Cannabis News
What If You No Longer Find Joy in Smoking Weed?
Understanding Seasons in one’s life
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NO LONGER FIND JOY IN SMOKING WEED
As human beings, we are constantly evolving and growing, our perspectives and preferences shifting like the seasons. What we once adored with a burning passion can become a source of cringe-worthy embarrassment just a few years down the line. The “man bun” or “top knot” hairstyle that seemed so effortlessly cool in our 20s might make us shake our heads in disbelief at our former selves once we hit 30.
This ever-changing nature of our likes and dislikes is not limited to trivial matters of fashion or trends. Even our stance on more substantive issues like cannabis consumption can undergo a metamorphosis as we navigate the different seasons of our lives.
In our youth, the thrill of rebellion and the lure of altered states may have made cannabis an appealing indulgence. But as we mature and take on more responsibilities, our priorities can shift. What was once a harmless pastime may come to be seen as a vice that no longer aligns with our current values or lifestyle.
The key is to understand and embrace the fact that these shifts are natural and healthy. Our ability to re-evaluate our choices, shedding what no longer serves us and embracing new perspectives, is a sign of growth and self-awareness. It is counterproductive to cling rigidly to past preferences or to become an evangelist for the changes we have made, shouting them from the rooftops as some grand achievement.
True evolution lies in a quiet self-acceptance, internalizing our victories and implementing the changes we deem necessary to become the best versions of ourselves. Judging our past selves with contempt or clinging to outdated habits out of a sense of stubborn nostalgia serves no purpose.
The path to wisdom and contentment is paved with the ability to flow with the seasons of our lives, savoring each phase while allowing space for the inevitable transformations that await around the next bend.
Here’s a 500 word section titled “Seasons Change Us”:
The tides of our lives ebb and flow, carrying us through ever-shifting seasons that profoundly impact our habits, preferences, and even core aspects of our identity. In my tumultuous teens, I found myself awash in a sea of experimentation, indulging in a multitude of mind-altering substances. However, two particular drugs – alcohol and benzodiazepines – threatened to drag me into depths from which I may never have returned.
While the myriad psychedelic trips I embarked upon carried their own risks, it was the siren song of these two pernicious vices that proved the most fatally alluring. Their grip was insidious, their consequences potentially devastating. It would take a seismic shift in my relationship with intoxicants to pull me back from the brink.
As I entered my early twenties, my body betrayed me, rebelling against the alcohol that had once flowed so freely. A mere two or three beers was enough to leave me feeling hungover and wretched even as the drinks were being consumed. This bodily rejection coincided with a self-imposed hiatus from cannabis that lasted a couple of years. But as my seasons changed, so too did my needs and perspectives.
Suddenly, cannabis revealed itself as a viable alternative – one that provided many of the benefits I had previously sought from alcohol without the brutal physical toll. It was more accessible, more affordable, and enabled me to remain functional in a way booze no longer could. With a philosophical shrug, I re-integrated this old friend into my life, and cannabis has remained a steady companion through the decades that followed.
Will I continue consuming cannabis until I am old and grey? Perhaps, or perhaps not. The honest truth is that I cannot say for certain. What I can state with conviction is that, for now, I embrace and enjoy it. The growing, processing, and experimenting with this ancient plant has become part of my identity as a professed psychonaut.
However, that identity – like all aspects of my being – is fluid and impermanent. I do not cling to any single role or habit, no matter how deeply engrained. If life’s changing seasons demand that I alter my relationship with cannabis – or any other passion or vice – in order to better align with my highest ideals, then so it must be. Even this herb that has been a source of healing and companionship through troubled times could find itself repurposed or set aside entirely.
This fundamental openness to change, this willingness to evolve with the seasons, is perhaps the most critical lesson we can learn. By accepting the transient nature of all states – and by cultivating the mindful awareness required to recognize when a shift is required – we preclude ourselves from becoming enslaved by obsessions, whether chemical or philosophical. Remaining grounded and in control of our lives demands this existential flexibility. Yet its rewards are profound: the freedom to blossom fully in each new season, embracing every fleeting encounter and untying every knot that threatens to constrain our boundless spirits.
For many, cannabis transcends its chemical properties, becoming an intrinsic part of one’s identity and culture. Much like the tribalism that emerges around favorite TV shows or sports teams, marijuana can foster a sense of community, rituals, and shared experiences that shape our personalities.
This integration of cannabis into our very sense of self is what makes the prospect of “leaving it” so daunting for some. The questioning arises: “Who am I without weed?” However, the answer is always simple – you are still fundamentally yourself, cannabis or no cannabis. Your core being exists independent of any single habit or interest.
Nonetheless, loved ones may start encouraging you to quit, while devoted tokers insist you should continue indulging. In truth, neither perspective is universally correct, as your relationship with cannabis is unique and personal. Only you can determine if it has become more burdensome than beneficial in your current life season.
