Cannabis News
The People Have Smoken! – New Gallup Poll Shows Most Americans Feel the War on Drugs Is a Failure
Published
11 months agoon
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The People have Smoken – The Drug War is a Lost Cause!
When Richard Nixon officially launched the “War on Drugs” in 1971, the policy enjoyed broad public support. Fears of crime, addiction and social disorder in the tumultuous 60s and 70s made Nixon’s “tough on crime” stance resonate.
In the 1980s and 90s, the drug war’s aggressive policing, harsh mandatory minimum sentences, and “Just Say No” abstinence messaging hit fever pitch. DARE programs proliferated in schools, demonizing drugs as public enemy number one.
Few mainstream voices challenged the harsh prohibitionist consensus in those decades. But quietly, evidence mounted showing the immense collateral damage of militarized enforcement, mass incarceration, and unregulated underground drug markets.
By the early 2000s, cracks formed in the drug war’s armor. States began legalizing medical marijuana in defiance of federal prohibition. Psychedelic research resumed after decades of censorship. Harm reduction gained recognition internationally.
A tipping point came when the Obama administration took a hands-off approach to state cannabis reform. By the 2010s, the cultural zeitgeist finally abandoned the hysterical anti-drug frenzy of the 80s and 90s.
Today, this momentum accelerates rapidly. A recent Gallup poll reveals a dramatic 22-point increase since 2019 in Americans saying the country has “lost ground” against illegal drugs. Even Republicans are losing faith in the tired strategies.
When the bedrock law-and-order party acknowledges prohibition’s failure, the paradigm shift is real. The people have spoken through 50 years of hard-learned experience. Criminalization does not temper human nature – it only amplifies risks and suffering.
Parsing the Public’s Growing Disillusionment
Gallup’s latest polling reveals a dramatic downturn in public confidence that the War on Drugs is achieving its stated aims.
Compared to just four years ago, belief that America is “losing ground” against illegal drugs has jumped 22 percentage points to a majority 52%. Meanwhile, the share feeling progress is being made plunged from 41% to 24% – a minority for the first time.
This signals a macro shift from the decades when Nixon’s crackdown enjoyed widespread support. In the emotional aftermath of 60s upheaval, the drug war’s simplistic moralizing won hearts. Troubling means were justified by promised ends.
But the passing decades yielded little beyond bloated prisons, decimated communities, and ever more dangerous, plentiful drugs. As evidence mounted of prohibition’s failure, attitudes began changing.
Cannabis legalization’s advance exposed cracks in absolutist anti-drug rhetoric. Psychedelic research revealed therapeutic potential beneath the hysteria. Harm reduction became the humane alternative to hopeless abstinence-only policies.
Gradually the monolithic drug war consensus eroded. Today it collapses entirely under the weight of its endless unfulfilled promises and glaring hypocrisies. Americans see through the charade.
The opioid crisis likely catalyzed this tipping point by showcasing prohibition’s deadly ironies. As the War on Drugs escalated, pharmaceutical corporations hooked millions on painkillers. When the prescriptions ended, many turned to the thriving black market to meet their addictions.
The resulting mass fentanyl poisoning tears at the heart of drug war logic. More enforcement evidently worsens outcomes. Criminalization offers no solutions to addiction and despair.
This painful awakening explains the public’s growing discontent captured by Gallup. When even law-and-order conservatives acknowledge losing ground, the paradigm has irreversibly shifted.
Because ultimately, prohibition’s costs outweigh any perceived benefits. Trillions spent militarizing police, incarcerating generations, and empowering cartels could have better served education, healthcare, and economic opportunity in marginalized communities.
Prohibition tries controlling humanity’s uncontrollable shadow, always missing the darkness within itself. But the light dawning in hearts intuitively recognizes policies should help people, not demonize and punish them.
That 75% of Americans view the national drug problem as serious compared to just 35% locally shows perceptions are shaped more by media narratives than reality. The propaganda rings hollower every year.
Why This Poll Means Little for Actual Reform
While on the surface Gallup’s findings seem an exciting milestone, placing too much stock in public opinion overlooks how policy actually gets shaped in America. The people’s will has little sway over entrenched special interests driving prohibition for profit.
For decades, polls have consistently shown majorities supporting cannabis legalization, even among Republicans today. Yet federal law remains untouched, with minor piecemeal changes only at the impassioned behest of industries wishing to profit from the emerging market.
