Latest news with #Delta-9
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boebert questions if US moon landing was real as bizarre ‘tin-foil hat' interview goes off the rails
Republican firebrand Lauren Boebert questioned whether the U.S. moon landing was real, noting 'facts change' while discussing the wild conspiracy theory that the event was staged with Alex Stein of Prime Time with Stein on the Blaze media network. In a segment seemingly just to discuss conspiracy theories, Stein kicked it off, telling Boebert, 'I think nuclear weapons are a lie!' To which she replied, 'Where's my tin foil?' While discussing the moon landing, the Colorado representative remarked, 'I wasn't alive either when we went to the moon–' before Stein cut her off to say, 'And that was fake too. Thank you! No, time out, Congresswoman. Now we really can talk. Now, we're vibing. First of all,' Mediaite first reported. Boebert then jokingly responded, 'Oh, God, here we go. Denver Post, ready for this headline?' 'Real quick, 1969 through 1972, the Apollo Moon missions, they were able to go through the Van Allen radiation belt. But let me just tell you, right now we have the International Space Station that is roughly 200–' Stein said. 'It's not beyond the Van Allen radiation belt, it's within it–' Boebert began to say as Stein clarified, 'The moon is past the Van Allen radiation belt.' 'No, no, no–the International Space Station,' Boebert responded, before Stein attempted to figure out how much further the moon is from the International Space Station. 'This isn't a financial seminar. My point is, we were able to go to the moon 1,000 times farther in 1969, but the current technology that we have, we cannot go past low-Earth orbit. Even Barack Obama said that, and that is the International Space Station. And half the time, we can't even go to the damn International Space Station because Joe Biden doesn't want to do auto-pay and give him, you know, an evacuation right out of there. So I think the moon landing's provably false,' Stein said, before adding, 'Am I smoking too much Delta-9, Congresswoman?' Boebert didn't shoot down Stein's wild conclusion, instead responding, 'You know, Alex, that's an interesting concept, and maybe we can have a classified briefing at some point,' she said, to which Stein agreed, 'I would love that.' 'Certainly, I love to explore all the different things. You know, Tucker Carlson once thought that Building 7 just collapsed,' Boebert said, referring to the debunked conspiracy theory that the fall of one of the buildings in the World Trade Center complex on September 11 was carried out by the U.S. government. 'Now he says emphatically that he was a part of the propaganda that led to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. So, you know, I mean, things change, facts change,' Boebert added. The Colorado Republican noted that this was why she loves Jesus and the Bible, noting 'that is truth and that is everlasting and that's something that will never change.' 'God is not a liar, but you know, there is a father of lies, and the Bible talks all about him. And unfortunately, we've seen time and time again where politicians are in office and deceive the American public,' she said. Boebert then questioned: 'And so I don't know, have we been beyond the Van Allen radiation belt? Maybe?' 'If so, I would like to know why it's taken so long to get back through it again. But, you know, here we are, and we'll see what Artemis and the Orion spacecraft have to do when they try to take a crewed spaceship back out there in just a year or two.'
