Whether you’re in the mood for a subtle journey of self-discovery, or looking to be thrust into an alternate dimension where you quite literally no longer know what planet you’re on, ultimately, the goal of taking psychedelics is to trip on some level. While the majority of documented entheogenic experiences focus on the intensity of the trip, many people are disappointed to discover that psychedelics don’t affect them in the way they expected. There are numerous reasons why this could happen, ranging from physical, to environmental, to psychological – today we’ll focus on a few of the most common ones. We cover everything important in the emerging industry of psychedelics, which you can read about in The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter. Keep up with everything going on, and be the first to get access to new deals for psychedelic products as they come in. What is a psychedelic trip?Defined simply, or if you look up the term in an online dictionary, a “trip” can be described as a “temporarily altered state of consciousness”. This is accurate, but an incredibly lackluster explanation for something that can be transcendental and life-changing for many people. A “temporarily altered state of consciousness” can technically be achieved through the use of any drug that produces a “high”. Even sleeping puts you in a “temporarily altered state of consciousness”. But psychedelic trips are different – they’re more sentient in nature. Trips can vary greatly in intensity, but they generally make you feel something. Psychedelics affect all the senses and can change a person’s thought process, and their sense of time, space and reality. They are known to produce auditory, visual, and sensory hallucinations; however, some users experience no hallucinations at all, but rather a sense of general well-being, connectivity, and euphoria. Numerous factors make tripping a very subjective experience. Dosing and setting, among other elements, can significantly impact a psychedelic trip, so you want to make sure that you’re doing everything possible to guarantee an uplifting and beneficial high. Although a psychedelic trip can be achieved via meditation, sensory-deprivation, light therapy, and a handful of other methods; the easiest and most common ways to achieve this state of mind is through the use of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelic drugs, also referred to entheogens, are a subset of hallucinogens which contain compounds that can alter perception. The term entheogens come from Greek and can be roughly translated to mean “building the God within”. To utilize these compounds to their full potential, a few things need to be kept in mind, all of which largely have to do with a concept known in the psychonaut world as ‘set and setting’. Set refers to your state of mind, while setting describes the environment of your trip. Psychologist and author, Timothy Leary, could not emphasize it more… “set and setting are of utmost importance when it comes to having a happy and therapeutic psychedelic trip,” he says. So, why aren’t you tripping?Say you and a friend both take 2 hits of acid, or you both eat a full eighth of shrooms. Your friend is high out of their mind, tripping complete with hallucinations and mysticism. You on the other hand, are a stone’s throw away from being completely sober. What gives? The way psychedelics function in our bodies is not yet fully understood, so conversely, it’s even less understood why they don’t work for some people. For example, 5-MeO-DMT, a hallucinogenic compound secreted by the venom glands of the Sonoran desert toad (Bufo alvarius), is said to be one of the most powerful psychedelics on earth – but numerous people have reported relatively mild and composed trips while on it. ![]() “After three doses, I was surprised to stay firmly on the ground, talking through the problems in my life,” said freelance writer and psychedelic researcher Suzannah Weiss. “5-MeO-DMT still gave me valuable insights and a feeling of inner peace and euphoria,” she mentioned. LSD, or acid, is another one of these compounds that fits the bill. Despite its reputation as being stronger than psilocybin, it’s not unheard of for users to experience much less than expected when taking acid. I was one of those people. Out of the handful of times that I tried it, I never really “tripped” like my friends did, or like I have felt with other drugs. I felt giddy and happy, and when I tried to focus on certain things, they looked a bit wavy or kind of shifty; but overall, I didn’t feel much. I have actually experienced more visual distortions on shrooms than acid, especially things melting and glistening. All this to say that a psychedelic trip is very much a ‘your-mileage-may-vary type’ of occurrence. Sometimes, it’s unexplainable, but other times, you can find some clarifications and there are steps you can take to mitigate these negative effects. Physiological reasonsAs far as physical reasons go, an immediately obvious one is that you might not have taken enough of the drug in question. “A lot of newcomers are appropriately concerned about the dose, so they take a low dose, and it’s not enough for them,” says James Giordano, professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center. If you accounted for this issue and you know, without a doubt, that you have definitely taken enough drugs, then let’s move on to the next possibility. There are some complex and defining differences in the way people metabolize drugs, or anything for that matter. Some metabolize drugs faster than others, and those people will quickly develop a tolerance to the active compounds. This is especially true when it comes to certain classes of drugs, and several studies have found that people tend to develop tolerance to psychedelics very rapidly. Also worth noting is that cross-tolerance was reported when study participants combined LSD and psilocybin. And playing off that last concept of cross-tolerance, numerous other substances in a person’s system can impact their psychedelic trips. Antidepressants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines, are known to stifle the effects psychedelic compounds. Both of these categories of pharmaceutical drugs impact the nervous system and the enzymes that break down and process psychedelics. They can affect the length, quality, and intensity of a trip. Not yet studied, but worth mentioning, is the possibility of preexisting conditions also influencing a psychedelic trip. What has been studied, is how preexisting conditions can make certain medications less effective, so it’s safe to assume that the same thing can occur with other drugs and substances as well. All in your head? ‘Set’ the toneNow back to set and setting. Again, set is your mental state prior to engaging in a psychedelic trip, and it’s one of the most important aspects of reaching that enlightened place most of us are aiming for. Your intentions, mood, spiritual beliefs, and perspectives are all fundamental to shaping your experience. ![]() “Those who approach psychedelics from a spiritual perspective see deeper reasons why some appear unaffected by them,” says Tricia Eastman, who runs retreats with iboga, magic mushrooms, and 5 MEO DMT. “The mind sometimes blocks psychedelics’ effects because someone’s ego doesn’t want to go where the substance may lead them. People who are highly intellectual or who have histories of trauma are often more prone to this,” she added. Clinically defined, your ego is the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of identity. The ego is essentially comprised of all the thoughts, beliefs, and personal feelings accumulated over one’s life. These can be productive or limiting, but either way, they shape our personalities and the way we view the world around us. Naturally, an overactive ego can be problematic, and because psychedelics challenge our existing views and perception of self, our egos can become threatened. To fully experience whatever psychedelic you’re taking, you need to be calm, comfortable, and willing to surrender yourself to the drug – because all your five senses will be activated. Letting your ego get in the way can significantly blunt the effects of any entheogenic substance. Environmental factors: Get your setting rightAnd now, moving on to setting, or the environment in which you plan to trip. Early psychedelic studies that ignored set and setting found that participants were more likely to have negative experiences which included bad trips, or not feeling the psychedelic substance at all. On the other hand, when set and setting are properly accounted for, subjects reported more intense, yet more positive and enriching experiences. For both, reasons of safety and satisfaction, where you choose to partake in your psychedelic journey is absolutely crucial. The general consensus is that it is best to avoid unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations, especially if you’re a novice user, and you should do everything possible to construct a relaxing and safe tripping environment BEFORE you start your adventure. Setting also applies to the people you choose to be around while taking psychedelics. At best, being in the presence of bad company or people that make you uncomfortable can be awkward and unpleasant. At worst, hanging out with the wrong people while tripping can become a literal nightmare. I don’t know about you, but for me, vibes are everything. If I get bad vibes from someone when I’m sober, you had better believe those negative feelings will be amplified if I’m on psychedelic drugs. To make sure you have a peaceful experience, you absolutely must surround yourself with people you trust and feel completely safe around. ConclusionAgain, there are some scenarios where the reason for your lack-of-tripping cannot be explained. For instance, I still have not been able to figure out why LSD does not affect me. I don’t and have never taken any kind of prescription medications that would interact with it, they weren’t bad batches because the people around me got high, and I don’t have an aversion to psychedelics because I have no issue tripping on other drugs… so the mystery remains unsolved. But in some cases, if you’re not feeling entheogens like you anticipated, consider one of the above listed reasons and see if there is anything that you can change in order to improve your experience. Thanks for joining us! Welcome to CBDtesters.co/Cannadelics.com, your preeminent internet location for the most important independent coverage of cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on in the world today. Stop by regularly to stay informed on the fast-moving universe of cannabis and psychedelics, and subscribe to The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, for your daily dose of industry news. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Why Psychedelics Don’t Affect Some People appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/03/28/why-psychedelics-dont-affect-some-people/
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One aspect of humanity that I feel deserves more praise, is our seemingly innate ability to find different ways to alter our states of consciousness. No matter where you are in the world or what time period you’re looking at, you’ll find that people have always been drawn to intoxicating substances. There is documented use of cannabis, psilocybin, opium, tobacco, coca, and so many other plants that dates back over 10,000 years. Despite centuries of recorded drug use, most of these substances and compounds are prohibited today. With the exception of alcohol, and cannabis in some regions, the options for a legal but fulfilling high are quite limited. However, there is one lesser-known substance that checks all the boxes – it’s psychoactive, completely legal, safe, and growing in popularity. The product in question: Kava. We cover everything important in the emerging industry of psychedelics, which you can read about in The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter. Keep up with everything going on, and be the first to get access to new deals for psychedelic products as they come in. What is Kava?Kava, or Kava Kava (Piper methysticum), is a type of pepper plant originating from the South Pacific. It’s medicinal, non-addictive, and has a very good safety profile. It grows in tropical climates and can reach a height of 6 feet with large heart-shaped leaves. The root of the plant is used to make the intoxicating drink it’s infamous for. Also known as asava pepper or ‘intoxicating pepper’, Kava has been used for centuries to treat various ailments including pain, mental disorders, rheumatism, infections, insomnia, and migraines. It’s also used ceremoniously in some regions like Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, and Hawaii. Traditionally, it’s consumed as a beverage, as has been the case for centuries; but now you can find it in a few different forms such as powders and supplements. In the early 2000s, kava was briefly banned in the EU, following a now disproven study claiming that kava could cause liver damage. The ban did effect kava use statewide as well, although it was never officially prohibited here. The EU ultimately repealed the ban as well, and the only country where it remains illegal is Poland. The Kava HighWhen you try kava for the first time, you’ll immediately notice its unique flavor, which is a combination of bitter, spicy, and earthy – described as tasting like “muddy water”. It’s definitely an acquired taste, but similar to liquor, people usually don’t sip on kava. It’s often taken in shots until the desired level of intoxication is reached. ![]() Kava can be used medicinally or recreationally, depending on the dose and strain (there are over 100 known varieties). It can help with anxiety, make users feel relaxed, happy, carefree, giddy, and euphoric, and some people even report mild hallucinations at higher doses of certain strains. Some people say it makes them feel “drunk” but without the confusion and sickness associated with alcohol. The active ingredients in Kava that are responsible for these effects are called Kavalactones. These sticky, insoluble molecules pass through the bloodstream, making it act as a muscle relaxant; and they also bind with receptors in the limbic system, which is the area of our brains most associated with regulating emotion and behavior. Kavain is the most notable kavalactone, and it’s the one that is usually most heavily concentrated in the root of the plant. Legality and medical benefitsIn the US, Kava is legal and regulated as a dietary supplement. It’s actually one of the few intoxicating substances that’s legal in nearly every country in the world (except Poland, as stated above). Because of the aforementioned and contested study from 2002 claiming that Kava might cause liver damage (it does not), some local municipalities have enacted laws to restrict its possession and distribution. To clarify a bit more on the liver damage angle. The EU reported that they had records of 30 deaths (ever) that may have been caused by Kava, but could not prove a direct link to it. Conversely, liver cirrhosis, which is a form late-stage scarring of the liver resulting from excessive damage is responsible for roughly 170,000 deaths in Europe annually. In total, 49.5% of cirrhosis deaths are alcohol-related. But sure, go ahead and ban Kava instead of alcohol (eyeroll). On a more positive note, a handful of studies indicate that kavalactones in kava can be used to treat a myriad of different health conditions. It’s most commonly utilized as a natural remedy for anxiety, and a decent amount of research exists to back up this use. Specifically, a 2013 clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that kava had “significantly reduced symptoms in people diagnosed with general anxiety disorder”. Additionally, kava is natural and safe, especially in comparison to other recreational and prescription drugs, many of which are synthetic with high levels of toxicity. A kava overdose is relatively unheard of, and long-term effects (either good or bad) have not been adequately documented, although some regular users report gastrointestinal issues. On the flip side, anecdotal evidence suggests that Kava is effective for treating issues with addiction, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more. “Drinking kava in moderation doesn’t produce any discernible side effects,” says leading kava expert Dr. Vincent Lebot, who’s based in Vanuatu, a Pacific Island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. “The beverage can be very diluted and hardly any effect will be produced, or it can be very strong, and it is recommended to stay home and not drive.” What kind of Kava products are out there?When it comes to Kava products, there are quite a few to choose from. These days, kava root powder is the most popular, because it’s made from dried and powdered kava root without any additional processing. It’s as close to natural as you can get, and the powder form makes it very versatile as far as product production goes. In that same vein, a similar product is instant kava powder, which is designed to be added to warm water and made into a beverage, although this may have additional ingredients added. Another common and convenient way to take your kava is in capsules. They offer simplicity, consistency, and discretion, because they can be kept in a purse or pocket and taken at any time. Kava tinctures are somewhat similar, in the sense that they are discreet and easy to use and dose. They consist of kavalactone extract mixed with water and a small amount of alcohol or glycerin, often taken sublingually. And last but not least, are prepared kava drinks. Taste-wise, this is about as close to traditional as you’re going to find. The reason this option is less popular than powder comes down to price. Kava powders are much more affordable and can often be purchased in bulk. Now, don’t get this confused with “kava tea”. I have found that most companies claiming they add kava to their tea are doing it simply as a marketing tool. ![]() The fact of the matter is, the active ingredients in kava are fat-soluble, not water-soluble – meaning steeping a kava-infused tea bag won’t pull out as many active compounds as prepared drinks that use milk or some other type of fat. Prepared kava drinks are made with kavalactone extracts, flavorings, stabilizing agents, and in some cases, other herbs and supplements. ConclusionIf you’ve made it this far and you’re curious about trying Kava for yourself, then by all means, give it a shot! You can check out this list of vendors, that I personally have found to be very helpful. Since Kava is federally legal, it’s much easier to get ahold of than other substances. You can order it online and have it delivered to anywhere in the United States. Add to that, there are a growing number of Kava bars popping up in some of the larger US cities, so if you’re near one, it might be worth stopping by to check it out. When it comes to natural, legal highs, you won’t find much that compares to kava. Thanks for joining us! Welcome to CBDtesters.co/Cannadelics.com, your preeminent internet location for the most important independent coverage of cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on in the world today. Stop by regularly to stay informed on the fast-moving universe of cannabis and psychedelics, and subscribe to The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, for your daily dose of industry news. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post All About Kava: Natural, Psychoactive, and Legal appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/03/27/all-about-kava-natural-psychoactive-and-legal/ There are some moments in your life that you’ll look back on and think…I’m glad that happened. Some of these moments are good, and some of these are less so. Nonetheless, you learn from these experiences. Recreational drug use is often demonized, and, in certain ways, this should be the case. However, drugs are a part of society, and there is a way to have a healthy relationship with them.Today we will be exploring the 5 most important recreational drug experiences that can be used to shape this healthy relationship with substances. Afterall, many recreational substances are now being more commonly used in therapy and medical practices, and there’s no reason why you can’t find a similarly useful benefit from them too. We cover everything important in the emerging industry of psychedelics, which you can read about in The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter. Keep up with everything going on, and be the first to get access to new deals for psychedelic products as they come in. The Importance of Drug ExperiencesDrug education and recreational drug experience are two separate things. However, they shouldn’t be. Much like most taboo subjects, drugs are taught in a very conservative and old-fashioned way at schools today. For too long now, drugs have been portrayed as solely negative and dangerous substances. Whilst of course there can be severe consequences for the mishandling of drugs, there is also a lot of fun and enjoyment to be had. Plus, regardless of the way drugs are educated, it’s highly likely that young people will inevitably try them at some point. According to Drug Abuse Statistics: ”2.08 million or 8.33% of 12- to 17-year-olds nationwide report using drugs in the last month. Among them, 83.88% report using marijuana in the last month.591,000 teenagers aged 12- to 17-years-old used an illicit drug other than marijuana in the last month.” These statistics highlight, of course, children at a young age, but the number obviously increases between 18-25. However, if the aim is to demonize all drugs and avoid discussing the nuance of them, then the likelihood is that young people will go into using drugs with a morphed perception. In other words, the substances will have an allure of taboo about them, like the apple in Adam and Eve. As many will tell you about basic psychology, this often only makes these substances seem more appealing. It’s just like how Europeans who drink wine with their parents growing up will have a better relationship with alcohol as adults, than English or Americans who don’t get to touch a drop until they reach a certain age and then take part in binge culture. Therefore, whilst we wait for drug education to improve, there are certain drug experiences that are crucial in the better understanding of drugs. Some are bad, some are good, all are helpful. Let’s take a look. 1 – Sharing a JointThe relentlessly told and worn out myth of cannabis is often the first thing that a young person hears about this substance. This myth being that cannabis makes you apathetic and lazy. However, that’s not the only commonly told theory of cannabis, some will even go so far to say that cannabis will consistently cause psychosis. Whilst there are specific cases where the overuse of cannabis has led to negative effects, there’s also a lot of benefits to gain from this incredible plant. That is why the first joint shared with a friend or a family member is crucial in the development of a mature and healthy relationship with the drug. When a young person first gets his or her hands on cannabis, they often have very little knowledge of how it works. That is why young people often end up smoking too much of it and overdosing on THC – and basically not having a very good time. In fact, some young people even try ingesting cannabis buds, without realizing that before cannabis is decarbed and heated it is basically a non-psychoactive THCA substance. Patriot Care writes: ![]() “Through this process, THCA is converted to THC, CBDA is converted to CBD and so forth. Interestingly, a cured cannabis flower actually contains very little THC until this heating process is complete” Cannabis has many benefits, the more you learn about it. Recreationally, cannabis can open up a person’s mind, connect people to others and the world around them and ultimately raise morale. It’s this part of cannabis that is often missed when young people ignorantly overuse the substance due to a lack of drug education. That is why the feeling of that first enjoyable, relaxed joint shared with friends is crucial and a huge learning curve of what a mellow relationship with cannabis can be. 2 – The Psychedelic JourneyNext up is psychedelics. Psychedelics are definitely a drug that is better suited to the older mind, despite the fact that – in some ways – the experience will feel like a return to your youth. Magic mushrooms and acid can cause you to have severe hallucinations and trips, for up to 12 hours. The psychedelic journey forces you to face your inner world – be that happy thoughts, or negative ones. That is why enduring a psychedelic trip is so important, so that you realize how to enhance your experience, whilst keeping it safe. Doing it in a safe environment, with a trip sitter, is often a good way to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Whilst some may avoid psychedelics due to their extreme side effects, others may want to try them with caution. The first psychedelic journey can dictate how the rest of your experiences go, that is why it’s so pivotal. 3 – The K-HoleAlthough experiencing a k-hole is awful, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, it’s quite an important learning curve if you’re someone who is not careful with how much ketamine you take. Very Well Mind defines this experience: “Falling into a k-hole” is slang for how it feels when you take a high enough dose of ketamine that your awareness of the world around you and your control over your own body become so profoundly impaired that you’re temporarily unable to interact with others—or the world around you.” Whilst it can sometimes feel like the world has stopped, it’s important to realize what ketamine actually is – a tranquilizer. Ketamine is a wonderful recreational drug if used appropriately and it can also be used in the medical world to assist with depression. However, the k-hole experience is a constant important reminder of how potent this substance is. 4 – Ecstasy at A GigThe next important recreational drug experience involves Ecstasy. Ecstasy or MDMA is a euphoric and upper drug that, when used correctly, can cause pure happiness. Whilst cannabis overdosing is unlikely, the misuse of ecstasy can be far more dangerous. Again, this is why the education of how to use this drug is so key. Using this substance in a live music scenario is a very helpful learning curve. At its worst and when misused, ecstasy can cause heart palpitations and heart attacks. Not only that, but it can make you misjudge the amount of water you need in the body. That is why some young people can overdrink or under drink whilst using it. Banyan Treatment Centre writes: “When a person takes Molly or Ecstasy, their body temperature rises and they may begin to feel dehydrated. In fact, one study found that 85% of participants showed signs of dehydration due to MDMA…One of the dangers of taking this drug is that it can lead to overhydration as well.” When you’re young and you first take ecstasy at a gig, you can experience both these phenomena. It’s becoming aware and mindful of these moments that will allow you to have a healthy relationship with ecstasy. You’ll hopefully become used to always having a bottle of water with you, some chewing gum, and taking frequent but small sips. It’s not only the safety precautions that make this experience so important, but it’s also the sheer euphoria that you will feel when music and ecstasy combine. It’s like no other feeling in the world. It’s beautiful. 5 – Cannabis Edibles![]() The final important recreational drug experience comes from cannabis edibles. Many people will assume that ingesting cannabis and smoking it leads to basically the same feeling. This is simply not true. Smoking cannabis can cause effects within minutes, and these effects can subside within an hour or so. However, digesting cannabis edibles can cause effects in up to an hour, and these effects can last several hours. Plus, the high feels slightly different. Often edibles will cause a more body high. It can genuinely feel like a completely different feeling. This lesson is important to learn so that you can avoid digesting too much and ‘throwing a whitey’. ConclusionWith the lack of drug education, all most young people have is their experiences. It’s these early experiences that will shape their relationship with drugs for the better or for the worst. These 5 crucial lessons and experiences – that many go through – will hopefully create a healthier and safer recreational drug experiences. Thanks for joining us! Welcome to CBDtesters.co, your preeminent internet location for the most important independent coverage of cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on in the world today. Stop by regularly to stay informed on the fast-moving universe of cannabis and psychedelics, and subscribe to The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, for your daily dose of industry news. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post The 5 Most Important Recreational Drug Experiences appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/03/27/5-most-important-recreational-drug-experiences/ Next week, the House of Representatives plans to vote on a bill that would effectively decriminalize and deschedule cannabis, marking only the second time in over 50 years that a chamber of Congress has voted to reclassify cannabis from its existing status as a federally prohibited substance. What can we expect as far as timetables and anticipated outcomes?The MORE Act has been in the making since 2019, but for various reasons, failed to advance whenever it was introduced to congress. Even if the bill dies again this time around, it seems that with each passing every year we get closer and closer to reaching some level of sensible cannabis regulation. Whatever happens with the bill this time, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. In the meantime, stay current on everything important happening in the industry by subscribing to the THC Weekly Newsletter. Also, it’ll get you premium access to deals on cannabis flowers, vapes, edibles, and much more! We’ve also got standout offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which won’t kill your bank account. Head over to our “Best-of” lists to get these deals, and remember to enjoy responsibly! Upcoming floor voteMembers of the US House of Representatives just announced yesterday that they will be holding a floor vote next week on The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, or H.R. 3617. A lot of publications are describing this as a “federal legalization bill”. Essentially, this is true, but technically, it’s not. As per the opening text of H.R. 3617, the purpose of this bill is to “decriminalize and deschedule cannabis, to provide for reinvestment in certain persons adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, to provide for expungement of certain cannabis offenses, and for other purposes.” The terms “decriminalization” and “legalization” are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two. Decriminalization officially removes criminal penalties for certain crimes, but civil penalties like fines and forced rehabilitation could still apply. Under such a mandate, individual states could make their own decisions whether to open up local cannabis markets or further restrict them. In short, the bill gives states even more leeway and makes a complete 180 degree turn from existing policy, stating that cannabis is actually NOT dangerous, and it DOES have medicinal value (something advocates and consumers have been saying for decades). Additionally, this bill would make it so people with prior felony cannabis convictions will no longer be barred from obtaining business permits. The Small Business Administration would establish the Cannabis Restorative Opportunity Program, which would provide any necessary aid to businesses owned and operated by “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.” HR 3617 would also prevent the federal government from denying benefits, housing, and social services to cannabis users, as has been the case in the past. Now, we already know that if this bill passes, prosecution of “cannabis-related” crimes would immediately become a distant memory (reinvestment and expungement); and because no judge in their right mind would sentence someone to a treatment facility for cannabis (especially considering we have much more pressing addiction issues to deal with); and because the bill introduces a 5% tax on cannabis products and promotes legal sales; it’s safe to say that in this scenario, the difference between decriminalization and legalization is negligible. The last time the MORE Act went to the floor was in December 2020. It passed with a 228-164 vote, with only five Republicans joining their Democratic colleagues in advancing the reform. The bill fizzled out afterwards and did not receive a hearing in the Senate. Time for changesConsumers and industry experts alike all agree, it’s time for changes. “Advancing this legislation to deschedule marijuana and to help those individuals and communities that have borne the brunt of America’s failed prohibition is pivotal,” said NORML’s Political Director Morgan Fox. “More than two thirds of Americans support repealing the federal prohibition of marijuana and they deserve to know where our elected officials stand on this issue. Maritza Perez, director of the Drug Policy Alliance’s office of national affairs, said this bill serves as an opportunity to move past decades of racially unjust cannabis prohibition laws and the consequences of such enforcement. “For over half a century, marijuana prohibition has stood as the cornerstone of the cruel and inhumane drug war that has robbed millions of people of their freedom and their livelihoods. The weight of which has disproportionately fallen on the backs of Black, Latinx, Indigenous and low-income communities—who remain its number one target,” she said. “They’ve been denied jobs, housing, educational opportunities and far more. They’ve had their families torn apart. Others have lost their immigration status. And our communities have suffered gravely as a result.” Passing the legislation will help “ensure our communities are not put on the backburner and made to wait a moment more for long-overdue justice,” she added. ![]() Justin Strekal, founder of the pro-legalization political action committee BOWL PAC, made an interesting point as well, stating that the outcome of the floor vote will help voters better understand their lawmakers’ points of view on cannabis, and thus, allow them to vote accordingly. “For the first time in history, Americans will be able to go to polls knowing whether or not their representative voted to end prohibition or maintain the racist and senseless policy of marijuana criminalization,” he said. “Now is the time for lawmakers to ask themselves the question: Do I want to vote against the will of the supermajority of American voters?” What about the Senate bill that just passed?Seemingly under the cover of darkness, the Senate passed a completely different cannabis-related bill on Thursday. This bipartisan piece of legislation will loosen restrictions in the science sector. It would streamline the application process for researchers who wish to conduct studies and trials on cannabis, as well as encourage the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to utilize said research and develop more cannabis-derived medications. “Current rules and regulations make it hard for researchers to study how marijuana and marijuana-derived medications can best be used to treat various conditions,” said CA Senator Dianne Feinstein in a press release. “This important legislation will cut the red-tape around the research process, helping get FDA-approved, marijuana-derived medications safely to patients.” Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a cosponsor of the bill, said that the legislation “is critical to better understanding the marijuana plant and its potential benefits and side effects.” He added, “It will empower the FDA to analyze CBD and medical marijuana products in a safe and responsible way so that the American public can decide whether to utilize them in the future based on sound scientific data,” he said. “Researching marijuana is widely supported by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and it’s a smart step forward in addressing this current schedule I drug.” ConclusionThis is undeniably a very exciting time to be a stoner. A few decades ago, the thought of federal cannabis legalization was about as outlandish as political ideology can get. But now, it appears that The MORE Act is gaining traction, and decriminalization doesn’t seem so far out of reach. Even if HR 3617 doesn’t pass next week, or doesn’t advance through the senate again, we can be certain that a bill of this nature will pass soon, finally putting an end to our restrictive and absurd prohibition laws. Hello and welcome! You’ve made it to CBDtesters.co, the #1 web spot for the most comprehensive independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Join us whenever possible to stay in-the-loop on the ever-changing landscape of cannabis and psychedelics, and subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you’re always on top of what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post US House of Representatives Revisits Bill to Federally ‘Legalize’ Cannabis appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/03/25/us-house-of-representatives-revisits-bill-to-federally-legalize-cannabis/ The creativity that surrounds the consumption of cannabis is astounding. Whilst some people are happy to simply roll up their bud in a joint or place it in a vaporizer, other people want more. Perhaps if cannabis had been legalized around the world earlier, then people wouldn’t have found so much joy in new and exciting ways to enjoy it. However, alas, it’s considered to be an illegal drug in many places and, in consequence, some people smoke it through kiwis. Perhaps it’s seen as a – sort of – middle finger to the anti-drug establishment.After extensive research, today we’ll be revealing the top weirdest objects that you can, technically, smoke cannabis out of. Some of these might be better left as funny stories, rather than trying them out at home yourself. However, a few, perhaps, could be fun and enjoyable to try. We cover all important cannabis-related stories; subscribe to the THC Weekly Newsletter to stay current on what’s going on, and to get access to premium offers on cannabis flowers, vapes, edibles, and more! We’ve also got great deals on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Check out our “Best-of” lists to find these deals, and always remember to enjoy responsibly! The Art of Cannabis ConsumptionThere was a time when cannabis was just a plant, and it was used sporadically recreationally and for materials. A time when the official modern cannabis industry did not exist. The worth of the market was a thing of the future. Prohibition Partners writes: “Global Cannabis Sales Hit $37.4 Billion In 2021 – Rising To $102 Billion By 2026” Back then, it’s likely that cannabis would have been consumed in a variety of creative ways. It was a time before the popularity of joints and vapes. A time when the Ancient Egyptians would place hemp seeds on hot rocks, to heat them, in order to inhale them. Creativity had to be used in order to enjoy this beautiful plant. Ganjapreneur writes: “As the centuries progressed, people stayed smoking out of pipes and adding cannabis to their foods, beverages, and incenses. In the 1800s, however, something new was introduced to the cannabis scene: joints.” Whilst the future of technology and globalization has made cannabis easily consumable in certain ways, that’s not to say that the art and creativity of consumption has gone. Whilst joints and vapes are all well and good, some people still like to try new and weird things. Therefore, let’s get creative and take a step back into the past. What other strange and unorthodox methods are there of consuming cannabis? Top 7 Weird Things To Smoke Out Of1 – Petals![]() Using a petal from a flower to smoke cannabis out-of might sound ridiculous, but actually it’s simple. A joint is simply a way to consume cannabis by placing buds into easily burnable paper and inhaling. In reality, it isn’t that odd to consider using a petal instead of normal papers. Petals are easy to burn, and some people even use them as incense. Placing cannabis buds in a petal, placing in a roach, rolling it up and smoking it works a charm. A petal joint might sound unorthodox but if you run out of papers, why not? It might taste a little more aromatic than usual. 2 – Soda CanAnother peculiar object to smoke cannabis out-of is a soda can. This can be anything from a coca cola can to a beer can – essentially any aluminium can. Like any bong, you need a mouthpiece, a place to put the cannabis, and a main body of the contraption. With a can, the mouthpiece is made obviously in the design. And the body, where the smoke can build up, is also where the liquid would usually go. So all you need is a hole for the cannabis, and a hole to cover up. Using something sharp, simply poke two holes through the can and use one to cover up with your finger, and the other two place the cannabis. Then, light the buds and inhale. It’s easy. 3 – AppleAnother simple enough object to smoke out of is an apple. This one takes a little more craftsmanship than a soda can, and also a lot more patience. However, if it goes right, you’ll have a very tasty bong on your hands. But don’t try to use it after 1 day, it rots easily. Carve 2 holes through the side of the apple and into the core. This will be your inhale hole and your other hole. Then, use a small pin to poke a hole through the top of the apple to meet these bigger holes. This is where you cannabis buds will sit. Now, place the buds on top and light them, whilst of course inhaling and covering the other hole with your finger. Then, remove the finger from the hole and inhale the built up smoke. If all goes to plan, you’ll have some tasty, apple-flavoured cannabis smoke. 