Author: TokeTheMost

A recently published study by U.S. and U.K. researchers found that medical cannabis reduced military veterans’ PTSD symptoms on the days they used the drug.

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The use of medical cannabis reduced military veterans’ symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder on the days they used the drug, according to recently published research. The study, which was conducted by researchers in the United States and the United Kingdom, appeared this month in the peer-reviewed journal Psychiatry Research, according to a report from online cannabis news source Marijuana Moment.

The study was conducted by researchers at U.S. and U.K. institutions including the RAND Corporation, New York University, Kings College London, the University of Southern California and the University of Washington. The research was completed with funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Cannabis Use Common Among Veterans

A team of 10 authors who wrote a paper highlighting the research reported that the use of cannabis “has been noted as a means to cope with both symptoms of PTSD and negative affect” and is “increasingly common among U.S. veterans, ranking as the most used psychoactive substance.”

The researchers wrote that their paper “aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of how fluctuations in negative affect influence cannabis use when PTSD symptoms change at the daily level, and vice versa.”

To help understand the effectiveness of medical cannabis as a treatment for PTSD, the researchers analyzed the survey responses of 74 veterans who had been recently discharged from military service. All participants had significant symptoms of PTSD and had reported using cannabis in the previous month.

Data for the study was collected through the participants’ completion of surveys and the use of wearable health monitoring technology devices. The researchers noted as one of the key findings of the study that “cannabis use links to lower PTSD symptoms and negative affect same-day,” adding that the study’s findings could eventually help veterans manage their PTSD symptoms with medical cannabis.

“Results may offer valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between PTSD and cannabis use, informing future interventions targeting affect regulation,” the authors of the study wrote.

Study Consistent With Earlier Research

The new study follows separate research published earlier this year that found that medical cannabis, particularly non-flower products, “represent a cost-effective adjunctive therapy for moderate PTSD under various reimbursement scenarios,” Marijuana Moment noted in its report. The researchers concluded that medical cannabis could be a cost-effective treatment that should be covered by health insurance companies and other medical bill payors, given certain assumptions about the efficacy and cost of the treatment.

“Our findings suggest that medical cannabis may be a cost-effective adjunct to standard care for patients with moderate PTSD,” the authors of the study wrote, “particularly when payor reimbursement partially or fully offsets treatment costs.”

The researchers assumed for the study that medical cannabis would not completely replace commonly prescribed PTSD treatments. If medical cannabis did become the primary treatment, however, it would likely be even more cost-effective.

“The possibility that medical cannabis could substitute for other PTSD medications, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, also warrants deeper investigation,” the authors wrote, “as it may yield further health and economic benefits.”

“There is real potential for medication substitution to occur for PTSD patients after starting medical cannabis,” they continued. “Prior literature suggests that starting medical cannabis, and even the presence of medical cannabis laws, decreases the prescribing of prescription opioids.”

Just in time for the long Labor Day weekend, Silly Nice has announced another restock of its small batch, high-potency cannabis products at licensed dispensaries across New York. For East Syracuse weed buyers looking for something handcrafted, lab-tested, and worth savoring, this is a perfect moment to explore what makes Silly Nice such a standout in the state’s competitive cannabis market.

The Harlem-based, Black-Owned and Veteran-Owned brand has made its mark in just over a year, climbing into New York’s Top 150 cannabis brands among more than 500 competitors. Silly Nice isn’t about volume or flashy trends—it’s about creating handmade, small-batch products with high-quality inputs and eco-friendly packaging. Each drop is limited, which is why products tend to move fast.

Diamond Powder – Ultra-Pure THC for Precision and Strength

One of the most sought-after items returning to shelves is Silly Nice Diamond Powder. With 87.53% THC and 99.82% total cannabinoids, this crystalline extract is among the strongest weed concentrates legally available in New York. It’s versatile enough to dab, mix with flower, or even use in homemade infusions, and it offers both an immediate head high and a long-lasting experience.

