marijuana
History of the Cups
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It is finally time for the Denver Medical Cannabis cup. If you are in Denver this weekend, please come and visit us as we will be one of the sponsors of the event! We are sure patients will gather for another safe event as they have in the past. But first, a quick look on how we got here…
The first Cannabis cup was organized by Steven Hager, of High Times Magazine. In 1987 Amsterdam was the most famous of cities for legalized consumption of marijuana. So it was held there, in a great smoke-off to find the finest marijuana that a person could smoke. In 25 years the contest has matured; there are multiple categories, seeking the best strains, hybrids, consumables, seeds and so forth. It has also developed into a massive trade show, where builders of bongs can showcase their latest pipes, vaporizers, and novelty papers. Vendors also bring in t-shirts and other apparel and all other kinds of accessories. As the Cup has grown, it has incorporated other elements that have accompanied marijuana use. It has embraced spirituality and the counterculture ideas of the late 60’s and 70’s. Also, as politics have shifted across the world, so have the ideas espoused by the Cup’s sponsors and attendees.
Today, the United States is host to four of High Times’s Medical Marijuana Cups. In Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The First one was the San Francisco Cup in 2010. Last year saw the inaugural events for Denver and Los Angeles also. These are not just pothead toke-fests as conservative demagogues would paint them; they’re not dens of sin, iniquity and crime, or doorways to destruction. These are modern affairs, full of people with honorable agendas seeking to help people who are suffering from various ailments. For many of these patients, cannabis holds the best treatments they can hope to receive. New categories include judging for high CBD (cannabidiol) strains, which the medical community now agrees hold the key to treating many neuromuscular disorders. One of the largest growing segments of the Cup community is for political activism. Most major events now have devoted sections to increasing political awareness. On a national stage most politicians won’t touch the topic of marijuana; there are few candidates, like Ron Paul and Gary Johnson, who are willing to discuss it. But on state and local levels, many politicians are eagerly discussing with their constituents. Also, there are many active groups like NORML, LEAP and ASA who attend these gatherings and try to increase awareness and activism. For years the pro-marijuana lobby was small and quietly ignored. Now attitudes are turning from universal recreational use (like alcohol and tobacco) to a focus more on compassionate care and medical use, at least in enough cases now to be taken more seriously. Also, by highlighting the many failures of the 40 year-old “War on Drugs” people have realized that change, on a federal level, is necessary for the health of the Union and its people. All of this has helped the Cups to grow from crowds of hundreds to tens of thousands of supporters.
The Seattle HempFest is another event that has grown from very humble roots. The first one was held in Seattle in 1991, with only 500 people in attendance; last year’s event estimated close to 300,000 attendees! At each of these events people have gathered peacefully for several days. Recently, Cannabis use, in public, has been tolerated with no ill effects. Alcohol sales are banned at Hemp Fest, too. And in that wake, there have been no riots, no fights, no dangerous crimes committed. This is a far cry from the mighty fears that Henry J Anslinger stirred up when he pushed to have marijuana made illegal in the 1930’s. In 1991, there were no laws anywhere for compassionate use. Then, in 1998 Washington State passed their medical marijuana legislation. In 2003, Seattle made marijuana its lowest police priority and in 2008 the city stated it “would no longer prosecute simple possession cases.” This year, the state legislation approved patient cannabis gardens and an ordinance for cannabis collectives. With perseverance and patience, even the smallest of groups can hope to accomplish great deeds.
Hemp for Victory!
In 1943 the US was embroiled in World War II. The Japanese had been invading islands in the Pacific, going after the Philippines. Their fleet had cut off access to Manila and many supplies that the US war effort relied upon. One of those supplies was hemp. Hemp was widely used by the US Navy. But, thanks to the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, Cannabis was no longer legal to grow on domestic soil. Once we were cut off from those precious hemp supplies, the government realized that they needed to supply their own hemp. Afterward the Department of Agriculture put together a piece of wartime propaganda called “Hemp for Victory.” This short film was distributed and shown to American farmers as an instructional guide for growing and preparing cannabis crops for industrial use.
