Canada Approves Drug Decriminalization Pilot in British Columbia to Combat Opioid Crisis
The Canadian federal government has launched a groundbreaking three-year pilot program to decriminalize certain drugs in British Columbia, starting January 31, 2023. Individuals found with up to 2.5 grams of specific illicit substances, including opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA, will not face criminal charges. This initiative aims to combat the severe opioid crisis by shifting focus from punitive measures to public health solutions.
British Columbia's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Sheila Malcolmson, stated, "By decriminalizing people who use drugs, we will break down the stigma that prevents people from accessing vital support and services."...
The Canadian federal government has launched a groundbreaking three-year pilot program to decriminalize certain drugs in British Columbia, starting January 31, 2023. Individuals found with up to 2.5 grams of specific illicit substances, including opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA, will not face criminal charges. This initiative aims to combat the severe opioid crisis by shifting focus from punitive measures to public health solutions.
British Columbia's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Sheila Malcolmson, stated, "By decriminalizing people who use drugs, we will break down the stigma that prevents people from accessing vital support and services."...
Wageningen University Researchers Revive Ancestral Cannabis Enzymes for Medical Innovation
Researchers at Wageningen University have revived ancestral cannabis enzymes, revealing their potential to boost the production of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving cannabinoids. This breakthrough may lead to innovative medicinal applications, as these enzymes are more versatile and easier to replicate than those found in modern cannabis plants. The study focuses on cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).
Ancestral enzymes can produce multiple cannabinoids simultaneously, a trait lost in contemporary strains, making them promising for medical use. Researcher Robin van Velzen noted, "What was once an evolutionary 'loose end' is now very useful."...
Researchers at Wageningen University have revived ancestral cannabis enzymes, revealing their potential to boost the production of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving cannabinoids. This breakthrough may lead to innovative medicinal applications, as these enzymes are more versatile and easier to replicate than those found in modern cannabis plants. The study focuses on cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).
Ancestral enzymes can produce multiple cannabinoids simultaneously, a trait lost in contemporary strains, making them promising for medical use. Researcher Robin van Velzen noted, "What was once an evolutionary 'loose end' is now very useful."...
John Waters Shares Candid Reflections on Drugs and Creativity
We recently learned that John Waters, the iconic filmmaker behind 'Pink Flamingos' and 'Hairspray,' shared his thoughts on drug use and creativity in an interview with High Times. He reflected on his experiences with substances, noting that while he experimented with drugs like LSD and heroin, they never affected his professional success. "I wrote all those movies on pot," he said, emphasizing that drugs were not part of the filmmaking process.
Waters, known as the 'Santa Claus of Baltimore,' continues to charm audiences with his holiday performances and music, including a recent cover of 'Happy Birthday Jesus.' He humorously critiqued the evolution of drug culture, stating, "What fun are legal drugs?"...
We recently learned that John Waters, the iconic filmmaker behind 'Pink Flamingos' and 'Hairspray,' shared his thoughts on drug use and creativity in an interview with High Times. He reflected on his experiences with substances, noting that while he experimented with drugs like LSD and heroin, they never affected his professional success. "I wrote all those movies on pot," he said, emphasizing that drugs were not part of the filmmaking process.
Waters, known as the 'Santa Claus of Baltimore,' continues to charm audiences with his holiday performances and music, including a recent cover of 'Happy Birthday Jesus.' He humorously critiqued the evolution of drug culture, stating, "What fun are legal drugs?"...