Cannabis News
Reefer Madness 2.0 – Exposing Fake News about Cannabis in the Age of AI, Trump, CNN, and Conservatives
Published
1 year agoon
By
admin
Reginald vs the Examiner – Exposing Lies in Modern Reefer Madness
My editor shared this article with me and said, “right up your alley!” and he wasn’t wrong. Published in the Examiner, as the Examiner, meaning, that this is the opinion of the entire organization, some modern Reefer Madness was being spewed and of course – it’s my duty to shine the light on the lies and deception generated through the machinations of prohibition and its associated rhetoric.
While the article isn’t too long, it does provide us with insight to the mind of the prohibitionist and it makes one question, “Who sponsored this article?”
Typically, they have some author attached, but this time it’s simply “The Examiner”.
Nonetheless, let’s analyze the drivel and provide some fresh perspective on the content.
The article published in The Examiner attempts to discredit the Drug Policy Alliance’s role in legalizing marijuana and argues that the promised benefits of legalization have not materialized.
The author dismisses the idea that marijuana has medicinal properties and claims it is addictive, especially for young users, and linked to schizophrenia and brain damage. They assert that marijuana legalization has led to increased addiction, crime, and ruined families.
The article also challenges the supposed benefits of legalization, stating that crime has not decreased, tax revenues have fallen short, and marijuana serves as a gateway to more harmful drugs.
The author blames the Drug Policy Alliance – and more importantly George Sorros – for these negative outcomes and warns other states to resist their advocacy for legalization.
However, the article is riddled with biased claims and misinformation.
By starting with an attack on the Drug Policy Alliance’s funding source and dismissing their achievements, the author sets a negative tone from the beginning.
The assertions made about “marijuana’s addictive nature, its direct links to schizophrenia and brain damage, and the notion that it is a gateway drug” are cherry-picked and fail to consider broader scientific research on the subject.
There is no definitive link between any of these things, and in essence, in places where cannabis has been legalized we have seen a decrease in many of these metrics, including a reduction in youth consumption.
The claim that crime has increased with legalization fails to acknowledge the complexities of the relationship between cannabis and crime, and ignores the potential positive effects of regulation and taxation.
For example, it speaks of the “black market” as if it’s a side effect of marijuana legalization.
Marijuana legalization has clearly increased crime. Strict regulations and taxes placed on legal marijuana sellers have created a vast illicit market that easily undercuts the legal market on price. – The Examiner
Except, it didn’t! The vast illicit market has existed for decades and is directly related to prohibition. From Colombia to Mexico, the cartels, street gangs, and your indie growers have all made up the “illicit market” they claim legalization created. However, we know that black market activities existed well before any state legalized cannabis meaning that it is actually the fruits of prohibition itself.
What’s more, it forced the illicit market into the hands of criminals. People willing to break the law and scale their efforts, tend to expand their illicit endeavors and as we’ve seen with Mexican Cartels – they do everything nowadays!
But here comes the kicker from the article;
And because possession is legal, it is virtually impossible to crack down on the illegal market.
The author argues that the illegal cannabis market, run by drug cartels and street gangs (and the indie growers), can’t be stopped because “possession is legal”.
Then what was the excuse when possession was illegal? Not only did prohibition have nearly 50-years of uninterrupted, blank-check, “I’m going to shoot your dog” authority and under this social configuration, cartels grew in size and wealth exponentially.
The Examiner article’s alarmist language and lack of nuanced analysis undermine its credibility and present a biased perspective.
To truly understand the impact of marijuana legalization, a comprehensive examination of scientific research, social and economic data, and the experiences of different states is necessary.
Yet I doubt that the purpose of the article was to actually get to “truth” but rather it’s to shape opinion.
Allow me to get conspiratorial.
If you haven’t heard about Project Mockingbird let me introduce you to the concept.
Project Mockingbird, as revealed through declassified documents, was an operation in which the CIA sought to shape public opinion by infiltrating and influencing various media organizations. The goal was to ensure that the narrative aligned with the government’s interests. Although the program was officially discontinued in the 1970s, it raises concerns about the potential continuation or evolution of similar efforts in the present day.
We know that as of the pandemic, the “misinformation board” and the “fact checkers” were routinely “fact-checking” truth to suit a government narrative. This isn’t conspiratorial at all.
However, in the world of Chat GPT and similar technology, we need to consider that these programs are more easily conducted than ever before.
Considering this historical context, one might speculate that the article from The Examiner, with its biased and alarmist tone, could be an indirect product of such programs aimed at controlling public perception. While we cannot definitively attribute this article to Project Mockingbird, it is essential to remain vigilant about the potential influence of government agencies or other powerful entities on media outlets.
Maintaining an informed and critical perspective is crucial in today’s media landscape, where disinformation and propaganda can easily permeate public discourse. The lack of author attribution in the article from The Examiner may be a deliberate strategy to obfuscate the true origins of the message and shield it from scrutiny.
To counteract potential manipulation, individuals should actively seek diverse sources of information, fact-check claims, and engage in critical thinking. By being aware of historical instances of media manipulation and staying vigilant, we can better evaluate the validity and credibility of the information presented to us.
While we cannot definitively prove the connection between the article and Project Mockingbird, it is important to question the motives and potential biases behind media content.
