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Why Tom Price’s Resignation Is A Huge Deal For Marijuana Reform

Vince Sliwoski
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Why Tom Price’s Resignation Is A Huge Deal For Marijuana Reform

Tom Price, Secretary of Health and Human Services, resigned his post last week amid public health and personal travel debacles. Mr. Price’s resignation drew very little coverage from cannabis reporters, however, which was sort of strange because the HHS Secretary wields more influence over cannabis law and policy than any other public official besides Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and whomever the new DEA Administrator turns out to be. If marijuana is ever to be re- or descheduled administratively, it will have to go through HHS.

The federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), at 21 USC §811, provides that the Attorney General may remove drugs from the CSA: (1) on “his” own motion; (2) at the request of the HHS Secretary; or (3) on the petition of any interested party. No. 1 will never happen and No. 3 has often failed, but if a reasonable HHS Secretary were appointed, No. 2 could get people talking. CSA §811 further provides that prior to the Attorney General moving drugs around, he must consult with HHS for scientific and medical findings. HHS recommendations to the Attorney General are binding, including any “do not control” recommendation.

HHS is also senior on its organizational chart to the Food and Drug Administration, a well-known agency with the power to conduct independent research on marijuana and to approve cannabis-based pharmaceuticals. The FDA is the agency that works with HHS whenever “any interested party” makes a petition to remove a drug from the CSA, as referenced above. In fact, the FDA made one such recommendation to HHS and DEA last year on marijuana. Unfortunately, it chose the status quo.

Tom Price was an old-school, War on Drugs hardliner, whose judgment as to cannabis was nearly as bad as his judgment on government travel. Cannabis advocates should be glad to see him go. Given the composition of President Trump’s cabinet, however, it seems unlikely we will have a fair-minded HHS Secretary anytime soon. Most of the candidates being floated as replacements have poor or unascertainable records on marijuana policy.

Ultimately, it seems more likely that marijuana will be re- or de-scheduled through Congressional action than administrative channels. And as it stands today, two of the three most critical cabinet posts on cannabis — the HHS Secretary and the DEA Chief— are oddly vacant. For cannabis professionals and consumers alike, it seems better to have these posts remain vacant, than occupied by the Chuck Rosenbergs and Tom Prices of the world.

Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.

Vince Sliwoski is an attorney at Harris Bricken, a law firm with lawyers in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Barcelona, and Beijing. This story was originally published on the Canna Law Blog. 

 

Marijuana And Tuberculosis: Is There Help To Be Found?

Richard Faulk
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Marijuana And Tuberculosis: Is There Help To Be Found?

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious lung disease that killed the poet John Keats, plus tens of thousands of more obscure victims of England’s bad climate and the worse hygiene of the Industrial Revolution. Because those stricken with tuberculosis would stereotypically lose their appetite then slowly waste away after taking melodramatically to their beds, the disease acquired the romantically gothic name “consumption.” But there is nothing romantic about its shattering chest pain or bloody sputum.

The advent of antibiotics in the mid-twentieth century nearly eradicated tuberculosis in the developed world. However, it resurged during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s as one of the many opportunistic infections that dog-pilled the immunocompromised patients. Of course, in the developing world, the disease never went on hiatus, and today, new drug-resistant strains have made tuberculosis into one of the globe’s top killers.

Historically, there has been little study of cannabis and tuberculosis, aside from a few studies showing that communal smoking can spread the disease. (Pro tip: Don’t share a bong with someone who’s coughing up blood.) But this July a surprising report appeared that suggested cannabis may actually combat tuberculosis.

The cannabinoid in question is not THC or CBD—the usual suspects—or even second-stringers CBG, CBD, or even THCV or CBC. No, it’s the relatively unknown, but up-and-coming, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which some are hailing as a miracle cannabinoid: Not only won’t it make you high (CBD already does that) but it is also abundantly available in sources other than marijuana, for instance oregano, basil, lime, cinnamon, carrots, celery, and black pepper berries—all perfectly legal and delicious!

BCP doesn’t attack the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus that causes tuberculosis. Rather, it heals by restraining the body’s inflammatory response to it. At least it does so in mice. If you’ve been following medical cannabis research, you may be excused for suspecting that “inflammation” has become a meaningless buzzword. For your consideration, we offer this review that examines the deadly dual role of inflammation during a tubercular infection. The authors show, in meticulous, molecular detail, just how the body’s inflammatory immune response gets jujitsu-flipped into inadvertently killing ourselves instead of the infection. (Caveat one: the science is difficult. Caveat two: the English is downright painful.)

