A Shift in Europe’s Drug Policy

Published

9 months ago

April 3, 2024

admin

Cannabis in Europe:

Legislation regarding the trafficking, cultivation, and possession of cannabis varies in severity from country to country. In the Netherlands, sale for recreational use is legal in authorized establishments called coffee shops, being the only country in the European Union that allows it. In Spain, cultivation of cannabis for personal use or in exempt modalities from punishment is allowed. However, its therapeutic use is still not regulated and is pending government processing, leading to a shortage of cannabis-based medicines due to lack of regulation, a process that can be prolonged for years due to bureaucratic issues.

In the Spanish legislative sphere, the debate on cannabis has been driven by proposals to amend the law, such as the one presented by Izquierda Unida in 2006 to reform the Corcuera Law. Additionally, cannabis associations have emerged that offer legal access to cannabis as an alternative to the free market legalization model, which is considered to potentially encourage uncontrolled trade following unregulated consumption patterns. These associations have restrictive entry criteria, limited to adults and consumers recommended by members.

The conservative government of Mariano Rajoy introduced a bill in 2013 that toughened penalties for cannabis possessors and consumers in public spaces, eliminating the option of substituting fines for detoxification programs and increasing fines for the cultivation of drugs not constituting a crime. This measure was criticized by drug dependency experts and representatives of cannabis associations, who considered it regressive and harmful to users.

In 2022, the Congress of Deputies debated the regulation of medicinal cannabis, with the Health and Consumption Committee approving by an absolute majority a report urging the Government to approve it within six months, although the process was hindered and not fully materialized due to the general elections of 2023.

In Portugal, drug consumption, including marijuana, is still prohibited, but since 2001, drug possession is not considered a crime. According to a Ministry of Health official, the focus is on addressing addiction as a disease, not criminalizing affected individuals. Those detained with minimal amounts are referred to monitoring committees, led by the Ministry of Health, to receive detoxification treatment if necessary, without this being recorded in police or judicial records. This policy has resulted in a decrease in consumption.

In Germany, efforts to legalize cannabis have been initiated since 2022. After the leadership change with Olaf Scholz, proposals were made to increase the minimum wage, reduce the voting age, and legalize the sale of cannabis for recreational use. Hearings with medical and legal experts have been held to inform about possible legalization. Despite meetings between ministers from various countries to discuss the regulation of the cannabis market, an official agreement has not yet been reached.

Source link

Canada

Justin Trudeau’s Long Involvement With Cannabis

Published

8 hours ago

January 6, 2025

admin

After 12 years as Prime Minister, he is stepping down…here is a look back on Justin Trudeau’s long involvement with cannabis.

Justin Trudeau’s journey with cannabis legalization in Canada is a story of personal experience, political conviction, and transformative policy-making. As the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s perspective on marijuana was shaped by a family incident involving his younger brother Michel. In 1998, Michel Trudeau was caught with marijuana during a traffic stop. Thanks to their father’s connections and resources, the charges were dropped.

This event highlighted the inequalities in Canada’s drug laws, where those with means could avoid consequences while others faced criminal records. Justin Trudeau later reflected on this, stating, “That’s one of the fundamental unfairnesses of this current system is that it affects different communities in a different way”.

Trudeau’s personal history with cannabis extends beyond family experiences. In 2013, he admitted to smoking marijuana at a dinner party in his Montreal home in 2008, after he had already been elected as a Member of Parliament. In a sign of changing norms,
the admission, while controversial, did not significantly impact his political career.

As Liberal Party leader, Trudeau campaigned on a platform of cannabis legalization during the 2015 federal election. His approach focused on regulation and harm reduction rather than economic benefits. Trudeau emphasized two main goals: minimizing underage access to marijuana and reducing criminal activity surrounding illegal marijuana trade.

After winning the election, Trudeau’s government took concrete steps towards legalization. In 2016, a task force was created to explore the issue. The following year, the Cannabis Act was introduced in Parliament, allowing for the sale and possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for anyone over.

On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide. This move was seen as a bold reform, distinguishing Trudeau’s administration from previous governments. The legalization process wasn’t without challenges. Provinces were given significant responsibility for regulating sales, leading to some friction with the federal government .Additionally, Trudeau faced criticism from both supporters and opponents of legalization.

Following legalization, Trudeau’s government announced plans to create a simplified, free process for pardoning individuals with simple possession records. This move aimed to address the historical inequities in cannabis law enforcement.Trudeau’s approach to cannabis legalization reflects a combination of personal experience, pragmatic policy-making, and a commitment to social justice. By moving from prohibition to regulation, Canada under Trudeau’s leadership has embarked on a significant social and legal experiment, the results of which continue to unfold.

