Experts Weight In On Federally Legal Marijuana

Marijuana Legislation

-

May 26, 2021

Experts Weight In On Federally Legal Marijuana

Legalizing weed on a federal level would open doors to many more opportunities for company owners. However, some are not overly convinced that any federal laws will be changed in the coming year.

Many states have already passed laws and legislation to legally allow the sale and use of marijuana. The question is whether the U.S. will federally legalize the drug. Now experts weigh in on federally legal marijuana.

With a recent poll from November 2020, 68% of American residents support the federal legalization of marijuana. Making marijuana legal across the country is something that many are hoping for, but the legalization does not have the support of politicians. Based on this same poll, less than half of conservatives and Republicans support federally legalizing marijuana.

Why Does Congress Need Two Years To Federally Legalize Marijuana? — Photo by matt_benoit/Getty Images

The owners and founders of major cannabis brands featured at AskGrowers have weighed in on this important question. The CEO at Fox Hollow Flora says federal laws will come about in 2022, backed up by a statement from Lisa Tollner, co-founder of Sensi Products, who states that Democrats are currently working on new legislation. She is right! Two Democratic senators along with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have said they will be pushing to pass legislation this year and this would end a lengthy federal prohibition.

Supporters of cannabis reform have stated some strong reasons why legalization should occur. These include:

Medical benefits of cannabis
Potential tax revenue
Regulation would make cannabis use safer

The Founder of Mindful Earth, Kelly Benson, supports legalization but believes if it does happen, it will be for “financial/economic reasons rather than health.” She thinks that the lack of cannabis education and misuse will stall any legalization based on medical benefits. Dee Dee Taylor from 502 Hemp is not convinced any federal marijuana legalization will occur soon; however, she does state, “I do believe more and more states will make it legal though and force congress to take it off the DEA’s absurd schedule I list.”

For marijuana to be removed from this list, there are many steps needed. Lawmakers will have to change finance laws that allow banks to profit from credit cards issued to dispensaries. There will also have to be a single-subject bill that would remove marijuana from the list and allow for medical treatment studies and research to be conducted. If these two things fall into place, it would be possible to revise current criminal codes and move forward with federal legalization of weed, moving marijuana from the Schedule I list to a Schedule III list.

House To Vote On Cannabis Descheduling Legislation Today — Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

While many in the cannabis industry are hopeful for changes to current laws, there are many political hurdles in place. The CEO and co-founder of Humboldt Apothecary, Gillian Levy, believes that there will be no federal legalization of weed in the coming year. She believes “More likely it will be decriminalized, at least in the near future.” The House Democrats show great support for the decriminalization of marijuana and this is also supported by the current President in his Plan for Black America.

By decriminalizing this drug, there would be an end to interference by the government in terms of cannabis research. It would also make marijuana accessible for medical purposes and would allow veterans to receive medical marijuana prescriptions from the VA for the first time ever. But, when will weed become federally legal? That answer remains unclear. Decriminalization on a federal level would be a huge step in a positive direction, but bipartisan support is required.

Those that strongly believe that the federal government will legalize marijuana will be happy to learn of the latest federal marijuana news. Existing cannabis companies and their founders, including Robert Miller from Purefectionary, Aaron Puryear from Oak City Hemp, and Rahul Lavingia from Stoned Genie, all support federal legalization and are hopeful for changes in 2021 or 2022.

Chuck Schumer is set to move ahead with changes to federal laws with or without support from President Biden. Schumer supports decimalization federally and plans to introduce legislation soon. When asked about this legislation, he stated he is personally supportive of legalization, and this bill that is being introduced will head that way. This bill would also include provisions to expunge any marijuana convictions from any criminal record.

Does Democratic Senate Really Have Enough Power To Legalize Marijuana Nationwide? — Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Until federal laws change, users and cannabis growers will continue to abide by state laws. With many states already allowing sales and use of medical and recreational marijuana, the industry continues to grow. The CEO of Bonsai Cultivation, Tom Stevenson, thinks weed will be legal federally, but the rollout will be slow. “States have the tax revenue, and they are not going to be quick to give it up.”

Legalizing weed on a federal level would open the doors to many more opportunities for company owners. However, some are not overly convinced that any federal laws will be changed in the coming year.

Zach Romey from Robhots and Brandon Dorsky from Fruit Slabs both believe there will be legal weed on a federal level, but it will not happen for a few years. Robert Miller, owner of Purfectionery, provided his answer to the federal legalization, stating that “Yes, and hopefully within the next few years.”

It will be a slow process, but this latest bill to be introduced will provide a great start to paving the road for federally legalized marijuana in the near future.

