Over the last couple of weeks, both marijuana advocates and opponents in the Sooner State have raised their voices, with significant opposition from GOP lawmakers.
Oklahomans reject cannabis legalization ballot initiative on Tuesday, some five years later after the state legalized medical marijuana. If it did pass, State Question 820 would have allowed adults 21 and older to purchase weed from licensed retailers and would regulate and tax the sales.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R), who doesn’t support adult-use marijuana legalization by any state, he rather believes the matter should be left to the federal government, was pleased with the voting results. On Tuesday, when the defeat was projected, he said: “I believe this is the best thing to keep our kids safe and for our state as a whole. I remain committed to protecting Oklahomans and my administration will continue to hold bad actors accountable and crack down on illegal marijuana operations,” reported The Washington Post.
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Several weeks before the election in an interview published by Tulsa World, he said, “I believe the fed need to make a decision about marijuana,” wrote Cannabis Business Times. Though against a state-by-state marijuana policy, Stitt did allow for Tuesday’s special election, after the petitioners’ failure last fall.
Jeffrey M. Zucker, co-founder and president of Green Lion Partners and the vice chair of the board of the director of the Marijuana Policy Project, commented on the initiative’s failure: “Today’s decision in Oklahoma is heartbreaking, especially considering how many challenges this bill faced before it got to the ballot and how much work advocates put in. We have a long way to go to undo the damage of the war on drugs, especially in a state where more than 4500 people are arrested annually for cannabis possession.”
Advocates & Opponents Crossing Swords
Over the last couple of weeks, both marijuana advocates and opponents in the Sooner State have raised their voices, with significant opposition from GOP lawmakers. In addition to the state Gov. expressing his stance against cannabis legalization, US Sen. James Lankford (R) also recently urged the state resident to vote no on the measure.
One thing that also may have played a role in the outcome of the voting could be a recent report from Oklahoma’s Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN), which revealed there’s a link between sex trafficking, prostitution, and drug trafficking and medical marijuana farms across the state.
Marijuana proponents, on the other hand, were very well familiar with the projected economic benefits that would come from cannabis legalization. Just recently, cannabis law firm, Vicente Sederberg issued a report on the economic impact of adult-use cannabis legalization, projecting that from 2004 to 2028, the state could see $821 million in combined medical and recreational taxes. Out of the total sum, the recreational market alone would account for $434 million. Under the proposed measure there would be a 15% state excise tax, standard state sales tax, and possibly local taxes.
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For cannabis advocates, the battle is far from over. Organizers for Yes on 820 campaign to regulate cannabis in Oklahoma said in an email to The Washington Post that, despite the current failure “legalization is not a question of ‘if,’ it’s a question of ‘when.’”
“Our mission from the very start has been about making a more prosperous, just, and safer state,” said Michelle Tilley, campaign director for Yes on 820. “We are moms and dads who want more revenue in our schools, more resources for law enforcement, and more jobs and investment in communities across the state. Unfortunately, tonight we fell short.”
If women can get the financing, there could be some seriously good deals for them.
While we keep hearing about trouble in the cannabis industry, there are positives. Legal U.S. cannabis sales reached $26 billion in 2021, up from $20 billion in 2020. With this growth, the industry continues to be a source of opportunity for women. Are women the answer to the weed rebound?
According to a 2022 report by MJBizDaily, “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry,” women holding executive positions in the cannabis industry grew to 23.1%. But this falls short of the greater US business world where women hold 35% of leadership.
Also, the number of cannabis consumers in the U.S. who identify as women is also growing, Arecent report from Headset determined that the rate of growth for female consumers in the U.S. is outpacing that of males — 55% vs. 49%, respectively.
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To help woman have a bigger impact, Green Market Report has chosen Women’s History Month as the perfect time to host its second annual Women’s Summit. It will be held on March 23 in New York City. Last year’s sold-out event was noted for its diversity among established CEOs and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. In a survey by Peterson Institute for International Economics of 21,980 publicly tradedcompanies in 91 countries demonstrated that the presence of more female leaders in top positions of corporate management correlates with increased profitability of these companies.
Debra Borchardt, founder of Green Market Report, states, “There’s no doubt the industry has faced some tough headwinds, but this current disruption will lead to a stronger industry overall. The get-rich-quick folks will get pushed aside and those that truly perform well will remain. The upheaval creates a buyer’s market in the industry and could create opportunities for new entrants into the market.
“There are numerous cannabis properties for sale at bargain prices. New owners will be able to snap up these businesses with right-sized pricing. If women can get the financing, there could be some seriously good deals for them. Samantha Gleit of Feuerstein Kulick will be speaking at the Summit about the decision on raising capital and debt decisions that come with growing your brand.”
Curt Dalton, the founder of Cannabis.net, one of the leading voices for the stoner consumer, noted that “Debra and GMR has helped give creditability to the industry, lifted up women and called BS on players who have played fast and lose”.
“Leave it to Debra Borchardt and Green Market Report to be the champion of female cannabis entrepreneurs!,” shared Kim Ring, President of Ring Relations. “With the industry starting to catch fire again, it’s great to see that Debra is ensuring women have a seat at the table. By sharing the facts as a journalist, reporting on the good, bad, and ugly, she has helped provide the industry with creditability. Over the course of my cannabis career, not only has GMR has become my go-to woman-run cannabis publication, but I have powerhouse women in media (including Debra) to thank for educating me and helping me grow as a respected publicist in this industry.”
