Cannabis News
Is the Marijuana Industry Just Like Big Tobacco in the 1950s?
Published
11 months agoon
By
admin
Is “Big Marijuana” really a thing, and is it Tobacco 2.0?
Personal experience powerfully programs our perspectives, often limiting objectivity on complex issues through confirmation bias. We unconsciously cherry-pick validating data to sustain internal narratives while ignoring contradictions causing cognitive dissonance.
This neurobiology explains the enduring futility of debates – discussing subjective qualia comparing limitless inner universes often devolves into discord. Belief calcifies position.
Nowhere does this play out more clearly than drugs policy discourse. The same statistics yield entirely conflicting conclusions depending on interpreter bias. Dry data morphs malleably serving agenda.
Hence in assessing perspectives, understanding personal incentives illuminating stance helps contextualizing arguments. Rather than debating interpretations, discern integrity of interpretation.
With this spirit of seeking higher truth, today we will critique a medical doctor’s opinion column opposing cannabis normalization by spotlighting recreational regulations ignoring public health.
While raising valid ethical points from his premise, prohibitionist assumptions negate discussing drug policy objectively. So we must evaluate lens rather than conclusions. Therein wisdom unfolds.
By illuminating inability seeing beyond bias, perhaps improved collective understanding emerges. The plants beckon beyond politicized rhetoric towards rooted truth.
His doctor rails against the public health impacts of for-profit recreational cannabis markets adopting predatory corporate tactics akin to 20th century’s tobacco industry playbook. Let’s examine his main points:
-
America moves rapidly toward nationwide legal access, yet regulations prioritize commercial interests over public welfare through lobbying, resembling alcohol and tobacco corruption escaping responsibility for widespread addiction and death previously.
-
The burgeoning cannabis industry now utilizes similar manipulative marketing ploys to expand usage, manufacturing consent bypassing ethical considerations. Tactics include misleading health benefit claims, relentlessly pushing ever-higher potency products, deceptive advertising masked as public education, regalia attracting youth, and aggravating mental illness risks.
-
Spiraling innovation manifests constantly new high-inducingforms like waxes, mints and lubricants for intensifying addictive dependencies. Lack of safety vetting or dosing consistency regulation raises acute toxicity and long-term medical complication possibilities resembling disastrous pharmaceutical epidemics but for a far less studied compound.
-
Massive corporate consolidation mirrors Big Tobacco’s profiteering playbook, extracting every advantage by hooking customers then denying culpability for destruction left in business model wake. Yet beyond marketing, true production costs for cannabis approximate pennies on retail’s dollar. This imminent nuevo-capitalist behemoth must face checks before morphing monstrous.
In summary, this doctor foresees public health calamity looming as cash-hungry cannabis commodifies previously safeguarded cognitive territories through influences impossible walking back once normalized, however convincing initial free market arguments. Just witness opioid tragedies. Hence the doctor advocates regulating cannabis under tobacco rather than alcohol policy to place health before wealth.
While clearly written in good faith out of genuine care for people’s welfare, glaring logical leaps beg addressing towards fully understanding all factors at play. Now we explore deeper…
While this doctor raises thoughtful concerns warranting discussion, several glaring logic leaps require addressing. Most problematic, none of the supposed public health threats named materialized so far where adult-use laws passed, making the dire forecasts speculative fiction. Real data soundly refutes assumptions.
Firstly, the cannabis industry operates nothing like predatory pharmaceutical tactics – if anything, persistent stigmatization and disproportionate taxation makes running sustainable ethical businesses challenging against illicit markets dancing regulatory obstacles. Idea of vulnerable minds preyed upon by suited cannabusinessmen ignores on-the-ground realities.
Equally faulty, the doctor ambiguates all marketing as insidious manipulation rather than below-the-line brand differentiation natural for any competitive sector. Silly to suggest every label makes health claims or targets kids. Reasonable regulations already govern most jurisdictions successfully. This is commerce, not coercion.
Also, the increased concentrate potency argument ignores consumer demand driving innovation. Equating higher THC levels with deadlier drugs contradicts science. Responsible personal liberty means informed adults freely modulating experiences, not universal standard dosing. Most eschew highest potencies after experimentation. Mortality remains nonexistent despite specters raised.
Next comparing cannabis to tobacco’s generational carnage ignores profound differences – smoking introduces combustion carcinogens where little exist ingesting otherwise. Meanwhile tobacco lacks cannabis’ extensive neuroprotective and wellness utilities backed by data. Conflating both plants under “smoke” epitomizes laziness serving narrative. Education counters alarmism.
