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How the Supreme Court Overturning a Case Against Chevron Oil Threw the Marijuana Industry into Chaos

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The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to limit the power of federal regulatory agencies has created new uncertainties about the future of marijuana laws in the United States. How will this effect marijuana re-scheduling?

At first, the marijuana industry was jubilent as the DEA no longer had the power to keep cannabis illegal!

Then, as time set in, so did panic in the cannabis industry as now it seems the rescheduling of cannabis to a schedule 3 drug is going to get shelved by the DEA because they no longer have the authority to make medical and science decisions based on the new court ruling.

So what happened?

Last week, the Supreme Court overturned the Chevron case, which had been in place for 40 years. Many in the cannabis industry celebrated this, hoping it would lead to federal legalization through lawsuits against the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, the opposite could happen, and existing cannabis businesses might be forced to shut down.

The Chevron Case

Forty years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that federal agencies, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had the authority to regulate specific issues. Leah Heise, a partner at Wolf Meyer and an advisor at consulting firm Kearney, explained this to Green Market Report. The court’s decision was based on the idea that these agencies handle scientifically complex matters, making them best suited to set the rules. As a result, courts often sided with these agencies, making it hard to challenge their regulations. This ruling stood firm despite over 70 attempts to overturn it.

 

However, with the latest Supreme Court decision, Heise said this automatic deference to federal agencies is now in question. For instance, if a federal agency says a product can’t contain a certain amount of CBD, companies can more easily challenge that decision in court. The agency can no longer rely solely on its supposed expertise to defend its rules.

 

At first glance, this might seem like good news for the cannabis industry. Companies could push back against restrictive regulations and expand their operations. Heise noted that if advising a large corporation or a well-funded cannabis business, she would closely examine every relevant regulation and law. The goal would be identifying areas where the company could challenge rules to increase profits.

 

In summary, while the Supreme Court’s decision might offer new opportunities for the cannabis industry to contest federal regulations, it also brings significant risks. The uncertainty could lead to stricter enforcement and potential shutdowns of current cannabis operations. Therefore, businesses must carefully navigate this new legal landscape to maximize their chances of success while minimizing potential legal troubles.

Consequences of the Chevron Ruling

The recent Supreme Court decision on the Chevron case has sparked speculation about its impact on state-regulated marijuana markets. Questions arise about federal agencies’ ability to issue nonbinding guidance, like a new Cole memo, and whether the DEA can regulate intoxicating hemp products like delta-8 THC and THCA.

 

Despite these concerns, attorney Shane Pennington, a partner at Porter Wright’s Washington, D.C., office, believes the ongoing process to reschedule marijuana won’t be significantly affected. The DEA is considering moving marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act, possibly as soon as this fall. Pennington told MJBizDaily, “I still feel perfect about this. If you analyze (Chief Justice John) Roberts’ opinion, there’s a lot of good stuff.”

 

Ironically, past efforts to reschedule marijuana were often dismissed because courts relied on the Chevron doctrine. This doctrine allowed the DEA to set its standards, usually concluding that marijuana had no accepted medical use. However, the current rescheduling process, initiated by President Joe Biden in October 2022, shows a different approach.

 

In August 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined, using a new two-part standard, that cannabis does have an accepted medical use. This new standard led to a significant shift in how marijuana is viewed at the federal level. Based on this advice from HHS and an opinion from the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland proposed a rule in May to reclassify marijuana as Schedule 3.

 

Pennington emphasized the thoroughness of this decision, stating, “That decision is the most intensely scrutinized, intensely researched, commented-upon thing we’ve ever had.” This indicates a strong foundation for the proposed change, suggesting that despite the uncertainties introduced by the Chevron ruling, the rescheduling process is solid ground.

 

Little Uncertainty

In his 35-page opinion on the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that federal law now directs courts, not administrative agencies, to decide legal questions using their judgment.

 

Despite this shift, Shane Pennington, an attorney at Porter Wright’s Washington, D.C., office, pointed out that Congress has given the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) apparent authority on science and medicine issues. This authority remains intact even after Chevron’s end. “That’s just as binding today,” Pennington said.

