A judge ruled in favor of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana in June, granting a temporary injunction preventing Gov. Evnen from enforcing it, but that was later reversed by a three-judge panel.
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana withdrew its lawsuit against Secretary of State Bob Evnen on Thursday. The lawsuit argued the state’s requirement that 5% of registered voters in 38 counties need to sign a petition to place the initiative on the ballot is unconstitutional.
The dismissal, filed by the ACLU of Nebraska on behalf of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, came after a 2-1 decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit reinstated the state’s requirement in August.
Crista Eggers, the organizer behind the petition for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, sued Evnen in federal court in May, claiming the requirement violates the Equal Protection Clause of the century-old 14th Amendment wherein a single voter who signed a petition in Arthur County has the same power as 1,000 residents of Douglas County who signed the same petition, reported Omaha World-Herald.
U.S. District Court Judge John Gerrard ruled in favor of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana in June, granting a temporary injunction preventing Evnen from enforcing it, but that was later reversed by a three-judge panel.
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With the multi-county requirement, the medical cannabis proposals fell short by some 9,000 signatures each, which are needed to be on the November general election ballot.
The first one would require lawmakers to pass laws protecting physicians who recommend medical cannabis treatment and patients who use it. The other would compel the legislature to set up rules for the medical cannabis program.
The three judges on the 8th Circuit Court cited the fact that the right to petition was created under state law and not the U.S. Constitution, meaning the group’s rights weren’t violated.
State senators Anna Wishart of Lincoln and Jen Day of Omaha announced plans to present bills for medical marijuana legalization in the next legislative session, which will start in January.
Withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting marijuana will not always be severe for everyone. Here’s why.
In recent years, the attitude of the majority of people towards cannabis has changed, mostly from negative to positive. In the past, cannabis was often viewed as a potential threat for drug abuse in young people, which gave it a bad reputation in different communities. More states have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use because of the abundance of positive research, the endless work of marijuana advocates, and so on. Now that cannabis is legal, there have been a lot of debates and discussions among cannabis users and enthusiasts regarding several cannabis related issues, including the million-dollar question: do you experience withdrawal if you stop using cannabis cold turkey?
First, is cannabis addictive? Well, marijuana can be additive; it all depends on how you use it. So if not properly dosed and you abruptly stop consuming cannabis, you may experience what is termed as “withdrawal.” In America, reports show that more people (1 in 6) may become addicted to cannabis especially if they use marijuana before 18 years of age.
The symptoms of cannabis withdrawal
The symptoms will tell you if you are suffering from withdrawal, and these include:
Irritability makes the individual feel like something is missing.
Reduced appetite because marijuana is known for boosting our appetite.
Sleep disorders like insomnia which can be prolonged
Chills even when it’s not cold
Headaches
Depressed and anxious feelings
A loss of focus and concentration
Consistent sweating
Stomach issues
The symptoms mentioned above can range from mild — especially for those who take cannabis in small doses — to severe symptoms for those who take it a lot. But the symptoms are not dangerous or life-threatening, yes they are unpleasant, but you don’t have to fear for your life.
It should be noted that if you smoke marijuana less frequently, you may not experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking it. The withdrawal becomes very hard when the consumer is a regular smoker.
More importantly, the longer you’ve used marijuana, the higher the possibility of your withdrawal process getting heightened, thus, making the symptoms worse. So what causes these symptoms?
The causes of withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms of marijuana may not be as hard as withdrawal symptoms from other substances such as alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and heroin. A person’s withdrawal symptoms from using these other substances can be dangerous, so these are entirely different from marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
As you smoke more marijuana, your brain starts to depend on the supply of THC, but when you stop smoking, the brain adjusts to not having it. Your body needs to become accustomed to this new state of not having THC, and this is when you start to experience the unpleasant symptoms.
The symptoms can be increasingly unpleasant such that some people go back to smoking marijuana which increases the problem. While the problem is difficult in itself, going back to marijuana is not a good choice, so we must understand the concept of managing the symptoms effectively.
