This week the FDA again cracked down on marketers and sellers of products containing the stongest kratom product, an herbal plant botanical used recreationally and as medicine but is not legally marketed in the U.S. as a drug or dietary supplement.

The FDA recently issued warning letters to Cali Botanicals of Rancho Cordova, CA, and Kratom NC of Wilmington, NC , ”for illegally selling unapproved, misbranded kratom. Making claims about their product’s ability to treat or cure opiate addiction and withdrawal symptoms.”

The latest legal warnings are just two of several the FDA has issued to alert kratom consumers about what it says are the serious risks associated with the use of the products. Of course we know big pharma is pressuring the FDA because kratom cuts into the suboxone profits.

The herb is legal on the federal level, although the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has considering labeling it a Schedule I drug for years now . a category that includes heroin, marijuana, LSD, and ecstasy. Kratom is illegal in six states, Washington, D.C., and several cities, according to the American Kratom Association. It has been on the DEA’s list of drugs and chemicals of concern for years while the kratom lobby has gained congress members approval.

The FDA has approved no uses for green maeng da kratom powder, and the agency says it has received concerning reports about its safety, including claims of deaths. The two companies use websites and social media to make unproven claims, such as saying the plant acts like morphine, that it can be used to overcome opiate addiction and can manage chronic pain, help depression, anxiety, diabetes, and fatigue and protect against cancer, the FDA says.

By some scientists’ research, there are between 10 million and 15 million kratom consumers in the US alone. They are using the natural pain relieving substance for everything from chronic pain relief to replacement for their morning coffee. It is not an illicit substance; unless you live in one of the six states where kratom possession is criminalized, or are part of the US Army or Navy, which also banned the drug, kratom capsules, extracts, and teas are legal to buy and sell. However, after finding kratom in the systems of dozens of people who have died of drug overdoses, the federal government has been considering a total ban. It warns consumers of potential opioid-like effects, though scientists have questioned the FDA’s methodology in coming to that conclusion. Some people, like Day, will tell you kratom saved their lives. Others ask her if she’s selling “legal heroin.”

Like many high-value crops (especially semi-illicit ones), the kratom industry is also built on frequently exploitative labor practices, mostly in remote, rural areas in Indonesia. According to Day, who imports her kratom from the country, Indonesia’s drug enforcement agency, the BNN, has been under pressure from the US to ban kratom production by 2022, imperiling the native kratom farmers’ livelihoods.

So the DEA and FDA’s worries aren’t unwarranted. “They are rightly concerned about any substance that they have very little control over that patients and consumers are using to self-treat medical conditions,” the University of Florida’s Grundmann says. “When you talk about opioid or alcohol  withdrawal, depression, anxiety—that usually belongs in the hands of a medical professional.” Few seem to think that calls for a ban, though. “If we completely cut off any legal way for those consumers to get kratom, then we don’t have any oversight left.”

Effective Kratom Strains, Effects, and Dosage

 

 

Strain	Effects	Dosage
Bali	Euphoric effect The most classic opiate among all Kratom strains	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Maeng Da	Energizing effect Stimulates with pain relieving properties	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Red Vein Kali	Sedative properties	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Red Vein Thai	Similar effects as Bali Fewer side effects associated with correct kratom dosage	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Red Indo Kali	Similar effects as Red Vein Kali	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Green Vein Kali	Stimulating strain Contains pain-relieving properties	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Green Indo	Increases energy levels Reduces pain	1/2 to 3 tsps.
White Vein Thai	Euphoric properties	1/2 to 3 tsps.
White Vein Kali	Euphoric properties	1/2 to 3 tsps.
White Vein Indo	Similar effects as Red Indo Pain-relieving properties	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Super Indo	Similar effects as Bali Reduced euphoric effects	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Super Green Malaysian	Stimulating properties Reduced euphoric effects	1/2 to 3 tsps.
Ultra-Enhanced Indo	Heightened euphoric effects Reduces social anxiety	1 gram or less if combined with powdered leaf
Gold Reserve Extract	Potent strain by using highly concentrated Kratom alkaloids to natural Kratom leave	1 gram or less if combined with powdered leaf
Liquid kratom Extract	An outlier with stimulating properties as caffeine	1 gram or less if combined with powdered leaf
Natural Enhanced White Sumatra	Created using 90% pure alkaloid extraction using the White Vein Kratom strain and combining it with the White Vein Leaf strain	1 gram or less if combined with powdered leaf
Natural Enhanced True Thai	Created using 90% pure alkaloid extraction from the White Vein Kratom, combining it with the White Vein Leaf Kratom	0.25mL or more

 

Advice for Kratom Capsules Dosage

New users taking Kratom need to maintain a stable dosage, as developing tolerance for a specific Kratom strain after a while is a common. If you are taking Kratom in capsule form, follow the instructions on the package. Each bottle will inform you on the amount of Kratom contained in each capsule.

