Cannabis News
Most People Will Pay Higher Prices for Weed from Legal Sources if Available
Most People buy from legal sources if available
In 2014, a groundbreaking commercial hit the airwaves, pushing the boundaries of cannabis advertising in a way that was both hilarious and thought-provoking. Working with MarijuanaDoctors.com, we created a scenario that would resonate with viewers: a shady character selling sushi from inside his coat on a dimly lit street corner.
The premise was simple yet effective: “Would you buy your sushi from a street dealer?” The answer, of course, was a resounding “No!” The parallel to the cannabis industry was immediately clear. Just as consumers wouldn’t risk their health with questionable street sushi, why should they gamble with unregulated cannabis?
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of cannabis consumption has dramatically shifted. What was once a bold statement is now a common reality in most U.S. states and many parts of the world. Cannabis has become a mainstream product, and recent surveys reveal a fascinating trend: when given the choice, most consumers prefer to purchase their cannabis from legal, regulated sources.
This preference for legal cannabis isn’t just a matter of convenience or quality – it represents a seismic shift in the war against illegal drug trade. For decades, prohibitionists have employed countless tactics to curb cartel drug selling, from aggressive law enforcement to public awareness campaigns. Yet, ironically, it’s legalization that has proven to be the most effective strategy in undermining the illicit market.
The implications of this trend are profound. Not only does it validate the arguments made by legalization advocates, but it also challenges long-held assumptions about drug policy and consumer behavior. As more regions embrace legal cannabis markets, we’re witnessing a real-time experiment in how regulation can address issues that prohibition failed to solve.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into this “legalization effect,” exploring the factors driving consumers towards legal cannabis sources and the broader impact on both the industry and society. From public health concerns to economic implications, the shift towards legal cannabis purchasing is reshaping our understanding of effective drug policy in the 21st century.
The recent survey conducted by NuggMD provides compelling evidence of the “legalization effect” on cannabis purchasing habits. The findings paint a clear picture of consumer preferences in states with legal cannabis markets:
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A striking 77% of respondents reported obtaining all or most of their cannabis from licensed retailers.
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65% of those surveyed said they get “all” of their cannabis products through legal outlets.
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An additional 12% stated they get “most” of their cannabis through legal sources.
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Only 6% of respondents said they get none of their marijuana from legal stores.
These numbers are significant, especially when we consider the potential economic impact. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that the global illicit drug trade generates between $426 billion and $652 billion annually. If we apply the survey’s findings to this market, assuming a conservative 77% shift to legal purchases, it could potentially redirect $328 billion to $502 billion from illegal to legal channels.
The implications of such a massive shift are staggering. If this revenue were to be taxed at even a modest rate of 15%, it could generate between $49 billion and $75 billion in annual tax revenue. These funds could be channeled into public health initiatives, education, infrastructure, or drug prevention and treatment programs, providing substantial societal benefits.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that even in states like California and New York, where unlicensed stores have proliferated, consumers still show a strong preference for legal outlets. In California, 70% of respondents said they buy all or most of their marijuana from legal stores. Similarly, in New York, 68% reported always or mostly obtaining marijuana from licensed stores.
However, the survey also highlighted a challenge in these states: 6% of respondents in both California and New York said they don’t know which stores are licensed or unlicensed. This points to a need for better consumer education and more distinct licensing for retail outlets to help consumers make informed choices.
The shift towards legal purchasing has significant implications for youth access to cannabis. Licensed stores have a strong incentive to comply with age restrictions to maintain their licenses, unlike street dealers who operate outside the law. A study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy found that compliance rates for recreational marijuana retailers in age verification were as high as 92%. This high compliance rate suggests that as more consumers shift to legal sources, it becomes increasingly difficult for underage individuals to obtain cannabis.
Moreover, the survey revealed that most respondents were daily cannabis users, suggesting that even frequent consumers prefer legal sources when available. This trend could have a snowball effect, further marginalizing the illicit market as more consumers develop habits centered around legal purchasing.
The preference for legal cannabis sources, even in states with thriving unlicensed markets, underscores the potential of regulation to reshape consumer behavior. It suggests that given the choice, most cannabis users would rather support a regulated industry that ensures product safety, quality, and legal compliance.
These findings provide strong support for the argument that legalization and regulation, rather than prohibition, may be the most effective tools in combating the illicit drug trade. By creating a framework that consumers trust and prefer, legal markets are accomplishing what decades of prohibition failed to do – significantly reducing the customer base for illegal drug sellers.
As we witness the positive outcomes of cannabis legalization, it’s crucial to step back and ask ourselves a fundamental question: Why do we have drug prohibition in the first place? The answer to this question is not as straightforward or scientifically grounded as many might assume.
The truth is, drug prohibition is not based on scientific evidence but rather on a complex web of historical, political, and cultural factors. When we examine instances of drug policy reform implemented with careful consideration, we consistently see multiple beneficial outcomes. A prime example is Portugal’s bold move in 2001 to decriminalize the possession and use of all drugs, shifting from an “enforcement paradigm” to a “harm reduction paradigm.”
The results were remarkable. Portugal saw significant drops in drug-related HIV infections, overdose deaths, and drug-related crime. Moreover, contrary to fears of increased drug use, rates of drug use in Portugal have remained below the European average. This case study demonstrates that when we approach drug policy with maturity and evidence-based strategies, positive change is not only possible but probable.
But such an approach requires a level of societal maturity that some might question whether the United States possesses. Can a nation often characterized by its extremes handle such a nuanced approach to drug policy? I would argue that it can.
While it’s true that the U.S. population might seem more prone to extremes than some other nations, the reality is that most Americans are moderate in their views and behaviors. Take alcohol, for instance. Despite its widespread availability, we don’t see a nation overrun by alcoholics. Certainly, some individuals struggle with alcohol abuse, but the majority of people either drink in moderation or abstain entirely.
There’s no reason to believe that this pattern of moderation wouldn’t extend to other substances if they were legalized and regulated. In fact, the phenomenon of decision paralysis suggests that legalizing all drugs might even deter some individuals from using any drugs at all. When faced with too many choices, people often choose none.
The key point here is that when implemented thoughtfully and within a proper framework based on scientific evaluation, legalization can be the most effective way to combat drug addiction and abuse. The data from cannabis legalization and Portugal’s decriminalization experiment support this assertion.
Legalization allows for:
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Quality control and safer products
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Age restrictions and regulated access
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Tax revenue that can fund education and treatment programs
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Reduction in criminal activity associated with the illicit drug trade
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More open dialogue about drug use and its potential risks
It’s time for us to grow up and face the reality that prohibition has failed to achieve its goals. Instead, it has created a host of problems, from overcrowded prisons to dangerous black markets. By contrast, legalization and regulation offer a path forward that respects individual freedom while prioritizing public health and safety.
This mature approach requires us to move past fear-mongering and outdated moral panics. It demands that we base our policies on evidence rather than emotion. It asks us to trust in the general moderation of our fellow citizens, just as we do with alcohol.
The data increasingly backs up this approach. From cannabis legalization in various states to broader drug policy reforms in countries like Portugal, we see that treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one leads to better outcomes for individuals and society as a whole.
It’s time to grow up, America. Let’s embrace a more mature, nuanced, and effective approach to drug policy. The evidence is clear: legalization, when done right, works better than prohibition ever did.
WHAT ABOUT CANADA, DO THEY BUY LEGAL? READ ON…
“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.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
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.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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