The Hill
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
No amount of marijuana is safe for teens
'Since the failed war on drugs began more than 50 years ago, the prohibition of marijuana has ruined lives, families and communities, particularly communities of color,' House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) recently said while announcing a bipartisan bill to legalize cannabis that the federal level. Jeffries added that the bill 'will lay the groundwork to finally right these wrongs in a way that advances public safety.' But the growing body of evidence on cannabis's effects on kids suggests this is not true at all. Cannabis legalization efforts across the U.S. have greatly accelerated over the last 15 years. Despite some recent success at anti-legalization efforts (e.g., Florida and North Dakota voters rejected in 2024 an adult use bill), the widespread public support for cannabis reform has translated to nearly half of U.S. states permitting adult use of cannabis, and 46 states with some form of a medical cannabis program. Though all legal-marijuana states have set the minimum age at 21, underage use has become a significant health concern. National data indicate that in 2024, 16.2 percent of 12th graders reported cannabis use in the past 30 days, and about 5.1 percent indicated daily use. To compound matters, product potency levels of the main intoxicant in the cannabis plant, THC (or Delta-9), have skyrocketed, from approximately 5 percent in the 1970s to upwards of 95 percent in THC concentrate products today. Even street-weed is routinely five to six times more potent than it was back in the day. The pro-cannabis landscape has likely moved teen perceptions of cannabis use. A prior encouraging trend of the 1970s and 1980s, when more and more teens each year perceived use of cannabis to be harmful, is now in reverse. Only 35.9 percent of 12th graders view regular cannabis use as harmful, compared to 50.4 percent in 1980. This is happening even as research is showing that cannabis is more deleterious to young people than we previously believed. The negative effects of cannabis use on a teenager can be seen across a range of behaviors. Changes may be subtle at first and masked as typical teenage turmoil. But ominous signs can soon emerge, including changes in friends, loss of interest in school and hobbies, and use on a daily basis. The usual pushback against parental rules and expectations becomes anger and defiance. For many, underlying issues of depression and anxiety get worse. And there is a vast body of scientific research indicating that teen-onset use of THC use significantly increases the risk of addiction and can be a trigger for developing psychosis, including schizophrenia. The pro-cannabis trend is not occurring in a vacuum. Those entrusted with protecting the health and well-being of youth — parents, community leaders, policy makers — have dropped the ball on the issue. Policymakers tout exaggerated claims that THC is a source of wellness and safer than alcohol or nicotine. In some states, cannabis-based edibles are sold in convenience stores. Many parents have a rearview-mirror perception of cannabis, as they assume the products these days are the water-downed versions from the 1960's and '70s. Aggravating matters are the influences of some business interests. The playbook from Big Tobacco is now being used by Big Cannabis: political donations, legislative lobbying, media support, and claims that solutions to social problems will follow legalization. The debate on the public health impact of legalizing cannabis will continue. We hope the discourse and policies will follow the science and give priority to the health and well-being of youth. An international panel of elite researchers on cannabis recently concluded that there is no level of cannabis use that is safe, and if use occurs, it's vital to refrain until after puberty. The National Academy of Sciences and the National Institute on Drug Abuse also agree with these guidelines. One state — Minnesota — is requiring school-based drug prevention programs to include specific information on cannabis harms, a hopeful trend for other states to follow. When recreational cannabis is made available to adults, perhaps we assume that legal restrictions to those age 21 and older is a sufficient guardrail. But history tells us that youth will indulge in adult-only activities. The pro-cannabis environment in the U.S. poses a public health challenge to young people. There isn't a single challenge of being a teenager that cannabis will help solve. Sadly, this is a message that is not getting enough attention. Naomi Schaefer Riley is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she focuses on child welfare and foster care issues. Ken Winters is a senior scientist at the Minnesota branch of the Oregon Research Institute and is the co-founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana Minnesota. This essay is adapted from a chapter in the forthcoming edited volume, 'Mind the Children: How to Think About the Youth Mental Health Collapse.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois lawmakers again fail to act on hemp, while a new study highlights growing health concerns
