DEA Signals Possible Re-Scheduling of Cannabis

DEA Signals Possible Re-Scheduling of Cannabis

     According to several news sources the DEA is considering re-scheduling cannabis from a Schedule 1 Narcotic to a Schedule 2 Narcotic. Surprisingly, cannabis is currently classified with Heroin and LSD as a “drug’ with no medical value. The new schedule would put it on the same level as many pharmaceuticals, such as the many opiates currently over prescribed in the United States. This could be a turning point in the legalization movement, but also could spell trouble for people who grow at home.

     Many states and municipalities hesitate to legalize cannabis, due to its Schedule 1 status. They point to the long arm of the Federal Government, and use it as a justification for not legalizing. It makes sense n the context of the amount of money the Feds give out to the states. Even now DC could yank legalization away from the 4 states that have legalized cannabis. The Feds could simply say, “End legalization, or we’ll take away _______ funding.” The states would have no choice but to comply. A Schedule 2 designation would make this more difficult for the Feds to crack down on legalization. As far as working against home grows. Well, we don’t allow people to manufacture any drug on the Schedule 2 list. So, cannabis could be legalized, but not legal to grow at home. Home growing is the essence of the legalization movement.

      However, If the DEA reschedules cannabis in the end this will be a good thing simply for the number of people it will keep out of prison. It would also open up more research on cannabis. Let’s hope the DEA follows through, and reschedules cannabis as a Schedule 2 Narcotic.    

Reverend Weaver Grow Tip – Harvest for Aroma

Today research on the medicinal benefits of marijuana point in the direction of terpenes, the molecules that give cannabis strains their aroma or smell.  The different terpenes have been found to have unique medicinal qualities.  

Years ago through various periods I found out due to basic medical needs that what some would be considered an early harvest, 6 1/2 weeks to 7 1/2 weeks brought with it a much more pronounced flavor and aroma which reminded me of Lebanese Blonde hash from the 70's.  I would have to say that the " head rush" was more likely to occur here then with traditional harvest when 50 percent of the bud hairs are red.  Years ago whenever this was established as the harvesting standard thc was the focus.  We know more now about other components or chemicals found in cannabis and Thc is becoming a side note to the educated.

    To this day I find that what some commercial growers are now calling early harvest yields me a better product than if I " over finish" my produce.  I look for die off of the tips of the hairs and definitely harvest if I begin to see any red.  I know this goes against general harvesting folk lore and voices will talk about bud tightness and other things they dislike about harvesting a plant when the flower is at the peak of freshness.  This preference for flavor and taste known hereabouts as the Old Man Brand  or technique speaks to the feeling "that life is too short to smoke bad tasting ganja".  Besides I pick an apple before it falls from the tree and I give my lover a fresh fragrant rose not one that is at the end of its beauty.  

     When that 6 week period comes around we start watching for changes that show the hair receptors are beginning to deteriorate on the flower.  Harvesting after hair receptor die off means less flavor, fragrance and thus perhaps less terpene content due to 

the general deterioration of the flower.  

     This theory may already have been explored by commercial growers with product testing at various harvest times to check for terpene levels.  I never spent the money to prove this, direct experience by myself and others plus lack of loose change to pay for testing was enough for me.  

Another tip I discovered is to not trim so closely that I cut off hairs and all bits of small leaf within the bud.  Some plant strains have more vegetative leaf within the bud than others.  Also growing and flowering under a metal halide or full spectrum lighting system produces a leafier flower.  These flower leaves have flavor and may contain more terpenes than we are aware of, regardless I trim the tips off but make sure to not be so aggressive and so I try to leave any portion of leaf I see covered with tricombs or crystal.  The bud quality doesn't suffer if you have good curing procedures.  Again these things work for me and I enjoy the flavor of my harvest over most others I have tried, but it might not be for you.

Happy Harvesting

>From a Friend of the Friend

Hemp for Hunger Food Drive

     The need for food at local food banks in Washington State is at an all time high. The cannabis community can help. Hemp for Humanity, and the MMCWS, are working to get a food drive going in cannabis businesses across the state. We are calling it the Hemp for Hunger Food Drive. All businesses need to do is find a local food bank, publicize the food drive, collect the food and turn it in each week to a local food bank. We even have printable flyers, and ready to go Social Media images cannabis businesses can use to promote their food drive. If they need help getting started, businesses can also download short instructions on how to run a food drive. Both MMJ, and RMJ, cannabis businesses are participating.

      But, you don’t have to own a cannabis business to help. You can find a food bank locally, or somewhere to drop donations off, and donate food on your own. Also, ask your local cannabis business if they are having a food drive, and help get the word out about this years Hemp for Hunger Food Drive. You can download Hemp for Hunger FB profile pics, and Social Media ready flyers here to help spread the word about Hemp for Hunger.

      The cannabis community can make a difference in this time of need in our state, and you, or your cannabis business, can be a part of it.

 

What Advocacy Doesn’t’ Look Like

What Advocacy Doesn’t’ Look Like   

    Recently it was reported that two fast food workers in Tacoma were fired for trading burgers and fries for hash oil while on the job. The incident happened at a local fast food joint, and was an impromptu video according to the report. The videos creator, a local so called “marijuana advocate”, said he shot the video in order to make a statement and promote his cause, dabbing.       Although it is understandable the videos creators desire to make dabbing more socially acceptable, there is an issue with using the word Advocacy” to describe his actions. Even using the phrase “civil disobedience” would be a stretch to label this behavior, as that is usually planned, and certainly doesn’t involve putting others at risk. The word advocate
 implies a person is looking out for someone. Usually, it involves someone helping a person, or sticking up for a cause. “The parent went to the school to advocate for their kid.” This is clearly not what happened. The videos creator on a whim broke several laws and set up [ a situation in which two people lost their jobs. In the report on KOMO News the reporter was quick to tie “dabbing” to BHO explosions, and easily painted the action in a negative light.

     At a time when cannabis legalization is going through a rough patch here in Tacoma, There were just 2 retail outlets caught selling to minors in the city, stunts like this do nothing but hurt the cause. Additionally, it gives cannabis consumers a bad name. The prank adds to the stereotypes that cannabis consumers have poor judgment, suffer from irrational thinking and a whole host of other bad labels that have been assigned to the cannabis community.

Leading Medical Cannabis Researcher Arrested

    The mission of the Medical Marijuana Coalition of Washington State is to promote a medical cannabis system based in compassion and science. The word compassion has many different meanings, but is generally known to mean showing kindness, or helping. The original medical cannabis law in California was named the Compassionate Care Act. So, it is natural we would promote compassion in a medical cannabis system. Cannabis being the most chemically complex plant on earth it was natural we included “Science’ in our mission, as well. But, we added “Science” to our mission largely due to the innovative research of Dr. Jeff Raber of The Werkshop, which was located in Pasadena, CA. “Was”, because The Werkshop was raided early in the month of April.

     According to reports a “tip” about people smoking cannabis outside and a strong smell of cannabis in an industrial area of Pasadena led authorities to the unsuspecting lab. When police arrived they found elegidly 500 pounds of cannabis and 200 pint jars of cannabis oil on site. Well you know, if you have that much weed around, you must be a criminal. So, Dr. Raber was arrested, along with a business partner. Later 26 employees were taken into custody, then later released. Dr. Raber later posted a 75,000 dollar bond and left the jail, waiting a June hearing.

     To someone who doesn’t know about his work 500 pounds and 200 jars of cannabis oil seems like a lot. However, his work centered around bringing more diversity back to the Terpene profile of the cannabis plant. The report didn’t say if the 500 pounds was processed, or were there plants. Knowing what he was doing, 500 pounds doesn’t seem like to much to accomplish his research goal. He also was researching the different therapeutic properties of various Terpenes, which occur in heavy concentrations in cannabis. You can imagine each one of those 200 jars with a label on it listing out the Terpene profiles. He was doing research. It takes large amounts of whatever you are researching to get good results.

     It is ashamed police didn’t take the time to investigate what he was doing, before they took all his work. Even if he is found innocent, years of work and innovation have been lost. Hopefully, after the trial Dr. Raber can resume this very important research to shed more light on the therapeutic effects of the Terpenes in cannabis.