VOL. 88 | NO. 26
“THE SIGNAL IN A MINUTE EPISODE 19 @GSUSIGNAL ON INSTAGRAM, WEDNESDAY”
GEORGIA ATLUS LAUNCHES STUDY ON LOW-THC OIL TO TREAT STATE VETERANS PG. 03
THE STORY BEHIND DELTA-8-THC’S COMPLICATED LEGALITY PG. 11
EST. 1933
Independent, impactful & impartial
COVER BY KENNY OASTER | THE SIGNAL
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At 2:33 p.m., a Georgia State student was a victim of sexual assault at the T Parking Deck. The case is still active. APRIL 12
Thou shall not pass.
The Georgia State University Police arrested a non-Georgia State offender at 8:14 a.m. for trespassing on Dunwoody’s Lot 10. The police exceptionally cleared the offender.
NEWS BRIEFS
EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brooklyn Valera signaleditor@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Sharayah Davis signalmanagingeditor@gmail.com MARKETING MANAGER Franky Huang signalmarketingmanager@gmail.com
The pandemic has been scary enough...
4.20 issues...
On the corner of Fulton Street and Hank Aaron Drive, the Georgia State University Police arrested a non-Georgia State offender at 9:41 a.m. for a drug law violation. APRIL 15
Mom said no hitting.
APRIL 16
How many times do we have to tell you? The Georgia State University Police arrested a non-Georgia State offender at 8:02 p.m. for trespassing after receiving prior notice at the M Parking Deck.
At 1:15 a.m., a Georgia State student was a victim of a simple battery altercation on Collins Street. The Georgia State University Police arrested the offender.
LOCAL
NATIONAL
GLOBAL
Confederate group hosts event after permit denied
Houston migrant center closes due to inadequate conditions
Health officials in Brazil warn women to delay pregnancy
A Confederate Memorial Day event has been hosted at Stone Mountain Park for almost two decades. According to WSB-TV, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association denied their permit this year. The Georgia chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans rode through Stone Mountain Park anyway. The group consisted of more than 110 motorcyclists and several trucks. A police escort was present, but it was unclear which jurisdiction they came from.
The Biden administration closed a migrant center housing hundreds of young girls because they could not provide adequate living spaces, according to ABC News. The Department of Health and Human Services opened the Houston warehouse to handle the increasing number of migrants at the border. A Houston non-profit organization managed the facility without prior experience housing migrant children.
Secretary of Primary Health Care of the Brazilian health ministry Raphael Camara suggests that women postpone pregnancy in Brazil if possible. According to CNN, Brazilian health officials claim the country’s COVID variants have been more aggressive in pregnant women. According to Johns Hopkins University, Brazil follows behind the U.S. in terms of COVID deaths. Brazilian health officials issue this warning until the worst has passed.
NEWS
April 20, 2021
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/NEWS
Medical cannabis is effective in treating mental health conditions, this medical cannabis can be found in the form of THC Oil.
PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL
Georgia Atlas launching research study on low-THC oil Data collection begins on Zoom April 26 LEAH LI Staff Reporter
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Georgian medical cannabis company called Georgia Atlas announced on March 9 that it had launched a Georgia low-THC oil research study for medical patients and veterans. They will gather data for this study starting April 15, with the results coming out in August. Data collection will launch during an online event via Zoom on Monday, April 26 at noon. The board will supervise the research. The study aims at gathering information relevant to treatments, medical conditions and interest in low-THC oil in Georgia. Low-THC oil is a kind of medical cannabis oil. It typically includes no more than 5% tetrahydrocannabinol and is commonly used in treating many health-related problems. Today, the U.S. has over 14,000 Low-THC oil patients in treatment, but there are already more than 250,000 patients that may be eligible for the medicine in Georgia. The company’s chief medical officer, Dr. James Smith, is one of this study’s head researchers. He is also the medical director of emergency medicine at the Northside Gwinnett Medical Center. His personal family experiences inspired Dr. Smith to devote himself to low-THC research. The use of medical cannabis and cannabidiol has alleviated his daughter’s epilepsy symptoms and bettered her quality of life significantly. Smith leads Georgia Atlas along with Chris McEvlany, the chief production officer who “has 25 years of experience in large-scale agriculture and crop science and more than 20 years of cannabis research experience.” To plant and mass-produce low-THC oil, Georgia Atlas applied for the related license in late January. Its website states that the company should qualify for six licenses around late spring this year. If the company’s license application is approved, Smith will form a “medical board” and a group of expert Georgia physicians who are pioneers of low-THC research. According to the Georgia Atlas website, Dr. Lisa PerryGilkes, president of the Medical Association of Georgia;
Dr. Andrew Reisman, MAG’s former president; and Dr. Sarah Vinson, the founder of Lorio Psych Group and faculty member of two medical schools in Georgia, are all on the “medical board.” Marion McNabb, the senior consultant of Georgia Atlas, said Georgia Atlas designed the research study last year. They intended to gather anonymous information from Georgia residents about their medical conditions, current treatments, experiences with low-THC oil in the past, knowledge about low-THC oil and the Georgia program about to launch. “The goal of this research is to share findings with the relevant policymakers, healthcare professionals, medical patients, U.S. military veterans and other stakeholders in the state to help inform the growth of the low-THC oil program in Georgia,” she said. McNabb said this medicine is specifically essential for veterans because medical cannabis shows to impact various unique health conditions and symptoms veterans often face. Many U.S. military veterans are relieved after knowing a medicine that can treat their unique health conditions will soon be widely accessible. The Georgia Atlas website states that over 600,000 Georgia veterans can benefit from it. McNabb led “The 2019 Veterans Health and Medical Cannabis Study” with several other colleagues to examine the impacts of medical cannabis use among U.S. military veterans. This study gathered anonymous data from U.S. military veterans across the nation, enabling researchers to trace what health conditions veterans are facing now. Reaching out to veterans across the country makes it easier to learn about the influence of medical cannabis use on the group’s overall health. According to the research report, the leading conditions reported reveal that “medical cannabis is useful for chronic pain, PTSD and anxiety.” The findings are undoubtedly great news for veterans since many of them suffer from these problems, resulting from extreme stress for long periods. For example, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website states that 11 to 20%
of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD. That percentage rises to 30% for veterans that fought in the Vietnam War. The report indicates that many veterans now choose cannabis as a harm reduction method because many other medicines with similar treatments are more toxic. About 80% of the veterans in the study’s sample have used medical cannabis. Also, the report shows that medical cannabis use decreases anti-depressants usage for veterans with PTSD. As antidepressants are the most widely-used PTSD treatment, the study result signifies that more veterans choose medical cannabis for treating their health conditions. However, the high cost of medical cannabis makes it harder for veterans to have access despite its effective treatment. According to the report, veterans spend almost $100 on prescription medications and over $340 on medical cannabis every month. As insurance does not include medical cannabis, veterans with disabilities can barely afford it. Therefore, even if medical cannabis seems to be an effective treatment, veterans currently have limited access to it. The report states that it is hard for veterans to obtain a medical cannabis card, which keeps them from getting the correct information from their Veteran Affair provider. It can be almost impossible for them to receive enough funds for needed treatment. “With veterans being more likely to suffer from chronic health problems, suicide and PTSD, there is a need to continue to not only conduct further research on the benefits but also start to develop dosing guides and other clinical tools to integrate medical cannabis as an alternative treatment,” the report states. Georgia Atlas will use the study to collect information to guide Georgia healthcare providers, patients and veterans. “The study will be launching this month on April 26 for data collection at an online event,” McNabb said. “We are partnering with the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society as well as with the CanniMedic for the study.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
