420 weed
CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Culture, Marijuana Legalization by

Happy Holidaze, Weed Readers!

Happy 4/20!

But wait… what does 4/20 even mean? Why do so many folks in (and out) of the cannabis culture, reference this number to no end but couldn’t tell you what it meant?

For most, it’s used as code– using 420 to reference cannabis was believed to have originated as a police code, then adopted as a counterculture.  Other users believe the reference was started by the band, The Grateful Dead. Word of Deadhead meetings, aka Grateful Dead concerts, was spread through flyers. One story in particular mentions a flyer bearing the info, “We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais” (source).

The apparent truth of the origin story is, ‘420’ was a term established in the early 70s by a group of high school students from San Rafael, CA. They called themselves The Waldos, and still do. Well before any states had legalized cannabis, one might need to go by an alias, or at least be very careful about where and when they did their smoking. Their group name was coined in reference to the statue they’d meet as, as well as the number alluding to the time

So while the term was established by a group of high schoolers, it’s obviously made it’s way across the country and other parts of the world, as a catch-all term for cannabis culture. As I said, the uprising of cannabis counterculture in the 90s and its use of ‘420’ was helped along by The Grateful Dead and its fan base. Members of The Waldos had close relations with the Dead, so really, each part of the origin story does have some truth to it. Each piece of lore or information ends up weaving together to form a more complete envisioning of how the notion of ‘420’ started.

Regardless of where the term came from, people take great joy in being able to reference (though no longer that subtle) their activities or culture in ways others can recognize. For the most part, the culture developed off the back of the phrase is pretty harmless. (Though let me say, hearing “heheh, 420, man” anytime the clock changes over, gets old.)

Most people celebrate the “holiday” by spending it with their friends, consuming plenty of cannabis, and for some, it’s become a political opportunity to advocate for legalization. Many cities, especially in states where cannabis is legal, tend to have some sort of gathering to observe the day, often at universities or parks. If it interests you, do some searching and see what’s going on in your area. If not, find your own way to celebrate! Have your first bowl or joint outside, share it with friends, or make someone’s day and hide some nuggets in easter eggs!

Whatever you decide to do, be smart, and be safe. Know the laws of your town/state on cannabis before you go lighting up on the sidewalk. Know your rights if you’re stopped by police! The perception and reputation surrounding cannabis users is something important, if we want to get any closer to legalization, or in general, acceptance of its use in everyday life. So, act accordingly–your cannabis use does not relieve you of being respectful or having some awareness!

All in all, let tomorrow be a day of celebration, relaxation, and feeling grateful that such a wonderful plant exists. Happy holidays!

–-hope this is what you guys meant, it’s not that polished but feel free to edit what you don’t like!


Image credit: gettyimages.com

gwen recipe
CategoriesMarijuana Recipes by

Wake & Bake Tater Cakes

A nutritional breakfast and an intoxicating treat rolled into one, these Wake & Bake Tater Cakes are the perfect way to start your day!

Recipe yields 12 cakes (or stones 6 people).

What You Need

  • 4 potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 carrots
  • 2-3 tbs non dairy milk
  • 2 tbs cannabutter
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 or 1 1/2 cups chickpea or rice flour
  • seasonings (paprika, sage, dill, thyme, salt & pepper, nutritional yeast) to taste
  • coconut oil
  • muffin or cupcake pans
  • metal pot
  • knife & cutting board

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Chop potatoes into small pieces and boil in salted water until soft. (Cutting the potatoes smaller reduces cooking time!)
  2. While waiting on potatoes, finely chop onion and garlic, and chop or grate carrot.
  3. Drain and mash taters with a masher or fork, and add a splash of milk. Avoid using so much liquid that the potatoes turn soupy, or too creamy. It’s best to leave in some lumps and thickness.
  4. Mix in veggies, spices, butter, baking powder, flour & yeast, and cheese if you’re using it, until gently doughy. If you’re using wheat-based flour, be careful of over-mixing, as the dough will become too tough to work.
  5. Grease muffin/cupcake tins with coconut oil. Spoon dough into the tins and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Although best served hot and fresh, these tater cakes are still absolutely delicious when eaten cold the next morning!

As a topper, you could melt more cheese, or use chopped green onions, salsa, or a dollop of barbecue sauce. My favorite way to eat these potato cakes is with a generous heap of hot sauce and a few slices of salted avocado. It’s really good fats, and a fantastic way to do a wake-and-bake breakfast, or to rejuvenate from a nasty hangover!

texas
CategoriesMarijuana News by

First Time Cannabis Possession Decriminalized In Texas' Most Populous County

First time cannabis possession will soon be decriminalized in Harris County, the most populous county in Texas, and the third most populous county in the entire United States.
Beginning on January 1st, those in the county caught in possession of up to two ounces of cannabis for the first time will no longer be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor that could land them in prison for up to 6 months. Instead, they’ll be given a citation and mandated to attend a diversion program.
Which is annoying, but much better than prison.
The new policy is called the First Chance Intervention Program. Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson is moving forth with the change despite widespread criticism from his colleagues in law enforcement.
“If [a diversion program is] offered at the pre-arrest stage, it frees up space in jail,” says Anderson. “It minimizes the administrative burdens that officers face when they file charges; it reduces the cost for prosecution and court proceedings; and of course it gives the offender an opportunity to have a completely clean record.”
The diversion program itself is nothing new — it’s been around long before this new policy. And data from the district attorney’s office shows that more than 90 percent of those who took advantage of the program did not re-offend, a much higher rate than found in those who didn’t attend the program.
Anderson says that only the first offense will be decriminalized under the new policy, but may change in the near future.
“After I saw these [stats], I said, hey, let’s look at what the recidivism rate would be for a second offender or a third offender,” Anderson said. “So we’re going to look at that.”
Harris County includes Texas’ most populous city, Houston. Overall, Harris County has a population of over 4 million, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau report.
CBN Transdermal Patches 01 01
CategoriesStrain Reviews by

Review: Mary's Medicinals Transdermal Patch

There’s a brand new product that has taken off the last couple years in the cannabis market: Mary’s Medicinals transdermal patch.
Available throughout Colorado dispensaries and now being introduced into the state of Oregon, these award-winning patches administer specific doses through the skin and straight into the bloodstream—which is the most efficient way to medicate.
They’re offered in doses of 10/20 mg and retail for around $10-15 each. So far they offer CBD, CBN, THC (indica/sativa), THCa, as well as blends of CBD:THC (whatever suits your liking). Each one has a recommendation for a specific application and/or symptoms.
We’ll focus on the THC (sativa) 10mg patch, suggested for the following; for relief from pain & anxiety, reduction of muscle spasms & nausea, promotion of sleep, & appetite stimulation.
 
Here are my findings:
The size of the patch is 2 in x 2 in, so fairly petite in size — a definite plus for the discreet user. I applied the patch to my wrist, which felt surprisingly comfortable and light on my skin. The adhesive didn’t feel heavy or sticky and my skin was still able to breathe.
There is a warning in the instructions stating that “burning or itching” may occur upon application, but I felt no such effects. It seems Mary’s went above and beyond with using high quality materials to manufacture their patches — Very nice!

  • 30 min later — I felt a very subtle ‘sativa’ high, but nothing extravagant. I must admit, I was skeptical of the dosages and delivery system because I couldn’t imagine feeling a “high” from something that resembled a Band-Aid®. After slowly transitioning into the first “peak”, the patch seemed to have plateaued to a moderate type high. Perfect for the casual user, with little to no paranoia.
  • 60 min later — At this moment, I felt another ‘wave’ of dosing enter into my body, another “peak”, if you will. This was a HUGE surprise for me. These “peaks” would last about 10 minutes, then the plateauing would follow. And for the next 6 hours the waves were like clockwork, releasing doses every 30 min.
  • 6 hours later — Removing the patch from my skin was surprisingly easy and comfortable.  Once the patch was removed, there was a bit of redness that lasted a few minutes, but I experienced no itching or irritation. The residuals from the adhesive was easily removed with little to moderate effort using soap and water.

 
Afterthoughts:
Overall, an excellent pharmaceutical grade, cannabis product! Strongly recommended for the traveling consumer and/or those suffering from chronic illness or long-term debilitating symptoms; especially pain, inflammation, insomnia, and cachexia.
Pros: The ease of use, discreet application, long-lasting effects and a relatively stable delivery system make for an incredibly efficacious product.
Cons: You don’t get the instantaneous “slap in the face” high you do from smoking or vaping. It just depends on what your preferences are.
 