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Anne Donohoe, Managing Director at KCSA Strategic Communications, echoed those sentiments. “Deb is a true pioneer in this industry. She was among the first financial journalists to see that this was a serious market with incredible potential. There were one off articles, full of puns and innuendo, but no one else was really covering it from a business perspective as a dedicated beat. She took the time to research, talk to everyone she could, and really got to know this industry inside and out — and has provided fair and honest reporting through the highs and the lows. No one knows this industry better than she does.”
Shawna Seldon McGregor, founder of Maverick PR had this to say about the value of the Summit. “This will be the second year in a row that I have attended the Green Market Report Women’s Summit. Last year, the room was packed with women and our male allies. It was one of the most energetic and informative summits of the year. Now I’m coming back and can’t wait to hear the unique perspective of the moment from the female cannabis industry leaders curated by Debra & GMR, while providing outstanding coverage of the expansion of the cannabis industry and ensuring diverse voices from female leaders are heard.”
In the fall of 2021, Green Market Report was acquired by Crains in a deal negotiated by David Feldman of Skip Intro Advisors.
As it is a complex medical intervention, with physical and psychological effects, the use of ibogaine for detoxification requires the presence of qualified doctors and mental health professionals to provide treatment.
Ibogaine is a substance extracted from the root of the iboga, a shrub that grows in West Africa. For thousands of years, it has been used by indigenous cultures for healing rituals. Since the 1960s, a series of studies have been carried out, both in animals and in humans, which have shown its properties to reduce the withdrawal syndrome to opiates and other substances that cause addiction.
Current scientific evidence confirms that ibogaine has potentially useful effects to treat chemical dependency, which is why various clinics worldwide have begun to offer this type of therapy. However, it must be taken into account that it is a drug with a high level of toxicity and that its irresponsible intake carries risks for the patient that can even mean death. It is for this reason that it is essential, to guarantee your safety, that the provision of these treatments is carried out in environments equipped with an infrastructure and a team of suitable professionals, according to the standards of modern medicine.
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Here are five reasons why ibogaine-based addiction treatments should be done in hospital settings.
Need To Perform Intervention In A Safe, Legal Environment, With The Necessary Medical Equipment And Infrastructure
Ibogaine exerts its action directly on the Central Nervous System, causing physical and psychological effects on the body. Its high level of toxicity carries with it some dangers associated with the dose and the context in which it is ingested. It is for this reason that it is essential that the sessions are carried out in a pleasant environment and capable of guaranteeing patient support. This must have adequate infrastructure (spacious and clean facilities), as well as the necessary medical supplies (cardiac monitoring devices and defibrillators) so that the treatment is safe.
It is also of great importance that the center where the session is held adheres to the ethical codes and established medical protocols. Some providers often offer these therapies clandestinely and illegally in unregulated settings, which carries considerable risks. It should be considered that, internationally, the medicinal use of ibogaine is prohibited in several countries.
The therapies assisted by this substance to treat patients with addiction are legal, however, in some Latin American countries. In Mexico, for example, there are several private centers that legally offer this type of therapy, although state regulations in this country do not require that they be carried out in hospital settings. For its part, in Brazil, ibogaine is neither registered nor prohibited, its importation and use being legal since 2013 as long as the patient has a medical prescription. A decree of the state of Sao Paulo in 2016 requires that treatments based on the intake of ibogaine must be carried out under medical supervision and in hospital settings. These types of regulations are essential to ensure the safe and legal use of ibogaine.
Need For Prior Medical And Psychological Examinations To Determine Contraindications
It is highly probable, due to the high toxicity of ibogaine, that its intake may have unwanted effects on the functioning of the organism, mainly the Cardiac System. It is for this reason that it is usually contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular problems. Before carrying out the treatment, it is necessary for the patient to undergo a thorough medical examination to determine if it will be risky or not. Each case must be analyzed by a qualified doctor who determines if the patient meets the necessary physical conditions to start the session.
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Ibogaine is also contraindicated in patients with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder. Carrying out psychological or psychiatric examinations prior to the start of treatment is, therefore, of great importance. The mental health professional in charge of these check-ups must evaluate the presence of these disorders and their severity in order to establish whether the patient is able to resist treatment without complications.
It is from these studies that the professionals in charge will determine whether or not it is risky to carry out the treatment and, if they decide that it is pertinent to do so, they will take the necessary precautions to reduce the possible risks during the session.
The Hospital Environment Contributes To The Physical Preparation Prior To The Session
Ibogaine is a powerful drug whose effects can cause a physically intense experience for the patient. It is for this reason that, the better the physical condition of the latter, the more intervention will be safer and more efficient. Generally, doctors recommend good hydration, a careful diet, based on healthy foods, and the intake of vitamin and mineral supplements. Likewise, it is recommended to stop consuming water and fast a few hours before the session, since it is difficult to have to go to the bathroom during the session due to the ataxia induced by ibogaine intake.
On the other hand, it is essential that weeks before and during the administration of the treatment, the patient avoids the consumption of any type of psychoactive. Indeed, the interaction of certain drugs with ibogaine could increase cardiac risks, even causing death. It is for this reason that many centers tend to carry out a guided detoxification process sometime before ingestion, thus increasing the safety of the session considerably.
Carrying Out The Session In A Hospital Environment Allows Adequate Monitoring By Health Professionals To Avoid Or Reduce The Side Effects of Ibogaine
Therapeutic interventions based on the intake of ibogaine are often controversial due to the risks they entail. Among the most frequent side effects are the presence of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, motor coordination difficulties, and tachyarrhythmias.
It can be inferred, therefore, that it is necessary for the sessions to be monitored by highly qualified health professionals who carry out an adequate follow-up to avoid or reduce possible unwanted damage induced by ibogaine. It is important that, during the sessions, the instructions of the doctor in charge are followed, who must adequately inform the patient about the possible adverse effects and dispel their doubts in the event that there are any. The presence of nurses or caregivers is usually recommended after the end of the experience. Carrying out the intake in a hospital environment will ensure the presence of health professionals for proper follow-up.
