Cannabis News
Are You a Cannabis Lifer? (Not the Same as a Stoner)
Are you a cannabis lifer?
Identity constructs and the substances we love…
When I first encountered cannabis as a young, wide-eyed enthusiast, I was instantly captivated by its allure. In a moment of youthful exuberance, I proclaimed, “I’m doing this shit for life!” Little did I know how prophetic those words would become, as I’ve now been consuming cannabis in various forms for over two decades.
However, as the years have passed, my relationship with this versatile plant has evolved significantly. The brash certainty of my youth has given way to a more nuanced perspective, prompting me to reexamine the concept of being a “cannabis lifer.” These days, I find myself unable to declare with the same unwavering conviction that I’ll be a lifelong consumer.
Perhaps my journey with cannabis will continue indefinitely, or maybe my method of consumption will shift. There’s even a possibility that I might forgo the euphoric experiences altogether, opting instead for raw, non-psychoactive cannabis. This introspection has led me to a profound realization: we often construct our identities around the things we love, and nowhere is this more evident than with cannabis.
The notion of being a “cannabis lifer” raises intriguing questions about dependency, socially accepted habits, and whether such a label inherently implies being a “stoner.” As we delve into this topic, we’ll explore the complex interplay between identity, substance use, and the evolving nature of our relationships with the things we hold dear.
Before we can delve into the concept of a “cannabis lifer,” it’s crucial to understand why and how we create the identities that navigate this world. Our sense of self is a complex construct, often shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and the roles we play in society.
When asked, “Who are you?”, many people respond with an activity, profession, or similar descriptor. “I’m a lawyer,” “I’m a stoner,” or “I’m an artist” are common replies. These responses reflect how we tend to define ourselves through our actions, occupations, or affiliations.
In esoteric circles, this aspect of our identity is known as the “ego.” It’s a construct of narratives created by the Self to navigate the world around us. The ego is neither inherently good nor bad; it’s simply a mechanism we require to exist within time and space. Without it, we would have no defining characteristics to call our own. Our identities would be vast and ever-changing, like the ocean, never at rest.
With the ego, we collapse certain internal narratives and package them as “myself.” This psychological software provides us with behavioral cues, limitations, and beliefs. However, various esoteric philosophies teach us that while useful, all of these are merely “constructs” – none of them truly represent the “Self.”
So, what is the Self? Depending on who you ask, the Self could be explained as the “unconscious” – not to be confused with the “subconscious.” While the ego is the “conscious operating system,” the unconscious is infinite, ever-expanding, and all-encompassing. In the unconscious, there is no difference between one thing and another; it’s the unifying field of all things.
The conscious mind, then, is a fragment of this infinite space that can work within the constructs of reality. It’s the part of us that interacts with the world, makes decisions, and forms memories. This is why we use “markers” such as profession, hobby, activity, or substance use to describe the Self. These markers provide a tangible way to understand and communicate our place in the world.
The problem arises when we forget that these are constructs and integrate them as fundamental aspects of our identity. When we say, “I am a lawyer” or “I am a stoner,” we’re not just describing what we do; we’re defining who we are. This integration can be limiting, as it may prevent us from exploring other aspects of our potential or adapting to new circumstances.
For instance, a lawyer who loses their license may experience a profound identity crisis if they’ve too closely integrated their profession into their sense of self. Similarly, a “stoner” who needs to quit cannabis for health reasons might struggle with who they are without the substance.
Understanding identity integration is crucial when examining the concept of a “cannabis lifer.” It reminds us that while our relationship with cannabis (or any other substance or activity) may be a significant part of our lives, it doesn’t define our entire being. We are more than our habits, our professions, or our preferred substances.
By recognizing the constructed nature of our identities, we can maintain a healthier relationship with the various aspects of our lives, including cannabis use. We can appreciate the role these elements play in shaping our experiences without allowing them to limit our potential for growth and change.
While food and drink certainly play a role in shaping our identities, cannabis stands out as one of the more powerful “identity crafters.” Its influence on personal identity is profound and multifaceted, often becoming deeply ingrained in the lives of its consumers.
Many, if not most, people who consume cannabis develop a strong affinity for it. This love often manifests in cultural markers, humorously captured in memes about the “cannabis starter pack” – complete with Bob Marley posters, pipes, rolling papers, and stoner flicks. While these stereotypes are meant to be humorous, they contain a grain of truth about how cannabis culture can shape personal identity.
Cannabis’s power as an identity crafter stems from its versatility. It’s a plant that seemingly has the ability to address a myriad of issues. Bored? Smoke weed. In pain? Try cannabis. Anxious? There’s a strain for that too. When a substance can placate so many areas of our lives, it quickly becomes an essential tool in our arsenal for navigating daily existence.
As cannabis becomes a regular part of life, many users begin to embrace the identity of a “stoner.” They proudly declare, “Yeah, I’m a stoner. I like weed… I’ll smoke it for life!” This integration of cannabis into one’s identity can be powerful and comforting, providing a sense of belonging and purpose.
However, this cannabis-centric identity doesn’t always consider life’s myriad possibilities. What if a high-paying job opportunity arises in a country where cannabis is strictly illegal? Would a self-proclaimed “lifer” risk severe legal consequences for their habit? Would they turn down the opportunity altogether because of their cannabis use? These scenarios highlight the potential limitations of too closely identifying with cannabis consumption.
When we examine our substance use, decisions, and identity descriptors through the lens of all possibilities, we might realize that we’re not necessarily “lifers.” Cannabis may be a significant part of our lives, but it doesn’t have to define us entirely. Conversely, some individuals may find that cannabis genuinely adds more to their lives than it takes away, affirming their “lifer” status.
Personal experiences often shape our relationship with cannabis over time. For instance, transitioning from wake-and-bake sessions to evening-only consumption demonstrates how our use patterns can evolve. These changes suggest that our future relationship with cannabis may be different from what we currently envision. Perhaps in 20 years, we’ll only be making extracts, smoking once a week, once a month, or solely during psychedelic experiences.
The power of cannabis to engrain itself in our lives is undeniable. However, it’s crucial to maintain a degree of separation between our core identity and our cannabis use. This separation allows us to continue searching for our true selves – the observer behind the various identities we construct.
Ultimately, while cannabis can be a valuable tool for self-exploration and personal growth, it shouldn’t become the entirety of who we are. By recognizing cannabis as one aspect of our multifaceted lives rather than our defining characteristic, we open ourselves to a broader range of experiences and possibilities. This balanced approach allows us to enjoy the benefits of cannabis while maintaining the flexibility to adapt and grow throughout life’s journey.
The question of whether being a “cannabis lifer” is good or bad doesn’t have a simple, universal answer. Some individuals will indeed consume cannabis throughout their entire lives, while others may only engage with it for a brief period. However, the real issue isn’t about duration but about the impact and relationship one has with the plant.
My personal stance is that being a cannabis lifer is neither inherently good nor bad. If cannabis genuinely enhances your life, whether through smoking, eating, or any other form of consumption, then continuing its use can be a positive choice. The key is to ensure that anything you do, including cannabis use, always provides a greater return on investment than the effort invested. In other words, the benefits should outweigh any potential drawbacks.
However, it’s crucial to maintain a separation between your identity and your cannabis use. You may smoke weed, but that doesn’t necessarily make you a “stoner.” You might consume cannabis, but that doesn’t mean you have to smoke it. The fundamental point is that you are not defined by what you consume. If that were true, as the humorous saying goes, most men would be pussies!
Being a cannabis lifer isn’t about proudly wearing the label or making it the center of your identity. It’s about recognizing cannabis as a tool or aspect of your life that brings value. Whether you use it for medical purposes, relaxation, creativity, or spiritual exploration, it’s important to maintain a balanced perspective.
Remember, your relationship with cannabis can evolve over time. What works for you now may change in the future, and that’s okay. The key is to remain self-aware, regularly evaluating the role cannabis plays in your life and adjusting as necessary.
Ultimately, if being a cannabis lifer means mindfully incorporating the plant into your life in a way that enhances your overall well-being, then it can be a positive choice. But if it means clinging to an identity that limits your growth or experiences, it might be time to reassess.
In the end, you are more than your habits or consumption patterns. Whether you’re a cannabis lifer or not, what matters most is that you’re living authentically and making choices that contribute positively to your life’s journey. Cannabis can be a part of that journey, but it shouldn’t be the destination.
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Cannabis News
Latest Trump Weed Rumor – Trump Will Federally Deschedule and Decriminalize Cannabis, but Not Legalize It
In a recent interview, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made headlines by asserting that President-elect Donald Trump will pursue significant reforms in federal policies regarding marijuana and cryptocurrency. As the nation grapples with evolving attitudes toward cannabis and the burgeoning digital currency market, Christie’s predictions have ignited discussions about the potential implications of such changes on both industries. This article delves into Christie’s insights, the current state of marijuana and cryptocurrency regulations, and the broader implications of these anticipated reforms.
The Current Landscape of Marijuana Legislation
Federal vs. State Laws
Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which places it in the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification has created a complex legal landscape where states have moved to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, while federal law continues to impose strict prohibitions. As of now, over 30 states have legalized marijuana in some form, leading to a burgeoning industry that generates billions in revenue.
Challenges Faced by the Cannabis Industry
Despite its legality in many states, the cannabis industry faces significant hurdles due to federal restrictions. These challenges include:
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Banking Access: Many banks are hesitant to work with cannabis businesses due to fear of federal repercussions, forcing these businesses to operate largely in cash.
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Taxation Issues: The IRS enforces Section 280E of the tax code, which prohibits businesses engaged in illegal activities from deducting normal business expenses, leading to disproportionately high tax burdens for cannabis companies.
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Interstate Commerce: The lack of federal legalization prevents cannabis businesses from operating across state lines, limiting their growth potential.
Chris Christie’s Perspective on Marijuana Reform
Christie, a former presidential candidate known for his tough stance on drugs during his tenure as governor, has evolved his views on marijuana over the years. In his recent statements, he emphasized that Trump is likely to pursue descheduling cannabis, which would remove it from the Schedule I classification. This move would not only provide clarity for businesses operating in legal markets but also open avenues for banking and investment.
Christie highlighted that descheduling would allow for a more regulated market where safety standards could be established, thus protecting consumers. He believes that this approach aligns with a growing consensus among Americans who support legalization and recognize the potential benefits of cannabis use for both medical and recreational purposes.
The Future of Cryptocurrency Regulation = The Rise of Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have surged in popularity over the past decade, with Bitcoin leading the charge as the first decentralized digital currency. The market has expanded to include thousands of alternative coins (altcoins), each with unique features and use cases. As cryptocurrencies gain traction among investors and consumers alike, regulatory scrutiny has intensified.
Current Regulatory Challenges
The cryptocurrency market faces several regulatory challenges that hinder its growth and adoption:
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Lack of Clarity: Regulatory frameworks vary significantly across states and countries, creating confusion for investors and businesses.
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Fraud and Scams: The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies has led to an increase in fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting investors.
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Consumer Protection: Without clear regulations, consumers are often left vulnerable to risks associated with volatile markets.
Christie’s Vision for Crypto Regulation
Christie believes that under Trump’s leadership, there will be an effort to find a “sweet spot” for cryptocurrency regulation balancing innovation with consumer protection. He argues that overly stringent regulations could stifle growth in this emerging sector while too little oversight could expose consumers to significant risks.
In his view, a balanced regulatory framework would include:
1. Clear Definitions: Establishing clear definitions for different types of cryptocurrencies and tokens to differentiate between securities and utility tokens.
2. Consumer Protections: Implementing measures to protect investors from fraud while promoting transparency within the market.
3. Encouraging Innovation: Creating an environment conducive to innovation by allowing startups to thrive without excessive regulatory burdens.
Christie’s insights reflect a growing recognition among policymakers that cryptocurrencies are here to stay and that appropriate regulations are necessary to foster growth while safeguarding consumers.
Implications of Proposed Reforms
Economic Impact
The potential reforms proposed by Christie could have far-reaching economic implications:
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Job Creation: Legalizing marijuana at the federal level could lead to significant job creation within the cannabis industry—from cultivation and production to retail sales.
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Investment Opportunities: Descheduling cannabis would open up investment opportunities for institutional investors who have been hesitant due to federal restrictions.
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Boosting Local Economies: Legal cannabis markets have proven beneficial for local economies through increased tax revenues and job creation.
Similarly, clear regulations around cryptocurrencies could stimulate investment in blockchain technology and related industries, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Social Justice Considerations
Both marijuana legalization and sensible cryptocurrency regulations have social justice implications:
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Addressing Past Injustices: Legalizing marijuana could help rectify past injustices related to drug enforcement policies that disproportionately affected marginalized communities.
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Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies offer opportunities for financial inclusion for those underserved by traditional banking systems, particularly in low-income communities.
Political Landscape
The political landscape surrounding these issues is complex. While there is bipartisan support for marijuana reform among certain lawmakers, challenges remain in overcoming entrenched opposition. Similarly, cryptocurrency regulation has garnered attention from both sides of the aisle but requires collaboration to establish effective frameworks.
Conclusion
Chris Christie’s predictions about President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to federal marijuana descheduling and cryptocurrency regulation suggest a potential shift in U.S. policy that could significantly reshape both industries. As public opinion evolves on these issues, lawmakers have an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that promote economic growth while ensuring consumer protection. The anticipated changes could foster a more robust cannabis industry that contributes positively to the economy and addresses social justice concerns, while clear regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies could encourage innovation and protect consumers in the digital economy. Stakeholders in both sectors are closely watching these developments, eager to see how potential reforms might impact their futures. While the realization of Christie’s predictions remains uncertain, it’s clear that the conversation around marijuana and cryptocurrency regulation is ongoing and far from settled.
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“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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