The novel coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China in December last year. Officially called COVID-19, the virus since then has become a global pandemic. In an effort to control the spread in Canada, it was announced recently that non-essential businesses will shut down in Ontario and Quebec. Pot shops, deemed essential, will remain open.

Cannabis, as it turns out, is an increasingly popular choice of those prepping for isolation.

As the coronavirus outbreak wreaks havoc on global stock markets, one company says the unfolding crisis is bound to hit the cannabis industry.

California online vape retailer ProVape said Wednesday the coronavirus is creating issues for industry around the world as Chinese vape manufacturers are being shut down due to their government’s quarantine of millions of people.

The factory shutdowns mean shipments from China of vape hardware such as coils and batteries have dwindled to a “frightening number,” ProVape said.

Pot stocks are highly subject to market fluctuations caused by world events. Because of this, anytime a big news story breaks, it could have either a positive or negative effect on which marijuana stocks to buy. Currently, the outbreak of the Coronavirus in several new countries has resulted in world markets tumbling by significant amounts.

Since its arrival in December, the coronavirus has infected more than 42,000 people and claimed more than 1,000 lives. Many travel plans and routes have been disrupted as well, with some cruise ships facing strict quarantines to diminish the coronavirus from spreading. To further prevent the disease outbreak, at least 24 Chinese provinces have shut down businesses and factories.

This move, while critical to world health, has had a substantial impact on global trade. That includes the cannabis industry, where marijuana vaporizer companies often rely on Chinese manufacturers to produce hardware. You might be surprised to learn that almost every component of vaporizers come from Chinese factories, with cannabis oil serving as the only American-made good in many vaping products.

Canada’s cannabis industry predicts edibles will revitalize the market and shake up dropping stocks. But these issues are a far cry from the very first edibles.

Pot edibles have been a part of human history for thousands of years, tied to religious texts and potentially even being used as a way to attract assassins. Here’s a rundown of how it evolved.

Bhang (1,000 BCE)

While history can be hazy, it appears the first form of edibles were in liquid form. Nicknamed ‘Bhang,’ the cannabis-infused drink may have appeared as early as 1000 BCE in India. The drink is popularly served around Holi, a Hindu festival celebrating the start of spring.

The Chinese government has issued a warning to its citizens living in Canada after the country moved into the second phase of cannabis legalization last Thursday. A statement released by the Chinese consulate in Calgary stopped short of barring Chinese citizens from buying or consuming the drug, but did counsel them to “fully understand the harmfulness of cannabis products.”

Of all the stories gaining press in 2019, perhaps none will prove more important or impact more American lives and pocketbooks than the ongoing trade war between the United States and China.

Canada's legalization of cannabis this year wasn’t met with red envelope-like celebration by Chinese government officials. The Chinese government has long blamed the maple-blanketed country for its handling of tons of illegal cannabis imports. Those officials have a right to be somewhat perturbed, as roughly 20% of Canada’s total marijuana production ($1.2 billion worth) was sold illegally beyond the country's borders last year, a good portion believed to be China-bound.

Some Alberta cannabis cultivators will be fuelling winter Olympic bobsleds instead of bongs.

Industrial hemp fibre, processed in Calgary from cannabis plants grown in southern Alberta, will help pave the way for safe, stable bobsled and luge runs at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

Last week, the first 163-kilogram shipment of Canadian Greenfield Technologies’ NForce-Fiber left its southeast Calgary plant for China to reinforce concrete used in the construction of the Xiaohaituo track near Beijing.

The company’s one-of-a-kind product has already been used to shore up concrete in numerous swimming pools and skateboard parks throughout North America.

But the Beijing contract is a marquee one, said general manager Stephen Christensen.

As the cannabis culture has taken a turn for the best and 4/20 isn’t just a day to celebrate getting high anymore, April is now officially Cannabis Awareness Month. Mind blown! What does this even mean? It means that all tokes of life can shed light on the many positive aspects of our dear friend, Mary Jane. Why should we love weed? Why shouldn’t we! Let’s take a HIGH-level look through heavy bloodshot eyes as to why dope is the dopest.

Fun Reefer Facts