

BILL BAGGS CAPE STATE PARK

FLORIGROWN GOES TO THEFLORIDA SUPREME COURT

MARIJUANAIS ESSENTIAL

GREATDANES

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CANNABIS & COVID 19 Cannabis like the corona virus is a disrupter and therefore proper education is imperative. Similar to most infections, the elderly, disabled and immunocompromised are most at risk...

FLORIGROWN GOES TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT In the years prior to Amendment 2, the ballot initiative that began the medical cannabis program in Florida, we had a program for low-THC products only. created by SB1030, often called the Compassionate Cannabis Act ...

ACS LABS TESTING PROCEDURES Hemp is now available in countless consumer products in the form of teas, capsules, smokable flower, edibles, salves and vapes, to name a few...

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Cannabis like the corona virus is a disrupter and therefore proper education is imperative. Similar to most infections, the elderly, disabled and immunocompromised are most at risk however there are a higher percentage of healthy individuals who are suffering from covid-19. We know not to congregate in Emergency rooms if it is just a common cold or pass a prerolled joint or vape during this pandemic. Frequent hand washing with soap and social distancing to prevent overwhelming our health care system is the only solution. Similarly, it is essential to advise our patients about the medical benefits of cannabis, the safest delivery methods and how to dose appropriately. So, we need to be mindful about the importance that this is a public health emergency for a society and use good judgement.

Patients are stocking up on their medical marijuana because they know they are not able to easily leave their houses; they do not know for how long and cannabis is their medicine. They are also more anxious about the unknown and are using cannabis to calm themselves while they homeschool their kids or learn how to cope with potential decreases in wages from hours lost at work and get restful sleep.

As a Pain Management Physician specializing in Cannabis Medicine, I have chosen to practice telemedicine through the 1135 waiver from CMS as it is a medical emergency. Under 381.986 Florida statute we can certify existing qualified patients through telemedicine. I am seeing new patients as a face to face visit as needed.

What I have seen is people fear that if one becomes infected with covid 19 they know this virus affects their pulmonary system

and they want to do their part to have the healthiest lungs. This is similar to how we all suggest taking supplements such as vit d, c and zinc and probiotics or even glutathione to support our immune system. More people are turning to tinctures and capsules or vaping flower. Smoking cannabis can increase the risk of acute bronchitis, however, does not increase the risk of head, neck, lung cancer published in 2017 sciences medicine and engineering.

Cannabinoids and terpenes have been studied in relation to our immune function. “However,” according to the IACM, “there is no evidence that individual cannabinoids – such as CBD, CBG or THC – or cannabis preparations protect against infection … or could be used to treat COVID-19, the disease produced by this virus.” But the IACM also emphasizes “there is no evidence that the use of cannabinoids could increase the risk of viral infection.” For example, we know the cannabinoid THC is a bronchodilator. CBD and THCA, pinene, beta caryophyllene all play a role in decreasing inflammation. CBD has Antifungal properties and CBD and CBDA can help with anxiety in times of crisis and panic. THC, CBN and Myrcene may help get a restful sleep. However, antiviral properties of CBD are not well established.

There is a large body of evidence from in vivo and in vitro models showing that cannabinoids and their receptors influence the immune system, viral pathogenesis, and viral replication.

“A new wave of research and mounting anecdotal evidence points towards cannabinoids having an adaptive, immunomodulating effect, rather than just suppressing immune activity.” The ability of cannabinoids to both suppress and enhance immune function lends credence to the notion that the endocannabinoid system is

involved in bidirectional immunomodulation, keeping inflammation in check under healthy conditions but enabling an inflammatory response when needed to fight infection.

The interaction between cytokines (a group of proteins that regulate inflammatory responses), immune cells, and the endogenous cannabinoid system plays an important role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. It is documented that stimulation of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor by THC and its endogenous counterparts can suppress inflammation. Cannabinoid receptor signaling confers therapeutic effects by downregulating inflammatory cytokine expression.

CBD also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory, reducing cytokine production and inhibiting immune cell function. A 2014 study by Louisiana State University scientists demonstrated that regular cannabis use can increase white blood cell counts in immune deficiency disorders such as HIV, suggesting a proinfammatory, immune-boosting effect. That is the exact opposite of what is needed to mitigate a viral-induced cytokine storm.

Evidence suggests that cannabinoids may systematically influence viral infection through regulation of host immunity and inflammatory response [Reiss, 2010; Rom and Persidsky, 2013], cell metabolism [Molina et al., 2011b], and the ability to enter host cells [Benamar et al., 2009], integrate into the host genome [Valk, 1997,1999], replicate [Roth et al., 2005; Rock et al., 2007; Molina et al., 2014], be released [Cabral et al., 1986], and by novel epigenomic and miRNA activation. Contradictions exist in the literature about the effects of cannabinoids on viral infections. For example, in HIV, viral replication is enhanced in

an inflammatory state and chronic inflammatory conditions are related to an increased level of viremia [Kfutwah et al., 2006; Groot et al., 2006]; thus, CB activation could suppress viral replication by antiinflammatory action. Identification of the mechanisms responsible for these functions is complicated because of the multiplicity of cannabinoid-related signaling and effects [Smith et al., 2010; Rom and Persidsky, 2013], tissue-specific responses to the viral infection [Lee et al., 2007; Zaritsky et al., 2013], multiple cellular mechanisms involved in inflammatory responses [Klein and Cabral, 2006], and kinetics of viral replication [Molina et al., 2011b].

While we wait for more data about the Corona virus and Cannabis modulating the immune system, we need to be informed and not fearful and help our community. Personal acts of goodness during a public health crisis is essential. Economic losses will cause deep despair. CMS guidelines help us properly adapt to smart strategies like telehealth. We need to appreciate our ecosystem and use this time to slow down not to overconsume. We cannot always be prepared for a crisis, but we can follow guidelines and appreciate that there is a bigger world out there and start to work together.

Dr. Michelle Weiner, is an Interventional Pain Management

Physician board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She completed her residency and fellowship training at the University of Miami. Her specialty is focused on prevention, treatment, reversal of health deterioration, increasing function and managing pain. Dr. Weiner focuses on diagnosing and treating spine and musculoskeletal pain as well as chronic migraines at the Spine and Wellness Centers of America

BY DR. MICHELLE WEINER, DO, MPH

CANNABIS &COVID 19

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FLORIGROWN GOES TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

BY GARY STEIN | CLARITY PAC

In the years prior to Amendment 2, the ballot initiative that began the medical cannabis program in Florida, we had a program for low-THC products only. created by SB1030, often called the Compassionate Cannabis Act and the “Charlotte’s Web bill” Only five licenses were awarded, through an application process that had legal challenges adjudicated by an Administrative Judge.

The process was very exclusionary. First you had to be a

nursery that had operated in Florida at least 30 years. Then you had to be able to post a $5M bond. But to top it off, you had to be able to run a vertically integrated company. That meant that you had to acquire, cultivate, process, package, sell and deliver the product. From seed to sale.

It is like a cookie company that must grow its own wheat to ground into flour to make them and even has to have a kiosk in every grocery store to sell them. Or a Tylenol store that only sold Tylenol and made them and packaged in the back of the store.

Legislators claimed the concept of a vertically integrated store was to be able to, “pull up the bad companies from the ground, roots and all

It was a system that was very exclusive. It excluded

minorities, because few have nurseries 30 years old, it excluded small business from being created, and excluded nurseries who could not come up with the capital for the bond, application fee of $60k, and startup costs to convert or expand their farms to state specifications. “Since there was only one “dispensing agency” in each of five sections of the state, they essentially created an oligopoly for a low-THC product with too few qualified patients for those stores to be sustainable after the initial costs.

Then, the following year they added terminal patients to the roster of qualified patients, which included seizure and cancer patients.

After its first try and loss in 2014, the second Amendment

YOU MAY SOON BE ABLE TO GET A LICENSE TO GROW YOUR OWN WEED

Never has it been more clear than during the current COVID-19 pandemic that marijuana has arrived at the forefront of mainstream American society.

In state after state, amid the Coronavirus crisis, governors and public health officials are deeming cannabis businesses “essential” operations that can stay open amid coronavirus-related forced closures and stay-at-home mandates. People might not be able to go bowling or see a movie in theaters, but they can still stock up on marijuana.

