Hallo, ik ben Inke Gootjes, ik ben een toegewijde en gemotiveerde professional met een sterke achtergrond in strategische verkoop, nieuwe bedrijfsontwikkeling, klantacquisitie en organisatorisch leiderschap. Beschikken over meer dan 6 jaar succesvolle ervaring met het adviseren over veelzijdige projecten, het plannen en implementeren van effectieve promotiecampagnes en het faciliteren van winstgevende relaties met een breed scala aan klanten en belangrijke zakenpartners.
As more people start taking cannabidiol (CBD), doctors are becoming more concerned with the potential side effects. In the past years, several studies have shown that CBD can help various conditions related to eye health, nevertheless with some possible risks associated.
Currently, no studies directly link CBD to improving the health of your eyes. It does not help improve vision or reduce astigmatism.
Nevertheless among the positive effects of CBD on health, pain management can help maintain some of the integrity of your nerves and muscle tissue. In addition, CBD can help reduce migraines and other brain related issues that can cause side effects in your eyes. For many people, using CBD oil can help reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, which risks damage to your eyes. Simply reducing pain can help people move around and get more exercise, which helps improve a person’s overall health.
CBD increases the risk of blindness, retinal detachment, and nerve pain for people with glaucoma and other pressure-sensitive issues.
One specific study [1] shows that using CBD raises the pressure inside the eye by 18% and can last at least 4 hours. For people with pre-existing glaucoma conditions, this can be a sight-threatening issue. It appears that the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 ) in the eye raises ocular pressure, which is one of the two ways CBD increases intraocular pressure.
Other studies on whole-cannabis plant found that the psychotropic compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can help reduce glaucoma symptoms. However, THC is still illegal.
Because of this risk, ophthalmologists have recommended people not use CBD as an overall systemic supplement. Likewise, ophthalmologists do not recommend using THC because of its hallucinogenic effects. If you are taking CBD, it’s highly recommended you speak to your ophthalmologist about your risk of glaucoma or other eye problems.
References:
[1] Sally Miller, Laura Daily, Emma Leishman, Heather Bradshaw, Alex Straiker; Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Differentially Regulate Intraocular Pressure. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2018;59(15):5904-5911. doi: https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.18-24838.
[Journal impact factor = 4.799] [Times cited = 59]
The medical benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) seem to be growing by the day. There is ample evidence of anti-inflammatory and antianxiety effects, but a new benefit is quickly emerging: detoxification.[1] Multiple studies have examined the use of CBD as a detoxifying agent, and the results are promising.
Helping to Quit Smoking
Quitting cigarettes can be difficult, and there is no single effective strategy in doing so. Some can manage withdrawal symptoms, while others rely on nicotine gum or patches to ween off of nicotine. Nevertheless a study showed that 800 mg of CBD can help relieve the cravings of cigarette smokers more effectively compared to a placebo. [2] This is a common quitting method known as the replacement method, but the results are more promising than in the past. [3] Often, individuals employing the replacement method find another substance that is equally or more harmful to replace the cravings. As CBD has no psychoactive effects, it has the potential to limit habit-forming behavior while effectively reducing nicotine cravings.
Using CBD for Opioid Detoxification
Over the last several decades, opioid use has steadily risen to the point where it can be classified as an epidemic. [4] While this is a complicated issue, involving legal loopholes, profit motives of pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, and the deaths of millions of Americans, a bigger issue remains. The best way to treat the patients recovering from opioid addiction is still unknown, but in one study published by the Journal of American Psychology, CBD showed signs of relieving cravings and anxiety in opioid addicts. [4] The study argues that these are two of the main sources of relapse, and may help fight opioid addiction. Similar to nicotine addicts, this may also serve as an effective replacement strategy.
Prospects for the Future
While these studies are promising, they are not conclusive. Relieving anxiety and physical pain can be helpful in terms of detoxification, but that may be as far as CBD goes. Addiction to any substance is complicated, and varies from individual to individual. CBD may help to increase detox effectiveness, but more research is needed.
References:
[1] White, C. M. (2019, February 7). A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol’s (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(7), 923–934. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcph.1387 [Journal impact factor = 2.812] [Times cited = 171 ]
[2] D Balfour, N Benowitz, K Fagerström, M Kunze, U Keil, Diagnosis and treatment of nicotine dependence with emphasis on nicotine replacement therapy. A status report, European Heart Journal, Volume 21, Issue 6, 1 March 2000, Pages 438–445, https://doi.org/10.1053/euhj.1999.1949 [Journal impact factor = 29.983] [Times cited = 145]
[3] King, N. B., Fraser, V., Boikos, C., Richardson, R., & Harper, S. (2014, August). Determinants of Increased Opioid-Related Mortality in the United States and Canada, 1990–2013: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Public Health, 104(8), e32–e42. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2014.301966 [Journal impact factor = 9.308] [Times cited = 327]
[4] Hurd, Y. L., Spriggs, S., Alishayev, J., Winkel, G., Gurgov, K., Kudrich, C., Oprescu, A. M., & Salsitz, E. (2019, November 1). Cannabidiol for the Reduction of Cue-Induced Craving and Anxiety in Drug-Abstinent Individuals With Heroin Use Disorder: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(11), 911–922. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.18101191 [Journal impact factor = 19.242] [Times cited = 192]
As more research is done on the cannabis plant, it’s inevitable that new and interesting properties are discovered. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a minor cannabinoid found usually in much smaller quantities than the well-known cannabis major constituents tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THCV shows great promise in a number of areas that warrant a great deal more study and exploration.
THCV vs THC
As the name suggests, THCV is very similar to THC in terms of chemical structure. However, there are a number of key differences. First, THCV is not produced in nearly the same quantities as THC within the cannabis plant: as a minor cannabinoid, it is only found in trace quantities. Nevertheless some cultivars have higher concentrations of THCV, but they’re still nowhere near those of THC.
THCV also doesn’t share the same intoxicating effects as THC. Studies [1] support the fact that THCV is a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist capable of counteracting the psychotropic effects of THC, while it is a CB1 receptor agonist and CB2 partial agonist at high dosages. [2]
What are the Effects of THCV?
THCV’s claim to fame is as an appetite suppressant. [3] In fact, it’s currently being investigated as a potential treatment for obesity. That’s because it’s also reported to boost the metabolism.
THCV has also been studied for its ability to moderate blood sugar levels. THCV has shown that it can possibly regulate blood sugar, making it a potential treatment for type-2 diabetes. At the same time, THCV has been reported to minimize tremors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and promote bone growth in patients suffering from osteoporosis.
