Cannabis News
The Psychonauts’ Guide to Bad Trips
Psychonaut Guide to Bad Trips & Advice to the Permatripper
The realm of psychedelics is a fascinating and profound rabbit hole that has captivated countless individuals throughout human history. These mind-altering substances have the incredible ability to shatter our conventional ways of perceiving reality, propelling us into uncharted territories of consciousness exploration.
For many psychonauts, psychedelic journeys can be deeply transformative experiences, offering profound insights, emotional healing, and even spiritual awakenings. The veil of everyday perception is lifted, unveiling the sublime beauty and interconnectedness of all things. These transcendent states can instill a renewed sense of wonder, gratitude, and appreciation for the preciousness of life itself.
However, it’s crucial to approach this domain with the utmost respect and caution. Psychedelics are powerful tools that should not be trifled with. While they can catalyze immense personal growth, they also carry the potential for harm, especially when misused or taken in unsafe settings.
The cautionary tale that inspired this article comes from a fellow traveler who shared their unsettling experience on Reddit after accidentally ingesting what was likely an NBOMe compound, a dangerous synthetic psychedelic. Their harrowing journey was marred by physical discomfort, terrifying visuals, and lasting perceptual disturbances, serving as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with these powerful substances.
It is stories like these that underscore the importance of harm reduction, education, and responsible use within the psychedelic community. We must approach these sacred medicines with reverence, preparation, and a commitment to safety, lest we fall victim to their darker potentials.
In this article, we aim to impart wisdom and guidance to fellow psychonauts, drawing from both personal experiences and the collective knowledge of the psychedelic community. Our goal is to empower individuals with the tools and understanding necessary to navigate these realms safely and responsibly, minimizing potential harm while maximizing the profound benefits these substances can offer.
It’s crucial to understand that we’re dealing with a vast array of compounds, both natural and synthetic. The psychonaut who shared their harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within this realm.
The legendary chemist Sasha Shulgin, often referred to as the “Godfather of Psychedelics,” dedicated his life to exploring the fascinating world of psychoactive compounds. Through his groundbreaking work detailed in books like “PiHKAL” and “TiHKAL,” Shulgin synthesized and bioassayed thousands of different substances, many of which exhibited psychedelic properties.
While Shulgin’s contributions have expanded our understanding of these compounds, they also highlight a sobering reality: there are potentially thousands of synthetic psychedelics out there, many of which are legal and can be produced in clandestine laboratories. These substances may resemble classic psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin in their chemical structure, but their effects and potential consequences remain largely unknown.
The classic psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, have undergone extensive human testing and research, albeit often in less-than-ideal conditions due to their legal status. However, with these synthetics, we lack crucial data on their safety, dosage, and potential long-term effects. Ingesting these compounds without proper knowledge and precautions can lead to disastrous consequences, as our Reddit friend painfully discovered.
The age-old adage, “If it’s bitter, it’s a spitter,” is a good rule of thumb when it comes to identifying potential impostors, as LSD is generally tasteless. However, relying solely on taste can be a risky gamble, and we should strive for more reliable methods of substance identification.
One relatively simple and inexpensive way to test for the presence of LSD is to use Ehrlich’s reagent, a chemical solution that changes color in the presence of certain indole compounds, including LSD. By applying a small amount of the reagent to a sample of the suspected substance, a purple color will indicate the presence of LSD, providing a much higher degree of certainty than relying on taste alone.
Moreover, it’s crucial to establish a trusted and reliable source for obtaining your desired psychedelic compounds. Building relationships with reputable individuals within the psychedelic community and cross-checking their credibility can go a long way in ensuring you’re getting what you expect. Additionally, exercising caution and performing thorough research before ingesting any new substance is an absolute must.
Drug prohibition has undoubtedly made it more difficult to access accurate information and reliable testing methods, but it’s our collective responsibility as psychonauts to prioritize harm reduction and safety. By empowering ourselves with knowledge, fostering community support, and advocating for sensible drug policies, we can navigate the psychedelic realms with greater confidence and mitigate the risks associated with these powerful substances.
Even with the utmost preparation and precautions, psychedelic journeys can sometimes veer off course, leading to unsettling or overwhelming experiences. In such moments, it’s crucial to remain grounded and avoid succumbing to panic, no matter how tempting it may be when faced with hallucinatory demons mocking your every move.
The first step in regaining control is to stop, take a deep breath, and focus on the simple act of breathing. As your mind races at a thousand miles per minute, consciously following the flow of air entering and exiting your body can serve as an anchor, grounding you in the present moment. Relax your body, accept the situation you find yourself in, and let go of any resistance.
