LIVING, THINKING + BEING

TADHG STOPFORD: MORE FAKE NEWS FROM MINISTRY OF HEALTH

THC kills cancer, but MoH says THC can kill you.

As Bill Murray says, “the most dangerous thing about cannabis is getting caught with it.” But, for the thirtieth year in a row, on Saturday 7 May, from‘‘high noon’ until 4:20pm, 00s-000s of Kiwis will publicly consume THC cannabis in Albert Park in an amiable atmosphere of music civil disobedience.

It is the 30th such annual event; and unlike many booze fuelled events, it has never been marred by violence or injury. This suggests that cannabis is wrongly included in the Misuse of Drugs Act, which requires a “high to very high risk of harm” for inclusion.

Most of us realise that cannabis prohibition is based on lies and if you haven't watched “Reefer Madness” google it!

But few of us realise it’s maintained by an arguably criminal conspiracy of politicians, regulators, and academics.

Misinformation from trusted sources is key, and the Ministry of Health has just published another doozy.

The source documents are here: www.drive.google.com/ drive/folders/1XJwJiNzRcAWUB3IoG5sD8L9VKCaYbNd1

In a bizarre example of ‘evidence based medicine’, the Ministry of Health is telling doctors that 15 grams of THC is a “theoretical lethal dose”.

The idea that THC can kill humans is ludicrous. But it’s one of several major errors of fact in MoHs recent “Overview of medicinal cannabis for health practitioners”. The truth is this: When scientists tried to kill monkeys and dogs with oral doses of THC, they failed. They did manage to kill some rats and mice with large doses, but generally speaking rats and mice dosed with THC “lived longer than controls” …due to their lack of cancer.

Even when giving them nine grams of THC per kilogram bodyweight, scientists could not kill monkeys. That suggests a 100kg human could SAFELY consume 300-900 grams (0.30.9 Kilograms) of THC.

In support of this, the current world record for human THC consumption is 33 grams. That’s more than double MoHs "theoretical lethal dose".

So why is MoH telling doctors that 15 grams THC is a theoretical lethal dose? Is it ignorance, incompetence, or what?

Their ‘science’ makes no sense. When examined, it is clearly propaganda/misinformation. When they aren’t making stuff up, they misinterpret it.

(Journalists, see the file above and email any Q’s) This is misinformation cloaked in the illusion of evidence. It is more fake news from government.

Who benefits? Join us. Let’s improve things. (TADHG STOPFORD)  PN

www.thehempfoundation.org.nz

WINTER SELF-CARE

As long as this last summer’s been, it’s inevitable; we’re coming up to winter, when the rainy season sets in.

While the mercury rarely takes a dive into minus territory, having less sunshine – which regulates our circadian rhythm – can create metabolic changes that affect our mood and general wellbeing.

As our bodies make less of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin, and more melatonin, we can feel more sleepy, lethargic and a bit blue. It’s a time we need a little extra selflove and self-care.

Here are three super simple self-care tips to help you get through a rainy Auckland winter.

Good day sunshine With sunlight more limited, it’s important to absorb as much of it as possible – to get a regular, vital dose of Vitamin D, which boosts the mood, supports immune function and helps keep bones healthy.

Try to get outdoors each day for some fresh air and sunlight (Auckland weather permitting). And simply moving, stretching, and walking can energise and soothe your body when it’s cold out. Naturally, some days you’ll want to hibernate, and that’s okay too. A big part of self-care is cutting ourselves some slack.

Pamper properly Keep a stock of pamper products, like scrubs, bath salts, masks, and lotions at the ready, to create an impromptu spa session at home. If you’re lucky enough to have a bath at home, try taking a long soak with magnesium-rich Epsom salts to soothe cold, tired muscles and joints.

When you emerge, slather on nourishing body care like Ecostore’s Extra Moisturising Body Lotion and Hand Cream, applying Moisturising Body Butter to feet (and pop on a pair of thick socks). A Beeswax Lip Balm is great to keep winter lips smooth and cared for too.

Help yourself to hygge Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian term that means creating a warm, convivial atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with people you love. Get cosy with woolly blankets and knitwear.

Try a new baking recipe that fills the house with the scent of vanilla, chocolate or spices. Create a playlist with music that makes you happy. Plan a pyjama party with old friends and old movies. Make art, journal or learn to play an instrument - whatever helps you feel good.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz