Cannabis News
The Cannabis Nuns of Mexico
Symbols hold power – to bring tribes together, spark movements or flip scripts. The cannabis leaf shows this; beyond botany, it instantly signals counterculture affiliations and values. Despite growing mainstream, it retains outlaw edge, coding freedom beyond current laws.
The leaf remains subversive even sold at malls or hung in bedrooms. Just a glimpse, and we intuit entire off-grid lifestyles – we know who’s down to clown. That’s symbolic efficiency, volumes spoken through imagery. Marketers drool for branding clawing such instant clarity.
And this brings us to a news story that caught my eye about Cannabis Nuns in Mexico. This symbol sends a powerful message, mainly due to the matriarchal nature of Mexico’s religious system as well as their deep sense of conservatism – the paradoxical clash of ideas are bound to stir some internal structures of the mind, and maybe that’s what is needed to get Mexico on board with the new paradigm.
Who are the cannabis nuns of Mexico? Called Sisters of the Valley, this controversial sisterhood utilizes traditional nun persona and overt marijuana symbolism advocating medicinal/spiritual use in a nation still ravaged by Drug War violence and religiosity. But despite convent costumes, they claim no formal religious affiliation, instead styling themselves a lay women’s movement updating medieval medicinal herb traditions uprooted elsewhere by modern prohibition.
According to co-founder Sister Kate, the group formed in 2014 to empower uncloistered women as equals nurturing nature’s progressive potential. This liberation framework modernizes the Beguine tradition of scholarly, autonomous sisterhoods relying on charity sustaining their productivity durch goodwill donations alone. Thus Sisters of the Valley adopt cannabis—long used curatively across Americas before criminalization—as their unique sacramental mascot bridging ancient trust in botanicals with rational science confirming efficacy treating modern ailments. They pledge spreading sustainable “gospel of Ganja” against solely commercial motivations.
And the message resonates loudly through imagery in a highly religious country still resistant toward legalization. Supporters point continuing violence from cartel cannabis channels proving policy failures. And Mexico’s medical marijuana rollouts still severely limit patient access, forcing reliance on grey market herb sources like the Sisters’, not yet corporate dispensaries. They argue safe access availability depends not on restrictions but better regulations linked to public education on balancing rights with risks. Thus the eye-catching nun symbolism spotlights core philosophical contentions on health freedom.
Currently operating quietly in rural safehouses to avoid potential dangerous attention, the tiny order estimates assisting hundreds locally accessing medicine, uplifted spirits and guidance on self-directed wellbeing. Their remedy repertoire adapts with need, spanning cannabis oils, smokables, edibles etc custom prescribed by their resident homoeopath. And their defiant civil disobedience wins growing positive publicity, particularly among progressive women galvanized by images of independent, politically active herbalist sisters.
The contrast against machismo cartel culture proves stark, revealing alternative outcomes respecting plant potentials beyond imported militarism or misogyny onto communities. And the results compellingly model radical healing metaphors with nun pot puns catching global headlines. Mexico’s proximity to US legalization successes keep arguments urgent and momentum rising. The cannabis nuns ensure visibility until the tide turns federally.
To comprehend contexts surrounding calls to cease prohibitionist policies, we must highlight on-the-ground realities still terrorizing regions like Mexico, epicenters of drug war devastations. Because beyond the nun’s potent imagery coding nonviolent resistance lies overwhelming violence and corrosion targeting civilians in perpetuity. For these women, the stakes exceed symbolism alone.
Since 2006 when Mexico intensified narcotics enforcement at America’s behest, consequences proved predictably severe, unchecked and unending. With over 450,000 military and federal agents unleashed largely against cartels trafficking highly demanded drugs northward, conflicts ravaged land and people constituting mere background scenery to policy.
Over 340,000 lives perished amidst unspeakable cruelty through battles protecting illicit billion dollar sectors. Forever grafting atrocity onto communities, the institutional chaos fortified cartels more than dismantled them. For each kingpin captured through endless US anti-crime funding, dozens of splinter cells emerged fighting for territory in bloody succession. Impunity reigned.
With limited global coverage on the crisis, these statistics summarize broad scale disorder still victimizing citizens in prohibited environments. Yet we must also hold space recognizing individual stories and traumas behind the numbers. Each data point reflects unique living beings surviving amidst extremes of human extinction. This truth dignifies rather than detracts from arguments to change course.
Because until we address root causes of risky underground economics through wiser regulations, vulnerable groups shoulder fallout. And Americans remain complicit financing both sides through black market demand meeting cartel supply chains. These relationships persist not by natural order but laws. Engineering illegal revenue models without viable alternatives.
