Why Your Marijuana Tolerance Break Isn’t Working

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November 10, 2021

Why Your Marijuana Tolerance Break Isn’t Working

The amount of time you allow for your T-break is important, but how you spend that time away from THC can also affect the effectiveness of your respite.

Tolerance breaks, often referred to as T-breaks, are a great way to reset your body and reawaken the long-forgotten feeling you had when you first started using cannabis. If you use marijuana regularly, its effects can alter and weaken over time. When you need more and more weed to feel the same effects, you might be one of many cannabis users who could benefit from a T-break.

The saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” can certainly be applied to a tolerance break, which gives you a chance to regroup and start enjoying marijuana like you did when you first started consuming. But what if your T-break does not bring back that old feeling and you still need the same amount of product to feel its effects?

marijuana joint — Photo by Mayara Klingner / EyeEm/Getty Images

When you take a break from THC and it does not seem to affect your tolerance, you may need to rethink the way you take your T-breaks.

One of the most important components of a quality tolerance break is time. Marijuana may leave your blood in less than a day, but it takes much longer to reset receptors in the body that react to THC. “Research states that brain receptors called cannabinoid 1 receptors start to return to normal after 2 days without marijuana, and they regain normal functioning within 4 weeks,” wrote Medical News Today.

If your break did not lower your tolerance, or did not restore the feeling you once had when you enjoyed it for the first time, try taking a longer one. According to WebMD, cannabis breaks should be at least 21 days long. Try to last for three weeks without THC in order to effectively reset your tolerance, especially if your previous T-breaks were brief.

A three-week break is often easier said than done. According to U.S. News, 49% of American adults have tried marijuana. Although some of these users fall under the experimental or occasional smoker category, many marijuana users partake regularly. For some, marijuana is prescribed medication. For others it is supplemental or unprescribed medication.

marijuana expire — Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images

Quitting cold turkey can be difficult or even mentally dangerous. One way to ensure a smooth and healthy transition away from THC is finding a suitable replacement for the void left behind. CBD is a logical alternative, but you should be sure to purchase the right type and strength.

CBD does not have hallucinogenic properties, but if you ingest it the same way you would ingest THC you may be able to trick your body, or at least your mind. If you smoke marijuana you may want to try a smokable CBD product. Have whatever products you think you may need available to you before you start your T-break to ensure you do not slip up when you have a craving.

The amount of time you allow for your T-break is important, but how you spend that time away from THC can also affect the effectiveness of your respite. Did you just spend your last T-break sitting around bored and snacking? This is not the best way to reset your system. Try treating this time apart from marijuana as a detox or cleanse for your body and mind. Taking up an activity, especially a physically active hobby, can enhance the results of your THC break.

According to Healthline, “Exercise and fresh air can help you feel alert and reduce any slumps in your mood.” Signing up for an exercise class or creating a workout schedule are both effective ways to help form this habit while you take time away from THC. As with all aspects of these breaks, preparation and organization are great ways to stay on track and hold yourself accountable.

13 Things You Might Be Doing Wrong When Smoking Marijuana

Maria Loreto

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November 10, 2021

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13 Things You Might Be Doing Wrong When Smoking Marijuana

Trying marijuana for the first time? Here’s how to get that high you’re seeking.

Smoking marijuana is the most popular and readily-available way of consuming weed, especially for first-timers. Still, you’d be surprised by the amount of misinformation that people believe, even those who’ve used weed for long periods of time.

We’ve made a list of the 10 most common smoking sins to try and help you achieve the high you aspire to. Try not to make these mistakes.

1. Smoking a joint like a cigar

13 Things You Might Be Doing Wrong When First Smoking Marijuana — Photo by Mohd Jon Ramlan via Unsplash

You’re not supposed to smoke a joint like a mob boss by keeping the smoke swirling inside your mouth. In order for the drug to have an effect on you, you have to inhale the smoke all the way down to your lungs. There’s also a pervasive belief that the longer you hold the smoke in, the stronger its effect will be. This is not true, you’ll only be feeling lightheaded because you’re depleting your brain of oxygen.

2. Going all out on your first try

quiz dont be that toker test your cannabis etiquette before imbibing — Photo by Shane Cotee/EyeEm/Getty Images

Marijuana users have different stories when it comes to their first few times getting high, with many of them getting too high and paranoid. This happens because it’s hard knowing what you’re supposed to feel the first time you smoke weed, leading people to overdo it in order to ensure that they get high. Take it slow and let the THC do its job.

3. Not knowing how to use the carb

Bongs & Pipes: What's The Best Option For New Smokers? — Photo by Grav via Unsplash

Your carb is that little hole in the side of your bong or pipe. You’re supposed to cover it as you light up, so that smoke accumulates, and then release it so you can inhale. Carbs are very misunderstood, and they can be the reason why some people don’t make the best out of their cannabis.

While you don’t need to be an expert on strains and their components, it’s important to know the basics of the two most common types of marijuana. Indicas are more mellow, and affect your body physically, leaving you relaxed and ready to chill out in the couch. Sativas are more intense and activate your brain, which makes them a great partner for parties and doing other types of active stuff. For newcomers who are afraid of getting a bad high, indicas are a more safe choice because they offer a smaller chance of getting paranoid.

4. Freaking out

10 types of marijuana for depression — Photo by Xavier Sotomayor via Unsplash

If the freakout comes, it’s important to remember that if you only smoked marijuana there’s nothing to worry about. The anxiety and paranoia will pass, and in an hour (tops) you’ll feel way better. In the meantime, distract yourself with your pet, take a nap, watch a show or some cute cat videos and all be well.

It also helps for first-timers to smoke with people they trust, someone who’ll be able to calm them down if they start getting too antsy.

5. Packing the bowl wrong

Marijuana Bongs Vs. Water Pipes: — Photo by Flickr user Interiorrain

If you’re chopping up your weed with scissors and then stuffing the pieces carelessly into your bowl, the marijuana gods are giving you the stink eye. Be sure to use a grinder or be very thorough with your cutting, preferably using your fingers. Put the right amount of weed in your bowl or joint, allowing some breathing room for the particles. The bowl or joint should be snug but air should be able to circulate. Tear, cut or grind: How do you break up your bud?

6. Using a bad lighter

marijuana pipe — Photo by SharonMcCutcheon via Pixabay

The fumes from matches and heavy butane lighters will ruin the quality and taste of your marijuana and will also mess with your lungs, so try to buy a reliable and simple lighter. This small factor will improve your experience dramatically.

7. Torching the bowl

We all torch the bowl at some point, lighting up the center of it and accidentally burning the whole batch of weed. While there won’t be an actual fire, lighting up right in the middle ruins the bowl for other people, tampering with the marijuana flavor. You should curb your bowl, lighting up the corners of it so everyone can have a turn and your weed can last for longer periods of time.

8. Not knowing the strain you’re smoking

Can You Use Your Medical Marijuana Card In Other States? — Photo by Add Weed via Unsplash

While you get a pass the first couple of times you smoke weed, once you start buying your own, you should know the basics of what you’re having. While the terms Indica and Sativa are growing outdated, it helps when speaking to budtenders and sellers. Before making your purchase, ask yourself what kind of high you’re looking for. Do you want to zone out or have focus? These are all questions worth asking.

9. Poor marijuana storage

why adults with medical conditions use more marijuana — Photo by Norman Posselt/Getty Images

Your marijuana must be stored in a dark cool place inside an airtight container. This will help in preserving its taste and effect. If you want to take the next step, try investing in a humidor, which will solve a lot of your cannabis storage problems. Here are 8 ways to properly store marijuana for freshness.

10. Coughing

How To Stop Coughing So Hard From Marijuana Smoke — Photo by cottonbro via Pexels

There’s some mystery surrounding coughing and smoking weed. Some claim that coughing means that you’re smoking good quality marijuana, or that you’re starting to get high. None of this is true. Coughing is related to the heat of the smoke you’re inhaling and the irritation that it causes on your throat and lungs. Here’s how to stop coughing so hard from smoking marijuana.

11. Eating raw marijuana

How To Use CBD To Reduce Holiday Stress — Photo by Dennis Aglaster/EyeEm/Getty Images

People will do anything for a good high, especially when they’re not informed and they’re just getting involved with marijuana. Don’t be that person who eats raw marijuana leaves. This won’t accomplish anything; cannabis must be heated for its THC to be released.

