CBD
Update on Medical Marijuana Issues in Michigan
While the coastal areas of New York and California have dominated marijuana reform news lately, we would like to turn our attention today toward the middle of the country. Michigan approved medical marijuana legislation in 2008 and though Attorney General Bill Schuette has sought to bring an end to the program, advocates have rallied to ensure patient safety.
There was a major landmark court decision issued recently by the Michigan Supreme Court. In a unanimous decision the court upheld a voter approved statute that would protect patients even if they have not applied for a medical marijuana card. However, they would need a previous recommendation from a physician. The current decision stems from lower cases where individuals were arrested for marijuana possession but should have been protected under the voter approved law. Karen O’Keefe, an attorney with the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) was pleased with the victory. MPP sponsored the initiative to get Michigan’s medical marijuana program passed. Ms. O’Keefe did urge patients to register in order to avoid the stress of being arrested and any legal fees associated with it. However, the victory is huge and patients can seek relief quicker as they can get their recommendation and start medicating as they wait on their paperwork to be processed.
Another interesting development in Michigan has to do with the medical marijuana program’s inclusion of 44 minors under the age of 18. For many this is controversial at best, and maybe even downright wrong. However, we must ask ourselves if there would be any attention paid to these children if they were taking highly addictive opiates in order to combat pain. The Detroit Free Press recently ran an article that focuses on Cooper Brown, a 14 year old who is a Michigan cardholder and uses marijuana to relieve complications associated with Dravet Syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy that is untraceable and begins in infancy). Cooper’s mother, Rebecca Brown, says that his seizures have drastically reduced since he began using marijuana. In line with the growing trend, Rebecca relies on laboratories to select strains that are low in THC and high CBD (the cannabinoid associated with pain relief without feeling “stoned”). She does not permit him to smoke it and, instead, prepares it in his food.
Rebecca and Cooper highlight just how desperate the need for medical marijuana regulation is. Though Rebecca seems capable of selecting her son’s medicine, there should be much more information and professional recommendations available. The time for simply dismissing marijuana as taboo is not a luxury Rebecca Brown can afford. Her son needs help and a lack of information on the subject is simply unacceptable. Thankfully they live in Michigan where the Supreme Court’s decision and Cooper’s situation show that patients are still a high priority.
CBD in Marijuana found to Treat Schizophrenia with few Side Effects
Within a matter of weeks the United States Supreme Court will issue a ruling on the controversial “Obamacare” program. In particular, the mandate that requires Americans to carry health insurance has drawn the most scrutiny and is being challenged on its constitutionality. Combining that with Mitt Romney’s campaign going national after winning the GOP nomination, the healthcare reform battle should be front and center as both Romney and Obama (often considered very similar plans) have enacted sweeping health care changes.
Luckily in the meantime we have less partisan political healthcare updates to lift our spirits. This week researchers at The University of Cologne in Germany have found that CBD (a cannabinoid found in marijuana) looks to have excellent potential in treating schizophrenia symptoms. Of the 39 patients who participated in the study, 20 were treated with CBD while the others were treated with amisulpride, a drug not legal in the U.S. but similar to medications used in America. Daniel Piomelli, co-author of the study was pleased with the results and said “The results were amazing. Not only was CBD as effective as standard antipsychotics, but it was also essentially free of the typical side effects seen with antipsychotic drugs.”
This development builds on many of the recent studies that have linked health and quality of life to marijuana. Soldiers have often reported that marijuana use has helped with their PTSD symptoms. Recently, marijuana.net reported on a study that showed cannabis relieved patient’s painful MS symptoms. Additionally, marijuana has been linked to help patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, Glaucoma, chronic pain, muscular dystrophy, migraines, and of course so many other ailments. We encourage readers in our comment section to share stories about these or other medical issues marijuana aids.
Schizophrenia has baffled medical professionals for centuries and perhaps even thousands of years. Egyptians have described ancient ailments over two thousand years ago that sound very much like what we call schizophrenia today. Treatments in the middle ages included exorcisms and even drilling holes in the head in order to draw out the “evil spirits”. In the modern times scientists came up with a new method that was not much more sophisticated. The lobotomy may indeed treat schizophrenia, with a major side effect being that the patient is turned into a zombie. Let us not forget that shock therapy which is still used today even as scientists have not been able to fully determine why it produces results, or often does not. These extreme treatments only highlight just how incredible the German discovery is for patients suffering from this long misunderstood condition.
The hope is that research such as this will also be conducted in the United States. Healthcare is still a prevailing issue in the United States with our country seeming like they are reserved to second class care. The president’s plan has increased coverage but is not as far reaching as initially thought on the campaign trail. This may not be his fault entirely as the GOP and economy presented major roadblocks. Either way, this marijuana research is encouraging and could provide patients with relief immediately with far less economic cost than the typical big pharmaceutical treatments. As the complexity of the health care arguments plays itself out in the media, let us keep in mind that there is one simple source for so much healing.
New Study Confirms Benefits of Marijuana in Treating MS Symptoms
Thousands, if not millions have been able to confirm that cannabis has helped provide them relief in a world where top medical care is often reserved for those with the right job or bank account. Conveniently lawmakers now often say “there is not enough research” to support the idea that marijuana is an effective pain and psychological substance, though they rail against any research being performed in the area. Like any controversial issue, the opinion of the people is discarded or minimized in favor of men in white coats and links to the pharmaceutical industry. Many refuse to listen to our friends, family, and countless others who can only provide their honest and truthful experiences with marijuana. Of course our lawmakers condescend them and say their testimonies on their own bodies is insufficient and unqualified. Who is better suited to speak on matters of their body than the individual?
This is not to the ignore the science at all as it is crucial to understanding why patients are feeling better. Personal stories regarding multiple sclerosis relief have been around for some time but now there is official scientific data to back it up. Many news outlets including msnbc.com are reporting on study that was published in Canadian Medical Association Journal and performed at Multiple Sclerosis Center at the University of California, San Diego. The study showed marijuana reducing MS symptoms including pain and spasticity. Marijuana was shown to combat pain that was resistant to conventional MS treatments. The study involved 30 individuals with over half of the participants requiring walking aids. One drawback, according to researchers, was that cognitive ability was reduced after patients smoked marijuana and some patients complained of feeling “too high.”
THC is only one of many cannabinoids and is typically associated with the “high” feeling. Research into cannabinoids is showing so much promise and while opponents will jump all over the fact that some participants in the study were uncomfortable, the larger picture is so bright. Pain and spasticity was reduced and future marijuana strains have the potential to reduce pain without making patients feel overwhelmed or “stoned.” Another cannabinoid, CBD, has shown great promise in this area.
The marijuana reform movement has been seeking to highlight the science behind what advocates claim. The breakthrough on MS is significant and will require further examination and hopefully other conditions will receive the necessary funding to be properly evaluated. While the science of marijuana is fascinating it is not always accessible to everyone. With the help of labs such as The Werc Shop, a sophisticated but approachable label system could change this in the future. However, for now, we need to stop ignoring our peers. For the unrefined scientific mind, personal experience is what we are able to recognize and serves as the greatest evidence.
We may not understand how to identify cannabinoids under a microscope (though we are extremely appreciative of those who do) but we do notice when a person feels better and when their quality of life improves. Lawmakers have created a scenario where we ignore these people and say no other evidence is available, however their mistake lies in the fact that WE ARE compassionate and see mounting evidence piling up one patient testimony at a time. With personal stories and science now supporting marijuana’s varied benefits, where will opponents turn to next?
Moving to Legalize Domestic Hemp
As the movement for the legalization of marijuana marches on people often forget about the Mary’s sister plant, industrial Hemp. Both plants are members of the cannabis genus and both are illegal to grow or possess under Federal law. They are two genetically distinct species with different properties. Marijuana contains as much as 27% THC in its buds, leaves and trichomes. Whereas hemp generally contains 0.3% or less THC (although some places do allow for it to contain 1% and remain classified as industrial hemp). Furthermore the two plants are unsuited to be used interchangeably. Marijuana is unsuited for industrial purposes such as paper, clothing and building goods due to the nature of growth of the plant fibers. Similarly, industrial hemp will not get have the effects of smoked marijuana. It is very similar to the way that poppy seeds can make a person test positive for opium, but would produce get them “doped up”.
Since 1937 it has been illegal to cultivate both marijuana and hemp plants, aside from a special dispensation in WW2 (see “Hemp for Victory“). Today many states have passed laws allowing for compassionate use of medical marijuana, but it is still illegal to domestically grow and distribute industrial hemp products. This continues despite growing demands for hempen clothing, building supplies, fossil fuel substitutes, and food products. However, it is legally allowed to import foreign hemp products. To meet this demand, American companies must purchase goods from Canada, China and a few European countries. This is a farce. America (from the time of the colonies) was built on money provided by Hemp cash crops. At this time we are relegated to sending hard-earned American dollars overseas (OK, Canada is not overseas) to buy raw seed and fiber and end-products that could easily be made here, at an economic benefit for Americans. This market has nowhere to go except upward, especially as more Americans become aware of the many benefits (nutritional, agricultural, industrial, economical) presented by Hemp.
Currently, eighteen states have recent laws (within the last 20 years), bills, or amendments on the books or pending legislation seeking to allow for domestic cultivation of Industrial Hemp. Many of those states have only first stage laws that require studies by state boards looking into economic and agricultural benefits. Many of these studies are underway, but none have been completed. Part of this is due to the political insecurity that arises from dabbling in marijuana laws. Although attitudes have shifted greatly in the last several years, many politicians are still wary of endorsing anything marijuana-related. Regardless of those studies, every bill has language reflecting the worries about Federal prosecution. The caveats in the bills all mention that Federal statutes must either be overturned, rewritten, or researchers and farmers will require permits or dispensations from the DEA, DOJ or even IRS in order to grow hemp crops and be in compliance of state and federal laws.
The most recent states to challenge this Federal ban include Kentucky, Vermont, North Dakota, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Montana. Members of Congress have also sought to change the laws. In 2007, 2009, and 2011 they have introduced “The Industrial Hemp Farming Act” so that low potency cannabis crops would be exempted from the Federal ban. The current measure, House Bill 1831 has numerous co-sponsors but has not received a Congressional hearing. If passed, states would have the power to approve and regulate hemp cultivation and trade. Last year, Hemp imports were valued at over four hundred million dollars. This number is expected to increase this year and more in the future. Hemp production could soon be valued at over $1 billion. Taxed revenues from this business would do well to help offset American debt and trade deficits, if it was a domestic product. Not only is this an incredibly useful plant, it is hardy and grows in poor soils that are unsuited for other crash crops. Additionally, rotating hemp through poor soils helps to lock nutrients back into the earth so that other crops can grow better. It also is a prime source for photosynthesis and carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the problems posed by increased amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse chemicals present in the atmosphere.
As more information comes to light about hemp it seems that the cultivation of this plant is a win-win situation for the environment, the economy, and the people of our country. Unfortunately, the same special interests (tobacco lobby, Big Pharma, Alcohol, fossil fuels) who secured the ban over seventy years ago still have enormous political clout. Combined with the inordinate amount of false information and prejudice against the cannabis plant, those in favor of legalization face a stiff uphill battle. More than ever it is incumbent upon us, we the people, to take an active role in our nation’s future and declare that this plant should not be denied to us.
Hashish
The cannabis plant is consumable in many forms. One of the most storied and controversial preparations of marijuana is hashish. Hashish is a compressed and purified form of the resin that grows in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Historically, bud harvests were pressed between palms or other plant leaves until all excess plant matter, save the resin, was rubbed away. This left a much finer substance, varying in consistency from fine powder to a paste of oily substance. The final product has a much higher cannabinoid content than regular bud clippings. Today, there are numerous ways of preparing hash, from mechanical tumblers, to ice baths, chemical separation treatments, and even vacuum distillation. This can result in powdered hash, hard blocks, nuggets of goo (for lack of a better description), or even a resiny oil, often called “honey oil”. These preparations can range from 30-90% in THC content, as opposed to untreated buds (up 27% THC). Although, as marijuana research and development has progressed, growers are now using high CBD strains to produce hashish that offers medical benefits to a greater diversity of patients.
Though hashish has been found frequently in historic sites throughout the Near East, Middle East and Indian subcontinent, many historical sources tie the name “hashish” to the word assassin and the story of al-Hassan bin al-Sabbah, a warlord from the mountainous region south of the Caspian Sea. In a nutshell, Hassan used hashish preparations in training and maintaining the loyalty of his warriors, often sent out to kill (assassinate) his enemies. This story came to the West, compliments of Marco Polo’s travels in the late 13th Century. This is the most accepted tale, but many scholars refute this story’s accuracy. From the 13th through 18th centuries, the use and spread of hashish stayed mostly in the East. But in the late 1700’s it began to spread West as Napoleon’s conquests into Egypt exposed his troops to it. Despite his prohibition, use of hashish continued and expanded, finding its way to the New World.
By the start of the 20th century hashish production and trade was widespread, with centers in the Middle East, Chinese Turkestan, and on the Greek/Turkish borders. However, as time marched on, many laws prohibiting hashish production and trade were passed across the world. As quickly as it had risen to prominence, it was quickly blacklisted. Today it can be found, in many places but is still castigated in others. In Amsterdam (home of the Ice-olater production method), many kinds of hash can be found, or in India and Nepal as “charas.” In California, Colorado, and other compassionate use states, it can be found at dispensaries. And these cultivators are some of the pioneers pushing the strains in new directions to help benefit patients whose afflictions leave them with few treatments.
On the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma recently passed a bill including sentencing for anywhere from two years to life for production, sales or distribution of hashish. House Bill 1798 names a mandatory 2-year minimum sentence, as a felony, for first time convictions. Subsequent offenders face sentences without leniency or parole to a lifetime sentence. This is a newly-minted law for a cannabis-based product, not heroin, crack or cocaine (although those laws are just as strict). By the way, Oklahoma and Colorado share approximately 100 miles of border. At the same time, Colorado is looking into DUI laws for cannabis. This may not be welcome news to most patients, but it is a key part of regulation and acceptance. Most people rail against sobriety check points (for alcohol), but they deter drunk driving and therefore save lives. Hopefully Colorado’s legislators will spend time to review the science behind the detection of cannabis in the body. It is not as simple as a test as for alcohol inebriation.
History of the Cups
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It is finally time for the Denver Medical Cannabis cup. If you are in Denver this weekend, please come and visit us as we will be one of the sponsors of the event! We are sure patients will gather for another safe event as they have in the past. But first, a quick look on how we got here…
The first Cannabis cup was organized by Steven Hager, of High Times Magazine. In 1987 Amsterdam was the most famous of cities for legalized consumption of marijuana. So it was held there, in a great smoke-off to find the finest marijuana that a person could smoke. In 25 years the contest has matured; there are multiple categories, seeking the best strains, hybrids, consumables, seeds and so forth. It has also developed into a massive trade show, where builders of bongs can showcase their latest pipes, vaporizers, and novelty papers. Vendors also bring in t-shirts and other apparel and all other kinds of accessories. As the Cup has grown, it has incorporated other elements that have accompanied marijuana use. It has embraced spirituality and the counterculture ideas of the late 60’s and 70’s. Also, as politics have shifted across the world, so have the ideas espoused by the Cup’s sponsors and attendees.
Today, the United States is host to four of High Times’s Medical Marijuana Cups. In Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The First one was the San Francisco Cup in 2010. Last year saw the inaugural events for Denver and Los Angeles also. These are not just pothead toke-fests as conservative demagogues would paint them; they’re not dens of sin, iniquity and crime, or doorways to destruction. These are modern affairs, full of people with honorable agendas seeking to help people who are suffering from various ailments. For many of these patients, cannabis holds the best treatments they can hope to receive. New categories include judging for high CBD (cannabidiol) strains, which the medical community now agrees hold the key to treating many neuromuscular disorders. One of the largest growing segments of the Cup community is for political activism. Most major events now have devoted sections to increasing political awareness. On a national stage most politicians won’t touch the topic of marijuana; there are few candidates, like Ron Paul and Gary Johnson, who are willing to discuss it. But on state and local levels, many politicians are eagerly discussing with their constituents. Also, there are many active groups like NORML, LEAP and ASA who attend these gatherings and try to increase awareness and activism. For years the pro-marijuana lobby was small and quietly ignored. Now attitudes are turning from universal recreational use (like alcohol and tobacco) to a focus more on compassionate care and medical use, at least in enough cases now to be taken more seriously. Also, by highlighting the many failures of the 40 year-old “War on Drugs” people have realized that change, on a federal level, is necessary for the health of the Union and its people. All of this has helped the Cups to grow from crowds of hundreds to tens of thousands of supporters.
The Seattle HempFest is another event that has grown from very humble roots. The first one was held in Seattle in 1991, with only 500 people in attendance; last year’s event estimated close to 300,000 attendees! At each of these events people have gathered peacefully for several days. Recently, Cannabis use, in public, has been tolerated with no ill effects. Alcohol sales are banned at Hemp Fest, too. And in that wake, there have been no riots, no fights, no dangerous crimes committed. This is a far cry from the mighty fears that Henry J Anslinger stirred up when he pushed to have marijuana made illegal in the 1930’s. In 1991, there were no laws anywhere for compassionate use. Then, in 1998 Washington State passed their medical marijuana legislation. In 2003, Seattle made marijuana its lowest police priority and in 2008 the city stated it “would no longer prosecute simple possession cases.” This year, the state legislation approved patient cannabis gardens and an ordinance for cannabis collectives. With perseverance and patience, even the smallest of groups can hope to accomplish great deeds.
Tinctures, another way to medicate
There are many ways of medicating with cannabis. Today, the most common method is smoking, either from a rolled cigarette, pipe, or bong. We’ve also discussed vaporizing, as its popularity has soared, as well as edibles such as brownies and chocolates. There is yet another way, the use of tinctures. A tincture is an alcoholic extract or solution of a nonvolatile substance. Tinctures are one of the oldest and simplest ways to medicate. In fact, prior to 1937 (when Marijuana was made illegal) every pharmacy sold cannabis tinctures, and physicians had them on hand at all times. Queen Victoria of England, was even known to use them to treat her menstrual cramps; nobody wanted a crabby monarch on the throne.
Cannabis tinctures are relatively easy to make and simple to administer. They are often stored in vials with medicine droppers and dosed out in drops. Depending on the strength of a particular batch, 2-3 drops are all that are needed for relief from disorders. The most effective way is to apply it sublingually (under the tongue). It is absorbed directly through the membranes and blood vessels below the tongue and usually takes effect between 5-30 minutes after application. Some patients complain of a burning sensation when applied also. This is usually caused by the ethanol base of the tincture. Depending on the proof of the alcohol, higher proof equals a bit more burning. In that case, the medicine can be taken orally, swallowed and digested. When used as such, the time lapse before effect will increase because it needs to be absorbed in the stomach and then processed through the liver.
There are several ways of producing cannabis tinctures, but all agree that the higher proof content of alcohol will result in a higher quality medication. Everclear is the highest proof (190) ethanol that exists on the market, though it is not available in all states. Barring Everclear, Bacardi’s 151 rum (75% ethanol) is usually easy to find, but rums will impart some of their flavor and coloring to final product. Below that, there are some very high quality vodkas available at 100-120 proof that also work quite well. The next step is to procure some quality herbs and grind them down. Some recipes call for extra fine, and others say a good chopping is all that’s required. The object here is to increase surface area for the alcohol work on to leech the cannabinoids from the plant into liquid. Flowers, leaves and stems can all be used in the mix. The next step is where most recipes diverge. There are hot or cold preparations and then different “brewers” say it should steep for as little as 4 hours to as long as 12 weeks. The longer it steeps, the more time the alcohol has to work. When the proper time has elapsed, the mix should be strained and stored in glass jars in a cool area and out of sunlight. All recipes agree on this, light will have a detriment on the strength of the product.
Patients should also consider what they are seeking to treat when deciding on the strain they select for their tincture. Indica dominant strains work best for cramping and muscle spasticity while Sativas are better for pain relief. These days, as selection is so varied, marijuana.net recommends using our strain library to help find what is best for you. Also, in states where dispensaries are legal, speak with knowledgeable employees to help find the right type of herb. There are many choices available, with varying percentages of THC and CBD content and those will determine the kind of relief a patient can expect. Also, many dispensaries carry their own processed tinctures. This might be the simplest option for patients because the product should be tested and labelled according to its cannabinoid content.
Overseas patients are better-provided for by GW pharmaceuticals. A UK based company, their product differs from all other cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals because it is naturally derived. They have several state-of-the-art (and top secret) facilities for growing and harvesting marijuana plants. GW is the creator of Sativex, an oromucosal mouth spray being marketed for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. The pros for this medication stand out because it is highly regulated and patients can expect that each dose will be as safe and effective as the last one, as opposed to homemade tinctures which can vary based on strain selection and imperfections in the manufacturing process. On the other hand, it does not contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant, so it won’t have the same overall effect. Furthermore, it is only available in select countries; these include England, Spain, Canada, Germany and New Zealand. Further availability in Asia and Africa is pending. Though US acceptance and trials are pending, it is not yet available in our country.
Long ago, before tinctures were widespread, marijuana had also been used for medical and religious purposes too. In the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern areas, the cannabis plant was considered to have mystical and holy properties (aside from its hemp-utility too). This oil is described in Exodus and is believed to be made of Myrrh, Sweet Cinnamon, Cannabis, Cassia and the base was olive oil. The Hebrews used it for their holy anointing oil used for the raising of kings and in many other ceremonies. The Hebrews called such men their kings, in Hebrew it is “Messiah” (anointed one) and the Greek word is “Christos.” And that is part of the reason how Yeshua of Nazareth came to be called called Jesus Christ. Also, for those who didn’t know, the Last Supper was actually a Seder, one of the Passover dinners. Just a little tidbit of history for our readers in time for the holidays. For those of you out there celebrating, Happy Easter. And for our Jewish readers, Zissen Pesach, Happy Passover!
The Sandman and the Greenman
“Mr. Sandman bring me a dream…” Sometimes it’s not that easy. According to the NIH 10-15% of adults complain of chronic insomnia, with as many as 40% suffering in the short term throughout the year. This is no laughing matter. Sleep is a very important bodily function. It allows the body to relax and recuperate from the stresses that make up daily life. It is necessary also to keep the mind healthy. Insomnia can lead to many neurological disorders including hallucinations, memory failure, psychotic episodes and many more. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Stay awake long enough and that will happen sooner rather than later.
For those who suffer from sleep disorders, there are many treatments available. Some problems can be solved with a change of diet or behavior. Other people benefit from meditation and relaxation techniques. For many others, the only solace lies in a doctor’s prescription. Many narcotics, such as Valium, are derived from opiates. They are effective, but do have their drawbacks. Most sleeping medications, like Lunesta, Ambien, Rozerem, and Halcion can be habit forming and need to be carefully regulated. And a common problem with any drug, taken over extended periods is tolerance. As the body grows used to it, more and more of the drug is necessary to achieve the desired effect. On a long enough time scale, or at high enough doses, all of these drugs can be lethal or can cause dire withdrawal symptoms.
There is a natural alternative to these pharmaceuticals, and that alternative is Marijuana. Actually, there are many other naturally-found sleep aids available, such as Melatonin, but today let us discuss the wonder plant cannabis. Many patients prefer cannabis because it not only has sedative properties and causes drowsiness, but because it helps stimulate a sense of personal well-being. Many people’s insomnia is partially due to anxiety, and this reduces that feeling while also bringing on sleep. But how does it work? Luckily, this is a time where science is bringing all its tools together and our understanding of the plant is growing in leaps and bounds. The chemicals in marijuana, amongst them cannabinoids and terpenes, are numerous but many studies are underway to gain further knowledge of them. Terpenes are lipophilic (from latin “fat” + “love” so they work well with fats, just like cannabinoids) compounds found in almost every plant. They are the essential oils that are responsible for the odors we smell, such as pine, citrus and marijuana’s unique fragrance.
THC, the most famous of marijuana’s active compounds, has been shown to cause anxiety in some patients, but when it works in synergy with the many other compounds has sedative effects. When combined with the terpene Myrcene, THC can be sedating and acts as a muscle relaxant; Also, studies show it to “potentiate sleep time,” helping people to stay asleep. Some users refer to this as “couch-lock,” the feeling that they are melting into the couch, which is generally enjoyed by the cannabis crowd, and decried by its many detractors. Two other terpenes enjoy the “entourage effect” (synergy) of THC; they are Nerolidol and Linalool (also found in lavender). These are not the only interactions scientists have found. Limonene (found highly in lemons) works with CBD (cannabidiol) as an anti-anxiety compound to counter THC’s anxiety causing effects. And Nerolidol (also found in oranges) combine with THC and CBN (cannabinol) to augment the sedative qualities. CBD also works to counter the accelerated heartbeat that many users feel when smoking, an effect of the THC.
These are just a few of the 300+ chemicals and compounds found in marijuana. They work in conjunction to create the many effects that people feel when they medicate with cannabis. This is why many patients did not warm up to Marinol (Big Pharma’s pill) when it was released in the 1980’s. THC is not the only thing going on in that plant which helps so many people. One patient’s testimony, “I used to take Ambien for sleep, but I’d wind up sleepwalking. And in the morning, I’d be so groggy I could barely function. When I vape a little before bed, I feel peaceful and sleep well. Sometimes I am a bit foggy when I wake, but as soon as I get moving, the fog lifts and the day awaits. Before that, I slept poorly for years. I wish I could get a prescription for it where I lived.” With proper, regular sleep many of the little aches and pains that bother people from day to day vanish. When the Greenman meets the Sandman, people sleep at night and prosper in the day.
Those Incredible Edibles
Like a giant pink elephant in the room, detractors of marijuana only assume that intake is done via smoking. Cannabis, the giving plant that it is, offers us so much and gives us many options for intake, rather than simply sparking up and inhaling. Among the alternative methods are vaporizing and the world of culinary delight. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of nutrition, but offer little in the way of THC or CBD. And what about those patients who simply cannot inhale smoke? How does one get maximum medical effects by eating this plant? We do not recommend eating raw buds. The human digestive system cannot handle all that plant fiber and will not extract the THC well enough to have the desired effect. But there are a variety of methods one can use to prepare this perfumed plant into palatable pastries.
It used to be the case that creating edibles was a D0-It-Yourself affair for those who had both the motivation and an abundance of medication. But these days chefs and pharmacists everywhere are turning their hands to the world of “Medibles.” In certain states with legalized medical marijuana, one can walk into a dispensary and bypass the bud jars and gaze upon the tasty edible medications. On certain beaches in Maui, patients can find bakers distributing goodies too. In fact, culinary cannabis has exploded into an extravagant field offering more choices than a banquet. Many of us are familiar with brownies and cookies, or anything like that which uses oil or butter to cook with. But the selection has grown even further. There are tinctures and teas, colas, sprays, lozenges and lollipops. If variety is the spice of life, then this is one spicy meatball.
It is important to take precautions when medicating with edible cannabis. When ingested, its effects can be different than when inhaled. It often takes longer to feel the effects, generally between 30 minutes and two hours. And the effects will last longer in your body. While operating heavy machinery always requires caution, it is even more imperative that caution is taken after the consumption of edibles. Also, it can be easier to over-medicate when ingesting marijuana through edibles. When THC hits the liver, it is metabolized into 11-Hydroxy-THC which has shown to have stronger psychoactive properties than the original THC compound. Be careful when purchasing products and ensure their potency is labelled. Some manufacturers, like Cheeba Chews, label their products well and patients know what to expect. Furthermore, they subject their product to rigorous lab testing to ensure safety and quality standards. Unfortunately, some companies use packaging labels that do not include all of the pertinent information and patients are often unsure of what they are getting. A good rule of thumb for those new to edibles is the wait and see approach. Let’s say you’ve just gotten home with a batch of fresh brownies. Don’t just pop it in and wait for the ride. Cut the brownie into 2-4 pieces and spread out ingestion over the course of several hours. This will help significantly reduce the likelihood of over medication.
There is a lot to be said for edibles. We hope you enjoy them safely, and check back with us for more on this subject.
Marijuana contributes to Patients’ Quality of Existence
A primary reason medicinal marijuana is heralded has related to its positive impact on the patients’ quality of existence. We are not talking about the “high” and “buzz” nor shall we be speaking about how exactly it inspires creativeness in artists. The medical advantages of discomfort relief are enormous. Traditional remedies for extreme discomfort sufferers include drugs and opium-derived medicines. Although individuals are frequently effective types of discomfort relief, they’ve unwanted effects that may be crippling unwanted effects including sedation, respiratory system depression, and constipation. Drugs cause physical and mental dependency which have destroyed 1000’s of lives. Also, as tolerance accumulates to individuals drugs, bigger doses are needed. So when someone is finally completed with them, they face withdrawal syndrome which could frequently be as debilitating because the initial illness these were dealing with.
As new strains of marijuana happen to be developed, concentrating on high CBD content minimizing THC, marijuana’s medical benefits have jumped. Patients are now able to self-medicate and carry on living a usual daily life after they have discovered the very best strain for his or her condition. We request ourselves, isn’t that the purpose of medicine, to deal with disease and permit patients to operate in society? The number of pharmaceutical drugs have side-effect lists which are worse compared to illnesses? A current medical study including marijuana from Tel Aviv, Israel has proven huge enhancements for patients quality of existence. A investigator was cited as saying “After three months’ treatment patients reported improvement generally health perception, social functioning, capability to work, physical discomfort and depression.” For individuals who are suffering from IBD and Crohn’s the mental respite from symptom reduction is enormous. Suppose every single day you awaken and also have to organize your entire day around being not able to manage your bowels. It’s a debilitating fear to reside with, that certain moment you may be on an outing and all of a sudden you’ll need access immediately to some bathroom. Furthermore, patients seek privacy and hygiene too. IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) could be crippling inside a world where public bathrooms frequently don’t meed public demand.
Medicinal marijuana provides relief with this and a whole lot. People are feeling better and can go enjoy existence. They are able to get away from home and choose a hike, or visit the beach. Patients can bask on a sunny day and do not need to worry. Discomfort is relieved, anxiety reduced and there’s generally a large grin evidently of patients. Even large information mill being attentive to the life-style enhancements that is included with medicinal marijuana use. Cheeba Chews, those who win from the Colorado Cannabis Cup (food items category), are thinking about sponsoring a snowboard team. This straightforward corporate move demonstrates several positive factors. For just one, clearly the organization supplying medicine for thus many does well financially. Furthermore, if your sponsorship of snowboarders does develop it might shows a conditioning of anti marijuana sentiments. Cheba Chews may likely get their title the main attraction of major competitions. This may lead to more education and knowledge of the existence patients live.