As Trudeau ends one chapter and starts another, he will continue to be a champion of cannabis.

Source link

alcohol

Sherry Is Becoming A Thing Again

Published

9 hours ago

January 6, 2025

admin

Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry has now become a star in the craft cocktail scene.

Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry is becoming a thing again. From the fortified wine from Spain’s Jerez region, it is experiencing a renaissance in North America, particularly among younger consumers and wine enthusiasts. This resurgence is reshaping the perception of sherry and driving growth in the market.

The traditional image of sherry as a drink for older generations is rapidly changing. Young people in the US are increasingly embracing sherry, with consumption on the rise. This shift is particularly evident in the on-trade sector, where sherry’s popularity is growing in tandem with the increasing number of tapas bars and improved knowledge among sommeliers and restaurateurs.

The sherry wine market is showing promising signs of growth. Projections indicate a growth rate of 10.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to various factors, including the increasing popularity of sherry as an accompaniment to meals and its perceived health benefits.

While sweet sherries have long dominated the US market, there’s a growing interest in dry styles among younger consumers. This trend is part of a broader shift in consumption patterns, with drinkers becoming more adventurous and seeking out diverse flavor profiles. The movement towards dry sherries is seen as a positive development for the category’s long-term prospects.

Sherry’s versatility in food pairing is attracting attention from sommeliers and food enthusiasts. Plus, with the continued raise of craft beverage, sherry has been a rising star in cocktail scene, introducing it to a new audience of mixology enthusiasts.

The perceived health benefits of sherry is also buzzing as Gen Z and younger Millennials are switching to less harmful products. This gave rise to the California Sober movement. Sherry contains antioxidants called polyphenols that may help control cholesterol levels. Polyphenols may prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is associated with heart disease. Sherry may also increase the body’s production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is associated with longevity and a decreased risk of coronary artery disease.

If you want to try sherry, here are some tips. The correct way depends on the type: dry sherries like Fino and Manzanilla should be served chilled in a small glass, while sweeter sherries like Pedro Ximénez can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed;generally, a white wine glass is preferred to fully appreciate the flavors, and it’s best to serve sherry with food, particularly tapas for drier styles and richer dishes for sweeter options.

Chef Justin Khanna has worked in some of the top restaurants in the world and keeps his fingers are trends shared “Enjoying a well-made Sherry with food feels like spending time with most interesting person at a party. The versatility too makes it a stand-out as an ingredient in a cocktail, featured as part of a wine pairing in a tasting menu, or simply sipped over ice at the start of a meal. It’s high time that Sherry gets a rise in popularity, especially without the hefty price tag of other spirits.”

Source link

industry

What Is Delta 8? Delta-8 Ultimate Guide

Published

11 hours ago

January 6, 2025

admin

Delta-8 THC, generally made from hemp, falls under a legal gray area and can carry some health risks if you are not careful.

Here is what you need to know about delta-8 THC.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a mildly intoxicating cannabinoid found in trace amounts in hemp and cannabis.

Delta-8 THC works similarly to delta-9 THC, the primary intoxicating compound in the cannabis plant. The difference in chemical structure between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC is the cause of their difference in potency.

The majority of delta-8 products are made from hemp, which is legal to grow in the US. Generally, processors extract CBD isolate from hemp and then synthesize it into delta-8.

An acid reagent is used to trigger a chemical reaction in the CBD isolate. The extract is then neutralized with an alkaline material. Delta-9 THC is purged from the extract leaving behind a pure delta-8 product.

Delta-8 THC Effects

What is delta 8 like as far as the effects? Similar to delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC can produce euphoric and relaxing effects.

Delta-8 THC’s subdued effects can provide mild relief for minor aches and pains. It does not produce an intense high like delta-9 THC. Still, research on delta-8’s effects, benefits, and risks is still in its infancy.

Delta-8 Side Effects

Delta-8 THC’s side effects are similar to delta-9 THC’s side effects. Common side effects include:

Dry and red eyes
Dry mouth
Slow or fast heart rate
Low blood pressure
Delayed reaction times
Confusion
Anxiety
Paranoia
Drowsiness
Short term memory loss
Motor control problems

Apart from its common and mild side effects, delta-8’s manufacturing process using hemp-derived CBD may produce harmful byproducts in the final product, especially if it is not tested by an independent lab for purity and potency.

In some cases, untested delta-8 products can contain delta-9 and delta-10 THC compounds. Research on delta-10 THC is also limited.

While these THC derivatives may not cause adverse side effects, there still may be harmful byproducts that can be unsafe to consume.

Does Delta-8 THC Produce a High?

