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Ask Dr. Green: Will Marijuana’s CBD Help My Son’s Dravet Syndrome?

Thomas Green, MD
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Ask Dr. Green: Will Marijuana’s CBD Help My Son’s Dravet Syndrome?

Dear Dr. Green: 

My son has suffered from Dravet syndrome and his condition is not improving. I have watched videos of children benefiting from CBD-rich cannabis tincture. I live in a legal marijuana state and would consider trying ANYTHING to help my child. Is this safe for children (he is nine)? And are there significant side effects of CBD? — Pat G., Medford, Ore. 

 Dear Pat:

Your child is suffering from a rare type of genetic epileptic brain dysfunction which is characterized by frequent seizures that are often resistant to therapies. This commonly begins in an otherwise normal child and often the onset is associated with the first vaccine at age 6 months. Most children have some developmental delays by age 2 and difficulties in walking is common.

The syndrome varies widely and the response to medications also varies. There are some typical anti-seizure medication that can actually worsen seizures in your child.

My first recommendation is that your child has a full evaluation by a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy to make sure the diagnosis is correct and has put together a plan to try different medications to see if the seizures can be controlled with standard medication. A genetic counselor can also help define the genetic problem.

There are also other therapies and medications which are not completely studied which may improve the situation such as Intravenous Immunoglobulin, ketogenic diet and vagus nerve stimulation.

There are anecdotal reports of improvement of seizure activity with CBD. In 2013, there was a survey article from the Department of Neurology at Stanford University and published in Epilepsy Behavior of the use of CBD in children with intractable seizures. This showed a significant improvement in seizure activity, improved mood, alertness and sleep. Some side effects were drowsiness and fatigue.

“>In 2016 a phase 3 trial from England with the use of Epidiolex (a CBD-based medication) showed significant improvement in seizure activity with minimal side effects.

So putting this all together, I feel we should first attempt to control the seizures with standard medications. If this does not show the effects we would want, it would be worthwhile to look at other options that have not been completely studied. This would include a discussion on the use of CBD with a healthcare provider who understands the syndrome and the use of CBD.

Our goal would be to limit the seizures >and improve mood and cognition. You would be taking the risk of CBD/THC in a developing child’s brain which might have significant long term effects. This risk is balanced against a debilitating disease which also has the potential of causing some cognitive impairment.

Having a multidisciplinary approach with a pediatrician, a neurologist, a genetic counselor and a health care provider who understands the use of CBD is essential. Researching through the Dravet Foundation and the Epilepsy Foundation can also provide significant help with their advice on day to day tips to ensure the safety of your child and their ongoing research into this rare disease.

This information is intended only to complement, and not to replace or contradict, any health or medical advice or information provided by healthcare professionals.  If you have any questions, please contact your doctor or other healthcare professional.

That Time When Alex Trebek Accidentally Ate A Bunch Of Hash Brownies

Terry Hacienda
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That Time When Alex Trebek Accidentally Ate A Bunch Of Hash Brownies

This is Jeopardy! And now, here’s your host, Alex Trebek!

Alex: Hello and welcome to Jeopardy!, America’s favorite answer-and-question game. Yes, we give the answers, and then it’s up to the contestants to come up with the questions.

Contestant: Alex, I’ll try “Getting High With A Little Help From My Friends” for $100, please.

Alex: OK, here’s your answer: “This tasty treat knocked my on my ass for two days.”

Contestant: What are hash brownies?

Alex: Correct!

That’s right. Years ago, long before cannabis legalization, the game show host and “pulled a Maureen Dowd” long before pulling a Maureen Dowd was even a thing. In a lengthy Q&A with Daily Beast, here is how Trebek described the unfortunate edible incident:

As the story goes, when Trebek first arrived in California, he attended a swanky party at a friend’s beach house in Malibu and came across some delicious-looking brownies on display. Now Trebek, despite at one time resembling a ’70s porn star, was no hippie and hadn’t dabbled much in recreational marijuana, let alone potent edibles. So needless to say, he had no idea what he was in for.

“It was by accident! I didn’t know what they were,” he tells me. “I had just arrived in California and went to a friend’s house for dinner, and there were brownies. I love brownies—I’m a chocoholic—and I didn’t realize that they were hash brownies. And… whoa. That threw me for a loop. I took down about a half-dozen. The dinner party was on a Friday, and I was not able to leave that house until Sunday afternoon. I spent the next day and a half in bed. It was not a good trip, and I have not done any of that stuff since!”

This is not the first time Trebek has told this cannabis cautionary tale. Two years ago, Trebek boldly appeared on “The Howard Stern Show” and described the event similarly. There are a few minor discrepancies in two versions of the story: the number of brownies he consumed and the day he left the party host’s home:

“I went to this party at a home in Malibu and I didn’t know the people who were hosting the party and they had hash brownies. I love chocolate, and I ate four or five hash brownies. The party was on a Friday night… I didn’t leave their home until Monday morning.”

Trebek says he has not tried cannabis since.

Americans Are Stressed AF And This Is The Main Reason Why

Amy Hansen
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Americans Are Stressed AF And This Is The Main Reason Why

Feeling stressed? You’re in good company. A new report by the American Psychological Association says nearly two-thirds of Americans report being totally stressed out by the future of our country. That’s more than money and work.

According to the report:

When asked to think about the nation this year, nearly six in 10 adults report that the current social divisiveness causes them stress. A majority of adults from both political parties say the future of the nation is a source of stress, though the number is significantly higher for Democrats (73 percent) than for Republicans (56 percent) and independents (59 percent).

That’s depressing.

“We’re seeing significant stress transcending party lines,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA’s chief executive officer. “The uncertainty and unpredictability tied to the future of our nation is affecting the health and well-being of many Americans in a way that feels unique to this period in recent history.”

Evans says it’s a stress that spans every generation.

The most common issues causing stress when thinking about the nation are:

  • health care (43 percent),
  • the economy (35 percent)
  • trust in government (32 percent)
  • hate crimes (31 percent)
  • crime (31 percent)
  • wars/conflicts with other countries (30 percent)
  • terrorist attacks in the United States (30 percent).

To a lesser extend, unemployment and low wages (22 percent) and environmental issues (21 percent) were also cited as stressors.

News, now readily accessible in just about any form 24-seven, is also a cause of stress. Adults say they struggle with competing feelings of their desire to stay informed and their somewhat negative view of the media. While most adults (95 percent) say they follow the news regularly, 56 percent say that doing so causes them stress, and 72 percent believe the media blows things out of proportion.

On a positive note, more than half (51 percent) of Americans surveyed say the state of the nation has inspired them to volunteer or support causes they believe in; More than half (59 percent) have taken some form of action in the past year, including 28 percent who signed a petition and 15 percent who boycotted a company or product in response to its social or political views or actions.

You can read the full report online.

The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: Nov. 6

Alec Engber
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The Fresh Toast Marijuana Legislative Roundup: Nov. 6

The reform of marijuana laws took a few steps forward and one big step back last week. The biggest news of the week was in Maine, where Gov. Paul LePage vetoed legislation voters passed a year ago. Read all about these developments and more in The Fresh Toast’s Marijuana Legislative Roundup for Nov. 6. 

Maine:  

On Friday, Maine Governor Paul LePage vetoed legislation to implement the recreational marijuana legalization measure passed by voters in November 2016. The bill sought to increase the sales tax on marijuana from 10 percent to 20 percent, require municipalities to “opt in” to the state’s legal cannabis market, and make a number of changes to the way cannabis is regulated at the state level. The legislation was the result of months of work by a special committee tasked with creating a regulatory framework for recreational marijuana in Maine. LePage, an outspoken critic of cannabis legalization, expressed public safety concerns and uncertainty regarding federal policy toward marijuana legalization. This was apparently a reference to numerous statements made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in opposition to state efforts at marijuana legalization.   

Maine lawmakers will meet this week to discuss an override of the governor’s veto, which would require the vote of two-thirds of both legislative chambers. While the measure received a veto-proof majority in the Senate, it failed to garner two-thirds of votes in the House of Representatives. It has been legal to grow and possess cannabis in the state since last February, but the legislature has delayed the start of recreational sales until February of 2018. In October, LePage urged lawmakers to further delay recreational sales until 2019 to provide more time to finalize the regulatory framework.  

Nevada: 

On Wednesday, the Nevada Tax Commission voted unanimously to extend emergency regulations on marijuana sales. The emergency regulations restrict applications for cannabis distribution licenses to liquor wholesalers, following a Nevada Supreme Court ruling that granted liquor wholesalers the exclusive right to apply for such licenses. A unique provision of Nevada’s voter-approved legalization measure gives liquor wholesalers the exclusive right to transport marijuana from growers to retailers for the first 18 months of recreational sales.  

In April, the Department of Taxation determined that wholesalers would be unable to meet demand for recreational cannabis and granted some distributor licenses to existing medical marijuana retailers in advance of the July 1 beginning of sales. Following a protracted legal battle that caused supply shortages and a steep decline in retail sales, the Supreme Court sided with the group of liquor wholesalers that brought the lawsuit. However, licenses granted on or before September 14 will remain valid for a year following the date of their issuance. A final set of regulations is awaiting approval by the Nevada legislature.  

New Jersey:  

On Tuesday, a New Jersey appeals court ruled that the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs must review marijuana’s Schedule I status. The ruling noted that there are clear medical uses of marijuana that were not known when the state adopted the federal government’s Schedule I classification in 1971. Schedule I drugs, which include heroin and LSD, are defined as having no “accepted medical use.” However, New Jersey has allowed marijuana to be consumed for medical purposes since 2010. The state intends to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.   

Texas:  

On Monday, county commissioners in El Paso, Texas unanimously approved a measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for first-time offenders. The First Chance program will waive criminal charges for people without prior marijuana convictions who are caught in possession of no more than two ounces of marijuana. Those also facing additional charges will not be eligible. The program is set to begin this month, and follows similar moves by Dallas and Harris counties, as well as the city of Dallas.  

7 Obscure Thor Facts You Should Know Before Seeing ‘Ragnarok’

Joe Mortimer
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7 Obscure Thor Facts You Should Know Before Seeing ‘Ragnarok’

From our myths, to our funny pages, to our movies, Thor has been around a long time. With so many years that have passed and so many stories told, there are some facts that just aren’t as popular or popularized as others.

So, in no particular order, I’m going to spout out some obscure Thor facts that you might not have known.

Journey Into Mystery

Along with many other heroes, Thor’s first comic book appearance was a part of an anthology series. Journey Into Mystery started out as a horror anthology, then focused more on science fiction and giant monsters. Thor debuted in issue #83 and soon became the star of the book. The book was renamed to Thor for issue #126.

Thor’s Got Pretty Cool Gear

Cover art via Marvel

Mjolnir is definitely one of the coolest weapons in fiction, but before Thor was “worthy,” he was still a total badass. He usually wielded an uru battle axe named Jarnbjorn. He even blessed it with his own blood, increasing its power so that he could defeat Apocalypse, cutting through his crazy celestial armor.

On top of that, Thor sometimes sports a pretty sweet belt named Megingjord. Enchanted by Odin, this belt doubles Thor’s already considerable strength and stamina.

Thor Has Two Pet Goats

Thor has two huge super strong pet goats named Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder. They can fly and pull his chariot as he rides through space!

Thor Can’t Fly

So Mjolnir can fly, but Thor cannot. In order to fly Thor has to swing Mjolnir really fast and then toss it as hard as he can, while hanging on tight.

Asgardians Are Not Really Immortal

Thor and his Asgardian brethren are not truly immortal. Unlike their fellow pantheon the Olympians, Asgardians don’t just live forever, but have to consume magic golden apples to maintain their youth and vigor. “An apple a day, keeps death at bay,” is something no one has said ever.

Frigga Is Not Thor’s Mom

Frigga (or Freyja), played by Rene Russo in the film series, is actually Thor’s step-mom. Odin wanted to create a warrior that had great power in both Asgard and Midgard (Earth), so naturally he mated with Mother Nature herself.

Thor’s birth mother is the elder god Gaea (although she was going by Jord at the time. After baby Thor was weaned, Odin took him to Asgard to be raised by himself and his wife Frigga, hoping that Thor would be powerful enough to end the cycle of Ragnarok forever.

Thor Got Turned Into a Frog Once

Cover art via Marvel

During Walt Simonson’s run on the character, Loki turned the mighty Thor into a mighty frog. He then led a militia of frogs to fight an army of rats in Central Park. The rats were trying to poison New York’s water supply using lots of rat poison. Luckily Frog Thor stopped the rodents and made it back to Asgard to stop Loki’s amphibious scheme.

5 Cannabis Stocks We’re Watching!

Steven Lachard
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5 Cannabis Stocks We’re Watching!

Out of over 200 marijuana stocks, here’s 5 cannabis stocks we’re watching as the markets open due to breaking news out this morning.

The cannabis companies to watch today includes Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB) (OTC:ACBFF) and more.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB) (OTC:ACBFF)

Today, Aurora Cannabis Inc. announced that further to the two companies’ joint press release of October 23, 2017, Aurora and Radient Technologies have finalized a Master Services Agreement, pursuant to which Radient has agreed to perform certain services for Aurora using its proprietary MAP™ technology, as well as other technologies, as an independent contractor in relation to the development ,commercialization and supply of standardized cannabis extracts.