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As it is a complex medical intervention, with physical and psychological effects, the use of ibogaine for detoxification requires, in addition to the presence of qualified doctors to provide the treatment, the support of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or psychotherapists. This is of great importance because not all patients manage to deal with the introspective experience produced by ibogaine, and may suffer episodes of anxiety and paranoia. Personalized follow-up by these professionals will reduce the side effects of ibogaine on the patient’s psyche and improve the intake experience.
Need For Therapeutic Follow-up After Session To Integrate Treatment And Avoid Relapses
The intake of ibogaine is an instance of a larger therapeutic process. It is for this reason that it is important to maintain the necessary aftercare to carry out the treatment successfully. The design of a care plan after the session constitutes an essential part of the treatment and must be monitored by the team of professionals in charge of it. Generally, it is recommended that the centers in which the treatment is applied offer a plan of continued care after the session or, at least, articulate and collaborate with other therapeutic centers in charge of offering this care.
Psychological support is a key factor in guaranteeing the success of treatment. During the session and the days that follow, patients usually undergo a process of considerable psychological changes and personal redefinition, which is why it is of great importance that they have the support of mental health professionals to gradually return to their daily lives.
Likewise, it is necessary that the post-session follow-up by the medical team focuses on avoiding relapses. It should be considered that once ingested, the tolerance to the substance that generated addiction in the patient tends to be much lower than before. This means that the usual doses that he was used to could have more severe effects on the body and even cause an overdose. Having a relapse does not mean that the therapeutic process itself has been useless; in some cases, professionals evaluate, the application of a second dose to improve the recovery process.
While some states have fully legalized both the medical and recreational use of cannabis, others only allow medical use, and some still have strict prohibition laws.
Despite federal restrictions on cannabis, many states have made significant strides in legalizing and regulating the plant for medical and recreational purposes. While not all Americans have access to cannabis, 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have established medical marijuana programs, with 23 of those states fully legalizing cannabis for adult use or decriminalizing it. Which states have legal weed now?
As of November 2022, here is a comprehensive and up-to-date list of the legality of cannabis and its products throughout the United States.
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Alabama: Approved a medical marijuana program in 2021, but as of June 2022, there were no doctors certified to issue prescriptions, no licensed dispensaries, and no legal farming of cannabis products.
Alaska: Legalized medical marijuana in 1998, and since 2015, it has been legal to possess and sell cannabis in the state.
Arizona: legal medical marijuana since 2010, and recreational marijuana will become legal once a legalization measure overwhelmingly passed in the 2020 elections is certified.
Arkansas: Only allows medical marijuana, and cultivation is not legal.
California: The first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, and the sale of recreational marijuana was approved by voters in 2016.
Colorado: Legalized recreational cannabis in 2012, and it is also legal to privately grow up to six marijuana plants in the state.
Connecticut: Legalized recreational cannabis on July 1, 2021, and allows home cultivation beginning on July 1, 2023.
Delaware: Decriminalized marijuana in 2015 and legalized medical marijuana in 2011, but only a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales cleared its first legislative hurdle in 2019.
Florida: Allows medical marijuana but not recreational, and Georgia only allows low-THC oil as part of its limited medical program.
Hawaii: Decriminalized recreational marijuana in 2019 and legalized medical marijuana.
Illinois: Legalized both medical and recreational cannabis, with the state legislature passing the law rather than a ballot initiative.
Iowa: Limited medical cannabis program with only processed cannabis products allowed for sale, while
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Louisiana: Approved medical marijuana, but only allows certain forms of cannabis for purchase. Maine legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, but retail stores have yet to open.
Maryland: Recently became the 20th state to legalize recreational cannabis, with the program set to go into effect in July 2023, while medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2014.
Massachusetts: Legal for both medical and recreational use; no reciprocity with other states; adults can grow up to 12 plants.
Michigan: Legal for both medical and recreational use; reciprocity with other states; adults can privately grow up to 12 plants.
Minnesota: Legal for medical use only; possession of small amounts is decriminalized; no reciprocity with other states; no home cultivation allowed.
Mississippi: Legal for medical use only; no operational program yet; limited reciprocity with other states; recreational use is illegal; possession of small amounts is decriminalized for first offense only.
Missouri: Legal for both medical and recreational use; no reciprocity with other states; sales for recreational use expected to start in December 2022.
Oregon: Legalized legalized both medical and recreational marijuana and allows residents to grow their plants.
Rhode Island: Legalized both medical and recreational marijuana, and retail sales are expected to begin soon.
South Dakota: Approved medical marijuana but recreational use remains illegal after a challenge from the Governor.
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Texas: Limited medical programs and possession are illegal except for those with medical permits.
Utah: Approved medical marijuana and decriminalized recreational use.
Vermont: Legalized both medical and recreational marijuana and allows residents to cultivate their plants
Virginia: Allows both medical and recreational cannabis use, with a possession limit of up to 1 ounce for adults.
Washington: One of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, with medical cannabis also legal.
West Virginia: Medical cannabis is legal, but recreational use is not.
Washington DC: Allows medical cannabis and possession of up to 2 ounces of recreational cannabis, but the sale of recreational cannabis is still illegal.
Potential interactions with different drugs could be both good and bad and vary significantly from strain to strain.
All chemical compounds interact with other chemicals in a unique manner. This includes over-the-counter drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals all the way to illicit substances. That’s why it is important to always seek the opinion of a pharmacist before mixing any drugs, and cannabis is no exception. So, how does cannabis interact with pharmaceutical medications?