If you find yourself grappling with that question, if the perceived downsides of cannabis are outweighing the upsides, consider taking a temporary break as an experiment. A month-long tolerance break, or even three months entirely abstaining, can provide invaluable perspective. View it not as quitting forever, but as an opportunity to see how your life may change without it.
For those worried about withdrawal symptoms, rest assured they are typically mild and short-lived. A day or two of sluggishness is often the extent of the physical distress. Practices like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help rebalance your endocannabinoid system swiftly.
The key is to not approach this potential change from a place of fear or inflexibility. Remain open-minded and recognize that just as you once chose to partake in cannabis, you can always choose to stop or re-integrate it down the line. By simply allowing yourself the freedom to experience life without it, at least for a short period, you open yourself to greater self-knowledge.
Perhaps you’ll rediscover cannabis and your reasons for using it with fresh eyes and a reinvigorated zest. Or maybe this temporary parting will reveal that your path has diverged, and outside of the identity-level attachments, you have moved beyond the need or want for it. Either perspective is valid and valuable.
The ultimate message is this: do not be afraid to evolve. Your preferences, your habits, and even pivotal pieces of how you define yourself can change with life’s seasons. Embracing that evolution, not clinging to rigid stasis, is the path to crafting your most fulfilling journey.
At the end of the day, the path to self-actualization requires that we claim our personal power and feel free to lean into discomfort. The way of true self-discovery is rarely comfortable, but it is always rewarding and insightful in ways that transcend temporary unease.
If you find yourself at a crossroads with cannabis, no longer deriving the same enjoyment or benefits as you once did, do not be afraid to let it go. However, there is no need to loudly broadcast this evolution to the world. Allow the change to manifest organically in your life without becoming an evangelist for quitting. Show through your grounded presence and quiet confidence, but do not instruct others to follow suit. We each walk our own winding roads.
The core lesson is this: We all experience seasons in our lives where our likes, dislikes, priorities, and even core pieces of how we define ourselves shift and morph. This is not something to be fought against, but an immutable flow to be embraced. Do not swim upstream resisting the universal currents of change. We cannot simply “try” to go with the flow – we either surf the waves with intention or we are dragged under by the riptides of resistance.
There is profound power in radical self-acceptance and an openness to change. By allowing yourself to evolve fluidly through life’s seasons, shedding what no longer serves while remaining anchored in your deepest values, you open yourself to profound growth and an increasingly refined embodiment of your highest ideals.
Whether cannabis remains a part of your journey or is carefully set aside, what matters most is that you are taking the steps to become more authentically yourself. That is the sticky bottom line – an ever-deepening journey into the essence of who you are beyond the ephemeralities of habits or cultural attachment. Embrace the courage to evolve, discard that which limits you, and lean confidently into your most empowered and actualized self.
QUIT WEED COLD TURKEY, READ ON…
Cannabis News
Latest Trump Weed Rumor – Trump Will Federally Deschedule and Decriminalize Cannabis, but Not Legalize It
In a recent interview, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made headlines by asserting that President-elect Donald Trump will pursue significant reforms in federal policies regarding marijuana and cryptocurrency. As the nation grapples with evolving attitudes toward cannabis and the burgeoning digital currency market, Christie’s predictions have ignited discussions about the potential implications of such changes on both industries. This article delves into Christie’s insights, the current state of marijuana and cryptocurrency regulations, and the broader implications of these anticipated reforms.
The Current Landscape of Marijuana Legislation
Federal vs. State Laws
Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which places it in the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification has created a complex legal landscape where states have moved to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, while federal law continues to impose strict prohibitions. As of now, over 30 states have legalized marijuana in some form, leading to a burgeoning industry that generates billions in revenue.
Challenges Faced by the Cannabis Industry
Despite its legality in many states, the cannabis industry faces significant hurdles due to federal restrictions. These challenges include:
-
Banking Access: Many banks are hesitant to work with cannabis businesses due to fear of federal repercussions, forcing these businesses to operate largely in cash.
-
Taxation Issues: The IRS enforces Section 280E of the tax code, which prohibits businesses engaged in illegal activities from deducting normal business expenses, leading to disproportionately high tax burdens for cannabis companies.
-
Interstate Commerce: The lack of federal legalization prevents cannabis businesses from operating across state lines, limiting their growth potential.
Chris Christie’s Perspective on Marijuana Reform
Christie, a former presidential candidate known for his tough stance on drugs during his tenure as governor, has evolved his views on marijuana over the years. In his recent statements, he emphasized that Trump is likely to pursue descheduling cannabis, which would remove it from the Schedule I classification. This move would not only provide clarity for businesses operating in legal markets but also open avenues for banking and investment.
Christie highlighted that descheduling would allow for a more regulated market where safety standards could be established, thus protecting consumers. He believes that this approach aligns with a growing consensus among Americans who support legalization and recognize the potential benefits of cannabis use for both medical and recreational purposes.
