Cannabis News
What the DEA Gets Wrong about the Current Fentanyl Crisis
No, it’s not the Sinaloa Cartel – it’s Prohibition!
https://twitter.com/CarlitoS_lim/status/1694124572759527465?s=20
The DEA is once again missing the forest for the trees in its assessment that the sons of “El Chapo” are primarily responsible for scaling up fentanyl production and trafficking after their father’s arrest. While they may be significant players, the DEA fails to acknowledge how their own policies created the conditions that allowed fentanyl to become such a scourge.
The DEA acts as if drug cartels operate in a vacuum, when nothing could be further from the truth. Cartels like Sinaloa exist because of prohibition. For over 50 years, the US has waged a War on Drugs that has completely failed to reduce drug supply or demand. Instead, it has artificially inflated the profits of illicit drugs by pushing the drug trade into the hands of criminal organizations. With no legal market competition, groups like Sinaloa can charge astronomical prices.
The demand for opioids, both legal and illegal, has proven extremely inelastic. When the DEA restricts the prescription opioid supply, which they have done aggressively since the early 2010s, desperate people turn to the black market. With the legal supply diminished, criminal organizations rush to fill the void.
Fentanyl offers cartels an ideal product. It’s synthetic, so it doesn’t rely on the supply of plant-based drugs like heroin. It’s also incredibly potent, allowing traffickers to smuggle small amounts across the border. One kilogram of fentanyl contains 500,000 doses and is worth over $1 million on the street. The profits are staggering compared to the minimal production costs.
Yet fentanyl is also far more dangerous than traditional opioids. Even tiny dosing errors can be fatal. Illicit fentanyl has become a leading driver of the overdose crisis, with over 60,000 deaths in 2020 alone. But just as with El Chapo’s marijuana and cocaine trade, the fault lies first and foremost with prohibition.
The DEA also fails to consider its own complicity in El Chapo’s rise to power. For decades, the DEA worked closely with Mexican authorities in the War on Drugs. This partnership was frequently corrupted by individuals on both sides of the border profiting from the drug war and even directly enabling trafficking. The incentive for corruption under prohibition is simply too high.
El Chapo rose in power not just despite the DEA’s efforts, but in many ways because of them. And now the same cycle continues with his sons and associates like El Mayo. These black market dynamics will persist as long as the DEA tries vainly to prohibit human nature and market economics.
The tragic irony at the heart of the opioid crisis is that stricter prohibition led to stronger drugs. Similarly, defeating El Chapo led to more fentanyl. The DEA needs to fundamentally rethink its role. Only by moving to harm reduction over endless drug warring can we ameliorate this ongoing American tragedy.
How do you combat Fentanyl? You legalize heroin of course!
The fentanyl crisis devastating America will not end through prohibition and policing. The only solution that can effectively undermine the black market poisoning our communities with fentanyl is full legalization and harm reduction, starting with legal heroin.
Many balk at the idea of legal heroin, but it would be far safer than the current unregulated market flooded with fentanyl. When people overdose on street drugs, it’s usually because potency is unpredictable. Legal heroin with consistent dosing removes this risk. Further, providing pharmaceutical-grade heroin for free through supervised injection sites would completely decimate the cartels’ customer base.
Free heroin programs have been implemented successfully in several countries. Switzerland pioneered the approach in the 1990s, giving prescription heroin to addicts who failed other treatments. Over two decades, the program has slashed drug-related deaths, stabalized addicts’ lives, and decriminalized addiction.
Portugal enacted a similar policy, becoming the first country to fully decriminalize all drug possession in 2001. Again, the results confounded critics. Overdose deaths and HIV infections dropped significantly, and the number of people in treatment doubled. By taking a health approach instead of criminal justice, Portugal improved public safety and welfare.
The data is clear that addressing the opioid crisis with treatment and harm reduction works better than prohibition, criminalization, and stigmatization. Unfortunately, the DEA and much of America’s law enforcement infrastructure remain committed to the failed War on Drugs.
But we know from history that prohibition does not end problematic substance use—it just empowers criminals and underground markets. Alcohol prohibition gave rise to Al Capone, modern drug prohibition El Chapo. Only by legalizing substances can we regulate them for safety and undermine criminal profiteering.
Fentanyl has infiltrated the drug supply because it maximizes smuggling profits. But few would seek it out if provided legal, regulated alternatives like heroin. It may seem counterintuitive, but giving away heroin is the only way to combat fentanyl.
Rather than wasting billions on DEA budgets every year, we could run free heroin programs. If the goal is saving lives and improving public health, the solution is apparent. Any deaths under a legal heroin program would be tragic but still fewer than the tens of thousands dying from fentanyl annually.