Cannabis interactions have been identified to be relatively mild in most cases with the interactions being mostly favorable. This however does not mean that one should let their guard down and consume them willy nilly when they are on other medications. While most interactions are positive, others could be negative with adverse effects.
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Before we dive into a description of some of the most common drugs people have been known to combine with cannabis, let us first explain the difference between “synergistic” and “additive” effects. When a compound has an additive effect, what this means is that the final effect is the sum of their individual effects (I.e. 1+1=2). Synergistic effects on the other hand are altered and mostly greater than the sum of their individual effects (i.e. 1+1=3).
It is also important to keep in mind that the individual composition of each batch of weed might differ significantly from another, therefore triggering different effects.
To answer the question of whether cannabis interacts with other medicines, the answer is yes! Not only are the cannabinoid levels of the cannabis affected by interacting with other medications and drugs, the cannabinoids themselves can influence medication concentrations too.
Here are some ways in which this interaction happens:
Pharmacodynamic interactions: Cannabis can interfere with the way a drug is designed to interact with its target receptors. This interference could either hinder or potentiate the effects of the drug.
Pharmacokinetic interactions: The compounds in cannabis can also change the way in which the drug gets absorbed, metabolized, absorbed by tissue in the body, and excreted. The effect of the cannabis compounds changes the expression of different enzymes which either induces (exhibits higher activity) or inhibits them.
Inhibiting membrane transporters: Cannabis compounds can also have the effect of binding to membrane transporters, thereby inhibiting them.
Effect of drugs on cannabinoid levels: When drugs such as the antifungal ketoconazole are administered, both the levels of THC and CBD shoot up drastically, sometimes to even double the intake. This is because of the inhibitory action ketoconazole has on the enzyme CYP34A. Verapamil and macrolides are other CYP34A inhibitors which would also produce the same effect. Other enzyme inhibitors that affect CYP2C9 are cotrimoxazole, amiodarone, and fluoxetine. This spike not only increases chances of experiencing side effects, it also augments THC’s psychoactive effects.
Effect on cannabinoids on the levels of other drugs: Not only does the presence of some drugs increase cannabinoid levels in the body, the cannabis compounds can also influence the concentration of some medications. For instance, CBD inhibits the action of CYP2C9, which in turn leads to tripling levels in the active metabolite contained in the drug clobazam. THC on the other hand is a CYP1A2 inducer. What this means is that it could theoretically decrease the concentrations of some psychiatric drugs such as haloperidol, olanzapine, and chlorpromazine. CBD is also a potent inhibitor of the enzyme CYP3A4 which is responsible for metabolizing almost a quarter of all drugs.
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This effect is also observed in the use of marijuana with the anticoagulant drug, warfarin. In this case, INR, the blood clotting parameter goes very high, which results in the potential for markedly more significant bleeding complications. CYP3A4/5 inhibition after the use of cannabis with tacrolimus has indicated an almost three-fold spike in the tacrolimus levels.
Marijuana inhalation and drug clearance: Marijuana that is smoked accelerates the removal by over 40% of bronchodilators such as theophylline from the body. This is as a result of enhanced CYP1A2 activity. This effect can also be seen in individuals who indulge in smoking more than a couple of joints a week when taking drugs like olanzapine and clozapine. In this instance, smoking marijuana leads to reduced efficacy of the drug.
Marijuana’s additive effects: As we mentioned earlier, marijuana can have additive effects when used with some drugs. For instance, marijuana combined with drugs that stimulate or mimic sympathetic activity, like amphetamines, may cause the patient to experience either symptomatic or even hazardous tachycardia or hypertension. Cannabis used with drugs which inhibit the central nervous system such as opioid drugs or alcohol could depress the central nervous system even more, leading to sleepiness, drowsiness, and ataxia.
When marijuana is used together with drugs which inhibit cholinergic receptors, the tachycardia and confusion which occur with the use of these drugs may worsen.
Marijuana and sedatives: The effect of marijuana on sedatives is also an additive one. Many sedatives like alcohol, benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, etc.), as well as some antidepressants and barbiturates like phenobarbital, and narcotics like codeine–influence the GABA neurotransmitters found in the central nervous system, which produces a calming effect. Likewise, cannabinoids (and even terpenes such as myrcene), also have their own sedative effects, depending on strain and concentrations of cannabinoids.
When such cannabinoids are combined with sedatives, an additive effect is created. While it does not have a synergistic effect like say mixing sedatives and alcohol, cannabis does add to the effect and should therefore be used in combination judiciously.
CBD and cytochrome P450: We have already discussed the action of cannabis on some enzymes. Of all the enzymes marijuana affects, its effect on Cytochrome P450 might just be the most prominent yet. P450 is a class of enzymes considered to be essential which play a vital role in drug interactions. Although evidence strongly suggests that CBD is well-tolerated, generally safe, and non-addictive (anti-addictive even), it has been known to interact synergistically (adversely or beneficially) with other medications in some patients. How so?
Most notably is the interplay between cytochrome P450 and CBD in the use of anti-seizure, and epilepsy medications. A small study that was published in 2015 found the intake of CBD elevated the blood concentrations of clobazam (which is an anticonvulsant), in children, at the same time elevating norclobazam (which is an “active metabolite of clobazam”).
The good news here is that the remedy seems to be fairly straightforward: the introduction of CBD can lead to the reduction of the dosage of clobazam, which is beneficial in reducing side effects. The benefits of these combinations even extended to a reduction in seizures, with 9 out of the 13 participants experiencing a 50%+ reduction in seizures. The researchers therefore concluded that “CBD used in combination with clobazam, is a safe and effective treatment of refractory epilepsy.”