Managing and preventing withdrawal symptoms
One of the reasons why some people see withdrawal as an arduous process is that they cannot manage it and also don’t know how to prevent it. If you want to stop smoking, the first step to take is to speak with your doctor about the aftermath of your quitting smoking.
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The doctor or substance abuse specialist may not give you any peculiar instructions on what to do, but it is a great idea to talk to someone first about your decision. The person will inspire and support you through your transition phase while also holding you accountable.
People decide to quit smoking marijuana for different reasons. Still, if you have been smoking regularly before the decision to quit, it will take a while before you ease into a marijuana-free life. On the other hand, if you smoke less frequently, you can quit entirely without feeling any need for additional support.
These withdrawal management tips will help you in the first 24-27 hours:
Get the right people around you, those who understand how important quitting is to you. You should inform and get friends, family members, and other people in your life to help you go through this phase.
Exercise is also helpful. If you can work out for up to 30 minutes daily, you will get a natural mood boost which aids with the removal of toxins.
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Always eat healthy foods that give your body a consistent supply of nutrients and minerals. So go for fresh fruits, lean protein, and vegetables. If you have been taking junk foods, now is a good time to stop because such processed foods will cause you to feel sluggish.
Hydration is also crucial as drinking enough water will help you at this time. Please avoid soda, sugary and caffeinated beverages.
If you can survive the first 24-72 hours, you will do better with your withdrawal experience.
Helpful steps to take while dealing with withdrawal symptoms
Join support groups and take therapy seriously because you will need other people to help you manage the situation.
Detoxification centers are short-term programs that help people go through this post-marijuana process.
If you don’t feel perfect after taking these steps, please go to a rehabilitation center for assistance.
Be patient with the process and DO NOT entertain a relapse with marijuana.
Withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting marijuana will not always be severe for everyone. More so, marijuana withdrawal symptoms are milder than those you may feel with other substances such as cocaine and heroin. The symptoms are not dangerous, and some of the symptoms stop within the first 72 hours after you quit. Lastly, you may also need a therapist or someone to hold you accountable through the process.
Biden’s cannabis pardon will affect the lives of thousands of people. Does this mean governors will have to follow the president’s lead?
President Biden’s pardon of non-violent marijuana offenses feels like a prelude to a new cannabis era. Through a hopeful lens, the move represents a time when more and more states are legalizing cannabis and the drug has almost bipartisan approval. Realistically, it’s a little more complicated than that.
Biden’s pardon served as a guidance, one that governors are free to disregard. POLITICO interviewed several experts and politicians who believe Biden’s decision won’t influence Republican governors, especially since elections are within weeks. In the case of Democrats, these governors likely already have pardons in place for these types of offenses.
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“I don’t think that it’s going to rise to a high enough level of concern in the short term, and probably not even in the longer term,” said Gregg Peppin, a Republican political strategist, when discussing the Republican party and their plans for the November elections.
“The battle lines have been hardened as it relates to the issues of this election. Republicans are campaigning on economic issues and public safety,” he said.
Even if some governors wanted to follow Biden’s advice, their state’s legislation might make that difficult, having laws that prevent mass pardons for certain groups of people. POLITICO suggests that this is the case with states like Minnesota, Louisiana and Kansas.
In theory, Biden’s pardon should affect around 6,500 people with federal possession convictions. It’s unclear how this will occur though since the Justice Department will have to figure out who fits the administration’s criteria and it’s very likely that some people deserving of a pardon will miss out due to bureaucracy.
As always, marijuana will continue to progress and evolve slowly, with political parties pushing for their agendas while thousands of people ride along with the consequences. Despite the complexities that surround this topic, Biden’s pardon marks the most significant marijuana news in decades, and is a moment that should be celebrated by marijuana enthusiasts of all sorts.
While it is true that the President has autonomous power to change some punishments under the Manual for Courts-Martial, significant reform to the Uniform Code of Military Justice must be made by Congress.
