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What It Means to Be Cannabis Sober

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What it means to be Cannabis Sober

Jelly Roll, the rising country star, recently made waves when he claimed in an interview that marijuana has kept him “sober” from hard drugs. This concept, known as being “cannabis sober,” has sparked a fascinating conversation about the role cannabis can play in helping individuals overcome addiction to more dangerous substances.

While being “cannabis sober”, “Cali sober”, doesn’t align with the traditional definition of sobriety, Jelly Roll’s perspective raises an important point. Compared to the devastating effects of drugs like cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamine, using cannabis as a harm reduction tool could potentially save lives and help people take steps towards recovery.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the concept of being “cannabis sober” and explore how some individuals are using marijuana to wean themselves off harder drugs. However, it’s crucial to approach this topic with nuance and caution. While cannabis may offer benefits for some, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and can still be habit-forming. Our goal is to provide a balanced look at this complex issue and discuss strategies for using cannabis responsibly without letting it become a crutch.

By examining the science behind cannabis, addiction, and harm reduction, as well as real-life stories of people navigating this path, we hope to shed light on the potential and limitations of being “cannabis sober.” Join us as we explore this multifaceted topic and strive to separate fact from fiction in the ongoing dialogue around cannabis and addiction recovery.

Addiction is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. When someone becomes addicted to a substance, activity, or behavior, they experience an overwhelming compulsion to engage in it despite negative consequences. Addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, leading to intense cravings, loss of control, and a vicious cycle of dependence.

But what makes some individuals more prone to developing addictions than others? A combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can increase a person’s vulnerability. Studies have shown that certain genetic variations can influence how the brain responds to addictive substances, making some people more susceptible. Trauma, stress, and mental health issues can also play a significant role, as individuals may turn to addictive behaviors as a coping mechanism.

However, addiction is not an inevitable fate. With the right approach and support, it is possible to break free from the grip of addiction. One powerful method is Allen Carr’s “Easy Way,” which has helped countless people quit smoking, drinking, and other addictions. Unlike traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Carr’s approach focuses on changing the way we think about addiction rather than labeling ourselves as powerless.

The “Easy Way” method works by dismantling the psychological illusion that addictive substances or behaviors provide genuine pleasure or relief. By understanding the true nature of addiction and the tricks it plays on our minds, we can break free from the mental chains that keep us trapped. Carr’s approach emphasizes the benefits of quitting and helps individuals rediscover the joy and freedom of a life without addiction.

One key advantage of the “Easy Way” is that it doesn’t rely on willpower or deprivation. Instead, it aims to remove the desire for the addictive substance or behavior altogether. By shifting our perspective and beliefs about addiction, we can effortlessly let go of the habit without feeling like we’re making a sacrifice. This mindset shift is incredibly empowering and can lead to lasting change.

Moreover, the “Easy Way” recognizes that addiction is not a moral failing or a sign of weakness. It treats individuals with compassion and understanding, acknowledging that anyone can become addicted given the right circumstances. By removing the stigma and shame often associated with addiction, this approach creates a supportive environment conducive to healing and recovery.

Breaking an addiction is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, by understanding the mechanisms of addiction and exploring effective methods like Allen Carr’s “Easy Way,” we can empower ourselves and others to overcome this challenging condition. With the right mindset, support, and tools, it is possible to reclaim our lives and experience the profound freedom that comes with breaking free from addiction’s grasp.

How Cannabis Can Help You Quit Harder Drugs: A Harm Reduction Approach

For individuals struggling with addiction to hard drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, the prospect of quitting can be daunting. One of the most significant barriers to overcoming addiction is the intense withdrawal symptoms that accompany cessation. These symptoms can be both physically and psychologically debilitating, making it incredibly difficult for addicts to break free from the cycle of abuse.

This is where cannabis can play a crucial role in harm reduction. While not a cure-all, cannabis can help alleviate the severity of withdrawal symptoms, particularly in the early stages of detox. When an individual stops using hard drugs, their brain experiences a sudden drop in dopamine levels, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and intense cravings. Cannabis, with its ability to stimulate the release of dopamine and interact with the endocannabinoid system, can provide a milder form of relief and help ease the transition away from harder substances.

It’s important to acknowledge that some individuals may begin to heavily rely on cannabis as a replacement for their drug of choice. However, when comparing the risks and consequences of cannabis abuse to those associated with harder drugs, the trade-off becomes more apparent. Cannabis addiction, while still a concern, is often likened to a dependence on coffee. The withdrawal symptoms of cannabis are generally far less severe and more manageable compared to the harrowing experience of detoxing from substances like heroin.