NEWS
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Disease impacts daily and weekly marijuana users Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome causes profuse nausea and vomiting LEILA DAVIDSON Staff Reporter
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moking marijuana frequently can endure harsh side effects on one’s body and health. On average, 2.7 million individuals are affected by cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in a year. “Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a welldefined disease that’s associated with prolonged use of marijuana and can cause nausea and vomiting. [It] can be solved or treated by simply stopping the use of cannabinoid,” Marvin Lu, a Medical House staff member at Emory University’s School of Medicine, said. Though this disorder is rare, it still affects those who use marijuana frequently, including daily or weekly usage. It can affect the user whether they are smoking the drug, consuming the drug, or any form of intake of marijuana with tetrahydrocannabinol present. However, doctors are more likely to find the condition in daily marijuana users. In 2004, the journal Gut first described the illness. To date, it has only caused two deaths. Symptoms of CHS are nausea, vomiting, cramping and stomach pain. Some patients find themselves suffering from these symptoms for one to two days, while others suffer for a week or more. “The main symptom is that you are vomiting a lot and that you can attribute the cause to the use of cannabis or drugs containing cannabinoids. Otherwise, we don’t actually know a whole lot about it,” Chris Goode, the director of undergraduate studies in Georgia State’s psychology department, said. Treatments for this disorder include halting the use of marijuana entirely and bathing. Patients have found that taking a hot bath or shower can suppress some of this disorder’s symptoms. “Another thing, which is really interesting, is a topical application of capsaicin, the chemical in spicy food that gives you the spicy flavor. It activates pain
receptors, [and] it interferes with the bodily system called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. This is part of the body’s stress response,” Goode said. The initial stage of CHS is dehydration. Patients will find themselves drinking large quantities of water, which does little to quench their thirst. In some cases, patients find themselves appearing flushed and very anxious. Most patients do not receive a diagnosis during this stage of the syndrome. The second stage of the syndrome is when patients start to feel profusely nauseated, in which they get to the point of profusely vomiting, some patients not being able to keep down anything they eat or drink. Patients also notice their bodies feeling very weak due to the profuse vomiting where they are losing electrolytes in their bodies and become severely dehydrated. At this point, most patients visit the hospital and a doctor diagnoses them with CHS. It is rare for patients to visit the hospital during the initial stage of the syndrome as they don’t overthink their symptoms. Around 60% of patients experience their symptoms going away in one to two days, but 30% of patients experience prolonged symptoms up to a month. Stopping the use of marijuana in 60% of patients has shown that the symptoms stop. Any product containing THC can contribute to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The use of marijuana after the recovery phase of CHS can cause a relapse in the illness. The symptoms can come back upon the intake of products containing THC. For patients to recover completely and avoid relapsing back into this illness, professionals advise them to halt the use of marijuana products containing THC. Younger populations find this syndrome more
prevalent in their age groups because of the demographic of individuals who use marijuana since people aged 18-25 have the highest prevalence of marijuana use. “There have been studies that show there is a genetic predisposition to some patients, but it doesn't have anything to do with age. Both older and younger populations are affected the same,” Lu said. One of the most prominent diseases comparable to CHS is cyclic vomiting syndrome, where patients suffer from repeated nausea and vomiting episodes. Many patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome, which a psychiatrist usually diagnoses, also use marijuana. Because of their similarities, doctors can find it difficult to diagnose the patient properly. Lu noted that to decrease the number of CHS cases, it is important that marijuana users are away from it. “It’s important to recognize that such an entity exists. We do treat some forms of vomiting with marijuana. Patients who have AIDS, cancer-related vomiting actually use marijuana as a form of therapy for them, but it is short-term therapy. It is not prolonged marijuana use,” Lu said. Though marijuana can be beneficial for treating some illnesses and disorders, overuse of marijuana can damage one’s health. If one starts experiencing the initial symptoms of CHS, abstains from marijuana and symptoms persist after one or two days, they should seek medical assistance. Reaching the second stage calls for immediate medical attention. For non-emergency medical concerns, students can reach the Student Health Clinic at 404-413-1930, or students can make an appointment with the clinic through the Patient Portal.
ILLUSTRATION BY MYAH ANGLIN | THE SIGNAL
5
THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
President Biden expands SNAP eligibility Some Panthers may be eligible for COVID-19 food assistance CHRISTOPHER THOMAS Staff Reporter
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resident Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on March 11, extending increases to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from July 1 to Sept. 30. The number of benefits will increase for those eligible as well. With over a quarter of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, the end of the pandemic is seemingly in sight. But in its wake, the pandemic left many impoverished, with 88 to 115 million people into extreme poverty in 2020. That number could rise to 150 million by the end of this year. SNAP provides lowincome households with the means to purchase food. This governmentfinanced service gives recipients their benefits electronically through the Electronic Benefits Transfer system. The EBT system uses a card, much like a debit or gift card, to buy groceries, and money is transferred to the card monthly. These cards can be used wherever EBT is accepted. According to iGeorgia Food Stamps, this includes over 246,000 grocery stores, select specialty stores, discount stores, gas stations and farmer’s markets. Select Kroger, Publix, Aldi, Walmart and CVS stores accept EBT as well. Many college students never consider food stamps or SNAP as an option, but if eligible, they can use SNAP to take care of themselves, especially in challenging times. According to iGeorgia Food stamps, students may be eligible for SNAP benefits if they fit in any of the following categories: • participating in a work-study program financed by the state or federal government • working at least 20
•
•
hours a week acting as the primary caretaker of a dependent under 6 years old a single parent enrolled as a full-time college student with a child under the age of 12.
Students are also eligible if they were placed in college through any of the following government programs: • the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 • the Trade Act of 1974 under Section 236 • an employment and training program through the Food Stamp Act • an employment and training program run by the state or local government Some exemptions do apply. If students are attending in a less than half-time capacity as defined by the school, they are ineligible. Students are also ineligible to receive benefits if they live in the dorms and receive over half of their meals from a meal plan. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 temporarily expanded student eligibility to new groups from January through the end of the public health emergency, according to the USDA website. The new changes to student eligibility will be temporary and mean some previously ineligible students for SNAP benefits may now be eligible. If eligible, the process for applying for SNAP and other government benefits can be done online through Georgia Gateway.
With tensions on the rise, students and staff at Georgia State express their opposition concerning Sonny Perdue’s consideration to be the USG’s new Chancellor.
