Cannabis News
120 Pharmacies in Georgia Applied to Sell Medical Cannabis, The DEA Says Hold My Beer and Shuts It Down
Little Five Points Pharmacy, situated in Atlanta, is among the nearly 120 independent pharmacies in Georgia that recently sought approval to distribute medical marijuana through a new state initiative. However, last week, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a warning to Little Five Points Pharmacy and other pharmacies statewide, asserting that such activities are illegal due to THC being categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Expressing his dismay, Ira Katz, a pharmacist at Little Five Points Pharmacy, conveyed his disappointment, stating, “We always felt, as pharmacists, that this is a drug and it should be kept in the pharmacy. It should be regulated by the pharmacy. So we are very disappointed that the DEA is choosing to keep it out of the pharmacy, where it belongs.”
Katz, elaborating further in discussions with Atlanta First News, emphasized the significance of the issue, saying, “Because who better than your independent pharmacy, who knows your history and knows your medical history, can best dispense medical marijuana?”
Highlighting the potential benefits, Katz added, “For chronic pain, we believe that if we can get patients off these high doses of opioids, the hydrocodone, the oxycodone, the combinations of these things, then through the use of medical cannabis, we believe we can help contribute to slowing down this opiate crisis.”
In response to the DEA’s letters, Todd Heydel of Peachtree NORML criticized them as “ridiculous” and expressed frustration, stating in comments to Atlanta First, “We have children that are sick, that need medicine and need safe, legal access. And in Georgia, it seems like every time we try to take a step forward, there’s pushback.”
Supporters of Georgia’s medical marijuana system, including Michael Mumpter of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy, have embraced the federal warning letter.
Mumpter expressed his expectation that, in the immediate future, pharmacies engaged in dispensing medical marijuana may need to halt their operations or face potential conflicts with the DEA, stating, “I imagine, in the short term, the pharmacies who started dispensing medical marijuana would have to stop or risk confrontation with the DEA,” in an interview with 11 Alive.
As of now, Georgia’s political figures and regulators have maintained a silence regarding the DEA’s warning. Several members of Georgia’s U.S. House delegation did not respond to requests for comments from Marijuana Moment this week. On the Senate side, there was no response from Sen. Raphael Warnock’s staff, despite his recent advocacy for social equity in marijuana reform during a committee hearing. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office declined to provide a comment.
Requests for comments from Georgia’s Board of Pharmacy and Department of Public Health also went unanswered.
The DEA’s advisory could face complications due to a congressional budget rider that prohibits the Department of Justice from allocating resources to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws. Initially enacted in 2014, this provision was recently extended until at least February 2024. The potential violation of this provision by the DEA’s warning or enforcement actions remains unclear, with some advocates suggesting that the mere expenditure on postage for the letters could be considered a resource expenditure interfering with Georgia’s state-legal medical marijuana system.
Georgia’s Board of Pharmacy initiated the acceptance of applications from independent pharmacies to dispense low-THC cannabis oil, limited to 5% THC under state law, in October. The objective was to enhance medical marijuana access for patients, who were previously limited to just seven dispensaries established in the state since April.
According to an early report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in the same month, almost 120 pharmacies had applied to the Board of Pharmacy to distribute marijuana products from Botanical Sciences, one of the state’s licensed producers. Pharmacies were also authorized to dispense medical cannabis from Trulieve, the state’s other licensed producer.
Botanical Sciences’ Products Gain Traction in Georgia Pharmacies
By late October, at least three pharmacies had initiated the distribution of Botanical Sciences products, as highlighted in a company press release. The company’s website map indicates plans for over 100 additional pharmacies to open soon.
An Associated Press report suggests that if the sales of medical cannabis products were extended to all these locations, approximately 90% of Georgians would have access to a pharmacy selling marijuana within a 30-minute drive. It’s essential to note that the state’s authorization is limited to independent pharmacies and does not encompass larger chains like CVS and others.
The DEA issued warning letters to Georgia pharmacies during its ongoing assessment of a recommendation by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposing the rescheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), potentially to Schedule III. The leak of this recommendation occurred in late August, and as of now, the DEA has not made a public response.
Although the Congressional Research Service (CRS) recently inferred that the DEA would likely adhere to the HHS recommendation based on historical precedent, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the DEA retains the authority to disregard the health agency’s guidance, as it holds final jurisdiction over the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
HHS Documents Shed Light on Marijuana Rescheduling Considerations
In October, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initially disclosed a redacted one-page version of the rescheduling memo. Subsequently, during the past week, the government released an additional 252-page set of documents about the review, with a majority of the information obscured.
Broadly, the new documents delineate recent scientific findings that have emerged since the previous denial of a rescheduling petition. HHS suggests that these developments may warrant reconsideration for the rescheduling of marijuana.
“The current review is largely focused on modern scientific considerations regarding whether marijuana has a currently accepted medical use (CAMU) and on new epidemiological data related to marijuana abuse since the 2015 HHS evaluation of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act’s eight-factor analysis.”
HHS acknowledges that it has extensively analyzed data concerning the abuse potential of marijuana but underscores the complexity of this assessment, stating, “no single test or assessment provides a complete characterization.”
Earlier this month, six Democratic governors penned a letter to the Biden administration, urging the completion of the rescheduling process by the year’s end. The letter suggests that if marijuana is moved to Schedule III, pharmacies, as implied in the DEA’s letter to the Georgia pharmacy, would be authorized to dispense marijuana. However, pharmaceutical products would first need approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
The governor’s letter emphasizes that rescheduling cannabis aligns with ensuring a safe and regulated product that Americans can trust. Citing a poll indicating that 88 % of Americans support legalization for medical or recreational use, the letter underscores the consensus that while there may be differing opinions on recreational cannabis legalization, the cannabis industry is here to stay. The governors emphasize the importance of supporting state-regulated markets for the safety of the American people.
Bottom Line
Amid the DEA’s warning to Georgia’s independent pharmacies, epitomized by Little Five Points Pharmacy, the clash between regulatory constraints and the vision for localized healthcare provision is palpable. Pharmacist Ira Katz’s disappointment underscores this tension, while political figures’ silence and potential legal complications add an air of uncertainty to the state’s medical marijuana landscape. Simultaneously, the growing popularity of Botanical Sciences’ products indicates a rising demand, albeit with challenges in achieving widespread accessibility. The ongoing evaluation of marijuana rescheduling by the HHS, coupled with governors advocating urgency, signals a broader national conversation. Georgia stands at a pivotal moment, where the intersection of healthcare, regulation, and public sentiment will shape the future of medical marijuana access, leaving key questions unanswered.
GEORGIA SELLING WEED, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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