The key is to use cannabis strategically during the most challenging phase of hard drug withdrawal. By leveraging the plant’s therapeutic properties to navigate the physical and emotional turbulence of detox, individuals can gain a foothold in their recovery journey. Once the acute withdrawal symptoms subside, those who wish to be completely substance-free can then focus on gradually reducing their reliance on cannabis, a process that is typically less daunting than the initial break from harder drugs.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that addiction is not solely a result of the substance itself, but rather a manifestation of underlying psychological and emotional factors. Environmental triggers, unresolved trauma, and maladaptive coping mechanisms often contribute to the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors. Unless these root causes are addressed through therapy, self-reflection, and lifestyle changes, the risk of relapse remains high, even if cannabis is used as a transitional aid.

Therefore, while cannabis can serve as a valuable tool in the journey towards sobriety, it should not be relied upon as the sole solution. Engaging in comprehensive addiction treatment, including counseling, support groups, and holistic therapies, is essential for long-term success. Cannabis can provide a temporary respite from the intensity of hard drug withdrawal, but true recovery requires a commitment to inner work and a willingness to confront the underlying issues that fueled the addiction in the first place.

By approaching cannabis as a harm reduction strategy rather than a panacea, individuals can leverage its potential benefits while remaining mindful of its limitations. With the right support, mindset, and dedication to personal growth, those battling addiction can use cannabis as a stepping stone towards a healthier, more fulfilling life free from the chains of harder substances.

Addiction is a serious and complex issue that traps individuals in a vicious cycle of dependence, preventing them from leading fulfilling lives. It’s a condition that demands compassion, understanding, and effective strategies for recovery. As we’ve explored, cannabis can serve as a valuable tool in the journey towards overcoming addiction to harder drugs.

For those battling substance abuse, using cannabis as a harm reduction approach can provide much-needed relief during the challenging process of detoxification and withdrawal. By easing the physical and psychological symptoms associated with quitting hard drugs, cannabis can help individuals take that crucial first step towards recovery.

However, it’s essential to approach cannabis use with intentionality and mindfulness. While it can be a helpful ally, it’s important not to rely on cannabis as a crutch or a long-term solution. True healing requires a commitment to doing the inner work, addressing the root causes of addiction, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.

As we’ve seen with Jelly Roll’s experience, cannabis can be a powerful tool for maintaining sobriety from harder substances. By incorporating cannabis into a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can find a sense of balance and stability in their lives. When used responsibly and under the guidance of healthcare professionals, cannabis can be a medicinal ally, helping to promote mental and physical well-being.

The path to recovery is unique for each individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, by exploring options like cannabis as a harm reduction strategy, we can expand the range of tools available to those seeking to break free from addiction’s grip.

As we navigate the complex landscape of addiction and recovery, it’s crucial to approach the topic with empathy, open-mindedness, and a commitment to evidence-based solutions. By destigmatizing the use of cannabis in addiction treatment and promoting honest conversations about its potential benefits and limitations, we can create a more supportive and effective framework for helping individuals reclaim their lives.

In the end, the sticky bottom line is this: addiction is a formidable adversary, but with the right tools, support, and mindset, recovery is possible. By embracing cannabis as a potential ally in the fight against harder drugs, while also prioritizing personal growth and holistic healing, individuals can chart a course towards a brighter, healthier future. Together, let us continue to explore innovative approaches, challenge outdated paradigms, and offer hope to those who need it most.

 

CALISOBER, CANNABIS SOBER, READ ON…

IS CANNABIS SOBER CALI SOBER

IS CALI SOBER, OR CANNABIS SOBER, THE NEW COOL THING?



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California Appeals Court Rejects Marijuana Grow Permit, Citing Federal Illegality

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In a landmark decision that highlights the tension between state and federal cannabis laws, a California appellate court ruled on October 29th that property owners can refuse to allow the transportation of cannabis across their land via easements, even when the cannabis operation is approved by local authorities.

The Second District Court of Appeal’s unanimous decision draws attention to private property rights in a context where cannabis remains federally illegal, but state law allows licensed cultivation, distribution and sale. Presiding Justice Albert Gilbert stated, “No matter how much California voters and the Legislature might try, cannabis cultivation and transportation are illegal in California as long as it remains illegal under federal law.” JCCrandall LLC v. County of Santa Barbara, Case No. B333201, 2024 WL 4599304, Oct. 29, 2024.

