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Restless Leg Syndrome And Marijuana

Even though there’s currently no cure, there are natural treatment methods available like cannabis and cannabidiol that can help alleviate many RLS symptoms.

What would you do if you felt a consistent tingling, itching, and/or crawling sensation within your legs every day? How would you feel if you had to make various lifestyle changes because of constant body and leg restlessness?

People with restless leg syndrome (RLS) not only make lifestyle adjustments because of many uncomfortable symptoms they experience, but many must endure chronic symptoms that can take a toll on their quality of life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Strokes, it has been estimated that roughly 7% to 10% of the U.S. population is impacted by RLS. Even though there’s currently no cure for this syndrome, there are natural treatment methods available like cannabis and cannabidiol that can help alleviate many RLS symptoms.

Background of Restless Leg Syndrome & Its Significant Impact on One’s Life

Restless leg syndrome is classified as a neurological disorder that can impact anyone of any age. However, this syndrome gets more severe and painful as one gets older even though it’s not life-threatening. Sometimes, RLS is referred to as Willis-Ekbom Disease or Wittmaack-Ekbom’s Syndrome. These names come from one of the first doctors who discovered and identified RLS, which was Dr. Karl-Axel Ekbom in 1943.

Generally, restless leg syndrome causes different symptoms with many of them occurring and worsening in the evening. Thus, sleeping difficulties often occur because this syndrome frequently wakes people up or it becomes so uncomfortable that they cannot fall asleep. As a result, numerous people with RLS have a poor quality of life and a decline in their overall well-being.

restless leg syndrome
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In addition, according to the National Sleep Foundation, some individuals describe RLS as the following, “…the sensation of ants crawling through their legs or carbonation running through their veins.” Normally, when an individual is relaxing, sitting, or lying down, their symptoms get progressively worse. The severity of this disorder differs per person though. Most people experience relief after moving around a lot. Whereas, others don’t find relief from movements at all.

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Currently, the precise cause of RLS is unidentified. But, there are different conditions that are closely linked to it. Some people can even develop RLS from medication-causing side effects. Unfortunately, since the exact cause of RLS is yet to be identified, it’s difficult to prevent it.

Common RLS Side Effects and Painful Symptoms

Although RLS affects every individual differently, there are multiple side effects and symptoms that are felt by most RLS patients. The following symptoms are felt by most affected individuals:

  • Sleeping difficulties and interruptions
  • Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
  • Restlessness, which can manifest into repetitive movements like tossing and turning in bed or pacing back and forth
  • Tingling, itching, and/or crawling sensations within the legs
  • A strong force to move and shake the legs to alleviate uncomfortable sensations
  • Unintentional movements or leg jolting during one’s sleep cycle, while resting, or even while wide-awake

Additionally, physical side effects include sleep loss, daytime sleepiness, overall discomfort, itchiness, and leg restlessness. Because this disorder can cause discomfort at any time of the day or night, some individuals opt out of social gatherings and events because of the pain they experience when sitting or standing for lengthy periods of time. Therefore, various emotional symptoms occur like loneliness, anxiety, depression, and isolation. On the plus side though, different treatment methods are available to help those with RLS live the best life they can. One rapidly-growing natural treatment method that can help is cannabis and CBD.

Traditional and Non-Traditional RLS Treatment Methods: What’s Right for You?

In recent years, RLS has gained more attention. However, this disorder has been documented and examined for centuries. There are both traditional and non-traditional treatment methods available, and it’s up to the individual to decide what’s best for them. Several traditional RLS treatment methods include vein treatments, foot wrap treatments, pharmaceutical medications, and specific exercises on a regular basis. There are also non-traditional, natural methods available too. Some of these include calf massages, warm and cold compresses, ice packs, warm baths, and cannabis and CBD products.

