Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Small but Mighty: Illinois Craft Cannabis Growers Get Extension to Compete

In Illinois, craft cannabis growers have received an extension to establish their operations. The extension, which was granted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, will allow small growers to have more time to establish their businesses and compete with larger companies.

The extension was granted due to concerns that smaller growers were struggling to get their operations up and running due to the high cost of licensing and other regulatory requirements. These requirements, which are intended to ensure that cannabis is grown and distributed safely and legally, can be prohibitively expensive for smaller growers.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has recognized the importance of allowing smaller growers to establish their businesses in order to ensure that the state's cannabis industry remains competitive and diverse. The extension will give small growers an additional year to meet the regulatory requirements and establish their operations.

This is great news for small growers who have been struggling to get their businesses off the ground. The extension will give them more time to secure funding, find suitable locations for their operations, and obtain the necessary permits and licenses.

It will also give them a better chance to compete with larger companies that have more resources and are better equipped to meet the regulatory requirements. By providing small growers with an extension, the state of Illinois is sending a clear message that it values diversity and competition in the cannabis industry.

The extension will also benefit consumers by providing them with a wider range of options when it comes to purchasing cannabis. Smaller growers often produce unique strains and products that are not available from larger companies. This means that consumers will have access to a greater variety of cannabis products, which is important for those who use cannabis for medical or therapeutic purposes.

In addition to benefiting small growers and consumers, the extension will also have positive economic effects. The cannabis industry is a growing sector of the Illinois economy, and allowing small growers to establish their businesses will create jobs and generate revenue.

The extension is just one of several measures that the state of Illinois has taken to promote the growth of the cannabis industry. In 2019, the state legalized the recreational use of cannabis, which has led to a boom in the industry. The state has also established a social equity program to ensure that individuals and communities that have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs have a fair chance to participate in the industry.

The extension for small growers is an important step in ensuring that the cannabis industry in Illinois remains competitive and diverse. It is a recognition of the value of small businesses and the important role they play in the economy. By providing small growers with more time to establish their operations, the state is creating a more level playing field and promoting competition in the industry. This is good news for everyone involved, from small growers to consumers to the overall economy of the state of Illinois.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Infused Edibles Time Is Now

 November 2020 will be among the most worried months, in a few of the very angst-ridden decades, lately. Meanwhile, health experts are already warning regarding a potential COVID-19 spike. Although Thanksgiving is known for big gatherings of friends and family, this year's celebration is going to be scaled down and socially distanced.

For this stress-filled month this season, it is only appropriate that we celebrate anything that gives us a small relief.

For the first time, the third Thursday in November--Nov. 19--will likely be called National Cannabis Gummie Day, a red-letter occasion to give special focus and thanks to an increasingly common type of cannabis intake.

A lively and amusing calendar designation? Absolutely. Nonetheless, it's also a recognition of the reason why this kind of ingestion is so popular today, and why economists project gummies' popularity to expand much more given current consumer trends and potential product inventions.

cannabis infused gummies


Why gummies, why now?

Today, cannabis gummies are part of this booming infused edibles area, which is expected to determine legal retail sales exceed an astounding $21.5 billion in the next five decades. The global CBD gummie market size is predicted to place a CAGR of 31.9 percent by 2025. The North American market is the largest one for cannabis edibles overall, and forecasters call it to stay like that later on.

Based on BSDA, cannabis gummies command 84 percent of the cannabis candy market--the largest category by far within the cannabis edibles area, including baked goods, drinks, chocolate snacks, and even lozenges. More consumers select gummies as their favorite means to consume cannabis in light of different health problems each year. The consumption of cannabis gummies today has gotten particularly strong, given how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much of daily life, including cannabis usage.

Reasons for gummies' popularity

The growing popularity of cannabis gummies is simple to comprehend when you look at just a few of the key reasons consumers use them.

They are small in size; big in results. Cannabis gummies fit in your hand or pocket as easily as they do in purses or backpacks, making them suitable to carry almost anyplace and discreet to eat. And because producers make cannabis gummies in such precise dosages, they can deliver more consistent results and make it easier for consumers who might not be experienced in smoking cannabis.

They don't damage the lungs. Unlike smoking and vaping, consuming cannabis gummies does not present a health threat to the lungs since they use the digestive system. This is a particularly important aspect of their usage in the wake of last year's fatal vaping pandemic and today's recent COVID-19 respiratory issues.

Versatile products with flexible effects If customers want powerful, long-lasting consequences, there's a traditional cannabis gummie for that. If they're trying to find a more fast-acting gummie using a fast start and cancel akin to inhalation procedures, there's a gummie for that, too. And there are a multitude of new ratio gummies for consumers looking to fine-tune the ways they may address specific health problems in their own lives as they turn to CBD for pain relief, help with sleep, or attempts to reduce anxiety. And all of this comes at a time when the prevalence of cannabis gummies is forcing new flavors and ingredients to advertise, presenting an ever-widening array of healthful consumption options, many include organic, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients.

Although no one really foresees a day after a holiday for fruit-flavored cannabis gummies will equal the recognition of a single that includes a finely roasted chicken and all of the portions, there is still reason to think the importance of the new National Cannabis Gummie Day may grow as more Americans turn into those edibles for a plethora of factors.

There is very little reason to consider the current upward consumer trends on cannabis gummies will change, particularly as U.S. legalization of adult-use and medical cannabis will necessarily expand to more markets and states. That industry growth could bring revolutionary modifications to cannabis gummies soon. Many of these changes may come from production improvements gained by new technical and scientific applications. As an instance:

Already, a number of these compounds show potential for benefits ranging from addressing bacterial infections (CBN, cannabinol); pneumonia and cancers (CBG, cannabigerol); neurological and circulatory diseases (CBD, cannabichromene); nausea and seizures (CBD-V, cannabidivarin); and Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, PTSD and anxiety (THC-V, tetrahydrocannabivarin). As we know more about these cannabinoids, expect to see these utilized by many consumption forms, such as edible gummies.

Before the current pandemic and its own health concerns, these health supplements have been gaining in popularity, and their usage at cannabis gummies of any kind probably will progress along with study -- and the length of the continuing global health catastrophe introduced by COVID-19.

Flavor varieties will undoubtedly grow as cannabis makers explore new technology and cooking methodologies. Right now, most cannabis gummies are marked by bold fruit flavors, which are fantastic for masking a lot of the unpleasant flavor that may come from the cannabis plant. New generation advances, however, could change that and bring entirely new flavor choices.

Aside from these technological inventions and other R & D being conducted today, tomorrow's cannabis gummies will also be affected by the trends we see in place today.

Consumers are studying more about ratios. This can make a difference for cannabis consumers in the future, in particular those who turn to edibles for example gummies such as help with specific health difficulties or as an element of medical-program protocols.

Researchers are focusing on terpenes and how they can be responsible for the positive health outcomes and effects associated with the entourage effect of cannabis use.

Consumers need a selection of onset options due to the versatility of cannabis gummies. A number of the greatest fans of cannabis gummies use them because of the strong, long-lasting 11-hydroxy-THC effects provided by traditional gummies. Others, however, want to eat cannabis gummies that will provide faster onset and offset times and more similar in effect to what delta-9-THC supplies through smoking or vaping.

COVID-19 has changed many facets of cannabis consumption, and gummies offer you an adaptability into the New Normal that other kinds of consumption do not. Many people are working from home on account of the outbreak, and a fantastic many cannabis consumers today are avoiding the sorts of social gatherings where they may have smoked or vaped before. Regardless, cannabis gummies provide consumers with a fun experience that's discreet because it is reliable.

How we are celebrating

To indicate the first-ever holiday for cannabis gummies, Wana Brands and Three Wells are conducting a lighthearted video contest for consumers. Contestants can submit brief Instagram videos of these appreciating a variety of facets of their lives, thanks to their use of cannabis gummies. It is a good-natured method to celebrate the advantages of using cannabis gummies, but it is also an effective means to raise awareness about it for new users, a section destined to grow as legalization and social acceptance expand.

And since more people discover how cannabis gummies can help them enhance their lives and live healthier and happier, that is really something to give thanks to. And now we've got a holiday to achieve that.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

First Solar and SunPower: Effects of Solar Panel Tariffs



After several years of growth, the solar industry's prospects are dimming. Even as the market for residential storage installations slows down, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) dealt another blow to the industry by determining "injury" to local solar manufacturers from imports of cheap solar panels. The ruling sets the stage for the Commission to recommend that President Trump set "safeguards" in the form of tariffs to protect local solar panel manufacturers.

If the tariffs are set, they are expected to have an overall negative impact on the industry, resulting in a decline in employment and installation, according to trade bodies and researchers. A key point to note in these analyses is that they are for solar panels (for example: SUNJACK 14W PORTABLE SOLAR CHARGER )made using crystalline silicon, which is used for most residential and commercial installations. (See also: Will Solar Tariffs Help or Hurt Industry Leaders?)
The two largest solar companies listed on the stock markets – First Solar, Inc. (FSLR
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First Solar Inc
FSLR
47.23
+0.11%

) and SunPower Corporation (SPWR

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SunPower Corp
SPWR
7.24
-1.36%

) – have had different trajectories since the announcement. While shares for First Solar have risen in value, SunPower's downward slide, which began a month ago, has continued. Here's brief analysis on why this has occurred. (See also: How First Solar and SunPower Differ.)


SunPower

SunPower is the second largest solar company in the United States and manufactures the world's most efficient solar panels. According to congressional testimony by Tom Werner, the company's founder and CEO, SunPower sources most of the raw materials for its solar panels from within the United States, but the California-based company has manufacturing facilities in Philippines and China. This means that it will likely be at the receiving end of solar panel tariffs if and when they are imposed.

However, SunPower could look toward international markets to contain the shortfall from domestic operations. The company is present in 28 markets globally (besides the United States), including India, a country that is poised to become the largest market for solar power soon. During SunPower's earnings call last quarter, CEO Werner stated that global demand for its solar panels remained strong. "SunPower has a long history of proactively adapting to policy shifts around the globe," he said. (See also: SunPower to Supply Community College With New Solar Project.)
First Solar

Responding to a question about tariffs during the most recent earnings call, Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, referenced similar rhetoric during 2012 discussions about dumping of solar panels from China. According to him, tariffs might help correct an oversupply situation in the market. In addition, he said an increase of up to 10% in prices for solar panels would not have an underlying impact on demand for solar.

First Solar is also comfortably placed as far as import restrictions are concerned. It uses thin film solar cells, which are not mentioned in the trade case, for its panels. Consequently, there is a strong likelihood that the market for its panels will not be affected. In fact, according to some estimates, the market for thin film solar cells is expected to exceed 15 GW by 2024. Thus, it is no wonder that First Solar's stock price shot up by 6% on the day that the ITC decision was announced. (See also: Buy First Solar on Better Products: Deutsche Bank.)

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Review: Why the US Automatic Sentry 300 S is the best gate opener in the market?



If you’ve been searching high and low for a top-quality and commercial grade automatic gate opener system (for example: MIGHTY MULE FM200 ) you’ve likely stumbled across the name US Automatic.

Industry leaders in just about every way imaginable (not to mention manufacturing each and every one of their products probably here in the United States of America), there are a number of reasons as to why so many businesses and individuals decide to protect their property with automatic gate opener systems produced by US Automatic.Sentry 300 S Automatic Gate Opener

Their US Automatic Sentry gate opener system is probably their most popular platform, and far and away one of the most complete and reliable systems ever produced – by any company.

Leveraging high quality construction materials, smart engineering, and almost two decades of experience, it’s easy to understand why so many people choose to protect their most important properties with this kind of tech…

… It just flat-out works!

If you’d like to learn a little bit more about these electric gate opener options, hopefully you’ll pay close attention to the inside information we have for you below.

Let’s get right to it!
What separates US automatic from the rest of the competition?

The US Automatic company first started engineering designs for their automatic gate opener and electric gate opener solutions way back in 1994, though they didn’t go into full line production until early 1995.

This means that they’ve been in operation for nearly 20 years, and have been able to establish themselves as one of the most trustworthy and reliable manufacturers on the planet.

A very much forward thinking company, they were one of the first automatic gate opener and electric gate opener manufacturers to consider engineering low-voltage and solar powered gate operating systems, and have worked to pioneer a number of other groundbreaking technological advances as well.

Each and every one of their control boards leverage high powered microprocessors that offer unparalleled “juice” right out of the box, but also allow for robust modification and the expansion of new feature sets with little headache or hassle whatsoever.

On top of that, all of their products are manufactured right here in the United States of America, and they live and die by their reputation.

This is the kind of company that people feel perfectly comfortable moving forward with, the kind of company that enjoys almost unparalleled respect and admiration in their industry – even from their competition!
What’s so special about the US Automatic Sentry 300 S commercial grade automatic gate opener?

There’s a lot to like about the US automatic gate opener system (“Patriot gate opener”), and we’re going to try and break down a number of those advantages and big benefits below.

The first would have to be the fact that the entire platform is constructed to be as close to “set it and forget it” as humanly possible. The control board of this automatic gate opener is already assembled and ready to be “plugged into” nearly any automatic gate opening system with very little modification whatsoever, shortening installation time and eliminating a lot of headache and hassle in the process.

On top of that, the entire system takes advantage of solar power regeneration and battery charging, which means that it can operate on renewable energy sources only – though it’s recommended that a 12v DC battery is plugged into the system as a backup or for nighttime operation.

And that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the truly amazing high quality construction components and materials that are used throughout this system. Zero corners are cut anywhere across the board, but instead high quality construction materials and properly executed engineering procedures are followed to the letter – resulting in a solution that is heading shoulders above all others.
And what’s inside the box?

Well, there are a number of different US Automatic gate openers that you could end up purchasing that would dictate exactly what you find in the box when you purchase one of these units, but the overwhelming majority of these electric gate opener solutions will include:

The actual Sentry 300 S control board ready to be mounted
All of the necessary mounting hardware to get your system installed
A commercial grade swing gate opener with universal adapter
A 100% watertight junction box and wire nuts
50 feet of cable
And a dedicated instructional manual to clearly outline exactly how to get your Sentry 300 S system up and running just as quickly as humanly possible

Now you see why there are so many glowing the positive Sentry 300 S gate opener reviews out there, and why so many people choose to go forward with this solution in this solution only – pretty much ignoring any other options on the market today.
US Automatic Sentry 300 S Features

As mentioned above, there are a number of different Sentry 300 systems available directly from US Automatic, which is why you’re going to want to make sure (by reading gate opener overview) that you’re investing in the kind of system that you need for your specific setup and installation.

Sentry 300DUSAutomatic Sentry 300D Commercial Grade Automatic Gate Opener for Dual Solar Swing Gates

One of the more common US Automatic Sentry 300 systems would be the 300 D, a system that is specifically designed and engineered for dual solar swing gates. This entire unit is even more robust than the traditional 300 S, and comes with all of the necessary hardware and technology required to get two solar swing gates up and running.

Sentry 300 mediumUSAutomatic 020340 Medium 300 Solar Charged Automatic Gate Opener Single Gate Deluxe Kit

Then you have the 300 Medium Solar Charged Automatic Gate Opener, a variant of the Sentry 300 platform designed specifically to help people install a control module on gates that are anywhere between 14 feet and 20 feet in length. The hardware necessary for controlling gates of these dimensions are rather unique, but the people at US Automatic guarantee that your new electric gate opener is going to work right out of the box with little headache or hassle whatsoever.

Sentry 300 SUSAutomatic Sentry 300 S Commercial Grade Automatic Gate Opener

Of course, if you’re looking for a more “standardized” installation, you can’t go wrong with the Sentry 300 S.

Probably their “flagship” unit, this automatic electric gate opener can comfortably accommodate gates of up to 20 feet in length, includes a 10 year limited warranty, and comes with two remote control transmitters right out of the box – as well as all of the other “essentials” we illustrated above.
US Automatic Sentry 300 S Dimensions

Speaking of the Sentry 300 S, you’ll be happy to know that it’s dimensions make for a pretty compact and easy to install system. After all, the entire unit measures in at 28.9” x 24” x 8.5”, and weighs only a fraction under 33 pounds.

This makes it possible to install in a wide variety of applications without ever “getting in the way”, giving you the ultimate in flexibility when it is time to decide exactly where the control module will be permanently placed

Thursday, March 30, 2017

5 small business scams to look for in 2017



At the start of the new year, it's a good time to brush up and train employees on the most prevalent scams targeting small businesses and how to avoid them. Here's a quick look at five small business scams to watch out for in 2017 and beyond, according to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

1. Directory scams


Owners of small businesses and non-profits often get inundated with phone calls and messages from people who want to list their companies in online directories. In return for a fee, these directory services promise to deliver greater visibility and ultimately more customers for your growing business.

That may sound great. But it's important to know many of these offers are scams. In one recent example, the FTC went after a Slovakian company called Fair Guide for deceptive practices after it fooled US businesses into paying millions of dollars to be listed in an online directory.

Small but Mighty: Illinois Craft Cannabis Growers Get Extension to Compete

In Illinois, craft cannabis growers have received an extension to establish their operations. The extension, which was granted by the Illino...