MJ Reports, Legalizing CBD, Mandatory Sentence Attitudes, Phone Apps for Recovery
Reports on medical and recreational marijuana and their business aspects frpm Darryl, who spoke recently at a conference in Hawaii. Utah is in the process of legalizing the medical use of “Charlotte’s Web,” the compound made of non-psychotropic molecules from marijuana. Pew Research released a report showing that public views on mandatory drug sentences have changed, with more than half now saying they should be modified and reduced, and wanting to see more treatment available. A Virginia-based company received FDA approval for an automatic injector of the opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, specifically tested and intended for use by caregivers, family members, or coworkers. And a new smartphone app for alcoholics in recovery, nicknamed A-CHESS, is being being developed and tested by the University of Wisconsin in Madison and others.
What is Addiction?
The recent interview with Columbia psychology professor Dr Carl Hart launched us off into a lively and wide-ranging discussion of – what is an addictive drug, and how do we define addiction. LSD is being studied again as a treatment tool for a number of psychological condition including anxiety. Marijuana stories continue, with more on super-potent forms, like “wax” and also more about the key medicinal component of pot, the CBD molecule. And more about heroin, and the super-powerful designer version, based on the pharmaceutical Fentanyl.
Will new stronger hydrocodone add to opiates/heroin epidemic? The VA and Pain Mgmt, Nicotine as medicine, Tylenol tied to ADHD
Several treatment professionals are so worried about Zohydro, the newly released much stronger opiate, that they are petitioning the FDA to pull it. Also is the VA making more opioid addicts with its approach to pain treatment for soldiers? Some interesting new studies are showing that nicotine can be valuable as a treatment for such conditions as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, ADHD and learning problems. Seminars for marijuana entrepreneur are cropping up, discussing marketing and local laws as well as new extract methods like “wax” which also has the DEA’s attention – its the the latest form of super-powerful THC extract. And one girl scout with a bit of entrepreneurial spirit set up her Girl Scout cooke table outside a medical marijuana dispensary. Her success story went viral!
Strange Addictions, Meth for a Tip, Obama’s MJ Alcohol Comment, Sizzurp
Strange addictions point up the fact that addictions are not just to drugs, and not just for pleasure. An Oregon couple found out its not a good idea to leave a bag of meth for a tip, especially if you have a meth lab nearby. We also look at the implications of President Obama’s recent comment that pot is no worse than alcohol. And sizzurp aka purple drank in the news again, thanks for Justin Bieber.
MJ News Redux, Neanderthal Genes and Addiction/Disease, Strange Addiction of Week
Marijuana stories continue to dominate the news. Stories on the Super Bowl NFL players and pot, anti-MJ ads on Super Bowl, AJ Holder comments on ease banking restrictions for marijuana businesses, big investors meet in Las Vegas to discuss strategies for investing (lots) in the emergent pot industry, and marijuana enters county fairs competion. And the strange addiction this week is trying to look like Justin Bieber – strange indeed!
Heroin, Energy Drink Ban, Fingertip Drug Testing, AA vs Addiction Docs
Heroin is at epidemic levels in Vermont and a major concern, says its governor … Vermont and other small states have a greater per capita heroin problem than big cities, and overdose deaths have increased dramatically. Also, calls for banning of Monster Energy Drink, following a 19 year old’s death, and increased emergency room caffeine poisonings cases. Using the sweat from fingertips is the latest innovation in drug testing. And a discussion on the ongoing conflict between subscribers to the AA model of recovery vs. addiction doctors and their adherents. Also “amnesty boxes in Denver airport for MJ, and more on e-cigarettes, which have been banned in some places.