Diamond Powder appeals to cannabis enthusiasts who demand consistency and flexibility in their stash. Whether used sparingly to lift a joint or as the core of a dab session, this extract is a small-batch product designed with precision, purity, and potency in mind.

See Certificate of Analysis

Frosted Hash Ball – Tradition Meets Artistry

Also making its return is the Frosted Hash Ball, a handcrafted 1-gram concentrate with 67.34% THC and 78.34% total cannabinoids. Created with traditional methods, it delivers full-spectrum effects and a robust 5.7% terpene profile featuring Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene, Pinene, and more.

The Frosted Hash Ball is versatile enough to smoke in a pipe, crumble into a blunt, or pair with premium flower. Its terpene richness makes it an experience that balances flavor, aroma, and potency in one carefully made sphere of hash. For connoisseurs, it represents both artistry and strength.

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower – A Showstopper

For those who want a full flower experience with extra power, Silly Nice’s 3.5g Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower is back. Made from the Papaya Wine strain, this infused bud is coated with live resin and encrusted with THCa diamonds for a striking frost-covered look. The result is a bold, fruity, slow-burning smoke that delivers 47.75% THC and 55.47% total cannabinoids.

This isn’t the kind of flower you pack into a whole blunt—it’s closer to a Moonrock, meant to be sprinkled or mixed carefully. The infusion of resin and diamonds elevates the smoke into something special, with enhanced terpene notes and a smooth, euphoric effect for seasoned consumers.

1G Bubble Hash – Solventless Craftsmanship

Rounding out the restock is Silly Nice’s 1G Bubble Hash. Produced through ice-water extraction, this solventless hash preserves the plant’s full character. With 52.10% THC and 61.93% total cannabinoids, it delivers relaxing and euphoric energy without chemical shortcuts.

The terpene profile—Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene, and Farnesene—provides earthy, citrus, and herbal layers, making it as flavorful as it is potent. Its versatility makes it easy to dab, sprinkle, or roll into a joint for a clean and smooth session.

Small Batch With a Purpose

What sets Silly Nice apart is not only potency but intention. Everything is produced in limited runs, using organic methods, recycled packaging, and careful lab testing. Products like Diamond Powder and Bubble Hash aren’t meant to be smoked through quickly; they’re designed to enhance flower, elevate sessions, and create memorable moments.

This approach has resonated with New Yorkers, where Silly Nice has grown rapidly across the state. From eco-friendly containers to small-team craftsmanship, the brand demonstrates that quality and sustainability can exist alongside potency.

Don’t Wait Too Long

Silly Nice restocks move quickly, and shelves don’t stay stocked for long. Products often sell out within days, so East Syracuse buyers are encouraged to ask for them directly at dispensaries or order online for pickup or delivery. Calling ahead is always recommended to avoid disappointment.

Find dispensaries with Silly Nice via Weedmaps

About Silly Nice

Founded in Harlem, Silly Nice is a Black-Owned and Veteran-Owned small batch cannabis brand dedicated to making handcrafted products for consumers who appreciate potency, purity, and sustainability. From Diamond Powder and Bubble Hash to Infused Flower and Hash Balls, every product is designed to bring a high-quality experience that reflects the team’s care and commitment.

Learn more about Silly Nice

As the Labor Day weekend arrives, Queens cannabis shoppers have even more reason to celebrate. Silly Nice, a small-batch, Black-Owned and Veteran-Owned weed brand, has restocked its high-demand products at licensed dispensaries across New York. Known for its craft approach, attention to quality, and commitment to purity, Silly Nice has quickly earned recognition as one of the state’s most exciting cannabis brands.

Founded just over a year ago, Silly Nice has already been ranked among the Top 150 cannabis brands in New York, standing out in a market with over 500 competitors. Their products frequently sell out thanks to their reputation for potency, innovation, and consistency. For Queens customers planning their weekend sessions, now is the time to ask your local dispensary about Silly Nice products—or better yet, pre-order online before shelves are cleared.

