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58-514: The primary goal of adhering to an Ital diet is to increase liveliness. The life energy that Rastafari generally believe lives within all human beings, as conferred from the Almighty, is referred to as Livity . A common tenet of Rastafari beliefs is the sharing of a central Livity among living things, and what is put into one's body should enhance Livity rather than reduce it. Though there are different interpretations of ital regarding specific foods,

116-590: A chemical substance used in religious, shamanic , or spiritual contexts – in the Indian subcontinent since the Vedic period . The earliest known reports regarding the sacred status of cannabis in the Indian subcontinent come from the Atharva Veda , estimated to have been composed sometime around 1400 BCE. The Hindu god Shiva is described as a cannabis user, known as the "Lord of bhang ". In modern culture,

174-472: A screening test in the field, but it cannot definitively confirm the presence of cannabis, as a large range of substances have been shown to give false positives. Researchers at John Jay College of Criminal Justice reported that dietary zinc supplements can mask the presence of THC and other drugs in urine. However, a 2013 study conducted by researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine refute

232-451: A vaporizer , consuming THC in pill form, or consuming cannabis foods . There is concern that cannabis may contribute to cardiovascular disease, but as of 2018 , evidence of this relationship was unclear. Research in these events is complicated because cannabis is often used in conjunction with tobacco, and drugs such as alcohol and cocaine that are known to have cardiovascular risk factors. Smoking cannabis has also been shown to increase

290-415: A causal relationship between cannabis use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . Short-term use of cannabis is associated with bronchodilation . Other side effects of cannabis use include cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition which involves recurrent nausea, cramping abdominal pain, and vomiting. Cannabis smoke contains thousands of organic and inorganic chemical compounds. This tar

348-641: A conclusion. Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of anxiety disorders, although causality has not been established. A review in 2019 found that research was insufficient to determine the safety and efficacy of using cannabis to treat schizophrenia, psychosis, or other mental disorders . Another found that cannabis during adolescence was associated with an increased risk of developing depression and suicidal behavior later in life, while finding no effect on anxiety. Heavy, long-term exposure to marijuana may have physical, mental, behavioral and social health consequences. It may be "associated with diseases of

406-426: A decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, reddening of the eyes, dizziness, feeling tired and vomiting. Some users may experience an episode of acute psychosis , which usually abates after six hours, but in rare instances, heavy users may find the symptoms continuing for many days. Legalization has increased the rates at which children are exposed to cannabis, particularly from edibles. While

464-458: A drug use testing program or a forensic investigation of a traffic or other criminal offense. The concentrations obtained from such analyses can often be helpful in distinguishing active use from passive exposure, elapsed time since use, and extent or duration of use. These tests cannot, however, distinguish authorized cannabis smoking for medical purposes from unauthorized recreational smoking. Commercial cannabinoid immunoassays , often employed as

522-611: A drug. Emergency room (ER) admissions associated with cannabis use rose significantly from 2012 to 2016; adolescents from age 12–17 had the highest risk. At one Colorado medical center following legalization, approximately two percent of ER admissions were classified as cannabis users. The symptoms of one quarter of these users were partially attributed to cannabis (a total of 2567 out of 449,031 patients); other drugs were sometimes involved. Of these cannabis admissions, one quarter were for acute psychiatric effects , primarily suicidal ideation , depression, and anxiety. An additional third of

580-479: A level that clouds the mind or reduces their livity. Most Rastas disapprove of cigarettes due to the serious health concerns associated with their use, and some avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages (though this is less common). Some Rastafari grow their own coffee, sugar, and cocoa . The strictest interpretations also avoid the consumption of rock salt (sea salt can be substituted), and food that has been preserved by canning or drying , and even prohibit

638-478: A limited number of territories, including Canada, Belgium , Australia, the Netherlands , New Zealand, Spain, and many U.S. states . This usage generally requires a prescription, and distribution is usually done within a framework defined by local laws. According to DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge, Francis Young, "cannabis is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man". Being under

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696-523: A longer period of abstinence was associated with smaller magnitudes of impairment, both retrospective and prospective memory were impaired in cannabis users. The authors concluded that some, but not all, of the deficits associated with cannabis use were reversible. A 2012 meta-analysis found that deficits in most domains of cognition persisted beyond the acute period of intoxication, but was not evident in studies where subjects were abstinent for more than 25 days. Few high quality studies have been performed on

754-538: A record 44% of the US population has tried marijuana in their lifetime, an increase from 38% in 2013 and 33% in 1985. Marijuana use in the United States is three times above the global average, but in line with other Western democracies. Forty-four percent of American 12th graders have tried the drug at least once, and the typical age of first-use is 16, similar to the typical age of first-use for alcohol but lower than

812-458: A strong focus on living a natural lifestyle that includes the consumption of natural foods and growth of natural hair. This expression of love for others is done in recognition of a central love energy within all people, a concept often referred to as "One Love". Cannabis (drug) Cannabis ( / ˈ k æ n ə b ɪ s / ), commonly known as marijuana ( / ˌ m æ r ə ˈ w ɑː n ə / ), weed , and pot , among other names ,

870-835: Is a non-chemically uniform drug from the cannabis plant. Native to Central or South Asia, the cannabis plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and entheogenic purposes and in various traditional medicines for centuries. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, which is one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids , such as cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis can be used by smoking , vaporizing , within food , or as an extract . Cannabis has various mental and physical effects , which include euphoria , altered states of mind and sense of time , difficulty concentrating, impaired short-term memory , impaired body movement (balance and fine psychomotor control), relaxation, and an increase in appetite . Onset of effects

928-457: Is associated with cumulative cannabis exposure, and is reversed after one month of abstinence. There is limited evidence that chronic cannabis use can reduce levels of glutamate metabolites in the human brain. About 9% of those who experiment with marijuana eventually become dependent according to DSM-IV (1994) criteria. A 2013 review estimates daily use is associated with a 10–20% rate of dependence. The highest risk of cannabis dependence

986-526: Is associated with heavy cannabis use, although the relationship is inconsistent and weaker than for tobacco and other substances. The direction of cause and effect , however, is unclear. The long-term effects of cannabis are not clear. There are concerns surrounding memory and cognition problems , risk of addiction, and the risk of schizophrenia in young people. Although global abnormalities in white matter and grey matter are not consistently associated with cannabis use, reduced hippocampal volume

1044-539: Is by far the most widely used illicit substance, with the highest use among adults (as of 2018 ) in Zambia , the United States , Canada , and Nigeria . Between 1973 and 1978, eleven states decriminalized marijuana. In 2001, Nevada reduced marijuana possession to a misdemeanor and since 2012, several other states have decriminalized and even legalized marijuana. In 2018, surveys indicated that almost half of

1102-459: Is chemically similar to that found in tobacco smoke, and over fifty known carcinogens have been identified in cannabis smoke, including; nitrosamines, reactive aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons , including benz[a]pyrene. Cannabis smoke is also inhaled more deeply than tobacco smoke. As of 2015 , there is no consensus regarding whether cannabis smoking is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Light and moderate use of cannabis

1160-436: Is consistently found. Amygdala abnormalities are sometimes reported, although findings are inconsistent. Cannabis use is associated with increased recruitment of task-related areas, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex , which is thought to reflect compensatory activity due to reduced processing efficiency. Cannabis use is also associated with downregulation of CB 1 receptors. The magnitude of down regulation

1218-408: Is felt within minutes when smoked, but may take up to 90 minutes when eaten (as orally consumed drugs must be digested and absorbed). The effects last for two to six hours, depending on the amount used. At high doses, mental effects can include anxiety , delusions (including ideas of reference ), hallucinations , panic , paranoia , and psychosis . There is a strong relation between cannabis use and

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1276-447: Is formally known as acute cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms (CAPS). At an epidemiological level, a dose–response relationship exists between cannabis use and increased risk of psychosis and earlier onset of psychosis. Although the epidemiological association is robust, evidence to prove a causal relationship is lacking. Cannabis may also increase the risk of depression, but insufficient research has been performed to draw

1334-641: Is found in those with a history of poor academic achievement, deviant behavior in childhood and adolescence, rebelliousness, poor parental relationships, or a parental history of drug and alcohol problems. Of daily users, about 50% experience withdrawal upon cessation of use (i.e. are dependent), characterized by sleep problems, irritability, dysphoria, and craving. Cannabis withdrawal is less severe than withdrawal from alcohol. According to DSM-V criteria, 9% of those who are exposed to cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, compared to 20% for cocaine , 23% for alcohol and 68% for nicotine . Cannabis use disorder in

1392-404: Is insufficient for drawing conclusions about safety or efficacy. There is evidence supporting the use of cannabis or its derivatives in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, neuropathic pain, and multiple sclerosis. Lower levels of evidence support its use for AIDS wasting syndrome , epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and glaucoma. The medical use of cannabis is legal only in

1450-543: Is legalized only in the Australian Capital Territory . Cannabis is a Scythian word. The ancient Greeks learned of the use of cannabis by observing Scythian funerals, during which cannabis was consumed. In Akkadian , cannabis was known as qunubu ( 𐎯𐎫𐎠𐎭𐏂 ). The word was adopted in to the Hebrew as qaneh bosem ( קָנֶה בֹּשׂם ). Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, refers to

1508-409: Is mostly used recreationally or as a medicinal drug, although it may also be used for spiritual purposes. In 2013, between 128 and 232 million people used cannabis (2.7% to 4.9% of the global population between the ages of 15 and 65). It is the most commonly used largely-illegal drug in the world, with the highest use among adults in Zambia , the United States , Canada , and Nigeria . Since the 1970s,

1566-585: Is not believed to increase risk of lung or upper airway cancer. Evidence for causing these cancers is mixed concerning heavy, long-term use. In general there are far lower risks of pulmonary complications for regular cannabis smokers when compared with those of tobacco. A 2015 review found an association between cannabis use and the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), particularly non- seminoma TGCTs. Another 2015 meta-analysis found no association between lifetime cannabis use and risk of head or neck cancer. Combustion products are not present when using

1624-667: Is seen as the presence of Jah living within humans and is often expressed in Rastafari vocabulary as "I and I", where the first "I" refers to the Almighty, the second "I" to oneself. A primary goal in Rastafari meditation is maintaining awareness of I and I. A primary goal in a Rasta's life is to expand their livity. In Rastafari philosophy, livity can be enhanced by intense prayer and meditation (often enhanced by sacramental cannabis use), adherence to an Ital diet, and perhaps most importantly, loving behavior toward others. Livity has

1682-752: The Bible , including the Book of Genesis ("Then God said, "I give you every Seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food." (Genesis 1:29)), the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy . Along with growing dreadlocks and the sacramental smoking of ganja , observing a vegetarian diet is one of the practices early Rastafari adopted from Indian indentured servants living in Jamaica. Rastafari's founder, Leonard Howell , affectionately called "Gong" and "Gyangunguru Maragh", though not of Indian descent,

1740-415: The μ- and δ-opioid receptors . THC also potentiates the effects of the glycine receptors . It is unknown if or how these actions contribute to the effects of cannabis. The high lipid-solubility of cannabinoids results in their persisting in the body for long periods of time. Even after a single administration of THC, detectable levels of THC can be found in the body for weeks or longer (depending on

1798-460: The 20th century. In 2013, Uruguay became the first country to legalize recreational use of cannabis. Other countries to do so are Canada, Georgia , Germany , Luxembourg , Malta , South Africa , and Thailand . In the U.S., the recreational use of cannabis is legalized in 24 states , 3 territories, and the District of Columbia , though the drug remains federally illegal . In Australia , it

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1856-510: The CB 2 receptor is found primarily in peripheral tissues, but is also expressed in neuroglial cells. THC appears to alter mood and cognition through its agonist actions on the CB 1 receptors, which inhibit a secondary messenger system ( adenylate cyclase ) in a dose-dependent manner. Via CB 1 receptor activation, THC indirectly increases dopamine release and produces psychotropic effects. CBD also acts as an allosteric modulator of

1914-493: The DSM-V involves a combination of DSM-IV criteria for cannabis abuse and dependence, plus the addition of craving, without the criterion related to legal troubles. From a clinical perspective, two significant school of thought exists for psychiatric conditions associated with cannabis (or cannabinoids) use: transient, non-persistent psychotic reactions, and longer-lasting, persistent disorders that resemble schizophrenia. The former

1972-423: The amount administered and the sensitivity of the assessment method). Investigators have suggested that this is an important factor in marijuana's effects, perhaps because cannabinoids may accumulate in the body, particularly in the lipid membranes of neurons. The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is formed via decarboxylation of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) from

2030-406: The application of heat. Raw leaf is not psychoactive because the cannabinoids are in the form of carboxylic acids . THC is one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD). THC and its major (inactive) metabolite, THC-COOH , can be measured in blood, urine, hair, oral fluid or sweat using chromatographic techniques as part of

2088-483: The cases were for gastrointestinal issues including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome . According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there were 455,000 emergency room visits associated with cannabis use in 2011. These statistics include visits in which the patient was treated for a condition induced by or related to recent cannabis use. The drug use must be "implicated" in

2146-423: The effects of cannabis is usually referred to as being "high". Cannabis consumption has both psychoactive and physiological effects. The "high" experience can vary widely, based (among other things) on the user's prior experience with cannabis, and the type of cannabis consumed. When smoking cannabis, a euphoriant effect can occur within minutes of smoking. Aside from a subjective change in perception and mood,

2204-418: The emergency department visit, but does not need to be the direct cause of the visit. Most of the illicit drug emergency room visits involved multiple drugs. In 129,000 cases, cannabis was the only implicated drug. THC is a weak partial agonist at CB 1 receptors , while CBD is a CB 1 receptor antagonist. The CB 1 receptor is found primarily in the brain as well as in some peripheral tissues, and

2262-404: The first-use age for other illicit drugs. A 2022 Gallup poll concluded Americans are smoking more marijuana than cigarettes for the first time. Acute negative effects may include anxiety and panic, impaired attention and memory, an increased risk of psychotic symptoms, the inability to think clearly, and an increased risk of accidents. Cannabis impairs a person's driving ability, and THC

2320-618: The general principle is that food should be natural, or pure, and directly from the earth; Rastafari therefore often avoid food which is chemically modified or contains artificial additives (e.g., colour , flavourings , and preservatives ). Some also avoid added salt in foods, especially salt with the artificial addition of iodine , while pure sea or kosher salt is eaten by some. In strict interpretations, foods that have been produced using chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizer are not considered ital. Early adherents adopted their dietary laws based on their interpretation of several books of

2378-420: The human being is a natural vegetarian based on human physiology and anatomy. Some adherents to Ital diets are strict vegans , as they do not consider dairy to be natural for human consumption either. Despite most adherents being vegetarian, some consider fish to be acceptable . Rastafari does not approve of alcohol consumption. However, some choose to drink alcohol in moderation as long as it does not reach

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2436-417: The initial screening method when testing physiological specimens for marijuana presence, have different degrees of cross-reactivity with THC and its metabolites. Urine contains predominantly THC-COOH, while hair, oral fluid and sweat contain primarily THC. Blood may contain both substances, with the relative amounts dependent on the recency and extent of usage. The Duquenois–Levine test is commonly used as

2494-569: The latter substances. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a severe condition seen in some chronic cannabis users where they have repeated bouts of uncontrollable vomiting for 24–48 hours. Four cases of death have been reported as a result of CHS. A limited number of studies have examined the effects of cannabis smoking on the respiratory system. Chronic heavy marijuana smoking is associated with respiratory infections , coughing, production of sputum, wheezing, and other symptoms of chronic bronchitis. The available evidence does not support

2552-535: The liver (particularly with co-existing hepatitis C ), lungs, heart, and vasculature". A 2014 review found that while cannabis use may be less harmful than alcohol use, the recommendation to substitute it for problematic drinking was premature without further study. Various surveys conducted between 2015 and 2019 found that many users of cannabis substitute it for prescription drugs (including opioids), alcohol, and tobacco; most of those who used it in place of alcohol or tobacco either reduced or stopped their intake of

2610-579: The long-term effects of cannabis on cognition, and the results were generally inconsistent. Furthermore, effect sizes of significant findings were generally small. One review concluded that, although most cognitive faculties were unimpaired by cannabis use, residual deficits occurred in executive functions . Impairments in executive functioning are most consistently found in older populations, which may reflect heavier cannabis exposure, or developmental effects associated with adolescent cannabis use. One review found three prospective cohort studies that examined

2668-817: The most common short-term physical and neurological effects include increased heart rate, increased appetite, impairment of short-term and working memory, and impairment of psychomotor coordination . Additional desired effects from consuming cannabis include relaxation, a general alteration of conscious perception , increased awareness of sensation, increased libido and distortions in the perception of time and space. At higher doses, effects can include altered body image , auditory or visual illusions , pseudohallucinations and ataxia from selective impairment of polysynaptic reflexes . In some cases, cannabis can lead to dissociative states such as depersonalization and derealization . Cannabis has held sacred status in several religions and has served as an entheogen –

2726-490: The people in the United States had tried marijuana, 16% had used it in the past year, and 11% had used it in the past month. In 2014, surveys said daily marijuana use amongst US college students had reached its highest level since records began in 1980, rising from 3.5% in 2007 to 5.9% in 2014 and had surpassed daily cigarette use. In the US, men are over twice as likely to use marijuana as women, and 18–29-year-olds are six times more likely to use as over-65-year-olds. In 2015,

2784-520: The potency of illicit cannabis has increased, with THC levels rising and CBD levels dropping. Cannabis plants have been grown since at least the 3rd millennium BCE and there is evidence of it being smoked for its psychoactive effects around 500 BCE in the Pamir Mountains , Central Asia. Since the 14th century, cannabis has been subject to legal restrictions. The possession, use, and cultivation of cannabis has been illegal in most countries since

2842-526: The relationship between self-reported cannabis use and intelligence quotient (IQ). The study following the largest number of heavy cannabis users reported that IQ declined between ages 7–13 and age 38. Poorer school performance and increased incidence of leaving school early were both associated with cannabis use, although a causal relationship was not established. Cannabis users demonstrated increased activity in task-related brain regions, consistent with reduced processing efficiency. A reduced quality of life

2900-459: The risk of myocardial infarction by 4.8 times for the 60 minutes after consumption. There is preliminary evidence that cannabis interferes with the anticoagulant properties of prescription drugs used for treating blood clots . As of 2019 , the mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory and possible pain relieving effects of cannabis were not defined, and there were no governmental regulatory approvals or clinical practices for use of cannabis as

2958-537: The risk of psychosis, though the direction of causality is debated. Physical effects include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, nausea, and behavioral problems in children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy; short-term side effects may also include dry mouth and red eyes. Long-term adverse effects may include addiction, decreased mental ability in those who started regular use as adolescents, chronic coughing, susceptibility to respiratory infections , and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome . Cannabis

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3016-410: The spiritual use of cannabis has been spread by the disciples of the Rastafari movement who use cannabis as a sacrament and as an aid to meditation. Many different ways to consume cannabis involve heat to decarboxylate THCA into THC; common modes include: In 2013, between 128 and 232 million people used cannabis (2.7% to 4.9% of the global population between the ages of 15 and 65). Cannabis

3074-422: The strain it can place on the cardiovascular system . Some deaths have also been attributed to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome . There is an association between cannabis use and suicide, particularly in younger users. A 16-month survey of Oregon and Alaska emergency departments found a report of the death of an adult who had been admitted for acute cannabis toxicity. A 2015 meta-analysis found that, although

3132-423: The toxicity and lethality of THC in children is not known, they are at risk for encephalopathy, hypotension, respiratory depression severe enough to require ventilation, somnolence and coma. There is no clear evidence for a link between cannabis use and deaths from cardiovascular disease, but a 2019 review noted that it may be an under-reported, contributory factor or direct cause in cases of sudden death , due to

3190-506: The use of metal cooking utensils . In this case, only clay and wood cooking pots , crockery , and cutlery are used. Few adherents of ital follow the strictest interpretation; some Rastafarians do not adhere to them at all. Livity (spiritual concept) Livity is the Rastafari concept of righteous, everliving living. Its essence is the realization that an energy, or life force, conferred by Jah (God), exists within, and flows through, all people and all living things. This

3248-635: The use of cannabis to treat disease or improve symptoms; however, there is no single agreed-upon definition (e.g., cannabinoids derived from cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids are also used). The rigorous scientific study of cannabis as a medicine has been hampered by production restrictions and by the fact that it is classified as an illegal drug by many governments. There is some evidence suggesting cannabis can be used to reduce nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy , to improve appetite in people with HIV/AIDS , or to treat chronic pain and muscle spasms . Evidence for its use for other medical applications

3306-479: Was fascinated with Hindu practices and was instrumental in promoting a plant-based diet in the Rastafari community of Pinnacle. Most expressions of the Ital diet include adherence to a strict vegetarian diet . This is based in part on the belief that since meat is dead, eating it would therefore work against Livity elevation. It is also practiced because as strict adherents to natural living, Rastafarians often believe

3364-440: Was the illicit drug most frequently found in the blood of drivers who have been involved in vehicle crashes. Those with THC in their system are from three to seven times more likely to be the cause of the accident than those who had not used either cannabis or alcohol, although its role is not necessarily causal because THC stays in the bloodstream for days to weeks after intoxication. Some immediate undesired side effects include

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