Emblem Corp. (TSXV:EMC) (OTC:EMMBF)

This morning, Emblem Corp. announced that effective November 3, 2017, the company has been granted a license to sell cannabis oils. As announced on December 19, 2016, Emblem was initially granted a supplemental license for the production of cannabis extracts.

Maricann Group Inc. (CSE:MARI) (OTC:MRRCF)

This morning, Maricann Group Inc. and a national provider that services pharmacies across Canada, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to create a pharmacy services program that enables pharmacists to counsel and appropriately educate patients in relation to medicinal cannabis.

MedReleaf Corp. (TSX:LEAF) (OTC:MEDFF)

This morning, MedReleaf Corp. announced that it has been granted an amended licence from Health Canada to permit sales of medical cannabis under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations at its second facility in Bradford, ON. This increases the company’s total current licensed production and sales capacity by 80% to approximately 12,600 kg per year.

Radient Technologies Inc. (TSXV:RTI) (OTC:RDDTF)

This morning,Aurora Cannabis Inc. announced that further to the two companies’ joint press release of October 23, 2017, Aurora and Radient Technologies have finalized a Master Services Agreement, pursuant to which Radient has agreed to perform certain services for Aurora using its proprietary MAP™ technology, as well as other technologies, as an independent contractor in relation to the development, commercialization and supply of standardized cannabis extracts.

Don’t forget to connect with The Daily Marijuana Observer on social media via Facebook, Twitter, StockTwits, YouTube, and Instagram.

Gossip: Justin Bieber And Selena Gomez Attend Church Twice In One Day; Diddy Announces Another Name Change

Naughty Gossip
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Gossip: Justin Bieber And Selena Gomez Attend Church Twice In One Day; Diddy Announces Another Name Change

It’s only been a week since she split with The Weeknd but things are heating up fast between reunited couple Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, who attended church twice together on Saturday, November 4.

The “Wolves” singer, 25, showed up to Hillsong Church on Saturday night looking trendy in a white tube top, black trousers and a long beige cardigan. She was also holding a Coach purse from her collection while clutching her phone. Bieber didn’t seem to be hiding, as he arrived wearing a bright orange Supreme sweater and neon-green pants.

The pair had also attended an earlier service at Hillsong during the day. The 13 Reasons Why executive producer wore a black long-sleeve dress while holding a notebook. The “Sorry” crooner, 23, went casual in a white shirt with a black hoodie and red shorts.

Bieber and Gomez have been nearly inseparable since reuniting, flaunting their new and improved relationship — and not being shy about packing on the PDA. Gomez was seen hugging Bieber after his hockey game on Thursday, November 2, the same day Us Weekly exclusively revealed that the former couple were officially back together.

Diddy Announces He’s Changing His Name to ‘Love’

Diddy is changing his name — again.

Diddy aka Puff Daddy aka Puff aka Puffy has had several monikers over the years, but his latest is certainly the most…interesting.

In a video, the 48-year-old announced that from now one he’ll be going by the name of ‘Love’ or ‘Brother Love.’

“I’m just not who I am before, I’m something different,” he said.

It’s a little bizarre, but if Diddy Brother Love wants to promote such a positive feeling then we’re in full support. The world could use a little more love.

Love the fresh dirt we bring over daily from Naughty Gossip? Let us know in the comments!

Maine Governor Paul LePage Just Vetoed Legal Marijuana

Mary Schumacher
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Maine Governor Paul LePage Just Vetoed Legal Marijuana

Literal buzzkill Attorney General Jeff Sessions has gotten into the ears and mind of Maine (R) governor Paul LePage. Nearly a year after the people of Maine voted legalize the adult use of cannabis, LePage vetoed the bill, citing advice given to him by Sessions.

In a letter he pointed to the divide there would be between medical and recreational and that if all adults could use it, that would be in violation of federal law.

The kicker here is that LePage sought out “guidance” from the attorney general. Asking Jeff Sessions his opinion on cannabis is akin to asking Taylor Swift her opinion on her exes. “No, don’t date any of them, they’re all rotten,” she might say (or sing). And while there’s a chance she’d be right about some of them, Sessions is so far on the wrong side of history here that LePage may just as well evoked the angry spirit of Harry J. Anslinger.

Sessions must have put the fear of God in LePage, who wrote, “Until I clearly understand how the federal government intends to treat states that seek to legalize marijuana, I cannot in good conscience support any scheme in state law to implement expansion of legal marijuana in Maine.”

Ironically enough, LePage also pointed to the growing opioid crisis in Maine in particular. It’s a real shame that he clearly hasn’t seen or read the studies showing that cannabis helps to reduce or even stop opiate intake.

Taking a page out of the ’80s “Just Say No” campaign, LePage also wrote, “The dangers of legalizing marijuana and normalizing its use in our society cannot be understated. Sending a message, especially to our young people, that some drugs that are still illegal under federal law are now sanctioned by the state may have unintended and grave consequences.”

I’d say the solution to LePage’s concerns would be to petition his new friend Jeff Sessions to deschedule cannabis so that there really isn’t a mixed message, but clearly LePage’s bias sways the other way.

 

In a surprise compromise, partial adult use will be allowed. It will be legal to possess less than 2.5 ounces and to grow a few plants, however, the veto takes away the retail market aspect, meaning that Maine misses out on taxes, revenues and legal places to procure cannabis.

Bill Nye Supports Marijuana Legalization, But Wants Us To Learn More

Brendan Bures
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Bill Nye Supports Marijuana Legalization, But Wants Us To Learn More

Count Bill Nye among the increasing number from the scientific community who support legalizing marijuana and want to study its medical benefits. Though, it’s worth mentioning, when it comes to the Science Guy himself, don’t expect him to consume any cannabis with him.

He isn’t a weed guy, personally.

“What’s happened with marijuana is it’s a Schedule I drug, which means it’s presumed to be addictive and it’s presumed to have no medical value. Yet people are using it for all these medical applications,” Nye told NowThis in an interview published this week. “So well, let’s study it. Well, you’re not allowed to study it because it’s a Schedule I drug […] So that has to be sorted out.”

Nye also sees the inherent economic value marijuana can have and supports it. He previously saw the positive benefits cannabis legalization can have to an economy and community when he used to live in Washington state.

“I lived in Washington State for a long time, and Washington State legalized it in 2012. We legalized marijuana, we tax it,” Bill Nye said. “We have a lot of tax revenue. It’s no longer criminalized. We don’t spend money on the police department. We spend money regulating the industry in the same way we regulate other substances.”

As you see, Nye understands the legitimacy of marijuana. But again don’t expect to see him any smoke shops anytime soon.

“I don’t like the smell. I just don’t like it,” he said. “One time in college I tried it, and I’m not good at smoking. I didn’t put in the hours to get good at smoking.”

“When I played ultimate frisbee very seriously, these guys I would play with would get high and they sucked when they were high,” he also added.

Bill Nye’s cannabis views align with his late mentor Carl Sagan, whom he studied astrology under while attending Cornell University. Another Sagan protégé, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, also came out recently in favor of marijuana legalization saying, “I think if you really analyze it, […] there is no reason for it to have ever been made illegal.”

Pumpkin Spice Lattes Have Dairy In Them, Even If You Get Non-Dairy Milk

Maria Loreto
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Pumpkin Spice Lattes Have Dairy In Them, Even If You Get Non-Dairy Milk

If you’re allergic to dairy or are on a dairy-free diet, pumpkin spice lattes are not the best option for you, even though it’s fall and the weather calls for it. Most coffee places, including Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, have dairy in their pumpkin spice sauce — condensed milk in the former and skim milk in the latter. Who would have thought Dunkin’ Donuts was the most health conscious place out of the two? 

It’s understandable to feel betrayed, but for vegans and people who are lactose intolerant it must make sense why their bodies feel strange after drinking those pumpk-eny lattes. At least the drink is seasonal? I guess.

If you’re considering suing Starbucks because it’s the only way to vent out the full length of your betrayal, we’re sorry to inform you that the pumpkin syrup contents are displayed proudly on their website. So you can’t even get reimbursed for all your pain.

Anyways, it sucks but it’s the truth. Pumpkin spice lattes were never the most health oriented option, with almost 200 calories in the smallest Starbucks size (excuse you, it’s called Tall) but now, they’re also potentially dangerous. Or can produce a mild case of diarrhea. Maybe it’s time for the fall trend to go away. In the meantime, you can watch this video of people trying out pumpkin spice lattes for the first time, because why the hell not? 

RELATED: Tired Of Your Friends’ Annoying Foodie Pics? Try This Trick

The iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte was created in 2003 at Starbucks. Peter Dukes, the director of espresso for Starbucks Americas, led a team to create a new fall drink after tasting pumpkin pie and espresso. The team experimented with different pumpkin to spice ratios, but ultimately decided on a recipe without pumpkin. The PSL was first tested in 100 stores in Washington, D.C. and Vancouver, Canada in October 2003. Sales exceeded expectations, and the drink was rolled out across all U.S. Starbucks locations in fall 2004. While successful, the company added a pumpkin puree to add flavor. And history has been made a autumn staple created.
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