Diamond Powder – Ultra-Pure THC for Maximum Potency

Silly Nice’s Diamond Powder is one of the most powerful concentrates legally available in New York. With 87.53% THC and a total cannabinoid content of 99.82%, this crystalline concentrate delivers a clean, long-lasting, and cerebral high. The inclusion of cannabinoids such as CBGa, CBDa, d9-THC, and d8-THC provides a fuller spectrum experience that appeals to seasoned cannabis connoisseurs.

Whether used for dabs, sprinkled on flower, or incorporated into homemade edibles, Diamond Powder provides unmatched versatility. Customers in Queens who prioritize precision and potency will find this to be one of the most reliable options on the market. Each small-batch jar is carefully packaged and lab-tested for purity, ensuring consistency and satisfaction.

Frosted Hash Ball – A True Connoisseur’s Hash Experience

For those who appreciate traditional cannabis craftsmanship, Silly Nice’s Frosted Hash Ball is an artisanal concentrate that delivers both potency and complexity. With 67.34% THC and 78.34% total cannabinoids, it offers a rich, terpene-driven high enhanced by compounds like THCv, CBC, CBN, and CBDa.

Made in small batches with a handcrafted approach, each 1-gram ball is smooth, flavorful, and versatile. Consumers can enjoy it in a pipe, crumble it into a joint, or pair it with flower for a layered smoke. The terpene content of 5.7% features Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene, and more, offering a robust aroma and flavor profile that connoisseurs value. For Queens cannabis shoppers looking for an elevated session, the Frosted Hash Ball sets a high bar.

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower – The Ultimate Smoke

Silly Nice has also made waves with its infused flower, crafted with the bold Papaya Wine strain. This 3.5-gram offering combines dense buds with live resin and THCa crystals, creating a frosted appearance and a potency of 47.75% THC. With 55.47% total cannabinoids, this flower is designed for those who want a slow-burning, full-spectrum experience.

The infusion process enhances both flavor and performance, producing a smoke that blends tropical fruit notes with earthy undertones. The terpene profile includes Beta-Caryophyllene, Farnesene, Limonene, and Alpha-Humulene, delivering a sophisticated combination of aromas and effects. Customers in Queens who appreciate potency paired with smooth flavor will find this product to be a standout choice for the holiday weekend.

Bubble Hash – Solventless, Pure, and Flavorful

For shoppers seeking solventless purity, Silly Nice’s 1G Bubble Hash is an ideal choice. Made through ice-water extraction, this concentrate preserves the natural integrity of the plant without the use of chemicals. With 52.10% THC and 61.93% total cannabinoids, Bubble Hash delivers a balanced, full-spectrum high that is clean and flavorful.

Its 5.2% terpene content includes Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene, and Farnesene, resulting in an earthy, citrus-forward flavor profile. Whether consumed in a bowl, dab rig, or joint, Bubble Hash provides smooth hits and reliable potency. Queens shoppers who want solventless products that reflect traditional craftsmanship will find this offering particularly appealing.

A Brand Rooted in Craft and Care

Silly Nice is not a large corporate operation—it is a small, passionate team based in New York that puts craftsmanship and community at the center of its work. As a Black-Owned and Veteran-Owned business, the company approaches cannabis with respect and care, ensuring every product meets rigorous quality standards.

All Silly Nice products are tested for safety and consistency, and Certificates of Analysis are available at sillynice.com/menu. This transparency has helped the brand build trust among both consumers and dispensaries.

Availability in Queens

Because Silly Nice products often sell out quickly, it is recommended that shoppers call ahead or order online for pickup or delivery. Dispensaries across Queens regularly carry Silly Nice, but availability fluctuates due to demand. Customers can use WeedMaps to locate the closest dispensary stocking Silly Nice products and compare pricing before making their purchase.

For the Labor Day holiday, these restocks are especially timely, giving Queens residents a chance to elevate their weekend sessions with premium weed crafted for potency, purity, and enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Silly Nice has carved out a unique position in New York’s cannabis market by focusing on small-batch quality, bold potency, and a commitment to craft. For Queens shoppers seeking products that deliver a high level of consistency and satisfaction, this restock is an opportunity not to miss.