If you are taking Kratom in powder form, you should make tea it instead of smoking it.

Here are a few ways to take it:

• Apple Juice Method — Eat one teaspoon of Kratom powder, put it in your mouth, and wash it down with a tall glass of water. For new users, the correct Kratom dosage is to eat two teaspoons each day, increasing the dosage after three to four days have passed.
• Yogurt Probiotic Method — The bitter taste of Kratom can make it difficult for a person to swallow it. If that is the case, you can combine Kratom powder with yogurt. Add three teaspoons of Kratom powder into yogurt and eat it. You can add more yogurt to the mixture if you want.
• Protein choclate Shake — Like the yogurt method, in this method, you need to add one and half a teaspoon of Kratom powder into a protein shake. The reason you are decreasing the Kratom dosage in this method is because protein shakes contain several proteins and nutrients, which are good for your health, but with a possibility of unwanted side effects. Therefore, you need to monitor the results on your health as you gradually increase the Kratom dosage.
• Tea Mango Method – In a pot of water, add Kratom powder and let it boil for 30 minutes or more. Turn off the stove, let it sit, and then strain off the liquid. You can drink Kratom tea either hot or cold. find these at  https://www.tropichealthclub.com/product/white-kratom-powder/

 

How to Moderate Usage

People take Kratom, also known as Biak, Ketum, Kakuam, Ithang, and Thom, in pill, capsule, and extract form. Some people chew its leaves or brew the powdered or dried leaves in boiling water and drink it as tea. Other times, people smoke the leaves or add them to food.

How Kratom affects opiate withdrawal

Kratom acts both as an opioid and stimulant. Kratom leaves contain two types of compounds, 7-α-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. These two compounds interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, producing pleasurable, sedative, and pain-relieving effects. Mitragynine interacts with other brain receptors to produce stimulants effects. Consuming large amounts of Kratom heightens these effects. Consuming it in small amounts, increases energy levels, decreases anxiety, making the person more sociable, and improves mental alertness.

The Health Benefits of Kratom

Here is a list of health benefits of Kratom:

1. Relieves Pain

7-α-hydroxymitragynine contains alkaloids, thus giving it the same pain-relieving effect as morphine, but without being highly addictive. The alkaloids attach themselves on the opiate receptors in the central nervous system. This enhances the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which will numb the pain receptors in your body.

Some of the conditions it treats include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, joint pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Treats Addiction

Even though Kratom is not an opiate, it activates the delta Opiate and supraspinal mu in the brain, it does help curb cravings in addicts, trying to overcome their long-term dependency on a certain drug.

Some of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal include reducing cramps, nausea, vomiting, pain, sleeplessness, and anxiety

3. Reduces Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

People suffering from anxiety, depression, or stress can take Kratom to calm and relax their nerves. A psychostimulant, it releases serotonin and endorphins in the brain, elevating the mood. It will make a person become more confident and sociable.

7-α-hydroxymitragynine will reduce anxiety symptoms such as heart palpitations, insomnia, sweating, muscle cramps, hyperventilation, and more. Some of the conditions it can treat include chronic stress, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, among others.

4. Increases Focus

Kratom can enhance mental alertness by influencing the brain’s opiate receptors and alkaloids, periphery, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. It will help people work harder for longer hours without losing their focus due to the release of acetylcholine.

It increases a person’s focus by releasing serotonin and dopamine, which further increases the attention span, mental alertness, and motivation to complete the task.

5. Increases Motivation Levels

Kratom activates the opioid receptors in the brain, causing the person’s motivation levels to rise. It offers people an adrenaline rush, which causes the person to complete a task, thanks to the sympathetic nerves releasing noradrenaline and adrenaline. It also promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine, two essential chemicals in the brain needed to boost motivation.