How Cannabis and Cannabidiol Usage Can Help Alleviate RLS Symptoms

Moreover, one 2017 study discovered that inhaled medicinal cannabis lessened RLS symptoms. Five out of the six subjects experienced full symptom remission after consuming cannabis, and CBD played a large role in symptom alleviation. After the cannabis treatment ended, all participants experienced sleep improvements. Another study found that Sativex (a sublingual cannabis-based spray that contains CBD and THC) helped 40-50 percent of the RLS patients with their sleeping issues. Fortunately, cannabis and CBD can help treat insomnia, but especially CBD, which often delivers sedative and mellow effects to users.

RELATED: Science: Marijuana Can Stop Restless Leg Syndrome

So far though, there’s a lack of clinical trials and studies on the topic of medicinal cannabis helping treat RLS. However, there are numerous anecdotal success stories that RLS patients continue to share. Due to cannabis and CBD’s analgesic properties, RLS patients who experience regular pain can find relief from consuming different cannabinoids. Also, because of the relief that’s delivered from cannabis, individuals can relax more easily, which results in better bedtime preparation to combat insomnia.

Also, due to the sleeping difficulties most RLS patients experience, other problems could arise like anxiety, depression, lessened mental functioning, and wear and tear to the body’s immune system. Fortunately, though, CBD contains natural anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. This cannabinoid can also provide the body with antioxidants, which can help improve one’s immune system.

Optimal Cannabis Strains to Alleviate RLS Symptoms

On another note, there are various cannabis strains that can be consumed to help alleviate RLS symptoms. The strains individuals use should be appropriate to the symptoms they want treated though. If RLS patients want to use cannabis to help with insomnia, high THC or high CBD strains are recommended. A few examples of these include granddaddy purple (indica), purple kush (indica), ACDC (hybrid and high CBD), and Charlotte’s Web (high CBD). All these strains can help alleviate pain, anxiety, and insomnia while also delivering physically and mentally relaxing effects.

Then, for nearly immediate relief, the best consumption methods include inhalation, sublingual administration, and topical usage. All in all, it’s essential to find the right cannabis strain and consumption method that’ll fit one’s exact needs and wants.

Although restless leg syndrome impacts twice as many females as males, it can still be detrimental to one’s quality of life regardless of their gender. If traditional treatment methods are ineffective or do more damage than good, it may be a sign to try something more natural like cannabis and/or Cannabidiol. If you could naturally improve your well-being and alleviate many painful chronic symptoms, would you?

Can CBD Affect Your Hair Health

CBD oils have been included in shampoos and hair products, with many people claiming that it can enhance hair growth, strengthen and protect it and improve scalp health.

CBD is a big star in cosmetic products, outshining other ingredients in lotions, lip balms, bath bombs, makeup products and more. Could the compound also help people develop healthier hair and prevent hair loss? Although more research is necessary to answer that question, some experts and studies suggest that CBD could provide some help.

CBD oils have been included in shampoos and hair products, with many people claiming that it can enhance hair growth, strengthen and protect it and improve scalp health.

According to Mollie Twinning, one of the founders at CBD for Life, CBD helps hair absorb more fatty acids like Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9. The compound also contains a chemical called gamma linocelic acid, which has been known to induce natural hair growth. “CBD contains high doses of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E — all of which are great for the scalp,” Twinning says.

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the cbd you just bought might be bogus
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Another one of CBD’s benefits on hair products is the fact that it can treat all kinds of hair, no matter whether it’s dry or oily. Says Twinning, “CBD is an adaptogen, meaning it regulates sebum production so it is great for oily, dry or normal hair types.”

When it comes to more serious conditions such as hair loss, one of CBD’s main strength is its ability to treat inflammation, something that has been associated with male pattern baldness, eczema and alopecia. While there’s more of a genetic influence on male pattern baldness, thus making it very hard to cure, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties might reduce skin irritation, flaky scalps and tenderness in the area.

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More research is necessary, but it’s clear that there’s a lot of unexplored possibilities when it comes to CBD and hair health. For now, the product can be applied directly in the form of CBD oil or it can be purchased in shampoos and conditioners. It’s very likely that more notorious hair-care brands will join the business and give CBD a shot.

Is New York Propping Up the California Marijuana Market

 

Is it a case of two wrong making a right for consumers? Is New York propping up the California marijuana market?

