Saturday, December 13, 2025
Home Blog Page 68

What’s The Buzz About Beer And Weed

Things change – and things are changing for beer? So what’s up with beer and marijuana?

Beer is universal, it is the 3rd most consumed fluid behind water and tea (surprise – not coffee).  China, the US and Brazil lead the world in consuming beer.  But things are changing again for the popular drink.  So what’s the buzz about beer and weed. With the increased popularity of marijuana in the Americas and Europe, beer is having to figure out a new path.  And we aren’t too sure beer and weed should mix.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

The first sign of trouble was in California when beer sales lowered during the first part of the week. Then Canada did a study and said beer sales were slightly shrinking with legal weed and they. Then data shows some people reducing beer consumption and replacing it with marijuana.  Another trend shows Gen Z is drinking less and consuming more…helping spur the trend of California sober.

So, can these two now rivals, mix? Well, it has been a common practice, but it comes with a warning. The combination results in a very specific kind of high. Known as a crossfade high, it is supposed to help you feel especially relaxed. This appears to be because alcohol increases the absorption of THC, ramping up the effects of the high.

But, there are downsides. Some have a really unpleasant high. This could be in the form of greening out, which is basically getting really nauseous, vomiting, and even getting sweaty and pale. Others might get really paranoid.

Unfortunately, when you use weed and beer at the same time, the situation can escalate to a lot more than a bad high. In some cases, the user could wind up with alcohol poisoning, which can sometimes lead to death. Here’s what happens when you mix weed and beer.

According to research published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, it seems marijuana impacts the bioavailability of alcohol, or how much is actually absorbed by the body. The results indicated marijuana users had a higher blood-alcohol level than if they had skipped the weed and just had beer.  Due to the absorbing rate, there is a risk of excessive drinking, which could cause alcohol poisoning with symptoms like passing out, hypothermia, slowed breathing, and seizures.

Difficult Menstruation
Photo by martin-dm/Getty Images

Marijuana is known to reduce vomiting and nausea. While it can be a medical benefit, but when drinking it can have serious consequences. The body often responds to over drinking by making us throw up, preventing alcohol poisoning

RELATED: Legal Cannabis Might Help Stop Alcohol-Related Deaths

It is probably best to just be really careful, to stick with a small amount of alcohol and a small amount of weed and stick with a controlled environment, like you’re home, to make sure you’re safe.

The 8 Best Strains To Manage Missing The Eclipse

Weather, work, crazy prices – all causing folks to watch the eclipse online or not at all – here are 8 strains to gently lift your mood into a cosmic state.

The frenzy around a total eclipse has been building. From Krispy Kreme donuts, to special glasses, to the endless playing of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart, people have dived in. Conspiracy theories are skyrocketing and hotels in the path are charging exorbitant prices. But for most, it is something to hear the buzz and see it later online.  Work, weather, and other things will get in the way. An estimated 5 million people will travel to see it – but the weather in Texas doesn’t seem to care. To help you, here are the 8 best strains to manage missing the eclipse.

RELATED: Yacht Rock Pairs Perfectly With Cocktails

Cap Junkie via Medizin Flower

Strain Cap Junkie emerges as an ideal companion to ponder the infinite universe. Its lineage, a fusion of Alien Cookies and Kush Mints #11, promises an otherworldly experience. With buds dense and resinous, Cap Junkie exudes potency aligning with the transformative energy of an eclipse.

Haha Gummies Actin’ up Acia and Wild Watermelon

People are excited for the eclipse.  Actin’ up Acia and Wild Watermelon by HAHA embody the free-spirited essence of this space moment. Return to the the playfulness of youth with this when science was enticing and sweets were truly a treat.  These can help you grab a moment and squeeze every bit of joy.

Scientists Discovers Moons Can Have Smaller Moons
Photo by Gianni Zanato via Unsplash

Medizin Face On Fire #9: Ignite Your Senses

As the moon and sun do their celestial dance, ignite your senses with Face On Fire #9. Feel the uplifting euphoria wash over you, heightening your perception of the cosmic spectacle. This highly sought-after strain gradually guides you into a state of deep relaxation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonder of the eclipse.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Medizin OG Kush: Deepen Your Cosmic Connection

Experience a profound sense of tranquility as you deepen your connection to the celestial dance above. With each inhalation, OG Kush enhances your awareness, enabling you to appreciate the cosmic as you stare at the night sky.

