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Jamaican Cannabis Struggles to Integrate Traditional Growers

Published

1 year ago

November 12, 2023

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The 2015 cannabis ruling has not been well received by the people of Jamaica, particularly traditional ganja farmers. The amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act meant that a local market remains prohibited, with only possession decriminalised.

Due to Jamaica’s reliance on international order, the CLA has struggled to take further action, creating tension with traditional farmers in Jamaica who have grown frustrated at the lack of a legal market to sell their product. Canadian cannabis companies are now exporting cannabis back into Jamaica and undercutting the local market. Due to economic and legal restrictions faced by local farmers in Jamaica, they cannot export their own product into Canada. Therefore, the legal market is inaccessible, forcing Jamaicans to rely on the illicit cannabis trade, perpetuating the criminal divide between those that can afford to access the legal market, and those that cannot.

https://www.talkingdrugs.org/jamaican-cannabis-struggles-to-integrate-traditional-growers/

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Cannabis

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Published

46 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

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Before Santa Claus, there was cannabis…the history of cannabis and Christmas.

Today’s Christmas is a spectacular affair with music, gifts, lights, and weeks of buildup. The history of the holiday has involved thanks to Coco-cola, the Catholic church and the retail industry. But in the beginning, cannabis has a history with Christmas. T’was teh time before Christmas and all through the lands, marijuana was accepted and part of the plan.

Long before Christianity, various cultures celebrated winter festivals around the time of the winter solstice. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was a popular holiday honoring the god Saturn, initially observed on December 17th but later extended to last up to a week, ending on December 23rd. This festival involved role reversals between masters and slaves, feasting, and general merrymaking. Another significant Roman festival was Sol Invictus, dedicated to the “Unconquered Sun.” Emperor Aurelian established December 25th as the feast of Sol Invictus in 274 CE, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar.

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Cannabis played a significant role in ancient pagan winter celebrations, particularly during the winter solstice and Yuletide festivities. These traditions, which predate Christmas, incorporated cannabis in various ways. It was part of a nine-herb blend to smudge homes and stables. This practice was believed to ward off evil spirits and calm the gods during the 12 Raw Nights”(December 25 to January 6 – today, the 12 days of Christmas), when the Wild Hunt was said to occur. It was also seen as one of the sacred plants used to symbolize the return of green life after winter. Evergreens and other plants were brought into homes to represent rebirth and the coming of spring.

And some ancient pagans used cannabis to enhance their spiritual experiences during winter solstice celebrations. The psychoactive properties of the plant helped deepen connections with nature and the changing seasons.

Some scholars believe early Christians adopted the date of December 25th to make their faith more appealing to pagans. However, this theory is contested. The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th appears in the Philocalian Calendar from 354 CE. Interestingly, the Donatists, a group of Christians opposed to any pagan compromise, seem to have been among the first to celebrate Christ’s birth on this date around 312 CE.

Cannabis contributed to creating a green, jolly, and festive atmosphere during the darkest days of the year. Its use in rituals and celebrations helped mark the transition from darkness to light as the days began to grow longer after the solstice. Today, in over 50% of the population, marijuana will again help bring a little chill and joy to the season.

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3 Wise Men

Three Wise Men Give Marijuana Strain Gift Suggestions

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.

The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays. With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star. As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself. We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.

Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry. New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.

One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.

Beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts under a festive tree with glowing lights.

Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.

Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.

Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.

Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.

Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.

If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.

Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.

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Canada

Teen Marijuana Use Continues To Drop With Legalization

Published

4 days ago

December 20, 2024

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In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.

One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.

According to the latest Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cannabis use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders is now lower than before the first states began enacting adult-use legalization laws in 2012. This decline is part of a broader trend of decreasing youth drug use, which has reached historic lows since the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.

Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:

Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.

The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019

These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.

As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.

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