Cannabis News
A Guide to Dispel Media Gaslighting of the Cannabis Plant
Published
3 months agoon
By
admin
LightHousing – A guide to dispel Media Gaslighting
You’ve probably heard the term “gaslighting” thrown around in the news or casual conversations lately. But have you ever stopped to really think about what it means? Imagine you’re at a party, and you notice your drink tastes funny. When you mention it to your friend, they insist you’re just being paranoid and that the drink is fine. Later, you find out they actually spiked your drink. That’s gaslighting – making you question your own perception of reality.
Now, as you may have noticed, one of the places where gaslighting occurs most frequently is in the media. Whether it’s your social media feed or the evening news, you’re bombarded with information that can often distort your view of the world. It’s like we’re all trapped in a house of mirrors, never quite sure if what we’re seeing is real or just a twisted reflection.
Let me give you a recent example that’s been lighting up my Twitter feed. Lately, it seems like every other post is about how “mass immigration” is causing riots in England, painting a picture of a country descending into anarchy. The narrative goes that the “regular Joe” is being replaced by some faceless “other,” and chaos reigns in the streets.
But here’s where it gets interesting. I’ve got a friend who actually lives in London, so I decided to go straight to the source. I shot him a message, asking what was really going on. His response? “It’s not really happening where I live…” He went on to give me a much more nuanced take on the political temperature in his neck of the woods.
This got me thinking. If what we’re seeing online is so different from the reality on the ground, what’s really going on here? And more importantly, how can we, as savvy media consumers, cut through the noise and find the truth?
That’s where the concept of “Lighthousing” comes in. But before we dive into that, let’s take a take a few steps back and see if how perhaps you could play a pivotal role in breaking the illusionary spell of false narratives being spammed into your reality.
The story of “Lighthousing” didn’t end with that initial conversation. A few days after our chat, my friend in England shot me a message that caught me off guard. The protests were now close to where he lived. Had we been wrong in our initial assessment? This turn of events highlighted the fluid nature of reality and the danger of settling into fixed beliefs too quickly.
As we continued our dialogue, we delved deeper into how these protests form. We discussed the concept of psychic entrapment – the way unquestionable beliefs can lock people into rigid mindsets. It’s that sheer conviction of “We Are Right” that can be so dangerous, especially when multiple tribes are shouting the same thing. History has shown us time and again where that road leads, and it’s rarely anywhere good.
But my friend, ever the intrepid explorer, decided to take a different approach. Instead of cowering in fear or accepting the digital narrative at face value, he chose to go out and feel the energy of the protests for himself. He sought out an “anti-racist protest” to see if what we’d been shown on Twitter aligned with reality on the ground.
What he discovered was eye-opening. He took a video and narrated the whole experience. As you can see for yourself, the reality portrayed digitally was far from in harmony with what was actually happening. The chaos and violence that had dominated our Twitter feeds were nowhere to be seen. Instead, he found a passionate but largely peaceful gathering.
When he returned, our conversation shifted to the importance of seeing through these deceptive messages. We realized that these distorted portrayals weren’t just inaccurate – they were actively fueling the potential for the very reality they claimed to be reporting. It was a sobering realization about the power of media narratives to shape not just our perceptions, but potentially our actions as well.
That’s when I posed the question: “What’s the opposite of gaslighting?” We began working on a concept, tossing ideas back and forth. We wanted something that captured the essence of illuminating truth, of grounding oneself in reality rather than getting lost in the fog of misinformation. Eventually, we settled on “Lighthousing.” It felt right – a beacon of truth cutting through the darkness of distortion.
We even went so far as to create a dictionary definition for our new term, cementing its meaning and purpose. But more than just a clever word, we understood the vital need for individuals like my friend to go out and get that “boots on the ground” perspective. These first-hand experiences create a feedback loop that can illuminate the masses on what’s really going on, countering the often sensationalized or manipulated narratives we’re fed online.
It became clear to us how many of us live within digital bubbles, our emotional frequencies affected by what we see, even when what we’re seeing is illusory, false, or designed with malintent. The challenge, then, is how to break free from these bubbles and act as a lighthouse – an objective beacon of truth in the smog of subjective reality manipulation.
This realization opened up a whole new set of questions for us. How can individuals cultivate this “lighthousing” mindset? What tools and techniques can we use to stay grounded in reality when the digital world seems determined to sweep us away in a tide of distortion? These are the questions we’ll explore next, as we delve deeper into the art and practice of lighthousing in our modern, media-saturated world.
While writing this article, I continued to speak with my friend and we came up with the following guideline on becoming a lighthouse in this world of uncertainty. Here’s the process on how you can liberate yourself from your own prejudice.
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Illuminate Your Inner Landscape Just as a lighthouse casts its beam across the dark waters, your first step is to turn that light inward. Take a deep dive into your psyche, examining your thoughts, beliefs, and emotional patterns with unflinching honesty. This isn’t about judgment, but awareness. Notice how your mind operates, where it tends to make assumptions, and how it fills in gaps in understanding. This self-reflection is your foundation for becoming a beacon of truth.
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Calibrate Your Sensory Perception Next, work on aligning your internal perceptions with external reality. This is about becoming a keen observer of both your inner world and the outer one. Pay close attention to how you interpret sensory input and compare it to objective reality. Are there discrepancies between your internal map and the territory of the external world? Identifying these gaps is crucial for accurate “lighthousing.”
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Embrace the Gaps Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Instead of rushing to fill every gap in your knowledge or understanding, learn to be comfortable with uncertainty. Think of it like Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics – some things are inherently indeterminate, and that’s okay. Embracing these gaps prevents you from filling them with potentially misleading assumptions or falling prey to gaslighting.