Most concerning, suggesting quasi-prohibitionist strictures around packaging, retail density, home delivery etc overlooks the stubborn perseverance of legacy criminal elements without legal market competitiveness. Implementing high friction against fledgling businesses directly gifts the illicit industry enduring enterprise share while stymying access.
If public health prioritizes stopping lethal bleeding like fentanyl infiltration, tightly controlling cannabis proves exactly wrong tack. Keeping cultivation local sustains quality and origins. Unfortunately old models die hardest, especially when steeped in reefer madness goggles. But the doctor’s heart stays true if misled.
While public health arguments deserve airing to avoid policy pitfalls, we must acknowledge the outsized influence of doctors in shaping drug perceptions despite firsthand blind spots. This prohibitionist op-ed typifies clinical cannabis commentary cross-eyed by reefer madness precedent not data. And the public deserves our most informed opinions, not residual bias.
Conflating cannabis with far cruder intoxicants ignores profound differences in effects and mortality due to unique chemistry mods unseen elsewhere. Equally listing tobacco ignores not only combustion byproduct discrepancy but null medical utility contrasting cannabis’ extensive research confirming wellness benefits. This sloppy categorization serves agenda more than truth.
If any drug warrants such generous assessment, cannabis proves quintessential. Beyond constituent complexity and synaptic modulation, recorded use over millennia established unparalleled cultural ritual tradition and safety no other compound approaches. These layered nuances demand appropriately customized regulations aligning commerce pragmatics with community health.
Blanket prohibitions historically breed catastrophe through surrendering control authority cannot reclaim. Realities rule over idealism. Hence wise policy navigates human nature’s inevitability seeking altered states while channeling impulses towards responsibility, not demonization. Just results place people’s welfare before optics. But change takes courage commodified systems lack incentive supporting.
Doctors afraid of their own shadows in this arena require deeper introspection regarding irrational hesitancies delaying compassionate change. Because beyond branding bogeymen, the public recognizes fear itself fuels Contradiction most preventing reconciling cannabis fully into legal normalcy ultimately benefiting all. What resistance truly roots below denial against accepting higher paths?
IS CANNABIS BIG TOBACCO 2.0? READ ON..
You may like
-
Wait, Can TSA Now Stop You for Cannabis in Your Luggage?
-
Try These Delicious Autumn Cream Drinks
-
New York dispensary owners are collaborating for a better future
-
Key Information From a Urologist About ED
-
News story : UK Gov. – Hemp licence burdens to be cut back to help grow UK economy
-
These Star Wars Strains Will Give You The Perfect Escape
Cannabis News
Wait, Can TSA Now Stop You for Cannabis in Your Luggage?
Published
33 mins agoon
November 8, 2024By
admin
Can TSA stop you if you have weed in your bag?
With the election over and Republicans getting a clean sweep across much of the board in America, is it safe to travel on an airplane with weed, now? Traveling with cannabis can be a daunting experience, especially given the complex web of state and federal laws governing its use and possession. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes, many travelers find themselves asking: **Can the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stop you for cannabis in your luggage?** This comprehensive guide will explore TSA policies regarding cannabis, the implications of federal law, and practical advice for travelers to navigate this evolving landscape.
The Legal Landscape of Cannabis in the United States
Federal Law
At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that marijuana is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Consequently, possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana remains illegal across the United States, regardless of state laws.
In December 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the **Farm Bill**, which legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis). This legislation opened the door for the legal sale and transportation of certain hemp-derived products, such as CBD oil. However, it did not change the legal status of marijuana itself.
State Laws
In contrast to federal law, many states have enacted their own laws regarding cannabis use. As of now, over 30 states have legalized marijuana for medical use, and several have also legalized it for recreational use. Each state has its own regulations governing possession limits, usage locations, and age restrictions. Here are some key points to consider:
-
Recreational Use: States like California, Colorado, and Oregon allow adults over 21 to possess and use cannabis legally.
-
Medical Use: Many states require patients to obtain a medical marijuana card to access cannabis products legally.
-
Decriminalization: Some states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, meaning that while it remains illegal, penalties are reduced.
The Patchwork of State Laws
The disparity between state and federal laws creates a patchwork legal environment that can be confusing for travelers. For instance:
-
A traveler may legally purchase cannabis in California but face legal repercussions if they attempt to bring it into a state where it remains illegal.
-
Even in states where cannabis is legal, local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions or penalties.
