Marijuana is not only becoming more mainstream, it is becoming a go to for those who want to adjust their lifestyle. The under 40s are turning to cannabis rather than alcohol. Those that want to lose weight are popping a gummy instead of a cocktail, and those who suffer from ailments are turning to medical marijuana. California is showing a decrease in beer purchases early the week and an uptick in marijuana sales. So it is now part of society and people are curious – what does a marijuana high feel like?
Culturally, most people know alcohol. People can have slurred speech, red eyes, loss of coordination, sleepy or maybe a bit loud. Some can have mood swings and get aggressive. Bar fights happen for a common reason – booze. The ethanol in alcohol is what makes you drunk.
What gets you marijuana high is THC. The chemical structure is similar to the brain chemical anandamide. Similarity in structure allows the body to recognize THC and to alter normal brain communication. It affects brain areas that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory and time perception. Because of this similarity, THC is able to attach to molecules called cannabinoid receptors on neurons in these brain areas and activate them, disrupting various mental and physical functions. THC, acting through cannabinoid receptors, also activates the brain’s reward system, which includes regions that govern the response to healthy pleasurable behaviors such as sex and eating.
Clinical studies of cannabis have found that the drug produces feelings like relaxation, loss of inhibition, euphoria, sleepiness and even altered perceptions. Most people experience a pleasant euphoria and sense of relaxation.
Cannabis is very individualized, with the same strain being able to produce different effects depending on the person and how they’re feeling. If you’re mood is high and positive before smoking and you choose the right strain, you’ll likely experience euphoria, a term that encapsulates a large horde of positive moods. If you’re stressed out or anxious before smoking, you might feel a rise of paranoia and unease that will make your experience unpleasant.
When it comes to negative side effects, the main one being a sense of paranoia. Studies show that cannabis is linked with a little bit of everything.
Some lucky people claim to feel very creative after consuming weed (especially in moderation), being able to read, paint, write, with an engagement that allows them to carry this out for hours. Gamers and programmers swear it helps them focus and be creative.
For others, they may be having a great time, but their memory is impaired and they can’t really commit to activities that demand a lot of engagement. Driving in never an option.
Aggression is almost never associated with being high. Most people are feeling so good they are just nice. You never hear of a fight breaking out when people are getting stoned. They just relax and maybe doze off.
People are chatting about the country right now, but what Greenland and cannabis? It is the world’s largest island and ruled by the Danish King. It is a self-governing territory of Denmark, but remains politically tied to the European country especially around currency, defense and foreign affairs. In Denmark, recreational use of cannabis is illegal, but medical use is permitted through a pilot program that began in 2018. The sale and use of cannabis is also tolerated in the Freetown Christiania neighborhood of Copenhagen. The government revealed they could be open to expanding into a legal market in late 2023.
Greenland is part of a European monarchy but is closer to North America. Their nearest neighbors to the west of them, Canada and the United States both have some form of legal marijuana for over 50% of their population. But there is a tough history with Greenland and cannabis. Currently, cannabis is illegal on the island and less than 20% of the country consumes. Excessive alcohol use is a big concern in the country.
Greenland has had an issue with marijuana use abuse with young people and recently announced a bold move towards a progressive drug policy. They are Greenland is exploring innovative approaches to address youth cannabis use, signaling a potential shift towards more comprehensive strategies. This Arctic nation, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is now gaining attention for its forward-thinking approach.
Greenland’s government agency Allorfik has commissioned a groundbreaking project to explore effective service delivery models for combating youth cannabis use. This initiative demonstrates Greenland’s commitment to evidence-based solutions and public health-oriented approaches, rather than punitive measures that have proven ineffective in many parts of the world.
Greenland’s efforts align with a growing global trend towards more nuanced and health-focused cannabis policies. As many countries and move towards legalization or decriminalization, there’s an increasing recognition of the need for thoughtful regulation and public health measures.
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The annual Golden Globes award ceremony was held Sunday night and among the winners were cannabis. Held since 1944 to honor artists, writers and other creatives, it celebrates film, television and streaming. Founded by the Foreign Press Association, it is now run by the Golden Globe Foundation. This year, in a nod to the mainstream acceptance, Golden Globe winner Hacks treats marijuana like normal, making it an unacknowledged winner. The show, lead by the talented Jean Smart, is clever, witty and takes the mundane and is laugh out loud funny.
The HBO Max series offers a nuanced portrayal of marijuana use within its comedic narrative, reflecting evolving attitudes towards cannabis in contemporary television. The show has been cutting edge and pushed both stars into the limelight with their witty jokes and strong plot lines.
In “Hacks,” marijuana serves as a tool for character development, particularly for Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder. Ava’s cannabis use is presented as part of her lifestyle, contributing to her characterization as a young, somewhat stereotypical twenty-something writer. This portrayal aligns with Einbinder’s real-life experiences, as she has openly discussed using marijuana in her youth to counteract the effects of ADHD medication.
The show cleverly uses marijuana to highlight generational differences between Ava and Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart. While Ava’s casual attitude towards cannabis use is representative of younger generations, Deborah’s reactions provide insight into older perspectives on the drug. This contrast serves to underscore the generational conflicts and evolution central to the show’s premise. Today, even the AARP support marijuana use.
“Hacks” incorporates marijuana into its storylines with a sense of normalcy, often using it as a source of humor. For instance, Deborah questions Ava about room service charges, revealing Ava’s marijuana-induced munchies. This approach to depicting cannabis use aligns with a broader trend in television, where marijuana is increasingly being written into storylines of both dramas and comedies.
The show also touches on the medical aspects of marijuana use. In one episode, Ava discloses her marijuana use to an ER doctor, alongside other substances. This scene, while played for laughs, subtly acknowledges the growing acceptance of marijuana as a topic of open discussion in medical settings
By incorporating marijuana into its narrative without heavy-handed moralizing, “Hacks” reflects the changing attitudes towards cannabis in society and media. This approach contrasts sharply with earlier television depictions of marijuana, which often portrayed it in a negative light or as the subject of “very special episodes”.
“I have a cast and crew that were sent from heaven, especially my costar, Hannah Einbinder,” Smart said while accepting the award for best performance by a female actor in a television series
After 12 years as Prime Minister, he is stepping down…here is a look back on Justin Trudeau’s long involvement with cannabis.
Justin Trudeau’s journey with cannabis legalization in Canada is a story of personal experience, political conviction, and transformative policy-making. As the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s perspective on marijuana was shaped by a family incident involving his younger brother Michel. In 1998, Michel Trudeau was caught with marijuana during a traffic stop. Thanks to their father’s connections and resources, the charges were dropped.
This event highlighted the inequalities in Canada’s drug laws, where those with means could avoid consequences while others faced criminal records. Justin Trudeau later reflected on this, stating, “That’s one of the fundamental unfairnesses of this current system is that it affects different communities in a different way”.
Trudeau’s personal history with cannabis extends beyond family experiences. In 2013, he admitted to smoking marijuana at a dinner party in his Montreal home in 2008, after he had already been elected as a Member of Parliament. In a sign of changing norms, the admission, while controversial, did not significantly impact his political career.
As Liberal Party leader, Trudeau campaigned on a platform of cannabis legalization during the 2015 federal election. His approach focused on regulation and harm reduction rather than economic benefits. Trudeau emphasized two main goals: minimizing underage access to marijuana and reducing criminal activity surrounding illegal marijuana trade.
After winning the election, Trudeau’s government took concrete steps towards legalization. In 2016, a task force was created to explore the issue. The following year, the Cannabis Act was introduced in Parliament, allowing for the sale and possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for anyone over.
On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide. This move was seen as a bold reform, distinguishing Trudeau’s administration from previous governments. The legalization process wasn’t without challenges. Provinces were given significant responsibility for regulating sales, leading to some friction with the federal government .Additionally, Trudeau faced criticism from both supporters and opponents of legalization.
Following legalization, Trudeau’s government announced plans to create a simplified, free process for pardoning individuals with simple possession records. This move aimed to address the historical inequities in cannabis law enforcement.Trudeau’s approach to cannabis legalization reflects a combination of personal experience, pragmatic policy-making, and a commitment to social justice. By moving from prohibition to regulation, Canada under Trudeau’s leadership has embarked on a significant social and legal experiment, the results of which continue to unfold.
As Trudeau ends one chapter and starts another, he will continue to be a champion of cannabis.