While the full range of THCV’s effects aren’t known, it’s clear that this cannabinoid shows serious therapeutic potential.
References:
[1] Thomas A, Stevenson LA, Wease KN, Price MR, Baillie G, Ross RA, Pertwee RG. Evidence that the plant cannabinoid Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonist. Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Dec;146(7):917-26. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706414. PMID: 16205722; PMCID: PMC1751228. [Journal impact factor = 8.739] [times cited = 196]
Plant-based products are more popular than ever. More people are on plant-based diets, or prefer using products derived from plants. With the plant-based market growing every day, different types of products are becoming more popular. Cannabidiol (CBD) is starting to get recognized in the market for its versatility. With CBD being an easily accessible plant derived product, many are curious about what all this kind of products can offer.
More people are going plant based because of the health benefits. Plant-based diets are better for heart health and boost your immune system. People appreciate plant derived cleaning products, medications and care and wellness products because of the short and safe ingredient list, the absence of harmful chemicals and generally the lower environmental impact. The market is oversaturated with cheap products that are filled with chemicals and impurities, both of which can be detrimental for the environment and for our bodies.[1]
CBD is a great alternative for people who don’t have access to prescription medication or simply don’t want to treat health conditions with the allopathic approach. Only a small amount of CBD is needed before feeling the benefits. CBD is also a great option for people who want simple and effective formulation ingredients. As more research is being done on CBD, many potential therapeutic effects are confirmed both of the compound alone and together with other cannabis constituents.
Some of the many health benefits of CBD include treating skin conditions, chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, anxiety or sleeping disorders. [2][3]
Despite the plant source and the potential benefits, CBD containing food and supplements are not considered legal by the US Food and Drug Adrministration (FDA), even if these products are still allowed in some states. To date, FDA has approved only one CBD-based prescription drug, Epidiolex, while making any drug or health claims about CBD products is prohibited as adding cannabinoids into food and beverages. [4]
References:
[1] Trautwein EA, McKay S. The Role of Specific Components of a Plant-Based Diet in Management of Dyslipidemia and the Impact on Cardiovascular Risk. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2671. Published 2020 Sep 1. doi:10.3390/nu12092671 [Times cited=24] [Journal impact factor=5.719]
[2] McDonagh MS, Morasco BJ, Wagner J, et al. Cannabis-Based Products for Chronic Pain : A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med. 2022;175(8):1143-1153. doi:10.7326/M21-4520 [times cited=3] [Journal impact factor=51.6]
[3] Sarris J, Sinclair J, Karamacoska D, Davidson M, Firth J. Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1):24. Published 2020 Jan 16. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2409-8 [Times cited=30] [Journal impact factor=4.144]
At a time when cannabis accessories have become futuristic and sleek chameleons slipping seamlessly into our lifestyles, and high-end dispensaries model themselves after apple stores, Puffco became the apple of cannabis simply by creating intuitive products and engaging with their fans on an emotional level. In less than a decade, what was once an accessories company has risen to a lifestyle brand whose joke products become best sellers and whose fans line up (online) to get the latest releases.
As they continue to grow, the natural progression of a company to begin affecting the culture it serves seems inevitable. In 2022 with the annual Glass Open, the release of the Proxy hash pipe, and the second year of its own festival, the company appears poised to transform into a culture-influencing brand, like a pokemon, into its third evolution.
Puffcon is a crucial part of this ongoing transmutation. A day-fest held right in their office’s backyard in downtown L.A., the event is designed as a massive thank you for anyone owning a Puffco Peak, Peak Pro, Plus, or Proxy. Imagine being shrunk Jumanji-style into a dabber’s version of Candyland with up to 5,000 other players. Along the path, you’ll run into fantastic people and places, and at the end of the trail, a celebration awaits you at candy castle.
While you wander the gameboard, you’ll run into games of double-dutch, marching bands, and even penalties for smoking cheap hash, all just examples of how Puffco wants the event to feel like you’ve stepped into a street fair instead of a day festival. Event Director Kevin Chapman expressed how everything from the food to the music, vendors, and street performances are part of making everything feel like a “true block party…curating that special experience people have had at parties in their streets.”
Formerly the Event Director for Chalice Festival, Chapman is uniquely qualified to take on the task of creating an unforgettable cannabis party.
The original concept for Puffcon was “Peak Day,” where people could be invited to come and bring their rig and have some fun with the whole company. The guest list and party ideas quickly steamrolled into what would be the plan for a much larger gathering, a plan that seemed too ambitious to pull off. After the success of their Drive-In Comedy event in partnership with Alien Labs and The Comedy Store, they felt it was finally the right moment to start work on this epic thank you to all of their friends and supporters. As Roger Volodarsky put it, the goal of Puffcon is to keep “setting the bar for other events, in our industry, in LA, and beyond.”
The Lot
Need a miniature dab rig pendant with torch earrings? How about a Daniel Johnston shirt that says How High Are You? Puffcon is your chance. Blending Shakedown Street and Designer-con, The Lot is where you can meet some incredible makers and artists Puffco follows and drools over online. With zero vendor fees for the event, these specially invited folks are encouraged to leave it all onstage, creating some of the coolest small batch items you’ll come across all year.
The Terp Cottage
Another lifestyle brand that heavily resonates with today’s stoner is Talking Terps. Though based out of New York, there’s been a rabid fanbase for their clothing, toys, and artwork featuring pieces by talented artists like Daniel Herwitt, Dave Farinella, and Brian Blomerth. For Puffcon, they build an entire activation to display their favorite products, including ones that haven’t yet made it to the production floor.
The Puffcon Store
For official merch, Puffco creates not just commemorative items commissioned by their favorite artists but also drops early releases and rare sales on many of their existing products. In its first year, event attendees got the chance to scoop up the first round of 3D atomizers, as well as different posters and shirt designs commissioned for each year.
Alien Labs
Known for mind-altering flowers and rosin that promotes astral travel, Sacramento’s Alien Labs is one of the few brands represented at Puffcon. Drop into a wormhole where the company drops a yearly event-inspired capsule as well as collabs that will never hit their website. Plus, get the chance to watch a filming of Alien TV.
The Food Court
Imagine designing a food court with all your favorite ideas and options. That’s exactly what the spread at Puffcon looks like. Each of the plates you’ll get represents a chef and cuisine that’s best and dear to their entire team’s hearts. Being a company full of cannabis fans, you’re sure to find a wide mix of savory and sweet delights.