It wasn’t long ago that anyone growing and selling marijuana faced the risk of being arrested, prosecuted and jailed. But now, in the era of expanding legalization, cannabis providers in many states are held up as vital members of the community who are providing a valuable service on par with picking up prescription drugs at a pharmacy or filling up your car at a gas station.

Advocacy groups have pushed governors and state officials to ensure that medical marijuana patients in particular can maintain access to the cannabis they need. But because many people who use marijuana for therapeutic purposes don’t necessarily jump through the hoops needed in order to become officially certified as patients, recreational businesses are also seen as crucial access points that need to stay open.

“Most of the American public and an increasing number of government leaders stopped buying into the demonization of cannabis years ago,” Karen O’Keefe, state policies director

for the Marijuana Policy Project, said. “Now, not only have two-thirds of states recognized that medical cannabis should be legal—with 11 legalizing adult-use—many are recognizing that safe access to cannabis is essential.”

NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said it is “encouraging to see our nation’s public policy in practice is finally catching up to where the vast majority of Americans have been for years.”

“The recognition by our government officials that cannabis is indeed not just here to stay, but an essential part of life for millions of Americans—particularly in the patient community—is a welcome move in the right direction,” he said. “It is also a move that could not have come at a better moment for those who still require access to maintain quality of life during these trying and troubled times.”

In some states, officials have enacted new temporary policies such as expanded delivery services or curbside pickup that make it easier for consumers to get their hands on marijuana while respecting social distancing measures. Others are allowing doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations via telemedicine instead of requiring that they conduct in-person examinations.

In Florida, the state surgeon general issued an order allowing physicians to issue medical cannabis recertifications to existing patients—but not new ones—via telemedicine.

THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS SHOWS MARIJUANA

IS DEFINITELY ‘ESSENTIAL’ AND MAINSTREAM

BY ALLEN THORTON | ASSOCIATED PRESS


At issue, was an argument whether Florigrown had a, “substantial likelihood of success on the merits of their challenge to section 381.986(8)(a)1, (a)2.a., and (a)3., Florida Statutes (2017), as a special law granting a privilege to a private corporation, “or that they created a system that gave licenses only to vertically integrated companies, that had actually only applied for low-THC licenses prior to the passing of the Amendment.

The state did not address that issue at all in their arguments, prompting the court to order the supplemental brief.

Since that first cadre of five licenses given out via that flawed process, no application process for MMTC licenses have been opened by the DOH. The other 17 current, licenses had been awarded through litigation, although many have been sold to organizations that never applied to qualify for a license in Florida. That did not stop attorney Joe Jacquot, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ general counsel who represented the Department of Health, from claiming during his arguments that seven licenses were currently available. You just cannot apply for them, so there is no way to be awarded one.

If Florigrown wins, there will be massive changes in the medical program in Florida. The vertical mandate will be removed, allowing “Horizontal” companies to get licenses , so that they could do only one or more of the duties of an MMTC, however, a vertically integrated company could still get individual licenses for all of the tasks and remain vertical, as well.

Adam Elend of Florigrown stated, “The Governor argued

that the constitution doesn’t mean what it says, but instead it means whatever the legislature wants it to mean. And they falsely claimed that there are seven licenses available when there are none. We sincerely hope the Court is not swayed by false arguments and political games. In 2016, 71% of voters approved an amendment to establish medical marijuana treatment centers that would make marijuana available for safe use by patients. The legislature ignored the text of that amendment, and instead installed an oligopoly where they could give away a few golden ticket licenses to their buddies who flipped them for $50 million dollars. That’s not right. It’s not constitutional, and it injures patients.”

His partner Jeff Marks added, ““We’re very glad to see the Court take a further interest into the unconstitutional way these licenses were given away to settle lawsuits, to the exclusion of all other potential applicants. Making matters worse, the Department was not even authorized by the statute to evaluate the qualifications of these entities before registering them and then issuing the coveted license.”

It is not sure how long the Florida Supreme Court justices will deliberate after the briefs have been submitted before they render their opinions and decide if the State or Florigrown wins by majority vote. They often take months, but if they rule in favor of Florigrown, it will be a whole new medical cannabis program in Florida.

B U Y A Y E A R S U B S C R I P T I O NG E T T H I S C O O L

H I G H L I F E S H I RTF O R F R E E

2 won by 71% of the vote in 2016. The new Constitutional amendment changed nearly everything. High THC chemovars could be grown. There were now 10 qualifying ailments, and a potential for 550K patients as customers. It was to start taking effect on January 3, 2017 and the Department of Health had six months to write the new rules with the constitutional authority given to them and start giving out new licenses by October 3rd, nine months after the effective date of the new amendment.

Joe Redner and his partners Adam Elend and Jeff Marks, having read the new amendment and in full understanding of the intent of the ballot initiative, opted to file an application on January 17 to register their new MMTC, called Florigrown, with the intent to have their application evaluated and approved by the DOH, as it was offered in the amendment .

The DOH denied their request, claiming the application protocol had not yet been established, and they were not going to allow any company to just file an application and expect it to be just registered, without a competitive process. Even though the amendment never mentioned restricting the number of MMTC’s or an exclusion process.

The DOH told Florigrown it could seek relief in circuit court

once “the Department promulgated implemented regulations per the Amendment”.

Then the legislature stepped in and created their implementing law. In a positive move, nurseries only had to be in business for 5 years, and the program would allow eight new MMTC’s to get licenses, and more moving forward.

After Bill SB8A, that came out of special session, was

passed and signed into law, Joe, Adam and Jeff noticed a disparity between the constitutional amendment and the new statutes. The legislature, in its yearning to maintain a system with vertically integrated companies, where any non-compliant MMTC could be, “pulled out of the ground complete with the roots” wrote a law that conflicted with the language of the amendment.

Florigrown filed their lawsuit eleven months after they filed their original request for registration That was followed by a motion for temporary injunction five months later when no progress had been made. The DOH stopped working on the constitutional rules as mandated by the amendment and failed to send appropriate rules based on the legislature’s statute to the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee. The JAPC send dozens of letters to the DOH for corrections and clarification, all of which went unanswered for months. The legislature even went so far as to hold back funding to the DOH if they did not obey the statutory authority for rulemaking they mandated and abandon the constitutional authority that the voters intended to be used. Rulemaking was in limbo; conflicts were abundant, and frustration ran high in all parties. After the financial gauntlet had been thrown by legislature, the DOH began numerous workshops to get the statutory rules written and approved.

After months of waiting, Florigrown finally got their day in court. In fact, they got their day in three courts.

They won their injunction before Judge Dodson in the 2nd District court. The state appealed his decision, so it went before the First District court of Appeals (DCA), where the court concurred with Florigrown, in part. The State appealed again, so the 1st DCA certified the case to go before the Florida Supreme Court.

The case was set for April 22, but then came COVID, and the pandemic postponed the hearing. So, the case was reset for May 6, to be done completely by video, with all parties in different locations. It was a first for this court. It was one of the most unusual set of Oral Arguments ever heard before the Florida Supreme Court.

Oral Arguments were made on behalf of the governor and DOH, and then by the senior counsel for the House of Representatives, followed by arguments from attorney Katherine Giddings of the Akerman law group on behalf of Florigrown.

She noted that the current system does not fully permit full access to their medicine because the lack of a free market and a constricted number of competitive entities had kept products limited in supply and prices high. She said that the lawsuit contained the affidavits of 20 patients who had been negatively effected by the current medical cannabis program.

She noted that the constitutional amendment defined an MMTC as, “an entity that acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes … transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials.”

When the legislature wrote the law to implement the amendment, they changed that wording. It was changed to say that, “a licensed medical marijuana treatment center shall cultivate, process, transport and dispense marijuana for medical use”

The difference between the use of the conjunctive “and” versus the use of the missive “or” was the basis for the legislature’s law that all MMTCs must have a “vertical integration”. Ms. Giddings noted that the legislature changed the language of the constitutional amendment to mandate vertically integrated companies and giving licenses to a special class of companies.

It only took one day before the Supreme Court spoke out.

They asked for a “supplemental briefing” by both parties. They felt that the petitioner (the DOH and the House) did not address all the issues noted in the brief on the merits written on behalf of Florigrown. They gave the DOH 20 days to write and submit a 20-page brief, and then Florigrown will have 10 days to write theirs.