PHOTO CURTESY OF FLICKR
Students fight against Sonny Perdue’s consideration as USG Chancellor
Steve Wrigley steps down, Board of Regents searches for candidates KARA MARTIN Staff Reporter
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n Jan. 25, Board of Regents Chairman Sachin Shailendra declared the national search for the next University System of Georgia (USG) chancellor, following the retirement of the former USG Chancellor, Steve Wrigley. According to an article posted by The Atlanta JournalConstitution, there is a controversy among students in higher education regarding the potential appointment of former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue as USG chancellor. Perdue held his position as the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for nearly four years under Donald Trump’s presidency. Perdue was Georgia’s 81st governor from 2003 to 2011. Many students have already started to resist and fight against the consideration of Perdue as USG’s next chancellor. A student-led coalition called Students Against Sonny created a petition urging students to sign in opposition to Perdue’s election. One student, in particular, decided to use his platform to spread the word about this pressing matter regarding his peers' education and his own. Georgia State senior and political science major Spencer
Bivins took a step back from his music career to focus more on higher education politics. When he got word of Perdue’s consideration, he went into overdrive with other students to oppose the decision. “A lot of students come to these schools in Georgia to have a high quality and affordable education that can move us into a better life,” Bivins said. “The decision that the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia decides ultimately affects us, students, directly.” To be appointed as the chancellor for higher education is an honor and privilege not given to most individuals. It is a role that requires one to be a leader and dedicate themselves to promoting quality higher education for students. “Perdue being in this role would not be good for students, and the priority for him would not be about the students that go to these schools every year,” Bivins said. “In this position as chancellor, you have to have someone who not only has an actual background in education but someone who will put students first.” Those involved in the coalition include both students and staff. Members feel as if Perdue is underqualified and unfit for the position as chancellor. They base
their convictions upon his lack of history in higher education and his long track record of making public education less accessible during the Great Recession. Georgia State staff member Shelby Swan graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2016 but still feels greatly affected and passionate about this matter and the future of higher education. “I went to school on the HOPE Scholarship and financial aid, so this is a really important issue to me,” Swan said. “Our number one demand is that this [is] a transparent process that includes the oversight and input of students, faculty and staff.” Most students simply ask for transparency and that the new leadership prioritizes higher education for all students across Georgia. With Wringley’s retirement, many are urging The Board of Regents to decide based on quality rather than political favor. “At the end of the day, students’ tuition and fees pay to keep USG and BOR in the state of Georgia,” Swan said. “So why wouldn’t we listen and elevate the voices of those who matter most in this process and make sure that they’re considered in this election?”
OPINIONS
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/OPINIONS
April 20, 2021
Proceed with caution when using OTC drugs Natural remedies are cheaper and safer than OTC drugs CALLIE MCNORTON Associate Opinions Editor
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ILLUSTRATION BY MYAH ANGLIN | THE SIGNAL
Knock it before you try it: Drugs are dangerous creatures
Drugs are a hindrance to society, avoid dependency ABIR ODEH Staff Columnist
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rugs are dangerous substances and are easily abused, but they also have a grey area, as they can have beneficial and practical uses. The Oxford English Dictionary defines drugs as any substance, of animal, vegetable, or mineral origin, used as an ingredient in pharmacy, chemistry, dyeing or various manufacturing processes. There are a variety of drugs. Some are legal, others illegal. Some are used recreationally while others medically. As drugs produce a psychological and physical effect on the user, they can be dangerous; however, some drugs are legal and socially permissible to use despite their dangers. These include caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, opioids (most commonly prescribed but can also be in the form of heroin which is illegal), benzodiazepines (prescribed for anxiety and panic attacks), medication for ADHD and prescription cough syrup. Of these drugs, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are the most common and socially permissible drugs. We consume them regularly and in recreational and social events. For many of us, a morning cup of coffee is a habit, and while caffeine does not have as large of a stimulant as nicotine and alcohol, it does affect the body, and a break in caffeine consumption can cause withdrawals. Even then, the most commonly
consumed drug is caffeine. Caffeine in coffee, tea and dark chocolate is natural and moderate consumption is insignificant to dependency issues. However, like anything else, people can abuse caffeine. Increased caffeine consumption in medicinal drugs, energy drinks and sodas can affect sleep, energy and anxiety, causing caffeine dependency. Other examples of recreational drugs are alcohol and tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and hookah, which all contain nicotine. There are several categories of drugs, but they are commonly divided into three broad groups: stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. Cocaine and caffeine are both considered stimulants, while alcohol is a depressant. Marijuana can be categorized as all three because it has a different effect on everyone. It is more often classified as a stimulant and depressant than a hallucinogen, as hallucinations rarely occur with users. Drugs have both long-term and shortterm risks. The short-term risks are the immediate sensations and impairments of the drug during intoxication, and the long-term risks are those that occur over time with consistent and increased use. Those include heart and central nervous system damage, liver disease, kidney, gastrointestinal and respiratory
damages. Drug abuse can also harm the brain affecting brain cells, memory and cognitive function. So why are some drugs legal while others are not? Drugs can be beneficial, especially in the medical field. Prescription drugs, such as opioids, are commonly prescribed painkillers. They are highly addictive because they provide both pain relief and a sense of euphoria. Their addictive nature can cause drug dependence that can lead to misuse, overdose and death. However, drugs are both the crux and crutch of the medical field; surgery would not be as seamless as it is without anesthetics. But they are not held as tightly on their leash as they should, which caused the War on Drugs and the opioid crisis. Like anything, drugs have their practical uses, and most things (not everything) are good in moderation. If legalized, drugs have to be heavily regulated. Legal drugs can be just as lethal as illicit drugs. The effects of drug misuse, when left unchecked, run rampant and ruin lives. So in this unique circumstance, prioritize your health and knock it before you try it because “addiction does not discriminate.”
oney, ginger, a gallon of water, a hot bath or a solid nap are on the list of natural alternatives I lived by growing up. My mom rarely gave me Advil or Tylenol; it was always a plethora of remedies. We are used to having a bit of skepticism when it comes to using alternative healing methods, but we have no problems popping pills with a long list of side effects. It is time to break down the myths and appreciate natural remedies over over-thecounter prescriptions. Nothing about natural medicines sounds ideal for feeling better. Most things are usually lying around the house and used for other things. Honey for a sore throat is one worth noting. Honey has polyphenols or antioxidant compounds that calm an irritated throat. Instead of singing “a spoonful of sugar,” you may find yourself singing a different tune: “a spoonful of honey.” Another great and simple home remedy is a hot bath or shower. Increased humidity can thin out mucus, making it easier to breathe. If you let your water get hot enough, you can create a humidifier in your bathroom. It can create relief and also calm you while you have a cold or allergies. There are also considerable benefits to do doing the one thing we already do: sleep. According to a study done at Tulane University, adults with the healthiest sleep patterns have a 42% lower chance of heart failure. This fact may not feel like something worth mentioning, but when we are no longer
able to live off caffeine and four hours of sleep, our bodies will begin to break down. There will come the point that we are thrown medications and doctor’s visits and will not have an option. It may seem normal with how many advertisements and overthe-counter medicines we see or use daily, but medicines are sometimes unnecessary and harmful over the counter. Forty thousand metric tons of Aspirin are produced annually worldwide; clearly, there is a demand for the drug. However, Aspirin has serious side effects, including liver failure and gastrointestinal bleeding. Another common over-the-counter drug is sleeping medicine, with nine million U.S. adults using them. However, sleeping aids contain antihistamines, which can lead to seizures or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Americans spent $26.5 billion on overthe-counter drugs in 2020. We are throwing money into a system that sometimes does not even benefit us. Over-the-counter medications are suitable for a short-term solution if used as instructed. Unfortunately, we do not take the time to care for our bodies and end up using over-the-counter drugs too much or not as we should. There are many alternatives to having an easy fix for ailments such as headaches, hangovers, colds or joint pain. If we took the time to research what our body deserves and how to serve it, we could save a lot of pain and money. Remember, just a spoonful of honey.
OPINIONS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
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ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA MADRZYK | THE SIGNAL
Yes, the War on Drugs disproportionately targets minorities And that’s allowing far too many to die KENNETH LOCKETT III Opinions Editor
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hen you think of the longest wars in U.S. history, you’d typically think of armed conflict. Topping that list is the Afghanistan War and, by extension, the War on Terror. The almost 20-year war defined our entire generation. Most, technically all, of our age group has never known peace. We have never known a nation that is not at war with somebody, and why that is happening is another discussion for another day. But when you look at passive wars, wars without guns, there is one that sticks out the most. At the time of this writing, the War on Drugs has lasted 49 years, nine months and 23 days. It is easily one of the longest wars in world history. And despite lasting so incredibly long, its central purpose, goal and mission have not changed: target, engage and arrest minorities in the U.S., focusing on Black men. Between the 1970s and 2016, U.S. prison rates increased by 500%, leading to the U.S. having the highest tracked imprisonment rates. In 2018, of all federal prisoners in the US, 33% were Black, 30% were white and 23% were Hispanic. The numbers seem relatively close, right? When you consider only 12% of the US population was Black during the same study period, there are red flags. And it’s not just imprisonment rates that are incredibly racist. A 2015 report by the US Department of Justice found that Black drivers in Missouri were over twice as likely to be searched during vehicle stops but were found in possession of contraband around 30% less often than white drivers. A 1995 United States government study found that from 1991 to 1993, 16% of those who sold drugs were Black, but 49% of those arrested for doing so were Black. Despite all of this information, the government has not changed its stance despite all of these studies. And this is because the United States government is using this to oppress minorities in this continue. But this isn’t even speculation: John Ehrlichman, President Nixon’s aide on domestic affairs, was the man credited with pitching the plan to the President. In a 1996 interview, Ehrlichman explained what it was like in the room where it happened.
“The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and Black people. You understand what I’m saying?” Ehrlichman began.
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And it is not just Republican Administrations that are engaging in this. Take Bill Clinton’s Administration. The 1994 Crime Bill, which current president Joe Biden wrote, is known for targeting minorities, especially regarding crime. — KENNETH LOCKETT III
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Opinions Editor
“We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or Black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and Blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news,” Ehrlichman explained in the interview. The Nixon administration lied to the American public “night after night” about these drugs’ dangers
and who was using them. “Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course, we did,” Ehrlichman further explained. And it is not just Republican Administrations that are engaging in this. Take Bill Clinton’s Administration. The 1994 Crime Bill, which current president Joe Biden wrote, is known for targeting minorities, especially regarding crime. Specifically, towards drug legislation, the bill introduced the ‘Three Strikes Law.’ Which by its name seems harmless until you know what’s going on. It required a mandatory life sentence for any felony violent crime conviction after two other prior convictions. Again, this seems straightforward, but it includes serious drug offenses per Section 3559 of Title 18 U.S. Code. Not to mention there is a direct implication for college students. The law had a clause that removed the approval of Pell Grants for low-income inmates in federal prison. So that means if you are an 18-year-old who got caught with weed by a federal agent, you now have a more challenging time paying for college. Keeping you stuck in the situations that likely brought you arrested in the first place. Not to mention Bill Clinton cut many programs that help poor minority communities, such as public housing. Unfortunately, because many of our parents grew up being fed this false information, the lies persist in American society. And even then, it has focused on the same drugs from the 70s. Marijuana, heroin and meth are still the central focus, yet there are far more dangerous and legal drugs. Tobacco, alcohol and opioids are all very legal and very deadly. Opioids alone killed 81,230 people during the 2020 fiscal year. For comparison, that’s more than how many people died in the Hiroshima atomic bombing, not including those who died of radiation poisoning. The War on Drugs is functionally the U.S. government’s biggest failure, spanning nearly five decades, all to put a group of peaceful Americans into prisons.
This Week’s Spread: Sports WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/SPORTS
MARIJUANA & REC Marijuana is not leaving sports any time soon The effect it had on former athletes and its future with them
Andrew Freedman - Sports Editor
L2012. et’s rewind for a moment: It’s April 28, The Chicago Bulls have made it back to
the top of the NBA behind the play of Derrick Rose. With the Bulls leading the Philadelphia 76ers 99-87 in game one of the first round of the NBA playoffs, the reigning MVP hopstepped into the lane and landed awkwardly on his knee. NBA fans have the audio from TNT’s Kevin Harlan on repeat any time Rose’s name comes up. “Rose came down bad on his left foot,” Harlan said during the broadcast. “Holding onto his knee. Holding onto his knee and down.” That infamous Bulls roster and Rose never reached their full potential after the 23-year-old superstar tore his ACL with 1:10 left in a game that was already over. Since then, he’s had both knees operated on and lost most of the athleticism that once
honed him to be one of the best pure athletes of the early 2010s. Fast forward to last week. NBA fans watched Monday night as Jamal Murray landed awkwardly, wincing in pain and immediately clutching his left knee, the same Rose injured nearly nine years ago to the day. The Denver Nuggets superstar tore his ACL with 51 seconds to go in a game against the Golden State Warriors on a record-breaking night for Stephen Curry. The latter eclipsed NBA Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time franchise scoring record in a 53-point effort. Rose, now 32 years old and past his prime, could have benefited from today’s knowledge, as Murray’s injury could teach us. We aren’t talking about massage guns or the infamous LeBron James hyperbolic chambers; instead, a much simpler and
more conventional medicine: marijuana. Across all sports, players covering generations have found lasting benefits to marijuana. Some used it before games, others used it after and some even during games, but they all cited the same reasons.
Does it really work? B/R x 4/20, a 2018 Bleacher Report project, gathered 12 professional athletes, seven of whom used marijuana, to discuss the ongoing debate in sports. Nine-year NFL veteran Shaun Smith suggested that “at least 80%” of the NFL smokes weed. But players aren’t the only ones feeling highs beyond just winning games and collecting awards. “Shoot, the coaches do it. Personnel, people upstairs do it. Quarterbacks do it. Captains, leaders of the team that smoke as much as I do … our body hurts,” Smith told B/R. Ryan Clady eventually began smoking weed to compensate for the pain prescription drugs couldn’t heal. The former NFL lineman played nine years in the NFL for two teams before retiring in 2017. Fresh off of retirement, former NFL tight end Martellus Bennett went on the Simms and Lefkoe Podcast and joked about meeting someone in the league who didn’t smoke. “There’s time in the year where your body just hurts so bad that you don’t want to just be popping pills all the time,” Bennett said. “A human made that, God made weed.” On the hardwood, NBA veterans Matt Barnes, Kenyon Martin and Al Harrington illustrated their successful
COVERY
ful recoveries at all points in their careers. The 16year NBA veteran is still the only basketball player to ever come back from two microfracture surgeries on each knee. “I’ve had major reconstruction surgery on my left ankle. I’ve had my patella repaired. Like, I walk around, man, [because of smoking]. I’m in no pain,” Martin said. Throughout his career, Martin averaged 13 points and seven rebounds. His son, Kenyon, Jr., is a rookie in the NBA. And as the new generation of talent emerges into professional sports and potentially cement themselves into franchise cornerstones, those who played in the early 2000s hope leagues don’t make the same mistakes twice.