What type of kratom powder types are there and how can they help your health? There are a lot of strains of kratom used for pain relief so that it can be tough to know which of these to try out. Here, you can learn what your options are so you may find kratom that will be appropriate for you.

You’re likely to want to see whether you’re able to buy a sample pack of kratom that has a lot of different strains you can try out. When you would like to buy a sample package, ensure that you decide on a number of different breeds that you haven’t attempted before.

When you receive a sample, then you’re likely to want to try every type on its own to see whether it works good or not. You don’t wish to mix strains together until you are aware of what they are like so you don’t overdo it and have a bad experience.

One of the kratom powder types are white strains. These give you more energy than other breeds so that you wish to make sure that you’re in need of extra energy when you attempt out this kind. When you proceed with white breeds you want to take it slow so that you don’t get too overstimulated if you try them out.

For the maximum from a white breed, it’s great to bring a couple of grams to start with and also to work your way upward with time. Don’t just go with a lot of g simultaneously because that will not help as much as a lower dose in a lot of cases.

Red Bali kratom is very good for you if you want to unwind. It is inclined to be a whole lot more like a painkiller, also, than other strains. When you operate with a reddish strain you may need to take a bit more of it to find the positive effects because it can be a weaker strain generally in a lot of instances. But, you still need to take it slow just in case you get a strain that is strong. Use this kind of strain when you have enough time to sit and relax.

A green high quality kratom for euphoria breed is going to be the best of both worlds when it comes to relaxation and stimulation. Normally, green breeds have a lot of alkaloids in them you’ll want to take them if you need to have stimulation and want to unwind a bit.

Green breeds tend to be stronger than most so that you wish to take it easy with them just like with other strains. They are a good beginner strain since they provide the most benefits so offer this type a try if you wish to try the best kratom for pain relief or even if you’re experienced with it.

There are all kinds of different strains you can try, like the yellow selection. When you go to research breeds that are not green, white, or red then you want to understand what the strains you are trying are like before you take a large dose. Since companies can predict any type of kratom any colour they want, you can’t know what you will get before you try it out. Consequently, if you come across any kratom that is a new color, start slow and see what it is like until you try your routine dose out.

Know that kratom is addictive if you choose it too often for too long of a moment. You need to be certain you take it or that you only take it if it is going to benefit you. If you do need to take it daily, then when you would like to stop taking it you can taper off so you do not need to deal with withdrawals.

It is ideal to take quitting as slowly as possible so you are not uncomfortable. If you end up taking a lot of it every day you will definitely have to deal with withdrawal problems if you stop suddenly.

It’s a fantastic idea to figure out when you’re likely to use kratom powder or if you’ll use capsules. If you’re likely to use a powder, then you need to acquire a scale so you can tell just how much you are taking.

If you want to shoot kratom, attempt to begin at a gram or 2 and work your way up from there. With capsules, they usually hold half a gram based on their dimensions. Look at the packaging to your kratom capsules you have to learn how much is in each one until you take them.

At this point you know exactly what the kratom powder kinds are and how to purchase what’s going to work for you. Be sure you use what you heard here so you can get what will work for you.

There are a whole lot of brands of CBD vape juice out there so it can be hard to know what to go with. You will also learn what the CBD benefits are. If you would like to find out more about purchasing CBD in vape juice type, this manual can help. Start small if purchasing best CBD vape oil so that you don’t buy more than what you want at first.

When you are first trying it, you ought to make sure to find a brand that works and then you can purchase in bulk. Fortunately, most retailers have smaller sizes that you are able to purchase so you do not need to spend too much to test out a CBD vape juice manufacturer new.

It’s possible to use Nano CBD oil to aid you with pain. Obviously, if there are dosage directions on the packaging to your vape juice that you get, then you have to follow what they say. It’s generally best to start small and then to work your way up so it is possible to find the smallest dose that has the best effects. If you begin with a very large dose, then you’re spending additional money because you’re going to run from vape juice faster.

If you want to understand more about the CBD vape juice choices you have, you’re likely to need to read testimonials. When you read a review, make certain it is all about the precise product that you’re considering trying. Additionally, make sure the review is newer so you know it is about what the item is similar to as of late. Sometimes companies alter their products a little so if you read a review that is quite old it may not be accurate of the product any longer.

