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CANNABIS INDICA VS SATIVA
Tuesday , November 1012, 2015 | Posted By: admin
INDICA VS SATIVA: WHICH STRAIN IS RIGHT FOR MY CONDITION?
Which cannabis species is right for your medical condition: sativa or indica? While your doctor can make recommendations, we discuss the most popular choices for three of the most common medical conditions MMJ is used to treat.
Step into any dispensary or search online, and you’ll find a variety of weed strains designed to help a number of different health conditions. Some strains are sativa-dominant, others are indica-dominant, and a few are hybrids. But how can you know which one is the right choice for you?
While experimentation is the best way to find the right strain for your needs, some are generally better than others when it comes to treating certain health conditions.
Cannabis Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid
There are two main species of cannabis: indica and sativa. Each of these main species has thousands of subspecies, better known as strains. Sativa plants are tall and thin, while indica plants are short, wide and dense.
Generally, sativas contain more THC than CBD, and indicas contain more CBD than THC. THC is the cannabinoid known for its psychoactive properties, whereas CBD cannot get you “high.”
While you can easily read through cannabis reviews online to find the right strain for you, we’re going to discuss which main species is ideal for three of the most common conditions medical marijuana is used to treat.
1. Chronic Pain
Those who are suffering from chronic pain will find that both indica and sativa plants are beneficial. The right species for you generally depends on what you plan to do after using your medical marijuana.
If you’re having trouble sleeping and are dealing with debilitating pain, an indica strain will help you sleep and alleviate your pain.
Indica strains are often preferred by those who are suffering from:
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
It’s important to keep in mind that these strains tend to have a sedative effect, so they’re better suited for night-time use or when you do not plan on doing anything that day.
2. Cancer Symptoms
Cancer-related symptoms, be it from chemotherapy or the cancer itself, can often be alleviated or minimized through the use of medical marijuana.
Indica strains tend to offer the best overall results. This species helps:
- Alleviate pain
- Relax muscles
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote sleep
- Stimulate appetite
- Reduce nausea
The only drawback here is that indica strains tend to have a “couch lock” effect, which makes it difficult to go about your normal daily activities.
Sativa strains can also offer relief, although not as effective, without causing a sedative effect.
3. Depression
When it comes to depression, sativa strains are often the better option. These strains have higher THC levels and lower CBD levels, which creates a more uplifting and stimulating effect. Sativa strains are energizing, increase your focus and creativity, and are better suited for daytime use.
Because of their uplifting properties, sativa strains are preferred by people suffering from depression and anxiety.
SHOULD YOU USE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES?
Thursday , May 2830, 2015 | Posted By: admin
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES: ARE THEY SAFE?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Should You Use Electronic Cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes have received a lot of media attention in recent months, so you probably already know a little bit about them. Are you wondering whether to start using electronic cigarettes? Information available, both online and from the media, is conflicting and confusing – making it difficult for you to make a decision. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Do you already smoke?
If you’re already a smoker, you may be considering a switch to electronic cigarettes. If you’d like to reduce the number of harmful chemicals you inhale on a regular basis, reduce the harmful effects of smoking, or quit altogether, electronic cigarettes are a good choice. If you don’t already smoke, you should question why you would consider using electronic cigarettes. Nicotine addiction is difficult to break, and is associated with a wide variety of health conditions.
Do you want to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day?
If you’re not ready to stop smoking altogether, vaping can be a good way to at least reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. Alternating traditional cigarettes with electronic cigarettes means you can satisfy your nicotine cravings in between cigarettes, making it easier for you to cut down.
Do you want to quit smoking altogether?
If you want to quit smoking altogether, but haven’t been successful using other methods, you should try electronic cigarettes. They have been consistently proven as an effective aid to those looking to quit, and enable a gradual transition into a smoke – and nicotine – free life! To start with, you should aim to use an electronic cigarette that offers the same amount of nicotine to your current smoking habit. Over time, you can reduce the strength to lower your nicotine intake, eventually quitting altogether.
Do you have no intention of quitting, but want to reduce harm?
If you don’t intend to quit smoking, or reverse your nicotine addiction, but would like to reduce the harmful side effects of smoking, electronic cigarettes can help you achieve this. You’ll never be able to eliminate all of the dangers without quitting completely, but research has consistently demonstrated that electronic cigarettes are less harmful than their traditional counterparts.