From Diamond Powder to Bubble Hash, each product reflects the team’s dedication to innovation and respect for cannabis culture. As the brand continues to expand its presence, one thing remains consistent: Silly Nice products sell out fast.

This Labor Day weekend, cannabis enthusiasts in Queens can enjoy some of the most highly regarded weed in New York by asking for Silly Nice at their favorite dispensary.

Find more about the brand and product lineup at sillynice.com.

A bipartisan group of 32 state and territorial attorneys general is calling upon Congress to enact legislation facilitating state-licensed cannabis businesses’ access to banks and other financial institutions.

In a letter to Congressional leaders and ranking members of the House and Senate banking committees, signatories urge federal lawmakers to enact the SAFER Banking Act or similar legislation.

“As more states continue to consider and implement legalization efforts, the lack of access to
America’s financial system by cannabis businesses — which is a direct result of federal banking
law — presents a considerable safety issue for the public,” they write. “For example, when the public is only allowed to conduct business in cash, employees and customers are at greater risk of violent crime in pursuit of that cash. Allowing access to the nation’s regulated banking system is crucial to public safety and to ensuring that lawful businesses in our states have access to regulated banking services.”

Prior versions of the SAFER Banking Act have been repeatedly advanced by members of the House of Representatives, but Senate lawmakers have never advanced this legislation to the floor for consideration.

Currently, fewer than ten percent of all financial institutions nationwide are provide services to state-licensed cannabis businesses. That’s because federal law discourages banks and other institutions from maintaining relationships with cannabis businesses because marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. According to survey data compiled by Whitney Economics, over 70 percent of participating cannabis businesses say that the “lack of access to banking or investment capital” is their top challenge.

NORML has repeatedly called upon Congress to amend federal banking legislation, opining: “No industry can operate safely, transparently or effectively without access to banks or other financial institutions, and it is self-evident that the players in this industry (smaller and minority-owned businesses in particular), and those consumers that are served by it, will remain severely hampered without better access to credit and financing.”

Lawmakers have yet to reintroduce SAFER Banking legislation this session.

The full text of the AGs’ letter is available online.

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The Skechers commercial, where Harry Kane suddenly stands in a booth speaking German with Snoop Dogg, has already hinted that the world of football and herbal intoxicants are slowly coming together. Now, the next step follows in this regard: For the first time, a cannabis brand becomes a sponsor of a Bundesliga club.

As 1. FC Union Berlin announced today via ‘Twitter/X’, avaay Medical is now a “top sponsor.” “Together for more education and responsibility,” the statement reads.

Speaking of Snoop Dogg: If he has some time between Harry Kane’s Skechers hallucinations and his concerts, he might want to drop by Köpenick. Perhaps the man, who is now also venturing into football as a club co-owner, chose the completely wrong club for his investment with Swansea City.

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BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Canopy USA, LLC (“Canopy USA”), a brand-driven organization strategically positioned across the U.S. cannabis market, today announced the appointment of Eric Ruhle as Vice President of Brand Sales, overseeing sales strategy across the full Canopy USA portfolio.

With more than 11 years of experience in the regulated cannabis industry, Ruhle brings deep expertise in building and leading high-performing sales organizations. Most recently, he served as Senior Regional Sales Manager at Kiva Sales & Services, where he navigated the highly competitive Southern California market. His prior leadership roles at Marley Natural, dosist, and Final Bell further underscore his track record of driving growth, cultivating retail partnerships, and scaling multi-brand portfolios.

“Eric’s extensive experience and proven success across some of the most competitive markets in cannabis make him a valuable addition to our team,” said Brooks Jorgensen, President at Canopy USA. “As Canopy USA’s portfolio continues to expand, his leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our retail partnerships and unlocking new growth opportunities.”

