Ask Doc The cannabis industry is breaking new ground... and making investors a lot of money.
Each month, more and more U.S. states are legalizing cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes. After last year's mid-term elections, Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana. And there are currently 33 states that have legalized medical marijuana.
And while marijuana is still illegal in the U.S. on the federal level, we think that will change soon...
In December, President Donald Trump signed the U.S. Farm Bill into law, which legalized hemp (a plant that's roughly identical to marijuana).
Earlier, in October, Canada officially announced it was legalizing marijuana. Many estimate this will bring billions of dollars of sales to Canadian pot companies in the years to come.
I like the long-term prospects for the cannabis industry.
I know how popular cannabis is. I know it's making a lot of people a lot of money right now... And I know some of you have been vocal about the fact that I haven't covered it.
So today, while you shouldn't fall for the hype in certain cannabis investments... that doesn't mean you should avoid the industry entirely.
And if you've wondered how to tell a "pot stock" from a real cannabis business, you must read the latest from health care analyst Thomas Carroll.
Thomas is one of the most respected and longest-serving health care analysts on Wall Street.
His resume is impressive – two decades at Stifel/Legg Mason in Baltimore... awards from StarMine, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and a No. 1 ranking at Fortune... and now, editor of my publisher's upcoming research advisory, Cannabis Capitalist.
To learn more about the opportunity in cannabis, we're hosting the first-ever Cannabis Investing Event on March 27 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Thomas plans to detail the incredible shakeup in the world of cannabis investing... And how you can keep from missing your chance to invest in cannabis before the biggest gains are gone.
Plus, just for signing up, you'll get a FREE copy of The Marijuana Industry Insider's Playbook.
Attendance is free, but you need to reserve your spot.
Are you planning to invest in the cannabis industry? Are you already? Let us know at [email protected].
Q: A few years ago, Doc Eifrig informed about securing important documents stored in my computer with encrypting for total privacy. It was simple and required a password of my choice to access the document whenever needed. It was so simple that I did not think of ever forgetting it. Well, I did forget it and now ask for your help to recover this nifty file protection trick. – G.H.
A: Encryption is a process that blocks hackers from easily reading your personal files. If you regularly use any of the programs in Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013, you have a simple way to encrypt files that you don't want just anyone opening.
To encrypt a file from Excel, PowerPoint, of Word, first click "File" (in the upper left-hand corner) and then "Info." When you're in "Info," click "Protect Document." This will give you a drop-down list of options. The option you want to select is "Encrypt with Password."
(On newer versions, you should see an option to "Protect Document" right after you click "File.")
Make sure you use a strong password that's not easy to guess. Security experts recommend using a long password (at least eight characters) that contains a random mix of letters, symbols, and numbers. Avoid using complete words or names. And don't use the same password repeatedly.
Q: What is acceptable for a child under 18 in terms of a travel document (or getting into a Federal building), other than an actual passport? Is a copy of a birth certificate acceptable? If yes, does it need to have the official stamp? If age makes a difference in the answer, my son is turning 13. – D.V.
A: According to the TSA...
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
The REAL ID Act information pertains to passengers 18 and over.
However, if a minor is traveling alone, the airline might require proof of age, like a birth certificate. In that case, check out the airline's policy beforehand.
Q: In order to get the enhanced license you need to show your Social Security card. So if the name on the Social Security card differs from your passport or driver's license. You would need to correct the Social Security card prior to obtaining your enhanced license. – T.M.
A: Great tip, T.M. This is a common mistake, especially for someone newly married who hasn't gotten a new Social Security card.
Q: Should I be concerned about possible pesticide residue in my favorite Cabernet?
P.S. I really appreciate your wide scope of coverage of the markets, health, and other topics regarding every day living. Great work! – J.M.
A: Thanks for the kudos, J.M.!
All grapes carry traces of pesticide. Even organically grown grapes contain some chemicals and pesticides... if not from the vineyard owners, then from runoff from neighboring nonorganic vineyards. So chemicals still get into those "safe" grapes.
A 2013 study showed that a shocking number of French wines (including both cheap and mid-priced bottles) had residues of pesticides – 90% of the 92 bottles tested had traces. The study included organic wines as well, some of which still contained pesticides.
However, all of the pesticide levels were well below legal limits.
The French study did not show any price difference between the wines that had the highest and lowest levels of pesticide residue. But we also couldn't find any reputable studies that focused specifically on cheap or mass-produced wine and pesticide levels.
Are all cheap wines good? No. Are all expensive wines free from pesticides and additives? No. But we believe the benefits far outweigh the concerns. So do what I do – find a wine you enjoy, drink it in moderation, and reap the health benefits.
Q: In your recent email "Blaming Mom and Dad... " you mentioned a 2017 study in the NEJOM. Half of the study patients received an anti-inflammation drug; can you identify that drug? – D.D.
A: We had quite a few readers ask. The drug in question is called canakinumab. If you're interested in checking out the study, you can find it here.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? Learning to love fear and greed.
- Something different: Spotify just declared war on Apple.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
March 15, 2019