At this point you know what is necessary to find the ideal CBD vape oil. You want to be certain that you don’t waste your cash on products that don’t function that well. Use what you learned previously and locating what you need shouldn’t be that difficult. You’re likely to want to find advice on vape juices before you buy these so you can tell if they’re worth the cash or not. Do not just get a random type from a local store and expect that it is going to work for you.

In fact, if you do purchase it someplace, go in at first to the shop and put together a listing of what they have. Then, you can go home and find the things they have for sale online to see if they are worthwhile or not by assessing prices and reviews. If you vape CBD oils, you are able to relax a whole lot more. If you have stress, then you are going to want to try this sort of merchandise. If you are going to use it for anxiety relief, then the dosage you’re likely to get to take could be different than if you’re carrying it for pain. Be sure that you look at the vape juice’s instructions before you try it out so that you understand how much to vape.

Also, if you’re using it for anxiety make sure you vape before you do anything that makes you feel a little or quite apprehensive. Make it a point to obtain the ideal equipment for vaping CBD juices. You don’t want to use the identical vape gear which you use to work with nicotine containing e-liquids. Attempt to buy a system that is only for your CBD juices so they do not get mixed up with individuals that have nicotine.

The issue with nicotine is that it’s a stimulant so if you are trying to relax with CBD you don’t want nicotine to be mixed in. However, there are some devices with tanks which allow you to change out the sort of juice you are using so at least buy a new tank only for this sort of vape juice.

The best CBD oil for pain relief are a good starter if you are a new user of CBD products.  See your health care provider if you have back pain lasting a couple of days; it might be caution of a disease. Depending on the symptoms, your physician will prescribe pain killers or create a treatment regimen if your back pain is caused by a health matter. It’s worth noting that these edibles may be taken as supplement to improve immunity and enhance your body energy.

How Can CBD Oil Functions For Back Pain?

CBD oil contains powerful analgesic properties that blocks the pathway of pain from the mind. It interferes with chemical released when the body is hurt. These are cytokines which are responsible for pain and inflammation.
Pharmaceuticals pain killers are effective in relieving pain but cause severe side effects. You want a natural remedy like CBD oil for pain which is the safest and best pain reliever. CBD oil for pain is presently being sought as a good alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and opioids drugs which causes serious effects such as dependency, headaches, dizziness, nausea, withdrawal symptoms . Does CBD get you high? Even though it’s derived from the cannabis plant, CBD cannot get you high because it is anti-psychoactive.

The benefits of CBD oil for Back pain and other medical Problems

lower back pain is very common. It can come and go or may last from 3 to 6 months. It’s debilitating and frustrating.
Common causes of back pain include back muscle strain, ruptured disc, backbone Osteoarthritis, Sciatica, poor posture sitting, Spinal Stenosis, old age, lifting heavy things, to mention a few.

They are a popular way of taking CBD since they conceal the flavor of CBD oil. They make up a good natural treatment for the back pain and other health ailments and ailments. CBD capsules contain CBD oil that’s included in a capsule. The capsules are either made from gelatin or vegetable. Each capsule includes a certain dosage hence are accurate way of consuming CBD for pain. testing positive for cannabis is possible, so use a recommended THC detox product before a test

• Stems from reputable manufacturers
• It is lab certified and tested
• It’s high-quality
• Have high potency
• Does not contain additives and is non GM0
• Have outstanding sourcing and production procedure
• Why Is allergen and gluten free

Additionally, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties which will kill pain brought on by inflammation. It’s because of these properties that best CBD oil for arthritis pain is utilised to overcome pain and opioid medication addiction. It is possible to buy CBD in a variety of forms to treat your back pain.

What’s CBD oil for pain?

It’s a trending element of wellness supplement, alternative medicine, wellness and beauty products. Opioids plays an important part but are usually abused due to their sedative effects. Also, when used for quite a while, they contribute to tolerance where a patient with back pain may require a higher dosage in order to work.

CBD can come as edibles that are enjoyed all over the world. They’re tasty and come in different sizes. Daily ingestion of these gummies will help with your back pain. They’re cheap and easy to purchase online. CBD oil for pain have powerful analgesic properties that could alleviate acute and severe back pain. Manage your back pain with a natural pain killer that will offer far better pain relief than existing pain remedies like ibuprofen and aspirin.