Dreamland Cereal Milk Bar with Fruit-Flavored Bits: Morning Delight

Savor the days around the eclipse day by melting down Dreamland’s Cereal Milk Bar with Fruit-Flavored Bits into your morning coffee. Feel the sweet and fruity flavors infuse your brew, creating a delightful treat to savor as you reflect on the mean of life and the connection of the earth, moon and you.

RELATED: Science Tells Us How Marijuana Makes Us Feel Happy

Dreamland Peanut Butter Cubes: Quick and Indulgent Snack

The convenience of Dreamland’s Peanut Butter Cubes as a quick snack while you muse over the mean of light and darkness. Each creamy, peanut butter-filled cube provides a satisfying burst of flavor and energy, perfect for keeping you fueled and focused.

Galaxy Grape HaHa Soda: Beam me up scotty! This HaHa soda is ready to uplift and blast off with classic grape soda flavor infused with 10mg of THC.

Here Are Two Amazing Moon Videos On Eclipse Day

Missing the eclipse?  Here are two videos to show the wonder of the moon- including the restored Moonwalk.

Only part of the country will see a full eclipse, but it doesn’t mean people haven’t immersed themselves in the rare happening. Roughly 32 million people in the US live in the totality path, with officials predicting another 5 million people will travel to catch the moments.  Krispy Kreme has even come out with an eclipse donut!  But for most people, it is either a non event or it will spoiled by work, weather or something else. For the moon uber-fan – there is almost something better. And for a true, once in mankind moment, the restored first human steps on the moon.

RELATED: Science Explains How Marijuana Inspires Awe 

After thousands of years of people seeing the moon and making wild guesses about it, science won and man touched the moon.  In 1969 the American spaceflight Apollo 11 landed the first humans on the lunar crust. Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Eagle on July 20at 20:17 UTC with Armstrong becoming the first person to step onto the Moon’s surface six hours and 39 minutes later.  The filming of this has been restored and released.

The next video is NASA showing how incredible the moon looks on 4K resolution. The footage was captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a spacecraft tasked with recording the different sides of the moon and capturing the satellite in all its glory.

This footage was recorded in 2011, when the spacecraft was launched on a mission called the Tour of the Moon, where the camera visits a lot of interesting sites in order to show the different features of lunar terrain. The footage was recently released with a voice over and 4K resolution, so people would make popcorn, watch this with their friends and scream every five seconds about how trippy and weird space is.

The tour shows the viewer the different sides of the moon, including the parts that are facing the Earth, which can be seen through a telescope, and the areas that can only be seen from space. It also includes digital elevation models, which show how the terrain is made up.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

The guy who narrates the video explains the different parts of the moon and informs you on interesting things, such as a part of the moon that features some of the coldest weather ever reported.

Krispy Kreme's Eclipse Donut

The 4 Things To Avoid In Your Coffee

The start of the week sometimes calls for an oversized coffee. But it is better if you avoid these things

The weekend is time to relax, party, explore or just make the most of life.  So Mondays can be rough with a back to the grind atmosphere.  Sometimes you need a big cup of Joe to get in the grove. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) drink coffee every day, up nearly 14% since January 2021. Globally, it is the 4th most consumed drink behind water, tea, and beer (yes beer).  But despite the love of the hot brew, there are 4 things to void in your coffee so your body is better.

RELATED: Here’s How To Realistically Reduce Sugar From Your Diet

From the rich smell to the smooth feeling as it goes down your thought. Coffee is a popular beverage researchers have studied extensively for its many health benefits, including its ability to increase energy levels, promote weight management, and perhaps enhance athletic performance.  But how to maximize all the benefits of the bean?  Here is some things you might want to reconsider stirring into your cup.

White sugar

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

While adding sugar to coffee is a ritual to most people’s mornings, the use of white sugar provides no nutrition and can quickly get out of hand when added to the sugar you consume throughout the rest of your day, especially if you tend to have several cups of coffee a day.

RELATED: Here’s How To Realistically Reduce Sugar From Your Diet

Fortunately, this is one of the easiest problems to solve. While sweeteners have gotten a terrible reputation, studies are unclear on their potential side effects and are believed to be neutral elements: it’s not great for your health, but not detrimental, either. Sweeteners have much less calories and provide more sweetness than sugar, resulting in a drink with less additives. So instead of reaching for white table sugar, try SweetDrops, Stevia, maple syrup or even coconut sugar.

Flavored syrups

Canadian Company Wants To Be Starbucks Of Cannabis In US
Photo by Engin_Akyurt via Pixabay

Right up there with sugar is flavored syrups. Next time you order your double tall vanilla latte, ask for “one pump of syrup” or else you might end up getting three, which is typical at many coffee chains. Flavored syrups are just cane sugar in liquid form. If you’re using syrups to mask the flavor of your coffee, maybe it’s time to find another coffee shop.

Powdered creamer

Photo by Natalie Collins via Unsplash

Powdered creamers are basically just chemicals and oils flavored as “cream.” Powdered creamer can actually be explosive. We’re not kidding. Cow’s milk or plant based milk makes for a good replacement, having less calories and less concerning stuff that could ruin your mornings. And if you want to skip all the extra hormones, which aren’t great either, head for the plant-based milks. Oat milk is possibly the closest you’ll get to the real thing.

Whipped cream

Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Photo courtesy of Starbucks

RELATED: 5 Easy Ways To Eat Less Meat

You already knew this. Whipped cream might be the most delicious addition to any hot drink, but it adds calories, fat and sugar to your morning coffee, not to mention high cholesterol fat if you’re whipping your own using half-and-half. If you’re using the stuff from a spray can, you’re also dealing with a lot of corn syrup and nasty chemicals. It’s best to skip it all together or make your own out of coconut cream.

Rev Up WIth These Cadillac Cocktails

Cars have captured the imagination since they first appeared.  

Cars have captured the imagination since the beginning. In 1885 Karl Benz developed and built the first internal-combustion engine car. The following year he received a patient and he has captured imagination ever since.  From car racing to the Army Jeep to the variations of the Batmobile, autos have been a topic of fascination.  Of course, in honor of it – men named cocktails after them as a double tribute to the toys they love. So here is a way to rev up with these Cadillac cocktails.

RELATED: Yacht Rock Pairs Perfectly With Cocktails

The Cadillac Margarita

While the margarita had been around for ages, the go go 80s meant things had to be bigger, better and flashier.  Chain restaurants began adding Cadillac margarita to their menus with substitutions including higher-end tequilas and Grand Marnier. They floored the gas petal on sales and now appear in even the swankiest cocktail lounges.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces El Tesoro Blanco Tequila
  • 1/2 ounce Naranja Licor de Naranja
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce agave syrup
  • 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier, to float

Create

  • Rub the rim of a double Old Fashioned glass with a lime wedge, and dip a quarter of the glass in salt to coat. Set aside
  • Combine all ingredients except the Grand Marnier in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 25 seconds
  • Double-strain through a fine-mesh sieve into the prepared glass over fresh ice
  • Float Grand Marnier on top

Rev Up WIth These Cadillac Cocktails

Sidecar

The OG of car cocktails. This one was created in Paris during World War I. Who doesn’t speeding with a bit of danger? An American army captain named it after the motorcycle sidecar. Since then, it has been an alcohol companion many an evening.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces cognac
  • 3/4 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • Garnish: orange twist

Create

  • Coat the rim of a coupe glass with sugar, if desired, and set aside
  • Add the cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
  • Strain into the prepared glass
  • Garnish with an orange twist

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

The Rolls Royce

What grand automobile has been more associated with glamour, style and money but the Rolls Royce. While the developer of this cocktail is a bit unclear, it first appeared in Harry Craddock’s 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.  While not as popular as the Cadillac, it is a gin lover’s treat.

Ingredients

  • 2½ oz gin
  • ½ oz dry vermouth
  • ½ oz sweet vermouth
  • heavy teaspoon Bénédictine
  • 1 dash orange bitters – optional
  • lemon peel for garnish

Create

  • Chill a mixing glass
  • Combine ingredients in glass and fill with ice
  • Stir for 18-25 seconds  
  • Strain into a chilled coupe or stemmed cocktail glass. 
  • Squeen the juice from the lemon peel and garnish

The Monte Carlo

While the first Gran Prix was in Le Mans, Monte Carlo gave it an international glamour. Grabbing headlines and car aficionados all gathered in the tiny principality with automobiles, beautiful women and the azure sea.  In the later 1930s, this cocktail sprang to life playing tribute to the race. This is not to confused with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce Benedictine
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters

Create

  • Add rye whiskey, Benedictine and bitters into a mixing glass with ice
  • Stir for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
  • Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.

How Quick Can A Cannabis Gummy Calm You Down

So days are more challenging than others and your brain goes into overdrive.  They can help, but how quick can a cannabis gummy calm you down.

Even the most upbeat, can do people can get overwhelmed and have rough moments.  But it a surprised earthquake, a flat tire, or just the day going sideways….it can start the mental path of anxiety.  The science and medical community have proven cannabis, in moderation, can reduce anxiety – but how quick can a cannabis gummy calm you down.

Low dose THC or cbd can help manage a rough day.  Gummies are easy to have with you, are discreet and can give a dose you can manage.  BDSA, a leading analytics firm which covers the cannabis industry, released data saying 49% of people who have consumed some marijuana product have used a gummy.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

Gummies are quick and, if you are not a regular user, can have 2.5-5mg dose which it good to take off the edge.  It can take from 30 minutes to an hour.  It is important to not overdose, so it is important to wait at least an hour before adding more into your system. Wana Brands have responded and developed a blend of CBD, CBG, and L-theanine (a soothing amino acid found in green tea). They can help slow spiraling thoughts within 5-15 minutes. The are low dose only one milligram of THC allowing you to take one without feeling high.

While many people report positive effects from using marijuana to cope with stress and anxiety, it’s not recommended for everyone. Individuals with diagnosed psychiatric disorders including a history CBD doesn’t the intoxicating THC, which is why it’s legal to sell online and in stores. It has  positive effects on stress and anxiety. For a majority of cases is a better alternative than marijuana for someone looking to get relief from their stress and anxiety.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

The good thing is science and the medical community back the use of cannabis and cbd as a way to relieve some anxiety.  This is unlike the old adage of having a cigarette to calm down, which was not proven.  Rather, Nicotine creates an immediate sense of relaxation, so people smoke in the belief it reduces stress and anxiety. This feeling is very temporary and soon gives way to withdrawal symptoms and increased cravings. Smoking reduces withdrawal symptoms but doesn’t reduce anxiety or deal with the underlying reason.

5 Off-Strip Vegas Places To Feast When You Have The Munchies

Vegas is a place to have fun and indulge!  But what way to enjoy an evening is to take a break and have a feast!

Vegas is the city of excess, a place for satiating your desires and indulging your whims. Long known as a city of drinking, gambling and showgirls – it is involving into even more. The culinary scene has exploded.  Gone are the mid level buffets and now there is global food scene to rival some of the top cities in the world. And if you head off-Strip, you can get a bigger and tastier experience.

And Sin City has added yet another major semi-vice. While it has proven is has medical benefits, marijuana can also be used for fun and Vegas is becoming a green destination.  Planet 13, most likely the biggest dispensary in the country, just opened their new consumption lounge Dazed!.  Also, coming soon adjacent to the retail experience is CANNABITION, a state-of-the-art cannabis immersive experience.  And while it may not be the same without Elvis in a chapel, there is now a company specializing in cannabis weddings.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

During a night (or maybe day) of indulging – you might be hit with the munchies or the drunkies, so slip off the Strip and embrace some amazing food.  Here are 5 off-Strip places to feast recommended by a true insider. Michael Stratton’s latest project is General Manager of CANNABITION,  adding another layer to his seasoned career in entertainment and hospitality. He was a general manager at Bong Load Records, overseeing releases from The Killers, Beck, Elliott Smith, James Blunt and more. He also spearheaded the development and operation of the acclaimed music venue The Bunkhouse Saloon in Las Vegas.

Golden Steer Las Vegas

The Golden Steer

Located at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sahara Avenue and made famous by the Rat Pack. This old school Vegas steakhouse opened in 1958, and its rich history including Sammy Davis, Jr. performing and having his friends there to eat in the main dining room. Their beef and lobster is Insta famous and mouthwatering.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Tacotarian

This place is an authentic vegan experience in the Arts District. The casual environment with cool modern décor serves creative plant-based Mexican dishes like vegan al pastor and carne asada tacos. “Our concept is really good Mexican food which just happens to be vegan,” said Kristen Corral, cofounder of Tacotarian. “When you think of a Mexican-American restaurant, you think of yellow and orange colors, and that’s not something you always see inMexico. We’re doing Mexican in a very modern way — we brought in bright teal, black and white, and natural woods. Plus, we serve alcohol, which is not typical of vegan brands.”  While there, have a walk around while in the area and grab some drinks at a nearby bar or visit some vintage shops.