12. Wasting weed

Are There Risks To Smoking Moldy Weed? — Photo by Brian Lundquist via Unsplash

It’s easy to waste marijuana on joints and bongs. These keep on burning, even when you and your companions are not smoking. If you want to save weed, other methods of consumption are more helpful. Carbs, pipes or one-hitters are more efficient when consuming solo. Vape is the best of all, lasting for long periods of time and providing very strong hits.

13. Not experimenting with new products

marijuana edibles — Photo by Moussa81/Getty Images

Whenever you’re trying out a new activity, it’s tempting to stick to what you know, but this also reduces your odds of finding stuff you love. As long as you’re being careful with your dosage and with the people you surround yourself with, your weed experience will be a positive one.

No, President Biden Cannot Legalize Weed Or Deschedule It, Even With An Executive Order

Terry Hacienda

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November 10, 2021

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No, President Biden Cannot Legalize Weed Or Deschedule It, Even With An Executive Order

While the President may not be able to sign an executive order tomorrow morning and legalize or deschedule the plant, he does have significant influence over his cabinet members.

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

Interesting paper out recently by a group called the Congressional Research Service (CRS) about whether President Biden can legalize marijuana all by himself, or at least deschedule it all by himself (hence, de facto legalizing it if you are familiar with the industry). While many believe that Biden can legalize marijuana with the swipe off a pen if he so chose to, that is just not the case. Could he make one phone call and have it descheduled, as a few of the leading cannabis industry leaders have suggested? Not so fast, says the CRS.

The problem stems from the CSA, or Controlled Substance Act, which has cannabis listed as a Schedule 1 narcotic. Schedule 1 narcotics are said to have no medical purpose or benefit, which has long been the main talking point about removing medical marijuana from the Schedule 1 listing on the CSA. Cannabis certainly has medical benefits as more and more research is published each week.

could marijuana legalization unite a divided country — Photo by strelov/Getty Images

As the CRS Legal Sidebar says on legalization:

Discussion of whether the President can legalize or decriminalize marijuana raises the question of what it means to “legalize” or “decriminalize” a Schedule I controlled substance. “Legalization” of marijuana could mean moving the substance from Schedule I to another schedule of the CSA so that it would be legal to produce, distribute, and possess marijuana for medical purposes, subject to the CSA’s registration requirements; or it could mean removing marijuana from control under the CSA altogether. “Decriminalization” generally refers to maintaining some form of prohibition of marijuana but enforcing the ban only through non-criminal sanctions, such as civil monetary penalties.

But what about descheduling marijuana, or removing it from the Schedule 1 status? Well, it is not great news there either. As the CRS Legal Sidebar states:

If the President sought to act in the area of controlled substances regulation, he would likely do so by executive order. However, the Supreme Court has held that the President has the power to issue an executive order only if authorized by “an act of Congress or . . . the Constitution itself.” The CSA does not provide a direct role for the President in the classification of controlled substances, nor does Article II of the Constitution grant the President power in this area (federal controlled substances law is an exercise of Congress’s power to regulate interstate commerce). Thus, it does not appear that the President could directly deschedule or reschedule marijuana by executive order.

President Biden’s Marijuana Agenda Seems Destined For Trouble — Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

So it is all doom and gloom for a miracle move by President Biden to legalize marijuana or deschedule it? Yes and no. While the President may not be able to sign an executive order tomorrow morning and legalize or deschedule the plant, he does have significant influence over his cabinet members, to the point where the paper says:

Although the President may not unilaterally deschedule or reschedule a controlled substance, he does possess a large degree of indirect influence over scheduling decisions. The President could pursue the appointment of agency officials who favor descheduling, or use executive orders to direct DEA, HHS, and FDA to consider administrative descheduling of marijuana. The notice-and-comment rulemaking process would take time, and would be subject to judicial review if challenged, but could be done consistently with the CSA’s procedural requirements. In the alternative, the President could work with Congress to pursue descheduling through an amendment to the CSA.

This comes at a time when the Republican Party is drafting their own cannabis legalization bill and asking for feedback from Democrats. We covered the question on whether the Democrats missed their legalization opportunity with voters, as the Republican bill is much more sensible and may appear to a wide variety of Senators on both sides of the isle. Either way, the goal is to get marijuana descheduled and legalized at the federal level regardless of which party introduces the bill or legislature.

It does not appear that President Biden is in any hurry to legalize cannabis, and Mitch McConnell has stalled all cannabis legislation from reaching the Senate voting floor. With Republican governors now seated in 22 states that have legal medical marijuana, now may be the time to take advantage of such higher voter support, around 68% of the overall voting population in America right now.

Fingers crossed, but there is real optimism now with the Republicans introducing a legalization bill, as cannabis stocks have rallied over 10% since the announcement and many industry prognosticators on Wall Street now predicting a move for Federal legalization this term suddenly.

Here’s What You Can Expect When Traveling This Thanksgiving

Culture
News

Maria Loreto

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November 9, 2021

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Here’s What You Can Expect When Traveling This Thanksgiving

Getting out of town for Thanksgiving? This year, you can expect pre-pandamic crowds, in the air and on the road.

Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays across the U.S., prompting lots of movement via air and land. With the pandemic, things have shifted a bit, but, now that there are COVID-19 vaccines available across all states, the holiday will likely feel a bit more normal than it did last year.

According to AAA, travel numbers over this Thanksgiving are expected to be as high as it used to be pre-pandemic. In a statement, the organization said that they expect over 53 million Americans to travel over the holiday weekend. These numbers represent a 13% increase when compared to last year’s Thanksgiving.

Labor Day: What Does The CDC Advise In Terms Of Travel & Social Gatherings — Photo by Gerrie van der Walt via Unsplash

“Get to the airport early because you’re going to have plenty of company this year. We’re almost back to pre-pandemic levels, so there will be lines at TSA,” an AAA spokesperson told CBS News.

Representatives of AAA say that, whether you’re traveling via plane or car, people should prepare ahead of time, expect traffic, and leave as early as they can in order to avoid crowds and delays. When driving, they suggest leaving before noon on Wednesday or waiting until Thursday morning to get on the road.

Aside from the fact that vaccines are readily available, another factor that AAA is accounting for is the reopening of U.S. borders for a variety of countries. Now that there are fewer travel restrictions, more passengers and visitors are expected, from both international and national flights.

Can You Host Thanksgiving With Unvaccinated Guests? — Photo by Kelsey Chance via Unsplash

With more passengers, there’s also higher odds of airline meltdowns, something that has become increasingly common as the pandemic progresses. “Even before the pandemic, reports of major delays, cancellations and stranded passengers were somewhat of a holiday tradition,” Willis Orlando of Scott’s Cheap Flights told CNN. “This year, folks are understandably more nervous than ever.”

RELATED: 5 Great Podcasts For Traveling

There’s not a lot of ways to prevent drama at airports, but you can minimize risk by purchasing an early flight, which has fewer odds of getting delayed and of being affected by bad weather. Once the travel date arrives, make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time, at least two hours in advance. As a last measure, travel insurance is a good option for these instances, providing a solution if a flight were to get canceled or delayed.

House Green Lights Researchers Accessing Marijuana From Dispensaries

Benzinga Staff Writer

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November 9, 2021

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House Green Lights Researchers Accessing Marijuana From Dispensaries

The measure also stipulates that scientists working in states that are not yet in the process of legalization should also have access to dispensary products available in jurisdictions that have ended prohibition.

By Jelena Martinovic

The House of Representatives approved a massive infrastructure bill late Friday, which includes allowing researchers to study marijuana purchased from state-licensed dispensaries. The legislation is now heading to President Joe Biden’s desk.

The bill will allow scientists to study cannabis that is not exclusively government-grown, in addition to encouraging states with legal cannabis to educate people about impaired driving.

marijuana research — Photo by janiecbros/Getty Images

The move came on the heels of recently approved legislation that would require the VA to conduct clinical trials into the therapeutic potential of marijuana for military veterans.

That bill, sponsored by Rep. Lou Correa (D-Cal), was approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday in an 18-11 vote, with all Democrats in support and all but one Republican opposed.

Bill Removing Barriers To Cannabis Research

The new infrastructure measure requires collaboration between the transportation secretary, attorney general and the secretary of health and human services in which the three agencies are expected to complete a public report within two years of the bill’s enactment.

The report is expected to contain a recommendation on establishing a national clearinghouse to “collect and distribute samples and strains of marijuana for scientific research that includes marijuana and products containing marijuana lawfully available to patients or consumers in a state on a retail basis” as well as a study that looks deeply into impaired driving.

The measure also stipulates that scientists working in states that are not yet in the process of legalization should also have access to dispensary products available in jurisdictions that have ended prohibition.

