Meditation and Marijuana

Marijuana has been used for meditation for thousands of years

Meditation and Marijuana

Meditation has a long history and reputation as a healthy and liberating practice for the mind, body, and soul. Recommended by health professionals and spiritual practitioners alike, it is effective in reducing stress and anxiety and in improving mental health. Many people know of meditation but fail to truly understand what it is or its purpose. The practice of meditation is to clear the restless mind and to bring it to a mode of consciousness that is aware and alert, yet still and free of thought. Cannabis, when consumed in an appropriate dosage, can also achieve similar effects in muscle and mental relaxation, and an altered state of consciousness. When the two are combined, the effects are amplified and have profound benefits.
Today yoga and meditation combined with marijuana is growing in popularity, especially in places with legalization like Colorado. However, this combination has been around for thousands of years in spiritual and healing rituals among many religious groups including Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, Taoism, and many others.  Many ancient and spiritual texts included cannabis as an aide for meditation and spiritual practice. Even modern day Himalayan and Northern Indian Tantric Buddhists use marijuana in their practices to achieve deep meditation and awareness.
Meditation starts with focus on breath, paying attention to every inhale and exhale of air, and feeling your lungs and diaphragm fill itself with the life force. The purpose of this is to calm the restless mind and to clear thoughts to live in the present moment, before eventually slipping in to a heightened state of tranquility and awareness. For many, especially beginners, this isn’t easy. Not many spend time in the present; the human mind is cluttered with worries of the past and future. This is where marijuana comes in to help.
Anyone who’s ever consumed marijuana is familiar with its effects on short term memory and perception of time. THC disrupts short term memory, making it more difficult for short-term memory to develop in to long term memory, thus causing the consumer to not spend too long on a single thought. Marijuana frees the mind from the plaguing thoughts of the past and future, allowing you to live in the present moment. On top of that, cannabis skews the perception of time, while providing muscle relaxation. These effects of marijuana can help a beginner in meditation to easily relax, slip in to meditation and spend more time in the combined altered state of mind.
It is worth noting that those who are interested in combining meditation with marijuana should be aware of dosage, method of consumption, and strain choice. It is not recommended to get too high that one becomes too sleepy or dysfunctional for meditation. The method of consumption is also important, depending on when one plans to meditate. Eating an edible may not be ideal because it needs time to take effect. Lastly, strain is crucial when combining with meditation. Because sativas provide more euphoric head highs, it may not be helpful in clearing thoughts and achieving stillness. Indicas and hybrid strains however, are recommended. Indicas allow the user to relax effortlessly, and hybrids do the same while allowing the user to feel a mild euphoria.
A smart combination of marijuana and meditation can effectively activate the feelings of weightless relaxation, awareness on the present moment, and closeness to the soul. As stated in Rastafari philosophy, “the herb is the key to new understanding of the self, the universe, and God. It is the vehicle to cosmic consciousness.”
Sources:
http://www.sparcsf.org/learning-center/spiritual-use-canabis
http://herb.co/2015/07/18/marijuana-and-meditation/
Top image credit: Highlyzen

brain cells

Does Cannabis Kill Brain Cells?

