Cannabis News
The Big Pharma Double Standard
The Double Standards of Pharma:
As adults, it’s our responsibility to protect our youth and set them up for success. After all, they’re the ones who will inherit this planet after we’re gone. That’s why we typically discourage drug use for teens and kids – research shows the human brain continues developing well into our mid-20s. Messing with that vital growth could have lifelong implications.
So when I read a recent article honing in on how cannabis impacts still-developing adolescent minds, it definitely gave me pause. The research suggested that even occasional marijuana use may hamper key cognitive abilities in teens such as memory, verbal skills, and attention. If true, that’s alarming news for youth health and safety.
But the study also made me think – do we scrutinize common pharmaceuticals prescribed to children with the same level of scientific rigor? Stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin are handed out like candy these days to millions of kids with ADHD diagnoses. Just like cannabis, these are powerful substances that alter neurotransmitters and signaling in the brain.
From a chemical standpoint, prescription amphetamines aren’t all that different from cocaine or meth – they’re just carefully manufactured and dosed. Yet few blink an eye at their widespread pediatric use. You have to wonder, do these meds also shape and reshape malleable young minds? And if so, are the outcomes necessarily good?
I’m not suggesting medical conspiracy theories or anything so extreme. But I do think it’s fair to ask tough questions regarding societal assumptions about drug safety and medical necessity. If cannabis warrants extra investigation regarding youth neurological impacts, shouldn’t wildly popular stimulants prescribed to struggling children?
In this article, I’ll break down what science suggests so far about potential cognitive effects of common ADHD meds, including Ritalin, Adderall and their chemical cousins. I’m approaching this analysis cognizant of very real pediatric challenges but also aware of America’s tendency to over-medicate in lieu of alternative strategies. My goal isn’t condemnation but rather constructive dialogue. If we don’t carefully monitor pharmacological impacts on the most vulnerable developing minds, who will?
ADHD medications refer to stimulants and non-stimulants used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms. The most commonly prescribed ADHD meds in the U.S. are methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin or Concerta) and various amphetamine salts (branded as Adderall or Vyvanse).
These stimulants boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain – neurotransmitters involved in concentration, reward pathways, and impulse control. By chemically altering signaling, the medications can improve focus and temper hyperactive symptoms of ADHD.
Use of these medications has skyrocketed over the past two decades, especially among youth. One survey found almost 10% of kids aged 4-17 have received an ADHD diagnosis, a 42% increase since 2003. Prescription rates track accordingly.
Pharmacies filled over 43 million ADHD med prescriptions just for those under 18 years old in 2019. That translates to approximately 1 in every 7 American kids taking powerful brain stimulants before reaching adulthood.
For context, stimulant prescription rates are 3-4x higher in the U.S. compared to the U.K. and other Western peers. This pattern holds true across American demographics as well – white youth are 66% more likely to receive ADHD meds compared to Hispanic kids and over 2.5x more likely than black peers.
When we look past the clinical packaging and FDA blessings, ADHD stimulants have a lot in common with illicit methamphetamine. Stick with me here.
Chemically speaking, substances like Adderall, Ritalin and meth belong to the amphetamine class of stimulants. They differ by only a molecule or two. For example, meth has an extra methyl group compared to amphetamine itself. Not a huge difference when it comes to brain effects though.
Both prescription and crystal meth surge dopamine and norepinephrine signaling through similar pathways involved in mood, cognition and movement. In therapeutic contexts, these neurotransmitter spikes can improve focus and concentration. Outside medical oversight, they create a stimulating high with risks of abuse and long-term changes.
Make no mistake – used properly under close supervision, ADHD meds offer real benefits to struggling kids. But we tend to downplay uncomfortable similarities to illicit stimulants, perhaps to avoid stigma. Still, from a neurochemistry perspective, prescription amphetamines aren’t so different from cocaine or meth after all.
If abuse of addictive drugs like meth rewires young developing brains for the worse, wouldn’t smaller doses of medical meth do the same? What if stimulant-fueled concentration comes at the cost of mental health later in life? Are we over-medicating childhood uniqueness out of millions of one-day adults?
These are uncomfortable but necessary questions as ADHD diagnosis and stimulant prescription rates soar. Applying the same level of scientific scrutiny given cannabis seems only prudent and ethical. Because once pediatric neurobiological doorways close, there may not be going back.
When looking at widespread issues like ADHD, obesity or mental health, our societal reflex is often to medicate first and ask questions later. There’s a pill for every ill. But for the sake of future generations, I believe we need to rethink this knee-jerk approach.
Don’t get me wrong – pharmaceuticals have a vital role for treating acute issues or severe chronic conditions when strictly needed. But soaring rates of pervasive health problems in kids suggest our paradigm is failing. We lean on meds as crutches rather than putting in the harder work of prevention.
What if instead of expecting children to conform to increasingly rigid standards, we adapted systems to nurture their innate diversity? Personalized education to suit different learning styles. Recess over standardized tests. Activity-promoting communities not designed solely for cars. Healthy school meals and nutrition education. Media limits and less stimulus overload.
The list goes on and on.
Similarly, so much chronic disease in adulthood is traceable to behaviors and exposures during youth – diet, inactivity, sleep disruption, stress, environmental toxins. Shielding developing minds and bodies from harm today pays exponential dividends later.
But prevention takes more upfront work and societal commitment. Pills provide quick relief of symptoms, not addressing root causes. Before millions more kids are declared abnormal and doused with stimulants, let’s dig deeper into lifestyle approaches. The most ethical medicine strives to first do no harm. With children’s wellbeing at stake, nothing less should suffice.
At the end of the day, my beef isn’t necessarily with cannabis or prescription pills themselves. As an avid psychonaut, I believe consciousness-altering substances, even risky ones, can provide occasional windows to our deeper selves when used consciously.
But therein lies the catch – responsible, intentional use is everything. Far too often in modern society, powerful substances become crutches rather than tools. We relinquish personal power to pharmaceutical companies all too happy to medicate away deeper issues.
Turning to daily chemical assistance to force children into societal molds, boost grades or secure college spots reflects a sickness – one deeper than any tally of ADHD symptoms. As does a medical paradigm eager to dole out synergistic meth amphetamines yet crucify sacred plant medicines.
Until the day we rethink systems and structures preventing kids from thriving as their whole, authentic selves, I’ll continue calling out over-reliance on pervasive pill-popping. Start with roots, not symptoms.
And to those quick to condemn youth cannabis based on questionable cognition studies, I implore: apply the same scrutiny to so-called “medication” prescribed to the most vulnerable developing minds. Adderall and Ritalin shape malleable neurocircuitry as assuredly as any joint.
At some point, we must transcend chemical quick-fixes and harness lifestyle, community, policy and cultural changes that foster holistic health. Our children’s future certainly depends on it. And who knows, maybe the adults running this circus could use an extended tolerance break as well.
ADHD, CANNABIS AND BIG PHARMA, 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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