Marijuana Blog

There are a lot of people that want marijuana to be legalized. But what most people don't really understand is the weight that legalizing marijuana comes with. While most view it as a very positive change, there are others that are skeptical and believe that legalization may be bad news for pot smokers everywhere. There is a huge difference between decriminalization and legalization and there are pros and cons to each of them.

 

 Decriminalization would allow for people to still get tickets and such if caught with it but not arrested. Basically, it means that we wouldn't be criminals. People wouldn't go to jail for smoking a joint. Smokers would still have to take precautions but we would be able to control the majority of the marijuana, much like it is now. The perfect example is California. They have it pretty much perfect. While the plant isn't illegal there, they haven't made it legal either. There are dispensaries and doctors write prescriptions for people to be able to medicate the best way that they see possible.

 

 Legalization poses a large problem, which we are already starting to see take form in some of the states that have been less harsh with the laws. The biggest concern that stoners have about legalizing fully is the fact that the government might release standard marijuana, much like generic sugar. It'll be a generalized strain. There will be no differences in tastes, looks, or quality. You will always get the same weed. Since breeding higher quality plants is a living for some people, a standard strain of marijuana could destroy a lot of lives. Not only that, but some patients need more or less THC/CBD in order to feel better. If the strain of bud is just general, some patients may continue to suffer. However, being able to smoke whenever and where ever could be awesome for stoners everywhere. Never having to hide our smoking habits again? Sign me up!

A new study being published in next month’s issue of the journal Biochemical Society Transactions, and published online early by the National Institute of Health, has found that the brain’s endocannabinoid system – which is activated through cannabis use – has neuroprotective and immunomodulatory capabilities, and may lead to the growth of stem cells.

 

“Activation of cannabinoid receptors suppresses chronic inflammatory responses through the attenuation of pro-inflammatory mediators”, states the study’s abstract. “Moreover, the endocannabinoid system directs cell fate specification of NSCs (neural stem cells) in the CNS (central nervous sytem)”.

 

According to researchers; “Pharmacological blockade of CB1 and/or CB2 cannabinoid receptors abolish or decrease NSC proliferation, indicating a critical role for both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the proliferation of NSC via IL-1 signalling pathways.”

 

They conclude; “Thus the endocannabinoid system, which has neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions mediated by IL-1 signalling cascades in the brain, could assist the process of proliferation and differentiation of embryonic or adult NSCs, and this may be of therapeutic interest in the emerging field of brain repair.”

 

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Not everything is read over the internet. There are still books out there that definitely deserve to be read, especially those relating to cannabis. If you're growing, cooking, or just want to know some new facts, it won't hurt to pick up a paperback rather than heading right for Google. Here's five books that you should have already read or should read, relating to our favorite plant.

 

1. The Cannabis Grow Bible

New growers and seasoned harvesters alike will be in love with the information in these pages. The Cannabis Grow Bible will help you with any grow questions that you have, including hydroponic growing. Complete with illustrations, this book will get your grow on track!

 

2. If A Peacock Finds A Potleaf

This children's book made quite a splash when released but is one of the most popular cannabis reads ever. Designed to teach children about the benefits and wonders of medical marijuana, this book is an easy tool for toker parents to use when explaining cannabis to their kids.

 

3. The Little Black Book Of Marijuana

I own this book and let me tell you, it's awesome! Tiny and compact so you can take it with you, this little spout of information contains recipes, law information, and cool little bits of 420 humor.

 

4. Weed-O-Pedia

This book contains marijuana culture references from a-z. It's funny and educational, teaching the reader how cannabis has changed and evolved. Complete with photos, this gem definitely belong on your coffee table/bookshelf/where ever it is that you keep your reads!

 

5. The Emperor Wears No Clothes: The Authoritative Historical Record of Cannabis and the Conspiracy Against Marijuana

Written by the amazing Jack Herer, The Emperor Wears No Clothes is a documentation of the history of cannabis. The book documents the war on the plant, from the medical perspective as well as the industrial aspect.