Cannabis News

[j-bug]

https://www.merryjane.com/news/cannabis-is-now-kosher

The Israel National News reports that Jewish leadership has softened its opinion on marijuana for medical or recreational use in recent years. Rabbi Kanievksy and Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein stated the plant has a “healing smell” and blessed the leaves.

According to Passover tradition, for eight-days, Jews avoid leavened bread or food made with wheat barley, rye, spelt, or oats in addition to foods called “kitniyot” in some case – which include rice, millet, corn, and legumes.

In 2013, two Israeli rabbis began to allow the use of marijuana. In January, the Orthodox Union certified medicinal marijuana as kosher. However, this week marked a change in doctrine, as Rabbi Kanievksy, one of the most prominent rabbis in Israel, endorsed the plant.

Kanievksy clarified Ashkenazi Jews are not permitted to consume cannabis, because they abstain from kitniyot during the Passover holiday. However, marijuana use is permitted for medicinal purposes even for Ashkenazis

Thought this might be of interest to at least some of us. Even if you're not Jewish this is a good indicator of growing acceptance/support for the usage of a wonderful and now Kosher for Passover plant that g-d gave us.

 

[BD9]

It's kind of cannabis news. A senator from Indiana isn't on board MMJ laws. After this senator and a former Indiana governor held a charity basketball game with profits to go to veterans services I wrote Senator Donnelly a harsh email telling him that playing games is great, but if he really wanted to do something for veterans he should get on board the medical cannabis train.

Here's his reply.

November 2, 2016

Dear Mr. BD9,

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about your thoughts on how medical marijuana may be used to treat our nation's veterans. I appreciate the time you took to write me about this issue and your advocacy on behalf of Hoosier veterans. Like you, I believe Congress has an important obligation to ensure our servicemembers and veterans get the best care possible.

Currently, federal law categorizes marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA, P.L. 91-513). Schedule I drugs are illegal to use or possess in almost all circumstances. Under the CSA, the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana are prohibited for any reason other than to engage in federally approved research.

In recent years, 23 states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized medical marijuana by enacting exceptions to their state drug laws that permit individuals to grow, possess, or use marijuana for medicinal purposes. In addition, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia have passed laws to legalize, regulate, and tax small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, under certain conditions, by individuals who are 21and older. Nonetheless, individuals and organizations remain subject to federal criminal prosecution or other consequences if they violate federal marijuana laws.

On March 3, 2015, S. 683, the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States (CARERS) Act was introduced in the Senate. If enacted, this legislation would provide for federal recognition of state medical marijuana laws, list marijuana as a Schedule II controlled substance rather than Schedule I, and exclude cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive substance derived from marijuana, from the definition of marijuana under the CSA. In addition, this bill would provide for the issuance of licenses for federal medical marijuana research and authorize Veterans Affairs healthcare providers to provide veterans residing in states with medical marijuana programs with recommendations and opinions on participating in these programs. The CARERS Act is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Supporters of decriminalization argue that the tax benefits to states may outweigh the long-term uncertainties, while opponents argue that decriminalization of marijuana may result in a number of unintended consequences such as increased youth use of marijuana and other drugs. Furthermore, supporters of medical marijuana argue that marijuana and its derived substances can be used as an alternative treatment for certain illnesses, while opponents argue that current research has provided inconclusive evidence as to whether marijuana can provide substantial medical benefits compared to traditional therapies.


After examining current research, I do not believe it to be prudent to decriminalize marijuana at this time. I will, however, continue to consider the existing research regarding its medical benefits. Should legislation addressing this issue come to the Senate floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

It is a privilege to represent you and all Hoosiers in the U.S. Senate. Your continued correspondence is welcome and helps me to better represent our state. I encourage you to write, call, or email if my office can ever be of assistance. You can also check out my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter by visiting my website.