The opioid crisis requires America to shed its ideological commitment to prohibition. Our choice is not between saving lives with prohibition or abandoning drug users to addiction. Proven harm reduction approaches can restore dignity and stabilize people’s lives. Ending the War on Drugs is the only path to finally defeating the damage of cartels and lacing of drugs like fentanyl. The sooner we accept this, the more lives will be saved.
Why forcing addicts to quit drugs is counterproductive and dangerous!
Trying to force addicts into recovery before they are ready is not just futile, but dangerous. Research shows that rehab and abstinence programs have poor success rates when participation is coerced rather than voluntary.
According to studies, only about 2-5% of people pressured into rehab by courts or families achieve long-term sobriety. Most quickly relapse when the external pressure is removed. This is because imposed rehab does not address the underlying reasons why people use drugs. Healing cannot be compelled.
Trying to make addicts quit before they choose to leads to dangerous cycles of relapse and self-medication. Criminalizing addiction makes suffering worse by removing stable life foundations like housing, families, and work.
A better approach is stabilizing addicts’ lives with compassion, not judgment. Providing safe housing, clean paraphernalia, addiction medications like methadone, and health resources reduces harm. Building a sense of community and belonging addresses addiction’s roots in trauma, isolation, and despair.
With caring support, addicted persons can progressively reduce their drug use and transition to abstinence. But this must be their own choice. Forced rehab merely engenders distrust and resistance. Meeting drug users where they are at and giving them autonomy over recovery has the best outcomes.
The War on Drugs tries to impose sobriety through prohibition and punishment. But addiction is a disease, not a moral failure. We must move from condemnation to open arms, from control to empowerment. Only then can we end the overdose crisis ravaging our communities. For addicted lives matter too.
It’s time to nullify the Controlled Substance Act and renegotiate Drug Policies!
The fentanyl crisis has underscored the abject failure of America’s War on Drugs. Each year, the human toll of overdoses and mass incarceration grows, while cartel violence terrorizes our southern border. We pursue this failed policy based on a false dichotomy – that our only options are either the current prohibitionist approach or totally abandoning drug users to addiction. In reality, the solution lies in a third path – harm reduction and decriminalization.
To enact this sensible reform, we must nullify the Controlled Substances Act that serves as the legal bedrock of prohibition. This Nixon-era law categorizes drugs into schedules largely based on moral judgements rather than pharmacological facts. It arbitrarily separates “legal” and “illegal” substances without scientific rationale. This ideological law does not curb drug use – it just empowers black markets and criminal organizations.
In effect, the Controlled Substances Act created a government-enforced monopoly for the pharmaceutical industry to peddle its own addictive drugs. Big Pharma helped spawn the opioid crisis through deceptive and irresponsible marketing of oxycontin and vicodin. It lobbies to keep plant-based competitors like cannabis and psychedelics prohibited. The DEA acts as its enforcement arm, violently suppressing any threats to this pharmaceutically-driven drug monopoly.
It is time to acknowledge that cognitive liberty and the authority over one’s consciousness is a basic human right. While certain substances like alcohol and heroin carry risks, experience shows prohibition does far more harm than drug use itself. Education, harm reduction, and voluntary treatment provide a more ethical and effective approach.
Decriminalizing possession would keep nonviolent users out of prison. Legalizing natural psychoactive plants could help many mental health conditions. Providing pharmaceutical-grade opioids in safe injection sites would halt fentanyl overdoses. We know these measures work because they have succeeded in countries like Switzerland, Portugal, and Canada.
America’s drug policies do not have to be dominated by ignorance, racism, and moral panic. We can base them on science, liberty, and compassion instead. But this begins with grassroots advocacy. Every voter should demand their representatives support drug policy reform. Local ballot initiatives are powerful tools as well.
The younger generations do not buy into “reefer madness” propaganda; they know the Drug War has been an abysmal failure. The politicians still carrying water for these harmful policies are relics of the past. Their day is done. The future lies in ending the racist, unethical, disastrous Controlled Substances Act regime. Only when we reclaim autonomy over our minds and bodies can we meaningfully address the overdose crisis. It starts by legalizing freedom.
FENTANYL AND WEED, READ ON…
Cannabis News
Latest Trump Weed Rumor – Trump Will Federally Deschedule and Decriminalize Cannabis, but Not Legalize It
In a recent interview, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made headlines by asserting that President-elect Donald Trump will pursue significant reforms in federal policies regarding marijuana and cryptocurrency. As the nation grapples with evolving attitudes toward cannabis and the burgeoning digital currency market, Christie’s predictions have ignited discussions about the potential implications of such changes on both industries. This article delves into Christie’s insights, the current state of marijuana and cryptocurrency regulations, and the broader implications of these anticipated reforms.
The Current Landscape of Marijuana Legislation
Federal vs. State Laws
Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which places it in the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification has created a complex legal landscape where states have moved to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, while federal law continues to impose strict prohibitions. As of now, over 30 states have legalized marijuana in some form, leading to a burgeoning industry that generates billions in revenue.