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO), who sponsored the research language in the Senate and got it added during a committee markup of the transportation legislation, told Marijuana Moment that the bill is “an important step toward researching how we can regulate cannabis-impaired driving safely and accurately…Americans support legalized marijuana, and now Congress is catching up.”

In the meantime, the DEA recently proposed a significant increase in federal limits for producing psilocybin, psilocin, and marijuana for research purposes.

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

Is Your Vaping Device Leaching Heavy Metals Into Your Lungs

Terry Hacienda

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November 9, 2021

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Is Your Vaping Device Leaching Heavy Metals Into Your Lungs

While there hasn’t been a significant medical complication tied to the continued use of these metals, the gradual accumulation of these substances are probably not good for you.

Vaping is heralded as the answer to the negative effects of smoking. It has proven to be safer in many different instances, however, in 2019 we did see a short-lived crises where 68 people died and 2,807 were sickened with e-cigarettes and some cannabis-related vaping devices.

Dubbed as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury), there have been many attempts to make it safer, more regulated, and so forth. The major issue with the cases back in 2019 was that potentially Vitamin E acetate was added to dilute cannabis oils. These oils were primarily sold like this in the unregulated market.

Some groups tried to put the blame on legal cannabis, however virtually every case of EVALI came from states that did not have legal cannabis on the books. In other words, the unregulated market.

However, while vaping has been “safer” than smoking in general, there is some evidence to suggest that vaping could have some other unforeseen consequences as well. This according to recently published research titled, “Metals in Cannabis Vaporizer Aerosols: Sources, Possible Mechanisms, and Exposure Profiles”.

Essentially, researchers were looking to see if the actual devices could be releasing harmful metals into the smoke and what potential health issues this could have on end-users. Basically, with the devices heating up the elements, they could be releasing heavy metals which is then shot directly into the lungs.

While legal states do test the cannabis oils for impurities such as microbial contamination and heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic – the oil could not be the culprit in this case but the devices themselves.

Users who use e-cigarettes and other nicotine-vaping devices have shown to contain higher levels of heavy metals in their blood than smokers, but when it comes to cannabis vaporizers, there is a significant lack of research. According to a recent article on Forbes:

“…high voltage and temperature settings of standard [vaporizer] devices, dissolved metals or even fine metallic particles from the heating coil or the liquid could have the potential to be inhaled into the consumer’s lungs,” according to findings from a team of researchers at Medicine Creek Analytics.

The article continued:

“Results indicate that chromium, copper, nickel, as well as smaller amounts of lead, manganese, and tin migrate into the cannabis oil and inhaled vapor phase, resulting in a possible acute intake of an amount of inhaled metals above the regulatory standard of multiple governmental bodies,” they added, noting that smoke and vapor from cannabis flower and cannabis concentrate did not produce the same results, indicating that the vape pens’ heating devices were to blame.

Top 10 Benefits Of Vaping Over Smoking — Photo by Itay Kabalo via Unsplash

Conducting Testing

In order to see if cannabis devices produced the same results, the researchers used 13-different brands to test along with cartridges. Roughly half of them were 510-thread, which is the most common vape pen on the market.

They then proceeded to plug the devices into the wall and use a smoke machine that mimics human breathing and inhaled an approximate 50 puffs worth of aerosol which was then analyzed by a plasma mass spectrometer.

Researchers discovered at least three metals that are known to be in the heating elements and coils. These metals are chromium, nickel, and copper. These appeared in the aerosols after the fifty puffs. Over time, there was a greater instance of “leaching” as heat and frequency kept on degrading the metals. According to that Forbes article:

“The results suggest that the cartridge devices themselves are leaching metals and potentially at higher rates when the components are heated,” the researchers wrote, who noted that the cartridges “generally did not emit metals from the big four” of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead.

Interestingly though, when terpenes were added to the oils, there was a significant decrease in leaching as a result. Researchers still didn’t fully understand how this worked, but it was an interesting find nonetheless.

CBD Vaping – What’s the Difference Between CBD E-Liquid And CBD Oil? — Photo by Elsa Donald via Unsplash

What To Do?

At this point in time, you need to make an educated choice. Smoking has inherent risks involved, and while vaporization has been touted as the safe alternative, it is important to note that it isn’t risk free.