“Hemp For Victory” outlines the proper way to pick seeds, and proper soil types for optimum growing conditions. It then goes on to discuss harvesting techniques and how it gets turned from a plant into the many items the Navy uses. In 1942 the US harvested 36,000 acres of hemp and for 1943, with the help of some patriotic farmers, they were looking to yield upwards of 50,000. They needed it for the war effort; a battleship required 34,000 feet of hemp rope for mooring lines, tows, anchor lines, tackle and gear. The army used hemp for parachute webbing, light duty fire hoses, threads in shoes and clothing, twine and more. Of course to plant all these crops, American farmers needed a special permit from the Internal Revenue Service, or else they would be criminals, instead of patriotic planters.
It’s amazing how the US government is willing to turn a blind eye against their own laws, when it suits their purposes. Marijuana the medical herb is the scion of this plant yet it was completely banned. Suddenly America needed it again and it was legal for a special few to grow it. However, after the war the film was mothballed and the official word from the USDA was that it did not exist. The government denied its existence until two copies of it surfaced and were donated to the Library of Congress in May 1989, by Mia Farrow, Carl Packard and Jack Herer. On one hand marijuana is evil, but on the other it is the most useful plants Americans needed to win the war.
Hemp Seed Oil
Cannabis sativa L, that ever-so-helpful plant has been used for many thousands of years, for many thousands of reasons. Oil from hemp seeds is one of nature’s most beneficial oils that people enjoy. For a long time its popularity has waned, but it is making a comeback thanks to some progressive entrepreneurs and their dreams of a happier and healthier lifestyle for all of us. Why bother with the seed oil, when so many people seem to be happy enough with buds? Well, hemp seed oil has excellent nutritional value and none of the psychotropic properties of the buds and leaves. It is also legal to sell and consume in the USA (still working on legal to grow) so anybody can enjoy it at anytime.
Nutritionally speaking, hemp seed oil is about as perfect an oil as nature can provide for us. About 70-80% of the oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (that’s the kind doctors say are good) and 9-11% is the saturated kind. It also contains numerous essential fatty acids that humans need to live, but cannot produce within our bodies. These acids are in perfect ratio of 3:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 acids. According to nutrition experts, that is exactly the ratio that people should ingest on a daily basis. Doctors should recommend this in a diet because of its balance and how it can help our daily health. The nutrients in hemp seed oil can help maintain a healthy digestive system, strong immune system and keep skin healthy too. Hemp oil has long been used as a treatment for eczema. It contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotene, numerous minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and zinc and more.
Have we mentioned that hemp seed oil also tastes good? When fresh, it has a clear, to light green color and nutty flavor to it that many people enjoy. It goes great on salads as a dressing, can be used in mayonnaise and butters, and is great to marinated with as well. But it is not good for cooking/frying with. As an unsaturated oil, it becomes denatured above 150 degrees and produces unhealthy trans-fatty acids and has raised peroxide values. That increases the amount of free radicals in the oil, which can lead to rancidity of the oil and spoiling of food it is mixed with. Food experts agree that hemp seed oil should be stored cold, in sealed containers and out of sunlight.
Hemp seed oil is not so popular now, but that is changing and it can now be found in more stores now than in the last few years. Because hemp grows profusely and has few pests that attack it, it can be grown organically, pesticide and herbicide free. There are growers and distributors popping up around the country, in Ohio and Kentucky to name a few. Also, Canada’s hemp industry is growing rapidly thanks to companies like Hemp Oil Canada Inc, HOCI for short (pronounced “hockey”, duh). If you are yet to try it, we hope you will. Enjoy it in good health!
1956, a Grave Injustice
One of the more infamous events in drug law history was the passage of the Narcotic Control Act in July of 1956. One of its many effects was the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences for possession, distribution and trafficking of drugs, particularly Marijuana. At this time, Marijuana was still highly castigated by the majority of the US population, especially those eager-to-please, power-hungry politicians. Henry J Anslinger (the man behind the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937) was still the drug czar of the era, and although this bill was not his brain-child, he certainly championed it as it gave enormous power to his organization (the Federal Bureau of Narcotics). Interestingly enough, some members of the Federal bureaucracy (those in law enforcement) were against this because it gave so much power to a sub-department of the Treasury Department. Some of its provisions wanted bureau agents to carry firearms and serve warrants. It also allowed them to make arrests and obtain wiretaps without warrants.
