Prescription Use Declining While Marijuana Use Up

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug and has been for several years. While many use it for personal pleasure, there are also many who use it for medical purposes. Interestingly enough, while the rate of marijuana use has consistently gone up, a national survey also shows a reduced rate of prescription drug use among young adults. According to a new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that the rate of past month’s nonmedical use of prescription drugs among young adults (18-25 years old) in 2012 was 5.3%. This is much lower than 2009’s rate, which was 6.4%. Is there a connection between these two statistics? If so, what could it be?

Health Benefits of Marijuana

First of all, what are the ‘promoted’ health benefits of marijuana? Ancient Indian writings confirm that marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for approximately 4000 years. While there has been no proof that marijuana is actually able to cure anything, some say that marijuana can treat symptoms of pain or nausea that are caused by multiple illnesses.

Marijuana has been known to give people relief from muscle spasms or chronic pain, increase and restore metabolism and suppression from nausea. Marijuana can help AIDS patients with the nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting from the condition itself and medications. Marijuana relieves the internal eye pressure of glaucoma, and therefore relieving the pain and slowing or even stopping the condition. Many side effects of the medication to stop cancer can be relieved with marijuana. Some studies even suggest that marijuana tends to slow down the progress of some types of cancer. In some patients, epileptic seizures can be prevented with marijuana use. Disabled-World.com says that marijuana helps to alleviate the pain caused from many types of injuries and disorders.

Marijuana vs Prescription Drugs

Now, what is the connection between marijuana and prescription drugs? While there have been no studies that have concrete evidence for a theory, there are a few possible reasons. Firstly, the legalization of marijuana took a huge step forward last year when both Colorado and Washington voted to legalize adult social use of marijuana. Prior to this, eighteen states permitted marijuana for medical purposes only. For obvious reasons, the legalization of marijuana for social use is sure to increase the rate.

Secondly, most, if not all, prescription drugs have harmful or painful side effects. Many people use marijuana to deal with these side effects. Some of the most common of these include headaches, stomachaches, joint and muscle pain and decreased control over bodily functions, as well as psychological side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts. In addition, Quest Diagnostics says that most patients about 60% of patients failed to use their prescription drugs as indicated by their ordering physician in 2012. Prescription drug misuse continues to be a healthcare concern for a significant percentage of patients – online weed store usa. This misuse of prescription drugs only intensifies any harmful side effects and can create a serious problem.

Still Much to Learn

For now, the statistics show how the changing levels of usage between different types of drugs. However, the medical field is one in which life-changing discoveries are being made at an exponential pace. New and improved prescription drugs are constantly being made. Perhaps soon there will be some that have no side effects at all. Perhaps doctors will find a way to use marijuana in ways that we haven’t even dreamed. Only time and our scientists will tell.

Marijuana Laws in Utah Regarding Medicinal Use

Marijuana laws throughout the country are being reformed, and some states have even voted to allow the use of cannabis for medical reasons. In Utah, marijuana laws have become even more complex as the state continues to outlaw the drug, but makes certain exceptions for its partial use.

Currently in Utah, parents of children who suffer from severe epilepsy are allowed to legally obtain a marijuana extract that is said the help ease the seizures associated with epilepsy. However, because the production of marijuana and its extract are not legal in Utah, parents have to travel to neighboring states.

Colorado, Nevada and Arizona all have some sort of medical marijuana law in place that allows patients to obtain the substance for various reasons. Under Utah law, the few residents who are able to legally purchase marijuana extract could do so within one of these states. Transporting the cannabis-based medicines back to Utah, however, is an issue.

Marijuana, no matter its use or consistency, still is considered a Schedule I substance under federal law. This means when a parent or caregiver is transporting the substance back into Utah, he or she could be charged with a federal drug trafficking offense. This could carry harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.

Utah Sen. Mark B. Madsen introduced Senate Bill 259 at the beginning of the 2015 legislative session. The bill, which eventually failed by one vote, would have implemented a new medical marijuana plan in the state, allowing patients suffering from AIDS, PTSD, cancer, glaucoma and other disorders to have legal access to medical marijuana.

Even if the bill would have been approved, patients would not have been allowed to smoke or vaporize whole plant cannabis. However, they would have been able to legally access edible medical marijuana products, tinctures and oils for the first time. Now, marijuana remains an entirely illegal substance in Utah.

Marijuana still is considered a controlled substance in Utah, and it is classified under Schedule I. This is on the same level as codeine, morphine, LSD and peyote. Because of this classification, there are various criminal offenses associated with marijuana under state statute 58-37-8.

If a person is in possession of marijuana, no matter if it is considered medicinal in another state, Utah law considers it a crime – online weed store usa. The penalties associated with the offense would be determined by the amount of the substance in possession. Generally, possession of less than one pound would be considered a misdemeanor and more than that would be a felony.

Selling, manufacturing and trafficking all are considered illegal in Utah. This means even if a person can legally purchase medical marijuana in one of the nearby states like Nevada, bringing it into Utah could be considered a state trafficking offense.

As the laws continue to change regarding medical marijuana and cannabis, it is important to know the laws of your home state and neighboring states. Marijuana still is considered illegal in several states throughout the country and on the federal level. If you are charged with a marijuana-related offense, having a drug defense lawyer can make the difference in your case.

Why You Should Consider Quitting Marijuana

There are a million reasons why people should not smoke marijuana. For starters, marijuana contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC but it also contains in excess of 400 additional chemicals too. The marijuana of the 2000’s is much more potent than the marijuana that was smoked back 30 or 40 years ago.

This newer strain of marijuana causes people’s heart and pulse to race, it impairs memory, hinders concentration, and it thwarts coordination and reaction time. In some people marijuana causes anxiety and panic. It is also proven to be psychologically dependent. Those who smoke marijuana develop a tolerance and need more to get the same effect as they once did.

For young people, marijuana is even worse.

Most teens who smoke marijuana lose interest in school and extracurricular activities. This may have a lot to do with the fact that marijuana damages the brain and hinders things such as thinking and comprehension. Teens also have a tendency to experiment further and use other drugs when they start young.

Since marijuana slows reaction times down it is not advised to smoke and drive. Marijuana also tampers with the reproductive system. It causes babies to be premature when the mother smokes it during pregnancy and it causes lower fertility rates in both men and women. In addition, marijuana does damage to both the heart and the lungs.

Marijuana increases the heart rate by up to 50% which can be dangerous. Because marijuana smoke is unfiltered, breathed in deeply and then held in it is more dangerous than cigarettes – buy real marijuana online. Marijuana and its carcinogens can cause cancer. The threat is just as real as it is for smoking cigarettes.

Another problem with marijuana is that it sticks around for a very long time, even after the buzz is gone. Most illicit drugs are out of a person’s system within three days but not marijuana which can hang around for as long as 45 days. THC stores itself in a person’s fat tissues.

It is the natural job of the body to try to remove these chemicals so it converts them into metabolites. This is precisely why it takes so long to be able to test clean for marijuana on a urine test.

Marijuana has an impact on the central nervous system that will attach to the brain’s neurons and plays havoc on their ability to communicate with each other. It is these neurons that are responsible for short-term memory, for example. Out of all the chemicals found in marijuana, THC is the most problematic.

THC actually binds to the cannabinoid receptors and alters coordination, the thought process, and concentration. And that’s not all.

THC upsets the production of different neurotransmitters, which act as messengers in the brain. This can cause the onset of depression, personality disorders, and anxiety. Marijuana also damages a person’s emotions. This is brought about by the euphoric feelings that marijuana causes and why many people who smoke it display a carefree attitude while they are high.

There are countless reasons why a person should quit smoking marijuana. Marijuana causes people to feel sluggish, unmotivated, and often even lazy. People refer to this as feeling “burned out” and it is a syndrome that is all too well-known amongst pot smokers. The feeling of not having any motivation is enough reason for many smokers to stop.

A final thought to keep in mind is that smoking just one marijuana cigarette is the same as smoking between 2.5 and five cigarettes, depending on the potency. This means that it is certain that marijuana smoke can and likely will cause some type of respiratory problems.

Quitting marijuana can be a scary endeavor for some people and even for those who have tried to quit and have failed it is important to know that help is available. Quitting is an option and it can be done successfully.

Charcoal Smokers: The Ultimate 7 Step Buyer’s Guide

Charcoal smokers are becoming increasingly popular as a form of grilling. What’s unique about it that makes it popular is the smoked taste it gives to the meat being cooked in it.

There are a lot of outdoor cookers out in the market. And with so many to choose from, you might not know which one to buy – best pellet smoker reviews. To help you out in choosing the right one for you, here is a simple 7 step buyer’s guide.

1. Area – When buying a charcoal smoker, you should take the area you are planning to place it in to consideration. Depending on how big or how small the area you are planning to set your charcoal smoker up, you can get smokers in varied sizes. Choose the one that fits the area you are planning to place it in.

2. Cooking Capacity – bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Some smokers come in small packages but have a cooking capacity enough to feed the whole family. Depending on how much people you are preparing for, look at the box to see how much it cooks before buying it.

