Cannabis News
From Black Market to Booming Legal Industry
The story of cannabis in America is one of resilience, transformation, and growing acceptance. Once outlawed, associated only with the shadowy underworld of black markets, cannabis now stands in the legal light, progressively winning approval in the medical and recreational realms.
A Historical Perspective
Cannabis and hemp have been part of human civilization for thousands of years, utilized for textiles, medicine, and ritualistic practices. While hemp, due to its strong fiber, was primarily grown in early America for industrial purposes, its psychoactive cousin, marijuana, remained somewhat obscure to the wider public.
The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was not just an economic regulation but also a move propelled by a combination of racial and economic factors. Stories propagated during this era, many deeply rooted in racial prejudice, framed cannabis as a substance that induced violent behavior. These narratives, combined with economic competition from the hemp industry, played a role in cannabis’s prohibition.
By the time the 1970 Controlled Substances Act came into play, cannabis was already deeply stigmatized. Its classification as a Schedule I substance placed it in the same category as drugs like heroin, indicating a substance with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
However, even in these prohibitive years, cannabis thrived in underground markets. Countercultural movements of the 60s and 70s embraced it, leading to its proliferation and, eventually, to states reconsidering its medical value by the century’s close.
Cannabis Breaks Through Legal Barriers
1996 marked a significant turning point in American cannabis history. Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, was passed in California, permitting the medical use of marijuana for patients with specific illnesses. This was a direct challenge to federal law and set a precedent for states’ rights on the matter.
Subsequent states’ approval for medical use indicated a shift in public opinion. The advancements in cannabis research and the growing number of patient testimonials on its therapeutic benefits played a pivotal role in this transformation.
By the time Colorado and Washington fully legalized cannabis for recreational use in 2012, the American perspective had evolved dramatically. The subsequent states that decriminalized and legalized cannabis did not just witness a change in law but also saw a surge in economic growth. The cannabis industry has since given rise to dispensaries, culinary innovations, and even tourism, generating millions in tax revenue and creating numerous jobs.
The journey of cannabis from a stigmatized substance to an accepted and commercially viable product showcases the power of research, advocacy, and evolving societal views. It also serves as a lesson in how perceptions can change and how policies can adapt in response to both evidence and changing societal values.
From Black Market to Main Street
Once associated largely with the black market, cannabis now basks in the glow of mainstream acceptance. It was a process that required innovation, ingenuity, and patience. As legal boundaries were pushed and shattered, business models were developed and fine-tuned, and technology, particularly digital and crypto currencies, played a crucial role.
Bitcoin particularly emerged as a preferred mode of transaction among cannabis vendors. One of the reasons was the reluctance of traditional banks to associate with companies in the cannabis industry, due to the federal ban. A concept that might seem alien to traditional finance sectors – like Bitcoincasino.us for instance, where Bitcoin is the primary currency – has found favor in this once marginalized industry.
The use of Bitcoin points to the ingenuity of an industry that has faced numerous obstacles in its journey from the black market to the mainstream. Instead of depending on traditional financial systems, they turned to encrypted, decentralized technologies, which in many ways reflect the spirit of the cannabis industry.
The Booming Cannabis Industry and Its Challenges
The market size of legal marijuana in the USA was estimated at $13.6 billion in 2019, with about 340,000 jobs devoted to handling plants, according to New Frontier Data. The cannabis industry’s two major segments, recreational and medicinal, both have broad spectrums of products appealing to different sections of the population.
Advancements and Innovations
The legitimization and growth of the cannabis industry have spurred developments and advancements that were previously unthinkable. The full potential of cannabis and cannabinoids is being unlocked, with a range of innovative and niche products flooding the market.
Challenges to the Cannabis Industry
While the cannabis industry has made remarkable strides in terms of legalization and public acceptance, it still navigates a myriad of challenges that inhibit its full potential. The juxtaposition of state-level legalization with federal prohibition creates an intricate maze for cannabis entrepreneurs. Federal illegality, while being a contentious debate on its own, brings forth tangible operational challenges. A prominent one is the restricted access to conventional banking systems. This limitation not only hampers the industry’s financial fluidity but also subjects businesses to unnecessary risks, as they’re compelled to operate predominantly in cash.
Influence of Bitcoin in a Complicated Scenario
Due to these banking conundrums, the cannabis industry has had to innovate and adapt. Enter Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency operating without the conventional banking system. By virtue of its design, Bitcoin bypasses many of the challenges posed by the dichotomy of state and federal laws on cannabis.
The parallels between Bitcoin and the cannabis industry are uncanny. Both emerged from the peripheries of their respective sectors, surrounded by skepticism and controversy. But over time, as understanding and acceptance grew, so did their influence and legitimacy.
While to the average person, the mechanics of Bitcoin, especially concepts like blockchain, might seem intricate and daunting (much like trying to decipher the odds on a Bitcoin gambling site like BitcoinCasino.us), the cannabis sector has keenly recognized and harnessed its potential. This synergy underscores the industry’s resilience and adaptability.
The transformation of the cannabis industry from the fringes to the mainstream can be seen as a symbol of societal evolution. With the industry predicted to reach $73.6 billion by 2027, it is clear that the perception of cannabis is changing. As the industry continues to grow, innovate, and break boundaries, perhaps it can serve as an inspiration for other industries grappling with obstacles whether they be of perception, legality or innovation.
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HOW MUCH DOES BLACK MARKET PRICES HURT MARGINS IN LEGAL WEED?
“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.
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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.
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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.
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