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

Stanford Claims Legal Marijuana States See More Suicide Attempts

Mike Adams

-

May 26, 2021

0

Stanford Claims Legal Marijuana States See More Suicide Attempts

Stanford admits that their research is not definitive proof that marijuana use causes self-harm. More research is needed before science can seal the gap on this connection.

Over the past several years, scientific minds have turned out heavy loads of anecdotal data showing that marijuana has therapeutic properties, capable of treating various conditions from anxiety to depression. The most dedicated cannabis advocates believe that the plant is the be-all, end-all for helping people combat mental illness. However, new research from Stanford Medicine suggests that cannabis could be what is driving a more fragile society over the edge. There is apparently a higher rate of attempted suicides in states where cannabis is sold like beer.

A study published in the JAMA Network Open finds more “suicide attempts” in states with fully legal recreational marijuana laws. This risk for self-harm, like cutting, was found exclusively in men between the ages of 21 and 39, the study shows. Researchers believe there could be a self-destructive component to selling marijuana to adults 21 and over. “States that legalize, but still constrain commercialization, may be better positioned to protect populations from unintended harms,” said lead study author Keith Humphreys, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

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

The risk for self-harm seems to have more to do with how marijuana is sold than marijuana itself. Researchers did not uncover an increase in suicide attempts (or overly dramatic cries for help — my words, not theirs) when examining states with medical marijuana programs. “The medical cannabis laws showed no adverse effect on self-harm or assault in the study. But as you move into the more recreational, commercial uses, some results were worrying,” Humphreys said.

The Stanford crew mostly blames the potency of recreational marijuana products for the problem. The study directly points to “regular or heavy use” of high potency pot products for the increased risk of suicidal behaviors. Restricting potency is a hot topic of discussion right now in some legal states.

Researchers came to this conclusion by examining 75 million health insurance claims from 2003 to 2017. They found a significant increase in cases of self-harm in states where weed was legal, like alcohol. Men 21 and younger were at the most risk. Researchers uncovered nearly 50% more cases of self-harm, suicidal behavior among this demographic in states with recreational marijuana laws. “This is particularly disturbing because the human brain is much more plastic in adolescence,” Humphreys said. “Heavy use during adolescent years may do significant damage.”

Other studies published over the years have turned out similar results. For example, a 2019 study published in JAMA Psychiatry (comprised of 11 studies and almost 24,000 teens) found a higher rate of suicide attempts by cannabis users than non-users. In Colorado, government data shows that marijuana is the most common intoxicating substance found in teens (15-19) who commit suicide. The data shows it was present in around 37% of the cases in 2018 — up drastically from pre-legal times.

So, is the increased risk for suicidal behaviors really a concern for legal states? That’s something that nobody seems to fully understand.

5 Signs You Might Have Seasonal Depression — Photo by Dmitry Schemelev via Unsplash

We know that while some people don’t have any problems with cannabis whatsoever, others do. Several studies have connected marijuana to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders (psychosis, anxiety, and depression). Still, little is known about whether marijuana actually causes these conditions or just makes people more susceptible. What’s apparent is younger people who never touch cannabis seem to fare better with respect to their mental health than those that do.

With that said, Stanford admits that their research is not definitive proof that marijuana use causes self-harm. More research is needed before science can seal the gap on this connection.

Nevertheless, Humphreys believes the data is a warning for a nation focused on profits over public health. “The thing about cannabis is that, culturally, a lot of people believe it can only do good,” Humphreys said. “But it is addictive like alcohol, and it can affect people’s well-being and health negatively.”

Best Time Of Day To Get High

Terry Hacienda

-

May 26, 2021

0

People smoke cannabis and get high for different reasons, and in some cases, your reason for smoking can determine when you should smoke.

Anyone who starts smoking pot and enjoys the exhilarating feel it brings will want to know the best time to get high. Of course, you don’t want to get high at crucial meetings or close to someone uncomfortable with cannabis. There are different times, and we will highlight all of them, so work with a time that best suits your schedule. So what is the best time of day to get high?

In the morning

Getting high in the morning is often referred to as “wake and bake.” When we wake up, our body comes alive, but we also have to get the body energized, which is why some people go to the gym first thing in the morning.

A Deep Dive Into What Cannabis' THCA Can Do For You — Photo by rawpixel.com

Just as you enjoy the working out in the morning, you can also enjoy weed in the morning to get that kick into your day so that you show up at work ready to take over the day.

Taking weed in the morning is also helpful with medical issues that may affect your day. If you went clubbing the night before and worried about a hangover, you can shine a light on your day by smoking weed.

However, smoking in the morning is not for everyone. Some people smoke in the morning and do not have a firm grasp of their day because they couldn’t manage the high. This makes them unproductive, and it can be worrisome. But others can handle it and end up having the BEST day ever.

For you to know what works for you, you’ve got to experiment. Take cannabis in the morning and observe how your body reacts to it; how did your day span out, and how were you handling the day’s events? If you felt energized, happy, and productive afterward, you can take cannabis and get high in the morning. On the contrary, if you felt exhausted and unproductive, don’t smoke in the morning ever again.

After work

Many people agree that this is the best time to smoke weed and get high as you are coming back from an environment where you were most likely under pressure. How do you get the pressure off your back? With a nice blunt right after dinner.

Cannabis is a healthier alternative to alcohol after a long day; it re-energizes you and compels your body to get rid of stress and tension.

cannabis coworker and the marijuana industry land rush — Photo by Matthew Henry via Burst

For a more fun experience, you might want to have friends around you or colleagues who also smoke weed. You all can go to your favorite spot (where you are allowed to smoke) and relax with cannabis.

As you relax, conversations about the day’s job will commence, there will be lots of laughter, a feeling of joy and contentment that prepares you mentally for the week ahead.

Before or during a movie

A good time to smoke weed is before watching a movie. There is nothing quite like the feeling of relaxing on your favorite chair with your shoes off, high, and ready to see characters in action. You are bound to enjoy your movie time even more, when you are high and in a euphoric state.

Have a complete evening by getting some snacks as you watch: make this is a regular experience during weekends, and you will show up at the start of a new week ready to conquer.

In the evening and before bedtime

Another good time to get high is in the evening when you get back home, and there are chores to do, and you want to relax after a long day. If you’re going to have a very calm and soothing evening as you relax on your balcony looking at the skies, then getting high at that time is the way to go.

You should also get high before bedtime if you are having difficulty falling asleep. Cannabis contains THC, a powerful sleep aid. When THC is activated by binding to CB1 cannabinoid receptors, it modulates sleep cycles.

Trying To Get Some ZZZZs? Here’s Why Nyquil Isn’t Your Best Bet — Photo by Ivan Oboleninov via Pexels

Cannabis will also keep you sedated until you wake up, so getting high is a good idea just before bedtime if you have been struggling with sleep for a while.

When going out

Now, this is a perfect time to get high! A good puff will bolster your spirits just before heading out to have fun with your friends or if you are going out to enjoy the scenery. Getting high at this time helps you show up with a fun persona ready to enjoy whatever the outdoors has to offer.

Have you been to a party where everyone seemed like they were bored? If you have, you will agree that it can be a major turn-off. The solution is simple: invite everyone who already smoke cannabis to get high before attending the event.

The party will be so much fun with everyone high, ready to dance and interact and have a good time.

Bottom line

People smoke cannabis and get high for different reasons, and in some cases, your reason for smoking can determine when you should smoke. In addition to the numerous times to get high mentioned above, you must also consider other factors that make you use cannabis.

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

For instance, if you are using it to manage your eating disorders (cannabis boosts people’s appetite), you have to smoke before meals. If you are using cannabis to treat sleeping disorders, you should smoke before going to bed to sleep well.

If you have other health challenges for which your doctor recommended cannabis, please ask for the specific times you should smoke to get the kind of relief you desire.

Generally, anytime is a good time to smoke weed; it all depends on the circumstances we outlined above. The right cannabis strain can be enjoyed anytime.

If you have health challenges, please don’t smoke marijuana or use other cannabis products without a doctor’s prescription.

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

Here’s When You Should Drink Coffee For Maximum Productivity

Maria Loreto

-

May 25, 2021

0

Here’s When You Should Drink Coffee For Maximum Productivity

On average, the energy that coffee provides lasts for a good six hours, but it can be influenced by a variety of factors.

Coffee is a must have for the well being of a large percentage of people. Whether you need it to function in the morning, midday or both, coffee helps us concentrate and get work done. But it also has some negative side effects, especially if you overdo it.

Caffeine is present in a lot of beverages, piling on throughout the day if you’re not careful. Having too much of it could result in a brain that’s overexerted, anxiety, muscle twitches and that insomnia that strikes if you have a coffee past 6 p.m.

These Are The Worst Things You Can Add To Your Coffee — Photo by Fahmi Fakhrudin via Unsplash

On average, the energy that coffee provides lasts for a good six hours, but it can be influenced by a variety of factors. According to The Huffington Post, your age, biology and relationship with coffee could explain why coffee didn’t have as strong of an effect when you were a kid as it does now.

“What we’re learning is every cell of our body has its own biological clock. If you use caffeine… to wake your brain up, it doesn’t necessarily mean the rest of your body is on the same time zone. You may be up, but you may feel sluggish,” said Zhaoping Li, professor of medicine at the University of California, to The Huffington Post. “How our body responds to food, nutrients, including caffeine, it is highly variable. Each individual may have their own sweet spot.”

this is how much coffee is safe to drink each day — Photo by Sara Johnston via Unsplash

As much as coffee’s effectiveness varies, according to The Healthy, for a large percentage of people the best time to have coffee is in the afternoon. This is due to the fact that the minute you wake up, your body is high on cortisol, the stress hormone. This element makes you feel alert, but also a little rough, which is why the world is not full of morning people.

Drinking your coffee mid-morning will provide you with that much needed energy. Says Sherry Ross, MD: “The studies are inconsistent, but it’s thought that waiting until mid-morning—when cortisol levels are lower—is better since caffeine increases this feel-good hormone later in the day.”

How To Consume The Remainder Of Your Vaporized Marijuana

Maria Loreto

-

May 25, 2021

0

How To Consume The Remainder Of Your Vaporized Marijuana

Vape pens don’t submit marijuana through a combustion process, meaning that the remainder of vaped weed could be used for other things.

Vaping has become very popular and Vape pens have some perks over smoking, primarily the fact that marijuana doesn’t go through a combustion process. AndTranslation: there’s no ash, which results in healthier lungs and a longer life for your cannabis remains. Here is how to consume the remainder of your vaporized marijuana.

While most of the THC in marijuana disappears when vaped, there are some remaining cannabinoids that can be reused in different and sometimes even potent ways.

Prepare some edibles

Due To Coronavirus, Edibles Are A Better Option Than Smoking Marijuana — Photo by Katerina Smirnova via Unsplash

The easiest and most logical thing to do with your little bits of weed would be to prepare something delicious with them, hoping to get relaxed and maybe even a little bit high. Baking is always a great idea with all kinds of marijuana, masking the weedy flavor and bringing out the perks in the cannabinoids. Since the marijuana has already gone through the vape pen, it means that it’s ready to use, making it easier to add into your cooking. Just be careful on making them too strong.

Add it to food

Since the cannabis has already been combusted, you can simply sprinkle it into any dish or snack you want. You can water cure it in order to remove the strong flavor by putting the marijuana in a cheesecloth and letting it marinate in water over a couple of days, or you can add it to really strong flavors that can mask the taste. Peanut butter, Nutella and hot sauce are really good options for this.

Coffee and tea

Cannabis infusions are very popular, providing the right amount of chill and fun to get your morning started. Choose coffee or teas that have strong flavors or use creamers and sweeteners in order to mask the taste.

To add in the cannabis simply add a serving in the same place where you brew your coffee. For a cup of tea, add in the cannabis with your tea leaves and allow them to brew. Cannabis infused drinks demand some trial and error; these flavors can take a while to get used to and you may need to try out different combinations in order to find the drink that pleases you the most.

If you’ve got some leftover CBD oil lying around, find out: What Are The Benefits Of Mixing CBD And Coffee?

Prepare capsules or oils

CBD Shows Therapeutic Effects On Psychosis — Photo by karolekzroztocza via Pixabay

If you’re someone who likes to get crafty and creative, vaporized cannabis can be packaged into almost anything. Infused oils, like coconut are very easy to prepare. Simply mix in the cannabis with the coconut oil and cook it slowly for a few hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the product from sticking. Strain the oil in order to get rid of the plant material.

Drinking THC: What To Know Before You Try

Kate-Madonna Hindes

-

May 25, 2021

0

Drinking THC: What To Know Before You Try

As with all THC products, reading labels carefully, asking questions, and understanding how cannabis affects the body are all important steps before partaking in the compound.

With new cannabis-based beverages hitting the market, dispensaries are seeing a rise of individuals asking for the liquid delivery method. Citing a $4.4 billion legal cannabis market, the Long Beach Business Journal stated that liquid-based cannabis sales are set to skyrocket.

“According to data from Seattle-based cannabis analytics firm Headset, sales of cannabis-infused beverages increased 40.3% last year compared to 2019 across all states where recreational cannabis is legal, meaning the submarket slightly outperformed in terms of growth the overall cannabis market, which increased 39.4% in the same time period.”

Aluminum Cans Can Reduce Potency Of Cannabis Drinks — Photo by skeeze via Pixabay

For the average consumer looking for new ways to consume cannabis, liquid-based offerings can be exciting. With THC-infused beverages taking off in dispensaries and beyond, here are three things to know before you indulge.

THC-based drinks can be tricky

Cannabinoids in THC pose a challenge in liquids, such as alcohol. Not easily mixed into a liquid, CBD and THC are fat-soluble, creating barriers when making their presence in drinks a reality for many companies. Rolling Stone reported in April 2020 that after research, THC-infused drinks had their day, with more companies exploring partnerships and offerings.

When combined with alcohol THC can pack a punch

According to a 2015 study published by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), any amount of alcohol can raise levels of THC in the blood. Interestingly, it’s not just alcohol that has an effect on THC. A 2018 study by Northwestern University found that coffee had an effect on metabolism and THC as well.

When THC was combined with coffee, the body’s metabolites and a decrease in neurotransmitters within the body — making a stark change to what THC does to the body on its own. While it’s not legal in the United States to mix THC with alcohol for sale, many are skirting the law, marrying the two on-site in bars, or in other methods- like using hemp or cannabinoid-based ingredients that don’t feature THC.

summer cocktails — Photo by Lisa Fotios via Pexels

The high can take patience to achieve

Drinking and eating cannabis-infused products takes longer to feel an effect, depending on consumption method. This can often lead to individuals having a poor experience with edibles — especially if an individual overdoses.

Reading labels carefully, asking questions at the dispensary, and understanding how cannabis affects the body are all important steps before partaking in THC. If you’re not feeling the way you think you should, consult the product’s packaging, and don’t be afraid to reach out to ask questions where you purchased the product. Simply taking more of the product can have undesirable outcomes, such as paranoia, an upset stomach, and more.

Data Says Marijuana Legalization Saves Lives

Mike Adams

-

May 25, 2021

0

Data Says Marijuana Legalization Saves Lives

The stress, economic uncertainty, and isolation brought about by the pandemic likely had more to do with the uptick than anything.

Since marijuana legalization began happening in the United States, the narrative spewing from the mouths of advocates has been one suggesting the demise of prohibition has been great for the American condition. Many of them hang on research suggesting cannabis can help reduce alcoholism. However, anti-drug warriors are convinced marijuana legalization is connected to an increase in alcohol-related deaths. It’s a potential threat to public health that they fear could consume more of the population as marijuana legalization continues to spread nationwide.

A new study from Well Being Trust shows that Colorado, one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use, has experienced a 13% increase in alcohol-related deaths over the past couple of years. Researchers believe there are several reasons this has occurred, most of which is connected to how alcohol has been intertwined in the American culture. “With alcohol, it’s something that we have socialized and normalized a bit more in our society than we have other aspects of our mental health,” explained Dr. Ben Miller in an interview with The Denver Channel. “We’re not likely to talk about heroin as much as we are to talk about bourbon.” That’s true.

Cirrhosis, Alcoholism, And Underrated Cannabis Treatment Options — Photo by Moussa Idrissi from Pexels

Despite the popularity of alcohol and the relaxed attitude toward its consumption, the drug is responsible for killing around 90,000 Americans every year. Yet, we live in a time when drinking is attached to nearly every social function known to man — from after-work festivities to sporting events — and no one really seems to consider that they might be doing themselves harm.

Drinking typically starts at a very young age, too, which is statistically shown to increase the risk of health problems. Alcoholism is a progressive misalignment. Someone who starts drinking socially as a teen could develop alcohol use disorder. Somewhere around one in eight drinkers (12.7% of the population) meets the criteria of a problem drinker. Still, those who oppose marijuana legalization think that’s what is driving people to engage in more problematic drinking.

“With weed, comes booze,” Tweeted Kevin Sabet, president of the anti-drug organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM).

With weed, comes boozehttps://t.co/Jsdu2RjE5r

— Kevin Sabet (@KevinSabet) May 21, 2021

Although Sabet’s post, which was made for sharing the study from Well Being Trust, did not elaborate further, his stance is clear: Marijuana legalization is a detriment to the public health of Americans. In a recent article for the Ripon Society, Sabet explains the reasoning behind his largely unpopular opinion.

“Marijuana legalization has been a hot topic of discussion in a handful of states across the country,” Sabet wrote. “Of course, those only skimming the headlines may not realize that more legalization efforts have failed than have been successful in recent years. But what’s truly concerning, and potentially setting us up for decades of harms, is the fact that these legalization efforts are running ahead of the data and ignoring red flags.”

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

While some of Sabet’s complaints about the legalization of cannabis are commendable, it is a bit of a stretch to even vaguely argue that marijuana legalization may have had something to do with an increase in Colorado’s alcohol-related deaths. It probably didn’t. By the study author’s own admission, the stress, economic uncertainty, and isolation brought about by the pandemic likely had more to do with the uptick than anything. Well Being Trust never actually even pointed to marijuana legalization as being part of the problem. But in Sabet’s mind, it is all connected.

It’s why Sabet argues that decriminalization is a better option for the country than full blown legalization. Eliminating criminal penalties versus establishing a taxed and regulated market would prevent otherwise law-abiding citizens from getting jammed up in the criminal justice system without encouraging the use of another drug and ultimately contributing to its normalization.

Young People Believe Alcohol Will Kill You Faster Than Marijuana — Photo by Shopify via Burst

“It’s important to note marijuana decriminalization is the removal of criminal penalties for low-level marijuana use. This means putting an end to arresting folks for simply using or possessing small amounts of the drug,” Sabet wrote. “This policy, paired with expungements of previous records and increased funding for treatment, is a policy worthy of support,” he added.

President Biden supports the concept of decriminalizing marijuana and other drugs, but that might not be enough for Senate Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to introduce legislation this year designed to legalize marijuana nationwide. Schumer will attempt to make this happen without including Big Alcohol and Big Tobacco as part of the conversation. Although preventing large corporate drug slingers from getting into the pot industry pleases opposing forces, like Sabet, those lobbies have already infiltrated the cannabis scene and are working to get policy drafted in their favor.

“After years of laying the groundwork that would invariably allow the corporate addiction giants to enter the marijuana industry, leading legalization advocates are now trying to rewrite history,” Sabet wrote. “For the sake of the health and safety of future generations, we must halt the commercialization and normalization of marijuana.”

The Moment Prince Harry Realized He Needed Therapy

Maria Loreto

-

May 24, 2021

0

The Moment Prince Harry Realized He Needed Therapy

In a new series, Prince Harry talks about his traumatic experiences and the reason why he decided to get therapy.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have steadily grown into some of the world’s most prominent mental health advocates. In the new Apple TV+ series “The Me You Can’t See”, Harry spoke about his mental health, which was heavily impacted by his mother’s death and his upbringing. He spoke about how Meghan convinced him to go to therapy and get treatment for the unresolved issues of his childhood.

Oprah Winfrey teamed up with Harry to produce the docuseries, which touches upon different mental health issues that affect people from all over the world. The two icons guide the conversations by providing insight on the issues that have affected them and the struggles they face in their every day lives.

Meghan Markle's Oprah Interview Drives The Internet Wild — Photo by Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images

Harry revealed that he started attending therapy four years ago with the goal of healing from his past, prompted by a discussion he had with Markle.

“When she said, ‘I think you need to see someone,’ it was in reaction to an argument that we had,” said Harry. “When my mum was taken away from me at the age of 12, I didn’t want the royal life,” he said. “I was so angry with what happened to her and the fact that there was no justice at all, nothing came from that.”

Harry talked about the way in which his trauma manifested throughout his life, how he relied on drug and alcohol use in order to cope with his feelings and to process his mother’s death. “From 28 to 32 was a nightmare time in my life,” he said. “I would find myself drinking not because I was enjoying it, but because I was trying to mask something.”

In the episode, Harry undergoes treatment for his PTSD. On camera, he goes through a process called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) where patients cope with trauma by recalling a traumatic experience and engaging in a sensory task.

Prince Harry opened up a bit about his past, how London was one of his triggers since he associates it with his mother and his upbringing, and making his mother proud. “Not only do I know that she’s incredibly proud of me, but that she’s helped me get here. And I’ve never felt her presence more as I have done over the last year.”

You Probably Shouldn’t Have A 1000mg Marijuana Edible

Mike Adams

-

May 24, 2021

0

You Probably Shouldn’t Have A 1000mg Marijuana Edible

Marijuana, while mild in comparison to other drugs, still packs enough of a punch in some cases to bring on a wealth of misery.

Marijuana is legal in a lot of places. Rest assured, that means there’s a stoner bro sitting around in a frat house somewhere staring down at a 1000mg cannabis edible while his college buddies double dare him to eat that sucker all at once. And in the spirit of the party culture, he’s probably going to do it, too. Little does he know, it’ll be worse than the worst mistake he’s ever made.

Although most states require cannabis dispensaries to sell edibles with a limited amount of THC (usually 10mg per serving), it’s common to find these products packaged with 10 servings — the equivalent of 100mg of THC. For the newcomer to the world of edible pot, 100mg is going to put them on their backside in a matter of hours and will likely induce enough panic to swear them off drugs forever.

Why Do Some People Not Get High From Eating Edibles? — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

Seriously, even 50mg can invoke dark horrors for a newbie. That’s one of the reasons “responsible use” advocates often suggest that beginners start by ingesting 5-10mg to test the waters and then increase the dose in a few hours as needed. Because once you ingest 100mg of edible THC, there’s no turning back. And, once it kicks in, you’re going to want to turn back, and fast.

There’s nothing stopping a consumer from buying multiple packages of pot edibles and devouring it in one setting. There have been accounts of pot journalists, many of which believe documenting their drug use makes them the next Hunter Thompson, eating 500mg to 1000mg of THC and sharing their experience with their readers. You can find these articles all over the internet, and they are written in such a way that cautiously suggest that a person shouldn’t be afraid.

But you should be terrified.

While consuming copious amounts of THC might be okay for some, it’s not the most practical move for most. Forget about all the stuff you’ve heard about pot users being more active, creative, and functional. Eating 1000mg of weed will almost assuredly lead to drooling fear, total inactivity, a loss of creative control and you won’t even be able to pronounce the word functionality.

The good news is consuming ridiculous amounts of pot probably won’t kill you. But that’s not to say you won’t wish you were dead. A non-life-threatening THC overdose can cause rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, extreme paranoia, confusion, loss of motor skills, anxiety, and ultimately a nagging fear that you’re about to swallow your tongue and be sucked into hell. Thirty-eight-year-old Bart from Louisville, Kentucky learned this the hard way. He told the Fresh Toast that he’s still scared of edibles to this day.

brown bread on white ceramic plate — Photo by Pot Head Coffee via Unsplash

“One night, these girls came over and made pot brownies for our band. We each had three before rehearsal. But they gave me the munchies, so I actually ate four more about an hour later,” he said. “That was a huge mistake. I kept getting higher with each passing hour. It was like, just when I thought I couldn’t get any more stoned, the brownies found a way to get me. I mean, it was fun for a while, but then it got so intense that I couldn’t deal with it anymore. I needed it to end.”

Exhausted, Bart says that’s when his buzz went in for the knockout. “My eyes were strained — that was one of the weirdest aspects of it. I thought I was going to end up with a lazy eye in the morning. There was also a hallucinogenic effect. I kept seeing angry versions of myself while the room spun around me. Honestly, I thought I was losing my entire mind. And there was no sleeping it off either. I was wound so tight with anxiety that I just sat in my closet all night, hanging on for dear life. I’m still leery about taking edibles. On the upside, I’m proof that weed can’t kill you.”

Some people get so freaked out after the overindulgence of pot edibles that they will call 911 or beg someone to do it for them. Nothing good can come from this. Depending on where they reside, calling in the calvary can bring about trouble with the law or the arrival of a massive hospital bill weeks later. “My hospital bill was close to $2000,” says Tara from Cincinnati, Ohio, who went to the ER one night after having a massive panic attack from edibles. “All they did was give me a dose of benzodiazepine to calm me down. They sent me home a few hours later.”

How To Choose and Buy Edibles Like A Pro — Photo by Vyshnavi Bisani via Unsplash

All in all, it’s probably best to avoid consuming such large doses of THC – especially anywhere close to 1000mg — if you haven’t built up the tolerance to handle it. There is no shame in starting slow and low. It’s not a competition. You’re not going to be more spiritually enlightened if you eat more weed than the next guy. So, don’t be a hero. And don’t let verbiage like “legal” and “safer than alcohol” fool you either.

Marijuana, while mild in comparison to other drugs, still packs enough of a punch in some cases to bring on a wealth of misery. When used in moderation, however, pot edibles are rather enjoyable. So, to the bro whose buddies are daring him to scarf down that 1000mg of pot, walk away right now and live to get high another day

You don’t need the hassle.

Mexico Fails To Legalize Marijuana As Drug War Chaos Grows

Opinion

Richard Cowan

-

May 24, 2021

0

Mexico Fails To Legalize Marijuana As Drug War Chaos Grows

If the Mexican military is deeply corrupt and now effectively controls the national government under its incompetent President, we are in a new phase of our Latin American disaster.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.

In 2018, the Mexican Supreme Court found the country’s marijuana laws unconstitutional and ordered Congress to draft new laws. Congress has had to request several extensions, but now it has failed to meet another deadline, just as it seemed close to agreement on new laws.

SEE: Latin America Moves Toward Legalization From Argentina To Mexico, With Some Absurd Exceptions

For Americans, this problem may seem familiar, but in Mexico, the stakes are much higher. 

SEE: Don’t Mention The Drug War Or We Might Have To Deal With The Real “Crisis At The Border”

Mexico's Cannabis Legalization Bill Will Boost Business, But There Are Concerns — Photo by Jezael Melgoza via Unsplash

Of course, the pandemic has hit Mexico much harder than the U.S. At one point they reportedly ran out of death certificates. But in a country where thousands of people are killed every year in the Drug War, and thousands more simply disappear, it is just another tragedy. 

While the Mexican government still controls the major cities, there are large areas where the gangs (not “cartels”) terrorize the people who are not allowed to own guns, which the gangs get from the U.S., financed by selling drugs, which are illegal.

Unfortunately, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), has been a disaster. He is sort of a left-wing Trump. Latin America has a word for this: personalismo, but it is new to Mexico (and to the U.S., until recently). In post-Stalin Russia, it was called the Cult of Personality.

SEE: Republicans Have Built A Cult Of Personality Around Trump That Glosses Over His Disgraced Presidency

While AMLO campaigned against Mexico’s deeply embedded corruption, last year he ignored the pandemic to meet with the mother of El Chapo, the gangster now in a U.S. prison.

SEE: Mexican President Ignores Coronavirus Restrictions To Greet El Chapo’s Mother

And while Mexico, unlike most of Latin America, has never had a military dictatorship, last year the government’s dependence on the military became embarrassingly obvious. Last October, the U.S. arrested former Mexican defense minister Salvador Cienfuegos at the Los Angeles airport. Because the U.S. does not trust the Mexican government, Washington did not notify Mexico City beforehand.

Mexico Pushing To Make CBD A Supplement — Photo by MariaLR via Pixabay

Mexico was “outraged”, supposedly because this somehow violated its sovereignty, etc, and demanded that the general be sent back to Mexico where he would be tried for corruption. The U.S. agreed, perhaps in a deal for Mexico to arrest a major gang leader.

SEE: Exclusive: Mexico Agreed With US AG Barr To Arrest Drug Capo In Deal For General AND: US Drops Case Against Ex-Mexican General After Pressure

However, when the general was safely back in Mexico, he was “exonerated” in January. The U.S. was not pleased, but this absurdity clearly demonstrated the power of the Mexican military.

SEE: Mexico Will Not Charge Former Defense Chief With Drug Trafficking

Now AMLO faces another embarrassment. 

SEE: Mexico worries about scorn if another drug lord is released 

Meanwhile in the “real world”, the pandemic continues, so the U.S. is sending vaccines to Mexico, the Republicans are denouncing President Joe Biden’s “border crisis” and demanding that VP Kamala Harris go to the border for a photo op with the “big, beautiful wall” that Trump repeatedly claimed Mexico would pay for. And Mexico is caught in the middle, but it is still struggling with the easiest part, legalizing marijuana.

As an old and largely unrepentant Drug Warrior, Biden cannot recognize the increasing damage being done to our increasingly vulnerable neighbors. Harris is going to Central America, even more vulnerable and corrupt than Mexico, but she cannot even mention the Drug War. If the Mexican military is deeply corrupt and now effectively controls the national government under the incompetent AMLO, we are in a new phase of our Latin American disaster.

Richard Cowan is a former NORML National Director and author of Different CBD Extracts, What To Choose?

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Experts Weight In On Federally Legal Marijuana

Legalizing weed on a federal level would open doors to many more opportunities for company owners. However, some are not overly convinced that any federal laws will be changed in the coming year.

Stanford Claims Legal Marijuana States See More Suicide Attempts

Stanford admits that their research is not definitive proof that marijuana use causes self-harm. More research is needed before science can seal the gap on this connection.

Best Time Of Day To Get High

People smoke cannabis and get high for different reasons, and in some cases, your reason for smoking can determine when you should smoke.

In the morning

After work

Before or during a movie

In the evening and before bedtime

When going out

Bottom line

Here’s When You Should Drink Coffee For Maximum Productivity

On average, the energy that coffee provides lasts for a good six hours, but it can be influenced by a variety of factors.

How To Consume The Remainder Of Your Vaporized Marijuana

Vape pens don’t submit marijuana through a combustion process, meaning that the remainder of vaped weed could be used for other things.

Prepare some edibles

Add it to food

Coffee and tea

Prepare capsules or oils

Drinking THC: What To Know Before You Try

As with all THC products, reading labels carefully, asking questions, and understanding how cannabis affects the body are all important steps before partaking in the compound.

THC-based drinks can be tricky

When combined with alcohol THC can pack a punch

The high can take patience to achieve

Data Says Marijuana Legalization Saves Lives

The stress, economic uncertainty, and isolation brought about by the pandemic likely had more to do with the uptick than anything.

The Moment Prince Harry Realized He Needed Therapy

In a new series, Prince Harry talks about his traumatic experiences and the reason why he decided to get therapy.

You Probably Shouldn’t Have A 1000mg Marijuana Edible

Marijuana, while mild in comparison to other drugs, still packs enough of a punch in some cases to bring on a wealth of misery.

Mexico Fails To Legalize Marijuana As Drug War Chaos Grows

If the Mexican military is deeply corrupt and now effectively controls the national government under its incompetent President, we are in a new phase of our Latin American disaster.

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.