The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raised legal production quotas for illegal Schedule I drugs like psilocybin, MDMA and DMT…again. The agency first set its initial targets for psychedelics to be produced for research activities in the U.S. earlier this year, and then raised those numbered in September, opening a public comment period, writes Marijuana Moment.
Now, after the public comment period is over and the DEA reviewed the feedback, it has once again boosted legal production quotas for these substances. The new quota for psilocybin is 6kg by the end of the year, which is quadruple the previous figure.
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When it comes to MDMA and DMT, its final quotas rose 6,300%, with the DEA aiming to have 3.2 kg produced by the end of the year.
“DEA acknowledges the expressions of appreciation to changes in the [Aggregate Production Quotas] for these controlled substances,” the notice states. “The adjustments to select hallucinogenic schedule I controlled substances occurred after DEA received additional schedule I researcher protocols from DEA registered researchers and quota applications from DEA registered manufacturers.”
Furthermore, DEA also aims to have 2000 kg of cannabis produced this year.
DEA To Deschedule Cocaine-Derived Drug
The agency hit the headlines one more time this week, announcing it will deschedule a controlled substance that’s derived from cocaine, Marijuana Moment reported.
The move comes nearly three years after the DEA obtained a petition for the policy change. And all the while the agency was apparently planning to remove the cocaine derivative from Schedule II and completely remove criminal and associated penalties with the compound, while cannabis and psilocybin remain Schedule I drugs.
The DEA published a notice in the Federal Register last week revealing that the drug [18 F]FP-CIT is “a diagnostic substance that is used in assisting the evaluation of adult patients with suspected Parkinsonian syndromes” and is used in the “visualization of striatal dopamine transporters (DAT) using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.”
The DEA publication further explained, “Based on FDA’s scientific and medical review…and findings related to the substance’s abuse potential, legitimate medical use, and dependence liability, HHS recommended that [18 F]FP-CIT be removed from all schedules of the CSA.”
What about cannabis, which has been repeatedly listed as a substance with high abuse potential and low medical value?
Well, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in August against a petition to request that the DEA reschedule cannabis in all of its forms under the Controlled Substances Acts (CSA), a ray of light appeared in the form of Judge Paul Watford. Namely, Watford revealed in a concurring opinion that the agency may be obliged to reclassify cannabis considering the misinterpretation of the medical value of marijuana.
A new study shows evidence that one type of fat is capable of reducing the odds of a stroke.
When we think of fat, we don’t tend to think about the healthy kind, the type that’s present in avocados and fatty fish. For the most part, we think about french fries and high cholesterol, fats that contribute to a large horde of illnesses and conditions. But a new study found another type of fat that’s good for our heart.
According to the study, presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2021, plant-based fats are capable of lowering the risk of strokes. Researchers found that people who consumed the most of these fats were 12% less likely to have strokes when compared to people who consumed the least of them.
These fats can be found in foods plant-based oils, like sunflower and corn, and are contrasted with fats that come from animals, like red meat, which have often increased the risk of strokes.
“Our findings indicate the type of fat and different food sources of fat are more important than the total amount of dietary fat in the prevention of cardiovascular disease including stroke,” said Fenglei Wang, PhD, lead author of the study.
Researchers were able to track the different types of fats people consumed by asking them to fill out a questionnaire. There were 27 years of follow-up, resulting in a long study made up of thousands of participants. Key findings of the study include participants who ate more animal fats were more likely to experience strokes, and fats belonging to dairy weren’t associated with an increased risk of strokes.
While fat should always be monitored, it shouldn’t be ignored, since it’s a very important part of our diets and helps us absorb nutrients and vitamins.
Studies like this are always interesting, helping us better understand our bodies and the ways they work. Still, we should always prioritize healthy eating, putting plant-based proteins first, and limiting the processed fats we consume.
President Joe Biden is nominating former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert M. Califf, to lead the agency, once again. Califf, 70, a cardiologist and clinical trial specialist, served as FDA commissioner for the last 11 months of President Barack Obama’s second term. Before that, he spent more than 35 years as a researcher at Duke University, where he helped design studies for many of the world’s biggest drugmakers, reported AP.
