Cannabis News
Schedule 3 for Cannabis – What Lipstick on a Pig Actually Looks Like
Published
1 year agoon
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admin
Here’s why you shouldn’t celebrate Schedule-III for cannabis. It’s not enough!
Once again, the feds are attempting to placate the cannabis community with empty gestures dressed up as “progress.” The establishment’s favorite tactic is the ol’ bait and switch – dangling superficial reforms to distract us while they fortify prohibition behind the scenes.
The latest insult? Potentially moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the tyrannical Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Don’t fall for the okey-doke, friends. This is a trojan horse meant to fool us into complacency.
Schedule III is just prohibition by another name – lipstick on a pig meant to distract us while Big Pharma, private prisons, and their cartel pals maneuver to dominate the “legal” cannabis industry. It offers an illusion of reform while keeping the core oppressive structures intact.
True liberation means complete descheduling and dismantling the CSA entirely! We must condemn this corrupt document designed to criminalize plants and people. Half-measures like Schedule III are breadcrumbs meant to pacify activists. But we won’t settle for scraps. The only righteous path is full legalization now – no compromises!
In the following article we’re going to explore why you shouldn’t celebrate Schedule-III as a victory
See, the CSA’s scheduling system was designed by suits to monopolize and control markets, not to scientifically classify drugs. The categories are based on politics and corporate interests, not empirical pharmacology. For example, cannabis ending up in Schedule I alongside heroin back in 1970 was a naked business decision to eliminate competition against Big Pharma’s patented synthetics.
Powerful industry lobbies demonized cannabis to block cheaper plant-based alternatives to their profitable pills. And their pals in Washington were all too willing to classify it alongside dangerous narcotics with “no medical value” despite millennia of medical use.
It was drug war propaganda – not science – that banned even researching cannabis while dangerous opioids were pushed as medicine. And now the same politics and greed want to “compromise” by moving cannabis to Schedule III with the arbitrary likes of ketamine and anabolic steroids. How noble of them!
Don’t be fooled, folks. While Schedule III would allow banks to service the industry and bring some tax benefits, it comes with a heavy cost: intense regulation that would likely kill independent growers and homogenize the market under the corporate cannabis conglomerates who lobbied for marijuana prohibition in the first place.
Just look at who is funding the campaigns of politicians pushing for rescheduling. Follow the money and you’ll find Big Pharma, eager to absorb the cannabis industry into its profit-maximizing machine. We have to wake up to the game being played!
The Harms of Schedule III Cannabis Regulations
Make no mistake, Schedule III would bring intense new regulation designed to consolidate corporate control and squeeze out independent cultivators. Suddenly the FDA and DEA have expansive new powers over cannabis under the guise of “public health.” They could impose arbitrary licensing fees, excessive pesticide standards, facility regulations, transportation rules – remember, the goal is always control, not safety.
And you can bet these rules will be designed intentionally to eliminate small growers who built this industry. Some possibilities: Mandatory RFID tracking from seed-to-sale, 100k+ square feet minimum facilities, control handed to existing Big Ag operators. Can’t you just see Marlboro Greens or Pfizer Purps dominating “legal” markets?
Picture sterile fields of robotic cannabis monocrops harvested by machines. Labs synthesizing cannabinoids from yeast. Store shelves lined with overpriced, low-quality pre-roll joints and extract carts pumped out to maximize profits over quality. That’s the dreary future Schedule III cannabis brings – no soul, no community, just plastic corporate weed spam.
They’ll tell us Schedule III enables research – but don’t be fooled. Studies would be tightly constrained to support pharmaceutical formats and identify marketable patents. We’d see more overpriced, addictive cannabis-based pills pushed to cure the side effects caused by other patented pills. But no whole-plant medicines or home grows threatening those sweet Big Pharma bottom lines.
We know from history the pharmaceutical industry has worked aggressively to block studies on natural cannabis in order to peddle their synthetic alternatives.
Back in the 80s, Pfizer shut down studies at UCLA exploring cannabis for migraines when it looked promising. They didn’t want competition for their patented drugs. Likewise, in the 90s Eli Lilly terminated trials on cannabis pain treatment at the University of Georgia when initial results indicated it could replace expensive pain meds.
The pharma giants have always used their influence over policymakers to preserve their research monopoly. Schedule III would just expand this, letting Big Pharma cherry-pick the cannabis science that suits their bottom line. We have to open inquiry to independent researchers not constrained by corporate shareholders.
