A new study shows that not enough sleep makes it more likely for people to suffer from different chronic illnesses, including cancer and depression.
Sleeping is incredibly important, with health practitioners recommending a minimum of seven hours a night. Now, a new study says that sleeping less than five hours a night can lead to various health problems, among them, cancer, heart disease, depression, and more.
The study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, used data from more than 8,000 people in the United Kingdom with no known chronic diseases. Participants reported their sleep habits every four to five years along with some clinical examinations for a period of 25 years. Results showed that the older people were and the less they slept, the worse the prognosis.
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Participants aged 50-years-old, who slept less than five hours a night, had a 30% risk to develop chronic diseases. These numbers increased with age. For example, at 60, participants who slept less than five hours had 32% of risk, while at 70, they had 40% of risk.
Chronic diseases are varied, ranging from arthritis to cancer. All of these became more likely when people slept less than they should.
Researchers shared some of the study’s limitations, including the fact most participants were white men and that all were civil servants, meaning that they had higher odds of being healthier than the average population. Then there was also the fact that the research relied on self-reported data, something that is considered less reliable than if participants were to be monitored and tracked throughout all of these years.
Adequate sleep has been known to help people in a range of way, from managing their weight to improving the health of their skin. It’s a process that’s good for mental and physical health and that affects us in ways that are almost untraceable. While it’s something that we do every day, sleep is often relegated, with people putting a priority on other aspects of their lives.
Still, more and more studies are coming out and helping us understand just how important sleep is and why people of all ages should prioritize it.
In North Dakota, religious groups have teamed up with law enforcement members in a push against Measure 2, which would legalize recreational marijuana.
Religious people are less likely to support legal marijuana than those describing themselves as atheists and agnostics, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted last year.
The poll revealed that barely half (54%) of respondents who identify with any religious group think that cannabis should be legal for medical and recreational use. At the same time, roughly three-quarters (76%) of surveyed US adults who consider themselves atheists, agnostics, or “nothing in particular” want to see the plant legalized.
While cannabis advocates and shareholders are tireless in their push to legalize marijuana, religious activists are rooting for the opposite.
Just a few weeks after the Amendment 3 — which seeks to legalizeadult-use cannabis in Missouri this fall — was criticized by Catholic bishops who urged Missourians to vote “no” on the amendment, religious organizations in North Dakota and Arkansas followed suit.
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Islamists & Christians Agree On Marijuana
In North Dakota, religious groups have teamed up with law enforcement members in a push against Measure 2, which would legalize recreational marijuana, reported KVRR.
A North Dakota Catholic Conference statement insisted that Catholics are obliged to “protect human life and the common good.”
Islamic advocates seem to be on the same page as Christians, at least regarding cannabis.
“From a religious point of view, from the Islamic point of view, any intoxicant for that matter is forbidden,” said Mohamed Sanaullah, a board member at the Islamic Society of Fargo-Moorhead. “Again, it’s a personal decision. If they’re more religious, they probably should be voting no.”
North Dakota sheriffs, deputies, police chiefs and peace officer associations all share a similar stance on the issue.
“It [marijuana legalization] will greatly strain our law enforcement resources which are already strained,” said Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski who shared concerns regarding how legalization would affect his department. “It will exacerbate an already existing issue with addiction.”
In his view, marijuana should be treated the same as alcohol. He cautioned that children could be affected the most if the plant is accessible.
“Even when you talk about it being for only 21 and older, well, just like any other prescription medication that adults bring into their homes, kids have access to it,” Zibolski said. “That also increases their ability to get a hold of it easier.
Kristie Spooner, the chair at Healthy and Productive North Dakota went a step further, saying that cannabis can cause psychosis in addition to other mental health issues.
Still, members of New Approach ND support cannabis legalization in North Dakota as well as its responsible use.
“Most people, myself included, would rather have a system regulated from seed to sale,” said Mark Friese, New Approach’s treasurer. “Regulated safe, checked marijuana with it being done in the light of day, legitimately with businesses that are subject to regulation.”
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Arkansas Activists Are Moving On From Words To Deeds
Meanwhile, in Arkansas, David Couch, the attorney behind the state’s medical marijuana amendment, is working to defeat recreational cannabis legalization efforts by Responsible Growth Arkansas (RGA).
Couch joined forces with the church-based Family Council Action Committee to fight against Issue 4, which would make adult use of cannabis legal, reported The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Couch held a joint news conference on Wednesday with Jerry Cox, executive director of the committee. In it, Couch said that he is currently touring the state and meeting with church groups, chambers of commerce, as well as other groups and organizations that are against the proposed marijuana policy change.
Cox revealed that the committee has distributed roughly half a million flyers headlined “Arkansas Does Not Need Another Drug Problem” and “Deadly meth, opioids, heroin and fentanyl are already destroying too many lives” to local churches.
The mayor signed a bill to allow tourists to buy medical marijuana while they stay in the nation’s capital.
Tourists and visitors are able to buy medical marijuana in Washington, DC. The measure is predicted to boost tourism and encourage people to travel to the nation’s capital.
The bill was signed by mayor Muriel Bowser, and will allow tourists to self-certify as medical patients for the duration of their stay. This will make it possible for them to purchase marijuana without the need for a doctor’s recommendation.
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The bill was unanimously approved and increases the amount of medical marijuana a patient can possess from four to eight ounces. It also makes it easier for residents of neighboring states to get medical marijuana in DC for whatever reason.
In July, Bowser signed into law the Medical Marijuana Self-Certification Emergency Amendment Act of 2022, which allows residents to self-certify as medical marijuana patients and buy cannabis from licensed retailers. This new bill extends those rights to tourists.
Non-DC residents (domestic & intl. visitors) are now eligible for a temp medical cannabis patient registration. Registrations are valid for 30-days, can be used immediately upon completion of application.
“This will lead to increased patient access to plant-based medicine and will introduce new patients to the flourishing local medical marijuana landscape. These most recent actions are proof that Washington, DC is leading the way as it relates to expanding patient access to all,” she said.
DC has some of the most confusing marijuana laws in the country. While it’s legal to grow and possess marijuana, it remains illegal to sell it. Still, while frowned upon, “gifting” remains an option, which means that people can purchase marijuana through a loophole in the law, allowing sellers to gift them marijuana while selling an item.
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Making matters more confusing is the fact that marijuana is illegal on the federal level, meaning that people possessing it in areas like government buildings, national parks, and more, could face penalties. These areas make up large parts of DC, making it possible for people to break the law without knowing they’re doing so.
Following Biden’s decision to pardon marijuana offenses, as the law stands, he is the only person who could grant pardons to residents of Washington, DC Other states in the country have the ability to deal with this process independently, making the pardons more seamless.
Some of the more popular flavors of fall have been known to improve the taste of weed, while others can even work to enhance and balance your high.
Autumn is a time for cozying up to a fire, admiring the leaves as they change color, and also a time for switching it up in the kitchen. Light summer fare gives way to hearty and festive fall meals each year as the days shorten and grow colder. From hearty stews packed with root vegetables to pumpkin spice and everything nice, fall has a flavor profile all its own.
If you are a cannabis lover and live in an area that is currently experiencing the lovely change in seasons, you might wonder how you can maximize your fall experience by using cannabis as a tool. Sure, you can get high on a lovely foliage walk, but it’s the tastes and smells of fall that really warm the soul.
While cannabis works with nearly all of fall’s flavors, these five foods stick out as fall foods that pair perfectly with pot. Some improve the flavor, while some can even work to enhance and balance your high.
Apples
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Apples and cannabis go hand in hand, literally. Nearly every pot smoker has resorted to turning an apple into a cannabis pipe in a desperate moment, finding that it isn’t such a bad idea. Apart from this makeshift smoking device, apples have even more in common with cannabis than you might think.
The sweet yet tart flavor from fresh apples brings out some of cannabis’s more nuanced flavor. In fact, some strains of weed have even started to taste like apples. According to healthcare technology company Verilife, “In many instances, cannabis cultivators discover new flavors, or try to create new flavors, with selective breeding between strains. This process is what gives us the wide array of apple-flavored cannabis that’s available on the market today.”
So pairing an apple-flavored weed with an apple baked good feels like a no brainer. Not to mention, cooking apple-flavored anything will transform your home into a cozy fall wonderland.
Pumpkin Spice
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Thanks to a certain coffee chain, fall just isn’t fall without pumpkin spice. There is pumpkin spice everything, from coffee to candles to soap to candy. While there is so much of this flavor in October that it can be a bit off-putting, consider adding some of that pumpkin spice to your marijuana.
Pumpkin and the spices associated with it, like nutmeg, allspice and ginger, all possess strong flavor. If nothing more, this helps mask some of the less desirable tastes found in marijuana. In addition to the strong flavor, pumpkin and marijuana, as it turns out, have a bit of a symbiotic relationship. According to the medical marijuana doctor siteDOCMJ, “When consumed alongside cannabis, pumpkin can stimulate the mind and energize the body while helping your body relax.”
Why not give this combination a try? Who knows, maybe once you add some weed, pumpkin spice really does live up to the hype.
Chocolate
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Chocolate really starts to find its place in the home as the weather cools off. From Halloween candy to hot cocoa, chocolate is a mainstay during the colder months. Not only is chocolate delicious, but it is frequently combined with marijuana, and not just because its fat content and flavor lends itself perfectly to edibles.
There is some scientific evidence that chocolate can enhance your normal cannabis high, due to the fact that it causes stimulation to some of the same receptors and marijuana.
Anandamide, the “bliss” molecule that our bodies produce, is one of the compounds found in small quantities in cacao. More significantly, as we’ve reported before, “cacao features two others chemicals in higher concentrations that inhibit the breakdown of anandamide, as well as phytocannabinoids in cannabis including THC and CBD, potentially intensifying their effects. On top of this is theobromine, which also amplifies the effects of anandamide.” Talk about a match made in heaven!
Additionally, according to Veriheal, marijuana combined with chocolate can also fight off anxiety and even have anti-nausea effects. Sounds like a win-win.
Sweet Potatoes
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It’s just not Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes. From cold sweet potato salad to sweet potato casserole, and of course sweet potato pie, this orange vegetable is a mainstay in fall cookery. Its earthy notes (especially when the skin is left on) lend it to being a great food to combine with weed. Not only does cannabis taste nice with sweet potatoes (think a browned buttered sweet potato with that lemon minty terpene flavor), but there are some health and wellness benefits to this combination.
According toMMJ Health, “The vitamins in sweet potatoes enable your brain to produce serotonin, which can eventually help you stabilize your feelings and enjoy a relaxing psychoactive experience.”
Root Vegetables
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Carrots and beets and turnips, oh my! These hearty and colorful root vegetables begin to appear on menus at nearly every seasonal eatery as the leaves change colors and begin to fall. This is because root vegetables are in their prime in the Autumn, and are often some of the last foods to be harvested.
Best of all, these earthy and sometimes sweet edible roots can pair nicely with cannabis. There are several cannabis-infused root vegetables recipes out there. This route is a great one to take if you are vegan or health conscious. It allows you a high and tasty side dish without loads of butter and carbs. Just infuse the marijuana with oil instead of butter and add your usual spices. Earthy spices like rosemary, sage and tarragon help to further compliment this pairing.
It’s important to remember that prevention is the key to keeping your weed in good condition. Be sure to store your cannabis in a cool, dark place, ideally in an opaque glass container.
Do you have weed that’s gone a little dry? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to teach you how to rehydrate weed and make it as good as new (or pretty close to it).
We’ll cover methods and tips from how to keep weed moist to how to make your weed sticky. So whether your buds are a little too dry or just not packing the punch you want them to, read on to learn how to rehydrate weed!
How to rehydrate weed
The weed you buy is carefully dried and cured by cultivators to optimize for the right amount of moisture. Cultivators will dry weed to have about a 15% moisture content and then cure it which takes the moisture content down to about 9%. This moisture level works harmoniously with the weed’s cannabinoid and terpene content.
