Category: Cannabis Info

image from courtesy video

Key points:

• Musician Alec Bertrand files $10 million civil rights claim.
• Bertrand was injured during a cannabis farm immigration raid.
• Witnesses say federal agents used excessive force on peaceful protesters.

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. — A Camarillo musician whose hand was shattered during a military-style immigration raid on a cannabis farm has filed a $10 million federal civil rights claim against the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The claim, filed Aug. 26 by civil rights attorney V. James DeSimone, accuses federal agents of targeting peaceful protesters with “less lethal” munitions during a chaotic July 10 raid on the Glass House cannabis greenhouse in Camarillo. Alec Bertrand, a guitarist and recording engineer, was struck multiple times in the span of 15 seconds, leaving him with permanent injuries and unable to pursue his work in music.

The raid involved ICE, DEA, DHS, and National Guard troops who descended on the cannabis greenhouse in search of undocumented farmworkers. Protesters gathered nearby to voice their opposition, decrying the racial profiling of Latino workers and demanding that farmworkers’ rights be respected. Witnesses say the protest was nonviolent, with demonstrators holding signs and chanting from the roadside.

One man died during the raid. Several others were arrested or injured. Bertrand, who had only been at the protest for about 30 minutes, was hit at least six times by projectiles fired by federal agents. He was struck in the testicle, shoulder, leg, and hand. The impact to his hand shattered the bones in his finger, causing profuse bleeding. He drove himself to the hospital, where doctors determined his finger would require surgery. Four days later, surgeons inserted a screw into the finger, but Bertrand continues to experience pain, limited mobility, and fears permanent damage.

“These masked federal agents unnecessarily shot Mr. Bertrand multiple times with less-lethal ammunition, causing serious injury while he was peacefully protesting,” DeSimone said in a statement. “Their conduct demonstrated callous disregard and willful violation of the U.S. Constitution, including the First Amendment and the Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Under the Federal Tort Claim Act, the United States of America can be held liable under California Law Civil Code 52.1, the Bane Civil Rights Act”.

The tort claim is the first procedural step in pursuing a lawsuit against the federal government. Bertrand’s legal team is seeking $10 million in damages for assault, battery, violation of the Bane Act, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The filing states that Bertrand has suffered both physical and psychological injuries, along with economic losses including medical bills and lost wages.

The documents filed with DHS and ICE describe how Bertrand never came closer than 10 feet to the line of federal officers blocking Laguna Road. The crowd numbered about 40 people and was described as nonviolent. According to the claim, officers in militarized gear began firing tear gas and “less lethal” rounds into the group without giving any warning to disperse. Within seconds, Bertrand was targeted and struck multiple times, culminating in the projectile that destroyed his finger.

The claim asserts that the officers’ use of force was not only unnecessary but unconstitutional. Bertrand’s attorneys argue the attack violated his First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly and his Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. California law also provides protection under the Bane Act, which prohibits interference with civil rights through threats or violence.

“This was not law enforcement, it was an assault on the constitutional rights of peaceful citizens,” DeSimone said. “If the federal government can get away with this, no protester in America is safe”.

DeSimone is no stranger to suing the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act. In Xue Lu v. Powell, he represented asylum applicants who accused a federal asylum officer of soliciting bribes and sexually abusing them. The Ninth Circuit held that the United States could be held liable under the FTCA because the officer’s misconduct occurred within the scope of his federal employment. That precedent allowed victims to recover damages under California civil rights law, including the Bane Act.

By invoking Xue Lu v. Powell, Bertrand’s claim ties his injuries to an established legal path for holding the federal government accountable. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling made clear that even criminal or abusive acts by federal officials can expose the United States to liability if they are sufficiently connected to the officials’ employment duties.

The claim alleges that agents violated multiple sections of California law, including provisions prohibiting assault, battery, and the reckless use of weapons. It also points to the California Penal Code, which outlines limits on police use of force, arguing that the federal officers’ actions failed every standard of necessity and proportionality.

The filing emphasizes the impact on Bertrand’s life as a working musician and engineer. His left hand remains impaired despite surgery, and he fears he will never regain the dexterity required to play guitar or record music at a professional level. In addition to lost income, Bertrand continues to deal with emotional trauma from the incident. The experience, his attorneys say, has left him fearful of future protests and distrustful of law enforcement.

Witnesses at the scene confirmed that the demonstration was peaceful. According to declarations included in the filing, no one in the crowd threw objects or made physical contact with officers. Instead, they stood with signs and chanted against the raid. The protesters’ demands focused on ending racial profiling and ensuring due process for farmworkers.

