A marijuana dispensary is where cannabis can be purchased for medical purposes. Marijuana is a plant that has long been regarded as a substance with a wide range of medicinal uses. The use of the plant has been legal in several countries since the 1980s, and it has been found that it has positive effects on the human brain. These benefits include increased focus, reduced appetite, and pain relief. However, many of the effects of cannabis can last for a long time, and there are concerns about how much harm it can cause to those who use it.
Reduces opioid deaths and prescribing
A growing corpus of evidence indicates that marijuana use may lessen opioid overdoses and prescriptions. While it is clear that marijuana is not a substitute for opioids, it may offer alternative pain relief.
A recent study found that states with medical marijuana laws (MMLs) have reduced opioid prescription rates. Researchers examined data for 812 US counties in 23 states with legal dispensaries. They also studied the association between MMLs and opioid overdose mortality, prescribing, and nonmedical use. The results suggest that the implementation of MMLs is associated with a 7% reduction in opioid prescriptions.
Although a previous study found a statistically significant association between the implementation of medical marijuana laws and lower opioid overdose mortality, this latest study is different because it looks at the effect on opioid overdose and prescription rates.
Long-lasting effects on the brain
A lot has been written about the short-term effects of marijuana on the brain, but few studies have examined its long-term effects on the human brain. Interest in marijuana’s long-term impact on the brain has increased due to the legalization of cannabis in several nations.
However, the effects of chronic marijuana use have remained controversial. Some studies have indicated that high usage can affect cognitive functioning, while others have not. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to address these questions.
One study aimed to identify the changes in the brain associated with chronic marijuana use. It involved 48 adult marijuana users and 62 non-users. They used structural MRI to measure gray matter volume and diffusion tensor imaging to measure white matter integrity.
Protections against biological and chemical hazards in a marijuana dispensary
A marijuana dispensary is a workplace that must be equipped with adequate protection against biological and chemical hazards. The industry is complex and ever-changing, and the procedures for maintaining a safe environment will also evolve. These risks must be carefully evaluated, and the necessary precautions must be put in place to ensure that the health and safety of the employees are protected.
Biological hazards include allergens, fungi, mold, and bacteria. These may affect workers’ health, including respiratory problems, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and dermatitis. Some of these can be severe and cause allergic reactions.
Chemical hazards include insecticides, fungicides, and pesticides. Anyone who works with cannabis plants can become exposed to these. They are commonly used in marijuana cultivation, as well as in insect control.
Increases in impaired driving and car crashes
Growing numbers of jurisdictions have legalized marijuana in recent years, and in some of those areas, impaired driving and auto accidents have increased. The number of fatal car accidents involving cannabis and alcohol has increased in the United States from 2000 to 2018. These statistics show that driving under the influence of marijuana and alcohol is an issue that needs to be addressed, both by drivers and law enforcement agencies.
An accident was more likely to occur for drivers under the influence of marijuana than drivers under the influence of alcohol, recent research from the University of Victoria and the Boston Medical Center suggests. Marijuana-impaired drivers had a higher risk of suffering injuries in collisions.
Tax breaks for users of marijuana for medicinal purposes
You may have heard of tax benefits if you live in one of the 27 states that have legalized marijuana for medical use. However, the IRS has stated that it does not have the authority to authorize such deductions.
The IRS has rejected many such claims and slapped millions of dollars in back taxes on some of the biggest dispensary owners in the country. As such, many cannabis entrepreneurs have had to rely on cash payments to meet their tax obligations.
Aside from federal taxes, marijuana-related businesses often have to pay state taxes. Depending on your location, these fees can vary. Generally, the tax is produced by the grower or processor.