I have helped work on cannabis reform efforts since the late 1990s when medical cannabis reform initiatives were being heavily pursued on the West Coast of the United States. Those efforts culminated in election victories in California in 1996, and Oregon and Washington in 1998. Since that time, I have seen cannabis prohibitionists across the U.S. basically recycle their failed talking points and tactics from that era over and over again, and the same thing appears to be happing in Germany right now.
Unless you have been living under a rock then you know that Germany is trending towards launching an adult-use cannabis market, and that once the launch occurs, Germany’s market is going to be considerably more massive than that of Uruguay and Canada combined. Unfortunately, there are futile attempts ramping up that are geared towards halting the process, with the latest one involving cannabis opponents hurling the idea that cannabis cannot be legalized in Germany ‘due to European treaties.’
Theory Versus Reality
Is Germany bound by European and international treaties, including ones that prohibit cannabis? Yes, obviously. Are Canada and Uruguay also bound by international treaties that prohibit adult-use cannabis commerce, including ones that Germany is also a part of? Also, yes. With all that being said, laws are only as good as the enforcement behind them, and just as the sky did not fall and the international community didn’t perform whatever the global community version of a SWAT raid is on Canada and Uruguay when they launched adult-use cannabis sales, the same will prove to be true in Germany when they inevitably launch adult-use sales within their own borders.
Leading up to legalization in Canada in 2018, Russia tried the ‘what about international treaties’ argument in an attempt to derail Canada’s efforts, to no avail. The same thing happened in Uruguay in 2013 when the United Nations tried the same tactic (and failed). It’s a similar concept that I personally witnessed in the United States when opponents tried and failed with their ‘but cannabis is federally illegal!’ arguments. Bad laws are meant to be broken, and cannabis prohibition is one of the worst public policies in human history.
Even within Europe, there are examples of jurisdictions disregarding continental and international treaties when it comes to adult-use cannabis commerce. Late last year Malta passed an adult-use legalization measure, although Malta has yet to issue any cannabis industry licenses and the island nation’s legalization model is going to be different compared to what will eventually be implemented in Germany. Regardless, there has been no crackdown in Malta as a result of passing a measure that is in direct defiance of certain treaties. Adult-use cannabis pilot programs are already in place in Denmark, with Switzerland getting ready to launch its own pilot program, and eventually, the Netherlands. Again, international treaties have yet to derail any of those efforts in those European countries.
An Obvious Need For A New Approach
Earlier this month European anti-drug coordinators met in Prague, and Czech National Anti-Drug Coordinator Jindřich Vobořil called for a new approach to cannabis policy and regulation in Europe at the continental level.
“We hope it will be a coordinated effort (to regulate the cannabis market). It is impossible not to talk about it on an EU-wide basis. Prohibition has not proved to be effective enough; we need to look for other models of control. A controlled market may be the only possible solution,” Vobořil said according to Euractiv. Cannabis reform is on the move in Europe and in every other corner of the earth, and with it, the spread of the emerging cannabis industry. Lawmakers and regulators can try all the delay tactics that they can think of, and it’s likely a safe bet that they certainly will, however, those efforts will always prove to be futile. At best, all it will do is delay the inevitable. The cannabis industry toothpaste is out of the tube, and it is not going back in, and it’s beyond time that treaties reflect that undeniable fact and catch up with reality.
This article first appeared at Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated with special permission.
Follow Johnny Green on social media: @RealJohnnyGreen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as well as at Youtube.com/c/TheHigherThingsClub
Germany is in the midst of a cannabis legalization effort that is more complicated and robust than anything that has ever occurred since the dawn of cannabis prohibition so many decades ago. After the dust settled on Germany’s last federal election in 2021, the incoming coalition government announced plans to move Germany toward launching a regulated adult-use cannabis industry. The current governing German coalition commonly referred to as the ‘Traffic Light Coalition,’ has worked since late 2021 to explore various public policy components of legalization. According to the results of a new poll from Ipsos, a strong majority of Germans support the effort.
Per Ipsos’ news release announcing the results of the poll, “61 percent of those surveyed say they would support the controlled sale of cannabis in licensed stores. Only 39 percent consider the plans to legalize cannabis to be irresponsible and fundamentally reject legal sale and consumption.” The survey was conducted online between September 2 and 4, 2022, and involved 1,000 eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 75 in Germany.
Diving Into The Results
Fortunately, there’s majority support for legalization among all age categories (18-75), however, there are statistical differences between age groups. While 61% of the poll’s participants support adult-use cannabis legalization, roughly 55% of people aged 60-75 were supportive. That is quite a bit less than the level of support among poll participants that were aged 18-39 (65%). Sixty-two percent of poll participants aged 40-59 years old expressed support for legalization.
The level of support for cannabis legalization does not extend to the legalization of other banned substances in Germany. When poll participants were asked if other substances should be legalized in addition to cannabis, 95% of people expressed opposition to such a public policy change. The overwhelming level of opposition was found across age groups, although younger poll participants were more likely to express support for further legalization compared to older poll participants.
Not An Easy Lift
The current general consensus for when regulated adult-use products will actually be available for legal purchase in Germany seems to be by the year 2025. After the results of the 2021 federal election in Germany became final there was hope for legalization to become a reality in 2022. However, time has proven that hope to be a bit too ambitious.
The fact of the matter is that what German lawmakers and regulators are trying to do is something that has never been done before, at least not on the same scale. Sure, Canada and Uruguay have implemented legal adult-use sales, yet those markets pale in comparison to the size and complexity of Germany’s market. Germany has a much larger population compared to Canada and Uruguay combined, and Germany’s geographical location makes things that much more complex to navigate.
I am personally hopeful that there will be multiple steps to implementing legalization in Germany. After all, there is no need to wait for sales regulations to be formulated before implementing personal possession, consumption, and cultivation provisions. Clearly, cannabis prohibition is a failed public policy in Germany, and it would be wise for lawmakers to implement as many legalization provisions as possible that pertain to individual consumers prior to finalizing provisions geared towards regulated sales.
This article first appeared at Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated with special permission.
Follow Johnny Green on social media: @RealJohnnyGreen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as well as at Youtube.com/c/TheHigherThingsClub
Greetings and welcome to today’s Letter’s to Rev. A little Q&A with yours truly, general cannabis growing questions today. Germination issues, inoculants, and all-natural sources for micronutrients (and macronutrients) are on the menu for today. Better buckle up buddercup, heh heh.
In a recent articleI Am the Egg Man,I was trying out a new thing with an egg. See the update below.
Alright then earthlings, let’s rock and/or roll with today’s “Letters” to Rev…
General Cannabis Growing, Question #1: How Can Germinating be so Hard?
FROM: Tommy T.