4 – Pineapple![]() A pineapple bong is a much larger operation than other fruit-based bongs. Plus, it’s a lot of work to put in for something that will rot and be unusable in mere hours. However, if you’re feeling creative and you have time on your hands, then why not? The first thing to do is to chop off the top of the pineapple and carv it out. You can keep the head of the pineapple for later. Once you’ve done this, you cut a hole into one side of the pineapple base, this is where you will be able to poke your joint into. Then fill up the pineapple with water and place a straw in the base, so it sticks out of the top. Now, place the top back on top of the pineapple, ensuring that the straw still sticks out. Then, ensuring the straw isn’t touching the water, begin to inhale. Boom. There’s some delicious pineapple express for you. 5 – Nose TubesNose tubes are an odd thing to smoke out of, but they do have some level of usefulness. The idea for this is that you take a hit of a bong, vape or joint and then hold it in your mouth. Then, you place the nose tubes into your nose, and inhale into the other side of the tubes. This will create a sort of cannabis smoke cycle. The smoke will go out of your mouth and into the tube, passing into your nose, and then back out of your mouth again. This cycle will get you very high, as you’ll be utilizing all of the cannabis hits. Although, when comparing to the other options, we probably wouldn’t recommend this one. This method of smoking could be a first class ticket to whitey town. Imagine you’re wanting to smoke cannabis but you literally only have some buds and a lighter – nothing else. You don’t have papers, you don’t have a vape, you don’t have other objects, you just have your bare hands. Well, luckily for you, people somehow use their hands to smoke cannabis. Yep. What? It might sound insane but it’s actually just as logical as other smoking methods. However, it might hurt a bit. Simply place a mountain of cannabis buds in your hand and create a vacuum with both hands that is tight enough so little air can get out. But big enough so that you can light the cannabis. Then, light the cannabis and breathe in through a hole in your hand-made bong. It might not be the best hit you’ve ever had, but it’s probably better than nothing…maybe? 6 – Your Hand![]() ConclusionSmoking is an art form and it should be treated as such. Just because the cannabis industry is dominated by glass bongs, electric vapes and smoking accessories, doesn’t mean people should stop being creative. Historic creativity is what made cannabis what it is today. Therefore, if you’re interested in trying something different, then why not attempt smoking out of one of these unorthodox objects? Whilst a few may seem random, pointless and perhaps painful, a couple of them are definitely worth an attempt. Welcome all! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your #1 web source for comprehensive independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Join us whenever you can to stay informed on the quickly-moving worlds of cannabis and psychedelics, and check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you never miss an important story. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post What Are Some of the Weirdest Things You Can Smoke Out Of? appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/03/25/top-7-weirdest-things-to-smoke-out-of/ Everyone wants their weed these days, with all different ways to consume the plant. Some want to smoke it, some want to eat it in edibles, some only want to vape it, some take their bong hits, some rub it on their skin, some put oil under their tongue, and some swallow down tinctures or pills. And if we really want to get down to it, some use suppositories, or nasal sprays, or skin patches as well. At one time in life, things were simpler. And one of the most basic uses of cannabis, was as a tea. Today, you can still enjoy cannabis as a nice hot cup of tea, by brewing it yourself at home. A good old-fashioned weed tea is one of the best ways to enjoy cannabis, whether for medical or recreational purposes. Read on for a great general recipe on how to make it. We’re all about everything that goes on in the cannabis industry, and you can keep on top of the news by subscribing to the THC Weekly Newsletter. Once signed up, you’ll get first access to offers on cannabis products like vapes, edibles, and lots of other paraphernalia! We also provide deals on cannabinoid compounds like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which are in our “Best-of” lists. Please keep in mind… *If you do not feel comfortable with these products, we don’t advise you use them, and instead advise that you only purchase and use products that you feel comfortable with. The history of cannabis teaCannabis has shown up in different time periods, often used in similar ways for treating different things. There are records going back as far as 2737 B.C. in China, when Emperor Shen Neng prescribed the tea to treat gout, rheumatism, malaria, and for poor memory.Around that time, use of cannabis as a medicine spread throughout Asia and the Mid East, into Africa, and India as well. Back then, cannabis could be used for tons of purposes, like during childbirth, ear infections, pain relief and for stress. There are references in in ancient Tai religious texts suggesting that if cannabis is steeped and consumed it can lead to spiritual enlightenment, which speaks to both use with psychological issues, as well as recreational use. Another interesting story to come out of that general region, is of Chinese surgeon Hua Tuo, who gained recognition well beyond China, and who was the first (as far as we know) medical doctor to combine cannabis tea with other things like sedatives or alcohol, for the purpose of surgery, from around 208 AD. In Ancient Greece, both cannabis tea and paste were used to treat animals and people. For example, rags were soaked in cannabis tea and then wrapped around open wounds on legs of horses, marking one of the earliest uses of cannabis as a veterinary medicine. ![]() India also has a tradition with cannabis tea, though its version is a little milkier, and called bhang. Bhang was used for religious and medical purposes, seen as a treatment for headaches, insomnia, sunstroke, lack of appetite, gastro disorders, and pain, including for childbirth. The spiced, milky cannabis drink is not only still drank today, but was the basis for the wording in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs from 1961, which keeps the drink in a legal loophole status. In Ancient Egypt, an ancient text called the Ebers Papyrus from 1550 BC describes a prepertation in which cannabis is made into a tea that’s used for medical purposes. There even seemed to be some kind of understanding of a conversion that had to happen from THCA to THC in order for different benefits to be gained. And this without having any understnidng of how cannabinoids work. In Egypt, cannabis