The  marijuana has been in a world of hurt.  The Golden State continues to step all over itself to deplete a thriving industry. Commercial cannabis sales fell by 8% last year to $5.3 billion, the first decline since it became legal in 2018. And state tax revenue dropped from $251.3 million in the third quarter of 2022 to $221.6 million in the fourth quarter.  Part of the reason is indoor grow costs more and is over produced and it is competing with illegal grows.

The other major reason is the intense taxing system on the cannabis industry without any policing of the black market.  Colorado has been a model for their system of legalized weed and has seen their black market almost vanish.  Executives for once thriving companies have asked Governor Newsom for help. But it has been slow coming and Newsom wants federal legalization so they can export to save the industry without the state having to change.

new york legal marijuana
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Meanwhile, New York had a fiasco of a recreational rollout and now is embroiled in lawsuits and recriminations. The plus side for consumers is over 1,600 unlicensed dispensaries have opened in New York City selling a wide variety of products.  The state works diligently to shut a few down every week and they even manage to keep them closed for up to 72 hours.

In the spirit of being neighborly, the illegal dispensaries in NYC are using California black market products and also legal products which somehow pop up in retailers.  The made in California seal of approval seems to be popular for consumers in the Big Apple.

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The negative for east coast consumers is they are paying a premium for products with some things selling for 50+% more than on the west coast.  And items are quickly building a very robust black market customer base in the Empire State.

“California products are getting to New York in several ways. Some are traditional market products put in fake packaging, but there are also real brands that are being shipped to New York. Sometimes this is done through “burner distros” buying legal products and moving them out of state, and other times I’ve seen things disappear out the backdoor and end up in bodegas in New York” says Jesse Redmond, Head of Cannabis at Water Tower Research.

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Newson’s lack of urgency in addressing the black market (and establishing a healthier system with a steady tax revenue stream) is fueling a boon in New York, but also hampering the slow bureaucrats of New York in fixing the colossal mishandling of licenses.

With the right cast and script, this could be a even better series than PainKiller about the opioid push and Sackler family.

 

7 Incredible Benefits Of THC

Though best known for its elevating properties, THC is medicinal at its core. Even in small doses, THC has been shown time and again to alleviate the symptoms of many ailments.

Canada and 40 U.S. states medical marijuana law that permits adults, and sometimes children, to utilize the multipurpose cannabis plant. That means that despite its current Schedule I standing, which allows for no medical usages, people have made up their own minds, used their own eyes, ears and hearts to make decisions about their health.

Medical marijuana has many components to it, from cannabinoids to terpenes and flavonoids, all of which contribute to its therapeutic effects. This article, however, focuses on the benefits of the cannabinoid THC in particular. Though best known for its elevating properties, THC is medicinal at its core.

Chronic pain relief

Even in small doses, THC has been shown time and again to alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain. Though it may not wipe the pain out, it lends different tools to deal with said pain and provides relief from the hurt to the mental fatigue that pain brings.

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Getting the Most Out Of Cannabis for Chronic Pain
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Wasting syndrome and lack of appetite

THC is also responsible for bringing back appetites – a crucial part of healing for those living with HIV and the side effects of cancer therapy. These benefits can not be overstated, as keeping on weight is key to staying healthy.

It’s an enhancement herb

No matter if you’re watching your favorite sitcom or sitting down with a decadent piece of creamy cake, the THC in cannabis is going to make it better. We laugh harder, eat the best bits, appreciate art more intensely and the list goes on with THC enhancement. How could that not be healthy?

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THC is a powerful antioxidant

There are so many stressors out there that affect our health in a negative manner. THC and other cannabinoids act as antioxidants to protect skin health and protect against damage that could lead to cancer.

Anti-inflammatory

So many of the ailments out there are do to inflammation and THC is one of the best ways to combat it. Arthritis, depression, aches, pains and a whole slew of disorders could be alleviated by reducing inflammation where it counts. THC knows where it counts.

