Elevate and Evolve | Cannabis & Psychedelic Culture Blog
A classic Joey Diaz moment on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast gets animated. Joey is tired but still makes the long late night drive to Joe’s studio to record an episode.
The pre game ritual is to stimulate the mind by getting high as fuck. Joey isn’t too happy when the Susquehanna smoke session is over, and he’s not as stoned as he expects to be.
Jamaica’s first medicinal marijuana company, Medicanja, launched at the start of 2014 against a backdrop of reinvigorated debate around ganja law reform among leading policymakers.
The renowned Jamaican scientist Dr. Henry Lowe, a leader in THC studies for medical purposes, is running the company with the University of West Indies and the University of Technology jointly funding the facility. In addition to studying the scientific benefits of marijuana, Dr. Lowe says the company will produce CBD-based medical products, which fall under legally accepted medicinal use of the ganja plant. Lowe says the plant extract can be used to treat psychosis and severe pain, as well as mid-life crises in men.
It’s been eight months since I last wrote about medical marijuana, apologizing for having not dug deeply into the beneficial effects of this plant and for writing articles dismissing its potential.
I apologized for my own role in previously misleading people, and I feel very badly that people have suffered for too long, unable to obtain the legitimate medicine that may have helped them.
There is emerging science that not only shows and proves what marijuana can do for the body but provides better insights into the mechanisms of marijuana in the brain, helping us better understand a plant whose benefits have been documented for thousands of years. This journey is also about a Draconian system where politics override science and patients are caught in the middle.
Since our documentary “Weed” aired in August 2013, I have continued to travel the world, investigating and asking tough questions about marijuana.
I have met with hundreds of patients, dozens of scientists and the curious majority who simply want a deeper understanding of this ancient plant. I have sat in labs and personally analyzed the molecules in marijuana that have such potential but are also a source of intense controversy.
I have seen those molecules turned into medicine that has quelled epilepsy in a child and pain in a grown adult. I’ve seen it help a woman at the peak of her life to overcome the ravages of multiple sclerosis.
I am not backing down on medical marijuana; I am doubling down.
I should add that, although I’ve taken some heat for my reporting on marijuana, it hasn’t been as lonely a position as I expected. Legislators from several states have reached out to me, eager to inform their own positions and asking to show the documentary to their fellow lawmakers.
One place where lawmakers saw a long clip was Georgia, where the state House just passed a medical marijuana bill by a vote of 171-4. Before the legislative session started, most people didn’t think this bill had a chance.
Along the way, the public has become intensely engaged. Our collective society has paid closer attention to this issue than ever before, and with that increased education, support for medical marijuana has only grown, including in some unexpected places.
Pete Carroll, the coach of the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks, said the NFL should explore medical marijuana if it helps players. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hasn’t dismissed the idea, saying that if marijuana is reconsidered by the medical establishment, the league would treat it the same as any other medicine. Goodell also says the NFL is following the science that suggests marijuana may help recovery from concussions.
Recently, I had the chance to tell him that the United States already holds a patent on medical marijuana for that very purpose. Patent No. 6630507: Cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke or trauma.
However, this particular issue still bothers me: How can the government deny the benefits of medical marijuana even as it holds a patent for those very same benefits? Members of the Food and Drug Administration declined my repeated requests for an interview.
This past year, President Barack Obama told the New Yorker magazine, “I don’t think (marijuana) is more dangerous than alcohol.” And yet, as alcohol remains available to any adult, the president has not moved to remove marijuana from the list of the most tightly controlled substances in the country.
Since I started my reporting on this topic, I have mostly resisted temptation to inject a subjective moral equivalency into this discussion, such as pitting alcohol against marijuana or reminding you that cocaine and methamphetamine are actually more available than marijuana to patients, physicians and medical researchers: They are Schedule II drugs, with recognized medical uses. Or telling you that on average, a person dies every 19 minutes in this country from a legal prescription drug overdose, while it is virtually unheard-of to die from a marijuana overdose.
> Dr. Gupta: ‘I am doubling down’ on medical marijuana | CNN
Hemp seed is considered a ‘superfood’ for many reasons and scientists are continuing to discover new benefits of the seed and its derivatives.
The American Chemical Society published a January 2014 paper that revealed “just how many healthful compounds hemp seed oil contains.”
But while research may still be evolving, it turns out that hemp seed has had a long history as a health food. Here are the most notable health benefits that hemp seeds may offer:
Hemp seed has high levels of fiber and vitamins A, C, and E.
The hemp seeds contain tocopherol, which is known to have benefits in Alzheimer’s and atherosclerosis, and phytol, which has both anticancer and antioxidant properties.
It is also rich in minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, and has modest levels of iron and zinc.
Studies suggest hemp seed and hemp seed oil can help break down cholesterol as well as prevent problems caused by high cholesterol, including blood clotting.
Dietary hemp seed oil has shown to improve clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
A 2005 study concluded that its cholesterol and skin benefits were both due to “the balanced and abundant supply of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in this hemp seed oil.”
Hemp seed oil contains a 3:1 ratio of the two essential fats: omega-6 and omega-3.
This is the ideal ratio recommended by WHO and Health Canada for cardiovascular health. No other nut or vegetable oil contains this ratio.
Hemp seed’s fat profile is believed to help prevent a variety of heart conditions.
A 2007 study concluded hemp seed can prevent blood clotting, which “may be of benefit in the protection against clot-induced strokes and myocardial infarctions.”
Another study concluded that hemp seed may offer significant protection against stroke.
Finally, the American Chemical Society analysis concluded that the high levels of α-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fat) in hemp seed “may have favorable nutritional implications and beneficial physiological effects on the prevention of coronary heart disease and cancer.”
The same analysis concluded that the level of γ-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fat) in hemp seed “provides it with a high pharmaceutical value for degenerative chronic diseases.”
According to the authors, these may include atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or certain types of cancer.
Hemp seed contains a variety of plant sterols and alcohols that are known to reduce inflammation, which is a factor in a wide range of diseases.
> 9 Surprising Health Benefits Of Hemp Seeds | Leaf Science
A study by the University of Colorado Denver and Montana State University shows that laws legalizing Medical Marijuana have resulted in a nearly 9 percent drop in traffic deaths and a 5 percent reduction in beer sales.
The study is the first to examine the relationship between the legalization of Medical Marijuana and traffic deaths.
Our research suggests that the legalization of medical marijuana reduces traffic fatalities through reducing alcohol consumption by young adults. – Daniel Rees, Professor of Economics at the University of Colorado Denver, who co-authored the study with D. Mark Anderson, Assistant Professor of Economics at Montana State University.
We were astounded by how little is known about the effects of legalizing medical marijuana, so we looked into traffic fatalities because there is good data, and the data allow us to test whether alcohol was a factor. – Daniel Rees
Anderson noted that traffic deaths are significant from a policy standpoint:
Traffic fatalities are an important outcome from a policy perspective because they represent the leading cause of death among Americans ages five to 34.
The economists analyzed traffic fatalities nationwide, including the 13 states that legalized medical marijuana between 1990 and 2009. In those states, they found evidence that alcohol consumption by 20- through 29-year-olds went down, resulting in fewer deaths on the road.
Our results suggest a direct link between marijuana and alcohol consumption. – D. Mark Anderson
“Medical Marijuana Laws, Traffic Fatalities, and Alcohol Consumption” can be found here.
> Medicinal Marijuana Reduces Traffic Fatalities | UC Denver
Public perception of cannabis is changing, it’s time to identify people who have used cannabis and achieved high levels of success or influence.
This list of stoners is based on “power to influence cultural and social attitudes, political clout, individual wealth, and a person’s media profile” – not just on popularity or support for marijuana policy reform.
For more public endorsements of cannabis, check out our list of influential people who actively support decriminalization.
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Jon Stewart, The Daily ShowDo you know how many movies I wrote when I was high? – The Daily Show |
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Bill Gates, MicrosoftAs for drugs – well, Gates was certainly not unusual there. Marijuana was the pharmaceutical of choice… – Bill Gates Biography |
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Lebron James, NBA SuperstarJames also revealed he and his teammates smoked marijuana one night after getting access to a hotel room in Akron. – ESPN |
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George Clooney, ActorThe owner of a local cannabis café told reporters George Clooney was no stranger there. – The Weed Blog |
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David Letterman, Late ShowI went through one period when I smoked a surprising, a really breath-taking, amount of grass almost every night. – Cannabis Culture |
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Robert Downey Jr, ActorRobert Downey Jr. said he started smoking weed at age 8. – NBC New York |
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Hugh Hefner, PlayboySmoking helped put me in touch with the realm of the senses. – Drug Policy |
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Stephen Colbert, The Colbert ReportFirst, [in high school], I smoked a lot of pot…and that’s how I got to know the people ‘half in’ the society of my high school and we waved at each other over the bong. Then I got to know people by making jokes. – SF Chronicle |
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Rihanna, SingerKush rolled, glass full… I prefer the better things! – Daily Mail |
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Johnny Depp, ActorI’m not a great pothead or anything like that… but weed is much, much less dangerous than alcohol. – Playboy |
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Oliver Stone, DirectorI went to Vietnam, and I was there for a long time. [Using marijuana] made the difference between staying human or, as Michael Douglas said, becoming a beast. – The Raw Story |
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Bill Maher, Real TimeLook, I have never made a secret of the fact that I have tried marijuana… About 50,000 times. – Youtube |
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Morgan Freeman, ActorNever give up the ganja. – The Guardian |
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Angelina Jolie, ActressThe one that has the worst effect for me was pot. I felt silly and giggly – I hate feeling like that. – Metro |
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Snopp Dogg, RapperIt makes me feel the way I need to feel. – Esquire |
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Matt Damon, ActorThe first time I smoked was at home with my mother and step-father. – Weed Quotes |
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Barack Obama, PresidentWhen I was a kid, I inhaled frequently. That was the point. – Youtube |
> Top 50 Most Influential Marijuana Users | Marijuana Policy Project
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a genetic eye disease that leads to severe vision loss and blindness. The disease affects 1 in 4,000 people and worsens as cells in the retina, called photoreceptors, die off.
But a study published in Experimental Eye Research shows the chemicals in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, may slow down this retinal degeneration.
Using a synthetic form of THC, the compound responsible for cannabis’ high, researchers at the University of Alicante in Spain were able to prevent vision loss in rats with the disorder.
The data suggests that cannabinoids are potentially useful to delay retinal degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa patients. – Dr. Nicolás Cuenca, Study’s Lead Author.
At the end of 90 days, rats that received treatment performed better on vision tests and had 40% more photoreceptors than untreated rats. THC also seemed to protect a number of other eye structures, including inner layers of the retina.
Although encouraging, the results were not much of a surprise.
As the team notes, cannabinoids have shown promise in treating a variety of degenerative disorders, ranging from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to Strokes.
They’re even seeing use in other vision related problems, such as Glaucoma.
While the latest study did not look at the mechanisms underlying the benefits of cannabinoids in Retinitis Pigmentosa, the authors conclude that further research is required.
> Marijuana Stops Vision Loss | Smell the Truth
The legalization of marijuana is moving forward and picking up steam when the president openly admits that cannabis is not as dangerous as alcohol.
When faced with these types of questions in front of an informed public, our federal representatives risk looking like jack asses if they let their biases lead to uninformed responses. DEA Chief, Michelle Leonhart, has already been labeled as a jack ass for her inability to admit that cannabis is less dangerous than heroin.
The argument of cannabis vs alcohol is another landslide victory; for anyone keeping score cannabis is safer than alcohol, cigarettes and…oh yea, heroin.
Ever since Reefer Madness, myths and rumors about the negative health effects of marijuana have crowded out actual scientific evidence about pot.
But new research is telling us that marijuana use is actually much healthier and better for your body than alcohol consumption!
Medical marijuana for kids is a touchy subject at the moment because of cannabis’ history as a schedule 1 drug.
Many people are still informing themselves on the topic but those that are experiencing the wonder first hand know that medical marijuana is a viable alternative to harsh treatments.
The evidence speaks for itself and it will only be a matter of time until science echoes what we already know. These Medical Marijuana success stories are now being covered by mainstream media. and although many doctors don’t agree with the treatment some have made a full 180 on the subject like Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
Kyung Lah (CNN) reports on a 6-year-old epilepsy patient who has been suffering fewer seizures since taking medical marijuana.
A little girl with a rare form of cancer in Oregon uses medical marijuana as part of her treatment.
Parents decide to use cannabis to treat their autistic son.
Cannabis is becoming a bigger part of mainstream culture, with more states legalizing the drug for medical use. Colorado and Washington have legalized recreational marijuana, and other states like Alaska and California have signaled they will consider expanded legalization too.
Take a look back at the divergent paths cannabis, and tobacco have taken in public policy and pop culture.
> Marijuana and tobacco: How times have changed | USA Today
In 1937, Popular Science published an article called “Hemp: The New Billion-Dollar Crop” that listed over 25,000 potential uses for the plant.
While this ancient crop has recently started to gain popularity around the world, it still hasn’t received the attention it deserves.
A Colorado company is using hemp to fight the spread of staph infections in hospitals. The plan is to offer antibacterial hemp fabric as a replacement for traditional cotton and polyester fabrics, where bacteria are known to survive for up to months at a time.
