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Do Animals Get High and Like Weed?

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If you are wondering if animals are into weed and shrooms, more and more stories are coming out about animals taking a “walk on the wild side” and getting a taste of legalization.  From bears and wolves tripping balls as campers leave their stashes unprotected at their camp sites, to mice eating weed in police evidence rooms around the world.

Remember when rodents supposedly at over 580 kilos of cannabis in an Indian evidence room?  It appears the mice of America now like weed as much as the rodents that live in Indian police stations, too!

During a City Council hearing, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the dire state of the city’s police headquarters. Alongside plumbing issues and widespread mould, the building harbors a thriving rodent population.

 

These rodents have taken a liking to the confiscated cannabis stored in the evidence room. Kirkpatrick humorously remarked, “The rats are eating our marijuana. They’re all high.” However, the reality is grimmer as neglect has led to deteriorating conditions, including plumbing, mold, elevators, and HVAC units. This situation, compounded by rodent infestation and stoned rats, has severely impacted department morale.

 

Kirkpatrick highlighted that these conditions deter recruitment and contribute to officer dissatisfaction, prompting her proposal to relocate the headquarters. The City Council is considering leasing space elsewhere, viewing it as a more cost-effective solution compared to the hefty price tag of renovating the current headquarters.

 

Cannabis Abundance in New Orleans’ Evidence Room

 

In the midst of Louisiana’s evolving stance on cannabis, Superintendent Kirkpatrick’s disclosure sheds light on a puzzling phenomenon within the New Orleans police force. While the state edges towards potential legalization, stringent regulations confine access to medical marijuana to a select few patients. However, the limited availability of legal cannabis contrasts sharply with the prevalence of the drug within law enforcement facilities, such as the evidence room at the police headquarters. This incongruity raises questions about the origins and management of confiscated substances within the criminal justice system.

 

The revelation of rodents indulging in confiscated cannabis introduces a curious twist to the ongoing debate surrounding drug enforcement and regulation. As Superintendent Kirkpatrick humorously noted, the image of stoned rats may seem comical, but it underscores deeper concerns about the handling and storage of illicit substances within law enforcement facilities. Beyond the immediate implications for evidence integrity, the incident highlights broader challenges in maintaining the security and hygiene of critical infrastructure.

 

Moreover, the prevalence of cannabis within the evidence room underscores the complexities of drug enforcement in a shifting legal landscape. While efforts to curb illicit drug activities persist, the presence of confiscated substances within police facilities points to potential vulnerabilities in enforcement strategies. Superintendent Kirkpatrick’s remarks offer a glimpse into the intricate dynamics between law enforcement, drug policy, and public health, prompting reflections on the efficacy and implications of current regulatory frameworks.

 

Ultimately, the tale of stoned rats in New Orleans’ evidence room serves as a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of drug enforcement and regulation. As policymakers navigate the complexities of cannabis legalization and enforcement, incidents such as these underscore the need for comprehensive approaches that address not only legal frameworks but also the practical challenges of implementation and oversight within law enforcement agencies.

 

Dead Goats Reveal Underground Cannabis Operation in Michigan

Remember when a bunch of cows and donkeys ate cannabis and hemp and got “mellow AF”?  Well the goats in the next story did not eat cannabis and die, but are part of an operation that uncovered a large scale illegal grow.

Deputies in Calhoun County, Michigan, were conducting what appeared to be a normal animal welfare check when they made an unexpected find. Law enforcement officials were first called in to look at goat welfare issues, but soon they were at the center of a growing narcotics investigation. The presence of four dead goats at the back of the property suggested that there was a far bigger scheme going on.

 

Authorities quickly acquired a search warrant after growing suspicious, and they visited the residence again the next day to investigate further. Their original hopes were surpassed when they discovered a large-scale, illegal cannabis grow operation hidden within one of the buildings. Hidden among the carcasses of the dead animals was proof of a covert operation going under the name of animal husbandry.

 

The property yielded about 140 marijuana plants and a large amount of growing equipment, which made it a major bust for the police. The revelation, however, highlights the unexpected links that might arise in the pursuit of justice and calls into question the relationship between criminal conduct and animal welfare. The event is a sobering reminder of the many difficulties law enforcement authorities encounter in protecting communities and enforcing the law, even while investigations continue.

 

Exploring the Intricate Nexus Between Animal Welfare and Drug Trafficking

 

Concerns about animal welfare and the identification of illegal drug enterprises are related, highlighting the intricate relationship between these two seemingly unrelated fields. The original request for an animal welfare inspection in the Calhoun County, Michigan incident exposed a covert cannabis grow operation, highlighting the unexpected connections between criminal activity and animal care. This relationship highlights the complexity of contemporary policing and contradicts popular beliefs about the goals of law enforcement.

 

As law enforcement agencies navigate the intricate web of criminal enterprises, incidents such as these shed light on the creative tactics employed by illicit operators to conceal their activities. The use of seemingly innocuous fronts, such as animal husbandry, to mask illegal operations demonstrates the ingenuity of drug traffickers in circumventing detection. Such discoveries highlight the need for law enforcement to remain vigilant and adaptable in identifying and dismantling criminal networks.

 

Furthermore, the Calhoun County revelation prompts more general inquiries concerning the structural flaws that allow illegal activity to proliferate. Concerns about animal welfare being used as a pretext for illegal activity indicate weaknesses in regulatory control and enforcement systems. In order to increase preventative and detection measures, law enforcement must work in tandem with regulatory bodies and community partners, forming a multipronged strategy to address these risks.

 

In the end, instances such as the one that occurred in Calhoun County are a sobering reminder of the complex relationship that exists between crime, public safety, and community well-being. Law enforcement can preserve the rule of law and lessen the negative effects on society by disentangling the intricate web of illegal activity. Fighting drug trafficking and defending animal welfare are not mutually incompatible efforts, but rather interrelated parts of a larger effort to promote community safety and security, as investigations continue and lessons are gained.

 

Bottom Line

 

The entwined stories of Michigan’s covert cannabis operation and New Orleans’s stoned rats highlight the complex obstacles law enforcement agencies have in enforcing the law and protecting communities. These occurrences draw attention to the surprising connections that exist between criminal activity and animal welfare, which raises questions about the complexity of contemporary police. In order to increase preventive and detection efforts, addressing these issues calls for an all-encompassing strategy that includes community cooperation, police tactics, and regulatory monitoring. In the end, law enforcement can strive to protect the rule of law while guaranteeing the safety and security of communities by dissecting the complexity of unlawful activity.

 

ANIMALS ARE EATING WEED, READ ON…

DONKEYS AND COWS EATING HEMP TO GET HIGH

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DONKEYS AND COWS EAT CANNABIS?



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

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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.

 

WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…

WHAT IS KRATOM

WHAT IS KRATOM AND WHY ARE YOU HEARING ABOUT IT NOW?



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