Cannabis News
How the Federal Government is Systematically Trying to Kill the Cannabis Industry
How The Federal Government’s Inability to Legalize Cannabis is killing the industry
Over the past decade, the movement to legalize cannabis in the United States has gained significant momentum. With 38 states having legalized medical cannabis and 22 states allowing recreational use, it is clear that public opinion is shifting towards cannabis legalization. However, despite the progress made on a state-by-state basis, the federal government’s continued prohibition of cannabis has created numerous challenges for the industry.
In places where cannabis has been legalized, such as Canada and California, we are seeing some problematic issues arise. These issues stem from over-regulation, which can result in oversupply, inflated black markets, high costs of operating a business, and a lack of access to banking services. These issues are hindering the cannabis industry’s growth and stifling the benefits that legalization can provide.
While cannabis legalization has been successful at the state level, the federal government’s inaction and political discourse are limiting the industry’s potential. In this article, we will explore the problems facing the cannabis industry in several markets, and what needs to happen for the industry to thrive.
A recent Fortune article entitled, “Marijuana growers are between a rock and a hard place as they face oversupply and interstate commerce woes: ‘I’m tired of running a failing business’”” addressed the issues mentioned above. If you want to read the full article, you can do it here; however, below I’ll provide a quick summary of what it said.
The marijuana industry is facing a “failed economics” in legal pot. On the West Coast, which has been the hub for marijuana production in the United States, surplus production is unable to cross state borders due to the federal ban on marijuana.
Prices have declined steeply, leading to issues with the viability of the legal marijuana industry. Licensed growers are feeling the pinch of the 37% cannabis tax in Washington state and are left with virtually no profit margin.
Marijuana businesses are unable to receive loans or credit due to the banking restrictions, and legalizing the drug for national consumption by businesses will be a political challenge. The cannabis industry is looking at the possibility of President Joe Biden’s administration allowing marijuana trade between the states that have legalized it.
This would help the West Coast states to supply the rest of the country, thanks to its favorable climate and cheap, clean hydropower for indoor growing.
Although lawmakers in Washington state have approved a “trigger bill” allowing the governor to enter into an interstate cannabis trade agreement if allowed by the federal government, experts don’t believe the policy will go as far as permitting interstate commerce.
Contributing to the glut in Oregon and Washington is the fact that the states licensed so many growers. The initial idea was to ensure enough supply for the legal market, bringing down prices to compete with the black market. But Oregon has hundreds more licensed growers than Washington, resulting in oversupply.
Prices for marijuana are so cheap that it’s difficult for the industry to remain sustainable, and some growers are resorting to funneling product to the out-of-state black market just to stay afloat.
Here’s the most important reasons why the cannabis industry is struggling at the moment & the effects of no regulation and over regulation:
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Licensed growers in some U.S. states have been forced to funnel their product into the black market to stay afloat. (Side Effects of Overregulation)
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Large cannabis companies such as MedMen and Curaleaf are facing financial difficulties. (Side Effect of Lack of Regulation)
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The West Coast’s legal pot industry is struggling due to oversupply and failed economics.(Mixture of Over and Under Regulation)
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Producers are hindered by the federal ban on marijuana and state-level regulations that prevent interstate trade. (Cause)
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Some licensed growers complain that high cannabis taxes leave virtually no profit margin for producers. (Cause)
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Lawmakers in some states are seeking approval for interstate cannabis trade agreements. (Action)
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The oversupply of cannabis in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado is the result of the states licensing too many growers. (Partially True)
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Prices for cannabis products have plunged due to oversupply, making it difficult for businesses to remain profitable.(Effect)
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Keeping the industry sustainable is a significant challenge due to cheap prices and oversupply. (True)
NOTES:
There are a few observations in the article I don’t necessarily agree with such as the reason for the problem being that the State is oversupplying licenses to grow. While this may be true under the current circumstances, it’s only due to a federal blockade against the interstate commerce that makes it so.
Not all States in the US would be optimal for growing cannabis. Some states with have a geographical advantage, meaning that under a federally legalized scenario – oregon having a surplus of cannabis is a win. The mere fact that legal growers are forced to sell illegally to stay afloat should be more than enough evidence of this fundamental truth.
Furthermore, to place a cap on licenses is to place a cap on entrepreneurship and growth. Eventually, a few groups will take over all of the licenses and you’d be capped at the innovation of these set groups.
The cannabis industry in the United States is facing significant challenges, and the government is to blame for most of them.
One of the major issues is that interstate commerce of cannabis is illegal, which means that states cannot trade with each other. This has led to oversupply and shortages in some areas, creating instability in the market.
Although Canada and Mexico have both legalized cannabis, the federal government has been hesitant to follow suit, hindering progress.
It is frustrating for those in the industry who are trying to make a living and provide safe, quality products to consumers. The government’s reluctance to legalize cannabis is making it difficult for businesses to operate, stifling growth opportunities. This is particularly concerning as the industry has the potential to create jobs and generate revenue for the economy, especially in a time of such high inflation.
The reasons for the government’s opposition to legalizing cannabis are not entirely clear, but it may be due to their monetary allegiances to powerful lobbies such as the pharmaceutical industry, the prison industrial complex, and law enforcement.
The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, has a lot to lose if cannabis becomes a mainstream alternative to prescription drugs. The government’s inability to legalize cannabis may be a result of their desire to protect the profits of this industry, even if it means denying patients access to alternative treatments. And since the pandemic, I think most people can agree that these industries have politicians by the balls.
Similarly, the prison industrial complex and law enforcement both benefit from the criminalization of cannabis. Many individuals have been incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses, disproportionately affecting minorities and low-income communities. These incarceration numbers back their reports, which secure their funding. If you were to remove cannabis from their list of crimes, they would have to actually stop crime – which would be too difficult and would affect their bottom line.
Some politicians are proposing policy changes that favor big industry, exacerbating oversupply issues and creating an uneven playing field. For example, a federal tax on cannabis would make it more expensive for consumers and hinder the growth of small businesses. Imagine having to pay 50% more for your weed in taxes. Where do you think you’d buy your weed from? The dispensary or the dude down the street that’s got some killer weed?
Some regulations favor large corporations over small businesses, further compounding the problem of oversupply. These include limited licensing schemes, over taxation and regulation.
This can only make us conclude that the government is responsible for most of the challenges facing the cannabis industry in the United State today. And while we’re trying to debate on how to fix the complex relationship between federal and state law, regulations, etc, we have to ask ourselves whether we need to “fix all of this”. Perhaps, simply reducing it to the simplest, most effective means possible is the right way?
The illegal interstate commerce of cannabis limits growth opportunities and creates instability in the market. This is definitely only true because there are gatekeepers with fully automatic rifles and an army willing to jail you if you break the rules.
The fact of the matter is that the solve is easy. We need swift action on federal legalization. We need to stop thinking about Equity and make it accessible. Over supply of licensing will work itself out in an open marketplace.
Make it easy for people to grow and sell and place the regulations and control on interstate and international commerce. That way, you give growers a chance to establish themselves, the market will create the opportunities for both small and big commerce. However, only if the government stops meddling with it
THE FEDERAL BOSS ON WEED, 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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