The Great Dane is an enormous breed that has been cultivated as a distinct type of dog for hundreds of years. Great Danes originated in Germany and perhaps in England, and were bred to hunt the savage European wild boar. This took a powerful, intelligent, tenacious and fearless dog, and the Great Dane’s personality and breed characteristics suited him perfectly to this task.

However, size and beauty alone were never enough to make the “Apollo of dogs” a suitable representative of his distinguished breed; he always needed height, weight, courage, nobility, speed and endurance as well. Danes are rarely used as boarhounds today, but instead have transitioned to beloved and affectionate companions and less commonly, estate guard dogs. As such, balance in temperament and physical traits is essential. According to the AKC Official Standard, a Great Dane “must be spirited, courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other breed.”

While developed as a true working breed, correctly-bred Great

Danes make outstanding, affectionate, loving and trusted family companions for spacious households that want a large, short-haired dog that offers some manner of protection due to their sheer size. They tend to be protective by nature only if necessary, but Great Danes should never be encouraged to be overly protective and certainly never to be aggressive. Many people are terrified of large dogs irrespective of their kind temperament. To keep these dogs as gentle ambassadors of this giant breed, Dane owners should always be vigilant and keep their dogs under complete control when in public, and securely contained when at home.

HISTORY

Drawings of dogs who look like Great Danes have been found on Egyptian artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C. and in Babylonian temples that were built around 2000 B.C. There’s evidence that similar dogs originated in Tibet, with written reports of such dogs appearing in Chinese literature in 1121 B.C.

The breed is thought to have been taken into various parts of the world by the Assyrians, who traded their dogs to the Greeks

THE GREAT DANE“THE APOLLO OF DOGS”

and Romans. The Greeks and Romans then bred these dogs with other breeds. Ancestors of the English Mastiff were probably involved in the breed development, and some folks believe that the Irish Wolfhound or Irish Greyhound also may have played a role.

Great Danes originally were called Boar Hounds, because boars were what they were bred to hunt. Their ears were cropped to prevent boar tusks from tearing them. In the 16th century, the name of the breed was changed to “English Dogges.”

Late in the 1600s, however, many German nobles began keeping the largest and most handsome of their dogs in their homes, calling them Kammerhunde (Chamber Dogs). These dogs were pampered and wore gilded collars lined with velvet. Talk about a sweet life.

The name Great Dane arose in the 1700s, when a French naturalist traveled to Denmark and saw a version of the Boar Hound who was slimmer and more like a Greyhound in

appearance. He called this dog Grand Danois, which eventually became Great Danish Dog, with the more massive examples of the breed called Danish Mastiffs. The name stuck, even though Denmark did not develop the breed.

Most breed historians give credit to German breeders for refining the breed to be the well-balanced, elegant dog we love today. In 1880, breeders and judges held a meeting in Berlin and agreed that since the dogs they were breeding were distinctly different from the English Mastiff, they would give it its own name — Deutsche Dogge (German Dog).

They founded the Deutscher Doggen-Klub of Germany, and many other European countries took up the name as well. The Italians and English-speaking countries didn’t accept this name, however. (Even today, the Italians call the breed Alano, meaning Mastiff; and in English-speaking countries, of course, they’re called Great Danes.)

Throughout the late 1800s, wealthy German breeders continued to refine the breed. They turned their attention to the dog’s temperament, because Great Danes had aggressive, ferocious temperaments due to the fact that they were originally bred to hunt wild boar, a particularly ferocious beast. These breeders tried to produce more gentle animals, and — luckily for us today — they succeeded.

We don’t know when the first Great Danes were brought to the U.S., or even where they came from, but the Great Dane Club of America was formed in 1889. It was the fourth breed club allowed to join the American Kennel Club.

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HIGHLIFEmagazine.US 19

COMPLIANCEHemp is now available in countless consumer products in the

form of teas, capsules, smokable flower, edibles, salves and vapes, to name a few. One aspect is true regardless of the product or strain. Hemp must contain less than .3% THC to be federally legal. All other attributes of the plant however, are up for state-level debate. In Florida, legislators proposed a list of common hemp contaminants, and dictated the safe allowable limits for each. That’s why ACS Laboratory tests for THC along with all required pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, residual solvents, and microbiological agents like eColi and mold.