 

The ruling also addresses concerns about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) analysis that international treaty obligations prevent rescheduling marijuana. According to Pennington, these concerns are considered within the Chevron decision.

Challenges Persist

Pennington noted that there will likely be challenges to marijuana rescheduling, possibly referencing the recent ruling. “We still have work to do. There’s going to be litigation,” he added. However, ongoing cases, such as those challenging the constitutionality of federal marijuana prohibition, are unlikely to be directly affected.

 

Shaleen Title, an attorney and former Massachusetts state regulator, stated that predictions about the ruling impacting state marijuana regulations, especially around licensing or social equity provisions, are “highly speculative at best.” Additionally, states have their versions of Chevron deference and will likely adapt their policies based on the Supreme Court’s decisions.

Impact on the SEC and Cannabis Investors

The ruling could also reduce the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) power. Green Market Report has documented numerous cases of fraud in the cannabis industry, where investors often complain that punishments for bad actors are too light and they never recover their lost investments.

 

With the Supreme Court limiting the SEC’s power, cannabis investors may find themselves with no recourse if they are defrauded. This could create an environment where con artists freely exploit cannabis penny stocks.

 

In summary, while the Supreme Court’s decision creates new challenges and uncertainties, it also maintains certain established authorities, particularly in science and medicine. The cannabis industry must navigate these changes carefully to protect and advance its interests.

 

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Cannabis Oil Helps Skin Wounds and Cuts Heal Faster According to New Skin Research Report

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How Cannabis Oil Helps Skin Wounds Heal Faster, According To Research

 

Cannabis in its many forms, from edibles to inhaled weed, tinctures to oils and so much more, have been proven to be beneficial for its countless therapeutic benefits.


Typically, cannabis is ingested in the human body. It’s smoked, eaten, drank, or applied underneath the tongue. These methods allow cannabis to be metabolized by various systems in the human body, thus enabling the cannabinoids to do their healing work from the inside out. But the use of cannabis topicals is also a fast-growing segment.

 

Weed topicals and transdermals, such as patches, oils, balms, and salves, infused with cannabinoids, have been shown to have healing properties for skin applications as well. Cannabidiol (CBD) in particular, possesses incredible anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the healing of wounds, ulcers, localized pain, bacterial infections, and so much more.

 

The results of a recent scientific review were published, initially by Marijuana Moment, backing up the growing body of research that cannabis oil is effective for a variety of applications though this one focuses on skin wounds. For the report, investigators from educational institutions in Thailand and India analyzed the effect of cannabis oil on reactive oxygen species (ROS) when wounds are healing. These chemicals promote damage in tissues and cells, causing a longer time to heal wounds.


“Increased ROS levels can hinder wound healing by exacerbating inflammation and cellular damage,” says the paper. “CBD’s antioxidant properties mitigate these effects, fostering a more conducive environment for tissue regeneration,” it reads. The authors also found that cannabis oil was helpful in reducing the oxidative damage caused by ROS, thereby improving antioxidant mechanisms in the wound, which has the potential to speed up wound healing.

 

“Cannabis oil, especially its primary bioactive constituents, CBD and THC, demonstrates considerable potential in facilitating skin wound healing by modifying oxidative stress via the regulation of reactive oxygen species,” reads the research.  In summary, the excellent antioxidant properties of CBD work well to mitigate the negative effects of ROS, promoting tissue regeneration. The authors also acknowledge the analgesic and antibacterial properties of marijuana, which contributes to a reduction in microbial load.

Read up below about the benefits of transdermal cannabis application and its benefits for various skin diseases.

CBD Topicals Work Better Than Conventional Meds For Skin Ulcers

 

In a 2023 study out of Italy, researchers found that a CBD topical was more effective in addressing wound pain and speeding up wound healing among patients with skin ulcers caused by scleroderma. The randomized trial data, which was published in Advances in Skin and Wound Care, specifically focuses on scleroderma ulcers, a rare autoimmune condition characterized by skin tightening and narrowing of blood vessels.

 

For the study, Italian researchers analyzed the effects of topical CBD oils compared to conventional treatments. A group of 25 patients with digital ulcers (in the fingertips) were studied; they were randomly chosen and assigned to use CBD for one month while 20 other patients were prescribed to take conventional therapeutic medications.

