Cannabis

John Fetterman Changes Senate, Now SAFE Banking

Published

1 year ago

September 19, 2023

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John Fetterman (D-PA) is a man to be noticed in the United States Senate. Standing 6’8″, he towers over most other people and his quirky way of dressing in shorts and hoodie is a sharp contrast to the suits around him. Vocal, tough and unabashed, he tells it like it is. And one of the things he shares is marijuana should be legal, and has needled the President and his administration. Now it is seems John Fetterman has encouraged a different change in the Senate. Maybe he can use his influence with Schumer to get SAFE Banking passed.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) directed the Senate’s Sergeant at Arms to no longer enforce the chamber’s informal dress code for its members. The new directive will allow Sen. Fetterman who perfers his dress code over the business attire traditionally required in the chamber.

With Schumer stepping out and changing a long standing tradition for him, maybe Fetterman can use his good will and clout for the cannabis industry. Fetterman has been a proponent of legal marijuana for years. In one of his campaign videos, he explains he was one of the first politicians to voice his support for the drug. “And now years later, I renew that same call for any number of reasons, but most importantly, for the criminal justice aspect of it,” he said.

Joe Biden — Photo by Bill Ingalls-NASA via Getty Images

Reaction to the dress code change has been surprise and disappointment as a bar for decorum has been dropped and the dress code is now no different than a local gas station.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who only recently came around to legal marijuana, is disappointed. She argues the relaxed rules debase the institution of the Senate. “I plan to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor,” Collins joked. Collins has signed on to the SAFE Banking since legal cannabis in Maine has become a key industry and government revenue.

Fetterman could use his influence with the SAFE Banking Act. Having passed the House 7 times it is a Ground Hog Day of failure in the Senate. It was announced today he Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2023 (S. 1323/H.R. 2891) will be moving forward in the U.S. Senate, according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The committee confirmed Sept. 19 that the SAFE Banking Act is scheduled for in-person markup Sept. 27.

RELATED: Weed Heat For Taco Tuesday

Fetterman released a statement during his campaign, urging Biden to deschedule marijuana. Now is his opportunity to push a a change increase state revenues, leaning into public safety and growing jobs around the country. It seems Biden was not pleased.

John Fetterman — Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Fetterman has been a proponent of legal marijuana through his entire run for office. In one of his campaign videos, he explains he was one of the first politicians to voice his support for the drug. “And now five years later, I renew that same call for any number of reasons, but most importantly, for the criminal justice aspect of it,” he said.

With the relaxing rules, maybe now he can track down senators from legal weed states like Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to sign on as co-sponsors and whip for votes.

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Cannabis

Texas Citizens Want Legalized Cannabis But

Published

17 hours ago

February 4, 2025

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Will Texas go the way of Florida with the marijuana of the public wants some form of legal marijuana and the Governor doing all he can to stop it?

While cannabis awaits its future under the new administration, the public increasingly wants legal access to marijuana. Increasing seen as a respected medical aide, the pubic is embracing the green plant, and are increasingly open to fully legalized weed. Now Texas citizens want legalized cannabis but, will they go the way of Florida and have the governor stop the efforts? Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis used the full force available to him to try to stop the movement. But the Sunshine State public won medical marijuana and will gain full recreational at some point. Now Lone Star state Governor Greg Abbott, could be in for a similar battle.

Recent surveys conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs have revealed a significant shift in public opinion regarding marijuana legalization in Texas. The data indicates that a substantial majority of Texans support easing restrictions on marijuana use, whether for medical or recreational purposes. This trend reflects a broader national movement toward more permissive cannabis policies. Legalizing marijuana could have significant economic benefits for Texas, as seen in neighboring states like New Mexico, where dispensaries near the Texas border capitalize on the state’s restrictive laws1. Moreover, easing marijuana laws could reduce criminal justice costs and align Texas with the growing national trend toward more liberal cannabis policies.

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he most recent survey, released in February 2025, shows that nearly four out of five Texans (79%) support establishing a full-fledged medical cannabis program. This level of support is consistent across various demographic groups, with every socio-demographic subgroup favoring reform. The strong backing for medical marijuana is likely driven by its perceived health benefits and the desire to provide relief to patients with qualifying conditions. Currently, Texas’s Compassionate Use Program is highly restrictive, allowing only low-THC cannabis for a limited number of conditions.

In addition to medical marijuana, there is significant support for decriminalizing cannabis possession. About 69% of Texans endorse legislation to decriminalize marijuana for those 21 years and older, which would reduce penalties for possession to fines rather than criminal charges. Furthermore, 62% of Texans support legalizing a commercial marketplace for adult-use cannabis sales, indicating a growing acceptance of recreational use.

The support for marijuana legalization crosses political lines, with a majority of Democrats and a significant portion of Republicans backing these reforms. While Democrats are more likely to support full legalization, Republicans also show substantial support, particularly for medical use. Nonreligious Texans and those with lower incomes or without college degrees are more likely to favor decriminalization and legalization.

Despite the strong public support, Texas lawmakers have been slow to act on these issues. The state’s legislative structure, which meets only in odd-numbered years, limits opportunities for reform. Additionally, Texas does not allow statewide citizen-initiated ballot measures, placing the onus on elected officials to drive change. Recent efforts by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to ban THC products further complicate the path to legalization. So it will be the Governor to determine the ultimate path forward.

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back pain

Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

Published

2 days ago

February 3, 2025

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Chronic pain can be life changing – from the pain to zapped energy. But can cannabis make a difference?

An estimated 20% of adults in the US and roughly 8 million Canadians experience chronic pain. This condition is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It can lead to insomnia and fatigue. If can impact many other parts of life, including mood and the ability to move and body functions. It can also lead to changes in the brain and nervous system, which can make the pain worse and harder to manage. But can cannabis provide some relief from chronic pain?

Medical cannabis (MC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have show promise in managing chronic pain, though efficacy varies by condition and formulation. Research indicates cannabinoids may reduce pain severity by 30–50% compared to placebo, particularly in neuropathic and inflammatory conditions. A 2023 systematic review of 15 studies found CBD alone or combined with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduced pain by 42–66%.

Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, modulating pain signaling and inflammation:

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, altering pain perception.
CBD enhances anandamide (a natural pain-regulating compound) and activates glycine receptors, potentially reducing localized inflammation.
Combined THC:CBD formulations (e.g., nabiximols) often show superior pain relief compared to single cannabinoids, with CBD mitigating THC’s psychoactive effects.

Clinical Evidence by Condition

Neuropathic pain: THC:CBD sprays reduced pain scores in multiple sclerosis and spinal injury patients.
Arthritis/fibromyalgia: Topical CBD improved peripheral neuropathy, while oral formulations alleviated fibromyalgia pain in 30% of patients.
Chronic back/neck pain: Preliminary trials suggest vaporized cannabis may rival oxycodone’s efficacy.

The good news is studies report 18–29% of patients achieve ≥30% pain reduction with cannabinoids vs. 14–26% on placebo. Effective CBD doses range widely (2.5–1,500 mg/day), and prolonged use may alter drug metabolism. So trend carefully with both CBD and THC. Remember, only THC:CBD combos like nabiximols are FDA-approved for specific conditions; most CBD products remain unregulated.

CBD alone shows fewer side effects (fatigue, diarrhea) than THC-containing products. Notably, real-world data associate medical cannabis with 60% reduced opioid use in chronic pain patients, though long-term safety data remain limited.

While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes. Current evidence supports cautious integration into multimodal pain regimens, particularly when conventional therapies fail. Always talk with your health professional when adding something new to your pain management regime.

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BeyGood

Does Beyoncé Consume Marijuana – The Fresh Toast

Published

2 days ago

February 3, 2025

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Coming off her big Grammy win, does Beyoncé consume marijuana – cause the industry needs some high profile allies

Coming off her big Grammys win, she is continue to expand her empire. Her fame, business savvy and talent has lead her to founding Parkwood Entertainment, Ivy Park, Cécred, and SirDavis. She has done endorsements for Pepsi and Levis and has a Netflick deal. She seems to go from one success to another. With all she has going on, does Beyoncé consume marijiana? Turns out she has leaned into the plant, but publicly here engagement is squarely in the wellness sphere.

Beyoncé has openly incorporated cannabis-derived CBD into her wellness routine, citing its benefits for physical recovery and mental health, though she has not explicitly confirmed recreational cannabis use. The global icon revealed in a 2021 Harper’s Bazaar interview CBD became a crucial tool during her tours, helping manage inflammation, muscle soreness, and insomnia. “I discovered CBD on my last tour, and I’ve experienced its benefits for soreness and inflammation. It helped with my restless nights,” she shared, emphasizing its role in her self-care practices

Beyoncé announced plans to build a hemp and honey farm to produce her own CBD, aiming to create natural wellness products for her family. This venture aligns with her focus on holistic health rituals, which she also teaches her children. She described finding her daughter Blue Ivy using homemade bath blends for relaxation, highlighting intergenerational wellness practices. While CBD is non-psychoactive (unlike THC-rich marijuana), her farm underscores her commitment to cannabis-derived wellness solutions.

Beyoncé’s entry into the hemp industry follows her husband Jay-Z’s cannabis brand, Monogram, though her approach centers on therapeutic applications rather than recreational use. In 2020, her BeyGOOD Foundation partnered with the NAACP to grant $10,000 to Black-owned cannabis businesses like The Gift, a wellness-focused hemp company. These efforts reflect her support for equitable opportunities in an industry where Black entrepreneurs face systemic barriers

Despite lyrical references to cannabis in her Cowboy Carter album and fan speculation about recreational use, Beyoncé has never publicly confirmed smoking marijuana. Experts note her CBD use focuses on documented (though FDA-unapproved) benefits like pain relief, while avoiding psychoactive effects. Medical researchers caution that CBD’s efficacy for conditions like insomnia remains inconclusive, though its safety profile for adults is generally accepted.

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