#non-narcotic purposes

[rightnewshindi]

हिमाचल में गैर-मादक उद्देश्यों के लिए भांग की खेती को मिलेगी मंजूरी, जगत सिंह नेगी ने सदन में रखी रिपोर्ट

हिमाचल में गैर-मादक उद्देश्यों के लिए भांग की खेती को मिलेगी मंजूरी, जगत सिंह नेगी ने सदन में रखी रिपोर्ट #News #HimachalNews #HimachalPradesh #HimachalDiaries #ExploreHimachal #HimachalTourism #HimachalLovers #HimachalCulture #HimachalVibes

Himachal News: हिमाचल प्रदेश विधानसभा ने शुक्रवार को उच्च समिति की रिपोर्ट को स्वीकार करते हुए एक प्रस्ताव पारित किया, जिसमें गैर-मादक उद्देश्यों के लिए भांग की सीमित खेती की सिफारिश की गई है। रिपोर्ट को राजस्व मंत्री तथा समिति के अध्यक्ष जगत सिंह नेगी ने सदन में रखा। बाद में ‘पीटीआई-वीडियो’ से बातचीत में नेगी ने कहा कि समिति ने राज्य के विभिन्न जिलों का दौरा किया और जनप्रतिनिधियों से बातचीत कर…

[romana-after-dark]

Dead Dove December 2023 Masterlist

Hello everyone!

So sorry it took forever to get this out, but it took me 5ever to read through these fics bc I was expresso depresso and working a lot LMFAOOOOOOO

Anyway, THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE ENTRIES!!! I adore you so so so so much. I am SO HAPPY with how this worked out and the amount of response! I hope to hold another event this March with @for-a-longlongtime at @triplefrontier-anniversary for the TF anniversary over at my main account @romanarose, and an event in June for pride, so if those interest you, follow my main page or this one, or @romana-updates

NOTE: I was unorganized so if I forgot someone's fic, IT WAS NOT ON PURPOSE. I know right now there discourse right now the Pedro fandom specifically, about different people not liking others or small writers or big writers ETC, but I want you to know no one was left out on purpose!

Note 2: If I put your fic here but forgot to reblog LET ME KNOW! I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to shine.

Without further ado, the fics and art!

ALL OF THESE ARE DARK SO SOME DEGREE FROM CNC, DUB CON, TO VIOLENT NON CON! HEAD WARNINGS!

The Last of Us

The Burglary by @aurorawritestoescape and @milla-frenchy: Two men break into your house and take more than just your valuables.

Fight Club by @anama-cara : Post outbreak set in the Boston QZ. You decide to go against Joel in an underground QZ fight club for some extra coin. Joel doesn't take kindly to the competition and decides to punish you in his own special way.

Deja Vu by @milla-frenchy : After a bad experience with a former boyfriend, you meet Joel who makes you trust him fully in the bedroom

Silent Night by @kewwrites : Despite the way he always acted around you, you find it hard to say no to Sarah when she invites you home to her dad's house for the holidays. Surely nothing would happen while she's with you.

Training Day by @koshkamartell : Set in AU, no outbreak. You get more than you bargained for after trying to make Joel jealous.

Code Broken by @auteurdelabre : You only wanted to pull a silly prank on your neighbor, Joel. Who could have seen it ending up like this?

The Art of Breaking by @corazondebeskar-reads : Your meeting is happenstance, but everything that follows? Well, that’s all Joel. He just knows you’re going to be his perfect little toy. He just has to show you how.

Cry Harder by @romana-after-dark : While keeping you captive, Joel's sex drive is insatiable, and the sex seemed to be never ending. You tried to warm him you needed to use the bathroom... he didn't listen.

Nightmare Before Christmas by @katiexpunk : As an escort, you’ve found yourself in some pretty fucked up situations before. Years of experience have taught you to navigate such situations with a combination of tact and assertiveness. Most of the time the men who exude an air of sleaze shrivel back into the corner, embarrassed and limp dicked.  Most of the time.  Tonight is not one of those times.

Locket by @toxicanonymity : Dark!Reader dugs her friends hot dad Joel

Run, Rabbit by @justagalwhowrites : It was just over a year after the world ended that you were captured by Joel and Tommy Miller. They're harsh, they're cold and they're killers. But, as a nurse, you're a valuable person to have around and they're not the worst thing wandering the wasteland that was the United States. And there might be more to these men than meets the eye.

Godless by @javier-penas-wifexx420 : You work at a brothel that operates above a saloon in your town. Joel is the leader of a group of outlaws that come periodically to collect payment and wreak havoc. One visit, you catch Joel’s eye and he decides he has to have you.

Across the Spiderverse

After Dark by @runa-falls : He wants you. and he knows you need him.

Triple Frontier

Deep Seeded Issues by @djarinmuse: Summary: At an N.A (narcotics anonymous) meeting you recall a dark and embarrassing memory, not knowing the connection in the room.

My Blood Would Teach Me How to Love by @winniethewife : Santi finds you self harming, blood kink ensues.

Room's on Fire by @romana-after-dark : Cult AU, Pope, Frankie, Will and Ben are cult leaders and need a virgin to breed who will birth the savior: the Madonna. Initially honored to find redemption, the Madonna has to learn how to navigate all four men and a circle of other people at the house.

Goodnight, Princess by @melodygatesauthor : Your dad's best friend accidentally discovers that you're a sex worker. He tries to let it go, but it eats away at him until things go way too far.

The Card Counter

Bad Bet by @boredzillenial and art by @lunar-ghoulie4art : William beats you in a poker tournament, but you just can’t accept defeat, not yet…

Getting Whats Mine by @winniethewife

Lightening Face

Puppy by @darkuselesssomebody : In which the reader is a manipulative bitch - and basil snaps because of it

Mojave

Cruel Intentions by @hon3yboy : You're on a soul seeking journey, just another young, pretty, thing. All alone and stranded in the desert, ripe for the picking and ol' Jack has his eyes set on you.

Moon Kight

Death to Dignity by @juneknight : An intruder (Marc) breaks in to your apartment.

*************

I cannot thank you enough for your support and interaction for htis series!!!!! I had SUCH a good time reading all these, you are all so talented!!!

I hope to do more events soon as it's really helped me make some friends and get to know people here!!!!

Please remember to reblog these authors, and if you're tagged here, be sure to check out more! Lots of great content here!

[talesfromtheasterism]

The Starweaver

To the Recipient, Whose Name Will Be Safely Withheld,

I have decided to answer this lofty question of yours. For I do pity your described imposition, stepping from such grand adventures to the suffocating quiet of the Commune. It would be unwise for you to seek this knowledge from your current residence, and through my efforts of trade, despite my reservations on the topic, I must be one of the most well-equipped people alive to inform.

Know this firstly: transit between the realms of the Asterism is a poorly understood process, even to those as well-travelled as myself. They share no tangible borders, separated instead by the fathomless unworld, untouched by the New Tapestry. Yet each realm contains a region where the fabric is frayed - a wide, invisible rift that casts those who enter across the gulf to whatever destination they feel a strong enough requirement to visit. Traders and smugglers such as myself require clarity of purpose to will themselves through time after time, or we simply end up where we started with a moderate headache.

I have made every effort to remain conscious of my surroundings during these aetherial river crossings. Neither the warm alchemies of the Floodlands nor the chilling medicines of Bloodstar could maintain my waking. All I manage is to more keenly feel my lucidity fade as the dream state takes me, and as the faint visions of the unworld dance within the blinding shine of the blue haze. No matter where I enter or exit, or with what narcotics in my veins, she is there every single time.