A new report on hemp-derived THC highlights growing concerns over its safety, legality and impact on health — even as Illinois lawmakers have failed again to keep the products away from children. The report by the University of Illinois System Institute of Government and Public Affairs notes that the lack of regulation of hemp means there is no state oversight of ingredients, potency or marketing to kids. The report cites studies showing many hemp products had different amounts of THC than labeled, while some were well above the package limits for licensed cannabis products, and contained toxic solvents left over from processing. Some products also mimicked popular candy or snack packaging that could appeal to kids. Several incidents have occurred in the Chicago area of school-age children going to hospitals after ingesting hemp products. But as in previous years, state lawmakers failed to take any significant action on hemp in its latest session, which ended Saturday. Hemp is caught in a Catch-22 repeating cycle of inaction. The 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized hemp, defined as cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% by weight of Delta-9 THC, the primary component of the plant that gets users high. Although the Farm Bill allowed production of non-intoxicating hemp derivatives such as CBD, it also inadvertantly set off an explosion of intoxicating products now available across the nation at smoke shops and gas stations. Hemp processors found ways to use chemical solvents or other methods to produce variants such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCO, which can get users high like marijuana. And with little enforcement, many hemp products contain Delta-9 THC anyway. The federal law also set no age restriction for hemp products. While cannabis, which is the same plant but with high levels of Delta-9, remains federally illegal, it's legal for recreational use in Illinois and 23 other states. But getting a business license is extremely difficult and expensive, and regulations make it much more expensive to open and run a cannabis business than a hemp shop. As a result, hemp shops have proliferated, while many who hold cannabis business licenses have failed to get up and running. Cannabis industry leaders want to shut down their competition, saying unlicensed hemp undercuts those who went through arduous cannabis licensing. Hemp business owners say they want to be regulated instead. Proposed hemp legislation set guidelines that would have been similar to those on cannabis businesses: sales only to those 21 and over, and testing and labeling of products for potency and contaminants, but without the expensive licensing. The chief proponent of allowing hemp businesses to operate with further regulations in Springfield, Rep. La Shawn Ford, said lawmakers could not reach agreement over whether to ban or regulate hemp. But since the spring legislative session ended, Ford has had joint meetings with cannabis and hemp operators in an attempt to reach some compromise. With the lack of licensing and taxation for hemp, and continued problems for cannabis, the state is losing out on millions in potential tax revenue, Ford said. 'It's always been industry against industry, so now everyone has made a commitment to work together to regulate hemp and make some improvements to cannabis,' he said. At least 14 states have made intoxicating hemp products illegal, and numerous municipalities in Illinois have done so. Despite Gov. JB Pritzker calling last year for hemp restrictions, state lawmakers have been stuck between the two sides, unable to reach a consensus, and as a result have done nothing. Both cannabis and hemp businesses have made significant campaign contributions to legislators. Rachel Berry, president of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association, said the lack of legislation allows business to continue as usual, but again misses an opportunity for 'common-sense' regulation. 'It seems like there's been a lack of leadership amongst lawmakers to get this issue taken care of,' she said. 'This is something that the community has been asking for for years.' She also took issue with the hemp study's characterization of intoxicating hemp as a 'loophole' in the law. She noted that federal law explicitly allows for 'all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers' from hemp, which opened the door to Delta-8 and other intoxicating products. From the other side of the issue, the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois argues that intoxicating hemp products are flooding the market, undercutting licensed operators, evading health and safety regulations, and generating minimal state revenue because they aren't taxed at the high rate applied to licensed cannabis. 'Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant,' association Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram said. 'Both products can get users high. It's time Illinois regulate intoxicating hemp in a manner similar to cannabis.' The National Poison Center reported about 5,000 cases of Delta-8, Delta-10 or THC-O acetate accidental or abusive ingestion, representing an 89% increase from 2021 to 2022. A 2022 national survey found that 10% of Illinois youths age 12 to 17 had used a hemp product in the past year. The University of Illinois hemp study concluded that producers would likely find new ways to get around a ban on intoxicating hemp products, which could merely drive customers online. Instead, requiring limits on hemp packaging amounts, and testing hemp products for potency, accuracy in labeling, and contaminants 'could best serve the public interest.' Tomasz Gliszewski, founder of Chicago Cannabis Co., which sells hemp products, has grown to three stores on the city's North Side since 2018, said lawmakers should approve a 21 and older age limit for hemp, with a 3% sales tax. Responsible hemp store operators already restrict sales to adults, he said, and sell tested products. His stores are described as 'Your neighborhood weed shop.' The company offers joints, vapes and edibles with THC or CBD, available by online ordering and same-day home delivery via DoorDash — something state-licensed cannabis companies can't do. 'It's been rough not having clarity,' Gliszewski said. 'Instead of trying to ban this stuff, they should pass common-sense legislation.' More companies are moving into the hemp business. Even Edible Brands, the parent company that makes Edible Arrangements fruit bouquets, has entered the market, with hemp-derived THC-infused products at Meanwhile, lawmakers took no major action to help struggling state-licensed cannabis businesses and their customers. A bill that would have expanded medical marijuana to all dispensaries, lowered licensing fees and allowed curbside pickup and drive-thru windows died again in Springfield this session.