When weed dries out too much, typically below a 6% moisture content, your weed begins to lose its potency. Over time, THC degrades to cannabinol (CBN), which gives your weed a different effect.
Weed dries out when it’s been exposed to too much direct sunlight or oxygen. To prevent yourself from having to learn how to fix dry weed (or how to rehydrate your weed) you should store your cannabis flower in an airtight container that doesn’t allow light in. Place it in a dry cool place, away from direct sunlight.
But if your weed is already dry, here is an easy-to-follow guide to rehydrate weed.
There are several methods to rehydrate weed. Our preferred method uses natural plant-based material and doesn’t put your cannabis at risk of getting too moist.
What you need to rehydrate cannabis with citrus peel:
Your dehydrated weed
A fresh citrus fruit (e.g. lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, mandarin)
A knife
An airtight container (preferably opaque glass if you don’t have this you can use a glass jar, Tupperware container or sandwich bag)
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How to rehydrate cannabis: step-by-step guide
Step 1: Wash and dry your citrus fruit.
Step 2: Use your knife to carefully remove the peel (no fruit on the interior part of the peel).
Step 3: Place your dehydrated weed into the glass jar.
Step 4: Place peel into the jar so that it is not directly touching your weed (2 inches by 4 inches of citrus peel is sufficient).
Step 5: Close the jar (or whatever container you’re using) so that it is airtight. Store jar in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight.
Step 6: Over the next 24 hours open and close the container a couple of times to let air briefly in and out.
Step 7: Once you’ve “aerated” your weed for a day, use your rehydrated cannabis within 24 hours so it stays moist.
If you don’t have citrus available, you can complete this process using a piece of fresh lettuce. The great thing about using citrus fruit is that many of the terpenes are complementary to those found in cannabis, so not only will a citrus peel rehydrate your weed rehydrate, it will also make it smell nice too!
How to keep weed moist
Preventing weed from drying out means figuring out how to keep weed moist. The easiest way to keep weed moist is to ensure you are storing it properly. Many people like to keep their weed in a glass mason jar. This is great to show off your buds to friends and family, but it’s not good for maintaining the quality of your weed. To keep weed from drying out, store your weed inopaque glass jars.
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Another option to rehydrate your weed is to invest in a cannabis humidor. Cannabis humidors are built to maximize the freshness of your weed and can be a great investment depending on your needs.
If you’re not a fan of citrus, or the terpenes in a citrus clash with your cannabis strain’s terpene profile, there are other methods to rehydrate your weed.
How to make weed moist again (the paper towel method)
What you need:
Your dehydrated weed
A paper towel
An airtight container (preferably opaque glass if you don’t have this you can use a glass jar, Tupperware container or sandwich bag)
Steps to make weed moist again with a paper towel:
Step 1: Wet your paper towel and squeeze out all the extra water so that it is not dripping.
Step 2: Place your dehydrated weed into the glass jar.
Step 3: Fold your paper towel into a square and place it in the jar, making sure it does not touch your weed. You want rehydrated weed, not wet weed.
Step 4: Close the jar (or container) so that it is airtight and store away from direct sunlight – somewhere dry and cool.
Step 5: Over the next 24 hours, open and close the container a couple of times to let the air in and out.
Step 6: Once you’ve “aerated” your weed for a day, consume your rehydrated weed within 24 hours.
How to make your weed sticky
Stickiness in weed is the result of two things: resin and humidity of the flower.
The resin in weed is produced and secreted from the trichomes. Resin is like sap and makes weed sticky
Weed’s stickiness is also impacted by its humidity level, which is determined by how much moisture the flower had after processing, the harvest date (i.e. how old it is), and how it was stored.
Prevention is the key to keeping your weed sticky. To make your weed sticky, keep it from drying out.
Photo by Kirill Vasikev / EyeEm/Getty Images
Seven tips to keep weed from drying out:
Store in an opaque glass container
Store in a dark place
Store in a cool place
Store in a place that is away from heat sources
Do not place your weed in the refrigerator
Do not freeze your weed in the refrigerator
Don’t purchase too much at once
Final thoughts on rehydrating cannabis
It’s important to remember that prevention is the key to keeping your weed in good condition. Be sure to store your cannabis in a cool, dark place, ideally in an opaque glass container.
If you’re not able to consume all of your weed before it starts to lose its stickiness or freshness, don’t worry! You just learned that there are ways to revive dried-out cannabis.
Medical marijuana reciprocity states usually allow patients to use their cards to access dispensaries. However, some states are more lenient than others in this regard.
Currently, 36 states across the United States, including the District of Columbia, have medical marijuana programs. Considering so many states now permit the use of medical marijuana, it makes sense to wonder if you can use your medical marijuana card in another state.
If you are a certified medical cannabis patient traveling within the US, there are a few options for you to continue using your herbal medication. Because medicinal cannabis programs vary by state, we’ve put together an in-depth overview that covers all you need to learn regarding medical marijuana reciprocity in the US.
What Is Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?
Before getting into the specifics, it’s essential to comprehend how the idea of reciprocity relates to medical cannabis. Medicinal marijuana card reciprocity emerges when one state’s medical marijuana program accepts the validity of another state’s medical marijuana card and certificate. If you have a valid medical marijuana card in one state, you can use marijuana legally in another state if you travel there. However, you will be subject to the rules of the state you are visiting.
For holders of state-issued medical cannabis cards, 11 of these 36 states, including Washington, DC, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, presently grant medical marijuana program reciprocity. However, each state has its own set of reciprocity regulations. Depending on the state you are visiting, you may need to fill out a “visitor application” before traveling, sign documents within a local dispensary, or present your medical marijuana license or other form of identification before buying anything at a dispensary.
Please be aware that not all states allow medicinal marijuana patients to purchase all kinds of cannabis products. For instance, in some states, patients with medical conditions may not be permitted to consume cannabis-infused treats like cookies or smokable flowers.
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States That Accept Out-Of-State MMJ Cards
Medical marijuana reciprocity states usually allow medical cannabis patients to use their cards to access dispensaries and buy their medication. However, some states are more lenient than others in this regard. To be eligible to purchase cannabis out of state, patients usually need to present both an ID and a current state-issued medical marijuana card. The following states accept out-of-state medical cannabis cards:
Arizona
Visitors who have a valid state medical marijuana card from their home state, or an equivalent, may possess and consume medical cannabis in Arizona. One ounce of marijuana can be possessed or consumed by qualified non-residents. Please remember that out-of-state patients cannot make purchases at Arizona-licensed dispensaries.
Arkansas
Before being allowed to buy medicinal marijuana in Arkansas, non-residents must apply as visiting patients and have a medical marijuana card from their home state. Application costs $50 and can be processed within 14 business days. If permitted, visiting patients in Arkansas have a 30-day period to buy medical marijuana.
Please be aware that even though medical marijuana dispensaries in Arkansas provide delivery, you will not be qualified for it since the product must be delivered to the location indicated on your medical marijuana license, which will be an address outside Arkansas. Visitors who are not residents must buy their medical marijuana there.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s out-of-state patient program is open to non-resident adult and minor medicinal marijuana patients (together with their legal guardian/caregiver) who have valid state-issued medical cannabis cards. This program permits out-of-state patients to possess, use, and purchase marijuana from authorized dispensaries in Hawaii. Every two weeks, registered out-of-state patients may buy up to four ounces.
Maine
Patients with a state-issued registry card or another form of identification may buy medicinal marijuana from a licensed dispensary in Maine. For a rolling 15-day period, a maximum of 2.5 ounces of cannabis products may be purchased.
Michigan
In Michigan, anyone with a valid state-issued medical marijuana card and an ID card can buy marijuana for medical purposes. However, dispensaries may choose to sell or not. Hence, verify again with your preferred dispensary to see if out-of-state patients are accepted.
The maximum amount of cannabis you can own or buy is 2.5 ounces. Due to the requirement that the delivery address matches the address on the medical cannabis card, out-of-state medical marijuana patients cannot obtain medical marijuana through delivery providers in Michigan.