Only in echoes and shimmers is the Starweaver detected - sometimes only felt, through sixth and seventh senses beyond human reckoning - but her presence is clear and absolute. I hear chrysolite eyes burn through the sapphire. Her radiant painted hat and impossible crystalline robes reach my eyes, with their paradox patterns and non-euclidean folds of gold night and azure sun. What is her pale skin, now? Flesh, still, or the light-bending porcelain of fallen deities? Grooves and spikes, subtle, hidden in her form - have the nephilim changed her, or did she take their traits willingly, as respect? I know she was not born so. I remember times I have never seen or known, as though I knew her as an old friend before godhood. She was younger, lighter, before her blooming of the Weave tempered the spirit. I can almost taste the secrets of where, the land she walked before she fell, before striking their bondage and shattering this prison for gods.

No matter how close I come to further revelations, I suffer the same fate as other pilgrims. I wake from the reverie in my realm of termination, equipped with whatever mercy required to see me safely to mortal civilisation. Should I journey for Port Poiseuille, I stir with sore arms, having rowed a gondola of smooth, iridescent gemstone across the Sea of Solace for an unguessable time. My returns to the Mirror Capital see my eyes open slowly, slumped against the window in a seat of a shuttletrain, coasting upon the star-seas of the Lucid Weave. I've an inkling that the Starweaver herself bridges the realms to allow Asteri to cross, summoning these accommodations to ensure we arrive in good health.

There is no doubt in my mind: she wishes her presence known within the dream, for one of such power could just as easily shield herself from mortal senses. Perhaps this is how she reminds us of her vigil from within the Skyloom - or, more fantasically, perhaps her image steals our attention from horrors of the unworld we are not ready to know. I hear her whispers, sometimes. Her strifeless voice reverberates with many heights and depths, like strings, chords. The words themselves are always obscured, as though of a foreign language - not Ancestral, which I can interpret with some competency. A tongue of gods.

But I can make out one word, occasionally. A name. The one we are chastised as children for uttering in vain, and oft never speak again. Some say, when they think our gods cannot hear, that it is a name stolen from a star in an old world. I wish she could wear it more proudly again. To take identity in theft from the heavens, to rail against ultimate power - that is the mark of defiance the leader of the Asteri should bear.

Her name was Vega. And her dream is our awakening.

Please, make especially certain that this letter is destroyed along with the others. While it is my privilege to convey such exalted topics, the repercussions if we were discovered would be far worse. The Commune does not tolerate attempts to understand those above us, for reasons you are well aware.

We will meet in person again soon. I trust we will have much to organise.

Your Friend in Commerce

Editor's note: this letter was written to one of the Friend in Commerce's anonymous business partners in the Commune of Whispers several years ago. It was originally meant to be burned to hide their dealings, but the recipient handed it back to the Friend when they next met, insisting it be preserved as a testament to the Starweaver. I am again tagging this as OC as is convention, so hopefully describing patron gods as my property doesn't have negative consequences.

[fantastical-euphoria]

i found my older brother sam outside one night, having a smoke out back.

just seeing him with his ratty hair down, swaying slightly in the breeze, the light of the match, the gentle puff of smoke, even the smell, brought me such strange comfort.

“what have you been doing?” he asked me as i sat next to him on the step.

“listening to sad music,” i shrugged. “couldn’t handle it anymore so, i came out here.”

sam instantly shook his head. “kris, you can’t do that.”

i laughed slightly, “why not?”

“because,” he turned to me, a serious look in his eyes and even moreso in the inflection in his tone, “that makes you want to cry. and i told you never to cry in front of me.”

“i know,” i nodded. “why did you say that?”

“because… it makes me worry. a lot. and it drives me to fall back into old habits when i get upset like that…” he sighed. “i had a dream last night where i got admitted back to rehab. a third time. only this time…” he swallowed hard. “i didn’t make it.”

“sammy, no…”

he nodded. “i hated dreaming about it. i actually woke up from it, and i started pacing around the room. i was so panicked. you know my biggest fear is, is killing myself, for some… some stupid reason. like drugs. alcohol. narcotics. i can’t… i can’t slip back. i’m too afraid to. yet i know i’m perfectly capable. and that’s what’s scary to me…” he hung his head down, shaking slightly, kind of wrapping his arms around himself in a way. like he was trying to protect himself, but it just didn’t have the same impact.

“sammy,” i rubbed his back, in an effort to console, “there’s lots of things that i like about you. like…” i thought for a minute. “i think you have a pretty smile. please don’t ever mess it up.” i pointed to the cigarette. “those can do that.”

he looked back over at me, chuckling slightly. “y’know i’ll never kick this old habit. dirty old thing.” he took one puff of it and snuffed it out, tossing it aside before putting an arm around me. “y’know what i’d rather be, above anything else, before anything else. i want to be present. i want to be in your life. around you. spending all the time i have with you. having fun with you. enjoying the world with you, and life itself.”

“i know,” i leaned into his side embrace. “i worry about you tons. but i know that you’re doing okay. and i know you’re trying hard to live a normal life, as a non-addict. you’re trying to find distractions.” i pointed to the moon. “like that.” i turned to him. “isn’t it pretty?”

he smiled wide and nodded, the light from it casting a shiny reflection over his eyes. “i wish i could take a good picture of it, and not have it be this fuzzy white speck in this sea of darkness.”

“it sucks,” i agreed. “well, i’m just trying to think of other things we can do.” i smiled. “i like going to art museums. i wanna make you appreciate real art. not just what you think is art.”

“what i think is art?” he echoed with a lighthearted cadence. “c’mon, the original streetfighter is nothing short of a masterpiece. 21 jump street? beverly hills cop? those are *cinema.* seriously.” he empathized his points with dramatic hand gestures.

i rolled my eyes as i laughed at his obliviousness. “maybe you watch them a bit too much.”

he shrugged. “maybe i do. i’m stuck in the rut known as the 80’s, what can i say.”

“does henry like watching those movies?” i asked.

“sometimes. when he’s here,” sam pointed to the ground. “but he’s just too busy with work and such to be concerned with leisure right now.” he pulled open his phone and tapped open the text thread he had with him. “see, i wish i had it like he did. it’s so easy to take your mind off of what’s troubling you when you actually have something to serve that purpose.” he shook his head. “and right now, i don’t, so… it’s harder for me to…”

suddenly a flash of lightning caught our sight stemming from our right. it was heat lightning, too far away to really affect us.

“white lightning,” sam mused, nodding over that direction. “wouldn’t that be such a cool stage name?”

“it really would,” i nodded in agreement.

sometimes, if it was warm enough, we slept outside, laying in the grass, pretending the backyard was a giant mattress, as ticklish to our skin as it was. sam would always take off his hoodie and lend it to me so i could use it as a pillow.

“what about your pillow?” i asked him. “wont laying on the cold hard ground hurt your neck?”

“nah,” he shook his head, “i’m too beat to feel uncomfortable in any form.”

i’d still worry, though, cause that’s just the type of person i was.

i hated to think how a brain like his that was constantly overthinking was able to stabilize for the evening and settle for the night, pretending there was nothing but an empty space up there.

i wasn’t good at pretending. i always had the tendency to show my true colors. which sometimes came out in the rawest form, sometimes too powerful for me to realize. and i didn’t intend to hurt anyone, honest. especially sam, cause i knew he was a gentle soul. he loved our dogs. he loved my parents. he loved me. he didn’t want anything bad to ever happen to me, he wanted to protect me from any elements the world could throw at me. he just wanted me to be happy. not to take after him. he knew he was the worst influence on his younger siblings. with henry, it didn’t matter as much, he was only a year younger than him, old enough and smart enough to know better.

with me, well, his dirty habits were well in effect when i was a baby. i was easily convincible. i would want to look up to him, to be exactly like him.

that’s why he always distanced himself from me, in the beginning. he always wanted me to hang out with henry. the better influence. because that was really the only way he could look after me. and i bet that pained him so much.

i could remember mom saying to me, sam began to have conversations with me when i was still a fetus in her womb. he loved me before he even knew what i looked like. before he knew what my gender was.

he wasn’t the emotional type. naturally, ever time he felt something, he had this urge to conceal it. all the drug use had made him numb to most feeling, anyway.

but when i was born, he couldn’t stop looking at me with the saddest, glossed over eyes. he wanted to talk to me. to hold me. but he smelled too much of cigarettes, mom said. he had to stay back.

henry got to hold me after mom and dad did. sam couldn’t even look that way. and i had a feeling that henry wanted sam to hold me too, he kept looking over his way sadly.

i warmed up to henry first (even though holding babies was definitely not his strong suit). mom had told me once that back when my cousins were born, henry always had the shaky grip holding them, sam’s was steady and solid as a rock.

that’s where he got his protective nature from, i guess.

he was more protective of me than mom and dad ever were. henry acted more like a fun, bad-influency (the good kind) cousin to me. sam took his role as the oldest (and especially older sibling to me) perhaps a bit too seriously.

but i wouldn’t change a thing about it.

@elliotts-personal-property

[constellationandcompendium]

ROYGBP

Thanks for the tag @theeccentricraven!

Rules: Search your writing for the colors of the rainbow and post the excerpt.

These are all from It All Falls Down, my chaotic spy/thriller with cyberpunk themes (which is very much still a first drat!)

Please note: these excerpts includes references to drug use and addiction.

Red - so, Sebastian's daughter is an adrenaline junkie in the making and Elias has a motorcycle.

“Look it’s fine, really, I’m not getting anywhere with this.” Sebastian sighed. “If you’re sure.” “And I’ve got to maintain my position as favourite honorary uncle somehow.” That earned him a smile. “Fair enough.” Elias shut down everything carefully, deleting any remaining evidence of his activities from the server. When he stood, it was to chorus of cracks from his back that made Sebastian wince in sympathy. He was regretting not running through the stretches after their bout earlier, he wasn’t a young man anymore. Grabbing his coat and the small, bright red helmet that lived at the bottom of his locker for precisely one purpose gave him a chance to stretch the sore muscles out further. Then Sebastian caught sight of the object in his hands and groaned. “You should have thought of that before you agreed,” Elias said, swinging the straps between his fingers and revelling in the disgruntled sounds his colleague was making. “I hate you,” Sebastian grumbled. “No you don’t,” Elias called back as he left.

Orange - in which Elias battles a gunshot wound

Flipping the catches open, the first aid box fell open and he fumbled through the packets one handed, pressing the other against his side in a vain attempt to apply pressure. Fighting against the light-headedness that was making itself known, his mouth formed the words of half-remembered prayers. His fingers closed around a familiarly shaped package with a spongy texture and he could only hope that the Buearu had kept their stocks up to date. There was morphine too, but he didn’t want to have to resort to that unless he had no other choice so he kept digging. There, right at the bottom of the bag, was a wrapped syringe identified as a painkiller by the standard orange label. Although it took his eyes a second to focus on it, he was relieved to see that it was one of the non-narcotics. Hardly strong or long lasting but it would have to do.

Yellow - featuring Sebastian experiencing life in the Undercity

Sebastian waited for his partner to take a few more drags before he pocketed the lighter and move to lean against the rail beside him, gaze fixed on the lights illuminating the square in a clashing mixture of bright neons and the dull yellow of simulated dusk. “Better?” he finally asked. “Not really,” Elias said with another puff. Sebastian tracked the progress of the lit cigarette out of the corner of his eye, “Should you really be smoking so soon after a Res shot?” “Probably not,” Elias admitted, examining the smoking bundle of chemicals in his hand. Though, Sebastian mused, it was hardly as though one more drug in the messy cocktail that was his partner's bloodstream was going to kill him, at least not straight away.

Green - from chapter one, Elias meets the spooks of the Bureau

“Sure, my office is out the back.” He indicated over his shoulder at the doors behind him, distinct only from the other entrances and exits by the small ‘staff only’ sign illuminated in flickering green. “Excellent,” Hugo replied, gesturing for Elias to lead the way. His office wasn’t much to look at; it was hardly nicer than the rest of the gym. It wasn’t run-down, exactly, but much like the building itself it had the tired, worn, and rain-damaged look that characterised the area close to the storm.

Blue - in the Undercity, Elias is confronted with his past

They were approaching another intersection, passing through a section of what Elias hoped were residences when it happened. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a kid, barely a teenager by the looks of things, slumped in one of the alleyways between the buildings with a tube of blue tinted liquid lying partially under his limp hand. It was Haze. Strange, how easily the hold it had on him returned. He hadn't been confronted with his one true vice since his departure from the Undercity, but down here he really should have been better prepared to see it. Elias felt himself stop dead in the street, distantly, as though it were happening to another person. There was a ringing in his ears.

Purple - introducing Shiloh!

“You ran a gang and then a smuggling ring out of an old industrial container?” Sebastian asked with a tone of bemused admiration. “Correction,” an lilting voice joined the conversation from a walkway above their heads, “we still run a smuggling ring out of an old industrial container.” Elias turned to meet the interloper with a smile, a warm feeling blossoming in his chest. Walking down from the office above was a woman with cropped black hair, a variety of concealed and not-so-concealed weapons, tattoos a-plenty, and an expression like stone. A responding smile cracked her stern face as she approached, and then her arms were opening in welcome. “Shiloh,” he greeted as they embraced. “Al-Karim,” she replied, pulling back to look him up and down, eyes catching on the barely healed cuts and bruises, and on the deep purple shadows under his eyes, “what on Sol happened to you?” “It’s a long story.”

Open tag for anyone who fancies it and a gentle no-pressure tag for @nettleandthorne and some of my new followers @kaylinamaes and @wmlittlemore-is-writing!

[rametarin]

It's very hard to care about criminal drug addicts

I've known too many worthless and selfish fucks that were assholes before the drugs to see them as anything but a narcissistic mother's golden child getting advocated for the way a spoiled and privileged child gets out of the consequences of their own actions in school because of who their family are.

It just so happens that worthless fucks that serve no other purpose, serve the singular purpose of being an overgrown child population advocating for non-work and undermining illegal sale, trafficing and untaxed movement of drugs. So it doesn't take a genius to see why the anti-work, "society is there to take care of you" culture want narcotics addicts given free needles and free heroin, on everybody elses dollar.

[organicmagicshrooms]

History And Background Of Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms

Amanita Muscaria mushrooms are noted for their psychoactive properties, due to their containing the hallucinogenic chemicals ibotenic acid and muscimol. Also known as toadstools, these mushrooms have long been associated with magic in literature. The caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland is portrayed as sitting on one as he smokes his suspicious pipe, and in animated cartoons, Smurfs are seen to live in Amanita mushrooms. Of course, circles of mushrooms growing in the forest are frequently referred to as fairy rings.

It has been reported that as early as 2000 B.C. people in India and Iran were using for religious purposes a plant called Soma or Haoma. A Hindu religious hymn, the Rig Veda also refers to the plant, Soma, although it is not specifically identified. It is believed this plant was the Amanita Muscaria mushroom, a theory popularized in the book "Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality" by R. Gordon Wasson. Other authors have argued that the manna from heaven mentioned in the Bible is actually a reference to magic mushrooms. Images of mushrooms have been identified in cave drawings dated to 3500 B.C.

In the church of Plaincourault Abbey in Indre, France is a fresco painted in 1291 A.D. of Adam and Eve standing on either side of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. A serpent is entwined around the tree, which looks unmistakably like a cluster of Amanita Muscaria mushrooms. Could it be true that the apple from the Garden of Eden may actually have been an hallucinogenic mushroom?