So the sisters serve the suffering by simply demonstrating better ways embracing plants as allies instead of escalating Vendettas against them. They revive Latin America’s pre-Columbian earth wisdom so callously shunned and suppressed elsewhere, reawakening cultural memory that peace comes through cooperation not coercion, harm reduction instead of harm creation. Where violence breeds chaos, love answers back through community care.
This is the example groups like cannabis nuns courageously model at their own peril in conflict zones transforming any pride in ideology into graveyards for the innocent. Their acts symbolize highest moral guidance by envisioning futures based on compassion for all people, not judgments dividing them into narrow militarized hierarchies. They lead hearts by returning first to humanity’s roots.
While the nun persona proved controversial, its selection reveals undertones of shifting paradigms between old religion and new earth-rooted spirituality facilitated by plant bonds. As legalization sentiment expands, cannabis provides a bridge marrying ancient indigenous wisdom, feminine intuitive approaches and empirical verification into holistic ethical emerging worldviews. The Sisters signify first fruits in functions formerly dividing camps.
And the visual juxtapositions shock by design: Like radical healers synthesizing best aspects from seeming opposites into emancipatory hybrids promising salvation more political and collective than merely personal. They shock to awaken, wearing spiritual symbolism familiar enough to give pause while utilizing the still-demonized cannabis as numinous ally toward restoration, not judgment. The contrasts jar loose inertia around change.
Their aims appear reclaiming conceptions of theological virtue from sterile institutions to orbit again around compassionate community caregiving. Like ascetic nuns as social workers not removed behind cloisters, engaging tears in the societal fabric hands-on through wisdom and outreach. Service nurturing full human dignity beyond saving just selves. This recasting reflects the groups paganophile leanings as herbalists empowering health inside the hidden chairity of secret gardens.
And they rightly note cannabis flower and psychoactive use interlinks through most ancient cultures with both healing and sacramental rites binding people, plants and supernatural in reciprocal relationships until modern prohibitions severed such covenants with nature. We banished beloved plant teachers, they argue, and sickness, separation and disenchantment followed suit. We abandoned the village global heart.
So groups like the Sisters necessitate commingling images and symbols from divergent erased histories alongside futurist scientific reliance for legitimation working collaboratively under holism. No single institution holds total truth any longer in post-modern pluralism and puzzle-piecing vying perspectives focused on activism, not debates. The goal proves values renaissance, the means interdisciplinary.
And the public response signals hunger for reframing forgiveness and aspirational virtue to align with clear visions for societal reconciliation and progress. Outreach beyond rareified codes and hierarchies. The people no longer separate humanitarianism from human rights or temperance from transcendence. We step gingerly into synthesis midwifing compassion. And the Sisters guide gently as wounded healers themselves transforming, transparent equally in struggles as joy. Their burgeoning movement maps the territory in real-time.
Mexico’s “Weed Nuns” movingly showcase social evolution converging estranged philosophies and healing divides where entrenched interests prefer discord more profitable. Beyond daring demonstrative imagery, their fusionism models reconciliation – incarnating a fetal cooperative future awaiting nourishment after prolonged unnecessary polarization of families, faiths and fellowships. Like green shoots cracking through cement, the movement breathes life where we let visions atrophy.
And the Sisters symbolize no end unto themselves, but invitation toward personal and cultural soul reclamation stewarding suppressed wisdom traditions forward responsibly. They hold space for outcasts, tending even demonized herbs’ gilded forgotten gifts nurturing community continuity against individualism’s anti-social siege. Few now escape disconnection’s damage insecurity and gripping hyper-order demand. The Sisters subtly beckon back from meaningless mazes to meaning’s source – people, not policies.
So may provocative groups like these multiply in 2024, as change makers guiding courageous cultural innovation beyond obstinate obsolete constraints invented by obsolete risk-averse minds. When all works of power corrupt – both states and cartels equally – the grassroots must unite empowering flowering insight and vision. And may their motley seeds birth reconciliation in hearts and halls cementing reason and responsibility, not control, as society’s cornerstones.
The truth persists that plants and fungi interface human/nature relationships beneficially more often than adversarially across history and geography, despite exceptions cherrypicked recently by sheltered bureaucrats to weaponize enforcement reinforcing their necessity. Yet our teachers await behind their gates regardless. And the Sisters signal their day dawning, on humble terms transparently rebuilding trust in structured service to each other; to all people and peaceful beings who disciple goodwill by outdoing harm. The rest will align in time as old noise dies for lack of signal. But first ears must retune to long muted harmony now resounding again sweetly to all who would hear.
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Cannabis News
Latest Trump Weed Rumor – Trump Will Federally Deschedule and Decriminalize Cannabis, but Not Legalize It
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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“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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