A new study challenges the lazy-stoner stereotype
Preliminary findings of a study conducted by the University of Colorado at Boulder suggest that senior cannabis users leaned towards doing more formal exercise and participating in more physical activities than their non-consuming counterparts. Compared to their non-using peer group, cannabis users over the age of 60 had a lower BMI at the beginning of an exercises intervention study (four-month duration), took part in more weekly exercise days during the intervention, and at the intervention's conclusion, were more engaged in physical activities.
According to the study, "Although preliminary, these findings suggest that it may be easier for older adults who endorse using cannabis to increase and maintain their exercise behavior, potentially because cannabis users have lower body weight than their non-using peers…At a minimum, the evidence suggests that cannabis use does not hinder older adults' ability to engage in physical activity, to participate in a supervised exercise program, or to increase their fitness as a result of physical activity."
While far from conclusive on the exact relationship between cannabis usage, exercise, and the senior population, the study's results may prove helpful towards destigmatizing marijuana usage and increasing broader societal acceptance, especially amongst the older generation.
Where does Biden stand on marijuana legalization?
With the November elections looming closer, the question of raising revenues in a post-pandemic economy, and most Americans across all demographics in favor of marijuana legalization, the political upside to support federal legalization seems like an easy win for Biden. In an article for The Atlantic, journalist Edward-Isaac Dovere outlines Biden's present aversion on federal marijuana legalization. In his interviews with former and current aides, the only matter holding the Democratic presidential nominee back is his concern for public health – he wants to be sure that legalization won't lead to physical or mental health issues for the general population. At this point, if elected, it seems unlikely that Biden will move the needle on federal legalization.
However, he is willing to go further than past presidents in terms of advancing a marijuana policy. Biden plans on decriminalization, moving to expunge previous convictions, removing marijuana as a Schedule 1 narcotic, and ending federal enforcement in states that have already enacted legalization.
Aphria Inc. announces issuance of shares in dispute settlement with Emblem Cannabis
Yesterday (7/6), Aphria Inc. announced that it had issued more than 1.6 million common shares to Emblem Cannabis, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aleafia Health. The share issuance comes as part of a previously announced settlement between the two companies. The settlement arose due to a failure on Aphria's part to meet its supply obligations to Emblem. In 2018, Aphria signed a deal with Emblem to provide 175,000 kilograms of cannabis over a period of five years. Emblem claimed that Aphria was not meeting its side of the agreement in terms of supply, canceling the deal, and initiating the arbitration. Fast-forward to last month, they have agreed upon a settlement in which Emblem will receive $10 million in stock, $15 million in cash, and a waiver of claimed receivables.
Aphria is a Best Idea Short.