As always with this basic research, this is not a cure and this might not even lead directly to one. But any lead toward combating drug-resistant tuberculosis is important.

These Buildings Look Like They’re Having Sex And The Louvre Is Not Having It

Amy Hansen
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These Buildings Look Like They’re Having Sex And The Louvre Is Not Having It

In Bochum, Germany, there is a popular structure that looks like two buildings having sex. The art installation is called “Domestikator” and it’s a 40-foot tall structure created by Dutch artist Joep Van Lieshout as a commentary on “ethical dilemmas of our time like bestiality, production and consumption” and a “tribute to the ingenuity, the sophistication and the capacities of humanity, to the power of organization, and to the use of this power to dominate, domesticate the natural environment.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGl5Y-CBAJQ

Domestikator was expected to be one of the highlights at the International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) in Paris’ Tuileries Gardens later this month, but the Louvre has pulled the plug, calling the art piece too explicit. Plus, it’s because of it’s height, it could be seen from a nearby children’s playground.

Van Lieshout tells LeMonde that the Lourve’s decision is “total hypocrisy” and that “in Bochum, whole classes came to see the Domestikator. People saw something funny but not decadent. And if children see something sexual, it is because they are old enough to see it. ”

As for whether or not he thinks his art is too gratuitous, Van Lieshout says, “There’s nothing bestial in the Domestikator. My point is how men domesticate the planet , how they can also improve it. ”

In 2005, Van Lieshout installed another piece of risqué art called Bar rectum, which was an actual bar where patrons drank and the anus served as an emergency exit, on the Messeplatz during Switzerland’s Basel Fair. Nobody blinked an eye.

https://www.instagram.com/p/tZtkTmhmGw

If you recall, in 2014, Paul McCarthy’s “Christmas Tree,” which looked an awful lot like an anal plug, was vandalized and eventually taken down at the FIAC. Perhaps the Louvre doesn’t want a repeat.

3 Cannabis-Infused Popcorn Toppings Because Life Is Worth Living

Danielle Guercio
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3 Cannabis-Infused Popcorn Toppings Because Life Is Worth Living

Making popcorn from loose kernels becomes second nature once you get the hang of things, and you probably won’t be messing with those prepackaged envelopes anymore after that point. Kernel popcorn is absurdly cheaper than microwave popcorn, and likely healthier since you control the fat and sodium you want to add.

People who love popcorn make it their own specific way, from air popping to stovetop style, or even misting a paper bag with cooking spray. You can develop your signature style after some trial and error of those methods. No matter your popping style, toppings are even more personal. If you’re at the movies or on your couch, you can make this happen and in minutes you’ll be snacking with cannabis.

Photos by Maria Penaloza

Peppercorn​ ​Pecorino

One way to get away with using rind of a hunk of good italian cheese is to use it on something else semi-salty. Pop your corn with a small amount of salt to pre-season, then dispense into a bowl for 360 access to the cheese that will inevitably stick to the sides.

Grate a good mound of pecorino cheese over the top, drizzle on 1 tablespoon of cannabis olive oil* and crack on some black pepper. Stir well and mangiare, it’s like cacio e Pepe in popcorn form!

Photos by Maria Penaloza

Nooch​ ​Nacho

Vegans and vegetarians are hella familiar with nutritional yeast. This yellow fish-food looking flakey stuff is a dried yeast that’s rich in vitamins and tastes cheesy. We put it on everything in my house from eggs to soups and salads, but on popcorn, this should be a secret because it’s that tasty. Toss popped popcorn with black salt to taste, ½ tablespoon virgin coconut oil, 1 tablespoon cannabis coconut oil*, 2-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast. The result is cheesy, sulphur-ous, and uncannily similar to gas station nacho cheese, but you know, not goopy chemicals.

Photos by Maria Penaloza

Butter​ ​Thyme

Fresh unsalted butter tastes so good when it’s mixed with salt, it’s why nobody likes to use salted butter for baking. That creamy and naked taste of plain butter has to shine through, and the salt has its own layer rather than melding with butter.

