Learn

Consumer Education Material: Massachusetts Adult-Use Program

In November 2016, Massachusetts voters passed Question 4, resulting in the adoption of Chapter 334 of the Acts of 2016, making the possession and personal cultivation of marijuana legal for all adults 21 years of age and older and creating a regulatory system to license for-profit, adult-use, marijuana businesses. The Massachusetts legislature immediately set out to revise that law, and on July 28, 2017, Governor Baker signed Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017, amending the adult-use law passed by the voters. Under the framework of the revised law, adult-use marijuana businesses are licensed by a five-member administrative body known as the Cannabis Control Commission (the “Commission”), which promulgated the regulations, guidelines, and protocols necessary for the issuance of adult-use marijuana business licenses on March 23, 2018. Adult-use marijuana sales are taxed at 20% (10.75% excise tax, 6.25% sales tax, and a 3% local option excise tax).

For additional information on the Adult-Use of Marijuana Program, visit the Commission’s website:

https://mass-cannabis-control....

-Handling Marijuana and Marijuana Products:

Consumers may possess up to one ounce of marijuana on their person, except that not more than five grams of marijuana may be in the form of marijuana concentrate. At home, consumers may possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana (and any marijuana produced by plants cultivated on the premises in accordance with plant limits). Individuals can only share or gift up to 1 ounce of marijuana, or 5 grams of marijuana concentrate, with adults ages 21 and over, without any form of compensation.

Any amount of marijuana or marijuana products over one ounce kept within an individual’s place of residence must be secured by a lock. Salty Farmers recommends that individuals always keep marijuana locked and secure away from children and pets. To ensure the quality of marijuana, store it in a dark, dry, and cool place.

The law allows an individual over 21 years of age to grow up to six plants in their home. If there are other individuals over 21 years of age living in the residence who wish to grow, the maximum number of plants that may be grown in a residence is 12 plants. The plants must be grown in an area that is equipped with a lock or security device. The plants cannot be visible from a public place without the use of binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids. An individual cannot produce marijuana-based extracts or concentrates at home by means of any liquid or gas, other than alcohol, that has a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like alcohol, consumers may not have an open container of adult-use marijuana/marijuana products in the passenger area of their car while on the road or at a place where the public has access. An “open container” includes a package with its seal broken or a package from which the contents have been partially removed. The “passenger area” does not include a trunk or a locked glove compartment. The 2017 Act does not change the existing penalties for operating a car if you are impaired by the use of marijuana or marijuana products.

Marijuana consumption is not permitted in public, and furthermore, consumption is not permitted in or around Salty Farmer’s facilities. Consumers are not allowed to traverse state lines with marijuana or marijuana products.

Overview of Marijuana and Cannabinoids:

The documented use of marijuana dates back thousands of years. Marijuana comes in many different forms such as dried flower, oils, tinctures, topicals, edibles, concentrates and extracts (“Marijuana Products”). Each strain of marijuana contains different types of cannabinoids with varying effects. B\well offers several different strains of marijuana to accommodate the needs of every consumer.

The marijuana plant is typically classified into four groups: Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, and Cannabidiol (“CBD”). Each group is made up of a variety of strains, all with different cannabinoid makeups or profiles:

Sativas are reported to increase energy and appetite while also elevating the consumer’s mood and focus. It is generally recommended for daytime use.
Indicas are reported to promote relaxation as well as reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Indicas are usually recommended for evening use.
Hybrids strains are produced when cultivators cross-breed different indica and sativa strains to maintain the desired traits and breed out the undesired to meet specific needs.
The first cannabinoid to be identified was Tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), which is known to produce psychoactive effects or the feeling of being “high.” Apart from its recreational use, it can be used to relieve pain, reduce vomiting and nausea, reduce inflammation, aid sleep, reduce muscle spasms, relieve anxiety, and stimulate the consumer’s appetite.

Cannabidiol (“CBD”) is another cannabinoid with varying benefits that produces very little to no psychoactive effects or “high.” Reported therapeutic uses include pain relief, killing or slowing bacteria growth, reducing blood sugar levels, reducing seizures, relieving anxiety, and inhibiting tumor and cancer growth.
Other cannabinoids such as Cannabichromene (“CBC”), Cannabigerol (“CBG”), Cannabinol (“CBN”), Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (“THCA”), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (“THCV”) are reported to have varying benefits as well. Some of these benefits include suppression of appetite, aiding sleep, reducing risk of artery blockage, nervous system protectants, suppressing muscle spasms, modulating the immune system, and relieving pain.

Products Offered:

Salty Farmers offers a broad range of products and is constantly updating its selection. Salty Farmers daily menu is available online at:

https://www.saltyfarmers.com/shop

Below is a description of the various marijuana products that will be offered at Salty Farmers’s dispensary locations.

Marijuana Flower for Smoking and Vaporizing: Salty Farmers will offer a wide variety of marijuana strains and products for consumers. Strains will be consistently available and reviewed on an ongoing basis based on feedback from consumers and overall demand.