An open and informed society depends on the ability of individuals to discern fact from fiction and to challenge narratives that may serve ulterior agendas.
These days, that has become surprisingly difficult even within known spaces such as science and math – that could or could not be racist, according to some.
Conspiracy Theory has become a weapon to dismiss ideas and has been utilized in recent years for too often.
For example, at the beginning of the Pandemic, to think that the virus originated or leaked from a lab in Wu Han was pure conspiratorial. However, nowadays, the vast majority of the evidence suggests that its exactly where it came from.
There’s a bunch of other conspiracies that turned out to be true in the past as well. Here’s a few of them;
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Operation Northwoods: In the early 1960s, the U.S. Department of Defense proposed a plan to carry out false flag terrorist attacks on American soil to justify military intervention against Cuba. Declassified documents later confirmed the existence of this plan.
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MK-Ultra: In the 1950s and ’60s, the CIA conducted secret mind control experiments under the MK-Ultra program. The agency’s involvement was exposed in the 1970s through congressional investigations and declassified documents.
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Tuskegee Syphilis Study: From 1932 to 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service conducted an unethical study on African American men, withholding treatment for syphilis without their informed consent. The details of this study were revealed in the 1970s, leading to significant reforms in research ethics.
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Iran-Contra Affair: In the 1980s, it was revealed that the U.S. government had secretly facilitated the sale of weapons to Iran to fund Nicaraguan Contra rebels, despite an explicit congressional ban.
Now this isn’t to say that my claim that the Examiner’s Reefer Madness article is evident that it’s from Project Mockingbird or similar programs, I simply provide the above historical events as evidence that they do exist.
In fact, they are far more prominent than you are and mostly not done by governments, but private entities.
Just check out this quote from Transparency.org about the state of the world in relation to their “Corruption Index” and it’s effect on the world;
The global average remains unchanged for over a decade at just 43 out of 100. More than two-thirds of countries score below 50, while 26 countries have fallen to their lowest scores yet. Despite concerted efforts and hard-won gains by some, 155 countries have made no significant progress against corruption or have declined since 2012.
Conflict, security and trouble at the top
Global peace has been deteriorating for 15 years. Corruption has been both a key cause and result of this.
Corruption undermines governments’ ability to protect people and erodes public trust, provoking more and harder to control security threats. On the other hand, conflict creates opportunities for corruption and subverts governments’ efforts to stop it.
Even countries with high CPI scores play a role in the threats that corruption poses to global security. For decades, they have welcomed dirty money from abroad, allowing kleptocrats to increase their wealth, power and destructive geopolitical ambitions. – Transparency.org
Only the naive would believe everything that they hear on the news in this day and age.
I always intend to provide my readers with a nuanced perspective. I know that I am biased towards freedom of consumption. It’s not so much about the drugs itself, as about having the freedom to decide.
This is something that is fundamentally missing from modern society. We’re asked to be more inclusive and tolerant, yet we aren’t allowed to exercise a simple act of consuming a plant without some form of scrutiny.
The potential “psyop” article from the Examiner is nothing but propaganda. Interestingly, it used those very words in the beginning of its article.
However, it’s my hope that with this article, no matter how crazy it became – it made you stop and question your government, your parties, your allegiances.
At the end of the day, all of this corruption, all of these psyops only exist with your participation.
THE LATEST ON REEFER MADNESS, READ ON…
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Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em
Published
12 hours agoon
November 13, 2024By
admin
On Thursday, November 7th, Vince Sliwoski, Aaron Pelley and Fred Rocafort held a post election discussion “Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em”. Watch the replay!
Key Takeaways from the “Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em – 2024 Post Election Cannabis Wrap” Webinar:
- Panelists:
- Vince Sliwoski: Oregon Business lawyer specializing in cannabis and commercial real estate.
- Aaron Pelley: Experienced in cannabis law since Washington’s legalization in 2012.
- Fred Rocafort: Trademark attorney working closely with the cannabis team.
- Election Results Overview:
- Most 2024 cannabis ballot measures did not pass.
- Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota saw failures.
- Nebraska became the 39th state to legalize cannabis for medical use when it passed two cannabis initiatives, Initiatives 437 and 438.
- Federal and State-Level Developments:
- Medical use is currently legal in 38 states, and 24 states allow recreational use.
- Republican support for marijuana legalization is growing.
- Federal Policy Implications:
- Schedule III Rescheduling: The process to move cannabis to Schedule III is ongoing, which could significantly impact the industry.
- Importance of Federal Appointments: The future of cannabis policy depends heavily on who is appointed to key positions in the administration.
- International and Domestic Trade:
- Schedule III status could ease import/export restrictions on cannabis.
- Unified control of House, Senate, and presidency might expedite legislative progress.
- Economic and Industry Impact:
- Cannabis stocks experienced volatility post-election, reflecting investor uncertainty.
- Federal legalization and banking reforms are crucial for industry stability and growth.
- Future Outlook:
- The potential for federal rescheduling remains strong, with hearings scheduled for early 2025.
- State-level initiatives and regulatory developments will continue to shape the industry.
“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.
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Cannabis News
Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage
Published
1 day agoon
November 12, 2024By
admin
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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