ACS COMPLIANCE TESTS√ 11 or 16 Cannabinoid Potency (FOR HEMP THC < .3%)√ 67 Pesticides√ 21 Residual Solvents (for extracts and edibles)√ 4 Microbiology Panels√ 5 Mycotoxins√ 4 Heavy Metals

BEYOND COMPLIANCE

We don’t stop at compliance. At ACS Laboratory, we test hemp products to uncover all the compounds that make up the therapeutic profile of the plant, along with their flavors and fragrances. We also conduct additional safety tests to ensure that products are free of lesser-known, yet dangerous contaminants. Beyond THC, we can determine the potency of

up to 15 additional cannabinoids like CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG and THCA. The cannabinoid potency information is invaluable for brands to market their products to customers who benefit the most from that particular profile. In addition to potency, we test for terpenes and flavonoids, which indicate the efficacy and how the product may smell, taste and look. At a safety level, we test for special contaminants like Vitamin E Acetate in vapes and Glyphosate, the dangerous weed killer known as Roundup. Additionally, we conduct shelf life and stability testing to determine best usage recommendations.

Most importantly, we tailor our testing approach to the particular product on hand. For example, hemp flower may not need the same tests as extracts and vice versa. This is the first of a three-part series, where we review ACS Laboratory’s protocols, challenges, and tailored recommendations for testing hemp capsules, edibles, and tinctures.

RAW HEMP CAPSULES Recently, scientists discovered that cannabis contains several

“minor cannabinoids” that may rival the therapeutic benefits of THC and CBD. We believe that means the market will eventually flood with products like these. One issue however, is that these lesser known compounds are highly volatile, which means they cannot survive normal heating or extraction processes. As a result, companies who want to market minor cannabinoids must preserve the plant’s raw form.

HOW WE TEST YOURHEMP & CBD PRODUCTS

BY ELENA SCHMIDT | ACS LABRATORY

AVAWellness Raw CBDa Capsules is one example of a minor cannabinoid product we tested recently. These vegan, non-gmo ingestibles tout 5.4% CBDa per gram, a very high percentage in comparison to average hemp strains. Up until recently, scientists didn’t think CBDa could survive the process of digestion nor did they consider it to have medicinal value. But as it turns out CBDa has powerful therapeutic benefits and helps the body to metabolize CBD better, resulting in higher bioavailability.

TESTING CHALLENGES

In order to accurately test products like AVAWellness’ CBDa Capsules for potency, we use a protocol similar to the one developed for hemp. This is a process that we refined over years of research and investment in machinery. Unfortunately not all laboratories have the tools to measure raw flower without altering its chemical composition. But through our proven method, we employ Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to safely test samples at room temperature without requiring heat. http://myavawellness.com/

TINCTURESAlong with hemp flower, tinctures are one of the original

derivative hemp products on the market that are massively popular today. Hemp tinctures are sublingual solutions that consist generally of CBD combined with carrier oils such as Hemp Oil, MCT OIL or Avocado. They are produced by separating cannabinoids, such as CBD, from the plant using either CO2 or a solvent like Ethanol or Butane and later evaporating that solvent to leave behind a potent, natural extract. Tincture Oils typically onset within 20 minutes because they enter the bloodstream through the vessels under the tongue. For this reason it is recommended that when taking a tincture it is held under the tongue for 40 seconds. If swallowed right away without waiting 40 seconds, it goes through the digestive system and is absorbed quickly, having very low bioavailability. They also typically should have a long shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place. Quick onset, natural relief and a long shelf-life are key benefits that attract a broad base of consumers.

Recently we tested a tincture HIGHLIFE® Full Spectrum Unflavored Oil. HIGHLIFE’s 1000mg CBD oil is organic, non-gmo, and compliant with THC regulations. Its potent formula is marketed to the same consumers who seek products to alleviate stress, post-work out soreness, and skin irritation. This product is full spectrum, which means it contains CBD along with the entire plant’s cannabinoids like CBN and THC. It’s formulated without additives, which means it tastes earthy and appeals to customers who prefer less processed oils. To be sure the product was as potent and safe as HIGHLIFE intended, we conducted a full panel of safety and potency tests. The safety panel included residual solvents, such as ethanol, butane and benzene, which can be extremely dangerous if accidentally ingested.

