Cannabis News
HHS’ New 2-Step Test to See if Marijuana Has Medicinal Benefits Crushes the DEA’s Rational for Weed Being a Schedule 1 Drug
Despite some critics of marijuana reform challenging the review process that led federal health officials to recommend rescheduling cannabis, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is now recognizing the validity of the new two-part test used to determine a substance’s accepted medical use.
This acknowledgement was included as a footnote in a notification on Tuesday about a decision to categorize two synthetic opioid medicines under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which had nothing to do with the original decision.
A Schedule I substance is one that has no contemporary recognized medical use (CAMU), according to federal law. In the past, the government has used a five-part test to determine if a chemical satisfies this requirement by looking at its chemistry, health statistics, and other pertinent details. However, earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) introduced a simplified two-step analysis when reviewing the proposed rescheduling of marijuana, ultimately concluding that cannabis should be placed in Schedule III.
The New Two-Part Test for Determining Medical Use
The newly adopted two-part test introduced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) focuses on two fundamental questions when determining whether a substance has an accepted medical use. First, it asks whether licensed healthcare providers currently use the substance in medical treatment within jurisdictions where such use is legally authorized. Second, it examines whether there is credible scientific evidence supporting the drug’s efficacy for at least one recognized medical condition.
This streamlined approach stands in stark contrast to the previous five-part test, which required a more complex and detailed evaluation of a substance’s chemistry, safety data, clinical efficacy, expert consensus, and the availability of published scientific studies. The older model was seen as more restrictive, often limiting substances from being considered for rescheduling despite emerging evidence of their therapeutic benefits.
The novel examination stands out for its ability to lower administrative obstacles and provide a simpler means by which drugs such as cannabis can be reassessed in light of current scientific research and practical medicinal uses. In spite of the lack of FDA clearance, the two-part exam recognizes the increasing acceptability of some medications in clinical practice by emphasizing their practical medical usage in legally permitted circumstances.
In a footnote to its latest scheduling notice, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) admitted that the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) deemed the standard five-part criteria “impermissibly narrow.” The OLC also stated that the simplified two-part examination is adequate to assess if a medicine has a genuine medical purpose, emphasizing that FDA clearance should not be the main factor in rescheduling decisions. During the rescheduling process, the DEA must now defer to the HHS’s scientific and medical determinations, representing a substantial shift in how federal agencies approach restricted drug regulation.
This novel technique may have far-reaching repercussions beyond marijuana. With increasing interest in the medicinal potential of psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA, the streamlined test may also facilitate the categorization of these compounds. If healthcare practitioners can establish medicinal usage in certain areas and back it up with reputable scientific research, these drugs may benefit from the less stringent regulation procedure that now applies to cannabis.
Resistance and Criticism of the Two-Part Analysis
The implementation of the two-part study has aroused strong protest from marijuana rescheduling opponents, who claim that the new criterion is unreasonable and politically driven. Some opponents argue that the simplified test was designed to enable a predetermined conclusion supporting cannabis reform rather than being based on strong scientific considerations.
One prominent prohibitionist group, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), has labeled the two-part analysis a “novel test” that was “recently invented by HHS and embraced” as a means to move marijuana into Schedule III. SAM and similar groups argue that the simplified framework lacks the rigor of the former five-part test, accusing policymakers of shaping the new approach to fit a political agenda.
Some legal experts believe that challenging the validity of the two-part test could become a central argument in any legal contest against the rescheduling of marijuana. Opponents may attempt to undermine the process by claiming that the test is an arbitrary departure from established regulatory practices, designed solely to ease the path for marijuana reform.
Despite this criticism, the DEA’s recent scheduling notice for two synthetic opioid drugs—N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene—suggests that the agency views the two-part analysis as legitimate. The acknowledgment of the new test in unrelated drug scheduling decisions could signal that the DEA is fully committed to using this simplified framework moving forward, which may complicate efforts to challenge it.
Implications for Future Drug Scheduling Decisions
Beyond only moving the legalization of marijuana, the DEA’s support of the new two-part exam may have a big impact on how future drug tests for other substances—like psychedelics—will be conducted. The streamlined test may offer a more accommodating framework for evaluating the medicinal use of substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD in contexts where they are permitted by law, as interest in their therapeutic potential develops.
The DEA is expected to use the same two-part approach if these compounds are subject to review; the focus will be on the substances’ present medicinal use and the availability of reliable scientific backing. This change might lead to the reclassification of psychedelics, particularly because ongoing clinical research indicate that they can effectively treat diseases including anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
The widespread adoption of this reduced technique suggests a possible change in federal drug policy away from the normally strict five-part examination. The two-part test may allow for a more science-driven and practical assessment of developing medicines, increasing access to alternative treatments.
While the rescheduling of marijuana is still being reviewed, the DEA plans to have an administrative hearing in December 2024 to gather further feedback before making a final rule. The process might last until early 2025, allowing the next presidential administration to decide the future of drug policy, including how the two-part test is applied to additional substances.
Bottom Line
The DEA’s endorsement of a simplified two-part test to determine the medical use of substances, which was recently applied to marijuana rescheduling, represents a significant shift in federal drug policy. This new framework focuses on current medical use and credible scientific evidence, bypassing the more stringent five-part test previously used. While critics argue that the new test is politically motivated, it could open the door to reclassifying other substances like psychedelics, offering a more practical and science-driven approach to drug scheduling decisions.
NO MEDICINAL BENEFITS? READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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