Adults still consuming cannabis and psychedelic at record highs according to the NIH

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/cannabis-hallucinogen-use-among-adults-remained-historic-highs-2023

Since the world got flipped upside down by COVID-19, we’ve witnessed a fascinating shift in the landscape of psychoactive substance consumption. But here’s the kicker – it’s not the youngsters leading this charge into altered states of consciousness. No, my friends, it’s the adults who are blazing this trail, and boy, are they blazing it hard.

According to recent studies by the National Institutes of Health, adults are indulging in cannabis and psychedelics at historic highs, leaving researchers scratching their heads and wondering, “What’s the deal?” As someone who’s spent the better part of two decades exploring the vast frontiers of consciousness through various herbal and fungal allies, I feel uniquely qualified to offer my two cents on this phenomenon.

Now, I’m not claiming to have all the answers. Hell, half the time I’m not even sure I know the right questions. But after years of personal experience and countless conversations with fellow psychonauts, I’ve developed some theories about why more adults are choosing to tune in and drop out in these turbulent times.

So, dear readers, I invite you to kick back, maybe roll up a little something if that’s your jam (no judgment here), and join me as we dive deep into the reasons behind this psychedelic renaissance among the “grown-ups.” We’ll explore the data, ponder the implications, and maybe even have a few laughs along the way. After all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journeys, it’s that sometimes the most profound insights come wrapped in a giggle.

Let’s unravel this mystery together and see if we can’t shed some light on why adults are entering the psychedelic realms in record numbers. It’s going to be one hell of a trip.

let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what the eggheads at the National Institutes of Health uncovered in their latest Monitoring the Future study. Buckle up, because these findings are about as mind-bending as a potent edible.

First off, let’s talk numbers. The study, which has been tracking substance use since 1975, revealed that cannabis and hallucinogen use among adults remained at historic highs in 2023. We’re not talking about a little bump here, folks. According to Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “We have seen that people at different stages of adulthood are trending toward use of drugs like cannabis and psychedelics and away from tobacco cigarettes.” It’s like we’ve collectively decided to trade in our cancer sticks for some consciousness expansion.

Let’s break it down by age groups. Among adults aged 19 to 30, a whopping 42% reported cannabis use in the past year, with 29% lighting up in the past month, and 10% indulging daily. That’s a lot of joints, folks. For the 35 to 50 crowd, the numbers were 29%, 19%, and 8% respectively. While these numbers didn’t change much from 2022, they represent significant increases over the past five and ten years.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. For the first time in the study’s history, women in the 19-30 age group outpaced men in past-year cannabis use. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, the fairer sex is leading the charge into the green frontier. As a long-time observer of cannabis culture, I find this shift fascinating. Could it be that women are finally feeling more comfortable embracing Mary Jane publicly? Or perhaps they’re just better at multitasking their highs with adulting?

Interestingly, this gender flip doesn’t extend to the older crowd. Among the 35-50 year olds, men still reign supreme in cannabis consumption, maintaining a higher prevalence of past-year use than women. It seems the old boys’ club is still alive and well in some circles.

Now, let’s talk about the importance of this data. The Monitoring the Future study isn’t just some random survey. It’s been tracking substance use behaviors and attitudes since 1975, following a nationally representative sample from their teen years well into adulthood. This longitudinal approach gives us a unique window into how drug use patterns evolve over a lifetime.

As Megan Patrick, Ph.D., principal investigator of the study, puts it, “The power of surveys such as Monitoring the Future is to see the ebb and flow of various substance use trends over the longer term.” In other words, this isn’t just a snapshot; it’s a full-length feature film of America’s relationship with drugs.

What’s particularly exciting is that the study is now reaching new milestones. In 2023, for the first time, a cohort from the study reached 65 years of age. Soon, we’ll be able to track substance use trends among retirees. Imagine the potential headlines: “Seniors Swapping Bingo for Bongs?”

In all seriousness, this data is crucial for informing public health strategies and drug policies. As Dr. Volkow notes, these findings “underscore the urgent need for rigorous research on the potential risks and benefits of cannabis and hallucinogens – especially as new products continue to emerge.”

Adults are getting higher than ever, women are breaking grass ceilings, and we’re on the cusp of understanding drug use patterns across the entire lifespan. It’s a brave new world out there, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where this trip takes us next.

Now that we’ve waded through the scientific swamp, let’s dive headfirst into the philosophical deep end. Buckle up, because we’re about to get metaphysical.

These days, the world feels like it’s been tossed into a cosmic blender set to “puree.” We’ve got natural disasters popping up like whack-a-mole, wars erupting faster than you can say “geopolitical tension,” and don’t even get me started on the rollercoaster ride that is modern politics and finance. It’s enough to make your average Joe’s head spin faster than a Grateful Dead vinyl.

In this constant state of flux, we mere mortals find ourselves desperately trying to keep our footing. Humans, by nature, are creatures of habit. We love our routines. They’re like warm, comfy blankets for our brains. But when the world around us starts shape-shifting like some cosmic Transformer, those cozy neural pathways can quickly become prison cells.

I call this phenomenon “neuro-lock.” It’s when our well-worn behavioral patterns become barriers, preventing us from adapting to the ever-changing landscape around us. We’re like old dogs stubbornly refusing to learn new tricks, even as the ground beneath our paws turns to quicksand.

Enter psychedelics, stage left. These mind-bending substances are like WD-40 for our rusty neural gears. They induce a state of neuroplasticity, allowing us to break free from our habitual thought patterns and explore new mental territories. It’s like trading in your trusty old bicycle for a flying carpet – suddenly, you’re not bound by the roads anymore.

This newfound mental flexibility could explain why more people are turning to psychedelics to cope with our rapidly changing world. When reality starts feeling like a Salvador Dali painting, sometimes you need to dive into the surreal to make sense of it all.

But it’s not just about adapting to change. There’s a spiritual component to this psychedelic renaissance too. Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a steady decline in traditional religiosity. People are drifting away from organized religion, but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost the yearning for transcendent experiences.

Psychedelics, while not a direct substitute for spirituality, certainly tap into that same cosmic vein. A strong dose of psilocybin can make you feel more connected to the universe than a lifetime of Sunday school. LSD might have you conversing with entities that make the burning bush look like a casual chat. And DMT? Well, let’s just say it’s not called the “spirit molecule” for nothing.

One thing’s for certain: we’re living in a brave new world. The old structures are crumbling, and something new is emerging from the rubble. Psychedelics could very well be the scaffolding we need to build this new reality. They’re like training wheels for our collective consciousness as we learn to navigate this unfamiliar terrain.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that this is all speculation. I’m not claiming to have a hotline to the cosmic truth. But when you look at the global shifts happening around us and the skyrocketing rates of psychedelic use, it’s hard not to see a connection.

We’re in the midst of a neo-revolution, folks. The future is going to look wildly different from our past, and psychedelics might just be the bridge between the two. Will we emerge from this chrysalis as beautiful, enlightened butterflies? Or will we end up as cosmic roadkill on the highway of evolution? Your guess is as good as mine.

But one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be one hell of a trip. So grab your metaphysical seatbelts, because the journey’s just beginning. And who knows? Maybe at the end of this long, strange trip, we’ll find a world that’s a little bit wiser, a little bit kinder, and a whole lot more interesting. Or maybe we’ll just have really good stories to tell.

Either way, I’m here for it.

CANNABIS USE SKYROCKETS IN ADULTS, READ ON…

HOW MANY AMERICANS USE CANNABIS EVERYDAY? SAY WHAT?

Smoking weed can increase penis length? Nope, not satire!

I may have pulled a fast one on you with that title, but hear me out – there’s method to this madness. Today, we’re diving deep into a fascinating case study of misinformation, gullibility, and the importance of critical thinking in the age of clickbait headlines and pseudo-science.

Our subject of scrutiny? A seemingly legitimate scientific paper with the impressive title, “The Perceived Effect of Cannabis Use on Penile Growth in Humans.” This gem, published on Clinmedjournals.org, has been making the rounds, cited by various publications as cold, hard fact. There’s just one tiny problem – it’s complete and utter nonsense.

Now, before you start frantically Googling “nearest dispensary” or “how to grow weed,” take a deep breath. If you read this study closely (which, let’s be honest, most people don’t), you’ll quickly realize it’s a masterclass in satire. That’s right, this “scientific paper” is about as real as my chances of winning a slam dunk contest.

But here’s the kicker – and the reason we need to talk about this: Many people fell for it hook, line, and sinker. It’s a stark reminder of how easily misinformation can spread when we don’t take the time to fact-check or think critically about what we’re reading.

So, buckle up, buttercup. We’re about to embark on a journey through the smoke and mirrors of this faux study. We’ll dissect how it managed to fool so many, explore the red flags that give away its satirical nature, and discuss the broader implications for how we consume and share information.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the tools to spot similar bull… err, misinformation in the wild. And who knows? You might even have a good laugh along the way. After all, if we can’t chuckle at the absurdity of a study claiming weed makes your johnson grow, what can we laugh at?

Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction, shall we?

At first glance, “The Perceived Effect of Cannabis Use on Penile Growth in Humans” appears to be a bona fide scientific study. It’s got all the trappings of legitimacy: a roster of authors from various universities, a proper abstract, and formatting that would make any academic journal proud. The study even sports an impressive list of references, making it seem like a well-researched piece of scholarship.

The authors’ affiliations read like a Who’s Who of obscure yet official-sounding institutions. From the “Santo Daime Ayahuasca University” to the “Central University of Michigan Medical Phecomagnetism,” these names carry just enough gravitas to make a casual reader nod along. And let’s not forget the cherry on top – the presence of W.T. Gerbil and R.T. Gerbil from the prestigious “Siberian University of Independent Gerbids.” Who wouldn’t trust a gerbil with their penile growth research?

The study’s use of scientific jargon is particularly convincing. Take this gem, for instance: “Recent studies have suggested that cannabis may influence human penile growth through the activation of specific receptors in the body. The active compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, have been found to bind to receptors in the body known as CB1 and CB2, which are responsible for regulating cell growth and differentiation” [6]. It sounds plausible, doesn’t it? The casual mention of CB1 and CB2 receptors lends an air of scientific credibility that’s hard to dismiss outright.

The paper even goes so far as to discuss the ethical considerations of their research, stating, “The ethical considerations of the survey were addressed through a thorough review and approval process by an institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee.” This attention to ethical protocols further sells the illusion of a legitimate study.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this satirical masterpiece is its presentation of “results.” The authors claim, “The survey results of the sample of 10,000 men aged 18-35 suggest that most participants, approximately 60%, think that cannabis use helped increase the size of their penis.” They even throw in a p-value for good measure: “Results show that individuals with a higher education level were significantly more likely to claim that cannabis increased their penis size compared to those with a lower education level (p < 0.05).”

The study’s placement on a legitimate-looking website, Clinmedjournals.org, is the final touch that sells this fraud completely. The site’s professional design and the presence of other seemingly legitimate studies create a context of credibility that makes it easy to accept this study at face value.

In crafting this elaborate hoax, the authors have demonstrated a keen understanding of how scientific papers are structured and presented. They’ve mimicked the language, format, and conventions of genuine research so effectively that it’s easy to see how readers might be fooled, especially if they’re only skimming or if they lack familiarity with scientific literature.

This level of detail and commitment to the bit raises an intriguing possibility: could the authors be real researchers conducting a meta-experiment on information consumption and critical thinking in the digital age? Regardless of their true identities or motivations, they’ve certainly succeeded in creating a compelling facsimile of a scientific study.

As we peel back the layers of this satirical onion, it becomes clear just how skilfully crafted this deception is. But fear not, dear readers. In our next section, we’ll dive into the red flags that give away this study’s true nature, arming you with the tools to spot similar falsehoods in the wild.

Let’s pull back the curtain on this elaborate ruse and expose the dead giveaways that scream, “This is satire!” Trust me, I nearly fell for it myself, but once you see these red flags, you’ll wonder how anyone could have missed them.