Furthermore, it seems that when you’re vaporizing consistently, all day long — like with nicotine vaporizers — you are at greater risk of consuming these heavy metals. While there hasn’t been a significant medical complication tied to the continued use of these metals, the gradual accumulation of these substances are probably not good for you. We’ve reached a moment in time where you’d have to weigh out the risk of smoking against the risk of vaping heavy metals.

There Are Other Ways To Consume

Of course, there are more than one way to consume cannabis, whether you’re drinking it, using it in a tincture or eating it. Sure, these different ways produce different effects, but I think it’s absolutely vital that people are well-informed when it comes to finding the healthiest method possible.

Furthermore, I think that vaporizing companies will need to begin to look at these issues for future designs. It’s a good thing that there are agencies testing and making sure that these products are safe for public consumption. Otherwise, we could see another repeat of the 2019 EVALI issue.

GOP Lawmakers Present Cannabis Legalization Bill — Will This Move The Nation Closer To Federal Reform?

Benzinga Staff Writer

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November 9, 2021

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GOP Lawmakers Present Cannabis Legalization Bill — Will This Move The Nation Closer To Federal Reform?

While the new proposal is more modest than that of the Democrats, possibly making it more passable, the big question remains: Will President Joe Biden change his stance?

By Nina Zdinjak

Finally, Republicans have released their marijuana legalization proposal!

Between GOP lawmakers’ proposal on simple cannabis descheduling and extensive legislation offered by Democrats, the new draft legislation led by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) seems to fall somewhere in the middle, reports Marijuana Moment.

The measure, titled the States Reform Act, is currently in a preliminary form although a final version is expected to be filed later in November.

legal cannabis marijuana — Photo by matt_benoit/Getty Images

Some cannabis advocates see the new proposal as a smart move because many don’t believe the Democrats’ far-reaching bill stands a chance of passing every chamber before being sent to President Biden to sign.

New Draft Highlights

Some of the most important points of the new 116-page draft include:

Marijuana descheduling on a federal level and being treated like alcohol;
2.75% excise tax on cannabis sales, with revenue backing various grant programs;
The leading regulator for cannabis in terms of interstate commerce would beTreasury Dept’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responsible for some regulations. Though the FDA’s authority would be restricted, it would not have more control over marijuana than it has over alcohol, except for medical cannabis;
Raw cannabis would fall under the agricultural commodity category, and therefore regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA);
Some people with non-violent cannabis-related crime records would be eligible for expungement;
Existing state-licensed marijuana operators would be grandfathered into the federal scheme;
While federal agencies could continue to drug test for cannabis, veterans would be safe from discriminations in federal hiring due to marijuana use;
Doctors with Veterans Affairs (VA) would be specifically authorized to issue recommendations for medical cannabis for veterans.

While the new proposal is more modest than that of the Democrats, possibly making it more passable, the big question remains: Will President Joe Biden change his stance? So far, the President opposes the federal legalization of marijuana, supporting only decriminalization, legalizing medical use and leaving everything else up to states.

In any case, with a proposal from each party, it seems that some sort of federal marijuana reform is inevitable.

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

Marijuana Research Bill For Veterans Gets Green Light Despite Biden Administration Objection

Benzinga Staff Writer

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November 8, 2021

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Marijuana Research Bill For Veterans Gets Green Light Despite Biden Administration Objection

The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2021 meets veterans where they already are and opens a new door for federal policy that supports treatment options preferred by veterans.

By Jelena Martinovic

With Veteran’s Day just around the corner, a House committee has passed legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct clinical trials into the therapeutic potential of marijuana for military veterans.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lou Correa (D-Cal), was approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday in an 18-11 vote, with all Democrats in support and all but one Republican opposed.

Veterans Can Use Medical Marijuana, They Just Have To Pay For It — Photo by Bumblee_Dee/Getty Images

The earlier versions of the proposed legislation did not make it into law. Now, the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act mandates that the department introduce a series of studies focusing on the use of medical marijuana in the treatment of PTSD and chronic pain.

In addition to his standalone bill, Correa separately proposed requiring VA cannabis studies as an amendment to a defense spending bill that passed the House recently. However, he pulled it out it prior to a House Rules Committee hearing.

“Our veterans are no strangers to confronting challenges, and that’s why Congress needs to explore alternative treatment options,” Correa told Marijuana Moment, which reported this story on Friday. “The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2021 meets veterans where they already are and opens a new door for federal policy that supports treatment options preferred by veterans.”

