Cannabis News
Criminalizing Cannabis Doesn’t Work at All
Why criminalization doesn’t curtail consumption
The spirit of prohibition is rooted in the desire to restrict individuals from accessing certain substances or engaging in particular activities deemed harmful or undesirable by those in power. At its core, prohibition is a paternalistic approach that employs the threat of severe consequences, often in the form of state-sanctioned violence, to discourage and punish those who dare to defy the established rules. If we were to remove the veneer of governmental authority from this equation, the true nature of prohibition would be laid bare as a hostile and coercive scenario, where the individual’s autonomy is subjugated to the whims of the ruling class.
Proponents of prohibition argue that this looming threat of violence is a necessary evil, a means to an end in the quest to curtail consumption and send a clear message to impressionable youth that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. They claim that by instilling fear of legal repercussions, society can effectively deter individuals from engaging in prohibited activities, thereby protecting them from potential harm. “The law will punish you!” becomes the rallying cry of those who believe that the heavy hand of the state is the only way to maintain order and public health.
However, a recent Gallup poll has called into question the very foundation upon which the edifice of prohibition is built. The survey found that rates of marijuana use are nearly identical in states that have legalized the substance compared to those that continue to maintain its prohibition. This startling revelation suggests that criminalization has little impact on actually curbing consumption, challenging the long-held belief that the threat of punishment is an effective deterrent.
In light of this new evidence, it is time to ask ourselves: isn’t there a better way? If prohibition fails to achieve its stated goal of reducing substance use, while simultaneously perpetuating a system of violence and oppression, should we not seek alternative approaches that prioritize harm reduction, education, and individual liberty? The spirit of prohibition may be deeply entrenched in our society, but the cracks in its foundation are beginning to show, inviting us to imagine a future where the individual’s autonomy is respected and evidence-based policies prevail over fear-mongering and coercion.
The recent Gallup poll on marijuana use in the United States has shed new light on the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of drug prohibition. The survey, which involved interviews with 6,386 U.S. adults from November 30, 2023, to December 8, 2023, found that rates of marijuana use are nearly identical in states that have legalized the substance compared to those that continue to maintain its prohibition. This finding strikes at the heart of the argument that criminalization is necessary to curb drug consumption.
According to the poll, one in 10 American adults reported using marijuana 10 or more times in the past month, while one in five admitted to using cannabis at least once during the same period. When broken down by state legal status, the data revealed that 9.7 percent of adults identify as regular cannabis consumers in states that have enacted legalization, compared to 8.6 percent in non-legal states. This narrow gap in consumption rates suggests that criminalization has little impact on deterring use among American adults.
The poll also examined marijuana use across different age groups and regions. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in consumption rates between adults aged 18-29, 30-39, and 40-49, with all three age groups averaging around 12 percent regular use. The survey accounted for the various methods of marijuana consumption, including smoking, vaping, and consuming edibles, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of use patterns.
Perhaps most striking is the finding that the West region, which includes states like California, Oregon, and Washington that have established adult-use cannabis markets, has a slightly lower usage rate (10 percent) compared to the Middle Atlantic region (11 percent), where only Pennsylvania has maintained prohibition for adult use. This data further undermines the notion that legalization leads to increased consumption.
The Gallup poll provides compelling evidence that the criminalization of drug use has little to no impact on actual consumption rates. As the debate surrounding drug policy continues to evolve, these findings should serve as a catalyst for policymakers to reevaluate the efficacy of prohibition and explore alternative approaches that prioritize public health, harm reduction, and individual liberty over punitive measures that have proven ineffective in curbing substance use. The data speaks for itself: it is time to abandon the failed war on drugs and embrace evidence-based strategies that address the root causes of substance abuse while respecting the autonomy of individuals.
It’s a simple truth that has been consistently demonstrated throughout the history of drug prohibition: those who want to consume substances will find a way to do so, regardless of the legal status or societal stigma attached to their chosen intoxicant. Even during the height of the drug war, when draconian policies and harsh punishments were the norm, consumption rates never significantly declined. In fact, they often remained stable or even spiked in response to the increased pressure from law enforcement, highlighting the futility of attempting to control human behavior through brute force and intimidation.
The reality is that if someone wants to get high, they can and will find a way to do so. It’s a matter of networking and tapping into the right circles, and virtually anyone with a bit of determination and resourcefulness can gain access to illicit substances. Ironically, even playing into stereotypes can sometimes lead to success in this endeavor, as the black market thrives on the very prejudices and assumptions that society perpetuates.
But the larger point here is that drugs are an inextricable part of our society, woven into the fabric of human experience for millennia. From ancient rituals to modern-day experimentation, the desire to alter one’s consciousness has been a constant throughout history. It’s high time we recognize this reality and adjust our approach accordingly, rather than clinging to the misguided notion that we can somehow eradicate drug use through punishment and prohibition.
By keeping substances illegal, we create a host of other risks and problems that only serve to compound the harm associated with drug use. The unregulated nature of the black market means that users have no way of knowing the purity or potency of the substances they consume, leading to increased risk of overdose and other adverse health effects. Moreover, the criminalization of drug use perpetuates a cycle of stigma, marginalization, and incarceration that tears families and communities apart, while doing little to address the underlying causes of addiction and substance abuse.
It’s time for a paradigm shift in how we approach drug policy. Rather than futilely attempting to eliminate drug use through prohibition, we must acknowledge that intoxication is a part of the human experience and work to mitigate the harms associated with it through evidence-based strategies rooted in public health and harm reduction. By decriminalizing substance use and treating it as a matter of personal choice and individual liberty, we can create a society that is more compassionate, more just, and ultimately safer for all. Because at the end of the day, those who wanna smoke, will smoke – and it’s up to us to ensure that they can do so in a way that minimizes risk and maximizes well-being.
As we navigate the ever-shifting landscape of drug policy, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and aware of the potential pitfalls that lie ahead. In recent years, I’ve noticed a polar shift from the left to the right, a trend that, while bearable for now, carries with it the risk of veering too far into the dangerous territory of the “drug war.” It’s important to remember that it was through the lens of the “polar-right” that prohibition first laid its roots, and we must be cautious not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
As the debate surrounding cannabis legalization continues to evolve, it’s essential to scrutinize the policies being put forth and to recognize when they may not be in the best interest of the people. The proposed shift to Schedule-III, for example, is not the victory that many advocates have been fighting for. It’s not the true legalization that the cannabis community seeks, but rather a half-measure that fails to address the fundamental issues at play.
The people who have fought tirelessly for cannabis reform want nothing less than the recognition of their fundamental human right to grow, cultivate, sell, and gift this plant as they would any other commodity, like tomatoes. They seek a world where the government respects their autonomy and trusts them to make informed decisions about their own well-being, without the need for excessive regulation or control.
Instead, what we’re seeing is a government that seems intent on playing the pharmaceutical game, attempting to schedule cannabis in a way that would effectively remove it from the hands of the people and place it under the control of corporate interests. This is not the vision that the cannabis community has been fighting for, and it’s crucial that we recognize this fact and push back against any attempts to subvert the will of the people.
As we move forward, let us hold fast to the hope that the past will remain in the past, that the dark days of prohibition will fade away into the annals of history, and that the institutions that have long kept the gates of progress closed will wither and crumble.
Let us work together to build a future where the autonomy and liberty of the individual are respected, where evidence-based policies prevail over fear and stigma, and where the harms of the drug war are finally laid to rest.
May we learn from the mistakes of the past and forge a new path forward, one that values compassion, understanding, and the fundamental rights of all people.
LEGAL VS NON-LEGAL WEED STATES, READ ON…
Let’s imagine you just found out you have a surprise drug test at work and you “may or may not” need to flush THC out of your system as fast as possible by, say, Monday.
Detoxing from cannabis involves waiting until all traces of the substance have cleared the body, a process influenced by factors like usage frequency and quantity. If you need to flush all the weed out of your system within 10 days, order a Test Clear Kit here, they work well and have great customer reviews. But what is going on with your body and why does your body still have THC in it after smoking weed?
Cannabis comprises various compounds, notably tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These substances bind to the same receptors as naturally occurring endocannabinoids, typically eliminated through urine and stool.
Detoxing from marijuana and managing cannabis use disorder involves a multifaceted approach. This includes goal setting with support, addressing withdrawal symptoms, managing physical and mental changes during detoxification, among other elements.