Take all of that richness and combine with a healthy toss of sea salt and lemon thyme, and you suddenly have a dreamy and dashing combo that teeters between tart, sumptuous and herbal. Use 1 tablespoon of cannabutter with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Photos by Maria Penaloza

*Cannabis​ ​Infusions

Decarboxylate 3.5g of finely ground cannabis at 225 degrees for 20 minutes in a tightly sealed, oven safe container. Put cannabis in lidded mason jar or vacuum sealed bag with cannabis and ½ cup oil or butter, 2 oz glycerin, or 1 oz high proof alcohol. Heat in water bath just under boiling for at least 1 hour. Strain and chill to use in recipes

Each of these recipes lands you at about 20mg of THC, which you can lower by adding more uninfused oil. If you eat your popcorn watching Scandal or like I do, in the bathtub, (which is ridiculous, I know) dosing it helps you ease into the eve, or makes a daytime tv sesh feel that much more indulgent. It’s a great way to medicate in small doses or even triple the recipe for entertaining guests. There’s not much more simple than melting an oil you have already prepared over something as willing as popcorn.

Photos: Maria Penaloza

8 Common Household Ingredients That Contain Cannabinoids

Jillian Peterson
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8 Common Household Ingredients That Contain Cannabinoids

Nature is pretty incredible. Besides cannabis, there are several plants that produce the same therapeutic phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by plants) including superfoods and common herbs. Here are 8 you probably have in your pantry right now.

1. Black Pepper

Not only does it also contain a large amount of the terpene that gives some marijuana strains that cracked black pepper smell, it’s also a got major anti-inflammatory properties to ease ailments like osteoporosis and arthritis.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary, along with black pepper, both share a compound called BCP (beta-caryophyllene) that acts like a cannabinoid. It’s the same compound that gives the plants a peppery flavor.

BCP also helps fight depression and anxiety, as well as ulcers when combined with THC and/or CBD.

3. Kava

Typically used somewhat as a sedative (i.e. in tea), Kava’s effects are similar to cannabis in that it contains a compound that binds to the same receptor as THC — primarily in areas of the brain related to cravings, which makes kava a desirable aid in treating addiction.

4. Maca

Maca contains compounds that emulate CBD by prohibiting an enzyme that breaks down endocannabinoids, which in turn increases the amount of them in your system causing a boost to your overall system, including mood.

5. Cacao

This fan favorite superfood contains many therapeutic chemicals that boost mood. It’s also rich in anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid that regulates mood, memory, appetite, and pain perception.

Its euphoric nature is like a lingering runner’s high. To unlock the magic of cacao, make sure you get it from raw, organic cacao, not processed (i.e. candy)

6. Black truffles

Just like cacao (and cannabis), black truffles contain the same anandamide properties that regulate mood and pain perception, among other things. Plus, truffles pre-date cannabis by about 50 million years (and taste better on pasta).

7. Echinacea

Also known as coneflower, echinacea is usually mentioned in the same company as “colds,” but it’s capable of so much more. The plant contains bio-active compounds similar to THC that relieve anxiety, headaches, and arthritis by regulating the immune system.

8. Flax seeds

Already a superfood, flax seeds have been found to produce compounds similar to CBD that act as anti-oxidants.

 

15 Photos That Make Us Wish We Loved Gardening As Much As Oprah

Amy Hansen
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15 Photos That Make Us Wish We Loved Gardening As Much As Oprah

Oprah seems to have found the one thing that brings her calm amidst her media mogul life: gardening. And boy, she really seems to love it. Whether the fruits of her labor are coming from her garden or her vegetable farm on Maui, the only people  happier than she is are those of us who follow her on Instagram.

Photos of her hauling in fresh bounty started to become more frequent in the Spring of 2013, around the same time there was a lot of buzz around the new farm Oprah and her friend (and former trainer) Bob Greene were developing near her palatial 60-acre farmhouse on Maui. Says Oprah:

I was raised on a tiny farm in Kosciusko, Mississippi, by my grandmother, and she grew everything. Never went to town for food. Other than baking powder, baking soda, and maybe some yeast, we bought nothing. If you needed medical remedies, you’d go out and gather some roots and pine cones. I remember her making me pine cone tea when I had a cold.

According to an online slideshow, the farm is situated “at almost 4,000 feet elevation on the side of Haleakala, a dormant volcano, where it gets consistent rainfall and plenty of sun.” And really great soil.

Every time we want to think of Oprah as one of the proletariat, we can look at these Instagram pics  of her arms wrapped around her new love, vegetables, and think for a least a moment that she is one of us. But with a way nicer home.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/vEoZHaSSxB

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https://www.instagram.com/p/ycohAXyS8C

Growing Wild: A New Docu-Series Shines A Light On Cannabis

Terry Hacienda
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Growing Wild: A New Docu-Series Shines A Light On Cannabis

For three year, Cannador has created a name for itself in the cannabis industry as the home of  high-end storage products and accessories for the marijuana enthusiast. But on Tuesday, the company has a new line for the cannabis lover: A mini docu-series showcasing the industry as it expands from coast to coast.

Growing Wild, is an ambitious new YouTube series produced and reported by Zane Witzel, CEO and founder of Cannador. For Witzel, a successful entrepreneur, is also a self-described “true believer in the benefits of cannabis.” The Growing Wild series, Witzel says, will help spread the word.

“My goal is to discover, learn and share” the stories of those on the front line of the marijuana industry. Growing Wild promises to showcase cultivators and culture in recreationally legal states across America. The first episode focuses on the Portland scene, which is growing rapidly since it was legalized in 2014.

The 45-minute Episode One includes interviews with some of the movers and shakers of Portland’s cannabis industry. The conversations take interesting and educational turns as the entrepreneurs discuss the challenges of the nascent market segment.

“I wanted to create something that would help shed light on the culture and cultivation of cannabis in recreational states because there’s a very apparent disconnect between the science and social consensus of cannabis legalization,” Witzel says. “Traditionally, one follows the other, but our government is having difficulty pushing past the irrational scheduling of cannabis that was made almost 50 years ago,” he added.

For Witzel, the film project is about educating the masses and dispelling myths. He also hopes to use the platform as a creative way to connect the industry to Americans who may not understand the benefits of cannabis.

“Over the past three years, I’ve been having general conversations with people from around the U.S. on the topic of cannabis and I’ve found it to be awkward given this disconnect, so I’m taking an investigative approach to learn about what’s going on from the ground up,” Witzel explains. “I’ll be talking with businesses, growers and scientists to understand more of their world and how it all fits into the big picture. I also want to show that in this time of extreme division over everything but the law of gravity, our country is starting to see the benefits of cannabis, particularly the health benefits of CBD. It’s an exciting time and I want to capture it on film.”

Episode One of Growing Wild features Hifi Farms, Phylos Bioscience, Farma, Cultivation Classic, Serra, Division Wine Bar. Witzel interviews Mowgli Holmes, Samantha Montanaro, Lee Henderson, Sara Batterby, Richard Vinal, Mason Walker, Jeremy Sackett &  Emma Chasen.

The first episode is available below.

How Atlanta Rappers Like 2 Chainz Reacted To City’s Marijuana Decrim

Brendan Bures
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How Atlanta Rappers Like 2 Chainz Reacted To City’s Marijuana Decrim

In what will surely be remembered as a landmark decision in marijuana legal reform, Atlanta’s city council unanimously voted to decriminalize marijuana.

This will amend local law so that those charged with marijuana possession up to 1 oz. will no longer face the threat of jail time. Instead they will receive a $75 fine and no more. Previously, those caught with marijuana possession in Atlanta could receive up to six months of jail time and a maximum fine of $1,000.

Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed, formerly a critic of marijuana, stated publicly he will sign this addendum into law.

Many Atlanta residents celebrated the city council’s decision, chief among them Atlanta rappers 2 Chainz, Big Boi, and Killer Mike. They took to social media, praising local politicians who pushed this legislation through. “Mannnn this will save so many young people from bullsh*t charges that later haunt them,” 2 Chainz wrote on Instagram. Killer Mike posted an Instagram video, stating, “Bravo, Atlanta City Council.” Meanwhile Big Boi posted the news with the simple caption of “ATLiens UP.”

Check out their posts below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZxORZIDqB_/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZxRn66jzpb/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwpfo-j2J5/

Gossip: Joe And Teresa Giudice Split; Kris Jenner’s Nigerian Boyfriend Wants Her To Quit Show

Naughty Gossip
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Gossip: Joe And Teresa Giudice Split; Kris Jenner’s Nigerian Boyfriend Wants Her To Quit Show

“Teresa and Joe have decided to split,” sources tell Naughty Gossip. “While he has been in jail she has been living life as a single mother and has not missed him. They have decided that once he is out of jail they are better of living apart. Things have changed between them and he will not be just moving back into the house. They are over. They could get back together again but it is very doubtful.”

