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The BEST Delicious Whiskey Cocktails You Can Make

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Whiskey is one of my favorite things. I’ll go to lengths to describe the way it makes me feel and especially the way it performs in craft cocktails. What? Whiskey cocktails? Don’t look away; it’s perfectly acceptable to mix cocktails with whiskey. By the way, if you’ve enjoyed a whiskey smash or a mint julep, you’ve had a whiskey cocktail. And if you’ve treated your glass of whiskey to a splash of soda or a muddle of fruit, that is a cocktail too.

Yup, your world just got a bit bigger and you haven’t event gotten to the Manhattan’s or the Rob Roy Cocktails yet!

Related: 3 Original Craft Cocktails To Make With Bitters

One such creative cocktail from my recently published book, The Craft Cocktail Compendium is named “A Pleasant Little Gentleman.” It takes a bit of rye whiskey, raw honey simple syrup and whiskey barrel aged bitters and twists them up a bit.

A Pleasant Little Gentleman

  • 2 oz. Fernet Branca
  • 1 oz. rye whiskey
  • 1 oz. raw honey simple syrup (1 cup raw honey to 1 cup hot, but not boiling, water)
  • 2-4 shakes Barrel Aged Bitters
  • Boiling water for hot tea (Lapsang Souchong)

Boil tea. Add the liquors. Sweeten with raw honey to taste. Add the bitters. Serve

Another little taste of deliciousness is the “Late Summer Fizz.” It includes Pimm’s Cup. Now you know what to do with this cucumber-scented slice of heaven.

Late Summer Fizz

(Pg. 110 of The Craft Cocktail Compendium)

  • 2 oz. rye
  • ½ oz. Pimm’s No.1. Cup
  • ½ oz. apple cider
  • ½ oz. sweet white vermouth (I used Carpano Antica Formula)
  • ¼ oz. allspice dram
  • Sprinkle of sea salt
  • Lemon bitters
  • Splash of club soda

To a Boston Shaker filled ¾ with ice: Add the liquors and the apple cider. Add the dram. Cap and shake hard for 15 seconds. Pour over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Splash club soda. Dot with lemon bitters. Sprinkle sea salt over the top. Serve.

Related Story: 5 Brilliant Cannabis-Infused Daiquiri Recipes

The next one is my take on the classic Old Fashioned. It involves roasted fruit that you split, add light balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar and Demerara sugar, roasted, cooled and muddled. Pretty spectacular.

Grilled Peach and Thai Basil Roast

  • 1 oz. roasted peaches (split, sprinkled with sugar and 1 tsp balsamic and roasted for 1 hour at 350 degrees until soft and charred)
  • 1 oz. roasted oranges (split, sprinkled with sugar and 1 tsp balsamic and roasted for 1 hour at 350 degrees until soft and charred
  • 4 oz. bourbon whiskey
  • 1-2 sprigs Thai basil

Muddle the roasted peaches and oranges with Thai basil very lightly, just to release the aromatics adding a bit of bourbon along the way, muddle some more and add more bourbon (I used Barrell Bourbon Batch 11). Strain the mixture into a rocks glass without ice or if you want, with one large cube of ice and a bit of the muddling mixture. Garnish with a sprig of Thai basil.

Related Story: 5 Great Ways To Use Fresh Herbs In Your Craft Cocktails

How can you go through summer without a take on the Moscow Mule, but with whiskey instead of vodka? This one takes a bit of a different tack. It involves making a very quick Shrub — no, not a shrubbery, but a little concoction that adds a bit of apple cider vinegar to the usual ginger beer. Kind of a ginger snap in your mouth!

Son In The Foreign Legion

  • ¼ oz. apple cider vinegar
  • 3 oz. ginger beer (cane sugar-based)
  • 2 oz. blended Scotch whiskey (Like Johnny Walker Red)
  • 4-6 drops Angostura bitters (or like)

To a cocktail mixing glass: Fill ¾ with ice. Add the whiskey. Add the ginger beer. Add the apple cider vinegar. Stir well to chill but not dilute. Pour into 2 coupe glasses. Dot with bitters and serve.