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How Does THC Interact With Other Medications?
One of THC’s major properties is that it interacts with both CB1, and CB2 cannabinoid receptors simultaneously. This induces a “cardiovascular stress response” which can raise cardiac oxygen consumption, and at the same time reduce blood flow into the coronary arteries. Though reports of adverse effects are relatively rare, if patients are on blood pressure medication, they should be aware of the compound effects cannabis may have.
As we have seen with CBD, THC could also increase the effect of blood thinning drugs (e.g. warfarin or heparin), or those which are known to carry their own risk of blood thinning such as ibuprofen, and naproxen, etc. This could happen by cannabis slowing down the metabolism of the drugs or to a lesser extent, THC could displace the warfarin from protein binding sites.
Using CBD Safely While Taking Other Medications
CBD has several therapeutic benefits that are being revealed by science. The fact that it has a very wide safety profile has made many people erroneously believe that there’s totally no risk in mixing CBD with pharmaceuticals.
If you are thinking about trying CBD as an “add-on therapy” to ease the symptoms of a medical condition, here are a couple of considerations to have in mind:
First talk to your doctor about your decision. They might be to determine a schedule, CBD product, and dosage that would be appropriate for your medications. In some cases, your doctor may choose to monitor your blood plasma levels depending on the medications you are taking.
Don’t stop any medications you are taking for substitution with CBD unless your doctor says that it is expressly okay to do so.
Topical CBD solutions such as creams, lotions, and salves can be an option. Unlike edibles, vaping solutions, and oils, topicals typically do not get into your bloodstream and would therefore react less. This is especially true for topicals that are not intended to be a transdermal solution.
Look out for the grapefruit warning: Even though studies are still being done to determine the potential interactions between specific medications and CBD, it is a general rule of thumb to avoid CBD if your medications contain a grapefruit warning on their label. If you are taking CBD, you should avoid medications that have a grapefruit warning because chemicals found in grapefruit called furanocoumarins inhibit CYP3A4, much in the same way that CBD does. The result of this inhibition is slowed metabolization of medications.
Some of the medications that commonly have a grapefruit warning are:
Antibiotics and antimicrobials
Anticancer medications
Antihistamines
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
Blood pressure medications
Blood thinners
Cholesterol medications
Corticosteroids
Erectile dysfunction medications
GI medications, like some used to treat nausea or GERD
Heart rhythm medications
Immunosuppressants
Mood medications, used to treat depression, anxiety, or mood disorders
Pain medications
Prostate medications
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Safety and Side Effects
If you have started taking CBD alongside your medications, always remember to look out for changes in how either the CBD or medication affect you. Some side-effects you could watch out for are:
Drowsiness
Sedation
Nausea
Decrease in the effectiveness of the medication like breakthrough seizures
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Changes in appetite
Changes in weight
How Does Cannabis Interact With Thyroid Medications?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is also called autoimmune or “chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis”, is the most commonly occurring form of thyroiditis. CBD oil has been known to have positive effects in this condition due to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to be an immunosuppressant.
However, when thyroid medication and CBD oil are taken together, they tend to have an interaction as they are both competing for metabolism. Remember the cytochrome P450 pathways? This competition would lead to hyperthyroidism as thyroxine would end up accumulating in the body before it has a chance to metabolize it. Taking thyroid medication and CBD oil too close together could also lead to mild nausea, as well as anxiety in some patients.
Interestingly, if a few hours are allotted between the time the thyroid medication is taken and the time the CBD oil is taken, the effects seem to be less common. This could indicate that the two treatments can be taken by the same person as they have different benefits, only not at the same time.
Having said this, it is important to remember that there are not many conclusive studies on the subject and therefore it would be wise to tread with a bit of caution.
Should You Take Paracetamol When Stoned?
Absolutely yes! Though the paracetamol might potentiate the effects of the cannabis, it certainly is not harmful. If you feel that you need to take some painkillers before you smoke your weed, you could do so. Take a few tokes and wait a little to observe the effects. If you seem to be tolerating it well, you can go ahead and finish the whole joint.
Conclusion
For most patients, CBD and cannabis are relatively safe. Nonetheless, cannabis happens to be a complex plant that comprises numerous compounds ranging from cannabinoids to terpenes. Influenced by these vast cannabinoid and terpene profiles, potential interactions with different drugs could be both good and bad and vary significantly from strain to strain.
In this regard, though some general conclusions can be made, drawing broad hypotheses to describe how cannabis will interact with cannabis can be inevitably misleading.
Whether you’re looking for new strains to increase your creativity and drive, or help you deal with insomnia and anxiety, here is some of the most potent pot you can buy.
No matter how many strains are created these days, we usually have at least one favorite indica or sativa strain. Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting properties, while indicas are appreciated for their sedating and relaxing effects. But looking for strong weed strains to try, we got you.
For these reasons, sativas make excellent daytime strains while indicas are better used in the evenings or before sleep. Both strain categories can also have terrific medical uses and they aren’t only beneficial for recreational users.
In this post, we’re going to talk about some of the strongest sativa and indica strains that have recently become popular.
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Sativa
If you are looking for new strains to increase your alertness, motivation, creativity, and drive, sativa strains are highly recommended. Below are some of the most powerful newer strains with high THC levels as well as aromatic and flavorful compounds.
Shogun
Shogun is a potent strain with 25% THC and some CBD. This deliciously stimulating sativa will spark your cognitive powers, making this the perfect choice if you’re serious about getting down to work. Whether it’s artistic and creative work, or you simply need some motivation to go back to your desk job (bills won’t pay themselves!), Shogun might just give you the mental boost you need.