“Rev man, I sure hope you can help me out. It’s been a few years since I germinated seeds, but they always sprouted and grew. Recently starting a new garden, the last 3 attempts have all ended badly. Either never come up or just pop above ground, then never grow again and slowly die. WTF? I sprout in living soil, I use distilled water, and my lighting is a 250w Blue Metal Halide. Please help.”
Rev’s Answer to Q1
Hey Tommy—whew—the variables are massive, to say the least. I would switch over to bottled Springwater for one thing. I assume you know the basics here. Sometimes it’s very sneaky, sometimes it’s just in your face, like letting them get too dry, or wet, or nuking them with fertilizers yada-yada. Here’s a little list I think might help ya out homie…
La List
Sprouting Containers: Make sure these aren’t leaching anything “funny” into the soil. Like if you are using some kind of repurposed containers. Anything ‘Food Grade’ is all good.
Environment: Make sure something like uber-high humidity isn’t happening during lights-off hours. Mold is always lurking, and loves-loves wet and cool. Of course, you also want air movement and air exchange to some degree.
Source/Age & Storage: Seeds need to be stored light tight and airtight, and refrigeration is needed for extended storage, but they should always be kept cool. Your source for your seeds may play a part.
Lighting: Your lighting choice is bomber, assuming you have a Hortilux there, however, this is also a very demanding light. Using a height of about 3 feet above sprouts for their first week above ground and you can slow things down a bit—metabolism-wise—and this gives you a buffer for any mistakes. Also, you may want to invest in a laser-thermometer. These are great for growing in general, but you can get a very accurate read on sprouts with one of these.
Meters: If you rely on any meters for anything, like pH or TDS, double check it hasn’t gone all caddywhompus and is giving you wildly inaccurate readings.
Every once in a while, like once a year, I have some seeds I know 100% are viable, that just never sprout, LoL, and to this day I have no idea why. I also like to sprout in higher temps (mid ’80s F.) myself, like your 250w halide certainly takes care of heat-wise. Lastly, make sure something isn’t polluting your air, don’t use any cleaners around sprouts obviously, but just make sure here. I found this one with a damaged paint can in the room, I didn’t know was damaged.
General Cannabis Growing, Question #2: Inoculants?
FROM: Mark H.
“So let me just say first, that your suggestion of companion planting dill around our backyard cannabis garden paid off in spades. We haven’t seen a spider mite for two seasons now, so big ups to ya Rev. It’s so badass that you know how use nature as the cure to nature.
My question is about living inoculants. Do you use anything besides Mycorrhizal inoculants? My garden is outdoor in raised beds, so I already have Mycorrhizal I assume. Do you think I need anything else?”
Rev’s Answer to Q2
Howdy Mark. My inoculants are mostly natural ones, like worm farm castings/leachate, and aquarium water. Besides stuff like that, I use a granular Mycorrhizal on freshly rooted aero-clones when I place them into soil for the first time. But I do have another product I use here and there, it’s Bigfoot.
Bigfoot Baybee – Personally, I Would Not Use This on Bare Root Clones
This product is super helpful when very young plants are having small issues, especially landrace/heirloom types. In say… a 3-inch container, I put about 1/8th teaspoon around the edges of the soil away from the stem, I then cover it with a very thin layer of soil and then water. Sometimes plants take a bit of time to get their “sea legs” on when very young. They are still learning how to use what is available to them and developing a symbiosis with the microlife. Heirloom/landrace types especially start out freight train style, slow to get going, but once they do, look out!
The Bigfoot really makes a lot of difference here and gives youngsters a real boost. There are many things in this product, nutrient elements along with Mycorrhizal fungi. A little bit goes a long way. I would still inoculate my plants with a Mycorrhizal product if I were you. Just do it in their last container, or as sprouts/clones, before they go into the ground.
General Cannabis Growing, Question #3: Easy Soil Amending?
FROM: Dick W.
“Greetings Rev, I can’t wait for the new book. I am running a really simple soil recycling routine, using root balls and extra plant matter to just recycle with my soil, which was Ocean Forest to start with. I have recycled it 3 times now and it’s definitely losing some punch. I’m really too broke at present to go out and buy nutrient editions, I always add some bone meal and dolomite lime as well. What can I use here to give my soil back the magic? I know my N and P and K are all fine. Thanks.”
Rev’s Answer to Q3
No sweat Dick, this is easy as pie man. I would try to acquire some blood meal amigo. It’s worth its weight in gold, not just for booming N that supercharges recycling—which I call cooking—but also adds a lot of exotic trace elements like iron, which as far as I’m concerned is one of the biggest biggies. If you’re not a “poopaphobe” toss in some deer, horse, cow, steer, rabbit, bird or bat manure as well, for reals.
Other things I would add, if I were you would be things around me anyways. Something like ground pumpkin seeds can really replenish a lot of subtle nutrients in the soil. Rice is always a good addition too, a lot of iron and calcium. Mushrooms are kickass for micronutrients. Coffee grounds are fantastic (see image below). Kelp from the beach rinsed off and dried is sublime for your purposes.
Here’s what I would do, man, if I were in your shoes … Assess your surroundings, as far as what is easily available to you. No need to spend any coin, my man. Just toss in some “heavy hitters” here. Seeds are badass, and pumpkin seeds are easily available usually to anyone, especially around All Hallows Eve. If you got the blood meal and used spent coffee grounds along with your bone meal, that will make a huge difference. Or, like kelp and melon rinds, that would jumpstart you with all kinds of great secondary and micronutrients. Potato skins are awesome.
Afterword
Well-alrightythen, that Bigfoot product is mighty handy to have on hand. Just as one example, recently I had let a small plant (about 6 inches tall) get so badly drought stressed that it was almost dead. Shit happens, and I had missed her in the watering routine because I was Magoo-like I guess LoL. Anyways, just before watering her, I sprinkled some Bigfoot down on top of and around the bark mulch. About ¼ teaspoon. Insanely fast bounce-back, I mean noticeably supernaturally fast—wink.
Stop on over at Kingdom Organic Seeds and grab yourselves some exotic princesses. Recently there are a couple of Black Forrest crosses, and the Black Forrest is a serious Vietnamese Jungle Sativa heavy hybrid herself that goes 16 weeks flowering, yowza. Not for peeps without killer indoor skills really. But damn, she is truly exotic AF and as powerful as a demoness. Deep Chunk is also back in stock.
Check out my 2nd Edition TLO book for great advice when it comes to recycling your soil and using all-natural means in containers especially. I’m outty for now but I’ll be seeing you again soon. L8r G8rs…
The exponential growth in cannabidiol (CBD) popularity across the globe has screeched to a halt in Hong Kong. [1] Thanks to a new bill coming from mainland China, CBD cosmetics were banned in Hong Kong. While this ban started with cosmetics, it has now spiraled outward to include all other CBD products as well. The situation is politically complex, with both sides citing complex research to defend their positions.
