Bipartisan STATES Act: Proposed Legislation to Decriminalize State-Legal Marijuana and Reshape Federal Regulations

The bipartisan legislation reintroduced in Congress on Thursday seeks to eliminate state-legal marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act while allowing individual markets to handle most other regulations. 

The latest version of the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act, initially proposed in 2019, surpasses the ongoing federal rescheduling review.

The Act would: 

  • Exclude marijuana produced and sold by State and Tribal law from the Controlled Substances Act. 
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration would further classify marijuana products for safety and marketing standards, but they would not undergo the rigorous FDA preapproval process. 
  • Interstate commerce would be legalized.
  • Federal prohibitions on distributing marijuana to those under 21 and employing individuals under 18 in cannabis-related work would remain intact. 

The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon; Rep. Troy Carter, D-Louisiana; Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Oregon; and Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio.

Missouri Medical Marijuana Edibles. Here’s how to use them.

Edibles manufacturers in Missouri are now churning out marijuana-infused chocolate bars, bonbons, beverages, and gummies for distribution at local dispensaries. Initially, the only product available for purchase was cannabis flower, cannabis concentrates, and marijuana edibles remained on the illicit list. However, in late December 2020, Missouri dispensaries were finally given the green light to sell medical marijuana edibles.

Edibles, if taken responsibly offer a safe, discreet, and convenient way to ingest marijuana. Edible marijuana products are considered to be the most potent, long-lasting, non-invasive form of cannabis consumption.

However, edibles take considerably longer to take full effect than smoked or vaped cannabis flower. Moreover, smoking is not an option for all patients, especially those with lung problems of high blood pressure. Edibles are an excellent option for Missouri Marijuana Card Patients with heart and respiratory issues.

What Medical Conditions Are Commonly Treated With Marijuana Edibles?

Marijuana edibles are ideal for conditions of the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Cannabinoids absorbed into the bloodstream may alleviate symptoms of not only gastrointestinal disorders but other medical issues such as chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, seizure disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and many other conditions….

Read Full Article Here

Limiting the levels of THC in Florida medical marijuana to 10 percent.

Medical marijuana and opioid use

Imagine a world in which politicians make policy based on false assumptions and Luddite ideologies without even considering all the facts. Oh, sorry. We live in that world.

Rep. Spencer Roach (R-Fort Myers) is pushing a bill that would limit levels of THC in Florida medical marijuana to 10 percent. Roach claims that limiting the percentage of THC in marijuana products will stave off a new “opioid crisis.”

Roach said this to the House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee:

“We do know that people, doctors, and patients, are taking advantage of our medical program to do two things: get rich and get high. We have seen this play out here before in Florida, and we know how it ends. We don’t need a sequel.”

Where is this man getting his information?

According to the Tampa Bay Times, after Roach gave his ill-informed speech “he was asked if he could provide any evidence of any adverse reactions to high-THC marijuana among Florida’s dispensaries more than 500,000 medical cannabis patients.” Roach could not present even one single shred of evidence that his “Reefer Madness” thinking is warranted.

10% THC Cap

The fact of the matter is that opioids were involved in 46,802 (a rate of 14.6) overdose deaths in 2018—nearly 70% of all overdose deaths. Meanwhile exactly zero Americans have died from a marijuana overdose.(Marijuana is completely non-toxic.)

3 Good Reasons Why Limiting THC In Florida Medical Marijuana Is a Horrible Idea

 

Another fact is, opioid prescriptions, addictions, and deaths are falling on average in states that offer medical marijuana. That’s not hyperbole. This fact comes from a Harvard U. study on medical marijuana and opioid use. Simply Google “medical marijuana and opioid stats” and find reams of this kind of information from reliable sources that don’t have a horse in the race.

Opioid UsersAnother argument offered by proponents of the bill is the claim that the prolonged use of high-potency marijuana is associated with cases of psychosis. While this might be the case, the numbers are minuscule — minuscule! —  compared to the number of opioid users who become addicted. Addiction is a form of psychosis that ruins lives, breaks up families, often results in an untimely death, and costs Florida’s taxpayers millions of dollars.