You may have heard in the past that smoking cannabis can kill your brain cells. Since Reagan, propaganda has tried to convince people that permanent brain damage was an inevitable result from marijuana usage. Government officials have no begun to admit that pot doesn’t kill brain cells.
Where did this rumor start?
This myth came from old experiments done on animals. Even in animals actual cell death did not occur after animals were exposed to high doses of marijuana, cell structures just changed. Dr. Robert G. Heath did a study on moneys which supposedly found that three monkeys had been brain damaged by cannabis. However, this work was never replicated making it unreliable in the scientific community. Furthermore, the monkeys were force-fed 30 joints worth of marijuana per day. The brain damage reported in the autopsies of the monkeys may have been caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain when being force fed smoke.
What are the facts?
The findings of the above study were challenged by Dr. William Slikker of the National Center for Toxicological Research and Charles Rebert of SRI international. Both Doctors attempted to replicate the notorious monkey study without success. Instead, they found no change in the brain structure of monkeys that were given daily doses of marijuana for a whole year.
Research on humans has concluded that brain damage is unlikely from daily use. Only users who started using marijuana before the age of 17 saw noticeable changes in brain matter volume. Overall, brain volumes remained the same in those studied.
A study on chronic marijuana users found that only 38 out of 1000 people saw a drop in IQ. In the few people who saw a decrease in IQ it was only about an 8 point drop from age 18 to 38. These people were also using more marijuana for a longer duration of time than the average user.
Contrastingly, there has been research showing that cannabinoids have the ability to protect brain cells from damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research would need to be done to make any definitive claims.
A 2005 study found that a synthetic form of THC could increase the growth of new brain cells. More recent research on marijuana contradicts the findings of Dr. Robert G. Heath and others who have claimed that marijuana has a negative impact on brain health.
In Conclusion
The fear of the alleged harms of marijuana became widespread after the results of isolated studies were pushed onto the public. These results have failed to be replicated and there has been little evidence suggesting that the active ingredients in cannabis at appropriate doses can have neurotoxic effects. So as long as you’re not being force fed 30 joints a day your overall brain health should remain the same. More research needs to be done on marijuana’s effect on human brain cells. Hopefully, the DEA’s decision to lift barriers on marijuana research will lead to more information on the plants impact on the central nervous system.

2alk

Most Legendary Functional Glass Artists

Functional glass artists attempt to work aesthetics into efficient smoking devices. The functional glass industry has been rising in popularity alongside the legalization of marijuana movement sweeping the nation. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most legendary functional glass artists in the glass blowing game.

  1. Banjo Glass
    Banjo has been blowing functional glass for the past 17 years. He became inspired by seeing the evolution of pipes. After seeing a dragon double bubbler he realized glass pipes were becoming an art form. He actually learned to blow glass from a 15 year old who was taught by the creator of the dragon double bubbler. He’s now one of the most renowned glass artists in the industry. When asked about his creative process he responded,
    “I typically start with an image that I have in mind and then try to imagine a way for air to travel through it, while keeping the volume of the vessels to an absolute minimum. Sometimes if it’s tricky, I’ll draw it out on paper so I can better visualize what in the piece needs to be hollow. For the most part, I prefer to construct everything out of solid components whenever possible, only involving hollow vessel work when absolutely necessary.”
    Banjo continues to blow glass and teach classes for aspiring glass artists.
  2. Joe P Glass
    Aged 32. Began by doing nonfunctional glass artwork until the market began to crash in 2008. After seeing the functional work of other glass artists like banjo, he decided to make the switch to creating functional art. Joe P has years of experience taking classes in Italy and learning to blow soft glass. He has said that he incorporates those experiences into his current work. Joe P has recently become popular in the world of hip hop after queens-based rapper Action Bronson purchased one of his pieces of functional art. Joe P has certainly entered legendary status and even a pendant made by him will cost you around $1,000. A solo piece will costs thousands of dollars and some of his collaborations sell for 5 figures. Many artists have an image they’re associated with, for Joe Peters it is his signature honey-drip design.
  3. Scott Deppe
    Scott Deppe is a part of the Mothership team, which is considered by many to be the most innovative and high-end water pipe company on the market. Scott Deppe has created some of the most expensive functional glass art pieces on the market. His collaborations have sold for more than $100,000.
  4. A Pipe Maker / AKM
    A Pike Maker also known as AKM is known for his skull design. His pendants and jammers are highly collectable. Shows featuring his work are often packed out. He was also awarded glass artist of the month by High Times magazine. In 2014, AKM won the People’s Choice award at the Champs Glass Games. He’s been blowing glass sine 1999 and now he’s becoming one of the legends in the glass blowing game.

