Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Go Boston & go Keith or should we call you Keef

bostonfreedomrally

Boston Freedom Rally: New England Gaining Ground

       
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 25th annual Boston Freedom Rally, the two-day celebration of marijuana and protest against marijuana prohibition, held on the Boston Common each September sponsored by MassCann/NORML, the NORML state affiliate in Massachusetts.

I have been attending this event since the mid-1990s, and always look forward to spending time with tens of thousands of like-minded people on the historic Boston Common, enjoying the New England autumn.

The Boston Common is the oldest public park in America, consisting of 50 acres of land in the heart of the city, at the southern foot of Beacon Hill, the site of the Massachusetts Statehouse, and it enjoys a storied past. In the 1630s, the Common was used by several families as a cow pasture. In 1713 it was the site of citizen riots, protesting a food shortage. In 1775, it was used by the British as a staging area from which they left for the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

The Common was used for public hangings until 1817, and has been the site of numerous public protests in modern times. In 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed a crowd on the need for racial justice in the north, as well as the south. In 1969, it was the scene of a massive anti-Vietnam War protest. And in 1979, Pope John Paul II spoke on the Common.

The Boston Freedom Rally, which began in 1989 in North Adams, Mass., moved to Beacon Hill in 1991 and then to the Common in 1992, where it has remained for 23 years, despite a long, tortured history of opposition by city officials and local law enforcement, requiring legal action repeatedly over the years to obtain injunctions forcing the city to approve the required permits for the event.
While some local opposition to this event remains, the sponsors finally appear to have achieved a degree of détente with the local establishment, and this celebration of marijuana appears likely to be around for the foreseeable future.

Like the Seattle Hempfest, this event, which is free to the public, features local and regional bands playing throughout the day on two stages.  Marijuana activists deliver short speeches between bands on both days, providing most groups who are involved in the legalization movement the opportunity to have their time on the stage.

Marijuana smokers, now that we have tasted a bit of personal freedom, are not about to go back into the closet, and we will continue to find comfort in public gatherings with like-minded citizens, to celebrate marijuana and exercise our personal freedom.

For many years, the police would arrest as many as 50 or more attendees each year for marijuana smoking, by sending undercover agents into the crowd, and by establishing an intimidating curtain of police presence surrounding the entire event.

I personally experienced the police presence in 2007, when fellow NORML board member (and High Times associate publisher) Rick Cusick and I were busted for sharing a joint behind the combined NORML/High Times booth. It turned out we were among the last marijuana smokers arrested in Massachusetts, as the state decriminalized minor marijuana offenses the following year.
There were lots of folks openly smoking at the Freedom Rally this year, but I did not see any tickets being issued by the police (possession of up to one ounce currently carries a $100 civil fine, with no arrest or criminal record), who kept a relatively low profile.

At 4:20 on Saturday on the main stage, Rick and I (and others) shared a joint publicly this year, as did tens of thousands of attendees in the crowd, with no law enforcement response. It appears the local police have accepted the reality that marijuana has been decriminalized; and it is clearly not as emotionally rewarding to issue civil citations as it was under prior law to arrest smokers! By decriminalizing marijuana, we have taken the “fun” out of marijuana prohibition for the police.
These outdoor protestivals are always vulnerable to bad weather, and we did experience some significant rain late Saturday afternoon, which drove the sizable crowd running for cover, essentially emptying the Common for the remainder of the first day. But the weather had been delightful earlier in the day, and was beautiful on Sunday, so the crowds had plenty of time to enjoy the music and the speakers and the carnival-like atmosphere, and to relax and enjoy a day in the park.

The event attracts scores of vendors and exhibitors, both food and paraphernalia (lots of glass), as well as those of us who are there to advocate for public policy changes. One noticeable difference this year was the large number of vendors offering products related to making and using wax and concentrates; dabbing has clearly reached the northeast. Also, with the new medical use law in Massachusetts, edibles and their use played a more prominent role than in the past.

The crowds this year were quite large, certainly tens of thousands of people, filling a significant portion of the Common by mid-afternoon, and making it a challenge to traverse the grounds. Marijuana smokers in Massachusetts have a lot to celebrate, with the state having decriminalized marijuana in 2008 and legalized medical use in 2012.