In the 1950’s, “narcotic” drug use was ramping up in the United States. Also, it was a time where the first congressional hearings were broadcast on television. These Senate hearings discussed organized crime and its continued rise in power. Where was this stemming from? More money = more power, and the crime lords were making vast swaths of money in drug trafficking, specifically heroin, cocaine and marijuana. For a quick tutorial on this, take a few minutes to check out The Godfather. There’s a great scene where the Dons of the Five Families get together and discuss how they will make peace between themselves and carve out their empires by building on drug revenue. Some were against drug sales due to moral objections (although they had no problem with gambling, prostitution and protection rackets) while others saw an untapped market just waiting to explode. Well, the entrepreneurs were right and drugs were indeed the wave of the future. It only takes a little taste to get most users hooked. So, a lot of society’s members were legitimately worried about this rising tide. It was a pity that Marijuana got caught up with the much more dangerous drugs, but alcohol and tobacco were once again ignored.
Let’s get to the meat-and-potatoes of this bill. It “increased the minimum and maximum penalties for all drug offenses to 1-10 years, 5-25 years, and 10-40 years for succeeding convictions; increased the fine in an categories to $20,000; and imposed 5-20 years upon first conviction for any smuggling or sale violation, and 10-40 years thereafter, with a separate penalty of 10-40 years for any sale or distribution by a person over eighteen to a minor, and from ten years to life, or death when a jury so recommended, if the drug was heroin. All discretion to suspend sentences or grant probation, and all parole eligibility-generally available to anyone convicted under any other federal criminal law-were prohibited except for first offenders convicted of possession only.” By removing the chance for parole, inmates had no incentive to reform their behavior and become functional members of society. Furthermore, the law required that anyone convicted of drug crimes must register and receive special licenses to exit and enter any borders of the United States. Failure to comply with this provision led to fines and further imprisonment. There are a few more caveats to this piece of legislation; if there are any interested people, that information can be found here.
This law stood until it was thankfully overturned in 1970. It led to many thousands of arrests and incarcerations. Many of the convicted were young offenders and served the majority of their lives in jail, if they lived long enough to be released. There were a lucky few who were pardoned by President Kennedy in 1962, but there were very few.
Surprised, horrified, and/or upset by this tidbit of history? Well, there’s plenty more where that came from. Luckily this law is gone, but the Marijuana community has many more battles to fight before they can declare victory.
Marijuana Worldwide
When people talk about legal developments in marijuana, they’re usually talking about the United States or the Netherlands. It’s also famous in Jamaica and a few other countries. But there is a whole world out there where cannabis is grown and consumed. What about those other places? From Canada to Peru, Australia, Korea, Thailand and more, what do they have going on? Most of the countries of the world have laws against growing, selling and possessing marijuana. Why is that? Well, thanks to dependence on foreign aid, and big countries throwing their weight around, it can be pretty difficult to find decent herb. In some countries it is illegal but overlooked, others have minimal policing efforts (read: bribes are OK) and in some countries the penalties include harsh jail times or even execution. All that for a weed that, if left unchecked, will grow just about anywhere.
How did this happen? Until the early 20th century, hemp and cannabis were grown throughout the world for industrial and medicinal purposes. Some countries even had laws requiring farmers to grow it so they could meet minimum requirements for many different industries. In the space of just a few decades all this changed. US and UK governments pulled a 180 on their stance for the plant and suddenly everyone was forced to go along for the ride. They were superpowers of their day; the British Empire was waning, as the United States’ strength was gaining. The influence these two countries wielded was enormous. The British government passed the Dangerous Drugs Act in 1927, and exported versions of it to all its colonies and territories such as New Zealand and Australia. This effectively ended growth and trade for many drugs like opium and coca, but also included cannabis. In 1925 the League of Nations (Failed precursor to the UN) added it to the list of controlled substances. The United States followed suit shortly afterward (at the prodding of HJ Anslinger and the Hearst Media empire). So, the UK, US and League of Nations were busy sticking their nose in other people’s business and making life less enjoyable. There was a slight turnaround during World War 2 because hemp was needed for war purposes. But once the war was done, right back to ILLEGAL!
After World War 2 ended, the USA was the big dog and started telling more countries what to do. They were sending troops to some countries and withholding aid from others until they passed laws that agreed with our own. Trade barriers were erected, international interdependence increased and the US was busy buying and selling raw materials and finished products. If Thailand or Uganda or Columbia wanted in on the action they had to play by American rules. So laws were set down, with varying degrees of punishment, and they could enter the global trade game. As things stand today, there is a majority global ban on growth and sale of cannabis. Yet, if one takes the time to tour the world and hit up backwater areas, or derelict buildings with brand new electrical systems, they will find grow-ops flourishing. In Hawaii, drug enforcement uses helicopters for flyovers to see who is growing in their backyard. In Burma there are military crackdown raids with seek-and-destroy orders. But in England, the company that produces Marinol has several massive and state-of-the-art technology Classified grow-op centers that any California cooperative would drool over.
Times they are a changing and it seems the cannabis plant will bear fruit once more. Hopefully the laws against this plant will decay as more and more people realize it poses no harm, and can only help humanity. We may even see a domino effect once the US government pulls its head out of the sand and ends the federal ban. Stay tuned for more updates on the status of marijuana worldwide.
Mary Jane and Mario Brothers make quite the team!
Video games are for kids, right? What happens when those kids grow up? Don’t they still love their games? Pong was released in 1972, so any kid who had it would be over 40 years old now. And in that time games have gone from a pixel bouncing between paddles to the realistic graphics and life-simulating action of games life Call of Duty and the latest Madden that looks almost as good as a real football game. So it can’t be just for kids, especially with so many games having mature content ratings. They are more than just games today. They are art made in motion; they are a social experience. As games have joined the internet they have brought people together from across the world.
The video game companies know they can sell more games if they make them for a wider market, so the adult gaming world exists. There are people who grew up with games, just as others had Legos. The adult gaming community is huge and it works hard to shed the old stigma that games are a waste of time, and for kids only. Nintendo has worked hard to dispel this image too. Their latest console, the Wii has been marketed as a family console. It’s as much fun for junior as it is for grandpa. The party games cater to multiplayer, and who can complain when Wii Bowling is so much fun. It is as good as real bowling, only your arm won’t fall off after 20 games because its a 4oz wiimote being wielded instead of a 16 pound bowling ball.
There are those who lay the blame for rising obesity epidemic at the feet of video games. If parents would put down the controller and send them out to play real sports they might lose some weight. But gaming does have its benefits. Research has shown that games can help cognitive development, spatial relations, and hand-eye coordination in ways that sports cannot. As with any pursuit, balance and moderation are needed. One study has shown that gamer-athletes show the best levels of coordination, with gamers-only just behind them, athletes ranking lower and those who play neither sports nor games as least coordinated. Sports give excellent balance and body control to athletes, but gamers excel at fine motor control, such as that needed while driving, or for doctors performing surgery, or for military snipers. A recent study has shown that doctors who play video games before performing arthro- and laproscopic surgery make 1/3 less mistakes and often complete procedures quicker. While speed does not always equal success, the less time a patient remains cut open the less likely they are to contract infections and suffer complications.
Where does this fit in with the marijuana community? The obvious answer, many many gamers smoke marijuana. But there’s more to it than that. It ties in with the social and community aspect. Friends separated by distance can bond over a game, or even discuss business during loading times. Just hit pause between waves of monster hordes and then a few friends can take a moment to re-medicate and enter a game. Xbox live is a great way to talk with a bud and discuss a new strain and how its effects may be more helpful for disease treatment than something previously taken. Many patients who medicate with marijuana are housebound. Internet gaming allows them social access that is otherwise denied by their limited mobility. For others, it provides sociability without alcohol. Bars are often loud, rowdy, expensive affairs (not all of them) that don’t appeal to some people. Video games let people relax in their own home and commune with friends more intimately. In multiplayer mode, players can compete against each other, or they can work together. It’s a great team-building exercise. Businesses could benefit from having their employees cooperating. A game night at the office is certainly cheaper than a paintball expedition and has less risk of injury.
