Cannabis News
Das Bong! Germany Legalizes Recreational Cannabis as Europe’s Green Wave Officially Kicks Off!
Germany has made a groundbreaking move by giving the go-ahead for personal use of recreational cannabis, signaling a notable change in the nation’s drug policy. The federal parliament of Germany, the Bundestag, finalized this historic decision today. A substantial 407 MPs rallied behind the legislation; 226 stood in opposition, and four opted to abstain.
Now, the ball is in the court of the Bundesrat, the legislative body representing the sixteen Länder at the federal level. They’ll be taking a close look at the bill. However, it’s important to note that their “consent” is not a make-or-break kind of approval.
On April 1, the Cannabis Act (or CanG, as it’s casually known) will officially kick in for possession and cultivation. It’s a step toward a more open approach to cannabis, but there’s a twist – no green light for retail sales. Keep your eyes peeled for the cannabis social clubs, expected to roll into action from July 1. The weed landscape in Germany is indeed transforming, beginning with the early approval of medical marijuana in Germany years ago.
In a noteworthy stride, Germany becomes the third European Union member to nod to the legalization of recreational cannabis for personal use, standing alongside Malta and Luxembourg. This decision ripples through Europe, signifying a significant pivot as the EU’s powerhouse, already a key player in the medical cannabis scene, embraces personal cannabis use.
The freshly minted legislation orchestrates a pivotal shift by extracting cannabis from the grip of the Narcotics Act (BtMG). It not only sanctions individuals to carry up to 25 grams in public spaces but also grants them the leeway to have 50 grams within the sanctuary of their homes.
Noteworthy is the provision allowing the cultivation of three cannabis plants per person in the domestic realm. Further innovating the landscape, the law ushers in the concept of cannabis social clubs, each capped at 500 members, allowing participants to procure up to 50 grams monthly.
However, there are boundaries set by the new law. Cannabis consumption is strictly prohibited in schools, facilities for children and youth, children’s playgrounds, and publicly accessible sports facilities within a 100-meter radius.
The legislation also extends a hand to those with prior possession or personal cultivation convictions. Individuals previously charged for up to 25 grams or cultivating a maximum of three plants can seek deletion of these convictions from the Federal Central Register upon request. It’s a move toward a more forgiving stance on past cannabis-related offenses.
Germany’s Journey Toward Cannabis Legalization
Germany’s journey toward legalization has needed to be smoother. The motivation behind this move is anchored in combating the black market, shielding children and youth, and upholding public health.
The Traffic Light Coalition, a coalition government comprising the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and Alliance 90/The Greens, integrated legalization into their agenda after the 2021 elections.
Initially, the plan included the sale of cannabis products, mirroring U.S. state regulations on adult-use cannabis. However, legal roadblocks forced the coalition to pivot, steering clear of breaching international and European laws. Consequently, they unveiled a two-pronged strategy.
Firstly, the nod was given to the legalization of recreational cannabis for personal use, endorsing possession and cultivation. Simultaneously, the framework allowed for the establishment of cannabis social clubs, taking cues from Spain’s approach, where cannabis maintains an illegal status.
Secondly, Germany is gearing up for a pilot program, experimenting with the controlled sale of recreational cannabis products. This initiative aims to evaluate the impact of such sales on public health, drawing inspiration from Switzerland and, more recently, the Netherlands.
In the thick of the legalization process, expert panels had their say, and opposition parties voiced strong criticism. Despite the dissent, the coalition government pressed forward. Even within the SPD, some members raised concerns, yet the march towards legalization remained steadfast. It’s been a journey filled with debates, revisions, and a determined stride toward a new era in cannabis regulation.
Absence of A Legal Cannabis Market
A pivotal aspect of legalization lies in simplifying operations for both medical cannabis companies and patients by removing cannabis from the narcotic list. This shift in approach by Germany and other EU member states might not deliver the anticipated economic boost due to the absence of a legally regulated cannabis market.
Had recreational cannabis reform included legal sales, it could have unleashed a potential economic windfall. A 2021 study from the University of Düsseldorf estimated that legal sales could have generated over $5.3 billion in additional annual tax revenue and created approximately 27,000 legal jobs in the cannabis industry and hundreds of new German cannabis-based companies.
To spark a dialogue within the EU about loosening restrictions on a legal cannabis market, Germany could utilize the second pillar. This part of the plan focuses on regional pilot projects with commercial supply chains. However, specific details about the launch and execution of these projects remain undisclosed.
In the interim, Germany has an opportunity to utilize the time leading up to the implementation of the second pillar. They can leverage the ongoing assessment of the impact of personal use legalization to initiate a broader EU conversation.
This discussion aims at reconsidering specific laws, paving the way for the legal sale of recreational cannabis products across the European Union. It’s a strategic pause for reflection and potential reform.
Can Germany’s Cannabis Legalization Achieve Its Objectives?
The attainment of Germany’s anticipated goals through legalization remains uncertain. Shifting from an illegal to a legal market doesn’t happen overnight, a reality evident in the experiences of legalized cannabis in various U.S. states and Canada.
Numerous factors contribute to this, especially in Germany, where not every cannabis consumer can easily access a cannabis social club or cultivate their plants. Established relationships with trusted suppliers may keep many users from switching to legal channels immediately.
A legalized market, however, holds the potential to significantly undermine the current monopoly of the illicit market, which presently dominates cannabis sales in the country.
Furthermore, ensuring public health poses a challenge, particularly in monitoring cannabis social clubs to ensure the quality standards of the supplied products. The implementation of such monitoring is yet to unfold.
Beyond the uncertainties, Germany has, however, shattered a long-standing taboo by legalizing cannabis for personal use. This historic move breaks free from the prolonged criminalization of cannabis consumption in the country.
Moreover, the legalization of personal cannabis use in Germany could catalyze other EU member states. The Czech Republic has already set the wheels in motion for the legalization of personal cannabis use.
In contrast, the Netherlands, having initiated a pilot program on controlled cannabis sales, maybe another country following in Germany’s footsteps. The ripples of change are potentially expanding across the European landscape.
GERMAN MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION STARTS, READ ON…
GERMANY LEGALIZES WEED, WILL THE REST OF EUROPE CATCH UP?
“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..
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.
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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.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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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
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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