Shogun is a strain named after the ancient Japanese warriors. Choose Shogun if you need a little extra help working long hours, but despite that you can still experience zen-like feelings. The high THC content is good for combating low moods as well as pain, and smoking it will make you feel like you are walking through a dense forest full of pine and earth flavors.
El Patron
El Patron is the result of crossbreeding Shiva and Amnesia Mac Ganja. This sativa-dominant hybrid is great for taking the edge off without putting you to sleep, thanks to a little bit of indica genetics in there. One thing’s for sure: the effects of El Patron go straight to your head but it still produces a high that’s manageable enough for getting things done.
It’s got THC levels of around 22%, and consumers love its deliciously therapeutic effects. This is a good strain for making edibles because of its kush and citrus flavors, both of which result in fantastic brownies or other sweet recipes.
Mother Gorilla
Mother Gorilla was created by the ingenious breeders over at Royal Queen Seeds. It’s basically an upgrade of Royal Madre’s genetics, by combining it with Gorilla Glue #4 for a much better effect. Mother Gorilla has THC levels of 25%, so you can be sure you won’t be needing to smoke a lot in order to appreciate its heady high.
This strain is an excellent choice for both medical and recreational use. Have a few tokes before going to a party, and you’ll find yourself chatting away. This will help you combat social anxiety. It has amazing chocolate and pine aromas, plus a taste of diesel in the background. It’s no wonder why Mother Gorilla bagged awards, such as the High Times World Cup and the High Times Cannabis Cup.
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Indica
Indica strains are the preferred nighttime or evening strain choice for many. These can induce a strong sense of happiness and euphoria when smoked minimally, and in higher doses can lull you into a deep slumber for several hours long. Choose indica strains if you are battling insomnia or anxiety that prevents you from getting decent sleep.
Ice
Ice, which stands for Indica Crystal Extreme, is the result of combining the genetics of world-class indica strains that have been well-loved for many years: Skunk, Afghan, and Northern Lights. As a result, you get a deliciously strong strain that’s a potent sedative. Even if you’re a seasoned cannabis smoker, Ice is sure to give you a deep head and body buzz.
It’s named aptly so because its flavors are a combination of mint and menthol as well as hints of berry, diesel, and pepper. This is a great choice for treating everyday stress, chronic pain, and lack of appetite. Be sure to only smoke this when you’re at home and have nothing to do – or better yet, when it’s an hour away from bed time.
Sherbet Queen
Sherbet is renowned for the couch-locking body high that it gives, but it also stimulates the brain when consumed in low doses. This is an 85% indica that shares genetics with the famous Girl Scout Cookies, so you can expect a tasty, deep antidote to anything in life that is stressing you out. The high THC content of Sherbet Queen will take the edge off and also help to treat any body aches and pain you may be having.
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It has sweet, candy-like fruit flavors but more importantly, its effects last a long time. Choose Sherbet Queen to treat migraines, anxiety, stress, and headaches for a flavorful evening medication.
Runtz Muffin
If you just want some serious relaxation and downtime, you can’t go wrong with Runtz Muffin. This strain is the result of Gelato and Zkittlez’ genetics, and it’s also a descendant of Cookies – overall, fantastic genetics no matter which way you look at it. Runtz Muffin offers a balanced high, and it’s a delicious smoke filled with fruity flavors most especially an intoxicating orange taste.
Runtz Muffin is great for inflammation and insomnia too. It will deliver you to another mental state where you are totally relaxed and carefree, without a thought in the world.
Contrary to what we’ve been told in the past, researchers have now found that CBD inhibits the breakdown (metabolism) of THC, thus increasing its adverse effects.
A new study has unearthed a controversy on the interaction between the psychoactive cannabinoid THC and its mellow counterpart CBD. For the longest time, it’s been believed that combining CBD with THC enhances the therapeutic benefits of both while limiting some of the adverse effects attached to THC. What if CBD amplifies the adverse effects of THC?
The exact mechanisms have been hypothesized with the message being loud and clear: CBD is THC’s perfect complement and antidote. But results from this new study found that this is not entirely the case.
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Details of the study
A group of researchers from the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit at Johns Hopkins University conducted a randomized clinical trial to investigate the effects and side effects of cannabis edibles containing both THC and CBD in equal amounts.
The study model was a double blind crossover that included 18 healthy adults. This involved three randomized outpatient test sessions; each session one week apart. The participants were divided into three groups and offered brownies containing either of the three:
No cannabis extract (placebo)
20 mg Δ9-THC with no CBD
20 mg Δ9-THC + 640 mg CBD
The group that received CBD in addition to THC experienced more severe adverse effects compared to the THC only group. Researchers found that CBD inhibits the breakdown (metabolism) of THC, thus increasing its adverse effects by increasing circulating levels and active metabolite.
Contradictory Evidence: Is There an Ideal Way to Mix CBD With THC?
There are a number of studies that contradict the major claim in this article, that CBD worsens the adverse effects of THC. Let’s look at a few:
A 2019 study was conducted by the Western University to investigate how CBD affects the psychiatric side effects of THC. The rats offered THC were more anxious and fearful while the rats that were offered both CBD and THC were less anxious and fearful.
The researchers found that CBD attenuates some of the psychotropic side effects caused by THC by inhibiting THC’s ability “to overstimulate the ERK pathway.” The results of the study were published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
A different systematic review investigated the influence of CBD on the acute effects of THC. The researchers found that in most studies CBD reduced the adverse effects of THC. However, these studies have used different ratios of THC to CBD.
You can consider THC capsules as a good alternative to smoking weed. Still, before you decide on the consumption method, it is worth considering all the risks and disadvantages.