tea was even used in suppositories for the treatment of severe pain and inflammation from hemorrhoids. When Columbus landed in South America in 1492, he brought with him hemp rope, which introduced it to the natives at the time. It became so important in America, that by 1619, the Jamestown Virginia colony had enacted a grow law to ensure that all farmers produced hemp. It was adopted directly into Western medicine in the late 1930’s by William O’Shaughnessy, who incorporated what he learned from being a part of the British East India Company, into his medical practice, even releasing the publication Bengal Dispensatory and Pharmacopoeia in 1842. Benefits of cannabis teaOne of the main benefits of cannabis tea, is that as an edible, it goes through the digestive tract rather than being absorbed into the lungs, and this means the converting of THC to 11-hydroxy-THC which lasts significantly longer (4-6+ hours) than standard smoking (1-2 hours). It’s also thought that the water solubility of 11-hydroxy-THC allows it to pass through the blood brain barrier more easily. Plus, as a tea, it can be slowly ingested to get dosing correct, or as a way to microdose over time. As an edible in general, it comes with the benefit of not being smoked, and not coming with all the issues that smoking comes with. Though this can be horribly misunderstood, it’s not about smoking tobacco which causes the smoking-related health problems, it’s the lighting something on fire and breathing it in. We know this as smoke inhalation, and it gets tied to smoking cigarettes so frequently, as smoking cigarettes is essentially forcing a body to go through constant smoke inhalation. Drinking a tea bypasses this danger entirely. One detraction, is that, much like other edibles, cannabis tea can take time to set in, since it must make it through the digestive tract. However, as a liquid, it can sometimes start a bit sooner, with some saying as quick as 30 minutes after ingestion. This would make it one of the faster working edibles. ![]() Brew your own cannabis teaWe know a few things about cannabis. We know its fat soluble and not water soluble which is important to know when making a cannabis tea, as simply boiling the cannabis in water won’t give the cannabinoids anything to attach to, making it difficult to make a good tea. Even simply boiling it will not be enough to decarboxylate the plant if that’s the desire (though it doesn’t have to be). The decarboxylation process converts THCA to THC, which allows for more psychoactive effects. But THCA also has plenty of health value, so whether the cannabis is decarbed or not, is your personal preference. Tea can be made by simply boiling the cannabis, by boiling the cannabis with an oil, or to make an infused tea with already made cannabis oil or tincture. General recipe – This recipe is basic and calls for the following. It can easily be modified based on what the user is specifically going for. For example, cannabis can be decarbed first, or not. An infused oil can be added, or not. And additional ingredients like honey and lemon can vary, as well as whether those products – like honey – are also infused.
And the steps for use are the following: 1 – Take four cups of water and boil, and once boiling, add tablespoon of butter or coconut oil and let it melt completely, this will allow the cannabinoids to bind to something in the liquid. 2 – Once dissolved, add in ground cannabis into the boiling liquid, and then lower the temperature to a simmer. 3 – Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes. This time period can be lengthened at lower simmering temperatures, in order to preserve more compounds of the plant which can be hurt by high heat. ![]() 4 – When simmering is done, strain out the cannabis matter. You can use cheesecloth, by securing it around the top of the bowl being used with a rubber-band or string. Pour the mixture through the cheesecloth so the weed matter stays on the cloth and the liquid ends up in the bowl/jar/teapot. A metal strainer can be used, but use one with fine straining, as bigger holes will let more particles through. 5 – Add in your teabag for flavor, and any other extra ingredients like mint, lemon, or honey. Not everyone will love the taste of cannabis tea straight, so adding in flavoring might be a good idea for a more enjoyable experience. Steep for a few minutes. This method involves a minor decarb in letting the cannabis simmer with the oil for a period of time, but not at the higher temperatures an oven would use. Conversely, decarbing the cannabis first would create a stronger THC tea, rather than a THCA tea. Or, to use a butter or oil already infused with decarbed cannabis. ConclusionThere are plenty of great products to be bought in life, but sometimes if you really want something done to your own specifications, it means doing it yourself. Cannabis tea is easy enough to make, and can be made by anyone looking to get just medical properties, or for a drink to make them feel really good. The best part of DIY processes? You control the outcome. Enjoy! Welcome to the publication! You’ve arrived at CBDtesters.co, your #1 internet platform for the best all-around independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Join us frequently to stay informed on the quickly-changing landscape of cannabis and psychedelics, and sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you always know what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post DIY Cannabis Tea: It’ll Sooth What Ails You appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/03/25/diy-cannabis-tea-itll-sooth-what-ails-you/ Point blank, flower remains king when it comes to the most popular cannabis products. It’s included in nearly half of all dispensary transactions and makes up a large portion of online sales as well. Also popular are pre-rolled joints, blunts, and cigars, and concentrates like hash and moon rocks. Learn more below and check out some of our amazing deals! SPOTLIGHT PRODUCTS:Let’s start off with the latest deals on some of the top-selling smokable products 20% Off Sour Lifter HHC/THCP Flowers(Get this discount with ‘cbdflowers’ coupon code) This is a unique blend of the Sour Lifter hemp flower strain infused with HHC and THCP. The combination of these cannabinoids should make for a very potent buzz, since both are said to be quite strong when compared to delta 8 and 9 THC. For a strong, yet uplifting high, this strain is a great choice. TIP: Get an extra 20% discount with cbdflowers coupon code!
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ABOUT MEHallo, ik ben Rosalina Klerkx, ik ben een RHIA-gecertificeerde zorgbeheerder met meer dan 6 jaar ervaring in het creëren van een productieve omgeving voor zorgprofessionals. Leiding gegeven aan een team van 12 opname- en verkoopmedewerkers in een instelling voor langdurige zorg met meer dan 170 patiënten. Opstellen van complexe HIPAA-conforme rapporten aan patiëntendienstcoördinatoren in een zorgkliniek. Archives
April 2023
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