Federal agents, however, escalated the situation. The claim describes officers forming a line across Laguna Road, armed with heavy weapons and wearing identifying patches for ICE and CBP. After approximately 20 minutes, the officers began launching tear gas grenades and firing projectiles into the crowd without issuing any dispersal order. Bertrand was one of the first to be hit, with successive shots striking his body until the final round smashed into his hand.

Medical records included in the claim show that Bertrand required emergency treatment and later surgery. A hand specialist inserted a screw into his finger on July 14. As of late August, Bertrand’s mobility remained limited, and his doctors cautioned that he may never fully regain use of his hand. His attorneys say he faces long-term therapy and continued pain.

The Federal Tort Claims Act allows private citizens to seek damages from the U.S. government for injuries caused by federal employees acting within the scope of their employment. In California, those claims may also invoke state civil rights protections, including the Bane Act, which provides enhanced remedies for violations committed through threats, intimidation, or violence. DeSimone’s filing argues that the federal officers’ conduct meets the elements for all of these violations.

The case reflects broader concerns about federal immigration enforcement tactics in California. Advocates have criticized the militarization of raids and the use of armed agents against civilian demonstrators. Bertrand’s case, his attorneys argue, highlights the dangers of treating peaceful protest as a threat to national security rather than an exercise of constitutional rights.

The legal process now shifts to the federal government, which must respond to the tort claim. If the claim is denied, Bertrand and his attorneys can file a lawsuit in federal court seeking damages. The claim makes clear that they intend to pursue both state and federal causes of action if litigation proceeds.

Bertrand’s attorneys say his case is about more than one injured protester. They argue it raises fundamental questions about the limits of federal power, the militarization of law enforcement, and the ability of ordinary citizens to protest government actions without fear of violence.

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Categories:

Breaking News Everyday Injustice

Tags:

Alec Bertrand Bane Act Camarillo raid Civil Rights DEA Department of Homeland Security DHS Federal Tort Claims Act Glass House cannabis greenhouse ICE National Guard U.S. Customs and Border Protection V. James DeSimone

2025’s largest-ever cannabis use study reveals self-medication and childhood trauma intensify paranoia and mental health risks

A new 2025 study, led by researchers at King’s College London and the University of Bath, is the largest of its kind to examine how self-medication with cannabis affects mental health in the general population. The team’s findings, which reveal that cannabis use to self-medicate is linked to a higher risk of paranoia, anxiety, and other poor mental health outcomes, are of significant importance. This underscores the need for public awareness and informed guidance on cannabis use, providing a new level of understanding for healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and the informed public.

The findings are detailed in BMJ Mental Health.

The motivation behind cannabis use strongly influences long-term health

Cannabis use is increasing worldwide, and cannabis-induced psychosis is rising in tandem, especially in North America. The research team examined two research papers, both using data from Cannabis & Me, and identified key risk factors associated with more severe forms of paranoia in cannabis users.

Over 3,300 former and current cannabis users aged 18 and over responded to a survey examining their reasons for first and continued use, their weekly consumption of cannabis in THC units, and their mental health. 

Researchers discovered a key finding: Respondents who first started using cannabis to self-medicate an illness, including physical pain, anxiety, depression, or because they were experiencing minor psychotic symptoms, all demonstrated higher paranoia scores, which are a measure of the level of paranoia experienced by an individual. Contrastingly, respondents who tried cannabis for fun or curiosity, or with their friends, reported the lowest average paranoia and anxiety.

Dr Edoardo Spinazzola, a Research Assistant at King’s IoPPN and the study’s first author, said, “Our study provides vital evidence on how the reason someone first starts using cannabis can dramatically impact their long-term health.  

“This research suggests that using cannabis as a means to self-medicate physical or mental discomfort can have a negative impact on the levels of paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Most of these subgroups had average scores of depression and anxiety, which were above the threshold for referral to counselling.” 

The impact of THC on paranoia

The respondents were asked to provide data on the frequency and strength of the cannabis they were using so that researchers could track their average weekly consumption of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of cannabis. 

The researchers found that the average respondent consumed 206 units of THC a week. Cannabis users who used the drug to help with their anxiety, depression, or in cases where they started due to others in their houses already using cannabis, reported on average 248, 254.7, and 286.9 average weekly THC units, respectively. 

Professor Tom Freeman, Director of the Addiction and Mental Health Group at the University of Bath and one of the study’s authors, said, “A key finding of our research is that people who first used cannabis to manage anxiety or depression, or because a family member was using it, showed higher levels of cannabis use overall.  

“In the future, standard THC units could be used similarly to alcohol units – for example, to help people to track their cannabis consumption and better manage its effects on their health.” 