In his new role, Ruhle will be responsible for shaping and executing the sales strategy for Canopy USA’s family of brands, with a focus on expanding retail presence in core and emerging markets, strengthening distributor partnerships to increase product accessibility, and launching innovative go-to-market initiatives to accelerate revenue growth.

“I’m thrilled to join Canopy USA at such a pivotal time in the industry,” said Ruhle. “Their portfolio represents some of the most trusted and innovative brands in cannabis, and I look forward to helping accelerate their growth while continuing to set new standards for excellence in sales.”

About Canopy USA
Canopy USA, LLC (“Canopy USA”) is a U.S. based holding company in which Canopy Growth (NASDAQ: CGC; TSX: WEED) holds a non-participating, non-controlling interest. Strategically positioned across the fastest growing states and highest potential segments of the U.S. cannabis market, Canopy USA owns 100% of Wana Brands (“Wana”) a leader in North American edibles, 100% of Acreage Holdings, Inc. (“Acreage”), a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator with principal operations in densely populated states across the Midwest and Northeast, and 77% of the shares of Lemurian, Inc. (“Jetty”), a California-based producer of high-quality cannabis extracts and pioneer of clean vape technology.

Media Contact:
Trailblaze for Canopy USA
CanopyUSA@trailblaze.co

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People who start smoking cannabis to alleviate pain, anxiety or depression are at a higher risk of developing paranoia than those who use the drug recreationally, a study has found.

The research analysed answers from 3,389 former and current cannabis users aged over 18, who had no clinical history of psychosis and had taken part in the Cannabis&Me survey.

Published in the British Medical Journal and led by academics at King’s College London, the research found that those who started using cannabis to self-medicate for a condition such as pain, anxiety or depression, and if they were experiencing minor psychotic symptoms, had higher paranoia scores, while those with the lowest scores used cannabis for fun or because they were curious.

The survey also found that the average respondent consumed 206 units a week of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis, the equivalent of between 10 and 17 joints, but people who used cannabis for anxiety or depression reported consuming 248 and 254.7 units respectively.

Only people with very rare forms of epilepsy, adults with nausea caused by chemotherapy and some people with multiple sclerosis are able to get an NHS prescription for medicinal cannabis in England.

“I think lots of people who now know that cannabis can cause psychosis, they say ‘these people are not like me’. That’s not true,” said Robin Murray, a professor of psychiatric research at King’s College London.

“What we can show in this study is that the effect of cannabis is a bit like the effect of alcohol or the effect of food, that it’s a dimension. So the more you take, the more problems you get into.

“Contrary to what it says on the internet, cannabis is not medicinal. We now have 40 private clinics up and down the UK dishing out cannabis supposedly as a treatment, and the things that they are giving it for are pain, anxiety and depression predominantly. And these are the things that we find are related to people getting into trouble and becoming more paranoid.”

Dr Emily Finch, the chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ addiction faculty, said: “These important findings reinforce previous work which suggests that cannabis can have significant adverse effects on users’ mental health. Society must be more aware of the substantial evidence on cannabis harms, and correct the widespread misapprehension that cannabis is not an addictive substance.

“Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in the UK, and around a third of people who use cannabis develop a problem with the drug at some point during their lives. This is similar to the proportion of people who will develop a problem with alcohol.

“The use of both natural and ‘synthetic’ cannabinoids over the long term risks addiction and severe co-occurring mental illness harms. Daily cannabis use is associated with depression, anxiety and reduced motivation.

“Daily users of high-potency cannabis are nearly five times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder than people who have never used cannabis, with adolescents at particular risk.

“As a priority, the UK government must provide substance use and mental health services with the training, staff and funding they need to support people with co-occurring substance use and mental illness. This must also include a focus on providing early treatment to the increasing number of children and young people struggling with substance misuse if we are to reduce long-term harms.”

A separate study published in the journal Psychological Medicine analysed the same survey, and found 52% of cannabis users had experienced some kind of childhood trauma, and that those who had experienced physical and emotional abuse had paranoia scores around 35-40% higher.

