Cannabis

Texas Looking to Make Cannabis An Opioid Alternative

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2023

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The opioid problem isn’t getting any smaller, and thus far, no tactics employed, are helping things out. If a new Texas bill goes through, it will officially make cannabis an opioid alternative in the state; giving a much needed replacement to these death-causing drugs. Will it pass, and what else would this new bill change?

Texas and cannabis

Texas is not historically one of the more lenient states when it comes to cannabis; although as a southern state, its made great leaps and bounds in the last few years. Prior to 1973, Texas had the most strict cannabis policy in the US, with all possession garnering a felony charge. In fact, such possession came with two years to life in prison. Luckily, things have loosened up on several fronts, starting with the passage of House Bill 447 in 1973, which changed the penalty scheme for cannabis crimes.

Even so, recreational cannabis is still illegal in the state, and possession of up to two ounces counts as a class B misdemeanor. It comes with a penalty of up to 180 days prison time, and up to $2000 in fines. This applies to state law, though several individual locations have enacted less severe punishment measures.

In 2015 Texas passed medical legislation that allowed the use of cannabis oil with no more than .5% THC, (since updated to 1%). This is applicable with a doctor’s prescription; and happened through Senate Bill 339 aka the Texas Compassionate Use Act. At the time of passage, cannabis oil was specifically meant for epilepsy patients. Since that time, Texas passed a range of bills to cover more illnesses, and loosen cannabis restrictions in general.

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Despite making progress on some fronts, like medical usage, Texas has had a back and forth pattern of progress. For example, as late as 2020, the state banned smokable hemp. In fact, as per Texas drug policy, “Smoke a joint, lose your license” applied, whereby part of the punishment for a drug infraction, was temporary loss of a drivers license. This was officially overturned in 2021. In term of smokable hemp, though the ban was overturned in 2021, in 2022, the State’s Supreme Court reinstated the ban on manufacture and processing of smokable hemp. This still stands.

Interestingly, in 2015, a Texas lawmaker introduced a recreational bill, under a religious pretense. Said Representative David Simpson who created the bill, “I don’t believe that when God made marijuana, he made a mistake that government needs to fix.” The bill, however, never cleared either side of the State’s Congress, and no subsequent effort of this nature was made.

New Texas bill to expand medical industry

Texas passed a couple updates since its original medical passage, in 2019 and 2021. And now, once again, legislation is on the table that would expand it out even further, and which introduces the ability to use cannabis as an opioid alternative. Originally filed at the end of January 2023 by republican Rep. Stephanie Klick, HB 1805 was officially passed by the Texas House of Representatives on April 12^th, 2023. The vote was 127-19.

New law to update medical legislation in Texas would make cannabis an opioid alternative

Texas has higher opioid use rate than rest of US — New law to update medical legislation in Texas would make cannabis an opioid alternative

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Biden

Key Tips For Consuming Marijuana At The Local Fair

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2024

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Fall is the time county fairs, carnivals, and more come to time…while engaging in the fun, there are few tip to know if you are going to consuming marijuana

September is a highlight for country fairs followed by October for the Halloween carnivals. Elephant ears, Ferris wheels and midways all appeal to our childlike delight for fun, excitement, different foods and more. But what if you want to chill out while attending? Well here are key tips for consuming marijuana at the local fair?

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With over 50% of the country having access to legal marijuana, some are taking it for granted like it a beer and is accepted everywhere. But it is wise to think ahead, especially since you are with large groups of people – including families and kids. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest daily attended fair and the Texas State Fair, which is the largest in the country by total attendance, drew a peak daily attendance in 2023 of 141,410 but a total attendance of 2,341,449. Some parts of the fair are geared for kids, others for a mixed crowd, like the pirate ship and roller coasters.

Key Tips For Consuming Marijuana At The Local Fair

Fairs are a sensation extravaganza. The lights, noises, movements, smells and food appeal to all the senses. The midway is the main path or street fairgoers walk along to find sideshows, concession stands, and other amusements.

The first thing is be discreet, fairs are family events. Consider a vape or gummies over smoking. They provide less smell, so are less noticeable. With a vape you can also manage your high.

If you are new to consuming marijuana, consider a low level high so you aren’t overwhelmed by the mass amount of sensations. It will also let you experience both things without freaking out. Part of a gummy might put you in the right spot to absorb everything going on and appreciate it at the next level.

The fair is about food, so know if you are prone to the munchies, this will be a fiesta of flavors. Consider eating beforehand or know this will be a cheat day. From fried butter to hot dogs, it is all going to look good.

Start slow on the rides. Let the high settle into your mind and body before boarding the scrambler. This gives your body time to adjust so there isn’t any unpleasant surprises.

Some fun fact, cotton candy was originally called “fairy floss” and was invented in 1897 by candy makers William Morris and John C. Wharton of Nashville, Tennessee. It was introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair.

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adventure

5 Weed Friendly Last Of Summer Activities

Published

2 days ago

September 5, 2024

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Summer is winding down. A mindset seems to change after Labor Day things are more fall than summer. But the sun is still shining, the temperatures are still up, the water still warm and life is still good. So why not take a moment and really enjoy it and mix in a little extra with marijuana. Here are 5 weed friendly last of summer activities to make “pre-fall” extra fun.

Hit the trail for a hike or long walk

heres what you should do if you want to hike with marijuana — Photo by Colton Duke via Unsplash

A long walk or hike can let the mind wander and observe the wonders of nature. The THC will let you relax and get exercise. Pick an easy movement right, don’t litter and settle into let you mind explore nature. The serenity of the outdoors will seep into your brain and body.

Relax at the beach or lake

5 ways to add cannabis to outdoor summer fun — Photo by Chanikarn Thongsupa via rawpixel.com

While it is warm, it is great time to be on or near the water. There is something about water, the feel, the smell, the gentle movements that are enticing. Just watching the water while high can bring a certain serenity your brain. Kick back and enjoy a vape, gummy or beverage and make sure don’t over indulge while near or in the water.

Lose yourself in a film

Losing yourself in a film is a year round activity, but if you have been busy during the summer, now is the time to plop on the couch, have a bit of a hit and watch the summer blockbusters….and maybe more the watch – really feel them. And by enjoying them know, it frees up to prep for the fall and winter movies and streaming about to hit.

Emerse yourself in art

5 Summer Activities To Do While High — Photo by Igor Miske via Unsplash

Weed makes visual experiences better and emotional ones deeper, which is why watching a movie while high can feel much stronger than if you were to watch it sober. The same applies to a visit to a museum or an art gallery. While you might annoy your friend or whoever you’re with your deep musings, you will for sure be having a great time.

Enjoy a picnic feast

Picnics are great, but high picnics are the best. Plan for a day alone or with friends spent at the park of your choosing, sharing a joint and eating delicious finger food. The more you plan it, the better, giving you the chance to bring speakers, a better selection of food, and more.

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Biden

Presidential Elections Are All Over The Board For Marijuana

Published

2 days ago

September 5, 2024

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It is an odd, odd one – this year election is all over the board, especially for marijuana

This presidential election is turning out to be one for the history books. With Biden dropping out, a Kennedy becoming a major player, AI, and a nation on edge, it is becoming a year which is flustering the public. Few expect a clear outcome the night of the election and worries abound for the results. One key group worried is the cannabis industry, the presidential elections are all over the board for marijuana.

While state legalization is increasing and consumer use is significantly growing, federal restrictions along with chaos in New York and California caused the industry to crash in 2022 and it has struggled ever since. The Biden administration’s last minute push to follow through on the 2020 campaign to help the industry has become a dud. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has delayed any action until December, guaranteeing zero industry support for 2024. While all this is bad news, the candidates positions involve and change.

In the GOP camp, the presidential nominee has been indifferent toward marijuana. While he doesn’t drink, he seems to flow with popular opinion. He just posted support of recreational legalization in Florida (against his foe DeSantis) and seems to be positive toward the industry. But his team has made it clear cannabis is bad. The GOP Vice President candidate has not be a fan, voted against in the Senate and has been quiet on his stance. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is taking the place of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in trying to be a cannabis killer.

The GOP has an “extra man” in Robert Kennedy,Jr who has been positioned as a top tier leader. Kennedy is pro marijuana and recently attacked the Democratic Presidential candidate for her history against marijuana.

In the Democratic team, Biden was very slow in supporting the industry. Aside from pardons, which helped some individuals, it took 3 years for him to make a move. Thousands of small mom and pop businesses in the industry placed hope in him, but have had struggled to pay bills. A seasoned policy lawmaker, it seems Biden’s team played a reschedule date game to see if they can convince younger voters. When it wasn’t needed, the DEA left the cannabis industry to twist in the wind. Harris has changed from being anti-marijuana during her time in California to being seemingly open to increased legalization. She has brought it up in her campaign, but it isn’t a major policy plank.

The only clear record is the Democratic Vice Presidential Tim Walz. As Governor of Minnesota, he has been a clear champion of legal cannabis. He seems to understand the medical benefits, the economic value to states, how it supports mom and pop businesses, can help veterans and reduces crime. He seems to be the only real champion.

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