Cannabis News
$6.91 for a Gram of Weed?
Cannabis cultivation in the United States traces its roots to the early colonists, who cultivated hemp primarily for textile and rope production. However, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, cannabis found extensive `use as a patented medicinal remedy, with its formal inclusion in the United States Pharmacopeia occurring in 1850.
In 1937, cannabis was criminalized. The criminalization of marijuana was influenced by a combination of political and racial factors and was achieved through the enactment of the Marijuana Tax Act. But thanks to cannabis proponents today, the legal status of cannabis is currently undergoing significant changes in various regions and states across America.
Medical Cannabis Industry in the U.S.
The cannabis industry in the United States has undergone significant growth and transformation in recent years, with a diverse landscape of legal and regulatory frameworks. The status of cannabis legalization varied from state to state.
Some states have legalized both medical and recreational cannabis, while others have only legalized medical cannabis. However, there were still states where cannabis remained entirely illegal. The prevailing trend was towards increasing legalization, with many states exploring various forms of cannabis regulation.
In states where medical cannabis enjoyed legal status, patients gained access to a diverse array of cannabis products for addressing a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Simultaneously, an increasing number of states have embraced recreational cannabis, allowing adults to purchase and use cannabis products for non-medical purposes. This shift in legal status carried significant implications for public health and the economy.
Over recent years, the medical cannabis sector in the United States has witnessed a noteworthy expansion in scale and a fundamental transformation. This transformation primarily stems from the evolving legal and regulatory landscape at the state level. In numerous states, legislation has been put in place to authorize the use of medical cannabis, with each state shaping its distinct framework of regulations, possession limits, and licensing prerequisites.
A significant hallmark of this industry’s evolution has been the widespread expansion of legal markets. A growing number of states have chosen to adopt medical cannabis, nurturing the expansion and enrichment of the industry. Notably, certain states have adopted an innovative stance by authorizing the interstate sale of medical cannabis, effectively broadening the industry’s influence and outreach.
One of the most significant developments in the medical cannabis sphere centers on an intensified dedication to research and clinical trials. Scientific investigations are delving deeply into the potential therapeutic benefits offered by cannabis and its extensive array of cannabinoids. This research assumes a pivotal role in unraveling the full spectrum of possibilities and constraints associated with the utilization of medical cannabis in the treatment of various medical conditions.
The diversification of cannabis products is another significant trend. The medical cannabis market has evolved to offer a wide range of products, including smokable and vaporizable flowers, edibles, tinctures, topicals, capsules, and more. This product diversity allows patients to select the most suitable method for their medical needs.
Education within the medical cannabis industry has taken on a newfound significance. Initiatives are actively underway to enlighten healthcare professionals about the potential advantages and associated risks of medical cannabis. Numerous states have instituted continuing education programs to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge to offer enhanced patient guidance.
Moreover, the medical cannabis industry has placed a strong emphasis on quality control and testing. Rigorous standards for testing and quality assurance have been established to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis products. These measures protect patients from contaminants and maintain product consistency.
Nonetheless, a persistent and formidable challenge confronting the industry is the federal legal status of cannabis. Even though medical cannabis has been legalized in numerous states, it remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance at the national level. This discord between state and federal regulations ushers in uncertainties and hurdles for the industry, significantly affecting vital facets like taxation and the accessibility of crucial banking services.
Despite these hurdles, the medical cannabis sector has left a substantial imprint on the economies of states where it operates legally. It has not only fostered job creation but has also contributed to tax revenues and economic opportunities across the spectrum, spanning cultivation, distribution, and retail segments.
Along this journey, patients and advocacy groups have assumed an indispensable role. Their unwavering dedication has proven instrumental in championing the cause of medical cannabis legalization and expanding the roster of recognized medical conditions. Their advocacy has fostered greater awareness regarding the potential therapeutic merits of cannabis and stands as a catalyst propelling the industry’s progression and transformation.
U.S. States with Cheapest Medical Cannabis
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 38 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States permit the medical use of cannabis. Here are the states with the most affordable medical marijuana prices, as per the study:
1. Oregon: $6.91 per gram.
2. Maine: $8.06 per gram.
3. Colorado: $8.19 per gram.
4. Arkansas: $8.28 per gram.
5. Michigan: $9.81 per gram.
6. Ohio: $10.54 per gram.
7. Mississippi: $10.81 per gram.
8. California: $11.19 per gram.
9. New Mexico: $11.32 per gram.
10. Arizona: $11.73 per gram.
Conversely, New York has the highest average price for medical marijuana at $23.17 per gram, significantly above the national average of $13.76 per gram.
Effect of Legalization on Medical Cannabis Prices
The impact of medical cannabis legalization on prices is multifaceted and contingent on various factors. The regulatory landscape, supply-demand dynamics, taxation, and competition contribute to the outcomes.
Legalization often sparks increased access and competition in the medical cannabis market; with more licensed dispensaries and cultivators, competition intensifies, pressuring prices downward. This competition benefits medical cannabis patients by providing more affordable options.
Economies of scale, another influence, emerge as legal cultivation and distribution expand. Larger operations achieve cost efficiencies, reducing production costs and, potentially, consumer prices.
Conversely, regulatory compliance costs play a role. Legal cannabis businesses must adhere to state and local regulations, which can be costly and could, in turn, increase prices for consumers.
Taxation significantly affects prices, with states imposing excise and sales taxes on cannabis products. The level of taxation impacts final prices, though some states may offer tax exemptions or reductions for medical cannabis to maintain affordability.
Quality and product diversity also influence pricing. Legal markets offer a broader range of products, including high-quality strains and specialized medical cannabis products, which might come with higher price tags. However, patients benefit from more options tailored to their medical needs.
Furthermore, health insurance or Medicaid coverage can reduce patient out-of-pocket expenses, enhancing affordability.
Overall, the effects of legalization on medical cannabis prices are shaped by an array of factors like competition, economies of scale, taxation, regulatory compliance, and product offerings.
As the industry matures, price stability and reductions may occur, but regional price variations will persist due to distinct regulations, tax structures, and production costs.
CHEAPEST WEED IN AMERICA, 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.
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