Various chemicals found in both hemp and cannabis have been shown to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. EnviroTextile’s hemp fabric is still in development, but has already shown promise in early lab tests.
Insulation made from hemp is quickly becoming a popular eco-friendly alternative to traditional insulation materials like mineral wool.
Not only is hemp a more sustainable raw material, but the final product is also carbon-negative. That means it has the ability to absorb more greenhouse gases over its lifetime than emitted during the production process.
The production of mineral wool, on the other hand, contributes greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. A recent study compared the two insulation materials head-to-head and concluded that hemp was the more sustainable choice.
Hemp has also found its way into concrete mixes. Hempcrete can be used for a variety of construction needs, from walling to roof insulation to flooring.
On top of being carbon-negative, hempcrete is said to be easier to work with and has natural insulating and moisture regulating properties. Hemp bricks also lack the brittleness of traditional concrete and thus do not require expansion joints.
The Lotus Eco Elise is the eco-friendly hemp version of the popular Elise sports car (Photo: Cate Gillon/Getty Images)
Hemp composite can be found in cars made by Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Mercedes, Lotus and Honda, among many others. Biocomposite made from hemp fiber is just as strong as fiberglass, but incredibly lightweight.
All-electric cars like the BMW i3 are especially reliant on it. BMW was able to shed about 10% of weight from the i3′s door panels by using hemp composite instead of traditional materials.
With fuel economy becoming a primary focus of all car makers, hemp composite will only become more common in cars in years to come.
Graphene is often touted as the future of nanotechnology, and the thinnest, strongest, and lightest material ever made. But how does hemp compare? Apparently, it’s even better.
Earlier this year, chemical engineers from the University of Alberta turned hemp fiber into a nanomaterial with similar properties as graphene, but a much lower price tag.
What’s more, when it comes to making energy storage devices like batteries and supercapacitors, the hemp nanomaterial showed “superior electrochemical storage properties” compared to graphene.
Research is still in its early stages, but if the results hold, hemp could eventually be used for a wide range of nanotechnology applications, from flashlights to solar cells.
> Top 5 Most Innovative Uses For Hemp | Leaf Science
It is well known that Bob Dylan fully turned The Beatles on to cannabis.
In 1964 they were introduced by a mutual friend, the writer Al Aronowitz, at a New York Hotel. Upon arriving at The Beatles’ suite that evening, Dylan asked for cheap wine, and during the wait Dylan suggested they have a smoke.
The Beatles looked at each other apprehensively. “We’ve never smoked marijuana before,” the Beatles manager, Brian Epstein finally admitted.
Dylan looked disbelievingly from face to face. “But what about your song?” he asked. The one about getting high?”
The Beatles were stupefied. “Which song?” John managed to ask.
Dylan said, “You know…” and then he sang, “and when I touch you I get high, I get high…”
John flushed with embarrassment. “Those aren’t the words,” he admitted. “The words are, ‘I can’t hide, I can’t hide, I can’t hide…” – Peter Brown, The Love You Make
After the room was secured, Dylan rolled the first joint and passed it to Lennon. He immediately gave it to Ringo Starr, whom he called “my royal taster”. Not realizing the etiquette was to pass it on, Starr finished the joint and Dylan and Aronowitz rolled more for each of them.
The Beatles spent the next few hours in hilarity, looked upon with amusement by Dylan. Brian Epstein kept saying, “I’m so high I’m on the ceiling. I’m up on the ceiling.”
Paul McCartney, meanwhile, was struck by the profundity of the occasion, telling anyone who would listen that he was “thinking for the first time, really thinking.”
By the time they came to make Help! in 1965, The Beatles’ cannabis use had reached a peak. It affected their songwriting, which became mellower and more introspective. During the filming of Help! they were often stoned on set, which caused them to forget their lines.
The Beatles had gone beyond comprehension. We were smoking marijuana for breakfast.
We were well into marijuana and nobody could communicate with us, because we were just glazed eyes, giggling all the time. – John Lennon
Cannabis had a significant effect on The Beatles’ music. It found its way into a number of songs:
Described by Paul McCartney as “an ode to pot”
This track was condemned in some quarters due to its reference to getting high.
On 24 July 1967 The Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein added their names to an advertisement which appeared in the Times newspaper calling for the legalization of cannabis.
Sponsored by a group called Soma, the advertisement also demanded the release of all people imprisoned due to cannabis possession, and further research into the drug’s medical uses.
> The Beatles and Drugs | The Beatles Bible