 

[j-bug]

Joe really doesn't think thoughts, he's more of a parrot. Cannabis should be completely descheduled. Is coffee scheduled? There, you have the answer then. Cannabis is most accurately compared to coffee because neither has ever killed a person or causes virtually any harm at all. Some people cannot tolerate caffeine in coffee but does that mean coffee should be scheduled, banned, or controlled? Some people are not going to tolerate cannabis while most do just fine. The thing about cannabis is how completely safe it is when compared to other substances. Annual cannabis deaths in the U.S. are, and have always been ZERO, coffee annual U.S. deaths ZERO, tobacco annual U.S. deaths 480,000, alcohol annual U.S. deaths 88,000, opioid (including heroin) over 28,000 annually. Since when is it appropriate to schedule a mild substance that has NEVER killed a human being from direct use?

The scheduling of cannabis is just one huge fucking dishonest game to control people. Cannabis should not be scheduled at all because it is SAFE.

I think that the comparison to coffee is inappropriate as while coffee has not killed anyone directly high levels of consumption are dangerous and can lead to higher risks of death. The same is not true of cannabis. Cannabis is safer than coffee.

 

[grokit]

The caffeine gene; ~half of us are prone to issues, the other half can drink coffee all day

We now return you to our regularly-scheduled cannabis news

 

[Baron23]

It's kind of cannabis news. A senator from Indiana isn't on board MMJ laws. After this senator and a former Indiana governor held a charity basketball game with profits to go to veterans services I wrote Senator Donnelly a harsh email telling him that playing games is great, but if he really wanted to do something for veterans he should get on board the medical cannabis train.

Here's his reply.

November 2, 2016

Dear Mr. BD9,

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about your thoughts on how medical marijuana may be used to treat our nation's veterans. I appreciate the time you took to write me about this issue and your advocacy on behalf of Hoosier veterans. Like you, I believe Congress has an important obligation to ensure our servicemembers and veterans get the best care possible.

Currently, federal law categorizes marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA, P.L. 91-513). Schedule I drugs are illegal to use or possess in almost all circumstances. Under the CSA, the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana are prohibited for any reason other than to engage in federally approved research.

In recent years, 23 states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized medical marijuana by enacting exceptions to their state drug laws that permit individuals to grow, possess, or use marijuana for medicinal purposes. In addition, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia have passed laws to legalize, regulate, and tax small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, under certain conditions, by individuals who are 21and older. Nonetheless, individuals and organizations remain subject to federal criminal prosecution or other consequences if they violate federal marijuana laws.

On March 3, 2015, S. 683, the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States (CARERS) Act was introduced in the Senate. If enacted, this legislation would provide for federal recognition of state medical marijuana laws, list marijuana as a Schedule II controlled substance rather than Schedule I, and exclude cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive substance derived from marijuana, from the definition of marijuana under the CSA. In addition, this bill would provide for the issuance of licenses for federal medical marijuana research and authorize Veterans Affairs healthcare providers to provide veterans residing in states with medical marijuana programs with recommendations and opinions on participating in these programs. The CARERS Act is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Supporters of decriminalization argue that the tax benefits to states may outweigh the long-term uncertainties, while opponents argue that decriminalization of marijuana may result in a number of unintended consequences such as increased youth use of marijuana and other drugs. Furthermore, supporters of medical marijuana argue that marijuana and its derived substances can be used as an alternative treatment for certain illnesses, while opponents argue that current research has provided inconclusive evidence as to whether marijuana can provide substantial medical benefits compared to traditional therapies.


After examining current research, I do not believe it to be prudent to decriminalize marijuana at this time. I will, however, continue to consider the existing research regarding its medical benefits. Should legislation addressing this issue come to the Senate floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

It is a privilege to represent you and all Hoosiers in the U.S. Senate. Your continued correspondence is welcome and helps me to better represent our state. I encourage you to write, call, or email if my office can ever be of assistance. You can also check out my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter by visiting my website.

Well, you know which way to vote when this Senate seat comes up for reelection.

 

[MyCollie]

Investors Smell Profit in Marijuana Ballot Measure

Posted by CN Staff on November 04, 2016 at 09:53:44 PT

By Peter Henderson and Jilian Mincer
Source: Reuters

​

Investors new to the sector said they are eager for a piece of a market that, by some estimates, will reach $50 billion over the next decade and are looking for ways to claim profits while minimizing legal risks.(cont)

I can't wait until there's a powerful and well funded cannabis lobby in DC. I want to go to Open Secrets and see who's getting $ after that happens.