The interests of voters barely register compared to the coordinated lobbying of those who fund campaigns and control the revolving door between regulators and the regulated. The game is rigged to selectively serve concentrated wealth over dispersed general welfare.
So even 75% viewing drugs as a serious national issue means little when pharma giants reaping billions from the status quo direct strategy behind the scenes. The public may grow wise, but power never concedes anything without pressure.
In truth, we are less citizens with representation than consumers with spending potential to be mined by corporations. Our “vote” exists only in dollars spent, not integrity or wellbeing nurtured. We are the flock, government agencies our obedient sheepdogs answering to the owners.
While this seems cynical, civics education paints a fantasy. Congress defies majority public support on issue after issue with no recourse. The model is orderly plutocracy, not responsive democracy – no matter the propaganda fed in classrooms.
So until seismic financial interests get disrupted enough to flip sides and back reform, or public outrage threatens major disruption, expect little change in policy regardless of polling. Talk is cheap, and politicians expend only necessary action for self-preservation, not service.
Even the GOP’s movement on the issue stems more from reading the writing on the wall around cannabis than genuinely responding to social justice- even though you have my opinions on “social justice”. Most still oppose legalization of other drugs absent profit potential. Only a true public health framework stands a chance.
In sum, this poll makes for inspiring headlines but lackluster policy indicators. Power squelches public will until the status quo grows so unstable that change offers more advantage than hindrance. We’ve a ways to go before that tipping point against prohibition despite the optics.
This is the cynical nature of maintaining mass exploitation that serves entrenched hierarchies. Positive polling simply gets spun for PR cover as the machine churns on. Real change takes protest and economic threat – not faith in corrupt institutions.
How to do your part!
While lobbying and legislation may ignore public opinion, individuals still possess power through how they spend money and choose to comply with unjust laws. Small acts of protest summed can disrupt even the most entrenched system.
The simplest impact comes by boycotting companies upholding prohibition. Seek out anti-reform PAC recipients and major donors to prohibitionist lobbying groups, then avoid patronizing those corporations.
Even if one customer means nothing, multiplying non-compliance saps revenue streams supporting the drug war machine. And companies fear anything dampening shareholder profits and souring their image. Unite with like-minded friends to expand the boycott’s reach.
Divesting from banks tied to predatory private prisons could also pressure the incarceration business model. Transfer your assets to regional credit unions and small local banks not profiting off human suffering.
Additionally, don’t support media outlets and journalists actively demonizing reform efforts and spreading reefer madness propaganda. Cancel subscriptions and block their advertisers. Fight misinformation by choking off its funding.
While no single boycott drops Amazon, each empowers citizens to withhold complicity and pool economic leverage for justice. Help broader society wake up by discussing your reasons for abstaining. Consumer education and peer pressure add up.
Another avenue is progressive civil disobedience against draconian prohibition laws. As precedents like Gandhi and King show, unjust rules lose legitimacy when facing nonviolent mass resistance.
Start by asserting cognitive liberty with entheogens that don’t harm others but open minds. Or support harm reduction tactics like testing illicit drugs for safety. Putting community wellbeing over bad policy erodes the veneer of authority.
While risks exist, compare them to the immense harm enabled by silent complicity to oppression. Help negate unjust laws by refusing to abide them, especially around victimless choices. What moral duty overrides that?
Of course, use wisdom weighing potential consequences like arrest. But mass non-compliance eventually forces oppressive systems to make concessions when puffed-up authority gets exposed as largely imaginary. Staying on the right side of history matters most.
The sticky truth remains – prohibition cannot end without public demand overwhelming its financial beneficiaries. But such pressure starts with millions of tiny acts of courageous disobedience. The revolution lives first in our hearts before exploding into policy.
So vote for reform with dollars, actions, and voice. Support grassroots alternatives building a compassionate society from the roots. The war has already lost moral legitimacy – now it loses revenue and compliance. All we need persist and grow.
THE WAR ON DRUGS IS OVER, THAT IS GOOD, READ ON…
ENDING THE WAR ON DRUGS COULD ADD $100 BILLION TO US ECONOMY
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Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em
Published
19 hours 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.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Cannabis News
Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage
Published
2 days agoon
November 12, 2024By
admin
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.
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