Prices to Rise for Oregon Weed Buyers

by Melanie Marquis

Oregon weed smokers will soon be paying more for recreational cannabis. Beginning January 4^th, dispensaries will be required to collect a 25% tax on all recreational marijuana purchases. Recreational marijuana has been tax-free since the first retail sales began in October 2015, giving buyers a break on prices. On average, a gram of recreational flower sells for anywhere from $8 to $15 in Oregon, with quarter-ounces ranging from a low $25 to a high $150. Oregon state law limits recreational cannabis purchases to no more than a quarter-ounce in one day, so retailers are unable to offer discounts on larger quantities like buyers in Colorado enjoy. With the new taxes, what used to be an $8 gram will now cost $10, while a $60 quarter will jump up to $75. Considering that most moderate to heavy herb smokers go through substantially more than a quarter-ounce per week, that additional 25% tax per purchase could really add up.

Retail recreational marijuana sales in Oregon topped 11 million in the first month alone, so the new cannabis taxes will likely add millions to the state's annual income. The tax revenue will be split between state and local agencies, with the largest shares going to the Common School Fund and to Mental Health, Alcoholism, and Drug Services. 

Currently, recreational cannabis is sold only through medical dispensaries in Oregon, but new stand-alone recreational-only dispensaries are expected to open starting in October 2016. Sales at the new dispensaries will only be subjected to a 17% tax, with cities and counties having the option of imposing an additional 3% tax if they choose to do so.

Despite the increase in taxes and higher prices in the interim, the cost of recreational marijuana in Oregon may eventually decrease over the next few years as more dispensaries open and the market stabilizes. There is currently a lot of variation and fluctuation in Oregon cannabis prices, with dispensaries still struggling to find the right balance between costs, supply, and demand. 

What's certain is that at least until next October when the first recreational-only dispensaries open, you'll soon be paying a solid 25% more for your weed. If you're concerned about your bud budget, you might want to stock up on tax-free weed while you can, making as many purchases as the law allows between now and January 4^th. Also, be sure to check CannaSaver daily for money-saving coupons and special offers from your local cannabis retailers.

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Four Ways to Profit from Legal Marijuana

 

by Melanie Marquis

Legal marijuana has grown into a hugely profitable and diverse industry, with Colorado recreational dispensaries alone boasting over 60 million in monthly sales. Dispensaries, cultivation warehouses, testing facilities, and marijuana-infused products manufacturers are without a doubt raking in big money, but opening such a business is no easy task. Application fees and licenses alone can run into the tens of thousands in Colorado, not to mention the enormous amount of red tape that must be successfully traversed. However, there are many other ways to tap into the cannabis market with lower start-up costs and a lot less hassle. If you've ever wondered how you might start your own cannabis-based business, check out these four ways “budding” entrepreneurs just like yourself have found success and profit in legal marijuana:

Marijuana-themed Arts and Crafts: From hand-blown glass pipes to custom-made bong stands, artisans and crafters are creating profitable products that appeal specifically to cannabis enthusiasts. If you're a creative or artistic type, this business might be right for you. Consider your interests and skill set. Do you enjoy painting and have a love of getting high in the Colorado Rockies? Perhaps you could paint mountain scenes on wooden boxes to create one-of-a-kind marijuana stashes. Are you good at making jewelry? There's a strong market for fashion and novelty jewelry featuring special detachable beads that double as pipes, lockets in which to tuck a bud, or hidden pins you can use to poke out a clogged bowl. Love to sew? Maybe you could make some cushioned bags to keep delicate glass pieces safe and snug. Identify your talents and brainstorm creative ways to capitalize. Homemade arts and crafts can be sold online, at local dispensaries and Head shops, and at many community fairs and festivals.

Professional Services: The marijuana industry is serious business, and these businesses require a variety of professional services just like any other serious business. Whether you're an accountant, lawyer, real estate agent, interior designer, copywriter, web developer, carpenter, cleaner, or a consultant, cannabis dispensaries and other big marijuana businesses could likely use your services. Specializing gives your business an edge over competitors, and with its unique needs and broad and ever-expanding customer base, the marijuana industry is a lucrative area of focus. Get to know the owners of your local herb stores, network, hand out business cards, and offer discounts or incentives for referrals to help kick-start your business.