Respondents who reported experiencing sexual abuse as a child consumed more THC on average, followed by those who had experienced physical and emotional abuse.

Legalized cannabis has been around in Minnesota since 2023, but as of August 2025, licensing for businesses to actually sell recreational, adult-use cannabis has been slow going, with business owners just now starting to receive licenses.

“We’re at a weird area right now, a gray area in the state where it’s legal, you can have it, smoke it, grow it, possess it. We just don’t have any licensing to sell it for about two and a half years now.” said Sam Ovind, store manager at Superior Cannabis Company in Duluth.

Despite the name, you won’t find actual cannabis in the shop. A sign on the door forewarns you. Instead, the shop sells edibles, drinks, and tinctures. With all of the delays the industry has faced, the company decided to sit out the first round of license applications, but still plans to pursue one.

“We’re just kind of waiting it out to see where everything lies, what’s going to happen, and going from there.”

Two dispensaries WDIO reached out to in the region both said they were licensed – but one had no product to sell yet, and the other said they were still facing delays from the state – though both hope to be selling soon.

The delays are only impacting off-reservation businesses, as Tribal Nations throughout Minnesota have already started selling recreational use cannabis. The Fond Du Lac Band’s tribal-owned shop opened in May.

Ovind, who lived in Oregon when that state legalized recreational use back in 2015, said that state’s process was much smoother – without the hassle that Minnesota’s industry is facing.

“We have something like 22 or 23 states that have gone rec in the country in the last decade or so that we could model after, and I think maybe two of them have been worse than Minnesota. So we’re not really doing that great.”

Recently, however, Ovind says there has been more clarity from the state, but there’s still been headaches for the first round of licensees.

“They’ve fixed that problem in the last few months of letting people know what you can grow, where the zoning is, all the little details that a business owner needs to prepare to do business. So it’s good that we’re finally there after two and a half years, but [it’s] a little slow.

Aug. 26—A new cannabis organization has launched in New Mexico, pledging to champion business concerns in Santa Fe and to lead the development of educational initiatives.

The organization, called the Cannabis Association of New Mexico, officially launched on Tuesday. The organization comes more than three years since the state legalized adult-use cannabis sales, a development that spurred a crop of new businesses across the state and has brought in more than $1.3 billion in sales.

A group of highly familiar cannabis industry officials is joining the board, including Barry Dungan, president of the cannabis testing laboratory Rio Grande Analytics, and Matt Kennicott, a cannabis grower based in Socorro.

Other board members include executives and owners from companies such as Lava Leaf Organics — the first company awarded a cultivation license by the state’s Cannabis Control Division — First Crop, Higher Cultures and Pharmers Quality.

“We saw a need for stronger advocacy, so we stepped up to fill a gap that continues to grow,” said Kennicott, who is serving as the Cannabis Association of New Mexico’s executive director.

The organization says it will focus on cannabis excise tax reform — such as freezing and reducing rates — identifying gaps in testing, pushing for pre-license inspections, water rules and working with the state on rules and training for the new cannabis law enforcement bureau. It will also focus on educational programs and networking events.

Kennicott said the organization also sees saturation as an issue, “especially with regards to retail and high plant counts on the cultivation side.”

“The market is making some corrections, especially recently, when we’ve seen close to 200 licenses not being renewed or the business closing its doors,” Kennicott said. “This is an area where the policy committee and board will be having conversations to look for a solution.”

At least one other such group exists in the state — the New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, which has, in years past, thrown its weight behind certain legislative priorities related to the industry. But the chamber’s executive director, Ben Lewinger, stepped down earlier this year, and its website and social media channels have not been as active as in the past.

The Cannabis Association of New Mexico hopes to fill that gap.

Amanda Metzler, a policy specialist with Higher Cultures and a board member of the new organization, called industry advocacy “the bedrock of a strong, enduring market.”

“When we unite to champion causes that matter to our businesses, we create a ripple effect that uplifts the entire state, not just a select few,” Metzler said.