Roughly one in three (32%) cannabis consumers nationwide would revert to the black market if cannabis were rescheduled in a way that did not preserve state-legal marketplaces, according to a new consumer poll from NuggMD.com, the largest telehealth platform for cannabis.

Last year, federal health regulators recommended that the Drug Enforcement Administration move cannabis from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, an action that in isolation may cause consumers to need prescriptions and to have to shop at pharmacies to purchase federally legal cannabis.

Nobody knows for sure whether, under rescheduling, Congress would need to pass new laws to preserve the existing state-legal marketplaces for both medical and recreational cannabis. What is known is that, in 2023, Congress was the least productive it has been in modern U.S. history.

The NuggMD.com poll is the first one to examine how regular, active cannabis consumers would behave if cannabis were regulated like other Schedule III substances. These substances generally have prescription requirements and need to be purchased at pharmacies or used under the strict supervision of a doctor. Codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone are examples of Schedule III drugs.

According to the poll, 69% of cannabis users would prefer for states to control separate cannabis markets and 77% prefer to use botanical products sold at traditional dispensaries, as opposed to FDA-approved cannabis products sold at pharmacies. More than 80% say they trust existing state testing controls to provide clean cannabis that’s safe to consume and accurately labeled.

The full poll is available on the company’s website.

Policy analysis

Deb Tharp, head of legal and policy research for NuggMD who recently authored an op-ed expressing concerns about rescheduling, issued the following comments about the poll’s findings.

“There is a lot of speculation and conjecture about the fate of state-legal marketplaces, but no real guidance from regulators. Some observers believe that states could simply continue to run their markets as they please, without Congressional action, in light of rescheduling. Others speculate an executive order could preserve those markets.

“I don’t think it will be that easy. If and when cannabis is moved to Schedule III, pharmaceutical companies will have a lot of power to lay pressure on what would become their competition. There would be lawsuits over orphan drug status and attempts to steer patients toward FDA-approved single-compound drugs instead of whole-herb products that have worked for consumers for years. The pharma sector will use many tactics, including regulatory capture, to siphon market share. But, as the polling shows, many consumers would resist them because consumers prefer the botanical form of cannabis.

“I believe that if regulators do move to Schedule III instead of descheduling, then Congress will need to pass something, like the STATES Act, or MORE Act, to preserve the state markets. Most don’t realize that only FDA-approved products will be allowed for interstate trade. Traditional cannabis products won’t get this approval. Some view the lack of interstate trade as good because they wish to preserve state equity efforts, as do I, but will those efforts survive the onslaught of pharmaceutical lawsuits and regulatory pressures?

“Really, almost anything could happen if regulators and elected officials don’t get together and decide to listen to what consumers want.”

Methodology

NuggMD.com conducted the poll from Dec. 11 to Dec. 18 using first-party data. The company contacted 19,335 cannabis consumers and 795 responded, resulting in a margin of error of 3.5% at a confidence level of 95%. The full data set is available upon request.

About NuggMD

NuggMD is the nation’s leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. They’ve connected over 1,000,000 patients face-to-face with their new medical marijuana doctors via their state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. They believe every human being has the right to explore the potential benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore every option in their journey to wellness. For further information, visit https://www.nuggmd.com.

Prophet Brands, the California industry’s most anticipated premium legacy brand— inspired by the highly publicized federal cannabis trial of Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes v. US Government— is excited to make its debut at the seven Premier Group dispensary retail locations throughout California on Friday, January 19th, 2024.

With cannabis consumption at an all-time high, fueled by high THC indoor flower, rechargeable vape pens, and convenient prerolls, the legal cannabis industry is the fastest-growing sector in the country. Today, Prophet, a premium California legacy brand rooted in social justice reform, announced its partnership with the Premier Group in California, a leader in the cannabis marketplace. This brand launch will accelerate growth while making an impact on lives of those still incarcerated behind a nonviolent cannabis offense.

“Our company’s focus is on quality, and uplifting the communities that were impacted by prohibition.” says Ricardo Montes, co-founder of Prophet. “And we are very excited for this opportunity to work with the amazing people at the Premier Group. Partnerships like these are the future of this industry.”

The new Prophet product line includes:

• Packaged indoor flower ½ Oz. & ⅛ Oz.

• Cherub Infused Pre-rolls

• Quest Live Resin vape line

• Oracle Live Rosin vape line

About Prophet Brands

Prophet Brands is a company rooted in social justice reform and is inspired by the story of Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes, who were childhood friends, music artists, and cannabis dispensary entrepreneurs. In 2004 they opened one of the nation’s first medical cannabis shops, California Healthcare Collective. In 2006, federal prosecutors charged them with 18 counts of distributing marijuana, including conducting a Continuing Criminal Enterprise. They were sentenced to 20 and 22 years in federal prison. Prophet arises from their legacy past to lead the industry into the future. To learn about Prophet Brands, visit www.prophetbrands.com for more information.