TSA Policies Regarding Cannabis
TSA’s Primary Mission
The primary mission of the TSA is to ensure the safety and security of air travel. Their focus is on preventing dangerous items from being brought onto airplanes—such as weapons or explosives—rather than enforcing drug laws. This means that while TSA officers may encounter cannabis during security screenings, they are not actively searching for it.
What Happens If TSA Finds Cannabis?
If TSA officers discover cannabis during a security screening, they follow specific protocols:
1. Confiscation: The TSA will typically confiscate any cannabis products found in your luggage.
2. Notification of Law Enforcement: TSA officers may notify local law enforcement if they find marijuana in your luggage. What happens next depends on local laws regarding cannabis possession.
The Role of Local Law Enforcement
When local law enforcement gets involved after TSA confiscates cannabis:
-
Legal Consequences: Depending on the amount found and local laws, you may face fines or other penalties.
-
Discretionary Enforcement: In some areas where cannabis is legal or decriminalized, law enforcement may choose not to pursue charges against individuals found with small amounts.
What You Can Bring: Understanding Limits
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal federally. This means that items such as CBD oil made from hemp can be transported legally through airports. However, it’s essential to carry documentation proving that the product contains less than 0.3% THC to avoid issues at security checkpoints.
Tips for Traveling with Hemp-Derived Products
1. Documentation: Always carry a certificate of analysis (COA) from a reputable lab showing that your product meets federal guidelines.
2. Proper Packaging: Keep hemp-derived products in their original packaging to avoid any confusion during security checks.
3. Know Your Product: Be aware of the THC content in your product; if it exceeds 0.3%, it could be considered illegal under federal law.
Medical Marijuana
If you are traveling with medical marijuana, understanding both your departure and arrival states’ laws is crucial:
1. Check Local Laws: Some states allow medical marijuana patients to carry their medication across state lines; others do not.
2. Documentation: Always carry your medical marijuana card and any prescriptions to avoid complications at security checkpoints.
Considerations for Medical Marijuana Users
-
Quantity Limits: Be aware of how much medical marijuana you are allowed to carry according to your home state’s regulations.
-
State Reciprocity: Some states recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards; check if your destination state has this provision.
-
Traveling by Air: If flying from a legal state to another legal state but through a non-legal state, consider alternative routes or transportation methods.
Navigating Airports with Cannabis
Security Screening Procedures
When you arrive at an airport with cannabis or hemp-derived products:
1. Prepare for Screening: Place all items in your carry-on bag for easier inspection.
2. Be Honest: If questioned by TSA officers about any items in your bag, be honest about what you’re carrying.
3. Stay Calm: If TSA finds cannabis during screening, remain calm and cooperative; panicking can escalate the situation unnecessarily.
Airport Policies on Cannabis
While TSA is responsible for security screenings, individual airports may have their own policies regarding cannabis:
-
Some airports in legal states have designated areas where travelers can consume cannabis legally before boarding their flights.
-
Other airports may have strict policies against any form of cannabis possession due to local laws.
Tips for Travelers
To ensure a smooth travel experience when it comes to cannabis, consider these tips:
1. Know Your Destination’s Laws: Research both your departure and arrival locations’ laws regarding cannabis possession and use.
2. Local Regulations: Understand any local regulations that may differ from state laws; some cities have stricter rules than their respective states.
If possible, refrain from bringing cannabis on your travels altogether:
-
Purchase it legally at your destination if allowed.
-
Consider using delivery services available in some legal states that can bring products directly to your accommodation.
If you must travel with cannabis or hemp-derived products:
1. Keep It Discreetly Packed: Store products discreetly within your luggage to avoid drawing attention during screenings.
2. Stay Within Legal Limits: Adhere strictly to possession limits set by both your home state and destination state.
Understand Risks Involved
Be aware that even if you are traveling from a legal state to another legal state:
1. Federal Law Applies in Airports: Federal law governs airports; possessing marijuana can lead to serious consequences regardless of state legality.
2. Potential Legal Issues: Be prepared for potential legal issues if stopped by law enforcement.
Real-Life Scenarios and Experiences
Understanding how TSA policies play out in real-life scenarios can provide valuable insights for travelers:
Scenario 1: Traveling from California to Colorado
A traveler leaves California (a legal state) with an ounce of recreational marijuana intended for personal use while visiting Colorado (another legal state). At LAX airport security.
The traveler places their bag on the conveyor belt without any concern since both states allow recreational use. TSA discovers the marijuana during screening; they confiscate it but do not involve law enforcement due to California’s legalization status.
In this case, although both states allow recreational use, the traveler faced no penalties because they were compliant with California’s regulations when departing.