The link between childhood trauma and cannabis use

Another study, published in Psychological Medicine, explored the relationship between childhood trauma, paranoia, and cannabis use. The researchers used the same data set from the Cannabis & Me survey and found that 52% of respondents reported a form of trauma.

The analysis revealed that respondents who experienced childhood trauma reported higher average levels of paranoia compared to those who hadn’t, with physical and emotional abuse emerging as the strongest predictors.

The researchers also investigated the link between childhood trauma and weekly THC consumption. They found that respondents who experienced sexual abuse had a higher weekly intake of THC, closely followed by respondents reporting emotional and physical abuse.

The researchers confirmed that the strong association between childhood trauma and paranoia is further exacerbated by cannabis use, but is affected by the different types of trauma experienced. Respondents who said they had experienced emotional abuse or household discord were strongly associated with increased THC consumption and paranoia scores. Respondents reporting bullying, physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect, on the other hand, did not show the same effects.  

Dr Giulia Trotta, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Researcher at King’s IoPPN and the study’s first author, said, “This comprehensive study is the first to explore the interplay between childhood trauma, paranoia, and cannabis use among cannabis users from the general population. 

“We have not only established a clear association between trauma and future paranoia, but also that cannabis use can further exacerbate the effects of this, depending on what form the trauma takes.  

“Our findings will have clear implications for clinical practice as they highlight the importance of early screening for trauma exposure in individuals presenting with paranoia.” 

Professor Marta Di Forti, Professor of Drug use, Genetics and Psychosis at King’s IoPPN, Clinical Lead at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust’s Cannabis Clinic for Patients with Psychosis, and the senior author on both studies, said, “There is extensive national and international debate about the legality and safety of cannabis use.  

“My experience in the clinic tells me that there are groups of people who start to use cannabis as a means of coping with physical and emotional pain. My research has confirmed that this is not without significant further risk to their health and wellbeing, and policy makers across the world should be mindful of the impact that legalisation, without adequate public education and health support, could have on both the individual, as well as on healthcare systems more broadly.” 

New York City’s cannabis retailers are facing a new
regulatory challenge that blends zoning complexity with legal
compliance. A recent correction by the Office of Cannabis
Management (OCM) has redefined how dispensaries must measure their
distance from schools under Cannabis Law § 72(6), placing
dozens of city businesses at risk of noncompliance.

OCM’s updated guidance clarifies that dispensaries must be
located at least 500 feet from the property line of school grounds,
not from the school’s entrance as previously interpreted. This
change aligns with Education Law § 409(2), which defines
school grounds to include the full legal boundary of the property.
The measurement must be a straight line from the dispensary’s
entrance to the nearest point on the school’s property line.
According to OCM’s published notice, this correction affects
152 businesses statewide, including 89 licensed dispensaries and 38
applicants in New York City.

In New York City, where due to urban density schools and
storefronts often share blocks, the revised interpretation
dramatically narrows the pool of compliant retail locations. Many
dispensaries had obtained approvals and licenses, secured leases
and invested in buildouts based on the original guidance. Now,
those same locations may fall within the newly defined buffer zone.
Relocating a cannabis business in NYC may not be an option for
retailers, as it means navigating high rents, limited inventory,
and zoning restrictions, all while maintaining community ties and
operational momentum.

To help businesses assess their proximity risk, OCM has
published an interactive map, available at local.cannabis.ny.gov. While not definitive,
the map offers a useful visual reference for dispensaries
evaluating their compliance status.

While acknowledging the significance of the updated guidance,
OCM has stated that it is not directing existing licensees to
close, relocate, or cease operations. Licensees may continue
operating while the agency and Governor Hochul pursue a potential
legislative fix that could allow affected businesses to remain at
their current locations. However, passage of such legislation is
not guaranteed and depends on action by the New York State
Legislature.

For applicants who have not yet received a final license, the
state has launched a $15 million Applicant Relief Program to help
cover costs (up to $250,000 per applicant) associated with
relocation or capital improvements. Existing licensees are not
eligible for this program.

OCM has also reassured licensees with upcoming renewals that
they may continue operating under the State Administrative
Procedure Act (SAPA) § 401(2), provided they submit timely and
sufficient renewal applications. Still, without legislative action,
renewal at a noncompliant location remains uncertain.

Adding to the urgency of the situation, a group of New York City
cannabis retailers recently filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s revised
interpretation of the school proximity rule. The complaint, filed
in New York State Supreme Court, argues that the sudden change in
how distance is measured has jeopardized previously approved and
licensed businesses that relied on the original guidance. The legal
action underscores the high stakes for dispensaries operating in
dense urban areas and may influence how regulators and lawmakers
respond in the coming months.