3. Control – Smoking is much better if you are able to control the temperature. If you want something with cooking precision, go for the smokers that would have vents to control the temperature.

4. Multi-tasking smoker – There are a variety of smokers from vertical to horizontal ones. There are even ones that allow you to grill at the same time. Although not everyone wants this feature, it may be just what you are looking for. But if you already have a grill and is just looking for something to smoke foods in, go for the regular one.

5. Ease of use – A lot of food smokers out in the market has their own ergonomic designs for ease of use. Other smokers even have an efficient and easy to use cleaning mechanism. This saves you the hassle of cleaning the smoker after you use it.

6. Prize – A lot of smokers not only vary in size, they also vary in price. The price of a grill smoker depends on the size and its features. You’ll find that the ones with better quality are always priced a bit higher than the generic smokers. Generally, a charcoal smoker can be priced from as low as $50 to as high as $10,000. Choose the one that’s within the budget.

7. Research before buying – There are a lot of resources for you to have an idea which smoker to buy. You can ask a friend who already owns one for tips, or you can just go online to read up on some articles about charcoal smokers. There are a lot of websites that offer reviews on outdoor grilling equipment which give you valuable information to help you in choosing the right charcoal smoker for you.

This is just a simple guide that you can use to help you on deciding which charcoal smoker to buy. There are a lot of other resources that you can give you more valuable information when looking to buy charcoal smokers online.

Is Medical Marijuana Really Medicine Or Just a New Taxable Commodity?

Even if you live in one of the states that hasn’t yet looked into, or already legalized, the use of medical marijuana, there’s no doubt, you’ve probably been hearing some of the talk about it on your nightly news. Currently, fourteen U.S. states have legalized some form of medical marijuana. Thirteen more have legislation pending which could soon make it legal within their boarders. So what’s behind this shift in government policy and public opinion? Why are new signs of acceptance to the legalization of medical marijuana sprouting up almost daily? Can marijuana really be considered medicine and does this budding industry represent new and legitimate money making business opportunities for those looking outside the box for new sources of wealth? Or, is it simply another commodity our state governments can start taxing?

If you take a quick look around, there are many signs that marijuana is slowly creeping into many of the radar screens of the financially strapped States throughout the country who seek new sources of revenue. With so many of our States struggling to balance their books, it appears as if many are looking to the legalization of medical marijuana as a means to generate new tax dollars to help alleviate budget wows.

Just recently, The American Medical Association softened its stance on the drug, recommending that some federal controls on it be relaxed. In addition, the Obama administration has also recently reversed a long standing, Bush era policy and has said it would stop federally prosecuting medical marijuana users and suppliers who comply with their state laws. Is the value of this weed quickly growing?

Now, it seems as if many entrepreneurs are looking at this new industry as a business whose now ready for its’ own “Amazon.com”, and the numbers seem to back this up. Legal or not, marijuana is a huge cash crop. In California alone, marijuana generates annual sales estimated at $14 billion. Now, thanks to the state’s increasingly liberal medical marijuana laws, more of that money, than ever before, is being spent legally. This is creating a demand for many new administrative, legal support and book-keeping businesses, to name a few, which are rapidly stepping up to cash in on this new and growing industry. There is already demand for more education and training in many states that have recently passed medical marijuana laws and entrepreneurs are coming forward with answers.

Despite what your personal thoughts are regarding the legalization of medical marijuana, it is becoming clear that many who were once against it have now changed their views. You may be surprised to find out just who all is supporting this legislation – buy marijuana online. One of the nations top consumer advocates, along with many other prominent politicians, professors and business moguls, have all recently made statements, not only condoning the legalization of medical marijuana, but advocating it. With them, however, there are just as many and more, who still strongly oppose the use of this drug for anything. Legal or not.

At this point, it appears the issue is not if, but when, the use of marijuana as medicine, will become widely accepted across the United States. Just like the Lottery, sweeping across the Nation over the past couple decades, the real question may not be how many States want to legalize medical marijuana, it may be, how many can afford not to? With so many of our States now suffering financially, perhaps what we should really be focussed on is whether or not marijuana is really an effective medicine or if it is just becoming another taxable commodity?

Volcano Vaporizer Review

Smoking marijuana frequently produce a cough from the added inexpert to the very skilled smokers for an attractive superior reason. Sizzling marijuana smoke can be moderately harsh on the throat and lungs produce the coughing retort and the crimson eyes from popping petite blood vessels through that coughing reaction. Burning marijuana also produces a very different odor that few would gaffe for anything else so; it’s hard to conceal use if in a limited space. The lack of cancer causing agents in the smoke does not detract from the quantity of tars that are created by blazing the plant substance and finally inhaling these tars.