Media Contact

Manndie Tingler

Prophet Brands

oracle@prophetbrands.com

Wamm Phytotherapies, formerly WAMM (Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana), renowned as the nation’s oldest medical cannabis collective, proudly marks its 30th year of dedicated service. This significant milestone is further celebrated with the announcement of an empowering collaboration with local dispensaries The Hook Outlet and Treehouse.

Background

Established as a non-profit entity nestled under the Alliance for Compassionate Access, Wamm Phytotherapies continues to be a beacon of hope, providing medical cannabis and holistic care to those in dire need. The longstanding commitment to health and wellness is bolstered through partnerships with Treehouse Dispensary and The Hook Outlet, enhancing its ability to serve the community and providing a place for members to connect, meet, and access medicine.

Valerie Corral, co-founder of WAMM, reflects on the journey: “For more than three decades, WAMM Phyto’s collective worked to transform the lives of seriously ill people through access, social and political work. Our services touch lives, give hope, and provide plant medicines, making illness and death a little less painful. Our vision to provide services and our commitment to holistic care and the health of our community remains unwavering. In growing a partnership with people who share our values and mission, an opportunity arises to serve more and to serve better. This is the only way for us to meet the ever-growing needs of the sick and dying.”

Wamm Compassion Program Re-launch

Treehouse Dispensary, a community-centric establishment located in Soquel, CA, has stepped up to support WAMM Phyto’s mission. This collaboration has already resulted in weekly donations of medical cannabis products, benefiting almost 60 WAMM members. These efforts are further supported by generous contributions from local Santa Cruz Cannabis companies like Coastal Sun, Highway One Distribution, Bird Valley Organics, and others, including Lowell Farms, Wonder Extracts, Sauce Essentials, Heavy Hitters, House Cannabis, and Almora.

Bryce Berryessa, Co-founder of The Hook and Treehouse, expresses excitement about the partnership: “Joining forces with WAMM is not just about providing medical cannabis; it’s about nurturing a community and making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are privileged and honored to help collaborate and carry on the legacy of service that this wonderful organization has provided to our community for 30 years.”

Community Meetings

In a heartwarming return to normalcy post-pandemic, WAMM Phyto has resumed its regular in-person meetings (presently only once a month) at Treehouse on the first Tuesday of the month. These community-building gatherings rekindle the safe haven where members find emotional and social support. This is a stand as a testament to WAMM Phyto’s dedication to problem-solving, personal attention, empowerment, consciousness and providing personal care during a time when isolation has replaced community. WAMM member, Arturo Ayala, who benefits from the compassion program, shares their experience: “I’m a veteran with PTSD on a fixed income and rely on WAMM Phyto’s support & the help of its partners to bridge some of the challenges. This has been a lifeline for me. It’s more than just medical; it’s about trust, feeling valued, and being cared about during the tough times.”

Pay-It-Forward Round Up Program

Another significant stride in WAMM’s journey is its partnership with The Hook Outlet. In a unique initiative called ‘Pay-It-Forward Round Up Program,’ The Hook Outlet encourages its members to donate coin change to the Alliance for Compassionate Access (ACA), the 501c3 non-profit arm of WAMM Phytotherapies. This initiative supports terminally ill members with end-of-life care and advocacy. Launched in September, this program has already raised an impressive $5,000 thanks to generous donations from Hook Outlet patrons.

Education and Outreach

“Wamm Phytotherapies and The Hook Outlet proudly present www.safecannabis.net, a key resource in our drive for safe, responsible cannabis use. This platform offers guidance on proper storage, youth substance prevention education, and responsible adult use. Our Q1 2024 plans include a major media campaign with local cannabis businesses to address youth substance prevention and impacts of teen use, highlighting our commitment to a well-informed, safe community.” – Bayley Logan, Marketing Director, The Hook Outlet

Santa Cruz City Retail Expansion

Looking ahead, Wamm Phytotherapies, in collaboration with The Hook Outlet and Treehouse Dispensary, is set to expand its outreach. The trio is currently in the process of opening a new retail location in the city of Santa Cruz under the Hook Outlet brand at the former iconic Emily’s Good Things to Eat Bakery location on Mission St. This expansion will enable the WAMM Compassion program to serve over 200 members, with planned pick-up points in Watsonville, Soquel, and Santa Cruz City by the end of 2024.

As WAMM Phytotherapies commemorates its 30th anniversary, it stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unwavering support for those in need. The collective’s journey, enriched by meaningful partnerships and community support, continues to be a source of inspiration and a beacon of compassionate care in the medical cannabis realm.

Media assets: WAMM Meeting | Logos

Safe Cannabis Guide: www.safecannabis.net

Partnership: https://www.hookoutlet.com/wamm

WAMM Phytotherapies :https://wammphytotherapies.org/

Treehouse Dispensary: https://www.ourtreehouse.io/

The Hook Outlet: https://hookoutlet.com/

For Media Inquiries or Further Information Please Contact:

Bayley Logan, Marketing Director, Hook Outlet, (707) 815-5923, bayley@hookoutlet.com

El Monte, CA – At the heart of the San Gabriel Valley’s dynamic cannabis industry, PACKS Weed Dispensary stands as a beacon of quality and innovation. Located at 3551 Peck Rd #102 in El Monte, this premier recreational cannabis dispensary is proud to continue its commitment to serving the local community with an unparalleled cannabis experience.

Over the last decade and a half, San Gabriel Valley has seen its cannabis industry flourish from a fledgling market into a robust, sophisticated sector. This evolution has been driven by significant advancements in cultivation methods, product diversification, and a heightened emphasis on customer education and satisfaction. Reflecting the wider trends of California’s cannabis market, this growth symbolizes not only economic development but also a cultural shift towards embracing cannabis in various forms.

PACKS Weed Dispensary exemplifies the pinnacle of cannabis retail, combining an extensive array of high-quality products with an unwavering commitment to customer service. Information gleaned from their website and past press releases reveals a dispensary that is deeply dedicated to providing exceptional cannabis products while prioritizing customer satisfaction. The dispensary offers a diverse range of products, ensuring that every visit is both educational and fulfilling for consumers.

At the Dispensary in San Gabriel Valley, customers can explore products from top-tier cannabis brands, each renowned for their distinctive approaches to cultivation and product development. Brands like 710 Labs, known for their artisanal cannabis concentrates and flowers, and Cannabiotix, with its award-winning strains, are part of the curated selection. Also featured are Alien Labs, famous for innovative cultivation and high-quality cannabis flowers, Heavy Hitters, recognized for consistent quality across a wide product range, and Stiiizy, which offers modern, discreet cannabis consumption solutions.

Emphasizing responsible cannabis consumption, the dispensary is dedicated to educating its clientele. This approach is part of a broader industry trend toward ensuring consumer awareness and safety. PACKS’ focus on education enhances the customer experience and fosters a culture of informed and responsible cannabis use.

As the cannabis landscape in the San Gabriel Valley continues to mature, the dispensary remains at the vanguard. Their commitment to excellence in quality, diversity of products, and consumer education sets them apart as a leader in the cannabis retail sector. PACKS looks forward to maintaining its role as a community hub and a trendsetter in the industry.

At PACKS, personalized customer service is more than a policy; it’s a cornerstone of their philosophy. Each staff member is trained to not only understand the diverse range of products but also to listen to and understand the unique needs and preferences of each customer. This individualized approach ensures that customers feel valued and supported in their journey to find the right cannabis products for their needs. Whether a customer is a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or new to cannabis, the staff at the dispensary are equipped to provide guidance and support, making each visit a unique and personal experience.

In addition to its focus on product quality and customer education, PACKS is also committed to community engagement and environmental sustainability. The dispensary actively participates in community events and initiatives, demonstrating its role as a responsible and involved local business. Furthermore, the dispensary is dedicated to adopting sustainable practices in its operations, contributing to the environmental well-being of the San Gabriel Valley.

Looking ahead, PACKS Weed Dispensary is committed to maintaining its high standards while embracing the future of the cannabis industry. This includes keeping abreast of the latest research and developments in cannabis products and consumption methods, as well as adapting to changing legal and social landscapes. PACKS’ vision for the future is one where the dispensary continues to be a leading light in the cannabis community, offering not just products but a comprehensive cannabis experience that is safe, enjoyable, and in line with the highest industry standards.

For more information about PACKS Weed Dispensary and their diverse product offerings, please visit https://packsclub.com/.

PACKS Weed Dispensary, a premier recreational cannabis dispensary located at 6420 Wilmington Ave, South Los Angeles, is proud to announce its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional cannabis experience. This dispensary stands as a testament to the dynamic evolution of the cannabis industry in the area over the past decade.

PACKS Weed Dispensary stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of South Los Angeles’ cannabis scene, its innovative strategies, and unwavering commitment to quality spearheading a transformative journey. In the past decade and a half, this area has undergone a remarkable shift from the nascent stages of legalization to a mature and refined market. The landscape’s metamorphosis owes much to progressive legislative reforms, the changing perceptions of consumers, and the trailblazing ethos embodied by businesses such as PACKS.

This period witnessed a seismic progression, marking a transition from novelty to sophistication, where the Dispensary in South Los Angeles emerged as a guiding force in shaping not just the industry’s trajectory but also the cultural fabric of South Los Angeles.

PACKS Weed Dispensary South Los Angeles boasts an array of carefully curated cannabis brands, each representing excellence and innovation in the industry. From 100Packs’ craftsmanship to Cannabiotix’s cutting-edge breeding techniques and Kush Co’s purity and potency, the selection caters to all tastes. Mary Gold takes an artisanal approach, while Martians offer unique and exotic strains. The knowledgeable staff at the dispensary plays a pivotal role in guiding customers through this diverse range, ensuring a personalized experience for every visitor.

As PACKS thrives and expands its presence, its unwavering commitment persists in upholding the pinnacle of standards within the cannabis retail sphere. This dedication contributes substantially to the burgeoning acceptance and deepening appreciation of cannabis within not just the South Los Angeles community but also resonates on a broader scale. Through its continued success, PACKS acts as a catalyst, fostering a culture of responsible and elevated cannabis consumption while playing a pivotal role in shifting perceptions and attitudes toward cannabis use in the wider societal landscape. This dedication extends beyond commerce, serving as a cornerstone in the ongoing normalization and integration of cannabis as a respected and valued facet of daily life.

Santa Ana, CA – Nestled in the bustling heart of Orange County, PACKS Weed Dispensary emerges as a symbol of superior quality and innovative cannabis retail. Situated at 2840 S Croddy Way, Santa Ana, CA 92704, United States, this top-tier recreational cannabis dispensary is dedicated to elevating the local community’s cannabis experience.

In recent years, this Dispensary in Orange County has experienced transformative growth in its cannabis industry. Evolving from a modest beginning to a vibrant and sophisticated marketplace, this change has been propelled by advanced cultivation methods, a broadened product range, and an enhanced focus on consumer education. Echoing the broader trends seen across California, this growth signifies not just economic progress but also a broader acceptance and integration of cannabis into various aspects of society.

Drawing from its website and past press releases, PACKS Weed Dispensary Orange County stands out for its commitment to offering exceptional cannabis products while placing a high value on customer satisfaction. The dispensary boasts an extensive selection of products, each curated to provide a comprehensive and enlightening experience for every visitor.

PACKS Weed Dispensary Orange County is proud to feature a selection of renowned cannabis brands, each unique in their cultivation and product creation methods. 710 Labs, celebrated for their artisanal cannabis concentrates and cannabis flower, and Cannabiotix, with their award-winning strains, are among the highlights. The dispensary also showcases Kush Co, known for its premium quality cannabis products, Marygold, recognized for their commitment to purity and excellence, and Upnorth, offering a range of sustainably grown, high-quality cannabis flower.

PACKS Orange County places a strong emphasis on responsible cannabis consumption and customer education. This philosophy aligns with the broader trend in the industry towards ensuring consumer awareness and safety. PACKS’ dedication to educating its customers not only enhances the shopping experience but also fosters a culture of knowledgeable and responsible cannabis use.

As the cannabis sector in Orange County evolves, PACKS remains at the forefront of this change. The dispensary is committed to maintaining its excellence in product quality, diversity, and consumer education, positioning itself as a leader in the cannabis retail space. PACKS is eager to continue its role as a community focal point and an innovator in the industry.

At PACKS, exceptional customer service is fundamental. Each team member is thoroughly trained to understand the wide range of products and to appreciate the unique needs and preferences of each customer. This personalized approach ensures a valued and supported experience for every customer, whether they are experienced in cannabis use or exploring it for the first time.

Besides its focus on product quality and customer education, PACKS is deeply invested in community participation and environmental sustainability. The dispensary actively engages in local events and initiatives, reinforcing its role as a responsible, community-oriented business. Additionally, PACKS is committed to sustainable operations, contributing positively to the environmental health of Orange County.

Looking to the future, PACKS Weed Dispensary is dedicated to upholding its high standards and adapting to the evolving cannabis industry. This includes staying current with the latest research and developments in cannabis products and methods, as well as adjusting to the changing legal and social landscapes. PACKS envisions a future where the dispensary continues to be a leading name in the cannabis community, offering not just products but a comprehensive, safe, and enjoyable cannabis experience in line with the highest industry standards.

For more information about PACKS Weed Dispensary Orange County and their diverse product offerings, please visit https://packsclub.com/.