A brighter, greener future, led by the NHL Seldom, the National Hockey League adapts to changes before the other three major American sports — basketball, football and baseball — choose to act. In a 2020 ESPN feature, Emily Kaplan spoke with an anonymous NHL athlete, Player X, who has the same postgame routine most nights, where he enjoys a meal with teammates before going home exhausted. However, even with the balance of healthy foods and drinking plenty of fluids, he still finds himself having trouble sleeping at night. That’s when Player X will take a few hits off his weed pen. Over 80% of the four major American sports teams are in states or provinces where purchasing recreational or medicinal marijuana is legal, and Player X is, of course, one of those. With the convenience present for players to access medicine, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid — the face of the NHL — strongly suggests that the league looks into CBD for recovery. “When your body’s sore like it is sometimes, you don’t want to be taking pain stuff and taking Advil all the time. There’s obviously better ways to do it,” McDavid, just 24-years old, said. “You’re seeing a lot of smart guys look into it. You’re seeing a lot of really smart doctors look into it. If all the boxes are checked there, and it’s safe and everything like that, then I think you would maybe hear them out.”
Where does that lead the conversation? experiences with marijuana to B/R. “I’ve just been someone that smoked because I know how it made me feel,” Barnes told B/R. “I just knew that, ‘Man, I’m gonna hit that. My back is going to feel better. My toe is going to feel better. My fingers are going to be alright.’” Barnes played in the NBA for nine franchises in 14 seasons, including the 2016-17 NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors. Martin and Barnes’ injuries undoubtedly cost them crucial games, but they credited marijuana for his success-
As marijuana’s continuous entrance into elite athletes’ bodies allows them to feel the physical and mental effects of alternative medicine, commissioners are noticing the effects it has on their players. Ownership may not agree, but if the athletes find benefits during injury rehabs, it could change the sports landscape for generations beyond McDavid’s. With the NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL modifying their collective bargaining agreements every few years, the decision could end up extending the careers of those who are watching their idols suffer career-altering injuries. ILLUSTRATION BY & PAGE LAYOUT BY OLIVIA MADRZYK | THE SIGNAL
ARTS & LIVING
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/ARTSANDLIVING
The way the drug’s active ingredient THC interacts with the brain and body may be the reason behind “the munchies.”
April 20, 2021
PHOTO BY ISA CARDONA | THE SIGNAL
Simply Signal Recipes: The science behind ‘munchies’ The chemicals in marijuana can lead to intense food cravings ISA CARDONA Associate Arts & Living Editor
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pril 20, also known as 4/20, is an informal holiday celebrated by marijuana users across the country, especially in states that have legalized the substance. The day often comes with festivals, promotions and concerts surrounding marijuana. While this day’s origin remains unclear, what is clear is that people will be celebrating. Whether participants decide to smoke alone or with friends, all types of food will be present. One aspect of “marijuana culture” or “stoner culture,” which is the social atmosphere or behaviors that depend heavily upon marijuana consumption, is the food. “Munchie” is a phrase from the 1900s meaning a "snack eaten to satisfy hunger.” The plural form of “munchies” became commonly used to describe any food or snack by the late 1950s. The term drastically changed meanings in the 1970s when it was picked up as stoner slang in the United States to describe food cravings after smoking marijuana. Nowadays, a case of “the munchies” refers to the enhanced appetite that often comes as a side effect of marijuana use. This hunger often leads to intense cravings and fuels the creation of bizarre food combinations like donut burgers and macaroni and cheese pizza. Not all stoners create weird combos to satisfy their cravings and instead rely on typical pantry food. Easily accessible foods like chips, Oreos and cereal are all wellloved. If there’s nothing that hits the spot in the pantry, take-out and drive-thrus have plenty of items on their menus that have become staple stoner foods. But why does marijuana increase appetite and lead to munchies? There are various theories and reasonings, and it mainly has to do with how the drug's active ingredient THC interacts with the brain and body. It’s not scientifically conclusive that THC is the cause of the munchies, but it seems to be a factor. Research suggests that THC interacts with ghrelin, a hormone secreted by the stomach that stimulates appetite. Ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone, produces and releases predominantly by the stomach.
It seems as though the munchies occur when ghrelin production is stimulated independently from the usual metabolic hunger cycle. Every person’s body chemistry is different, so it will not affect everyone in the same way. Why do so many people want to create such strange combinations and eat large amounts of junk food while high? Most lists of the best stoner snacks on the internet contain sugary treats like ice cream, cookies, Nutella and other desserts. There might be a reason as to why many marijuana smokers have a sweet tooth. A group of scientists recently published a study in the journal Neuropharmacology that investigated how THC can induce people to choose sugary foods over all others. This influence seems to stem from the relationship between THC and dopamine. When eating delicious foods, the neurotransmitter dopamine releases within “the shell of the nucleus accumbens.” This part of the brain lets someone know that they like a particular food and would like more of it. Sugar induces a rewarding feeling already, and with the presence of THC, more dopamine will release in response. Another reason why many munchies are sweet is that many people just prefer sugary foods in general. Just because marijuana might increase one’s appetite doesn’t mean someone will want to eat everything in sight or foods they typically don’t like. Scientists discovered that THC increased the pleasurable response to eating sugar but had no effect on how much one dislikes the taste of other types of foods. Another reasoning may be how THC stimulates the endocannabinoid system, a complex area of the brain that regulates feeding behavior and energy balance. One animal study shows that by binding to receptors in the olfactory bulb in the brain, THC appears to enhance the sensitivity to smell, making aroma from food more powerful and can cause users to want to eat more. The enhancement of taste and smell may answer why so many marijuana users create strange food
combinations. The hunger, along with the intense sensory changes, may lead people to try foods that seem strange together but work when high. For example, sweet and salty is already a loved and delicious combo, but that enjoyable experience can increase after using marijuana. The 4/20 “holiday” and overall stoner culture around food has become more commercialized over the years. More food companies are marketing their products towards marijuana users and fast food chains catering to these particular customers. Some factors as to why a chain is so popular for stoners include their menu, convenience and environment. A significant reason why drive-thrus are popular when it comes to “high dining” is that sit-down-style restaurants may deter some users, especially in states where marijuana is not legal. Taco Bell is a big-name fast food restaurant that is wellknown for its significant stoner demographic. Based on a national survey, over 20% of marijuana users chose Taco Bell as their go-to place to satisfy their munchies, and the High Times named Taco Bell as the ultimate high stop. Taco Bell created a “Fourth Meal” menu, a midnight meal meant to curb the hunger between dinner and breakfast. Many believe that this is a subtle nod to marijuana users fulfilling their munchie cravings at the fast-food chain. Even less subtly, a company called Kalan LP came under fire in 2011 for selling “Pothead Ring Pots” and “Pothead Lollipops.” These candies did not contain any marijuana but were in the shape of the plant’s leaves. The company did not want to encourage children to smoke and instead targeted adults and promoted the substance’s legalization. In conclusion, the science behind the munchies remains somewhat mysterious, just like the stoner holiday’s origin. While 4/20 will pass, the relationship between food and marijuana will continue far after the unofficial holiday.
ARTS&LIVING
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
11
Delta-8-THC’s complicated legal status
A loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill allows a legal high COLE PODANY Staff Reporter
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ustomers line up to achieve a disputably legal high from edibles, flower and vaping cartridges that line the counters of convenience stores, gas stations and specialty stores across Atlanta. These products contain Delta-8-THC, a psychoactive compound found in hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its byproducts, explicitly excluded Delta9-THC, also known as simply THC, the compound that produces the typical marijuana “high.” But because of the bill’s loophole, Delta-8 remains legal. Delta-8 boasts many of the same psychoactive effects as THC, like improved appetite, relaxation and mood, but lacks more undesirable THC effects like anxiety and paranoia. Many people dub Delta-8 “diet weed” or “weed lite,” referencing its milder psychoactive effects when compared to THC. Others call it “CBD on crack.” Thanks to delta-8’s legal muddiness, selling the substance comes with inherent risks. In late March, law enforcement officers seized $5,000 worth of Delta-8 products from a vape shop in North Carolina. The shop owner argued that the products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, while the police chief referenced a South Carolina law that classifies Delta-8 as a controlled substance for having THC. Atlanta CBD store Inno Medicinals sold Delta-8 products, including tinctures, vaping cartridges and edibles. After a year of selling the products, they removed the products from shelves in early April over concerns about delta-8’s legality. Employee Floretta Gogo said the change was one the business had to make. “Even though it’s not the same as Delta-9, they can still say, ‘It’s got
THC, so it’s a controlled substance,’” Gogo said. Eleven states explicitly banned delta-8, but Georgia is not one of them. All forms of Delta-8 not derived from the hemp plant are illegal nationwide. Confusing and sometimes contradictory laws about Delta-8 make it challenging for small shops to stick to the rules and for law enforcement to enforce regulations. “You can’t get [delta-8] [at Inno Medicinals] anymore, but you can definitely get it somewhere else,” Gogo said. The legal pot industry seeks to limit the sale of Delta-8 to dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal recreationally and prevent its sale entirely in states where cannabis is not permitted. Those who seek increased regulation cite concerns that children can purchase the product. They also express concerns that many Delta-8 products contain high THC levels and claim that Delta-8 companies do not test for heavy metals and other harmful substances. Gogo expressed her disappointment over removing Delta-8 products from Inno Medicinals’ shelves, citing the substance’s perceived benefits. "It's more relaxing than THC, and it doesn’t bring that anxiety, so it’s much better for sleep,” Gogo said. "It enhances every one of your senses. . .even your tastebuds.” Gogo hopes for a future where the Delta-8 is fully legal, given her own positive experience and customers’ experiences. “In the future, I hope that [Georgia] will legalize [delta-8] because of what it does for you,” Gogo said. “[Delta-8] just relaxes you and... enhances your senses, so I think it should be completely okay.”
ILLUSTRATION BY ADAM MONTES | THE SIGNAL
‘Smoke Weed Everyday’: Marijuana embraced in hip-hop culture
Marijuana’s intimate relationship with hip-hop culture DESMOND LEAKE Staff Reporter
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usic has an interesting relationship with drug usage. Despite casual drug use still being frowned upon, for the most part, music has never shied away from the issue at all. Whether its pop hits such as The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” or Chance the Rapper’s “Good Ass Intro,” lyrics about drugs are omnipresent. According to an Addictions. com study, marijuana is the most discussed drug across all genres. However, it is in hip-hop that marijuana exists as a cornerstone of the culture. In hip-hop culture, marijuana carved out its niche as the go-to drug. When people think of drug usage in hip-hop culture, odds are their first assumption will be marijuana. Marijuana’s popularity in hiphop is rooted in the counterculture nature of hip-hop. Hip-hop as a genre and subculture is rooted in rebellion, whether in the form of NWA’s “F***uck Tha Police” or Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.” With hip-hop’s origins as an underground culture, it is not surprising that the two subcultures would intersect. The union of hiphop and marijuana changed how society views it. High-profile stoners such as Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa have become advocates for the drug’s legalization. Marijuana is a focal part of some artists’ identity. Snoop Dogg’s name
is synonymous with weed culture due to his well-documented love for the drug. Wiz Khalifa opened a restaurant chain themed around stoner culture. Kid Cudi popularized the idea of the “lonely stoner” with his song “Dayn-Nite,” which became his identity much to his frustration.
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Marijuana is the most discussed drug across all genres
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Study from addictions.com
Marijuana is a bit of an oddity in terms of how it is viewed. Marijuana usage is favorable and acceptable in hip-hop compared to other substances for the most part. The widespread acceptance of marijuana within hip-hop contrasts with the second most discussed drug in the scene: cocaine. Rappers typically depict cocaine as a means to make money and not a drug to use. Songs in the 1980s,
such as “White Lines (Don’t Do It),” criticized the idea of using cocaine at all. The context of the anti-cocaine sentiment is a direct result of the crack epidemic that devastated communities where many rappers originated. Artists rarely rap about cocaine in a glamorous way. Songs like Pusha T’s “Nosetalgia” or Tyler, the Creator’s “48” focus more on how cocaine negatively impacted their lives. Marijuana as a topic in hip-hop is much more casual than cocaine. Marijuana mentions were not as prevalent until the early 1990s. The growing trend of marijuana references coincides with Cypress Hill’s debut album and Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic,” which marked the first time that marijuana would be at the forefront of hip-hop culture. Clothing brands such as GFS started clothing lines around the newly forming stoner culture. At its peak, marijuana made a lyrical appearance in 45% of 1990s hip-hop songs. Marijuana went from the choice drug for losers to the choice of superstars. Acts such as the Beastie Boys and De La Soul became poster boys for marijuana. With artists such as 2 Chainz starting up marijuanarelated business ventures, it is clear to see that marijuana will remain hiphop’s drug of choice.
SPORTS
April 20, 2021
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/SPORTS
Dirty Birds hoping to soar in next week’s NFL Draft A mock draft of the Falcons’ first three rounds JULIAN HARDEN Staff Reporter
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s April 29 and the 2021 NFL Draft draws closer, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a difficult crossroad. The team is talented but aging, with longtime veterans in Matt Ryan and Julio Jones at the end of their careers. The new regime could set themselves up for the future or draft for a final run with the current core. Could the new regime of general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith build for the future through quarterbacks? From Ohio State QB Justin Fields and Trey Lance out of North Dakota State, it’s a deep class of signalcallers. Both quarterbacks could learn behind Ryan for a season during a transition season in 2021. Maybe it’s better to get the most out of Ryan in what could be the last few years of the 35-year old’s career that began in 2008? There are many decisions to finalize over the next nine days for the franchise, but let’s see if we can correctly predict their first three rounds.
No. 4 overall (first round, fourth pick): Kyle Pitts, tight end, Florida
With Ryan in Atlanta for at least the next two seasons, the new regime will look to go all-in during the stretch. What better way than adding possibly the next non-quarterback in the draft? Even with Julio Jones and breakout rookie Calvin Ridley, the Falcons ranked 26th in red zone scoring percentage in 2020. While the team could move the ball down the field, they failed to execute in the red zone during their 4-12 season. While many fans argue that the team doesn’t need more offense, the numbers beg to differ. Not only were the Falcons ineffective in the red zone, the team 18th overall in total offense. Aside from the talented leg of kicker Younghoe Koo, the Falcons’ offense failed to score in pivotal situations. Pitts’s 6-foot, 6-inch, 245-pound frame presented college football defenses a nightmare matchup during his time at Florida, and lining up with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Hayden Hurst could make the Falcons offense potent once again.
The few times the Falcons were successful, the team had talented tight-ends such as Austin Hooper and Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. For the offense to recapture the dominance of past seasons, adding an athletic young pass-catcher like Pitts is a major step in the right direction. In three years as a Gator, Pitts caught 100 passes for nearly 1,500 yards. He performed well in big-time situations, notably the 2020 SEC Championship against Alabama, where he torched the eventual national champions with seven receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown. Currently, the Falcons only have two positions that are above average: wide receiver and quarterback. Ryan succeeds in spreading the ball around when there is an athletic tight end in the arsenal. Also, Smith is well known for running two-tight end sets, which worked out well for him with the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Arthur Smith used tight-ends effectively, making the Titans one of the best offenses last season. If Atlanta wants to maximize what could be Ryan’s final seasons in Atlanta, Pitts could be a clear answer in the first round.
No. 35 overall (second round, third pick): Carlos Basham Jr, EDGE, Wake Forest
Another draft, another potential defensive line pick for the Falcons. The issue of the pass rush has been an annual conundrum for the franchise. While Basham won’t be the immediate fix, he does provide another solid piece for new defensive coordinator Dean Pees. Basham brings an exciting profile as an NFL prospect following inconsistent production at Wake Forest. After a breakout 2019 campaign where he amassed 10 sacks and 18 tackles, he surprisingly did not declare for the 2020 draft. Instead, he returned to Wake Forest to separate himself from the pack. The decision saw him post underwhelming numbers of 5 sacks and 4.5 tackles. Yet, due to COVID-19, many other prominent prospects saw their numbers fall off, too.
If the Falcons’ new regime is willing to develop Basham, he could mesh as a worthwhile addition.
No. 68 overall (third Round, fourth pick) Kenneth Gainwell, running back, Memphis
The Falcons’ tailback depth is an issue the franchise has not consistently addressed since releasing Devonta Freeman last March. Even with the addition of veteran Eric Davis, the Falcons have to address the position in the draft. Recently, the Falcons released running back Ito Smith and signed special teams specialistCordarrelle Patterson. However, the team may not be done tinkering with the position. Team owner Arthur Blank highlighted running back as the position the Falcons must address. Currently, the Falcons have Davis and Quadree Ollison at the running back position. While it’s unlikely that the Falcons will have their own Derrick Henry, any additional running back would help a dire situation for the dirty birds. Gainwell can be the change of pace that the team desperately needs. Gainwell sat out the 2020 season but is worth a third-round pick for the Falcons if he’s still on the board. He provides electric playmaking at the position by catching the ball out the backfield at Memphis. In 2019, Gainwell rushed for 1,459 yards and scored 13 touchdowns for the Tigers. Behind an offensive line with run blocking ability, he could thrive in Atlanta. The running game for the dirty birds is lackluster and needs an immediate shot in the arm to get back into contention in the division. The Falcons finished 4-12 and are in an exciting position for the future of the franchise. The team could attempt to rebuild (while in cap hell) or remain competitive in a division with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and heated rival New Orleans Saints. Whatever the decision, the new regime has its work cut out from them. While they could go all-in in Ryans’ final tenure as Falcons, there is no harm in preparing for the future. With the core of the team aging and seemingly not over the ghost of Superbowl LI, the time to rebuild is nigh.
ILLUSTRATION BY ROE GASSETT | THE SIGNAL
SPORTS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
13
The Ferarys are taking Georgia State by storm Twins ready to serve it up in the sand ERIK INDRISANO Associate Sports Editor
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etting to play the sport you love competitively with a brother or sister is something very few people get to experience in life. For identical twin sisters, Angel and Bella Ferary, that’s all they know. From a young age, the two have been side-byside, playing sports with one another. These two have never left each other’s side from track and field for Mount Paran Christian School to club beach volleyball. “We played together on every team that [the two of us] competed on,” Bella Ferary said. “We just always liked to stay together because we don’t know life without each other.” The two developed a goal to sign for the same university, but this was a lot harder than imagined. Georgia State would come calling, leading the Ferary twins to commit to the Panthers in 2018. “[Signing for the same university was a goal], and that’s what made it hard. Trying to commit to the same school was difficult because many ones needed one of us,” Angel Ferary said. Georgia State would come calling, leading the Ferary twins to commit to the Panthers in 2018. “Being able to go to Georgia State together, in-state was a dream,” Angel Ferary said. Upon committing, the Feary sisters dialed into becoming Panthers, attending every home match before officially joining the program. Their better understanding of the team made the transition of joining the other girls on the sand easy as can be. “[The team] were all very welcoming and nice. We started out [training] in small groups, so we actually didn’t know the full team until the
second month we were there,” Angel Ferary said. To kick start their first season, the sisters didn’t find themselves on the same line. Bella saw herself paired with sophomore Elise Saga and later super senior Kate Novack. Angel hit the sand with junior Bailey Hatchett. If you have ever played sports competitively with a sibling, you know the one constant is arguing. For the Ferary sisters, arguing during practice became the deciding factor in not playing next to each other. “Our coach knew we wanted to play together, but we needed to work out some little kinks, like arguing or conversations [between us] that weren’t very nice to each other,” Bella Ferary said. The two matured quickly, leading to head coach Beth Van Fleet to give them a shot at playing together. The freshman sisters got put on the fourth line together against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. They would go on to win handily, 21-9, 21-15, and as they say, “prove themselves.” Since then, the pair has amassed a 15-3 record with big wins over schools like Texas Christian, South Carolina and Stetson. The sisters look to close out a strong freshman year and keep the momentum into their sophomore season. If you get a chance to watch the pair play, don’t worry if you mix the two up, the coaching staff and players still struggle with the identical twins. “[Everyone] mistakes us 100%; it takes our closest friends even a year to know which one is which,” the Ferary sisters said.
Georgia State men’s Basketball head coach Rob Lanier’s core values for his program are humility, respect, and responsibility.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GSU ATHLETICS
Recruiting 101: The role parents play in the process
It’s not just coaches and prospects; it’s a thrill for parents too MEADOW BARROW Staff Reporter
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ob Lanier, head coach for Georgia State’s men’s basketball team, always looks for three unique things within recruits to ensure a proper fit. “We talk a lot in our program about our core values,” Lanier said. “And those three things are humility, respect and responsibility. So, we look for those things in the young people that we recruit.” But coaches also tend to look deeper. Many recruits don’t realize how issues away from the court or field affect a coach’s decision to enter their program. “We try not to jump to conclusions,” Lanier said. “[But] at the same time, when there is a sturdy foundation, there's a pretty good correlation that those young people are going to have the qualities we want, but we still got to do our homework.” But just because recruits come from a healthy and stable background doesn’t necessarily mean that they will carry those qualities into the next steps of their life. “A lot of times kids come from great households, and a lot of foundational things are there,” Lanier said. “But it doesn't mean they're going to be hard workers [or that] they're going to be humble. So, you really have to get to know people case by case.” More often than not, the parents of recruits have started to be a surprising focus for many college coaches. “I do have situations where I've stopped recruiting a kid because of the way they comport themselves on social media or the way the parent does,” Lanier said. “I've
seen situations where a parent is so loud and boisterous in the stands and yelling and not allowing the kid to have his own journey. I've been turned off by that.”
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[The recruiting process] is a great opportunity for parents to empower their kids to be their own person and make their own decisions
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— ROB LANIER
Georgia State men’s basketball head coach
Lanier is also a parent whose child participates in college sports and has been
through the recruitment process. Emory, a 6-foot-3 freshman guard, plays for the Davidson College Wildcats. But the recruiting process can be a bit different for someone already familiar with the business. Lanier knew what to do as the time came for his son to have his moment. “I let Emory and my wife do most of the communication with the college coaches because I didn't want it to be about me,” Lanier said. “I've been in the profession for so long, [and] I felt like I could get in the way of Emory's ability to express himself.” However, Lanier emphasizes the importance of having fun with the process for parents who are unfamiliar with it and remember that the child being evaluated is the only one who is experiencing it all. “I think parents should be engaged and should get to know the people that they’re going to entrust their child to,” Lanier said. “[But] at the same time, try to empower the young person to make their own decisions.” Parents need to remember that inspiring their kids to make their own thoughtful choices is an essential part of their growth, and the recruitment process can be a great place to start. “[The recruiting process] is a great opportunity for parents to empower their kids to be their own person and make their own decisions,” Lanier said. “The decision should not be about the parents and what they want.”
April 20, 2021
THREE BIG THINGS
GAMES SUDOKU
UNIVERSITY
STATE
NATIONAL
Another weekend, another comeback win on the diamond
Ronald Acuna making early case for NL MVP
Jamal Murray tears ACL, out for season
Entering the eighth inning on Sunday against the Troy Trojans, the Panthers trailed 15-9. As Head Coach Brad Stromdahl put it, “[It] was an unbelievably resilient win for our team.” Georgia State put up five runs in the eighth to send the game into extras before Kyle Riesselmann walked off with a two-run home run in the 10th. They won the weekend series, taking two games out of three. Their next game comes tonight in a one-game stint against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Few numbers can illustrate Acuna’s impact on the Atlanta Braves. Across the board, he leads the team in every major offensive statistical category entering today’s game against the New York Yankees: batting average, home runs, runs batted in, on-base percentage, hits and total bases. From a larger perspective, Acuna’s .419 average is second in the MLB. His seven home runs, 21 hits and 55 total bases are all an MLB-best as well. No other player is in the top-five for all three.
The Denver Nuggets star point guard went down last Monday night and grabbed his left knee; everyone knew what the injury was, but nobody wanted to speak it into existence. Denver’s game against the Golden State Warriors was over. They led by seven with 51 seconds to go and won the game, but they may have lost their season. Before Murray’s injury, the Nuggets had the seventhbest odds to win the NBA championship, which have since plummeted.
THE KICKBACK
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
15
Georgia’s first narcotics law started with hot tamales In 1934, local law enforcement initiated the first marijuana raid in Georgia..
The criminalization of marijuana in Georgia began in the 1930s
PHOTO COURTESY OF GSU LIBRARY ARCHIVES
MONIQUE ROJAS Staff Reporter
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hen opioids hit the U.S. in 1775, their use remained widely medical, aiding Civil War soldiers in dealing with intense pain. However, over more than 100 years, the recreational use of opium became popular. In 1914 the federal government passed the Harrison Act, prohibiting the production and sale of opiates and cocaine. Massive raids of cocaine, heroin and opiate sellers provided an opening for a marijuana boom in the South. It became common during the early 1900s to use marijuana for recreational purposes, and the Harrison Act did not cover its use. Many U.S. citizens feared that the effects of marijuana bore similarities to cocaine. States surrounding Georgia established anti-marijuana laws early on, possibly pushing sellers into the state. On July 1, 1930, President Herbert Hoover established the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. The bureau became one of the federal government’s many attempts to create a division before the nationwide criminalization of narcotics. Federal and state law enforcement attempted to end marijuana cigarette sales by targeting growers through tips from locals.
In October of the same year, Criner was sentenced to 12 months on the chain gang. “You are guilty of an offense of great seriousness,” Judge Wyatt, who sentenced Criner, said. “When you sell a man this stuff, you do him more harm than if you took a gun and shot him down.” The Marietta Street raid prompted state senators to discuss implementing a felony charge if someone is caught growing and selling the narcotic. Six months later, the Georgia House passed an anti-narcotics bill making the Harrison Act a state law and banning the use and sale of all habit-forming drugs, including marijuana, in Georgia. Any violations of this law could mean a felony charge with a maximum of 10 years in prison. The new provisions granted local police departments access to resources from the Federal Bureau of Narcotics to eradicate the production of marijuana in the state. Following promptly, the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 prohibited the sale of marijuana nationally, excusing the narcotic’s medical uses.
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
Talk Tuesday: I Can’t Breathe: Connections between Climate Change, COVID-19, & Environmental Racism 12:00 p.m. -1:15 p.m. Virtual
Donuts with the Dean’s Office 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. SCE Lobbyl
Real Talk: Should I get the COVID-19 Vaccine? 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Virtual
Lavender Graduation 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Centennial Hall
Paws at the Petting Zoo 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Unity Plaza
Stress Relief Painting 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Student Recreation Center
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Atlanta Film Festival All day Virtual
SweetWater 420 Fest 12:00 p.m. Centennial Olympic Park
Peaceful Place Meditation 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Virtual
Downtown Atlanta Spring Sweat Challenge All day Downtown Atlanta
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. State Farm Arena
APR 26
SATURDAY APR 25
Hot Topic Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Virtual
World Creativity & Innovation Day Activities 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Virtual
APR 23
THURSDAY APR 22
WEDNESDAY APR 21
TUESDAY
APR 24
APR 20
THE KICKBACK
In August 1934, law enforcement confiscated approximately $2,000 worth of marijuana cigarettes (slightly more than $39,000 in today’s currency) from two hot tamale salesmen operating on Marietta Street in present-day downtown Atlanta. Based on a tip from Georgia resident J.D. Nobles, police raided the hot tamale stand and accompanying restaurant, finding marijuana plants growing in the establishment’s back yard. Local law enforcement and a Federal Narcotics agent charged J.L. Criner and Louis Ambria. Despite there being no law against the production and sale of marijuana, local law enforcement felt they violated Georgia’s pharmacy laws because Criner and Ambus were not authorized to sell a “mind-altering” substance. Following the news of J.D. Nobles tipping off authorities, Atlanta citizens attacked him for two consecutive days. Nobles’ account of citizens following him with what he described as a machine gun prompted Atlanta police to place him in protective custody until Criner and Ambria’s trials. Although the arrests of the marijuana sellers occurred on the same day, their sentences differed significantly. Ambria’s charges were dropped, while Criner faced jail time.
Finals with Friends: End of the Year Social 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. SCE, Suite 206