Cannabis News
The Zurich Weed Experiment Begins
The Zurich authorities have given the green light to a groundbreaking initiative to evaluate the potential advantages of legalizing cannabis. Starting this summer, 2,100 Zurich citizens will be granted permission to purchase controlled amounts of the substance from designated dispensaries, pharmacies, and social hubs scattered throughout the city. This trial period will serve as a test case to determine the possible social and economic benefits of regulating the sale and consumption of cannabis.
In collaboration with the University of Zurich, the study organizers will require the participants to complete a survey every six months, outlining their cannabis consumption patterns and related health effects. The study’s ultimate goal is to ascertain the most appropriate guidelines for legalizing weed in Switzerland while ensuring public health and safety remain the top priority. The findings from this investigation will be regularly published from next year, providing an ongoing assessment of the trial’s progress.
Barbara Burri, the project manager at Zurich’s municipal health department, explained that the primary objective is to obtain comprehensive and reliable real-world data that policymakers can utilize to develop new cannabis regulations at the national level. This initiative comes at a time when numerous European nations are reassessing their marijuana laws in response to global shifts in drug policy.
Anticipated Cannabis Success Story in Germany
Within the next few weeks, Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is anticipated to reveal a bill to legalize the sale and consumption of cannabis throughout the country. This significant legislative move would make Germany the first European Union member state to allow the commercial distribution of the drug nationwide, representing a sweeping overhaul of existing laws.
Karl Lauterbach, the Health Minister of Germany, recently disclosed that the proposed legislation to legalize cannabis had garnered positive feedback from the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union. He stated that the bill is slated to be announced by the end of March or early April, indicating that the proposal has been carefully crafted to comply with European law. This announcement follows several months of discussions with Brussels regarding the bill’s details.
Last October, the German government released a preliminary outline for legalizing cannabis for recreational use to enhance public health. Karl Lauterbach emphasized that the proposals would only advance to the Bundestag, the federal parliament of Germany if they aligned with the regulations outlined by the European Union.
The proposed legislation would redefine cannabis, removing it from the category of narcotics. It would also permit individuals over 18 to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis for personal consumption. Furthermore, citizens would be free to cultivate up to three cannabis plants in their homes, and authorized stores and pharmacies would be authorized to distribute cannabis products.
Regulatory Hurdles within The European Union
The German government faces a delicate balancing act in drafting a bill that complies with EU regulations, global drug conventions, and public health considerations. Historically, the European Union has taken a cautious stance on legalizing cannabis. Member states must enforce “effective, proportionate, and dissuasive” criminal sanctions against selling illicit drugs, including cannabis.
Although legalizing cannabis in Germany would violate international agreements such as the UN’s 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, other countries such as Canada and Uruguay have taken similar steps without facing significant repercussions.
The German Health Ministry has not disclosed specific information about the proposed bill to CNBC. However, initial reports indicate that the government may release a declaration of interpretation to showcase how legalization will promote youth protection and deter illicit drug trade. “According to the European agreement, each state must combat the illegal use of cannabis, and the German government can argue that there is no illegal use because we regulate the legal use,” Geyer explained.
Germany’s membership in the Schengen Zone, which allows for border checks to be waived, presents a challenge for the country as it looks to legalize cannabis. The zone currently prohibits the import of illegal drugs across European borders, meaning that Germany must show that it can produce an adequate supply of cannabis domestically without compromising its neighbors’ drug policies.
A Ripple Effect
Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, which share borders with Germany, have already proposed legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes. Meanwhile, Austria, Italy, and Spain have decriminalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use.
In 2021, Malta, the smallest member state of the European Union, made history by legalizing the possession of cannabis for personal use and authorizing private “cannabis clubs,” which allow members to cultivate and share the drug. Over the past decade, various countries have joined the movement to legalize cannabis. Canada and Uruguay were among the first nations to do so, with Thailand following suit more recently.
Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, such as legal age and active cannabis use, and do not have any underlying medical conditions or are employed as a professional driver can register to participate in the trial conducted in Zurich.
Public health surveys reveal about one-third of Swiss adults have experimented with cannabis. In Zurich, which is home to over 420,000 residents, it is estimated that around 13,000 are frequent cannabis users. Moreover, additional research programs in collaboration with public and university sponsors will occur in Swiss cities such as Bern, Basel, Lausanne, Biel, Geneva, Olten, Thun, and Winterthur in the next few months.
Conclusion
Switzerland is making strides in the research and legalization of cannabis. The recent clinical trial in Zurich, which aims to investigate the effects of driving under the influence of cannabis, highlights the country’s commitment to responsible drug use. With plans for further studies in other cities, Switzerland takes a cautious and evidence-based approach to cannabis legalization.
Additionally, the high rates of cannabis use among Swiss adults demonstrate a need for policies that promote harm reduction and public health. Switzerland’s efforts serve as an example for other countries looking to legalize and regulate cannabis responsibly.
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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? 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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