“As the FDA considers many consequential decisions around vaccine approvals and more, it is mission-critical that we have a steady, independent hand to guide the FDA,” Biden said in a statement.
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Califf was among the first FDA officials to publicly acknowledge missteps in the agency’s oversight of painkillers like OxyContin, which is widely blamed for sparking the ongoing opioid epidemic, now driven by heroin and fentanyl.
The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) lauded the nomination as a needed step toward new leadership at the agency given oversight of consumed hemp products.
“Senate-confirmed leadership at the FDA will enhance consumer safety for cannabidiol and prime the pump to grow a hemp economy that works for everyone,” NIHC spokesman Larry Farnsworth told Hemp Industry Daily.
The story of cannabis being laced with heroin or other hard drugs has been around for decades, but has never had strong evidence to indicate that it actually occurs on a large scale.
Germany, Europe’s most populous country with more than 83 million people, may soon introduce legal cannabis. The push for legal weed in Germany is being helped by a “dumb scare” story about heroin-laced cannabis.
According to a report from Vice, Karl Lauterbach, a Social Democrat (SDP) politician, has said he believes that illegal weed in Germany is being laced with heroin in order to get users addicted.
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Lauterbach, who is a professor of public health, has previously been against the legalization of cannabis. But, because he believes that street cannabis often contains heroin, he now thinks that legalizing weed and regulating it outweighs the harmful effects of laced cannabis.
“More and more often, the illegally sold street cannabis is being mixed with a new type of heroin that can be smoked,” Lauterbach said. “This quickly drives cannabis users into a heroin addiction.”
Does Illegal Cannabis in Germany Really Have Heroin In It?
Here’s the problem with Lauterbach’s theory: there is no evidence to back it up. Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office said it had not found any weed laced with heroin.
Mindzone.info, a non-government organization, tracks drug trends in Germany. Sonia Nunes of Mindzone.info said that it’s possible Lauterbach mixed up heroin with synthetic cannabinoids, which have been found in some street cannabis in Germany.
The story of cannabis being laced with heroin, or other hard drugs, has been around for decades, but has never had strong evidence to indicate that the drug-lacing actually occurs on a large scale. Either way, many Germans will be happy if legal marijuana does come to the country, even if it is by unconventional means.
A variety of elements present in cannabis provide anti-inflammatory effects, including THC. Here’s what you should know.
Cannabis is an anti-inflammatory agent. The plant has long been associated with a variety of benefits related to the area of pain and inflammation, which is one of the first symptoms that cannabis treats. The compound’s effect on inflammation has helped people manage symptoms of chronic pain, injury recovery, and more.
The elements present in cannabis, like THC and CBD, have all been linked with anti-inflammatory properties, making them good options for a variety of illnesses. These findings have appeared in various studies, and have been reported by a significant number of pro athletes.
Crohn’s disease and chronic pain, both heavily influenced by the patients’ degree of inflammation, are just some of the ailments that report the most benefits when paired with cannabis. A study conducted on patients with Crohn’s indicates that 10 out of 11 patients experienced some form of relief thanks to cannabis, without having to subject themselves to steroids or other types of medications.
When discussing chronic pain or injuries, cannabis provides a path to treat symptoms and pain without relying on opioids and medicines, along with their often dangerous and addictive side effects. While its effects on inflammation may be lesser than the ones provided by opioids or medications, the main perk cannabis offers is that it provides no significant side effects, except for perhaps getting a little bit too high.
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“For me, the major benefits of cannabis are as an anti-inflammatory and the relief from pain, headaches, and other concussion symptoms that I still have years after suffering a bunch of them,” football player Eugene Monroe told Playboy. “I went from scheduling X amount of pills throughout each day to eliminating all of them. Now that I use cannabis, the only pills I take are vitamins and minerals. There’s no more pharmaceuticals.”
Why do these results occur? There are only theories in place, but researchers believe that cannabinoids are able to create pathways in the brain that reduce or shut off the body’s anti-inflammatory response. And while THC and CBD have provided a large percentage of anti-inflammatory results when tested out on their own, cannabis’ entourage effect (the collaboration of all elements within the cannabis plant) might be the recipe that provides the best effect of all.
