Cannabis News
Is Weed Legal in Europe, Now? Yes, No, Sorta, Here and There
Even though medical marijuana is gaining increased accessibility in Europe, most EU countries still prohibit personal cannabis use. Germany’s progression towards potentially becoming the second EU nation, following Malta, to legalize recreational cannabis could set a precedent for other countries to consider similar measures.
Nevertheless, in the broader European context, cannabis continues to be unlawful, and specific EU member states even impose legal consequences, including imprisonment, for the possession of marijuana.
While certain countries are initiating trial initiatives for medical marijuana, which is gradually becoming more attainable throughout the EU, some experts argue that the European cannabis market has exhibited a slower growth rate than that of the United States or Canada.
Pioneers of Cannabis
Malta has the most permissive legislation in the EU for cannabis growing, use, and possession. According to regulations enacted in 2021, adults may possess up to 7g of cannabis and grow to four plants in their homes. Marijuana smoking is still not permitted in public, though.
However, as the country’s cabinet approved proposals to legalize the possession of 25g of cannabis for personal use and the growth of up to three plants, Germany may soon have the most lax regulations in the bloc. The Bundestag still needs to vote on this piece of legislation.
Although the Netherlands is often perceived as lenient regarding marijuana, the growing, trading, and ownership of drugs remain against the law. The sale of cannabis is merely “tolerated” within the country’s renowned coffee shops, and possessing no more than 5 g of cannabis is also considered a non-criminal offense.
Portugal implemented cannabis decriminalization in 2001, whereby the consumption and possession of small quantities are treated as administrative offenses. In Spain, private consumption isn’t prohibited, but partaking in public is considered an offense, leading to fines.
In Luxembourg, private cannabis consumption is tolerated; as of this year, cultivating up to four cannabis plants is permitted. Possession of cannabis in public has also been decriminalized.
Although several EU nations have decriminalized the drug, specific regions within the EU still enforce legal penalties that include imprisonment for its possession.
The regulations surrounding cannabis frequently revolve around the quantity of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as outlined by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
Medical Marijuana Pilot Programmes
Medical cannabis availability has increased across European nations, but the market development is ongoing. Several countries have initiated public pilot initiatives to enhance access to medical marijuana potentially. Numerous studies have demonstrated its therapeutic potential for cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic pain, and more.
Denmark, for instance, introduced a pilot program in 2018, enabling doctors to prescribe products previously not permissible in the country. According to the government, the underlying purpose of these pilot programs is to provide patients with a legitimate avenue for exploring medicinal cannabis treatment if they have found no relief from authorized medications.
In 2019, Ireland initiated a five-year pilot program to enable the availability of cannabis products for medical applications. This program serves patients with multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and severe epilepsy.
Similarly, France launched a medical cannabis pilot initiative in 2021. The national medicines agency is establishing more precise guidelines for domestically producing medical marijuana products.
Despite the potential for medical marijuana prescription by physicians in various countries, its accessibility can still be restricted. This is due to certain countries either importing limited quantities of available medical products or lacking a comprehensive program for procuring them.
Furthermore, contrasting the situations in the Czech Republic and Germany, where patients have the potential to receive reimbursement for medical cannabis, there are other countries where the patient bears the entire cost.
The Chief Medical Officer of Curaleaf International, a medical marijuana company, noted in this year’s European Pharmaceutical Review that Europe has trailed behind Canada, Australia, and the United States in addressing this matter. Mikael Sodergren highlighted that in numerous countries, medical cannabis is considered a treatment of last resort after licensed medications have proven ineffective.
In 2019, the European Parliament adopted a resolution advocating for uniform regulations across the EU regarding medical cannabis and urging increased scientific research on the topic.
Evolving International Cannabis Legal Status
In 2020, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs decided to reclassify cannabis, removing it from Schedule IV of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, where it had been grouped alongside opioids and heroin.
Drugs listed in Schedule IV are subjected to heightened restrictions, prohibiting the production, manufacturing, export, import, trade, possession, or use. These substances are considered to lack any therapeutic benefits.
Removing cannabis from this schedule marked a significant international step towards acknowledging potential medical applications of the plant. Notably, Hungary was the sole EU nation to oppose the removal of cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 convention in the voting process.
In the present year, the European Commission has referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union due to its voting stance, asserting that it contradicted the bloc’s consensus. Hungary is one of the limited EU member states where recreational and medical cannabis usage remains illegal.
However, even in regions where medical professionals can prescribe medical marijuana, the accessibility to it can be constrained. As an example, in Sweden, there is no differentiation between hard and soft drugs in recreational terms, leading to cannabis and heroin being categorized as narcotics with a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs within the nation. The usage of medical marijuana is only sanctioned under particular conditions outlined by the Swedish Medical Products Agency and a physician.
Nonetheless, over the past decades, legal frameworks have gradually shifted towards a more lenient standpoint on cannabis. Various countries have taken steps to lessen penalties for possession and have become more receptive to the potential medical and therapeutic applications of the substance.
Conclusion
A diversity of policies and attitudes marks the landscape surrounding cannabis in the European Union. While some countries have embraced the potential medical benefits and taken steps to decriminalize or legalize its use, others remain stringent in their prohibitions.
Removing cannabis from Schedule IV by the UN’s Commission on Narcotic Drugs signifies an international shift in recognizing its possible medical applications. As countries continue to navigate the delicate balance between regulation and accessibility, the evolution of cannabis policies within the EU remains a dynamic and evolving process.
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“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.
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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.
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