NJ Transitions Medical Cannabis Stores Into Recreational to Keep Up With the Demand

Since the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in New Jersey, on April 21, 2022, the sales of cannabis have increased massively. In just the first month, the state reported more than $24 million in recreational cannabis sales! These sales were made at 13 medical cannabis stores; however, there has been a clear need of opening up more stores.

These 13 stores were owned by Green Thumb Industries Inc., Curaleaf Holdings Inc., Verano Holdings Corp., Columbia Care Inc., Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc., and Terrascend Corp.

Three more recreational marjuana shops were set up in New Jersey just last week. There are now a total of 16 cannabis stores where New Jersey citizens can purchase adult cannabis legally. These stores will not only make up for the increasing demand, but also provide a great opportunity for growth.

Where Are the Stores Located and How Will They Help the Locals

The marijuana stores are located in Woodbridge, Union, and Eatontown. They were already operational, with the permission to sell only medical marijuana. As of now, they have transitioned from selling only to medical patients under the Garden State Dispensary brand to also selling to recreational users.

Approvals were granted last month, in May 2022. Although the transition took a while, it will help many users in the Jersey Shore communities, as residents were severely opposed to the sale of recreational cannabis in the area. Users had to drive up to 50 miles to visit a recreational marijuana store. This was also a big hassle, keeping in mind the hike in gas prices.

Even though the recreational use of marijuana was legalized well over two months ago, there were no outlets in central New Jersey where residents could purchase it. Millions of residents in this area were unable to get their hands on adult weed, but can now do the same since the three new stores have begun sales. They also no longer have to worry about getting in any sort of trouble.

As per estimations, New Jersey should become the state with third-largest contributions to overall legal cannabis sales by 2026.

However, as demand grows and more products are introduced to the cannabis market rapidly, there are high chances of prices increasing. It is speculated that consumers may have to pay a hefty price for recreational marijuana in NJ very soon.

When Did Sales Start?

Recreational sales at the cannabis stores in Woodbridge, Union, and Eatontown began on 15th June, 2022, Wednesday at 10 AM. Now anyone above the age of 21 can walk into these stores and purchase marijauna without a medical card. However, buyers need to carry a government-issued photo ID for age confirmation.

A few extra tips for shopping at a recreational marijuana store include:

Present your ID at the front desk and wait for confirmation.
Wait for your turn to get called to the register if you have any questions to clarify, otherwise you can continue exploring the options at the store.
Most stores should also have the option to order online and pick up from the store.

You can then get in line and continue with the purchase just like at any other store. The state sales tax is 6.625% with additional excise and local taxes.

What Does This Mean for the Residents of N.J.?

As even the communities that were highly opposed to recreational marijuana sales begin to accept it, let’s take a look at the future of cannabis in New Jersey.

There are about 130,000 MMJ patients in NJ right now, with around 800,000 potential recreational users. This implies that these people were previously unable to get their hands on marijuana. Perhaps the reason may be that their conditions were not severe enough to qualify for a medical card.

Regardless, it is now much easier for residents of central New Jersey to get their hands on cannabis legally. This also means that they won’t have to look elsewhere and can safely purchase at cannabis stores. Doing so will also ensure that their health is not put in jeopardy.

Removing the stigma and regulations around cannabis consumption also helps innocent people stay out of trouble. In 2017, there were 37,623 arrests for marijuana possession and distribution. However, there is no clarity on how many of the accused had genuine intent of selling.

Do You Still Need a Medical Card in New Jersey to Purchase Cannabis?

If you live in an area where no recreational cannabis stores are located then you may have to get a medical card. If you want to purchase cannabis at an adult-use store, you will have to make sure the shop you visit is allowed to sell to recreational users.

However, the benefits of getting a medical card are still relevant. You can read about them in detail here.

If you are looking for a quick and affordable doctor’s recommendation, it is best to get your medical marijuana card NJ online. Visit MD Ganja for an easy and hassle-free recommendation process.

What are Cannabinoids and How do They React When Consumed

Did you know that 12% of American citizens reported using marijuana regularly in 2021? Moreover, almost half the country’s population has used it once. So, what makes the plant so popular amongst consumers? The primary reason why cannabis is so widely used is that it offers several benefits and can be used in multiple ways.

The cannabis plant consists of over 500 chemicals, such as flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Now, when we talk about cannabinoids, they may be hard to find in other places, but are abundant in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids even constitute more than 144 of the 500+ chemicals in the plant.

As a cannabis user, or someone who is intrigued to know more about the plant before consuming it, you may have heard about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). These are the two most common and popular types of cannabinoids. THC is a potent psychoactive chemical compound with medicinal value. CBD too, has medicinal value, minus the intoxicating effects.

Besides THC and CBD, cannabis has many cannabinoids. If you want to regularly consume marijuana, it is best to understand how these chemical compounds react with each other and your body.

The Most Common Type of Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are actually present in their acidic form. For instance, CBD is actually produced as CBDA- Cannabidiolic acid. When you heat the cannabis flower for consumption, the CBDA turns to CBD. Similarly, all cannabinoids found in cannabis are present in their acidic forms.

Now, let’s look at how they interact with the body.

istockphoto 1318680802 612x612 1

How Cannabinoids React With the Body

Our bodies rely on the endocannabinoid system to regulate peripheral and central mechanisms of food intake, turnover of the liver cells and adipose tissue, lipids synthesis, and the metabolism of glucose in muscle cells. It is made up of 3 parts:

Cannabinoid receptors
Endocannabinoids
Enzymes that produce and destroy endocannabinoids.

The cannabinoid receptors play the most vital role when you consume cannabis. The primary receptors are CB1 and CB2, which are located in the entire human body. THC is known to react with both these receptors, helping you regulate the following symptoms:

Mood
Sleep
Energy
Memory
Appetite
Heart rate
Inflammation
Pain response
Muscle control
Blood pressure
Immune response
Body temperature

Medical marijuana also helps with many mental issues, such as the ones mentioned in this blog.

istockphoto 1224716365 612x612 1

Cannabinoid Interactions

As aforementioned, there are 144 different cannabinoids known to us. While some of them may occur naturally in the cannabis plant, others are found in burned cannabis resin. The way they are produced affects the chain of chemical transactions after you consume marijuana.

Simply put, few cannabinoids begin as just one cannabinoid before being converted by the plant or a consumer. For instance, CBDA and CBD are parts of the same transformation chains. When cannabinoids change their form, their level of psychoactivity and therapeutic effects are likely to change.

istockphoto 1203078586 612x612 1

Different Cannabinoids and Their Effects

THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is another popular cannabinoid; however, it is not as well-known as CBD or THC. It is closely related to THC but has a different chemical profile, as well as results. Although the research on this compound is lacking, it may block CB1 receptors instead of activating them.

THCV is known to produce euphoric and energetic effects. When consumed with THC, it may also block the feeling of anxiety some people experience after consuming THC. THCV may also help with weight loss as it affects the appetite while also strengthening metabolism.

CBG

This is also a common cannabinoid as it is present in almost all cannabis plants. CBGA is also found in its acidic form CBGA, which is responsible for forming the primary cannabinoids. Therefore, it got the name “Mother of all cannabinoids.” Similar to CBD, it does not produce psychoactive effects or may produce them in low amounts.

Some early studies also showed that CBG can help with a plethora of medical issues, some of which include:

Pain relief
Anti-inflammation
Promotes neurogenesis
Regulates intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients
Prevents conditions like Huntington’s from progressing
Acts as an antibacterial against bacterial strains like MRSA
May be helpful in controlling oral, colorectal, and prostate cancer

It helps deal with psoriasis and other persistent health conditions, as well as dealing with emotions by acting similarly to antidepressants.

CBN

Cannabinol (CBN) is well-known for being created as a result of THC aging. It is basically the by-product of THC degrading. For instance, up to 25% of THC kept for a year can be converted to CBN. It may also form if you heat THC on very high temperatures, such as when you smoke or vape.

Moreover, it has several health benefits that some people knowingly smoke older THC. Doing so allows them to consume a high amount of CBN. if you are looking for any of the following benefits, CBN may be the perfect cannabinoid for you:

Sleep aid
Pain relief
Strong antibiotic
Appetite stimulation
Neuroprotective properties

Although it isn’t as easily available, you can find CBN in the following forms:

Oils
Vapes
Tea bags
Capsules
CBN isolate

Currently, there are no known side effects of CBN due to lack of research. However, don’t let this stop you from consuming it, as you can still use it safely after talking to a 420 doctor.

CBC

CBC is a cannabinoid that stems from CBG, and similarly acts as a powerful antibiotic. It has proven to be helpful in treating infections that are resistant to most forms of treatment.
It may also help protect the brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Therefore, CBC is useful for protecting the brain and ensuring that it continues to work normally.

Choosing the Right Cannabinoid

Finding the type of cannabinoid that works best for you isn’t an easy task. Although we have mentioned some popular strains in this blog, there are many others too, whose effects are being studied.
You can use this information to begin looking for a cannabinoid that may work for you. However, it is best to get in touch with a doctor who can actually help you find what you need.

You should also keep in mind the laws of your state when consuming cannabis, such as New Jersey citizens must abide by New Jersey Cannabis laws and regulations.

If you are looking for an MMJ card in New Jersey to help save on your medical bills and have a satisfactory session with a doctor before you begin using cannabis, MD Ganja is the perfect place for you! We provide quick and affordable recommendations.

Top 5 CBD Facts Everyone Should Get Familiar With – Explained by MMJ Doctor New Jersey

I must say that CBD is really a fascinating compound. Well, cannabis itself is very fascinating, but this cannabinoid found in cannabis plants is something unique.

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become a common health supplement for a lot of people in the United States. It can also help people in managing various symptoms associated with a number of health conditions.

You can also consult an MMJ doctor New Jersey to learn how CBD can help in enhancing your health.

The popularity of this organic compound is growing more and more with every passing year. It is almost everywhere now – from health food stores to yoga studios.

The biggest reason for this popularity of CBD is that it does not produce any kind of high.

So, you can enjoy many health benefits of cannabis without worrying about getting high. However, there are still many things about CBD that people are not familiar with.

So if you are curious to learn more about CBD, this article is for you.

Today, we are going to look at some of the unique facts related to CBD. This will help you understand the compound better.

Here Are The Top 5 Fascinating CBD Facts You Should Get Familiar With

CBD is a main component of cannabis
CBD is a psychoactive compound but it is not intoxicating
CBD can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants
CBD is legal across the United States, but only if it comes from hemp
CBD can be beneficial for children with seizures and epilepsy

Fact 1. CBD is a Main Component of Cannabis

There are over 100 chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. But the two primary compounds that are also the most popular and well-researched are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

While THC is the main reason why you get high, consuming CBD will not get you high.

CBD has gained a lot of attention from both researchers and people because of its many health benefits. According to MMJ doctor New Jersey, CBD can offer many therapeutic and health benefits to people.

Some more well known organic compounds found in cannabis plants are –

CBN (cannabinol)
CBG (cannabigerol)
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
CBDV (cannabidivarin)
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)

Fact 2. CBD is a Psychoactive Compound But it is Not Intoxicating

If you think CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, then you are wrong, it is not. Many people wrongly label CBD as a “non-psychoactive” compound.

CBD affects your mental processes and helps in regulating your cognition and mood. This is how it also provides calming feelings to people.

However, when people say it is a non-psychoactive compound, it means it does not produce any kind of “high” associated with marijuana.

MMJ doctor New Jersey explains that THC is the main intoxicating compound that gets you high. On the other hand, CBD is a non-intoxicating compound.

Therefore, it is better to label CBD as a non-intoxicating compound rather than a non-psychoactive compound.

Fact 3. CBD Can Be Extracted From Both Marijuana and Hemp Plants

A lot of people still believe that CBD comes from only one plant. But that is not true.

Basically, there are two kinds of cannabis plants – marijuana plants and hemp plants. CBD is present in the stalks, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds of both of these plants.

The only difference is that in hemp plants, CBD is present in higher concentrations. In fact, in hemp plants, THC is only present in trace amounts (less than 0.3 percent).

On the other hand, marijuana plants are generally rich in THC. However, you can find cannabis strains that have higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC.

Fact 4. CBD is Legal Across The United States But ONLY IF it Comes From Hemp

As I mentioned above, CBD can come from both marijuana and hemp plants. CBD is federally legal in all states, but only if it is coming from hemp plants.

After the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD comes from industrial hemp was legalized on a federal level.

Basically, CBD products coming from industrial hemp do not contain more than 0.3 percent of THC.

However, every state can regulate hemp and CBD derived from hemp as it chooses. So, it is better to get familiar with the rules and regulations regarding hemp and CBD in your state.

Fact 5. CBD Can Help Children With Seizures and Epilepsy

Research has shown that CBD can help in providing relief from various health conditions, such as schizophrenia.

Not only this, but it can also be helpful to children and adults with epilepsy. Studies have shown that CBD can help in reducing epileptic seizures.

MMJ doctor New Jersey explains that CBD can inhibit the release of neurotransmitters that can help in reducing the number of epileptic seizures in children and adults.

CBD oil can be a safer and non-toxic alternative to pharmaceutical medications for epileptic seizures in children.

Conclusion

While CBD has gained a lot of popularity across the United States, it is better to get familiar with the compound if you are considering using it for your health. Consult a 420 doctor in New Jersey to learn more about how CBD can help you and enhance your overall well-being.