Cannabis News
What Do Christian Conservatives Have Against Cannabis?
The green wave continues to sweep across America, folks. This year, we’re set to see even more states embrace the sweet leaf of liberty. But for some, this isn’t cause for celebration – it’s a reason to clutch their pearls and sound the alarm bells.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that cannabis legalization isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Like any major policy shift, it comes with its fair share of challenges. But here’s the kicker: those doomsday scenarios that prohibitionists love to paint? They rarely, if ever, come to pass.
In my years of covering cannabis culture and policy, I’ve seen more Reefer Madness redux than I care to count. But I’ve also witnessed the transformative power of legalization – from economic boosts to criminal justice reform. So today, I’m going to lay it all out for you, the good, the bad, and the dank.
I’ve dug up an op-ed from our friends over at the Christian Post. It’s a veritable greatest hits album of anti-cannabis talking points. We’re talking highway carnage, brain-damaged youth, and even Chinese communist pot farms! It’s like they’re playing prohibition bingo, and they’ve got a full card.
But for every point they raise, there’s a counterpoint they conveniently ignore. The hidden benefits of legalization are numerous, from tax revenue that funds schools to reduced racial disparities in arrests. It’s high time we put these arguments side by side and see which ones hold water.
So, strap in, dear readers. We’re about to embark on a journey through the pros and cons of cannabis legalization. My aim? To show you that when we weigh the evidence, the scales tip decisively in favor of legalization. It’s not about creating a perfect world – it’s about crafting better policies based on facts, not fear.
Let’s light this joint and get to it!
Alright, let’s dive into the murky waters of prohibition propaganda and unpack this Christian Post op-ed. Grab your waders, folks – it’s about to get deep.
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Highway Havoc: Our fearmongers-in-chief kick things off with the classic “stoned drivers will turn our roads into demolition derbies” argument. They cite increased accidents and fatalities in states that have legalized. It’s a concern that plays on our natural fear for safety, especially when it comes to our roads. They’re banking on the image of glassy-eyed potheads weaving through traffic to scare voters.
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ER Overload: Next up, they’re painting a picture of emergency rooms overflowing with overdosed kids and adults. The specter of children accidentally munching on cannabis edibles is a powerful one. It taps into our protective instincts and makes legalization seem irresponsible. They’re conveniently ignoring the fact that many household items pose similar risks.
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Crime Wave: Ah, the old “legalization will attract drug lords” chestnut. They argue that the black market will undercut legal prices, leading to more serious crime. It’s a clever twist – admit that petty possession arrests will decrease, but claim violent crime will rise. This plays on fears of community degradation and public safety.
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Think of the Children: The “brain damage to developing minds” argument is a potent one. It leverages our societal commitment to protecting youth and education. By framing cannabis as a threat to our children’s future, they’re attempting to create a moral imperative against legalization.
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Farewell, Farms: The claim that cannabis will replace food crops is an interesting one. It taps into anxieties about food security and changing rural landscapes. There’s a hint of nostalgia here – a longing for a simpler, pre-legalization America.
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Tax Trap: They argue that increased tax revenue will mainly fund new government programs dealing with addiction and safety issues. This is a classic conservative argument against expansion of government services. It’s meant to appeal to small-government advocates.
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Gateway Ganja: The old gateway drug theory makes an appearance. They’re suggesting that legal cannabis will lead to increased use of harder drugs. This argument has been around since the Reefer Madness days, playing on fears of a slippery slope to harder drug use.
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Impaired Workforce: There’s mention of employees showing up to work high, tapping into concerns about productivity and workplace safety. It’s an appeal to business owners and those worried about economic impacts.
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Homelessness Surge: They paint a picture of beautiful cities overrun by homeless drug addicts. This plays on fears of urban decay and social disorder. It’s a powerful image that taps into class anxieties and concerns about community aesthetics.
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Foreign Influence: The specter of Chinese-funded pot farms is raised, combining drug fears with xenophobia and national security concerns. It’s a clever way to tie cannabis to broader geopolitical anxieties.
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Youth at Risk: There’s heavy emphasis on how cannabis affects developing brains, citing addiction risks and cognitive impairments. This is perhaps their strongest emotional appeal, leveraging our collective desire to protect the next generation.
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Globalist Conspiracy: They even throw in a dash of conspiracy theory, suggesting that “globalist elites” want a drugged-up populace that’s easier to control. This appeals to those who distrust big government and international organizations.
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Misused Tax Dollars: Finally, they argue that cannabis tax revenue doesn’t benefit the general public, but instead goes to managing the problems created by legalization. This is meant to undercut one of the strongest pro-legalization arguments.
Throughout the piece, the authors are painting a dystopian picture of post-legalization America. They’re leveraging every fear and anxiety they can to make cannabis seem like an existential threat to our way of life. It’s a masterclass in prohibitionist propaganda, designed to appeal to conservative values and parental concerns.
But here’s the kicker – most of these arguments fall apart under scrutiny or are based on cherry-picked data. They’re relying on fear rather than facts, emotion rather than evidence. It’s high time we puff, puff, passed on these outdated arguments and looked at the real impacts of legalization.
When we peel back the layers of fear-mongering and look at the cold, hard facts, the benefits of cannabis legalization become as clear as a freshly cleaned bong. Let’s break it down, shall we?
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the stoned driver behind the wheel? While some studies claim a spike in traffic fatalities post-legalization, they’re missing a crucial element: context. As our friends at NORML pointed out, when you compare legalization states to control states, the picture changes dramatically. In fact, traffic deaths fell by an average of 12% in the three years following legalization in states like California and Massachusetts. Meanwhile, control states saw a 2% increase. It seems the only thing going up in smoke is this particular prohibitionist argument.
Now, let’s talk about who really loses when we legalize – and it ain’t the average Joe. It’s the cartels, baby! In Mexico, the price per kilo of cannabis dropped by a whopping 90% after legalization efforts in the U.S. That’s not just a dent in their profits; it’s a gaping hole. We’re literally stealing money from the bad guys and putting it into legitimate businesses. Speaking of which, employment is up in the cannabis industry. We’re creating jobs, not joint-rolling vagrants.
But wait, there’s more! Opioid deaths are down in states with medical cannabis markets. Big Pharma is losing about $10 billion a year in these states. Forgive me if I don’t shed a tear for the poor pharmaceutical executives who can’t afford a third yacht this year.
Let’s not forget the human cost of prohibition. Fewer people are being jailed for cannabis offenses, saving states millions in incarceration costs. And those who do partake? They’re taking fewer sick days, boosting productivity. They’re also generally slimmer than non-users, with lower BMIs. In a country where obesity-related illnesses cost billions, that’s nothing to sneeze at.
Worried about the kids? Don’t be. There’s a general trend of youth consuming less cannabis in legal states. It turns out, taking away the forbidden fruit appeal makes it less tempting. Who knew?
And let’s talk money, honey. States are generating revenue from something that used to be a total loss. Even if the numbers aren’t sky-high, it’s infinitely better than the net loss from prohibition enforcement and missed tax opportunities.
For medical patients, cannabis is a godsend. From pain management to PTSD treatment, it’s improving lives daily. And let’s not overlook the fundamental issue of bodily autonomy. By legalizing cannabis, we’re giving adults back control over their own bodies and minds.
This is just scratching the surface, folks. The benefits of legalization are as numerous as the strains at your local dispensary. When we weigh the pros and cons, it’s clear that the scales tip heavily in favor of legalization.
It’s high time we embraced a more rational, evidence-based approach to cannabis policy. The war on drugs has been a costly failure. Legalization, on the other hand, is proving to be a win-win situation for public health, safety, and the economy.
So let’s put aside the reefer madness and focus on the reefer gladness. The grass is indeed greener on the legal side!
CONSERVATIVES ON CANNABIS, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
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.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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