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It’s an anticonvulsant

Though CBD usually gets the credit for anticonvulsant properties, THC plays a major role as well. Medical marijuana is used with great success to combat seizure disorders such as epilepsy.

Goodnight!

THC, especially when found in a heavy indica, is an incredible sleep aid. For those with severe insomnia, mixing cannabis with melatonin at night is an almost guarantee to have you off into dreamland.

When It Comes To Sleep, Quality Is Better Than Quantity
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The Wondrous Enhancements Of Marijuana

From bedtime routines to social situations and even important talks, taking a few pulls off the right strain or a dropperful of tincture may be just what you need.

It’s a familiar feeling for many who use marijuana: once you imbibe and the plant starts working its magic, every action of your day is made exponentially better with every hit. Pick up your perfect strain and savor the wondrous enhancements of marijuana.

Food And Drink

This one is as obvious as the smoke wafting out your living room window, but it’s also likely the most enhanceable, and thus takes first. Drinks like root beer or fresh squeezed juices taste delicious — even more so than usual — not only because the taste buds are stimulated, but because cannabis often causes what’s known colloquially as cottonmouth. Food on the other hand not only tastes better, but for those who need an appetite stimulant, it makes it go down easier and more abundantly. Cannabis can also enhance food as a delicious, nutritious and fun addition to most any recipe…

Bedroom Betterment

Legalizing Medical Marijuana Causes People To Have More Sex
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Though giggles or paranoia about performance can be bedroom buzzkills, they are the exceptions, not the rules, and usually occur by overdoing it on a high octane sativa. Some couples are actually experimenting with microdosing cannabis before entering a boudoir, savoring the experience of a light buzz that opens them up emotionally and sexually. Skin feels softer, sensations are enhanced and an even deeper mental connection is all common with cannabis as an aphrodisiac. Don’t be afraid to ask your local budtender which strains are best suited for sexual enhancement.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Movies in general are zoned into in depth if they already are set to resonate. Cannabis helps make plot connections and brings one to more deeply analyze a character’s motives, but undoubtedly the best movies to watch while high are either comedy or horror. A good comedy is absolutely enhanced by a joint or two both before and during. Belly laughs and the giggles are in store for high minded comedy connoisseurs. Horror on the other hand becomes even more suspenseful, the music winding up the heartstrings so that jumping out of the seat or letting loose a little yelp is imminent.

Social Situations

Is Social Acceptance Of Marijuana Closer Than We Think?
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Social anxiety runs rampant in the U.S. and, yes, there’s a strain (or 10) that deals directly with the out and about jitters. Aside from making being a social butterfly tolerable for the shy or anxious, cannabis also has the ability to enhance social situations and lead the direction of a party to the mellow, fun, relaxing and laughing good time it aspires to be. Cannabis is being normalized all around and rather than the couch-locked stereotype of cannabis users in a group, marijuana is being used as a social lubricant akin to the social use of alcohol.

Having A “Talk”

When you and a loved one have reached an impasse, sometimes the best medicine is to pass the literal peace pipe. Cannabis is capable of opening up outlooks and the ability to see another’s perspective, even if it’s contrary to your own. The depth of discourse is also enhanced by the shared experience of cannabis. This type of enhancement is best done with either vaping or smoking the herb, as passing it back and forth and sharing in its properties creates a common ground and a springboard to delve deeper.

Exploring A Museum

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The wonders to be found at historical, modern, classical and contemporary museums become all the more wonderful when experienced in a lifted state. As long as you’re taking public transportation or are walking, this is especially true of bringing your kids to the museum. Your own deeper dive into the artifacts and images will engage everyone involved and bring wonderment to the table. Cannabis helps us to take our time and be patient, curious and enthralled with what surrounds, especially when covered in eye candy and the curious histories of man- and animalkind.