Private Clubs: Private cannabis clubs that allow members to consume (but not purchase) cannabis on the premises are making money as well as headlines in Colorado Springs, Denver, and elsewhere. Such clubs charge a membership fee, and in exchange provide a safe place to chill out and enjoy one's herbs. The rules at these clubs differ and regulations are somewhat ambiguous, as there are currently no state guidelines specifically overseeing or licensing such clubs. Most operate under exceptions established for private clubs which allow indoor smoking at places of employment that employ three or fewer people and where access is restricted to members only. Some clubs only allow outdoor smoking or vaping, some offer food and drink, and some do not. Rules may soon become clearer and licensing requirements stricter, however, under legislation proposed by state Representative Kit Roupe, a Republican from Colorado Springs. The new regulations would establish a statewide system for licensing such clubs, and individual municipalities would be able to set their own additional rules and guidelines. It's unclear at this point what the specific licensing fees and requirements would be as the legislation is still in its draft phase, but it's likely to be a more affordable and streamlined process than it is to open a dispensary or cultivation facility. The proposed legislation is on the slate for the next session of the Colorado General Assembly which is scheduled to meet in early 2016.

Tour Companies: Cannabis-themed tour companies in Colorado and Oregon are offering tourists a convenient and fun way to check out the local herb scene. These tours may visit dispensaries, drive past cultivation facilities, provide information on local laws and weed-friendly establishments, offer tips for making the most of the legal weed, make pit stops at private cannabis clubs, connect travelers with 420-friendly lodging, and more. New tour operators are usually required to pass a criminal background check, obtain proper insurance, and meet other regulations and licensing guidelines that may apply at the state or local level.

These are just a sampling of cannabis-based business ideas that have succeeded, and there are many other business models worth considering. There is definitely money to be made in marijuana, if only you consider your strengths, do your research, consider your resources, and put your mind to it.

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Federal Court Rules in Favor of Cannabis Church

by Melanie Marquis

In a federal court ruling on December 7th, the Healing Church of Rhode Island won its legal right to use and distribute cannabis as part of its religious ceremonies. Founded on the belief that cannabis is a healing agent and holy sacrament mentioned throughout the original Hebrew biblical texts as a plant known as “KNH BSM,” the Healing Church uses cannabis for anointing, healing, and offerings. Monday's ruling was only a partial victory for the church, however, as federal court Judge Mary Lisi upheld the group's rights to consume and share cannabis with its congregation, but stopped short of granting the church permission to perform their cannabis ceremonies on federal lands. The battle has largely centered around a well located at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, Rhode Island, a place the Healing Church believes is religiously significant, and a place which also happens to be a part of the National Parks system. Referencing their belief in the location as the birthplace of religious freedom as well as a sacred site linked to the resurgence of the “holy KNH BSM”--a.k.a. “biblical cannabis”--the group applied for a permit and federal injunction in May of this year to be allowed to hold a cannabis ceremony at the memorial. While their permit to conduct the ceremony was approved, the injunction to burn cannabis offerings as part of the religious ritual was denied. The group held their services anyway and faced fines, confiscation of various religious artifacts, and alleged harassment of church members.

Undeterred, church leaders filed an affidavit with the federal courts asking for their Constitutional rights to freely practice their religion to be permanently secured and upheld, including their right to conduct religious ceremonies with cannabis at the Roger Williams National Memorial. While the church can now use cannabis at private locations of worship without fear of legal consequences, Judge Lisi ruled that the group could not conduct their cannabis rites at the Roger Williams National Memorial well until they are able to fully demonstrate to the court's satisfaction the particular importance of practicing these ceremonies at the specific site in question. The Healing Church is planning to file an appeal.

 

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If successful, the California Craft Cannabis Initiative could lead to better quality cannabis in California and beyond. Drafted by lawyers Heather Burke and Omar Figueroa, the initiative is one of a large handful of recreational marijuana legalization measures vying to make it onto the November 2016 statewide ballot. In addition to retroactively legalizing the use, cultivation, possession, transportation, processing, distribution, and sale of marijuana by persons 21 years of age and older, the initiative would establish a seed bank dedicated to the preservation and development of cannabis strains, and would also provide incentives to encourage small-scale growers to produce top-quality weed. We've all heard of craft beers, but have you ever heard of craft cannabis? The concept is the same whether we're talking beer or buds. Small-scale, focused production allows artisans the opportunity to create unique, unusual, or specialty products of often exceptional quality. If California's Craft Cannabis Initiative passes, craft cannabis growers could actually register and trademark their buds. For instance, their would likely be regional designations such as “Humboldt County” or “Emerald Triangle,” as well as certified strains.

What this would mean for the average California cannabis consumer is that what you pay for is what you get, at least when purchasing a certified or trademark-registered product. Seems like a simple enough consumer expectation, but this isn't always the case in legal recreational cannabis states like Colorado, Oregon, and Washington where strains are often misnamed, ill grown, and poorly preserved in the mass-production frenzy of trying to meet an ever-rising demand. No means for certifying any particular strains of marijuana exist in these states, which basically results in anyone being able to call their buds anything they like and sell them under any name they choose, and consumers having nothing other than their own eyes, nose, and knowledge of cannabis to help them tell the difference. That Lemon Haze might be Lemon Haze, or it might not. That “rare” strain whose name you've never heard of before could be good old Blue Dream with a fancy new alias. If the initiative in California passes and other states decide to adopt their own certification mechanisms, consumers would be able to tell exactly what they were getting, and growers would have an incentive to protect their strains and develop them to their fullest potential.

The California Craft Cannabis Initiative would also provide an opportunity for growers to have their crops certified organic. This is something none of the legal marijuana states currently offer, which again leaves the consumer with little but their own judgment and the shopkeeper's word to go on when hoping to purchase organically-grown cannabis. As it stands, much of the marijuana sold at dispensaries is coated with pesticides and often contains fungus or heavy metals. It might say “organic,” but there isn't really any way of knowing whether or not it actually is. The California Craft Cannabis Initiative would make it possible for consumers to choose products that are certified organic, which could encourage other legal weed states to follow suit.

The initiative also calls for the establishment of the California Cannabis Genetic Repository. The repository would collect germplasm from all known cannabis strains, carefully preserving and documenting the biodiversity of the cannabis genus. Researchers and others wishing to study the cannabis plant would have free access to the repository, which could lead to the development of strains with higher potency, new hybrids, and more. As the nation's herb supply continues to be flooded with mislabeled or wrongly identified strains, preserving the genetics of specific cannabis strains becomes increasingly important not just for California, but for the world. The sponsors of the California Craft Cannabis Initiative have until December 21st to collect the 365,880 signatures required to get the measure placed on next November's ballot. There are at least ten other recreational cannabis legalization initiatives that are in the process of meeting requirements to make it on the ballot, as well. For more information including the full text of the California Craft Cannabis Initiative, visit www.californiacannabis2016.com .

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Colorado Recreational Marijuana Laws

With the passing of Amendment 64 on November 6, 2012 adults 21 years of age and older can now legally possess 1 ounce of marijuana or any product containing THC in Colorado, including concentrates, edibles and cannabis seeds. Recreational stores didn't officially open until January 1, 2014. You don't have to be a resident of Colorado or register anywhere to consume recreational marijuana, it applies to anyone 21 and above who has a valid government issued ID. The law also allows each adult to grow up to 6 plants, 3 of which can be in the flowering stage in an enclosed, locked space.

Although any adult is allowed to possess up to 1 ounce, non-residents of Colorado will be restricted to purchasing no more than 1/4 ounce (7 grams) in a single transaction. This law was created to prevent visitors from going around to multiple stores and stockpiling marijuana for export. There is nothing illegal about visiting more than 1 store a day, but most recreational stores will only serve you once a day. As long as you don't exceed the 1 ounce per person possession limit, you are still within the law. Please be aware that your right to possess marijuana in Colorado does not apply when you are visiting national parks, national forests or monuments or other federal properties, such as courthouses.  Also be aware that many ski areas are located on federal land.

The state allows marijuana stores to operate from 8am to midnight, but cities can impose more restrictive hours than the state allows. Denver dispensaries are required to close by 7pm, Aurora stores are open till 10pm and other places like Glendale are open till midnight, so check the hours of the store if you plan on going after 7pm.

Amendment 64 does not permit the consumption of marijuana "openly and publicly." You can still get a ticket for smoking weed in public, similar to open container laws for drinking in public. Discretion is appreciated, and usually required. Technically you are also not allowed to blaze indoors at any bar, club, or restaurant due to the clean indoor air act. Private cannabis clubs are the exception to this rule, where you can buy a day membership. Some allow indoor smoking since they are private and others allow vaping inside and smoking outside. Even though concert venues are private, many consider them publicly accessible private venues, and therefore consumption of marijuana is prohibited, but it really depends on the venue and the crowd as to how these rules are applied, so just air on the cautious side when smoking at a concert.

Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and the legal limit is 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood, but this law has been highly debated because people metabolize THC at different rates and the amount of impairment varies drastically for each person. Unlike alcohol, it's hard to determine if a person is impaired based on THC levels. If the police do suspect you of driving stoned, they can require you to take a blood test. We all should know when were impaired or not, so just be smart and don't drive under the influence.

The open container law  in Colorado makes it illegal to possess marijuana in the passenger area of a vehicle if it is in an open container, a container with a broken seal, or if there is evidence of consumption.  But this is questionable because what constitutes an open container of marijuana? 

Exporting marijuana from Colorado is illegal and the Feds are watching Colorado very closely as the bordering states are extremely pissed off that we have such relaxed marijuana laws, so simply put, don't do it. Mailing weed home or to your buddies is also a bad idea.

 

 

 

 

 

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Trans-Dermal Topical CBD Gel - Get 10% off only on Cannasaver.com, this fast acting delivery system contains 50 - 2 mg doses of pure CBD. CBD is directly absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream. Go to Lotus Medical, 1444 Wazee St, #115 to get this  deal, and check out all of Lotus Medicals strains while your there!!!

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Get out of the dark ages, it's time to see the light! For major savings and maximum yield, see for yourself what people are discovering about the here-to-stay, science-grounded, energy and cost-effective LED grow lights! Veg out with our higher blue spectrum Vegetator or Herbalvador unit. Or go from start to finish with our all-stage units: Lumentator, Dominator or Dominator 2x XL! Use this coupon to knock off 25% and start growing with the big boys!

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MJSEEDSCANADA.COM has over 40 cannabis strains to choose from.  They are the largest cannabis seed bank in North America.  Some of their most popular seeds are White Widow Feminized, Northern Lights Feminized, Auto Berry Feminized, OG Kush, Bubba Kush Feminized, Jack Herer, Diesel Autoflowering Fem, AK-47 Feminized and Short Rider Autofeminized.  They have a great deal on Canna-Saver.com, Use GROWCHAT-5 coupon code when you order any amount of seeds at MJSEEDSCANADA.COM to get 5 free feminized white widow seeds. You can order online. Make sure that all letters are capital for the coupon code to work.  Order your cannabis seeds today!

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We take the Colorado Tears capsules and infuse in to a glycerin base and add flavoring. This product is great for menstrual cycle, headaches, chronic pain, anxiety, stress and many other ailments. Cook with it add to cake icing, hot teas, coffee, hot chocolate and soda beverages! The list is goes on! Six flavors: Blueberry, Cherry, Grape, Citrus, Raspberry and Original.  Get yours today at CAREGIVERS FOR LIFE MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL - 310 St Paul St, Denver, Co 80206.  price varies based on quantities on hand for rec and medical.  Check out the coupons on Canna-Saver.com for their latest deals on medical marijuana products.

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This girl scout cookies cross is super charged!! This bay cookies X purple voodoo is a pure medical strain, indica dominant hybrid. These concentrates test in the 80's and 90's.  Only $25 per gram, check out CannaSaver.com for their latest coupons for wax, bud and other products. Must print coupon or mention Canna-Saver to get this great $25/g deal. ONLY AT NATURE'S KISS DISPENSARY - 4332 S BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113.  They also have many other top quality high THC wax strains always in stock.. Check them out!!

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The instant Karma veloce vape pen comes in 10 different colors, comes with a refillable cartridge and has 150% longer battery life than the competition.  The average user can get 6-8 hours of use per charge!  Available at Karmaceuticals dispensary. Now only $40!!!!

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These pocket sized grinders have a keef catcher and are engraved with the awesome Karmaceuticals logo.  Normally $35 but now $28 with the Canna-Saver coupon. They make the perfect gift!  Available at a Dispensary Near You.

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Junior Vaporizer Pen

The Atmos Junior Vaporizer Pen is a smaller version of the best selling Atmos Rx Vaporizer. The Atmos Junior provides the ultimate in discreet vaporization on the go. The Atmos Jr utilizes a smaller battery, heating chamber and mouthpiece.
 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cheeba Chew Quad Dose
The Cheeba Chew is a convenient 70mg edible and one of the most sought after edibles in Denver.
 

 

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