    Other worthy mentions:
  5. Gray Glass / Scott Rosinski
    Mr. Gray Glass is known for his realistically scultped marijuana leaves. He recently collaborated with Scott Deppe to make a beautifully crafted oil rig hookah.
  1. Salt
    Salt is known for his unique and compelling creature designs. The majority of his pieces feature his signature realistic eyes and teeth. Salt has been a part of collaborations that are worth over $10,000 and even some of his solo work is priced that high. His latest solo pieces sell for well over $1000.
  1. Sagan Glass
    Sagan’s signature is to involve realistically sculpted moons. He once sent a glass pendant into space. He won up and coming artist of the year at a glass expo and also people’s choice at another glass art festival. A collaborative piece Sagan made with Mothership’s Scott Deppe sold for a little over $100,000 dollars. The glass game is getting serious!
  2. Elbo Glass
    Elbo is known for his functional dinosaur glass sculptures. His solo pieces sell for over $3000. He’s become even more popular after having a table of his work featured on rapper Action Bronson’s Ancient Aliens with friends show featured on VICELAND. The rapper can be seen on the dinosaur themed episode hitting several of Elbo’s pieces. The episode even kicks off with rapper Schoolboy Q ripping a collaborative piece between Elbo and the legendary Joe Peters.
  3. Ryno
    Known for his glass yellow ducky design, ryno tells stories with his sculptures. His sculptures are almost always duck themed but each one comes out different from the last. Some of his solo work has sold for around $10,000 and he’s gained a few awards over time. Ryno continues to grow in popularity and if you want any of his work you’d better get it before he gets even more popular.
  4. Coyle Condenser
    Coyle is known for his monkey and banana themed pieces of functional art. His solo pieces sell for thousands of dollars and his collaborations are closer to the $10,000 range.

image sources:
instagram.com/banjoglass/
instagram.com/joepglass

Videos made to be watched while stoned

Videos made to be watched while stoned

Stoned mode is a video series on YouTube that provides high definition visuals and music to zone out to when baked or while getting baked. Crisp and clear visuals are provided with no narration or captions explaining what is going on. So your high mind is left to interpret what it’s seeing. These videos are designed to be watched by people in a more open-minded state.
Who in their high mind wouldn’t want to watch gucci mane get sculpted out of wood using a chainsaw while a sick hip hop instrumental plays in the background? If that’s not up your alley don’t worry there’s plenty more!

Ever wonder how sex dolls are made? Why not watch the process in full detail while eery music plays in the background? However, eery music and flashes from plastic teeth to plastic eyes are not all that comforting.

If you don’t have a taste for the weirder stuff, you may prefer watching palm tree trimmers in action.

Meditative music plays in the background as palm tree trimmers peel large sections of the trees. This makes it easy to zone out and relax. If you’re looking for peaceful videos to watch while stoned you might also enjoy watching woodworkers carve out symmetrical masterpieces.

These types of videos are oddly calming. You can also watch ceramics being worked while surfy beach jams play in the background, soothing and easing your mind.

The Ferrofluid video is one that really leaves you guessing.

You just see a bowl get filled with black fluid and placed under a skull. The dark liquid then seems to come to life with the Electronic Dance Music playing in the background. The Ferrofluid forms spikes and attaches to the skull creating various shapes. The Ferrofluid even gives the skull a thick black beard at one point.
If you’ve just ordered a pizza to curb your munchies, there is a Stoned Mode: Pizza video you can watch. It features a pizza being made from scratch and then baked in hyper speed. It’s entertaining to watch and it’ll also get your mouth watering. The pizza video will have you hype AF for when that doorbell finally rings.

The team at Super Deluxe really has a formula for blending visuals and audio in a way that appeals to stoned audiences. There’s something for every stoner. Trippy visuals, silly unexplainable videos to laugh at with a room full of stoned friends, or some straight up WTF videos. One of our favorites is the Clowns with Guns video.

Good luck interpreting that one while high. There’s plenty more Stoned Mode videos to watch on Super Deluxe’s YouTube channel. We tried not to spoil much but even our descriptions can’t capture everything these videos have to offer. They are something that should be experienced to be understood. So if you really want to make the best of a night indoors, get some munchies, get high, and watch some stoned mode videos. It looks like a lot of effort goes into shooting and editing these videos and they are some of the only videos on the web specifically designed to be watched by people who were high on marijuana.
image cerdit: shutterstock

adssa

5 Up and Coming Functional Glass Artists

The legalization of marijuana is hitting states across the United States and as a result new markets are being created. Functional glass art has been on the rise since 2009 with competitions showcasing the art of glass blowers. People are paying thousands of dollars for glass depending on the maker. Here is a list of some up and coming functional glass artists that have yet to reach legendary status:

  1. Danny Camp
    Danny Camp is a glass blower from Maine. He’s been known for his mummy rigs but more recently he’s shifted his focus on his “yung tut” design. His tuts come in different shapes and sizes. During the Ball Out Shelter show at the Witch Dr glass blowing studio/smoke shop, Danny had several recyclers and other tut designs on display. He also had some lady tuts, illustrating the ancient egyptian theme to his pieces. Danny has created his own colors of borosilicate glass including kennebec lagoon. He won 8th place in the Champs Trade Show this year which features the work of many up and coming glass artists. We look forward to seeing what Danny has in store for his next big drop. His solo pieces are in the thousand dollar range but the price is rising along with his popularity.
  2. Tymeone
    Tymeone’s theme seems to be big eared creatures. Most notably is his Fox design but he also makes goblins, mice and other big eared creatures. Recently he’s been sandblasting his work for a nice matte finish. Tymeone works with color changing glass and blends colors together to make unique pieces of functional art. Tymeone’s solo work sells for thousands of dollars.
  3. RJ
    RJ Glass is one of the most creative up and coming glass blowers. His pieces usually feature birds but each one appears to be different from the last. He blends colors masterfully and doesn’t skimp on the function. He’s made recyclers, tubes, full figured bird rigs and more. Each of his pieces appears to be uniquely inspired. Clouds and birds are the two symbols most prevalent in his work. He often puts recently made pieces up for sale on his instagram account. His solo work ranges from one thousand to thousands of dollars. RJ glass is only getting better at what he’s doing and his work will likely increase in value over time.
  4. Vibe
    Vibe glass is known for his bunny design. He makes bunny jammers that closely resemble the skull jammers made by AKM. He also makes full figure bunnies and has illustrated his bunny sculpting mastery. Vibe recently had a show featuring his work at a smoke shop in New York. Guests lined up to look at his latest designs and to have their previously purchased bunnies signed by their maker. With a solo show under his belt and thousands of followers, Vibe glass is an up and coming glass blower to keep your eye on.
  5. Chaka
    Chaka is also known as “the ice man” and there’s a good reason for it. He is known for his ice-themed sculptures. Ice and penguins are the two symbols that present themselves the most in his work. He works with UV-reactive glass to make full figure penguins and more. Chaka makes penguin dabbers and ice cube pendants for cool kids. His work is nearing the thousand dollar range and it’s been steadily increasing as he masters his craft.These are just a few of the rising functional glass artists we think you should keep your eye on. Is there anyone we missed?

image credit: Dannycampglass / instagram

Can Legal Marijuana Reduce Drunk Driving Accidents

Can Legal Marijuana Reduce Drunk-Driving Accidents?

Can Legal Marijuana Reduce Drunk-Driving Accidents?
One of the main concerns that opponents of marijuana legalization have is that intoxicated driving will be increased by pot users. There has not been solid evidence supporting the claim that legal marijuana leads to more cases of impaired driving. On the other hand, some states that have already legalized marijuana have found that marijuana legalization did not increase DUIs overall.
We analyze the data from the states of Washington and Colorado to see how legal marijuana has impacted their number of DUI’s.
Washington
Shortly after the recreational marijuana laws were passed, the media was flooded with headlines about marijuana causing more car crashes in Washington. The actual non-click bait news was that more people involved in fatal road crashes tested positive for THC. What many of them failed to mention was that the drug tests seek THC metabolites that can linger in the system days after your last toke. This means that the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s research on drivers involved in fatal crashes does not conclude that marijuana is causing more fatal accidents it might just mean more people are smoking weed. After residents of Washington found out marijuana was going to be legalized marijuana may likely became more acceptable and therefore used more. I’m sure the number of plumbers who smoke marijuana also increased after legalization passed but this just means more people in the state have THC in their system, it doesn’t mean marijuana is causing more fatalities on Washington roads.
When this research was released and spread across the media, dispensaries in Washington had yet to open. In fact, after dispensaries were opened the number of marijuana-involved fatal crashes decreased. The number of drivers who died in Washington from traffic fatalities in 2010 before legalization was 460. In 2014, 2 years after marijuana’s legalization in Washington, there were 462 fatalities. The number only increased by 2 despite the fear-inducting headlines such as Washington Marijuana-Related Traffic Fatalities Double After Pot Legalized.
These articles also fail to mention that many of the drivers involved in marijuana-related fatal crashes were also found with alcohol or other drugs in their system. If the number of drivers who were found to have over a .08 Blood Alcohol Level AND marijuana in their system were omitted then the number of marijuana-related traffic deaths has actually gone down from 2010 to 2014 in Washington.
Colorado
The media on Colorado’s drugged driver fatalities has been the opposite of Washington’s headlines. “Since marijuana legalization, highway fatalities in Colorado are at near-historic lows,” the Washington Post reported. However, shortly after Colorado’s recreational marijuana laws took effect, the fear of stoned drivers spiked. Despite these fears, the number of traffic fatalities from 2012 to 2013 decreased in Colorado. From 2013 to 2014 overall traffic fatalities also dropped.
The research that suggests more access to weed is resulting in safer roads is more concrete than the data claiming stoned drivers are causing an increase in traffic fatalities. However, the data on Colorado’s traffic fatalities decreasing doesn’t necessarily mean that pot use decreased traffic fatalities, but it does confirm that it doesn’t seem to significantly increase it in any states with legal marijuana.

Best Nail For Your Dabs

Best Nail For Your Dabs

The best nail for your dabbing experience depends on what you’re looking for. Some nails heat up quicker than others and some provides users with better flavor. So choose your nail by deciding how much you’re looking to spend, whether flavor matters, and how hot you like your dabs. Here we go through the main differences between the most common nails to help you find the best nail for using your concentrates.
Titanium Nail
Titanium nails are known to heat up the quickest and also cool down the fastest. So if time saving is a key factor in why you do dabs then a Ti nail might suit you. Titanium comes in different grades so make sure you know what you’re paying for. Titanium comes from grade 1 to 5, the lower the number the purer the titanium. This is why Grade 2’s are the most expensive, safest, best tasting titanium nails currently available on the market. If your nail turns white instead of red when being heated, that is a sign of titanium oxide being released in the form of white flakes that are unsafe to inhale. The lower the grade of titanium the less chance of titanium oxide or other contaminants to flake off of the nail. It’s also worth noting that being grade 2 doesn’t necessarily mean the nail is safe for use, make sure it’s MEDICAL grade 2 titanium. Two companies known for using grade 2 titanium are Santa Cruz Shredder & Highly Educated.
Ceramic Nail
If you’d like a less hot dab you’ll need a nail that can retain heat. Ceramic nails hold heat for longer than titanium and many quartz nails. Users report better flavor from concentrates when using ceramic over titanium. Since ceramic holds heat better you will want to let the nail cool after heating or your oils will burn instead of vaporizing, wasting precious THC and any ruin the flavor while burning your throat and lungs. Ceramic doesn’t come with grades so if you want a quality ceramic nail you should just go with a company known for quality like Hive Ceramics.
Glass Nails
There are many different types of glass nails but the most 2 common are quartz bangers and the glass nails used with domes that usually come with rigs. Quartz bangers have become the favorite among concentrate users because it maximizes flavor. The heat retention of Quartz bangers depends on how thick the quartz is. A 2mm quartz banger will probably only hold heat for about 10 to 15 seconds before coming too cool to vaporize thc. A 4mm thick banger on the other hand, will need to be heated for longer and cooled for about 40-60 seconds before dropping the dab. The two main types of quartz bangers on the market are American-made and Chinese-made. American brands like Quave Club Banger and Sugar Cube Banger use pure quartz. Some Chinese-made bangers consist of quartz mixed with other glass and since there’s not usually a name attached you may be gambling on that quartz banger purchase. However, China made bangers can come close to the quality of American-made at a fraction of the price due to the fact that they are mass produced.
In Conclusion
The best nail for your concentrate experience depends on your preference but lately quartz has gained the most popularity because thick quartz can both retain heat and provide more flavor than metal and ceramic but to each his own.