Cannabis and its compounds THC and CBD are very promising elements when it comes to treating inflammation. While they likely won’t provide the same amount of relief as prescription medications when treating serious conditions, hopefully in the future we’ll be in a place where there’s more research and cannabis can be considered as another valuable option for people to have.
Presently, HHC products are treading the grey areas of legality between hemp and cannabis . Until definite legislation is announced, retailers and producers will continue to assume HHC to be legal.
Having a full grasp of HHC can be somewhat complicated given it just recently hit the market. Presently, just a few retailers have it for sale and mostly in the form of vape carts. HHC is said to offer plenty of potentials, so don’t be surprised when you begin to hear more about the cannabinoid.
As federal and state agencies continue to place a ban on delta-8 THC, HHC now provides more legal appeal and promise to canna-enthusiast. This is because it is not a THC compound and it’s said to also be able to elude drug tests. However, the evidence for this is simply anecdotal.
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HHC is chemically known as 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol. It is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid and a hydrogenated form of THC. First manufactured in 1944 by an American chemist known as Roger Adams. To produce it, Adams added hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC, converting THC to tetrahydrocannabinol (HHC). This process is known as a hydrogenation reaction. However, while Adams produced it from traditional cannabis-derived THC, a modern approach is used today. As a result of legislation and policies surrounding the possession and use of cannabis, low-THC cannabis plants and hemp are used to produce HHC.
How Is It Made?
Given HHC is a semi-synthetic compound, it is produced in the lab. Molecules of low -THC cannabis are isolated to give specific cannabinoids with the potential to compete with their family tree. HHC is produced when a specific amount of hydrogen is administered to a cannabis compound altering its chemical structure. After that, a metal catalyst is added to induce a reaction with the compound. This catalyst heightens the overall reaction without damaging the product. The overall chemical reaction produces HHC which wouldn’t otherwise occur in nature.
The catalysts usually used for the production of HHC include platinum, palladium, and nickel. These metal catalysts are removed once the reaction is complete.
Is It Safe?
Just like every of the recent hemp-derived cannabinoids, there’s little information on the long-term and immediate effects of HHC. In fact, there are no standard dosages for these cannabinoids including HHC. Since hemp-derived cannabinoids are not liable to cannabis laws in legal adult-use states, the retailers and makers fail to test their products. As a result, the safety, purity, and potency of hemp-derived cannabinoids (HHC inclusive) are not assured.
However, some retailers still go-ahead to test their HHC products using third-party laboratories. The tests do show a product that contains 99% HHC.
How Potent Is HHC?
Common ground is yet to be reached concerning the potency of HHC. This is because when cannabinoids are produced, the product is usually a mixture of two different types of HHC molecules. These molecules include the 9R HHC and 9S HHC. While the 9R HHC actively binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, 9S HHC does not bind so well owing to the difference in its molecular structure. The 9R HHC molecules that fit into the receptor yield the same effects as delta-9 THC, but, with a higher dosage. Hence, with a significant amount of HHC dosage, THC-like effects can be identified. To simply put, HHC can have the same effect as THC on the mind and body but HHC has a lower potency than delta-9 THC.
Some HHC users have claimed that HHC gives a pleasant and average cerebral high. There are also claims of HHC serving as pain relief. Some claim they feel sharp, energetic, and strong after using HHC for recreational use.
Benefits And Effects
Among cannabinoids that have been introduced recently, HHC is the only one that shares very close similarities with Delta-9 THC. HHC is similar to Delta-9 THC in terms of a chemical structure and therapeutic effects. This is why many have reported effects such as pain relief, anxiety relief, cerebral and body, relaxation, and happiness after consuming HHC.
Even though lots of studies are still running to a better understanding, some studies have so far linked it to helping cancer. Among other synthetic and natural cannabinoids, it has been discovered to possibly shrink tumors in cancer patients. This is great news a potential medicinal cannabinoid
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Does HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?
A lot of people are starting to turn to HHC with the claim the cannabinoid can evade drug tests. However, all evidence supporting this claim is only anecdotal. Most of the claims are just hearsay. James Stephens, Vice President of Innovation at Creo, a natural cannabinoid ingredient company, also confirmed that these claims have not been proven in any capacity. Although he asserted that it’s possible that HHC doesn’t convert to 11-hydroxy-THC which is a popular drug test metabolite. If it doesn’t convert to 11-hydroxy-THC, then it can evade drug testing.
Presently, there’s no concrete evidence that backs up the claim it does not show on drug tests. Don’t bet your career and job on hearsays and anecdotal evidence.
Is It Legal?
This is perhaps the most complicated question is legality. The answer is roughly yes. This is because it is a hemp-derived and not produced from THC. Based on this fact, it should be in the clear. Gummies, edibles, and vapes containing it are all legal on the federal level and should also remain legal on state level. Other arguments that support legality claim it is found in the pollen and seeds of hemp plants. Hence, it is non-synthetic and therefore perfectly federally legal.
Presently, HHC products are treading the grey areas of legality between hemp (which is legal) and cannabis (which is not). Until definite legislation is announced, retailers and producers will continue to assume it is legal.
Bottom Line
All HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) products are produced using chemically hydrogenated HHC from THC. Based on present research, itis not dangerous or harmful, but note that how it’s produced can be dangerous. Hence, the product you buy can have plenty of impurities and contaminants due to poor hydrogenation procedures. To this end, make sure you purchase your products from reputable and credible vendors that have third parties test their products.
A new study found a link between consuming this much alcohol and favorable heart health.
When discussing drinking habits, the majority of us look for ways of decreasing it or at least keeping it under a certain margin. Thanks to years of studying its effect on humans, it’s common knowledge that the consumption of too much alcohol is bad for your health.
But a new study found some links between alcohol consumption and positive heart health. Of course, there’s a caveat.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, found that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol was positive for people’s heart health, preventing heart disease.
The data examined 18,000 people over the age of 70 in America and Australia. Researchers found that participants who consumed between 51 to 150 grams a week of alcohol had less risk of developing cardiovascular disease when compared to those who didn’t drink at all.
While it’s safe to assume that moderate consumption of alcohol is not bad for your heart health, it’s important to recognize that the study doesn’t imply that drinking alcohol is good for preventing cardiovascular disease. While a link was found, more research is necessary in order to draw a clearer picture. Researchers also said that the majority of participants were healthy, meaning that their results might not encapsulate that of the general population.
Still, the data is pretty interesting, especially when applied to an older demographic. Maybe the people who consume alcohol on a regular basis are less stressed and thus more likely to have positive heart health, or maybe, alcohol can be used as a relaxation method or as a way of bonding with other people.
A lot of questions remain, but, as long as you’re drinking with control and are maintaining a relatively healthy and active lifestyle, you should be okay.
Back in the day, pro athletes didn’t talk about using cannabis. But times have changed, and these old school wrestling stars have come out of the ring to sing the plant’s praises.
Most pro wrestling fans know that illegal drugs and painkillers were a big part of the lifestyle of many of its superstars during the industry’s heyday during the 80s and 90s. Nowadays, looking back on old footage of WWF and WWE Superstars, some viewers probably can’t help but wonder whether or not cannabis helped them deal with the intense holds and bumps they sustained during the industry’s most brutal, yet, famed era.
Since times have changed regarding how cannabis is viewed, former superstars are able to be more vocal about the benefits and ways it has helped prolong their careers.
Here are some former WCW and WWF superstars who advocate on behalf of marijuana.
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Jesse “The Body” Ventura
In the mid to late 80s, Jesse “The Body” Ventura made quite the impact on wrestling fans both inside the ring and as a commentator. Later on, he even made appearances during the first iteration of The XFL back in 2001. During his time outside of the ring, he’s spent much of his time remaining politically active to the point of winning the governorship of Minnesota as a reform party candidate. His term lasted from 1998-2003.
Since then he’s become fully committed to the cause of full nationwide cannabis legalization. He began his crusade on behalf of the fight to legalize cannabis after watching a friend helplessly suffer from seizures until they made the trip to Colorado to purchase products that ended them once and for all. Since then, he’s gone as far as naming his newest book “Jesse Ventura’s Marijuana Manifesto.”
Rob Van Dam
Wrestling aficionados remember Rod Van Dam as “The Whole Damn Show”. Now, RVD is known as one of the most vocal and longest-standing cannabis activists coming from the world of professional sports.
It’s no surprise given that the title-winning wrestler won the coveted WWE Heavyweight Championship in 2006, only to forfeit it later that year due to an arrest for minor marijuana possession. It turns out, the arrest was just a minor bump in the road for him too, since he was able to get his career back on track and find his purpose as a marijuana advocate, well after his days in the squared circle ended. His commitment to cannabis advocacy was exemplified by the fact that he has his own brand of CBD products for sale.
Tha Godfather/Papa Shango
Many Attitude-Era WWE fans will The Godfather’s catch phrase, “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy,” displayed prominently on his ring attire, along with his memorable Brawl for All match which was just highlighted in a recent episode of Vice’s “Dark Side of the Ring” series.
What fans don’t know is the long path it took The Godfather (real name Charles Wright) to reach the pinnacle of the wrestling industry. Injuries, painkillers, and alcohol threatened everything he was working for, until he tried marijuana for the first time at age 27. Wright claimed that it made his knees feel better, his back feel better and opened up his eyes in general to the benefits it possesses. The impact it had on his career was so strong, he claims that it saved his life.
Val Venis
One of the edgiest superstars who helped make the Attitude-Era of WWE must-see TV for guys of a certain age, Val Venis, now goes by the moniker of Kaptain Kannabis. It’s a somewhat appropriate name for a wrestling heel, and seen as he now owns and operates the Health 4 Life dispensaries in Arizona it makes complete sense that he’d ditch his old WWE name for this one.
It’s not shocking that Venis made the leap into the world of cannabis given that cannabis is what he attributes to helping him kick his painkiller habit. His Health 4 Life dispensary franchise are a force to be reckoned with in Arizona’s market, as he currently has four that are open for business.
Though little to no medical research links cannabis use with COVID-19 relief, that is definitely not the case in business where the pandemic proved to be a boon for the industry.
As the world continues to contend with COVID-19, much about the virus remains uncertain, including its interactions with cannabis.
In the early months of the pandemic, various studies linked pot to both adverse and beneficial results. The trend continues today, with little conclusively known about the cannabis-COVID medical connection if indeed there is one.
Several physicians and researchers tell Benzinga that little has been concluded regarding any cannabis-COVID connections, beneficial or adverse.
Dr. Samoon Ahmad is a professor of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where he serves as the unit chief of the inpatient unit at Bellevue Hospital. He said that “Unfortunately, not a lot” is certain at this time.
Dr. Robert Milanes, a California-based cannabis physician of telehealth platform Heally, stated, “One thing we know conclusively is that cannabis cannot cure COVID-19.”
Despite his assertion, cannabis entrepreneurs, like retired NFL player Kyle Turley, have claimed CBD can cure COVID-19. In late March 2020, the FDA warned Turley about making such claims.
Milanes pointed out that cannabis use increased during the pandemic. He noted a Margriet W. van Laar et al. study that saw 41.3% of respondents saying their cannabis use increased during the lockdown.
Beyond that, no one considered any findings to be verifiable at this time.
Ahmad, the author of a medical cannabis clinical handbook and an upcoming Wolters Kluwer-published book delving into the pandemic’s psychosocial effects, noted that several studies of interest had been published in recent months.
He cited additional studies with various adverse and beneficial conclusions. They include possible elevated rates of adverse outcomes for older patients using the synthetic drugs nabilone and dronabinol to treat severe breathing problems. Ahmad countered the results, stating, “This is indirect evidence and tenuous at best.”
He also cited studies linking heavy cigarette use to worsened COVID symptoms, hypothesizing that heavy cannabis smoke could have the same effect. He warned that vaping risks are even more tenuous.
“I would err on the side of caution and recommend that individuals use tinctures or edibles should they choose to use cannabis, particularly if they have comorbidities associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes,” Ahmad added.
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Milanes also discussed various studies and their outcomes.
The physician cited one study that concluded cannabis users could be more vulnerable to contagion and worsening conditions due to COVID. He noted additional analyses that found people predisposed to cannabis use disorder saw an increased likelihood of hospitalization from the virus while other studies concluded that CBD might play a substantial role in lessening the severity of a cytokine storm. This is when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive, of sorts, signaling an influx of cytokines to fight a pathogen.
Milanes called the occurrence “the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening event related to COVID-19.”
Ahmad added, “Preclinical evidence suggests that THC and CBD may reduce the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but clinical evidence is still lacking.”
Good For Health? Probably Not. Good For Business? Yep.
Though little to no medical research links cannabis use with COVID-19 relief, that is definitely not the case in business where the pandemic proved to be a boon for the emerging industry.
Jessica Lipton, a cannabis researcher and founder of gummies brand Elevate Delta 8, said the essential status that was given to much of the industry led to significant expansion.
“Businesses boomed and were encouraged to maximize cash flow, develop contingency plans and hire more people,” Lipton said. She expects the trend to continue, especially for brands selling both THC and CBD products.
Delivery services also increased or were introduced across most markets to adhere to social distancing rules.
“Although the relaxation of these guidelines is temporary, the success that we’ve seen may encourage legislative adjustments in the future,” Lipton added.
The combination of marijuana and sex is popular for a reason. Here are some things you should keep in mind.
Marijuana and sex are a beloved pairing. They make a lot of sense together: a union of two activities that are very pleasant on their own, and that when paired, can complement each other.
Marijuana can help people in many ways, something that the industry has capitalized on, developing lubricants and products that are meant to enhance sex. Old school smoking and edibles are also very popular, allowing people to let go of their inhibitions and to be in the moment in ways that they’d otherwise have some trouble.
There are several reasons why cannabis and sex work well together — primarily the deep relaxation that cannabis is associated with. This state of mind is very useful for sex, allowing people to reconnect with themselves and give themselves the chance to have a really good time. Then there’s also the fact that cannabis is a vasodilator, increasing blood flow and making our bodies more sensitive to stimulus.
Here are seven things you should keep in mind when having high sex:
Pick a consumption method you’re familiar with
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If you’re trying out the combination of marijuana and sex for the first time, try using a method that you’re well acquainted with, in order to get rid of some of the factors that are out of your control. If you like to plan ahead, try experimenting with different strains and consumption methods some time before, just so you can have a handle on your high and can eliminate negative side effects.
Take strains into account
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Do your research and buy the right type of weed. While some strains enhance physical sensations, others leave you with a more cerebral high, something that can get frustrating when trying to have a special sexual experience.
You don’t want to be too high, so be cautious and smoke or consume your edible slowly, making the process of getting high as gradual as possible. Remember, cannabis is suppose to support sex, not be the star of the evening.
Lube is always a good idea, especially if you’re trying out something new that could make you feel a little nervous. Another thing you should be wary of is the fact that THC tends to dry up your mouth and slow your body’s production of liquids, something that doesn’t really translate to pleasurable sex. Keep your lube nearby and stay hydrated.
If you’ve been thinking about trying out a new edible or experimenting with a new consumption method, avoid this during sex. While it could result in some fun, especially if you have a good grasp of your body on weed, it’ll likely be a little distracting. Sex and weed is a combination that works, there’s no need to add more to the equation to make it special.
Test out new toys or sensations, taking advantage of your body’s newly acquired sensitivities. Again, it’s important to take it slow in order to avoid getting overwhelmed, steering clear of scenarios that are too intense. Go crazy with an ice cube, some lube or whatever else that sounds like a good time.
There’s a fine line between a good time and a paranoid high. You don’t want to introduce the latter in your romantic evening, so be extra mindful of how much weed you’re consuming. And while passing out thanks to a high is great, it’s best to leave it for other opportunities aside from sex.