About 500,000 residents have a Florida medical marijuana card. That’s .025 percent of the population. Meanwhile, Florida healthcare providers wrote 53.7 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons in 2018. Many of those prescriptions resulted in addiction or death and so far next to nothing has been done to stop this plague. Why?

Rep. Carlos Smith (D-Orlando) appears to be correct when he says that “‘Reefer Madness’ is the ideology that is prevailing in this legislation.”

If you wish to express your opinion, you can find your local lawmaker and their contact information here:

https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative

 

How To Use Medical Cannabis Oil Concentrate Syringes

How To Use Oral Concentrate Syringes For Exact Dosage Measurement

One of the challenges faced by medical marijuana users is determining and delivering the proper dosage of medicine. Another is how to add cannabis oil concentrates to food or to wax/shatter vape pens in a way that is clean and doesn’t make a mess. Plastic syringes can also be used to accurately measure and deliver medicines in liquid form.

Many Florida dispensaries sell cannabis oil concentrates in convenient 500 and 1,000-milligram syringes. These concentrates are quite potent — generally anywhere from 60 to 90 percent THC. A 1,000-milligram concentrate syringe will contain anywhere from 600 to 800 milligrams of THC. A single dose the size of a grain of rice might be all the patient needs for relief. Widely hailed for its potency and efficacy, Rick Simpson Oil, aka RSO oil is one of the original concentrate syringes.

Squeeze a half grain of rice sized to a whole grain, and simply eat it. If the concentrate is hard to get out, submerge the tip in warm water for 5 – 10 seconds. Then squeeze the desired amount out. Remember, a little goes a long way.

What are these products? What are they used for? And how are they used?

What Are Medical Marijuana Oil Syringes?

Medical marijuana syringes, also called applicators, are similar in appearance to other syringes used for administering medicine but don’t have a needle. They are basically dosage measurement and delivery tools. And, as we mentioned, some syringes come pre-filled…Read More

Will President Joe Biden Legalize Marijuana?

Advocates for Federal Cannabis Policy Reform Fear Not.

Let’s delve into past stances on this issue as well as the most recent comments from Biden, Harris, and the new administration’s spokespeople and explain what each of the options means for the cannabis industry and marijuana users. 

The 2020 Presidential election

The 2020 Presidential election proved to have the greatest voter turnout in American history. Aside from the multiple reasons for such enthusiasm at the polls, cannabis legalization in a handful of both red and blue states was a winner.

The numbers are encouraging. There is a level of eagerness in both camps to reform federal cannabis laws. Although, for the most part, Democrats have been the driving force behind both state and federal cannabis policy reforms, the percentage of Republicans that are now in favor of legalizing marijuana is rising and is soon to pass the 50 percent mark.

Does this mean that Washington is going to get the job done during the Biden administration’s tenure?

What Is Joe Biden’s Stance On Legalizing Marijuana?

In the past, Biden staunchly maintained a hard-line approach to drug policies, even when a majority of polled fellow Democrats were in favor of cannabis legalization.

Biden was, in fact, the author of the notorious 1994 Crime bill, a scathing measure demanding highly punitive measures for individuals arrested in drug-related crimes.

So there is still some doubt by certain parties in regard to Biden’s stance on legal marijuana …Read More

Federal Cannabis Reform: What to Expect from the Incoming Democratic Controlled Congress

For cannabis advocates and the marijuana industry at large, the midterm elections have been like a break in the clouds of an overcast year. All that changed on election day. Or so we hope.

For cannabis advocates and the marijuana industry at large, the midterm elections have been like a break in the clouds of an overcast year. The year began with a gloomy forecast as AG Jeff Sessions rolled back Obama era guidelines for the DOJ. Meanwhile, Washington D.C. lawmakers made only incremental progress on Federal cannabis policy reform. All that changed on election day. Or so we hope.

Americans may not agree on much these days, but one point on which we are clearly in agreement is cannabis reform and putting an end to federal prohibition of marijuana. Approximately two-thirds of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana in one form or another, while three-quarters are in agreement that medical marijuana is a good thing. A poll release earlier in 2018 by the Center for American Progress showed 68 percent of U.S. residents support legalization. That’s up from the 12 percent measured by Gallop in 1969.