 

They found that the participants who were given CBD observed more significant pain relief and more efficient wound healing compared to those in the control group.


“Although mean wound-related pain NRS (numeric rating scale) scores did not differ between CBD-treated patients and control patients at baseline, their mean scores differed significantly after 1 month,” wrote the researchers. More particularly, the patients who took CBD saw a pain score decrease of 29% over the course of the study, while those who were given conventional meds only saw a 6% decrease.

Topical CBD Effective For Skin Cancer

 

In a case report of a 64-year-old woman who had a medical history of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), topical application of 20% CBD ointment was found to be effective in treating the cancerous lesion.

 

The investigators involved, from the University of California at Riverside and UC Davis, wrote a summary of their findings after analyzing the woman, writing: “She self-initiated treatment with topical cannabinoid oil, twice daily, and the lesion completely resolved within four weeks. Several prior biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinomas on her dorsal hands also completely regressed after similar treatment with topical cannabinoid oil,” they wrote.

 

“Both malignant cancer and chronic dermatitis completely resolved within four weeks of twice-daily treatment. We attribute the clearance of her skin tumor to the cannabidiol,” they wrote. However, they suggest more investigation into the benefits of cannabidiol for squamous cell carcinoma and other non-melanoma skin cancer types.

 

Benefits of Topical Application


Whether for skin wounds, ulcers, skin cancer, or pain, topical delivery of cannabinoids is an excellent way to benefit from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. After all, the skin is well-known for its abundance of cannabinoid receptors, both CB1 and CB2. These are particularly found in skin cells including the sebaceous glands, keratinocytes, and even various sensory neurons. Because of the direct receptor expression in the skin, this makes it simpler for cannabinoids to act directly on skin issues.

 

It must be said that topical or transdermal application of cannabinoid products also bypasses gastrointestinal metabolism, a process also known as prevention of first-pass metabolism. This results in a more stable level of cannabinoid and longer-lasting benefits without the patient having to experience psychoactive properties that are linked to smoking, consuming edibles, drinking, and other oral routes of administration. This is why, even if you apply THC-infused topicals to the skin, you won’t get high.

 

Conclusion

 

Marijuana topicals possess a wide range of benefits for patients of skin diseases. Because of cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, it’s become easier to understand how it can contribute to such powerful wound healing and pain relief – oftentimes, even more effective than conventional medications!

 

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If You Smoke Weed around Your Kids, Will They Test Postive for THC?

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The legalization and decriminalization of cannabis in many parts of the world have sparked widespread debate about its societal, medical, and personal implications. While much of the focus has been on adult usage and its effects, an often-overlooked issue is how secondhand cannabis smoke impacts children living in homes where the drug is consumed. Recent research has revealed that children exposed to cannabis smoke in their homes are at risk of testing positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. This finding raises significant concerns about the health, safety, and developmental outcomes for these children.

 

In this article, we will delve into the findings of recent studies, explore the potential health risks associated with secondhand cannabis smoke, and discuss broader social and legal implications. We will also examine how parents and caregivers can mitigate these risks to protect children from inadvertent exposure.

 

The Science Behind Secondhand Cannabis Smoke

 

Secondhand smoke refers to the involuntary inhalation of smoke exhaled by a smoker or released from a burning substance. While tobacco secondhand smoke has been extensively studied and linked to numerous health issues, secondhand cannabis smoke is a relatively new area of research. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke, including carcinogens, fine particulate matter, and respiratory irritants. However, cannabis smoke also contains cannabinoids like THC and cannabidiol (CBD), which can have psychoactive or physiological effects when absorbed into the body.

 

When cannabis is smoked indoors or in enclosed spaces, it creates an environment where non-smokers, including children, can inadvertently inhale these substances. Unlike adults who may choose to avoid such environments, children are particularly vulnerable because they lack agency over their living conditions and are often in close proximity to their caregivers.

 

Recent Research Findings

A groundbreaking study conducted in San Diego County, California, examined whether children living in homes where cannabis is smoked test positive for THC exposure. Researchers collected urine samples from children aged 0 to 13 years who were brought to pediatric clinics for routine care. Caregivers were also surveyed about their cannabis use habits, including whether they smoked indoors or outdoors.

