greenleef

Marijuana Chewing Gum is Said to Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:29:39 GMT

From: ScienceTimes.com

After numerous studies confirming that cannabis oil can help treat inflammation, chronic pain , seizures, and much more, another newly published study discovered that getting cannabis treatment for a year can improve function, pain, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients with chronic pain.

In the case of fibromyalgia, a lot of patients prefer taking medical marijuana to the antidepressants, prescription pain relievers, acetaminophen, and antiseizure medication --- these the usual medical drugs prescribed by patients. In fact, a "marijuana patch" has already been made for these patients. MedChewRx is a marijuana gum specifically made for fibromyalgia patients that contain 5mg of both THC and CBD; they are active compounds in marijuana.

Since smoking has a negative impact on a patient's lung health, and edibles can take a while before it kicks in, chewing gum is a much better, safer, and quicker option. The soft tissues in the mouth absorb the gum's compounds, and it bypasses your liver for fast relief.

Benefits of marijuana chewing gum

Marijuana chewing gum has a lot of benefits. They can relieve stress, they can stimulate the cardiovascular system, they can improve age-related cognitive decline, and they have neuroprotective and neurostimulation effects on the mind. Marijuana chewing gum is much more discreet and socially acceptable than smoking marijuana. It is also more portable than CBD oil.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is more than just chronic pain disorder; it can cause sleep deprivation, fatigue, digestive problems, mood issues, and memory issues. You can use marijuana for fibromyalgia to get relief from the symptoms. For a lot of patients, the prospect of taking pharmaceuticals for the rest of their life is not appealing, and it could be discouraging, especially when you consider some of the side effects of the medicine.

Those with fibromyalgia experience widespread pain -- associated with the illness involving constant ache that lasts for months. The pain occurs on both sides of the body and even above and below the waist. Patients who have fibromyalgia also experience fatigue. They are often awaken tired, even though they have slept for long periods of time. Sleep is usually disrupted by pain, and a lot of patients have sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.

They also suffer cognitive difficulties. A symptom referred to as "fibro fog" impairs the ability to pay attention, to focus, and concentrate on mental tasks. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia usually co-exists with other painful conditions like migraine and other kinds of headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorders, and interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome.

This is the reason why increasing amounts of patients that have fibromyalgia are looking to medical cannabis to manage their symptoms. Numerous studies have proven that marijuana is a great alternative for pharmaceutical painkillers. It goes without saying that marijuana is a godsend when it comes to providing pain relief. It could also help relieve the symptoms of other chronic conditions that are similar to fibromyalgia, including arthritis and Crohn's Disease.

Marijuana chewing gum can also help reduce stress and improve your cardiovascular health. It can also have neuroprotective and neurostimulatory effects on your brain and can help prevent age-related cognitive decline. The company points out that marijuana chewing gum will be available in 2020.

Social Media Restrictions on Marijuana Posts: A Public Understanding

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:29:31 GMT

In the era of social media dominance, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become vital communication channels. However, these platforms have implemented restrictions on marijuana-related content, leaving many individuals puzzled about the reasons behind such limitations. This article aims to shed light on the social media restrictions on marijuana posts, helping the public gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by these platforms.

1. Legal Compliance:

One of the primary reasons for social media restrictions on marijuana posts is the need for platforms to comply with federal, state, and international laws. Despite the legalization of marijuana in certain jurisdictions, it remains illegal at the federal level in many countries. Social media platforms, as global entities, must adhere to these legal frameworks and avoid facilitating the promotion of illegal activities.

2. Protecting Users, Including Minors:

Platforms have a responsibility to maintain a safe and appropriate online environment, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable users such as minors. Restricting marijuana-related content helps platforms mitigate potential harm and ensures compliance with community guidelines and content policies.

3. Advertising Regulations:

Social media platforms often have strict guidelines for advertising cannabis-related products or services. These guidelines typically require businesses to comply with specific regulations, obtain licenses, or meet certain criteria to run paid advertisements related to marijuana. These restrictions aim to prevent misleading or inappropriate advertising practices.

4. Preventing Illicit Activities:

By restricting marijuana-related content, social media platforms aim to prevent the promotion of illegal activities, such as the sale of illicit drugs or unlicensed marijuana products. These restrictions help prevent the proliferation of unregulated and potentially harmful substances within the digital space.

5. Maintaining Brand Image:

Social media platforms have their own brand image and reputation to uphold. By implementing restrictions on marijuana-related content, they aim to shape their platforms in a way that aligns with their values and maintains a certain level of professionalism and acceptability in the eyes of their users and advertisers.

6. Compliance with Advertiser Expectations:

Advertisers on social media platforms often have specific expectations and requirements regarding the types of content that can be associated with their brand. To maintain good relationships with advertisers and attract a wide range of businesses, platforms need to ensure that their content aligns with these expectations.

Conclusion:

Social media restrictions on marijuana-related content are primarily driven by legal compliance, the need to protect users (including minors), advertising regulations, prevention of illicit activities, and the maintenance of brand image. These restrictions aim to create a safe and appropriate online environment while adhering to local and international laws. Understanding the rationale behind these restrictions can help the public better navigate the social media landscape and engage responsibly with marijuana-related content. As the legal and societal landscape surrounding marijuana continues to evolve, it is essential for social media platforms to revisit and refine their policies to strike a balance between freedom of expression and responsible content dissemination.

The Effects of Eating Raw Cannabis Plant in Humans and Animals

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:26:49 GMT

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic properties. While the most common methods of cannabis consumption involve smoking or ingesting processed products, there are anecdotes of consumption of raw cannabis plant material. This article aims to explore the effects of consuming raw cannabis in both humans and animals, and discuss the scientific evidence supporting its potential benefits and drawbacks.

1. Cannabinoid Composition in Raw Cannabis:

Cannabis plants contain various chemical compounds called cannabinoids. In their raw state, cannabis plants predominantly contain cannabinoid acids, such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), which are non-psychoactive. These acidic cannabinoids have different effects on the body compared to their decarboxylated counterparts, THC and CBD, which are present in higher concentrations in dried and heated cannabis.

2. Effects in Humans:

a) Non-Psychoactive Properties: Consuming raw cannabis does not typically produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC. However, the acidic cannabinoids present in raw cannabis, such as THCA and CBDA, have demonstrated potential therapeutic properties.

b) Anti-Inflammatory Effects: THCA has shown anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, potentially offering benefits for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

c) Antiemetic Effects: Both THCA and CBDA have exhibited antiemetic properties, suggesting potential benefits in reducing nausea and vomiting.

d) Neuroprotective Potential: THCA has demonstrated neuroprotective properties in animal models, indicating potential benefits in neurodegenerative diseases.

3. Effects in Animals:

a) Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: Studies on animals have shown that raw cannabis may possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis and chronic pain.

b) Gastrointestinal Benefits: Research on animals suggests that raw cannabis may help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve gut motility.

c) Anti-Cancer Potential: Animal studies have indicated that raw cannabis may exhibit anti-cancer effects through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of tumor growth.

Drawbacks and Precautions:

a) Limited Research: The effects of consuming raw cannabis in humans and animals are still not well-understood, and most studies have been conducted on animals or in vitro.

b) Digestive Challenges: The human digestive system may have limited ability to efficiently absorb the cannabinoids present in raw cannabis. Strategies like combining raw cannabis with fats or using juicing methods to preserve natural oils may enhance cannabinoid absorption.

c) Psychoactive Effects: Although raw cannabis is not psychoactive, it is important to note that some THCA may convert to THC through decarboxylation during storage or exposure to heat, potentially leading to psychoactive effects.

d) Legal Considerations: The legality of consuming raw cannabis varies across jurisdictions. It is crucial to be aware of local laws and regulations before considering the consumption of raw cannabis.

Conclusion:

Consuming raw cannabis plant material offers a unique approach to accessing the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids. While research on the effects of raw cannabis in humans and animals is limited, the presence of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA suggests promising anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and neuroprotective properties. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the effects, optimal dosing, and potential risks associated with consuming raw cannabis.

Here's What People Called Pot in the 1940s

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:29:48 GMT

From: Time.com

In 1934, when marijuana first appeared in the pages of TIME, it was with an asterisk that clarified that it was “a drug, long common in Mexico, made from a variety of hemp weed.” In the years that followed, the drug showed up in the news a few times, mostly associated with the idea of reefer madness . By 1943 when TIME published its first full article about what the magazine called “the weed,” readers would still be unfamiliar with much of the terminology used.

And, even though marijuana is moving toward legalization in many places in the United States, some of that terminology — giggle-smokes! — is likely to be unfamiliar to modern readers too.

See whether you recognize any of this pot slang from the 1943 story:

To its users, the drug has many names—many of them evasive. Marijuana may be called muggles, mooter, Mary Warner, Mary Jane, Indian hay, loco weed, love weed, bambalacha, mohasky, mu, moocah, grass, tea or blue sage. Cigarets made from it are killers, goof-butts, joy-smokes, giggle-smokes or reefers. The word marijuana is of Mexican origin and means “the weed that intoxicates.” It is made from the Indian hemp plant, a spreading green bush resembling sumac. Known to the pharmacopoeia as Cannabis sativa, it is a source of important paint ingredients and rope fiber as well as narcotics. It can be grown easily almost anywhere, hence tends to be inexpensive, as drugs go. Its recent prices (10¢ to 50¢ a cigaret) have placed it beneath the dignity of big-time racketeers. But its furtive preparation and sale afford a modest living to thousands.

In most U. S. cities the marijuana salesman peddles his cigarets to known clients in public places. He is known to his clients as a “pusher.” His clients are known as “vipers.” Etiquette between pushers and vipers is necessarily delicate. When he wants to buy, the viper sidles up to the pusher and inquires “Are ya stickin’?” or “Are ya layin’ down the hustle?” If the answer is affirmative, the viper says, “Gimme an ace” (meaning one reefer), “a deuce” (meaning two), or “a deck” (meaning a large number). The viper may then quietly “blast the weed” (smoke). Two or three long puffs usually suffice after a while to produce a light jag. The smoker is then said to be “high” or “floating.” When he has smoked a reefer down to a half-inch butt, he carefully conserves it in an empty match box. In this condition it is known, in Mexican, as a chicharra, or in English, as a “roach.”

Though much of that lingo would fade into the skunky haze of time, “the weed” itself wouldn’t stay mysterious for much longer. One reason for that mainstreaming shift is hinted at by the magazine section in which that 1943 article appeared: music. “It is no secret that some of the finest flights of American syncopation, like some of the finest products of the symbolist poets, owe much of their expressiveness to the use of a drug,” the story reported.

The reason for the connection between jazz and pot was, the magazine guessed, that the illusion of a slower sense of time and a keener sense of hearing might allow musicians to improvise with more confidence. Plus, though the effects of the drug might look like the effects of alcohol, it seemed in some ways to be a better choice of vice. Though regular use would get in the way of “orderly living,” it didn’t seem to cause “physical, mental or moral degeneration.” Seeing their heavy-drinking musical colleagues afflicted with cirrhosis or other alcohol-related conditions could further convince jazz artists to choose to light up instead.

As jazz music became more widely appreciated outside its specific scene, marijuana had to be more seriously considered by mainstream media too—and, by extension, mainstream readers.

Weed sold in Arizona dispensaries tested for potency, contaminants

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:57:48 GMT

From: Tuscon.com

Under state law, marijuana sold at Arizona dispensaries has to be tested not only for potency levels but also to ensure the drugs are safe for consumers.

That testing provides consumers with information they can use to purchase the type of marijuana they want safely since marijuana that has higher levels than allowed of such things like herbicides and pesticides cannot legally be sold.

And while the legislation doesn’t require that growers, producers or dispensaries label those products with the results, every item sold in a dispensary in Arizona must have an accompanying certificate of authorization that attests to its potency and safety.

For example, if you purchase marijuana from a dispensary with a high level of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive ingredient of the plant, you can request the third-party, state-approved certificate showing the results of lab tests related to the batch that marijuana was originally in.

Many brands advertise their most potent marijuana flower to be 30% THC by volume. Labs can certify the marijuana has that level of potency. “It means that plant contains 300,000 parts per million of THC,” said Robert Brodnick, co-founder and CEO of Titan Laboratories, located at 2175 E. Valencia Road. “That means a third of that flower, the THC, is basically oil.”

Like other third-party testing labs, Titan is set up for testing of cannabis products, including determining the potency of marijuana plants. But as Brodnick and others explained, there’s a lot more the state requires labs test for than just potency and most of it is tied to making sure products are safe enough to hit dispensary shelves.

Testing for mold, pesticides

While Titan Laboratories is awaiting final approval by the Arizona Department of Health Services to start doing tests required by the state for products to make it onto dispensary shelves, Brodnick explained said the lab is already up-and-running for informational testing, which essentially is the same thing.

He also explained that there are five main categories of tests that the state of Arizona requires for every analyte (or test specimen), known as the Big Five: microbials, pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals and potency.

“That’s pretty similar to what a lot of states test for,” Brodnick, who has worked in the marijuana testing lab industry in California and Hawaii, said. “Arizona did a really good job of having well-defined quality control.”

Each specimen, is subjected to the battery of tests, each calibrated to look for a different one of the Big Five.

In order to pass, or more accurately, not fail, the marijuana must meet specifications laid out in the Arizona Administrative code, according to Brodnick.

For instance, according to the code, in the “Pesticides” section, there are different allowable amounts in parts per million for a host of different pesticides. And just because a specimen, especially a marijuana flower specimen, might not meet standards at first, that doesn’t necessarily mean it “failed.”

Safety and remediation

It can be remediated.

In the case of marijuana flower that contains over the maximum allowable amount of a certain pesticide or microbial contaminate, the code advises to “remediate and retest, or destroy.” There are slightly different rules for remediation for different analytes, like edibles and concentrates, since those can’t as easily change form.

Remediation for marijuana flower can happen in a few different ways, said Will English, the other co-founder of Titan Laboratories.

“You could, for instance, send it through an extract process to turn that flower into distillates (distillates are products that contain high amounts of THC and other psychoactive compounds) and that extract process will almost certainly kill” anything, he said.

The tainted weed could also be remediated by being cooked and eventually turned into edibles. However, English confirmed there are some microbial contaminates, like salmonella, listed in the Arizona code, where remediation is not possible.

“If you see that? Must destroy,” English said. “No, there’s no remediation. You have to destroy that product.”

That’s not exceedingly rare, according to English and Brodnick. However, here in Arizona, they’ve found that the No. 1 contaminate to make it into analyte samples is a class of fungus typically called “black mold.”

“We’re kind of checking for it two ways,” English said. “One, we’re doing a direct test with it to see if that DNA is in there and we’re also checking for its toxins. Because that is a serious contaminant.”

How testing came to be

After doing $2 billion in sales in 2021 between its medical and brand-new adult-use recreational marijuana programs, it’s fair to say the state is in a green rush, raking in cash and producing cannabis. That can all be attributed to voters overwhelmingly approving Proposition 207 in November 2020 to legalize recreational use of the drug.

But along with new recreational marijuana and additional dispensary licenses being granted by the state in Proposition 207, earlier in 2020 the state passed legislation, Senate Bill 1494, making it mandatory that any retail product in Arizona be tested for potency as well as a battery of potential contaminants.

“The medical program has been around for almost a decade, but Nov. 1, 2020, was the first time that there was ever a state mandate to test,” said Sam Richard, executive director of the Arizona Dispensary Association, an organization that lobbied for the change in rules.

Most dispensaries, growers and producers adhered to a stricter, more professional testing regimen for their crops and products sold medical patients, Richard said.

But he conceded legislation was needed to ensure safety in the industry, even before recreational marijuana legalization, in the face of the state’s relatively large medical marijuana program.

For scale, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the department of administering and regulating both medical and recreational pot program in state, there are nearly 350,000 medical marijuana card holders in the state. That’s more than 4% of the state’s total population.

Now, with passage of Proposition 207 and SB 1494, the state is “this close” to bridging its medical and recreational testing regimes, Richard said. The differences come down to one or two different pesticides being on one list as not acceptable and not the other.

Either way, the increased testing is good for consumers, dispensaries and producers, and the industry at large, Brodnick said.

“Producers and customers want to know these things,” he said. “Because they see: better product, better market. But without the state testing, there wasn’t really a core requirement before that.”

From Newsweek.com: Hungry Sheep Devour Over 600 Pounds of Cannabis After Invading Greenhouse

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:02:01 GMT

From: Newsweek.com

A flock of sheep have found themselves enjoying a slightly different diet this week after they devoured more than 600 pounds of cannabis.

The herd of unsuspecting herbivores were looking to satisfy their munchies when they inadvertently chomped down on a hefty stash of medical cannabis growing in a nearby greenhouse.

Near the town of Almyros in Thessaly, Greece, a greenhouse cultivating therapeutic marijuana became an unexpected diner for the animals as they grappled with the aftermath of Storm Daniel.

The storm resulted in Europe's highest-ever monthly precipitation. Relentless rain wreaked havoc across the central region, combining torrential downpours with landslides, crumbling roads and bridges, and crippling vital water supplies.

While looking to avoid flooding, the herd of sheep sought refuge in the greenhouse and simultaneously helped themselves to over 600 pounds of cannabis crops.

The bewildered shepherd watched as his flock began to exhibit what he called "strange behavior."

The owner of the greenhouse told the local TheNewspaper.gr website: "I don't know if it's for laughing or crying. We had the heatwave, and we lost a lot of production. We had the floods, we lost almost everything. And now this... The herd entered the greenhouse and ate what was left. I don't know what to say, honestly."

A Greek news outlet quoted Yannis Bourounis, owner of the farm, who told a local radio producer: "They found green stuff to eat," before adding that the sheep were "jumping higher than goats, which never happens."

In 2017, the Greek government legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes. In 2023, Greece inaugurated its first-ever medicinal cannabis production plant. The cultivation of cannabis for medical use has presented much-needed economic opportunities for the country.

Companies have begun making substantial investments into the country. Greek government officials are keen to reap the potential economic benefits, putting into place a a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and export of medicinal cannabis.

Cannabis has been seen as a solution to some of the challenges facing Greek farmers, who have seen a drop in profit margins on traditional agricultural products in recent years.

A sheep that looks to be smiling, left, and a close-up picture of a marijuana plant, right. "The herd entered the greenhouse and ate what was left," the greenhouse owner said.

Animals eating cannabis can be extremely dangerous, like the dog who accidentally consumed his owner's entire stash .

Meanwhile, some scientists have even tested out feeding animals cannabis to see what happens. In 2022, dairy cows that were fed a diet containing industrial hemp experienced several physical and behavioral changes, including increased yawning, salivation and unsteady movements.

From BBC.com: Man with Tourette's calls on NHS to increase cannabis prescriptions

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:52:20 GMT

From: BBC.com

A man with Tourette's who spends thousands on medicinal cannabis has called on the government to make the drug more readily available on the NHS.

Conor Ryder, from Dorset, gets his prescriptions from a private clinic and said it was the only drug that controlled his severe tics.

But cannabis has been prescribed fewer than five times across the NHS since it was legalised for medical use in 2018.

The government said safety needed to be proven before a wider rollout.

The limited number of NHS prescriptions means Mr Ryder is currently using £300 of his savings every month to pay for cannabis.

"I spoke to my doctor and he said that he… didn't want to refer me, so I went and referred myself off. I went and looked at the clinics," he said.

And Mr Ryder is not alone - private cannabis clinics in the UK have become big business since becoming legal, with figures showing they have dispensed more than 140,000 prescriptions over the past five years.

Cannabis farmer Euan Keenan said he hoped to be able to develop strains that can help with specific conditions

Numbers like these are no surprise to cannabis farmer Euan Keenan, who already supplies the drug for medical use to countries across Europe after previously growing raspberries on his land.

He runs Gro Vida in the south of Portugal, which is expected to produce two tonnes of medical cannabis this year. In five years that is predicted to rise to 20 tonnes.

"We're producing something that is going to go to people who are medically ill so we must make sure that we grow very uniform crops, very consistent crops and very safe crops," he said.

He said he believed the industry was only getting bigger and outlined his vision for where he thinks it will be in a decade's time.

"You'll be able to stand here and I'll be able to say that this row is a strain for bowel cancer, that row is for a strain for epilepsy - but we've got a lot of work to do as an industry to get to that point. "

Mr Keenan said demand for medicinal cannabis in Europe is rising sharply and the private sector has boomed.

And back in Dorset, Mr Ryder said it was easy to see why the industry was thriving as the drug is now something he "can't live without".

He was diagnosed with Tourette's at 13 years old and experiences a range of audible tics including making animal noises and banging sounds, as well as physical tics like winking, blinking and rolling his shoulder.

He said the tics cause him a lot of pain and he is currently unable to work, but taking cannabis via a medicinal vaporiser helps him manage his symptoms.

Mr Ryder said: "It's something I dreamed of as a kid, taking a small pill and it would just disappear, and now I have it basically.

"I'm hoping that soon I'll be able to work and maybe be able to manage it, because that's the only way if it doesn't become available on the NHS.

"Every medication that they've been able to give me, they've made me into basically a zombie. Cannabis is the only thing that controls the tics."

Legalisation of whole-cannabis medicine was hailed as a breakthrough for patients - giving either NHS or private specialist doctors the option to prescribe it if they believed their patients would benefit.

Medical whole-cannabis uses the entire cannabis plant - which includes the compound THC, the part which can make people feel high.

But campaigners have said patients are being turned away because doctors often do not know enough about the medicine, which is not on NHS trusts' approved lists.

And some medics who do have specialist knowledge have said there is insufficient evidence of the drug's safety and benefits to support prescribing.

The Department of Health and Social Care said cannabis-based medicines could be funded by the NHS where there was "clear evidence of their quality, safety and effectiveness".

It added: "It is important to carefully review evidence on unlicensed cannabis-based treatments to ensure they are proved safe and effective before they can be considered for roll-out on the NHS more widely."

An NHS spokesperson said: "While there is limited evidence on the safety of these unlicensed products, we continue to encourage manufacturers of these products to engage with the UK medicines regulator, which would provide doctors with the confidence to use the products in the same way they use other licensed medicines."

From Marijuana Movement: Congressional Committee Approves Bill To Remove Marijuana As Barrier To Federal Employment Or Security Clearances

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:51:48 GMT

From MarijuanaMovement.net

A key House committee has approved a bipartisan bill on Wednesday that would prevent the denial of federal employment or security clearances based on a candidate’s past marijuana use.

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee passed the Cannabis Users’ Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act —sponsored by Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)—in a 30-14 vote. All Democrats backed the measure, along with ten Republicans.

However, prior to passage, members first adopted an amendment from Chairman James Comer (R-KY) to scale back certain provisions.

As introduced, the CURE Act would prevent security clearance and federal employment denials over a person’s past or current cannabis use. The chairman’s amendment in the nature of a substitute (ANS), however, limits the protections to prior marijuana use alone, so federal workers and holders of security clearances could continue to be penalized for active consumption.

The amendment additionally removes certain language related to agencies’ responsibility to review whether past security clearance or employment denials were based on marijuana use alone.

While federal agencies have taken steps to adjust cannabis-related employment policies, “many young and talented applicants are discouraged from applying for national security jobs because they are confused about federal hiring policy, and I don’t blame them,” Comer said in opening remarks on Wednesday.

“Federal hiring policies are confusing enough, and this is one area where we can work in a bipartisan way to clarify and codify what is largely an existing practice,” the chairman said.

Raskin said that “the basic issue is that the majority of states have now decriminalized or legalized or endorsed the medical use of marijuana, but federal agencies are still disqualifying people from federal government employment or denying them security clearance simply for honestly answering that they’ve used marijuana in the past.”

“Now, despite the rapid expansion of all of these laws across the country, thousands of our constituents every year are being denied federal security clearance or losing the chance of obtaining federal employment solely because they admit honestly to having used marijuana in the past, even if and when it was completely lawful for them to do that,” he said. “Our constituents should never be denied the opportunity to serve our country simply because they’ve once used marijuana, as at least half of Americans report they’ve done.”

Mace described the legislation as “crucial and critical.”

“It’s crazy to me that if you didn’t want to get addicted to painkillers like opioids prescribed by your doctor, and you wanted to take a few gummies for that pain, that you would be prohibited from getting a clearance in a federal job,” she said. “That is wild that we cannot hire people where it’s been legalized for these kinds of positions, and we need common sense solutions on cannabis in this country.”

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), who has championed a number of appropriations amendments this session to prevent marijuana testing of federal job applicants , said that “this bill is just one of many steps that we need to take to really update all of our drug laws.”

“Current laws harm the federal government and even our national security. They keep out some of the best and brightest and most qualified applicants for key government positions,” he said. “We need to hire the best people possible, especially when we have labor shortages, and deliver our services for all constituents everywhere across the country. Now, the idea that someone who has used marijuana is automatically a security risk is, quite frankly, just silly.”

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), an adamant prohibitionist who blocked numerous pieces of marijuana reform legislation from floor consideration during his time as House Rules Committee, said that he has “serious concerns” about the CURE Act.

“The underlying legislation seems to be a reaction to societal shifts regarding the acceptance of marijuana use, increase usage and corresponding shrinkage of potential applicants for federal jobs,” the congressman, who led a recent letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) encouraging it to keep cannabis in Schedule I amid an administrative review, said.

Sessions filed an amendment to the CURE Act that would have further restricted the reform by making it so marijuana use within three years of applying for federal employment or security clearance could still be used as the basis of a denial. It was defeated in a 28-15 vote.

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, also voiced opposition to the legislation. He questioned the efficacy of the reform in light of recent internal administrative changes and said that the bill “actually doesn’t ‘cure’ anything here—it actually creates a problem.”

Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) similarly spoke out against the legislation, arguing that high potency cannabis is a “serious, serious issue,” and it’s a “huge concern for me that we’re taking the step without some clear safeguards.”

Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), who recently sponsored legislation to slash certain federal funding to states and tribes that legalize adult-use marijuana , also voiced opposition to the CURE Act during Wednesday’s markup.

“What message does it send when Congress won’t even enforce its own laws?” he said. “Marijuana remains a dangerous gateway drug that has a multitude of negative impacts on states that have legalized its possession and use, and I don’t believe that we should move toward it becoming more acceptable in the eyes of the federal government.”

The bill as introduced would require agencies, within one year of enactment, to create a process to review each past decision to deny security clearances or job opportunities over cannabis use going back to January 1, 2008.

They would also need to maintain a website so that people could request a review of a decision made in their situation, and the agency would need to “reconsider such individual’s security clearance or employment application” within 90 days if they find that they were denied because of marijuana use alone.

But Comer’s amendment simply requires the review of past cases, without provisions mandating reconsideration of the security clearance or employment decisions. The amendment also omits a section that calls for the establishment of an appeals process.

In the original legislation, a person who is denied clearance or employment following the agency’s reconsideration would have 30 days to appeal that decision to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The board would then need to review the case within 120 days, and if it determines that marijuana use was the basis of the denial, it would need to “order the Federal agency to immediately redetermine the individual’s request for reconsideration.”

None of that language appears in the ANS, raising questions about what steps, if any, agencies would need to take if they found a person’s denial was based on the past policy.

Nonetheless, a staffer for the GOP sponsor, Mace, told Marijuana Moment on Tuesday that the congresswoman will be supporting the chairman’s amendment. Raskin said at Wednesday’s markup that he also supports the “narrowing amendment” as a way to advance the bill in the GOP-controlled House.

While advocates would have preferred the original language that provided protections for federal workers who use cannabis after accepting the job, passage of the ANS would still represent a major achievement in marijuana policy reform, with bipartisan lawmakers finding common ground that recognizes the reality that many Americans, particularly young workers, have used cannabis at some point—and that does not make them inherently less qualified for federal employment.

“It is simultaneously exciting that the issue of employment discrimination is finally beginning to be addressed by Congress and also infuriating to see how prohibitionists like Pete Sessions and Chuck Edwards trying to scare people with their reefer madness tactics to maintain criminalization and incarceration,” Justin Strekal, founder of the BOWL PAC, told Marijuana Moment.

(Disclosure: Strekal supports Marijuana Moment’s work through a monthly pledge on Patreon .)

The CURE Act represents an expansion of an amendment that Raskin filed as part of a House-passed cannabis legalization bill last year. That measure would have only covered security clearances instead of also including overall employment decisions as is the case under the new legislation. However, the retroactivity would have required a review of denials going back further, to 1971, instead of 2008. The amendment was narrowly defeated on the House floor .

In July, the Senate approved legislation that would prevent intelligence agencies from denying security clearances to applicants solely due to their past marijuana use .

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) filed a broader amendment last year that would have prevented employment discrimination based on prior or present cannabis use at any federal department, not just those dealing with intelligence. But the provision was scaled back under a second-degree amendment from the panel’s chairman before being adopted by the committee. And then the reform was ultimately quashed when two GOP senators objected to attaching the broader bill to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the floor if it included the marijuana language.

Passage of the CURE Act through the House Oversight Committee, meanwhile, would mark a significant win for advocates who have seen multiple cannabis reform measures blocked from House floor consideration by the Rules Committee under GOP control.

This month, that panel prevented two amendments aimed at preventing marijuana testing of federal job applicants from being considered as part of a large-scale defense bill, for example. However, amendments on promoting psychedelics research were made in order for the floor .

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) also proposed an amendment to a spending bill for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MilCon/VA) earlier this year that would have similarly prohibited the use of funds for cannabis drug testing. It was not allowed to advance to the floor, though bipartisan lawmakers have cheered the House’s passage of the underlying legislation that included separate marijuana and psychedelics measures .

One of those House-passed amendments would allow VA doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations to veterans, and the other would encourage research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA.

More than a dozen marijuana and psychedelics amendments to the House version of the NDAA were blocked by the Rules Committee in July. That includes a measure introduced by Garcia that would have prevented security clearance denials for federal workers over prior cannabis use .

The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) issued a memo in 2021 saying that federal employers shouldn’t outright reject security clearance applicants over past use and should also use discretion when it comes to those with cannabis investments in their stock portfolios.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) recently updated its employment policy to be more accommodating to applicants who’ve previously used marijuana, making it so candidates of any age become eligible one year after they last consumed cannabis. Previously, there were stricter age-based restrictions.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has also revised its cannabis rules for job applicants . Applicants who’ve grown, manufactured or sold marijuana in compliance with state laws while serving in a “position of public responsibility” will no longer be automatically disqualified.

FBI updated its hiring policies in 2020 to make it so candidates are only automatically disqualified from joining the agency if they admit to having used marijuana within one year of applying. Previously, prospective employees of the agency could not have used cannabis within the past three years.

Former FBI Director James Comey in 2014 suggested that he wanted to loosen the agency’s employment policies as it concerns marijuana , as potential skilled workers were being passed over due to the requirement.

“I have to hire a great work force to compete with those cyber criminals and some of those kids want to smoke weed on the way to the interview,” he said at the time.

Also, in 2020, CIA said that it doesn’t necessarily believe using illegal drugs makes you a bad person .

Late last year, draft documents obtained by Marijuana Moment showed that the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) was proposing to replace a series of job application forms for prospective workers in a way that would treat past cannabis use much more leniently than under current policy.

The Biden administration instituted a policy in 2021 authorizing waivers to be granted to certain workers who admit to prior marijuana use, but certain lawmakers have pushed for additional reform.

A recent survey found that 30 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 30 have either declined to apply or withdrawn applications for federal jobs because of strict marijuana policies required for security clearances.

Some attorneys also believe that if the Drug Enforcement Administration reschedules marijuana, as the Department of Health and Human Services recently recommended , that could push federal agencies to further review their employee drug policies .

Wednesday’s House Oversight Committee vote on the CURE Act will be the first of two markups of marijuana reform legislation this month alone. The Senate Banking Committee is scheduled to vote on a bipartisan cannabis banking bill on September 27 before potentially advancing it to the floor.

From Marijuana Movement: CULTURENCAA Panel Formally Recommends Removing Marijuana From Banned Substances List For College Athletes

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:44:09 GMT

From: MarijuanaMovement.net

A National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) committee is formally recommending that its divisional governing bodies remove marijuana from the list of banned substances list for college athletes.

The NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports said on Friday that members met this week and decided to advise all three of the association’s governing bodies to introduce and enact legislation to stop testing and punishing players for cannabinoids .

This comes three months after the committee first signaled its interest is formalizing such a recommendation. In June, it said members would be soliciting additional input before potentially taking action in the fall.

The committee said the rationale behind the decision was multifaceted. Ending the cannabis ban 1) “acknowledges the ineffectiveness of existing policy (banning, testing and penalizing),” 2) affirms its belief that cannabis is not a “performance-enhancing drug” and 3) promotes the “importance of moving toward a harm-reduction strategy.”

“The timing of discussion and adoption of possible legislation is a decision that will be made by each of three NCAA divisional governance structures,” the panel said on Friday. “This recommendation is based on extensive study informed by industry and subject matter experts (including doctors, substance misuse experts and membership practitioners).”

“The recommendation aims to recenter student-athlete health while recognizing membership opinions and the shifting cultural and legal landscapes surrounding cannabinoids,” it added.

If the reform is adopted, it would build on a policy change that NCAA enacted last year to increase the THC threshold that constitutes a positive test for college athletes from 35 to 150 nanograms per milliliter, aligning the NCAA’s rules with that of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“When making a decision on an important topic like this, we agree that the membership should have an opportunity to vote on the final outcome,” James Houle, committee chair and lead sport psychologist at Ohio State, said in a press release on Friday. “We are recommending a big shift in the paradigm when it comes to cannabinoids. We want to modernize the strategy with the most up-to-date research to give schools the best opportunity to support the health of student-athletes.”

The committee further recommended that, at the same time that governing bodies should remove marijuana and its constituents from the banned substances list, they should develop “a robust educational strategy to accompany a potential change to cannabinoid legislation.”

This development is part of a theme that’s emerged within professional athletic organizations amid the state-level marijuana legalization movement.

For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and its players union recently signed a collective bargaining agreement that removes marijuana from the league’s banned substances list and lays out rules allowing players to invest in and promote cannabis brands—with certain exceptions.

Earlier this year, Nevada sports regulators voted to send a proposed regulatory amendment to the governor that would formally protect athletes from being penalized over using or possessing marijuana in compliance with state law.

UFC announced in 2021 that they would no longer be punishing fighters over positive marijuana tests.

The National Football League’s (NFL) drug testing policy changed demonstrably in 2020 as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

NFL and its players union also announced in June that they are jointly awarding another round of funding to support independent research on the therapeutic benefits of CBD as a pain treatment alternative to opioids for players with concussions.

The New York Media Softball League (NYMSL)—which has teams representing The Wall Street Journal, High Times and BuzzFeed among its ranks—announced in July that it was launching a sponsorship deal with a Kentucky-based CBD company .

The idea behind the collaboration was inspired by moves by Major League Baseball (MLB) and certain teams like the Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs that have also recently partnered with CBD businesses .

MLB itself announced its league-wide partnership with a popular CBD brand last year . Charlotte’s Web Holdings, one of the most recognizable hemp-derived CBD companies in the country, signed the deal with league to become the “Official CBD of MLB.”

While advocates have welcomed these changes, there’s been criticism of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over its ongoing cannabis ban. A panel within the agency said in an editorial last month that marijuana use by athletes violates the “spirit of sport,” making them unfit role models whose potential impairment could put others at risk.

Advocates strongly urged WADA to enact a reform after U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended from participating in Olympics events due to a positive THC test in 2021.

Following that suspension, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said that the international rules on marijuana “must change,” the White House and President Joe Biden himself signaled that it was time for new policies and congressional lawmakers amplified that message .

From Forbes: Congressional Report Predicts DEA ‘Likely’ To Approve Marijuana Reclassification

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:36:36 GMT

From: Forbes.com

The Drug Enforcement Administration is “likely” to approve a recommendation from the Biden administration to reclassify marijuana under the nation’s drug laws, according to a report issued by congressional researchers this week. The report, which was released by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on Wednesday, comes after a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services last month that calls for cannabis to be rescheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). If approved by the DEA, rescheduling marijuana would have sweeping implications for federal policy regarding cannabis, including effects on housing, immigration, gun rights, taxation of marijuana businesses and more.

On August 29, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine wrote a letter to DEA head Anne Milgram recommending that cannabis be removed from Schedule I of the CSA. The recommendation comes after an executive order from President Joseph Biden in October 2022 directed the heads of the Department of Justice and HHS to review the classification of marijuana under federal law. Under the HHS recommendation, which was issued after a review of the available medical and scientific evidence, cannabis would be rescheduled under Schedule III of the CSA, a less restrictive classification than Schedule I that would ease research into cannabis.

The HHS recommendation to relax the federal restrictions on cannabis is not binding and must first be approved by the DEA, which has confirmed it is bound by the health agency’s scientific and medical findings, according to a report from Marijuana Moment . However, noting that the DEA followed an HHS recommendation to reschedule the synthetic THC drug Marinol in 1999, the CRS wrote that “if past is prologue it could be likely that DEA will reschedule marijuana according to HHS’s recommendation.”

The Effect Of Rescheduling Cannabis On Federal Policy

If the agency follows the recommendation to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III, cannabis would be classified alongside other drugs including ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone and products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dose. Rescheduling cannabis would also remove some barriers faced by the regulated marijuana industry, according to congressional researchers.

“If marijuana is rescheduled to Schedule III, it would have broad implications for federal policy,” CRS wrote in the report. “Also, this move would have significant implications for state medical marijuana programs and users of medical marijuana, but fewer implications for state recreational marijuana programs and those who use marijuana recreationally.”

In its analysis, the CRS summarized the scheduling review undertaken by the Biden administration and assessed the impact of rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA. The report maintains that such a move would make it legal to “manufacture, distribute, dispense, and possess medical marijuana,” although Marijuana Moment reports that some have said that cannabis products would require approval from the Food and Drug Administration and manufacturers would need a license from the DEA.

The CRS report continues by reporting that state medical marijuana programs “may now be able to comply with the CSA, and will still be subject to CSA/DEA criminal and regulatory control, federal public health laws such as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and agricultural laws such as the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.”

“The scope of and demand for FDA oversight for medical marijuana and related products may grow considerably. In the short term, FDA may need to generate or update a substantial amount of technical information to clarify its regulatory approach to marijuana for relevant stakeholders,” the CRS report reads. “Given that marijuana is a complex substance containing various pharmaceutical components and is available to consumers in numerous formats, FDA may also need to consider long-term resource allocation to ensure that marijuana products consistently meet applicable regulatory standards.”

The CRS report also holds that rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would allow medical marijuana patients to “purchase and possess firearms” and make them eligible for immigrant and non-immigrant visas. The analysis adds that patients “who use medical marijuana lawfully may contend with fewer barriers to federal employment and eligibility to serve in the military.” However, such rights would not be extended to recreational marijuana users.

Tax Implications Of Rescheduling Marijuana

Perhaps most importantly to the cannabis industry, rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would allow marijuana businesses to take tax deductions for which they are currently ineligible. Under Section 280 E of the Internal Revenue Code, businesses “trafficking” in Schedule I or Schedule II substances are not allowed tax deductions such as rent, utilities, payroll and marketing expenses that are permitted for companies in other industries. As a result, cannabis enterprises operating legally under state law face tax burdens that threaten the viability of some businesses. With rescheduling, “marijuana producers and retailers would be able to deduct the costs of selling their product (e.g., payroll, rent, advertising) for the purposes of federal income tax filings,” according to the CRS report.

While the DEA is now tasked with deciding whether to approve the HHS recommendation , the law enforcement agency will not necessarily have the final say on the matter. The CRS report concludes by noting that Congress could “choose to address any number of issues related to the potential rescheduling of marijuana,” including by independently reclassifying cannabis in a different or new schedule.

“If the administrative scheduling process moves forward, Congress may consider whether to devote additional resources to FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure the safety and quality of the many different products already available in many state markets,” the report adds.

As the agency’s review of the HHS recommendation continues, members of Congress opposed to easing restrictions are calling on the DEA to maintain the status quo. In a letter sent to the agency on Monday, 14 GOP lawmakers urged the DEA to reject the rescheduling recommendation and maintain cannabis in Schedule I of the CSA.

From Harvard.edu: Medical Marijuana

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:21:27 GMT

From health.harvard.edu : There are few subjects that can stir up stronger emotions among doctors, scientists, researchers, policy makers, and the public than medical marijuana.

There are few subjects that can stir up stronger emotions among doctors, scientists, researchers, policy makers, and the public than medical marijuana. Is it safe ? Should it be legal? Decriminalized? Has its effectiveness been proven? What conditions is it useful for? Is it addictive? How do we keep it out of the hands of teenagers? Is it really the "wonder drug" that people claim it is? Is medical marijuana just a ploy to legalize marijuana in general?

These are just a few of the excellent questions around this subject, questions that I am going to studiously avoid so we can focus on two specific areas: why do patients find it useful, and how can they discuss it with their doctor?

Marijuana is currently legal, on the state level, in 29 states, and in Washington, DC. It is still illegal from the federal government's perspective. The Obama administration did not make prosecuting medical marijuana even a minor priority. President Donald Trump promised not to interfere with people who use medical marijuana, though his administration is currently threatening to reverse this policy. About 85% of Americans support legalizing medical marijuana, and it is estimated that at least several million Americans currently use it.

Marijuana without the high

Least controversial is the extract from the hemp plant known as CBD (which stands for cannabidiol) because this component of marijuana has little, if any, intoxicating properties. Marijuana itself has more than 100 active components. THC (which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical that causes the "high" that goes along with marijuana consumption. CBD-dominant strains have little or no THC, so patients report very little if any alteration in consciousness.

Patients do, however, report many benefits of CBD, from relieving insomnia, anxiety, spasticity, and pain to treating potentially life-threatening conditions such as epilepsy. One particular form of childhood epilepsy called Dravet syndrome is almost impossible to control but responds dramatically to a CBD-dominant strain of marijuana called Charlotte's Web. The videos of this are dramatic.

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Uses of medical marijuana

The most common use for medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control. While marijuana isn't strong enough for severe pain (for example, post-surgical pain or a broken bone), it is quite effective for the chronic pain that plagues millions of Americans, especially as they age. Part of its allure is that it is clearly safer than opiates (it is impossible to overdose on and far less addictive) and it can take the place of NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleve, if people can't take them due to problems with their kidneys or ulcers or GERD .

In particular, marijuana appears to ease the pain of multiple sclerosis, and nerve pain in general. This is an area where few other options exist, and those that do, such as Neurontin, Lyrica, or opiates are highly sedating. Patients claim that marijuana allows them to resume their previous activities without feeling completely out of it and disengaged.

Along these lines, marijuana is said to be a fantastic muscle relaxant, and people swear by its ability to lessen tremors in Parkinson's disease . I have also heard of its use quite successfully for fibromyalgia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis , and most other conditions where the final common pathway is chronic pain.

Marijuana is also used to manage nausea and weight loss and can be used to treat glaucoma. A highly promising area of research is its use for PTSD in veterans who are returning from combat zones. Many veterans and their therapists report drastic improvement and clamor for more studies, and for a loosening of governmental restrictions on its study. Medical marijuana is also reported to help patients suffering from pain and wasting syndrome associated with HIV, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.

This is not intended to be an inclusive list, but rather to give a brief survey of the types of conditions for which medical marijuana can provide relief. As with all remedies, claims of effectiveness should be critically evaluated and treated with caution.

Talking with your doctor

Many patients find themselves in the situation of wanting to learn more about medical marijuana, but feel embarrassed to bring this up with their doctor. This is in part because the medical community has been, as a whole, overly dismissive of this issue. Doctors are now playing catch-up and trying to keep ahead of their patients' knowledge on this issue. Other patients are already using medical marijuana, but don't know how to tell their doctors about this for fear of being chided or criticized.

My advice for patients is to be entirely open and honest with your physicians and to have high expectations of them. Tell them that you consider this to be part of your care and that you expect them to be educated about it, and to be able to at least point you in the direction of the information you need.

My advice for doctors is that whether you are pro, neutral, or against medical marijuana, patients are embracing it, and although we don't have rigorous studies and "gold standard" proof of the benefits and risks of medical marijuana, we need to learn about it, be open-minded, and above all, be non-judgmental. Otherwise, our patients will seek out other, less reliable sources of information; they will continue to use it, they just won't tell us, and there will be that much less trust and strength in our doctor-patient relationship. I often hear complaints from other doctors that there isn't adequate evidence to recommend medical marijuana, but there is even less scientific evidence for sticking our heads in the sand.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of a Controversial Plant: Insights from Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:58:07 GMT

In recent years, scientific interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of a certain plant has grown exponentially. This plant, often the subject of controversy, has been extensively studied in various peer-reviewed medical journals. In this article, we will examine the findings from these reputable sources to shed light on the potential health benefits associated with this plant.

In recent years, scientific interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of a certain plant has grown exponentially. This plant, often the subject of controversy, has been extensively studied in various peer-reviewed medical journals. In this article, we will examine the findings from these reputable sources to shed light on the potential health benefits associated with this plant.

Promoting Relaxation and Stress Reduction:

Numerous studies have reported the potential of certain plant compounds to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. These compounds are believed to interact with specific receptors in the body, potentially modulating the stress response system. Findings suggest that these interactions may contribute to an overall sense of calmness and relaxation, making it a subject of interest for stress management.

Supporting Pain Management:

Peer-reviewed medical journals have extensively investigated the effects of certain plant compounds on pain management. The research indicates that these compounds may interact with receptors involved in pain perception, potentially providing analgesic effects. The findings suggest that these natural compounds have the potential to be used as adjunctive treatments for various types of pain, although more research is needed to determine optimal dosages and long-term safety.

Enhancing Sleep Quality:

Sleep disorders are a significant health concern affecting a considerable portion of the population. Studies published in reputable journals have explored the potential of certain plant compounds to improve sleep quality. These compounds may interact with neurotransmitters and receptors involved in sleep regulation, offering a promising avenue for individuals struggling with sleep-related issues. However, further research is necessary to determine the efficacy and safety profiles of these compounds.

Supporting Digestive Health:

Recent studies have investigated the effects of specific plant compounds on digestive health. The findings suggest that these compounds may influence the gastrointestinal tract, potentially modulating gut motility, inflammation, and other factors related to digestive health. Some researchers believe that these compounds could be used as adjunctive therapies for certain gastrointestinal disorders, but more research is needed to validate these claims and identify the most effective formulations.

Promoting Appetite Stimulation:

Loss of appetite can be a significant concern for individuals dealing with various medical conditions. Peer-reviewed studies have examined the potential of certain plant compounds to stimulate appetite. The mechanisms behind this effect are not fully understood, but preliminary findings suggest that these compounds may interact with receptors involved in appetite regulation. However, more research is required to establish the optimal dosages and long-term effects.

Conclusion:

The therapeutic potential of a certain plant, as evidenced by peer-reviewed medical journals, reveals promising health benefits in various domains. From promoting relaxation and stress reduction to supporting pain management, sleep quality, digestive health, and appetite stimulation, the findings suggest that certain plant compounds hold significant therapeutic promise. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of action, establish optimal dosages, and assess long-term safety. Individuals considering alternative treatments should always consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

From New York Post: Medical marijuana restores quality of life for chronically ill: study

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:53:21 GMT

From: NYPOST.com : A new study out of Australia suggests medical marijuana can improve the quality of life for those who suffer chronic health issues.

The research, published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One , found that medical cannabis not only improved quality of life in the first three months of use, but also helped ease anxiety, depression and pain levels over time.

“Within the first three months of medicinal cannabis therapy, participants reported improvements in their health-related quality of life, fatigue, and health conditions associated with anxiety, depression, and pain,” senior research officer Margaret-Ann Tait said in a statement to SWNS .

University of Sydney researchers surveyed more than 2,300 patients who were prescribed THC and CBD dissolved in a carrier oil between November 2020 and December 2021.

Those surveyed were 18 to 97 years old, with an average age of 51.

A new study determined that medical cannabis may be helpful for those suffering from chronic pain.

The study found that medical cannabis not only improved quality of life in the first three months of use, but also helped ease anxiety, depression and pain levels over time.

The study was based in Australia, from the University of Sydney.

Nearly two-thirds were women.

At 69%, the most common condition being treated was chronic pain, with insomnia following at 23%, generalized anxiety at 22%, and a mix of anxiety and depression at 11%.

Half of the patients were being treated for more than one condition.

The researchers asked participants about their quality of life as it relates to their health, as well as their sleep habits, pain levels, anxiety and depression before they began the cannabis therapy.

They repeated these questions after two weeks of treatments, and then continued to do so once a month for three months.

Researchers will continue to follow up with participants.

Patients reported significant improvements in their health-related quality of life and fatigue levels, as well as with their pain.

Moderate to severe cases of anxiety and depression also were eased.

However, patients did not find cannabis to be helpful when it came to their insomnia, with researchers observing no overall improvements.

Researchers also noted they did not study adverse effects of the treatment — 30 patients did drop out of the study due to “unwanted side effects.”

They will continue to follow up with participants to monitor if the improvements continued.

The study comes on the heels of a Gallup survey that found half of US residents have tried smoking weed, and 17% currently indulge in it.

In 2013, only 7% of people admitted to using the drug to Gallup — meaning that the number of Americans who currently smoke marijuana has more than doubled in 10 years.

Harnessing the Power of Cannabis Extract: Exploring Its Wide-Ranging Benefits

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:05:01 GMT

Cannabis extract, derived from the cannabis plant, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that contain high levels of cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), along with other beneficial compounds. In this article, we will delve into the numerous advantages of cannabis extract and how it has emerged as a valuable option for various therapeutic applications.

1. Targeted Medicinal Effects:

Cannabis extract provides a concentrated dose of cannabinoids, allowing for precise and targeted medicinal effects. CBD, in particular, has gained recognition for its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, epileptic seizures, anxiety disorders, and even certain psychiatric disorders. THC, on the other hand, is known for its psychoactive properties and has been used to manage pain, nausea, muscle spasms, and increase appetite.

2. Enhanced Bioavailability:

Cannabis extracts offer improved bioavailability compared to other consumption methods. When ingested orally, cannabinoids undergo extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, reducing their potency. In contrast, extracts can be consumed sublingually (under the tongue) or via vaporization, allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream directly, resulting in faster and more efficient absorption. This enhanced bioavailability ensures that patients receive the maximum therapeutic benefits from the cannabinoids.

3. Alternative to Smoking:

For individuals who prefer to avoid smoking, cannabis extract provides an excellent alternative. Extracts can be consumed through vaporization, which involves heating the extract to a temperature that releases the cannabinoids without combustion. Vaporization offers a smoke-free method of consumption, reducing potential respiratory risks associated with smoking while still delivering the desired effects.

4. Customizable Dosage:

One of the significant advantages of cannabis extract is the ability to customize the dosage. Extracts are available in various potencies, allowing patients and consumers to select the appropriate concentration based on their individual needs. This flexibility is particularly valuable when addressing conditions that require precise dosing, such as epilepsy or chronic pain management. By tailoring the dosage, individuals can achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential side effects.

5. Versatility in Administration:

Cannabis extract can be administered in multiple ways, offering versatility in consumption methods. In addition to sublingual ingestion and vaporization, extracts can be incorporated into edibles, topicals, and tinctures. This versatility enables patients to choose the most suitable method based on their preferences and targeted outcomes. Edibles provide a discreet and long-lasting effect, topicals offer localized relief for pain and inflammation, and tinctures allow for easy sublingual administration.

6. Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Properties:

Cannabis extract contains cannabinoids that possess neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. These compounds have shown promise in protecting brain cells from damage, reducing inflammation, and potentially slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The antioxidant effects of cannabis extract may also have a positive impact on overall health by combating oxidative stress and promoting cellular health.

7. Addiction and Substance Abuse Treatment:

Cannabis extract, particularly CBD-dominant extracts, has shown potential in helping individuals overcome addiction and substance abuse. Research suggests that CBD may modulate brain circuits associated with drug addiction, reducing drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Learn About Cannabis Edibles

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:03:19 GMT

THC edibles, or cannabis-infused food products, have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique benefits and effects. Here are some of the potential benefits associated with consuming THC edibles:

1. Long-lasting effects: When you consume THC through edibles, it undergoes a different metabolic process compared to smoking or vaping. THC is metabolized by the liver, which converts it into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite has a longer half-life than THC, resulting in a prolonged and potentially stronger psychoactive effect. The effects of THC edibles can last for several hours, providing a more extended relief for conditions such as chronic pain or insomnia.

2. Discreet consumption: Edibles offer a discreet way to consume cannabis. Unlike smoking or vaping, which can produce noticeable odors and smoke, edibles resemble regular food items, making them inconspicuous. This makes them suitable for situations where you want to consume cannabis without drawing attention, such as social gatherings or public places where smoking is prohibited.

3. Avoidance of respiratory risks: Smoking cannabis, like any other substance, can pose risks to lung health. Edibles provide an alternative method of consumption that eliminates the need for inhalation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have respiratory conditions or concerns about lung health.

4. Precise dosing: With THC edibles, it's easier to control and measure the dosage compared to other consumption methods. Edibles are typically labeled with the exact concentration of THC per serving, allowing users to choose their desired potency. This precise dosing enables individuals to have better control over their cannabis experience and tailor it to their specific needs.

5. Versatility and variety: The world of THC edibles offers a wide range of options, including baked goods, candies, beverages, chocolates, and more. This variety allows users to explore different flavors and textures while enjoying the cannabis experience. Additionally, many edibles are created with specific dietary restrictions in mind, such as gluten-free or vegan options, catering to a broader range of consumers.

6. Extended shelf life: Compared to cannabis flower or other perishable forms of cannabis, edibles generally have a longer shelf life. Properly stored edibles can last for weeks or even months, which can be advantageous for individuals who want to stock up or enjoy cannabis intermittently over an extended period.

7. Potential medicinal benefits: THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, has shown therapeutic potential for various conditions. Edibles can be an effective way to deliver THC for medicinal purposes, such as pain management, appetite stimulation, nausea relief, and reducing muscle spasms. The long-lasting effects of edibles can provide prolonged relief for individuals with chronic conditions.

Despite these potential benefits, it's essential to approach THC edibles responsibly. The delayed onset of effects and the potential for stronger potency can make it easier to consume more than intended, leading to adverse experiences. It's crucial to start with low doses, be patient, and allow sufficient time for the effects to manifest fully before consuming more. Additionally, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable budtender to ensure safe and appropriate usage, especially if you're new to cannabis or have any underlying health conditions.

Unveiling the Benefits of THC Pre-rolls: A Convenient and Enjoyable Cannabis Experience

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:01:24 GMT

THC pre-rolls, also known as pre-rolled cannabis joints, have gained popularity among cannabis enthusiasts for their convenience, consistency, and enjoyable experience. These pre-rolls contain cannabis flower that is high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. In this article, we will explore the benefits of THC pre-rolls and why they have become a preferred choice for many cannabis consumers.

1. Convenience and Time-saving:

One of the primary advantages of THC pre-rolls is their convenience. Pre-rolls eliminate the need for grinding, rolling, and packing cannabis flower, saving time and effort. They are ready to use, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a hassle-free experience or those who are new to cannabis consumption. Whether it's for personal use or social gatherings, pre-rolls offer a convenient and portable option.

2. Consistent Dosage:

THC pre-rolls provide a consistent and measured dosage of THC. Each pre-roll is carefully crafted to contain a specific amount of cannabis flower, ensuring consistency in potency. This allows consumers to have better control over their THC intake and helps prevent overconsumption or underdosing. Consistent dosing is particularly beneficial for medical cannabis patients who require precise dosage for symptom management.

3. Predictable Effects:

With pre-rolls, consumers can have a more predictable cannabis experience. The THC levels in pre-rolls are typically labeled, providing users with information about the potency of the joint. This allows individuals to choose a pre-roll with a THC level that matches their desired effects, whether they seek a more mild and relaxing experience or a stronger psychoactive effect. Predictable effects enable users to make informed decisions and tailor their cannabis experience to their preferences.

4. Social Sharing and Community:

THC pre-rolls are often enjoyed in social settings, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. They are a popular choice for social gatherings and allow individuals to partake in cannabis consumption together. Sharing pre-rolls can enhance bonding among friends or create a sense of camaraderie at events where cannabis is enjoyed collectively. Pre-rolls provide an opportunity for communal enjoyment and can be a conversation starter among like-minded individuals.

5. Controlled Combustion:

Pre-rolls are skillfully rolled, ensuring controlled combustion for a smooth and consistent burn. Properly rolled joints provide an even distribution of heat, allowing for a more efficient and enjoyable smoking experience. This controlled combustion helps to maximize the flavor and aroma of the cannabis flower while minimizing harshness and uneven burning. The result is a more pleasant smoking experience for consumers.

6. Variety of Strains and Flavors:

THC pre-rolls offer a wide variety of strains and flavors to suit individual preferences. Cannabis flower comes in numerous strains, each with its unique combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavors. Pre-rolls allow consumers to explore different strains without having to purchase larger quantities of each strain individually. Whether one prefers the uplifting effects of a sativa-dominant strain or the relaxing properties of an indica, pre-rolls provide a convenient way to sample and enjoy a diverse range of cannabis experiences.

7. Efficient Use of Cannabis:

Pre-rolls contribute to the efficient use of cannabis by reducing waste. Rolling joints can sometimes lead to spillage or uneven distribution of cannabis flower, resulting in potential loss. Pre-rolls are carefully

The Benefits of Cannabis Flower: Unveiling Nature's Versatile Plant

diogo.ribas@ext.blaze.me (Diogo Ribas) — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 12:57:47 GMT

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that has been used for centuries for various purposes, including medicinal and recreational. Among its many forms, cannabis flower, the bud of the plant, stands out as one of the most versatile and widely consumed parts. In recent years, scientific research and changing societal views have shed light on the potential benefits of cannabis flower. This article will explore some of the distinctive advantages offered by this remarkable plant.

1. Medicinal Properties:

Cannabis flower contains numerous compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and overall well-being. Medical cannabis strains rich in CBD have been found to possess remarkable therapeutic potential, offering relief for conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, anxiety, and even certain types of cancer. Furthermore, THC has been utilized to alleviate symptoms associated with glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and nausea caused by chemotherapy.

2. Pain Management:

One of the most notable benefits of cannabis flower is its ability to alleviate pain. The cannabinoids found in cannabis interact with receptors in the body's nervous system, potentially reducing pain signals and providing relief for chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Unlike traditional pain medications, cannabis offers a natural alternative that may minimize the risk of addiction and adverse side effects.

3. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being:

Cannabis flower has also been associated with improvements in mental health and emotional well-being. CBD, in particular, has gained attention for its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. It can help reduce anxiety levels, promote relaxation, and potentially alleviate symptoms of depression. Additionally, cannabis flower may aid in managing stress, enhancing sleep quality, and even reducing the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

4. Neuroprotective Effects:

Emerging research suggests that cannabis flower may possess neuroprotective properties, making it potentially beneficial for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Cannabinoids have demonstrated the ability to protect brain cells, reduce inflammation, and potentially slow down the progression of these disorders.

5. Appetite Stimulation and Digestive Health:

Cannabis flower has long been recognized for its ability to stimulate appetite, making it an invaluable aid for individuals suffering from appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments. This property has been particularly beneficial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Moreover, cannabis flower has been shown to possess antiemetic properties, effectively reducing nausea and vomiting.

6. Sleep Aid:

Many individuals struggle with sleep disorders, such as insomnia, that can significantly impact their quality of life. Cannabis flower, particularly strains with higher levels of THC, has been found to have sedative effects, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. However, it's important to note that individual responses to cannabis can vary, and strains with lower THC and higher CBD content may be more suitable for those seeking non-intoxicating sleep aids.

Conclusion:

The benefits of cannabis flower are vast and diverse, with potential applications ranging from medicinal to recreational. As research continues to unfold, our understanding of this remarkable plant's therapeutic potential expands. While it's essential to approach cannabis with responsible usage and in adherence to local laws