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Polish Your Inner Mirror The lighthouse metaphor suggests that we’re all mirrors reflecting our inner light. Your task is to cleanse and polish this inner mirror. This might involve practices like meditation, self-inquiry, or therapy. The clearer your inner mirror, the more accurately you can reflect reality – both to yourself and others.
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Spin the Mirror Inward While a lighthouse typically casts light outward, your job is to direct that reflective capability inward. This means consistently turning your attention back to self-examination rather than projecting onto the external world. It’s about maintaining a state of self-awareness even as you engage with the world around you.
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Map Your Reality Create a conscious understanding of how you perceive and interact with the world. This involves recognizing your biases, triggers, and patterns of thought. Think of it as creating a detailed map of your internal landscape. The more accurate this map, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate both your inner world and the external one.
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Practice Conscious “Gaslighting” This step might sound counterintuitive, but bear with me. Use visualization and intentional reality-shaping techniques to alter your predetermined path. This isn’t about self-deception, but rather about consciously choosing to change your perspective. By doing so, you can reshape your reality in positive ways.
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Cultivate Inner Light Remember, you can’t guide others if you don’t have your own inner light. This step is about developing your inner wisdom and truth. It involves cultivating self-knowledge, integrity, and a strong sense of personal truth. The brighter your inner light, the more effectively you can illuminate the path for others.
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Allow Natural Reflection As you develop your inner light and clarity, allow this to naturally reflect outward. Don’t force it or try to impose your truth on others. Instead, trust that as you become more aligned internally, this will naturally manifest in your interactions with the world. Your authenticity will shine through without effort.
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Continuous Journey Finally, understand that becoming a lighthouse is not a destination but a continuous journey. It requires ongoing self-reflection, adjustment, and growth. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this path. Some days your light will shine brighter than others, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to keep polishing your mirror, calibrating your perceptions, and cultivating your inner light.
By following these steps, you’re not just becoming a lighthouse – you’re developing a powerful tool for navigating the often murky waters of our information-saturated world. You’re learning to cut through the fog of misinformation and shine a light on what’s real and true. And in doing so, you’re not just illuminating your own path, but potentially guiding others towards clarity and truth as well.
Alright, let’s get real for a second. Sure, this article wasn’t technically “weed focused”, but I know my audience, and you guys like to sit back and contemplate deep stuff…or perhaps you don’t. I wrote this not to create a movement or awaken the masses – this stuff isn’t for everyone!
You see, the process of becoming a lighthouse will shatter your reality, because you’re undergoing a never-ending journey of self-reflection, of brutal honesty, of challenging your own beliefs. It’s not for the faint of heart, and it’s certainly not a quick fix or an easy path to enlightenment.
So, if you do decide to become a lighthouse in a world of murkiness – just be warned that the process is taxing, but ultimately it’s liberating. It’s like peeling back layers of an onion, except the onion is your perception of reality, and each layer might make you cry a little (or a lot). But here’s the kicker – with each layer you peel away, you get closer to your authentic self and a clearer view of the world around you.
But hey, if the least you can get out of this article is this: don’t believe everything you see in the media. That shit is just there to keep you locked in a state of being where you hold no power and the world is a big scary place. It’s the opposite of what being a lighthouse is about. While they’re trying to fog up your windows, you’re out there trying to clear the mist.
You know how you change the world? You change yourself and the world changes with you. It’s not some new-age mumbo jumbo, it’s the real deal. Every time you shine your light inward and clear out some of the cobwebs in your mind, you’re changing your perception, your actions, and ultimately, your reality.
So whether you’re toking up and pondering the universe, or stone-cold sober and questioning everything, remember – the journey to becoming a lighthouse starts with you. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about being willing to look inward, challenge yourself, and shine a light on the shadows. And who knows? Maybe as you become clearer, you’ll help others see a little more clearly too. Just don’t forget to enjoy the journey, man. After all, life’s too short to be stuck in the fog.
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Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em
Published
13 hours agoon
November 13, 2024By
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On Thursday, November 7th, Vince Sliwoski, Aaron Pelley and Fred Rocafort held a post election discussion “Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em”. Watch the replay!
Key Takeaways from the “Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em – 2024 Post Election Cannabis Wrap” Webinar:
- Panelists:
- Vince Sliwoski: Oregon Business lawyer specializing in cannabis and commercial real estate.
- Aaron Pelley: Experienced in cannabis law since Washington’s legalization in 2012.
- Fred Rocafort: Trademark attorney working closely with the cannabis team.
- Election Results Overview:
- Most 2024 cannabis ballot measures did not pass.
- Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota saw failures.
- Nebraska became the 39th state to legalize cannabis for medical use when it passed two cannabis initiatives, Initiatives 437 and 438.
- Federal and State-Level Developments:
- Medical use is currently legal in 38 states, and 24 states allow recreational use.
- Republican support for marijuana legalization is growing.
- Federal Policy Implications:
- Schedule III Rescheduling: The process to move cannabis to Schedule III is ongoing, which could significantly impact the industry.
- Importance of Federal Appointments: The future of cannabis policy depends heavily on who is appointed to key positions in the administration.
- International and Domestic Trade:
- Schedule III status could ease import/export restrictions on cannabis.
- Unified control of House, Senate, and presidency might expedite legislative progress.
- Economic and Industry Impact:
- Cannabis stocks experienced volatility post-election, reflecting investor uncertainty.
- Federal legalization and banking reforms are crucial for industry stability and growth.
- Future Outlook:
- The potential for federal rescheduling remains strong, with hearings scheduled for early 2025.
- State-level initiatives and regulatory developments will continue to shape the industry.
“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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Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage
Published
1 day agoon
November 12, 2024By
admin
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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