An article from the Mother Nature Network that I felt was my responsibility to share.
It is important to educate each other regarding the proper disposal of garbage and the reuse of plastics before recycling, which also reduces consumption.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Take care of the Earth. It is our home.
Image by Kevin Krejci via Flickr
Posted in Environment | Tagged earth, garbage, pacific, reduce, reuse, garbage patch, oceans, Environment, Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Recycling, Plastic, Business, Waste Management, Polymers | Leave a Comment »
I have returned from my trip to the Emerald Triangle. It was beautiful beyond words. I snapped a bit a photos but only a handful are worth passing on. I am only so camera savvy.
A friend and I had gone up to Arcata for a bit to stroll around the Redwoods park behind Humboldt State University. There are quite a number of hiking trails and a really nice day park once you reach the top of the first trail.
We encountered many different types of mushrooms/fungi growing off the trees. There was even this odd bright yellow dripping fungi that was falling off an overturned stump. I caught a picture but it didn’t come out that well.
There were also these neat carvings that, I am assuming, students from over the years carved into the stump of a large redwood behind HSU.
Its really hard to grasp how large and green the trees in this area are until you’ve actually been there. Its surreal.
Nature is interesting. Being the origin of everything, you can expect fantastic art as well.
I will be returning to the forest in about a week and a half. I’m very excited to go back, I’ll admit that I already miss it. This time, however, I won’t be returning home. I’m sure that Humboldt will make a nice new home.
**I have found some lovely sources of interest but I feel like I have inadequately researched those topics and will write soon on some other things the Emerald Triangle has to offer. “)
Posted in Travel | Tagged Arcata, Arcata California, California, Camping, Emerald Triangle, Eureka, Green, Hiking, HSU, Humboldt County, Humboldt State University, Redwoods, Trail, Tree, United States | Leave a Comment »
Starting tomorrow I will be spending roughly one week in the Emerald Triangle: Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity counties of Northern California. I am ecstatic and wish I could leave now. But, my reservations don’t start until Monday, so I will just have to be patient.
I will be taking an amazing amount of pictures to share with you when I return. And hopefully I will be sampling some of the sweetest herbs available to man during my stay. I will be sure to report back on those as well, if I can remember..
Please, wish me luck. This is as much of a business trip as a vacation. There are some very important things that I need to happen while I’m visiting and frankly I need all the support and good karma I can get floating my way.
I wish you all the best and will be seeing you again in one week from tomorrow*.
With Peace and Love,
Salvador
*If I can write as my trip progresses I shall.
Image via Wikipedia
Posted in Cannabis, Hemp, Medical Marijuana, Travel | Tagged Business, California, Cannabis, Emerald Triangle, Eureka, Humboldt, Life, Northern California, Recreation, Travel, Travelogues, Trinity, United States, Vacation | Leave a Comment »
Image via Wikipedia
Its official, the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010* is now also known as California Proposition 19. This initiative will be on the November 2, 2010 statewide ballot. The purpose of the proposition is to legalize the recreational use of cannabis by adults 21 years of age or older. It would strip away certain criminal and civil penalties associated with cannabis production, distribution, and sale. Local governments would be allowed to impose and collect a tax on cannabis.
If Proposition 19 passes this November local governments will have to look outside the box for answers on how to tax and regulate cannabis consumption. It would be wise for cities to start making partnerships with companies like Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTC: MJNA) that have created tax collecting strategies which could allow cities to watch revenue flow from the cannabis industry on a daily basis.
Speaking of Medical Marijuana Inc. their newest division, The Hemp Network**, is set to launch August 28, 2010. So the countdown begins. Be sure not to miss out, The Hemp Network’s “soft-launch” is still continuing until August 28th and it is still just $100 to sign up and secure your spot in the power leg of the network. For more information regarding The Hemp Network, please join in to the conference calls taking place Monday through Thursday at 6 PM (PST) from now until the pre-launch on August 28, 2010. The phone number and pin to join a conference call is as follows: (218) 339-3600 PIN: 321677#
Back on track, I’m still very impartial to Proposition 19. On one side of the issue I would really prefer that we step back and address the medical marijuana issue first. Dispensaries are being shut down left and right, there are still many cities that are not allowing dispensaries to operate, and the lack of regulation will continue giving the medical marijuana industry its stigma. But, I cannot deny that prohibition of cannabis in this country or any country is absolutely ridiculous. It is unfathomable that any individual or group of individuals would think that they have the power to criminalize nature.
Because of the attention that Proposition 19 has been getting, especially more recently by larger news agencies, I feel the initiative will be facing a grim result this November.
As an idea for dispensary owners, (if it is feasible) do your best to team up with a business like Cannabis Medical Solutions Inc. (OTC: CMSI) which specializes in electronic payment processing. By doing so, it would allow you to keep less cash on the premises and more money in your pocket to continue delivering and developing services for medical marijuana patients.
*The Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 was made possible by the advocacy group Tax Cannabis 2010.
**When signing up for The Hemp Network, you must have a sponsor. To sign up just visit http://thehempnetwork.com and use phone number (661) 618-3277 as your referral to the Network.
Posted in Cannabis, Education, Finance, Hemp, Medical Marijuana | Tagged California Proposition 19 (2010), Cannabis, Cannabis Medical Solutions Inc., Hemp, Hemp Network, Initiative, Medical Marijuana, Medical Marijuana Inc., stocks, Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, The Hemp Network | 2 Comments »
Image by Troy Holden via Flickr
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy (BOP) made an extremely symbolic gesture yesterday by rescheduling marijuana as a schedule II substance. The board voted overwhelmingly 4-1 in support. The vote came about after the Oregon legislature passed SB 728 last year, which directed the BOP to reclassify marijuana as a schedule II, III, IV or V.
I have to agree with the writer of the original article that brought this to my attention. The vote to reschedule marijuana as anything lower than schedule I is very suggestive symbolism. The people will bring the medicinal benefits of medical marijuana to be attention of their states. In doing so the states must also bring medical marijuana to the federal government’s attention. It’s time that our federal government started weighing their options. It’s easier to work with people on an issue rather than work against them.
There are synthetic cannabis-based medicines that are currently available in your local pharmacy. An example would be Dronabinol, an oral form of cannabis’ active ingredient. (Classified as a schedule III substance.) Dronabinol contains a synthetic THC that is formulated in sesame oil. It is dispensed with a valid prescription for appetite stimulation to help combat the wasting effects of cancer and HIV/ AIDS. However, I don’t see the point in using a synthetic version of something that is equally beneficial naturally; able to treat these conditions in the same means.
Recognize marijuana as medicine. Allow for continued research to prove its healing benefits in the mental and physical. Legalize hemp. It has the potential to be more beneficial than anything you currently sow. Thank you to the Oregon Legislature for passing SB 728 last year and thank you to the Oregon Board of pharmacy for voting to reclassify marijuana as a schedule II substance. I like to think that your courage will lead us to a brighter future.
Check out: http://tinyurl.com/27f32da
Posted in Cannabis, Medical Marijuana | Tagged Board of Pharmacy, BOP, Cannabis, Controlled Substances Act, Drugs, Federal government of the United States, Health, Hemp, Medical cannabis, Medical Marijuana, Medicine, Oregon, SB 728, Schedule I, Schedule II, Tetrahydrocannabinol | Leave a Comment »
Just a few days ago I went into a local wine and spirits store. I was there to pick up a cheap bottle of wine, a little $2 Chuck if you will, but, I was greeted by a display of beer by the name of ‘Hemp Ale’. To be honest I was quite shocked. I didn’t think I would ever see such a thing; walking into any average local wine and spirit store. Mind you, I am absolutely not a beer person, ever. I’ve never had a palette for beer nor do I really intend to; call it narrow-minded. I did, however, buy a six-pack of Hemp Ale not just due to intrigue, but also to the reasonable price of $7.99.
After days of being nervous and not necessarily wanting to try this new found beer, I decided this morning that there is no better time but the present. Once again, I have no experience with beer tasting so I will do my best.
*On a side note, it may have been a bad idea to break into this beer too soon into writing this blog. It is 5.7% alcohol by volume, and I only had a light breakfast; I am small framed person.
With my very first impression, the very first swig, the hemp was immediately noticeable, as it should be. It has a very deep, rich, nutty and herbal flavor; what you would expect to be typical of hemp seeds. So thankfully, I wasn’t overly surprised or upset with the result. I’m assuming that most of the beers I have tried in my life have been ‘lighter’ brown ales because it is very obvious that Hemp Ale is definitely a darker, richer ale. I refuse to say that I like it just because I am hemp activist, But, I do not rule Hemp Ale out of future purchases. It does seem like it will take a little bit of getting used to. But, I do see myself, one day, having a palette for Hemp Ale. I very much appreciate this creation because it is definitely another stepping stone in the road to hemp legalization in the United States.
Hemp Ale is a product of a company named, Nectar Ales. Nectar Ales offers a small variety of brews: Red Nectar, Nectar IPA, and Hemp Ale. Nectar Ales is based out of Paso Robles, CA and distribute their brews in California and select markets nationwide, excluding Hemp Ale, which is exclusively sold in California due to laws prohibiting the interstate trading of hemp seeds. So be proud to Californian, we get perks!
Now that I have given my opinion of Hemp Ale, here is a snippet from the Nectar Ales website regarding Hemp Ale. “Hemp Ale, affiliated with the Nectar Ales experience through shared origins at Humboldt Brewing Company, Hemp Ale is a one-of-a-kind brew that boasts an incredibly rich profile and unique herb-accented flavor that is attributable to the incorporation of hemp seeds into the brewing process.”
“A wonderful brown ale full of complexity Hemp Ale is great with food or by itself. American hops create a perfect balance to the darker malts used in this brew. This brown ale is the Gold Medal winner for first place in its category at both the 1999 and 2000 California State Fair Craft Brewing Competitions.”
For more information about Hemp Ale and all of Nectar Ales’ brews, be sure to check out their website. There are many links available for you in this blog.
Posted in Hemp, Uncategorized | Tagged Alcohol by volume, ale, beer, Brown ale, California, Hemp, Hemp Ale, Hops, Nectar Ales, United States | Leave a Comment »
The Hemp Network has been given a bit of a makeover in recent days. Looking much more professional and certainly more welcoming. Some unfortunate news accompanied the new image. The pre-launch of the first hemp network marketing company, a division of Medical Marijuana Inc. has been pushed back to August 27th and 28th. However, excitement remains all the same for this next multimillion dollar industry. If you would like to feel the ‘high’ associated with The Hemp Network, make sure to sign up before the pre-launch on July 1st to ensure that you are placed in the power-leg of the company.
You must have a sponsor in order to join up. Please use first name: DOUGLAS, last name: DISALVO, and phone number: (661) 618-3277
For more information check out The Hemp Network or their parent company’s site Medical Marijuana Inc.
You can also refer to my previous blog about The Hemp Network.
Welcome to the network, The Hemp Network.
*Kudos to Medical Marijuana Inc. for the fantastic new look.
*PLEASE NOTE* As of June 4th, 2010 the Pre-Launch date of The Hemp Network has been changed to August 27th and 28th. Please take advantage of the extra 90 days to get your team in order and to continue building your downline.
Posted in Cannabis, Hemp, Medical Marijuana | Tagged Cannabis, Health, Hemp, Hemp Network, Medical Marijuana, Medical Marijuana Inc., new, pre-launch, The Hemp Network | Leave a Comment »
Cover via Amazon
“There are more species of fungi, bacteria, and protozoa in a single scoop of soil than there are species of plants and vertabrate animals in all of North America….I wonder what would happen if there were a United Organization of Organisms, where each species gets one vote. Would we be voted off the planet?”
-Paul Stamets in Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Agriculture, Bacteria, Biology, Flora and Fauna, Fungus, justice, mushrooms, Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World, organisms, Paul Stamets, Soil | Leave a Comment »
Image via Wikipedia
I’m not sure that I won’t be absolutely devastated if, this November, marijuana legalization is not passed in the state of California. But, because I can see the pros and cons of legalization I feel that I will find joy in the decision one way or the other. A time, and appropriately worded legislation, will eventually come to free Mary Jane from her shackles, allowing those who wish to ask her for a dance to do so. However, one thing that should not be argued about is medical marijuana.
Currently, I am happy with medical marijuana as a state’s decision; I do feel that the United States, as a whole, needs to pass legislation legalizing medical marijuana in all states and territories so that everyone has equal access to the medicine that they so choose. Often times, it seems, the general population wants to argue about the “bigger” issue, in this case, legalization. I think we should finish one thing at a time and stop putting the cart before the horse. Medically, marijuana is useful for a variety of illnesses and ailments; this is echoed in my last post regarding Proposition 215. Politicians would prefer that medical marijuana be used only in severe cases (i.e. patients that are terminally ill) but, I feel it should be an option to anyone facing their own mortality.
I certainly don’t think we should be looking at the issue in the sense of what is favorable to Republicans versus Democrats versus Independents, etc. More importantly, politics aside, we need to be listening to our elder population and to those that are terminally ill. It can’t be denied that these two groups, considering the cycle of life, will be facing their mortality sooner than the rest of us. We need to have respect for the fact that they are still our elders, they still have more life experience than ourselves, and they know what options they would like to have when it comes to their own death; we should respect that.
The elder population is a force to be reckoned with. They know what they want and they know how to get it. I believe that this is by far the most important group of people to win support from for universal medical marijuana and the future legalization of cannabis.
I’m not suggesting that grandma is excited to rush out and spark up her bong. But, if medical marijuana were an option, it may save her from having to choose a more invasive treatment. I think she’d appreciate the choice to treat herself however she deems appropriate or necessary.
Posted in Cannabis, Education, Medical Marijuana | Tagged California, Cannabis, Drugs, elderly, Health, Legalization, Medical cannabis, Medical Marijuana, Medicine, prop 215, terminally ill, United States | Leave a Comment »
Medical marijuana is legal in 14 states, which include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Specifically, in the state of California, in 1996, the people voted on and passed Proposition 215; jump-starting the medical marijuana industry.
Proposition 215, also referred to as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, allows Californians access to marijuana to be used for medicinal purposes without the threat of punishment or the denial of any right or privilege. The text of Proposition 215 states that its purpose is to ‘Ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is appropriate’.
Marijuana must be recommended by a physician that believes that the herbs effects will benefit the health and condition of the patient it is being recommended to. The proposition describes a few conditions specifically in which marijuana would be appropriate such as cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, and migraine. Luckily, for the rest of us that have found marijuana’s effects beneficial, but do not have any of the above conditions, Proposition 215 also protects ‘any other illness for which marijuana provides relief’. I think that it was this sentence in particular that was deemed the “loophole” to access medical marijuana in our most recent “boom”.
The text goes on to provide protection for patients and their primary caregivers; so that they are not subject to criminal prosecution or sanction for the possession or use of marijuana as medicine. The text is also clear in announcing that Proposition 215 ‘will not be construed to supersede legislation prohibiting persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the conversion of marijuana for nonmedical purposes’. It does, however, encourage the federal and state governments to implement a plan to provide for the safe distribution of marijuana to patients.
Technically, I believe, physicians are not exempt from federal prosecution for recommending marijuana to a patient. However, due to the passage of Proposition 215, under California law, no physician in this state shall be punished or denied any right or privilege for having recommended marijuana to patient if it serves a medicinal purpose to the patient. Recommendations from a physician to a patient are valid whether it be a written or oral recommendation.
California law relating to the possession of marijuana and also relating to the cultivation of marijuana does not apply to a medical marijuana patient or to a patient’s primary caregiver; both are free to possess and/or cultivate marijuana for personal medical purposes of the patient.
Proposition 215 was later further clarified and more specifically regulated by Senate Bill 420. If nothing else this information will open the door and help you to understand why and how marijuana is legal to use for medicinal purposes in California as well as many other states in this country.
Posted in Cannabis, Education, Medical Marijuana | Tagged California, California Proposition 215 (1996), Cannabis, compassionate use act of 1996, Drug, Health, Law, Marijuana, Medical cannabis, Medical Marijuana, Medicine, proposition 215 | 1 Comment »