The last cocktail is also from my book The Craft Cocktail Compendium. It is simply named “Bill Monroe’s Country Cooler,” paying homage to the master mandolin player himself.

Bill Monroe’s Country Cooler

  • 1 oz. peach nectar
  • 1 oz. apricot nectar
  • ½ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 oz. sweet iced tea (sugar to your own taste of course!)
  • 2-4 oz. white (un-aged) whiskey
  • 2-5 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Fresh mint (picked in the shadow of the roots of an ancient oak tree, where sweet branch water bubbles forth in a belly laugh)

Add all the liquid ingredients to a cocktail mixing vessel filled ¾ with ice. Stir well to chill. Strain into ball jars. Dot with bitters. Slap the mint against your palm and garnish. Serve and quickly prepare more! They go down quick!


 

Private Mode For Porn Isn’t Private From Everyone

A study shows not even your porn searches are safe from big corporations. Although we can’t be all that surprised, it still sucks to learn sites like Google and Facebook are able to know the type of porn you’re into, and might even use your preferences as a way of gaining profits.

These results—gathered by a study conducted by Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pennsylvania—state Facebook, Google and Oracle are secretly tracking your porn habits even when using the incognito tab.

RELATED: How Cannabis Can Improve Your Sex Life

The study used a tool called webXray on over 22,484 websites, finding 93% of them sent their numbers to third party sites. “Revelations about such data represent specific threats to personal safety and autonomy in any society polices gender and sexuality,” say the authors of the study.

5 Things You Shouldn't Do While On Your Work Computer
Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash

Unsurprisingly, Google had the strongest hold out of the three companies studied, with trackers on 74% of porn sites. Oracle had trackers on 24% of them and lastly, Facebook—a site which does not allow for nudity and porn on their services—had trackers on 10% of them. The study explains these corporations may do whatever they want with this data, selling it, inferring on your sexual preferences by the type of URL you use, and using this information as a way of building a more complete consumer profile of you. With all of this information in their hands, these websites have a more complete picture of who you are and a better grasp on targeted ads.

RELATED: 4 Tips To Ensure Your Sexts And Nudes Stay Private

“The fact the mechanism for adult site tracking is so similar to, say, online retail should be a huge red flag. This isn’t picking out a sweater and seeing it follow you across the web. This is so much more specific and deeply personal,” says one of the lead authors of the study in an interview with the New York Times. 

It seems like we’re all just a few keyboard types away from sextortions and really embarrassing sex scandals. At least we can find some modicum of peace in knowing we’re all kinky and not alone.

Study Weighs In on Cannabis and IQ

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One of key arguments opponents of legal marijuana is underage age use going up and it is bad for kids. Everyone is in agreement, but the same can be said of nicotine and alcohol, thus age limits. While increased underage going up argument has been disproven, there still are concerns about the effects of still developing brain.  No one in industry is advocating for a 10 year old to vape, just as no one is serving a 10 year old a whiskey sour.  But is someone who starts using at 24 years affected, well a study weighs in on cannabis and IQ.

A large study in New Zealand found that persistent marijuana use disorder with frequent use starting in adolescence was associated with a loss of an average of 6 or up to 8 IQ points measured in mid-adulthood.43 Those who used marijuana heavily as teenagers and quit using as adults did not recover the lost IQ points. People who only began using marijuana heavily in adulthood did not lose IQ points.

An earlier study conducted in 2001 and published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that “the former marihuana smokers did not show any cognitive impairments,” the same as a study published four years later in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology.

cannabis brain
Photo by Feodora Chiosea/Getty Images

RELATED: Does Marijuana Make You Stupid? Here’s What Experts Say

study conducted in 2001 and published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that “the former marihuana smokers did not show any cognitive impairments,” the same as a study published four years later in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology.

On the other end of the spectrum are studies suggesting the opposite. As a rule, those kinds of studies mainly focus on the long-term outcomes of those who started using marijuana earlier in life, comparing statistically significant changes in cognitive functioning among those who use cannabis and those who don’t.

The New Zealand study followed 1,037 New Zealanders from age 3 to age 45 to determine the effect marijuana has on brain function. Published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, the study found that those who have been using cannabis early and long-term and on a regular basis showed cognitive impairment after all.

Besides a 5.5 points decline in users’ IQs from childhood to midlife, the results confirmed some deficits in learning and processing speed compared to those who are not marijuana users.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

One key note is, as with alcohol, long-term cannabis users also developed memory and attention problems, the study found.  And like alcohol and nicotine, early age use of marijuana can have long term negative effects.  More research needs to be done regarding adult use.

 

States Are Raking In Money With The Cannabis Consumer Boom

Congress should pay attention to the healthy revenue states are gleaming from marijuana consumers

 

The US Senate is about to debate and vote on SAFER Banking which will be a help to the cannabis industry, both in safety and for practical business reasons. The House has approved similar bills 7 times prior, so hopefully they will be able to look around and see facts.  And one thing they should do is note states are raking in money with the cannabis consumer boom. The extra tax revenue is helping compete budgets.

States with reported cannabis excise sales tax numbers totaled almost $6 billion since Q3 of 2021. While to the federal government, the number seems tiny, to states it is significant.  And reflects how consumers are continuing to drive marijuana revenue and spending!

RELATED: Crimes Against Cannabis Soars In Seattle

Companies are seeing an uptick with market leader Canopy Growth seeing an 11% income increase. The industry is look at Washington, DC for helpful news while the public settles in with marijuana in the mix with alcohol for recreational use. Washington and Illinois are leaders in cannabis tax collection but all the legal governments are reaping benefits.

How Long Before The Senate Approves The SAFE Banking Act?
Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

States are reporting another growth year for 2022 and expect increases in sales in 2023.  A combination of more state becoming fully operational and the trend to add marijuana to the mix and decrease alcohol is a glimpse of the market.

“Cannabis use will continue to rise as new states open to adult-use sales and the stigma is removed. The reality is cannabis is a less harmful recreational substance than alcohol and a valuable medicine for those who need it. As adoption increases, states can benefit by transitioning consumers to legal and tested products and collecting taxes on these sales.” shared Jesse Redmon, Head of the Cannabis Division of Water Tower Research.

The Motley Fool researched and discovered states without legal weed are leaving big money on the table. The sad news is a big chunk of the lost revenue is under the table in their thriving black markets.  Alabama could earn $92+ million annually, Mississippi $47+ million, and Louisiana $81+ million.  All three are in the poorest in the country.  Kentucky, home of Senator Mitch McConnell who has block legal marijuana ever chance he can, would earn $83+ million.

California is a major source of concern with high taxes and little enforcement. Legal cannabis companies are being pummeled by illicit operations the state allows to operate with little chance of penalty.

RELATED: 5 Edibles You Can Make With Simple Ingredients

A new map published by the U.S. Census Bureau details the proportion of state revenue made up by marijuana tax money, and in some cases, the figures are eye-popping.

Hopefully Congress will realize states are raking in money with the cannabis consumer boom and move for federal legalization.  This will help medical marijuana patients and general customers.

 

Halloween Star Wars Darth Maul Dip And More

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Halloween is around the corner and people are starting to think about Halloween festivities. What about food with a movie theme – like Halloween Star Wars Darth Maul Dip and more?

Here are perfect menacing recipes for the Halloween holiday weekend, look no further.  These two recipes from the Star Wars Cookbook I  & Star Wars Cookbook II are the most maleficent culinary creations in the universe. Both recipes are perfect for both adults and children alike,  age is no issue when the Force is with you.  No Rebel can resist the sweet, salty, crunchy delight of the Death Star Popcorn Balls which will make you an instant hero among the young trick or treaters in your Empire.  Or put out a platter of them for your tribe to chow on while you chill and binge watching multiple movies in the Star Wars series! Give in to your dark cravings.

Like your son’s father before him, they will both enjoy The Darth Maul Dip, which is equally epic and might just put an end to your galactic battle with gettingkids to eat more healthy foods.  Made with roasted red bell peppers and poppy seeds this Yoda approved dish, the Force of eating a wider variety of foods might just awaken with your young Jedi. I had a tremendous amount of fun creating these two books.  The recipes are great, and all of the food images I pulled from a specific scene or character in the first four released Star Wars movies. Eat these you must, they are just an awesome amount of fun for all and a sure-fire to get your kids in the kitchen. It is no Jedi mind trick — it’s just good food.

Both recipes are grand conversation starters, so you can’t go wrong entertaining with these dishes in your own galaxy.

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Have fun, and May the Fork Be With You!!

You can find more from each of these books, plus the Star Wars Party book, on my website.

Death Star Popcorn Balls    

  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1½ cup light corn syrup
  • ½ Tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Butter or vegetable shortening for greasing hands

DIRECTIONS:

Pop the corn using whatever method you prefer. Put the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt in the saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon. Clip a candy thermometer on the side of the pan. Set the pan on the stove and switch the heat to low. Add the vinegar and vanilla to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the thermometer reads 270ºF. Carefully pour the hot sugar mixture over the popcorn and toss using 2 large spoons to coat every kernel. Allow to cool slightly. Rub butter or vegetable shortening on your hands so the popcorn won’t stick to them. Scoop up enough popcorn to form a ball about the size of a baseball. Shape the ball with your hands. Makes 2 or 3 popcorn balls.

The Darth Maul Dip

Image courtesy of Frankie Frankeny
Image courtesy of Frankie Frankeny

(makes 1½  cups)

  • 1 jar (15 ounces) roasted red peppers
  • 1 small clove garlic, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon cream cheese
  • 2 pearl onions
  • ½ cup poppy seeds ( or substitute black sesame seeds)
  • Corn chips

RELATED: 5 Edibles You Can Make With Simple Ingredients

DIRECTIONS:

Drain the peppers and lay flat on a paper towel to dry. Remove blackened skin. Add the peppers, garlic clove, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and cream cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Use a spatula to spread the dip evenly onto a flat plate which is larger than the Darth Maul template (also found in the back of Star Wars Cookbook II, Darth Maul and More Galactic Recipes). Chill the dip for 1 hour. Remove the chilled dip from the refrigerator and lay the template over the dip. Sprinkle the poppy seeds evenly over it. Brush off any poppy seeds from template. Place pearl onions on the face to make the eyes, adding one poppy seed on each onion for the pupils. (You can make Darth Maul’s eyes yellow by soaking the onions in warm water with a pinch of saffron.) Place three or four corn chips on head to make horns. Drape a black cloth around the plate to make Darth Maul’s cape. Serve with corn chips.

Named one of the 100 Most Creative People in the US by Entertainment Weekly , Frankie captures images for some of the best names in culinary.  

Frankie has helped create: The Art of the Bar: Cocktails Based on the Classics;The Model Bakery Cookbook; Miette: Recipes from San Francisco’s Most Charming Pastry Shop; The Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook and The Star Wars Cookbook Series. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The Curious Origin Of Weed Brownies

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Long a staple in the marijuana world, weed brownies have a storied history

Paris of Hemingway, Picasso, free love and norm-breaking art.  Paris between the warms was a place of experimentation and excited. Alice B. Toklas, lifelong companion of Gertrude Stein and Paris salon fixture, was writing an autobiographical cookbook in the 1950s. The book included several guest recipes from her bohemian buddies. One of her mischievous friends, Brion Gysin, submitted a recipe for something called “Hashish Fudge,” which comes with the warning that moderation is key and that these little treats might induce thoughts on “many simultaneous planes.” The recipe didn’t actually include any chocolate, but was rather a melange of spices, nuts, and dried fruit, pulverized and formed into little balls.

Apparently, Toklas didn’t do much recipe testing, because the recipe was submitted in the manuscript and printed in Britain, where it caused quite an uproar (Toklas claimed ignorance, stating that she didn’t recognize the Latin name). It was omitted from later printings, but you can’t un-ring that bell: Alice B. Toklas would be forever associated with cannabis baking.

Photo by Jessie Moore
Photo by Jessie Moore

RELATED: The Only Pot Brownie Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This simple recipe is inspired by Brion Gysin’s confections. They come together in minutes, but provide much more than one afternoon’s delight.

Canna-Balls

Makes 14-16 servings

  • 1 cup dried figs
  • ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup toasted nuts (I used a mixture of pecans and walnuts)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons cannabutter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of a baking sheet; set to the side.
  2. Combine all of the ingredients except the cannabutter in either a powerful blender (such as a vitamix) or in the bowl of a food processor.
  3. Pulse until the ingredients resemble a coarse meal. It should be loose, but when you clump it together, it should stay together.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the melted cannabutter, and gently “knead” the mixture with your hands to evenly distribute it among the mixture.
  5. Using your hands, grab a small handful of the mixture. Press it together, and form into a ball. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Continue with the rest of the mixture. I personally ended up with 14 balls, each about the size of a heaping tablespoon.
  7. Store the balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Photo by Jessie Moore
Photo by Jessie Moore

Recipe notes:

These balls are naturally gluten-free; you can make them vegan, too, by using canna-butter made with coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute. Remember: it can take up to 2 hours to begin to feel the effects of cannabis-infused treats, and the effects can last for several hours. Enjoy in moderation!

Does Will Smith Smoke Weed

A talented actor, Will Smith stays in the forefront of cinema and the news. Does he ever chill with a gummy though?

Will Smith is an accomplished TV, film and music icon. Many  flash back to the 90s when he was simply known as the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The sitcom launched his career, and he’s managed to stay relevant since, working with a string of famous directors in numerous blockbusters which earned him Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar nods. But does he ever just chill and relax, does Will Smith smoke weed?

Smith has kept a low profile since the infamous Chris Rock slap at 94th Academy Awards in  2022. Surpising Rock, Smith unexpected walked on stage and delivered it to Rock for a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Recently, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith revealed they have been living apart since 2011. While support, Pinkett Smith has expressed he need to work on things.  Sounds like he could use a gummy or two.

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Staff/Getty Images

RELATED: Does Katy Perry Smoke Weed?

Unlike his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, Will is a pretty private person, rarely allowing his personal life to leak to the public. Pinkett Smith Red Table Talk sow, opened the family  up for more controversy over the years. Episodes have touched upon various personal issues, such as the couple’s rocky relationship, Jada’s affair with August Alsina, and more. The show along with other Facebook Watch Originals series were cancelled after the platform announced it’s moving away from producing original programming.

While Will hasn’t directly addressed marijuana on the show, in an episode of Red Table Talk, the family discussed their experiences with alcohol, explaining that they’ve lowered their intake since Jada’s family has a history of alcohol abuse.

When the topic of cannabis was broached, they all paused awkwardly until the couple’s daughter, Willow, revealed: “Everyone knows we’re 420 friendly, let’s be real.”

RELATED: Marijuana And The Creative/Programmer Set

While Will hasn’t spoken openly about marijuana, his kids have, making us believe that he must have a pretty relaxed attitude towards the subject. Willow has been photographed with weed socks and has spoken about her drug use, explaining it was  something at time to stave off boredom.

While Will is most likely not a stoner, we can safely assume that he’s okay with the moderate use and legalization of cannabis.

Highly talented and driven he received an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard (2021)— also winning a Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award and Screen Actors Guild Award in the same category and role; him Grammy Awards—one for Best Rap Performance (for “Parents Just Don’t Understand”), one for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group(for “Summertime”), and two for Best Rap Solo Performance (for “Men in Black” and “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It”); the former two of which he won as a member of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. His Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award nominations make him one of few black actors to be nominated for all four major entertainment awards in the US.

Does Marijuana Effect Your Dental Health

Marijuana produces a few side effects harmful to your mouth’s health, especially if you smoke.

Things can turn on a smile and brighten a day. And common sense says we need to manage our mouth, teeth and gums for good health.  Science and sense says smoking cigarettes is bad for our dental health. Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other forms of tobacco cause oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Untreated tooth decay is higher in people who smoke cigarettes. Over 40% of adults aged 20 to 64 who currently smoke cigarettes have untreated tooth decay. In addition, One of the effects of smoking is staining on the teeth due to the nicotine and tar in the tobacco. Teeth yellow in a very short time, and heavy smokers often complain their teeth are almost brown after years of smoking. But does marijuana effect your dental health?

A large study from Duke University found links between smoking cannabis and different mouth diseases. Researchers discovered unlike cigarettes, cannabis isn’t harmful for your lungs, cholesterol or blood pressure.

“While study participants who had used marijuana to some degree over the last 20 years showed an increase in periodontal disease from age 26 to 38, they did not differ from non-users on any of the other physical health measures,” says the study.

RELATED: How Effective Is CBD When It Comes To Treating Toothaches?

What You Should Know About CBD And Oral Health
Illustration by Pettycon via Pixabay

The most likely diseases regular marijuana smokers can develop include periodontal disease, xerostomia (a permanent form of dry mouth) and leukoplakia (the appearance of white spots on the inner part of people’s mouths). Consuming cannabis produces dry mouth, altering your mouth’s functioning and decreasing the development of saliva. This allows for bacteria to develop and which could also lead to cavities and infections.

Leukoedema is more common among cannabis users than non-users but it is unclear whether associated irritants, such as orally inhaled smoke, rather than cannabis itself, may be contributing causes.

Less serious conditions include gingivitis and teeth stains, which are due to the presence of smoke in your mouth. The act of smoking is bad for your mouth in any way you look at it, and there’s no way of preventing it.

If you like to smoke cannabis and are concerned by these results, take a deep breath and relax. There are plenty of ways to treat your cannabis induced dry mouth, like having some water and chewing gum as you’re smoking. It wouldn’t hurt for you to try out vaporizers and other methods of consuming cannabis which don’t involve smoke. Another harmful thing you should be mindful of are the munchies, which generally strike late at night and cause many people to go to bed without brushing their teeth. I know this is Dental Health 101, but a reminder never hurt anyone.

Can CBD Help with Bulking-Up Or Shredding

From easing inflammation to helping with better sleep to ignite more effective workouts, CBD is being used by pro-athletes and those in gyms all over the globe.

Athletes all over the country are looking for upgrades to hack their regimen to faster success. One method gaining traction is infusing CBD or cannabis before workouts to better help the body stretch, as well as after workouts to ease inflammation and pain. 

Kyli Rodriguez-Cayro, a writer and mental health educator, noted she started using a CBD balm pre and post workout and saw clear benefits. “My recovery time after resistance training can take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours, depending on the length of the workout, the intensity, and the heaviness of the weights I’ve used,” she explained. “However, taking CBD following my exercise routine seemed to slightly decrease my recovery time.”

From easing inflammation to helping with better sleep to ignite more effective workouts, CBD is being used by pro-athletes and those in gyms all over the globe. Here are three ways athletes are advocating for and using cannabis and CBD in their regimens.

Overall Fitness

Athletes for Care, a non-profit organizational community of athletes who advocate for research, education, and compassion when addressing important health issues. The organization also support the use of CBD and cannabis in athletics. They’ve been working diligently with other organizations to remove the cannabis ban for athletes, citing, “’The spirit of sport’ is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. We have found cannabis supports these values including health and wellness, fun and joy, teamwork, community and solidarity and more.” 