The Future of Cryptocurrency Regulation = The Rise of Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have surged in popularity over the past decade, with Bitcoin leading the charge as the first decentralized digital currency. The market has expanded to include thousands of alternative coins (altcoins), each with unique features and use cases. As cryptocurrencies gain traction among investors and consumers alike, regulatory scrutiny has intensified.
Current Regulatory Challenges
The cryptocurrency market faces several regulatory challenges that hinder its growth and adoption:
-
Lack of Clarity: Regulatory frameworks vary significantly across states and countries, creating confusion for investors and businesses.
-
Fraud and Scams: The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies has led to an increase in fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting investors.
-
Consumer Protection: Without clear regulations, consumers are often left vulnerable to risks associated with volatile markets.
Christie’s Vision for Crypto Regulation
Christie believes that under Trump’s leadership, there will be an effort to find a “sweet spot” for cryptocurrency regulation balancing innovation with consumer protection. He argues that overly stringent regulations could stifle growth in this emerging sector while too little oversight could expose consumers to significant risks.
In his view, a balanced regulatory framework would include:
1. Clear Definitions: Establishing clear definitions for different types of cryptocurrencies and tokens to differentiate between securities and utility tokens.
2. Consumer Protections: Implementing measures to protect investors from fraud while promoting transparency within the market.
3. Encouraging Innovation: Creating an environment conducive to innovation by allowing startups to thrive without excessive regulatory burdens.
Christie’s insights reflect a growing recognition among policymakers that cryptocurrencies are here to stay and that appropriate regulations are necessary to foster growth while safeguarding consumers.
Implications of Proposed Reforms
Economic Impact
The potential reforms proposed by Christie could have far-reaching economic implications:
-
Job Creation: Legalizing marijuana at the federal level could lead to significant job creation within the cannabis industry—from cultivation and production to retail sales.
-
Investment Opportunities: Descheduling cannabis would open up investment opportunities for institutional investors who have been hesitant due to federal restrictions.
-
Boosting Local Economies: Legal cannabis markets have proven beneficial for local economies through increased tax revenues and job creation.
Similarly, clear regulations around cryptocurrencies could stimulate investment in blockchain technology and related industries, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Social Justice Considerations
Both marijuana legalization and sensible cryptocurrency regulations have social justice implications:
-
Addressing Past Injustices: Legalizing marijuana could help rectify past injustices related to drug enforcement policies that disproportionately affected marginalized communities.
-
Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies offer opportunities for financial inclusion for those underserved by traditional banking systems, particularly in low-income communities.
Political Landscape
The political landscape surrounding these issues is complex. While there is bipartisan support for marijuana reform among certain lawmakers, challenges remain in overcoming entrenched opposition. Similarly, cryptocurrency regulation has garnered attention from both sides of the aisle but requires collaboration to establish effective frameworks.
Conclusion
Chris Christie’s predictions about President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to federal marijuana descheduling and cryptocurrency regulation suggest a potential shift in U.S. policy that could significantly reshape both industries. As public opinion evolves on these issues, lawmakers have an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that promote economic growth while ensuring consumer protection. The anticipated changes could foster a more robust cannabis industry that contributes positively to the economy and addresses social justice concerns, while clear regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies could encourage innovation and protect consumers in the digital economy. Stakeholders in both sectors are closely watching these developments, eager to see how potential reforms might impact their futures. While the realization of Christie’s predictions remains uncertain, it’s clear that the conversation around marijuana and cryptocurrency regulation is ongoing and far from settled.
TRUMP 2.0 ON CANNABIS REFORM, READ ON…
TRUMP 2.0 ON FEDERAL CANNABIS REFORM – WHAT DO WE KNOW?
“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..
Latest Trump Weed Rumor – Trump Will Federally Deschedule and Decriminalize Cannabis, but Not Legalize It
Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em
I Had Just One Puff
Marijuana firms Eaze, Green Dragon find new life after $10 million capital infusion
Get some rest on Modified Grapes—November’s Leafly HighLight
Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage
New Rule, December 5: Oregon Cannabis Retailers, Processors and Labor Peace Agreements
The CBD Dog Treat Guide
Trippin’ Golf Balls – Can Magic Mushrooms Help Your Golf Game?
Australian Broadcasting Corp Alleges Military Veterans Have Been Targeted By Medicinal Cannabis Companies Via Social Media & Offered Free “Product”
Distressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
United States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
What you Need to Know
Drug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
NCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
It has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
Cannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
A new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse
Your Go-To Source for Cannabis Logos and Designs
UArizona launches online cannabis compliance online course
-
Cannabis News2 years agoDistressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
-
One-Hit Wonders2 years agoUnited States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
-
Cannabis 1012 years agoWhat you Need to Know
-
drug testing11 months agoDrug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
-
Education2 years agoNCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
-
Cannabis2 years agoIt has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
-
Marijuana Business Daily2 years agoCannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
-
California2 years agoA new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse