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5 Ghost Towns Saved by Weed

5 Ghost Towns that were saved and revitalized by weed.

The marijuana industry brought in about $4 billion in sales in 2016. Many companies and communities are benefiting from the economic boom. Even America’s ghost towns are seeing a big boost in funds brought in by legalized weed. Here are 5 ghost towns that seem to be doing the best.

1 Sedgwick, Colorado

This ghost town of 150 residents has been struggling economically since the early 2000’s. When Sedgwick legalized weed in 2012, people started to travel to Sedgwick from nearby regions. And now, buildings that were falling down are starting to be renovated. New street signs and equipment are being installed. They even opened a 420 friendly bed and breakfast where there used to be a former bank.

2 Adelanto, California

Adelanto was a broken town. About 40% of the population lived in poverty, and nobody stayed in town for long. In 2014, the town was in debt by $2.4 million. But when weed became legalized, a huge industrial marijuana farm opened. The new weed farm brought in millions of dollars in tax revenue into the town. And in turn it created more grow facilities, more work for people without college degrees, and new housing.

3 Pueblo County, Colorado

Pueblo County has a population of 161,000 and they’ve been struggling ever since their steel industry collapsed. The local employment rate was at 7.2%, the highest unemployment in Colorado. However, ever since weed became legalized, people have started moving back and getting busy.
When the first dispensaries opened in 2014, there was nothing. Soon cultivation facilities, product manufacturers and over 100 retailers moved in and created 1,300 jobs. Pueblo County is now generating over $4 million in annual tax revenue. This income funds their 4H and Future Farmers of America clubs. The funds are also put toward medical marijuana research at Colorado State University Pueblo and  even established a scholarship program. The new scholarship sends high school graduates to college and it will become available fall of 2017.

4 Huntington, Oregon

Huntington is a dusty little boarder town in Oregon with a tiny population of 435. Huntington’s struggles began when their cement factory moved away. As a result, residents started looking for employment elsewhere.
Now there is plenty of employment in Huntington. Where there once was a dilapidated grocery store now stands a thriving dispensary. Huntington brought in $100,000 in weed taxes this year. The city hopes to put the money toward repairing streets and hiring full time medical emergency support.

5 Trinidad, Colorado

Trinidad is a former mining town with a population of 8,200. The streets were filled with empty stores, and their ancient water pipes were over a century old. Since the legalization, Trinidad is no longer the little abyss of nothingness.
In 2015, the cities tax income from recreational and medicinal sales was $850,000. They began using those funds to repair buildings and old water pipes. Trinidad officials also purchased a new fire engine. By 2016, Trinidad more than doubled their cannabis tax revenue and they are continuing to thrive.
These 5 ghost towns have reversed course thanks to legalizing weed. All of these towns are continuing to thrive and raise themselves above the poverty line. Just imagine how pot revenue is affecting bigger cities and metropolitan areas.
 

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50lb Pot Party Busted

Florida’s Amendment 2 doesn’t mean weed is fully legalized.

The Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 2, was approved November 8, 2016. It is a bill that helps patients with ailments such as cancer, Parkinson’s Disease and other similar conditions obtain medical marijuana. Patients with a qualifying medical condition can now receive access to marijuana from a physician.
The passing of Amendment 2 is a big step toward fully legalizing marijuana in the sunshine state. Before now, there was no access to medical cannabis for patients. There simply wasn’t a framework in place to regulate and provide access to the market.
Many Miamians were thrilled when Amendment 2 passed, especially Leandro Arriage. He decided to host a kick-ass pot party in honor of Amendment 2. Too bad Arriage didn’t plan well for the event.

Kick-ass party gets busted.

Arriage hosted an open-air “medical marijuana” Amendment 2 celebration. He invited as many people as he could to his big house for the greatest stoner session in human history. Arriage had several tables filled with all types of weed. The table tops were covered in various types of weed, wax’s, weed infused cookies and candies. Sounds like a tasty fun time, but unfortunately, Arriage couldn’t control his crowd and that is what attracted the attention of neighbors and police.

How Arriage’s party got busted.

Arriage basically had an open invite to his party. He didn’t have enough parking for everyone or amenities for people to dispose of garbage’s and such. Nobody had an issue until it spilled into the streets. Party goers illegally parked vehicles and threw trash everywhere. As a result, one of the neighbors called the cops.

What the cops found.

When the cops showed up to Arriage’s house they found a lot of things wrong. First, the cops were taken back by the huge wall of smoke that escaped the front door. The cops also saw lots of people running out from the back door as they approached. The fleeing guests  are what drew the most suspicion.
After the cops realized what they had on their hands, they called the narcotics division. That’s when the cops discovered that Arriage’s lease has expired. So, he was throwing a party in a residence that was not even his.
After the police got the approval from the landlord to enter the facility, they found 51.1 lbs. of weed and other drugs on the tables. The cops also reported that they believe they saw people selling drugs at the party. Because, why not? This wasn’t just a weed party, it was a drug extravaganza.

What ended up happening.

Arriage’s party was hardcore busted. Police confiscated all the drugs, and arrested 32-year-old Arriage. Florida hasn’t fully legalized pot yet, someday soon perhaps but not today. Arriage claimed he was throwing a “pot party” in celebration of Amendment 2. But it didn’t excuse him from throwing a big ol’ drug party in a house that technically didn’t belong to him.

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Top 10 YouTube Series to Binge High

We have all gotten real high and just wanted to veg out on some awesome videos.The Animal Planet tapped into the phenomenon during the 90’s. Youtube has been an internet staple since its debut in 2005 and given countless people a platform for their work. While there are countless examples of great one-off videos, we wanted to highlight series that pair well with getting ripped.

Sometimes you just want to smoke out and laugh your ass off watching Youtube. Youtube Bong

Basically, forget about what is going on around you and just enjoy the moment. Nothing hits that spot like a hilarious comedy sketch or a detailed explanation for some of life’s little mysteries.
Here is our list of 10 amazing series to watch while smoking some dank herb. Great while smoking alone or with homies, these series/creators consistently deliver outstanding videos. So load a fat bowl, roll a doobie,  grab some fluids and munchies because you won’t want to leave once you start.

Pete Holmes: Ex-Men Series

Professor X (Pete Holmes) has a special way of explaining why certain X-Men need to leave the team. Sure to get anyone familiar with the characters to crack up. Even if you don’t know the difference between Cyclops and Psylocke, this series is packed full of some stellar burns and expertly delivered lines that left me on the floor.

 

Science Plus: Cultural Evolution of Marijuana

A podcast/video series that takes us on a detailed and open-minded tour through our history with cannabis. He supports all of his claims with scientific  evidence and peer reviewed research. The detail and approachability that Trace brings to the table is amazing and even managed to impress Discovery News enough to give him a show.

 

Animation Domination High-Def: The Adventures of OG Sherlock Kush

What would happen if Sherlock Holmes smoked weed instead of cocaine? This animated series by the Lucas Bros follows Sherlock OG Kush as he solves a string of mysteries. He is able to stay one step ahead of the villains thanks to weed and his overwhelming love of it.

 

Vice: Documentaries

Have you ever wanted to get an inside look at the REAL dark side of life? This playlist coverers the dark side of cannabis and a host of other drugs in amazing detail and quality. Vice is known for covering the seedy side of the world and they are great at it.

 

Today I Found Out: Answers

Do you know why the seasons are named what they are? How about why nuclear bombs create a mushroom cloud? The answer to these and so many more questions by watching this series. There is no better time to watch this series than when smoking a fattie.

 

Haley 420: Outdoor Videos

Just a cool chick getting high outside, Haley has a magnetic personality and feels legitimately nice to chill out getting high with. She has a love of glass and potent cannabis which she shares easily. Some videos are better than others but they all feature amazing pieces, good conversation and great weed.

 

Nerdist: Because Science w/ Kyle Hill

Can Wolverine cut through a lightsaber? DO you know how CatDog would poop? Or how about the long term ramifications of a Godzilla attack would be? Kyle Hill uses real world physics and science based observations to answer these and many other vitally important questions.

 

College Humor: If Google was a Guy

We all do it. Google is the one place we all go to get our answers to every question. But how you google says a lot about you.

 

Revere Glass: On the Torch

Have you ever wondered how bongs are made? This series shows the ins and outs of popular and technical styles. Great even for non-glass blowers, Kevin and Dustin are awesome and consistently impress with their level heads. They make even the most difficult techniques seem approachable.

 

CustomGrow420: Cannabis Education

From the first second on screen, Jolie Olie is a character. But don’t judge him too fast, this guy knows his stuff. With ongoing content to keep things fresh, CustomGrow420 is a fun place to hang out and blaze along.

 
 
Do you agree with the list? Which series is your favorite? Which series do you think need to be included? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below. Thanks for reading.

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Washington D.C.'s Sketchy Online Weed Market

Want some expensive online weed delivered to your door?

In Washington, DC., online weed delivery is now a possibility. But is it legal? Ever since weed became legalized in Washington, a new gray market of marijuana products has risen. However, consumers have no local access to weed.
Therefore, entrepreneurs started business’s that cater to the mass demand for available marijuana. Weed related products such as cookies, juices, clothing, art and trades done in pot instead of cash are becoming popular.
The new supply and demand dynamic is customers wanting weed to be delivered to their door. A website called Leafedin.org is like a Craigslist for weed. Leafedin connects pot buyers and sellers. Chefs serve weed edibles at ticketed events and consumers purchase expensive shirts and receive free pot samples.
Many customers are making online purchases for everyday products. Why should weed be any different? Initiative 71 provided the loophole for consumers to purchase online products with access to weed.

The Initiative 71 ballot loophole.

Because of the Initiative 71 ballot, many business owners are taking advantage of the demand for weed to start a business. “It’s just an explosion of entrepreneurship,” said Adam Eidinger. He supported the Initiative 71 ballot, but is worried about the potential loophole.
Eidinger believes that the gray market movement is technically illegal. Even through many businesses are claiming they are “I-71” compliant, they don’t follow the spirit of the law.
Sure, initiative 71 ballot makes recreational weed legal. Adults over 21 can also possess up to 2 oz. of weed. Growers can even give away up to an ounce to adults 21 and over.None of that causes an issue.
The loophole that entrepreneurs are taking advantage of is the ability to sell useless products equal to the price of an 1/8th up to 2 oz. of weed. They then sell the items online and use it as a front for distribution.

Business’ are basically following the rules of I-71.

Business owners are gifting weed with the online purchase of a product instead of selling the weed directly. For example, a group of students from Gallaudet University were selling weed art online. They would then hand deliver the products with weed. Locktite Diesel is another online weed portal that sells artistic mountainscapes online with a warning not to operate heavy machinery. Then delivers the mountainscapes to the customer’s home with a “gift” of weed.

Why are customers buying weed online?

Washington, D.C. made the possession and consumption of weed legal. Consumers can also grow their own weed. Unfortunately, not everyone in D.C. has the facilities or enough space to grow their own cannabis. Also, setting up dispensaries is not an option. They are still banned, leaving consumers wondering where they’re going to get their product.
Not having access to a local dispensary gives consumers limited choices. Consumers who can’t go too far away from home have no choice but to buy weed online. Lt. Andrew Struhar of the narcotics division of D.C sums up the issue well. He said, “The lack of being able to regulate the sale has a lot of people looking for a gray area.”

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The Tumbleweed Express: America's First Legal Drive-Through

The Tumbleweed Express is the first drive-through in Colorado.

Smith, a 58-year-old business man opened a drive-through weed shop in Parachute, Colorado. He did this because late night customers were constantly knocking on his door. He wondered how he could provide his customers with after business hours weed. That’s when he thought of a drive-through.
Smith bought an old car wash and turned it into the Tumbleweed Express. Which became Colorado’s, and the countries, first legal cannabis drive through. Smith happened to open his new drive-through just in time for April 20th, a popular stoner holiday. On April 20th, he held a grand opening with live music, food and drinks. Smith’s business was buzzing with attention.

Smith had no issues opening for business.

Smith thought he would face resistance to the idea of opening a cannabis drive-through. Especially since the town banned all marijuana establishments right after it became legalized. But after 2015, the small town of 1,100 people lifted the ban. This gave Smith the small window of opportunity he needed to attempt to open the cannabis drive-through.
Parachute Town Manager, Stuart McArthur, thought the cannabis drive-through was a great idea. It provides a unique attraction, and its location is in a perfect spot. The Tumbleweed Express is placed near fast food, a gas station and a liquor store.
Smith said that the town was surprisingly supportive. He expected lots of backlash from his community. But they have all surprised him. “The stars were in alignment. A lot of things lined up,” he said.

The Tumbleweed Express must comply with all state dispensary regulations.

The town manager did warn Smith that he must comply with all the state’s dispensary regulations. For example, no persons under 21 can purchase weed or is allowed in dispensaries. Even if underage customers are just sitting in the backseat of the car, they are not allowed in a cannabis drive-through. Also, no marijuana can be visible from outside the property, even in drive-through. To do this he had to install security and surveillance footage that prove no weed is visible from the streets. Smith has complied with all of Colorado’s dispensary regulations and more.
For those who are curious and want to visit The Tumbleweed Express, the store hours are Thursday through Sunday from 4pm to midnight. The hours seem strange, but Smith’s goal for The Tumbleweed Express was to provide weed to customers during after business hours. In other words, he is open for business during normal club hours.

How did Smith get the support he needed to start the Tumbleweed Express?

Smith used to be a pawn shop owner. He owned 23 pawn shop business’. But he gladly sold them all to the national pawnshop chain called EZ Pawn.
The money Smith received from selling all his pawn shops gave him the revenue he needed to open The Tumbleweed Express. But Smith hasn’t stopped there, he opened more pot shops. Smith opened weed shops in Edwards, Eagle-Vail and Frisco Colorado.
The current popularity of the Tumbleweed Express shows there is a demand for convenience, even in small towns. Do you think a marijuana drive through would work in your town? Let us know in the comments below.

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Marijuana Helps Treat Drug Addiction

Marijuana aims to reduce drug addiction.

For those who can’t simply stop taking dangerous drugs, harm reduction is the next step. Harm reduction is the process of treating drug addiction problems by helping patients slowly limit their drug intake. Scientists are researching the use of marijuana as a possible harm reduction treatment.

Joe Shrank uses marijuana in harm reduction.

Joe Schrank is an American program director and the founder of High Sobriety. He uses marijuana as a detox method for his patients who are struggling with severe drug addiction. Schrank says that some patients want to wean themselves off drugs. And cannabis provides the less invasive means of maintaining sobriety.

Not everyone believes marijuana is useful as a detox tool.

Joe says he’s been criticized for using weed as a detox cure. “Some say it’s hypocritical because, you know, you’re supposed to go to rehab to get off drugs.” Joe reply’s to criticisms with his own personal experiences. He’s been free from drug abuse for over 25 years by using weed to help him become abstinent.
CEO, Todd Stumbo, of Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center in Georgia disagrees with Shrank’s methods. Stumbo argues that there is currently abstinence based methods that are proven to help patients with their drug addiction problems. That there is simply not enough evidence to support Shrank’s methods using cannabis.

Some researchers are on the fence about cannabis usage in harm reduction.

Dr. Nora Volkow is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Dr. Nora agrees that there is currently not enough evidence to support marijuana as an effective tool in harm reduction. She also states that there is no evidence-based medication that has been effective in the treatment of cocaine addiction.
Dr. Nora is saying, “In principle, what we have aimed for many years is to find interventions that would lead to complete abstinence.” And, “we currently have no medicine to intervene, and it [cocaine] can be a very severe addiction and actually quite dangerous.”

How marijuana helps reduce drug abuse for patients.

Yasmin Hurd is the director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Yasmin found that cannabinoids like THC and CBD reverse some of the brain changes that occur with heroin use. She also discovered that CBD positively influences the body’s biological systems. Systems that are linked to negative components of addiction such as anxiety and inhibitory control.
M-J Milloy is the infectious disease epidemiologist and research scientist at the BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. His studies also found that crack addicts benefited from marijuana. They started weaning themselves from crack which showed significant positive results.
Another study found that cannabinoids effectively reduces cravings and anxiety among heroin addicts. “[Weed] can really help people with pain management and other health issues, or it can help them be safer,” Schrank said. While not concrete, this supports the effectiveness of harm reduction methods and goals.

Is abstinence possible with weed?

Abstinence is a difficult thing to accomplish for many drug addicts. In addition to chemical changes and long term damage, which is the case of many pharmaceuticals, recovering addicts face intense social stigma.
Schrank says that people need space to grow and develop themselves. The process of recovery is a lifelong one and cannabis can help with the transition. And we must also remember that most people coming off crack or heroin need to feel that comforting feeling of change. Cannabis may not solve every problem, but it can help other issues seem smaller.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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NASCAR Driver Removed Cannabis Logo Day of Race

NASCAR discriminates against cannabis, but not alcohol or energy drinks.

Carol Long is a NASCAR driver. VeedVerks is a Colorado hemp based vape company that agreed to become one of Carol Long’s sponsors in the Kansas Speedway. Carol Long has no problem with what type of sponsor he was getting. To him, any sponsor is appreciated.
The VeedVerks logo on Carol’s car had a green background with the VeedVerks company logo and website domain. There were no images of marijuana leaves, nudity, offensive language or gestures.
However, on the day of the race, a spokesperson from NASCAR demanded that Carol Long take off the logo from VeedVerks. Apparently, all cannabis related products are banned at NASCAR events. The reason for the ban? Cannabis companies do not comply with NASCAR standards. But the question remains, what are NASCAR’s standards exactly?

NASCAR supports other substances that cause more harm to individuals.

Many people are outraged by the request made to Carol to remove the VeedVerks logo. People are upset because the standards of NASCAR are supposed to uphold the rights of the people and not corporations. According to Miggy420, “People smoking cannabis is just as American as the illegal moonshiners that inspired the origins of NASCAR. As American as their sponsors Budweiser and Coors Light.”
Miggy420 argues that the monster drink companies along with alcohol companies cause more damage to Americans than marijuana does. Currently, there are no reported deaths as a direct result from the use marijuana. But the same cannot be said about energy drinks and alcohol.

Alcohol and energy drink statistics are shocking.

In a 2004 survey, 34 deaths have been linked to energy drinks. But in 2012, the FDA announced 40 illnesses and 5 deaths caused by Monster Energy drink. 13 illnesses and two permanent disabilities were caused by drinking Rockstar Energy. But they aren’t the only ones with issues.
The FDA’s latest report quantifies the consequences of consuming 5-Hour Energy, Monster and Rockstar. The consequences for drinking 5-Hour Energy are: deaths from heart attacks, miscarriage, convulsions, life-threatening fear, deafness and hemorrhages. For drinking Monsters the side effects are: hospitalizations from irregular heartbeats, severe diarrhea, psychotic disorders and heart attacks to name a few. The consequences for drinking Rockstar are basically the same: irregular heartbeats, psychotic disorders and unconsciousness.
Alcohol fairs no better for public health. There are approximately 88,000 deaths in America associated with alcohol. In 2015, it was reported that 15.1 million adults ages 18 years and older suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD). And over half a million minors suffer from AUD. Also, more than 10 percent of U.S. children live with parents who struggle with alcohol abuse. According to Miggy420, the continuous war on weed is an unnecessary battle that is only encouraging an ignorant opinion about cannabis and furthering the use of other dangerous substances.

Carol Long takes blame and makes a public Facebook apology.

Carol Long made a public statement on Facebook by saying that it was his fault for not giving NASCAR enough information to properly research VeedVerks. Miggy420 does not buy into Carol’s statement. He says that Carol should have never been asked to remove the logo because NASCAR needs to stop hiding behind corporate America and stand up for what is right for the American people.
 
 

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Smoking Weed on the Las Vegas Strip

Smoking Weed on the Las Vegas Strip, will it ever be possible?

Nevada is a tourism-driven state, and many are wondering why smoking weed in Las Vegas is not an option. Marijuana is legal in Nevada, but the only place to consume it is at home. Nevada Senator Tick Segerblom says tourists deserve better, “We’re trying to get $70 million in tax revenue from them, so let’s give them some place to use it.”
So far, no states allow public consumption of marijuana. However, there are a few weed friendly hotels in Oregon, Washing and Colorado. Nevada does not want to continue going without a place for tourists to consume safely. Especially in a high foot traffic city like Las Vegas.

What is Las Vegas planning to provide stoners?

Nevada senators understand that hundreds of tourists will absolutely take cannabis back to their hotel rooms to smoke. They will also smoke in public on the strip right next to families. The goal is to create safe-zones for cannabis consumers without the risk of casinos getting shut down by government agents.
One idea Nevada senators have is to create marijuana lounges on the Las Vegas strip and in-between hotels and casinos. This will allow tourists to get high in a social setting, walk out to visit casinos and gamble. Then visit nearby shops and buy delicious munchies, followed by reserving a room to nap or sleep for the night.

The legal fear keeping casinos from setting up cannabis lounges.

The big scare is that weed is currently federally illegal, and classified as a schedule one drug. Leaving casino owners afraid of a big shut down. “It’s federally illegal and we can’t have it in our resorts,” says Andy Abboud, the vice president of government relations. Governor Jon Hickenlooper warned that allowing marijuana into casino resorts could draw the attention of drug enforcers upon the billion-dollar industry. However, most Nevada senators strongly believe that it is a risk worth taking.
Sen. Segerblom says that Las Vegas, NV has always been known for its legal vices and pleasure. Things that people do not condone but are still conducted within a couple miles of the casinos. Forty-six million tourists visit Nevada annually and a majority of them will be buying weed from dispensaries.
Nevada senators expect customers to take weed back to their hotel rooms to smoke. And expected to smoke on the street and on the Las Vegas strip. This will cause unnecessary headaches for law enforcement and the community. Therefore, why not create designated areas for people to smoke marijuana. And to relieve the unnecessary tension before people get hurt?

Marijuana bill will make Nevada first state to set up Marijuana Lounges.

The Nevada Senate has already approved the plan to create marijuana lounges. If Governor Brian Sandoval signs bill SB 236, that would make Nevada the first state to allow recreational cannabis clubs. The fear is that the government will still impose strict sanctions and release anti-weed attorney general Jeff Sessions to come knocking on their doors.

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Synthetic Marijuana Popular in Prisons

Synthetic Marijuana is becoming a popular drug in U.S. prisons.

Synthetic marijuana has taken over the prison market for a few big reasons. First, it is easier to smuggle into prisons than most other drugs. Because synthetic marijuana doesn’t show up in tests, inmates find it easier to hide use.
The punishment for those who are caught with synthetic weed is also less severe than getting caught with other drugs. Synthetic weed isn’t all good though.Early results show that consuming synthetic marijuana may pose a health hazard but that hasn’t stopped inmates.
Synthetic Marijuana is easy to smuggle in prisons.
Tiny packs of synthetic marijuana that resemble tea-bags can be purchased under a variety of names. Many names don’t reflect that they are cannabis products. Names like Spice and K2 help inmates fly under the radar with potential contraband.
These little packs are shredded vegetable material coated with THC extracts which can easily be snuck to inmates. Soaking pieces of paper with THC is another popular method of sneaking in marijuana but won’t pass drug screening. The soaked pieces of paper are disguised as letters to inmates, which are rolled up and smoked (or eaten) without alerting guards until a drug test.
Passing random drug tests is another reason to go synthetic.

Another reason inmates prefer to smoke synthetic weed is because it is one of only a few substances that  won’t come up in any of their test results. Prison urinalysis drug tests for alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, codeine, marijuana (THC specifically), methadone, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP). Although marijuana comes up in prison urinalysis drug tests, synthetic marijuana does not.

Even if caught using synthetic marijuana, punishment is light.

When prisoners are caught with synthetic marijuana in their possession,they can expect a slap on the wrist and a note on their record. Inmates who are caught with actual weed, alcohol or any other drugs face harsh penalties. Penalties can include losing phone privileges for a year, up to 60 days in segregation, loss of good time. Penalties can even include limiting visitation rights or even halting them for a period.

How do people get access to synthetic weed?

Synthetic marijuana can be legally purchased by the public in sealed packages that look like standard sized tea-bags. Synthetic weed can also be made without the use of sophisticated lab equipment. Nor does it require you to be a Heisenberg. Basically, anyone can make synthetic weed at home. After all, the most basic synthetic weed is just shredded plant material (paper) coated with THC juice.

Synthetic weed is not safe to use, especially compared to regular marijuana.

Smoking a letter from “Grandpa Purps” is not the healthiest way to get your fix. The unregulated use of synthetic weed is potentially dangerous. People are getting sick from smoking unknown chemicals (like those found in ink) in addition to using unsafe methods of consumption.
The reported side effects of synthetic marijuana include mental agitation, rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, vomiting and confusion. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in several cases, life-threatening and substantial lasting effects were documented. Researchers have also found that synthetic weed increases suicidal thoughts.
Even star athletes have succumbed to the negative side effects of synthetic marijuana. Former NFL player Aaron Hernandez committed suicide while in a state prison. The inmates, guards and autopsy reported that Aaron’s habitual use of synthetic weed caused his suicidal behavior.
The synthetic marijuana in prison crisis is another example of why marijuana needs to become federally legal. Once marijuana is moved from being a schedule I drug, then inmates who can have access to tobacco may also have access to marijuana. Thus not needing to suffer needlessly.
Photograph: Jim Havey / Alamy/Alamy

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Marijuana Experiences Modern Day Rebirth

Marijuana has a deep history.

Cannabis can be found in Siberian burial chambers. Humans have had marijuana experiences as far back as 3000 B.C. Cannabis has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. First American President George Washington grew hemp on Mt. Vernon.
Before the Nixon era, cannabis was legal and found in many tinctures and oils. After the big ban, cannabis became a schedule I drug. From then on the plant was deemed to have no medicinal value and only used by addicts.

In today’s time, marijuana experiences resurgence.

Researchers from around the world are trying to understand how marijuana works and how it can fight diseases. The U.S. surgeon general has expressed interest in learning about cannabis. Scientific data on marijuana shows potential for treating certain medical conditions and ailments. Countries around the world are in favor of legalizing pot. Uruguay, Portugal, Israel, Canada and the Netherlands have institutionalized medical marijuana programs and decriminalized possession.
Much of the danger has been over-hyped. There are no reports specifically linked to recreational “over-dosing” from marijuana. However, there are reported side-effects of giggling, short-term memory loss and a craving for Cheeze-Its in addition to other delicious candies and snacks.

The challenges continue with banking.

Because marijuana is a schedule I drug, U.S. banks are incredibly reluctant to host accounts for marijuana business’. Store owners are forced to deal solely in cash. This includes payroll, taxes, product, rent, security, etc. This leaves them vulnerable to theft and robbery.

Cannabis, the pain reliever.

The medicinal uses generally associated with cannabis include chronic pain relief, insomnia, stimulation of appetite, nausea and stress relief. The scientific community is in a buzz trying to figure out other benefits associated with marijuana. Most of the focus centers around how marijuana really affects the brain and neurological systems; but with so many uses the possibilities are endless.