DrAbs analysis of the Current Marijuana Landscape
To those unfamiliar, Marijuana is touted for its medicinal applicability in many chronic conditions such as Cancer, Chronic Pain, Anorexia, Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable bowel syndrome, Schizophrenia, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease among others most notable of which is Opiod Addiction. As pot becomes less stigmatized its true effectiveness in treating these debilitating conditions will come to light. Currently 60% of Americans are in favor of legalization and It seems like politicians are begining to notice.
Notice the revenue which Marijuana can bring in that is. Over $200 milion in tax revenue was collected in Colorado just last year and nationwide it is expected to pull in nearly $1 billion once federally legalized. Revenue which is expected to increase substantially as use becomes more prevalent because of increases in product availability and affordability.
Cory Booker is said to be crafting a bill for legalization called the Marijuana Justice Act. Not only would it legalize marijuana at the federal level, it would expunge federal convictions and allow those serving time to have sentence hearings to determine eligibility for release. Though Cory Booker has in the past voted against a bill which would increase drug affordability, eluding to his ties to the pharmaceutical industry, his efforts in Marijuana reform will likely aid him in any future presidential candidacy debates.
The FDA is attempting to lessen nicotine levels allowed in tobacco products to non-addictive levels. How does this fit in to marijuana legalization one may ask? Lowering nicotine in tobacco will decrease cigarette use and the need for tobacco production. This will allow for tobacco farmland to be shifted towards Marijuana production. Nicotine can still be produced synthetically and an increase in vaping may be seen as a result. Since tobacco growing certainly is less profitable than marijuana growing. Get ready to see more THC and nicotine vape formulations.
Though be forewarned of the following:
Though many will not believe these assertions, the science of Marijuana Risk is further elaborated below. Marijuana and THC use is not without its potential dangers. Negative adverse effects reported with acute cannabis use include impaired coordination and performance, anxiety, suicidal ideations or tendencies, and psychotic symptoms, whereas chronic effects may include mood disturbances, exacerbation of psychotic disorders, withdrawal syndrome, neurocognitive impairments, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions(impotence).
THC elicits a response at the CB1 receptor (cannabinoid) in which activation subsequently decreases CB1 receptor density. THC's effectiveness for opiod dependence can be linked back to its ability to co-activate the mu opiod receptor. Cb1 receptor downregulation however lowers the basal rate of endogenous opiod receptor activation and subsequently increases chronic pain. Not only pain but memory recall and impotence issues can occur in those who are unable to recover their cb1 receptor density(more on that below). This is why THC is effective short term at decreasing pain however longterm can actually increase chronic pain through a lowered pain threshold. While pain and frustration is increased the desire for use also increases; though one is likely to notice tolerance and inefficacy of continued use. This lack of efficacy is what can turn people towards opiod use in efforts to stimulate their mu-opiod receptors and decrease pain and frustration. This is why Marijuana is a Gateway Drug. Thank Sativas.
If you are unhealthy, do not fret, CBD a component found in both hemp leaves and primarily indica strains of marijuana has activity on the CB2 receptor and limits the negative side effects of THC. CB2 receptor activation limits the downregulation of the cb1 receptor and if the body is healthy it will naturally produce endocannabinoids which affect these receptors. A decrease in THC tolerence and attenuation of CB1 receptor downregulation effects can usually be seen within a week in healthy individuals. Though this doesn't seem to be the case in those with an inclination towards Marijuana use. Therefore if you do choose to smoke or ingest marijuana, be sure to include Mixed/Indica strains to avoid unwanted side effects. Ie: Reefer Madness and the others listed above. For medicinal purposes, CBD should be known to increase ones pain threshold(lower chronic pain), increase memory recall, and may help to reverse impotence and circulation issues caused by thc use and CB1 receptor downregulation caused by excessive anandamide(natural endocannabinoid produced from omega 6- arachidonic acid).
This is why people keep promoting cbd oil and rick sampson oil. CBD increases CB1 receptor density and prevents the decrease of CB1 receptors caused by THC use. If you are just looking for CBD, (before big agribusiness and pharma gets to them), look at Hemp leaves. By weight hemp leaves can contain 1-6% cbd which can mean more than 13 grams in 1 lb of edible hemp leaves. Much more than the 500mg-2 grams generally provided in a 40-100 dollar extraction of cbd oil. If people knew this, the hemp business would boom.
In reiteration,
Marijuana can bring in substantial revenue as people use it for recreation and health reasons. So it is likely to be used as a bargaining chip to blackmail Tobacco and Pharmaceutical companies into paying politicians away from the legalization of hemp and marijuana. Meanwhile Corey Booker gets to shape his rhetoric during any future bid for presidency by promoting a bill which is likely dead in the water to begin with. Sorry to get your hopes up.
Statewide however, reform will likely be swifter as the state revenue capabilities are clearly immense. As is the value to farmers. As long as your governer doesn't succumb to bribery that is.
Some references for additional knowledge:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24001294/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312634/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16806307
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14977366
https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/04/11/1-billion-in-marijuana-taxes-is-addicting-to-state-governors/#7a2cf642c3bc
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/marijuana-tax-revenue-hit-200-million-in-colorado-as-sales-pass-1-billion-2017-02-10
http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/08/01/booker-seeks-federal-marijuana-legalization-113716
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