Global Market For Marijuana is $141.80 Billion

According to the 2005 United Nations World Drug Report, the total value of world’s marijuana market is $141.80 Billion.

Israel Continues Being Leader in Cannabis Research

Hebrew University of Jerusalem has established a Multidisciplinary Center on Cannabinoid Research to conduct and coordinate research about cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, medical cannabis in addition to promoting collaboration and dissemination of information.

Academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies worldwide are also channeling enormous efforts to basic and clinical research in this field.

Jerusalem Post: Hebrew University launches multidisciplinary center on medical marijuana 

Rich Get Richer, While Poor Get Poorer

This is true in Korea and other countries. With the future potential loss of jobs to AI and robots, the poor will only get poorer. While those who hold shares, own companies, or have real estate will keep getting richer.

Read all about it in the article below.

Bloomberg: America’s Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Replaced by Robots

So, what are you gonna do about it, Korea? No plans?

ASTM Committee Formed to Develop International Standards for Cannabis

Sounds like everyone is planning for the legalization and commercialization of marijuana except for Korea.

Why doesn't anybody listen in Korea? Geez! Could help solve economic, health, and other problems.

ASTM: Committee D37 on Cannabis 

Why Are There Zero Pro-Marijuana Articles in Korea?

Maybe it is not a democracy?

Thousands Gather to Share Research on Psychedelics

More than 2,600 doctors, professors, health-industry professionals and psychedelic experts will gather to share the latest research on drugs.

From April 19-24, at Psychedelic Science 2017, more than 100 presentations on the therapeutic uses of psychedelics, neuroscience behind this research, the spread of psychedelic culture into the mainstream and more
.
The conference is being co-hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the UK-based Beckley Foundation.

Wonder how many Koreans will be there? Pretty sure there will be some.

BBC Film Implicates Korean Government In Sewol Ferry Disaster

The Korean media seemed to point all the blame at the operators of the ferry. However, the Korean government and corruption were also to blame.

There were supposed to be safety inspections, training, and other regulatory procedures which were not carried out properly or not at all. 

The ferry was illegally modified and still passed the safety inspection when it was commissioned after being renovated. 

The ferry was overloaded and the freight was not properly locked down.

The people manning the Coast Guard stations were negligent in their duties. The actions of the Coast Guard and Korean Navy did not positively or effectively assist in the rescue. 

The situation room at the Presidential compound which is supposed to be used in these kinds of disasters was not used. 

And so on...

The BBC film focuses on these points. Thank you BBC for doing something mainstream Korean media cannot seem to do. 

BBC: Film points finger at South Korean government for Sewol disaster

Highest Percentage of Americans Approve of Marijuana Legalization

61% of Americans polled want marijuana to be legalized in the US and 88% want legal medical marijuana. That is the highest ever percentage. More than half of those polled believed that alcohol was more harmful than marijuana while only 8% felt that pot was worse than alcohol.

Time: Number of Americans Supporting Legal Pot Shoots Higher

In a few years Canada, US will have legal pot. Two countries have legalized pot already. It is widely used around the world.

Korea, when will you start changing your outdated laws and prejudices? Probably losing at least several billions of dollars while in denial of a drug problem. They always say on TV that there is no drug problem in Korea. Maybe less in Korea, but why do young Koreans go abroad so often and spend so much money?

It seems useless to rant and rave, but it relieves some of the stress.

Science Proves Existence Of "Higher" Consciousness

Neuroscientists observed increased neural signal diversity in people under the influence of psychedelic drugs.

The diversity of brain signals provides a mathematical index to show the level of consciousness. For example, people who are awake have more diverse neural activity than those who are sleeping.

This makes being high, a more alert state of consciousness. Contrary to popular belief that stoners are dumb, they are merely more interested in their thoughts than other people's opinions of them.

Just luv science!

Science Daily News: Evidence of a 'higher' state of consciousness?

Many US congressmen predict federally legal recreational marijuana within 5 years. What is Korea doing? Losing out on all those billions of dollars and jobs.

Huffington Post: Lawmaker Predicts Marijuana Will Be Legal Within 5 Years

How Korea Could Collapse

There was an article on BBC about how Western civilization could collapse. The arguments seem almost tailored for how Korea could collapse. There are a  lot of baby boomers with , no jobs, no income and no pensions. While the rich get richer.

BBC: How Western civilization could collapse

Majority of Americans Have Used Marijuana

Maybe that is why it is a great nation! Way to go.

I am guessing that the majority of Koreans who studied in the US used marijuana also.

NBC News: New Poll Finds Majority of Americans Have Smoked Marijuana

US May Strike North Korea

The US is considering launching strikes against North Korea, if it proceeds with nuclear tests. Getting a little uncomfortable in Seoul. 

If the US does strike, they would need to take out most of North Korea's artillery, or Seoul is toast.

NBC News: U.S. May Launch Strike If North Korea Reaches For Nuclear Trigger

1,600 Marijuana Related Bills Pending in US

There are over 1,600 bills pending in Federal and State governments in the US.

How many in Korea? Maybe zero? If there are no bills for marijuana, then could the reason be that there is zero tolerance, and serious repression of free ideas outside the norm? Is it a democracy? Legally, yes. But...

NORML: Weekly Legislative Roundup 4/01/17

South African Court Approves Home Marijuana Use

South Africa legalized medicinal marijuana last year and this year, a South African court just ruled against a part of a law that prohibits private and personal use of marijuana.

Voice Of America: South African Court OKs Marijuana for Home Use 

Argentina Legalizes Medical Marijuana

Soon in Argentina, patients will be provided with medical marijuana free of charge!

Drug Policy Alliance: Argentina Legalizes Medical Marijuana

Other countries in the Americas that have legalized -

Uruguay and Jamaica have legalized marijuana use.
Chile was the first Latin American country to cultivate marijuana for oncology patients.
Colombia and Puerto Rico legalized medical marijuana.
Mexico and Brazil allow imports of marijuana-derived medicines
Costa Rica and Peru are discussing legislation to legalize marijuana.

The United States has 28 states that allow access to medical marijuana.

Where to Attend Free Courses From Yale, Other Top Universities?

You can!

Visit Class Central, the education portal offering free online classes from top universities.

Canada To Legalize Marijuana July 2018

In keeping with his campaign promise, Canada is the latest nation to legalize recreational marijuana!

Fortune: Canadian Marijuana Stocks Soar After Reports That Justin Trudeau Plans to Legalize Weed

38% of US Jobs Could Be Taken Over By Automation Within 15 years

According PwC, within 15 years 38% of jobs in the US, 30% in the UK, and 20% in Japan could be taken over by automation. There are gonna be a lot of people not working.

CNN: U.S. workers face higher risk of being replaced by robots.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard Calls for Federal Decriminalization of Pot

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii urged Congress to pass a bipartisan bill to decriminalize marijuana. The bill, Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act would remove marijuana from the federal controlled substances list, allowing marijuana to be treated like alcohol and tobacco.

Rep. Gabbard homepage: Calls for Federal Decriminalization of Marijuana

60% In US Want Legal Pot

In a poll conducted by Gallup, 60% of Americans want to legalize marijuana.

Gallup: Support for Legal Marijuana Use Up to 60% in U.S.

Wasted Money?

Imagine if all the money wasted by the former administrations of President Lee Myung-bak and Park Keun-hye was instead invested in alternative energy. Pipe dreams? hehe

Illinois May Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Illinois is the newest state to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. They already decriminalized marijuana in 2016. 

Time: The Next Legal Marijuana State? Illinois Considers Recreational Marijuana Bill

Negative Emotions Are Necessary To Well Being?

Many studies say that negative emotions play an important part in emotional and mental well being, Depression helps to alter our consciousness and give us a different perspective on things that are troubling or concerning to us. Anger and other bad feelings draw attention to problems or important matters that need our attention.

Sometimes negative feelings result from physical pain, or cognitive dissonance, and other times they result from legitimate concerns.

For detailed information on negative feelings and well being, please refer to the following article in Scientific American.

Negative Emotions Are Key to Well-Being

Wisconsin Legalizes CBD Oil

The Wisconsin Assembly voted unanimously, 98-0, to legalize possession of CBD oil, a marijuana extract used to treat seizures.

Fox6Now: Wisconsin Assembly UNANIMOUSLY approves marijuana extract

China's First CBD Research Company

A company in China has registered to sell CBD oil in China, along with other hemp based products.

High Times: China Launches First CBD Research Firm

Empathy is stressful?

Agreed, but it seems to become less so when understanding comes.

Scientific American: Too Much Emotional Intelligence Is a Bad Thing

At the lowest stages of emotional intelligence, it seems that people would try to manipulate others, but that usually leads to cognitive dissonance.

In later stages, it becomes less depressing, sort of amusing, when contemplated alone.
There is always a mix of emotions inside. Not one or the other.

Many say South Korea is a democracy?

Many say South Korea is a democracy?

Ever try to start a leftist group in Korea?

Marijuana dampens response to potentially winning money

I knew that! Why spend money on research? Ask me next time.

This article in Science Digest seems to paint it in a slightly negative tone.

Marijuana use dampens brain's response to reward over time, study finds

To put it in a positive light -

Dampening response to material rewards is actually good. That is what they say you need to do to reach "enlightenment".

Want people want and like always change, and even when they get it, they are not satisfied. Why? Cognitive dissonance. How to remedy it?

Would people rather not die?

Would people rather not die, than never live a life?

Comforting, eh?

Death is the other side of life?
Life can only exist, if there is death?
Energy exists forever.

Israel To Reduce Penalties For Marijuana To A Fine

It seems that Israel has millions of pot users and the cabinet just passed a measure to reduce penalties for pot use to a fine, instead of criminal charges.

Let's hope all other countries that have yet to decriminalize do so.

NY Daily News: Israel moves to reduce penalties for using marijuana

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 18th Week (Saturday)

This is probably the last Saturday before the decision on the impeachment of President Park by the Constitutional Court and demonstrators were out in full force at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

Gwanghwamun at 7 pm

Packed from Gwanghwamun to Seoul City Hall

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 18th Week (Wednesday)

Today is a national holiday and hundreds of thousands of protesters in Seoul braved rain to demonstrate against President Park.

In front of Sejong Cultural Center at Gwanghwamun

Crowds From Seoul City Hall To Gwanghwamun

Wearing Raincoats 

Giant Neuron Begins In Region Linked To Consciousness

Scientists have been able to trace and image single neurons in a mouse brain and found three neurons extend throughout the brain from a region linked to consciousness. One of these neurons was found to have wrapped itself around the entire brain. Scientists believe that these neurons may relay information from the entire brain and generate consciousness.

Scientific American: Giant Neuron Found Wrapped around an Entire Mouse Brain

Marijuana Industry To Add More Jobs Than Manufacturing By 2020

According to US Bureau of Statistics, the marijuana industry will add a quarter of a million jobs in 2020, more than manufacturing, utilities or even government jobs. Jobs in manufacturing, utilities and government are projected to decrease markedly.

Forbes: Marijuana Industry Projected To Create More Jobs Than Manufacturing By 2020

South Africa Latest Country To Legalize Medicinal Marijuana

South Africa just legalized the production of cannabis for medical uses. Wonder which country is next? Probably in Europe or South America, who knows maybe Asia. Ever visit India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and other like countries? They drink it as a drink, some eat it as a food. It almost seemed legal.

IOL: Medicinal cannabis gets the go-ahead

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 17th Week

Very large crowds are expected for today's demonstrations in Seoul which start at 6 pm. This is the first official demonstration this year in which many major civil rights, unions, and other groups are also participating. The march towards the Presidential compound and around downtown Seoul starts at 7:30 pm. 

In front of Sejong Cultural Center at 5:10 pm

Main Stage in front of Gwanghwamun at 5:15 pm

In front of Gwanghwamun at 5:20

Updated List Of Arrested In President Park Scandal

Joining those already in jail awaiting trial are Lee Jae-young (Samsung Vice Chairman) and Choi Kyung-hee (former President of Ewha University). Joining those indicted without arrest is Woo Byung-woo (former Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs). The press predict that six more people will be arrested and indicted by next week.

New York Times: Lee Jae-yong, Samsung Heir, Is Arrested on Bribery Charges
Korea Herald: Ex-Ewha Womans University President Choi Kyung-hee arrested
Joongang Daily: Blue House aide Woo Byung-woo avoids detention

Those arrested so far in the scandal are listed below;

Mr. Kim Ki-choon       (former Chief Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Cho Yoon-sun      (Minister of Culture and Sports)
Ms. Kim Kyung-sook   (Ewha U., Dean of Science and Industry Convergence College)
Ms. Lee  In-sung        (Ewha University, Professor)
Ms. Choi Soon-sil       (President Park's confidante)
Mr. Cha Eun-taek       (former Director of Creative Convergence Center)
Mr. An Chong-bum    (former Senior Presidential Secretary)
Mr. Jeong Ho-seong   (former Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Choi Si-ho           (niece of Ms. Choi Soon-sil)
Mr Kim Jong              (former Vice Minister of Culture)
Mr. Moon Hyung-pyo  (former Minister of Health)

Mr. Kim Jin-soo          (former Presidential Secretary for Health)

Mr. Kim Jong-deok     (former Minister of Culture)

Mr. Chung Gwang-ju   (former Vice Minister of Culture)

Mr. Shin Dong-chul     (former Presidential Secretary)

Mr. Song Sung-gak     (former Head of Korea Creative Content Agency)

Mr Ryu Cheol-gyun     (Ewha University Professor)

Mr. Nam Gung-gon     (former Ewha University, Dean of Admissions)

Those indicted with indifference (not arrested yet) are listed below;

Mr. Cho Won-dong     (former Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs)

Mr. Choi Gee-sung      (Samsung, Vice Chairman Future Strategy Office)

Mr. Jang Choong-gi     (Samsung, President Future Strategy Office)

Mr. Park Sang-jin         (Samsung Electronics, President for External Affairs)

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 16th Week

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched again on Saturday in Seoul and other cities nationwide. The crowds were a little thinner than last week, but Gwanghwamun was stilled packed with families, couples, and other groups.

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 15th Week

The media has been giving pro-Park demonstrators a lot of airtime for the past few months, and several thousand show up every week. However, several hundred thousand anti-Park demonstrators also show up every week, and discuss things that aren't reported that much in the media. The atmosphere of the people demonstrating is much different than what is conveyed through media coverage. The air is full of of anger, solidarity, determination, and solemness.

Today, over 800,000 anti-Park demonstrators braved freezing temperatures and high winds to demand that Park step down, the Constitutional Court approve the impeachment, that acting President Hwang grant a 30-day extension to the Special Independent Prosecutor's investigation which ends in a few weeks, and other demands.








For some great pictures and details, click below.

The Hankyoreh: Despite frosty weather, 800,000 gather to demand Pres. Park’s impeachment

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 14th Week

Due to the Lunar New Year celebrations last weekend, there were no protests. However, this weekend, demonstrators for both sides were out in full force. 

There were several thousand pro-Park demonstrators in front of City Hall, and throngs of anti-Park demonstrators at Gwanghwamun Plaza. 

Gwanghwamun Plaza at 4 pm

Gwanghwamun Plaza at 5 pm

For more pictures and details, please click below.

Korea Herald: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation

Korea Times: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation

Yonhap: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation 

President Park Cut Off Funding To Opposition Supporters

President Park ordered that leftist elements in Korean society be denied government funding and positions. Her definition of leftist is anyone who opposed her administration, her father's legacy, or supported opposition politicians, groups, or causes. Her father did worse. Framed people as North Korean spies, or communist sympathizers, and put them in prison. Vast improvement, but still a long ways to go.

For more details on how over 8,000 people and 3,000 organizations were identified, and denied funding and jobs, please click below.

The Hankyoreh: Government blacklist stretched beyond culture, across South Korean society 

Park Administration Funded Right Wing Groups

President Park's administration reportedly ordered the Federation of Korean Industries to fund conservative groups for the past three years. Over $6 million were gathered from Samsung, the Hyundai Motor Company, SK and LG.

The Hankyoreh: Nearly $6 million flowed from chaebol to far right groups over three years

President Park is probably going through a mental breakdown., The breaking point will probably be the Constitutional Court decision on her impeachment, Then most normal people would go through a period of regret, guilt, remorse, and consider ways to escape.

Israel To Decriminalize Recreational Marijuana

Israel, a leader in medical marijuana research and marijuana patents, along with Britain, is taking steps to decriminalize recreational marijuana. Those caught will now be fined.

CNN: Israel takes steps to decriminalize marijuana use

All those Koreans spending all that money abroad. A lot of young people going to the US, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Amsterdam, Thailand, Cambodia., Laos, and other countries for ganja. Wonder if Korea has got even one patent for medical marijuana. It seems everyone else has patents.

All these brainwashed people think marijuana users are addicts and criminals. People use it because they have pain, emotional or physical, in most cases both, and most aren't aware they are in pain.

Many people try it and feel nothing special. Some try it and feel good, become more satisfied with life, more self aware, things become more enjoyable. more empathetic and other things.

To borrow from Scientific American -

"The English author Aldous Huxley believed that the brain acts as a “reducing valve” that constrains conscious awareness, with mescaline and other hallucinogens inducing psychedelic effects by inhibiting this filtering mechanism."

Maybe marijuana does the same thing. The brain tries to make sense of the world and is constrained by all the general assumptions that the brain has made about the world. It seems to release some of these "bonds" or "constraints", and give a broader perspective of the world and self.

Scientific American: Do Psychedelics Expand the Mind by Reducing Brain Activity?

Science Daily: Answers to how our brains make meaning, with the help of LSD

Why do people call it being high? Maybe it is because their spirits were lifted up closer to Heaven? :)

Scientists have discovered a new form of matter - Time Crystals!

Science Daily: Scientists unveil new form of matter: Time crystals

Will Canada Legalize Recreation Marijuana In 2017? Experts Say Yes.

Experts think that Canada will legalize recreational marijuana in 2017. It was a campaign promise of Prime Minister Trudeau, and medicinal marijuana is already legal in Canada.

Benzinga: When Will Canada Legalize Weed? Experts Weigh In

Park Administration Ordered Funding Of Right Wing Groups

According to TV news, Lee Seung-chul, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), testified that President Park's administration ordered the funding of ten right wing groups.

There have been very outspoken and aggressive conservative right wing groups at demonstrations, government offices, parliament, and other places. For a long time, it was rumored that the groups were funded by and received orders from the Park administration. The rumors turned out to be true., These right wing groups were fanatical and sometimes violent. They were paid demonstrators.

According to Vice Chairman Lee, FKI did not have enough funds, so he had to ask the federation members for an additional $3 million annually in order to fund these groups.

No articles in the press on this topic yet.

Medical Marijuana Legalized Unanimously By German Parliament

Legislation legalizing the use of medicinal marijuana was just passed unanimously by the German parliament. The bill becomes effective March 1. 2017.

CNN: Germany becomes latest country to OK medical marijuana legalization


Korea locked up 313 drug users and arrested around 1,800 last year, according to TV news. Most other countries are releasing them.

CNN: Obama cuts sentences of hundreds of drug offenders

Korea Demonstrations - 13th Week

Over 350,000 in Seoul and around the country braved freezing snow to participate in the 13th week of demonstrations against President Park's abuses.

There are no demonstrations planned for next weekend, since it is the Lunar New Year Holidays, which is like Christmas for Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese and muc of Southeast Asia, a time for families to gather.

If Lee Jae-young is convicted of bribery, then Samsung would have to pay penalties to many countries that have laws against foreign corruption. Maybe it would be better to lock them up on other charges, overlook bribery. Bribery is so hard to prove, when the main suspect didn't receive any bribes directly, but through companies, or foundations and the assets are in other people's names.

President Park Scandal Arrest List Update

Four more people, listed below just arrested recently;

Mr. Kim Ki-choon        (former Chief Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Cho Yoon-sun       (Minister of Culture and Sports)
Ms. Kim Kyung-sook   (Ewha U., Dean of Science and Industry Convergence College)
Ms. Lee  In-sung        (Ewha University, Professor)

Those arrested so far in the scandal are listed below;

Ms. Choi Soon-sil       (President Park's confidante)
Mr. Cha Eun-taek       (former Director of Creative Convergence Center)
Mr. An Chong-bum    (former Senior Presidential Secretary)
Mr. Jeong Ho-seong   (former Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Choi Si-ho           (niece of Ms. Choi Soon-sil)
Mr Kim Jong              (former Vice Minister of Culture)
Mr. Moon Hyung-pyo  (former Minister of Health)

Mr. Kim Jin-soo          (former Presidential Secretary for Health)

Mr. Kim Jong-deok     (former Minister of Culture)

Mr. Chung Gwang-ju   (former Vice Minister of Culture)

Mr. Shin Dong-chul     (former Presidential Secretary)

Mr. Song Sung-gak     (former Head of Korea Creative Content Agency)

Mr Ryu Cheol-gyun     (Ewha University Professor)

Mr. Nam Gung-gon     (former Ewha University, Dean of Admissions)

Those indicted with indifference (not arrested yet) are listed below;

Mr. Cho Won-dong    (former Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs)

Lee Jae-yong            (Samsung Vice Chairman)

Choi Gee-sung          (Samsung, Vice Chairman Future Strategy Office)

Jang Choong-gi         (Samsung, President Future Strategy Office)

Park Sang-jin             (Samsung Electronics, President for External Affairs)

Mr. Kim Ki-choon and Ms. Cho Yoon-sun were arrested and indicted for blacklisting artists and other people (abuse of power, perjury, etc.).

Korea Herald: Kim Ki-choon, Cho Yoon-sun detained

Korea Times: Culture minister, ex-presidential chief of staff arrested over blacklist of 'left-leaning' artists 

Yonhap News: S. Korea's culture minister arrested over blacklist of cultural figures 

For a long time, many though right wing groups were backed and given directions by the Park Administration. This was just proven true and Minister Cho Yoon-sun was behind it, most likely after receiving directions from President Park. 

The Hankyoreh: Culture Minister orchestrated right-wing demonstrations when serving as Blue House Senior Secretary 

Expect even more arrests and indictments in the coming weeks!

Best Place To Buy In Seoul - Butane Gas

The Cheongnyangri Fruit and Vegetable Market is the cheapest place to buy many things, including butane gas canisters.



The general grocery stores sell a butane gas cans for 3,000 won per four can pack. Most places charge more than 4,000 won for a four can pack. They also sell butter at the cheapest prices. I bought a 450 gram packet of Seoul Milk Butter for 7,000 won. The owner told me that prices were just raised, so it will cost more next time.

Butane Gas Canister 4-Pack

Butter (middle shelf)

The market is also the best place to buy fruits and vegetables, but you should shop around for the best buys and stores. Most places do not accept credit cards. Some do and charge 10% extra. Some of the larger stores accept credit cards without extra charges. The stores wholesale, and also retail on the side. If they do not accept credit cards, they can cut out the VAT, credit card processing fee, and reduce margins.

I bought a box of 16 apples (medium size, much bigger than at Home Plus, Emart and other stores) for 15,000 won from this store.

At the west end of the market, there are stores that sell meat, mushrooms, ginseng, nuts, seeds, grains and other foodstuffs at prices much cheaper than discount stores.

I also bought a 10 kilogram box of sweet potatoes nearby for 20,000 won. Really good quality.

Some stores are great, some are rip offs. So, shop around.

Samsung Vice-Chairman Lee Jae-young Indicted

The Special Independent Prosecutor's spokesman just announced that an arrest warrant and indictment were submitted to the courts for Lee Jae-young on bribery, embezzlement, and perjury charges. Three other Samsung presidents Choi Ji-sung, Jang Chung-gi, and Park Sang-jin were also indicted. The indictment hearings will be held on January 18, 2017.

New York Times:  South Korea Prosecutor Seeks Arrest of Samsung Group Leader in Bribery Case