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The Top 10 Cannabis Stories of 2023

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Reginald Reefer’s Top 10 of 2023 – Cannabis Yearly Round up!

 

As we’re coming to the end of 2023, I think it’s “high time” to create my yearly summary of most important/interesting/viewed cannabis related stories of 2023.

 

Earlier this year I walked us through the modern history of cannabis, and when I reached this year, I said, “There’s just so much shit that happened this year that I’d write an article about it dedicated to the whole year…”

 

Well, this is that article.

 

So here goes Reginald Reefer’s Top 10 of 2023!

 

P.S – This is in no particular order. That shit is hard to quantify.

 

STORY 1: Federal Court Rules Gun ban for cannabis users unconstitutional

 

Kicking off our top ten, we have a big win for civil liberties and cannabis rights. A federal appeals court ruled the federal ban prohibiting cannabis consumers from owning firearms unconstitutional. Judges rejected the Justice Department’s arguments attempting to justify disarming marijuana users as an historical precedent.

 

The ruling states nothing in 18th or 19th century laws specifically restricted gun ownership for those using intoxicating substances. While laws regulated firearms and intoxicants separately, no legislation singled out substance users for firearm bans.

 

The court even cited the Founding Fathers’ familiarity growing hemp for practical uses, noting they remained unaware of modern cannabis consumption methods. But this nuance only highlights the absurdity of restricting civil rights around a agricultural product humans cultivated beneficially across centuries.

 

Especially considering alcohol’s notoriety fueling violence, the opinion states past laws never disarmed regular drinkers later while sober. So even present problematic behaviors like drunk driving remain circumstantial, not blanket justifications for rescinding basic constitutional rights.

 

The ruling does allow prohibiting intoxicated individuals from immediately possessing guns given temporary impairment concerns. But overall it affirms no sufficient legal grounds exist constricting ownership rights of sober citizens based on extracurricular substance use alone.

 

This precedent promises immense impact litigation-wise by finally uprooting a stubborn pillar of the drug war threatening owners. It signals the welcome erosion of the thin justifications underpinning prohibition policies from increasingly untenable positions.

 

While citizens celebrate expanding liberties on one social frontier, global digital frontiers also shift…

 

Story 2: Twitter (X) becomes first social media platform to allow cannabis businesses to advertise

 

While expanding rights on one social frontier, the next story profiles a pioneer crossing new digital frontiers – Elon Musk. His Twitter platform made history as the first major social media outlet officially allowing state-legal cannabis companies to advertise.

 

Contrast this to more puritanical sites still banning cannabis ads despite changing public attitudes. Musk’s maverick move aligns with his disruption of stagnant industries, applying libertarian principles of open commerce and free speech to emerging sectors.

 

By welcoming this growing cannabis industry onto global communications conduits, Musk catalyzes incredible opportunities while highlighting the silliness of lingering stigma in 2023. We know advertisers will be chomping at the bit to utilize these new channels and that competitors will eventually follow suit.

 

Once all social platforms inevitability open doors after Twitter’s lead, prepare for an interstellar level marketing war blitzing through screens daily. The cannabis sector just gained prime territory for brand visibility and unprecedented direct customer access almost overnight thanks to unorthodox innovation.

 

This unpredictable industry liberation perfectly encapsulates Musk himself – a visionary guided by first principles quickly executing what others dismiss as impractical or extreme. His instincts for undervalued ventures produce immense shifts.

 

And despite some polarizing aspects, Musk consistently foregrounds individual liberty in business and culture above restrictive gatekeeping. This maverick ethos explains the characteristic boldness in welcoming a controversial sector scorned by self-important arbiters of propriety. But the profits will speak volumes.

 

By empowering enterprise freedom and consumer choice simultaneously with this watershed cannabis move, Musk’s Twitter embodies the frontier spirit crossing boundaries to unlock progress. The ripples from this unprecedented social media brand integration will likely transform economies and attitudes alike.

 

Speaking of the tragic toll when boundaries overstep in limiting freedoms, our next item also made international headlines.

 

Story 3: Britney Griner released from Russian Prison for cannabis

 

Speaking of the unjust toll when laws overstep reasonable boundaries, our next story profiles the harrowing ordeal of basketball icon Brittney Griner. Russian authorities arrested then convicted her of possessing less than 1 gram of cannabis oil through draconian measures. Despite the recent US state-level reforms, Griner’s case illustrated the drastic global legal discrepancies still surrounding the plant that can disrupt lives.

 

Initially sentenced to nine grueling years in prison, Griner endured nearly a year of harsh penal captivity before returning home through a prisoner exchange deal. But no personal possession amount deserves such disproportionate state coercion disrupting careers and liberty by any ethical standard.

 

Griner’s high-profile incident encapsulates the ultimate irrationality underpinning any carceral model around consensual adult cannabis use or possession. No practical or moral logic supports incarcerating non-violent individuals for utilizing traditionally safe botanical remedies.

 

Yet obsolete cultural myths around certain psychoactive flora pervade globally through colonialist residues, sustaining inhumane policies. So while celebrating Griner’s overdue release, the hypocrisy still rings loudly considering America imprisons thousands for equally minor cannabinoid offenses. Vindictive systems profit from this theater measuring “justice”.

 

The case highlighted truth that until fully embracing enlightened harm reduction regulations, needless suffering persists around ingesting elements of common plants. No healing herbs justify stripping security and community from individuals.

 

While applauding Griner’s inspirational grace under fire, this injustice spotlights why more citizens reassess the war on human nature pharmaceutically waged upon us without consent. For no happiness should hinge on permission slips for flowers or fungi. Our next story explores this prohibition’s erosion as public opinion cultivates conscientious policy soil.

 

A new poll reveals most Americans agree the drug war constitutes failed governance requiring urgent overhaul. When even Republicans concur after 50 years of immeasurable costs, the people signal to cease allowing state violence disguising moralism. The tides turn.

 

Story 4: Massive Study of over 63 million people found cannabis legalization does not lead to increased psychosis diagnoses

 

A massive new study rebuts a common legalization objection – that increasing cannabis access theoretically promotes psychotic disorders in the population. Prohibitionists often argue this mental health speculation justifies restricting adult access. But groundbreaking data now challenges this narrative.

 

Recently researchers evaluated a pool of 63 million Medicare recipients over 14 years contrasting psychosis rates and state policy shifts around legalized medical and recreational cannabis. This enormous sample size produced perhaps the most definitive insights to date into this lingering public health concern.

 

If prohibitionist rhetoric held weight, liberalizing laws expanding cannabis commerce should reveal spikes in related clinical psychosis diagnoses as usage patterns hypothetically shift. But intriguingly, no statistically significant uptick emerged at all across the regions or demographics.

 

In fact psychotic disorders rates flatlined through the advent of major liberalization reforms. This real-world correlation disputes dire warnings about the dangerous mental health influence of store-bought cannabis. Although paradoxically, no parallel concern exists limiting alcohol linked frequently to psychosis despite its less promising research profile.

 

While not implying outright cannabis-psychosis causality, the political exploitation of this exaggerated uncertainty to deny adult access faces deep scrutiny now. These latest findings align with prior studies finding no concerning population impact from regulated expansion.

 

If anything, the robust data suggests improved product quality control and clinical oversight through legal channels optimizes harm reduction over uncontrolled criminalization. And the sheer statistical scope reinforces confidence – over 60 million patient records spanning a decade and half across all states represents authoritative perspective.

 

This revelations promise profound influence informing future drug policy discussions by deflating a once presumed Achilles’ heel argument against reform. While research continues shedding light, old boogeymen lose teeth rapidly on the march towards national normalization.

 

Story 5: CDC Study finds cannabis legalization leading to lower teen use

 

Shifting focus to America’s youth, a promising new CDC study discovered no increase and even declines in teen cannabis use correlated to adult-use legalization reforms. This counterintuitive finding contradicts longtime warnings from prohibitionists insisting state retail expansion would exacerrate youth consumption and addiction rates.

 

Analyzing extensive federal survey data spanning years before early legalization experiments up through recent times, the trends grew increasingly clear – young cannabis usage has dropped steadily across the board from peak levels in 2009-2013 as more jurisdictions embrace regulated adult-use models.

 

In fact teen usage rates accelerated their ongoing dip post-2013 when Colorado and Washington first pioneered the state-level adult-use paradigm. This real-world result powerfully refutes rhetoric insisting legal storefronts and advertising would normalize pot smoking among kids.

 

Across every metric – monthly use, yearly use, lifetime use – the CDC found teenage relationship with cannabis not only failed to intensify but solidified substantial downward shifts in the prohibitionist claimed legalization fallout. This remained consistent even accounting for anomalous pandemic years disrupting substance access through isolation policies.

 

The credible data aligns with early results from initial legalization pioneer states showing youth use declining despite access expanding for adults. Colorado youth currently use cannabis at lower rates than national averages.

 

While further study must continue contextualizing multiple influencing societal variables, this CDC analysis importantly demonstrates real-world legalization implementation curtailing underage consumption rather than stoking it.

 

These insights carry immense weight informing states still fearfully abstaining from reform. As scientifically unfounded worries around promoting youth use dissolve under factual scrutiny, the rationale for delaying aligned public policy weakens further. And communities witness how social openness allows better oversight than blanket demonization.

 

Story 6: Singapore Executes Man for 2 Pounds of Pot

While legal access progresses domestically, our next disheartening story examines the tragic cost of outdated international prohibition. Despite waves of reform recently washing over even Asian regions, Singapore maintains draconian anti-drug laws including executing citizens caught possessing now mundane amounts of innocuous botanicals like cannabis.

 

This regressive regime recently took the life of an allegedly non-violent 46-year old Singaporean man convicted of possessing just two pounds of cannabis he planned to distribute. Despite no demonstrated harm or history of prior offenses, he received the death penalty simply for the plant matter contraband charge.

 

Human rights groups universally decried the disproportionate sentence for a two pound cannabis case. But Singapore officials dismissed criticism of its lethal “zero tolerance” anti-drug stance. The nation stubbornly clings to War on Drugs militant tactics including forced rehabilitation camps and routine execution seemingly impervious to data showing counterproductivity.

 

The incident sharply contrasts liberalizing attitudes in nearby countries also easing enforcement. While Thailand approved decriminalization last year, Malaysia recently abolished mandatory death penalties for drug charges as global opinion shifts. This makes the continued programmed barbarity by Singapore appear increasingly archaic and backwards by any ethical measure.

 

By executing a man for two pounds of healing flower pods, the ostensibly modern regime reveals ideological vestiges of colonialism viewing agriculture with spiritual ritual usage as an existential threat warranting ultimate suppression. But such denial of cognitive sovereignty through violence universally backfires by breeding resentment and more dangerous clandestine markets.

 

One can only hope Singapore soon recognizes the self-sabotage of clinging to disproven militant models against naturally desired plants. But this tragic loss spotlighting unchecked power seeking total coercion cannot be unlived. Perhaps his senseless death nourishes the soil where enlightened drug policy may finally bloom one day in his homeland. For now – darkness.

 

Our next story eulogizes a differently impactful figure lost recently – the Israeli “Father of THC” Raphael Mechoulam…

 

Story 7: Death of a Cannabis legend – Dr. Ralph Mechoulam

 

Shifting from tragedy to tribute, our next item honors the recent passing of Raphael Mechoulam – the pioneering Israeli organic chemist who revolutionized cannabis science through isolating THC and CBD. His research radically transformed global understanding of the plant’s composition and pharmacological mechanisms. All contemporary cannabis medicine owes a debt to his lifetime dedication.

 

Born 1930 in Bulgaria, Mechoulam immigrated to Israel in 1949 beginning what would become a storied seven decade journey plumbing cannabis’ secrets through exacting lab work. After securing research cannabis from the national police agency in the 1960s, his team successfully identified the previously unknown molecular structure of THC alongside later characterizing CBD.

 

This profound chemical elucidation single-handedly established the initial pharmacological architecture underlying the cannabis experience. His discoveriespopularized recognizing various cannabinoids and their distinct effects. Every nuggets’s precise psychoactive and medicinal potency today gets credited to Mechoulam’s lifetime cannabis illumination.

 

Honoring his scientific contributions, Mechoulam received prestigious international accolades including an honorary doctorate from Complutense University in Madrid. The American Chemical Society named the organic cannabinoid pharmacophore after him.

 

Beyond isolated compounds, Mechoulam helped demonstrate the human body’s innate endocannabinoid system regulating metabolism through sites THC and CBD interact with. This further revolutionized understanding cannabis’ affinity supporting wellness. He authored over 400 published papers cementing his status as the undisputed patriarch of contemporary cannabis academics.

 

While passing at 92 years old, Mechoulam’s sense of exploration and dedication never waned even into his final years directing an Israeli national cannabinoid research center. His lifetime teachings and mentorship investment ensures successors carry forth trailblazing in this young field. That immortal impact remains Mechoulam’s lasting gift to science – legitimizing and codifying the once taboo frontier of cannabis medicine. Generations further owe their alleviated suffering from this humble giant of organic chemistry done right.

 

Story 9: Study found that most Parkinson’s Symptoms alleviated with Cannabis use

 

Shifting focus to uplifting medical advances, our next item profiles cannabis gaining recognition addressing Parkinson’s – a debilitating degenerative nervous system disease confounding solutions for sufferers. But fresh clinical data reveals cannabis components effectively treating common disease symptoms where other treatments fail.

 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study examining 69 Parkinson’s patients already utilizing state-legal medical cannabis to manage disease burdens. Investigating numerous metrics like symptoms changes, medication changes, side effects and more, a resounding majority – 87% – reported overall improvement from MC addition controlling issues like chronic pain, tremors, and insomnia.

 

Equally promising, over half the Parkinson’s users also lowered or discontinued conventional medications under medical guidance after adding cannabis – suggesting its comparative efficacy and safety. This aligns with substituted prescription declines in older populations using cannabis for issues like chronic pain management and insomnia.

 

The accumulating indications powerfully support legal access allowing clinicians responsibly incorporating cannabis alongside traditional modalities as appropriate for given individuals. While more controlled trials are still needed, real-world findings confirm people discover extensive benefit from its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective properties where pharmaceuticals disappoint.

 

So rather than restricting through outdated cultural stigma, this latest study suggests carefully expanding and personalizing cannabis’s therapeutic utilities may provide a missing treatment puzzle piece for misunderstood conditions like Parkinson’s. Its multifaceted neuromodulatory chemistry further illuminates possibility spaces for intractable neurodegenerative disease.

 

And that broader healing hope touches our final story in this cannabis journey depicting the changing cultural currents leading inevitably towards sane, compassionate policy honoring this ancient plant ally supporting eons of humankind’s health. But obsolete power constructs currently deny this destiny. Their facade now crumbles.

Story 10: Snoop Dogg Trolls the world

 

 Our cannabis journey concludes with monumental marketing mischief from the master himself – Snoop Dogg. By tactically tweeting he was mysteriously “quitting smoke” after decades of signature cannabis advocacy, the rap icon tricked global media into reporting his retirement from weed…or so it seemed.

The cryptic tweet instantly made international headlines as outlets rushed obituaries mourning the loss of Snoop’s stoner persona. Twitter exploded in speculation – was it health issues? A religious awakening? Many fans wrote moving tributes eulogizing the career-spanning blunt buffoonery.

But just days later Snoop revealed the ruse in a commercial for a smokeless firepit – he meant tobacco smoke, not bud! The switcheroo wasted no time converting mass publicity into selling Solo Stove’s product. Snoop hadn’t abandoned weed at all – he’d effortlessly finessed free advertising through weaponizing public perception.

In the end, the stunt generated nearly 160 million views on a single tweet containing two sentences. Global engagement metrics rarely seen for any price. And it required no costly media buys – simply leveraging Snoop’s celebrity and grassroots trust for devastating impact.

The marketing masterclass amplified intrigue by cryptically offering just enough dramatic bait before the commercial punchline hit days later. He consciously left the tweet narrative open to grab attention without context before clarifying later.

In actuality, the ploy proved more social commentary on lingering reefer madness stigma than abandoning personal principles. As media rushed demonizing content, it revealed stubborn anti-cannabis biases persisting culturally. Snoop strung them all along easily through minimal smoke and mirrors.

By parodying public cannabis narratives, the saga spotlighted protest prohibitionists’ continued disproportionate influence politicizing plant wisdom without pragmatic perspective. Snoop hoisted detractors on their own faulty petard for profit and activism both. For in destigmatizing justice persists. The maestro wins again.

 

The Sticky Bottom Line

 

And there you have it, my selection for the Top Cannabis related articles/stories that had the most impact on society during 2023. There was so much that happened this year that I’m sure I missed a lot, but at the end of the day I believe that these stories held the most weight for the cannabis community.

 

You know, come to think about it, the woman who stabbed her boyfriend 118 times after the fatal bong rip might also have been worthy, but to be honest, I don’t like to promote that kind of thinking. If you don’t know about that story, it’s pretty messed up.

 

Anyhow, let me know if there was a news worthy article I missed.

 

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Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Watch the replay!



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I Had Just One Puff

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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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Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage

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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.

  • 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.

  • Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.

  • 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

  • Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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WHAT IS KRATOM

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