Scenario 2: Traveling from New York to Texas
A medical marijuana patient travels from New York (where medical use is permitted) to Texas (where possession remains illegal). The patient carries their prescribed quantity along with documentation Upon arriving at an airport in Texas, TSA discovers the medical marijuana during screening. Local authorities are notified due to Texas’s strict laws against possession; the traveler faces potential charges despite having valid documentation from New York.
This scenario illustrates how traveling between states with differing laws can lead to serious consequences despite having valid medical documentation.
Conclusion
TSA does not actively seek out cannabis during security screenings, they will confiscate any found and may report it to local authorities. The legality of traveling with cannabis depends heavily on state laws and federal regulations making it essential for travelers to stay informed about both sets of rules before embarking on their journey.
By understanding these guidelines and taking proactive steps such as researching destination laws and considering alternative options travelers can navigate their travel plans confidently and minimize risks associated with carrying cannabis through airports. As societal attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve alongside changing legislation across various jurisdictions, staying informed will remain crucial for anyone looking to travel with this increasingly popular substance safely and legally.
TSA ALLOWES CANNABIS-BASED MEDICINES NOW? READ ON…
Cannabis News
Why Weed is the Best Thing That’s Happened to Endometrosis Patients in the Last 50 Years
Published
2 days agoon
November 6, 2024By
admin
Endometriosis is one of the most pain conditions affecting women worldwide.
When endometriosis occurs, the endometrial tissue which normally grows inside the uterus, grows outside of it. As a result, it can attach itself to other reproductive organs in the area. In extreme cases, endometriosis can reach far beyond the reproductive area and cause serious pain and damage. The symptoms of endometriosis include sharp period pains, fatigue, pain during sex, infertility, heavy periods, and much more.
According to the World Health Organization, around 10% of women who are in reproductive age, have endometriosis. Unfortunately, there is no known cure, though several protocols can be integrated into a patient’s lifestyle to mitigate or reduce symptoms. Some common medications used for reducing the symptoms of endometriosis include birth control pills, hormonal injections, patches, and intra-uterine devices (IUD), to name a few. However, these may affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, or make infertility even worse since endometriosis can also affect fertility.
Thankfully, more women are finding success with lifestyle changes and integrating natural treatments to treat endometriosis. Along with regular exercise, weight loss among overweight women, and healthy habits, cannabis has been shown to be helpful treating this dreaded disease.
What Studies Are Saying
There are more studies than ever, too, proving the efficacy and benefits of cannabis for women suffering from endometriosis. In a recent study out of Germany, researchers analyzed survey data from more than 900 endometriosis patients to determine how, if any, the symptoms are impacted by cannabis.
A significant percentage of the 900 respondents acknowledged using marijuana, and most of them said that it was beneficial in helping with symptoms. “Seventeen percent of the respondents used cannabis flower strains or cannabis-related products as a self-management method,” said the researchers. “Cannabis was rated as the most effective self-management strategy to reduce symptom intensity (self-rated efficacy 7.6 out of 10). Additionally, ~90 percent of the participants were able to decrease the pain medication intake,” explained the researchers. They also noted that the participants observed the most significant benefits from cannabis in their sleep, menstrual pain, and non-cyclic pain in that order. Because of this, it’s become clear that cannabis can greatly help improve quality of life in these areas, which are otherwise affected by symptoms of endometriosis.
It’s important to note that the investigators also acknowledge that existing studies on cannabis for endometriosis is limited, yet there is an increasing quantity of studies pointing to a growing trend of women self-medicating with cannabis for this condition, and seeing success!
“The use of cannabis has a significant impact on the overall well-being and quality of life of women with endometriosis,” they concluded. “The study indicates that there is a significant interest and demand for additional therapeutic options, and cannabis can potentially become an important part of a multimodal therapy approach for treating endometriosis,” said the study.
Another study from Australia, whose results were published earlier this year, found similar results. The data, which was published in the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology, were taken from 192 women who were polled by Australian researchers regarding their history of marijuana consumption and endometriosis symptoms.
According to the findings, 63% of the poll respondents were given doctor’s authorization letters for using cannabis-based medications. In Australia, physicians are legally allowed to recommend cannabis use for patients who have had no luck treating specific conditions using conventional prescription drugs. In the study, most women were using THC-dominant marijuana products and they reported improvements when it came to sleep, pain, nausea, and anxiety.
“This study found that THC-predominant CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] are commonly prescribed to Australians with endometriosis,” said the authors. “Given major issues with symptom management and the self-reported reductions in pain and other symptoms, improving access to medicinal cannabis for this population is important and timely,” they said.