Do you want to smoke in public places?
Many smokers are still struggling with the restrictions on smoking in public places. When you use electronic cigarettes, you don’t emit any smoke, which means you can often use your e-cigarettes where smoking is otherwise prohibited. You should still be conscious of those around you, and avoid vaping in confined spaces. Ultimately, some premises may decide to ban vaping too, but there are currently no laws that prevent you from doing so.
Do you want to stop smelling of smoke?
Smoking can damage your image and self-esteem, as well as your health. Many smokers are incredibly conscious of the fact they smell of smoke, and find it difficult to remove the smell from their hair and clothes. Using electronic cigarettes, and vaping instead of smoking, makes this distinctive smell a thing of the past! Furthermore, electronic cigarettes are available in a variety of flavours, which is great for those of you who don’t enjoy the taste of tobacco smoke. For those of you that do, you can even purchase liquid that tastes the same as traditional cigarettes!
DOES CANNABIS CURE SKIN CANCER?
Wednesday , May 2004, 2015 | Posted By: admin
CURING CANCER WITH CANNABIS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
By Bud S. Moker, Th.C.
DOES CANNABIS CURE SKIN CANCER?
Last year on November 11th, 2014 I had an appointment with a well-respected dermatologist in Los Angeles County to find out if a strange mark on my left shoulder was skin cancer.
http://www.thehealthcure.org/tag/phoenixtears/
A few weeks later I was called and given the bad news: The biopsy showed it was basil cell cancer and it was recommended that I schedule a Mohs Surgery to remove it.
During my follow-up appointment, I asked why I needed the more expensive Mohs Surgery (3-6x the cost of a regular excision) and was told that either would be fine. What? Then why the fuck did you tell me to get the most expensive surgery!?! I had done my own research, of course, and found out that Mohs Surgery IS a great option for cancers of the face because it reduces the amount of skin removed and therefore reduces scarring. However, this cancer was on the back of my shoulder and NOTHING I found suggested that Mohs Surgery was called for. I was pushed to make a choice of how I would be cut, but I refused. Instead , I furthered my studies on alternative methods of curing skin cancer.
After reading through the available literature, I stumbled across Phoenix Tears. From their website I learned how to make a highly concentrated cannabis oil touted to cure even aggressive sink cancers in a matter of weeks.
What follows are my notes which detail my treatment schedule and final results.
TREATMENT SCHEDULE
12/13/14 – made batch of cannabis oil and applied to area then covered with bandage. Was hard to spread because it had cooled. Covered an area 4mm in every direction as this is what the medical professionals would do when removing via incision or Mohs. I pray this works!!!
12/15/14 – reapplied and put a new bandage.
12/18/14 – replaced and put new bandage this morning. My cancer began itching during the past few days. Not sure what it means, but something is going on.
12/20/14 – reapplied.
12/23/14 – reapplied.
12/27/14 – reapplied. Was itching every 3rd day or so, but not any more.
12/30/14 – reapplied. Thinking of how to test after a full 2 months of treatment.
1/1/14 – reapplied.
1/4/14 – reapplied.
1/7/14 – reapplied. Been itching again.
1/12/14 – reapplied. Wondering how I’m going to find out for sure if any cancer remains. Maybe the Mohs? Or maybe they can disclose the lab results of the “regular” surgery? Need to find out. Itching again this morning, but still not sure if due to bandage. I suppose I could take off the bandage after day two as it’s already been absorbed or washed off.
1/15/15 – reapplied.
1/18/15 – reapplied.
1/22/15 – reapplied.
1/26/15 – reapplied. Been speaking to surgeon’s office about doing another biopsy or a full excision. However, they are only familiar with making sure the margins are clear and not sure they do a cross section to check to see if there’s any cancer whatsoever. I had to wait until the surgery coordinator came back and now the main doctor is gone on vacation. When I mention examining the whole piece to see if any cancer is left, I get radio silence and they have no idea what I’m talking about. 🙂
1/27/14 – according to Phoenix tears, 3 weeks plus 2 weeks ought to cure it. I’m past that point and think I will stop now until my next biopsy or surgery.
