Robert Celt
New Member
The debate over the legalization of marijuana has been a hot-button topic recently. Many people think that legalizing it for any purpose is a pathway to legalizing any dangerous drug, a stigma that many cannabis advocates have had to fight as they battle for marijuana's legalization. One of the most important missions for supporters of its legalization is education—by educating the general population on the uses and safety of cannabis, the myths can be refuted and ultimately abandoned. Last week, the pro-cannabis organization Florida CAN set up an exposition, "Cannabis 101," at the Florida capitol to help educate people and demonstrate all of the potential benefits of legalizing cannabis.
The main initiative of Cannabis 101 was to eliminate political reasoning against the legalization of cannabis, and all volunteers were armed with information to provide anyone willing to listen. Responses to conservative views towards cannabis ranged from personal to political logic. For instance, the argument of 'personal responsibility' is addressed because this traditionally conservative view contributes to the logic that all citizens should be able to execute their personal responsibility with what they eat, how they medicate and what they wear.
A particularly interesting exhibit was the Art 420 showing. This exhibit featured several beautiful works of art created by people who regularly use cannabis as both inspiration for their work and an aid to their creativity. The purpose of the exhibit was to disprove the belief that use of cannabis destroys motivation and drive by showing the amazing works of art people have created while on the drug. Another aim was to show people the cultural impact cannabis has had on art in modern day and throughout history.
"Cannabis has been a part of some cultures for a long time," said curator Erik Range. "It's been illegal for only a short period of time. In the grand scheme of things, it's been part of society for much, much longer. Through our art, we try to bring those things together."
One particularly large exhibit surrounded the concept of industrial hemp. The exhibit showed the potential in the hemp market by demonstrating the 22 percent market growth in 2014 based upon the five usable hemp crops: seeds, greens, core fibers, bast fibers and roots. One of the main reasons supplied for legalizing hemp is that it is not exactly identical to marijuana in that it is significantly lower in THC and does not induce a high. Additionally, hemp is much more environmentally friendly than cotton, helps fight weeds without the use of pesticides, can be used in healthy food choices and is a bio-composite with the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of cars and to make stronger houses.
However, perhaps the most hotly debated use of cannabis is medicinal. Medical marijuana sparks debates constantly between people who believe it is a medical game-changer and those who are skeptical of its validity. This is why A.C.T. Now representatives were providing people with information on how medical marijuana is distributed and what it would entail in a hospital setting. Since there are places around the country where this is a legal practice, the logistics are already worked out and the use of drops, pills and oils is explained. When seeking treatment, the patient will be able to talk through options with the nurses until they decide upon a treatment plan they are comfortable with.
"You get a medical record number, it goes into a patient portal and I communicate with you by going over symptoms, diagnoses and past medical history," said A.C.T. Now nurse Amy Powell. "Then we come up with a medical pain. We offer drops, we offer pills and we offer massage oils. Based on your symptoms, we come up a plan and follow up with you about every month."
One specific and amazing case of medical marijuana at work would be that of Cathy Jordan, an elderly ALS patient whose main form of treatment is varying strains of marijuana. She was diagnosed with ALS in 1986 and first tried cannabis smoking for treatment in 1989. In the morning, she uses certain strains that help wake up her brain alongside her coffee. She takes the cannabis in through smoking to also help trigger her cough response in order to expel the fluid from her lungs. Additionally, cannabis drastically improves her appetite through the 'munchies' and relaxes her muscles to prevent spasms that could lead to choking. In the evening, different strains of cannabis help to relax her mind in preparation for sleep and to calm her aches and pains from life in a wheelchair. Today, Jordan claims that her goal is to live long enough to see the cure.
"Throughout the day, regularly ingesting a dose of medicine — a puff or two from my cannabis cigarette — is enough to keep me out and about," said Jordan. "Luckily for me, an additional side-effect of cannabis is a sense of well-being and euphoria. With enough good quality cannabis, it is hard to be depressed. Only times when I lack cannabis do I see signs of decline."
Ultimately, everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the legalization of marijuana. Cannabis 101 simply served as an opportunity for supporters to get involved and for skeptics to learn about the plant. Whether or not the exposition changed enough perspectives to make a difference in the voting outcome this time around is less important than the fact that now people will at least be able to make an informed decision and know exactly what they are voting for or against.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Cannabis 101
Author: Tori Lutz
Contact: FSUNews
Photo Credit: Tori Lutz
Website: FSUNews
The main initiative of Cannabis 101 was to eliminate political reasoning against the legalization of cannabis, and all volunteers were armed with information to provide anyone willing to listen. Responses to conservative views towards cannabis ranged from personal to political logic. For instance, the argument of 'personal responsibility' is addressed because this traditionally conservative view contributes to the logic that all citizens should be able to execute their personal responsibility with what they eat, how they medicate and what they wear.
A particularly interesting exhibit was the Art 420 showing. This exhibit featured several beautiful works of art created by people who regularly use cannabis as both inspiration for their work and an aid to their creativity. The purpose of the exhibit was to disprove the belief that use of cannabis destroys motivation and drive by showing the amazing works of art people have created while on the drug. Another aim was to show people the cultural impact cannabis has had on art in modern day and throughout history.
"Cannabis has been a part of some cultures for a long time," said curator Erik Range. "It's been illegal for only a short period of time. In the grand scheme of things, it's been part of society for much, much longer. Through our art, we try to bring those things together."
One particularly large exhibit surrounded the concept of industrial hemp. The exhibit showed the potential in the hemp market by demonstrating the 22 percent market growth in 2014 based upon the five usable hemp crops: seeds, greens, core fibers, bast fibers and roots. One of the main reasons supplied for legalizing hemp is that it is not exactly identical to marijuana in that it is significantly lower in THC and does not induce a high. Additionally, hemp is much more environmentally friendly than cotton, helps fight weeds without the use of pesticides, can be used in healthy food choices and is a bio-composite with the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of cars and to make stronger houses.
However, perhaps the most hotly debated use of cannabis is medicinal. Medical marijuana sparks debates constantly between people who believe it is a medical game-changer and those who are skeptical of its validity. This is why A.C.T. Now representatives were providing people with information on how medical marijuana is distributed and what it would entail in a hospital setting. Since there are places around the country where this is a legal practice, the logistics are already worked out and the use of drops, pills and oils is explained. When seeking treatment, the patient will be able to talk through options with the nurses until they decide upon a treatment plan they are comfortable with.
"You get a medical record number, it goes into a patient portal and I communicate with you by going over symptoms, diagnoses and past medical history," said A.C.T. Now nurse Amy Powell. "Then we come up with a medical pain. We offer drops, we offer pills and we offer massage oils. Based on your symptoms, we come up a plan and follow up with you about every month."
One specific and amazing case of medical marijuana at work would be that of Cathy Jordan, an elderly ALS patient whose main form of treatment is varying strains of marijuana. She was diagnosed with ALS in 1986 and first tried cannabis smoking for treatment in 1989. In the morning, she uses certain strains that help wake up her brain alongside her coffee. She takes the cannabis in through smoking to also help trigger her cough response in order to expel the fluid from her lungs. Additionally, cannabis drastically improves her appetite through the 'munchies' and relaxes her muscles to prevent spasms that could lead to choking. In the evening, different strains of cannabis help to relax her mind in preparation for sleep and to calm her aches and pains from life in a wheelchair. Today, Jordan claims that her goal is to live long enough to see the cure.
"Throughout the day, regularly ingesting a dose of medicine — a puff or two from my cannabis cigarette — is enough to keep me out and about," said Jordan. "Luckily for me, an additional side-effect of cannabis is a sense of well-being and euphoria. With enough good quality cannabis, it is hard to be depressed. Only times when I lack cannabis do I see signs of decline."
Ultimately, everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the legalization of marijuana. Cannabis 101 simply served as an opportunity for supporters to get involved and for skeptics to learn about the plant. Whether or not the exposition changed enough perspectives to make a difference in the voting outcome this time around is less important than the fact that now people will at least be able to make an informed decision and know exactly what they are voting for or against.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Cannabis 101
Author: Tori Lutz
Contact: FSUNews
Photo Credit: Tori Lutz
Website: FSUNews