Joe Giudice has spent the last year fighting for the right to enter an alcohol rehabilitation program while in behind bars. The star was barred from participating in the program as completion of the rehabilitation would grant him a reduced sentences. Considering the serious charges against him, it’s fair that the court doesn’t want him out any time soon!

Then again, according to new information about Joe’s final hours before entering prison (as described in Teresa Giudice’s new book) it really seems like Joe could benefit from the program.

Kris Jenner’s Nigerian Boyfriend Wants Her To Quit Show

“Kris is in love with her new guy and the money. He is a billionaire. He wants her to quit the show and leave the USA and she is thinking about it,” sources tell Naughty Gossip. “Kris has worked soooo hard for soooo long, that she is over it. No-one ever says thank you and she wants to have a man in her life and her bad. But at the same time she loves the fame and the money. He can give her more money than she ever dreamed about – but can Kris say goodbye to the fame?”

Kris Jenner has her eyes set on becoming richer beyond her wildest dreams. As rumors are circulating that she’s broken up with boyfriend Corey Gamble (after three years of dating), word on the street has it the 61-year-old Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is getting getting cozy with a new man who just happens to be filthy rich. There’s been whispers that the momager is secretly seeing a Nigerian billionaire in line to inherit a successful oil empire.

Love the fresh dirt we bring over daily from Naughty Gossip? Let us know in the comments!

5 Moments Tom Petty Showed His Love For Marijuana

Brendan Bures
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5 Moments Tom Petty Showed His Love For Marijuana

Tom Petty was a man who represented a great many of things to a great many of people. Like Prince or David Bowie before him, Petty represented a certain type of totemic figure, which is why it causes such anguish and loss over his passing.

Included in the many sides of Petty was that of small-time marijuana advocate. He was a known consumer of the herb and would often discuss his stance in interviews. He would even include references  — overt and otherwise — into songs.

In honor of his passing, we decided to remember Tom Petty’s stances on marijuana.

On Weed Vs. Alcohol

“I don’t have a prescription card, but I’m certain I’ve smoked some medical marijuana, yeah. It’s everywhere. I don’t smoke as much pot as I did at one point in my life,” he told Rolling Stone in 2013. “But I think the cat’s out of the bag, and it’s gonna be legalized. If you’re gonna sell liquor, you have to sell pot. Liquor’s worse for you. I don’t think pot’s addictive — I never felt like I had to have it, you know. Actually, no, I take that back [laughs]. But it is safer than alcohol.”

On Marijuana And Music

“I’m mostly just a reefer guy,” he said in a recent Men’s Journal article. “It’s a musical drug.” When asked about a possible prescription, he told the reporter, “I’ve had a pipeline of marijuana since 1967.”

On Weed And Feelings

From Petty’s iconic hit “You Don’t Know How It Feels,” he sings:

But let me get to the point, let’s roll another joint
And turn the radio loud, I’m too alone to be proud
You don’t know how it feels
You don’t know how it feels to be me

On Cannabis And Police Officers

“Don’t Pull Me Over” is Tom Petty’s version of a protest song. Dipping heavily into reggae, the video features some heavy marijuana association imagery. It also is considered one of Petty’s worst songs of his storied career, mostly because it feels so out of place juxtaposed to the rest of his catalog.

However, he made his feelings on marijuana’s status as an illegal substance rather explicit:

“Don’t pull me over let me pass on by
Don’t pull me over
Should be legalized
Don’t pull me over mister policeman”

On Mary Jane And “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”

As the chorus of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” goes:

Last dance with Mary Jane
One more time to kill the pain
I feel summer creepin’ in
And I’m tired of this town again.”

While Petty himself was reticent on declaring if “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” was a reference to marijuana or a relationship he had, guitarist Mike Campbell offered this point in an oft-cited interview: “In the verse there is still the thing about an Indiana girl on an Indiana night. Just when it gets to the chorus he had the presence of mind to give it a deeper meaning. My take on it is it can be whatever you want it to be. A lot of people think it’s a drug reference and if that’s what you want to think, it very well could be, but it could also just be a goodbye love song.”

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