Eating marijuana, when properly set can be moderately a skill. It’s said to make more of a body high that seems to roll extra – that is have highs and lows through the exciting stage. Eating marijuana also produces a very wearing consequence in those I know – reliable mail order marijuana . The lack of stimulus and the need to sleep aren’t forever tolerable. Cooking with marijuana is also very point intense and supply intensive. You will locate those growers of marijuana cook with marijuana much more frequently than purchasers of marijuana.

Incomes the vaporizer. Some rapid data on vaporization is in arranged. Vaporization is the procedure of ephemeral heated air during organic fabric heating the cloth enough to free its flavor and active ingredients into a steam or vapor . In vaporization the organic substance is never ignite nor is a blaze present. The air is intense to temperatures between 130 and 230 degrees(c). As the fumes escape from the organic substance they are inhaled or capture for pant.

Arizona Medical Marijuana Laws Update

Under current Federal Law, the use, sale or possession of marijuana (pot), paraphernalia, whether medically prescribed or not, it is still unlawful and carries significant criminal penalties in Arizona. This may change after Arizona voters go to the polls in November 2, 2010 to vote on a popular Medical Marijuana initiative. In the mean-time, criminal charges related to medical marijuana remain a serious offense in Arizona. Currently, there is no distinction in penalties for using medical non-medical or recreational use. As is with DUI charges, Arizona has some of the toughest laws against Marijuana in the Country, even for simple possession.

For now, below are the penalties for Marijuana Possession in Arizona. The Arizona Drug charge classification for a marijuana offense depends mostly on how much of the substance is found in your possession.

If the amount of marijuana is: Then the potential sentence is:

– Less than 2 pounds (not for sale) 1 year in prison (Class 6 felony)
– Between 2 and 4 pounds (not for sale) 1 ½ years in prison (Class 5 felony)
– More than 4 pounds (not for sale) 2 ½ years in prison (Class 4 felony)
– Less than 2 pounds (intent to sell) 2 ½ years in prison (Class 4 felony)
– Between 2 and 4 pounds (intent to sell) 3 ½ years in prison (Class 3 felony)
– More than 4 pounds (intent to sell) 5 years in prison (Class 2 felony)
– Less than 2 pounds (that you produced) 1 ½ years in prison (Class 5 felony)
– 2-4 pounds (that you produced) 2 ½ years in prison (Class 4 felony)
– More than 4 pounds (that you produced) 3 ½ years in prison (Class 3 felony)
– Less than 2 pounds (transporting into AZ) 3 ½ years in prison (Class 3 felony)
– More than 2 pounds (transporting into AZ) 5 years in prison (Class 2 felony

In addition to prison time to your Arizona Marijuana drug sentencing, you will face large fines for your marijuana conviction. The minimum fine you will pay is $750. However, if the value of the marijuana you were caught with exceeds $750, your fine will equal 3 times that amount, not exceeding $150,000.

Due to the fact that Marijuana is legal with restrictions and limitations in 14 other states, many people either view medical marijuana charges as possibly legal or in the least minor criminal charges. However, Arizona law and its prosecution do not view it this way. You may be facing a life changing incarceration and high dollar fines depending on how much was found in your possession.

So for now, in Arizona, if you wish to use medical Marijuana, you have at these three options:

1) Use if you have no other medicinal alternative. But at least understand the extreme risks and harsh penalties, fines and incarceration that still exist in Arizona as a consequence as of this date.

2) Consult your Physician about the possibility of using alternative treatments or medications for relief of your medical symptoms, at least temporarily; wait until after November 2, 2010, when Arizona Voters go to the polls – buy real weed online. Perhaps new Medical Marijuana Laws will be passed in favor of qualified use of medical Marijuana to help relieve the symptoms of your medical condition or illness.

3) Move to any of the following 14 States who have laws either broad or limited legalization of medical Marijuana: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington. All 14 states do require proof of residency in their respective state as a qualifying factor to use medical Marijuana.

The most important thing you can do if you face of Marijuana possession, use, or sale charges or any other type of drug charges in Arizona is to contact an Experienced Arizona Drug Defense Attorney who will defend Arizona Marijuana drug charges and protect your constitutional rights.

Get Medical Marijuana Treatment With A Medical Marijuana Card

We have known marijuana plant as a drug and its use has been prohibited ever since. Despite some reported medicinal properties of marijuana plant, it was not given much attention. Until lately, it is being studied and is seen to cure many diseases that afflict many people around the globe. To be given treatment with marijuana, you must secure first medical marijuana card. In acquiring card, you must ensure that the doctor you contacted for this is a medical marijuana doctor. He should possess a medical marijuana license. Qualified and certified professional doctors will set an appointment with you and make a medical examination to see if you really need to be treated with marijuana. This is done in proper medical marijuana clinic.

