Cannabis News

Cannabis and Gun Rights: Predictions for the Future

Published

10 months ago

January 11, 2024

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Big federal law changes in cannabis regulation are on the horizon. One area where I expect a lot of movement in the coming years is with respect to gun rights. I write on this topic fairly extensively, and you can see my links below. Today I want to talk about what changes I think are on the horizon.

Before I give my predictions, I want to summarize the state of the law. If you’re looking for more of a deep dive, I again encourage you to check out my posts below.

Today, what I’ll say is that federal law prohibits gun purchases and ownership by a person who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Anyone who buys a gun must fill out an ATF form certifying that they do not meet this criteria, even in states where marijuana is legal. If a person lies on the form, they face felony charges. This is one of the allegations leveled against Hunter Biden. If a person says they use marijuana on the form, they cannot buy a gun and the gun seller cannot sell them a gun.

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decided New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which created a new test to evaluate whether Second Amendment restrictions are constitutional by answering two questions: (1) is the challenger a person with Second Amendment rights, and (2) is the restriction “consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation”? Bruen had nothing to do with cannabis users’ gun rights, but many courts have used the test to hold that the federal laws discussed above are unconstitutional.

With that in mind, here are some of my predictions.

1. Rescheduling won’t change the status quo

The biggest cannabis news of 2023 was the potential that cannabis will be rescheduled to schedule III of the CSA. If that happens, I expect that some people will be confused and think that cannabis users can then purchase or possess firearms. However, the federal law that I cited above makes no distinction between CSA schedules. An unlawful user of a schedule I, III, or even V substance will be barred from firearm ownership and possession. Rescheduling will have no impact on this. Unfortunately, some people may even wind up facing legal consequences for misunderstanding the effect of rescheduling.

2. Courts will invalidate federal restrictions on gun rights

As mentioned above (and in many of my below posts), almost every court that has looked at the constitutionality of laws restricting cannabis users’ gun rights post-Bruen has found those restrictions unconstitutional. The meat of the analysis focuses on whether there is a historical tradition of restricting gun rights for people who use controlled substances.

Courts have done meticulous analyses of literally hundreds of years’ worth of laws, and nearly unanimously held that there was no such tradition. Courts have found some cases in which intoxicated people have been stripped of rights, but only while intoxicated. And as they have noted, there is simply nothing analogous to the current federal restriction.

So what I expect to happen is that the issue will be resolved in the federal courts. We may see a U.S. Supreme Court case. We may also see more federal appellate decisions. But with the amount of cases already winding their way through the federal judiciary, and nearly uniform results, it’s hard to see how things could be resolved any other way.

3. Federal and state governments will not easily adapt to court-mandated changes

Let’s assume that the U.S. Supreme Court completely overturns the federal restrictions on cannabis users’ gun rights. Will the ATF and state agencies simply change course immediately? I think not. More likely, I think a few things will happen.

First, I think ATF will drag its feet in modifying the ATF form that requires purchasers to certify that they don’t use controlled substances (the Form 4473). It could take weeks or even months before the form is changed, and during that period it’s unlikely that federal firearms licensees (FFLs) will sell firearms to people who respond affirmatively to the question.

Second, I think that there will be a push to pass another law, or maybe even some kind of federal regulation, that will pose additional hurdles for cannabis users. For example, there could be a law or regulation that prohibits intoxicated individuals from possessing firearms, and while that may withstand judicial scrutiny in concept, it’s easy to see how ambiguities in what it means to be “intoxicated” could lead to government overreach.

Third, as I predicted before, it’s entirely possible that federal or state governments could prosecute individuals for allegedly lying on ATF 4473s prior to the federal change.

Fourth, expect states to go far beyond the federal government in trying to regulate this. More on that below.

4. Concealed carry laws will be the next battleground

Assume my prediction in point 2 above is correct and cannabis users’ gun rights are restored. I expect the next big battleground to be over carrying concealed weapons (commonly referred to as CCWs). In many states, concealed or even open carry is considered a legal right. However, many other states made CCWs very difficult to obtain.

Bruen held that states cannot require CCW applicants to show some kind of good-cause, special need for a CCW. In other words, as the court held, anyone is entitled to self-defense. Following Bruen, states are required to issue CCWs but can impose certain objective requirements like passing a background check. The current CCW regime post-Bruen is often referred to as “shall-issue” but as you’ll see, that’s a misnomer in many jurisdictions.

Take California. After Bruen, CCW applications skyrocketed because of the shall-issue standard. In 2023, the state legislature passed SB-2, which, among other things, prohibited CCW holders from carrying in a host of public areas – so much so that a CCW would have been nearly meaningless. A federal judge recently held that SB-2 was clearly unconstitutional, and federal courts first stopped, and then allowed his order to stand. The issue is far from resolved and things could change a lot in the coming months. If you are looking for a succinct summary, you can check out Jacob Sullum’s reporting at Reason, most recently here.

My point here is that even though the Supreme Court’s holding in Bruen was very clear, states will try to find ways to pare back the outcomes of these cases. States will probably realize that they cannot predict cannabis users from owning firearms if the Supreme Court holds that way, but they are very likely to fight the court on things like issuing CCWs, permitting public carrying, etc. when it comes to cannabis users.

States may be able to narrowly craft laws that restrict cannabis user’s ability to possess or user guns they can legally own if they are under the influence. But based on what is happening with SB-2 and other similar issues, it’s probably not going to be narrow and there will probably be a whole lot of court battles going forward.

If you want to read my prior posts on this rapidly evolving area of the law, see below:

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

Published

15 hours ago

November 13, 2024

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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.

Watch the replay!

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I Had Just One Puff

Published

16 hours ago

November 13, 2024

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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 FOR A DRUG TEST?

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Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage

Published

2 days ago

November 12, 2024

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is kratom addictive

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.

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.

Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.

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

Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.