Edible Marijuana Products (MIP’s): Edible products will be offered, such as chocolates, seltzer’s and lozenges. Edibles provide an alternative method for consuming marijuana. Edibles are an attractive alternative for consumers who are unwilling to smoke as they do not irritate the throat. In many cases, Edibles offer a longer lasting effect.

Tinctures: Tinctures are extracted cannabis liquids. Tinctures can be administered to the consumer using an eyedropper to place the liquid under the tongue. Tinctures are easy to administer, discreet, and are not intimidating for elderly consumers or consumers who have difficulty swallowing. Doses are easily measured and tend to be more consistent than edibles. Tinctures do not negatively impact the lungs.

Topicals: Ointments, sprays, lotions, transdermal patches and balms that are beneficial for treating acute pain in different regions of the body. Topicals have a delayed onset effect but can last for up to eight (8) hours for some consumers. Topical treatments do not have any known negative effects on the lungs or throat. Lotions appeal to elderly consumers who are used to using lotions to treat arthritis or acute pain. Topical marijuana treatments generally have no psychoactive effect or “high,” but rather only a therapeutic effect on the consumer’s specific condition.

Concentrates: Varieties -- Hash, oils, and waxes designed for consumers who prefer to smoke or vaporize small amounts of highly concentrated marijuana to receive the complete effect. Concentrates allow for a fast onset without the need to smoke excessive amounts of marijuana.

Paraphernalia: Concentrate and herbals portable vaporizers and vaporizer pens, water pipes, smoking pipes, and rolling papers. Different forms of marijuana require different paraphernalia for consumption and use. B\well will offer a wide range of options allowing consumers to determine the consumption method that meets individual needs.

Related Supplies: Grinders, scales, rolling machines, rolling trays, rolling boxes, rolling mats, filters, flavoring for flowers, cleaning accessories, lighters, vaporizer replacement parts, air fresheners, air purifiers, storage jars, lock boxes and other secure or inconspicuous containers for storage of marijuana.

These supplies will assist consumers with the storage, consumption, rationing, titration, and dosing of the various forms of marijuana. Marijuana container and storage supplies will ensure that the consumer’s marijuana is stored safely and securely.

Methods of Administration:

There are many different ways to administer marijuana to achieve a desired effect, and there are a number of factors that impact the effects felt by each consumer. Marijuana is generally inhaled by smoking or vaping, or ingested orally in the form of tinctures, oils, edibles, or can be applied topically.

Smoking marijuana is the most popular consumption method and has the quickest effect. As the user inhales, the cannabinoids are introduced into the bloodstream, having an almost instant effect. The effects can last anywhere from ninety (90) minutes to several hours, and peak effects are usually felt after thirty (30) minutes. Vaporizing is an alternative way to inhale marijuana. Rather than smoking, vaporizing or “vaping” involves heating the marijuana flower or concentrates to a temperature that produces vapor without combustion. Vaping eliminates many of the harmful carcinogens and tars that are often present in smoke. After smoking or vaping marijuana, consumers should wait at least thirty (30) minutes before increasing their dose.

Ingesting marijuana is a popular administration method for consumers who prefer not to smoke or vape and are looking for longer lasting effects. Usually, food products such as chocolates, lozenges, or capsules are infused with marijuana extracts that can be swallowed. These products are referred to as Edibles (MIP’s). New users should start with a small dose and wait two (2) hours before increasing the dosage. Consumers should consult with their physicians regarding a proper marijuana dose for Edible consumption.

Some consumers can achieve the desired effect of marijuana by topically applying infused products to their skin. With topicals, the marijuana is absorbed through the consumer’s skin in order to achieve the desired effect. Often, topicals do not produce psychoactive effects or a “high” for consumers.

Dosage and Labeling:

Different products will vary in potency, cannabinoid profile, and effects. Consumers should experiment to find the ideal dose for their desired effects and are encouraged to keep a log of consumption, methods, and effects. A consumer’s tolerance will vary based on a variety of factors including weight, body chemistry, and metabolism. All marijuana products will be lab tested and clearly labeled to ensure consistent dosing and packaging.

When consuming marijuana or marijuana products, it is important for consumers to wait the appropriate amount of time before consuming more to reach a desired effect. Consumers should start with a low dose and should not increase it until they know the impact and the timing it takes to reach such impact. A common mistake with marijuana consumption is taking too high of an initial dose. Such mistakes can be avoided if consumers “start low and go slow” and carefully monitor the effects.

When consuming Edibles (MIP’s), it is recommended that consumers do so on a full stomach in order to decrease the intensity of the effects. It is also recommended that marijuana should not be used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs, and consumers should not operate a vehicle or machinery while using marijuana. For women who are pregnant, there may be additional health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. All consumers should consult with their physicians about health and safety risks associated with using marijuana.

The labels on marijuana products will outline the product’s cannabinoid profile and dosage information. Consumers should read the labels before purchasing and using marijuana to ensure they have the correct and desired products and doses. Consumers should consult an Salty Farmers agent if they have additional questions.

Safety:

Marijuana products should be kept in their original child proof/tamper proof packaging and stored separately from other food.

Consumers have reported a variety of side effects associated with the use of Marijuana including dry mouth, dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, slowed reaction times and impaired motor skills. Side effects can vary for different consumers.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of Marijuana.