Do not be deceived by some companies that provide counterfeit recommendations. You should be able to delineate if you are dealing with the rightful authorities to avoid having problems with the law. If the law finds your card to be not genuine, you are subject for imprisonment or payment of penalties. Therefore, you must not trust any issuing company that transact and gives recommendation only through phone. Be cautious of some companies that issues counterfeit cards. Getting a medical marijuana card involves various steps and quite a long process before you can get an approval. Several forms are to be correctly filled-up and processed before you will be approved to have a medical marijuana card.

Patients with cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, cachexia, multiple sclerosis and those who suffer from severe pain, nausea resulting from chemotherapy for cancer treatment, seizures, and persistent muscle spasm can be legally treated with medical marijuana. It could also be used to treat arthritis, brain injury due to stroke, migraines and eating disorders. When one of these conditions is present, the patient will be issued a medical marijuana card.
You can now legally buy medicines when you already have the card. In Colorado, a law called Amendment 20 was approved that allows a patient to have in his possession up to 2 ounces of medical cannabis and grow up to six plants. Medical cannabis is another term for medical marijuana.

There are already 13 states in the United States of America that have already enacted laws to make the use of marijuana legal. In addition to Colorado, the other states are Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Also, there are now other countries that have also legalized the use of marijuana to treat patients with debilitating conditions. These countries include Canada, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Spain, Finland and Israel.

The laws relating to the legal use of marijuana are subject to certain conditions and limitations so as not to abuse the use of this plant that is recognized to be prohibited in the earlier days – 420 mail order usa. Although many countries have now seen its medicinal effects to persons in very weak conditions, there are still considerable arguments regarding its effectiveness. Some physicians are concern of its possible side effects.

Teenage Marijuana Use

There is a reason marijuana is known as “the gateway drug”. Easily accessible and considered by many adults to be relatively harmless, many teenagers who find they like the high marijuana provides will move on to other, even more serious drugs.

Many who think of marijuana as a “harmless” drug, do so because when they think of the drug, they are thinking of the marijuana they may have smoked back in the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s. However, selective breeding and sophisticated growing techniques over the past twenty years, including hydroponics and special lighting systems means today’s marijuana is much different today.

The active ingredient in marijuana is Delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.This is the chemical that gives marijuana users their high.

In the 1960′s marijuana contained about 1% THC. In the 1970′s it was up to 4%.Today’s marijuana contains at least 10% THC, if not more. That means most of the marijuana being smoked by teens today is at least ten times more potent than what their parents may have smoked when they were teenagers.

Few teenagers will put themselves in the position of being around their parents when they are high – thc cartridge . However, there are other indicators of a teen smoking pot. Parents who suspect their teenager is using marijuana should keep their eyes open for these indicators.

  • rolling papers
  • hash pipes
  • small plastic bags with remnants of dried marijuana leaves
  • remnant seeds in pockets
  • the “sweet” odor of marijuana smoke on clothes, bedroom, or car
  • lighters or matches
  • use of the word pot, or 420 (nicknames for marijuana)

Cigarettes are also a good indication of teenage marijuana use. Many teens begin cigarette smoking to hide the smell of marijuana smoke, or to explain the presence of matches or lighters in their possession.

More Marijuana Questions

Does Marijuana Lead to Harder Drugs?

This is a loaded question. (No pun) The way this one is always phrased makes marijuana out to be a “soft drug”. All drugs have their own problematic side effects and marijuana is no exception. But of the many thousands of drugs out there, smoked marijuana is far above even the half-way mark for being dangerous. It IS a harder drug.

That being said, does marijuana lead someone to use other drugs considered more harmful or more addicting? I don’t think anyone can prove that smoking marijuana actually causes someone to move on to drugs like heroin or cocaine. However…

It is easy to show that most users of cocaine, heroin and ecstasy used marijuana first. The most likely explanation for this being that when the buzz from the weed became less exciting, the other drugs became more attractive. It is also true that being around a lot of pot smokers and dealers will expose someone to other substances they might never have had an opportunity to use otherwise.

Does Smoking Marijuana Cause Cancer?

No one knows for sure what causes cancer to develop. We do know what increases the chances of getting it, though – weed for sale. Chemicals called carcinogens. These irritating substances, when present in a person’s environment or ingested by smoking or eating, greatly increase the likelihood of malignancies forming in the body.

There are significantly more of these carcinogens in marijuana smoke than in cigarette smoke.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started