CBD Market in Hong Kong
Prior to the mainland Chinese bill, CBD was allowed in Hong Kong as long as the product contained 0% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). [2] The Chinese government believes that cannabis, both the varieties containing CBD and the ones with high THC content, are gateway drugs to more serious substances. Because of this, they banned all CBD products. According to the Hong Kong Police, the number of known cannabis users rose by 29% between 2020 and 2021 with users under the age of 21 rose by 27% during that same time. [3] Users in Hong Kong contest that because their CBD products contain no THC, they do not pose the same risk of addiction.
One Country, Two System
Following the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984, the mainland Chinese government has maintained a policy they refer to as “one country, two systems”. [4][5] Hong Kong has been deeply rooted in capitalism going back to British colonization, and the central government in Beijing chose to allow them to continue with economic independence for the sake of maintaining stability. This policy is meant to allow Hong Kong to pursue their own economic interests while China would maintain political control over the area. This changed in 2020 with the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law. [6] Intended to clamp down on secession, subversion, and terrorism, the Chinese government felt this law should apply to economic activities in addition to political ones. Both the United States and UK governments condemned this law for violating the “one country, two systems” policy. [7][8]
Risks Going Forward
For CBD users in Hong Kong, the risks are clear. The Chinese government is allowing any individual or business until November to clear their inventory of CBD products. This means that going forward, CBD users run the risk of legal consequences for continued use. This may not be a problem for users that chose to consume CBD for non-medical reasons, but those who rely on CBD as a medication must choose between health and legal consequences. The other major risk does not exist in Hong Kong, but in Taiwan. The “one country, two systems” approach is the same policy stabilizing relations with the democratic island. As tensions continue to mount between Beijing and Taipei, it may only be a matter of time before the Chinese government decides to step in with their own National Security Law for Taiwan.
[1] Grand View Research. (2020). Cannabidiol Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source Type (Hemp, Marijuana), By Distribution Channel (B2B, B2C), By End-use (Medical, Personal Use), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030. Global Cannabidiol Market Size, Share, Industry Analysis, 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cannabidiol-cbd-market
Perhaps best known as the author of Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana, as of late, Michael Backes is quickly becoming recognized as the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Perfect, a line of terpene-rich, live resin-infused, 100% flower-based cannabis blend products designed to deliver the most consistent effects on the market. Outside of Perfect, Backes continuously lends his expertise to high-level efforts to educate the masses about the intrinsic correlation between aroma, flavor, and effect in cannabis flower, making him a longtime respected pioneer in the cannabis industry. Backes’ work has earned the recognition of his peers and, this year, from the world’s largest and most diverse cannabis competition, the Emerald Cup.
Co-founding Cornerstone Wellness in 2005, which was the first evidence-based/science-focused medical dispensary in LA, Backes researched over 18,000 varieties of plants over the next decade. Eventually, Backes used his findings to develop Perfect’s patented manufacturing process, which formulated Perfect products to obtain desired effects through crafted and proprietary flower blends, each with its own unique qualities. The manufacturing method is infused with Michael’s passion and patented process for terpene diversity and preservation.
Backes’ work focusing on terpene education has ongoingly caught the attention of industry peers and curious consumers as the cannabis industry evolves in what’s being dubbed the “terpene revolution.” Now more than ever, cannabis operators and consumers are seeking consistent effects stemming from terpene-rich flower.
Michael Backes. Photo Courtesy of Perfect
After a longtime collaborative effort between The Emerald Cup, the highly respected and longest-running cannabis competition, and SC Labs, they realized the terpene categorization effort put forth in 2021 had room for improvement and optimization. Together, they reconvened to form an advisory council tasked specifically with crafting an in-depth and user-friendly terpene categorization system.
Founders of The Emerald Cup Tim and Taylor Blake and SC Labs recruited Michael for his extensive knowledge of terpene science to head this new advisory council. Backes was one of the first advisors tapped as an integral member with a vast knowledge in cannabis through years of research and education. It was Backes’ genuine dedication to the plant and to serving the people and the culture at its roots that made him an attractive resource for the Emerald Cup and SC Labs.
Led by Backes, The Emerald Cup implemented the new Emerald Cup Cannabis Classification System this past May at the 18th Emerald Cup Awards ceremony. Collaborating with SC Labs and Mark Lewis of NaPro Research, this comprehensive toolkit raised the bar in 2022 for the annual cannabis competition and earned high praise from the official Emerald Cup judges who used the system to gain a better understanding of just how good cannabis can be when nuance meets science.
Photo Courtesy of Perfect
“Michael’s cannabis knowledge, passion, and insight have been pivotal in helping us to simplify and optimize the sorting of the Emerald Cup contest into categories by flavor, aroma, and effects, helping to pay tribute to the range and diversity that Cannabis offers,” says Co-Founder of SC Labs, Alec Dixon.
Backes lead the team tasked with compiling this unprecedented amount of firsthand terpene-focused science. The goal was to make it educational, understandable, and actionable for everyone, from cannabis cultivators to CEOs to the brands and budtenders reaching consumers. In line with Backes’ research and education, his cannabis brand Perfect utilizes thoughtful branding that simplifies the complexities of the cannabis plant through education.
Through this ongoing partnership with the Emerald Cup, Michael Backes and Perfect seek to bring the curiosity, consistency, flavor, and full-spectrum effects to the California cannabis market. Stay tuned as Michael continues to share his innovations, terpene discoveries, and tips and tricks to optimizing the cannabis experience with SKUNK readers in following articles.
Photo Courtesy of Perfect
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Michael Backes is best known as the author of the book titled Cannabis Pharmacy and for opening the first science-based dispensary in Southern California called Cornerstone Wellness in 2005. Michael is a respected pioneer in the cannabis industry and dubbed the “Morpheus” of cannabis after being convinced that the cannabis plant could be a legitimate medicine because it helped him deal with migraines that had plagued him since childhood. Michael has helped patients find relief through cannabis since increasing his understanding of cannabis as medicine and providing better quality of life. Michael co-founded the cannabis company called Perfect Blends, which designs blended formulations using 100% cannabis and cannabis oil, combined with breakthrough terpene preservation methods that result in dialed-in effects, extended shelf life, product consistency, and low dose, functional products. Most recently, Michael was tapped by the Emerald Cup to optimize and reinvent the Terpene Categorization system for competition entries and spearheaded the advisory board leading the reclassification for the world-renowned Emerald Cup Competition.
