Here’s The Cannabis Legislation About To Become Law In California

Marijuana Legislation

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August 28, 2022

Here’s The Cannabis Legislation About To Become Law In California

The end of California’s legislative session is just around the corner, and setting up the framework of interstate trade of marijuana is among the bills that will advance to the office of the governor for his signature.

There are other bills still pending, such as one that would prohibit localities from banning medical marijuana deliveries and another that would provide job protections for people who use cannabis outside of work.

What Happened

Recently, lawmakers have given final approval to a number of reforms that are now being sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom, reported Marijuana Moment.

Among these measures are:

SB 1326 by state Sen. Anna Caballero (D)
AB 1706 by Assemblywoman Mia Bonta (D)

Sen. Caballero’s bill SB 1326 sets the stage for interstate cannabis commerce from California to other legal states, as long as the federal government allows for it through legislation or a Justice Department waiver.

“The bill would prohibit an entity with a commercial cannabis license issued under the laws of another state from engaging in commercial cannabis activity within the boundaries of this state without a state license, or within a local jurisdiction without a license, permit, or other authorization issued by the local jurisdiction,” stated a legislative analysis.

The legislation from Bonta would enhance the judicial reform provisions of the state’s marijuana law by directing courts to process record sealings and other forms of relief for people with eligible cannabis convictions on their records in a specified time period.

“On or before March 1, 2023, the court shall update its records in accordance with this section, and shall report all convictions that have been recalled, dismissed, redesignated, or sealed to the Department of Justice for adjustment of the state summary criminal history information database,” read bill AB 1706.

Among the bills approved by the California Senate is the Safe Drug Consumption Sites Bill.

The measure would authorize safe sites for the consumption of illicit drugs, through certain jurisdictions in California, as part of a pilot program. The initial volunteer pilot program under this bill would last until Jan. 1, 2028.

The legislation from state Sen. Scott Wiener (D), passed by the full state Senate last year, was first introduced in 2020. “The Senate just gave final approval to our bill (SB 57) to authorize safe consumption sites in SF, Oakland & LA. It now heads to the Governor,” Sen. Wiener said in a tweet. “We’re seeing an escalation in overdose deaths. These sites are a proven strategy to save lives & get folks into treatment. It’s time.”

legal marijuana — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

What Is The Pending Legislation About?

Wiener also introduced bill SB 1186, which stated the legislation would “prohibit a local jurisdiction from adopting or enforcing any regulation that prohibits the retail sale by delivery within the local jurisdiction of medicinal cannabis to medicinal cannabis patients or their primary caregivers by medicinal cannabis businesses.”

State Sen. Richard Pan (D) introduced the SB 1097 bill, which would require California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) to “adopt regulations to require cannabis and cannabis product labels and inserts to include a clear and prominent warning regarding the risks that cannabis use may contribute to mental health problems, in addition to existing labeling requirements.”

In addition, the DCC has proposed standards for statewide lab testing methods. Senate Bill 544 requires DCC to establish standardized cannabinoid test methods by Jan. 1, 2023. “A cannabis testing laboratory is a license type established through the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act,” stated a press release.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

The Daily Use Of This Pill Might Have More Risks Than Benefits

Maria Loreto

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August 27, 2022

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The Daily Use Of This Pill Might Have More Risks Than Benefits

This commonly used pill can treat and prevent a variety of conditions. When consumed by the wrong person, it also has some dangerous side effects.

One of the world’s most utilized pills, used by over 30 million people, with about 7 million of them using it without physician supervision. It has been hailed a cure all. But, the daily use of this pill might have more risks than benefits. Aspirin is a medication that many Americans take on a daily basis, using it to treat a wide range of symptoms, from ever and pain, to preventing heart attacks and blood clots.

Studies have highlighted some of the risks of regularly taking it, particularly when the person consuming it is over the age of 60 and has never experienced a heart attack or a stroke.

Here's What You Should Know About CBD & Heart Health — Photo by Robina Weermeijer

Dr. Michael Daignault wrote about this phenomenon in USA Today, breaking down why aspirin can be considered a risk for a significant number of people. Aspirin’s strength in preventing heart attacks and heart disease lies in its ability to suppress the normal functioning of platelets, which normally travel to damaged blood vessels and mend them by clumping together. When this process is abnormal, there are higher odds of having heart attacks and strokes.

A side effect of aspirin’s strengths is the fact that it ends up thinning the blood, creating some trouble for people who are dealing with other conditions. “In the emergency room, we do not recommend aspirin and other NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen for patients with peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, hemophilia, kidney disease, and other conditions because aspirin is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding,” writes Dr. Daignault.

Daignault isn’t the only physician concerned with the high number of people taking aspirin on a regular basis; this year, the United States Preventing Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated their guidelinesupdated their guidelines, advising that adults over the age of 60 with no heart attack or stroke history shouldn’t take the pill as a preventative measure.

In short, aspirin is a great tool and a cheap method of protecting one’s heart health. Still, there are guidelines for its usage, and it should be consumed primarily by people who’ve had a history of heart attacks and strokes, or those who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease and are being advised by their physician. For those who don’t fall under that spectrum, regular exercise, stress management, and healthy sleep are all proven ways of cutting down the risk of heart disease and managing heart health.

How Cannabis Interacts With Melatonin, Caffeine, And Alcohol

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CBD

Terry Hacienda

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August 27, 2022

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How Cannabis Interacts With Melatonin, Caffeine, And Alcohol

Consuming both melatonin and marijuana at the same time can make you extremely sleepy, drowsy, and sedated. Here’s how weed might affect you when combining it with caffeine and alcohol.

Many of us consume a wide range of substances to help keep us sane in this crazy life: coffee to help wake us up and be productive; alcohol, for celebrating or for decompressing; and melatonin, one of the most common over-the-counter sleep aids for those sleepless nights. But how does cannabis interacts with melatonin, caffeine, and alcohol.

Coffee

According to experts, majority of Americans consume some kind of coffee drink daily. That’s millions of people who rely on a cup of joe for everyday. And the numbers of people who consume marijuana continue to rise too.

The euphoric bliss that comes with pairing coffee with marijuana is unlike any other. Many believe that the origins of combining coffee and marijuana started in Amsterdam, where the cannabis café culture was abuzz for many decades.

Whether you’re drinking a straight-up commercial THC or CBD infused coffee drink, or having a few puffs from your vape after your morning coffee, it’s hard to describe why this mix feels so good. The caffeine content in coffee stimulates the central nervous system and prevents you from getting sleepy, providing a much-needed mental and physical energy boost. Cannabis can work similarly in the human body.

coffee tea — Photo by Chad Madden via Unsplash

However, everyone reacts differently to the combination. Some find that consuming CBD with coffee helps take the edge off a strong caffeine dose, while boosting it with THC can increase alertness and energy. A 2013 study suggests that the combination can improve cognitive performance, offering better concentration while the user also enjoys the medicinal benefits of cannabis.

In another study, researchers found that both marijuana and caffeine lead to a spike in dopamine levels through various mechanisms. The findings suggest that when these are taken at the same time, this dopamine increase could be responsible for the boost of happy feelings and euphoria.

Both cannabis and caffeine are natural compounds. Combining both is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people, as long as you don’t consume excessive amounts of coffee because this can lead to heart palpitations.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that the body naturally produces on its own as a response to darkness. It helps regulate the circadian rhythm, the internal clock that tells us when it’s time to sleep or wake up.

Humans have the highest natural levels of melatonin in the evening when it’s dark. This is a signal for us to prepare for bed. However, millions of people struggle with falling and staying asleep. Melatonin is also one of the easiest over-the-counter supplements available to help people sleep.

According to studies, marijuana consumption helps naturally increase melatonin levels. It’s not surprising then, that so many rely on marijuana to help them fall and stay asleep. There’s even a market for sleep-specific cannabis products because it works so well in fighting insomnia.

