Cannabis News
Nevada Supreme Court Rules Cannabis Deserves the Same Classification as Heroin
According to the report by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, this week the Nevada Supreme Court overturned a 2022 ruling that prohibited the Nevada Board of Pharmacy from classifying cannabis as a Schedule I Controlled substance.
In 2022, District Judge Joe Hardy Jr. of Clark County ruled in favor of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada, after the latter’s medicinal marijuana claims were deemed valid.
The lawsuit, filed by Antoine Poole and the Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community organization, with representation from the American Civil Liberties Union, claimed that the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy failed to honor Nevada voters’ will after the Nevada Medical Marijuana Act was passed in 2000 and the Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana in 2016.
The Board of Pharmacy, which operates within the executive branch and oversees pharmacies—entities that do not distribute cannabis—lacks the authority to grant licenses for marijuana sales or consumption, as noted by Benzinga’s Rolando García.
Judge Hardy directed the Board of Pharmacy to take cannabis off the Schedule I list, although she did not specify when this would happen. Furthermore, he made it clear that the ACLU’s case did not address the question of reversing convictions for crimes involving cannabis, as reported at the time by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Nevada Cannabis Saga Continues as Lawmakers Advocate for Federal Rescheduling of Marijuana
The ongoing process began in late November 2022 when the Nevada Board of Pharmacy announced its intention to appeal a ruling regarding cannabis classification. During the spring appeal hearing for the case *Nevada Board of Pharmacy v. CEIC*, Justice Kris Pickering highlighted the inconsistency between Nevada’s legislative progress in cannabis legalization and its continued classification as a substance with high abuse potential and no recognized medical benefits.
The court stated, “While the declarations show that Poole and at least one member of CEIC were convicted for marijuana possession after medical marijuana was legalized, there is no direct link between those convictions and the Board’s classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance.”
Meanwhile, several US lawmakers are pushing Attorney General Merrick Garland and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram to reschedule marijuana, which is contributing to the ongoing media attention surrounding Nevada’s cannabis issue. A letter sent to the public last week expressed the senators’ support for the request by the DEA to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
ACLU Criticizes Court’s Decision, Citing Voter Intent and Medical Use Recognition
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada has harshly condemned the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Nevada Board of Pharmacy’s classification of cannabis as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. The ACLU claims that the citizens of Nevada, who have consistently shown their support for the legalization of cannabis, have been blatantly disregarded in this judgment. When they passed the Nevada medicinal Marijuana Act in 2000, voters recognized the potential medicinal advantages of cannabis. This was followed by the 2016 Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana, which made it legal for recreational use. Even though cannabis is legal in the state, the ACLU contends that the court’s decision to classify marijuana with drugs like heroin undercuts the will of the people.
The ACLU of Nevada’s Policy Director, Holly Welborn, criticized the court’s ruling, claiming it perpetuates harmful and antiquated misconceptions about cannabis. Welborn claims that the ruling ignores Nevada’s enormous advancement in the acceptance of marijuana’s therapeutic benefits. Cannabis’s classification as a Schedule I drug, according to her, is glaringly at odds with voter intent and legislative measures that have expressly recognized its medicinal advantages. “This ruling not only ignores the will of the people but also perpetuates the stigma surrounding cannabis, which has no place in a state where its medicinal use is legally recognized,” stated Welborn.
The continued disagreement between state-level legalization initiatives and federal or state agencies’ regulations, which still categorize marijuana as a narcotic with no recognized medicinal value, is further brought to light by the ACLU’s criticism. Significant difficulties are presented by this classification for patients, medical professionals, and the Nevada legal cannabis market. Additionally, it makes for a complex legal environment when a chemical that one jurisdiction recognizes as useful is regarded as a harmful drug by another state’s regulatory system. The ACLU contends that this discrepancy is harmful to people who depend on cannabis for medicinal reasons in addition to being nonsensical.
The ACLU is also concerned that this decision may have effects that go beyond how cannabis is classified. They contend that by permitting the Board of Pharmacy to keep marijuana classified as a Schedule I drug, the court is establishing a precedent that may obstruct further initiatives to defend and advance the rights of Nevadans who use cannabis. The possible effects on people convicted of cannabis-related felonies are of particular concern to the ACLU, particularly for those convicted after medicinal marijuana became authorized. Even while the court’s ruling did not specifically address the question of overturning such convictions, the ACLU thinks that keeping those people in Schedule I may make it more challenging for them to receive justice.
Bottom Line
The Nevada Supreme Court’s decision to uphold cannabis as a Schedule I Controlled Substance has reignited tensions between state legalization efforts and outdated federal classifications. Despite Nevada voters legalizing medical and recreational marijuana, the court’s ruling contradicts these legislative advances, aligning cannabis with substances like heroin. The ACLU of Nevada condemns this decision, arguing it undermines voter intent, perpetuates harmful stigmas, and disregards the recognized medicinal benefits of cannabis. This ruling poses significant challenges for patients, healthcare providers, and the legal cannabis market in Nevada. Additionally, the decision raises concerns about the broader implications for those with cannabis-related convictions, especially after the legalization of medical marijuana. As lawmakers push for federal rescheduling, this case highlights the ongoing conflict between state and federal perspectives on cannabis, creating a complex legal environment that hinders progress and justice in the evolving landscape of marijuana regulation.
“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.
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