President Biden announced a historic move last week: pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple cannabis possession. The action is estimated to benefit some 6,500 Americans, while some 40,000 people who were convicted on a state level remain unaffected unless all state governors listen to Biden’s suggestion and do the same.
What about the military?
It turns out that Biden’s cannabis pardons do not apply to members of the U.S. military, a White House official told Military.com.
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A representative of the Biden Administration confirmed to the outlet that the President’s pardon “does not extend to UCMJ offenses,” referring to the Uniform Code of Military Justice — the federal body of laws enacted by Congress that applies to military service members.
While it is true that the President has autonomous power to change some punishments under the Manual for Courts-Martial, significant reform to the Uniform Code of Military Justice must be made by Congress.
According to the Manual for Courts-Martial, a cannabis possession charge can lead to a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and a two-year maximum punishment, although it is commonly much less in real life.
“It looks like there are many steps that the lawmakers need to do before we can even begin to process whatever comes,” Pentagon spokesman Maj. Charlie Dietz said.
On the bright side, even though the President’s pardons won’t help active military service members or retirees who have been charged under the UCMJ, it would extend the number of applicants who otherwise wouldn’t be able to qualify because of their record. As many as 77% of young Americans are unable to qualify for military service, with drug and alcohol abuse accounting for 8%, according to a Pentagon study.
Eric Carpenter, an associate professor of law at Florida International University with a specialty in military justice confirmed that the UCMJ is the first authority for service members, before federal or state laws.
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Professor Carpenter further explained that Biden’s action hints to federal prosecutors nationwide that simple cannabis possession charges are not worth pursuing, which could also help raise the number of people eligible to apply for military service.
“This will open up a lot of people to come into the services,” Carpenter told Military.com. “But once they’re in, the UCMJ will apply to them.”
It is important to note that, according to recent surveys, more Americans now smoke pot than cigarettes and as many as 50% of all recruits come from a state where cannabis is now legal at least for medical purposes.
Military Members Aren’t The Only Ones That Won’t Benefit From Biden’s Pardon
Immigration rights advocates were especially angry because “this pardon does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense,” reported Marijuana Moment.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was one of the first politicians to publicly raise awareness of this issue.
This is truly great news.
And for people to truly be freed from having their lives haunted by unjust marijuana convictions, we must work to *expunge* records beyond pardoning.
Between that and descheduling cannabis, we can make huge steps forward for so many communities. https://t.co/cJVAvyOM0n
With marijuana use being more common every year, some military branches took matters into their own hands, prior to Biden’s action, and are working on new regulations that would give a second chance to applicants who test positive for THC.
Recruits who otherwise qualify to serve but tested positive for THC at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) might be granted a waiver, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service told Air Force Times in an interview published in September.
He emphasized that applicants who test positive for THC while at MEPS are “permanently” prohibited from entering the Air Force or Space Force. However, with more states legalizing marijuana, the number of THC-positive applicants is rising.
“We have to be realistic today,” Thomas continued. “We need to exercise common sense.”
While there are few studies so far analyzing the effects of cannabis products and women’s ovulation, the current findings are promising.
Cannabis-consuming women in child bearing age may be concerned about the impact of their habits. Everything we put into our body can increase or decrease our chances of conceiving a baby. However, age is the most important factor that determines a woman’s fertility; all females are born with a finite number of eggs, and the quality and quantity of those eggs will both reduce with age.
Other factors also include genetics, hormones, medical history, and lifestyle. Women who are overweight or underweight, have irregular sleeping patterns, consume alcohol and smoke tobacco typically have a reduced chance of conceiving especially above the age of 35. But what about cannabis?
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Marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug especially among adults of child-bearing age. Additionally, cannabidiol (CBD) products are also widely used among women of all ages especially for treating several conditions affecting the reproductive system.
Studies and Polls Indicate How Cannabis Affects Fertility
A 2018 poll of women in the United States and Canada was conducted by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health. The results, which were shared in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, was the first study to analyze any associations between conception probability and cannabis consumption.
More than 4,000 (4,194) women aged of 21 to 45 participated in the Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), which was focused on women who were in stable heterosexual relationships, not using any fertility treatment or contraception. The women were also given the choice to invite their male partners for the poll.
The results showed that from 2013 through 2017, some 12% of female subjects and 14% of the males admitted to using marijuana two months before answering the PRESTO survey. They engaged in 12 follow-up cycles, after which it was found that the probability for conception was similar among the heterosexual couples who consumed marijuana as well as those that didn’t.
“Given the increasing number of states legalizing recreational marijuana across the nation, we thought it was an opportune time to investigate the association between marijuana use and fertility,” explains Lauren Wise, the study’s lead author and a Boston University professor of epidemiology.
Other studies show that CBD may help women who struggle with hormonal imbalances. Several hormonal abnormalities decrease the chances of ovulation and can interrupt it, making pregnancy unlikely and even impossible.
Hormonal imbalances can be tricky to treat. Oftentimes it presents in cysts and may require the use of surgery, lifestyle changes, and medication — many times two or more treatment methods, just to be successful.
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But a study has shown that consuming CBD can be beneficial in regulating secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone. High levels of cortisol in the body can affect other hormones such as sex hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormones. Because of this, any method that is effective in reducing cortisol is beneficial for supporting overall hormone balance. On top of that, CBD is rich in omega fatty acids as well as gamma linolenic acid, which help stabilize hormones.
Another study from 2017 analyzed the impact of cannabinoids on endometriosis. “Pain management for patients with endometriosis needs to be more effective, target the hormonal and immunologic environment, downregulate proliferation while enhancing apoptosis, and normalize the invasive mechanisms and neuroangiogenesis processes. ECS (endocannabinoid system) modulation appears to be a good therapeutic strategy by potentially combining all these factors,” concluded the study authors.
Excess estrogen production in a woman’s body can result in numerous fertility issues. High estrogen levels are linked to ovarian cancer, endometriosis, insulin resistance, irregular periods, and difficulty conceiving. Estrogen is produced within the varies, and other enzymes within the body also help control production and metabolize it.
Studies have found that CBD in cells is effective in inhibiting the production of estrogen by limiting an enzyme called aromatase, which produces it from testosterone. Aromatase inhibitors are utilized for decreasing estrogen production in women post menopause and those who have breast cancer.
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Another study has revealed that CBD is useful in helping the body metabolize estrogen by increasing cytochrome p450 enzymes which help to break it down.
These studies point to the anti-estrogenic abilities of cannabidiol, which are helpful for women who struggle with hormone-related fertility, ovulation, and health problems.
Conclusion
The human endocannabinoid system helps to maintain balance in many important biological processes. These include fertility, stress, mood, and immunity among others. The endocannabinoid system also affects the endocannabinoid system, which is why the use of CBD and cannabis products can help provide stability for hormonal imbalances.
While there are few studies so far analyzing the effects of cannabis products and women’s ovulation, the current findings are promising. This is especially true because women often have to resort to painful and invasive treatments to manage hormonal imbalances, and problems affecting fertility and ovulation.
For women who are keen to explore the use of CBD and cannabis for treating ovulation and fertility issues, make sure to do as much research as possible on your own. It’s also advisable to speak to a fertility specialist or your gynecologist, preferably one who already has experience using cannabis or CBD products. These come in a wide range of forms and products, some of which may be more suitable than others for your specific needs.
A pill to cure the symptoms of a cannabis overdose would be a blessing, saving emergency medical professionals a lot of time and energy.
Maybe you ate too many pot brownies, or perhaps you thought you could smoke the whole blunt on your own. Regardless of how you did it, at one time or another most cannabis users have found themselves way too high for their own good.
While a marijuana “overdose,” medically called Acute Cannabinoid Overdose (ACO), is rarely linked to fatality, it can still be an altogether terrible and even terrifying experience. Sometimes the negative side effects of ACO are so bad that people end up in the emergency room. While medical professionals can monitor these patients and try to treat specific symptoms, there is no cure-all for being too high. At least there wasn’t, until now.
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Adrug is in the works from the pharmaceutical company Anebulo that aims to treat cannabinoid intoxication, and quickly. “ANEB-001 is being developed with the intent to quickly and effectively reverse the negative effects of cannabinoid intoxication within one hour of administration,” according to the Anebulo Pharmaceuticalswebsite. This drug aims to target the human CB1 receptors, thus blocking THC’s ability to have its intense and negative effects on those who have over-consumed.
The drug is still in the testing phase, but is showing promise, as it has now entered phase two of clinical trials. If the drug is successful and works as quickly as it aims to, it may greatly assist emergency medical personnel when dealing with patients who have mistakenly gotten too high. The timing for this drug may also be very fortunate. Marijuana is, after all, more prevalent than ever before in mainstream American society.
It is, however, important to note that just because marijuana is becoming legal in more places it does not mean more people are experiencing ACO as a result of this legalization. According toa 2021 study that tracked hospitalizations within states that recently legalized marijuana, “Legalization was not associated with a change in the rate of cannabis-related ED visits in our study. More research is needed regarding changing methods of cannabis ingestion and trends among specific age groups.”
There is one trend, interestingly, that has healthcare professionals and others nervous about cannabis toxicity, and it isn’t legalization. According to a recent study on cannabinoid toxicity published by StatPearls, “Despite the wider availability of cannabis, most significant cannabinoid toxicity is likely due to the abuse of synthetic cannabinoids, which are known to have more adverse effects.” It is synthetic marijuana, and to a lesser extent, the wide availability of strong THC edibles (getting into the wrong or unaware mouths) that has the potential to really spike cannabis-related trips to the emergency room.
This drug to cure cannabinoid overdose could come in very handy to emergency medical workers faced with these new more potent methods of consuming marijuana. After all, while ACO is not likely to cause death, it can require significant and immediate medical attention. And even with this medical attention, the current remedies are limited. According toOpiant Pharmaceuticals, “There are no FDA approved medicines to treat Acute Cannabinoid Overdose. Current treatment is largely supportive and symptom-driven, requiring emergency medical attention and in some instances, hospitalization.”
This is certainly not an ideal scenario for patients or doctors. This means a pill to cure the symptoms of a cannabis overdose would be a blessing, saving emergency medical professionals a lot of time and energy.
A new study found a link between this common medication and risk of developing dementia.
A new study published this week revealed some new uses for a seasoned drug. The research found that a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes might be helpful in preventing dementia in people who are at a higher risk for developing it in the future.
Researchers behind the study, published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, theorized that since type 2 diabetes was a contributor to dementia, that the drugs used to treat it could also impact a person’s risk of developing dementia.
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Researchers selected medication known as TZDs, one that hasn’t been all that studied when applied to dementia. They analyzed the medical records of a vast pool of subjects, all of them over the age of 60, with having type 2 diabetes. The subjects were all free of dementia when the study started. Then, researchers compared people’s symptoms over a period of seven years, separating them into groups: those who took TZDs and patients who took other leading medications of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers concluded that participants taking TZDs were 22% less likely to be diagnosed with any form of dementia. They also found that this group was less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, a condition that falls under the spectrum of dementia, and that affects over 6 million people in the country.
While the study is promising and suggests a novel way of preventing and treating dementia, the results don’t imply cause and effect. Then there are the side effects of TZDs, which are murky. The evidence isn’t definitive, but there’s a link between these medications and a higher risk of developing heart disease, which is why the medication isn’t prescribed as a first choice for people who are at a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions.
Per the CDC, dementia is a term that envelops different symptoms referring to people’s impaired thought processes. It impacts their way of thinking, making decisions, and more, all in varying degrees and with an impact on their daily lives. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and more are all considered a type of dementia.
A new poll shows that Biden’s marijuana pardon was well-received among different political parties.
If there’s one thing that Americans agree on, it’s weed. This embrace of the drug has been developing for years, and it’s become the unlikely common ground among political parties.
A new poll on President Biden’s pot pardons shows just how much Americans are in support of marijuana’s reevaluation and possible declassification.
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The poll, conducted by POLITICO and Morning Consult, shows that nearly two-thirds of voters supported Biden’s pardon for non-violent marijuana convictions. These numbers include 40% of Biden’s strong supporters and 25% of those people that are somewhat supportive of Biden. On average, only one in four survey respondents was opposed to pardoning marijuana offenders.
When talking about changing marijuana’s classification under federal law, respondents were even more supportive, with 69% of them supporting declassification. One in five respondents said they were opposed to reevaluating marijuana’s federal legal status. The poll also showed that the public is well educated on the topic of cannabis and what Biden’s administration has done on the matter.
Unsurprisingly, the demographic that leads these positive responses is comprised of Millennials. Gen Z was the group that was least likely to be informed on Biden’s marijuana pardons. And two-thirds of Baby Boomers showed support for Biden’s decisions regarding marijuana.
In terms of political parties, Democrats and Independents were in support of Biden’s actions. Republicans were the more divided group, with 57% of them expressing support for reclassifying marijuana while just 46% of them supported marijuana pardons.
Lastly, when breaking the results down by race, Biden’s move was greatly supported by Black voters, with 74% of them supporting these pardons. This is a key demographic come election and one that was called out when the pardon was issued. “Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit,” said Biden in a statement last week. “And while white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.”
The poll was conducted October 7 to 9 and includes responses of more than 2,000 registered voters.
A new study compared a late dinner and an early one, showing why the latter was better for maintaining weight and keeping people more energized.
Eating late has long been linked with weight gain, without much knowledge as to why. Now, a new study might explain why this happens, and why having an early dinner might be helpful for staying healthy and promoting weight loss.
The research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, also found some positive outcomes in regards to intermittent fasting, showing that meals eaten within a 10-hour window might be the healthier choice overall.
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Per the research, which was conducted by physicians from Harvard Medical School, the time of the day in which we eat affects numerous things, like our hunger levels, our daily energy and where our body stores fat.
The study involved 16 overweight participants, all of whom ate the same meals on different schedules. They also stuck to sleep and wake up schedules, trying their best to maintain the study as homogenous as possible.
Researchers explain that there was an early group, who had the meals at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m., and a late group, who ate at 1 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. The study also counted with a variety of evidence from participants, including blood samples, their temperature and self-reports on their hunger levels.
While there has long been a link between late eating and weight loss, it’s never been understood.
Results showed that participants who ate late reported more hunger and were less energetic. A look at their samples showed that they burned calories more slowly than the early group, all of which amassed in higher odds of obesity.
“This study shows the impact of late versus early eating. Here, we isolated these effects by controlling for confounding variables like caloric intake, physical activity, sleep, and light exposure, but in real life, many of these factors may themselves be influenced by meal timing,” explained senior author Frank Scheer.
Researchers explain that by keeping the study small, they were more likely to control outside factors like sleep schedules and the meals that were consumed, resulting in a study that shows a better understanding of how the body works and why obesity tends to affect people who eat at later times.
Part of what’s indicated on the agenda is a discussion on marijuana legalization and how it’s tied to suicide and violence. Entitled, “Protecting Children From Dangers of Drugs,” the section discusses how marijuana is still federally illegal “but that has not stopped more and more states and localities from legalizing it under their own laws,” it reads.
What’s ironic is that the goal of this agenda paper is to “restore the American family”. Their attempts to criticize cannabis legalization includes recommending the abolishment of cannabis edibles. “In addition, Congress should pass the Protecting Kids from Candy-Flavored Drugs Act, introduced 3 by RSC Chairman and Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), which would increase criminal penalties for anyone who manufactures or distributes drugs that are disguised as candy,” it reads.
Another ironic aspect is that the committee says the prohibition isn’t enough to stop kids from consuming cannabis. It indicates unfounded lies: “This has led to an explosion of marijuana use among children, which is having a hugely negative impact on their health,” the report reads.