The End Of A Long Day

Sometimes a day can leave a person feeling used up. Heavy, tired, maybe a little cranky and snippy even. Taking a few pulls off the right strain or a dropperful of tincture may be just the ticket to reset your mind before bed and stave of anxiety dreams. In this case, rather than enhancing the state your already in, cannabis enhances you to the next level up. Instead of feeling as if the world was out to get you, you see that a bossy supervisor, a nail-clicking co-worker, bumper to bumper traffic and the like are mere nuisances, while in truth your life is full of blessings, including the cannabinoids you’re ingesting to make most everything extracurricular, creative or fun all the better.

Is Cannabis Helpful With Wrinkles

We spend over $62 BILLION a year to avoid aging…so we ask the question

The phrase is youth is wasted on the young. The global anti-aging market is estimated to be worth about $62+ billion dollars. And estimated to see a compound annual growth rate of nearly seven percent between 2023 and 2027. Everywhere you look, we glorify youth and beauty.  And nothing says it like beautiful skin. Wrinkles are the nemesis of youth and the battle against them is hard fought.  From vampire facials to the windex hack to sheep placenta facials. But is cannabis helpful with wrinkles?

Marijuana and wrinkles
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We know tobacco adds to an “aged” experience. And cigarette smokers do it much, much more frequently. Cigarettes causes premature wrinkling, and gives you skin a grey, aged appearance. It can make your skin sag more and it can give your face a gaunt, hollow look.  With lower weight people the cheeks are particularly noticeable with the droop. It also impacts collagen, the protein in your skin responsible for its elasticity. Smoking increasing an enzyme which breaks down collagen, reducing the skin’s elasticity and giving a more aged, sagging and wrinkled look.

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With marijuana, it is more mixed and nuanced. People who smoke marijuana, do it much less than cigarettes.

Antixodiants are great ways to fight wrinkles and tamp down the harm our bodies free radicals due to the skin. Two of the most effective antioxidants found in cannabis are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both compounds work with the body’s endocannabinoid system(ECS), a network of receptors that protects against oxidation and other kinds of cell damage (among many other functions). By activating the endocannabinoid system, cannabis wrinkle creams help heighten the body’s natural defenses against free radicals.

doctor patient
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Cannabis-infused topicals are the most obvious method. Products include everything from serums and eye masks to cleansing foams and body butters. A key benefit is you can apply them directly to the area you want to target (for example, your face). Read reviews before purchase to ensure the product is what it claims.

Marijuana smoke is also high in hydrocarbons which damage the production of collagen. So the effects are similar to smoking cigarettes.

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Traditional everyday things that can avoid wrinkles include staying out the sun, drink plenty of water and moistures regularly.

 

Do CBD Oil And Other Cannabis Topicals Expire

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You get caught in the moment and buy things to help – you use it for a bit, but later wonder if it is still good

Although most products have expiration dates, we take some more seriously than others. While we would have to be really hungry before eating something that’s past its printed expiration date, most people wouldn’t even think to check for a date when using some cannabis oil.

Like most things, cannabis products do have expiration dates, especially now that some states are legal and require more up to date labels and information. While the side effects of using these products won’t make you feel sick, it does mean that the cannabinoids in them won’t be as effective as they would be.

When properly stored, cannabis oils and topicals can last for long periods of time, even 12 months according to Remedy Review.

Cannabis Oil

The shelf life of different kinds of cannabis oils tend to be long, with experts claiming that most last from 1 to 2 years. Over time, the compound is expected to break down and become less effective, changing its smell and look. Cannabis oil that is expired is expected to smell and taste differently, developing a cloudy look that sets it apart from its traditional clear appearance.

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In order to make the most of your oil and preserve it for as long as possible, it’s important to protect the bottle from extreme weather conditions, much like your average marijuana bag. Keep your oil in a cool and dry place, preventing extreme heat and humidity. You can also keep in in the fridge, which will thicken the oil but will preserve the medicinal benefits.

Topicals

You can expect creams, lotions and other products of the sort to have expiration dates clearly printed on them. These tend to last for more than a year since the cannabis oil in them is mixed with other chemicals and stabilizers that lead to a longer shelf life.

how to choose cannabis topicals that will actually work
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Still, in order to preserve their features you should store them in fresh and dry environments, keeping them away from really hot places, such as a inside the car during a sunny day, or near any lamps.

