Indigenous Use of Marijuana: Medicinal and Spiritual Practices

Published

11 months ago

January 23, 2024

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By: Juan Sebastian Chaves Gil

In indigenous cultures, especially in Latin America, the use of marijuana has played a fundamental role for the community, both in medicinal terms and in the healing of illnesses, both physical and spiritual.

In indigenous communities, especially in the Andean region, which includes Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, most of these groups have long used the marijuana plant as an essential resource that cannot be dispensed with. In Colombia, indigenous communities in Nariño, Cauca, and Putumayo claim to have used marijuana and other plants that have not yet received legal approval to cure both physical ailments and spiritual problems. In the northern regions of Peru, bordering Ecuador, it is common to see products made from marijuana and coca, a very specific mixture worldwide, but very common in this country. Let’s remember that in 2017, the Peruvian Congress approved the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, allowing the commercialization of products in a free manner.

Traditional practices related to the use and treatment of marijuana are an integral part of the ancestral customs of indigenous communities, which are threatened by the lack of legalization. Taita Efrén Tarapués, leader of the Pastos community of the “El Gran Cumbal” reservation, emphasizes that these traditions have always used marijuana for medicinal purposes and not for recreational use.

The indigenous leader emphasizes that the original communities used marijuana in a conscious way for healing, preservation of life and sustainability, in contrast to the way modern society has diverted its use to purposes harmful to human beings.

In addition, Taita Tarapués points out that there are other plants, such as brugmansia and coca leaf, that have not yet been legalized and are considered sacred in his territories to alleviate the suffering of terminally ill patients.

Spiritual healing with marijuana

Most indigenous communities use cannabis for medicinal purposes, but cannabis usually has another use, which is spiritual healing.

In general, the use of cannabis has a spiritual and healing effect. This was explained by Paurito Boena, a young man who belongs to the community of the indigenous reservation of Nariño, who said: “In general, there are good and bad charms on a spiritual level, they are energies that we do not see but that we feel and that are often reflected in the discomfort of illness, unlucky days or even pacts made with a person through a spell performed by a third party. There are many causes, and marijuana cures these diseases”. He explained that the effects of marijuana and its smoke create a protective field against these energies. “Yes, marijuana has been used by our ancestors as a multifunctional tool; it helps with physical wounds, but also spiritually, allowing a field of protection to be created against bad energies that are transformed into diseases. Although the subject has become very controversial today, modern indigenous communities have tried to separate the ancestral from the legal,” Paurito said.

Marijuana as a channel of spiritual communication

Within the indigenous community, marijuana has been used as a tool for direct mystical communication with the spirits. Efrén, leader of the Pastos community, clarified that “for many generations, the use of this plant has been for sacred and healing purposes. We do not consider the plant harmful, nor do we use it for recreational purposes. Here it is used to talk to souls, to heal bad energies and to heal physical pain in our community.

He also explained the healing and immediate benefits of medicines made from marijuana. “We see marijuana as a sacred plant; it heals you, it relieves pain, but more than that, it connects you to the spirits. We don’t agree that there should be restrictions on the use of this plant for generations. It brings benefits to our community. We do not have doctors or hospitals here. We try to use our ancestral knowledge in one way or another to help with difficult illnesses, and miraculously we have had excellent results, and we have followed the indications of the spirits by using the knowledge in the best way,” the community leader concluded.

For most indigenous communities, the use of marijuana has positive effects and allows them to communicate with spirits, heal evil energies and support society. Now, in the heart of the department of Cauca, Colombia, which produces almost all of the country’s illegal marijuana, legal cannabis is being produced for medicinal and scientific use.

The news is twofold, because those who will produce it are members of the Isak indigenous community of the department, which in 2020 became the first indigenous community to be granted a license to grow the plant by the Ministry of Justice. Now they hope that their knowledge will be one of the main pillars for the legalization of the plant for medicinal, cultural and ancestral purposes.

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Education

Generative AI and Cannabis Education: Preparing students for the workforce.

Published

11 hours ago

December 29, 2024

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Author: June Mclaughlin

Higher Education is grappling with generative Artificial Intelligence, and graduates will need some understanding of it as a tool in the workplace. Current institutional capacity to achieve that preparation varies widely among colleges. Students are using AI but how ethically or safely and with what faculty support?

A 2024 survey by the Center for Digital Thriving along with other nonprofits, polled high school and college age students regarding how they use AI. Most use it to brainstorm ideas or for information, and sometimes to help write essays for them. Yale University’s AI Taskforce released a 2024 report highlighting how AI is utilized overall, and then by school. Yale, unsurprisingly, wants to bring its strength to the worldwide development of AI. The law school, for instance, claims to teach students to teach AI the law.

Professors overall appear slow to adopt AI in the classroom or use it for course design, preferring the use of AI detection tools on student work – some of which are deeply flawed. For my Cannabis Law course, I use AI to help me design the course around fundamental legal concepts relevant to the cannabis industry. I prompt it to generate fact scenarios around contract breach, torts such as disparagement, and commercial speech which students analyze. Also, I created a few assignments where students create a prompt to ask AI and deeply human questions around a legal issue, like a truly personal conflict at work that might implicate HR rules, and they evaluate the AI response recommending paths of resolution.

During my lectures, I repeatedly experience students asking Chat GPT about the veracity of my statements regarding civil procedure rules just as an example. The goal for faculty should be to learn along with students but also teach them to double-check AI by comparing the AI response to the rules themselves. AI has the possibility to improve the cannabis industry’s efficiencies in cultivation and logistics. In California, at least, with potential tax increases in 2025, the possibility of AI is not a top priority. Nevertheless, students take Cannabis Law classes and sadly learn much from the regulatory dysfunction.

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anxiety

Cannabis Can Keep You From Freaking Out About Kessler Syndrome

Published

1 day ago

December 28, 2024

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And like a holiday blockbuster – people have something new to worry about – but marijuana could come to the rescue.

Blockbuster disaster movies always have something destroying major cities. Now scientist are citing the very real evidence we could have space junk crashing and having a big impact on the planet. Kessler syndrome, proposed by NASA scientists Donald J. Kessler and Burton G. Cour-Palais in 1978, describes a potential cascade of collisions in low Earth orbit (LEO) that could render space activities increasingly difficult This scenario occurs when the density of objects in orbit becomes so high that collisions between them generate debris, further increasing the likelihood of subsequent collisions. It seems with everything sent to space, civilization could be at a tipping point. But cannabis can keep you from freaking out about Kessler Syndrome.

The syndrome poses a significant threat to satellite operations and space exploration. Even small debris fragments can cause catastrophic damage to spacecraft due to their high velocity. As collisions create more debris, the risk of further impacts grows exponentially, potentially leading to a chain reaction that could make certain orbital ranges unusable for generations. While there’s no consensus on whether Kessler syndrome has already begun, experts agree that the concept is valid and requires attention. The increasing number of satellites, particularly large constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, has raised concerns about exacerbating the problem.

While disaster movies are more dramatic, the idea of space junk destroying Paris, New York or Los Angeles is low. BUT…the real tragedy it could force human to go analog again as it poses a significant threat to space-based activities and technologies. Critically, it could disrupt telecommunications, internet connectivity, GPS navigation, and weather forecasting. And the effects could last for generations, making space exploration and satellite usage dangerous or impractical.

On top of all the other anxiety, this could tip the scale, but research data shows cannabis, particularly products high in CBD (cannabidiol), may offer relief from anxiety symptoms without the risks associated with THC-dominant products.

While both THC and CBD can affect anxiety levels, their impacts differ:

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This psychoactive compound has a biphasic effect on anxiety. Low doses may decrease anxiety, while higher doses can potentially increase issues.
CBD (Cannabidiol): Studies indicate that CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all tested doses, without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

When considering cannabis for anxiety management, especially in the context of concerns about the Kessler syndrome, it’s important to note:

Individual Responses: Reactions to cannabis can vary widely among individuals, influenced by factors such as dosage, strain, and personal physiology.
Consultation: It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or a state-certified cannabis clinician before using cannabis for anxiety treatment.
Complementary Approach: Cannabis should not replace traditional anxiety treatments like talk therapy but rather be considered as a potential complementary approach.
Dosage and Ratio: The ratio of CBD to THC in cannabis products can significantly impact their effects on anxiety. CBD-dominant products may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
Long-term Effects: While cannabis may offer short-term benefits for anxiety symptoms, long-term effects and potential risks should be considered.

if you ever thought you were an actor in the movie, just look at the news – you can’t make this stuff up.

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Health

Enhancing Healthcare Delivery Through Coordinated Management

Published

2 days ago

December 27, 2024

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Delivering quality healthcare isn’t just about advanced treatments or state-of-the-art facilities; it’s about how well the entire system works together. Coordinated management in healthcare brings all the moving parts into harmony, improving outcomes for patients while making operations smoother for providers. Without effective coordination, inefficiencies pile up, errors increase, and patients feel the impact.

The challenges of fragmented services and outdated practices require solutions that focus on integration and collaboration. From leveraging technology to empowering healthcare professionals with advanced skills, there are many ways to transform healthcare delivery. This article explores practical strategies to streamline management and deliver better care to patients through thoughtful coordination.

Let’s have a look:

Behind every efficient operation is a team of professionals making decisions, managing resources, and solving problems. However, the complexities of modern healthcare demand leaders who are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge. Healthcare managers must navigate regulatory challenges, financial planning, and operational efficiency while staying informed about emerging trends. This level of expertise requires continuous learning.