CBD gummies for back pain are secure and are made from organically grown cannabis plantlife. They taste exactly like sweet and will bypass the flavor of CBD oil which can be awful to first time users. Top brands which sell CBD gummies include Chill CBD, Hemp Bombs and Cannabidiol life. They are also addictive and there are numerous instances where patients exhibited withdrawal symptoms after quitting them. CBD oil is 100% organic hence does not lead to any significant side effects. The best CBD oil for pain; CBD oil may deal with a wide variety of health ailments and ailments.

Kratom is a popular stimulant that takes care of most symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It is an efficient way of controlling cravings for alcohol. Most people who intend to quit alcohol consumption tend to fall back into its trap. They relapse because they cannot deal with its alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

This is where using Kratom for alcohol withdrawal can help you by providing relief against withdrawal symptoms. Choose Kratom today as it will take you towards a healthy lifestyle.

How Does Kratom Work For Alcohol Withdrawal?

Maeng da Kratom powder connects with your opioid receptors and provides your mind with much relief. The nature of Kratom is not like heroin or other substances that are potent to the brain receptors.

Kratom activates your pleasure centers in the brain. It does not connect with those receptors that make a substance addiction.

How Does It Stop Your Craving and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal ?

Kratom pill dosage helps with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, because it connects with opioid receptors. These are responsible for releasing endorphins when you consume alcohol. Kratom is successful in reducing pain caused during alcohol withdrawal.

Since Kratom is a partial connector, it cannot help you if you have severe alcohol addiction. You can still use it with combination of other medications, but not alone. With extreme conditions, there is always a risk of seizures, and you do not want to make it any worse.

But if you are dealing with mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms, then it will be beneficial for you. You will notice a change in your cravings, and lethargy will be a non-issue if you learn where to buy the best kratom capsules to make sure that you are full of energy.

What Are Few Best Kratom Strains for Alcohol Withdrawal?

For controlling alcohol withdrawal, you should consume Kratom with your tea. If you decide to opt for a powdered form of Kratom, then choose a qualified vendor. Make sure that your favorite Kratom for energy vendor explains everything about the product. You should know the type of Kratom strain used, its quantity, and its biochemistry.

You will be able to induce various benefits in your body through a combination use of Kratom. Use White Vein because it is stimulating, Red Vein because it is very calming, and Green Vein kratom because it has both of these qualities.

It is likely that one kind of these types works best for you, if not then you can decide based on trial and error. Most people prefer a mixture of two Kratom strains. They feel that it helps them fight the Alcohol withdrawal symptoms in a more holistic manner. You can try it too and see if works for you.

Besides, it is important to look for ways that could detox your body. Kratom takes care of the withdrawal condition. But it does not help you in cleansing your body off alcohol. You do not want any further harmful affects to your body. To achieve that, you do not have to depend on one solution only.

If you’ve been reading up on CBD oil, it’s likely that you’ve seen people talking about terpenes. Of course, being aware of terpenes doesn’t mean that you know what they are. Anyone interested in CBD oil should take the time to learn about CBD with terpenes and how these natural compounds can alter their experience with CBD oil.

CBD Cannabis has long been labeled as a substance that can cause psychosis. To be more specific, it is the THC, the main psychoactive compound in the plant, that causes these effects. What is less well known is that CBD (like that found in CBD oil), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid also found in cannabis (and hemp), works by counteracting the psychoactive effects of THC.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are a type of natural compound that can be found in every plant, including cannabis. Terpenes are what gives cannabis its distinctive smell and color. Terpenes are specifically found in the oils of plants, which means they can be found in CBD oil.

There are tens of thousands of known terpenes, and approximately 100 of these terpenes can be found within cannabis. The terpenes that can be found in cannabis will vary based on the strain that is being produced. This is why the experience that you can have with CBD cannabis can vary wildly from one strain to another.

What Do Terpenes Do?

Terpenes have an impact on the way that cannabis looks and smells, but it also changes the way cannabis impacts your body. This is why some strains of CBD cannabis have relaxing properties, while other strains can be energizing.

While CBD oil is always going to offer a lot of benefits, the range of benefits you experience can vary based on the terpenes that are found in the CBD oil. You’ll want to take your time when purchasing any CBD products and make sure you select the right strain.

Which Strains Should You Pay Attention To?

Even though numerous terpenes can be found in cannabis, there are four specific terpenes that most people focus on. These terpenes are limonene, myrcene, humulene, and linalool. Learning more about these terpenes will make it easier for you to identify the best CBD oils for your needs.

If you’re looking for CBD oil reviews or CBD products that can relieve stress, products that contain limonene are an excellent option. This particular terpene also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Myrcene is an excellent muscle relaxer, and it’s also a sedative. Humulene can suppress appetite, and linalool is excellent at relieving the symptoms of anxiety.

Should You Purchase Oils That Contain A Single Terpene?

If you know what you want from CBD oil, you might want to look for products that only contain one terpene. This line of thought makes sense, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the right choice for you.

People that have studied terpenes have discovered a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” According to cbd oil studies and Researchers that have discovered that terpenes can be significantly more effective when they are combined with something else. You should try to make sure that you’re choosing the best products that are available to you.

What Else Should You Consider When You Buying?

If you want to enjoy the benefits that a particular terpene provides, you’ll want to make a point of purchasing full-spectrum CBD oil. When full-spectrum CBD oil is made, special measures are taken to ensure that terpenes remain intact during processing.

If you stick to a CBD isolate, you may not experience the same benefits that you would enjoy if you chose a full-spectrum CBD oil instead. Learning more about terpenes and the way they impact CBD oil will allow you to purchase products that will give you much better results.

If you’re a fan of CBD oil, and you don’t know a lot about terpenes, you should work to fill the gaps in your knowledge. Start researching terpenes and make a point of reading product descriptions when you’re purchasing CBD oil. Knowing more about what you’re buying will help you to make the right choice every time.

“Bathroom bill” would be bad for Texas’ economy

After months of lawmakers repeatedly trying to pass a “bathroom bill” which can be used by public restrooms transgender Texans, many Texas business tycoons told a House committee that such a law would be a setback for Texas’ economy in the future.

The House Select Committee on Economic Competitiveness, which was established by House Speaker Joe Straus as a result of the special session this summer, is tasked with doing individual businesses in the start-up stage continues to come to Texas. The members heard positive feedback from business leaders like Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Dallas Stars President and CEO Jim, real estate developer Ross Perot Jr. and others on ways different policies would have an impact on their businesses and the future of the state.

“The objective is to make sure that we have a competition going forward,” committee chairman Rep. Byron Cook, was quoted. R-Corsina. “If you believe we have everything in place and it’s perfect, then let us know, but if not, let us know what the challenges are.”

Cuban summed up the testimony from many business leaders at the hearing succinctly: “I may not care where you pee.”

He stated that when states take divisive stances on issues that are politically related such as LGBT rights, it might likely discourage bigger companies from relocating.

“When you get to companies that are large enough, you’ll surely find somebody who is transgender, as an example, who’s very good. How will they, in normal conscience, go to places that person would be in a risky situation? He said.

Also, the panel analyzed how to attract business to the state, with the North Texas’ as an example. The recent Amazon’s new headquarters bid. Mayor Jeff Cheney was quoted during the bid process he learned how crucial local control is to cities.

“I got to understand about every city in our region and exactly how different and real they are,” Cheney said. “So one-size-fits-all approaches to legislation do not work in cases of cities because we are not the same, we all have our separate goals.”

Another topic that was discussed was Texas’ stance on illegal immigration. Perot challenged Texas’ delegation in Congress to approve legislation to help fix the state’s immigration issues and labor shortages.

“It is important we have more guest workers to come in, and we need enough legal labor to join us, to help feed the economy,” Perot said. “The delegation from Texas should lead that effort in Congress in the quest to bring an immigration bill that can help in fixing the high end, the low end of the immigration issues.”

Another recurring theme that was brought up before the panel was promoting infrastructure and education growth, a more traditional way to be friendly in business.

Cuban said that in a future that holds robots and autonomous cars, adjusting to a brand new technology will be vital.

“One of the sayings I love is, ‘We don’t live in a world we were born into,” he said. “If you think about the way the world was when you came to this world, everything has changed. To believe that we’re not going to see enough change going forward is shortsighted.”

The panel will hold a second hearing on Dec. 5, and present its findings back to Straus by Dec 12.

Overdose Arrests? Are They Ethical?

The Centers for Disease Control indicate that death rates associated with drug overdose have been steadily rising over the last five years. In the year 2015, over 52,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdose. 30 states have seen a steady increase in opioid deaths from the year 2010 to date with most of these being attributed to illicit fentanyl and heroin.

Other than ensuring that there are many recovery and treatment centers, the government is also involving policymakers in trying to find the solutions that will inhibit drug use. These policies include funding and diversion opportunities, the good Samaritan immunity law, modification of penalties and increasing access to the drug naloxone.

So what happens when an individual overdoses in the company of others. Ideally, the friends or those around the individual should call 911. In overdose cases, the first respondents are usually the police. When an overdose occurs, those who call for help are often users themselves and in many cases in possession of the drugs. When police get to the scene, probability of arresting the 911 callers is high and so many individuals used to shy away from calling for help when an overdose occurs. That is why the Samaritan immunity law was put in place to protect those that call for help irrespective of whether they are using or in possession of the drug.

Some law enforcers feel that this law serves to counteract their efforts of cleaning the streets from the drug. Once allowed to continue using and in some cases dealing as well, they only expose more people to the risk of an overdose. But then there are individuals who feel that the sanctity of life is more important and if these perpetrators can in some way help save a life whether they are under the influence of the drugs or not, then that is more important.

There has also been reported cases of individuals who get arrested after an overdose from other charges such as possession and intent to distribute only to die while in custody from withdrawal and other drug related complications. This begs the question, ‘Is removing the drug users and peddlers from the streets more important than saving their lives?’

In a study conducted in Illinois, police expressed their frustration in that they would arrest drug users and survivors of overdose multiple times and yet these individuals would continue using irrespective of how many times they got arrested.

Legally enforced or mandatory rehabilitation of those arrested can in some way serve a greater purpose because it not only deals with the problem but helps change and restore lives. The sad thing about drug abusers is that more often than not, they go through a relapse because the drugs are so readily available especially in some particular demographics.

It will require the collective effort of citizens who can help save lives by having Naloxone on them and calling 911 immediately an overdose occurs. The authorities by ensuring that overdose victims and other drug users are not just arrested but given the medical help they need to fight the addiction, and policymakers who put in place policies that will not only keep drugs off the streets, but help those already affected.

 

Colorado Marijuana Statistics Since Legalization

Even as a federally prohibited and a Schedule I substance since the 70’s, a call for the repeal of marijuana prohibition has fallen on deaf ears because so far various states such as California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada have legalized the use of recreational marijuana while Arkansas, North Dakota, Florida, and Montana states have approved medical cannabis measures.

Being one of the most liberal states in the U.S., not only has Colorado legalized the use of recreational marijuana for adult (as long as they don’t do it in public), but it has gone a step further and legalized the sale, cultivation, transportation, and possession of up to an ounce of recreational marijuana since 2012 – a legislation that has seen the legal marijuana market in Colorado reach over $1 billion dollars in 2017.

Despite costing the government over $51 billion annually on drug wars, not much impact can be felt in terms of reducing drug use. In fact, a little over 30 million Americans use marijuana every year, even after decades of its criminalization. There is no negating the effective medicinal benefits of doctor approved use of marijuana, especially in alleviating epilepsy, glaucoma, pain from AIDS, nausea from chemotherapy, Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms.

However, there is very little evidence to support the idea that legalizing marijuana won’t lead to increased use and in fact, it has had little to no impact on Colorado teens’ attitudes toward the damaging effects of marijuana use. We can argue until the sun comes up that marijuana is less addictive than tobacco and alcohol, but the fact remains that it is a habit forming drug that boosts dopamine levels and could possibly give way to harder, more dangerous drugs that lead to addiction. In fact, those who use marijuana at a young age are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than non-marijuana users in the future.

While marijuana has been financially beneficial for Colorado, created jobs and boosted tourism, one of the biggest nuances that residents of Colorado have to deal with since the legalization of marijuana is that it has attracted a vast number drifters and squatters from other states that are wreaking havoc.

In addition to that, not only has the presence of marijuana in fatal car crashes across the state risen to 145% since 2013 but according to the Denver post, in 2016 alone, 63% of drivers that tested positive for marijuana were 5ng per milliliter over the state legal limit for driving.

There is no change in the number of marijuana users in Colorado but here are the pros of its legalization thus far:

• It has made its dependency socially visible for non-users to want to steer clear of it and those addicted to seek help
• It failed to produce the predicted increase in crime
• It has created new job opportunities

The con: There has been an increased number of children admitted to the emergency room after taking Marijuana-laced candy and other treats.