$24 million on Beer, Wine, Liquor lobbying in 2015.....

www.opensecrets.org

 

[grokit]

Mpp lobbies dc and has gala fundraisers at the playboy mansion, at least they used to

 

[Tranquility]

Cannabis is most accurately compared to coffee because neither has ever killed a person or causes virtually any harm at all. Some people cannot tolerate caffeine in coffee but does that mean coffee should be scheduled, banned, or controlled?

I took my honeymoon on the Kona coast of Hawaii and most everywhere you go the locals take great pride in brewing what is the finest coffee I've tasted in my life.

Apparently, that is weak ass shit as compared to the beans @steama's roasting.

 

[Baron23]

Mormon brothers among Utah residents pushing for medical pot

 

[FlyingLow]

what passed this week?

 

[Baron23]

CA, NV, MA and ME all passed.

AZ failed.

 

[HighSeasSailor]

what passed this week?

WaPo: Marijuana Wins Big

Recreational Passed:

California
Nevada
Massachusetts
Maine*

Medical Passed:

Florida
North Dakota
Arkansas
Montana (changed laws)

Failed to Pass:

Arizona (recreational)

----------------------------------

*Maine still being tallied, 91% counted but supposedly a few thousand votes difference. Sources say it most likely passed.

 

[Scott A]

Got to love seeing Florida pass it by such a large margin. Bodes really well for the possibility of getting fully legal in the near future.

 

[FlyingLow]

will Florida offer reciprocity like Nevada? recognizing other states medical licenses.

 

[Baron23]

Maine chooses to legalize marijuana for recreational use

By Patrick Whittle | AP November 10 at 5:19 PM

PORTLAND, Maine — Maine residents have voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use in their state.


The final results of the referendum were tabulated on Thursday. The count took nearly two days because of how close the race was, within a fraction of a percentage point, and The Associated Press made the call Thursday afternoon.


Supporters had already declared themselves the winners and had predicted home cultivation of marijuana would be legal by around Christmas.


“The Maine people have passed it, and we should work on implementing it,” said Republican state Sen. Eric Brakey, of Auburn, who supported the ballot issue.


Medical marijuana was already legal in Maine.


People 21 or older will now be allowed to use up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana, and retail marijuana shops and social clubs could open around the state. Some municipalities have balked at allowing such businesses to open in their communities.


Opponents who had vowed to request a recount said on Thursday that they would meet to decide what to do next.

AND

The secretary of state’s office said Thursday that the largest bloc of uncounted votes that remained were from more than 4,000 overseas absentee voters. Those were counted and failed to make the difference for those who opposed legalization.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/poli...e49384-a780-11e6-ba46-53db57f0e351_story.html

 

[macbill]

Big Alcohol Considers Getting Into Marijuana
https://www.merryjane.com/news/big-alcohol-considers-getting-into-marijuana
Although it has long been said that the alcohol industry is frightened by the concept of legal weed, one of the largest booze conglomerates in the United States just revealed that it wants to get involved in the cannabis industry.

In a recent interview with Ad Age, Rob Sands, Chief Executive Officer at Constellation Brands, the driving force behind Corona, Modelo and Svedka Vodka, said the company is currently considering the development of a new line of marijuana-infused alcoholic beverages.

 

[gangababa]

Do expect the Federal government of El Caesar Trump to reverse the current progressive direction of acceptance and screw States Rights with a new anti-Mexican muggles madness.

 

[BD9]

will Florida offer reciprocity like Nevada? recognizing other states medical licenses.

It's too early to tell. My best guess would be no. Maybe current Florida residents can to speak to that, but what I have heard from FL friends and family is FL state government will not do anything to help this progress any more than it has to.

 

[Scott A]

It's too early to tell. My best guess would be no. Maybe current Florida residents can to speak to that, but what I have heard from FL friends and family is FL state government will not do anything to help this progress any more than it has to.