A practical way for healthcare professionals to upskill is through an online MBA in health administration. This degree program often covers areas such as leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic decision-making, all tailored to the unique needs of the healthcare sector. Online programs offer flexibility, and this means that working professionals can balance their current roles with education. Graduates of MBA are better prepared to handle the complexities of managing teams, optimizing processes, and driving improvements in care delivery, all while tackling the ever-evolving challenges of healthcare.

Healthcare delivery is rarely a one-person job. Doctors, nurses, administrators, and support staff all play critical roles in patient care, but the best outcomes happen when these roles are well-coordinated. Interdisciplinary collaboration brings different expertise together, fostering a team-based approach to healthcare. When professionals communicate effectively and work toward shared goals, patient outcomes improve, and operational efficiencies grow.

Promoting collaboration involves more than just meetings. Structured training programs, cross-functional projects, and shared performance metrics create an environment where teamwork thrives. For example, regular case discussions among various disciplines help identify solutions that address patient needs from multiple angles. Strong collaboration means that everyone—patients and staff alike—benefits from a unified approach to care.

Modern technology has revolutionized healthcare, making integrated care more achievable than ever. Tools like electronic health records (EHRs) centralize patient information, making it accessible to all relevant providers. In turn, this reduces the chances of miscommunication, eliminates duplicate tests, and streamlines treatment plans. Similarly, telemedicine platforms bridge geographical gaps, allowing patients to access care remotely while saving time and resources for providers.

Beyond patient care, technology enhances internal processes. Predictive analytics can identify trends in patient populations, helping hospitals allocate resources effectively. Automated systems handle scheduling and inventory management, reducing administrative burdens. Implementing these tools requires commitment, but the payoff is significant—healthcare systems become more responsive, organized, and capable of delivering high-quality care.

Efficient use of resources is essential for any healthcare organization to function effectively. With limited budgets and growing patient demands, making the most of available resources can significantly improve care delivery. Optimizing resource allocation involves more than cutting costs—it’s about ensuring that staffing, equipment, and funding are strategically distributed to meet current and future needs. For instance, analyzing patient trends can help schedule staff during peak times, minimizing wait times and reducing staff burnout.

Using data-driven tools and predictive analytics enhances this process. These tools allow healthcare providers to forecast needs, whether it’s stocking essential supplies or adjusting staffing levels during flu season. Proper resource allocation reduces waste and improves efficiency, allowing the organization to focus on delivering top-quality care without unnecessary overhead. The result is a more agile system that adapts to challenges while maintaining high standards of service.

A healthcare system is only as strong as its workforce. Addressing staff well-being is not just about providing better working conditions but also about creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported. Burnout is a significant challenge in the healthcare industry and is often the main reason for high turnover rates and decreased productivity. Offering mental health resources, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for career development can make a noticeable difference in staff morale.

Retention efforts go beyond immediate needs by focusing on long-term satisfaction. Programs such as mentorship initiatives, leadership pathways, and regular feedback sessions help employees feel connected to the organization’s mission. A well-supported workforce is more motivated, less prone to errors, and better equipped to handle the complexities of modern healthcare. Prioritizing staff well-being creates a ripple effect, leading to improved patient outcomes and a more stable healthcare system.

Healthcare delivery doesn’t stop at hospital doors; it extends into the community. Engaging with local populations helps healthcare providers address specific needs, build trust, and improve overall outcomes. Initiatives such as mobile health clinics, vaccination drives, or partnerships with community organizations make healthcare more accessible, especially for underserved populations.

Community engagement also creates valuable feedback loops. Surveys, town halls, and focus groups allow providers to understand the challenges people face and adjust services accordingly. This collaborative approach enhances the relevance and effectiveness of care delivery. A healthcare system that works hand-in-hand with the community becomes more inclusive and better prepared to handle the unique issues of its population.

Patient-centered care has become crucial to modern healthcare delivery. Putting patients at the heart of decision-making improves satisfaction and leads to satisfactory health outcomes. Personalized care plans tailored to individual preferences and medical histories empower patients to take an active role in their treatment. This approach fosters trust and improves adherence to treatment protocols.

Apart from individual care, patient-centered management focuses on improving overall accessibility. Streamlined appointment systems, transparent billing, and multilingual support services make healthcare more inclusive.

Collecting and acting on patient feedback also plays a key role. Organizations that listen to their patients gain insights into areas for improvement, creating a continuous cycle of enhancement. A patient-first mindset transforms healthcare from a transactional experience to a meaningful partnership.

Enhancing healthcare delivery through coordinated management is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From strengthening management through advanced education to fostering collaboration, leveraging technology, and building community connections, these strategies create a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. Organizations that focus on coordination and integration can overcome challenges effectively while delivering exceptional care.

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