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Jimmy Carter Was An Ally Of The Cannabis Industry

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His post presidency secured his legacy as a great humanitarian, but while president, he wa an ally of cannabis.

While Jimmy Carter legacy as a president is mixed, his actions as a former president has positioned him as a one of the great global humanitarians.  Humble, filled with common sense and a strong backbone, Carter stood for his beliefs.  Coupled with his wife Rosalynn, spent the years of his presidency working to make the world a better place.  From Habitat for Humanity to the Carter Center, who wanted to help everyday people. One of those groups were military veterans. He was the first major political to help push medical marijuana.  Yes, Jimmy Carter was an ally of the cannabis industry, and we owe him a debt of gratitude.

Jimmy Carter’s presidency marked a significant shift in the United States’ approach to cannabis policy. During his 1976 campaign, Carter endorsed the decriminalization of marijuana on a state-by-state basis, aligning with recommendations from the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse. This stance was revolutionary for its time, as eight states had already decriminalized marijuana by 1977.

Upon taking office, Carter maintained his progressive stance on cannabis. In a 1977 address to Congress, he argued that penalties for cannabis use should not outweigh the actual harms of consumption. Carter appointed pro-decriminalization advisors, including British physician Peter Bourne as his “drug czar” to head the Office of Drug Abuse Policy. Carter’s administration made concrete steps towards cannabis reform. The president supported replacing imprisonment with civil fines for possession of one ounce or less of cannabis and removing federal penalties for such possession.

Additionally, the Carter administration founded the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program in 1978, which provided federally-produced cannabis products to a limited number of patients. However, Carter’s momentum on decriminalization faced significant obstacles. Opposition came from various quarters, including law enforcement, conservative politicians, and grassroots parents’ groups . The resignation of Peter Bourne in July 1978, following controversies surrounding his alleged drug use, dealt a severe blow to the administration’s drug policy efforts.

Conservative politicians, such as future president Ronald Reagan, used their platforms to attack Carter for being “soft” on cannabis. Congress ultimately ignored Carter’s support for decriminalization, alarmed by a sharp increase in cocaine use and viewing cannabis as a gateway drug.

Despite these setbacks during his presidency, Carter has maintained his progressive stance on cannabis in the years since leaving office. In 2012, speaking to a CNN panel, he expressed support for the legalization of marijuana. He stated, “I’m in favor of it. I think it’s OK,” and suggested that states like Washington could serve as experimental grounds for cannabis regulation.

Carter’s approach to cannabis policy was ahead of its time, combining public health considerations with a more lenient stance on possession. While his efforts during his presidency were ultimately thwarted by political opposition and shifting public opinion, his continued advocacy in later years has contributed to the ongoing dialogue on cannabis reform in the United States



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A Look At Martin Luther King And Cannabis

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MLK shared a vision about building a fabric of society, including everyone and working together.  Can this happen with the marijuana industry?

The swearing in a new president always gives hope.  The cannabis industry has seen 3 presidents, none who have helped move the industry truly forward. The public has had a change of heart and now almost 90% believe it should be legal in some form.  The major medical associations and federal agencies (aside from the Drug Enforcement Adminstration) believe it has medical value. And yet, our older, white politicians see it for something it is not. Thousands of mom and pop business are hoping for a change to help them on their ladder to the American dreams.  And tens of millions are turning to marijuana to not only solve medical problems, but to wean themselves off the more dangerous alcohol. Here is a look at Martin Luther King and cannabis.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is widely recognized for his pivotal role in the American civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and justice. Although he did not publicly address cannabis use during his lifetime, his principles resonate deeply with contemporary discussions surrounding marijuana legalization and the broader implications of drug policy on social justice.

The prohibition of cannabis in the United States has roots in racial discrimination and social control. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively criminalized marijuana, was influenced by prejudiced attitudes towards minority communities, particularly targeting Mexican immigrants. This historical context is crucial when examining how the “War on Drugs” has disproportionately affected people of color, echoing the systemic injustices that King fought against.

Many scholars and activists argue if King were alive today, he would likely advocate for an end to the War on Drugs, recognizing it as a continuation of racial oppression. Michelle Alexander, in her influential work “The New Jim Crow,” highlights how the drug war has perpetuated cycles of racial injustice and mass incarceration. Statistics reveal that Black individuals are arrested for cannabis offenses at rates significantly higher than their white counterparts, despite similar usage rates. This disparity aligns with King’s vision of equality and justice for all.

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As discussions around cannabis legalization continue to evolve, figures like Martin Luther King III emphasize the importance of equity in the cannabis industry. He advocates for creating opportunities for marginalized communities to participate in this burgeoning market. This aligns with King’s broader vision of building a “beloved community” where economic and social justice prevail.

A large portion of industry leaders who were involved in the incoming president’s campaign are hopeful. Millions of average people want it, millions more need it for medical issues, and thousands of small business owned by a variety of people want it, will this administration take the step forward?



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Our Awesome 11 Marijuana Strains To Celebrate Space Travel

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It seems the new administration will put a bigger focus on space – here are the perfect strains to celebration the exploration.

The new admisntration is poised to encourage expanded space travel. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight conducted in 1969, and now Blue Origin, Boeing SpaceX and more are working on  leaving the earth’s orbit normal. Civilians can now pay to be taking up and experience.

Not everyone can write the check, but here are our awesome 11 marijuana strains to celebrate space travel and take you out of this world.

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Space Race

A hybrid strain that combines relaxation, euphoria, and creativity. It’s gaining popularity for its unique branding and powerful effects, making it a standout in the cannabis market.

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Space Monkey

An indica-dominant strain (85% Indica/15% Sativa) known for its euphoric and focused effects. It features a fruity flavor profile derived from its parent strains, Gorilla Glue and Wookie #15.

Apollo 11

Celebrating the historic moon landing, this strain delivers strong cerebral effects that help alleviate stress and moderate pain.

an artist's rendering of a red planet in space

Apollo 13

This hybrid strain features energizing effects with an earthy scent, inspired by the famous space mission. Users report a euphoric experience that feels like a journey through space.

Cosmic Collision

A fusion of Cosmic Charlie and Piña Collision, this sativa strain offers pineapple-kiwi flavors and uplifting effects that enhance creativity.

Carl Sagan

Named after the famous astronomer, this strain provides balanced effects and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day of cosmic exploration.

Outer Space

A sativa known for its creative and energetic effects, Outer Space is said to make users feel uplifted and focused—ideal for those looking to explore their thoughts.

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Space Queen

This balanced hybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa) is known for its euphoric high and ability to alleviate various ailments such as pain and anxiety.

Northern Lights

A classic indica strain that promotes relaxation and introspection, perfect for those looking to ponder the mysteries of space while enjoying a calming experience.

White Widow

This enduring strain provides cerebral stimulation without anxiety, suitable for contemplative moments or social gatherings under the stars.

Supernova

Known for its powerful effects and vibrant flavors, Supernova is ideal for those seeking an explosive experience that mirrors the wonders of the cosmos.



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Can Marijuana Cause a Miscarriage

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There is a big buzz about the dropping of fact checking and opening the door to increased online harassment on Meta they still stomp on marijuana

Dealing with fake or hateful information online can be annoying, but for some, it is much worse. Especially for kids who are still developing their coping skills. In fact, 26.5% of teens (aged 13 to 17) reported experiencing cyberbullying within the last 30 days. This marked an increase from 16.7% in 2016. Despite the increase, Meta announced a shift towards a “community notes” model where users can flag questionable content instead of relying solely on third-party fact-checkers.

However, this change does not extend to cannabis content, which remains heavily moderated and often blocked from search results. Cannabis-related content on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, remains stringent despite recent updates to its content moderation policies. The company continues to categorize cannabis content as a “high severity violation,” which places it alongside issues like terrorism and fraud.

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Meta ended its third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a user-driven model akin to Community Notes. Critics argue this will lead to an increase in misinformation and hate speech, as there will be less oversight on potentially harmful content. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that this change would likely result in more “bad stuff” circulating on its platforms.

Via Anton Petrus/Getty

And yet, the ongoing restrictions have made it difficult for cannabis advocates, news outlets, and businesses to share information or promote educational content about cannabis including medical marijuana. The American Medical Association, AARP, the Food and Drug Administration have all acknowledged the value of medical marijuana, but information on how it helps as been limited by Meta.

Many accounts related to cannabis advocacy have faced suspensions or limitations, further complicating efforts to engage with the public on legalization and reform issues.  Not only as medical marijuana benefiting millions, thousands of mom and pop business are being hurt by the policy.

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Meta’s policies reflect an outdated view of cannabis, lumping it together with more dangerous drugs without recognizing its legal status in many jurisdictions. This has led to accusations that Meta is missing an opportunity to support the evolving cannabis community and its businesses.  Interesting their harmful cannabis policy is now in line with their hateful content policy.



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