Cannabis News
Guess Which Country Just Imported Marijuana from Jamaica for DEA-Approved Medical Research?
A joint Canadian-Jamaican venture, comprising veterans from Steep Hill Labs and Canopy Growth Corp, has reportedly conducted the first Drug Enforcement Administration-sanctioned export of cannabis products from Jamaica to the United States.
Headquartered in Toronto, the Pure Jamaican brand, along with its cultivation and manufacturing arm based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, known as Seven-10 Pharmaceuticals, exported a range of eight tincture products and three distillate products with different THC and CBD ratios, according to Scott Cathcart, CEO of both Pure Jamaican and Seven-10 Pharmaceuticals.
Cathcart clarified in an interview that the company shipped a limited quantity of products specifically for DEA-approved research purposes, rather than for commercial distribution. Cathcart, formerly the chief global expansion officer at Steep Hill Labs, co-founded Pure Jamaican and Seven-10 Pharmaceuticals in 2018 alongside another ex-Steep Hill executive, Martin Shefsky.
Another notable figure in Pure Jamaican’s leadership is John Bell, the board chair, who previously served in the same capacity at Canada’s Canopy Growth.
The products were dispatched to ACS Laboratory, a DEA-licensed facility situated in Sun City Center, Florida, as per Cathcart.
It’s worth noting that the testing facility has had a contentious history with Florida regulators.
Florida’s History with ACS Laboratory
Since 2022, reports from MJBizDaily and Analytical Cannabis indicate that the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use has levied fines against ACS on at least three occasions, resulting in penalties totalling tens of thousands of dollars.
The alleged infractions span from ACS providing false or inaccurate information on certificates of analysis to utilizing methods that fail to comply with state regulations.
Since 2021, researchers with DEA licenses have had the option to procure cannabis from a limited selection of marijuana cultivation companies endorsed by the agency. Previously, researchers were restricted to sourcing research cannabis either from the University of Mississippi or by obtaining DEA authorization to import cannabis from foreign firms like Canada’s Tilray.
Regarding the Biden administration’s plan to reschedule marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, Scott Cathcart is upbeat and believes it will open the door for his firms’ goods to perhaps be sold in the US. He admits that before the products are made commercially available, they might need to go through the drawn-out FDA clearance procedure. Cathcart is still optimistic, though, that the goods may be classified as “nutraceuticals,” which might not need government permission in order to be sold.
Cathcart affirms his commitment to adhering to DEA regulations, expressing anticipation for a direct-to-patient pathway once rescheduling occurs. He points out that Pure Jamaican holds a pharmaceutical manufacturing license from the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica, along with Good Manufacturing Practice certification and a controlled substances permit from Jamaica’s Ministry of Health & Wellness. However, it remains uncertain whether a Jamaican pharmaceutical license confers the same privileges upon his company as a U.S. pharmaceutical license would for an American operator.
According to a press release from Pure Jamaican, the company has already commenced shipping its tincture products directly to patients in Brazil.
Regulatory Challenges and Compliance Assurance
For those involved in the sector, navigating the complex regulatory environment around the cannabis trade presents significant challenges, especially when considering international trading. Strict attention to regulatory demands is still necessary to maintain legality and operational soundness, even after the DEA approved this groundbreaking import in a historic decision. The regulatory landscape is complex due to the combination of US federal legislation, international agreements, and state-level mandates, which means that careful compliance measures are required along the supply chain.
The DEA’s monitoring is critical to regulatory compliance, and its approval marks a tremendous achievement. However, continued adherence to federal requirements is required to preserve legal standing. Given the strict rules governing the handling, transportation, and storage of restricted drugs, sophisticated compliance frameworks are required to guarantee federal obligations are met.
Strict quality control methods are vital, as demonstrated by Florida’s supervision of ACS Laboratory, which is one example of state-level inspection. Incidents of non-compliance with state legislation underscore the necessity for industry players to institute all-encompassing compliance initiatives. In a regulatory environment that is always changing, stakeholders may reduce risks and maintain operational integrity by taking proactive steps including frequent audits, employee training, and interaction with regulatory agencies.
Advancing Research and Therapeutic Applications
The recent DEA-approved import of cannabis products from Jamaica into the US marks a significant turning point for the cannabis industry’s advancement of research and medicinal uses in addition to regulatory compliance. This innovative import gives researchers access to a greater variety of cannabis strains and formulations, hence broadening the breadth of study opportunities. This variety makes it possible to do more in-depth research on the medical benefits of cannabis, which may reveal hitherto undiscovered therapeutic advantages and clarify the intricate relationships between the plant’s constituents and biological systems.
Moreover, the influx of diverse cannabis products into research facilities accelerates the pace of therapeutic innovation. With expanded access to different formulations, researchers can explore novel treatment modalities for various medical conditions. From chronic pain management to neurological disorders, the enhanced research opportunities presented by this import lay the groundwork for the development of groundbreaking therapies that could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Beyond the short-term effects on US-based research, this milestone has long-term effects on healthcare throughout the world. The medicinal potential of cannabis is being better understood by researchers, and these discoveries might influence global medical practices and policy. In areas where cannabis-based treatments are becoming more widely recognized and incorporated into clinical practice, the growing awareness of cannabis as a potential medicinal agent may have an impact on healthcare strategies.
The DEA-sanctioned import of cannabis products signifies not only a triumph in regulatory compliance but also a significant stride forward in advancing research and therapeutic applications within the cannabis industry. By broadening research horizons, catalyzing therapeutic innovations, and potentially influencing global healthcare practices, this milestone underscores the transformative potential of cannabis in shaping the future of medicine and patient care on a global scale.
Bottom Line
The DEA-sanctioned import of cannabis products from Jamaica to the US marks a significant milestone not only in regulatory compliance but also in advancing research and therapeutic applications within the cannabis industry. Despite the complex regulatory landscape and ongoing challenges, stakeholders remain committed to navigating these intricacies while exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis. As research progresses and global attitudes toward cannabis evolve, the impact of this historic import is poised to shape the future of medicine and patient care on a global scale.
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“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.
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