 

The results were striking: children living in homes where cannabis was smoked had five times higher odds of testing positive for THC compared to those living in non-smoking households. This finding indicates that secondhand exposure to cannabis smoke is not just a theoretical risk but a measurable reality.

 

 Key Findings

 

  • THC Detection: Detectable levels of THC metabolites were found in the urine samples of children exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke. This suggests that even passive exposure can lead to absorption of psychoactive compounds into a child’s system.

 

 

 

 

Health Risks Associated with Secondhand Cannabis Smoke

 

The presence of THC metabolites in children’s systems raises serious concerns about the potential health risks they face. While research on this specific topic is still emerging, existing studies on secondhand tobacco smoke and direct cannabis use provide valuable insights.

 

1. Respiratory Issues

 

Cannabis smoke contains fine particulate matter that can irritate the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure may lead to:

 

  • Increased risk of asthma attacks

  •  Chronic bronchitis or other respiratory conditions.

  • Reduced lung function over time.

 

Children’s lungs are still developing, making them particularly susceptible to damage from inhaled irritants.

 

 2. Cognitive and Developmental Concerns

 

THC is known to affect brain function by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. While most studies focus on direct cannabis use during adolescence or pregnancy, there is concern that even low-level exposure through secondhand smoke could impact brain development in young children.

 

Potential risks include:

 

  • Impaired memory and learning abilities.

  • Delayed cognitive development.

  • Behavioral issues such as hyperactivity or attention deficits.

 

3. Chemical Exposure

 

In addition to THC, cannabis smoke contains harmful chemicals such as ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These substances are known carcinogens and can increase the risk of cancer over time.

 

4. Psychoactive Effects

 

Although rare, there have been anecdotal reports of children experiencing mild psychoactive effects after significant exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke. Symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, or changes in mood.

 

Broader Implications

 

The findings about children’s exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke have far-reaching implications that extend beyond individual households. They touch on public health policies, legal frameworks, and societal attitudes toward cannabis use.

 

1. Public Health Concerns

 

As more states and countries legalize recreational and medicinal cannabis use, public health agencies must address the unintended consequences for vulnerable populations like children. Educational campaigns similar to those targeting tobacco use may be necessary to raise awareness about the risks of secondhand cannabis smoke.

 

 2. Legal Considerations

In some jurisdictions, exposing children to harmful substances like tobacco or drugs can be considered child endangerment. As evidence mounts about the risks of secondhand cannabis smoke, lawmakers may need to consider whether similar protections should apply.

 

For example:

 

These are complex questions that balance individual freedoms with societal responsibility for child welfare.

 

3. Social Stigma vs Awareness

 

Cannabis use has historically been stigmatized due to its association with illegal activity. While legalization aims to reduce stigma and promote responsible use, it is crucial not to overlook potential harms—especially those affecting children who cannot advocate for themselves.

 

 Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers

 

Parents who use cannabis should take proactive steps to minimize their children’s exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Need for Further Research

 

While current studies provide valuable insights, much remains unknown about the long-term effects of secondhand cannabis smoke on children’s health and development. Future research should focus on:

 

  • Longitudinal studies tracking exposed children over time.

  • The impact of different levels of exposure (e.g., occasional vs frequent).

  • Interactions between secondhand tobacco and cannabis smoke.

  • Effective interventions for reducing childhood exposure.

 

Conclusion

 

The revelation that children living with cannabis smokers can test positive for THC underscores an urgent need for greater awareness and precautionary measures among parents and caregivers who use cannabis. These findings highlight how changing attitudes toward drug use must be accompanied by thoughtful consideration of its unintended consequences—particularly for vulnerable populations like children. As society continues to navigate the complexities surrounding cannabis legalization, protecting children’s health must remain a top priority. By fostering open dialogue, promoting education, and implementing evidence-based policies, we can ensure that progress in one area does not come at the expense of another generation’s well-being.

 

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Do You Know Why Alcohol is Legal and Cannabis is Not?

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Why is alcohol legal and cannabis isn’t?