Consuming both melatonin and marijuana at the same time can make you extremely sleepy, drowsy, and sedated. This is not necessarily dangerous as long as you don’t take too much melatonin (experts recommend anywhere between 1-5mg per dose). There are no known dangerous interactions as of yet between the two, but it’s wise to tread cautiously.

Individuals who rely on cannabis to fall asleep due to pain or other illnesses that prevent them from getting decent shut eye are advised to talk to their physician if you need additional sleep aid. Instead of combining the two, which can lead to increased drowsiness when waking up in the morning, you may be better off with a stronger cannabis product or dose without needing to mix any substances.

Alcohol

Ahhhh… alcohol. The most popular legal and addictive substance society has today. There’s nothing wrong with having a few glasses of wine or a few bottles of beer at the end of a stressful work week.

Mixing it with cannabis makes relaxing even more enjoyable: combining the two can provide a deep level of sedation that helps you forget about all the stress. But if you are a binge drinker, which is typically defined as drinking more than 4 or 5 drinks within two hours, mixing with cannabis is not recommended. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is responsible for causing over 200 different illnesses. On top of that, drunk driving takes around 10,000 lives annually.

Casually mixing a few glasses of alcohol with a few tokes of weed is generally safe in moderation. However, it’s always safest to mix both when you are in the comfort of your own home and don’t have to worry about driving. But getting excessively drunk or stoned when mixing both can be dangerous and even cause blackouts.

Cannabis has also been shown to help reduce the incidence of liver cirrhosis, and minimize hangovers the next day. For many people who are seasoned cannabis consumers and know how to drink responsibly, the occasional mixing of both substances should be fine.

When it comes to CBD, which isn’t psychoactive, you may experience an increase in sleepiness when combining with alcohol if either is consumed in high doses. If you are interested in mixing CBD with your glass of wine, it’s always recommended to purchase from legitimate manufacturers especially those that can provide you with a certificate of analysis so that you know exactly how much you are consuming. Always choose a high CBD and low to no THC product to increase the safety of the experience.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Study Shows THC Has A Positive Effect On PTSD

Maria Loreto

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August 26, 2022

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Study Shows THC Has A Positive Effect On PTSD

This study isn’t the first to find a link between THC and PTSD, but it is the first to see THC’s impact during cognitive reappraisal tasks for individuals with PTSD.

PTSD is an aftereffect of soldiers giving their all for the country and democracy. A new study shows THC has a positive effect on Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Published in the journal Neuropharmacology and conducted by researchers from Wayne State University, the study found that the combination of a specific type of therapy and moderate amounts of THC were particularly beneficial for people with PTSD.

marijuana flower — Photo by Christina Hempfling / EyeEm/Getty Images

Researchers conducted a double-blind experiment on 51 participants. These subjects were randomly given 7.5 mg of THC or a placebo pill and were kept under supervision and timed. Participants were scanned on an fMRI with researchers conducting regular check-ins on their mental state.

After consuming their pills, at the peak of THC’s effect, researchers provided participants with emotional regulation tasks, like showing participants triggering images and repeating this with the goal of having them reappraise them, and thus successfully regulating their emotions.

Results showed that only participants who’d consumed THC were able to reduce and manage their negative emotions. The compound also activated areas of their brains that are normally stunted in people with PTSD. “THC may prove to be a beneficial pharmacological adjunct to cognitive reappraisal therapy in the treatment of PTSD,” wrote the study’s authors.

This study isn’t the first to find a link between THC and PTSD, but it is the first to see THC’s impact during cognitive reappraisal tasks for individuals with PTSD, which is important. When patients are able to successfully reappraise their emotions they’re more likely to repeat this behavior in the future, reducing anxiety and negative responses. This suggests that THC could become an effective way of treating these patients and improving their symptoms.

PTSD patients are some of the most vocal proponents of the benefits of medicinal cannabis, with many claiming that THC helps them with their migraines, panic attacks and overwhelming emotions.

Why Are Marijuana Sales In Colorado Plummeting?

Lydia Kariuki

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August 26, 2022

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Why Are Marijuana Sales In Colorado Plummeting?

“They think we’re all getting rich, and things are going extraordinarily well, but if you’re on the inside of the industry, you understand the harsh reality that we’re dealing with right now,” said one dispensary CEO.