Chicago Tribune
03-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Illinois lawmakers again fail to act on hemp, while a new study highlights growing health concerns
A new report on hemp-derived THC highlights growing concerns over its safety, legality and impact on health — even as Illinois lawmakers have failed again to keep the products away from children. The report by the University of Illinois System Institute of Government and Public Affairs notes that the lack of regulation of hemp means there is no state oversight of ingredients, potency or marketing to kids. The report cites studies showing many hemp products had different amounts of THC than labeled, while some were well above the package limits for licensed cannabis products, and contained toxic solvents left over from processing. Some products also mimicked popular candy or snack packaging that could appeal to kids. Several incidents have occurred in the Chicago area of school-age children going to hospitals after ingesting hemp products. But as in previous years, state lawmakers failed to take any significant action on hemp in its latest session, which ended Saturday. Hemp is caught in a Catch-22 repeating cycle of inaction. The 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized hemp, defined as cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% by weight of Delta-9 THC, the primary component of the plant that gets users high. Although the Farm Bill allowed production of non-intoxicating hemp derivatives such as CBD, it also inadvertantly set off an explosion of intoxicating products now available across the nation at smoke shops and gas stations. Hemp processors found ways to use chemical solvents or other methods to produce variants such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCO, which can get users high like marijuana. And with little enforcement, many hemp products contain Delta-9 THC anyway. The federal law also set no age restriction for hemp products. While cannabis, which is the same plant but with high levels of Delta-9, remains federally illegal, it's legal for recreational use in Illinois and 23 other states. But getting a business license is extremely difficult and expensive, and regulations make it much more expensive to open and run a cannabis business than a hemp shop. As a result, hemp shops have proliferated, while many who hold cannabis business licenses have failed to get up and running. Cannabis industry leaders want to shut down their competition, saying unlicensed hemp undercuts those who went through arduous cannabis licensing. Hemp business owners say they want to be regulated instead. Proposed hemp legislation set guidelines that would have been similar to those on cannabis businesses: sales only to those 21 and over, and testing and labeling of products for potency and contaminants, but without the expensive licensing. The chief proponent of allowing hemp businesses to operate with further regulations in Springfield, Rep. La Shawn Ford, said lawmakers could not reach agreement over whether to ban or regulate hemp. But since the spring legislative session ended, Ford has had joint meetings with cannabis and hemp operators in an attempt to reach some compromise. With the lack of licensing and taxation for hemp, and continued problems for cannabis, the state is losing out on millions in potential tax revenue, Ford said. 'It's always been industry against industry, so now everyone has made a commitment to work together to regulate hemp and make some improvements to cannabis,' he said. At least 14 states have made intoxicating hemp products illegal, and numerous municipalities in Illinois have done so. Despite Gov. JB Pritzker calling last year for hemp restrictions, state lawmakers have been stuck between the two sides, unable to reach a consensus, and as a result have done nothing. Both cannabis and hemp businesses have made significant campaign contributions to legislators. Rachel Berry, president of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association, said the lack of legislation allows business to continue as usual, but again misses an opportunity for 'common-sense' regulation. 'It seems like there's been a lack of leadership amongst lawmakers to get this issue taken care of,' she said. 'This is something that the community has been asking for for years.' She also took issue with the hemp study's characterization of intoxicating hemp as a 'loophole' in the law. She noted that federal law explicitly allows for 'all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers' from hemp, which opened the door to Delta-8 and other intoxicating products. From the other side of the issue, the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois argues that intoxicating hemp products are flooding the market, undercutting licensed operators, evading health and safety regulations, and generating minimal state revenue because they aren't taxed at the high rate applied to licensed cannabis. 'Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant,' association Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram said. 