The process for selecting those licensed to grow and sell medical marijuana has been complicated by some irregularities, with questions raised about political favoritism, resulting in some licenses being revoked. Nonetheless, it appears the first of the legal medical dispensaries will be up and running by the spring of 2015. It has taken longer than it should have, but authorized patients in Massachusetts will soon have a safe and convenient source for their legal marijuana.

Now the political debate has moved to the need for full legalization for all adults in the state, regardless of why they smoke, with two competing groups announcing their intent to qualify legalization initiatives for the 2016 ballot. Current polling suggests a legalization proposal would likely win approval from the voters; but, of course, qualifying an initiative for the ballot remains the immediate goal. Hopefully the competing groups will find some common ground and pool their resources and energy to assure Massachusetts joins the growing list of legalization states in 2016.
By the end of the second day, it was time to close down the booth and catch a plane back to Washington DC and reality. But it surely had been personally exhilarating to be part of the public celebration called the Boston Freedom Rally for two days. I would encourage anyone from New England to join us next year for the 26th annual Boston Freedom Rally.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014


Chicago Medical Marijuana

5 Amazing Things You Didn't Know About Marijuana 

It's no coincidence that marijuana legalization support has surged with the growth of social media. The voices of the Reefer Madness era are silenced daily as studies and testimonials continue pouring in about this often misunderstood plant. Ignorance still remains, however, and this fight won't be won without continued education of the masses.



It takes one fact that hits home to sway someone's opinion. Maybe one of the following will do that for you. Here are five things about marijuana you may not have known:

1.  THC and CBD, marijuana's primary cannabinoids, are both cancer killers.

No, I'm not talking about using marijuana to help manage cancer's effects.

 It's actually anti-cancer.

Recent research out of Spain suggests that THC, marijuana's psychoactive ingredient, kills brain cancer cells. Study co-author Guillermo Velasco claims that when THC was applied to cancerous brain tissue, the cancer cells were killed while healthy cells were left alone.

CBD apparently does the same; a pair of scientists from California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco demonstrated the cannabinoid's ability to stop metastasis in many kinds of aggressive cancer.

Imagine if this plant were discovered in a jungle two weeks ago. What would the news be saying? The CBD article goes as far as to say the breakthrough could "potentially alter the fatality of the disease forever." The lack of media coverage for this is astounding, but that doesn't diminish the research.

2. Marijuana triggers neurogenesis. Layman's terms: It leads to brain cell growth.

Wait....marijuana is supposed to kill brain cells, right?
Wrong.

The roots of the marijuana-kills-brain-cells myth are deep despite the lack of credible evidence. The original study supporting this notion is questionable at best and recent research suggests exactly the opposite.

In 2005, a study showed cannabinoids' ability to promote neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, the brain region responsible for many important brain functions including mood and memory. The authors also cited anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects that accompany the neurogenesis. This explains why people across California, Colorado, Washington and other marijuana-friendly states often turn to the herb for a mood-boost instead of pharmaceutical drugs. It also supports research that marijuana helps improve cognitive function in bipolar disorder patients. This brings us to our next fact....

3. Suicide rates are lower in areas where medical marijuana is available. 

A Denver state-level study analyzed the statistical trend of suicide after introduction of medical marijuana.

From the study:

"Our results suggest that the passage of a medical marijuana law is associated with an almost 5% reduction in total suicide rate, an 11% reduction in the suicide rate of age 20-29 males, and a 9% reduction in the suicide rate of 30-39 males."
It's interesting this hasn't become mainstream data in a country so focused on suicide prevention. Not surprisingly, one of the main reasons cited by the study's authors for the decrease was connected to the at-risk population (20 and 30-something males) replacing alcohol with marijuana. This data makes the strictness of Illinois' new medical marijuana policy even more laughable.
"Don't let usage get out of control! Less people might commit suicide!" 
Speaking of marijuana's effects on well-being, I highly recommend this very personal, heart-wrenching article.

But what about the physical effects?

4. There is zero evidence that marijuana causes significant lung damage. 

While vaporization is always touted as the safest method of marijuana ingestion, the largest study of its kind suggested marijuana-only smoking is harmless as well:
"We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between marijuana use and lung cancer, and that the association would be more positive with heavier use. What we found instead was no association at all, and even some suggestion of a protective effect."
The above words come from UCLA Medical Doctor Donald Tashkin, author of the study and marijuana researcher of more than 30 years.
Considering the tar in marijuana smoke was found to contain as many harmful carcinogens as cigarette smoke, this study actually strengthens the notion that marijuana is anti-cancer. The plant itself seems to have an offsetting effect for the harmful properties of smoke.

5. There are two completely different types of marijuana, both with different effects on the user.

One of the biggest mistakes made by people who first try marijuana is immediately thinking that it's "not for them." It certainly isn't for everyone, but what if they  just tried the wrong kind?
There are hundreds of different strains of marijuana, tagged with names like Blue Dream, OG Kush, Trainwreck or Pineapple. All of these are categorized as "Sativa" or "Indica." Here's a simple-as-possible explanation on the difference:

Sativas are usually day-time strains, used to enhance the experience of social events, time in nature or listening to new music. Caregivers often recommend sativa strains for patients seeking relief from depression, PTSD, fatigue and some types of anxiety and pain. Some patients even report positive effects on ADHD while medicating with sativa strains. Although sativas produce an enjoyable effect, they usually are the culprit for an inexperienced user "tweaking out" during one of their first times smoking.

Indicas are often smoked at night due to their narcotic effect on the user. Indica strains are perfect for users suffering from any type of pain, nausea or anxiety. They're also preferable for novice users as they acclimate themselves to the herb. This variety is popular for meditation or yoga due to its mind-calming qualities.

Here is a more extensive explanation on the two categories if you're interested.
Marijuana isn't for everyone. Nothing is for everyone.
But should we be throwing those it is for in cages?
I dare you to say yes.
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-Email me at Jack.Giddingson@gmail.com if there's anything in particular you'd like covered in this blog.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Shout out to one of our Patients



One of our friends, who fights everyday just to enjoy a good quality of life, brought this into us the other day!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Science on CBD's

 

5 Must-Know Facts About Cannabidiol (CBD)



(Photo:Coleen Danger/Flickr)
(Photo:Coleen Danger/Flickr)


 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is quickly changing the debate surrounding the use of marijuana as a medicine.



Most people have heard of a chemical called THC, which is the ingredient in marijuana that gets users high. But recently, attention has shifted to another marijuana compound called CBD. And for good reason.

Because while doctors can’t seem to look past certain side effects of THC, CBD doesn’t seem to present that problem. On the other hand, evidence of CBD’s vast medical potential is mounting.


Here are five facts that you need to know about this unique compound:


1. CBD is a key ingredient in cannabis



CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Of these compounds, CBD and THC are usually present in the highest concentrations, and are therefore the most recognized and studied.

CBD and THC levels tend to vary between different strains and varieties of cannabis. For example, by using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders have managed to create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC.


2. CBD is non-psychoactive



Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. While this makes CBD a poor choice for recreational users, it gives the chemical a significant advantage as a medicine, since health professionals prefer treatments with minimal side effects.

The reason why CBD is non-psychoactive is due to its lack of affinity for CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors are found in high concentrations in the brain, and are the pathways responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC.


3. CBD has a wide range of medical benefits



Despite a different pathway of action, CBD seems to possess many of the same benefits of THC.

According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, studies have found CBD to possess the following medical properties:


Medical Properties of CBDEffects
AntiemeticReduces nausea and vomiting
AnticonvulsantSuppresses seizure activity
AntipsychoticCombats psychosis disorders
Anti-inflammatoryCombats inflammatory disorders
Anti-oxidantCombats neurodegenerative disorders
Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancerCombats tumor and cancer cells
Anxiolytic/Anti-depressantCombats anxiety and depression disorders


 
Unfortunately, most of this evidence comes from animal studies, as very few clinical trials have been conducted on the compound.


4. CBD reduces the negative effects of THC



CBD seems to offer natural protection against the marijuana high. Numerous studies suggest CBD acts to counter the intoxicating effects of THC, including memory impairment and paranoia.

Both CBD and THC have been found to present no risk of lethal overdose. However, to reduce potential side effects, medical users may be better off using cannabis strains with higher levels of CBD.


5. CBD is still illegal



Even though CBD shows much promise as a medicine, it remains illegal in many parts of the world. CBD is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States and a Schedule II drug in Canada.
On the other hand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a pharmaceutical version of CBD, marketed as Epidiolex, for clinical trials in pediatric epilepsy. The trials began earlier this year.

A patent awarded to the U.S. Health and Human Services in 2003 (US6630507) also covers the use of CBD as a treatment for various neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders.


Please note:  This is an article published by http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/23/5-must-know-facts-cannabidiol-cbd/