5/19/15 – after many calls and much research I underwent Moh’s treatment to see if my cancer had been cured or not. I decided to go with this expensive technique because they take a small layer at a time and examine it thoroughly. On top of this, I had them cut into the specimen further to verify that the entire sample was clear of cancer (not just the margins). When I left the office I knew that after only one layer of removal, there was no cancer in the margins. This is good news because it means my skin is cancer free. However, I have yet to receive the results from the further testing requested.
5/20/15 – the surgen’s office called back and guess what? No cancer in specimen whatsoever!
RESULTS
I have proved, using myself as a patient, that skin cancer (at least basil cell cancer) can be cured with no burning, freezing or cutting. My final word, “Cannabis can cure skin cancer.”
THE AFTERMATH OF SURGERY
This could have been avoided!
THE CANNABIS ENCYCLOPEDIA
Thursday , May 742, 2015 | Posted By: admin
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO CULTIVATION AND CONSUMPTION
THE CANNABIS ENCYCLOPEDIA
The Cannabis Encyclopedia is the definitive guide to medical marijuana cultivation and consumption. It explains all the essential techniques to grow indoors, outdoors and in greenhouses. All gardening practices are well-researched and illustrated with easy step-by-step examples and instructions. More than 2,000 beautiful color images illustrate this 588-page book. The large 8.5 x 11-inch format, three-column pages are easy to read and packed with up-to-date information that make this book essential for all cannabis gardeners and patients. Chapters on medical cannabis history, cannabinoid measurement and medical varieties provide a firm background for medical patients and caregivers. The Medicinal Concentrates and Cooking with Medicinal Cannabis chapters feature many different methods to concentrate and consume cannabis. Each stage of plant growth is detailed and graphically explained seed, seedling, vegetative growth, clones and mother plants and flowering. Harvest, drying and curing information aims to preserve cannabinoids. Garden room design, construction and maintenance, greenhouse construction and care, outdoor gardens from backyards and patios to large remote fields are all explained in full detail and many step-by-step examples. Four case studies feature two indoor gardens, one with LED and HP sodium lamps, Jorge´s backyard garden and a big garden in Humboldt County, CA. Each aspect of cannabis cultivation is examined in detail with a focus on organic practices preserving the sanctuary, meters, air, light, lamps and electricity, soil, containers, water, nutrients, additives, container culture and hydroponics, diseases and pests and breeding. The comprehensive Nutrient chapter has individual drawings of 14 cannabis plants showing nutrient excess and deficiencies. The Breeding chapter explains methods, plant crosses, back crosses, true breeds, hybrids, etc. and provides step-by-step illustrated instructions on starting your own home breeding program. Learn exactly how to increase yields, increase cannabinoid potency, and make eco-friendly decisions from the expert, Jorge Cervantes. His advice is basic, detailed and reliable.
SMOKING WITH STYLE’S REVIEW
The Cannabis Encyclopedia is a MUST HAVE book which contains everything you need to know about growing marijuana. Here are are few of the topics covered in this book:
- Measuring
- Cannabis Varieties
- Life Cycle
- Seeds & Seedlings
- Clones & Cloning
- Flowering
- Harvest, Drying & Curing
- & much more!
The paperback I received is nearly 4 pounds and contains over 2,000 images! What the what? In short, if you want to be an expert on cannabis … buy this book!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
World-renowned expert on indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cannabis cultivation, Jorge Cervantes (George Van Patten) concealed his identity from 1983-2010 so that he could cultivate, study, write, photograph, and make videos about cannabis without persecution. After 30 years, travel to 5 continents, 20 books, countless articles in 10 languages, and millions of hits on his YouTube videos, Cervantes brings you his best work to date, The Cannabis Encyclopedia.