Unless the California Supreme Court grants review – which I would not rule out – the decision empowers private property owners to refuse to contract with cannabis businesses, and restricts local government from approving cannabis operations that implicate the property rights of neighbors who object.

The case at hand

The dispute centered around a cannabis cultivation operation in Santa Barbara County, where JCCrandall LLC challenged a conditional use permit granted by the County to its neighbor, Santa Rita Holdings Inc. The critical issue was that Santa Rita Holdings could only access its 2.5-acre cannabis farm via an unpaved road crossing JCCrandall’s property through a pre-existing easement. JCCrandall grows oats and barley.

JCCrandall’s primary concern? It raised a number of complaints with the Santa Barbara County Supervisors about truck traffic and night operations, which did not gain traction, but in the Court of Appeal JCCrandall focused on what it claimed was potential liability associated with having federally illegal substances transported across its property, even though County regulators found that the Santa Rita operation was fully compliant with state and local laws.

Key legal findings

The appellate court’s decision hinged on several crucial points:

  1. Property Rights: The court emphasized that “the right to exclude others is the essence of the right of property ownership” and classified it as a fundamental vested right.
  2. Federal Supremacy: The panel determined that allowing cannabis transportation across private property “defies the Supremacy Clause” of the U.S. Constitution.
  3. State vs. Federal Law: While cannabis might be legal under California law, the court ruled that federal law’s prohibition takes precedence in this context.

California cannabis industry implications

Legal experts suggest this ruling could have far-reaching consequences for California’s cannabis industry. Section 1550.5(b) of the California Civil Code makes contracts within California involving cannabis lawful and enforceable, and Santa Rita Holdings bet the ranch on that argument. But the Court of Appeal held that the statute could not compel a landowner to allow cannabis to travel across its property on a pre-existing easement. Licensed operators may find it harder to do business because neighbors who have property rights affected by a cannabis business can object, and, under the JCCrandall ruling, local government must yield to those objections.

An example might be a cannabis dispensary that depends on access to its parking lot via an easement or is located in a shopping center where other lessees have rights to object to tenants notwithstanding the approval of the landlord. In cultivation, many cannabis farms depend on vehicular access through easements because they are remote and do not always have direct access to public thoroughfares, or they depend on water sourced from other properties pursuant to agreements made by prior owners who grew traditional crops. These neighbors might not need to show any negative impact on their property, but can argue that they could be found complicit in federally illegal activities.

I think the most problematic language in the JCCrandall ruling is the following, which might draw the attention of the California Supreme Court and cause it to grant review: “For as long as an easement is enjoyed, its mode and manner of use shall remain substantially the same as it was at the time the easement was created. The County argues the easement was used for agricultural purposes. But there is a vast difference between legal and illegal agricultural purposes.” (Emphasis added.) If California has determined that cannabis cultivation is legal – as it has – and state courts routinely enforce contracts involving cannabis, it is a pretty bold step to declare the use of a lawful pre-existing easement illegal simply because the agricultural crop is cannabis and take away easement access from Santa Rita.

Looking ahead

This decision creates new challenges for cannabis businesses in California, and will result in more disputes among neighbors. While the Biden administration has shown signs of easing federal marijuana restrictions, this ruling demonstrates that the federal-state law conflict continues to create significant legal hurdles for the cannabis industry.

California court decisions also can be persuasive authority in other states, so we might see similar litigation (and decisions) elsewhere in the country where cannabis has been legalized.

The case serves as a reminder that despite California’s progressive stance on cannabis, federal prohibition continues to cast a long shadow over the industry’s operations and development. As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, this ruling may prompt businesses to reassess their property arrangements and local governments will certainly have to reconsider their permitting processes to give more careful consideration to objections by neighbors who claim that their property rights are implicated by cannabis operations.

Note: This post was first published earlier this month on the Alger ADR Blog.



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Autoimmune Conditions Are Rising Fast in American Medicine, Can Cannabis Help?

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Why Are Autoimmune Conditions On The Rise? And How Cannabis Can Help

 

Autoimmune diseases refer to a group of medical conditions that occur as a result of the immune system attacking your own tissues.

 

In a normal human body, the immune system is responsible for protecting the body by producing antibodies that prevent toxins, cancer cells, and viruses from harming the body. However, when one is struck by an autoimmune disorder, the immune system is no longer able to distinguish the difference between dangerous cells and healthy cells. As a result, the healthy cells are attacked, too.

Today, we know of around 100 different kinds of autoimmune conditions. Some of the most common examples of autoimmune conditions include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and the Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) to name a few. Others include Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, psoriasis, and vasculitis.