First up, let’s talk about those “prestigious” universities. At first glance, they might sound legit, but take a closer look:

1. Santo Daime Ayahuasca University, Spain
2. Tanned Balls University, Spain
3. Central University of Charlatanery of Cochabamba, Spain
4. New Caledonia Junk Products Sales University, Spain
5. Siberian University of Independent Gerbids, Spain
6. Central University of Michigan Medical Phecomagnetism, Spain

Notice anything odd? Besides the fact that apparently every obscure university is located in Spain, we’ve got gems like “Tanned Balls University” and the “Siberian University of Independent Gerbids.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve never met a gerbil with a PhD.

The conclusion section is where the satirical nature of this “study” really shines. It starts off sounding somewhat plausible, but quickly descends into absurdity. The authors claim, “It appears that paying drug dealers with Dragon Ball cards may also have an impact on these findings.” I’m sorry, what? Unless Goku has some hidden penis-enlarging powers we don’t know about, this is clearly nonsense.

But wait, there’s more! The study casually mentions that 16.5% of subjects reported that cannabis not only made their penis grow but also their nose. Pinocchio, is that you?

The consumption methods reported in the study are equally ridiculous. Apparently, 78.2% of subjects preferred “smoking cigarettes mixed with carrots.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen anyone light up a carrot.

Perhaps the most glaring example of satire is in the statistical analysis. The authors claim to have used “TannedBallsComputer® SPSS, version 111.0” for their analysis. I hate to break it to you, but that’s not a real software package.

I have to admit, when I first came across this study, I was ready to write an article about its findings. The title was catchy, the abstract seemed plausible, and hey, who doesn’t love a good story about unexpected benefits from cannabis use? It wasn’t until I dug deeper that I realized I was being played like a fiddle. That’s when I decided to pivot and write about the hoax itself instead.

This experience serves as a humbling reminder of how easy it is to be fooled by something that looks legitimate at first glance. It’s a testament to the power of presentation and the importance of critical reading. Even as someone who prides myself on being skeptical and analytical, I nearly fell for it. It just goes to show that we all need to stay on our toes when consuming information, especially in this age of clickbait and misinformation.

In our next segment, we’ll look at some publications that weren’t as lucky as I was. These folks took the bait hook, line, and sinker, republishing the “findings” as legitimate science. It’s a sobering reminder of how easily false information can spread when we don’t take the time to fact-check and think critically.

It seems our satirical study on cannabis and penile growth has made quite a splash in certain corners of the internet. Let’s take a closer look at some of the publications that took the bait, hook, line, and sinker.

First up, we have “Advances in Medical, Dental and Health Sciences,” a seemingly reputable journal that proudly displays the study’s title and even quotes one of its more sensational findings. The fact that a publication with “Medical” and “Health Sciences” in its name couldn’t spot this obvious satire is, quite frankly, alarming. It makes you wonder about the rigor of their peer-review process, doesn’t it?

Next, we see ResearchGate, a platform widely used by academics and researchers, hosting this study. While ResearchGate itself isn’t vouching for the study’s validity, its presence on the site lends it an air of legitimacy that it absolutely doesn’t deserve. This highlights the potential dangers of platforms that allow easy sharing of “research” without robust fact-checking mechanisms.

Perhaps most concerning is Kannabia, a cannabis-focused blog that not only fell for the study but ran with it, asking the provocative question, “Does marijuana make your penis bigger?” This is a prime example of how misinformation can spread when it aligns with what people want to hear or believe.

While fortunately, the number of publications that fell for this hoax seems limited, the fact that any did is cause for concern. It raises serious questions about the standards of these outlets and their commitment to fact-checking and critical analysis.

In my view, this “study” serves as a brilliant experiment in how misinformation works. It demonstrates how easily sensationalist claims about hot-button topics can be adopted and spread, especially when they align with existing biases or desires. The cannabis community, always eager for positive news about their favorite plant, seems particularly susceptible to this kind of misinformation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of why we must always wear our critical thinking caps, especially in the age of AI. With tools like GPT-3 and DALL-E, creating convincing fake studies, complete with plausible-sounding methodologies and conclusions, is easier than ever. If I wanted to, I could craft a “study” on the effects of cannabis on breast size tomorrow, complete with fake university affiliations and sciency-sounding jargon. And I guarantee you, someone, somewhere would pick it up and run with it as fact.