The Only Solution is Descheduling and True Open Access
Understand, friends: No other natural beneficial plant is scheduled and regulated like a narcotic! Apples aren’t Schedule III. Why should our government treat cannabis differently than any other crop? There is no scientific justification for singling out this healing plant, only corporate machinations to monopolize markets.
Cannabis policy should be based on freedom, compassion, and human rights – not monopolistic controls and arbitrary criminality. Responsible adults can make their own choices about what to consume, grow, and sell. For centuries, people used this plant responsibly as medicine and sacrament without the DEA or FDA’s harmful “help.”
Props to the lawmakers pushing for reform, but Schedule III isn’t enough. All it does is replace overt oppression with subtly tyrannical bureaucracy under a license racket. We must demand full descheduling to protect cannabis as an open-source plant belonging to all people, not captured corporations and regulators.
In truth, the CSA itself is an illegitimate document violating civil liberties. Its very existence created the drug cartels cannabis prohibition supposedly combats! This dangerous policy gave government unlimited discretion to criminalize plants and fungi arbitrarily based on racism and corporate interests.
That unjust authority has been used intentionally to perpetuate civil injustice, fund militarized police, enrich crony politicians and their corporate donors, and demonize safe psychoactive medicines. Drug scheduling is politics pretending to be science. In reality, no institution should have the power to control adults’ access to plants and fungi.
Cannabis must be totally emancipated from this oppressive regime. We have a duty to defend cognitive liberty and plant sovereignty against all tyrannical overreach. Full legalization now is the only righteous path. Half-measures like Schedule III stall progress and let prohibition continue under the guise of regulation. We can’t allow it.
True cannabis liberation means complete descheduling, home cultivation rights, access for medical use, expunging criminal records, and opening research. Anything less perpetuates injustice against this healing plant and its users.
Cannabis legalization means nothing if the product is homogenized and freedom to cultivate is stripped. Schedule III would be a bait-and-switch cementing corporate cannabis. That’s unacceptable. This sacred plant belongs to all people, not government regulated monopolies.
This is something that by now, you should have picked up on by the Biden Administration. I truly fear for American politics in the coming year. You’ve got two lying-psychopaths gunning for control over the nuclear codes and no common sense anywhere to be found. You have to realize by now that the whole system is set up to cater to the corporations, a modern serfdom plastic-wrapped with illusionary-freedom in the form of infinite choices of bullshit.
We the People cannot allow government’s con to continue unchallenged. Cannabis activists must unite against all attempts to keep this plant under bureaucratic control. Total descheduling is the only righteous path. If they don’t want to comply, then screw them. Continue being the stealth stoner and grow, share, and engage with the community.
Don’t settle for half-measures like Schedule III that undermine the legalization movement’s core aims. This is about emancipation and abundance, not taxation and regulation. Cannabis is meant to spread joy and healing, not enrich regulators and pill pushers.
Stay vigilant, friends. The politicians and profiteers want us pacified with scraps. But we must demand the full feast – liberation for all cannabis lovers through ending prohibition entirely. No compromises. No corporate takeover. And no damned drug schedules!
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Published
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November 14, 2024By
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In a recent interview, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made headlines by asserting that President-elect Donald Trump will pursue significant reforms in federal policies regarding marijuana and cryptocurrency. As the nation grapples with evolving attitudes toward cannabis and the burgeoning digital currency market, Christie’s predictions have ignited discussions about the potential implications of such changes on both industries. This article delves into Christie’s insights, the current state of marijuana and cryptocurrency regulations, and the broader implications of these anticipated reforms.
The Current Landscape of Marijuana Legislation
Federal vs. State Laws
Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which places it in the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification has created a complex legal landscape where states have moved to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, while federal law continues to impose strict prohibitions. As of now, over 30 states have legalized marijuana in some form, leading to a burgeoning industry that generates billions in revenue.
Challenges Faced by the Cannabis Industry
Despite its legality in many states, the cannabis industry faces significant hurdles due to federal restrictions. These challenges include:
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Banking Access: Many banks are hesitant to work with cannabis businesses due to fear of federal repercussions, forcing these businesses to operate largely in cash.
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Taxation Issues: The IRS enforces Section 280E of the tax code, which prohibits businesses engaged in illegal activities from deducting normal business expenses, leading to disproportionately high tax burdens for cannabis companies.