Why Cannabis Works So Well For Endometriosis
These studies and tons of anecdotal evidence available on the internet show that cannabis is indeed safe and effective for treating endometriosis. After all, cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays an important role in helping us regulate pain, inflammation, and our immune response – all of which are impacted by endometriosis.
While there are many symptoms that cannabis can help with, one of its greatest successes has been in reducing pain. Women have found success using both high-CBD and high-THC products to reduce the severe pain that accompanies endometriosis. Likewise, the pain, discomfort, and cramping can make it difficult to get some decent sleep; marijuana can help with that too!
In addition, marijuana can help women’s bodies balance out hormones, since the endocannabinoid system also plays a role in hormone regulation.
Furthermore, women can choose from a variety of products to help treat endometriosis. While smoking or vaping is always a popular choice, there ae also edibles, topical creams, oils, beverages, and tinctures.
Conclusion
When looking to treat endometriosis, remember that there is no miracle cure out there. Marijuana certainly helps, but it’s not a one-size fits-all approach. Please remember to consult with a medical professional, and keep in mind that you will always have the best results if you also address other lifestyle factors as mentioned earlier.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding processed and sugary food, and regular exercise are all key factors to mitigating the symptoms of endometriosis. Add cannabis to the mix, and you can now look forward to regaining a better quality of life.
MARIJUANA STRAINS FOR ENDO PATIENTS, READ ON…
Cannabis News
Amendment 3: Florida Legalization Fails
Published
2 days agoon
November 6, 2024By
admin
Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults in Florida, garnered 55.8% of the vote, falling short of the 60% threshold needed to pass. While the initiative had the support of President-elect Trump, the opposing forces led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis carried the day. Supporters may draw some comfort from the fact that a clear majority of voters supported legalization, but the fact remains that adult-use cannabis will remain illegal in the Sunshine State for the foreseeable future.
Leaving aside the fact that getting 60% of voters to agree on anything these days appears to be a tall order, Amendment 3 faced active opposition from Florida’s leadership. While themselves driven by a fundamental dislike of cannabis, Gov. DeSantis and his team deftly tapped into concerns that came from different places altogether, such as the lack of provisions for home grow and related concerns over the entrenchment of “Big Weed”.
Looking at the big picture, it is remarkable to see how much Floridians’ attitudes toward cannabis have changed in the past decade. Back in 2014, it was a medical cannabis initiative that fell short of the 60% supermajority requirement. Ten years on, a legal medical marijuana industry is well established in Florida.
Despite the progress, the experience with Amendment 3 suggests that further reliance on the initiative process is not the path forward for legalization advocates. Just getting the proposed amendment on the ballot required overcoming legal challenges from the state government, before addressing the challenge of seeking 60% of votes in the nation’s third-most populated state.
A more sensible approach might be to focus on the fact that legalization is already supported by a majority of Florida voters. For elected officials in large swathes of the state, support for legalization could be a boon. And the fact that concerns over Big Weed control helped defeat opposition to Amendment 3 presents a political opportunity, not for those who double-down on prohibition, but for those who refine approaches to legalization.
We’ll discuss the Florida result on Thursday in a free webinar (register here), along with the disappointing results in North Dakota and South Dakota, the win (for now) in Nebraska, and a few other state and local measures on cannabis regulation. Hope to see you soon.
Wait, Can TSA Now Stop You for Cannabis in Your Luggage?
Try These Delicious Autumn Cream Drinks
New York dispensary owners are collaborating for a better future
Key Information From a Urologist About ED
News story : UK Gov. – Hemp licence burdens to be cut back to help grow UK economy
These Star Wars Strains Will Give You The Perfect Escape
Republican lawmakers will get chance to prove whether GOP is good for cannabis
Is Marijuana’s THCV Your Natural Holiday Weight Loss Plan
Why Weed is the Best Thing That’s Happened to Endometrosis Patients in the Last 50 Years
What’s Next For Legal Marijuana
Distressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
United States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
What you Need to Know
Drug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
NCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
It has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
Cannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
A new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse
Your Go-To Source for Cannabis Logos and Designs
UArizona launches online cannabis compliance online course
Trending
-
Cannabis News2 years ago
Distressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
-
One-Hit Wonders2 years ago
United States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
-
Cannabis 1012 years ago
What you Need to Know
-
drug testing11 months ago
Drug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
-
Education2 years ago
NCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
-
Cannabis2 years ago
It has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
-
Marijuana Business Daily2 years ago
Cannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
-
California2 years ago
A new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse