Cannabis News
Florida Cannabis Legalization Vote Q&A
Published
5 months agoon
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Florida is set to vote this coming Election Day on the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 3. Voters in the Sunshine State will have the chance to amend Article X, Section 29 of the Florida Constitution to allow the possession, purchase, and use of marijuana products and marijuana accessories. The proposed initiative would also allow Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute marijuana products and accessories.
For the initiative to pass, a supermajority of 60% must vote in favor, and the vote is expected to be tight. The most recent published poll results indicate 64% support for Amendment 3, with 9% undecided (and a 3.4% margin of error). Other recent polls, however, suggest that the 60% threshold will not be reached.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the rest of the state’s governing establishment oppose the initiative and have established a curious alliance with the state’s hemp industry to stop the measure. For its part, the legalization camp has its own odd bedfellow in the form of Palm Beach resident Donald Trump, who has voiced his intention to vote in favor of Amendment 3 come November. Even during a year that has thrown up more than its fair share of surprises, it would be quite the story if by putting his finger on the scale Trump helps bring about a legalization victory the likes of which we have never seen.
It is far too early to call the race, but the impact of a favorable vote would be enormous. With more than 22 million people, Florida would become the second-largest regulated market for legal cannabis in the country. No wonder this has been by far the most expensive legalization campaign ever, by far, with most of the money going towards a yes vote.
Needless to say, cannabis businesses should be paying close attention on November 5. We will continue to follow this critical story and keep you posted from down here in the Sunshine State.
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Not A Hopeless Case, If You Medicate with Cannabis
Published
5 hours agoon
February 21, 2025By
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Late-Stage Dementia: Not A Hopeless Case, If You Medicate With Marijuana
Late-stage dementia refers to the end or final stage of cognitive decline associated with dementia.
During this stage, patients go through severe memory loss and significant impairment of cognitive function, which affects communication and language abilities, memory, judgment, and reasoning. Patients in late-stage dementia are typically disoriented, impaired, and incontinent – thus, are completely dependent on their caregivers. Physically, the body goes through extreme weight loss and is much more prone to infections and bedsores among other symptoms.
Unfortunately, once one has reached the final stage of dementia, there is no known cure. Caregiving or management is typically focused on improving ones’ quality of life instead of treating the condition.
However, it seems that cannabis might be able to help.
The Case For Using CBD
A 2023 study from Greece involved researchers administering a CBD tincture on dementia patients revealed some incredible results. The findings, which were published in the medical journal, Clinical Gerontologist, found the administration of 3% CBD tinctures to be safe and effective for treating both psychological and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.
A group of 20 patients were involved; 10 of them were given CBD for a period of 6 months and the other half underwent conventional dementia treatment. “The follow-up assessment… showed significant improvement of BPSD [behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia] in all our patients who received CBD, and no or limited improvement in the second group, regardless of the underlying neuropathology of dementia,” they said.
“We suggest that CBD may be a more effective and safe choice for managing BPSD than the typical intervention,” the investigators concluded. “Healthcare professionals should consider incorporating it into their practices to reduce BPSD in PwD [people with dementia]… Future large and randomized clinical trials are needed to reassure these findings,” they said.
Another study from 2022 found positive results from using CBD extracts, but this time for reducing agitation caused by dementia. Agitation as well as aggression are some of the more distressing symptoms of dementia, which can manifest in different ways including physical violence, verbal outbursts, pacing, and restlessness. While there is no one standard cure for it, it’s believed that this behavior can be caused by the progressive brain cell damage associated with dementia, which makes it difficult for patients to understand and interpret their environment.
The study from Israel involved researchers administering plant-based CBD extracts with a 30:1 ration of CBD to THC on a cohort of senior dementia patients with a mean age of 79.
“Patients in the investigational group experienced a significantly greater reduction in sleep disturbances, and in agitation and aggression sub-score using two different measurement tools. The improvements were accompanied with non-serious side effects,” said the authors. “We recommend conducting a large scale randomized controlled trial on behavioral disturbances related to dementia and to compare clinical sub-types of dementia,” they reported.
THC Studies
Meanwhile, there have been other studies that have found success in treating the symptoms of dementia with THC. In 2023, a case study conducted by researchers from the Tulane University School of Medicine together with investigators at the University of Texas discussed the findings of using a high-THC tincture on an 85-year old patient with dementia.
The participant’s dementia symptoms gradually became worse over time, and wasn’t responding to medications. However, after administering the THC medicine, they found that the “patient’s behavior rapidly improved” and the marked benefits were so significant that the patient was discharged from a treatment facility to home care.
The Need For More Studies
Researchers from the University of Kentucky started a clinical trial analyzing the impact of medical cannabis on patients who were already in late-stage dementia. According to Greg Jicha, MD, Ph.D., a neurologist as well as the director of clinical trials at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging in the United Kingdom: “The idea really came on the basis of a patient whose name was Libby, and she was cared for by a friend and colleague nationally.” According to Jicha, there is a great need to develop other treatments for late-stage dementia, and there is a potential seen in medical marijuana.
“We have very few medicines used to provide comfort in the later stages of dementia. While the field is largely focused on finding ways to prevent or potentially slow or stop the disease in its early stages, we’ve forgotten about those later-stage patients that aren’t eligible for those types of treatments,” explains Jicha. He also adds that much more research and participants are needed.
“It has been available, and we have been enrolling folks in this study who are in the late stages of disease since June, but we need hundreds or more nationally to fill that trial to get the medical data that we need to potentially, in the future, get dementia on the list of conditions that are eligible for medical marijuana,” said Jicha. Furthermore, he explains that the current available treatments are only sedatives, but he thinks there are other ways this can be managed.
“Our ultimate goal is not sedate and render unconscious these patients so that they feel nothing but rather provide them comfort and relief that allows them to engage in their final years of life,” said Jicha.
CONCLUSION
While there are many studies showing potential and promise for using various compounds in cannabis for the treatment of dementia, research is still limited and most studies feature small sample sizes. That said, cannabis has certainly proven to be safe so far, but families of the affected patients are encouraged to seek consultations with medical professionals before using cannabis as a treatment option for dementia.
CANANBIS AND DEMENTIA, READ ON…
Cannabis News
What Trump’s Cannabis Policy Means for America and the International Markets
Published
1 day agoon
February 20, 2025By
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The Current Climate of Cannabis and international implications of Trump policies
Just when you thought the world of cannabis policy couldn’t get any stranger, we find ourselves in what feels like a political acid trip gone sideways. It’s been over a month since Trump reclaimed his seat in the spotlight, and while the apocalypse hasn’t arrived (yet), we’re witnessing some seriously mind-bending policy proposals that would make even Salvador Dalí question reality.
Picture this: Trump wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico (because apparently, geography needs a MAGA makeover), slap massive tariffs on our neighbors like he’s dealing cards at a high-stakes poker game, and has his sights set on everything from Greenland to the Panama Canal. It’s like watching a real-estate mogul play Risk with actual countries.
But here’s where things get particularly interesting for us cannabis enthusiasts: Trump’s declaration of drug cartels as terrorist organizations and his war cry to ramp up the War on Drugs in response to the fentanyl crisis. Now, I’ve been analyzing drug policy long enough to know that when politicians start throwing around terms like “terrorist” and “war on drugs” in the same sentence, we’re in for some interesting times.
As someone who’s watched the cannabis industry evolve from back-alley dealings to billion-dollar legitimate businesses, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu mixed with genuine concern. Are we about to witness a dramatic shift in the progress we’ve made toward legalization? Will international cannabis trade become another casualty in this new era of aggressive foreign policy?
Today, I’m going to break down what Trump’s presidency might mean for cannabis policy, both domestically and internationally. Buckle up, folks – we’re in for a wild ride through the next four years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about cannabis policy, it’s that reality often proves stranger than fiction.
Let me tell you something about the War on Drugs that you won’t find in textbooks or policy papers. I lived in Mexico during the bloodiest period of its drug war, 2006-2012, and what I witnessed was far from the sanitized version most Americans hear about on their evening news.
While today’s headlines about shootouts in Culiacán might shock you, they pale in comparison to what happened during Calderón’s presidency. Imagine driving to work and seeing bodies hanging from highway overpasses, their lifeless forms swaying in the morning breeze – a grotesque warning to anyone who dared oppose the cartels. Decapitations weren’t just plot devices in cartel documentaries; they were a weekly occurrence in many cities.