Hemp Plastic
Hemp the wonder plant strikes again! This time it is here to upset the petroleum plastics industry. But how is that possible? How can a plant overturn one of the most environmentally unfriendly materials industries? Well, it turns out that hemp can be manufactured into plastic, a stronger better plastic. It can be molded, extruded, …continue reading
Marijuana in Music
“See I think drugs have done some good things for us. I really do. And if you don’t believe that drugs have done good things for us, do me a favor and go home tonight and take all your albums, all your tapes and all your CDs and burn them. Because you know what, the musicians that have made all that great music that’s
enhanced your life throughout all the years were reeaaaal f*cking high on drugs.” -Bill Hicks
Music and Marijuana, it’s like peanut butter and jelly. Some things just go great together. Musicians have been writing songs about cannabis for years. And it transcends all genres, too. Country, rap, rock, metal, blues, there are fans to be found everywhere, except maybe opera (although it may enhance the fan experience). Why does this matter? Some of the most outspoken members of society who are in favor of legalizing marijuana are musicians. The most famous event for music and cannabis was, of course, Woodstock. That began a grand tradition of music festivals that continue to this day. The most recent event was the San Bernadino SmokeOut, sponsored by Cypress Hill, and featuring many other bands who believe in the power of the leaf. But what do these bands have to say about it? Pop on an album and listen to them.
Cypress Hill has written numerous songs about marijuana, how much they love it, when they smoke it, and why they smoke it. One track, “K.U.S.H.” off their latest album Rise Up is all about a specific strain, and why they like that one more than the others.
K.U.S.H keeps us so high
the more I smoke, the higher I get
the better I feel, I can’t quit
One reason they love it, it brings people together. Everybody is down with Cypress Hill, “Snoop Dogg and Dre are down with us/ Cheech and Chong they’re down with us.” And so are Willie Nelson, Bruce Willis, Halle Berry, Dave Chapelle, and Dionne Warwick. It is a uniter, not a divider; how could smoking it be wrong?
Sublime’s “Smoke Two Joints” (written by The Toyes in 1983, not Bob Marley) is one of the most famous pro-marijuana songs of all time. Why not, “I smoke two joints in the afternoon, it makes me feel alright.” Some will argue, it can’t be good because drugs killed Bradley Nowell, Sublime’s original lead singer. It wasn’t marijuana that killed him; it was heroin. Hard drugs have killed many musicians, but not one has overdosed on cannabis.
Bands from the SmokeOut weren’t the first ones on the block singing about marijuana. Black Sabbath, the godfather’s of Heavy Metal, were all about the “Sweet Leaf.” That song really gets the introspective properties of smoking.
When I first met you, didn’t realize
I can’t forget you, for your surprise
you introduced me, to my mind
And left me wanting, you and your kind
I love you, Oh you know it
My life was empty, forever on a down
Until you took me, showed me around
My life is free now, my life is clear
I love you sweet leaf, though you can’t hear
Come on now, try it out
Straight people don’t know, what you’re about
They put you down and shut you out
you gave to me a new belief
and soon the world will love you sweet leaf
Ozzy vocals capture all the positive aspects that people look for when medicating with marijuana. It brings clarity of mind, and surety of self. A life once so negative is now euphoric. And then he invites all the non-believers to try it out too. Maybe it is something that the world could do with more of, open minds.
Anti-Marijuana Propaganda from the Mid-20th Century
For over 70 years Marijuana has been illegal in the United States. In that time, the powers-that-be have used many forms of propaganda to maintain their control over people’s fear of cannabis in order to prevent the reforms happening today. Initially, the fear and hatred of marijuana was stirred up by Henry J. Anslinger and his cunning use of racism and bigotry. Anslinger and William Randolph Hearst (Hearst publishing) preyed upon the feelings of the white majority and ideas of miscegenation (white women + not-white men). They also made sure people feared a minority uprising, led by unstoppable drugged-out berserker pot-heads. To this day there are still people who fear this, and push for continuing anti-marijuana legislation. However, one fear cannot be stoked continuously for 70 years. As time went by new fears were co-opted and put to use for the war on drugs.
Cannabis and hemp were made illegal in the 1930’s, but hemp was then re-allowed in World War 2 because of its industrial use. After the war ended the ban was reinstated and something else was needed to enforce it. Enter the threat to National Security. That’s right, after the Nazis were defeated and ideas of Superior Races were less popular the country needed something else to unify it. America had a new enemy… Communism! After the war, Anslinger continued to consolidate power into the government apparatus that would eventually become the DEA. With Senator Hale Boggs as his partner, President Harry Truman was convinced that drugs were being utilized by Communist China to subvert Americans and undermine our democracy. In 1951 Truman signed the Boggs Act which imposed strict penalties for violating the import/export laws pertaining to drugs. Part of these penalties were tough mandatory minimum prison sentences. In 1961, Anslinger had JFK used the US influence at the UN to push for an anti-drug convention that eventually saw over 100 countries agree to make marijuana illegal. It would not be the last time that national security would be used as a scapegoat for anti-drug sentiment. All of this helped build the reaction to the counterculture of the 1960’s and 70’s.
In the 1980’s and 90’s, most anti-drug PSA’s (Public Service Announcement) were focused on the negative effects of drugs on the mind, body and social ties. Anybody remember the “This is your brain on drugs” video with the smashed egg? Well, after the terror attacks of September 11, that type of ad moved to the back burner in favor of a terror and drugs cocktail. Many drugs are produced and exported by terror-supporting organizations (not going to debate that here) but once again cannabis was also targeted in these ads. So the teenager buying a bag from his dealer (which was probably grown domestically, in some backwood) is now helping Al-Qaeda to blow up airplanes and shoot marines. One particular PSA shows two men debating the truth of this. The skeptic says he doesn’t believe it, and the other guy says “It’s true,” repeatedly until the other man is convinced. There’s no evidence offered, or even a counterargument. He maintains his position and eventually the other guy is converted. As a 30-second tv spot makes a strong emotional impression, which is the crux of most propaganda. Facts are distorted in order to evoke an emotional response, which has been proven to create a stronger impression than just a factual argument… so far.
CypressHill Smokeout Brings Community Together for Memorable Event
Marijuana.net aims to be supportive of our community gatherings. The past week has been eventful as the community stood up and demonstrated their opposition the Los Angeles City Council’s threat to ban collectives. We also had the Cypress Hill Smokeout over the weekend which treated the community to full day of music, art, food, education and fun.
Those in attendance were treated to excellent performances by more than 20 artists on three stages. Cypress Hill has long been known for its great live performances and on Saturday they more than lived up to expectations. Fans were treated to many of their hits and of course loudly sang along to “Insane in The Brain” which, to no one’s surprise was one of the major highlights of the day. Korn also performed well as their signature deep base could be felt throughout the venue. For those who ventured to the stage inside, they were treated to unique sounds of Wolfgang Gartner. Sublime with Rome also put the crowd into a frenzy as they mixed up their playlists with both old and new hits. For a complete list and information on the 2012 Cypress Hill Smokeout performers click here.
There was also much more offered at the event other than just music. The vendor village included tents selling apparel as well as providing education and awareness for patient related issues. Marijuana.net would like to thank everyone who stopped by our tent in the vendor village. We found those who stopped by receptive to our shared goals of patient safety and awareness. There was also a designated patient area and of course, plenty of food.
As per the recurring theme, we at marijuana.net witnessed a very peaceful environment with law enforcement and attendees getting along well. Our diverse community knows how to handle a large scale concert festival without much of the issues that trouble sporting events or clubs. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next community event. Check back later as we post the winners of our raffle! Good luck and welcome to all of our new patients!