Fukuburger

Eat like a local on Jones in the Asian District. Many people don’t realize the massive Asian and Pacific Islander populations calling the Las Vegas valley home. If you’re looking for something different, Fukuburger is a casual burger restaurant with Japanese flair. Relish in burgers with Japanese-inspired toppings like teriyaki, furikake seasoning, and Spam. What started out as a food truck has turned into a cult.

Esther’s Kitchen

Italians have a long association with Vegas. Nestled in the Arts District, this is not your ordinary pasta place. Consistently noted as one of the highest-rated restaurants in the area, it is a thoughtful, chef-driven concept led by chef and owner James Trees. The rigatoni carbonara is perfect when you have been imbibing a little too much with the green or cocktails.

Lotus of Siam

On Flamingo Road close to the Strip this place is an easy trip for top-rated Northern Thai food. It is  has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the “best Thai restaurants in the country” by major publications. Chef Saipin Chutima is a pro at creating delicious delights.  No wonder they have a local and tourist following for dishes like their Sai Oua.

Hope you might enjoy these 5 off-strip Vegas places to feast when you have the munchies or drunkies.

Something’s Smelly About DeSantis’s Weed Statement

Facts and history seems to be short in the Florida Governor’s campaign against marijuana

For those who love exploring and have visited Hershey, Pennsylvania, you know it has a unique smell. Built to produce the famous candy bar, the area smells like chocolate. It is a factory town pumping out the order all day long.  Few places in the country has issues with smells like Hersey.  But if you listen to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, you would think over half the country has to deal certain odors.

DeSantis has called recreational cannabis a problem and lamented marijuana’s “stench”. This is in response to the state’s Supreme Court allowing recreational marijuana be put on the November ballot. It seems something’s smelly about DeSantis weed statement.  He seems to not understand science or history. And with over 50% of the country population having access to legal marijuana, you think there might have been a bigger stink if his statement was correct.

RELATED: Looks Like Virginia Is The Newest Marijuana Nanny State

Now those over 40 can remember when it was legal to smoke inside, meaning in restaurants, groceries stores and other public spaces. You did get a whiff of stale tobacco.  But smoking outside is now required by law.  And while Florida is not in top 10 states which smoke, an estimated 2.2+ million of its citizens (not counting tourists) still light up.  Yet, he has not made a comment of being near a beach or roaming the street of the state capital and smelling a Marlboro.

Ron DeSantis

Near Tallahassee, where the Governor sits, he is near the Florida Panhandle. For generations, its economy was driven by paper mills.  Living in this panhandle puts you near some of hte most beautiful beaches, but will also, in some areas, assult your sense of smell. RockTenn, one of the areas larger paper mills, produces some particularly odorous fragrances when they “cook” paper. A strong sulfuric smell occasionally wafts across the region, and though harmless, it’s certainly unmistakeable.  An economic lifeline paper mills are a part of the fabric of North Florida. When the Foley Cellulose Mill in Perry closes, economist at the university of Florida predict havoc. It will cost Florida nearly 2,000 jobs and $9.9 million in state and local taxes.  This is much less than the almost zero smell of gummies and vapes which will be part of the $1+ billion plus industry in the Sunshine State alone.

There are now 24 states (plus the District of Columbia) with legalized recreational marijuana as of February 2024.  Some including California, New York and DC have high visitor counts, and yet no one complains of a long or even mid term cannabis odor over the city.  Yes, like cigarettes, when you walk by someone smoking you can smell it, but as you pass, it goes away.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

The Governor seems dismayed the Florida State Supreme Court advanced a proposed adult-use cannabis legalization initiative, by a 5-2 ruling, to the November 5, 2024, ballot.  Florida voters again will be able to express their opinion.

 

Should You Blame Cannabis For Feeling Blah

Some people get a case of the blues or the blahs.  But blaming anhedonia on cannabis isn’t really based in science.

The blues, the blahs, depression, or just feeling sad happens to must people. Relationship issues, bad news, stress and a lack of social outlets emerge over and over in data as major causes of feeling blah. Almost everyone has felt “down in the dumps” at times or had a case of “the blues.” In this state, you may have referred to yourself as feeling depressed. But over 5% suffer from some form clinical depression. But should you blame cannabis for feeling blah?  Marijuana has components which, used in moderation, make you feel happy, but it has gotten a bad reputation.