Nevada
Patients with state or local government-issued medical marijuana card holders can buy medicinal marijuana from a licensed dispensary in Nevada.
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New Hampshire
Due to restricted reciprocity, visitors who meet the requirements may only have two ounces of useable cannabis in New Hampshire. Visitors must present verification of a valid state-issued medical cannabis card and a note from their doctor confirming they have a qualifying medical condition (as specified by New Hampshire law). Please be aware that visitors are not allowed to purchase medical cannabis from a dispensary.
New Mexico
Patients may apply for a “reciprocity license” at an approved dispensary in New Mexico if they have a valid state-issued medical cannabis card, driver’s license, or another form of identification. Before visiting your preferred dispensary, make sure to phone and confirm that this service is offered, as dispensaries must be authorized to grant reciprocity licenses.
You must complete paperwork at a recognized dispensary to get a reciprocal license to buy medical marijuana in New Mexico without paying taxes. In-state and out-of-state patients visiting patients are permitted to possess and buy up to the exact amounts of medicinal marijuana. Every 90 days, 230 units may be purchased (8 ounces of dried cannabis flower). 200 milligrams of foods, topically applied substances, or
Oklahoma
Patients under 18 and those with US state-issued medicinal marijuana cards are allowed to apply for temporary patient IDs in Oklahoma. For 30 days, visitors to Oklahoma with this temporary ID can buy, use, and cultivate marijuana lawfully.
Puerto Rico
You’re in luck if you have a medicinal marijuana card from the US and are traveling to Puerto Rico! With a legitimate state-issued medical marijuana card, Puerto Rico permits reciprocal use of the drug. Upon arrival, you must sign up at a nearby dispensary and provide identity verification for your state-issued medical marijuana card.
Please be aware that visitors are not permitted to purchase dried marijuana flowers. It is legal to buy medical cannabis cartridges or infused goods.
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Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers complete reciprocity for US residents with out-of-state medicinal marijuana cards. To register as an out-of-state patient, go to a Rhode Island medical cannabis dispensary with your government-issued ID and state medical marijuana card. Every 15 days, medical marijuana patients from within and outside the state may buy up to 70 grams of cannabis.
Utah
Medical cannabis users traveling to Utah with a severe ailment (as defined by Utah) and who have a valid state medicinal marijuana card are eligible to apply for a “non-Utah resident card.” Residents of Utah who have lived there for fewer than 45 days can also apply for a card designating them as non-Utah residents.
With this card, qualified new residents to Utah and visiting patients may buy marijuana from authorized dispensaries there for 21 days.
Washington DC
Non-residents must present a state-issued photo ID, their government-issued medicinal marijuana registration information (either in physical or digital form), and their prescribing doctor’s name and license number. Please be aware that NuggMD-issued medical cards are ineligible.
Conclusion
Cannabis-related laws are subject to change throughout time. Ensure to confirm any applicable legislation with the state’s cannabis bureau or the neighborhood shop you’ll be visiting before traveling.
A newspaper leaked Germany’s plan to legalize weed, which some have called too restrictive. It’s still a momentous occasion for Europe and the rest of the world.
At long last, Germany is moving forward with legal marijuana. A blueprint of the reform was leaked through RND newspaper group and translated by Politico, stating that marijuana will be decriminalized, allowing for its purchase, possession, and cultivation. Any advertising promoting cannabis would be banned.
Under Germany’s plan, adults will be able to purchase up to 20 grams of marijuana sold in shops. There’s a chance they could also be sold in pharmacies and specialty shops like coffee houses.
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Some of the limitations include the fact that marijuana will have a THC limit of 15%. In the case of young adults, aged 18 to 21, they will be able to purchase marijuana with a 10% limit of THC, which seems like an intelligent if conservative way of avoiding some of the harshest criticism that exists against cannabis on a global scale.
The plan also makes it clear that cannabis sold in Germany must be produced domestically, sidestepping international law and avoiding conflict.
While many are celebrating Germany’s decision, several German politicians have considered the plan too restrictive. Kristine Lütke, the drug policy speaker of the Free Democratic Liberal Party, said that some of the restrictions would drive people to the black market.
“A disaster for youth, health & consumer protection,” she tweeted.
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Germany’s decision to legalize marijuana has long been awaited, with the government delivering a promise that was made a year ago. It’s also a decision that’s been analyzed by experts, representing a significant step for marijuana in the European Union and the world. Germany is the EU’s largest economy and a determinant of how various countries will react.
Earlier this year, The Guardian spoke with several experts who provided their opinions on why legal marijuana in Germany was a game changer.
“There will be a domino effect, for sure,” said Justin Haucap, director of the Dusseldorf Institute for Competition Economics. “European countries that have a much bigger problem with illegal cannabis use, like France, are watching very closely what Germany is doing at the moment.”
Researchers discovered that clinicians’ decision not to select cannabis users as acceptable candidates for heart transplants is founded on old data or has no scientific significance.
Are cannabis users suitable candidates for heart transplants? While they are currently not considered to be, a new study indicates this could be wrong. Scientists from Indiana University School of Medicine analyzed more than 200 publications, reviews pre- and post-heart transplant considerations connected to marijuana use and released their findings in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure.
Researchers came to the conclusion that the medical community should reexamine its understanding of cannabis use and heart transplantation, writes the IU School of Medicine. This implies the potential for an entirely new approach to identifying suitable heart transplant candidates.
The study’s lead author, Onyedika Ilonze, MD called the cannabis-heart transplant issue controversial.
“This is a dilemma in a time of increasingly favorable legislation regarding medical and recreational cannabis use,” said Ilonze, assistant medicine professor at IU and member of the Cardiovascular Institute. “The dilemma is compounded by a rising need for heart transplants.”
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Ilonze and his colleagues discovered that clinicians’ decision not to select cannabis users as acceptable candidates for heart transplants is founded on old data or has no scientific significance.
“We need to learn more about the interactions between cannabis and immunosuppressants, and to study the association between cannabis use and transplant survival,” Ilonze added. “Clarifying this will move us forward and help us establish a standardized evaluation process.”
Unlike THC, delta-8, and THC-O, this cannabinoid is safe to use and has few side effects. Studies have shown the absence of toxicity, dangerous symptoms, and withdrawal effects.
It is one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana. In terms of structure and properties, it is most similar and close to CBD. But what is CBDV and how is it different from CBD. CBDV is a propyl analog of CBD, although they are not identical.
It was discovered in 1969 along with other cannabinoids, including the better-known THC and CBD. However, its valuable medicinal properties began to be investigated only very recently.
In the late 2010s, scientists drew attention to the fact that the therapeutic properties of СBDV are somewhat different from the effects of other cannabinoids on the human body.
Properties and Health Benefits of CBDV
The last few years have been fruitful in terms of research on CBDV benefits. Some of these studies have been officially supported by pharmaceutical giants as well as the US government.
Much of the CBDV research is so new that it has not yet reached the stage of clinical trials. So the studies presented here are mostly preclinical researches conducted in laboratories and animal models. But perhaps unsurprisingly (for those who already have some knowledge of cannabinoids), the research base supporting CBDV’s enormous potential is already compelling.
Health benefits of CBDV include:
Anticonvulsant property. Makes it an impeccable remedy for the treatment of epilepsy of various origins. This effect is still being investigated. But it is already known that the ability to reduce seizures does not depend on CB1 receptors.
Reduces nausea. Scientists hope that, like other cannabinoids, CBDV has pronounced antiemetic properties. In 2013, a study was conducted on rats that led to the hope that CBD-V has the potential to reduce such symptoms.
Analgesic property. Research is being conducted on the ability of CBDV to reduce neuralgic pain.
Reduces anxiety. One of the CBDV effects is the improvement of the psychological state due to the effect on the balance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitters.
Antibacterial action. Especially against gram-positive bacteria. But this property is less pronounced than in CBD.
Antioxidant potential. Reduces inflammation and protects cells of the nervous system.
What Disorders Does CBDV Help Treat?
The main research on CBDV has focused primarily on its functions in alleviating the symptoms of nervous disorders. Most of the studies were conducted on animals. But they showed good results, which give hope for effective application in various directions.
