Academies for Cannabis Law, Research, and Studies – Bonza Blog

Academies for Cannabis Law, Research, and Studies:

Looking at the status of marijuana across the globe, people are now more welcoming and receptive to its beneficial uses. In fact, there are many remarkable events are happening in support of this credence.

  • Breeders and cultivators continue to hasten the evolution of cannabis by developing new hybrids with better traits.
  • Researchers and scientists conduct studies to find beneficial uses of the plant and its different compounds.
  • Leaders are now more amenable to legalizing the use of cannabis for medical reasons. In some countries, new regulations decriminalize its previously prohibited recreational use.
  • Social movements carry on in spreading awareness about the plant.
  • Scholars and the academe are deliberately putting together courses around cannabis studies. In fact, more and more universities and training institutes are emerging to join and support the standardization and education of this much-maligned plant.

Cannabis: The Past

Before the current perception towards cannabis, its journey was that of being on the pedestal to being condemned. These days, though, its significance can no longer be brushed off.

A. Ancient Use

Ancient Use

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Cannabis has been in existence for thousands of years. Its evolution has, indeed, come a long way. Deemed to have hailed from Central Asia, this plant has been a traditional instrument in curing specific aches and anxiety in China. Meanwhile, it was used in religious ceremonies during incense-burning and purification in India.

In ancient Egypt and Jamaica, it was used for washing the eyes to avoid glaucoma and cataract. The healing and soul-uplifting qualities of cannabis spread from China, Mongolia, and India to Europe. In Greece, the plant became necessary in burials and in treating inflammations. The British relied on it for the alleviation of rheumatism, gout, and joint pain. From Europe, it pervaded the Americas, north, and south.

B. Policies

In history, for a long time, cannabis was regarded as highly valuable. It was only in the 1920s that it had an unfavorable impression upon people. Specific policies and milestones have changed the acceptability of marijuana into communities and industries.

Because of scattered perspectives towards it, some people saw cannabis as a threat to the security of citizens. Worse, these plants became associated with illegal acts, aggression, and violence. Some countries conceptualized ways to avoid a war on drugs that is costly and tedious. Here are some of the relevant policies that materialized over time.

Policies

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1. 1937: Marihuana Tax Act

Drafted by Harry Anslinger and proclaimed by then Representative Robert L. Doughton of North Carolina, this act initially was established to enforce a tax on Marijuana products. Importers were mandated to register their products and items were subjected for inspection, too.
A penalty of $2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years could be carried out for a violation. Since its enactment, there have been many other provisions added.

2. 1976: The Tolerance Policy in the Netherlands

Originally a part of the Opium Act of 1919, this Tolerance Policy reinforced the delineation between hard and soft drugs. Coffee shops are allocated to provide a venue where teens and young adults can consume drugs that are not harmful. These coffee shops are authorized to operate if they abide by the criteria imposed upon them.

Cannabis consumption is restricted only for personal use and not for trade. Drug trafficking and importation exceeding the limits are dealt with accordingly.

3. 1985: Founding of Sensi Seeds, the Largest Seed Bank

The founding of this company ignited the motivation among breeders and growers to produce top-quality seeds. More and more people began to understand what the cannabis plant was at that time as well as its benefits. It is because of the Sensi Seeds that the community is striving to innovate and evolve.

4. 1996: California as the First State to Legalize the Medicinal Use of Cannabis

The Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, paved the way for the legalization of cannabis in the state of California. In essence, it allows people aged 21 and above to use, share, or even cultivate marijuana in their own home. This enactment prompted other states to consider regulating or relaxing their laws on it.

5. 2013: Uruguay as the First Country to Legalize Cannabis

In 2013, then President Jose Mujica signed the bill into law legalizing cannabis in the country from cultivating, distribution and to consumption. Under this law, farmers and dispensaries can secure a license to plant and distribute. Furthermore, the law allows authorized pharmacies to sell medical marijuana.

C. Movements

Over the years, the people who believe in the benefits of the cannabis plant have engaged in activities to instill a positive awareness in communities. They have strived to change the public opinion about the plant. They also maintained the sacred outlook of fellow believers and advocates.

Movements

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1. Rastafarian Movement

Initiated in the 1930s, the Rastafarians deem cannabis plants as something significant to their faith. In their bible, there is a mention of the Tree of Life. They believe it is marijuana. As such, they deem it sacred and valuable.

Contrary to widespread perception, the Rastafarian Movement does not tolerate the use of marijuana for leisure reasons. Its usage is limited to a religious ceremony, group meditation, reasoning sessions, and prayers.

2. THC Ministries

Established in Hawaii by Roger Christie, the THC Ministry is a religion that upholds the cannabis plant as a sacrament. They also believe that the plant had been present and mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Its use in the ministry revolves around their ceremonies and as an element in the holy anointing oil.

3. Marijuana Majority

Founded by Tom Angell some 16 years ago, the Marijuana Majority is a movement that aims to change the way legislators, law enforcer, and government leaders look at the regulations governing cannabis. They believe that the current statute in the United States are not sufficient and continue to raise awareness in the community.

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Cannabis: The Present

A. Law

Laws

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Those who intend to understand the nature and implications of standardizing the use of cannabis would have to study law & policymaking. Aspects such as the scope of penalties, taxes, business conduct, pricing & banking, trademark, come into play.

There will be different perspectives shared by government officials, religious people, businesspeople, farmers and private entities. With Cannabis Law and Policy courses, the nation can contribute accordingly to have a sense of shared vision.

Courses such as these helps eliminate or control red tape in government sectors. Moreover, with law courses in place, people will have a source of credible information. The lawyers, can eventually, provide sound advice and insights to whoever needs it.

Here are some institutions that paved the way for the improvement of laws and policies surrounding cannabis.

  • Marijuana Law and Policy under the Vanderbilt Law School
  • Cannabis Law and Policy Project under the University of Washington
  • Berkeley Law under the University of California
  • Marijuana Law, Policy & Reform Seminar under the Ohio University
  • Marijuana Law and Policy at the University of Denver
  • Cannabis Law & Policy under Lewis & Clark Law School
  • Medical Marijuana Laws & Regulations under the Cannabis Training Institute

B. Research

Research

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Since time immemorial, different nations have acknowledged the medicinal value of cannabis plants. At present, there is increasing trust and confidence in its potential as a cure for some ailments. Given this, there is also an expanding interest towards research to evaluate the plant’s expediency and suitability.

Some universities provide cannabinoid analysis and crop testing. Scientists, on the other hand, dedicate their time and effort to discover potential therapies for cancer, autism, epileptic seizures, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, diabetes, hepatitis, and many other illnesses.

Here are some institutes that foster collaborative work on research on cannabis plants.

  • Institute of Cannabis Research Colorado State University
  • Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research
  • The Scripps Research Institute
  • The Multidisciplinary Center on Cannabinoid Research under the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute
  • The Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids
  • Oaksterdam University

C. Trade and Entrepreneurship

Trade and Entrepreneurship

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With the gradual standardization and innovation occurring in the cannabis community, the industries are also trying to leverage on its efficacy. The taxes earned from legitimate dispensaries and medicinal users can help sustain some government projects. Business people who would like to set up dispensaries or farms have to learn the ropes of commerce.

Entrepreneurs and growers may need to cooperate in marketing the plant in a streamlined way. Cultivators may have to join forces with pharmaceutical companies to understand the demand and needs of consumers. Universities work hand-in-hand with companies who can absorb interns for Cannabis-related jobs. Aside from offering classes, institutes also organize business conferences, trade fairs, and career training.

Here are some institutes that are changing the landscape for those who are into Cannabis trade and entrepreneurship.

  • Northern Michigan University
  • Commercial Cannabis Production Niagara College Canada
  • Cannabis Training Institute
  • Medical Cannabis Fundamentals for Business Professionals under the Durham College
  • Cannabis Career Training under the Kwantlen Polytechnic University
  • THC University
  • Cannabis Training University

Cannabis: The Future

Cannabis The Future

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With the changes taking place, there is a promising future awaiting the cannabis community and industry. The spread of legalization in the different states in America as well as in Europe will make it more accessible to citizens. Its cultivation, distribution, and trade would improve with the advancement of technology.

Owing to scientific studies, people will put more confidence in cannabis as an alternative medicine to grueling illnesses. Specialists and scholars will be able to discover more gaps in the existing drug.

People will gradually eliminate the humiliation of discussing cannabis in public. Because of law classes, people will be more articulate in expressing their thoughts based on facts and not on myths.

In the existence of an auspicious vision of where cannabis will be, there will be negativities as well. Businesspeople may become greedy and take advantage of the demand. Where there is greed, there will be instances of corruption and bribery. As for the citizens, some may abuse its use.

While many things could go wrong, it does not negate the benefits it brings. All the cannabis plants need is the continued support from academies. In dispensing of proper knowledge, its use will not only be better understood, but it will also lead to changes that are in the best interests of people.

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