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Is Medical Help Needed If You Overindulge In Marijuana

Overindulgence happens – but do you need medical help if you have had too much weed?

It is not uncommon for an occasionally overindulge.  With alcohol it can lead to embarrassing texts, things which shouldn’t have been said, making a slight fool of yourself or, in the worst cases, alcohol poisoning. Almost 2,500 people die a year from it according to statistic and more have to treated. But to date, no one has died from too much cannabis, but concern about cannabis overdosing still happens.  But is medical help needed if you overindulge in marijuana? If a child has accidentally had it, it is best since their brains are still developing.

RELATED: What To Do When You Get Way, Way, Way Too High

Whether the canna newbie or an old hand, things happen and you can be over served.  The friend’s homemade edible, an untested tolerance level, an experience with the “next level” of consuming like dabs.  All can lead to an expected level of a high. Symptoms are often the same, a racing heart, sweats, paranoia, and an urge to check yourself in the emergency room. While no one has ever died from cannabis overdose, here are some next steps.

Photo by Jamie Grill/Getty Images

While it may seem like the world is exploding, if you are not having physical symptoms like vomiting, etc, there are other ways to handle the temporary situation without an ER visit.  And a visit to the hospital is stressful and highly stimulating which may make the high worse.  But if you have an injury while too stoned, seek attention.

The most important thing to remember is this is there have been no reported deaths from cannabis overdoses in history. There may be uncomfortable or scared feelings, but it will pass. And while you may feel your heart is racing, it is not going to explode. Rather, there are some simple things help in the moment.

RELATED: Science Tells Us How Marijuana Makes Us Feel Happy

The first thing to do is hydrate. Water, Gatorade, soft drinks, anything to keep hydrated can minimize the discomfort from being too high. Water helps douse the cotton mouth and forces you to focus on the simple process of sipping and swallowing, a trick if your thoughts are spinning. The best thing is do is go to sleep, it can help your body metabolize the excess THC and reset your mental state.

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz via Unsplash

Marijuana Can Bond Grandparents To Family

Like wine with dinner or a beer in the backyard, marijuana is becoming very common.

With almost 60% of adults drinking alcohol, it has been a staple of family events. Relatives including grandparents, cousins, adult grandkids and more have sat at a table and toasted with beer, wine or booze….and now cannabis may be in the mix.  As legalization has grown, cannabis is being embraced by more people and is popping at all sorts of family gatherings. And, it seems, marijuana can bond grandparents to family.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

In a third party survey sponsored by Sanctuary Wellness, some interesting data has given hope about intergenerational bonding. There are all sorts of concerns about boomers and Gen Z not relating, but marijuana like music is showing a positive trend. Nearly one in three have tried cannabis, far less than alcohol, but still a significant number.  In the survey, Millennials use the most followed closely by Gen X then Gen Z and finally Baby Boomers. And while a whopping 86% of Gen Z and Millennials support the legaization of weed…a full 71% of Baby Boomers do also.

Gen Z is slowly turning away from alcohol and feel they have way more stress than their grandparents.  Due to the embrace from the medical community, Boomers are starting to see cannabis as aid in dealing with chronic pain and sleep issues. The plant can be very effective without as many harsh side effects.

Once interesting factor in the survey is the use of gummies. Microdosing has become huge and Gen Z sees it as a way to manage anxiety.  With gummies, you see 76% use of Baby Boomers and 72% with Gen Z….far higher than Millennials and Gen X.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

For many Europeans, alcohol is a part of their culture and viewed as a social activity. In Italy for example, children are eased into drinking with a bit of wine at dinner. They’re taught from an early age that alcohol is something to drink casually and in moderation. Alcohol abuse is less coming in Italy and France due to the generation training.  Maybe marijuana, which has clear medical benefits, could be another thing which generations share to make for a better life.

Data Says Summer Is The Time To Try New Things

While in school, summer was the dream. Weeks of days open to adventure, sleeping in, exploring and hanging with friends. It held a magical quality and there usually always seemed something new to try. It turns out people carry the feeling into adulthood, in fact, a majority of adults see the summer as a chance for a bit of adventure.

RELATED: Science Tells Us How Marijuana Makes Us Feel Happy

Not everything is crazy like a cross country road trip, but maybe having different foods, camping or learning to grill. Data says summer is the times to try different things. One survey was clear 59% of people want to try something new this summer. Among the desires include 17% cited a desire to go to see a new state or city, while more than a third (39%) said seeing friends and family is a must for their summer vacation. Going bungee jumping, paragliding, trying marijuana and making your ice cream are also things people want to explore.

Photo by Cassie Gallegos via Unsplash

Some people have already made or have completed some of their summer wish list. Among the actives include waterskiing (44%), wakeboarding (43%), surfing (41%). Other want to learn something new like how to make water balloons, bowling and gardening. Others want to attend outdoor concerts, travel and most of explore.

And, some want to experiment with craft cocktails, summer drinks, and marijuana.

RELATED: The Best Hydrating Cocktails For A Hot Weekend

Studies have previously discovered teenagers and college students were more likely to try alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana for the first time during summer months, but a study published in the Journal for General Internist Medicine, focused its attention on age groups including adults. In addition, the researchers were interested in the time of initiation for cocaine and hallucinogenic drugs for various demographics.

Palamar, an associate professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU School of Medicine, and other researchers suggested an explanation for why people were more likely to experiment with drugs in the summer. The emergence of music festivals and outdoor concerts along with more free time in the summer.

Does George Clooney Use Weed

He is one the most famous global faces and is connected to tequila – but does George Clooney use weed?

Despite not having a hit movie in over 10 years, George Clooney is one of the planet’s A-listers. Mingling with royalty, the power elite at Davos, political heavyweights in the US or just hanging with other celebrities, Clooney is everywhere. When he married is wife Amal, the international media went wild with non stop coverage.  But while he is seen as being tight with tequila, does George Clooney use weed?

RELATED: Why You Should Be Mixing Your Cannabis Strains

Moving past his career in entertainment, he has become a fixture in the media. He weighs in on politics, promotes stylish living, and birthed a profitable tequila company. Clooney was hanging with friends, including Cindy Crawford’s husband Rande Gerber, and backed into launching Casamigos Tequila. While in Mexico they drank a lot of tequila and after trying a wide variety they decided to make their own. Diageo bought the company for a cool $1 billion. Diageo has also invested billion in marijuana.

Marijuana has many benefits, it can reduce stress from all the media following you. It is also healthier than alcohol, and doesn’t have the same bloating as booze. So it would make sense some celebrities would embrace the herb.

While world famous, Clooney is also very private. Prior to his marriage, he could be very coy about his private life. He came out of the closet as hardy tequila drinker when he launched his own brand. So it should be no surprise, it had to leak out he seems to be a big fan of magical green plant.

While filming Ocean 12, a cannabis cafe owner in Amsterdam recognized Mr. Clooney as a frequenter at his establishment during the time of the location filming in Amsterdam.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Diageo has a major stake in legalization with billions invested in the industry.  It seems Clooney doesn’t mind speaking out on politics, maybe Clooney could be an advocate cannabis for all, especially patients and veterans.

Can CBD Take The Sting Out Of Summer Bug Bites

Summer is time to enjoy the great outdoors, but a bug bite can put a nasty sting into your fun plans.

We are in the middle of summer, the time to enjoy the great outdoors with bbqs, picnics, beach trips, hiking or just gardening outside. You let the body soak up the sun and absorb as much vitamin D as possible. But with the the benefits of the summer months comes a pesky annoyance…bug bites.  It seems bugs, especially mosquitos are drawn to certain people. And it can be an irritating, itchy mess. Warm weather also brings out other types of insects, but can CBD take the sting out of summer bug bites?

RELATED: 3 Ways CBD Can Help You Get Into Swimsuit Shape

Like humans, insects love the summer. Since they are cold blooded, the environment regulates their body temperature, making them much more active. Larvae grow faster, their speed increases and mating peaks. It is a fiesta for the flys, mosquitoes and bees.  Food is plentiful and partners are abundant. As there numbers boom, they see humans as a quick, tasty treat.

Photo by KAL VISUALS via Unsplash

There are a variety of reasons bugs are draw to people. The smell of lactic acid and ammonia in your sweat is a bacon for bugs. Mosquitoes have a special receptor that helps them tune into the smell of your body odor. Even trace amounts on your socks and shoes can be enough to ring the dinner bell. Eating and drinking outdoors calls to insects because many of our food sources are also theirs.