THC tablets and capsules are an excellent alternative to smoking. They do not burn the throat and do not cause coughing. They act like edibles, providing the same potent high. Here is what to know about THC pills and capsules. And what is the advantage of THC and CBD tablets?
Weed pills are a product that is easy to dose. Capsules differ from each other in the number of cannabinoids they contain. Today’s cannabis industry can provide the customer with more than just THC and CBD to choose from. It is an opportunity to try different cannabinoids and choose the one that suits you best.
The principle action of THC tablets and capsules is quite simple. Once the product enters your digestive system, the capsule shell breaks down. Cannabinoids enter the body through the blood and then metabolize in the liver.
Since the process takes time, do not rush to take many pills at once. It is usually worth waiting about an hour (sometimes 90 minutes) for the capsules to take effect. It all depends on the characteristics of your body (for example, your age, your metabolism, whether you are taking other pills, etc.).
Types of Capsules
Capsule types are constantly being improved upon, so there are a lot of them. Sometimes reading more information about a product can be confusing.
Ground Buds
Crushed cannabis flowers can be consumed in capsules if they have undergone a decarboxylation process. The cannabis must be exposed to heat, where the cannabis acids CBDA and THCA become the familiar THC and CBD. Without carboxylation, it makes no sense to use marijuana in capsules because it is not activated.
Distillate
THC distillate is a thick and viscous liquid, somewhat reminiscent of honey in consistence. The distillate is necessarily 80-90% single cannabinoid, often either THC or CBD. You can be sure of the quality of the distillate: when you buy THC oil capsules, you will get 85% or more THC content.
Crystalline
THC capsules may contain crystalline, which is a substance such as salt or sugar. These are pure powdered cannabinoids. You can find different types of crystalline pills, but often the tablets contain only THCA or CBDA, non-activated cannabinoid acids. Thus, patients can consume the weed safely.
CBD to THC Ratio
To achieve a certain effect, the manufacturer can manipulate the components. Thus, 1:1 or 3:1 capsules are popular in the cannabis market.
Broadspectrum
Broad-spectrum capsules are mostly CBD products. This type contains CBD and other components of the cannabis plant except for THC. These tablets contain almost all the molecules of the original plant.
Full Spectrum
Full spectrum products include all terpenes and cannabinoids from the source plant. This type is like a broad-spectrum and contains a small amount of THC. Typically, full spectrum capsules are ground decarboxylated weed or an oil base.
How to Make Cannabis Capsules
Although buying ready-made products is much easier and safer, you can try making cannabis capsules yourself! If you have already prepared cannabis edibles, you will not have any problems with the task at all.
Grind the weed and spread it on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. It is important to properly spread the cannabis over the entire surface, so it heats up evenly;
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit before placing the baking sheet in the oven;
Warm up marijuana for 30 minutes;
Add the cannabis to a pot of simmering oil (choose coconut or olive oil);
Boil for about an hour;
Cool the mixture;
Using a pipette, fill the gelatin shells with a homemade mixture.
Alternatively, you can just buy casings and weed oil tinctures.
Why do marijuana fans love THC capsules? Here are some of the most popular reasons:
Great Effects
THC capsules do not start working immediately. The expectation is worth it since the effect of the pills and edibles is more potent than that of smoking. The average duration of a buzz is from 5 to 10 hours. You can read more about edibles here.
Dosage
An accurate grammage of each capsule allows you to calculate the correct dose. Smoking is always random because you can’t control how much you end up inhaling. Besides, medical patients should always know their dosage. In order not to guess, you can use THC and CBD capsules.
Convenience
Most marijuana users would like to be able to avoid drawing so much attention to themselves. The smell of weed alone will keep you from smoking your joint unnoticed. But taking medical marijuanas pills will not created any extra attention.
Health
Many users do not want to smoke for personal reasons. After all, weed has strong smell. It is a harsh smoke that harms the lungs and impairs breathing. It is understandable why many people switch to THC oil capsules. This is a much healthier alternative.
Potential Side Effects
Despite these advantages over smoking, THC capsules also have their drawbacks. People don’t see pills as a “potent weed”, and they can go over the top with dosage. The immediate side effects will leave you feeling anxious, panicky, and paranoid. But it is also important to consider the long-term use of capsules. If you experience the following symptoms even when you are not high, then you are most likely experiencing marijuana side effects:
Loss of appetite
Mood changes
Chills
Depression
Stomach problems
High blood pressure
Weight loss
Irritability
Sleep problems
Headache
Difficulties with focusing
Sweating.
However, if you choose CBD capsules, you will save yourself from such side effects. Moreover, CBD is non-psychoactive, and its effects are slow to appear. The effects of CBD are cumulative, like vitamins.
Despite the strong mental impact, THC capsules are also used in medicine. These effects have a positive effect on the central nervous system. For the most part, THC pills for pain reduce or eliminate the pain of different types and muscle spasms. On the other hand, constant weed consumption will greatly affect your perception of the world.
Moreover, patients reported the following positive cannabis capsules effects:
Mood improvement
Reduced social anxiety
Pain relief
Treatment of nausea and vomiting
Increased appetite
Relaxation
Sleep stabilization.
How to Consume THC Caps
THC capsules can be taken with water. If you are a beginner, then it is worth starting with low doses, about 5-10 milligrams. You can speed up the effectiveness of the capsules if you take them on an empty stomach. Food can slow down the absorption of weed tablets.
Give yourself about an hour to appreciate the power of the effects. Capsules take time, and it is important not to take too many capsules at once. It can lead to negative effects.
Conclusion
You can consider THC capsules as a good alternative to smoking weed. Still, before you decide on the consumption method, it is worth considering all the risks and disadvantages.
State stunned as first time in five years cannabis sales drop. The state has seen an 8% dip from last year in the amount of legal marijuana purchased by consumers, the first time the state has seen a downturn in sales since the legal market launched in 2018, SFGate reported. California over taxing and contributing to the healthy black market seems surprise officials when things don’t turn out perfectly.
Consumers bought $5.3 billion worth of cannabis in California last year, according to statistics from the state Department of Tax and Fee Administration. That’s down by $473 million from 2021.
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The dip in sales is likely the result of several factors, but the bottom line is that the “legal market is on the brink of collapse,” cannabis consultant Hirsh Jain told SFGate.
In the first year of sales five years ago, California marijuana companies sold $2 billion worth of cannabis. By 2021, that jumped to $5.7 billion.
The state has struggled for years to get a handle on its illicit cannabis market, which is likely the primary factor driving the decrease, since untaxed and unregulated cannabis is far cheaper than legal weed and there’s a vast surplus of both legal and illegal marijuana in the state.
But other hurdles have also played a role, Jain told SFGate, ranging from difficulties in getting new legal stores opened to supply chain hurdles to depressed wholesale prices for licensed cannabis farmers. All of that has also meant severe market contraction in California, alongside ballooning debt across the industry.
The cannamom movement is not just about cannabis, but about creating a society where parents have the tools they need to be the best parents they can be.
Cannabis has long been stigmatized as a drug that’s dangerous, destructive, and meant only for the lazy and unmotivated. However, the legalization of cannabis has given rise to a new generation of parents who use it to help with the challenges of parenthood.
As more and more states legalize cannabis, and social attitudes around the drug continue to shift, the stories of cannamoms offer a new perspective on the benefits of cannabis, and the role it can play in parenting.
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The origin story of cannamoms is rooted in the history of medical cannabis use. Mothers advocating for the use of medical marijuana for their children with disabilities brought the idea of cannabis as a medicine to the mainstream. These mothers saw the benefits of the plant, and soon began to use it themselves. What started as a grassroots movement is now a national conversation, with cannamoms advocating for the legalization of cannabis for all adults.
Cannamoms attest to the benefits of cannabis when it comes to parenting. They use it to become more emotionally available to their kids, to tune in rather than tune out. Danielle Simone Brand, a cannamom and author of the book “Weed Mom,” told Florida’s WESH 2 News that “cannabis has given me back sleep. It is truly a wellness tool, dose-dependent, product dependent, you know, not at all just a one size fits all kind of thing. But with cannabis literacy, with some education, there are all kinds of ways that moms can do this.”
Cannamoms like Brand aren’t using cannabis to escape their responsibilities, but to improve their ability to manage their daily lives and be better parents.
Parenting is a challenging task that comes with its own set of struggles. Dealing with sleepless nights, temper tantrums, and the stress of raising a family can take a toll on one’s mental health. Cannamoms have found that cannabis helps them deal with these challenges by reducing stress and anxiety. It provides a calming effect, allowing them to tackle difficult situations in a more relaxed state. Cannamom Jaygoda notes that “once my family started seeing how relaxed I was, how more present I was, how happier that was, how I was able to maneuver my day, they stopped coming after what I was doing.”
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Cannabis isn’t a substitute for dealing with the challenges of being a parent; instead, it’s a means of reducing stress and dealing with the overwhelming situations that come with raising a family. Cannamoms are just like any other parent; they want to do what’s best for their children, and cannabis helps them achieve that goal.
The stigma surrounding cannabis use is still very much alive, and it’s important to address it, particularly when it comes to the impact on children. Kids need to see good examples of cannabis smokers since they model adults. Current education on drugs makes it taboo, which means kids learn by themselves. Therefore, good role models and creating a distinction between “adult activity” and “child activity” will help cement drug education in future generations.
Cannamoms are breaking down the stereotype of the lazy, unproductive stoner and showing their children that responsible cannabis use is not only safe but also beneficial.
While cannamoms may be paving the way for a new era of cannabis acceptance and legalization, it is not without its challenges. Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, and many states have yet to legalize it for both medical and recreational purposes. The stigma surrounding cannabis use, particularly for parents, is still prevalent.
Cannamoms face criticism from those who view their use of cannabis as an irresponsible choice that can negatively impact their children. This view fails to take into account the many benefits that can come with cannabis use, including improved health and well-being for parents, and ultimately, better parenting.
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Despite these challenges, cannamoms continue to fight for their right to use cannabis, for themselves and their children. By speaking out and sharing their stories, they are helping to shift the cultural narrative around cannabis use and parenting. They are also paving the way for future generations, who may grow up in a world where cannabis use is fully accepted and normalized.
In the end, the cannamom movement is not just about cannabis, but about creating a society where parents have the tools they need to be the best parents they can be. Cannabis may be one of those tools, but it is not the only one. By opening up a dialogue and creating a space for parents to share their experiences, cannamoms are contributing to a larger conversation about what it means to be a good parent, and what resources and support parents need to thrive.
The cannamom movement is about empowering parents to make informed choices about their health and well-being, and about creating a culture where all parents, regardless of their choice to use cannabis or not, are valued and supported.
The cannamom movement is about more than just cannabis. It is about fighting for the right to make informed choices about our health and well-being, and about breaking down the stigma and shame that has long been associated with cannabis use. By sharing their stories and fighting for their rights, cannamoms are creating a more inclusive and accepting society, one where parents can feel empowered to be their best selves and provide the best possible care for their children.
The cannamom movement is a reminder that, in the end, we are all just parents trying to do our best, and that we all deserve the support and resources we need to succeed.
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