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Science Reveals Cannabis Does Not Make You Lazy

Trey Reckling
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0
Science Reveals Cannabis Does Not Make You Lazy

This goes against the theory that cannabis use reduces dopamine production resulting in lower motivation and, ultimately, inability to achieve life goals. 

The Fresh Toast – The old myth says one thing, but science reveals cannabis does not make you lazy, data wins the day.

“Marijuana will ruin your motivation. It will make you lazy.” Or so we were told. It’s an old stereotype drummed into the public mindset through multi-million dollar ad campaigns. We were taught that pot not only fries your brain like an egg, but strips away any personal motivation, leaving you living with your parents well into adulthood. 

Like any other effective propaganda, kernels of truth help obscure the lie. We do know that cannabis engages the CB1 receptors in a way that promotes the release of dopamine, the pleasure chemical naturally produces. So, it is no surprise that someone who uses cannabis would enjoy it and want to do it again. But does this mean that during the process our personal motivation to accomplish short and long-term goals is inhibited? It;s a good question and one that all cannabis enthusiasts should want to know the real answer to. 

Scientists at Florida International University are doing what good researchers do. They’re challenging assumptions and seeking facts concerning this very topic, publishing a study following the motivation levels of adolescents who are regular cannabis users. Even their hypothesis, published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, followed the oft-held belief that cannabis zaps personal motivation, with frequency and increased amounts having a bigger detrimental effect.

RELATED: One Joint Of Cannabis Makes You Lazy, But Only In The Short Term

But that is not what they found. The motivation of 79 teens aged 14-18 were evaluated using standardized self-reporting tools known as the Apathy Evaluation Scale and Motivation and Engagement Scale. In fact, they concluded that “no significant differences were observed between regular and light users on any motivation index.” Their findings did not support any link between motivation and cannabis use in the adolescents they observed. 

Science: Cannabis Does Not Make You Lazy After All
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

This goes against a theory, developed in 1972, that proposed that cannabis use reduces dopamine production resulting in lower motivation and, ultimately, inability to achieve life goals. Twenty years later, sectors of the scientific community have challenged this assumption and instead point to the possibility of depression being the real culprit, not cannabis.

RELATED: Study Shows How Marijuana Can Motivate You To Exercise

Not all marijuana use is the same. The amount consumed is a critical consideration. Also, as cannabis users are aware, different strains have different effects based on THC:CBD balance and terpene profile. But just because it is possible to smoke yourself into a couch-lock situation, it doesn’t mean it zaps your long-term motivation.

As the G.I. Joe cartoons reminded us in the 80s, “knowing is half the battle.” In this case, some insight into real research can help us identify old-school propaganda from fact-based info.

So, enjoy your cannabis in moderation. When those old commercials pop up, enjoy them for what they are: an attempt to scare and dissuade you. Science has your back on this one

FDA Warns 15 Companies For Selling CBD Products That Violate FD&C Act

Green Market Report
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FDA Warns 15 Companies For Selling CBD Products That Violate FD&C Act

These companies are accused of marketing CBD products in ways that violate the FD&C Act, including marketing CBD products to treat diseases or for other therapeutic uses.

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to 15 companies for illegally selling products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The FDA also published a revised Consumer Update detailing safety concerns about CBD products more broadly. The FDA also indicated in the press release that it cannot conclude that CBD is generally recognized as safe among qualified experts for its use in human or animal food.

The companies sent these warning letters were accused of using product webpages, online stores and social media to market CBD products in ways that violate the FD&C Act, including marketing CBD products to treat diseases or for other therapeutic uses for humans and/or animals. The FDA also noted that some of the products were marketed towards infants and children, which could have adverse reactions. Other violations include marketing CBD products as dietary supplements and adding CBD to human and animal foods.

RELATED: Food, Drug Or Something Else: What Is Hemp-Derived CBD?

“As we work quickly to further clarify our regulatory approach for products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds like CBD, we’ll continue to monitor the marketplace and take action as needed against companies that violate the law in ways that raise a variety of public health concerns. In line with our mission to protect the public, foster innovation, and promote consumer confidence, this overarching approach regarding CBD is the same as the FDA would take for any other substance that we regulate,” said FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D..