Running

Runner’s World has shared athletes were looking to CBD to augment their workout. 

“Already, a growing number of athletes, including many in the trail running and ultramarathon community, consider CBD a key part of their regimen.” 

Amanda Brooks from Run To The Finish believes CBD can be a powerful tool for runners during their exercise or after in helping the body recuperate. She cites a 2016 study in arthritic rats where CBD was found to “significantly reduce joint swelling and pain.”  Brooks shared using CBD in her pre-workout regimen has enabled her body to get into a better “flow.” The Fresh Toast has covered the power of cannabis and cbd for inflammation, too. 

RELATED: Mountain, Road And Commuter: How CBD Can Help Bikers

Cannabis Users Exercise Much More Than You Think
Photo by rawpixel

Weight-Lifting

Joey Swoll, an online body coach and body-builder himself, recently spoke to Generation Iron about how CBD and cannabis has helped him not only focus better but alleviate pain in training. 

Adam Kemp, a professional basketball player and fitness consultant shared each individual must choose whether marijuana is the right hack in their fitness routine as each body react to the compounds differently. He explains, 

For example, as a bodybuilder, you’re careful when it comes to nutrition, as you need to consume the right amount of the right calories.

13 types of marijuana that will improve your workouts
Photo by Alora Griffiths/Getty Images

“If you smoke marijuana and lack discipline when it comes to munchies (usually, people eat a lot of junk food and processed sugars), it won’t do you any good.

RELATED: Why These 4 Professional Athletes Use CBD To Manage Pain

“Also, smoking cannabis or consuming cannabis concentrates after workout can make your resting days more effective, calm you down, lower stress, help you sleep better and improve your appetite.” 

So, what should you know before you decide whether to integrate CBD and cannabis into your workout? Talking to your care team and personal trainer can help you decide, (based on current lifestyle) if cannabis and CBD are recommended for your goals.

What To Know About CBD And OCD

Early studies suggest CBD could be a helpful tool for managing the symptoms of OCD.

 

The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon displays textbook symptoms of OCD, truly helping people understand the issue. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring and unwanted thoughts making people want to comply with specific behaviors compulsively. OCD can vary dramatically from person to person, affecting people to variable degrees. Those who acquire an OCD diagnosis find these patterns and compulsions highly distressing and obtrusive to their everyday life. Can CBD help these people manage their disorder?

Those with OCD who turn to CBD for relief are usually exploring self-medication, looking for treatments less invasive than anti-depressants and therapies. It’s important to know even if someone experiences relief from their consumption of CBD, the cannabinoid is not a replacement for other drugs.

While there’s not a lot of studies looking into CBD’s capabilities for treating anxiety disorders, it’s an option worth exploring, especially considering the fact current medications and therapies have low recovery rates. The limited research and anecdotal evidence on CBD and OCD suggest the compound can manage symptoms or provide supplemental treatment with some effectiveness, mainly thanks to the compound’s anxiolytic and antipsychotic qualities.

RELATED: CBD Can Improve Effectiveness of Antibiotic Medication

Here's What You Should Know About CBD & OCD
Photo by Mélissa Jeanty via Unsplash

A 2019 review published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research explains the body’s endocannabinoid system plays an important part in regulating neurotransmitters, which is why it’s effective in treating common anxiety and certain epileptic disorders.

“Although preliminary, the available clinical data indicate cannabinoids influence OCD-relevant processes, impacting anxiety symptoms, enhancing fear extinction, and reducing certain repetitive behaviors,” cites the review. “To date, only case reports detail how cannabinoids affect OCD symptoms specifically, although the effects reported are promising. Further testing is warranted.”

RELATED: Here’s What You Should Know About CBD And Heart Health

While there’s not enough research and data to draw firm conclusions or options for treatment, the existing studies on animals and humans suggest CBD is an influence on people’s emotions. This knowledge alone makes CBD worth exploring, offering a more natural and less invasive method of treating mental illnesses.

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