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Biohacking Your Body’s Dopamine System

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biohacking dopamine cannabis

How to Boost Dopamine for Every Smoke Sesh!

 

I was recently commissioned to write a book about focus and reaching your goals, and there was one hack within the book that I believe is definitely something that could be applied to your smoking rituals. In this article, we’re going to be taking a closer look at how dopamine works, and how you could potentially utilize the mechanics of dopamine to be able to make your smoking sessions more pleasurable, add a “gamified element” to your life and just spice things up a bit.

 

So let me show you a few hacks on how to become more productive, and how to enjoy weed sessions just a bit more. Of course, it’s fair to say that these are merely suggestions and that by no means do I believe that people will be able to sustain this technique for every session, however, perhaps it could spark some interest for people who want to have “weed related social gatherings” or who would like to construct a “healthier” relationship to weed, where it acts as a motivator in their lives. This is especially good for those who believe that they are being less productive due to cannabis

 

So without any further delay…

 

WTF is Dopamine and how does it work?

 

Many people call “dopamine” the pleasure molecule, however, this definition might not be entirely accurate – at least to some research.

 

Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a renowned neuroscientist and biologist, has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of dopamine and its role in the brain. One of his notable studies involving monkeys shed light on the complex interplay between dopamine and behavior.

 

In his research, Sapolsky explored the effects of dopamine on monkeys’ behavior in response to rewards. He discovered that dopamine isn’t just about experiencing pleasure; it’s more about anticipating pleasure. When the monkeys received an unexpected reward, their dopamine levels surged, not when they actually consumed the reward. This indicated that dopamine plays a crucial role in motivating behavior and seeking rewards rather than solely providing a sense of enjoyment.

 

Sapolsky’s findings challenged the conventional notion of dopamine’s role as a “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Instead, he demonstrated that dopamine is intricately involved in shaping our actions, decisions, and even our expectations. This study had profound implications not only for understanding addiction but also for comprehending how our brains drive us to seek rewards and engage in goal-directed behavior.

 

Through his work, Sapolsky emphasized that dopamine doesn’t simply deliver pleasure after achieving a goal; it fuels our pursuit of those goals by creating a sense of anticipation and motivation.

 

This little piece of information gives us the insight we need to hack our minds and harvest dopamine in order to get shit done.

 

Within the context of “smoking weed” the mere act of “thinking about smoking weed” is already triggering the dopamine spike in order to get you motivated to:

 

  1. Get up and find your stash

  2. Open the bag, select a nug

  3. Put it in your grinder

  4. Grind (All of which utilize complex biomechanical motions)

  5. Take out a pape

  6. Roll that sucka!

  7. Reach for the lighter

  8. Spark

  9. Enjoy!

 

You see, dopamine works on a molecular level, and really the purpose of dopamine is for the “completion of tasks”.

 

The Trigger for the dopamine release IS NOT the act of smoking, but the thought of the act of smoking.

 

Which means, that if you can train your mind to “think” in terms of dopamine harvesting…you can literally conjure up motivation on command.

 

Isn’t that fucking trippy!

 

But when you add an element of “mystery” to the equation…you get some next level dopamine release.

 

The Mind LOVES Organized Chaos

 

Uncertainty of reward increases dopamine release. In cases where reward happens 50% of the time, rather than 100%, the dopamine release doubles! (Source) This is why people go apeshit in Casinos.

 

They have what I call, “Organized Chaos”.

 

When you spin a wheel or play a slot machine. There are pre-defined parameters that inform the player on how to win the game. Then, there’s the element of chance.

 

You spin the wheel or push the button (like a common lab rat), and you wait for your sur-Prize. Ding, ding, ding! You won $100 but spent $120, and dopamine is flooding your brain. If you win big, which is even more unexpected – you dance around like an idiot celebrating your wins.

 

That’s the excess dopamine motivating you to express gratitude with nonsensical bodily movements. This is why people LOVE casinos. Well, some people.

 

Irrespective, knowing that the Mind loves unpredictable chaos, and that the mere act of imagining an outcome increases dopamine – we can now utilize weed as our perfect trifecta for getting shit done. Forever, changing the narrative that weed makes you lazy.

 

Far from it, when used correctly and with the right mindset, you can achieve a lot of things with the assistance of phytocannabinoids.

 

The Spinner Wheel of Dank!

 

 

Now that we know that thinking about a reward, such as smoking cannabis, is enough to get the dopamine cycle started of which you’d have a surplus of dopamine. I wonder what would happen if you were able to re-direct the current of dopamine and use it for another task?