The ease with which this misinformation spreads is a testament to the power of confirmation bias. People are more likely to believe and share information that confirms their existing beliefs or desires, often without taking the time to verify its authenticity.

So, dear readers, consider this a wake-up call. Be aware of the content you consume, for not all that glitters is gold – or in this case, not all that claims to make your johnson grow is legit. Question everything, especially if it seems too good (or too outrageous) to be true.

This is why we need to be vigilant, critical, and always ready to dig deeper. In a world where fake news can spread faster than you can say “cannabis-induced penile growth,” it’s up to each of us to be the gatekeepers of truth. Stay skeptical, my friends, and remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

DOES YOUR PENIS LOOK BIGGER IF YOU ARE STONED, READ ON…

DOES MARIJUANA MAKE YOUR PENIS LOOK BIGGER?

The Drug War Machine Trucks on

As I sit here, rolling up my morning joint, I can’t help but marvel at the paradoxical state of cannabis in America. On one hand, we’ve witnessed a green wave of progress sweep across the nation. From the rocky coasts of Maine to the sun-kissed beaches of California, the majority of states have embraced some form of marijuana reform. Medical programs flourish, recreational markets boom, and politicians who once demonized the plant now champion its potential. It’s a far cry from the “Reefer Madness” days, and for a moment, it almost feels like victory.

But as the smoke clears, a sobering reality comes into focus. Despite this unprecedented progress, the gears of the Drug War Machine continue to grind, harvesting individual souls with ruthless efficiency. The plant that brings relief to millions, sparks creativity, and offers a safer alternative to alcohol is still treated as a menace in many jurisdictions. It’s as if we’re living in two Americas: one where cannabis is celebrated and another where it’s criminalized.

The cost of this dichotomy isn’t just measured in arrest statistics or wasted tax dollars—though those numbers are staggering. It’s measured in shattered lives, broken families, and communities torn apart. All for a plant that’s arguably the safest among the pantheon of substances available to the average human being. The irony is palpable: in one state, you can walk into a sleek dispensary and choose from a cornucopia of cannabis products. Cross an invisible border, and you might find yourself in handcuffs for possessing the very same plant.

In today’s article, we’re going to dive deep into the FBI’s crime statistics for 2023. These numbers tell a tale of two Americas, highlighting that despite positive moves by individual states, the specter of prohibition still looms large. Until we see a complete national—and dare I say, international—shift in cannabis policy, people will continue to suffer under the weight of outdated and unjust laws. So, let’s peel back the layers of progress and examine the work that still needs to be done. The Drug War Machine may be sputtering, but it’s far from dead.

Let’s dive into the cold, hard numbers, shall we?

According to the FBI’s latest Crime in the United States report, a staggering 220,000 marijuana-related arrests were made in 2023. Brace yourselves for this kicker: the majority of these arrests were for simple possession.

That’s right, folks. We’re not talking about kingpins or violent offenders. We’re talking about average Joes and Janes whose crime was having a plant in their pocket.

Now, let’s break that down. 220,000 arrests in a year means about 602 arrests per day. That’s 602 lives potentially ruined, 602 families stressed, and 602 communities impacted—every single day. And for what? A substance that’s legal in nearly half the country.

It’s crucial to note that these arrests aren’t evenly distributed. In states where cannabis is legal, these statistics don’t hold water. The bulk of these arrests are happening in states clinging to outdated models of prohibition like a drowning man to a life raft. The irony? That life raft is actually an anchor, dragging entire communities down.

The Drug War Machine, despite its sputtering and wheezing, continues to execute its programming with the precision of a well-oiled apparatus of oppression. But let’s ask ourselves: what has this achieved? Has it made our communities safer? Has it reduced drug use? Has it improved public health? The resounding answer to all of these questions is a big, fat “No.”

Instead, this relentless grind has torn families apart, destabilized communities, and created hardships that echo through generations. Prohibitionists often parrot the line that drugs rip communities apart, but let’s be real: it’s the enforcement of these draconian policies that does the real damage. Parents labeled as “dangerous substance abusers” are ripped away from their children. People with arrest records struggle to find jobs, housing, and education opportunities.