TESTING CHALLENGES

Unlike HIGHLIFE’s hemp-based tincture, other brands are adding non-cannabis ingredients to their formulas, such as terpenes from fruits and vegetables. These formulas are innovative, made with natural ingredients, and create an appealing aroma. But they can also present a few challenges for


the end user that we must consider during testing. For example, if citrus terpenes are too highly concentrated in the formula, they can be irritating to the skin and eyes. That’s why we want to test the potency of non-cannabis terpenes to be sure their concentration levels are safe and mimic that of the plant itself. Moreover, non-cannabis additives can potentially be a source of contamination or pesticides. That’s why we want to carefully analyze tinctures with non-cannabis ingredients to be sure they are free from toxins that could compromise the end product.https://TheHighLife.us/COA

EDIBLES

As the cannabis and hemp industries grow, consumers are demanding edibles in a big way. Not only do edibles provide alternatives to smoking, they also appeal to a broader audience due to their taste, discretion, and convenience. Moreover many people prefer edibles for relief from chronic ailments that would usually require very strong prescription medication to treat pain, anxiety and lack of sleep. From cannabis chocolates, to CBD infused gummies, protein bars and candy, ACS Laboratory tests for 100’s of brands who want to guarantee the safety and quality of their edible product.https://www.bhumicbd.com/product/belgian-chocolate-bars/

In the last two years we’ve seen a huge increase in gummy (CBD) edibles, but chocolates aren’t going anywhere either. Specifically dark chocolates, like Bhumi’s Dark Chocolate Belgian Orange Bar are on the rise. Bhumi’s bar is vegan, contains less than .8 grams of sugar per serving, and is formulated with dark as opposed to milk chocolate due to its known health benefits. Research has found that dark chocolate can lead the body to produce compounds that mimic the therapeutic effects of cannabis/hemp. Thus, edibles like these may be more potent while also appealing to demand for both healthy and delicious products. Regardless of preference however, all customers want to be sure that the food they ingest is safe and contains the precise dosage listed on the label. But how can a customer be sure of the THC potency results. In fact research indicates in some cases, the more chocolate the sample contains, the less accurate the results. At ACS, we are aware of this challenge and

have refined our protocols to guarantee precision. Before testing for potency, we utilize what’s known as a Cryogenic grinder or freezer/mill; where we flash freeze and pulverize the edible to homogenize it. This method provides consistent, reliable results and we have the awards to prove it. For the last two years, we have received badges for excellence in edibles potency from the Emerald Test, a nationwide Inter-Laboratory Comparison test. Review the attached COA to see the rich cannabinoid profile of this product.

RECOMMENDED TESTS FOR TINCTURES,EDIBLES AND HEMP CAPSULES

Beyond compliance testing, brands wanting to stand out will perform specialized testing and let their COAs tell the story. That’s why they work with us to test for lesser known contaminants along with the plant’s full spectrum of healing ingredients.

√ TERPENE TESTING Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds that work

synergistically with cannabinoids to produce therapeutic effects. When brands know what terpenes their product contains along with the corresponding concentration levels, they can educate consumers on the product’s unique benefits.

√ FLAVONOID TESTINGFlavonoids are responsible for bright, non-green pigments

that also synergistically produce an array of therapeutic benefits when combined with cannabis and hemp vast compounds. ACS is one of the only laboratories with the capabilities and protocols to test Flavonoids. When brands are making products such as edibles where flavor plays a big role, testing for Flavonoids and educating the consumer on why they are important is big differentiator.

√ SPECIALIZED PESTICIDE TESTING Glyphosate, paraquat and diquat are three types of pesticides

known as herbicides, which chemically kill weeds and regulate plant growth. Glyphosate in particular is one of the world’s most widely used herbicides and recently made headlines as the primary toxic chemical in Monsanto’s Roundup fertilizer. While we are not legally required to test for Glyphosate, but for consumers who want to be sure that their product is 100% free of these chemicals this is very important.

√ SHELF LIFE TESTING & STABILITY Shelf life & stability determines the number of days the product

remains stable based on recommended storage conditions. This is a vital piece of information for consumer safety that varies depending on the product type and ingredients. Shelf life is not a legal requirement yet but will definitely make a product stand out next to its competitors.

NEXT MONTH we will cover testing HEMP TEAS, BEVERAGES and TRANSDERMALS.

For more about testing raw capsules, tinctures, and edibles contact ACS Laboratory today at www.acslabcannabis.com


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BILL BAGGS CAPE FLORIDA STATE PARK

Just 15 minutes from downtown Miami, and voted “One of the Top Ten Beaches in the U.S.,” Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers visitors recreational opportunities in a tropical paradise. With more than 1.2 miles of Atlantic shoreline and 1.4 miles fronting Biscayne Bay, it is one of the most popular parks in Florida.

Ponce de Leon named this area “Cape of Florida” when he led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513.

The Cape Florida lighthouse, the park’s best known feature, was completed in 1825 but was damaged during the Second Seminole War. The repaired tower, completed in 1846, remains the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Tours of the 95-foot lighthouse and the keeper’s house museum are available.

The island served as a secret meeting place and port for runaway slaves and Black Seminoles waiting to rendezvous with sea captains or board dugouts for a passage to safety in the British Bahamas. Although the lighthouse was built to save lives and ships, its unflinching light brought an end to this avenue of escape. In September 2004, Cape Florida was designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew uprooted a forest of non-native Australian-pine trees that dominated the landscape and left the park nearly treeless. The storm provided land managers the opportunity to restore the park’s native plant communities. Today, a variety of natural habitats, from mangrove forest to maritime hammock, can be seen at Cape Florida.

Depending upon the season, more than 50 butterfly species and 170 bird species may be seen at the park. The peregrine falcon, piping plover and American crocodile regularly take refuge here. Loggerhead sea turtles nest along the beach each summer. Green sea turtles and Florida manatees often graze in the seagrass beds offshore.


CEVICHE DE CAMARONESINGREDIENTS: 1 ½ lb. raw, medium-sized tiger prawns, shelled and de-veinedfresh-squeezed lime juice, (enough to submerge prawns)salt and pepper8 ripe roma tomatoes, diced1 large white onion, diced2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced fresh whole jalapeño chiles, seeded and diced (optional)juice of 1 large orange2 Tbsp. olive oil½ bunch of cilantro, choppedlemon juice to taste

DIRECTIONS:Remove tails and slice prawns into thirds. Submerge prawns in lime juice, add salt and pepper and let marinate for 3 hours. Mix all diced vegetables with prawns. To finish, add the orange juice, olive oil, cilantro and lemon juice. Keep refrigerated and serve with chips or crackers. Garnish with whole boiled shrimp or a sprig of cilantro.

PAD THAI WITH SHRIMP & BASILINGREDIENTS:1½ lb. dried thin rice noodles 3 Tbsp. fish sauce, or to taste3 Tbsp. tamarind juice (may substi-tute tomato sauce) 2 Tbsp. sugar4 Tbsp. peanut oil1¹/3 lb. fresh shrimp, shelled4 cloves garlic, minced5 green onions, thinly sliced 1¼ cup small dried shrimp2 fresh Thai chilies, seeded and chopped2 eggs, lightly beaten3 cups fresh bean sprouts2¹/³ cup roasted peanuts1½ cup Thai basil leaves, cut in

[Foodgasm!!!]

Delicious

DIRECTIONS:Soak noodles in lukewarm water for one hour, until they are limp but still firm. Drain and set aside. Dissolve the sugar in the fish sauce and tamarind juice. Set aside. Heat a wok until it is smoking hot. Add 2 teaspoons of oil and stir-fry the shrimp until pink. Remove and set aside.

Add all but one teaspoon of the re-maining oil to the wok and stir-fry the scallions, chilies and garlic. Mix in the dried shrimp and noodles. Push the mass up along one side of the wok, add the last teaspoon of oil, pour in the eggs and scramble lightly. Cut the eggs into strips and toss them with the noodles, sugar mixture, sprouts, peanuts, basil, shrimp and cilantro. Garnish with lime.28 HIGHLIFEmagazine.US HIGHLIFEmagazine.US 29

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Each Trulieve product has a third-party lab report that can be found by searching the batch number located on your product on our website.

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MARIJUANA BILL BAGGS CAPE IS ... - HIGHLIFE Magazine® · HIGHLIFE Studio, Inc. P.O Box 11683 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339 754-300-9959 HIGHLIFE® is published monthly. The opinions