Tips To Avoid Marijuana Couch Lock

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Have you ever been so high, you literally couldn’t move off the couch? Here are some tips to shake it off and get down to enjoying your buzz.

One of the things we love about marijuana is the fact that there are so many varieties to choose from. If you’re in a legal state, it’s like going to your favorite candy shop when you were a kid. Having the ability to choose from multiple strains means being in control of your high at a level no one could have imagined 30 or 40 years ago. Depending on how well you know your cannabis strains, that can be both a good and a bad thing. 

If you have a good understanding of the strain you’ve purchased, you can prepare for whatever side effects they might bring. Munchies, cottonmouth, drowsiness — you name it. Without that insight, users could be in for a much different experience than they’ve planned for. For example, whether you’ve been toking since your teens, or you’ve just started recently as an adult, it’s likely you’ve experienced couch lock — when you’re so high, you can’t move — and it can feel impossible to break out of.

Here are some tips for dealing with this common consumption mistake.

Smoking More Weed Gets You Higher — Until A Point
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Fizzy Drinks

One of the oldest techniques in the book for breaking couch lock is simply enjoying your favorite soft drink. The more caffeinated and sugary, the better. Scientists have long claimed the glucose in soft drinks can increase insulin levels, leading to a burst in energy for your prefrontal cortex to eventually break out of couch lock.

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Taking that into mind, before your next smoke sesh, it’d probably be a good idea to grab a bottle of Pepsi or Mountain Dew if you plan on doing anything after. 

Don’t Sit in the Same Spot For Too Long

Depending on whether the setting allows it, getting brief spurts of exercise can do wonders in helping to eliminate couch lock. There’s no need to make a scene by bursting out into one-handed pushups or anything, but taking a quick walk for a glass of water or a fast trip outside to get some fresh-air can have a bigger impact than you might think. If it’s possible, smoking while on a quick walk could be the way to kill two birds with one stone.

Good Conversation

Zoning out is one of the inevitable byproducts of getting high, most of the time. Clearly, being stuck in the zone is one of the key ingredients leading to being stuck on the couch. That’s why socializing and having some dialogue with others is one of the key ways to escape the feeling of couch lock. That’s especially the case if you’re alone. Try calling someone up on the phone or FaceTiming to help get the energy to jump off the couch.

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Try Some CBD

Last but not least, one of the least likely methods you would assume is actually quite the help for defeating couch lock — more weed! Just a different type. One little known fact about CBD is that it can help offset the impact THC has on the mind and body. CBD possesses the ability to block CB1 receptors in the brain providing it with the potential to fight against the psychoactive effects of THC. This plays into why consuming CBD oil or flower can provide users with the sensation of “coming down” if they’ve been consuming high levels of THC.

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So, the next time you’re glued to the couch following a smoking session just crack open your favorite can of soda and go for a walk around the block with your CBD pen handy. Maybe call up a relative or friend, too! Before long, you’ll forget all about how glued to the couch you were.

Tips To Spot Wellness And CBD Knockoffs

 Shoppers need to be extra careful when stumbling upon products that seem too good to be true. Here’s how to spot the fakes.

Wellness is one of the trendiest terms these days, right up there with “self-care.” Aside from being an indication that people are taking their mental and physical health more seriously, it’s also a red flag that some businesses are going to try and make money off of it, even if it means ripping off consumers.

With all profitable business ventures there’s plenty of room for scams, like magical jade eggs for your vagina or healing cuddle sessions with cows. These scams are easy to spot but there are hundreds of products out there that take advantage of people and lie about their contents and supposed benefits. Here are a few tips that can help you spot the difference between a legitimate product and a bogus one.

Purchase CBD from a reliable source or certified dispensary

CBD’s rise in popularity is awesome because it gives cannabis some credibility, but it has also opened the door for people who want to make money and know how to take advantage of the lack of scientific information that surrounds the compound. By advertising vague benefits like “mental clarity” and claiming that CBD is a general balm for all things bad, questionable brands and products can profit from people who don’t know any better. To avoid this, go to your nearest dispensary and ask around for products that will fulfill your needs. Do your research online and purchase certified products, ensuring that what you’re getting is something that will truly do something positive for your body.