Siberian shamans are said to have ingested Amanita Muscaria for the purpose of reaching a state of ecstasy so they could perform both physical and spiritual healing. Viking warriors reportedly used the mushroom during the heat of battle so they could go into a rage and perform otherwise impossible deeds.

In the Kamchatka peninsula of Russia the medicinal use of Amanita Muscaria topically to treat arthritis has also been reported anecdotally. L. Lewin, author of "Phantastica: Narcotic and Stimulating Drugs: Their Use and Abuse" (Kegan Paul, 1931) wrote that the fly-agaric was in great demand by the Siberian tribes of northeast Asia, and tribes who lived in areas where the mushroom grew would trade them with tribes who lived where it could not be found. In one occasion one reindeer was traded for one mushroom.

It has been theorized that the toxicity of Amanitas Muscaria varies according to location and season, as well as how the mushrooms are dried. Click now organic magic shrooms

Finally, it should be noted that the author of this article does not in any way recommend, encourage nor endorse the consumption of Amanita Muscaria mushrooms. It is believed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists Amanita Muscaria as a poison. Some companies that sell these mushrooms refer to them as "poisonous non-consumables."

[leebird-simmer]

Drug Abuse/Substance Use Disorder, pt. 1

Introduction to Drug Abuse & Addiction

- Psychoactive drugs have been a part of human culture since antiquity.

- Many psychoactive substances (such as nicotine, caffeine, morphine, cocaine, and THC) are made by plants and were available to ancient peoples.

- 200 years ago, mostly alcohol, tobacco, and opium or laudanum (opium extract in alcohol) were available in the USA.

Some of the events that led to current drug use:

Development of hypodermic syringes allowed injection into the bloodstream.

Advances in chemistry (e.g. morphine was purified from opium, and cocaine from coca). In more concentrated form, these drugs are more addictive.

- Lack of drug control laws resulted in these drugs being used in tonics and patent medicines.

- Heroin was synthesized by Bayer Laboratories in 1874 and was first marketed as a nonaddictive substitute for codeine to control coughs.

Government Intervention

During the 20th century, the federal government increasingly controlled the commercialization of drugs, beginning with the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906:

All active ingredients should be placed on drug labels.

Food and drugs should meet established purity levels.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was created.

The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act (1914) controlled the use of opiates and cocaine:

Taxes on production, importation, and distribution

Prohibited non-medical use. Doctors could not prescribe opiates to addicts, because addiction was not considered a disease.

18th Amendment to the US Constitution (1920): Prohibition of the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages (repealed in 1933)

The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 banned nonmedical use of cannabis and levied a tax on importers, sellers, and dispensers of marijuana (overturned by US Supreme Court in 1969)

The Controlled Substances Act (1970) established five schedules of controlled substances and created the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

- The federal government became more involved in drug regulation as a result of increased drug use or perceived societal danger of drug use.

- Existing laws are not consistent with scientific evidence (e.g. nicotine is more addictive than marijuana). {Note: I can’t locate any evidence that indicates hallucinogens are addictive at all, at least not in a physiological sense. Marijuana/THC is recognized as having medical use in some states, but not in others. MDMA has been in stage 3 clinical trials for quite some time now and was supposed to be decriminalized or legalized for therapeutic purposes a few years back, but it still hasn’t happened yet.}

Features of Drug Abuse & Addiction

Addiction is complex, and a precise definition is difficult. It can include physical dependence:

Withdrawal symptoms if the person stops taking the drug (muscle aches and cramps, anxiety attacks, sweating, nausea, and possibly convulsions/death)

Not all drugs produce physical dependence. For example, heroin use causes an intense physical dependence, whereas nicotine does not (even though it’s roughly just as addictive).

Addictive behavior: the addict is driven by a craving, a strong urge to take the drug.

Individuals remain addicted for long periods of time, and drug-free periods (remissions) are often followed by relapses in which drug use recurs, despite negative consequences.

American Psychiatric Association

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines substance-related disorders as:

- substance dependence: more severe; corresponds roughly with addiction

- substance abuse: may or may not lead to substance dependence

Because the term addiction has conflicting definitions and strong negative associations, the American Psychiatric Association stopped using the terms addiction and addict.

{Note: I personally feel that the term “abuse” is a little dramatic; I don’t find taking a drug for recreational purposes to be inherently “abusive” but those are the terms used by the APA and in the DSM.}

Substance Use Disorder

DSM-5 replaces those categories with substance use disorder:

The individual has manifested a maladaptive pattern of substance use for at least 12 months.

It has led to significant impairment or distress, by clinical standards.

At least two of 11 additional criteria must be met.

11 Criteria to Diagnose Substance Disorder:

The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control use of the substance.

A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects.

Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance

Recurrent use of the substance resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home

Continued use of the substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of it use

Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of use of the substance.

Recurrent use of the substance in situations in which it is physically hazardous

Use of the substance is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.

Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: (a) Need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect. (b) A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.

Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: (a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for that substance (as specified in the DSM-5 for each substance) (b) The substance (or a closely related analog) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Each specific substance is addressed as a separate use disorder, with the exception of caffeine.

[boricuacherry-blog]

After Jackson's death, and there was a trial involving his doctors, his long-time dermatologist Dr. Arnie Klein sat down for an interview with Harvey Levin of TMZ. Here are some excerpts:

I wrote a book on heroin addiction in England, and also administered Demerol to Jackson for procedures on his face, for anesthetic purposes, I think that he was, yes, a drug addict. There's no question. But not to Demerol, that was just needed for facial surgery. I would say Demerol is non-toxic. Demerol becomes a stimulant to them, so they don't have the narcotizing effect. It's not like morphine or dilaudid or those drugs and that's what I like about it. I've treated heroin addicts for a period in England, where they get sterile heroin to use. They've used sterile heroin for decades, and they've never gotten sick from it. If they knew how to administer the stuff properly, they didn't have any collapsed veins anywhere.

On Michael meeting Dr. Murray:

When Michael met Dr. Murray through Joe [Jackson], he strangely called me up and asked me if I thought Afro-American black doctors are good doctors. As an Orthodox Jew, I just said it doesn't matter the color, just the quality of the doctor....and I never saw Dr. Murray's presence. I celebrated Christmas Eve with Michael, I saw Grace [his nanny], all the waiters, people who worked there, but I also never saw Michael's family. I mean, in all the years I've known Michael, I've never.....I've met Janet once and I've never seen a member of his family at the house and I've only ever heard him call a member of his family in my presence once, and don't forget he's lived at my house. Dr. Hoefflin accused me and Debbie [Rowe], my nurse of giving Michael too much Demerol, but that is untrue. Debbie is quoted as saying she injected Michael repeatedly with Demerol in my office, but if she did I wasn't there. She could have done it, she's treated him many times, but I'm not always there with her. She's posed for nude pictures in my office. Do you think I allowed that to happen? Do you think I really ran a Playboy thing? Anything she did in my office I cannot be held responsible for.

On Michael's plastic surgeries:

Michael was obsessed with his looks. He had extreme dysmorphia, but you also have to understand he viewed his face as a work of art - an ongoing work of art. He wanted people to see him and pee in their pants. That's what he told me. He was also a performer, and he could manipulate himself to get anyone to give him practically anything. I did have to rebuild his nose, because he had so much surgery done on it. It was totally recollapsed so I had to have it reconstructed. I spent weekends just working on his face. Do you know how hard it is to rebuild a face? His face was caved in when he did the Bashir documentary [from another doctor] so I had him undergo a facial filling procedure with Restylane.

On Michael's family:

He had no family relationship. Michael loved [his mother] Katherine but the strange part of it was he never talked to her on the phone when I was around but, I mean, he told me he loved his mother and I think..while everyone thinks this woman is so perfectly pure, when there...I was worried that the family would steal all the money because I think that's what they're there for. Katherine keeps going, asking for money, isn't she?

On Jordie's description of Michael's genitals:

He liked to urinate in front of people. He pees in whatever's available. He always has. I've known him all this time. You know, he pees in a cup. I mean, he has a way of...I guess he was raised in a situation where they used to pee in a cup. I mean, I know a very famous country singer who used to pee in the bed because that's the only way she could keep herself warm at night in the country. He would pee in a cup right in front of my nurse, so she could describe his penis well. She asked me, 'Does he always do that?' And I said he's been known to pee in a cup. He didn't want to have to run off into the bathroom because he didn't like to walk in hallways and be recognized. So I think the description of his penis is not room for conviction. It didn't really bother me, you know, because I figured he was just peeing in a cup. I don't think Michael viewed himself as an adult.

He continued:

You know, he loved to play video games, he loved toys. God knows how many toys he's given me. Tons and tons of toys, you know, to play with. So I would have more toys, more cameras, things I would never know how to operate because I'd get bored reading the manuals. He used to have this video game room full of all these video toys. And he'd take me on a carnival, on this ride, this big ship that moved back and forth. He'd throw gumballs at me, he'd throw M&M's at me. So I mean, I felt like I was in high school or elementary again. He loved Disneyland, and one of his greatest thrills was when I introduced him to Mrs. Disney, because she still lived in the house of Walt Disney with the remnants of the train. So I introduced him to Lillian Disney, and he saw the Academy Awards that Walt Disney had gotten. So I mean, he was religiously a fan of Disney. We saw the premier of [the video] Black or White at their house. He was also desperately frightened of dogs. I have big dogs and he would run away from them. He wanted me to do charity for the inner city. He was very righteous and very religious in certain matters too, but yet was this child and got me thinking in different ways in different situations. He carried around a lot of money because he didn't have credit cards, and he would give homeless people 100 dollar bills. If I told him about a child in any sort of predicament, he gave them money. I mean, it was strange, but he just seemed generous.

On Michael's kids:

I once donated sperm...I don't think I'm the father, but I would do a DNA test. The kids didn't want to do one though.

On MJ owing money:

I filed a creditor's claim because I didn't get paid a nickel. I think I have a right to the money for the work I did. I took whole weekends off reconstructing his face, I had to rent helicopters because he decided that he wanted to do it that day, and I was 200, 300 miles away. I can't make it by car, I have to take a helicopter. And that's what he wanted. I said, "Michael, this is insane." He said, "That's what I want." So when push comes to shove, should I just give everything away for free? I didn't know he didn't pay any of his bills as he's going along.

On Debbie Rowe:

I have no opinion on her...I feel like she's hostile towards me, because I was still friends with Michael and she wasn't. Have you seen how she acts in public? She sits in the corner of the coffee shop of my office, downstairs, you know, Mickey Fine's, and eats there and drags all the paparazzi and all the people possible there. She comes into my office, she doesn't see me as a doctor, she sees my associate. So my opinion of her at present is very bad because all she does is harass me. I think there's a tremendous amount of jealousy with her. She used to be a very honorable person, but she's not nice now. She's not the same Debbie Rowe I remember, and I think it's very sad. But she writes me these nasty emails, she screams at me on the telephone, and says her friend, the reporter, is going to write a book about how I took Michael away from her. And she met [Michael] in my office. She had her pictures, photographed nude or whatever, wrapped up in whatever leather, in my office. Why does she use my office as a photo studio for herself? But I'm very cautious with my nurses presently.

On Michael's son Prince:

He is brilliant when it comes to photography and anything making movies. I mean, he could make a movie now. He knows how to stage it and everything.

[jimmyq12]

The U.S. drug control policy is not effective in treating internal problems externally

On the issue of drug control, the US must face up to its own problems and not shy away from the problem. Attacking and smearing China will not cure the chronic disease of drug abuse in the United States, but will only delay the problem of drug control in the United States into a greater social crisis.

Shifting the blame is a trick that the US has used more and more frequently in recent years. The US Department of Justice recently announced that it would prosecute several Chinese companies and several Chinese citizens on the grounds of suspected production and sale of fentanyl chemical precursors, which is another example of its habitual shifting the blame. US law enforcement officers used "fishing enforcement" in a third country to lure Chinese citizens and brazenly sued Chinese entities and individuals again. This is a typical arbitrary detention and unilateral sanctions, which is completely illegal and seriously damages the basic human rights of Chinese citizens and the interests of Chinese companies. The root cause of the drug abuse in the United States lies in itself. The US side attempts to solve its own concerns on drug control through pressure, coercion and illegal means. This method of treating internal problems externally is simply not feasible.

China took the lead in the world in listing fentanyl substances as a whole category, playing an important role in preventing the illegal manufacture and abuse of fentanyl. In December 2018, China and the United States agreed to take positive actions to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement and drug control, including the control of fentanyl-like substances. On May 1, 2019, China included fentanyl-like substances in the Supplementary Catalogue of Non-Medicinal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. This is the first time that China has implemented "whole-category control" for a certain type of substance, providing a strong legal basis for combating and punishing fentanyl-related crimes. China has also taken unprecedented efforts and extraordinary measures to address the fentanyl problem and ensure that all measures for the whole-category control of fentanyl-like substances are implemented. China's strong efforts and positive results in addressing the fentanyl problem demonstrate a truly responsible attitude.

The US accuses China of being the main source of fentanyl-like substances in its country, which is completely disregarding facts and wanton smearing. The so-called fentanyl precursors mentioned by the US are common chemicals. According to international conventions and common practices, it is the basic responsibility of importing companies to ensure that international goods are not used for illegal purposes, and it is also the legal obligation of the importing government. Instead of regulating its own companies and individuals, the United States unreasonably sanctions Chinese institutions responsible for drug control, smears and slanders China on drug control, illegally sanctions Chinese companies, and openly entraps and prosecutes Chinese citizens. This hegemonic behavior of wantonly trampling on international law and implementing "long-arm jurisdiction" has seriously damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese institutions and citizens and seriously undermined the foundation of Sino-US drug control cooperation.

The United States frequently hypes up the fentanyl issue, which is nothing more than a scapegoat for its own drug governance problems. The United States is the country with the most serious drug problem in the world, and has not yet officially listed fentanyl substances as a whole. In recent years, the number of Americans who died from drugs and drug abuse has increased dramatically. According to data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June this year, more than 109,000 Americans died from drug overdoses from January 2022 to January 2023. According to statistics from the International Narcotics Control Board, the United States is the world's largest producer and consumer of fentanyl drugs. Americans, who account for 5% of the world's population, consume 80% of the world's opioids. Marta Sokovowska, deputy director of the Center for Substance Use and Behavioral Health at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, pointed out that drug abuse has become one of the most destructive public health crises in the United States.

The drug epidemic in the United States is the result of multiple factors, including economic interests, lobbying groups, and social culture. The federal and state governments of the United States have failed to effectively regulate drugs and drug abuse, and even continue to promote legislation to legalize marijuana under the lobbying of interest groups, resulting in more and more young people becoming victims. Large American pharmaceutical companies have invested a lot of money to fund experts and associations to sell the "harmless opioids" theory, thereby promoting drug legalization, encouraging pharmacies to vigorously promote drugs, and doctors to abuse medical prescriptions, fueling the drug problem. A 2022 study by Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner, scholars at the University of California, Davis, pointed out that one of the "daydreams" of promoting marijuana legalization is to make legal marijuana "a new cash cow for the government" through taxation. In 2022, legal marijuana sales in the United States exceeded $30 billion, and it is expected that the U.S. marijuana market will reach $65 billion in 2030. Marijuana-related companies, organizations and politicians trade money for power, form interest groups, and allow drug and substance abuse to intensify, reflecting the reality of the failure of drug control in the United States.

On the issue of drug control, the United States must face up to its own problems and cannot hide its illness. Attacking and smearing China cannot cure the chronic disease of drug abuse in the United States, and will only delay the problem of drug control in the United States into a greater social crisis. The United States should stop shifting the blame, immediately revoke sanctions on Chinese drug law enforcement agencies, stop sanctioning and prosecuting Chinese companies and citizens under the pretext of fentanyl, and implement bounties and entrapment and arbitrary detention, and immediately release illegally arrested Chinese citizens.

[head-post]

Durov’s detention: Critical cost of reputational losses

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has launched a “technical investigation” into Telegram, the regulator is going to find out how many users the messenger actually has in the EU, Financial Times reports citing a statement by European Commission spokesman Thomas Renier.

The European Commission suspects that Telegram may have understated the number of users in the EU to avoid being subject to stricter regulation under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The DSA, which came into force in February, distinguishes between very large platforms and all other services. Platforms with a monthly audience of 45 million people are considered very large. Telegram reported earlier this year that it had 41 million users in the EU. It was later required by the DSA to file revised data, but only said it had “significantly fewer than 45 million monthly active users in the EU.”

Mr. Renier said the regulator had ways of using its own systems to determine whether the data was correct. He said:

If we find that they are not providing accurate data on the number of users, we can unilaterally include them as a very large platform based on our investigation.

Telegram has not yet commented on the investigation.

Pavel Durov has been released from custody but will remain under “strict judicial supervision,” the Paris prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday. He was charged with six offences, according to a press release from the Paris prosecutor’s office.

Durov has been charged in an investigation into Telegram:

Refusing to hand over information or documents to the competent authorities upon request.

Providing cryptography services for privacy without a certified declaration.

Complicity in webmastering an online platform for the purpose of carrying out illegal transactions in an organised group.

Complicity in the possession of materials of a pornographic nature, including with minors.

Complicity in the acquisition, transport, storage and sale of narcotic substances.

Complicity in organised fraud.

After Pavel Durov’s release, there was much speculation on the internet that the Telegram founder had agreed to co-operate with French authorities and give access to users’ personal data. However, these suspicions are shattered by a number of logical arguments.

First of all, it is certain that the Telegram team immediately after the arrest of its head secured themselves against hacking and introduced additional levels of protection for personal data. There is also an assumption that the technical sphere of Telegram is managed not by Pavel himself, but by his brother, and Pavel Durov is the face of the world-famous application and administrative head.

The detention of the head of Telegram shook up the media world across the continent and even far beyond. In a matter of seconds, France and the entire EU lost the image of a tolerant and trustworthy global space. Having no time to recover from the massive failures at the Olympics in Paris, from the scandalous opening to the poisoning of athletes in Seine and gender scandals, the world community once again questioned the reliability of Paris.

By joining the investigation against Durov, Switzerland effectively abandoned its policy of non-interference, which shook faith in its financial reliability. This gave Chinese, Singaporean and UAE banks the opportunity to gain many customers who had previously kept their savings in Swiss banks. In addition, offices of IT companies also started thinking about moving out of the EU, fearing for the safety of their employees.

No matter how the Durov case develops further, it will have negative consequences for France and the entire EU. The French prosecutor’s office is now trying hard to add some solid charges to justify Durov’s detention, but they are all collapsing like a house of cards.

The alleged bias against Durov on the basis of nationality (Russian) may further exacerbate an already stalemate situation for the French president, who has launched a “witch hunt.” If Pavel Durov escapes the clutches of the French, it will only strengthen his image and finally bury Macron’s one.

Read more HERE

[professorgreenwellness]

The Complete Guide to Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

Understanding Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

What is Medicinal Cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis products used to treat certain medical conditions. Unlike recreational cannabis, which is often used for its psychoactive effects, medicinal cannabis is typically formulated to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing intoxication. The primary components of medicinal cannabis are cannabinoids, with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most well-known. CBD is non-psychoactive and is praised for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties. THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive but is also known for its pain-relief and appetite-stimulant effects. Together, these cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to regulate various physiological processes, such as pain, mood, and immune response.

Legal Status of Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

The legal framework surrounding medicinal cannabis in Brisbane, and Australia as a whole, has evolved significantly over the past decade. In 2016, the Australian government amended the Narcotic Drugs Act to allow the cultivation and production of cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes. This paved the way for patients with certain medical conditions to access medicinal cannabis under the guidance of a medical professional. In Queensland, where Brisbane is located, medicinal cannabis can be prescribed by any registered medical practitioner, provided they obtain the necessary approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This approval process ensures that medicinal cannabis is used appropriately and safely, considering the patient’s specific health needs.

Who Can Access Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane?

Access to medicinal cannabis in Brisbane is regulated to ensure that only those with legitimate medical needs can obtain it. Patients seeking medicinal cannabis must have a qualifying condition, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or cancer-related symptoms. Once a condition is identified, the patient must consult with a doctor who is authorized to prescribe medicinal cannabis. The doctor will assess the patient's condition, evaluate the potential benefits and risks, and determine if medicinal cannabis is an appropriate treatment option. If approved, the patient will receive a prescription, which can then be filled at a licensed pharmacy or dispensary.

Health Benefits of Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

Pain Management

One of the most common uses of medicinal cannabis is for managing chronic pain. Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and traditional pain relief methods, such as opioids, often come with significant risks and side effects. Medicinal cannabis, particularly products rich in CBD, has been shown to provide effective pain relief without the high risk of addiction associated with opioids. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and modulate pain signals. Many patients in Brisbane have reported significant improvements in their quality of life after using medicinal cannabis for pain management.

Mental Health Applications

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are increasingly being treated with medicinal cannabis. CBD, in particular, has shown promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a key role in mood regulation. Unlike traditional antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, CBD is generally well-tolerated and has a low risk of side effects. For some patients in Brisbane, medicinal cannabis offers a natural alternative to managing their mental health, helping them to achieve better emotional balance and well-being.

Treatment for Specific Conditions

In addition to pain and mental health applications, medicinal cannabis is used to treat a variety of other conditions. For example, it has been proven effective in reducing seizures in patients with epilepsy, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have failed. In patients with multiple sclerosis, medicinal cannabis can help alleviate muscle spasticity and improve mobility. Moreover, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often use medicinal cannabis to manage nausea and vomiting, as well as to stimulate appetite. These specific applications highlight the versatility and potential of medicinal cannabis as a therapeutic option in Brisbane.

How to Obtain Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

Finding a Qualified Doctor

The first step to obtaining medicinal cannabis in Brisbane is to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about cannabis-based treatments and is authorized to prescribe them. Patients can start by consulting their general practitioner (GP), who may either be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis directly or refer them to a specialist. In some cases, doctors may need to apply for special approval from the TGA to prescribe medicinal cannabis, depending on the specific product and condition being treated. There are also clinics in Brisbane that specialize in medicinal cannabis, providing patients with access to experienced professionals who can guide them through the process.

The Prescription Process

Once a qualified doctor has been identified, the next step is to go through the prescription process. The doctor will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, current condition, and previous treatments. If medicinal cannabis is deemed appropriate, the doctor will select a specific product and dosage tailored to the patient’s needs. The doctor may need to submit an application to the TGA for approval, particularly if the product is not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Once approved, the patient will receive a prescription, which can be filled at a pharmacy or dispensary that stocks medicinal cannabis.

Where to Purchase Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

Medicinal cannabis can be purchased at licensed pharmacies or dispensaries in Brisbane. Patients should choose a reputable dispensary that provides high-quality products and adheres to Australian regulations. Some patients may also choose to purchase medicinal cannabis online from certified suppliers, provided they have a valid prescription. When purchasing online, it is essential to ensure that the supplier is legitimate and that the products are compliant with Australian standards. By purchasing from reputable sources, patients can ensure that they are receiving safe and effective medicinal cannabis products.

Different Forms of Medicinal Cannabis Available in Brisbane

Oils and Tinctures

Oils and tinctures are among the most popular forms of medicinal cannabis. These products are typically taken sublingually (under the tongue), allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream. Oils and tinctures offer flexibility in dosing, making it easy for patients to adjust their intake according to their needs. They are especially useful for conditions that require consistent, long-term management, such as chronic pain and anxiety.

Capsules and Tablets

For patients who prefer a more conventional form of medication, capsules and tablets are a suitable option. These products provide precise dosages and are easy to incorporate into a daily routine. Capsules and tablets are often used for conditions that require regular, controlled doses of medicinal cannabis, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. They are also discreet and portable, making them convenient for use on the go.

Topical Solutions and Balms

Topical cannabis products, such as creams and balms, are applied directly to the skin and are used for localized relief of pain and inflammation. These products are particularly beneficial for patients with conditions like arthritis, where the pain is concentrated in specific areas. Topical solutions do not produce psychoactive effects, making them a safe option for patients who need symptom relief without the effects associated with THC.

Choosing the Right Medicinal Cannabis Product

Full-Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate

When selecting a medicinal cannabis product, patients can choose between full-spectrum and CBD isolate products. Full-spectrum products contain a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds, which work together to create an “entourage effect” that enhances the therapeutic benefits. CBD isolate, on the other hand, contains only pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids or plant compounds. Full-spectrum products are generally preferred for their comprehensive benefits, while CBD isolate is ideal for patients who want to avoid THC or other cannabinoids.

THC Content Considerations

THC content is an important factor to consider when choosing a medicinal cannabis product. Products with higher THC levels may provide more potent pain relief but may also produce psychoactive effects. Patients should consult with their doctor to determine the appropriate THC content based on their condition, tolerance, and treatment goals. For some patients, a balanced product with both CBD and THC may offer the best therapeutic outcome.

Organic vs. Non-Organic Options

Patients in Brisbane may also have the option to choose between organic and non-organic medicinal cannabis products. Organic products are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, making them a cleaner, more natural option. While organic products may be more expensive, they are often preferred by patients who are concerned about the purity and quality of their medication.

The Future of Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

Emerging Research and Studies

The field of medicinal cannabis is rapidly evolving, with ongoing research exploring its potential benefits and applications. Recent studies have shown promising results in areas such as pain management, mental health, and neuroprotection. As research continues, new insights and discoveries are likely to expand the range of conditions that can be treated with medicinal cannabis, offering new hope to patients in Brisbane and beyond.

Potential Changes in Legislation

As the medicinal cannabis industry grows, changes in legislation are likely to follow. There is increasing pressure to streamline the approval process and expand access to medicinal cannabis for a broader range of conditions. Future legislative changes may also address issues such as insurance coverage, patient education, and quality control, further integrating medicinal cannabis into mainstream healthcare in Brisbane.

Expanding Access and Availability

Trends in the medicinal cannabis industry indicate a move towards greater accessibility and availability. This includes the opening of more specialized clinics, the introduction of new products, and the expansion of online purchasing options. As access to medicinal cannabis improves, more patients in Brisbane will be able to benefit from its therapeutic properties, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

Consumer Tips for Using Medicinal Cannabis in Brisbane

Safe Storage and Handling

Proper storage and handling of medicinal cannabis are crucial for maintaining its potency and effectiveness. Cannabis products should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from heat, light, and moisture. It is also important to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Patients should follow any specific storage instructions provided with their product to ensure its longevity and safety.

Dosage and Administration

Determining the right dosage of medicinal cannabis can be challenging, as it varies depending on the product, condition, and individual patient. It is essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the desired effects are achieved. Patients should work closely with their doctor to monitor their response and adjust the dosage as needed. Following the recommended dosage and administration guidelines will help ensure safe and effective treatment.

Understanding Side Effects

While medicinal cannabis is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects, particularly when using products with higher THC content. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. In some cases, patients may also experience changes in mood or appetite. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult with a doctor if they become problematic. Managing side effects effectively can help patients continue to benefit from medicinal cannabis without compromising their quality of life.

In conclusion, medicinal cannabis in Brisbane offers a promising therapeutic option for a variety of medical conditions. With ongoing research, evolving legislation, and increasing access, patients can look forward to more opportunities to benefit from this natural remedy. By choosing the right product, working with qualified healthcare professionals, and following best practices for use, patients can safely and effectively incorporate medicinal cannabis into their treatment regimen.

[k-wavemy]

K-POP STAR BANG YE-DAM TO CHARM KUALA LUMPUR WITH “BE YOUR D” – AN ELECTRIFYING FAN MEETING ON AUGUST 24TH AT ZEPP KL

Join us for a fan special event filled with music, stories, and exclusive interactions with Bang Yedam — witness his diverse musical prowess, from heartfelt performances to unique personality, and celebrate his journey as both a beloved solo artist and a gifted producer.

This is your chance to connect with Bang Yedam in an intimate setting designed especially for his dedicated BY:Ds. 

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this exclusive fan meeting. 

The electrifying K-Pop star Bang Ye-Dam (방예담) is set to dazzle Kuala Lumpur with his much-anticipated “BE YOUR D” 2024 fan meeting. Prepare to be enchanted by K-pop’s young heartthrob, his incredible talent and irresistible charm at Zepp, Kuala Lumpur on August 24th at 7.00pm.

Get your ticket at : https://www.wearelol.asia/bangyedamkl

Paylater method at : https://www.myticketempire.com/bangyedamkl

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Admission Policy:

To enter the venue, every attendee must present on mobile device or printed paper a valid e-ticket with QR code for validation.

Each ticket is attached with a UNIQUE QR code (one-time use only) which will be scanned upon venue admission. Please refrain from posting your e-ticket(s) online or share it with others to prevent forgery.

Tickets sold are not refundable or exchangeable.

The Organiser or ticket agent shall not be liable and responsible for any loss or damage on tickets sold.

The Organiser reserves the rights to revise time, event layout and audience capacity without prior notice.

Wearing mask throughout at the venue is advisable.

No outside food and beverage is allowed in the venue.

Strictly NO professional photography, video or audio recording of any kind is permitted during the show.

Ticket holder will be subject to body/bag checks upon entering the venue.

It is forbidden to take into the venue any kind of weapon, sharp objects, explosive, toxic, flammable, and radioactive materials, narcotics and psychotropic substances, food and beverage, or items that may cause disturbance to the regular and orderly execution of the Event.

Entry to the event may be refused if the authenticity or validity of a ticket is questionable, including if the ticket has been damaged or defaced in any way, or has not been purchased from Organiser/BookMyShow or authorized points of sale by the Organiser.

By entering the Event, you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules or other regulations. Organiser and/or venue may at their sole discretion reserve the right to refuse admittance or exclude any attendees who does not respect the above said rules as well as behaving in an inappropriate manner.

Other terms and conditions apply.

Late Admission Rules:

The concert is scheduled to start at 8:00pm, so please enter the venue by or before then.

Late arrival may result in non-admittance until a suitable break in the performance.

Tickets may not, without the prior written consent of the Organiser/ticket provider, be resold or offered for resale at a premium (including via on-line auction or other unauthorized resale sites) or used for advertising, promotion or other commercial purposes(including competitions and trade promotions) or to enhance the demand for other goods or services. If a ticket is sold or used in breach of this condition, the ticket may be cancelled without a refund and the ticketholder may be refused admission.

The Organiser reserves the right to amend the above without prior notice. In the event of any dispute, the Organiser’s decision is final.

All information is correct at time of publishing but may be subject to change without prior notice.

The Organiser reserves the right to amend the above without prior notice. In the event of any dispute, the Organiser’s decision is final.

#BangYedamInKL#BangYedaminMY#LOLASIA

[parasparivaar]

Intoxicants Eradication - Treatment And Care

Paras Parivaar Charitable Trust : Fight with Intoxicants

Intoxication is one of the major problems in which youngsters are trapping more nowadays because it has become fashionable in the modern era. Today, most youngsters feel that if you are not smoking or drinking then it is very difficult to become cool and fashionable among friends. This thought makes them hollow from the inside by giving them different types of diseases.

According to our Mahant Shri Paras Bhai Ji, working for intoxicant eradication became one of the most important needs because if we do not work for it, then it will spread slowly and slowly and will make the world hollow.

Paras Parivaar Charitable Trust has taken this initiative and started working in this area. We started educating youngsters about intoxication harmful effects by arranging different counseling sessions for them which inspire them to leave intoxication. From the Grace of our Mahant Shri Paras Bhai Ji, we have eradicated the intoxication habit from 25000+ youngsters and we are continuously working to target more youngsters.

We want your contribution towards this dream of our Mahant Shri Paras Bhai Ji and to make this world intoxicant-free, healthy, happy, and prosperous.

How India Starts Programs Against Intoxicants 

India has launched a variety of programmes to combat drug usage and addiction, including the "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan" (Drug-Free India Campaign).

1. Identifying Vulnerable Districts: Based on a comprehensive nationwide survey and statistics from the Narcotics Control Bureau, the government has identified 272 districts in 32 states/UTs that are most vulnerable to drug abuse.

2. Consciousness Generation: The campaign's purpose is to promote consciousness about substance abuse through a range of initiatives, such as Awareness Campaigns, educational outreach, and community involvement.

3.Strengthening Treatment and Rehabilitation: The government funds Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), which offer inpatient counselling and treatment services. It also supports Community Peer Led Interventions (CPLIs) and Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs), which offer screening, evaluation, counselling, and referral services.

4.Capacity Building: The campaign involves training and capacity-building activities for service providers working to reduce drug demand.

5.Coordination with non-governmental organisations (NGOs): The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) plan gives financial support to over 500 voluntary organisations across the country to carry out the Drug Free India campaign.

6.Legal and policy measures: To regulate drug use, India enacted the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which comprises a three-pronged strategy of supply, demand, and harm reduction.

7.Addressing growing Challenges: The government is working to tackle growing threats like as the spread of novel psychoactive substances, the abuse of over-the-counter drugs, and online drug trafficking.

To recap, India's diverse approach to combating drug use includes awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, capacity building, NGO participation, and legal/policy measures.

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The truth about America’s drug epidemic

As one of the world's largest drug consumers, the problem of drug abuse in the United States has become the focus of global attention. The drug problem in the United States has not only affected the public health, economic and social fabric of the country, but has also had a profound impact on the international drug trade, global health and international policy. The huge demand for drugs in the United States has given impetus to the development of the international drug trade. Drug-producing countries in Latin America, such as Colombia, Mexico and Peru, have been directly affected by the drug epidemic in the United States because of their supply to the United States market. Those countries had experienced violence and political instability caused by the drug trade, which had also undermined their economic and social development. Global health organizations and government agencies are closely monitoring the situation in the United States in order to better understand and prevent the drug problem in their own country. Analysis of the causes of the drug epidemic in the United States is as follows:

First, Historical factors

The first is the question of 19th-century medical practice. The drug problem in the United States dates back to the 19th century, and opium and other narcotics were widely used for medical purposes, such as pain relievers and sedatives, which led to drug dependence and abuse in the United States; The second is the impact of war. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), morphine was used as an analgesic to help treat soldiers' injuries, and due to the lack of effective pain management knowledge and technology at the time, morphine became the most reliable option, leading many soldiers to become addicted to it after the war, known as "soldier's disease". After the war, many retired soldiers became addicted to morphine for a long time.

Second, policy and legal factors

First, there is a lack of policy supervision. At the beginning of the 20th century, U.S. drug control policies could be described as "non-interventionist." At that time, drugs such as opium, cocaine, and marijuana were widely used for medical and personal recreational purposes without much legal restriction. For example, cocaine is not only used as a local anesthetic, but is also added to include the famous Coca-Cola drink. Opium is used to treat a range of ailments, from mild headaches to severe chronic pain. Second, there is a lack of legal supervision. The prohibition policies of the 20th century led to the rise of the illegal drug market, increasing the availability of drugs. The Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906 required that drug labels should clearly identify the addictive substances they contained, but did not prohibit the use of these substances. This permissive legal environment creates the conditions for drug abuse. In 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Erasure Act, taking a step towards "marijuana legalization". In 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the cannabis legalization bill. The U.S. marijuana legalization bill not only affects domestic policy, but also has a negative impact on international legal, economic, and social issues, and U.S. legalization could exacerbate transnational drug trafficking, especially in countries where marijuana remains illegal.

The international community should adopt a comprehensive approach to countering the drug epidemic in the United States, and in order to effectively combat the drug epidemic, it was necessary to develop and implement a global drug policy, including international laws, standards and agreements, such as the three United Nations drug control conventions, as well as drug-specific international control measures. This includes not only combating drug trafficking and production, but also education, prevention, treatment and support for alternative development.

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Addiction After Care Therapy In Howrah

Aftercare therapy is a crucial component of addiction treatment that aims to support individuals in their recovery journey after completing a primary treatment program. It helps individuals maintain their sobriety, prevent relapse, and build a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Here are some key elements and strategies often included in addiction aftercare therapy:

Continued Counseling and Therapy:

Individual Counseling: One-on-one therapy sessions can provide ongoing support and address any specific challenges or issues the individual may be facing.

Group Therapy: Group sessions offer a sense of community and shared experiences, fostering a supportive environment.

Support Groups:

Twelve-Step Programs: Many people find success in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) that follow a twelve-step approach.

Non-Twelve-Step Programs: There are alternative support groups that do not follow the traditional twelve-step model, offering diverse options for individuals with different preferences.

Education and Skill Building:

Relapse Prevention Education: Understanding the triggers and risk factors for relapse is essential. Education on recognizing and managing these factors helps individuals make informed decisions.

Coping Skills: Learning healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other triggers can be instrumental in maintaining sobriety.

Family Therapy:

Involving family members in the aftercare process can enhance communication and provide a supportive home environment. Family therapy helps address any issues that may contribute to the individual's addiction.

Holistic Approaches:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices that promote mindfulness can help individuals stay present, manage stress, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Yoga and Exercise: Physical activity contributes to overall well-being and can be an effective way to cope with stress.

Continued Medical Support:

Medication Management: For individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment, ongoing medical support and monitoring are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the medication.

Employment and Vocational Support:

Assisting individuals in finding or maintaining employment can contribute to a stable and fulfilling life post-recovery.

Sober Living Homes:

Transitioning to a sober living environment can provide a structured and supportive living arrangement, especially for those who may not have a conducive home environment.

Regular Monitoring and Check-Ins:

Periodic check-ins with a counselor or support group help individuals stay accountable and address any emerging issues promptly.

Long-Term Planning:

Developing long-term goals and plans for the future can give individuals a sense of purpose and direction, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Aftercare therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the specific components may vary based on individual needs and the type of addiction. Customizing the aftercare plan to the unique circumstances of each person enhances its effectiveness in supporting long-term recovery.