Given the individualized nature of substance use disorder, seeking professional addiction treatment is crucial. It allows for tailored detox strategies, managing potential side effects, handling marijuana overdose effects, and exploring diverse detox methodologies.
Understanding Marijuana Detox
Marijuana detox is the process of eliminating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana’s psychoactive component, from the body. It is critical because THC can remain in the body’s fat cells even after marijuana usage has stopped, potentially resulting in positive drug test results or hampering efforts to achieve sobriety.
Marijuana detox is required to eliminate leftover THC from the system in those who are drug tested, such as sports, workers, or those in court. This protects against negative repercussions while also ensuring that testing protocols are followed.
The process of marijuana detox is essential to the goal of recovery. Removing THC from the body helps to terminate the cycle of reliance, lessen cravings, and make the road to recovery easier.
Additionally, persons suffering from marijuana-related health issues may require marijuana detox. Excessive or extended usage can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. Detoxification, which allows the body to rid itself of THC and its derivatives, may be able to mitigate any negative health consequences. Could you pass a THC drug test with 2 hours notice? Let’s find out…
What’s the duration of cannabis presence in the body?
As per American Addiction Centers, here’s the estimated duration for cannabis detection:
– Hair: Up to 90 days
– Urine: 3 days to over a month, contingent on usage
– Saliva: Approximately 48 hours
– Blood: Roughly 36 hours
Moreover, a 2017 study found that cannabinoids may persist in sweat for 7–14 days.
The duration of these compounds in one’s system varies widely. Another 2017 study highlights that the strain of cannabis used is a significant factor. Different strains contain varying cannabinoid levels, influencing their presence in the body.
Usage frequency also plays a role. Prolonged cannabis use prolongs cannabinoid traces in the body. This implies potential positive tests months after cessation; some have tested positive for THC even 3 months post-discontinuation.
Other factors impacting cannabis detection duration include:
– Consumption volume
– Exercise frequency and type
– Dietary habits
– Metabolic rate
– Body fat percentage
Given these variables, pinpointing the exact duration of cannabis, particularly THC, in one’s system after use can be challenging.
Optimal Methods for Weed Detox
Detoxifying from marijuana is multifaceted, with no singular “hack” to navigate through withdrawal, cravings, and other challenges.
Achieving the best results in marijuana detox entails considering various factors. Effective marijuana detox involves:
1. Attending to physical well-being by addressing common symptoms like aches and pains during withdrawal.
2. Maintaining a balanced diet with ample water intake, consistent healthy meals, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine.
3. Prioritizing mental health care to manage emotional adjustments in brain chemistry, such as anxiety or depression.
4. Implementing strategies to prevent relapse and cope with cravings through support groups, therapy, or treatment centers.
5. Engaging in therapeutic activities to foster new interests and habits, often facilitated through outpatient programs or professional assistance.
There’s no shortcut to hasten marijuana detox. However, practices like hydration, nutrition, warm showers, and exercise can aid in physical comfort. Yet, the body and mind still require time to purge THC remnants.
Rather than expediting detox, it’s crucial to utilize this period with medical guidance to establish a foundation for relapse prevention and address withdrawal symptoms.
Though treatments and medical detox programs exist, there’s no quick fix or magic remedy to instantly eliminate marijuana from the system or pass drug tests.
Symptoms like red eyes can be alleviated with cold compresses and eye drops.
Natural detoxification remains the most effective approach. The liver plays a pivotal role in removing marijuana and other toxins. Maintaining overall health supports liver function, aiding in toxin elimination and restoring bodily balance.
Various products claim to assist individuals in eliminating cannabis traces from their bodies, available in forms such as:
– Tablets
– Capsules
– Mouthwashes
– Shampoos
However, the effectiveness of these detoxes may vary depending on the type of drug test undergone. For instance, detoxes targeting urine cleansing might not yield desired results and could even result in a contaminated urine sample.
This occurs because urine-focused detoxes operate by purging the kidneys. While eliminating THC, they may inadvertently remove creatine and diminish urine’s natural density. Consequently, these factors could lead to the test appearing contaminated, necessitating a repeat test.
The Importance of Professional Marijuana Detox
Seeking marijuana detox with medical oversight is essential for safety and efficacy. Healthcare experts can craft personalized detox strategies tailored to an individual’s unique requirements, objectives, and medical background. They oversee the detox process, offer guidance, and manage any potential complications.
Supervised detox guarantees appropriate support and care, with healthcare professionals recommending additional treatments or therapies to address withdrawal symptoms and underlying issues contributing to marijuana usage.
Furthermore, medical supervision ensures the individual’s safety throughout detoxification. Abrupt cessation of marijuana may induce withdrawal symptoms, potentially uncomfortable or harmful. Professionals can employ measures to mitigate these symptoms and advise on managing cravings for sustained abstinence.
Bottom Line
THC detoxification is a complex process influenced by individual factors like usage patterns and metabolism. While natural methods offer effectiveness, seeking professional medical guidance ensures personalized care and safety. From managing withdrawal symptoms to addressing underlying issues, professional supervision enhances the detox journey. Remember, there’s no instant solution for THC detox, but with patience, proper care, and professional support, individuals can navigate towards sobriety and improved well-being successfully. By understanding the importance of medical supervision, individuals can embark on a journey of detoxification with confidence, knowing they have the necessary tools and support to achieve their goals.
PASS A DRUG TEST YOU HAD NO IDEA WAS COMING, READ ON…
Cannabis News
MedMen, The $1.7 Billion Apple Store of Weed, Goes Bankrupt Just as Marijuana Gets Rescheduled in America
MedMen Enterprises Inc. has admitted defeat, citing financial woes and an inability to settle its debts, revealed Amit Pandey, the former chief financial officer of the cannabis company, late Friday.
MedMen, once a celebrated pioneer in the cannabis industry and dubbed the ‘Apple store of weed,’ has been hit by a string of setbacks in recent years. These include financial woes, the shuttering of retail outlets, workforce reductions, legal battles, and internal disputes among top executives, all of which have led to the company’s current predicament.
In a press release issued on Friday, MedMen declared that they have carefully assessed the company’s and its subsidiaries’ current financial state. This assessment also includes their incapacity to meet financial obligations as they come and the imminent actions by secured creditors. To that end, they’ve reached the challenging decision to cease operations and initiate Bankruptcy Proceedings and Receivership Proceedings.”
Considering these factors and with no viable alternatives at hand, the Company’s board of directors concluded that proceeding with the Bankruptcy Proceedings and Receivership Proceedings was in the Company’s best interest,” the statement continued.
Here Are A Few Indications
Once revered as a titan in the cannabis industry, with a valuation soaring as high as $1.7 billion as a public entity, MedMen faced imminent financial collapse over a year ago, as revealed in a December 2022 regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At that time, the company possessed a mere $15.6 million in cash while grappling with a staggering $137.4 million debt load.
Following its initial financial struggles, MedMen faced a series of challenges. Store closures and inventory liquidation began in California, and the company defaulted on payments, leading to severed partnerships with major brands. Landlords demanded overdue rent payments. Amid this turmoil, top executives and board members started to depart, signaling deeper turmoil within the company, as the Green Market Report reported.
What Caused the Downfall?
The crux of the issue likely stems from the company’s swift expansion, driven by the initial excitement surrounding the 2018 legalization of cannabis in California. However, as is often the case nationwide, legalization marked just the beginning, leading to confrontations with the intricate realities of an industry rife with regulatory barriers, hefty taxes, and hampered by federal law.
Despite enjoying early triumphs, MedMen encountered a slew of obstacles, including legal disputes, unsuccessful acquisitions, and competition from both legal and underground cannabis markets.
Six years following an IPO that propelled its valuation to over $3 billion, MedMen, a cannabis retailer, now holds negligible value. Its recent bankruptcy filing in a California court signifies the final blow in a dramatic downfall for a company emblematic of the broader trials facing the legal cannabis sector.
“MedMen has been ‘DeadMen’ for many investors for quite some time,” remarked cannabis industry analyst Alan Brochstein to Fortune. “While this outcome may have been foreseeable to some, not everyone anticipated it.”
MedMen swiftly penetrated the legal cannabis scene following California’s legalization of recreational use in 2016. Initially lauded as the “Apple store of weed,” MedMen’s retail outlets boasted “sleek branding” and a “premium design aesthetic,” as outlined in a 2022 investor presentation.