As a Florida resident I don't see where that sentiment you speak of is coming from

 

[CarolKing]

You have to be a resident of Florida to use medical cannabis and buy it. If you are a resident from out of state with a medical card you can't use it to buy or use cannabis. That's really too bad for the retirees that just live in FL for a couple months and live elsewhere. A bummer.

 

[macbill]

How marijuana causes memory loss

Researchers have long suggested marijuana can cause memory loss. Now, a new study provides insight on this association, revealing how cannabinoids in the drug activate receptors in the mitochondria of the brain's memory center to cause amnesia.

 

[jay87]

How marijuana causes memory loss

Researchers have long suggested marijuana can cause memory loss. Now, a new study provides insight on this association, revealing how cannabinoids in the drug activate receptors in the mitochondria of the brain's memory center to cause amnesia.

Ha, the title sounds a little bad for pot but it's actually really amazing stuff.

The study describes how scientists have proven the ability to engineer some therapeutic measures to block the CB1 receptors in cell mitochondria that lead to memory loss when activated by cannabinoids.

The implication is that they believe this will allow for the creation of new therapies that use cannabinoids and target cannabinoid receptors for positive benefits without the risk of memory loss.

 

[CarolKing]

Nov. 2016
For centuries, cannabis has been coveted for its medicinal properties. More than simply a relaxant, it’s emerged as a bona fide treatment for a myriad of health concerns, from depression and anxiety to back pain and arthritis. Now, the green leafy plant has landed itself in the spotlight for yet another feat, with new research showing that cannabis could actively enhance night vision.

A Caribbean cocktail

The revelation began 25 years ago, when a pharmacologist named M. E. West noted that local Jamaican fisherman who regularly smoked cannabis or consumed rum brewed with the leaves and stem of the plant had what he described as “an uncanny ability to see in the dark.” He observed them navigating their boats through coral reefs with remarkable skill, despite the fact that lighting was non-existent and conditions were treacherous.

This led him to the conclusion that an external source was improving their night vision, which he identified as cannabis. After running his theory past the fishermen they informed him that Moroccan mountain tribes also experience similar night vision improvements after smoking hashish. In 2002 a research team travelled to Morocco’s Rif Mountains and used a sophisticated method to measure the sensitivity of night vision, before and after hashish. The results backed West’s theory, and confirmed that cannabis improved night vision in all subjects.

Modern medicine and marijuana

Now, new research is offering the medical sphere even harder evidence, with scientists from the Montreal Neurological Institute honing in on the cellular mechanism that triggers the improvement of night vision. According to the study published in open access journal eLife, the natural drug makes cells in the retina more sensitive to light. From a medical perspective, this could see cannabis emerge as an exciting new treatment for degenerative eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa.

Swapping humans for tadpoles

Interestingly, the Montreal Neurological Institute based team shunned stoned fishermen in favour of transparent African clawed toad tadpoles when conducting their research. Using microelectrodes the team measured how retinal ganglion cells respond to light, and found that sensitivity significantly increased under the influence of the synthetic cannabinoid.

The rate at which they fired to both bright and dim light stimuli jumped, with closer analysis revealing that this was due to the inhibition of the NKCC1 protein. As a co-transporter protein, NKCC1 transports sodium, potassium and chloride ions in and out of cells, which determines the electrical properties of retinal ganglion cells. The study found that cannabinoids reduce the concentration of chloride ions, which makes them more sensitive than usual to light.

For more information on how marijuana is making its mark in the medical arena, ‘Evaluation of Evaporative Techniques in the Extraction and Preparation of Cannabis Oil’ is a must read article. It explores the Californian tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil industry, and the next generation techniques being used to extract and refine the medicinal by-product.

 

[Nooky72]

 

[Papa Woody]

How marijuana causes memory loss

Researchers have long suggested marijuana can cause memory loss. Now, a new study provides insight on this association, revealing how cannabinoids in the drug activate receptors in the mitochondria of the brain's memory center to cause amnesia.

The problem I have with my memory loss is that if you can't remember what you originally knew...how would you know you lost it to begin with...?