 

For example, imagine being able to write an article, or do your reports, or your project, or whatever task you don’t want to do – with the same enthusiasm as smoking a blunt. Well, there might be a way for us to pull this off.

 

For those who read my work regularly, you know I’m kind of a “mad scientist” when it comes to personal development systems. And while smoking a blunt and doing research for a book, I stumbled upon all of this information laid out in this article.

 

This got me thinking, “How can I create a system that will incentivize me to be proactive, but also be fun and have good rewards?”

 

And as a result I came up with the “Spinner Wheel of Dank!”

wheel of dank

This reward system can be used digitally and customized according to your own personal preferences. Or, you could take the concept and make a physical spinner wheel as well. There’s plenty of DIYs online that will walk you through it.

 

The idea about the Spinner Wheel of Dank is to use it at the “end of a significant milestone”.

 

For example, I write virtually every single day. Sometimes, I have 15,000 words I have to get through, which means I will write for multiple days.

 

Let’s say that those 15,000 words are five chapters. I would then create a milestone for each completed chapter, which gives me a chance to spin the wheel.

 

The Wheel is customized so that more or less 80% of the rewards is a method of smoking weed. Granted, if you don’t have a particular method, you can swop it out for other activities. You can even add a social element to it such as “invite a friend for a smoke sesh” or something along those lines.

 

When it comes to ascribing your own rewards, get creative. Add things you really want to do. Even things you always find excuses not to do. If you allow chance to dictate your actions, and that helps as a motivator – go for it!

 

However, if you look at the Wheel of Dank, not all the activities are weed related. I also added chores and wellness activities. There’s also the chance I get nothing or nothing but double spin next milestone, and Spin again.

 

All of these elements add a sense of danger to the spin. Imagine, after having done your house chores or advanced on your milestones, that you spin the wheel hoping to smoke a joint, only to have to go and wash the car!

 

While you could say, “fuck that, I’m going to spin again!” That would diminish the importance of the spin. If you can’t commit to whatever is written on the Wheel, don’t put it on the wheel.

 

Make sure that every single item, even the ones that aren’t “pleasure oriented”, are things you are willing to do. You need to be able to commit to the reward system for it to work.

 

When you do, you’ll begin to notice that each activity increases in pleasure. Your rewards will feel better because on top of completing your task – you won!

 

And if you “lose”, you still are getting shit done. Stuff you’d always find an excuse not to do. Now suddenly, the chore is part of a game, and the weight of the chore is reduced as well.

 

Implementing this technique can help you become far more productive while enjoying cannabis. You see, only those without a plan of action, without tasks laid out, without a blueprint towards success – get sucked up into doing nothing when smoking cannabis.

 

If you have shit to get done that actually matter to you…you’d get it done!

 

Now, with this technique, you can gamify and harvest dopamine on command. You can set yourself up for a dynamic of getting addicted to getting shit done and enjoying even the not so fun activities.

 

Give this a try, and let me know how it went. Take a Screen Shot of your Wheel and drop it in the comments!

 

BIOHACKING MARIJUANA, READ ON…

BIOHACKING CANNABIS BODY

BIOHACKING YOUR HEALTH WITH CANNABIS ON A DAILY BASIS?



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Latest Trump Weed Rumor – Trump Will Federally Deschedule and Decriminalize Cannabis, but Not Legalize It

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trump on marijuana reform

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

 

  • Lack of Clarity: Regulatory frameworks vary significantly across states and countries, creating confusion for investors and businesses.

  • Fraud and Scams: The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies has led to an increase in fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting investors.

  • 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:

 

  • 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.

  • Investment Opportunities: Descheduling cannabis would open up investment opportunities for institutional investors who have been hesitant due to federal restrictions.

  • 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:

 

  • Addressing Past Injustices: Legalizing marijuana could help rectify past injustices related to drug enforcement policies that disproportionately affected marginalized communities.

  • 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.

 

TRUMP 2.0 ON CANNABIS REFORM, READ ON…

TRUMP ON MARIJUANA REFORM

TRUMP 2.0 ON FEDERAL CANNABIS REFORM – WHAT DO WE KNOW?

 



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Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Watch the replay!



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I Had Just One Puff

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one puff of a joint a drug test

“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.

 

PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..

how long does weed stay in your urine

HOW LONG DOES WEED STAY IN YOUR URINE FOR A DRUG TEST?



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