Based on the agenda, what the GOP really wants is for criminal penalties for marijuana as well as other Schedule 1 substances that come in the form of candy or drinks to be increased. It’s ludicrous that they think these items are being sold to minors! Of course, these aren’t true, but it’s no secret that GOP lawmakers are still against marijuana legalization.
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GOP Still Against Cannabis Legalization
In April earlier this year, the House passed a law that seeks to decriminalize marijuana federally. This has been a long time coming, though the bill has met numerous bumps on the road. More than 200 House Republicans opposed the legislation, and just three of them supported it. When you look at the other side, over 200 House Democrats backed it up and just two voted against the bill. This pretty much ensured the death of the bill in Senate.
The GOP still chooses to go against the tide as most Americans are already in favor of marijuana legalization. In fact, many voters also support cannabis for recreational use.
There are many theories why there is still such a strong opposition from Republicans when it comes to marijuana legalization — as well as many other pressing issues. A quick look at congressional Republicans will show that most of them are religious and significantly older. These groups of people are not progressive when it comes to drug reform and the benefits of marijuana, which is why they are so conservative about it as well as other matters of family and morality.
In addition, many of the Republicans are not aware of how fellow Republicans’ opinions have evolved through the years. It isn’t far-fetched for many Reps to go against federal legalization of marijuana simply because they think they are doing right in representing their voters’ opinions.
In fact, a recent national poll conducted by the National Cannabis Roundtable revealed that more than three quarters of self-identified Republicans believe that recreational or medical legalization that has been supported by voters shouldn’t be opposed. They believe that the government instead should be focusing their efforts on getting rid of hurdles for these markets. Furthermore, 17% of respondents don’t think the federal government should be completely hands-off when it comes to state-legal markets.
According to former Colorado Sec. Cory Gardener, a Republican and a new board member of the National Cannabis Roundtable, “there’s been a massive shift in opinion, and it’s evidently clear that Republicans have extremely positive attitudes toward legal cannabis.”
A recent Gallup poll echoes the same sentiments, with results demonstrating that 50% of Republicans back legalization while 49% did not. “Twenty years ago, you couldn’t get a majority of Republicans that supported medical cannabis. Now, it’s overwhelmingly supportive,” explains Tony Fabrizio of Fabrizio, Lee & Associates to Politico.com.
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Look at the Numbers
All one has to do is simply look up the data.
How can the GOP say that cannabis legalization is tied to an increase in suicide and violence when data shows the opposite is true? Cannabis helps mental health, thus decreasing suicide and violence rates where it’s legal.
In a 2021 study analyzing results of a 2013 investigation which found no association between medical marijuana legalization and mental health, researchers confirmed: “We found that recreational marijuana access was associated with a 6.29% reduction in suicide rates for males aged 40 to 49, but no other mental health outcomes were otherwise affected by liberalization of marijuana laws,” the authors wrote.
“Adverse mental health outcomes do not follow cannabis liberalization at the state level, confirming the findings,” they add. “In addition, there is evidence that recreational marijuana reduces suicide rates for middle-aged males” — and this is just one study out of many.
Meanwhile, other studies show that cannabis legalization benefits the criminal justice system by reducing violent crime. In one study among several, researchers found that legal medical cannabis isn’t an indicator of increased crime rates. Dr. Robert Morris, lead author of the study and an associate professor of criminology, stated that cannabis may in fact lead to reductions in certain kinds of crime.
“We’re cautious about saying, ‘Medical marijuana laws definitely reduce homicide.’ That’s not what we’re saying,” he explained. “The main finding is that we found no increase in crime rates resulting from medical marijuana legalization. In fact, we found some evidence of decreasing rates of some type of violent crime, namely homicide and assault,” he said.
Conclusion
We hope the GOP opens their eyes and gets a good reality check. With their support, one day, we hope the federal legalization of cannabis will finally happen as recent announcements by President Biden seem to be pointing that direction.
