Uruguay’s Groundbreaking Journey in Marijuana Legalization and Its Impacts

Published

9 months ago

January 10, 2024

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By: Juan Sebastian Chaves Gil

Approximately ten years ago, Uruguay became the first country to legalize the production and sale of marijuana, although regulations for recreational use were implemented starting in 2017. Through two changes in government, first with Tabaré Vázquez and then with Luis Lacalle Pou, the strategy initiated by former President José Mujica has remained unchanged.

Uruguayan example

Of the estimated 250,000 people who consume marijuana in Uruguay, 39% acquire it legally, according to a study by the Institute for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA). These individuals are registered in one of three options in the regulated market: purchasing from pharmacies, membership in cannabis clubs, or domestic cultivation. However, this approach only benefits registered users and excludes more disadvantaged sectors that do not register. This has led to the creation of a generation of young people without access to legal marijuana who turn to the black market, raising concerns about their health.

Registration is considered a critical point in the law, and some argue that the regulation is designed for a limited segment of the population. This gap between registered users and the total number of consumers has led to a “gray” market that supplies surplus marijuana production. This market involves individuals who are not necessarily traffickers, such as growers selling cannabis illegally.

A “gray” market sustains marijuana produced legally but sold illegally, even to tourists excluded from legal channels. It was argued that legalization would help combat drug trafficking, but some point out that this does not depend solely on marijuana and must be addressed in a broader regional context.

Uruguay became an exception by legalizing recreational use before medicinal and industrial uses. Cannabis regulation is based on the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its main psychoactive component. Despite having a law in 2019, production and use for medicinal purposes remain incomplete due to bureaucratic obstacles, high licensing costs, and delays in issuance. This has affected industry development and led to a decrease in the number of operational companies.

Currently, Uruguay has maintained its marijuana legalization strategy but faces challenges related to registration, the “gray” market, and the lack of regulation for medicinal and industrial uses. Although legalization has had mixed impacts on drug trafficking, it remains a topic of debate in the region.

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aging

Can CBD Reduce Age Telling Wrinkles

Published

5 hours ago

October 17, 2024

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Wrinkles are part of growing older – but what if you could delay them, especially with your hands?

Botox, chemical peels, fillers and photo rejuvenation are all expensive and major ways to stop the signs of aging – wrinkles. For centuries, women, and men, have tried to turn back the clock by eliminating, or at least reducing the tell tale signs on the face. Hands are notoriously known for gaining wrinkles early and leaking the secrets of a person’s age. But what if you can slow roll the wrinkles? Can CBD reduce age telling wrinkles. While many over promise what CBD can do, it might be able to help with this problem.

CBD comes from the cannabis plant, but doesn’t get you high from THC. A study evaluating a novel retinol and CBD topical product found significant improvements in various skin quality domains, including visible pores, dehydration, surface roughness, and both static and dynamic wrinkles. Participants reported high satisfaction and willingness to recommend the product, with excellent tolerability

A Close-Up Shot of a Person's Eye

One of the key ways CBD may combat wrinkles is through its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a major contributor to skin aging, leading to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. By inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, CBD can help calm irritated skin and prevent the acceleration of wrinkle formation. This anti-inflammatory action may also soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which can exacerbate the signs of aging

CBD is rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Free radicals, generated by factors like UV radiation and pollution, damage cellular structures and lead to premature aging. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, CBD helps preserve skin cell integrity and promotes a more youthful appearance.

As we age, collagen production naturally declines, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. Research suggests that CBD may help stimulate collagen production, promoting firmer and more resilient skin. This effect is partly due to CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can impair collagen synthesis.

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining youthful skin. CBD has hydrating and moisturizing properties that can help combat the effects of aging on skin moisture retention. By maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function, CBD prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin plump and hydrated, reducing the appearance of fine lines

So, yes, done right, CBD can help with wrinkles, even the pesky hand ones. But while the research on CBD’s anti-aging effects is promising, experts emphasize the need for more extensive studies to fully understand its long-term benefits and potential side effects. As with any skincare product, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating CBD into your anti-aging routine, especially if you have specific skin concerns or conditions.

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Cannabis

Musk Supports DeSantis Blocking Marijuana Legalization

Published

6 hours ago

October 17, 2024

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The battle for legal marijuana continues and it is pitting the leaders of the GOP against each other…and another player has jumped into the fray

Florida is a battleground state for this election in more than one way. While the majority of Floridians are pro some form of cannabis legalization, the governor is not and has waged an all out battle with the industry. Now, Elon Musk supports DeSantis blocking marijuana legalization. How is will all end up is anyone’s guess.

In 2013, the group United for Care turned in 745,613 of the required 683,149 signatures, to do a ballot initiative for medical marijuana. The state contensted, but the Florida Supreme court allowed it to move forward. It failed with 57.6% of the vote, short the 60% supermajority required for constitutional amendments in Florida. Nevada casino owner Sheldon Adelson rode to he rescue with $5.5 million to help fund the opposition campaign.

In 2016, a second attempt was made and the initiative was approved on November 8, 2016, with 71.3% of the vote.

Now a new initiative is on the ballot and has pitted Governor Desanits and Elon Musk against the GOP Presidential nominee. DeSantis has had a testy relationship with the GOP leader since the governor’s failed presidential run. But the nominee seems to have a working partnership with Musk and has suggested creating a new role for Musk of Secretary of Cost Cutting.

vote election — Photo by Andrii Yalanskyi/Getty Images

DeSantis has struggled in his fight against the popular plant. He is under fire from leaders in his own state for using state resource to fight against legalization. Also, the group DeSantis has approved to raise funds to stop cannabis has raised less than $20 million. The pro group has raised over $100 million. But now Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), is riding to DeSantis’s rescue.

Faithful & Strong Policies, Inc., made the $500,000 contribution to Keep Florida Clean, Inc. earlier this month, campaign filings show. Keep Florida Clean. Musk has given the organization $10 million. Musk was also a supporter of the Governor’s campaign.

Polls show the initiative stands a strong chance of hitting the 60% to pass. Being a presidential year with other big issues on the ballot is a help to cannabis, but with fresh cash nd Twitter fighting it, only time with tell how it goes. And it will be interesting to see what happens with the three mega personalities of the Republican Party.

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85 points and up

Pushing Pluto—Culture House, NYC, fall 2024

Published

7 hours ago

October 17, 2024

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85 points out of 100

Price: $50/eighth but varies

Pushing Pluto by the brand To The Moon—sold at Cookies‘ Culture House NYC—is an outrageously special strain. This strain is tricky in a very good way, and that’s what makes it wonderful. This Pushing Pluto strain is the best-smelling strain I’ve got this year! My first time opening the package, the most beautiful scent of berries, grapes, and cream filled the air and the room. The scent was so beautiful, it was like listening to Lucie in the band Poise sing magically. Heavenly.

The crystallization on this strain is next level, it’ll be all over your fingers! The resin on Pushing Pluto should be in the Guinness Book.

Now the fun, tricky part. On my first hit a powerful, skunky, zesty favor reveals itself, then it’s very floral with hints of berries and a sweet, candy aftertaste. The scent when you first smoke it is very different, but it’s still beautiful to enjoy.

Pushing Pluto delivers a head high that has a balanced, very unique, clear, focused feel. It’s holiday weed for music and socializing. The body high is very good. Not too strong, but the soothing relaxation it brings is very enjoyable! This is a prefect strain for a fun day or night! You can’t go wrong with this.—Lord Figo

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