As I scrolled through Reddit the other day, I stumbled upon a question that perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of modern drug policy: “Why is alcohol legal but cannabis isn’t?” The responses were predictably brief, with most users simply typing “politics” and calling it a day. While they’re not wrong, this answer barely scratches the surface of a complex and fascinating history of prohibition, propaganda, and profit.

The irony of this situation has always struck me. Here we have alcohol, a substance that according to the CDC claims nearly 140,000 lives annually in the United States alone, enjoying widespread social acceptance and legal status. Meanwhile, cannabis – a plant that has never caused a single documented overdose death – remains federally illegal and stigmatized in many parts of the country.

But to understand this paradox, we need to dig deeper than just “politics.” We need to unravel a tangled web of racial prejudice, corporate interests, government overreach, and one of the most successful propaganda campaigns in human history. The story involves corrupt bureaucrats, lumber barons, pharmaceutical companies, and a systematic effort to demonize both the plant and its users.

So today, I’m going to break down exactly why your neighbor can legally drink themselves into oblivion every weekend, while you might face jail time for possessing a plant that humans have used safely for thousands of years. Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll understand just how deep this rabbit hole goes.

Pack yourself a bowl (where legal, of course), get comfortable, and let’s dive into one of the most fascinating examples of how money, power, and prejudice can shape society’s laws and values. The truth behind cannabis prohibition is stranger – and more infuriating – than fiction.

The story of alcohol prohibition in America reads like a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of moral crusading. It all began with the temperance movement, led by organizations like the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League. These groups, predominantly composed of Protestant middle-class women, saw alcohol as the root of society’s evils – from domestic violence to poverty. Their intentions weren’t entirely misplaced; alcohol abuse was indeed wreaking havoc on American families.

But as we’ve learned time and time again, making something illegal doesn’t make it disappear – it just drives it underground. When the 18th Amendment kicked in and Prohibition became the law of the land in 1920, something predictable happened: people didn’t stop drinking. Instead, they turned to bootleggers and speakeasies. The unregulated black market that emerged brought with it a host of new problems.

Without any quality control or safety standards, bootleggers started producing moonshine and other spirits in less-than-sanitary conditions. Some of this bathtub gin contained methanol or other toxic substances, leading to blindness, organ failure, and death. It turns out that when you push something into the shadows, it becomes far more dangerous than when it’s regulated and controlled.

But the body count wasn’t just from bad booze. The illegal alcohol trade gave rise to organized crime on a scale America had never seen before. Rival gangs fought bloody turf wars in the streets of Chicago, New York, and other major cities. Those classic scenes of Tommy Gun-wielding mobsters weren’t Hollywood fiction – they were ripped straight from the headlines of the era.

Overseeing this noble experiment in prohibition was a man whose name would later become synonymous with drug criminalization: Harry J. Anslinger. As head of the Department of Prohibition, Anslinger had built his career on enforcing alcohol prohibition. But by the early 1930s, with public opinion turning and repeal looming, he saw the writing on the wall. He needed a new crusade to justify his position and maintain his power.

Enter cannabis – a plant primarily associated with Mexican immigrants and African American jazz musicians. For Anslinger, it was the perfect target: exotic enough to seem threatening, used primarily by marginalized communities, and not yet widely understood by the general public. Little did anyone know that Anslinger’s quest to save his job would set in motion decades of misguided drug policy that we’re still grappling with today.

You know what’s fascinating about history? Sometimes the most impactful changes happen through clever wordplay and manipulation. Take cannabis prohibition, for example. In the 1930s, hemp was on track to become America’s first billion-dollar crop, as reported by Popular Mechanics. Americans knew hemp as the versatile plant that gave them rope, paper, fabric, and even medicine. It was about as controversial as cotton.

So how do you make something so deeply woven into the fabric of American life illegal? Simple – you give it a scary foreign name and associate it with society’s deepest fears. Enter Harry Anslinger’s masterclass in propaganda, backed by the mighty media empire of William Randolph Hearst and the industrial muscle of DuPont.

Anslinger knew he couldn’t demonize “hemp” or “cannabis” – terms Americans associated with industry and medicine. Instead, he latched onto the Mexican slang term “marijuana,” turning it into the boogeyman of his propaganda campaign. This wasn’t just clever marketing; it was calculated racism. Hearst, still bitter about Pancho Villa’s raids on his Mexican timber holdings, was more than happy to help paint a picture of dangerous, marijuana-crazed Mexicans threatening American values.

The propaganda machine worked overtime. Hearst’s newspapers filled their pages with sensational stories about “reefer madness” – tales of marijuana-induced violence, sexual deviancy, and moral corruption. Meanwhile, DuPont, having just patented their synthetic fibers and plastics, was keen to eliminate their biggest natural competitor. It was a perfect storm of corporate interests, racial prejudice, and government overreach.

The result? The 1937 Marihuana Tax Act – a masterpiece of bureaucratic deception. On paper, it didn’t make cannabis illegal; it just required a tax stamp for its cultivation and distribution. The catch? Anslinger, who controlled the stamps, simply refused to issue them. It was like requiring a permit to breathe but never giving anyone the paperwork. Just like that, America’s most valuable crop became a criminal enterprise.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. When World War II broke out and the Navy needed hemp for ropes and parachutes, suddenly all that “reefer madness” propaganda went out the window. The government released their “Hemp for Victory” campaign, encouraging farmers to grow the very plant they’d demonized just years before. Amazing how quickly “dangerous marijuana” became patriotic hemp when it served the war effort.

After the war, though, it was right back to prohibition. The plant that had helped win the war was once again relegated to the shadows, its true identity buried under decades of propaganda and prejudice. And that’s why today, we’re still using the term “marijuana” – a linguistic relic of one of the most successful disinformation campaigns in American history.

Before we continue with the next bit, I have to mention that during WWII, hemp was legalized again to help beat the Nazis. Films like “Hemp for Victory” were released to have farmers begin cultivating hemp for the war effort. However, once the final barrel cooled down after WWII, they rescinded this special war time request and began tinkering on something far more sinister.

If you ever want to understand how deeply politics can corrupt policy, look no further than the late 1960s and early 1970s. Richard Nixon was facing a perfect storm of political opposition: antiwar protesters questioning his Vietnam policies, the civil rights movement demanding equality, and a counterculture that openly defied traditional authority. For Nixon and his allies, this wasn’t just about politics – it was about control.

But how do you legally suppress political dissent in a democracy? You can’t just arrest people for protesting or being black – at least not openly. But what if you could criminalize their lifestyle? Enter the Controlled Substances Act of 1971, perhaps the most ingenious piece of oppressive legislation ever crafted.

The CSA wasn’t just about making drugs illegal; it was about creating a legal monopoly for pharmaceutical companies while giving law enforcement a weapon to use against “undesirable” populations. The language in the Act literally hands all power over drug manufacturing, research, and distribution to pharmaceutical companies. It’s not even subtle about it – it’s right there in black and white.

To enforce this new corporate drug monopoly, Nixon created the Drug Enforcement Administration. Think of them as the pharmaceutical industry’s private security force, paid for with your tax dollars. Anslinger’s dream of permanent employment in drug enforcement was finally realized, Big Pharma got exclusive rights to the drug trade, and Nixon? Well, he got exactly what he wanted.

As John Ehrlichman, Nixon’s domestic policy chief, later admitted: “We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities.”

But here’s where it gets really dark. Remember the 13th Amendment? The one that abolished slavery? There’s a tiny loophole in there that says slavery is prohibited “except as punishment for a crime.” This wasn’t an oversight – it was a feature. By criminalizing drug use, particularly in targeted communities, the state created a new form of legal slavery.

The results have been staggering. Since 1971, over 20 million Americans have been arrested for drug offenses, many ending up in private prisons where they provide cheap labor for corporations. The United States now imprisons more of its own citizens than any other country in the world. We literally have more people in prison than China, and they have four times our population!

This isn’t just the war on drugs – it’s the continuation of systemic oppression through different means. The CSA turned American citizens into potential slaves, all while ensuring that the real drug dealers – pharmaceutical companies – could operate with impunity. It’s a system so perfectly corrupt, it would make Machiavelli blush.

There you have it, the breakdown why alcohol is now legal and cannabis isn’t. Of course, maybe over the next few years we could see that change as well – Trump energy is chaos and things could swing either way under his rule. We’ll see what happens.

 

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