These sentiments have been rising for some time and are reflected in the fact that today more than 40 U.S. states have marijuana reforms on the books while ten have legalized marijuana for non-medical purposes. And nine of those have set up regulated markets.

Up until November 6th, this groundswell of support was not enough to tip the balance of power in Washington in favor of cannabis reform. Now, with three House Democrats poised to chair major House committees all having pledged to put marijuana reform on the agenda in the next session of Congress, the climate in Washington seems to be turning.

Some of the big, hairy issues which are now sure to gather steam include states’ rights, racial justice, banking and tax reforms, and sensible scheduling of cannabis by the DEA.

 

What Gun Owners Need To Know Before Getting a Medical Marijuana Card

Can patients with a medical marijuana card buy or own guns? If the majority of Americans had their way, the answer would be yes. However, the federal government says otherwise. In this post, we’ll talk about why federal gun laws trump state laws as they pertain to medical marijuana use and gun ownership.

If you’re a gun owner, or you’re considering buying a gun, you really need to think twice before applying for a medical marijuana card. Why? Because under federal law, Americans are forced to choose between having a medical marijuana card or giving up their inalienable right to bear arms.

In the past few years, more than two-thirds of U.S. states have embraced the legalization of medical marijuana. Millions of Americans are now finding medical marijuana to be an effective method of alleviating the symptoms of a wide variety of medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, ALS, MS, PTSD, chronic pain, and cancer. And the trend continues as the vast majority of Americans favor legalizing marijuana at the federal level.

In recent months a global pandemic, as well as racial and political tensions, have resulted in a nationwide spike in demand for guns. Ironically, as the sale of both guns and marijuana skyrocket, many marijuana users are shocked to discover that gun ownership and marijuana use …Read More

What is the endocannabinoid system and how does it work?

Who am I? What am I doing here? I’m a writer with expertise in CBD and I’m here to answer the question, “what is the endocannabinoid system and how does it work.” 

You’ve probably heard of cannabis. You might have heard of compounds in cannabis called cannabinoids. And there’s less a slight chance you’ve heard of the human endocannabinoid system. 

Cannabinoids produced by the body are known as endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids — hence the name human endocannabinoids system or ECS.

Endocannabinoids are produced by the brain and central nervous system in response to various states of health and fitness. Read Full Article Here…

Medical Marijuana And Treatment Of Colitis And Crohn’s Disease

  • Can medical marijuana be used to treat colitis and Crohn’s disease? 

  • There exist several clinical and lab studies as well as abundant anecdotal evidence to suggest this to be the case.

  • Evidence for the efficacy and safety of cannabis in treating colitis and Crohn’s.

Best 5 strains of medical marijuana for Crohn’s and colitis

As medical marijuana policies continue to progress across the nation, more and more Crohn’s disease and colitis patients are discovering its healing properties. There is abundant evidence that cannabinoids found in marijuana possess powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating benefits that can help to reduce the suffering and damage caused by these conditions.

Both Crohn’s disease and colitis are debilitating, chronic inflammatory conditions that can cause irreversible intestinal damage. Oftentimes, those suffering from these diseases have difficulty digesting food and are unable to properly absorb nutrients and eliminate waste from their bodies.

Crohn’s disease and Colitis patients suffer from…..

Read The Full Article on Medcard Here

Did A Tennessee Senator Take A State Car To Buy Marijuana At An Illinois Dispensary?

Marijuana is still illegal in Tennessee for both medical and adult use. So what’s a state senator to do when they want a little weed?

One answer, apparently: Take a road trip to Illinois.

A photo posted to Twitter over the weekend shows what appears to be a Tennessee state Senate vehicle parked in front of a cannabis retail store in Illinois, which began legal recreational marijuana sales in January. While it’s perfectly legal in Illinois for anyone over 21 to purchase and consume cannabis products in the state, those protections end at the state line.

The photo has sparked frustration and some amusement among legalization supporters in Tennessee, who noted the irony of a lawmaker apparently taking a three-hour drive to a nearby state to obtain marijuana despite the legislature rejecting efforts to enact reform at home.

“If you guys are going to partake, and you can’t even…..

 

Read Full Article Here