Delta-8 THC has a similar but different chemical structure as the highly intoxicating delta-9 THC compound. While delta-8 THC can produce a high, it is much milder than a high from delta-9 THC.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

A majority of delta-8 products are made from hemp-derived CBD. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of industrial hemp products.

Hemp products with less than 0.3% THC are legal now, but the bill does not address delta-8. As a result, many hemp producers use this loophole to sell delta-8 products across the country.

Delta-8 is now one of the fastest-growing products in the hemp market. Due to the unregulated nature of the market, many in the industry are worried about potential impurities and lack of testing in the production of delta-8 THC.

Due to these concerns, many states, including Colorado and New York, have banned the use of Delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: What Is the Difference?

Delta-8 THC and delta 9 THC both produce intoxicating effects, although delta-8 THC’s high is much more subtle than delta-9 THC’s high.

In terms of their chemical structure, both compounds have double bonds and a chain of carbon atoms. Delta-8 THC has its double bonds on the eighth carbon atom, while delta-9 has it on the ninth carbon.

Benefits of Delta 8

Due to the novelty of the compound and the trace amounts found in cannabis, there is not too much research on delta-8 THC.

Much of its medical uses have been anecdotal reports on social media posts, forums, blog posts, and more. What medical uses are delta8 used for?

Users have reported using delta-8 for the following:

Depression
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Pain
Insomnia
Side effects of cancer treatment

The benefits of delta 8 THC, is sometimes believed to be a compromise between CBD and delta 9 THC.

In a manner analogous to that of Delta 9 THC and CBD, it binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, so making a contribution to the control of homeostasis inside the body.

Because of the diminished potency of its effects, it is a more prudent choice for people who wish to steer clear of the anxiety and paranoia that are occasionally brought on by Delta 9 THC.

It is possible that it is more efficient than Delta 9 THC in stimulating appetite, as some research suggest that its effect on appetite could be twice as great.

While delta-8 THC has seemingly worked for many users, the limited research does not fully support these claims. For this reason, we recommend users take caution when buying and using delta-8 products. Many of these products may not be safe to use.

Delta-8 Safety

There is some controversy in the industry surrounding the sale and use of delta-8 THC products such as pre-rolled joints, tinctures, and vapes.

Since delta-8 THC production is not regulated properly, the synthetic production of delta-8 THC from hemp can create harmful compounds that can cause adverse side effects.

Where Are Delta-8 THC Products Sold?

Delta-8 THC products are available nearly everywhere nowadays from gas stations to convenience stores to dispensaries to online retailers.

Customers can buy a wide range of delta-8 products including edibles such as gummies and candies, tinctures, pre-rolled joints, beverages, and vape pens.

Keep in mind, delta-8 products vary in quality. We recommend doing as much research about the producer and their products.

Look up how they source their cannabis or hemp and their processing methods that make delta-8 THC. Always choose products that have been lab tested for harmful substances. Delta 8 thc products are being sold all over the US and sometimes by suspect retailers.

How Long Does Delta 8 Remain in The Body?

There are several factors affecting the elimination of delta 8 from the body.

They include:

Metabolism. It’s the main factor that’s in charge of delta 8 elimination. If you have a fast metabolism, it won’t take long for delta 8 THC to leave your body.
Body Weight. It’s another factor that plays a huge role, since fat cells can store delta 8 THC. The higher body weight you have, the longer delta 8 THC will retain in your system.
Dosage. People taking high doses of delta 8 retain the compound in their system for longer, so it’s important to keep the dosage in mind.
Frequency of Use. Besides the dosage, frequency of use also affects the retention of delta 8 THC. It can take longer for delta 8 to leave the body of a constant user than just a beginner.
Method of Consumption. There’s a variety of delta 8 THC products, from capsules and edibles to topicals and vape cartridges. The inhalation of delta 8 THC, for instance, provides a faster elimination from the body compared to edibles.
Certain Medications. It’s not recommended to use delta 8 THC with other medications since they can interact negatively, and they also affect the retention of delta 8 THC in the body.

In some people delta 8 THC can still be detected in the body after 30 days after consumption, and in others, delta 8 isn’t detectable after two days. So it’s important to consider the factors mentioned above.

Delta-8 THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?

While they share many similarities in effects, it is vital to understand the critical differences in their legality, effects, and potency.

Processing

CBD is found in higher concentrations in the hemp plant. Cannabis plants can be bred to contain a higher percentage of CBD. However, most CBD products are made using hemp.

Hemp-derived extracts, topicals, and edibles are made using a CBD concentrate. CBD can be extracted using solvent-based and solventless extraction processes.

