Drugs

Augustine Sedgewick’s ‘Coffeeland’ – The Atlantic

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Review: Augustine Sedgewick’s ‘Coffeeland’ – The Atlantic

Coffee owes its global ascendancy to a fortuitous evolutionary accident: The chemical compound that the plant makes to defend itself against insects happens to alter human consciousness in ways we find desirable, making us more energetic and industrious—and notably better workers. That chemical of course is caffeine, which is now the world’s most popular psychoactive drug, used daily by 80 percent of humanity. (It is the only such drug we routinely give to our children, in the form of soda.) Along with the tea plant, which produces the same compound in its leaves, coffee has helped create exactly the kind of world that coffee needs to thrive: a world driven by consumer capitalism, ringed by global trade, and dominated by a species that can now barely get out of bed without its help.

Why the Feds Still Use ‘Marihuana’ Spelling

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Why the Feds Still Use ‘Marihuana’ Spelling

"Marijuana" and "marihuana" were both used in Mexican Spanish speech at the time, and so US anti-drug officials decided to hijack both spellings to turn people off to smoking pot by "[exploiting] prejudice against despised minority groups, especially Mexican immigrants," medical marijuana activist Martin Lee notes in a 2013 book he wrote on the subject. Maybe by chance, the "h" spelling ended up being the version that landed in the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, as well as in the Controlled Substances Act decades later. So why did the "h" start getting phased out in the '60s? Experts aren't sure, but one theory is that as more Americans caught on to the pronunciation of Spanish words, the "j" became more commonplace. The Post notes that even "marijuana" may be falling out of grace, with drug advocates and researchers pushing to go back to the simple and non-loaded "cannabis." (Read more marijuana stories.)

Marijuana Legalization

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Lately in our country, there has been a major push to legalize all kinds of formally banned substances and practices, in order to increase government revenue. The latest has been marijuana, with Massachusetts recently allowing heavily regulated businesses to sell over-priced recreational cannabis to consumers.

The stinky weed, can now be lawfully purchased in Massachusetts, although it would still be illegal to bring across state lines under federal law or possess in New York, at least for now. That’s expected to change. But just because something is lawful, does it mean one should smoke it? I say no.

For one, legal pot in Massachusetts is still very expensive for what you get. A joint or maybe two small ones, which is about a gram for $15-20 is pretty expensive. Even in a high-tax state like New York, a pack of 20-good quality regular cigarettes is less then that. Maybe only a few puffs is necessary for a non-user to get it’s mind-bending effects, but it’s still incredibly stinky nasty stuff, that certainly is no more healthy then smoking cigarettes. I know I’m not willing to spend that kind of money to just burn up.

I concede a drag on a regular cigarette or pint of beer once and while, isn’t the greatest expense ever. When the national ban on marijuana comes to an end, maybe prices will fall lower. That will be bad for people who abuse pot and consume large quantities of it, but it also might make it more affordable and in the reach of the rest of us.

Even with cheaper, legal pot, I really doubt I would ever smoke much. I don’t need the high from drugs, I don’t need the cost. But I think it might be fun on a long weekend, camping up in the wilderness, to have a toke or two. It might open my mind up to new experiences, find a new sense of relaxation. I’m certainly not rushing out to buy cannabis products at current prices but it’s something I’ll continue to monitor as the laws change.

Smokey Campfire

NPR

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‘Poisoner In Chief’ Details The CIA’s Secret Quest For Mind Control : NPR

uring the early period of the Cold War, the CIA became convinced that communists had discovered a drug or technique that would allow them to control human minds. In response, the CIA began its own secret program, called MK-ULTRA, to search for a mind control drug that could be weaponized against enemies.

MK-ULTRA, which operated from the 1950s until the early '60s, was created and run by a chemist named Sidney Gottlieb. Journalist Stephen Kinzer, who spent several years investigating the program, calls the operation the "most sustained search in history for techniques of mind control."

Cannabis spotted at Statehouse

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Cannabis spotted at Statehouse

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Cannabis plants were found in Statehouse flower beds earlier this week. 

he Chief of Capitol Police, Matthew Romei, says the plants were discovered on Monday where a visitor noticed the plants in the flower beds. Romei suspects the plants are either hemp or marijuana. He has no plans to do any further testing. He says around 33 immature plants were discovered, and if more are found they will be removed. Romei says he does not know who is responsible and does not plan to exhaust any resources to take legal action.

Agriculture is big business in Vermont. A growing business, one where they are expanding into new crops, everywhere.

Looking forward to legal cannabis

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I’m looking forward to cannabis becoming legalized in New York – most likely next year. I think it would be nice to have a safe and legal source for cannabis and smoking a little of it occasionally while camping in the wilderness.

Not a lot but maybe a little, as a special treat relaxed next to the campfire after a long week at work. Like with alcohol, I would never consume it at home but just as special treat when I’m away from it all, relaxed and enjoying a night in the wilderness where the pungent odor won’t bother no one.