One of the biggest catalysts for exacerbating the intensity of a challenging trip is fear and panic. The more you fight against the experience, the more it will fight back. Instead, embracing a mindset of acceptance and surrender can be the key to weathering the storm. Accept that you’re in an altered state, acknowledge that you’re not feeling your best, and simply be present with whatever arises, without judgment or resistance.
It’s often helpful to find a quiet, comfortable space where you can ride out the experience without external distractions or stimuli. Enlist the support of a trusted friend or trip-sitter who can periodically check in on you while giving you the space you need to navigate the inner realms.
Remind yourself of the mantra, “What goes up must come down.” While the intensity of a psychedelic experience can feel eternal in the moment, it’s important to remember that it is a temporary state. The effects will eventually subside, typically within 12 to 16 hours, depending on the dose and substance consumed. In some cases, the journey may extend even longer, but with patience and acceptance, the turbulence will eventually give way to calmer waters.
I once found myself in an extraordinarily prolonged state after consuming a substantial amount of peyote, tripping for an entire month. While challenging, this experience taught me the importance of surrendering to the experience, acknowledging that my body and nervous system were in a heightened state of alert. By embracing a mindset of acceptance and focusing on self-care practices like deep breathing and relaxation, I was able to shift back into a parasympathetic mode and eventually return to baseline.
Relaxing amidst the chaos of a psychedelic experience is no easy feat, but it can be the key to transforming a nightmare into a more manageable, even insightful, journey. By letting go of resistance, grounding yourself in the present moment, and trusting in the temporary nature of the experience, you can navigate even the roughest of trips with greater ease and grace.
While the novelty and excitement of a psychedelic experience can be alluring, it’s crucial to recognize that the true value of these substances extends far beyond mere recreational “tripping.” A psychedelic journey has the potential to catalyze profound internal transformation, facilitate the processing of past traumas, and offer a profound sense of connection to the universe and the very fabric of consciousness itself.
However, millions of individuals approach these substances with the sole intention of “tripping out,” treating them as little more than a means to an entertaining high. This mindset inherently disrespects the sacred nature of the psychedelic experience and increases the risk of encountering its darker aspects.
Throughout history, shamans and visionaries have been the true stewards of psychedelic wisdom, navigating the turbulent waters of these realms with reverence and purpose. They understood that these experiences were not mere “trips” but profound journeys, undertaken with the utmost respect and intention.
One of the quickest paths to encountering the more challenging aspects of psychedelics is to approach them casually, dismissing their power and treating them as a source of mere pleasure or entertainment. This disregard for their transformative potential can lead to harrowing experiences, as I discovered firsthand during a month-long peyote journey. Afterward, a shaman imparted the wisdom that the “Spirit of Peyote” had prolonged my trip as a lesson in respecting these sacred medicines.
Since then, I have adopted a stance of humility and reverence, patiently waiting for the invitation of the plant allies before embarking on a psychedelic experience. I cross-check that all factors align – set, setting, timing, and intention – before proceeding. When the conditions are right, I approach the experience with the understanding that I am undertaking a transformational journey, one that demands my utmost respect and dedication.
The true power of psychedelics lies not in the fleeting thrill of the “trip” itself but in the ability to integrate the lessons and insights gained into our waking lives. By approaching these experiences with humility and intention, we can uncover profound treasures within the realms of psychedelia and bring them back to this plane of existence in a functional and applicable manner.
Chasing the trip for its own sake is akin to playing Russian roulette with a bad experience. Sooner or later, the ego will be humbled, and a profoundly challenging journey may ensue. However, even in the face of such adversity, if we maintain an open and humble mindset, these experiences can catalyze significant positive change and personal growth.
Psychedelics are not mere recreational toys but powerful tools for self-exploration and transformation. By honoring their sacred nature, approaching them with reverence and intention, and committing to the integration of their lessons, we can unlock their full potential for personal growth and spiritual awakening.
The harrowing experience shared by our fellow psychonaut serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsibility, respect, and caution when venturing into the realms of psychedelia. Through the three lessons outlined in this article – knowing your substances, remaining grounded during challenging experiences, and approaching these journeys with reverence and intention – we aim to empower others to navigate these powerful territories safely and purposefully.
To the courageous individual who inspired this piece, we wish you a speedy recovery and integration of the lessons learned from your ordeal. Your willingness to share your story, no matter how difficult, has the potential to prevent others from falling into similar situations and to inspire a deeper appreciation for the sanctity of psychedelic experiences.
While your journey was undoubtedly challenging, may it ultimately serve as a catalyst for personal growth, wisdom, and a renewed commitment to treading these paths with the utmost care and respect. Your experience has not been in vain, for it has sparked a ripple of awareness that may guide countless others towards more mindful and transformative explorations of consciousness.
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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.
TRUMP 2.0 ON CANNABIS REFORM, READ ON…
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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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