Learn to spot fake reviews

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If you’re shopping online, don’t trust the five star rating. Instead, take a look through the reviews and keep an eye out for fake ones. If you notice that a lot of positive reviews were published on the same date, or that there’s weird photos attached and poor spelling and grammar, odds are that the review is fake. You can also use online tools like Fakespot, which give you a score regarding the likelihood of fake reviews.

Make sure the seller is legitimate

Again, these problems can be avoided by doing a simple Google search of the brand, ensuring that the product is a part of a legitimate business and that it’s not some weird concoction that someone put together in their basement.

Keep an eye out for unrealistic details

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If the label of the product claims that it’s a balm that provides “mental stability” and “emotional cleansing,” it’s safe to assume that you’ll be disappointed. A super low price when compared to competitors is also unrealistic, because it means that the product probably hasn’t been tested and certified. As a rule of thumb: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Know the red flags

Unusually low prices, lack of certifications, grandiose statements and a sketchy seller are all indicators that the product you are looking at is not what you expect. While these steps are helpful in all areas of shopping, they are particularly important when it comes to wellness and CBD products, because these are ingested or applied directly on you. It’s important to know what you’re putting in your body.

Treating Multiple Sclerosis With Marijuana

Researchers have come a long way in understanding THC and CBD’s effects on other MS symptoms besides tremors, such as pain and sleeplessness.

More than two million people worldwide currently have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In the U.S. alone, an estimated 1 million people live with the neurological disease. Often misunderstood, MS affects the body in myriad ways, starting with the sclerotic nerves. Many who experience the debilitating effects of MS struggle with pain, loss of motion and dramatic lifestyle changes that can affect life-long happiness. What about treating multiple sclerosis with marijuana?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is open to cannabis as an option.  They state although there are no cannabis-based FDA-approved medications to treat MS or its symptoms, some clinical trials have shown that non-smoked CBD/THC modestly improves reported spasticity and pain in people with MS.

Individuals with MS also experience muscle stiffness (commonly called spasticity), a condition that the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America calls quite common among those that have the disease. 

Via MSAA:

“Spasticity is a common symptom in MS. It is a tightness or stiffness of the muscles – occurring typically in the legs (calf or thigh), groin, and buttocks. Although less common, some individuals may experience spasticity in their back. These are all muscles that help people to stand and balance in an upright position.” 

While muscle stiffness affects an estimated 90% of MS patients, a study of medical marijuana has shed light on how cannabinoids in weed may alleviate spasticity. Given a single marijuana cigarette, the double-blind study found that participants with MS believed their symptoms had improved.

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In a 2000 study, researchers worked with a 30-year old man with MS to find how his tremors were affected with the use of 5 milligrams of THC. Interestingly, when doctors compared the man’s handwriting and head movement before and after taking marijuana, his lines appeared cleaner without an obvious tremor. 

While the study was decades ago, researchers have come a long way in understanding THC and CBD’s effects on other MS symptoms, such as pain and sleeplessness. In fact, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports more research on the potential benefits and drawbacks of using the drug to treat MS and research is finally catching up to the demand. 

RELATED: 4 Ways That Medical Cannabis Can Ease Chronic Pain

Presented in May 2019 at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, research showed that the benefits of CBD and THC with, “long-term-effectiveness” in an Italian study. Researched documented, “After one month, 1502 (81.4%) of 1845 patients achieved ≥20% improvement in numerical rating scale for spasticity and 814 (40.2%) achieved ≥30% improvement.” 

As with any substance, doctors advise speaking with your care team about adding THC or CBD to medicines already in the pill box, but there’s promising studies on the horizon and this may only be the beginning. 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports the removal of barriers for long-term safety and efficacy research of medical cannabis and derived compounds for the symptoms of MS and eventual creation of evidence-based guidelines in MS care.

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