Type O and Type A blood seems to be a mosquitoes’ preferred blood type as compared to B and AB. There is not much you can do about your genes.

When an insect sees light, it tells them a path is not blocked by a predator or obstacles. It also let’s them see food, which might be an innocent human sitting minding their own business.

Photo by Егор Камелев via Unsplash

Cannabis, CBD and hemp help ward off bugs.  Consuming cannabis is one way to keep the pests away. The smoke can be a repellent. CBD and hemp oils and creams can also help. Hemp oil composition is dominated by (E)-caryophyllene, myrcene and α-pinene and is toxic to houseflies.

RELATED: Americans Love Trying New Drugs In Summer, Says Science

CBD oil and lotions are helpful with bug bites. Bites are partially inflamed and swollen causing red skin. CBD topicals can reduce the inflammation and swelling, so the bites will reduce and won’t feel as itchy. Definitely a benefit.

And the last note, despite the reputation for being busy, bees, flies, ants, and many other insects love their cocktails, especially beer. They get a similar buzz as humans. Keep your refreshment covered can help avoid them hanging around.

Can Marijuana Deepen Your Meditation

Meditation is very popular and can be helpful in times of change, growth or stress…and marijuana might help

Between 200-300 million people practice mediation around the world. The benefits include better sleep, reduced tension, help with focus and concentration and anxiety reduction. It can benefit you even if you just do it for 5-10 minutes. But with cannabis legal to over 50% of the US population, all of Canada and other parts of the world, can marijuana deepen your mediation?

The mornings are the ideal time to meditate, minds are not yet racing or cluttered with the days tasks and interaction. For regular mediation, 5-15 minutes is recommend, long enough for the benefit and yet short enough to be able to work into most days. All you need patience, some self-kindness, and a comfortable place to sit. So it is a low cost and portable activity. Drinking water afterwards can help re-ground and reawaken physical senses.

RELATED: What To Keep In Mind When Using Cannabis To Sleep

Marijuana can help keep the mind from wandering and also help focus on the breathing technique, which is central to meditating. Bringing cannabis into a meditation practice can help with the stress reduction to allow a more easy transition into the goal of the trance-like state  Some microdose to meditate, some take in a little more, but it doesn’t take too much cannabis to enhance the experience.  

Mediation
Photo by kosal ley via Unsplash

Work with you budtender or from you own experience, choose a strain which will help you focus, relax and prepare for your day. One puff or a part of gummy should be enough to send you on your way.  Too much and the urge to crawl back in bed may be too strong.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

A wonderful side effect of meditating with cannabis is the bliss found can last throughout the day. Remember it is not a chore, but a tool for holistic well being. There’s no reason to feel overwhelmed, even if you’re going into the meditation with anxiety and a busy brain.

The ancient ritual of meditation has brought peace to many students of the practices. Why not give it a shot?

What Is Cannabis Juicing

it is popular, fun and filling – and some claim helpful to the body…juicing is big – but about doing it with cannabis?

Juicing is continuing to grow and become mainstream with juice bars popping up everwhere. It viewed as another way to eat healthy, quick and get some needed vegetables and fruits in just one drink. It has grown to over a $1 billion industry globally. So what is cannabis juicing?  And does it make you high or give you any of the medical benefits?

Cold-press juices enable one to partake of the nutrients present in raw fruits, vegetables, and herbs that get lost once the products are heated or cooked. Juicing started popping up in the 1930s and then became popular during the healthy, hippy 70s.  About the same time  part of the mainstream public leaned into marijuana.

RELATED: The Health Benefits Of Raw Cannabis Explained

Adding raw cannabis leaves and buds to juice regime could be beneficial. While more research needs to be done as legalization grown, as a dietary aid it may increase the anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties of the plant. Raw cannabis can contain 500mg to 1,000 mg of non-psychoactive THCA, CBDA, and CBGA. In comparison, the same amount of cannabis once heated contains 10 mg THC. Also, as the THC in cannabis only becomes psychoactive when heated, consuming raw cannabis allows one to get the benefits of the plant in a non-intoxicating way.  So no, you don’t get stoned while having cannabis juice.

Raw cannabis appears to be particularly beneficial in treating inflammation and autoimmune disease. Unheated CBDA and THCA (THC-acid) both have attributed medicinal attributes, but there has been comparatively little scientific research into cannabinoid acids. 

As with any other cannabis product, results vary according to an individual’s unique endocannabinoid system. Some people report a dramatic change after just one serving of raw cannabis juice, while others may take four to eight weeks to see full results.

RELATED: Marijuana And Exercise, All Part Of The Healthy Life

Also, juicing is not for everyone. Speak with a medical professional before starting a cannabis juicing routine if one has any pre-existing medical conditions. People at potential risk include patients with kidney or gallbladder problems, as well as those taking blood-thinning drugs or medications that can be blocked by pomegranate or grapefruit juice. 

Photo by Jose Soriano via Unsplash

How to make raw cannabis juice

Local dispensaries will not carry fresh leaves and buds. More dispensaries are carrying clones, so growing cannabis at home is becoming a viable option in those states where home grows are legal.  Look for fresh organic cannabis plants grown without pesticides. Store leaves and buds in vegetable bags placed in the freezer or refrigerator to keep them fresh if not using them immediately. 

RELATED: 3 Top Reasons Why Cannabis Is A Powerful Superfood

Juice approximately 2 large buds and 15 to 20 large leaves. The buds should be clear not amber with the leaves picked while the plant is in the full flowering stage. 

Soak the leaves for approximately five minutes, then juice them in a cold-press juicer or blender. 

Adding freshly juiced organic fruits or vegetables to the cannabis juice will help cut the harsh taste of raw cannabis, and dilute the mixture so it goes down more smoothly.

Divide the cannabis juice into three servings and drink one serving with each meal. 

Store freshly juiced cannabis in a tightly sealed container and put in the refrigerator where it should last for up to three days. 

Cannabis Can Help Introverts Be More Social

Get togethers can be miserable for introverts – marijuana can help.

Introverts have a tough go, extroverts think they need help, bur really they need time and space to adjust and think. Some introverts have anxiety, but not all. Introverts can’t be “fixed” if they go to the right event. The truth is has more nuisance and marijuana might help some. Introverts like more quiet to concentrate, may take time to make decisions, feel comfortable being alone and feel tried after being in a crowd. Some might think of them as shy or quiet, which is true for some but, again, not all.

RELATED: Anxious About Seeing A Therapist? CBD Could Help

Some research has shown introverted people tend to experience higher levels of anxiety. But not every introvert has social anxiety disorder, or social phobia.  Social anxiety disorder is one of the five main types of anxiety disorders. It is significant nervousness, fear, or apprehension in social situations or when thinking about social situations. It is the next level of being worried about social situation. Some good new is cannabis can help introverts be more social.

the average america hasnt made a new friend in 5 years
Photo by Felix via rawpixel.com

Get togethers, big and small, are a way to experience new idea, meet potential friends or partner while engaging with new people. Sometimes it is just a work requirement which there is no escape. In the age of legalization, more introverts are sharing they are using microdosing as a way to manage social outings. Marijuana does not help every introvert and too much may heighten anxiety. Microdosing is 2.5-5mg at a time, which are about a half or quarter of a gummy.

RELATED: Low-THC Strains Of Marijuana A Safer Substitute For Anti-Anxiety Medications

But cannabis doesn’t change the core of a person, rather it pulls them out of their habitual thought. Allowing them to step out of themselves and experience something different or new without too much of a thought. The main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, THC, stimulates the part of your brain which responds to pleasure, like food and sex. Consuming unleashes a chemical called dopamine, which gives you a euphoric, relaxed feeling.

If you plan to try it, go slow and see how it works. If you have social anxiety, you might want to consult with a health professional.

 

The Presidential Debate May Have Helped Marijuana

The Presidential debate has fed the news cycle for almost two weeks…but is the real winner marijuana?

In a break from tradition, the two presidential candidate agreed to a new debate format hosted by CNN. Historically, the Commission on Presidential Debates ran the show, but both the leaders for the Republicans and Democrats went with a new, untested format for a 90 minutes, live debate. Since the June face off, media online along in person conversations continue to buzz about the results. But in a surprise, the presidential debate may have helped marijuana – making it a winner of the evening.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

After promising to do more for the marijuana industry, the Biden administration waited until the almost last year of his term to make a major move. At the end of 2023, he encouraged federal agencies to consider rescheduling. The Federal Drug Agency (FDA) and Health and Human Service’s (HHS) recommended cannabis to be rescheduled to Schedule III, with Schedule III drugs defined as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence (Schedule III drugs include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone). It now sits with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which isn’t the biggest fan.