Challenges Faced by the Cannabis Industry
Despite its legality in many states, the cannabis industry faces significant hurdles due to federal restrictions. These challenges include:
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Banking Access: Many banks are hesitant to work with cannabis businesses due to fear of federal repercussions, forcing these businesses to operate largely in cash.
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Taxation Issues: The IRS enforces Section 280E of the tax code, which prohibits businesses engaged in illegal activities from deducting normal business expenses, leading to disproportionately high tax burdens for cannabis companies.
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Interstate Commerce: The lack of federal legalization prevents cannabis businesses from operating across state lines, limiting their growth potential.
Chris Christie’s Perspective on Marijuana Reform
Christie, a former presidential candidate known for his tough stance on drugs during his tenure as governor, has evolved his views on marijuana over the years. In his recent statements, he emphasized that Trump is likely to pursue descheduling cannabis, which would remove it from the Schedule I classification. This move would not only provide clarity for businesses operating in legal markets but also open avenues for banking and investment.
Christie highlighted that descheduling would allow for a more regulated market where safety standards could be established, thus protecting consumers. He believes that this approach aligns with a growing consensus among Americans who support legalization and recognize the potential benefits of cannabis use for both medical and recreational purposes.
The Future of Cryptocurrency Regulation = The Rise of Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have surged in popularity over the past decade, with Bitcoin leading the charge as the first decentralized digital currency. The market has expanded to include thousands of alternative coins (altcoins), each with unique features and use cases. As cryptocurrencies gain traction among investors and consumers alike, regulatory scrutiny has intensified.
Current Regulatory Challenges
The cryptocurrency market faces several regulatory challenges that hinder its growth and adoption:
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Lack of Clarity: Regulatory frameworks vary significantly across states and countries, creating confusion for investors and businesses.
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Fraud and Scams: The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies has led to an increase in fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting investors.
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Consumer Protection: Without clear regulations, consumers are often left vulnerable to risks associated with volatile markets.
Christie’s Vision for Crypto Regulation
Christie believes that under Trump’s leadership, there will be an effort to find a “sweet spot” for cryptocurrency regulation balancing innovation with consumer protection. He argues that overly stringent regulations could stifle growth in this emerging sector while too little oversight could expose consumers to significant risks.
In his view, a balanced regulatory framework would include:
1. Clear Definitions: Establishing clear definitions for different types of cryptocurrencies and tokens to differentiate between securities and utility tokens.
2. Consumer Protections: Implementing measures to protect investors from fraud while promoting transparency within the market.
3. Encouraging Innovation: Creating an environment conducive to innovation by allowing startups to thrive without excessive regulatory burdens.
Christie’s insights reflect a growing recognition among policymakers that cryptocurrencies are here to stay and that appropriate regulations are necessary to foster growth while safeguarding consumers.
Implications of Proposed Reforms
Economic Impact
The potential reforms proposed by Christie could have far-reaching economic implications:
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Job Creation: Legalizing marijuana at the federal level could lead to significant job creation within the cannabis industry—from cultivation and production to retail sales.
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Investment Opportunities: Descheduling cannabis would open up investment opportunities for institutional investors who have been hesitant due to federal restrictions.
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Boosting Local Economies: Legal cannabis markets have proven beneficial for local economies through increased tax revenues and job creation.
Similarly, clear regulations around cryptocurrencies could stimulate investment in blockchain technology and related industries, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Social Justice Considerations
Both marijuana legalization and sensible cryptocurrency regulations have social justice implications:
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Addressing Past Injustices: Legalizing marijuana could help rectify past injustices related to drug enforcement policies that disproportionately affected marginalized communities.
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Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies offer opportunities for financial inclusion for those underserved by traditional banking systems, particularly in low-income communities.
Political Landscape
The political landscape surrounding these issues is complex. While there is bipartisan support for marijuana reform among certain lawmakers, challenges remain in overcoming entrenched opposition. Similarly, cryptocurrency regulation has garnered attention from both sides of the aisle but requires collaboration to establish effective frameworks.
Conclusion
Chris Christie’s predictions about President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to federal marijuana descheduling and cryptocurrency regulation suggest a potential shift in U.S. policy that could significantly reshape both industries. As public opinion evolves on these issues, lawmakers have an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that promote economic growth while ensuring consumer protection. The anticipated changes could foster a more robust cannabis industry that contributes positively to the economy and addresses social justice concerns, while clear regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies could encourage innovation and protect consumers in the digital economy. Stakeholders in both sectors are closely watching these developments, eager to see how potential reforms might impact their futures. While the realization of Christie’s predictions remains uncertain, it’s clear that the conversation around marijuana and cryptocurrency regulation is ongoing and far from settled.
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“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.
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