The psychological terrorism was perhaps even worse than the physical violence. Picture this: you’re having dinner with your family at a nice restaurant, trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy, but there’s always that nagging fear in the back of your mind. At any moment, a drug lord and his heavily armed crew might walk in, confiscate everyone’s phones, and essentially hold you hostage while they enjoy their meal. Sure, they’d usually pay for everyone’s drinks – a twisted form of narco-courtesy – but the message was clear: they owned the streets, and by extension, they owned you.
For my American readers, I know the War on Drugs conjures images of militarized police raids and overcrowded prisons – and trust me, that’s bad enough. The U.S. version of this “war” was about turning citizens into state-owned slaves, filling private prisons with nonviolent offenders, and destroying communities, particularly communities of color. But the level of violence never reached the near-apocalyptic scenes I witnessed in Mexico and Colombia.
Now here’s where things get really concerning. Cannabis might be legal in many states today, with dispensaries replacing dealer’s numbers in our phones, but Trump’s recent move to label drug cartels as “terrorist organizations” is like throwing gasoline on a smoldering fire. This isn’t just semantic gymnastics – it’s a fundamental shift from a police action to a military operation.
Some of you might be thinking, “Good! Send in the military! That’ll show them!” Trust me, as someone who’s seen what happens when you militarize this conflict, that’s about as smart as using a flamethrower to kill a mosquito. It doesn’t just escalate the violence; it transforms entire regions into war zones where civilian casualties become “collateral damage” in an unwinnable war.
A few weeks ago, I was practically dancing in my home office when I heard RFK Jr. might be heading up Health and Human Services. Finally, I thought, someone who might bring a fresh perspective to national cannabis policy. But my enthusiasm went up in smoke faster than a joint at a Snoop Dogg concert when he announced he’d “defer to the DEA on marijuana rescheduling.” Talk about a buzzkill – we’re right back where we started.
Trump’s new Attorney General isn’t exactly Jeff “Good People Don’t Smoke Marijuana” Sessions 2.0, but let’s just say she won’t be joining your local NORML chapter anytime soon. However, there might be an unexpected opportunity hidden in this chaos. See, Trump seems laser-focused on fentanyl, with cannabis barely registering on his radar. But here’s where things get interesting – and complicated.
The cannabis industry is like a giant spider web, connecting Chinese triads, Mexican cartels, local farmers, legal operators, and everyone in between. We’ve got constitutional legalization in Canada and Mexico, plus more than half of U.S. states with some form of legal cannabis. It’s a complex ecosystem that’s about to get shaken up by Trump’s declaration of war on cartels.
Here’s the problem: as long as cannabis remains Schedule I, law enforcement will keep playing whack-a-mole with both legitimate and illegitimate operations. But while your local grow might have a security guard with a Glock, they’re not exactly rolling with military-grade weapons like the cartels. And let’s not kid ourselves – cartel influence runs deeper than most Americans realize. Hell, major banks have been caught laundering their money, proving that suits can be just as dirty as street dealers.
So how do we prevent Trump’s War on Fentanyl from turning into a bloodbath that engulfs the entire cannabis industry? There’s only one real solution: complete removal of cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. Not rescheduling, not decriminalization – full federal legalization.
Think about it: Trump could strike a major blow against the cartels by legitimizing one of their biggest cash crops. When cannabis becomes as common as Budweiser, the cartels lose their ability to control the market. No more underground grows, no more smuggling operations, no more violence over territory – just good old-fashioned American capitalism.
But here’s the catch – this can only happen through Congress. The cannabis community needs to mobilize like never before, flooding representatives’ offices with calls, emails, and visits. We need to make it clear that federal legalization isn’t just about getting high; it’s about national security, economic opportunity, and ending a cycle of violence.
Is it a long shot? Sure. About as likely as finding seeds in top-shelf dispensary bud. But stranger things have happened in American politics, and sometimes the most unlikely scenarios create the perfect storm for change. Besides, what’s the alternative? Sitting back and watching as decades of progress potentially go up in smoke?
So dream big, my friends. Sometimes those impossible dreams are the only ones worth fighting for.
Let me be crystal clear about something: anyone thinking Mexico is going to be another Afghanistan clearly hasn’t been paying attention. While the U.S. military had a jolly old time “protecting” Afghan poppy fields (funny how that heroin epidemic exploded, right?), Mexico is an entirely different animal.
For starters, Mexico’s constitution predates the invention of the telegraph. Within this venerable document lies a crystal-clear message: foreign military operations on Mexican soil equal an act of war. Period. No asterisks, no fine print, no “but what if we’re really nice about it?” clause. This isn’t some far-flung territory where you can drum up WMD allegations – this is our next-door neighbor with deep international ties.
Speaking of ties, Mexico isn’t some isolated nation that the international community can conveniently ignore. We’re talking about a country with major investment deals with China, Europe, and pretty much every other significant player on the global stage. Any U.S. military action in Mexico would trigger an international crisis that would make the Cuban Missile Crisis look like a schoolyard spat.
So what can Trump actually do? He’s limited to border theatrics, training Mexican forces (because that worked so well with Los Zetas, right?), and supplying weapons. And here’s where it gets really dark: those same weapons will inevitably end up in cartel arsenals. It’s like trying to put out a fire by throwing gasoline-soaked rags at it – you’re just making the problem exponentially worse.
The result? Another bloodbath. Hundreds of thousands dead. And for what? The drugs won’t stop flowing – they never do. They’ll just get more expensive, forcing addicts into increasingly desperate measures to fund their habits. Theft, assault, kidnapping, murder – the whole ugly spiral of addiction-driven crime will accelerate. Your quiet suburban neighborhood won’t feel so safe anymore.
How can I be so certain? Because I’ve watched this same movie play out for over half a century. The War on Drugs is like a bad horror franchise – it keeps coming back with the same plot, just bloodier each time. There’s no victory scenario here, folks. This path only leads to more state control, less personal freedom, more danger, more addiction, and more death.
At this point, our best hope is that Trump’s tough talk is just another negotiating tactic – his trademark “Art of the Deal” approach to getting what he really wants. But if the man with the golden combover has his heart set on destruction, we might be entering one of the bloodiest chapters in North American history. The only winners will be the usual suspects: the war profiteers, the prison industrial complex, and those who feast on human misery.
Remember, we’ve seen this show before. The only difference is that this time, the stakes are higher and the consequences could be catastrophic. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail, because the alternative isn’t just bad – it’s apocalyptically stupid.
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Cannabis News
Texas Hates Weed…Not! – 62% of Registered Voters Support Cannabis Legalization in the Lone Star State
Published
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February 19, 2025By
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In recent years, the conversation surrounding cannabis legalization has evolved significantly across the United States, and Texas is no exception. A recent poll conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs has revealed that 62% of Texans support the legalization of recreational cannabis. This finding not only highlights a shift in public opinion but also raises important questions about the future of cannabis policy in one of the largest and most conservative states in the nation.
Understanding the Numbers
The poll, which surveyed 1,200 adult residents of Texas, provides a comprehensive look at public sentiment regarding cannabis. Here are some key findings:
62% of Texans Favor Legalization. The poll indicates that a clear majority of Texans are in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis. This is a significant increase from previous years when support was much lower.
79% Support Medical Use. The survey found that an overwhelming 79% of respondents support the legalization of medical marijuana, particularly for patients with a doctor’s prescription. This reflects a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
69% Favor Decriminalization. The poll also revealed that 69% of Texans support decriminalizing low-level cannabis possession. This suggests a desire to reduce the legal penalties associated with minor cannabis offenses.
Cross-Party Support: Notably, support for legalization transcends party lines. The poll shows that 71% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans are in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis. This bipartisan support is crucial in a state where political polarization is often pronounced.
Concerns About THC Products
55% Support THC Consumables Ban. Interestingly, while there is strong support for legalization, the poll also found that 55% of respondents—61% of Republicans and 48% of Democrats—support banning consumable THC products derived from hemp. This reflects ongoing concerns about product safety and regulation.
Cannabis Legislation in Texas
To understand the current landscape of cannabis legalization in Texas, it is essential to consider the historical context. Cannabis has been illegal in Texas since the early 20th century, with laws becoming increasingly stringent over time.
Early Legislation
Marihuana Tax Act (1937): The federal government’s Marihuana Tax Act effectively criminalized cannabis across the United States, including Texas. This marked the beginning of a long-standing prohibition era.
War on Drugs
The War on Drugs intensified during the 1980s, leading to harsher penalties for drug offenses, including cannabis-related crimes. This era saw a significant increase in arrests and incarceration rates for drug offenses.
Medical Cannabis Legalization
Compassionate Use Act (2015): In 2015, Texas passed the Compassionate Use Act, allowing limited access to medical cannabis for patients with specific medical conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. This marked a pivotal moment in Texas’s approach to cannabis but remained restrictive compared to other states.
Legislative Challenges and Opportunities
Despite growing public support for cannabis legalization, legislative efforts have faced significant challenges in Texas.
Conservative Leadership: Texas has historically been governed by conservative leadership that has resisted efforts to liberalize drug laws. Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have both expressed opposition to full-scale legalization.
2021 Legislative Session: During the 2021 session, several bills aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis were introduced but ultimately failed to gain traction. The political climate remains divided, with many lawmakers hesitant to embrace change.
Grassroots Movements: Advocacy groups such as NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy have been working tirelessly to educate the public and lawmakers about the benefits of legalization. Their efforts have contributed to shifting public opinion.
Economic Implications of Cannabis Legalization
One compelling argument for cannabis legalization is its potential economic impact.
Legalizing cannabis could create thousands of jobs in various sectors, including agriculture, retail, and manufacturing. States that have legalized cannabis have seen significant job growth in these areas.
Legalizing and regulating cannabis could generate substantial tax revenue for Texas. States like Colorado and California have reported millions in tax revenue from cannabis sales, which can be allocated toward education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.
Legalization could also attract tourists interested in experiencing legal cannabis markets. This influx could provide a much-needed boost to local economies.
Social Justice Considerations
Another critical aspect of the cannabis legalization debate is its implications for social justice.
Studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by cannabis-related arrests despite similar usage rates among racial groups. Legalization could help address these disparities by reducing arrests and convictions related to low-level offenses.
Legalization efforts often include provisions for expunging criminal records related to past cannabis offenses. This can provide individuals with a fresh start and improve their employment prospects.
Health Implications and Public Safety
While many advocate for legalization based on economic and social justice arguments, health implications must also be considered.
Health Benefits, as mentioned earlier, many Texans support medical marijuana use due to its potential health benefits. Research has shown that cannabis can help manage chronic pain, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and other conditions. Delta-8 THC from hemp has massive sales in Texas, but problems remain with testing and safety of these products.
Public Safety Concerns
One argument against legalization is the potential increase in impaired driving incidents. However, proponents argue that regulation can lead to safer consumption practices and education about responsible use.
Future Prospects for Cannabis Legalization in Texas
Given the current polling data indicating strong public support for legalization, what does the future hold for cannabis policy in Texas?
As more states move toward legalization both recreationally and medically, Texas may feel pressure to reconsider its stance on cannabis policy. Lawmakers may find it increasingly challenging to ignore their constituents’ desires as public opinion continues to shift.
With grassroots movements gaining momentum, there is potential for ballot initiatives aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis in future elections. If advocates can mobilize enough support, they may bring this issue directly to voters.
Conclusion
The recent poll indicating that 62% of Texans support cannabis legalization marks a significant turning point in public opinion regarding this contentious issue. As attitudes continue to evolve alongside changing social norms and economic considerations, Texas may soon find itself at a crossroads regarding its approach to cannabis policy. While challenges remain particularly from conservative lawmakers; the growing bipartisan support among Texans suggests that meaningful change could be on the horizon. As advocacy efforts intensify and more residents recognize the potential benefits of legalization from economic growth to social justice the conversation surrounding cannabis in Texas will likely continue to gain momentum.
In summary, as we look toward the future, it is clear that Texans are ready for change when it comes to cannabis legislation. Whether through legislative action or grassroots initiatives, there is an undeniable push toward a more progressive approach that reflects the will of the people—a development that could reshape not only Texas but also set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues across the nation.
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