CANNABIS CAREER TRAINING
Wednesday , April 848, 2015 | Posted By: admin
OAKSTERDAM UNIVERSITY EYES DC FOR CANNABIS CAMPUS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cannabis Career Training Comes to the Nation’s Capital June 27-28
Oaksterdam University to Prepare Washingtonians to Work in the Legal Cannabis Industry
WASHINGTON, DC, April 8, 2015 — On June 27-28, 2015, Oaksterdam University – the nation’s only recognized cannabis college – will bring to Washington, DC, the city’s first certified career training program for candidates seeking to enter the legal cannabis industry. The two-day event, to be held at the Capital Hilton located at 1001 16th Street, NW, is sponsored by local cannabis entrepreneur Ben David Sheppard and his portfolio of cannabis companies, MD Canna-Care & Cultivation, House of Jane and Jane’s Brew Gourmet Coffees teas and other fine edibles.
The training will provide participants with the critical information they need to pursue a cannabis career, from opening a dispensary or delivery business, to structuring a legal cannabis entity, understanding their legal rights under the District’s and other states’ laws, bud tending, vending and more. The Washington, DC, certification program is a good testing ground for Oaksterdam as it eyes Washington, DC, as a potential headquarters for its planned East Coast campus.
When the District of Columbia approved Initiative 71 last November, it made possession of marijuana legal in the city. Officials estimate that the local marijuana economy could become $130 million annually. And, CannaInsider has estimated that states with legal cannabis laws will create over 200,000 new industry jobs in 2015 alone.
“The District of Columbia has positioned itself as a leader in the legal marijuana movement, and we are proud to bring our deep bench of industry knowledge and experience to help DC’s and other East Coast cannabis industry pioneers grow their careers and emerging businesses,” said Dale Sky Jones, Executive Chancellor of Oaksterdam University. “Congress may throw roadblocks in DC’s way, but legal cannabis, marijuana jobs and opportunities are here to stay.”
“As a business owner who calls Washington home and an owner of House of Jane, a cannabis-infused beverage company geared towards patients, I know how important it is to create an industry that is responsible in its approach and in its commitment to patients and consumers,” said Sheppard. “We’re dedicated to training a workforce that is committed to product quality, health and safety – and that’s why we’ve built a relationship with Oaksterdam University. We want to give Washington, DC, and every state the confidence to support medical marijuana and cannabis legalization.”
To register for the two-day training, please visit www.Oaksterdam.com/dcseminar. Space is limited and early bird registration rates end May 31.
If you are a member of the media and would like to obtain a press pass, schedule an interview with an executive or need additional information, contact Marichelli Hughes at 202.715.3906 or marichelli.hughes@720strategies.com.
About Oaksterdam University
Oaksterdam University, based in Oakland, CA, is an internationally recognized cannabis college. It is our mission to provide quality training for the cannabis industry. Over 20,000 students have already passed through the O.U. curriculum since the school was opened in November 2007. As a groundbreaking new place to learn, Oaksterdam University is a forerunner in training those people interested in a career in the cannabis industry. For more information, visit www.oaksterdamuniversity.com.
About House of Jane
House of Jane, based in San Jose, CA, is a not-for-profit collective providing quality, cannabis-infused beverages for patients. It aims to be the preeminent cannabis innovator, leveraging a national team of industry leaders to promote responsible legalized and regulated cannabis consumption. As a mutual benefits entity, House of Jane strives to create awareness within the industry and governments and develop environmentally friendly, safe and tested products. For more information, visit www.houseofjane.com.
Marichelli Hughes
Vice President, Media Relations and Strategic Communications
Seven Twenty Strategies
1220 19th Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20036
P:202.715.3906 F:202.962.0995
marichelli.hughes@seventwentystrategies.com
MEDTAINER CANNABIS STORAGE
Wednesday , March 1817, 2015 | Posted By: admin
MEDTAINER: STORE-GRIND-POUR
Air-Tight and Water-Tight
The Medtainer is the VEST FIRST patented Air-right, Water-tight, and smell proof medical grade container with a built in grinder. Developed with the needs and wants of the everyday consumer in mind. From its medical and recreational uses, to even your home uses, the Medtainer is the perfect container/grinder for all your needs.
The Medtainer
The Medtainer is versatile in its design, being able to traverse numerous consumer needs on the go. Through the product’s ability to embody both air-tight & grinding capabilities, we are able to transcend various markets and expand its everyday uses. Although originally engineered as a solution to break down medication for the needs of Pediatric and Geriatric patients, the Medtainer has now been adopted as an application into markets/industries such as tea, culinary , coffee , medicinal mmj, pharmaceuticals & veterinary medicine. We are very proud and humbled to be able to simplify and assist countless consumers in their everyday lives from the fields mentioned with such a innovative product that is composed of FDA approved medical grade plastics and is environmentally safe.
DUI AND MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION FAQS
Thursday , February 1947, 2015 | Posted By: admin
GROWING INDOORS WITH LED GROW LIGHTS
DUI and Marijuana Legalization FAQs
The use of marijuana is legal in 23 states, as of 2015, with more states expected to begin the legalization process. This is resulting in a tricky situation on the road – how much marijuana in your system is too much? Public and personal safety is of the utmost concern, so it’s vital that you know both your personal limits and the limits of the law before you drive.
Is Marijuana Legal Behind the Wheel?
The days of the most minute traces of marijuana in the system leading to an instant DUI, are quickly fading, with more states legalizing both the medicinal and recreational use of pot. Currently, six states have set a legal limit in the bloodstream or urine of 5 nanograms of THC. In the remaining 44 states, any marijuana in the system can result in a DUI.
Courtesy of vox.com
These limits are required because marijuana can remain present in your system for up to a week after a single usage – long after the immediate effects have worn off. In states where marijuana use is legal, guidelines are necessary so drivers can still get behind the wheel legally when they haven’t recently partaken of the substance.
How Much Is Too Much?
Beyond the legal limits, there are other signs that can indicate a driver has used too much marijuana to drive safely. Unfortunately, the rules aren’t as simple to figure out as they are with alcohol. Most people know that more than two beers within an hour can quickly push you past the limit, but what is the limit with marijuana?
Marijuana strength varies, which can impact the level of THC in your blood. Further, the method of consumption – consumables, smoking or vaporizing – can also affect the results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cautions that marijuana can impair your ability to drive for up to three hours after use, but many health officials warn drivers to stay out from behind the wheel for at least 10 hours after consumption.
What Does Law Enforcement Look For During a DUI Stop?
Since recent marijuana usage isn’t always as obvious as alcohol consumption, law enforcement is using different tactics to determine if a driver is impaired. These include roadside tests to:
- Determine balance
- Determine eye and visual response
- Ability to follow directions
- Spatial judgment
If an officer suspects you are under the influence of marijuana, they may require a blood test. You can decline the test, and in the words of NY ticket lawyer Zev Goldstein:
If you are stopped by the police for suspicion of drunk driving they often “just want to ask you a few questions”. Use your constitutional right to remain silent and tell the police that your attorney will contact them.
Officers usually will get a warrant and perform the test anyway, in which case you will need to secure your own private testing, so you can verify that the evidence is correct if the case goes to court.
CANNABIS SANCTUARY ORDINANCE
Tuesday , January 2744, 2015 | Posted By: admin
{Nederland, Colo.} — On January 23, 2015, a group of Nederland, Colo. citizens, who are all members of the Closer to the Heart Cannabis Ministry, filed a citizen’s ballot initiative to put an ordinance on the ballot to make the Town of Nederland the first official “cannabis sanctuary” in the U.S., and perhaps the world.
The citizens need to collect about 80 signatures of Nederland registered voters to have the ordinance appear on the April 7, 2015 election ballot.
If approved by voters, the ordinance states that the Town of Nederland cannot spend any money to enforce any laws applicable to cannabis, as long as the cannabis is for spiritual or medical use and the act related to cannabis use does not cause any harm to another person or property. In Nederland, 73% of voters voted for Amendment 64 in 2012, so there is a large support for cannabis legalization in town.
The ordinance is modeled after the sanctuary city laws passed in the 1980s that were designed to help protect Central American refugees who had entered the U.S. illegally, seeking refuge from U.S.-sponsored covert war that had destroyed their home countries. To help protect these refugees, over 500 religious congregations across the U.S. declared themselves sanctuaries to these illegal immigrants, where federal immigration law could not be applied. This church movement gave rise to many sanctuary city ordinances, where localities passed laws or policies declaring that no funds or resources could be used to enforce federal immigration laws.
Closer to the Heart Ministry sees the idea of a sanctuary ordinance as another way to protect cannabis users in Nederland.
“We are forced to put this ordinance on the ballot, because, contrary to popular perception, cannabis has not been legalized in Colorado,” says Chippi, founder of the Ministry. “Not a single marijuana crime was removed from the Colorado Revised Statutes by Amendment 64. People are still being prosecuted. We went from 3 pages of cannabis law in Colorado to over 600 pages of cannabis law, and high courts have ruled that cannabis remains illegal. This is not legalization. You can still lose custody of your children, still lose your employment, still lose your right to own a firearm, still lose your occupational license, still lose your housing, your health insurance and your veteran’s benefits. You can still have all your assets seized by the feds. You can lose the ability to get an organ transplant, and, of course, you can still lose your freedom.”
Closer to the Heart Ministry is a church that believes cannabis use is a sacrament. The Ministry follows the teachings of the Bible, where cannabis is mentioned repeatedly as “sweet calamus”, “fragrant cane” or “kaneh
bosm”. Of particular importance to the Ministry is the recipe that God gave to Moses to make holy anointing oil, which contained cannabis. (Exodus 30:22-33)
Chippi founded Closer to the Heart Ministry in 2010. She has retail boutique called One Brown Mouse, located at 95 East First Street in Nedlerand. Closer to the Heart Ministry holds fellowship meets at the shop, and people to gather to become educated about the many uses of cannabis. Chippi is acting as the spokesperson and official representative for the two local residents who are proponents of the initiative, Robert Howard and Marisa Gaia Moffett.
“It’s a healing plant, which can solve so many of humanity’s problems,” says Chippi. “I truly believe it is the ‘Tree of Life’ mentioned in the Bible, which is to be used for the ‘healing of the nations’.”
Closer to the Heart Ministry does not sell or provide marijuana to members. Most members are patients under the Colorado’s medical marijuana constitutional amendment and cultivate their own cannabis for both medicinal and spiritual use.
“The sanctuary ordinance represents a step towards true legalization, not the fake feel-good ‘legalization’ that has been promoted by the drug policy ‘reform’ groups like MPP, NORML, Senisble, SAFER, ASA and DPA,” says
Chippi. “This cannabis sanctuary ordinance prevents money from being used to persecute people. It is another way of having citizens send a message to the government that we are sick of the harm and waste of resources caused by the War on Cannabis Users.”
The cannabis sanctuary ordinance was written with the help of Colorado native Danyel Joffe, lead attorney of the Joffe Law Firm in Denver.
The ordinance was submitted to Nederland Town Administrator Alisha Rees on Friday, Jan. 23. Reis needs to set a ballot summary by the end of the week. After that, Reis must approve a printer’s proof of the proposed petition. Then the collection of signatures can begin and must be completed by the end of February. Reis has history of being antagonistic towards citizen’s ballot initiatives, but hopefully she will perform her administrative duties in a timely fashion this time. Press can contact Alisha Reis, Town Administrator at (303) 258-3266.
*FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT*
Kathleen Chippi
1-888-EAT HEMP (1-888-328-4367)
Email: kathleen@cannabissanctuary.org
Web: http://www.cannabissanctuary.org
*BACKGROUND INFORMATION*
Joffe Law Firm
http://www.joffelawfirm.com/
Boulder Daily Camera, June 24, 2010
“Cannabis Ministry seeks Boulder County disciples: Activists hope religious
protections will apply to non-medical pot use”
http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_15372956
Sanctuary Movement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_movement
Sanctuary City
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_city
Cannabis and the Bible
http://www.equalrights4all.org/religious/bible.htm
Entheogenic use of cannabis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entheogenic_use_of_cannabis
Kaneh Bosm: Cannabis in the Old Testament
http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/1090.html
*CONTACT US*
Nederland Cannabis Sanctuary
http://www.CannabisSanctuary.org
Visit us in downtown Nederland at the
One Brown Mouse Boutique
95 E. First Street
Downtown Nederland, Colorado
Phone: 303-258-1200
Hours vary, please call ahead.
Contact us:
P.O. Box 1794, Nederland, CO 80466
Phone: 1-888-EAT HEMP (1-888-328-4367)
Web: www.CannabisSanctuary.org
Email: kathleen@cannabissanctuary.org
REFINING MARIJUANA ARGUMENTS
Thursday , January 1502, 2015 | Posted By: admin
REFINING MARIJUANA ARGUMENTS: LET’S GET REAL
For Immediate Release – January 15th, 2015
Refining Marijuana Arguments: Let’s Get Real
For some of us it has taken a lifetime for attitudes about marijuana use to soften to the point that it could become legal in some states and widely adopted as a medicinal product. That second factor alone differentiates smoking grass from its often-cited sin sister alcohol. To wit: You never saw “a glass of wine every day,” written on a prescription pad, even though it is widely cited as having health benefits.
The respected medical information site WebMD tackled that question and appeared to have no problem finding doctors who recommended their patients indulge in wine on a regular basis, given studies have concluded that is good for the heart.
This peculiarity finds us at another parallel with marijuana use and alcohol in that a glass of wine on a regular basis and a bottle or two of wine every day are two entirely different things. A bottle of wine every day is a sure path towards two bottles every day, and alcohol is well documented as hell on wheels for anyone who crosses the line into alcoholism.
There is hardly a body organ not affected by years of abusing alcohol. The liver is often the first to go, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the body has been spared. The word “pickled” mean anything in this context? Absolutely.
Both anti-marijuana and pro-marijuana groups point to alcohol use and abuse to make their arguments. But the correlation is flawed and we can’t let this influence our thinking about marijuana completely.
Where does repeated marijuana use cross over into abuse and addiction? Well, those are two entirely different things. A pain doctor I talked to recently explained that one slight puff of Mary Jane can clear your head, allowing for improved concentration and overall cognitive function. But it is all to easy to cross the line and find yourself in a marijuana stupor, which is not precisely recommended for driving a school bus, piloting a plane or running a chainsaw, if you catch my drift.
This tells you something: Abuse is circumstantial. The definition of marijuana abuse differs from people sitting on the beach and for those directing traffic at a busy intersection. This guide helps to put the issue in perspective.
Take this concept into any state legislature across the country and you will find out quickly how lazy your elected officials are. You could write a law saying, “Marijuana can be used legally on your day off from work, but it is legal to fire someone who is stoned at work.” Quickly, you will see that lazy politicians have a point. You can’t legislate to every circumstance out there. Life has too many variables. (Example One: What if a surgeon is stoned at the beach and gets called to work for an emergency? Should that surgeon be allowed to go to work high as a kite?)
Lawmakers do not like complicated. They know law enforcement officials don’t like complicated. Courts don’t like complicated. It may make sense, but laws are how we slice through arguments, like Alexander The Great cutting through the Gordian knot. Cutting through complications with a sword is easier and quicker than unraveling them.
This gets us to the worn-out arguments about marijuana addiction.
The ancient fault line was the point that anti-marijuana factions postulated that marijuana use leads to addiction to so-called “harder drugs,” like barbiturates, speed or opiates (aka heroin).
Like early suspicions that cigarette use caused lung cancer, the standard response to this accusation was simply “Prove it.” For over 150 years, cigarette companies waited for proof to come along. An awful lot of people died before research finally proved the point. By then, cigarettes were so widespread, you could say the culture was addicted to nicotine.
Similarly, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to find a correlation between heroin addiction and recreational marijuana use. And there may never be proof on a cellular, chemical or biological level. But people on a path of self-destruction have to start somewhere. It falls to reason that people addicted to heroin – especially in areas where both marijuana and heroin are illegal – also have higher than average correlation to marijuana use.
Let’s just say the argument could be shifted. Forget the idea that marijuana use has a correlation with heroin use and just target “people on a downward spiral of self-destruction.” Would it be possible to get the entire political spectrum – from anti-marijuana types to daily smokers – on the same page? Smoking marijuana doesn’t eliminate a person’s capacity for altruism or does it? The same could be said for those opposed to marijuana use. Everyone is on the same page there, one can hope.
Back to that bottle of vino described up above. Is there a difference between taking a head-clearing puff of weed every four hours or so and wolfing down a bong hit just as often as you can sit up to do so? That would seem self-evident, of course, just as it would be completely impractical to enforce a law of that nature – trace amounts OK if you’re driving a car, but the sky’s the limit when you’re bowling. I can just hear what local police would say about that.
