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Cannabis events on 4/20 working to break the stigma

Posted at 10:40 PM, Apr 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-21 01:40:45-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A long list of 4/20 eventscelebrated cannabis and education across San Diego Saturday.

One of those events was Bayked by the Bay, held at the Embarcadero Marina Park. Surprisingly, it was a smoke free event. "Definitely a non smoking event, no THC products on the facility whatsoever," Founder of Urbn Leaf Will Senn said. He started the event last year in the same location. He said the vendors were able to sell CBD, focused on educating the public, and breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis.

"It's your grandmother, it's your aunt... as the consumer in the dispensaries that we operate," Senn said.

Harvard Health Blog posted an articleregarding the benefits of CBD, saying "Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. More study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control... Some CBD manufacturers have come under government scrutiny for wild, indefensible claims, such that CBD is a cure-all for cancer, which it is not. We need more research but CBD may be prove to be an option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently is mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking."

While the science is still developing, the proliferation in cannabis products and consumption is easy to see around San Diego, up on the billboards, and at the several parties held on 4/20.

"Our fastest growing demographic is 50 years old," Cassidy Bartolomei, Head of Marketing for March and Ashsaid, aligning with studies showing baby boomers are the largest growing population utilizing cannabis products.

At Bayked by the Bay, vendors preached CBD pulled patients away from opioids, and other pain medication.

"I can attest my mom is 10 years remission from cancer," Lorna Ramos said, referring to her 70-year-old mother who survived breast cancer.

Outside the festival officers patrolled the area, hopeful no one tried to get behind the wheel of a car or scooter, saying accidents increase after these events. They warned drivers could be cited with a DUI for driving while high. Caltrans also lit up their signs reading "Drive high, get a DUI."

Here's a list of rules smokers should know.