'Both products can get users high. It's time Illinois regulate intoxicating hemp in a manner similar to cannabis.' The National Poison Center reported about 5,000 cases of Delta-8, Delta-10 or THC-O acetate accidental or abusive ingestion, representing an 89% increase from 2021 to 2022. A 2022 national survey found that 10% of Illinois youths age 12 to 17 had used a hemp product in the past year. The University of Illinois hemp study concluded that producers would likely find new ways to get around a ban on intoxicating hemp products, which could merely drive customers online. Instead, requiring limits on hemp packaging amounts, and testing hemp products for potency, accuracy in labeling, and contaminants 'could best serve the public interest.' Tomasz Gliszewski, founder of Chicago Cannabis Co., which sells hemp products, has grown to three stores on the city's North Side since 2018, said lawmakers should approve a 21 and older age limit for hemp, with a 3% sales tax. Responsible hemp store operators already restrict sales to adults, he said, and sell tested products. His stores are described as 'Your neighborhood weed shop.' The company offers joints, vapes and edibles with THC or CBD, available by online ordering and same-day home delivery via DoorDash — something state-licensed cannabis companies can't do. 'It's been rough not having clarity,' Gliszewski said. 'Instead of trying to ban this stuff, they should pass common-sense legislation.' More companies are moving into the hemp business. Even Edible Brands, the parent company that makes Edible Arrangements fruit bouquets, has entered the market, with hemp-derived THC-infused products at Meanwhile, lawmakers took no major action to help struggling state-licensed cannabis businesses and their customers. A bill that would have expanded medical marijuana to all dispensaries, lowered licensing fees and allowed curbside pickup and drive-thru windows died again in Springfield this session.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nexzen Extracts Emerges as a Premium Name in Hemp-Derived Wellness Products
Nexzen Extracts, a rising brand in the hemp and cannabis wellness space, has officially announced its expansion into the national market with a product line focused on purity, potency, and plant-based innovation Shenandoah, Texas, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexzen Extracts, a rising brand in the hemp and cannabis wellness space, has officially announced its expansion into the national market with a product line focused on purity, potency, and plant-based innovation. With an emphasis on lab-tested Delta-8, Delta-9, and THCa products, Nexzen Extracts is poised to deliver a new standard of quality and transparency to wellness consumers across the United States. Founded on the principles of precision extraction and ethical sourcing, Nexzen Extracts uses advanced techniques to ensure consistent cannabinoid content, flavor retention, and safety in every batch. From disposable vapes and gummies to concentrates and flowers, the brand is quickly becoming a go-to choice for consumers seeking effective, farm-bill-compliant hemp alternatives. 'We're not just another hemp brand. Nexzen was built to meet the growing demand for clean, consistent, and compliant cannabis products,' said a Nexzen spokesperson. 'Every formula we release is third-party tested and designed with the end user in mind—whether that's for stress relief, better sleep, or just a smoother experience.' A Transparent Approach to Hemp Wellness Nexzen Extracts products are made from U.S.-grown hemp and manufactured in GMP-certified facilities. Each product undergoes comprehensive third-party testing to verify potency and ensure zero detectable contaminants. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are publicly available, aligning with the brand's commitment to transparency. Popular Product Categories: THCa Flower – Legal in many U.S. states under federal guidelines, offering high potency and terpene-rich strains. Delta-9 Gummies – Hemp-derived and compliant with the 0.3% THC by dry weight rule. Delta 8 Gummies– For users looking for non-psychoactive relief and better rest. Meeting Consumer Demand in a Growing Market With the U.S. hemp industry projected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% through 2027, Nexzen Extracts enters at a time when quality control, brand trust, and consumer education are more important than ever. As regulatory scrutiny increases, Nexzen is focused on building long-term relationships with both customers and retailers by keeping compliance, education, and product integrity at the core of its mission. About Nexzen Extracts Nexzen Extracts is a wellness-focused hemp brand offering federally legal Delta-8, Delta-9, THCa, and CBD products to customers seeking plant-based alternatives to conventional health solutions. The brand's formulations are crafted for maximum effect, tested for quality, and designed with a user-first approach. With a growing national footprint, Nexzen is setting the bar for responsible innovation in the hemp wellness industry. For more information, visit Company Name: Nexzen Exrtracts Contact Person: Nexzen Extracts Support Email: support@ Website: Country: United StatesError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