Ultimately, the impact of OCM’s proximity correction will be
primarily felt in New York City’s cannabis community. As the
Governor and New York’s legislature work toward a legislative
solution, OCM must consider not just statutory compliance but the
practical realities of operating a cannabis business in one of the
most complex urban environments in the country.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.

Thailand’s cannabis industry is bracing for significant regulatory changes as new medical prescription requirements come into force on 26 June 2025, prompting established retailers to reimagine their business models around education and compliance.

WeedeN, one of Thailand’s most prominent cannabis retail chains with 34 locations across Phuket, Samui, Phangan and Bangkok’s Khaosan Road, is leading the sector’s adaptation to stricter government oversight by positioning itself as an educational hub rather than merely a point of sale.

The Ministry of Public Health’s latest regulations maintain cannabis’s status as a controlled herb—legal for personal possession and use by adults aged 20 and over—but introduce a critical requirement: only medical cannabis sales will be permitted, and customers must present valid prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers.

“This change doesn’t mean cannabis is banned, but it does mean consumers must be more informed,” the company states, emphasising the need for both tourists and locals to understand compliance requirements.

Prescription Process and Provider Network

Under the new framework, medical cannabis prescriptions may be issued by licensed Thai doctors, traditional medicine practitioners, and qualified pharmacists.

Patients will need to consult healthcare providers who will assess individual conditions and determine appropriate cannabis-based treatments.

WeedeN’s stores have been redesigned to support this transition, with trained staff now focusing on educating customers—particularly first-time users and foreign visitors—about product content, safe usage guidelines, and legal requirements.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors last week voted to reduce the Carpinteria Valley’s acreage cap by 52 acres, bringing the cap down to 134 acres.

As of February, 120 acres of cannabis are being cultivated in the Carpinteria Valley, Daisy Weber, representative from First District Supervisor Roy Lee’s office, told the Carpinteria City Council on Monday.

Effective April 2026, all cannabis operators must install carbon scrubbers, which clean up most of the cannabis smell before it leaves a greenhouse. Cannabis farmers who miss this deadline may lose their county licenses. Freelance reporter Melinda Burns reported in March that of the 19 farms currently cultivating, seven have carbon scrubbers in their greenhouses.

Enforcing scrubbers is the board’s number one plan to address the cannabis-related odor issue near cultivation sites, Weber said on Monday.

“(County Planning & Development is) doing a better job of using their inspection teams to monitor the growers, to inspect the greenhouses, to make sure their odor abatement plans are in place, and that — if they have the equipment — it is in use,” Weber told the council.

Weber said the county’s goal is to get cannabis odor down by 80% in the Carpinteria Valley by spring of next year. “The scrubbers are going to be important,” Weber said, adding that P&D is currently trying to identify odor hot spots. 

Adding to the debate about the efficacy of cannabis in managing chronic pain is a new study indicating discontinuation rates among patients are quite high.

Medical cannabis (MC) has become increasingly popular as a treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Some patients swear by it, others don’t find it beneficial. Illustrating the divide is a retrospective analysis by researchers from the Rothman Institute Foundation for Opioid Research in the USA.

Their analysis involved 78 patients over a 2 year period, with discontinuation rates measured at three-month and one-year follow-ups. The overall discontinuation rate of MC use was 57.9% at one year, with 44.7% of patients discontinuing within the first three months.

But why?

While older age  was significantly associated with higher discontinuation rates and overall health status at the time of medical cannabis certification did not influence a decision to discontinue or continue treatment, the researchers state:

“The absence of significant differences in pain origin or baseline health scores suggests that factors beyond pain location or general health may contribute to the decision to discontinue MC. ”

It’s important to note the study didn’t capture THC/CBD ratios, specific administration methods of medicines, or cognitive effects.

The researchers state further research is needed to delve into the long-term effects of medical cannabis on pain management, and on patient outcomes.

The study has been published in the journal PLOS One.

But findings from other research differs.

An example is another study published earlier this year that followed chronic musculoskeletal pain patients over a one-year period. It reported most patients used topical formulations, benefited from high levels of perceived efficacy, and experienced  minimal cognitive or motor side effects. Nearly 80% maintained stable usage patterns.

It’s estimated around 29% of Australians were living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions in 2022.

The Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) believes there should be evidence of efficacy and safety from high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) before any potential intervention for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
is adopted into clinical practice. In its position statement, the ARA says:

“Furthermore, advice regarding the role of any intervention should weigh RCT evidence for efficacy against potential harms detected in RCTs and longer- term observational data.”

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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