There is a myth cannabis use causes Anhedonia. It is the inability to experience joy or pleasure. You may feel numb or less interested in things that you once enjoyed. It’s a common symptom of many mental health conditions like depression. Marijuana use has been accused of trigger this ailment, but the facts are not there to back up the statement.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

No one is advocating those under 21 should use marijuana or alcohol, since the brain is still developing.  But marijuana has not be truly proven to cause depression, laziness, or blocking the feeling of pleasure. Research has shown THC in cannabis causes an increase in levels of dopamine, the pleasure chemical, in the brain. Used in moderation, it can have a positive effect.  And, in the right dose, can also relieve anxiety, which tends to help people approach life more positively.

happy
Photo by Edu Lauton via Unsplash

Cambridge University has published a paper showing adolescent cannabis users are not more likely to “lack motivation and the ability to enjoy life’s pleasures.”  This shows  the stereotypical cannabis user as often portrayed by the media is not grounded in science. The study was carried out by researchers from UCL, Kings College of London Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, and the University of Cambridge. The results were published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. From the research, regular cannabis users had slightly lower scores for anhedonia.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Another study, published in The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, showed a null relationship between anhedonia and regular cannabis use. The researchers used data from an earlier study that had investigated cannabis use in teens, called the “CannTeen study.”

Researchers examined 274 participants including adults (26-29 years) and adolescents (16-17 years). The participants were regular cannabis users who had used cannabis in the last three months, with an average use of four times per week. The Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale was used to measure anhedonia while the Apathy Evaluation Scale was used to measure apathy.

The results showed that the control group (those who didn’t use cannabis or didn’t use it regularly) had higher levels of anhedonia. This was quite surprising and contrary to the widely held belief that regular cannabis use diminishes one’s enthusiasm for life.

Germany Deflates GOP’s Anti Marijuana Efforts

The GOP’s argument against marijuana took a body blow from Germany

Running against the grain of public sentiment, some members of the GOP are fighting against cannabis rescheduling and trying to be clever.  The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is still having internal discussions about whether to reschedule cannabis from a schedule I to schedule III-controlled substance with some in the GOP wishing to stop the process.  But along comes Germany and they are deflating their efforts.

Germany has the biggest economy in the EU and are a leader in the United Nations and NATO.  A practical country, they just legalized marijuana. Officials shared legalization would undermine criminal trade in the drug, guard against harmful impurities, and free police to pursue more serious crimes alongside providing medical benefits.

RELATED: California or New York, Which Has The Biggest Marijuana Mess

Republican Senators Jim Risch (R-), Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Pete Ricketts (R-NB) are unhappy with the the administration’s plan to reschedule marijuana. To stop or slow the process, these senators question if it violate US treaty obligations. Data shows 89% of citizens believe it should be legal in some form, so they are definitely swimming against the flow of public opinion. Additionally, science, data and the healthcare community have proven it has clear medical benefits.

Pete Ricketts (R-NB)

The United Nations’s (UN) drug control body reaffirmed legalizing marijuana for non-medical or non-scientific purposes a violation of international treaties.  But enforcement is non-existent.  While Uruguay was technical the first, Canada was the first to fully implement it and the UN has done nothing.  Since then Georgia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa and Thailand have made the move without any issues.

The Senators move has some support in the house, but Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has made it clear he wants progress on cannabis legalization.  Germany’s move severely undercuts the GOPs efforts.

Andrew Cooper, partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, one of the top cannabis law firms believes “Consequently, if anything, the fact that Germany legalized adult-use cannabis despite all the hurdles (including not only the Single Convention, but the Schengen Convention of 1985, the EU Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA of 2004, and the Narcotic Drug Act (BtMG), when the U.S. only really needs to address (and likely ignore) the Single Convention, may provide some impetus to the DEA to follow suit”.

 

 

RELATED: Americans Want It, Some Politicians Prefer a Nanny State

Tom Zuber, Managing Partner of Zuber Lawler whose west coast firm has a robust cannabis division states “It’s exciting to see Germany making history by legalizing cannabis at the recreational level as the largest economy in the European Union. I hope that Germany’s leadership on this front will inspire other countries throughout the world to do the same, including the United States.

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

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.