Delta-8 THC is usually made with the hemp plant and found in very small concentrations. Using a closed-loop extraction process, processors extract a CBD isolate from the plant material and use a synthetic process to convert the CBD isolate into the delta-8 cannabinoid.

Due to the lack of regulation on delta-8 products, there is a higher risk of products containing contaminants.

Legality

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the industrial production of hemp plants that contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Cannabis products containing a THC percentage over this limit are a Schedule I substance that is federally illegal.

Under federal law, there is no explicit prohibition of delta-8 THC, which is a loophole used by producers and processors to “legally” sell delta-8 THC products in a legal gray area. As a result, many states have moved to restrict or ban delta-8 THC. At the moment, its legal status is unclear.

Delta 8 Effects

In terms of psychoactive effects, delta-8 THC and CBD affect the mind and mental state differently. For example, CBD does not cause an intoxicating effect. Delta-8 THC is known to produce a milder form of intoxication compared to its delta-9 THC analog.

In high doses, delta-8 THC can produce effects of overconsumption, especially for first-time or low-tolerance users.

Both CBD and delta-8 THC have been shown to provide pain relief, anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and cancer-inhibiting properties. Delta-8 may stimulate appetite, while CBD can suppress appetite.

Delta 8 Side Effects

Most people experience no side effects from CBD, although it can produce mild side effects such as dry mouth, lack of appetite, and sleepiness.

Delta-8 THC’s side effects include fatigue, reduced heart rate, and low blood pressure. Most adverse effects from delta-8 THC reported to poison control centers are due to accidental consumption of edibles.

Delta 8 Drug Testing

Most CBD products that have been lab-tested will not make you fail a drug test. However, when you eat a delta-8 THC edible, the cannabinoid is metabolized in the liver and converted into a THC metabolite detected by a urine drug test.

There is little risk for failing a drug test when delta-8 is inhaled or consumed sublingually or topically.

Delta 8 Laws in the United States

As many states restrict or outright ban delta-8 THC products, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that Delta-8 THC is federally legal.

While many companies race to ramp up the production of delta-8 products across the country, industry experts warn that there may still be some compliance issues with the production of hemp-derived delta-8. Is delta8 legal? Not always.

DEA Maintains a Consistent Stance on Delta-8 THC

The DEA’s recent announcement on delta-8’s legality echoes a similar statement from a June 2021 virtual town hall hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

DEA Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs Sean Mitchell responded to a question about the legality of delta-8 THC.

Mitchell said, “what I want to say, and I’ll be very, very deliberate and clear, at this time—I repeat again, at this time—per the Farm Bill, the only thing that is a controlled substance is delta-9 THC greater than 0.3% based on a dry weight basis.”

States Restrict or Ban Delta-8

In light of unclear federal regulations on delta-8 and other hemp derivatives, many states have taken matters into their own hands. For example, they have passed rules to restrict or ban hemp-derived cannabinoids, including delta-8.

Regardless of how the DEA’s announcement is interpreted, whether you think delta-8 is legal or not, state regulations surrounding this cannabinoid are still in effect. The announcement does not overrule any delta-8 bans.

States began regulating the drug after the hemp-derived products market started to snowball. Currently, 19 states have restricted or banned the drug, with a handful of more states moving in the same direction.

FDA Warns Consumers About Delta-8 Products

In the meantime, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tasked with regulating cannabis-derived products, has warned customers about the possible adverse health effects of consuming contaminated delta-8 products.

To understand the cannabinoid better, the agency announced in October 2021 that it would use Reddit and other new data sources to learn more about how CBD and cannabis derivatives like delta-8 are being used.

According to their Cannabis-Derived Products Data Acceleration Plan, the agency “needs robust information about potential safety problems or adverse events associated with FDA regulated products, including [cannabis-derived products].”

The FDA plans to research these data sources for how the products are being used and consumer trends to protect consumers and regulate the relatively new industry.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Says Delta-8 Is Illegal

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has taken a firm stance on its trademark policy regarding delta-8 products.

So far, about 40 trademark applications for delta-8 products and services have been filed, and only five have been taken up. The USPTO rejected all trademarks and cited the federally illegal status of delta-8.

Become a Master of Cannabis at CTU

Are you interested in learning more about the cannabis sativa plant? Do you want to learn how to grow cannabis plants at home? Enroll in Cannabis Training University’s online marijuana school for a comprehensive insight into the plant’s compounds, how to use cannabis medicinally, and how to start a career or business in this fast-growing industry.

If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest cannabis developments in science, law, and culture, subscribe to the Cannabis Training University’s blog. For a complete cannabis education, enroll in Cannabis Training University.

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred’s expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred’s wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

Source link