Marijuana's CBD
Photo by Nisangha/Getty Images

“We remain concerned that some people wrongly think that the myriad of CBD products on the market, many of which are illegal, have been evaluated by the FDA and determined to be safe, or that trying CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ Aside from one prescription drug approved to treat two pediatric epilepsy disorders, these products have not been approved by the FDA and we want to be clear that a number of questions remain regarding CBD’s safety – including reports of products containing contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals – and there are real risks that need to be considered. We recognize the significant public interest in CBD and we must work together with stakeholders and industry to fill in the knowledge gaps about the science, safety and quality of many of these products.”

RELATED: CBD Regulations Could Take Years, Warns Outgoing FDA Chief

The companies receiving warning letters are:

Under the FD&C Act, any product intended to treat a disease or otherwise have a therapeutic or medical use, and any product (other than a food) that is intended to affect the structure or function of the body of humans or animals, is a drug. The FDA has not approved any CBD products other than one prescription human drug product to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy.

The FDA also does not approve of companies selling CBD products with the suggestion that the product should be added to either human or animal food.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report.

Joe Biden Backtracks, Now Claims Marijuana Is Not A Gateway Drug

Brendan Bures
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Joe Biden Backtracks, Now Claims Marijuana Is Not A Gateway Drug

After a week of criticism for his marijuana comments, the former Vice President has changed his tune.

What a tough week for Joe Biden, though not nearly as tough as he was on victims of the war on drugs. Sen. Cory Booker smoked Biden’s comments that marijuana might be a “gateway drug.” Then billionaire Michael Bloomberg entered the race, hinting at anxiety over the current Democratic candidates—particularly Joe Biden—not having a chance at defeating Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

But Biden isn’t giving up yet and still attempting to atone his political follies. During a recent call with reporters, Biden was asked if he made a mistake suggesting marijuana is a “gateway drug.” The former Vice President had a different answer than he did a few weeks ago.

RELATED: Bernie Sanders Tells Joe Rogan He’ll Legalize Marijuana If President

“I don’t think it is a gateway drug. There’s no evidence I’ve seen to suggest that,” Biden told a reporter for The Nevada Independent.

https://twitter.com/meganmesserly/status/1199065796850286592

He was also quick to correct the record of his previous comments, stating that he didn’t actually say it was a gateway drug. “I said some say it’s a gateway drug.”

Biden’s comments at a recent town hall in Las Vegas weren’t so clear. Instead, the presidential candidate called for a different approach to potential marijuana regulation at the federal level.

RELATED: Tucker Carlson: Dems Support Marijuana Because They Want Americans Dumber

“The truth of the matter is, there’s not nearly been enough evidence that has been acquired as to whether or not it is a gateway drug,” Biden said at the town hall. “It’s a debate, and I want a lot more before I legalize it nationally. I want to make sure we know a lot more about the science behind it.”

why you should incorporate cannnabis into your life when combating obesity
Photo by Marco Jimenez via Unsplash

Cory Booker’s campaign, which has become an attack dog against Biden’s marijuana views, did not allow the new comments to go unchallenged. Sabrina Singh, who serves as Booker’s national press secretary, asked if Biden believes marijuana is not a gateway drug anymore, why is still against legalization.

“If @JoeBiden finally agrees with @CoryBooker that marijuana is not a gateway drug, then why does he still oppose federal legalization?,” Singh tweeted.

Surely, this will be a topic at the next Democratic debates.

Roast Chicken With Cannabis Infused Stuffing For A Thanksgiving Twosome

Danielle Guercio
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Roast Chicken With Cannabis Infused Stuffing For A Thanksgiving Twosome

This year, forgo the traditional turkey and try chicken stuffed with the good herb for a mini take on Thanksgiving, or just a regular romantic Sunday.

Not everyone will be partaking in the traditional family and turkey this year. Some just prefer not to celebrate Thanksgiving, while others opt for Friendsgiving or orphan gatherings. And considering the fairy tale reimagining of the day, who can blame them?

Those of us rolling in smaller crews on Thursday won’t want to be working with a massive turkey; there’s only so many leftovers you can take, and cooking that big bird is a whole lot of effort. Plus, without the big family that comes with what amounts to mixed company, you can freely infuse your food and not worry about children or unsupervised baby boomers copping an unwanted high.

This year, try chicken and a few fixin’s with the good stuff for a new take on mini Thanksgiving, or just a regular romantic Sunday.

RELATED: Here Is A Top Chef’s Recipe For Cannabis Brussels Sprouts

For that perfect reasonable roast, go for a high quality organic chicken, and stay under four pounds to limit the excess. There are countless delicious methods for roasting which could make it hard to pick, but here are three internet favorites to ease the decision making:

Samin Nosrat’s Buttermilk Chicken

The Standard Grill’s Million Dollar Chicken

Glamour Magazine’s Engagement Chicken

We went with the Million Dollar Chicken over here, and though I’d swap root veg for the sourdough at the bottom, it was a wonderful treat. For the infused side of your dream mini feast, here’s a cannabis stuffing recipe that will have you going in for seconds before the munchies set in.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

Herbed Mushroom Stuffing

Danielle Guercio 2018

Serves 4, Estimated 10mg THC per serving

1 lb button or baby portobello mushrooms

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

2 Tbsp cannabis infused butter*, melted

Small bunch thyme

4 sage leaves

5-6 rosemary needles

Pinch tarragon

Pinch oregano

2 celery ribs

1 large or two medium carrots

½ a white onion

3-4 garlic cloves

¾ loaf of day old baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta bread

1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

Salt

Pepper

Prepare the ingredients by finely dicing the vegetables and half of the mushrooms, cutting the rest into large chunks. Cube bread into rough 1-inch and 1.5-inch pieces (you can also do this the day before to let them dry out even more).

Sauté carrot, celery, garlic, and onion into the non-infused butter until translucent. Add the smaller chopped mushrooms and cook until they begin to release moisture stirring frequently. Transfer the veggies into a heat-safe bowl.

RELATED: What To Do If You Accidentally Get Too High Before Thanksgiving Dinner

Stir in the herbs, salt, pepper, melted cannabutter, veggie cube, and broth, and mix until the ingredients are combined. Add the bread and fold until the broth is absorbed. You can alternatively add ¼ cup of broth at a time until you get to your desired consistency, some people like more moist stuffing than others.

Either stuff a chicken with this mixture and bake to the recipe’s specifications, or pile into a casserole and heat up for a yummy side dish with a slight crisp on the top.

Serve with your beautiful bird and some type of green vegetable for a complete holiday meal. This one shoots for quality over quantity.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

*Cannabutter

Decarboxylate 2 grams of finely ground cannabis or .25 gram of concentrate. Put material in lidded mason jar or vacuum sealed bag with cannabis and one stick of butter. Heat in water bath just under boiling for at least 1 hour. Strain and cool to use in recipes.

Though this isn’t the giant Turkey with eight sides many are used to, its more than enough to get the party going for up to four people. Getting pleasantly stoned while you chow down should be the new American tradition you bring to the table.

Photos: Danielle Guercio

How To Use CBD To Combat Your Thanksgiving Food Coma

Becky Garrison
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0
How To Use CBD To Combat Your Thanksgiving Food Coma

Since CBD reduces inflammation and supports liver health and can help manage nausea, it works as a digestive aid that can help alleviate any groggy feelings that arise post-feast.  

Many Americans partake in that annual Thanksgiving tradition of stuffing themselves with turkey and the trimmings and then finding themselves couch locked. This time their mobile state is caused by tryptophan and not THC.  

For those unfamiliar with tryptophan, this essential amino acid is the key ingredient in making serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for elevating and balancing people’s moods. When tryptophan synthesizes serotonin, the chemical reaction produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates people’s sleep patterns. When one consumes turkey which contains tryptophan with massive amounts of carbohydrates, the body can become very sluggish. 

Short of foregoing this feast, what can one do to avoid moving around zombie like after dinner? CBD may provide some answers. First, since CBD reduces inflammation and supports liver health and can help manage nausea, it works as a digestive aid that can help alleviate any groggy feelings that arise post-Thanksgiving feast.  

RELATED: Food Coma: 3 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Eat Too Much

food coma
Photo by Juzant/Getty Images

Also, as CBD contains less than .3% THC, it does not have the psychoactive properties found in cannabis that contains higher levels of THC. Hence, one can be medicated at the dinner table and remain alert and focused without giving off a stoner vibe. In addition, CBD can help calm one’s nerves and reduce anxiety, thus helping to prevent one from getting triggered from familial stressors such as that moment in the meal when one’s right wing relative goes into rant mode. 

Consuming CBD at Thanksgiving 

Even though hemp derived CBD is now federally legalized, family members may not want to be around someone smoking up a storm.  The most discrete way to consume CBD products during a family get-together would be edibles. Capsules or gel caps look like vitamins and can be taken very discreetly. Tinctures are another option especially if the tincture is water soluble and can be easily added to drinks or food.

How To Use CBD To Combat Your Thanksgiving Food Coma
Photo by Natalia Y via Unsplash

Gummies and other candies are also discrete options, though one should be mindful these items often have a high sugar content on a day when sugar consumption is likely to be much higher than usual. As chocolate produces a sedative reaction on its own, a CBD infused chocolate edible is probably not the best choice for those wishing to remain alert. 

For those new to consuming CBD, start small by taking a product containing 5 to 10mg of CBD. Take the product thirty minutes to an hour before the Thanksgiving feast will be served. Then increase the dosage gradually as need be. 

RELATED: 5 Ways To Incorporate Effective CBD Products Into Your Everyday Life

In addition to the dosage, be mindful of the terpenes present in the particular CBD strain used in this product. In particular, look for strains high in limonene that have an uplifting citrus effect and will help perk one up. 

When taken in small doses Linalool, the terpene found in lavender, can have a calming effect without putting one to sleep. Be careful to avoid any CBD strains high in humulene, as this is the terpene also present in beer that produces an intoxicating drowsy effect. However, both linalool and humulene can be very effective sleep aids should one find it difficult to turn off one’s mind after an intense day of holiday happenings.

Matt Gaetz Disses Kellyanne Conway’s Marijuana Stance

Brendan Bures
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Matt Gaetz Disses Kellyanne Conway’s Marijuana Stance

Matt Gaetz, who voted yes on the MORE Act, still hopes to influence the President on marijuana legalization.

Rep. Matthew Gaetz didn’t hold back against Kellyanne Conway, criticizing the White House counselor’s previous statements against marijuana legalization. Gaetz responded to Conway’s comments, which represented a pro-prohibition attitude, with a meme currently on popular—“OK, boomer.”

“For all the folks that talk about the benefits and legalities of marijuana, there are many health professionals and employers increasingly concerned that this is not your grandfather’s or your father’s marijuana,” Conway previously said on CNN in April. “The TCH components are much stronger.”

RELATED: House Judiciary Committee Just Approved Historic Bill To Legalize Marijuana

Gaetz, while an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, voted his approval of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act last week, which passed in the House Judiciary Committee. When asked about Conway’s views on legal marijuana, Gaetz labeled them as reminiscent of outdated thinking from the baby boomer generation.

Said Gaetz:

To my friend Kellyanne Conway, I would say, ‘OK, boomer’. That’s a very boomer approach to marijuana, for no other reason than it’s THC, not TCH, and I think her reflection shows a real ignorance to the science.

Under the MORE Act, marijuana would be removed from the Controlled Substances Act, effectively legalizing marijuana at the federal level. It will also place a 5% sales tax on all marijuana products, which will fund grants and programs to support those communities affected by the war on drugs. In addition, the bill would allow VA physicians to recommend marijuana to veterans.

Though CNN host Michael Smerconish labeled Gaetz a “Trump whisperer,” the congressman didn’t indicate that Trump was backing the MORE Act.

RELATED: Matthew Gaetz To Democrats: Get Over Trump And Focus On Marijuana Reform

“President Trump is no fan of marijuana,” said Gaetz. “But I think he made commitments about medical marijuana in his 2016 campaign that we still need to fulfill. Fortunately, Attorney General [William] Barr is in the rule making process now so we can accelerate the approvals of research…which will accelerate the pressure on Congress.”

How To Get High With Your Family On Thanksgiving

Maria Loreto
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How To Get High With Your Family On Thanksgiving

Before you make any rash decisions, think about the people in the room. How are your parents attitudes regarding marijuana? Your siblings? Your aunts and uncles?

There’s something extremely Thanksgiving about going for a walk, smoking a joint with your siblings or cousins, and then returning home to a delicious meal that you’ll enjoy immensely. While most family members will remain in the dark, the errant cool aunt might give you a knowing look.

Since times are changing and people are becoming more and more open to the idea of marijuana, maybe it’s time to share and see what happens. As always, you should be careful when making this suggestion, especially since it’s family and not a group of close friends. Here’s how you can get high with your family this Thanksgiving.

Read the room

Before you make any rash decisions or suggest anything, think about the people in the room. How are your parents attitudes regarding marijuana? Your siblings? Your aunts and uncles? If it’s a small gathering the odds are in your favor; the people who are hanging out with you are probably those closest to you and will be much more open to participate without the presence of distant relatives. Still, before you pull out a bong, tread carefully.

Come prepared

the 6 best ways to include marijuana this thanksgiving
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

RELATED: How To Have The Marijuana Conversation This Thanksgiving

If you live in a legal state there’s no need to stick to tradition and smoke a joint. Try to think of something that might be the most fun and effective way to get high with your group, be that cooking your own edibles, vaping or sharing some gummies. Try ingesting these when the mood is right and not when you’re fighting with your family over politics or whatever. Adding marijuana into that mix might only make things worse.

Don’t mix drugs and alcohol

This is a hard one since people tend to start drinking early on Thanksgiving, but it’s important to remember that mixing substances is a bad idea, especially when you go too far. If you’re planning on smoking a little weed, don’t stress out too much. But if you’re planning on having edibles or something more intense, it’s best to steer clear of the alcohol. Bottom line: don’t give your body the chance to purge your Thanksgiving dinner.

Science Still Confused Over Whether Marijuana Can Tame Opioid Epidemic

Mike Adams
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Science Still Confused Over Whether Marijuana Can Tame Opioid Epidemic

No one appears to have any idea whether access to legal weed would really keep people from using opioids in the first place. 

There is a growing body of evidence showing that medical marijuana could be all that is needed to tame the gnarly beast known as the opioid epidemic. On the other hand, there is also some research showing that this is all kooky talk.

It seems that ever since the first study emerged showing that the cannabis plant might be able to prevent tens of thousands of Americans from dropping dead every year from fatal overdoses, we have seen a steady stream of new studies showing conflicting results. To say the science over this concept is all over the map is an understatement.

Simply put, no one appears to have any idea whether access to legal weed would really keep people from using opioids in the first place, or serve as a trapdoor from the throes of addiction. Some of the latest research on the matter shows the confusion over marijuana and opioids is still prevalent. 

A study published last week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows that while cannabis is often revered as an alternative to opioids, the reality is that the people suffering from opioid use disorder really don’t have any use for weed. Using 30 years of data, researchers at McMaster University found that when cannabis was used by people with an opioid problem, tossing marijuana into their rehabilitation treatment plan didn’t make them more likely to stay on the mend. 

RELATED: The Opioid Crisis Is Not About Pain

“There is limited evidence that cannabis use may reduce opioid use in pain management, and some high-profile organizations have suggested cannabis is an ‘exit drug’ for illicit opioid use, but we found no evidence to suggest cannabis helps patients with opioid use disorder stop using opioids,” said lead researcher and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, Dr. Zainab Samaan. 

Lower Dose Of Prescription Opioids
Photo by Charles Wollertz/Getty Images

However, a separate study published last week in PLOS Medicine from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the B.C. Centre on Substance Abuse shows that marijuana might “lower or address the risk of overdose” in people considered heavy opioid users. The study mostly indicates that people who used cannabis daily as a means of controlling chronic pain were less likely to encounter a problem with opioids. 

RELATED: Study Finds Opioid Users Not Switching To Medical Marijuana

It is worth noting that the UBC study was funded to the tune of $2.5 million by Canopy Growth, which is one of the largest cannabis companies in North America. Still, researchers associated with the study say that the idea that marijuana could save the world from opioid addiction is largely exaggerated. 

“We are very aware of the risk of harms,” said lead researcher M-J Milloy. “And I want to emphasize that none of us think that cannabis is a panacea or a silver bullet to knock out the overdose crisis. What we do think, though, is that it has tremendous potential.” 

What appears to be real is that cannabis works for some people who are trying to manage chronic pain. It is not clear whether the majority of these people were cannabis users to begin with or if they are new to the scene. There is also some question as to whether the opioid epidemic is truly the result of doctors doling out prescription painkillers with rabid enthusiasm.

A recent study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine shows that only around 1% of opioid patients ended up with problems stemming from opioid misuse. The bulk of this drug problem, the study shows, appears to be coming from people using heroin and fentanyl.

RELATED: Maybe Medical Marijuana Isn’t The Opioid Epidemic Savior After All

It should be noted that some legitimate pain patients — those who may have endured trauma, battlefield injuries or gone through surgery — are not excited about trading in opioids for medical marijuana. They argue that pot just doesn’t have the strength needed to cut through this type of pain.

Regardless of where the research goes on this issue, the effectiveness of marijuana as a substitute to prescription painkillers really depends on the person. For minor aches and pain, marijuana might do the trick, while those people experiencing higher levels of pain might be better suited with a carefully monitored treatment plan consisting of opioids. But one thing is certain, according to Dr. Samaan: Competent research on this controversial subject is scarce. “The reality is that there are no good studies or good evidence to show us it’s beneficial,” she told CBC News.

How To Have The Marijuana Conversation This Thanksgiving

Terry Hacienda
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0
How To Have The Marijuana Conversation This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving and politics don’t mix, but if the subject of marijuana legalization comes up around the Thanksgiving dinner table this year, here are some handy tips.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, take the time to truly count your blessings. If you are a cannabis consumer, be thankful that you are among the majority of Americans that live in a state where there is some form of legal marijuana — whether it be recreational, medical or CBD only.

There are now 11 states, plus Washington D.C., that allow adults to use marijuana recreationally, and 33 states that offer marijuana for medical purposes to qualifying patients. Many of these are among the nation’s most populated states.

RELATED: How To Talk About Cannabis With The Elderly

Despite this bit of good news, it still can be difficult to have the “marijuana talk” with those family members who are wary of these progressive new laws. Thanksgiving and politics don’t mix, but if the subject of marijuana legalization comes up around the Thanksgiving dinner table this year, here are some handy tips:

Be Chill

The worst thing you can do is be in attack mode. Yes, you are on the right side of history, but nobody likes a know-it-all without a little empathy. Listen to the other side and truly try to understand where they are coming from. A lot of your friends and family members may have grown up during the Reefer Madness days or the Just Say No days. It takes some understanding.

Sometimes, their fears can easily be assayed with calm … and facts.

The War On Drugs Did Not Work

By any objective measure, the United States’ War on Drugs has been a trillion-dollar boondoggle. All that money did nothing to alleviate drug use.

Here’s how Steve Downing, a former deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, described it:

“The war on drugs was a failure, I should know as I once led it. Our policies have done more harm to people and community than marijuana. We demonize people. We unnecessarily criminalized people.”

The War on Drugs was waged to shrink the supply of illegal drugs. Instead, drug prohibition has created a lucrative black market for drug cartels and other criminal enterprises. A RAND Corporation study suggests marijuana accounts for about 20 to 30% of drug cartels’ revenue. Legalizing cannabis would slash that revenue from the bad guys.

RELATED: How To Approach Your Baby Boomer Parents About Weed

didnt use
Photo by rawpixel.com

It’s A Social Justice Issue

America has the largest incarcerated population in the largest in the world.

A report from the American Civil Liberties Union revealed that there are hundreds of thousands of arrests for marijuana possession each year. A look at the numbers shows that race plays a major factor. Studies prove that black and white Americans use cannabis at similar rates. But black citizens are nearly four times more likely to be arrested than whites for marijuana possession.

Here is what Washington D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier says about these arrests:

“All those arrests do is make people hate us. … Marijuana smokers are not going to attack and kill a cop. They just want to get a bag of chips and relax. Alcohol is a much bigger problem.”

It is clear that America cannot continue to incarcerate cannabis consumers. The financial cost is exorbitant, but the social cost is even greater. There is a better way.

Speaking Of Finances …

A report from the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank,  found that legalizing cannabis could generate up to $28 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue. Yes, Americans essentially are throwing away nearly $30 billion annually in tax revenue.

With California passing recreational cannabis, it alone will triple the size of America’s $6 billion legal pot industry within 10 years.

RELATED: How To Know It’s Time To Share Marijuana With Your Parents

How To Approach Your Baby Boomer Parents About Weed
Photo by rawpixel.com

Hey, It’s The Will Of The People

A Gallup poll earlier this year found that two in three Americans support legalization.

According to Gallup:

When Gallup first asked this question in 1969, 12 percent of Americans supported the legalization of marijuana use. In the late 1970s, support rose to 28 percent but began to retreat in the 1980s during the era of the “Just Say No” to drugs campaign. Support stayed in the 25 percent range through 1995, but increased to 31 percent in 2000 and has continued climbing since then.

Americans have shifted more than 50 percentage points on the issue since Richard Nixon’s first year in the White House. That is seismic.

Give Hugs

You may win a few arguments. You may fail to sway some family members. No matter what happens, give a hug or a handshake. Keep smiling. It’s Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day with your loved ones. And know that you are on the right side of history.

The Science Behind Marijuana And Gaming Performance

Rudy Sanchez
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0
The Science Behind Marijuana And Gaming Performance

There are some potential drawbacks to using weed while gaming, namely the decrease in linear motor response and a slowing in the perception of time. 

For many, cannabis and video games is as inspired a combination as peanut butter and chocolate. While many devotees of both swear marijuana boosts their gaming performance, so far the emerging science is mixed. Weed might actually improve certain performance factors, but may also decrease others.

The common stereotype is that smoking weed turns people into human sloths, content to snack on junk food and stare at cartoons on the TV. Some research suggests that cannabis consumption improves focus and cognitive performance, attributes that are critical in the competitive gaming space.

CBD is commonly associated with a decrease in pain and inflammation, conditions that can be brought about by long periods of gaming, and can seriously impair performance. CBD’s calming effect can also contribute to improved gaming, improving situational awareness and decision-making.

RELATED: Could Video Games Be The Next Cannabis Impairment Tests For Employees?

Could Video Games Be The Next Cannabis Impairment Tests For Employees?
Photo by Matthew Henry via Burst

There are some potential drawbacks to using weed while gaming, namely the decrease in linear motor response and a slowing in the perception of time. Some studies suggest that the decrease in fine motor skills continues to increase in consumption while the desired effects plateau at some point. Real world effects vary by individual and some studies used unrealistic consumption scenarios such as administering THC-only doses intravenously.

RELATED: Guess Which Video Game Has Caused 200-Plus Divorces in 2018?

For some of the world’s top gamers, access to medicinal or recreational marijuana is limited, especially in regions such as Asia, the nexus of pro gaming. Recreational cannabis is available in popular US states, such as California, however, where esports is also popular and home to game developers, dedicated arenas, and pros.

While cannabis is legal throughout Canada, the esports scene is still ramping up, but showing potential, with Canadian pro gamers such as Quebecer Stéphanie Harvey and teams such as Toronto Defiant as part of the esports scene internationally.

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