To capitalize on the anticipated surge in legal cannabis demand, MedMen embarked on an ambitious expansion, opening upscale storefronts in prominent areas such as Venice Beach, New York’s Fifth Avenue, and near the Las Vegas Strip. Riding a wave of positive media coverage and public excitement surrounding legal cannabis, the company enjoyed significant attention.
Under the leadership of co-founder Adam Bierman, who launched the venture in his twenties, MedMen made its debut on the public market in 2018 at slightly above $3 per share. Investor enthusiasm drove its share price to double by the year’s end.
Buoyed by early triumphs, MedMen aimed for rapid growth, accumulating hundreds of millions in debt and pursuing an extensive $682 million merger with competitor PharmaCann. However, the merger collapsed following a Department of Justice announcement of an antitrust investigation, exacerbating MedMen’s financial woes.
As the broader cannabis market faced headwinds, compounded by concerns over regulatory scrutiny of hazardous vape cartridges, investor confidence waned, hindering MedMen’s ability to repay creditors. They went public in 2018. And by the time we reached 2020, [MedMen] was in big trouble, remarked Brochstein. They took on too much debt and made overzealous promises.”
Throughout 2019, MedMen’s stock plummeted, shedding 92% of its value as the company grappled with exorbitant tax obligations and struggled to compete against unlicensed sellers offering lower prices. The onset of the pandemic, however, triggered a surge in demand, providing MedMen and other cannabis retailers with a reprieve through 2020.
The cannabis industry did better than anybody would have expected in 2020. Despite this unexpected boon, it proved insufficient. At its peak, MedMen boasted 25 branches nationwide and had ambitious plans for international expansion. However, today, all but two locations have permanently shuttered.
Bierman, the co-founder, was ousted in early 2020 amidst a slew of high-profile lawsuits alleging racism, stock manipulation, and misuse of company funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle complete with private security and customized Cadillac Escalades.
A Fall From Grace
MedMen’s bankruptcy filing, unveiling over $400 million in liabilities, marks the final chapter in its stunning collapse. Hindered by steep interest rates and sour investor sentiment, the company could not refinance its debt, eventually ceasing SEC disclosures altogether.
“The capital markets were cut off for them so they couldn’t fix their old mistakes,” noted Brochstein.
The once-vibrant unicorn of the cannabis industry now stands bankrupt, with assets valued at a mere $1 (yes, just a dollar) and liabilities totaling $410 million, as detailed in the company’s bankruptcy documents. Predictably, MedMen’s shares, dormant for weeks, face imminent delisting following its steep downward spiral in 2024. At the start of this decline, the OTC Marketplace devalued the company to zero in January.
MedMen’s complete downfall serves as a sobering lesson in the ever-evolving cannabis sector, where once a fault appears, the entire structure can unravel swiftly.
MEDMEN BANKRUPTCY EXPLAINED, READ ON…
FRANK SEGALL TALKS MEDMEN DISTRESSED DEBT!
The Gilded Age Heiress Who Helped The Marijuana Movement
Tips For Your Body After Hours Of Sitting
Why Falling THC Test Results Matter
How Do You Get THC Out of Your System Fast?
MedMen, The $1.7 Billion Apple Store of Weed, Goes Bankrupt Just as Marijuana Gets Rescheduled in America
US cannabis business licenses down 6% in first quarter of 2024
The Economic Impact of Cannabis
“A big deal”: What the feds’ move to reclassify marijuana means for Colorado cannabis
Star signs and cannabis strains: May 2024 horoscopes
Yesterday’s Marijuana Rescheduling News, Explained
Distressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
United States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
Drug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
What you Need to Know
Cannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
NCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
City Of Oakland Issues RFP For Employee Training Programs
It has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
A new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse
UArizona launches online cannabis compliance online course
-
Cannabis News1 year agoDistressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
-
One-Hit Wonders1 year agoUnited States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
-
drug testing4 months agoDrug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
-
Cannabis 1011 year agoWhat you Need to Know
-
Marijuana Business Daily1 year agoCannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
-
Education1 year agoNCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
-
Education1 year agoCity Of Oakland Issues RFP For Employee Training Programs
-
Cannabis1 year agoIt has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax