Recognition of marijuana’s medical use has come out of shadows and whispers in recent years. And this past May, a proposition by U.S. Justice Department signaled a policy shift by the federal government regarding the drug: Under a new rule, marijuana would be reclassified from a “Schedule I” drug to a “Schedule III” drug, associating it with ketamine and some anabolic steroids rather than heroin and LSD but stopping short of legalizing it.
Bruce Barcott and Beau Whitney reported in Vangst’s Jobs Report 2024 that all state-regulated medical and adult-use cannabis sales increased nationwide to $28.8 billion in 2023, a 10.3% rise over 2022’s sales.
Insider Monthly recently presented an article on the 20 cities with the highest weed consumption in the U.S. Author Sultan Khalid ranks Phoenix at No. 5, citing its total weed consumption as 11.4 metric tons per year and writing, “According to the Arizona Department of Revenue, the state’s retailers sold nearly $1.5 billion worth of recreational and medical cannabis in 2023, a record since adult-use sales began in January 2021. Meanwhile, the recreational cannabis market contributed $172.8 million in excise tax revenue for the Grand Canyon State, with the lion’s share going to community college and provisional community college districts.”
Into this landscape, Phoenix-based Giving Tree Dispensary, Arizona’s long-standing female-owned and -operated vertically integrated cannabis company, recently launched a limited-edition lockable stash box to keep kids, pets and other community members safe from accidental cannabis consumption.
Crafted of bamboo and measuring 10.3125 inches wide by 7.50 inches deep by 5.125 inches high, the GT Stash Box includes a rolling tray, brush, three frosted glass containers and a combination lock to keep pets and kids out.
The rates of young kids, particularly toddlers, who accidentally consume infused products have risen sharply in recent years. Accidental cannabis consumption for pets has followed a similar trend.
Photo courtesy of Giving Tree Dispensary