 

According to the National Health Council, around 50 million Americans are affected by autoimmune diseases today. This is a conservative estimate, considering that several autoimmune conditions are tricky to treat and so many people go undiagnosed for long periods of time. It’s worrisome to note that there are more people developing autoimmune diseases these days, many of which have reached levels comparable to epidemics.

 

But cannabis can help!

 

How Cannabis Can Help Curb And Manage Autoimmune Diseases

 

Not one single cause is responsible for the alarming growth of autoimmune diseases, though there are several factors at play. While there isn’t just one cause we can point at, it’s certain the reasons lie in our environment. After all, human genetics haven’t changed significantly yet the chemicals, toxins, and pollutants in our food and everyday items have risen dramatically.

 

In addition, people are getting less sleep than ever; stress rates are through the roof, and people are constantly worried. There is a clear link between psychological stress and physical health as well as immunity, which is why it isn’t unusual – it’s even common – to see many autoimmune disease cases flare up after people experience severe stress caused by grief, an accident, job loss, or the death of a loved one. These highly stressful and traumatic conditions wreak havoc on the body’s immune response, causing inflammation all over the body.

 

Conventional treatments prescribed to treat autoimmune conditions are focused on taming inflammation; these usually include steroids but also some non-steroidal drugs. These drugs often come with unwanted side effects, but research has shown that cannabis can work with the endocannabinoid system through THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoids, to simulate similar results. In one study for example, we can see the clear association of the endocannabinoid system for neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes seen in Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.


There has also been an increasing number of studies proving the efficacy of cannabis for treating several autoimmune conditions.

 

Cannabis For Multiple Sclerosis

 

Multiple sclerosis is one of the autoimmune conditions where a growing number of studies have come out supporting the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for. In a 2024 study, patients with multiple sclerosis reported several improvements in quality of life after using cannabis-based medical products (CBMPs). For the study, British investigators analyzed the impact of cannabis based medicinal products made from either oil or extracts in 141 patients who were enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.

 

The researchers then analyzed the changes in patient outcomes after a month, then three and 6 months after. According to the patients themselves, they were able to sustain improvements in their mental and physical health after marijuana therapy.

 

“This case series demonstrates a potential association between the initiation of CBMPs and improved patient reported outcomes in sleep, anxiety, and general HRQoL [health-related quality of life] measures, over six months,” said the study authors. “Additional measures for HRQoL, including various physical and mental health subdomains, also exhibit improvements up to six months when compared to baseline,” the authors concluded.

 

In another study from 2023, patients with multiple sclerosis reported significant improvements in symptoms after cannabis use. For the study, researchers from the Dent Neurologic Institute in Buffalo, New York, analyzed the medical records of 141 patients with multiple sclerosis, who were also legally authorized to consume medical marijuana products. They then analyzed data from the patients after one up to 4 follow-up sessions after the initial session of cannabis therapy. Sixty-five percent of patients consumed 1:1 THC:CBD tinctures.

 

According to the authors: “The results of this study indicate that use of MC [medical cannabis] to alleviate symptoms of MS is largely efficacious, with improvement in pain (72 percent of patients), muscle spasticity (48 percent of patients), and sleep disturbance (40 percent of patients) frequently reported.”

 

“More than half of opioid users at baseline were able to either discontinue or decrease their opioid use after starting MC. The mean daily MME [morphine milligram equivalents] was significantly reduced from the initial visit (51 mg) to the last follow-up visit (40 mg). This is consistent with previous literature showing that MC legalization is associated with decreased opioid use and that MC use is associated with decreased opioid use in patients with chronic pain. These findings indicate that MC may represent an alternative analgesic to opioids for some patients,” they wrote. 

 

Anecdotal Evidence

 

While more studies are needed to determine cannabis’ effect on other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, we can rely on anecdotal evidence. In 2020, data from the medical journal, Rheumatology, revealed that patients who have this condition, along with those who have lupus and fibromyalgia, consume cannabis.

 

In fact, it was reported that marijuana was extremely common especially for patients with fibromyalgia. “In this meta-analysis, we found that one in six patients suffering from rheumatologic disease actively consumes cannabis, reducing pain reduction… A favorable effect of cannabis on pain in our meta-analysis reinforces the idea that cannabis could be used for analgesic purposes,” the authors concluded.

 

Conclusion

Cannabis is a safe and natural way to help prevent and treat the symptoms of autoimmune disease. It targets inflammation at its root, and is a proven natural way to help cope with stress, pain, insomnia, and inflammation all while protecting the brain. However, it’s important to ensure you medicate with clean, organic sources of marijuana.