This rescheduling will have a significant impact on state-legal cannabis businesses and consumers. Which is key to marijuana success.  Roughly 85% believe marijuana should be legal in some form, but Congress and the Biden administration has been slow to act. But wit key young voters balancing weed along with political and economic issues….it is an easy win.

Will Congress Boost Hemp Total THC Limit To 1%?
Photo by anankkml/Getty Images

While the process is slowly moving, uncertainty remains. The DEA is currently in a feedback phase. The DEA has not be overly excited and some congress members have been lobbying against the change. Noticeably, the medical community has backed rescheduling.

RELATED: Americans Want It, Some Politicians Prefer a Nanny State

Once the DEA publishes its proposed rule, it will be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget (“White House”) and if approved, it would then proceed to a public comment period. Notably, the DEA could reschedule cannabis by issuing a final order and bypass the notice and comment period which would allow the change to become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

The current administration needs a big win with younger voters and to show strengthen and relevancy. This could help push him and the VP to be more decisive.

The Best Hacks To Have A Better Marijuana Experience

Sometimes you just want to up the experience – you deserve a treat or it was really a day – have we got a hack for you!

If you aren’t brand new to cannabis, you have gotten to know your high. Like alcohol, people tend to have a favorite which gives you an expected experience. It might have to do with taste, mood, or just a favorite go to. But sometimes, you want to change it up. You might want to to increases the chill, or the Monday was rough and you want to really wind down.  Study after study says Monday’s are seen as the roughest day of the week. To help, here are the best hacks to have a better marijuana experience. Hopefully this will help you chill and relax.

RELATED: Why You Should Be Mixing Your Cannabis Strains

These are meant to help in a crunch or add a little extra relaxation to your journey. These hacks are easy and can be used with things you might have around, especially if you are visiting and aren’t around your regular stuff.

A Penny

Many would say they are worthless, but they can come in handy in cannabis pinch. There are 150 billion pennies in circulation with another 138 billion in jars, on the street, in loafers, etc. If you don’t have a grinder handy, these is a quick hack to cutting your marijuana flower neatly and evenly. Take a penny and clean it thoroughly, then put your marijuana in a pillbox or small jar, drop the penny inside, close it up, and shake. Keep on shaking. After a vigorous workout, you’ll be left with some evenly cut marijuana.  Almost like magic.

Mint

Mint helps in a variety of ways with smoking or vaping. Mint leaves can give you a smooth and relaxing effect, helping you breathe easier.  If you feel a little adventurous, then the chocolate mint plant would be a great option. Its leaves smell like real chocolate. For the newer consumers, it can help you focus on something other than the munchies. It helps distract you from the urge of eating, similar to people who stop smoking tend to chew gum, mints can help keep your mind off blowing your diet.

Photo by Charisse Kenion via Unsplash

Chocolate

If you are having a gummy, why not include some chocolate? When the two are consumed together, the chocolate helps better activate the brain receptors which produce feelings of euphoria induced by the cannabis. Chocolate contains anandamide, a natural cannabinoid binding to some of the same receptors in the brain as THC. Darker and richer chocolates like dark cocoa powder or raw cacao nibs are especially beneficial because they contain higher levels of anandamide.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Broccoli

The wink wink emoji for marijuana, broccoli can help you have after a particular stressful Monday. Broccoli is one of the best things to eat when consuming THC. The terpene will help the cannabinoids fight depression and reduce the pain. Broccoli contains high levels of terpene, Beta–caryophyllene, which binds to CB2 receptors in the body much like other cannabinoids. It can work synergistically with cannabinoids by helping to reduce pain, inflammation and depression. An excellent add on if you have had a tough day.

What Happens When You Smoke Two Cannabis Strains From The Same Bowl
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

Compact or floppy discs

If you’re visiting your parents’ house, and in a pinch, you can rummage around and find some floppy discs. While most people will find them useless, they can help neatly pack bowls by using the middle hole of the disc. Easy, fast, and you’ll embrace a retro feel! May indulge in some 80s and 90s entertainment and let your cares sail away.

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