Know Your Herbs

Joe Biden Walks Back Marijuana 'Gateway Drug' Comment

About one week after former Vice President Joe Biden said he opposed legalization in part because marijuana might be a gateway drug, the Democratic presidential candidate is now saying research doesn’t support that position.

In a call with reporters on Monday, the Nevada Independent’s Megan Messerly asked Biden whether he was wrong about suggesting that cannabis was a gateway to harder drugs at an earlier town hall event in Las Vegas.

Biden denied that he made the claim, stating “I didn’t. I said some say pot was a gateway drug.” He added that he supports decriminalizing cannabis, expunging prior records, releasing those incarcerated for marijuana offenses and rescheduling the plant.

“That has been my position and continues to be my position,” he said.

“With regard to the total legalization of it, there are some in the medical community who say it needs to be made a Schedule II drug so there can be research studies, as not whether it is a gateway drug but whether or not it, when used in other combinations, may have a negative impact on people overcoming other problems, including in fact on young people in terms of brain development — a whole range of things that are beyond my expertise. There are serious medical folks who say we should study it more. Not that we should make it illegal, that we should be in a position where we criminalize it but where we should look at it.”

“But I don’t think it is a gateway drug,” he said. “There’s no evidence I’ve seen to suggest that.”

Listen to Joe Biden’s new marijuana comments below:

This is different from what the former vice president said just last week. At the town hall, Biden said “there’s not nearly been enough evidence that has been acquired as to whether or not it is a gateway drug.”

“It’s a debate, and I want a lot more before I legalize it nationally,” he said. “I want to make sure we know a lot more about the science behind it.”

Shortly after he made the gateway drug remarks, numerous high-profile lawmakers criticized Biden for his “gateway drug” remark.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), for example, described the former vice president’s remarks as a “Reagan-era talking point.”

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), who are also presidential candidates, seemed to criticize Biden shortly after reports of the comments surfaced, implicitly contrasting their comprehensive legalization proposals with the former vice president’s stance.

Entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who is also running for the Democratic nomination, accurately predicted that Biden’s position would shift.

The criticism over Biden’s comments culminated during last week’s presidential debate, where Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) proactively called out the former official for opposing cannabis legalization when it’s “already legal for privileged people, and the war on drugs has been a war on black and brown people.”

Feature image by Matt Smith/Shutterstock. Audio courtesy of KUNR Public Radio. 


This article has been republished from Marijuana Moment under a content-sharing agreement. Read the original article here.

 

The post Joe Biden Walks Back Marijuana 'Gateway Drug' Comment appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm

The Complete Guide to Cannabis Concentrates in Canada [2020]

There has been a lot of back and forth about this topic in Canada specifically, and this guide is designed to pull back the curtain on cannabis concentrate products and the laws for the country. There are a lot of misconceptions around the world of cannabis. It varies from country to country, tends to get a bad reputation and can leave people wondering what’s legal. Numerous research projects and studies have been conducted on the benefits of cannabis and its corresponding compounds, but it can be challenging to sift through all this different information.

Is cannabis legal in Canada?

First off, the most important question people usually have regarding cannabis is if it is a legal substance or not. With so many different compounds like CBD and THC, among others, it can be challenging to determine which is legal and in what region. Thankfully, Canada has made this pretty easy to understand since they have made all cannabis-related products legal.

This legislation passed back in October 2018 and has boosted Canada’s economy ever since. The numerous substances and similar products like concentrates have been a great way for the industry to expand and help cannabis users find products that fit their lifestyles.

Concentrates are a desirable way to ingest marijuana, especially by experienced users. These are items made from the cannabis plant that make sure to keep only the very best compounds in the substance. These are usually the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant. People use concentrates because they can increase the potency of a flower, the most popular form of cannabis. It is the most popular because a flower is versatile, allowing the user to consume marijuana in multiple different ways. Many users like it because it can be smoked using a pipe, rolled into a joint or blunt, in addition to other methods. A concentrate can add to the experience by making the substance stronger.

What about types?

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There are quite a few different types of concentrates that can be added to a flower to increase its potency. A few of these include shatter, hash, oils, budder, vape and Phoenix Tears. All of these work in different ways but keep the same goal: to make your standard flower stronger. Particular concentrates are better suited for experienced users, as well as concentrates that are great for beginners, too.

For beginners, it is suggested to start with the following:

  • Kief – easy-to-use concentrate that needs to be sprinkled onto a bowl or joint
  • Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) – an oil used mostly for medical issues, developed by Canadian scientist Rick Simpson.
  • Budder
  • Tinctures – alcohol-based extract, great for those looking for a smokeless option
  • Ingestible oil capsules – supplement-like pill filled with THC and CBD
  • Hash – plant that includes a higher rate of THC

The following are better fitted for more experienced users:

  • Hydrocarbon extracts/butane hash oil (BHO) – strips essential oils, while still keeping cannabinoids and terpenes intact
  • CO2 oil – safe extraction process that allows it to become a liquid or solid
  • Distillate – contains high amounts of terpenes, lipids and fats, often found in edibles and topicals
  • Dry sift (or dry sieve) – powdery resin used to top a bowl or joint, much like kief
  • Ice water hash (bubble hash) – higher grade hash that can be dabbed
  • Rosin – solventless, dabbable concentrate that’s extracted through pressure and heat
  • Shatter – potent concentrate that has the consistency of thin glass
  • Wax – standard and cheaper option for new vape users.
  • Pull ‘n’ snap – easy-to-work-with taffy-like textured concentrate

With all of these options, there will always be a new concentrate to try, no matter how long you’ve been using cannabis.

Where to buy Concentrates?

After you’ve determined which product is best for you, it’s time to find out where it can be purchased. In Canada, you can buy concentrates online or in a dispensary. So, whether you need to pick some cannabis up today, or you want to get it shipped to your home, you can.

Both of these are reliable options when looking to buy concentrates. After Canada legalized cannabis last year, dispensaries have been popping up just about everywhere across the country. These are a great asset to the user, especially if they are new to the world of cannabis. Having the chance to walk into a brick and mortar store and talk to a trained associate can boost the cannabis buying experience. If you’re starting out, this is an excellent opportunity to find out what all is out there without feeling overwhelmed while scrolling endlessly through websites with tons of different concentrate products.

On the other hand, if you’re not-so-new to cannabis, the online options may be a more comfortable fit for you. This will allow you to find exactly what you are looking for, whether you need your usual supply or you’re looking to get some new concentrate products to try out. If you are a more experienced user, you’re more likely to be able to understand precisely what online sellers are offering. As users become more advanced, they tend to prefer online options just due to convenience and prices.

There can be a lot of confusion surrounding cannabis and its accessories, so taking the time to research and further understand what is a good fit for your cannabis needs is well worth the time. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can then see how concentrates can boost the cannabis experience, whether you are a brand-new user or a very experienced cannabis fan. It’s essential to search for products that are good for your personal needs and level of cannabis use. If you’re a new user, start with concentrate products like kief, tinctures or hash. Once you’ve gotten the swing of things, leap and try some of the other options for more frequent users like dry sift, distillate or wax. Whatever you decide on, taking the time to do the research and look at all the options will ensure that you have a better cannabis experience.

The post The Complete Guide to Cannabis Concentrates in Canada [2020] appeared first on Cannawholesalers.

Source: cw

The Complete Guide to Cannabis Concentrates in Canada [2020]

There has been a lot of back and forth about this topic in Canada specifically, and this guide is designed to pull back the curtain on cannabis concentrate products and the laws for the country. There are a lot of misconceptions around the world of cannabis. It varies from country to country, tends to get a bad reputation and can leave people wondering what’s legal. Numerous research projects and studies have been conducted on the benefits of cannabis and its corresponding compounds, but it can be challenging to sift through all this different information.

Is cannabis legal in Canada?

First off, the most important question people usually have regarding cannabis is if it is a legal substance or not. With so many different compounds like CBD and THC, among others, it can be challenging to determine which is legal and in what region. Thankfully, Canada has made this pretty easy to understand since they have made all cannabis-related products legal.

This legislation passed back in October 2018 and has boosted Canada’s economy ever since. The numerous substances and similar products like concentrates have been a great way for the industry to expand and help cannabis users find products that fit their lifestyles.

Concentrates are a desirable way to ingest marijuana, especially by experienced users. These are items made from the cannabis plant that make sure to keep only the very best compounds in the substance. These are usually the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant. People use concentrates because they can increase the potency of a flower, the most popular form of cannabis. It is the most popular because a flower is versatile, allowing the user to consume marijuana in multiple different ways. Many users like it because it can be smoked using a pipe, rolled into a joint or blunt, in addition to other methods. A concentrate can add to the experience by making the substance stronger.

What about types?

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There are quite a few different types of concentrates that can be added to a flower to increase its potency. A few of these include shatter, hash, oils, budder, vape and Phoenix Tears. All of these work in different ways but keep the same goal: to make your standard flower stronger. Particular concentrates are better suited for experienced users, as well as concentrates that are great for beginners, too.

For beginners, it is suggested to start with the following:

  • Kief – easy-to-use concentrate that needs to be sprinkled onto a bowl or joint
  • Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) – an oil used mostly for medical issues, developed by Canadian scientist Rick Simpson.
  • Tinctures – alcohol-based extract, great for those looking for a smokeless option
  • Ingestible oil capsules – supplement-like pill filled with THC and CBD
  • Hash – plant that includes a higher rate of THC

The following are better fitted for more experienced users:

  • Hydrocarbon extracts/butane hash oil (BHO) – strips essential oils, while still keeping cannabinoids and terpenes intact
  • CO2 oil – safe extraction process that allows it to become a liquid or solid
  • Distillate – contains high amounts of terpenes, lipids and fats, often found in edibles and topicals
  • Dry sift (or dry sieve) – powdery resin used to top a bowl or joint, much like kief
  • Ice water hash (bubble hash) – higher grade hash that can be dabbed
  • Rosin – solventless, dabbable concentrate that’s extracted through pressure and heat
  • Shatter – potent concentrate that has the consistency of thin glass
  • Wax – standard and cheaper option for new vape users.
  • Pull ‘n’ snap – easy-to-work-with taffy-like textured concentrate

With all of these options, there will always be a new concentrate to try, no matter how long you’ve been using cannabis.

Where to buy Concentrates?

After you’ve determined which product is best for you, it’s time to find out where it can be purchased. In Canada, you can buy concentrates online or in a dispensary. So, whether you need to pick some cannabis up today, or you want to get it shipped to your home, you can.

Both of these are reliable options when looking to buy concentrates. After Canada legalized cannabis last year, dispensaries have been popping up just about everywhere across the country. These are a great asset to the user, especially if they are new to the world of cannabis. Having the chance to walk into a brick and mortar store and talk to a trained associate can boost the cannabis buying experience. If you’re starting out, this is an excellent opportunity to find out what all is out there without feeling overwhelmed while scrolling endlessly through websites with tons of different concentrate products.

On the other hand, if you’re not-so-new to cannabis, the online options may be a more comfortable fit for you. This will allow you to find exactly what you are looking for, whether you need your usual supply or you’re looking to get some new concentrate products to try out. If you are a more experienced user, you’re more likely to be able to understand precisely what online sellers are offering. As users become more advanced, they tend to prefer online options just due to convenience and prices.

There can be a lot of confusion surrounding cannabis and its accessories, so taking the time to research and further understand what is a good fit for your cannabis needs is well worth the time. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can then see how concentrates can boost the cannabis experience, whether you are a brand-new user or a very experienced cannabis fan. It’s essential to search for products that are good for your personal needs and level of cannabis use. If you’re a new user, start with concentrate products like kief, tinctures or hash. Once you’ve gotten the swing of things, leap and try some of the other options for more frequent users like dry sift, distillate or wax. Whatever you decide on, taking the time to do the research and look at all the options will ensure that you have a better cannabis experience.

The post The Complete Guide to Cannabis Concentrates in Canada [2020] appeared first on Cannawholesalers.

Source: cw

How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?

Marijuana is a derivative of the cannabis plant, and it enters into your body system and alters the mood. After consuming marijuana, you may feel euphoria, a sign that it has entered into your body system. The excitement and effects of taking weed may fade, but the metabolites will remain in your system for some time. Hash is also an extract from the resins of the cannabis plant which is used widely.

THC is
the chemical that is mostly measured when screening for a drug test. It is
responsible for the feeling of high, and its presence in your body may make you
fail a drug test.

However, CBD does not have a euphoric effect. It is usually used for its medical properties. Many factors determine the duration of time that cannabinoids stay in your system.

Delta- 9 THC

Cannabis contains numerous chemicals, with the most active
one being cannabinoids. Delta- 9 tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive
substance, which is thick, sticky, and easy to vaporize. It can dissolve into
fats and lipids, and when it gets into your body, it deposits in the liver,
adipose tissues, lungs, and spleen. Delta- 9 THC can get into the liver, which
further metabolizes it to form an inactive substance.

How Weed Affects Your System

When you vaporize or smoke quality weed, THC passes
through the lungs and find its way to the bloodstream. The blood carries the
THC directly to the heart, which pumps it throughout the body. It binds to the
central nervous system, CB1 receptors in the brain, immune system, and the CB2
receptors found in the spleen. It continues circulating in the body through the
circulatory system. It passes through the liver where it is broken down into chemical
metabolites called THC-COOH. It is these metabolites that indicate the presence
of cannabis in your body during a drug test. Usually Cannabis DNA test are done to check the presence of weed in your system.

When you ingest weed, THC enters into the bloodstream via
intestinal and stomach walls, and it travels directly to the liver. The body
later eliminates the metabolites through urine and feces.

Marijuana Detection Windows

There is a wide range of averages, and detection time depends on how often you consume marijuana. If it is the first time to take weed, it may take up to days. The detection window for someone who takes marijuana 3-4 times in a week is about 5-7 days. While for chronic marijuana users who consume it daily, it may stay in the system for 30 days. Detection windows also depend on the type of test that a person undertakes.

There are numerous factors that influence whether a test will detect marijuana in your body. Some of the factors are:

Route of entry– consuming the weed in the form of edibles can prolong the time it stays in your system.

Frequency of use– regular use of marijuana will lead to an accumulation of THC in your system. THC will take longer to clear from the system of a frequent user when compared to people who consume it occasionally.

Dosage– if you consume a high dose of cannabis, the body will
take longer before breaking it down.

Metabolic rate- if the body has a higher metabolic rate,
it will break down cannabis at a faster rate.

Level of
concentration
– the level of marijuana
varies depending on the variety of cannabis plants. Consuming weed with high
THC potency will increase the time it stays before leaving your body.

Body fat– THC-COOH is soluble in
fats, making it stay for longer if your body has a lot of fats. Exercising will
help to burn fats and eliminate the weed metabolites from the body.

Genetics- Genetics plays a vital role in the duration that weed
takes before leaving your body. You can inherit certain enzymes like cytochrome
P450, which promotes faster elimination of THC through urine.

Detection of marijuana

THC and
other metabolites stay in your system for a different time. The detection of
THC depends on the test.

Weed and urine

Urine
screening is one of the reliable methods for weed drug testing. Most drug tests
that use urine for testing cannabis use a cutoff concentration to detect the
presence of THC metabolites in the sample. A level of THC-COOH 50ng/ml and
above suggests that the weed is still in the system.

A drug
test can detect marijuana in urine for up to 10 days, but heavy marijuana users
can test positive for 1 to 2 months.

Weed and saliva

Frequency
of consumption will determine the time that marijuana stays in your system. It
can take up to 3 days for occasional users, while it can remain in the system
of chronic users for 29 days.

Weed and hair

When you
consume marijuana, it enters into your body system, and it reaches the hair
strands. Weed can also get into your hair through physical contact. Therefore,
you can test positive for marijuana, even if you do not consume it.

Hair can
test positive for marijuana for 90 days from the time of exposure. Chronic weed
users can test positive for longer than light users.

Weed and blood

When you
inhale marijuana, THC passes through the lungs and finds its way to the
bloodstream. Upon ingesting marijuana, there is active absorption of THC
through the stomach walls finding its way to the blood. THC can only stay in
your bloodstream for 3-4 hours.

The level
of plasma THC concentration peaks after 3-8 minutes and it starts to fall
gradually after 30 minutes. THC-COOH, a THC metabolite can stay in the system
for up to 25 days.

Conclusion

Weed can
enter your system in various ways. Upon consumption of cannabis, you will feel
the effect for a short time, and they later fade away. However, that does not
mean that weed has cleared from your system, and it can still test positive
after some time.

Various factors affect the duration that weed metabolites
stay in your system. The frequency of cannabis use has a significant influence
on the time that it will remain in your body. When you consume weed through
vaping, it clears from the system faster and it is healthier than smoking. When
testing for THC in the system, you can use hair, blood, urine, and saliva.
While you stop taking weed, it will clear from your system, and it will lower
to non-detectable levels after some time.

The post How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System? appeared first on FairCannaCare.

Source: fcc