This cycle of marginalization doesn’t reduce crime—it breeds it.

This is the madness of our current state of affairs, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don’t foresee any major changes on the horizon, even with a new president. Why? Because the War Machine is adaptable. It aims to embed itself within legalization efforts. Just look at the push for Schedule III rescheduling—a move that would maintain federal control while giving the illusion of progress.

The truth is, many of us are now in cannabis-friendly places, enjoying the fruits of reform. But our brothers and sisters stuck in prohibition land are still feeling the blunt force of this failed policy. It’s a tale of two Americas, and the contrast is stark and unjust.

This must change. We can’t rest on our laurels just because some of us can walk into a dispensary without fear. Every arrest is a tragedy, every life derailed is a failure of our system. The Drug War Machine may be running out of fuel, but it’s still claiming victims. It’s up to us—the cannabis community, advocates, and compassionate citizens—to throw a wrench in its gears once and for all. The fight isn’t over until the last cannabis prisoner is free and the last arrest is made.

Alright, let’s take a moment to roll up the good with the bad, shall we? The good news—if you can call it that—is that 220,000 cannabis arrests in 2023 is a far cry from the prohibition peak of 2009 when we saw nearly a million souls caught in the Drug War’s meat grinder. It’s a bit like celebrating that your house is only partially on fire instead of fully engulfed in flames. Progress? Sure. But let’s not break out the champagne just yet.

The bad news? 220,000 arrests is still an atrocious, jaw-dropping, mind-bogglingly absurd number. We’re talking about more people than the entire population of Des Moines, Iowa, facing life-altering consequences for a plant. A plant, I might add, that categorically doesn’t qualify for Schedule I status. Hell, cannabis shouldn’t even be on the Controlled Substances Act at all. And you know what? Let’s take it a step further—the CSA itself shouldn’t exist in the first place. It’s a relic of a bygone era, a fossil of failed policies that we’re dragging into the 21st century like a caveman with a pet dinosaur.

Despite all the smoke and mirrors of progress, the harsh truth remains: the Drug War Machine continues to oppress millions. It’s not solving any actual problems; it’s creating them. This isn’t a war on drugs; it’s a war on people, on communities, on common sense itself. The government wields this oppressive tool like a drunk swinging a sledgehammer in a china shop—causing maximum damage with minimum effectiveness.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Reginald, what about the next presidential cycle? Surely one of these candidates will fix this mess!” Oh, my sweet summer children. Call me a cynic (go ahead, I’ve been called worse), but I don’t trust any of them as far as I could throw them after a dab session. They’re all out there, spouting promises and platitudes, but at the end of the day, they’re just oiling up the same rusty machine that keeps the average Jane and Joe down.

I wish I could tell you exactly how this anti-drug crusade is going to end. I wish I had a crystal ball (or a particularly prophetic strain of cannabis) that could show us the way out of this mess. But what I do know is this: every year we sit on our hands and “wait and see” what happens, hundreds of thousands of lives are negatively affected. Society isn’t better for it. We’re not safer, healthier, or more prosperous. We’re just… stuck.

So here’s my proposal, as radical as it might sound to some: let’s make common sense rule once more. Let’s end the Controlled Substances Act entirely. Rip it up, set it on fire, use it as rolling paper—I don’t care. But let’s be done with it. Then, let’s sit down like rational adults and completely redraft our relationship with drugs of all calibers.

Imagine a world where we treat drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Where we educate rather than incarcerate. Where we help rather than hurt. It’s not a pipe dream—it’s a necessity. Because the alternative is more of the same: more arrests, more lives ruined, more communities torn apart.

The sticky bottom line is this: we’ve tried prohibition, and it’s failed spectacularly. It’s time for a new approach. It’s time to end the war not just on cannabis, but on all drugs. It’s time to build a society based on compassion, understanding, and yes, a little bit of common sense. Because if we don’t, the only thing that’s going to be truly controlled is us.

TIME TO LEGALIZE, READ ON…

KAMALA HARRIS SAYS WE NEED TO LEGALIZE WEED AND DECRIMINALIZE IT!