Cannabis reform is one of the most popular political issues on earth right now, particularly in North America and Europe. At a time when it seems like people rarely agree on anything, cannabis is one area of public policy where support is strong and cuts across party lines. Unfortunately, that support does not appear to extend to the office of the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, with the UK announcing this week that it is officially blocking a cannabis reform measure that was previously passed by lawmakers in Bermuda earlier this year.
Liz Truss took over as Prime Minister in the United Kingdom this week, and shortly after taking office, her government announced the official blockage of the cannabis reform measure in Bermuda. Cannabis policy observers around the globe were hopeful that upon taking office that Truss would pursue a new era for cannabis policy in the UK. However, being that she is blocking cannabis reform elsewhere, it’s very clear where she stands when it comes to cannabis policy.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Truss, like many politicians, has a checkered past when it comes to cannabis policy. Leading up to the Prime Minister transition in the UK, Truss was criticized by opponents for her previously expressed support for cannabis reform. Apparently, a leaflet edited by Liz Truss when she was a leading Lib Dem at Oxford University surfaced in which it was asked if cannabis should be legalized, a position that Truss reportedly supported back then.
The newly installed Prime Minister has been criticized by both cannabis supporters and opponents for ‘flip flopping’ on the issue, with many asking the logical question, ‘where does Liz Truss really stand when it comes to cannabis reform?’ Unfortunately, we found out the answer to that question this week, and it wasn’t a favorable answer.
Politicians of all backgrounds and at all levels will often tell voters what they think they want to hear. It is no secret that many people who seek public office will say whatever it takes to get elected, even if what they are saying to one audience completely contradicts what they are telling a different audience. That is politics as usual, and the real measure of a politician on any given issue is what actions they take (or do not take) once they get into a position actually to do something regarding the particular issue.
Colonization on Full Display
In order for cannabis reform to move forward in Bermuda, the measure has to receive blessing from the United Kingdom in the form of ‘royal assent.’ It’s a concept that is born out of the United Kingdom’s (Britain) colonization of Bermuda centuries ago. Bermuda remains the oldest British colony in existence, which in itself needs to be addressed.
Lawmakers in Bermuda deserve to set their own laws. No one in the United Kingdom should be able to prevent a law from taking effect in Bermuda, whether it’s related to cannabis or anything else. Citizens in Bermuda elect their own representatives, and those representatives should be able to carry out ‘the people’s work’ without interference from countries across the Atlantic Ocean.
Fortunately, it sounds like lawmakers in Bermuda are going to proceed forward with their plans despite the opposition from Liz Truss’ government. It sets up a constitutional showdown between the UK and Bermuda, and in the first week of Truss’ tenure as Prime Minister, no less. With all of the problems out there in the world, it’s a shame that any time and effort is being spent on preventing the will of Bermuda’s citizens. The only ‘benefit’ to the saga is that it clarifies where Liz Truss stands on cannabis policy, for better or worse.
This article first appeared at Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated with special permission.
Follow Johnny Green on social media: @RealJohnnyGreen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as well as at Youtube.com/c/TheHigherThingsClub
I’m not from Charleston, South Carolina. But I lived there in the late 1980s and spent Hurricane Hugo huddled with others in my former kitchen house on Charlotte Street, wondering if the roof and the rest of the home would survive the biggest storm I’d ever lived through. This experience would go on to serve as more than a metaphor for the rest of my life. Big storms followed by the loss of everything I worked hard to achieve and accomplish. Gone with the tides, just like the little story I want to recount here. In simple terms…
I am very lucky to have friends who are from Charleston. In this case, born and raised. My friend Witt Rabon is that Charlestonian (the name for someone born there, unlike myself- a Yankee Carpetbagger…) Through the guidance and friendship of Witt, he introduced me to a couple of gentlemen who look like they stepped out of a mid-1970s rock and roll band. Friends of his, Thomas Cutler and Barry Foy, are on the cusp of great success within the very business that got Barry removed from civilization for ten years. Unfair? Absolutely when you consider people convicted of major financial crimes would serve much less time behind bars. The Last Prisoner Project is their deep métier.
A calling is something you learned from experience, not just read in books. That alone gives authenticity and a little something called lagniappe. That little something extra. And what would that be?
Read on for the answers to these clues. Gentlemen Smugglers, it’s now their success story…
Cheers! WB
Barry Foy. Photo Credit Post and Courier, Charleston, SC.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Where are you from? How did you discover the plant? Do you have someone who introduced you to smoking in your family?
Barry Foy: My name is Barry Foy. I was born in Charleston, SC, but I’ve lived in many locations, from Canada to France to the Caribbean to NYC to the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. I grew up in a conservative Catholic family; my dad was a banker, and my mother was a nurse. My first encounter with the plant was the summer of Woodstock in 1969, right after high school graduation, when I smoked a joint with my buddy. I was the first and basically the only cannabis user in my family. Man, I loved it right away and continued smoking through my first year of college. It didn’t take me long to realize the financial possibilities, and by the summer of 1970, I was selling pot from the back of a local bar in Columbia, SC, to the GIs at Fort Jackson basic training base before they were shipped off to Vietnam. Flash forward a dozen years, and I was running the East Coast, smuggling over 250 tons valued at close to $1 billion, which, of course, led to my crew becoming the main targets of Operation Jackpot, the first Presidential Sting in Reagan’s War on Drugs. I was eventually convicted under the Kingpin statute (§848) for running a continuing criminal enterprise smuggling marijuana and hashish into the US from Jamaica and Colombia. I served 11 years in prison from 1985-1996.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me what you’re working on right now. For whom? Where? Do you focus on flower? Do you like indoor or outdoor grown cannabis?
Barry Foy: Currently, I’m working on building the Gentleman Smugglers cannabis brand with my team members Thomas Cutler, Kevin Harrison, and Gary Latham. We are based in Charleston, SC. At present, we are launching the brand in Massachusetts with our partner Root & Bloom, a state-of-the-art facility that handles cultivation, processing, packaging, and distribution. The last two years have been devoted to picking up where we left off – bringing the brand to the people and supplying premium product, only this time legally! My focus is on the flower because all products originate from the plant. Start with premium seeds and flower and you’re going to have a premium product in the end, whatever it may be. I personally prefer outdoor when available because organic soil and natural sunlight create a superior, flavorful product.
Photo Credit: Kevin Harrison
Warren Bobrow: What kind of obstacles do you face in your business? How do you anticipate removing them? What are your six and 12-month goals?
Barry Foy: As we all know, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. This places the burden on individual states to create regulations. This variation in laws from state to state causes obvious complications. It looks like the US Congress is close to passing legislation in 2023 that will clear up the ambiguity caused by these state-level differences. Having said that, we have an authentic story to tell, and I think it will resonate. Our six-month goal is to establish the Gentlemen Smugglers brand of premium flower and pre-rolls in the Massachusetts market. Within 12 months, we hope to launch the brand in New York and New Jersey and expand the product line into edibles, vapable concentrates, and beverages.
Warren Bobrow: What is your favorite cuisine or restaurant? Do you cook? What’s your favorite thing to prepare? Why?
I have always enjoyed fine cuisine and have a special place in my heart for the Southern specialty known as Shrimp and Grits. After spending a decade in prison and having friends who never made it out, I really savor a good meal. I love food and, having owned a restaurant in Charleston, can serve it up with the best of them! Using fresh local shrimp, heads off, I sauté them with butter and garlic for no more than one minute. The grits need to be stoned ground yellow grits cooked slowly with water and butter and finished with heavy cream. Serve the shrimp atop the grits with a side of sliced and chilled Johns Island tomatoes with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Pair this with a Belle Glos Clark and Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir. Bon Appetit!
Warren Bobrow: What is your passion?
Barry Foy: My passion is and has remained the same for 40-plus years: to bring premium cannabis products to the masses. From the Blue Mountains of Jamaica to the Sierra Madres in Colombia, South America, I’ve always taken the high road and gone the extra mile to find and procure the best cannabis. As we developed the Gentlemen Smugglers brand, it was important to lean into the legacy of what I did so many years ago – to that end, our first Sativa-leaning treat is called High Tide, and our first Indica-leaning delight is called Low Tide, so named because the tides were crucial to smuggling. On a personal level, it’s critical to give back, and we recently partnered with the Last Prisoner Project to support ending needless incarceration for nonviolent marijuana crimes. Down the line, I want to develop specific Gentlemen Smugglers cultivars but for right now, I’m all about working with the best partners in the business to help our friends out there enjoy great flower. And you can always count on me to deliver.
Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) lowered the limitations linked to cannabinoid consumption both in natural and synthetic forms, in order to work with them. Previously, anyone using cannabis or any cannabis-derived product the previous three years before application or more than 24 times since turning 18 was automatically disqualified from possible employment. The new regulations lowered the use to the previous year before employment, although it did not decrease the 24 times.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp products, including not-for-consumption hemp products, hemp seed and hemp derivatives. Although CBD and cannabinoid infused products are currently legal to use in most states, they are still in a gray area within federal regulation.
As a federal law enforcement institution, FBI is required to follow all laws as set forth, without interpretation. In the case of ambiguous regulations and laws, they must err on the side of caution. Unfortunately, this includes CBD products.
Other policies show discrepancies across various federal agencies and a division of policy makers’ opinions. Some tend toward loosening regulations, and others tend toward keeping the regulations tight in the interest of public health.
Even within the state and local communities, the regulation of cannabis products varies. One example cited is the federal loosening of requirements for past cannabis use, stating no employees were fired or barred from service for use years ago. However, the article says dozen of former federal employees were fired for being honest in their use.
Officially, the FBI is standing firm on its use of cannabinoid infused products, including CBD and other broad- to full-spectrum cannabis products. However, it is unlikely in the near future for that to change unless stronger federal regulations come into play to standardize product distribution, advertising, and production. Currently, the cannabinoid industry is fighting standardization regulations, meaning the FBI is unlikely to change its stance soon. [1]
With cannabidiol (CBD) becoming a widely accepted health supplement, more companies are launching on the marktet their CBD infused products. Over the years, tinctures gained their popularity and are still one of the most purchased product.
Tinctures are highly concentrated extracts made by soaking the plant in alcohol. Together with cannabinoids, also other plant constituents are extracted. For this reason, tincures can be mixed with flavoring, vegetable glycerin and sweeteners to adjust the taste. To cover the bitterness of the CBD alcohol-based extract is possible to add few drops to food or beverages.
CBD tinctures can be used to treat both physical and mental health conditions including general and chronic pain, inflammations, insomnia and anxiety among other things. Tinctures are usually taken orally with a dropper and because of the high concentration, only a small amount is needed for the product to have an effect. [1]
As of 2021, tinctures are considered to be one of the market’s most popular forms of CBD consumption. Because of their high potency, tinctures are an easy form of pain relief.
Purchasing tinctures does come with a risk: some companies don’t care about product quality. It is essential that you do online research before purchasing CBD tinctures. The safest is to go with well-established companies that have glowing reviews and most important to consult the certificate of analysis (COA) of the product before buying it. Since tinctures are an easy product to make, some companies don’t make product safety a priority. As CBD becomes more popular, the quality of certain products has gone down due to mass production. However, there are still plenty of high-quality CBD tinctures on the market. If you are looking for an effective and highly concentrated product, then tinctures are for you.
References:
[1] Breijyeh Z, et al. Cannabis: A Toxin-Producing Plant with Potential Therapeutic Uses. Toxins (Basel). 2021;13(2):117. Published 2021 Feb 5. doi:10.3390/toxins13020117 [Journal impact factor=4.546] [Times cited=11]
Having safe access to effective medications is something that should be a fundamental right. Unfortunately, as many medical cannabis patients around the world will attest, obtaining safe access to medical cannabis is not always easy. Even when cannabis is legal, it can be expensive for many patients, which is why legal home cultivation is so vital. Sadly, many patients are denied the right to home cultivation, including in Israel, where the nation’s top court recently rejected a case that sought to establish the right for patients to cultivate cannabis.
Prior to a change in 2016, patients in Israel were allowed to cultivate cannabis in their homes for medical use, which was noted by those seeking to legalize home cultivation in their filing. The petition to Israel’s top court involved eight medical cannabis patients who stated in their petition, among other things, that home cultivation should be legalized to help mitigate the costs of medical cannabis products which the patients claimed were too high. Unfortunately, Israel’s top court was not swayed.
Legal Reasoning
Another argument made by the petitioners was that they sought to “receive organic cannabis without pesticides and which does not undergo irradiation” and that being able to cultivate cannabis at home would achieve that objective. Unfortunately, the judges that decided to reject the case pointed out various reasons for doing so, including the lack of timeliness of the petition. The judges pointed out that the decision to remove ‘cultivation, production’ from Israel’s medical cannabis law as it pertains to patients happened in 2016.
The judges argued that the petitioners ‘failed to exhaust procedures as required’ and also included a dose of reefer madness fearmongering by stating in their opinion that home cultivation generates ‘overuse, a high potential for theft and leakage, and there is no real medical advantage in self-cultivation of cannabis.’
“The feelings of the petitioners and their plight can be understood,” the judges wrote in the ruling (translated from Hebrew to English), “however, the petition must be rejected outright. This is, first and foremost, since the petitioners seek to obtain a government decision that was made about six years ago, so their petition was submitted with considerable delay. The petitioners, too now, have not exhausted procedures against the relevant party, and their early requests (to the Ministry of Health) did not contain the multitude of claims in the petition.”
The Fight For Safe Access Continues
Despite the opinions of Israel’s top court, the need for home cultivation in Israel will continue. It doesn’t matter how long ago Israel changed its policies regarding home cultivation. The fact of the matter is that not all patients can afford only to acquire their cannabis from regulated outlets. For many patients, it’s far more cost-effective to cultivate their own cannabis, and in some cases, being prohibited from cultivating cannabis at home basically means that some patients will have to go without medicine entirely since they can’t afford it.
As the petitioners in this latest case in Israel highlighted, it is a huge benefit to some patients to be able to completely control what cannabis genetics they cultivate and what they use to feed their cannabis plants. The cannabis plant is dynamic, and human biology is complex, so there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ cannabis product. What works for one patient may not work for the next patient, and public policy needs to account for that via legalized home cultivation.
The judges’ assertion that ‘there is no real medical advantage in self-cultivation’ is completely ridiculous and flies in the face of logic and compassion. Every patient deserves to cultivate their own medicine, and that is true in Israel as well as everywhere else on the planet.
This article first appeared at Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated with special permission.
Follow Johnny Green on social media: @RealJohnnyGreen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as well as at Youtube.com/c/TheHigherThingsClub
For hundreds of years, society has been taught to follow the rules written by lawmakers. We abide by those laws for fear of being incarcerated if we break those laws. Although our justice system is set up to punish people who break the law, the punishments given out are not always designed to help the offender rehabilitate. Our justice system is displayed to society as a rehabilitation program designed to help offenders learn tools while incarcerated that assist them in finding legal ways to contribute to society positively once released. America currently has over 3,000 prison outreach programs designed to help inmates after incarceration, but many organizations oppose those groups from helping people who have committed a crime. ACLU of Colorado and the CHARG Resource Center are two organizations in Colorado that offer resources for inmates who are released in Colorado. What makes the difference between people who want to help inmates vs people who do not? What gives people the motives they have behind helping one another?
America’s justice system fits the definition given of an egoism motive behind our penal system’s purpose. Egoism is defined as “the motivation to help others that has the improvement of the helper’s circumstances as its main goal”(Poepsel & Schroeder, (2020). The prison policy initiative program reported that in the year 2020, America has over 2.3 million people incarcerated, and the revocation rate in America is 55%. The prison policy initiative reports that Colorado has an incarceration rate of 635 per 100,000. GEO prison incorporations made profits of 2.49 billion dollars from locking people up in 2019 (Alvarado, Monsy, et al.,2019). This makes it look like our justice system only pretends to help criminals to earn a profit. Those facts prove that our justice system does not “help” inmates for the inmates’ benefit of rehabilitation, but instead for profits.
My father, Thomas Eugene Landreth, Oklahoma inmate number 146687, received a 20yr sentence for marijuana in 2009. When his trial was over, I started a #FreeThomasLandreth campaign to get our community behind, helping me get a sentence commutation from the Oklahoma Governor, so my father could come home. I live in Colorado, so I went to every dispensary I could in Denver to get people to sign my petition as well. It took me 11yrs to get my dad that sentence commutation. It was a huge struggle to get people behind me to help my dad. One reason people may not help a person like my dad is because of the “Diffusion of responsibility” (Poepsel & Schroeder, (2020). A lot of people did not want to be associated with helping a prison inmate. Most of the people I reached out to ask for help from assumed that I would eventually find someone else to do so, so it wasn’t worth them getting involved. A lot of people I tried to get behind my campaign did not want to be associated with a marijuana prisoner.
My journey to find people to help my dad became long and lonely until I began to meet a cannabis community that felt compelled to help me get my father free. This type of helpful motivation is “Other-oriented empathy”(Poepsel & Schroeder, (2020). I found people with a strong sense of social responsibility, empathize with, and feel emotionally tied to people like my dad and me. They understood the problems my family was experiencing and felt a moral obligation to help me get my dad free. Colorado residents contributed over 2,000 signatures and turned into Oklahoma’s governor to help get my dad free. One of my volunteers had a father incarcerated for marijuana as well. He sadly died while incarcerated. There were many others like her and her dad and many families like mine; Kristen Flor and her dad’s story is what started the fire in my heart to get my dad free.
Author Miguel Miggy wrote an article describing my dad’s situation in Vegas cannabis magazine. Miguel gave society a different perspective that gave people compassion towards my dad’s 20yr prison sentence. Miguel stated in the article,” Thomas Landreth is an example of why there is a drug war, to keep lower income, and the least educated under control, the epitome of cheap labor for the prison system. Just another number in a privatized system. He’s dying slowly in a system not meant to make the person better but to put the loud kids in a corner, so the rest don’t have to hear them”(Miggy, 2017). Those words evoked prosocial behavior in my dad’s life. Miguel Miggy displayed Bystander intervention and skyrocketed the movement to free my dad. He is a true freedom fighter. My movement collaborated with organizations that went on to help me get my dad free. It should not have taken me 11yrs to get my dad free from a victimless crime. Many times in life, we will be faced with the decision to help someone or not. Although negative consequences could come from helping another, often, the help you give is needed and appreciated. Prisoners in America need our help.
We, the people, can stand up and help our incarcerated population. There are many ways to help, sign a petition you happen to scroll past on Facebook asking to free a non-violent offender. Donate to local prison outreach programs like FreedomGrowForever.org. Do not look the other way when it comes to America’s mass incarceration epidemic. Be the one to help. History has shown us that when our government implements policies like privatized prisons or mandatory minimums, we, the people, should investigate all motives behind the proposed help for our society’s well-being. Governmental policies should represent positive results for all Americans, not just a select few. All motives behind an act of “helping” must be examined when our legislators come up for elections. It is the American people’s responsibility to decide to be active in choosing government leaders with the right motives behind their proposals to help our society.
Photo Credit: Canna Prisoner Thomas (TOM KAT) Landreth #146687 Oklahoma current Inmate
References: Poepsel, D. L. & Schroeder, D. A. (2020). Helping and prosocial behavior. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. Retrieved from http://noba.to/tbuw7afg