In addition, the Biden administration expressed opposition to the reform at a hearing before the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee last month.

Congressional Lawmakers Reject A Less Prescriptive Proposal To Encourage VA Medical Cannabis Studies

In the meantime, at Thursday’s committee markup on the veterans-focused measure, an amendment filed by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) was rejected.

Miller-Meeks’s bill says that the department would have to “conduct and support research relating to the efficacy and safety of forms of cannabis” for chronic pain, PTSD and “other conditions the Secretary determines appropriate.” However, aspecific requirement for full clinical trials was left out.

Survey Shows 75% Of Veterans Are Interested In Cannabis — Photo by SDI Productions/Getty Images

The Iowa Rep. emphasized that Correa’s legislation, though “well-intentioned,” would “unfairly tie the hands of the VA researchers who are responsible for designing and conducting these studies and undermine their work to such an extent as to render it meaningless.”

Chairman Mark Takano was one of those who did not support the amendment. He justified his move by explaining that it would give VA “far more leeway in determining…the possible use of cannabis and treating pain and PTSD and veterans.”

Takano also said that the cannabis legislation and other bills approved during the markup “will become part of our annual Veterans Day legislative package,” which is expected to get a green light on the House floor.

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

Federal Cannabis Legalization Is Not Happening Anytime Soon

Griffen Thorne

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November 8, 2021

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Federal Cannabis Legalization Is Not Happening Anytime Soon

I’m not trying to suggest that legalization is impossible. There are still a lot of folks who think that this can happen even without an act of Congress. But possibilities and likelihoods are two very different stories.

Since California passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, there have always been folks who insist that federal legalization is right around that corner. As more and more states decriminalized and then regulated cannabis, the ranks of people who believe federal legalization is imminent has grown exponentially.

Recently, when Joe Biden won the presidency, it seemed like a foregone conclusion in many circles that cannabis would be removed from the Controlled Substances Act. These beliefs were fueled in large part by the myriad bills in congressional limbo that would have done everything from decriminalize to full on legalize cannabis.

Of course, none of this actually materialized. And it won’t anytime soon. While I hate to be a pessimist, this is just the reality for the time being (just as I said prior to the 2020 elections). Today, I’ll explain why.

marijuana legalization — Photo by Moussa81/Getty Images

First and foremost, it should have surprised absolutely nobody that President Biden does not care about cannabis. When we graded Biden on cannabis well ahead of the 2020 elections, we gave him a D. Even Trump got a D+. And in the year or so since the 2020 election, Biden has made pretty clear that he has no intent on evolving on the cannabis issue — his White House even purged staffers who had previously used cannabis.

Second, none of the proposed cannabis bills have made much progress in the time since the 2020 elections. And even if legislation made it through the House, it still needs to clear the Senate where the Democrats have a de facto majority dependent in large part on the vote of a guy from West Virginia who seems to break with the Democrats whenever he can.

Third, while it’s possible that a few Republicans may vote in favor of a cannabis bill (or even introduce one), opposition may even come from Democrats. Yes, you read that correctly. Powerful voices within the Democratic Party, like Senator Cory Booker, have said that they will not support federal legislation that does not include broad social justice reforms. A bill that gets through the House but doesn’t have full support from all Democrats is DOA. On the other hand, if such a bill did include the broad social justice reforms called for by progressive Democrats, there’s a pretty good chance that zero Republicans would support it.

Fourth, we can all but expect now that Democrats will lose one or both houses of Congress next year. Their majority in the House is slim and in the Senate is based only on the fact that VP Kamala Harris can cast a tiebreaker vote. We just witnessed state and local elections across the country where Democrats got largely swept. Most notably, a Republican won the Virginia gubernatorial race with no slim margins. Progressive local candidates lost to moderate Democrats and even Republicans all over the place. And even in New Jersey where Democrat Phil Murphy managed to hang onto his job as governor, it was an extremely tight race.

All of this is to say that unless Democrats can manage to change what appears to be a major political shift, they are all but guaranteed to lose the Senate and likely even the House. This would virtually guarantee that cannabis legalization does not happen for at least a few more years.