By Lydia Kariuki

Marijuana sales in Colorado have been on a steep decline since February this year. While the total marijuana sales for the first half of 2021 topped $1.1 billion, the state managed a paltry $906 million for the same period this year.

In June, there was a conspicuous decline in marijuana sales of 22% compared to 2021 June sales. The month-on-month decline for May was at 1%. This decline has persisted for four consecutive months and the trend is likely to continue if appropriate measures are not put in place.

In June, legal marijuana sales were at $146 million. This is the fourth month to have experienced a steady decline. EmJ Dispensaries CEO Tom Scudder of reports that sales at his medical dispensaries have gone down a whopping 50% in the past year. Speaking to KRDO he said, “They think we’re all getting rich, and things are going extraordinarily well, but if you’re on the inside of the industry, you understand the harsh reality that we’re dealing with right now, and it’s a pretty tough situation.”

Byron Buck, a store manager at a dispensary in Dabarado attributes the decline to unsteady laws that are crippling the medical marijuana industry in Colorado. “Declining medical marijuana sales are due to potency limits, and HB-1317 which has all but crippled the medical marijuana industry here in Colorado Springs. It limits the amount a person can purchase whenever they come into the dispensary so they don’t get the necessary medication that the doctors have prescribed.”

Cannabis sales — Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images

He also added that the post-COVID economic recession could be a contributor. HB-1317 is a bill that was created to regulate the sale of marijuana concentrates. This limits the amount of concentrate that an individual can purchase from a cannabis dispensary at a time. In some cases, patients are not able to purchase their prescribed doses of medical marijuana, says Byron.

However, this theory has been disputed. If someone really wants to purchase cannabis they can always ask a friend or family to make the purchase on their behalf. It appears that the theory of economic recession and patients spending less on cannabis purchases holds more water.

What’s causing the free fall of marijuana sales in Colorado?

Unfortunately, it’s not clear why marijuana sales in Colorado are declining so fast. Colorado was the first state to legalize adult-use cannabis back in 2012 when Amendment 64 was incorporated into the Colorado constitution. The state has enjoyed a vibrant medical and recreational market for the longest time. Things have however changed in the last four months and the legal industry is struggling to remain afloat.

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been reposted with permission.

Injuries Related To Contaminated Vapes Less Common Here

Maria Loreto

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August 26, 2022

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Injuries Related To Contaminated Vapes Less Common Here

A study found that legal states that allow people to grow the plant in their homes were less likely to report cases of vaping illness.

Lung disease and injuries associated with vaping were a big concern in 2019, when EVALI first appeared. While the disease has decreased in incidence, it left a significant stain on the vaping industry, with the government banning some of these products and the public being more careful with the vapes they purchase.

A study found some interesting data regarding state marijuana laws and vaping lung injuries. It found that states with legal marijuana are less likely to have cases of EVALI disease, which makes a lot of sense. It also found that states with home cultivation policies have even fewer cases of EVALI disease.

Published in ScienceDirect, the report was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and showed some of the benefits of legalization, including the prediction from many that providing the public with regulated marijuana products would curb the rise of EVALI disease.

Weed Vape Send A Toxic Gas To Lungs, Says Study — Photo by Clear Cannabis via Unsplash

Results show that EVALI was 42% less likely in states with legal recreational marijuana. States that allowed the home cultivation of marijuana had even better results, reporting a 60% of lower incidence of EVALI.

“Marijuana policy attributes linked to lower EVALI incidences were also associated with reduced likelihoods of vaping as one’s primary mode of use,” conclude the study’s authors. “As additives in informally-sourced vaping concentrates could drive future EVALI cases, marijuana policy design should account for effects on mode of use in licit and illicit markets, to limit the scope of future outbreaks.”

The EVALI outbreak peaked in 2019, with medical experts naming vitamin E acetate as the culprit. This element was present in most affected lungs and was later banned in different states in the US.

This year, the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of Juul vape products because of concerns over the product’s effects and its high usage rates in teens. While the ban was unrelated to the vaping epidemic, it doesn’t paint a good picture for Juul and for the vaping industry as a whole.

Essential Guide To Understanding Marijuana Concentrates

Tom Gaffey

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August 26, 2022

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Essential Guide To Understanding Marijuana Concentrates

There are several methods, but every form of concentrate represents much more potent THC or CBD content than its flower predecessor.

As the marijuana industry continues to explode in growth, the methods of cannabis consumption seem to evolve just as quickly. Flower cannabis represents only a small portion of most dispensary retail operations. And as time goes on, concentrates are becoming more popular and diverse.

As this niche market begins to outsell other marijuana products, it is important to understand exactly what marijuana concentrates are.

What Are Marijuana Concentrates?

Concentrates are just that, concentrated forms. There are several methods, but every form of concentrate represents much more potent THC or CBD content than its flower predecessor. Flower normally has a THC content that ranges from 10% to 25%, but concentrated products can exceed 80%.

Cannabis Concentrates How To Choose The Right Gear — Photo by eskymaks/Getty Images

The way a concentrate is extracted or made affects the final product. This also affects how it is consumed. Some concentrates are smoked while others are vaporized. Some can be applied to the skin while others can be eaten or even drunk.

Common Forms of Concentrates

There is a long list of concentrates on the market currently, and the list will likely continue to grow as other niche markets continue to form. There are several concentrate varieties that are popular and worth noting as a starting point of knowledge for those who want to learn more.

Hash

Hash is the “OG” concentrate. It has been enjoyed for centuries, and has made quite a comeback with the boom of concentrates. Hash is typically fragrant, and is often pressed into a dense ball before consumption.

Shatter

Shatter is a form of butane hash oil. Those who seek to find shatter often do so because it is widely considered to be the purest form of concentrate. It is usually a clear solid substance with a smooth texture. It can resemble glass, and just like glass it can shatter — hence the name.

Live Resin

Live resin is extracted directly from a fresh flower after it is flash-frozen. This method preserves a lot of the cannabis aroma and terpenes so it is a great choice for those who love that rich marijuana flavor. But, Is Resin A Good Replacement If Marijuana Supplies Go Dry?

Rosin

Rosin is a common concentrate that many people create themselves using fresh flower, a hair straightener and parchment paper. It has become wildly common recently as it is accessible and easy to create. Need some repurposing inspiration? Here’s What To Do With Marijuana Rosin Chips.

Wax

Wax, or dab wax, is possibly the stickiest form of concentrate. Dabs are concentrated doses — typically about the size of a Tic-Tac breath mint — of marijuana. Dabs are manufactured by extracting THC, most commonly by using a solvent such as butane. The end product is a potent oil often referred to as wax, honey, shatter, budder, crumble or butane hash oil (BHO). Here’s the difference between Dabbing Wax Vs. Vaping Wax.

5 Amazing Things To Know About CBD Was And Shatter — Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

Crumble

Crumble is formed from wax. Once in wax form, if it goes into a vacuum or drying process it turns into crumble. Crumble can be formed or broken into pieces for dabbing.

Oils

Marijuana concentrates also come in oil form. The most common packaging is in a syringe (for topical use or ingestion) or in cartridge form. Oil is commonly used in e-cigarette style vape devices, producing a similar vapor to that of an e-cigarette, only infused with concentrated THC. Want more information? This is the #1 Difference Between Cannabis Oil And CBD Oil.

Tinctures

Tinctures are alcohol-based marijuana concentrates. Tinctures are growing in popularity as THC cocktails gain popularity. Tinctures are commonly ingested orally using a dropper, and can be added to food or beverage as well.

CBD oil cannabis tincture — Photo by 24K-Production/Getty Images

Are Concentrates Safe?

Concentrates should certainly be handled carefully. Just like with any form of THC, one should carefully research and monitor their consumption.

If all precautions are taken, a concentrate can be a great way to enjoy marijuana. In fact, its concentration can help dosing more precisely. Instead of “guessing” how you will feel after one joint, you can have a strong understanding of how one drop of tinctures or oil will affect you. As always, be sure to err on the side of caution when trying highly concentrated marijuana.

A 2020 study, conducted by CU Boulder researchers, suggested that although THC levels increase significantly in those who consume concentrates, boosting blood levels of THC more than twice as much as smoking conventional weed, the effects of the drug itself were not necessarily significantly greater.

According to coauthor Kent Hutchison, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at CU Boulder who also studies alcohol addiction, the study does not apply to inexperienced users, who should still be extremely cautious with concentrates.

“Does long-term, concentrated exposure mess with your cannabinoid receptors in a way that could have long-term repercussions? Does it make it harder to quit when you want to?” said Hutchison. “We just don’t know yet.”

For more information on concentrates, we recommend:

Is Delta-8 THC Synthetic Or Natural And Does It Matter?

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Terry Hacienda

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August 26, 2022

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Is Delta-8 THC Synthetic Or Natural And Does It Matter?

The confusion as to whether it is synthetic or not comes into play when there is human involvement in the mass production of THC.

A lot of people are perplexed about the present state of things in relation to delta-8 THC. This is a cannabinoid that can be retrieved naturally from the cannabis plant. Still, some people are uneasy about it, thinking it might be synthetic.

Unfortunately, even delta-8 THC consumers are among the people who do not completely understand the compound and wonder if it is synthetic or natural due to the high level of danger posed by other synthetic cannabinoids.

Noting all the issues that have been associated with synthetic THC in the past, might delta-8 be the same?

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a cannabinoid in cannabis that has gained popularity due to its similarity to delta-9 THC, the primary component of marijuana that gets you intoxicated, causing euphoria, symptom relief, sedation, happiness, and so much more. Vast amounts of THC can be found in most strains of cannabis.

The scientific name of delta-8 THC is delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Some other people just call it “D-8“. The effects from delta-8 THC are comparable to that of regular delta-9 THC. They are, however, much less potent.

Is Delta-8 THC Natural?

Delta-8 THC is a compound that appears naturally in cannabis and hemp plants without any human involvement. For this reason, it can be considered a wholly natural cannabinoid and not synthetic. Some people, however, believe it to be man-made since it exists in marijuana plants only in small quantities and needs a special procedure to make a consumable available.

The process of making delta-8 THC, in most cases, involves extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp plants that are legal federally and converting it into delta-8 THC, making use of an acid conversion. The concentration of CBD in hemp is way more than that of delta-8 THC, so producers can obtain a high yield of delta-8 THC when using this process, thus making the production of delta-8 THC financially feasible.

However, to produce a large quantity of delta-8 THC, you would need human intervention in the process; the compound itself exists naturally in the cannabis plant.

What Is a Synthetic Cannabinoid?

The CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system are stimulated by both natural and synthetic cannabinoids. There are no synthetic cannabinoids in nature. They wouldn’t exist at all if they weren’t created in a laboratory.

JWH-018 and HU-210 are two of the most well-known non-classical cannabinoids, and both are frequently found in the herbal blend known as “Spice” or K2. These substances were regarded as legal a number of years ago. These goods were offered by head shops as “legal highs” or “legal cannabis substitutes.” Many of these substances weren’t safe, which was the problem.

The US government and a number of other nations opted to completely outlaw synthetic cannabinoids in the 2010s after numerous hospitalizations, addiction problems, and even a few fatalities.

smoking marijuana joint — Photo by Jose Luque / EyeEm/Getty Images

The non-classical cannabinoids in this class were the most troublesome ones. Any synthetic cannabinoid that has no resemblance to the cannabinoids produced by plants but nevertheless has the ability to influence the endocannabinoid system is referred to as non-classical.

Because delta-8 is a traditional cannabinoid found in nature, it is not a synthetic cannabinoid. There are currently well over 100 identified traditional, natural cannabinoids. Delta-9, delta-8, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBDV, and THCV are a few examples. On the CB1 and CB2 receptors, these cannabinoids exert a similar but typically less powerful impact.

Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Regulated?

To no one’s surprise, a lot of synthetic cannabinoids are regulated. Nonetheless, fresher compounds or analogs of the older compounds are presented in the market very often. This enables producers to go around the restrictions, at least till the new compound is impeded as well.

One thing people might see as an upside of taking synthetic cannabinoids is that they are not detected under the common marijuana drug tests. Their cheap nature is another typical reason for their popularity.

The Effect of Synethic Cannabinoids

Spice and psychosis are strongly linked, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience. In the study, taking the medication caused hallucinations (both aural and visual), altered perceptions, dissociation, depersonalization, and catatonia.

According to the study, drug-induced psychosis only lasts as long as the drug’s effects do, despite the fact that it is transient. The reactions may prompt people to call for emergency services. In addition, such cases of drug use that promote psychosis might have long-term psychological repercussions.

This is why it’s crucial for us to have a conversation about whether D-8 is a manufactured substance. The medicine can be avoided by susceptible people if they are aware of it beforehand.

So, Is Delta-8 THC Synthetic?

The answer is no. In both hemp and marijuana, delta-8 THC is the naturally occurring cannabis component. To obtain any appreciable amount of this chemical, however, one typically needs an enormous amount of plant material. This is the rationale behind some producers’ decision to obtain it through the synthesis of CBD (instead of delta-9 THC) as opposed to directly extracting it from hemp.

Even though this process is fairly pricey, it is still much more affordable and practical than extracting delta-8 straight from hemp. Although it may sound artificial, it is not. Hemp growers are in the process of crossing various hemp strains to produce a more significant delta-8 yield, which will make delta-8 more practical, tenable, and lawful for all parties involved.

Bottom Line

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is very natural as it is extracted directly from the cannabis plant itself. The confusion as to whether it is synthetic or not comes into play when there is human involvement in the mass production of THC. Does it matter if it’s synthetic or not? You would have to look at the effects that can be had from synthetic cannabinoids. But we do not have to worry, as delta-8 THC is entirely safe for consumption.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Medical Marijuana Patients Are More Likely To Smoke Cigarettes

Maria Loreto

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August 25, 2022

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A new study shows a link between medical marijuana users and cigarette smokers.

A new study found that medical marijuana patients are more likely to smoke cigarettes. Published this month in the American Journal of Addictions, the research is some of the first to look into the connection between medical marijuana patients and cigarettes, something that is a concern for health practitioners.

Researchers acknowledged that there has long been a relationship between recreational cannabis use and nicotine use. This makes a lot of sense since smoking one substance makes it more likely to some others. With this study, researchers wanted to get some clarification on the case of medical marijuana, especially since these users are meant to be using the drug for health concerns.

Smoking Marijuana — Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Researchers went to a medical marijuana dispensary and surveyed over 600 patients between the ages of 18 and 89, asking them how they consumed their cannabis, and about their cannabis and nicotine use. They found that about 40% of medical cannabis users were also nicotine users. For reference purposes, about 14% of adults in the U.S. are nicotine consumers.

“Between the higher rates of nicotine use in those using medical cannabis, the fact that cigarette smokers opt to smoke cannabis as well, and that those people also are seeking to quit using nicotine presents a strong argument that dispensaries provide tobacco control messaging at the point of sale to encourage cigarette smokers to quit,” co-author Marc Steinberg told Rutgers Today. “The strategy also could increase the chances that a medical cannabis user would vape the product, which is a less harmful route than smoking.”

Warnings and recommendations from dispensaries may be a way to educate the public on the perils of smoking any substance. While pesky, these suggestions may educate consumers and let them know that smoking is harmful and that there are other methods of consuming cannabis that provide the same benefits minus the lung damage.

Solution For Alcohol Addiction Might Be Magic Mushrooms

Benzinga Staff Writer

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August 25, 2022

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Solution For Alcohol Addiction Might Be Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are not only believed to have the ability to treat alcohol addiction, but other substance abuse issues as well.

By Lara Goldstein

A recent clinical study led by NYU Langone found that psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, reduced heavy drinking by 83%, compared with a 51% reduction among those who received an antihistamine placebo. It shows a potential solution for alcohol addiction might be magic mushrooms.

Psychedelic treatment for alcoholism became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, when LSD studies showed that the substance reduced alcohol misuse. Yet that possibility ceased to be considered until now.

Can CBD, Psilocybin Help Fight Alcohol Abuse? — Photo by crotography/Getty Images

The Results: Psilocybin Helps Reduce Alcohol Cravings

The randomized study with 93 alcohol-dependent participants showed that those receiving two doses of psilocybin together with psychotherapy saw an 83% reduction in heavy drinking habits measured over eight months, while the subgroup offered an antihistamine placebo with psychotherapy showed a 51% reduction.

More specifically, in the 12 weeks before the study, the participants drank alcohol for an average of 60 days. Of that total, about half were heavy drinking days -that is, five or more drinks for a man and four or more for a woman per day.

Everyone in the study started drinking less after the first four weeks of therapy; the percentage of heavy drinking days dropped from half to a quarter. But that number dropped even lower for those taking psilocybin.

At the end of the study, the psilocybin group drank heavily on around 10% of the days when they drank, while the antihistamine group was still drinking heavily on almost a quarter of drinking days. What’s more, the daily alcohol consumption was also lower in the psilocybin group.

All 93 participants received 12 psychotherapy sessions before, between and after psilocybin administrations.

It is important to note that the study found no serious adverse events among participants who received psilocybin.

Further evidence of psilocybin’s effectiveness? 48% of participants treated with the psychedelic stopped consuming alcohol entirely after the eight months, compared to 24% in the placebo group.

Comments And Further Steps

In view of the study results, senior author and psychedelics researcher at NYU Michael Bogenschutz said: “Our findings strongly suggest that psilocybin therapy is a promising means of treating alcohol use disorder, a complex disease that has proven notoriously difficult to manage.”

Bogenschutz is also the author of a 2015 research on the same topic, The study found that, after receiving a sole dose of psilocybin, the 10 alcohol-dependent participants showed a 40 to 60% drop in alcohol use and addiction, and that those who had more intense trips were more benefited by the treatment.

Study participant Jon Kostas, who received psilocybin, had tried all sorts of treatments before, including Alcoholics Anonymous, rehab and visiting various specialists. “I’d say it saved my life. This eliminated all my cravings to the point where it cured my alcoholism. And I don’t categorize myself as an alcoholic anymore.”

The NYU study fills a void in the understanding of psilocybin’s efficacy for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, a condition affecting millions of people worldwide and for which other psychedelics are also being tested as plausible treatment options.

It is still unclear why psychedelics help people drink less: the combination of psilocybin with therapy is key to the treatment approach, so it’s not possible to determine what the effects of the psychedelic would be on its own, nor why or how the combination might eventually help.

“We just need to start doing some mechanistic studies to find out what is actually going on. And the truth is, we don’t know,” Bogenschutz said. Nonetheless, he posits that these substances might be helpful for the brain to change and grow in areas affecting thought and behavior, which in turn could make people more open and receptive to therapy.

The Psilocybin Movement Is Like The Cannabis Movement (Except When It’s Not) — Photo by Moha El-Jaw/Getty Images

Magic mushrooms are not only believed to have the ability to treat alcohol addiction, but other substance abuse issues as well.

“As research into psychedelic treatment grows, we find more possible applications for mental health conditions. Beyond alcohol use disorder, this approach may prove useful in treating other addictions such as cigarette smoking and abuse of cocaine and opioids,” Bogenschutz said.

The team is currently preparing to conduct a similar yet larger trial to further demonstrate that magic mushrooms can -and should- be used in diagnostic and clinical settings aiming to help cure different types of addictions. “If these effects hold up in future trials, psilocybin will be a real breakthrough in the treatment of alcohol use disorder,” Bogenschutz concluded.

So fingers crossed a potential solution for alcohol addiction might be magic mushrooms.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

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Magic mushrooms are not only believed to have the ability to treat alcohol addiction, but other substance abuse issues as well.

The Results: Psilocybin Helps Reduce Alcohol Cravings

Comments And Further Steps

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