Cannabis News
SAFE Banking Act vs. SAFER Banking Act
A bipartisan marijuana banking measure has received the Senate Banking Committee’s unanimous support, marking a historic development in the ongoing struggle to address the intricate financial issues affecting the cannabis industry according to Reuters.This landmark decision has significant ramifications for a sector that has struggled for years with regulations that have largely compelled legitimate cannabis businesses to function primarily in cash. The Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, supported by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT), is the fundamental component of this legislation. After a week of intense deliberations and amendments meant to increase its appeal to MPs from both political spectrums, the plan won committee approval in a 14-9 vote after a week of intense deliberations and amendments. This achievement goes beyond merely addressing the practical challenges encountered by legal cannabis enterprises; it also underscores the growing bipartisan consensus on the necessity of cannabis banking reform and signals a noteworthy shift in federal policy toward the cannabis industry—an issue that has long been a contentious point of debate.
The Bipartisan Push for Cannabis Banking Reform
The bipartisan support that has rallied around the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act is one of the most remarkable components of the recent Senate Banking Committee approval. This initiative, sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT), has managed to cross the political divide in a highly polarized environment, symbolizing cooperation in a terrain where consensus is frequently elusive.
The recognition that the current financial environment for legal cannabis firms is unsustainable is at the heart of this bipartisan push. The current federal attitude on cannabis, classified as a Schedule I restricted narcotic, has left state-legal cannabis firms facing many financial difficulties. These companies have been compelled to operate in a cash-heavy atmosphere, putting them at risk of theft, tax evasion, and organized crime. Because of this, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have recognized that tackling these issues requires a collaborative effort. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), the senior Republican proponent of the SAFER Financial Act, has stated that while he opposes marijuana legalization, ensuring that legal firms have access to the financial system is critical to reducing these risks. This sentiment underscores the overarching theme of public safety and sound economic practices, transcending party lines.
Furthermore, Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) highlighted the imperative nature of the bipartisan legislation by emphasizing its role in safeguarding legal cannabis businesses, protecting their employees, and fostering community well-being. This sentiment echoes across party lines as the legislation, despite the broader marijuana policy debate, addresses a pressing issue that affects not only cannabis entrepreneurs but also the financial institutions that interact with them. This bipartisan push for cannabis banking reform signifies a shift in the political discourse surrounding cannabis issues. This suggests that pragmatic solutions can be reached when focused on practicality and safety rather than the broader ideological debates related to legalization. As the SAFER Banking Act progresses through the legislative process, it is a testament to the potential for unity and progress even in the most contentious policy arenas.
Amendments and Controversies Surrounding Cannabis Banking Reform
The recent approval of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act by the Senate Banking Committee was not without its share of amendments and controversies, shedding light on the complexities surrounding cannabis policy reform.
Amendments Rejected:
Sunset Clause: Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) proposed a sunset clause that would have terminated the SAFER Banking Act after five years unless the Department of Treasury, in consultation with other agencies, certified a reduction in the racial wealth gap and other negative economic impacts of the War on Drugs. This amendment was rejected, underlining the difficulty of reaching a consensus on the broader societal implications of cannabis policy reform.
Regulatory Pressure: Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) suggested an amendment to replace Section 10 with language stipulating that federal regulators cannot pressure financial entities to refuse services to lawful entities unless they engage in “unsafe and unsound practices.” While the intention was to clarify and safeguard financial institutions, it was not adopted, emphasising the intricate balance between regulatory control and the cannabis industry’s needs.
Amendments Introduced and Withdrawn:
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) put forth an amendment that would have sunset the bill in case of a federal rescheduling of marijuana. While this amendment was ultimately withdrawn, it reflects the uncertainty surrounding the future of federal cannabis policy and its potential impacts on banking reform.
Amendments Ruled Not Germane:
Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) attempted to prevent the “laundering of fentanyl and methamphetamine proceeds via marijuana sales.” However, this amendment was ruled not germane to the committee’s jurisdiction, highlighting the need for amendments to align with the specific focus of the legislation.
Amendments Ruled Out of Order:
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into the “racial wealth gap and the percentage of minority-owned cannabis-related businesses before and after the passage of the SAFER Banking Act” was to be conducted within two years of the SAFER Banking Act’s passage, according to an amendment proposed by Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA). The fact that this amendment was ruled out of order for breaking committee rules emphasizes how crucial procedural observance is to the legislative process.
These amendments and the debates surrounding them reveal the multifaceted nature of cannabis policy reform. The push for cannabis banking reform is not solely centred on the financial aspect but also intertwines with broader social and regulatory concerns. While rejecting some amendments signifies the committee’s focus on the core issues of banking access and financial security for the cannabis industry, it also highlights the ongoing debate regarding the wider implications of cannabis legalization and reform. As the SAFER Banking Act progresses, these controversies underscore the complexities and nuances inherent in crafting effective cannabis policy at the federal level.
Bottom Line
The unanimous approval of the SAFER Banking Act by the Senate Banking Committee is a pivotal moment in the journey toward cannabis banking reform. The bipartisan support underscores the recognition of the urgent need to provide legal cannabis businesses with access to the financial system, enhancing their safety, security, and economic stability. While amendments and controversies highlight the complexity of cannabis policy reform, this development signals a noteworthy shift in federal policy toward the cannabis industry, emphasizing practical solutions and unity in an otherwise contentious arena. As the SAFER Banking Act progresses, it stands as a testament to the potential for progress when the focus is on practicality, public safety, and bipartisan cooperation.
WHAT WA S THE SAFE BANKING ACT BEFORE THIS, 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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