I’m not trying to suggest that legalization is impossible. There are still a lot of folks who think that this can happen even without an act of Congress. But possibilities and likelihoods are two very different stories. With COVID-19, taxes, school issues, etc., I just don’t see the Biden Administration prioritizing cannabis issues. And if the Democrats lose either house of Congress, that ship will have officially sailed.

I’ve been wrong in the past and I hope I’m wrong on this issue. But unfortunately, I don’t think I am.

Griffen Thorne 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 and has been reposted with permission.

Migrant Cannabis Workers In Oregon: Squalid Conditions Amid Illegal Cultivation Boom

Benzinga Staff Writer

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November 8, 2021

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Migrant Cannabis Workers In Oregon: Squalid Conditions Amid Illegal Cultivation Boom

In the past year, more than 300,000 illegally grown marijuana plants have been confiscated in Douglas County.

By Nicolas Jose Rodriguez

Thousands of immigrants working on southern Oregon’s illegal marijuana farms are living in squalid conditions, reported Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), prompting Jackson County and Douglas County to declare a state of emergency. County officials requested state funding and other resources, including deployment of the National Guard, to enforce cannabis laws.

Oregon State Rep. Lily Morgan noted that some of the workers have no identification papers, do not speak English and have no food.

cannabis and forced labor — Photo by AlenaPaulus/Getty Images

Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler said workers are forced to use holes in the ground for toilets, cook in unsanitary kitchens and sleep in shipping containers.

Oregon’s labor bureau is investigating wage complaints from workers at the illegal cannabis farms and advocacy groups are getting involved.

“We’ve had several cases in Josephine County, where they were threatened with guns to their heads and told ‘If you guys tell anybody, we’re going to harm your family in Mexico,'” said Kathy Keesee-Morales, co-director of Unete, an immigrant and farmworker advocacy group based in Medford, Oregon.

In September, $50 million in illegal marijuana was found at a grow operation in Douglas County.

Douglas County Board of Commissioner, Tim Freeman said the county receives a staggering number of calls about illegal marijuana grow operations. “People call and they’re scared (…) in many cases they’re afraid to leave their homes,” Freeman said. He added that in the past year, more than 300,000 illegally grown marijuana plants have been confiscated in Douglas County.

Widespread Problem

In Nevada County, California, authorities launched a pilot program to use drones as a cost-effective measure to enforce cannabis laws. Unlike other tools such as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, drones are cost-effective and save time. However, in Oregon, there are not enough inspectors nor funding to control the situation.

RELATED: Forced Labor And Cannabis

“This summer was absolutely out of control,” said Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel. “We’re anticipating next year being just as bad, if not worse.”

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

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

The amount of time you allow for your T-break is important, but how you spend that time away from THC can also affect the effectiveness of your respite.

Trying marijuana for the first time? Here’s how to get that high you’re seeking.

1. Smoking a joint like a cigar

2. Going all out on your first try

3. Not knowing how to use the carb

4. Freaking out

5. Packing the bowl wrong

6. Using a bad lighter

7. Torching the bowl

8. Not knowing the strain you’re smoking

9. Poor marijuana storage

10. Coughing

11. Eating raw marijuana

12. Wasting weed

13. Not experimenting with new products

While the President may not be able to sign an executive order tomorrow morning and legalize or deschedule the plant, he does have significant influence over his cabinet members.

Getting out of town for Thanksgiving? This year, you can expect pre-pandamic crowds, in the air and on the road.

The measure also stipulates that scientists working in states that are not yet in the process of legalization should also have access to dispensary products available in jurisdictions that have ended prohibition.

Bill Removing Barriers To Cannabis Research

While there hasn’t been a significant medical complication tied to the continued use of these metals, the gradual accumulation of these substances are probably not good for you.

Conducting Testing

What To Do?

There Are Other Ways To Consume

While the new proposal is more modest than that of the Democrats, possibly making it more passable, the big question remains: Will President Joe Biden change his stance?

New Draft Highlights

The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2021 meets veterans where they already are and opens a new door for federal policy that supports treatment options preferred by veterans.

Congressional Lawmakers Reject A Less Prescriptive Proposal To Encourage VA Medical Cannabis Studies

I’m not trying to suggest that legalization is impossible. There are still a lot of folks who think that this can happen even without an act of Congress. But possibilities and likelihoods are two very different stories.

In the past year, more than 300,000 illegally grown marijuana plants have been confiscated in Douglas County.

Widespread Problem

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