k2

Why are people using K2?

Recently the streets of bed-stuy, a neighborhood in Brooklyn was left looking like a scene out of a zombie movie. 33 people were hospitalized in Brooklyn for K2 overdoses. K2 is also known as synthetic marijuana or spice and it has been known to cause hallucinations, rapid heartbeats, and seizures. Some have also died from synthetic marijuana unlike the drug it was named after.
It’s legal
K2 has only recently become banned in some states recently but it’s still legal in many parts of the U.S.
It’s cheaper than weed
Bags were being sold in pre-packaged glycine bags for as little as $3 so it comes as no surprise why K2 was so popular in one of the cheapest neighborhoods to live in in NYC. Online grams can be found for $7 when on average a gram of weed is sold for $20. Some of the K2 bags are filled with nothing more than herbs sprayed with chemicals that adversely affect the brain. Even though K2 was outlawed in NY last year the penalties associated with selling and possessing synthetic marijuana are much less severe than the ones associated with actual marijuana which is less harmful.
They can’t find weed
Some people just don’t know anyone who sells weed so they try to replace marijuana with its more deadly synthetic counterpart. People in states that don’t have recreational marijuana are forced to socialize and meet pot dealers but not everyone is fortunate to come across one but K2 can be found on the shelves of grocery stores and delis.
They need to pass drug tests
K2 does not appear on most standard drug tests. K2 would require a separate more expensive drug test so most places end up not testing for the substance and drug users are aware of this flaw in the sytem. People who are on probation or feel the need to get buzzed beyond alcohol but get drug tested at work may turn to K2 for a good time. Tyssen Walker, a K2 user, said “I am on probation and I didn’t want to come up with a dirty urine but I didn’t want to stop doing drugs.” This is one of the main reasons people use K2 despite the harmful side effects.
Underage teens
K2 is sold as incense or potpourri which are not sold for smoking and do not require an ID. This has made the drug alluring to teens between the ages of 15 to 18 who can’t even buy cigarettes yet but can legally purchase and smoke these “incense” packets that make some teens and even adults feel like they’re dying.
The bottom line
Even in places like New York where K2 is banned, spice use is still popular due to the low costs and inaccessibility of real marijuana. The K2 epidemic is one that might see it’s end if legalization ever hit the federal level. Until then some folks in states without recreational marijuana will turn to more deadly alternatives when chasing their highs.
image credit: avvo.com

High Couples are Happy Couples

High Couples are Happy Couples

Substance abuse has been linked to a greater link for divorce but how about in the case of marijuana? New research has found that frequent marijuana use by couples is associated with less domestic violence.
This information comes from research performed at Yale, Buffalo, and Rutgers Universities. Hundreds of couples applying for marriage licenses were studied to measure the effects marijuana use can have on intimate partner violence or IPV. According to the study, acts of physical aggression like slapping, beating, and choking are considered IPV.
Since other substances like alcohol were known to increase domestic violence, the hypothesis in the study was that marijuana would also increase domestic violence. However, this was not the case and the more frequent marijuana was used the cases of IPV were decreased for both men and women within their first 9 years of marriage. 37 percent of the men studied had domestic violence incidents within the first year, it was the ones that smoked that fought the least. The study found that couples who BOTH used marijuana were at a lower risk for IPV than couples that only had one smoker in the relationship.
Besides decreasing violence at home, weed has also helped couples better their sex lives. Users have reported being able to orgasm easier when high. Others have reported intensified orgasm and more endurance in bed. Participants in a series of studies from the 70’s and 80’s reported “enhanced touch, heightened intimacy, stronger orgasms and better sex in general.”
If both partners smoke weed that’s automatically a common interest. It’s a lot more fun having someone to spark up with than to keep someone waiting because you want to spark up before you go. According to a study from 2013, having common interests is viewed as a “key connector” in relationships.
Another survey suggests that marijuana smokers are moral and selfless in romantic relationships. There are dating sites for pot-smoking singles and one did a survey to gauge the moral compass of its users in their relationships. According to the, “Do weed smokers ‘do the right thing?’” survey was presented to about 25 percent of the sites 4,500 registered users. All age groups were represented in this survey. The majority of responders were against cheating in relationships. A small 2 percent claimed they would cheat even knowing they would get caught. 77.8 percent of respondents claimed their partner’s pleasure was more important than their own. If you’re tired of selfish partners it might be time to date a stoner. These 420 dating sites provide people with a way to connect with potential spouses who they already know are okay with their lifestyle choices.
So smoking makes sex better, makes couples fight less, and it makes couples more moral and selfless in romantic relationships. More research may need to be done to be certain but cannabis appears to help couples connect and stay together so you shouldn’t be afraid to pass the jay your significant other’s way.
image credit: BARCROFT

Do Drug Tests Unfairly Target Marijuana Users

Do Drug Tests Unfairly Target Marijuana Users?

Marijuana use has been legalized in half of the country – in 4 states with recreational and medical use, and in 21 states with only medical legalization. It seems that public opinion of the herb is headed towards one of acceptance, especially for its healing properties and its reputation as a safer recreational substance. However, this view has not been welcomed in the workplace, even in states that have been recreationally legalized like Colorado. Interestingly enough, some companies have made their drug-testing policies even stricter since legalization.
Why?
Companies fear of a workforce full of stoners. Employers fear that marijuana will affect work performance. There have been many cases where people who were treating certain conditions and injuries with medical marijuana, and were fired from their jobs after failing a random drug-test. Efforts to explain to their employers that they are patients with a prescription or a medical marijuana card were ignored, with the argument that it could not be determined whether employees are abusing the substance that they are prescribed. An employer may decide to drug test a worker who was injured on site and they would test positive for marijuana even if they didn’t smoke at or before work. This would then prevent the employer from having to pay for the work-related injury even if the worker wasn’t high when the injury happened.
Is Marijuana discrimination legal?
Some states such as Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine and Rhode Island have ruled it to be illegal to discriminate medical marijuana users in the workplace. On the other hand, some states such as Florida have made it totally legal to discriminate. Because marijuana is not legal on the federal level, its position remains in a legal grey area even in legalized states, giving employers the ability to discriminate against users.
The Problem of Drug-tests
It has been estimated that a whopping 90 percent of Fortune 1000 companies and 62 percent of employers throughout the country administer mandatory drug-tests. These numbers are striking due to the fact that drug-tests are not always accurate or reasonable.
Studies have actually proven the urban myth that even a small amount of poppy seeds, such as the sprinkle of them you can find on your bagel, can trigger positive results for opiods. This suggests that drug-tests aren’t always accurate.
Drug-tests target marijuana way easier than other illicit substances. The human body can get rid of traces of amphetamines, cocaine, morphine, LSD, and even more substances well within 48 hours. Marijuana or THC on the other hand, depending on how often one consumes it, may take between a week and as long as 30 days for the substance to leave the body. THC may also come up on hair follicle tests even if you haven’t smoked in months.
Due to the long time that marijuana stays in one’s system, stoners who quit looking to pass a test are less likely to pass than someone doing heavier drugs only a few days prior to testing. Based on the facts do you think drug tests unfairly target marijuana users?
image credit:  GORD WALDNER / SASKATOON STARPHOENIX