 

AUTOIMMUNE AND CANNABIS, READ ON…

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CANNABIS FOR 9 DIFFERENT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES!



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Hemp and the New Senate Farm Bill

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The U.S. Senate’s version of the Farm Bill finally landed this week. They’re calling it the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024 (the “Senate bill”). The Senate bill follows on the House’s proposal, called the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 (the “House bill”), offered in May. Neither the Senate bill nor the House bill would preempt state or Indian law regarding hemp or the regulation of hemp products. This means states and tribes will retain a lot of latitude in regulating hemp and hemp-derived products– which gets people fired up.

Aside from giving states some runway, the Senate bill and the House bill differ in key respects regarding hemp. Therefore, these august bodies must confer and reconcile their sundry proposals. That could happen in 2024, but seems more likely in 2025 when the new Congress convenes. As of this week, though, we finally have a framework.

The Senate Bill re-defines “hemp” and defines “industrial hemp”

Section 10016 of the Senate bill (“Hemp Production”) amends the definition of “hemp.” Hemp was defined in the 2018 Farm Bill and removed from the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), taking us on a truly wild ride. See: What Happened to Hemp? (“What Happened”). The Senate bill also gives us a definition for “industrial hemp.” Here are those definitions, with points of emphasis in bold:

(1) Hemp. The term “hemp” means (A) the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration (including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis; and (B) industrial hemp.

(3) Industrial Hemp. The term “industrial hemp” means the plant Cannabis sativa L. if the harvested material (A) is only (i) the stalks of that plant, fiber produced from those stalks, or any other manufactured product, derivative, mixture, or preparation of those stalks (except cannabinoid resin extracted from those stalks); (ii) whole grain, oil, cake, nut, hull, or any other compound, manufactured product, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the seeds of that plant (except cannabinoid resin extracted from the seeds of that plant); or (iii) viable seeds of that plant produced solely for production or manufacture of any material described in clause (i) or (ii); and (B) will not be used in the manufacturing or synthesis of natural or synthetic cannabinoid products.

The new regime

Again, the definitional stuff in bold is what I want to emphasize.

First, the Senate bill keeps the THC threshold at 0.3 percent, which is an arbitrary number we’ve been advocating against for years. The Senate bill mirrors the House bill in this respect, though, so we are stuck with this, unless Ron Paul gets his way.

Second, the Senate bill keeps the 2018 Farm Bill’s total THC standard, including THCA. The House bill does this too. This was fairly predictable: in What Happened, I wrote that we could “expect the total THC standard to remain, which means that actual Delta-9 THC won’t be the only metric for calculating THC content.”

We’ve also explained on this blog that the 2018 Farm Bill and USDA rules mandate total THC testing on pre-harvest hemp batches, but do not mandate such testing on post-harvest hemp or hemp products. The Senate bill doesn’t change this paradigm, which means the “loophole” for gas station weed remains open. This proposal is a big win for opponents of the House bill’s “Miller Amendment,” which would narrow the definition of “hemp” to exclude intoxicating hemp-derived substances.

Third, the Senate bill introduces a new definition and framework for industrial hemp. The House bill does this too, albeit slightly differently. The idea here is to invite farmers to grow hemp for fiber and grain purposes, while freeing them from regulatory burdens with the Department of Agriculture and criminal exposure with the Department of Justice. More specifically, for “industrial hemp” growers, the Senate bill:

  • removes background check requirements;
  • instates “relaxed regulatory requirements” for sampling and inspection methodologies (which will need to be adopted by rule); and
  • develops a certified seed program. 

The Senate bill also makes any hemp producer ineligible to grow hemp for five years if that producer, “with a culpable mental state greater than negligence, produces a crop of hemp that is inconsistent with that license.”(Hint: use the seed program.) The proof standard here seems like it could be an issue, and even if anyone has been adjudicated as growing marijuana under the guise of hemp, Farm Bill ineligibility seems like a far-off concern.

Bottom line

The big takeaway for me is that the Senate bill leaves the door open for intoxicating hemp products, whereas the Miller Amendment to the House bill does not. Something’s gotta give. And it needs to happen soon, because we’re already long overdue. As I explained in a webinar last week, the Farm Bill deals with the nation’s entire food supply, not just hemp. Therefore, this is not like with the SAFE Banking Act, where we have a proposed law specific to cannabis that may or may not ever pass. The Farm Bill must pass, and soon.

Stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated on any major happenings. For more on this topic, check out our massive hemp and CBD archive, or these specific, recent posts:



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