Science

The science behind kratom [leaf]

“There’s a very big obsession, I would say, in the field of getting rid of the addictive properties, but I think what we should focus on is just not killing people to start with [HERE]. If you get rid of respiratory depression [caused by traditional and synthetic opiates], you’re saving 18,000 lives a year from…

READ MORE
Politics

How marijuana is going to become bipartisan

When Jeff Sessions became attorney general, he had two main policy goals: [one was to] restart the war on drugs. But Jeff Sessions is… also bringing Democrats and Republicans together — to oppose him.​Today, June 7th, 2018, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (a Democrat) and Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner (a Republican) introduced a bill called the Strengthening the…

READ MORE
Psychology

With the rise of legal weed, drug education moves from ‘don’t’ to ‘delay’

Drug prevention education in schools has evolved significantly since the “Just Say No” days of the ’80s — and now typically takes an approach that’s more appropriate for the era of ubiquitous weed access. It’s one that emphasizes decision-making and critical thinking skills instead of abstinence. One approach is… an evidence-based course of study that…

READ MORE
Medicine/Healing

(Federal) Right To Try act (signed) into law, opening door for medical marijuana, ecstasy (MDMA) and magic mushrooms

The signing of the bill follows a 250 to 169 vote in the House of Representatives yesterday [Tuesday, May 29th, 2018), and a unanimous vote in the Senate in August. The new law allows those with a life-threatening disease or condition to use an “eligible investigation drug” that has not received full approval from the…

READ MORE
Medicine/Healing

Scientists call on FDA to regulate, not ban, kratom

In its most recent announcement, the FDA cited 44 reported deaths associated with kratom use as further evidence of its dangers. According to Oliver Grundmann, a research professor at the University of Florida, the FDA’s report “cannot be supported by any reasonable scientific or medical standard.” “Unlike overdose deaths that are rightly attributed to classical…

READ MORE