CBDV and Neurological Diseases
Administration of CBDV may reduce the neurological and social problems caused by Rett syndrome. This is a disease that affects the development of the brain. Studies in mice have shown the ability of CBDV to improve memory and motor coordination, as well as regulate the expression levels of CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Cannabidivarin in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Preclinical studies have shown the indispensable role of cannabidivarin for autism. The connection is that the cannabinoid can influence excitatory-inhibitory processes in the brain, which are associated with autistic disorders. One of the major pharmaceutical companies is currently conducting the final stage of research related to autism spectrum disorders.
CBDV in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Studies have shown that CBDV promotes muscle growth. This applies to both healthy people and people with DMD, a genetic disease with progressive muscle wasting. This occurs due to the formation of myoblasts and myotubes, as well as due to the activation of TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors.
CBDV is most similar to CBD, but scientists have already found out what is CBDV cannabinoid and its special features, which are different from CBD. The difference is only in the length of the side chain. CBD consists of 5 carbon atoms, while CBDV consists of 3 carbon atoms. The length of the carbon affects the ability of cannabinoids to bind to endocannabinoid receptors and the nervous system and is, therefore, an important property of the substance.
Possible CBDV Side Effects and Safety Measures
CBDV is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid similar to CBD. Unlike THC, delta-8 THC, and THC-O, this cannabinoid is safe to use and has few side effects. Studies have shown the absence of toxicity, dangerous symptoms, and withdrawal effects.
Strains High in CBDV
Most often, CBDV is featured in Indica cultivars from Pakistan, Mexico, or India.
If you want cannabis rich in CBDV, you should look into strains like:
Royal CBDV. It is one of the first strains of this cannabinoid. It contains 5% cannabidivarin, 5% CBD and a minimal THC level of 0.3%. This strain has a piney earthy aroma and a noticeable boost of energy.
CBDV Auto. This strain has a CBDV/THC ratio of 25:1 as well as approximately 4% CBD. It’s Sativa with mild earthiness and a light resin coating.
Forbidden V. It contains 5.6% CBDV and 8.6% CBD. The strain has a fresh and exotic fruity taste and a terpene profile that invigorates and invigorates creativity.
Pine Walker. The strain has 8.48% CBD and 6.80% CBDV. It is characterized by the taste of lemon and the fragrance of needles, as well as the properties of Indica.
Where to Get Products with CBDV?
People who have developed a CBDV appetite wonder if it is possible to legally buy products containing it. Whatever the goal, it is better to consult a doctor beforehand. He will tell you which variety of cannabis will suit your personal needs. It is much more effective and safer than self-medication.
Conclusion
Since research on the effects of CBDV is ongoing, soon we can count on new results from these searches and, accordingly, wait for sensational products that would help solve a range of medical problems.
Multi-state cannabis operator Green Thumb Industries Inc. teamed up with Alimentation Couche-Tard Circle K Stores, an American chain of convenience stores. Under the deal, Green Thumb will sell licensed cannabis at Circle K gasoline retailers in Florida, first reported Bloomberg.
Financial terms between the two parties weren’t disclosed, but it was noted that Green Thumb will lease space from Circle K locations.
The sales will start in 2023 at 10 of the company’s 600 locations in the Sunshine State. Bloomberg pointed out that is a global first, as marijuana has been legally sold only in dispensaries in the U.S. and in pharmacies in countries that have legal cannabis programs like Germany or Uruguay.
The sales should “continue to normalize”cannabis fusing it with standard consumer products, Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler said. “This is a futuristic deal.”
Seeing marijuana at stations where people usually buy snacks and cigarettes could open the way for the plant to become fully mainstream.
Photo by Q. Hưng Phạm via Pexels
The cannabis company’s outlets will be branded as “RISE Express” stores and will have a separate entrance from the gas station.
With Florida having legal only medical cannabis, sales will be limited to residents with medical marijuana cards, which is about 700,000 people.
Kovler added that “there’s appetite” from Circle K to expand partnership across other states.