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Interstate Commerce: The lack of federal legalization prevents cannabis businesses from operating across state lines, limiting their growth potential.
Chris Christie’s Perspective on Marijuana Reform
Christie, a former presidential candidate known for his tough stance on drugs during his tenure as governor, has evolved his views on marijuana over the years. In his recent statements, he emphasized that Trump is likely to pursue descheduling cannabis, which would remove it from the Schedule I classification. This move would not only provide clarity for businesses operating in legal markets but also open avenues for banking and investment.
Christie highlighted that descheduling would allow for a more regulated market where safety standards could be established, thus protecting consumers. He believes that this approach aligns with a growing consensus among Americans who support legalization and recognize the potential benefits of cannabis use for both medical and recreational purposes.
The Future of Cryptocurrency Regulation = The Rise of Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have surged in popularity over the past decade, with Bitcoin leading the charge as the first decentralized digital currency. The market has expanded to include thousands of alternative coins (altcoins), each with unique features and use cases. As cryptocurrencies gain traction among investors and consumers alike, regulatory scrutiny has intensified.
Current Regulatory Challenges
The cryptocurrency market faces several regulatory challenges that hinder its growth and adoption:
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Lack of Clarity: Regulatory frameworks vary significantly across states and countries, creating confusion for investors and businesses.
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Fraud and Scams: The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies has led to an increase in fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting investors.
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Consumer Protection: Without clear regulations, consumers are often left vulnerable to risks associated with volatile markets.
Christie’s Vision for Crypto Regulation
Christie believes that under Trump’s leadership, there will be an effort to find a “sweet spot” for cryptocurrency regulation balancing innovation with consumer protection. He argues that overly stringent regulations could stifle growth in this emerging sector while too little oversight could expose consumers to significant risks.
In his view, a balanced regulatory framework would include:
1. Clear Definitions: Establishing clear definitions for different types of cryptocurrencies and tokens to differentiate between securities and utility tokens.
2. Consumer Protections: Implementing measures to protect investors from fraud while promoting transparency within the market.
3. Encouraging Innovation: Creating an environment conducive to innovation by allowing startups to thrive without excessive regulatory burdens.
Christie’s insights reflect a growing recognition among policymakers that cryptocurrencies are here to stay and that appropriate regulations are necessary to foster growth while safeguarding consumers.
Implications of Proposed Reforms
Economic Impact
The potential reforms proposed by Christie could have far-reaching economic implications:
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Job Creation: Legalizing marijuana at the federal level could lead to significant job creation within the cannabis industry—from cultivation and production to retail sales.
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Investment Opportunities: Descheduling cannabis would open up investment opportunities for institutional investors who have been hesitant due to federal restrictions.
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Boosting Local Economies: Legal cannabis markets have proven beneficial for local economies through increased tax revenues and job creation.
Similarly, clear regulations around cryptocurrencies could stimulate investment in blockchain technology and related industries, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Social Justice Considerations
Both marijuana legalization and sensible cryptocurrency regulations have social justice implications:
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Addressing Past Injustices: Legalizing marijuana could help rectify past injustices related to drug enforcement policies that disproportionately affected marginalized communities.
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Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies offer opportunities for financial inclusion for those underserved by traditional banking systems, particularly in low-income communities.
Political Landscape
The political landscape surrounding these issues is complex. While there is bipartisan support for marijuana reform among certain lawmakers, challenges remain in overcoming entrenched opposition. Similarly, cryptocurrency regulation has garnered attention from both sides of the aisle but requires collaboration to establish effective frameworks.
Conclusion
Chris Christie’s predictions about President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to federal marijuana descheduling and cryptocurrency regulation suggest a potential shift in U.S. policy that could significantly reshape both industries. As public opinion evolves on these issues, lawmakers have an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that promote economic growth while ensuring consumer protection. The anticipated changes could foster a more robust cannabis industry that contributes positively to the economy and addresses social justice concerns, while clear regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies could encourage innovation and protect consumers in the digital economy. Stakeholders in both sectors are closely watching these developments, eager to see how potential reforms might impact their futures. While the realization of Christie’s predictions remains uncertain, it’s clear that the conversation around marijuana and cryptocurrency regulation is ongoing and far from settled.
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Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em
Published
1 day 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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