A HUGE “Thank You!” to Mary’s Medicinals for their ingenuity in creating and distributing such a wonderful and viable product. These are exactly the kind of cannabis novelties we crave!
image credit: wikipedia.

marijuana
CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion by

My Love Affair with Mary Jane

I was just a teenager when we first met. Too young for the start of a life-long romance, I know… but sometimes love blossoms in the most unlikely places.
Like many teenagers, I was shy and socially awkward. My parents were recently divorced, and I was bouncing back and forth between two houses and living out of a duffel bag. And, like many teenagers, I was more than a little bit bitter about it.
I was depressed. I was a pessimist, a cynic, a jaded youth; and being unable to find any meaning, purpose, or joy in life, I had withdrawn into my own private darkness.
And then along came Mary Jane…
Okay, so it may be a stretch to say that cannabis cured me of depression and turned my life around, just like that. But honestly, in retrospect, it kinda seems like it. Getting high was an epiphany for me, a defining moment. I can divide my life neatly into B.C. (before cannabis) and A.W. (after weed).
In the years since that first toke, marijuana has been a constant companion, a friend and lover, teacher and guide who has unveiled to me the depth and beauty and mystery of the world… and myself.

I think it all started with music.

Before cannabis, music for me had been more of a social statement than anything else; a declaration of how angry and rebellious I was, a sign of what clique I belonged to. But after a few hits, every preconceived notion I had about music — what I liked, what I didn’t like, and why — all flew out the window.
For the first time, I was really listening, with rapt attention, and what I heard was a revelation. For the first time, I was really hearing every note, every silence, every movement. For the first time, I could really feel the emotions behind the song; I could feel the soul of the artist.
I embarked on an epic exploration of music, from cool jazz and doo-wop, to fusion and funk and psychedelic rock, to disco and electronica, country and pop. I wanted to hear it all, to swim through those vast universes of sound and soak up whatever secrets lie within.
And music was only the beginning…
Movies became a whole new phenomenon. Smoking a joint helped me to tune into the finer and more subtle elements of comedy, drama and storytelling; to really let go, and forget myself, and be transported to other worlds; to laugh with joyous abandon, and to be moved by emotions and longings so powerful they brought tears to my eyes.
Under the mind-expanding influence of cannabis, and the wise tutelage of my high school English teacher (thanks, Mrs. Negaard), I developed an appreciation and love of literature and poetry that is still one of my greatest joys in life. Shakespeare, Whitman, Emerson, Frost, Yeats, Thoreau, Melville and Hemingway, Steinbeck and Dostoevsky, Kerouac and Vonnegut, all suddenly came alive for me — in large part because of the curiosity, openness and insight of cannabis intoxication.
My first clumsy poems and essays were were written while stoned out of my mind, and so were many of my best since then. Marijuana helped me find my purpose, my path, the art that has become my career and livelihood.
If it weren’t for cannabis, I wouldn’t be writing today.
Getting high revealed to me what it means to be a writer, to be an artist. It showed me the power of words. It showed me what art is, what beauty is, and how art and creativity is one of the only things capable of fulfilling the deepest longings of the human spirit.
For the first time, I didn’t care about fitting in, being cool. My eyes had been opened to new possibilities, new frontiers. The world that had seemed so cruel and hopeless now shimmered with promise. There was beauty, and humor, and meaning, and joy to be found everywhere, if you knew how to look for it.
Cannabis showed me how to look for it.
It also showed me how to stop looking, stop worrying, stop trying so hard to get somewhere else, to be someone I’m not. It showed me how to relax, and be still, and just breathe, and enjoy the moment, and be myself. Cannabis helped me to realize who I am, deep down; beneath all the roles I play, and the masks I wear.

Like Marley said, “When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”

Before cannabis, I was lost. Mary Jane opened my eyes, awakened my passions, inspired my creativity, and gave my life purpose and meaning and direction.
It’s been more than fifteen years since that first toke, and our love affair is still going strong. My longest relationship, by far.
She still brings out the best in me, my child-like playfulness and curiosity. I still turn to her for inspiration, guidance and relaxation; when I’m reading, or writing, or meditating.
And sometimes we just curl up on the couch and watch a movie together. I want nothing more than to grow old together, and live happily ever after.
That is, if I don’t get arrested. The love we share is still illegal in most places, so there’s always that risk…
But you know what?
She’s worth it.

CategoriesMarijuana Legalization, Marijuana News by

Bernie Sanders Wants To End Cannabis Prohibition

If you’ve been wandering which of the 2016 presidential candidates has the most progressive marijuana policy, the verdict is in.
Bernie Sanders, the spunky old socialist from Vermont, just introduced a bill in the Senate that would end cannabis prohibition by the U.S. government. The bill — appropriately called The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act — is the first of it’s kind ever proposed in the Senate, although similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
Now, this wouldn’t make recreational cannabis legal from sea to shining sea. But it would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, as well as the DEAs “most dangerous drug” list, freeing states to decide for themselves. It would also free banks and financial institutions to serve canna-businesses without fear of prosecution.
In a speech at George Mason University on October 28th, Sanders told the crowd,

In the United States we have 2.2 million people in jail today, more than any other country. And we’re spending about $80 billion a year to lock people up. We need major changes in our criminal justice system – including changes in drug laws. Too many Americans have seen their lives destroyed because they have criminal records as a result of marijuana use. That’s wrong. That has got to change.

It seems that unlike many progressive politicians out there, Bernie isn’t all talk — he walks the walk, too. With election day only a year away, he is taking a clear and decisive stand for freedom, legalization, and common sense.
But does this bill have any chance of passing? That’s a good question. Only time will tell. But the latest polls show that a record 58 percent of Americans are in favor of cannabis legalization, a figure that will only continue to rise.
And Bernie Sanders, for one, can read the writing on the wall.
As for the other candidates, the Marijuana Policy Project keeps an updated list of all the presidential hopefuls and where they stand on the issue. Check it out here.
If we want to bring an end to cannabis prohibition, it’s important to stay informed, and take action. Contact your senator and representative, and your state and local officials. Get involved in your local chapter of NORML. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Most importantly, get out and vote!
Let your voice be heard, and your vote be counted. Together we can end cannabis prohibition.
image credit: facebook.com/berniesanders

chewy chocolate chip cookies25
CategoriesMarijuana Recipes by

Ooey-Gooey Chewy Pot Cookies

What You Need

  • 1/2 cup canna butter, softened (click here for our canna-butter recipe!)
  • 1 cup coconut palm sugar (or 1 1/2 cup brown sugar)
  • 3 tbs milk of choice (nut, dairy, plant)
  • 2 tsp molasses
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • 3 tbs unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1 tbs corn starch
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean pod
  • 2 cups flour (wheat, rice, coconut)
  • 1 tbs baking soda
  • dash of salt
  • baking sheet
  • large mixing bowl or food processor
  • whisk
  • rubber spatula
  • metal spatula
  • optional: chocolate chips, carob chips, chopped nuts, flaked coconut, dried fruit, heaped spoonful of cocoa, cacao powder, or milled flaxseed

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. In a bowl or food processor, combine the first 8 ingredients until it resembles a brown, syrupy goo. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder. If you choose to, add in any other dry ingredients now.
  2. Add the dry mixture to the syrup and blend until thoroughly combined. The resulting dough should be thick, and slightly sticky. Add in small amounts of flour or cornstarch as needed if it’s too sticky, and dashes of milk if it’s too stiff.
  3. Fold in any remaining ingredients such as chocolate chips or nuts. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean-up, otherwise leave it ungreased & drop spoonful-sized amounts of dough in even rows. (Or, vary the size of the cookie. A few bite-sized ones may be handy for on-the-go, or if you don’t want a massive dose.)
  4. Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes. The oil may bubble and sizzle through the dough as it cooks, but don’t be alarmed–as long as you keep an eye on them, they shouldn’t burn. Remove from the oven when the edges are golden brown and hold together when poked. Let cool a few minutes before removing cookies from the pan.

Warm and at room temperature, these will be some ooey-gooey, chewy pot cookies! When I made them the canna butter was coconut-oil based, so when they cooled the edges were perfectly crispy and the middles remained soft and chewy. The flavor of cannabis isn’t overwhelming, but definitely detectable, and I find it’s balanced well with immense amounts of chocolate.

Pro tip: Freeze half of the dough, and try making the cookies a little smaller. You might be surprised at the strength/potency, so start small and see how your edibles effect you. If you discover you could handle a bigger cookie, or decide you want to go all-out and bake a giant space rock, you’ll be glad to have the dough saved!

Photo by Veganbaking.net

weed quotes
CategoriesCulture, Marijuana Legalization, Marijuana Quotes and Sayings by

20 Greatest Cannabis Quotes

It’s no secret that some of the most brilliant and successful people in the world smoke cannabis, and speak out in support of marijuana legalization. And I’m not just talking about actors and rock stars, either — but doctors and scientists, philosophers and presidents, and leaders from many different fields of human endeavor.
I could have easily stretched this list out to 100 more, but I wanted to share with you the best of the best, my personal favorites. Here are (IMHO) the 20 greatest cannabis quotes of all time:

1. Willie Nelson, country musician and cannabis activist:

“I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?”

2. Bob Marley, reggae musician and Rastafarian:
When-you-smoke-the-herb-it-reveals-you-to-yourself

“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”

3. Sebastian Marincolo, philosopher and author of High: Insights on Marijuana:

“The legalization of marijuana is not a dangerous experiment – prohibition is the experiment, and it has failed dramatically, with millions of victims all around the world.”

4. Carl Sagan, scientist, astronomer and author of Cosmos:

“The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.”

5. Terence McKenna, philosopher, psychonaut and author of True Hallucinations:

“If the words “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” don’t include the right to experiment with your own consciousness, then the Declaration of Independence isn’t worth the hemp it was written on.”

6. Joe Rogan, actor, comedian, MMA fighter:

“People say you can abuse marijuana. Well shit, you can abuse cheeseburgers too, you know? You don’t go around closing Burger King because you can abuse something.”

7. Bill Hicks, comedian and cultural commentator:
quote

“Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit . . . unnatural?”

8. Hunter S. Thompson, gonzo-journalist, author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:

“I have always loved marijuana. It has been a source of joy and comfort to me for many years. And I still think of it as a basic staple of life, along with beer and ice and grapefruits -and millions of Americans agree with me.”

9. Jack Herer, cannabis activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes:

“If you substitute marijuana for tobacco and alcohol, you’ll add eight to 24 years to your life.”

10. Thomas Jefferson, founding father and 3rd President of the United States:

“Some of my finest hours have been spent on my back veranda, smoking hemp and observing as far as my eye can see.”

11. Sebastian Marincolo:

“Marijuana enhances our mind in a way that enables us to take a different perspective from ‘high up’, to see and evaluate our own lives and the lives of others in a privileged way. Maybe this euphoric and elevating feeling of the ability to step outside the box and to look at life’s patterns from this high perspective is the inspiration behind the slang term ‘high’ itself.”

12. Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States:

“Prohibition… goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control mans’ appetite through legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not even crimes… A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our Government was founded.”

13. Thomas Jefferson:
quote22

“If people let government decide which foods they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.”

14. William F. Buckley Jr, author and conservative commentator:

“The anti-marijuana campaign is a cancerous tissue of lies, undermining law enforcement, aggravating the drug problem, depriving the sick of needed help and suckering well-intentioned conservatives and countless frightened parents.”

15. Bill Hicks:

“They lie about marijuana. Tell you pot-smoking makes you unmotivated. Lie! When you’re high, you can do everything you normally do just as well — you just realize that it’s not worth the fucking effort. There is a difference.”

16. Mark Haskell Smith, author of Heart of Dankness:

“The fact that, in the United States, there are people serving ten-year prison terms for growing marijuana plants in their backyards while Wall Street racketeers, who have defrauded millions of people and destroyed the global economy, walk free is a kind of bizarre hypocrisy that boggles my mind.”

17. Francis Young, former DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge:

“Estimates suggest that from 20 to 50 million Americans routinely, albeit illegally, smoke marijuana without the benefit of direct medical supervision. Yet, despite this long history of use and the extraordinarily high numbers of social smokers, there are simply no credible reports to suggest that consuming marijuana has caused a single death. By contrast, aspirin, a commonly used, over-the-counter medicine, causes hundreds of deaths each year.”

18. Jack Herer:

“The only dead bodies from marijuana are in the prisons and at the hands of the police.”

19. Willie Nelson:
wr

“The biggest killer on the planet is stress, and I still think the best medicine is and always has been cannabis.”

20. Steve Martin, actor and comedian:

“I used to smoke marijuana. But I’ll tell you something: I would only smoke it in the late evening. Oh, occasionally the early evening, but usually the late evening – or the mid-evening. Just the early evening, mid-evening and late evening. Occasionally, early afternoon, early mid-afternoon, or perhaps the late-mid-afternoon. Oh, sometimes the early-mid-late-early morning… But never at dusk.”

There you have it, hope you enjoyed! What are your favorite cannabis quotes? If you’ve got some good ones that aren’t on this list, leave ’em in the comments below.

cannabis 490
CategoriesMarijuana Legalization, Marijuana News by

Indian Tribes Legalize Pot

 
U.S. states aren’t the only ones leading the way in marijuana reform; in recent months, several Native American tribes have also taken steps to legalize pot.
It started late last year with a memorandum from the Department of Justice. Sent in response to questions from a tribe in Washington state (where of course, weed is legal), the memo essentially said that Uncle Sam would not enforce marijuana laws on sovereign tribal land — giving them the same freedom the states have to set their own drug policy.
While the message might have been intended for tribes whose surrounding states had already legalized weed, it also has implications for more than 500 other federally recognized tribes. Dozens of tribes from across the country attended forums and expressed an interest in marijuana as a possible source of medicine and revenue.
A tribe in South Dakota was among the first to test the waters. On June 11th, the Flandreaux Santee Sioux Indians voted to legalize marijuana on their lands. They have plans to start a sizable grow operation and even an Amsterdam-style pot lounge, which could be up and running by the end of the year.
But then on July 8th, the DEA raided tribal lands in California, seizing 100 lbs. of pot and thousands of plants. The land was owned by the Pit River tribe, who had set up dozens of greenhouses right alongside CA highway 395, in plain view of passing traffic.
The grow-op was supposedly approved by the tribal council back in February, although that is now in dispute. Feuding among tribal leadership raises questions about the legality of the operation, and even seems to be a major cause of the raid — it was a member of the tribe who informed the Fed and triggered the whole chain of events. But whatever the reason for the raid, it has caused a great deal of fear and uncertainty in many other tribes who had also been considering legalization.
Nevertheless, in August the Menominee Indian tribe of Wisconsin voted in favor of recreational and medicinal pot use in their territory. The tribal council is now in the planning and researching stage, exploring the logistics, potential revenue and other benefits for the tribe. Other Wisconsin area tribes are also considering legalization, including the Red Cliff and Sakoagan tribes, which have passed similar referendums.
What happens to these few brave tribes who accept the risks of being the first to legalize pot, will largely determine how many follow in their footsteps. As the July raid clearly demonstrates, a memorandum is not a law. And until the U.S. government reforms it’s drug policy, there is still the looming possibility of raids, arrests, prosecution and imprisonment.
And for the tribes, the loss of much-needed federal funds.

hungry person
CategoriesScience by

Why Does Weed Give You the Munchies?

One of marijuana’s most famous effects, apart from mild euphoria, is that inevitably it has you cleaning out your fridge and cupboards, or running to the nearest store for smacks. The tremendous surge in appetite that cannabis gives us, commonly known as “the munchies,” is actually one of it’s most important medicinal properties. For people on chemo, or struggling with eating disorders, it can literally be a life-saver.
But why is it that smoking weed makes you so hungry?
You probably know that the effects of marijuana are primarily caused by molecules called cannabinoids, especially tetrahydrocannabidol, or THC. These molecules interact with naturally occurring receptors in the brain called the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, memory, sensitivity to pain, and—you guessed it—appetite.
Smoking marijuana stimulates appetite in multiple ways. A study done last year at the University of Bordeaux found that THC affects the olfactory bulb of lab mice, making them more sensitive to odors.  it would seem that smoking pot makes us smell and taste food more intensely, which would naturally tend to make us eat more. But this doesn’t fully explain the intense, ravenous, and seemingly insatiable hunger cannabis can induce.
Back in 2005, a team from the London Medical School published a study showing that cannabinoids stimulate appetite by activating the hypothalamus, and interacting with a compound called ghrelin which acts as a regulator of appetite and metabolism. A study released earlier this year delves even deeper into the mystery…
An international team of scientists led by Tamas Horvath found that cannabis effectively “flips a switch” in the hypothalamus, specifically a cluster of neurons called the POMC. Normally, these POMC neurons are responsible for signaling when we are full, and shutting down the appetite. But when we are high that effect is reversed, and these neurons, when activated, actually stimulate hunger.
Hence the bottomless pit in your stomach that can’t be filled.
Even this is probably just a part of the picture. The chemical cocktail found in the cannabis plant is extremely complex, and the effects that it has on the human brain and body even more so. But one thing is certain: cannabis does stimulate the appetite, especially in those who haven’t built up a tolerance. In fact, it does it so well that no other medication can even compare, and even the radically anti-pot pharmaceutical industry had no choice but to embrace it. The synthetic THC known as Marinol is the go-to appetite booster for chemo patients and others who are wasting away due to loss of appetite.
But why should we pay Big Pharma to synthesize something that we could all grow in our own backyard?
Whether you are a medical patient who needs to restore your lost appetite, or a casual smoker who just wants to take dinner up another notch, cannabis will do the trick. So grab some snacks, light up, and enjoy.
photo from abcnews.com