Cannabis

Montana to Repeal Cannabis Legalization? – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2023

admin

Is Montana set to repeal cannabis legalization?

Some lawmakers want to reverse the process despite legalizing recreational sales in January 2022.

Senate Bill 546 seeks to eliminate all retail stores and dispensaries in Montana while keeping simple possession legal. The bill also wants to raise the medical cannabis tax from 4% to 20%, an obscene figure.

SB 546 also wants to halve the number of legal household plants from two to one. The crop from that single household plant, by the way, cannot contain more than 10% THC. Right now, the state’s THC limit is 35%.

(Although there is no cap on potency for extract products).

Montana is often called the “Treasure State” because of its mineral resources. Its population only surpassed one million in 2012. Montana has no sales tax, its property taxes are significantly lower than other states, and its income tax has a top marginal rate of 6.9%.

For those who love the outdoors, solitude, and freer markets – Frank Zappa was right. We should all be moving to Montana.

Until SB 546 reared its ugly head.

Montana to Repeal Cannabis Legalization?

Is Montana set to repeal cannabis legalization? Fortunately, both Democrats and Republican state senators pushed back and tabled the bill.

Hopefully, that’s the last we hear of repealing cannabis legalization.

Senator Kieth Regier introduced the bill to kill the cannabis industry, citing public safety concerns.

But like Canadian legalization, Montana already has a heavily regulated industry. The state restricts advertising, mandates warning labels, and demands cultivators find ways to limit the odour.

Of course, nothing is good enough for the prohibitionists. You could regulate cannabis like nuclear waste, and it still wouldn’t satisfy the busybodies.

Like Kevin Sabet, president of the anti-cannabis Safe Approaches to Marijuana group. He told the Senate committee, “There is no need to have 90% potent marijuana products unless you’re trying to addict kids.”

“That’s simply the only reason to do it, Sabet said. But perhaps realizing the ridiculous of his statement, he added, “Or addict people in the workplace and cause crashes on the road.”

Yes, that’s the only reason to have potent cannabis. To inflict harm on others. That’s the reason Montana permits hard liquor sales, right? To get teens addicted and cause crashes on the road?

Cannabis Industry Safe for Now

Is Montana set to repeal cannabis legalization? Fortunately, Montana’s cannabis industry is safe for now. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.

“I’m really nervous about undoing the people’s will. That really concerns me,” Senator Willis Curdy said during the committee meeting.

Indeed, there is a moral aspect of re-criminalizing cannabis, but there is also an economic argument. For a year now, entrepreneurs have entered the cannabis industry, creating hundreds of jobs and providing the state with millions of dollars in tax revenue.

Re-criminalizing cannabis wouldn’t eliminate the industry. One of the main reasons behind legal cannabis is to displace criminal networks. Re-criminalizing moves cannabis back into the untaxed underground.

Perhaps that caused Republicans and Democrats to unite in opposition to SB 546. Fear of lost tax revenue. What else motivates politicians?

Source link

Cannabis

Panama And Cannabis

Published

15 hours ago

January 21, 2025

admin

In the news today regarding the famous canal – but what about Panama and marijuana?

Panama is the only place in the world where the sun rises in the Pacific Ocean and sets in the Atlantic Ocean. It is slightly smaller than South Carolina but has more bird species than the continental United States. It’s also home to many natural attractions, including whitewater rafting, snorkeling, and birding. Long a friend, it was the first Latin American country to use the US dollar as its currency. Now it is the news with the new administration. Considering the talk here, what about Panama and cannabis?

The economy of Panama is based mainly on the tourism and services sector, which accounts for nearly 80% of its GDP and accounts for most of its foreign income. Services include banking, commerce, insurance, container ports, and flagship registry, medical and health. Enjoy a significant number of travelers who enjoy adventure, outdoor activities and chilling, the country’s stance on marijuana is evolving.

Panama has made significant strides in the realm of cannabis, particularly regarding its medical use. In 2021, Panama became the first Central American nation to legalize medical cannabis when President Laurentino Cortizo signed Law 242, allowing for the medicinal and therapeutic use of cannabis and its derivatives. This law was a response to growing demands from patients suffering from various medical conditions, including epilepsy and chronic pain, who had previously resorted to smuggling cannabis products due to a lack of legal options

In September 2022, the Panamanian government established regulations to support the implementation of Law 242. These regulations created a National Directorate for the Monitoring of Activities Related to Medical Cannabis, which operates under the Ministry of Public Security. This body is responsible for overseeing the cultivation, production, and distribution of medical cannabis products, ensuring patient data protection and product traceability from cultivation to sale. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is tasked with issuing licenses for manufacturing and commercializing cannabis products, with an initial cap on manufacturing licenses set at seven for the first five years. Regulations aim to ensure that all medical cannabis produced in Panama adheres to strict quality standards.

The government envisions creating a robust local industry that not only meets domestic needs but also positions Panama as a potential hub for international medical cannabis trade. While they are making advancements in medical cannabis regulation, recreational use remains illegal in Panama. The law against recreational cannabis is often unenforced, leading to a culture where its use is tolerated among the youth. Both the public and tourist find it an easy atmosphere.

Panama has one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America and has as stable government. Like the United States, it is a republic and engages the public. They have evaluated cannabis as a benefits and have moved to integrating into their healthcare.

Source link

Canada

Does Your Dog Really Care When You Are Sad

Published

18 hours ago

January 21, 2025

admin

They are more popular than dating apps and are consider a best friend – but are they really there when you need them emotionally?

They are man’s best friend with 38% of Canadians and roughly 50% of Americans having a dog. In the US more men have dogs and in Canada more woman have the furry companion. While they are fun, loving and play, does your dog really care when you are sad? Dogs have long been known as loyal companions, but recent research suggests that their emotional intelligence may run deeper than mere companionship; they can actually empathize with their owners’ feelings, particularly during times of distress.

A study published in the journal Learning & Behavior explored how dogs respond to their owners’ emotional states. Researchers found that dogs not only recognize when their owners are upset but also take action to provide comfort. In the experiment, 34 dog-owner pairs were observed in a controlled setting where owners either cried or hummed a cheerful tune. The results showed that while the dogs opened a door to reach their owners at similar rates, those who heard crying did so significantly faster—averaging just 23 seconds compared to 96 seconds for the humming group. This indicates that dogs are more inclined to respond quickly when they perceive their owner is in distress.

Interestingly, the study also noted physiological responses in dogs when their owners cried. Dogs that opened the door displayed lower stress levels than those who did not, suggesting that while they were affected by the owner’s crying, they were not overwhelmed by it. Conversely, dogs who showed high levels of stress likely cared deeply but were too anxious to act. This highlights a range of emotional responses among dogs, similar to human reactions.

The bond between dogs and their owners plays a crucial role in these empathetic behaviors. Dogs with stronger attachments to their owners exhibited quicker responses to distress signals. This bond is essential as it fosters a mutual understanding of emotions, allowing dogs to act on their instincts to comfort their human companions. As research continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that our canine companions are not just pets; they are emotionally attuned partners capable of providing significant comfort during our most challenging moments.

Source link

Cannabis

A Look At Martin Luther King And Cannabis

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

admin

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.

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.

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?

Source link