Can You Fly With Medical Marijuana?

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September 12, 2022

If you have cannabis that meets certain requirements, then you could fly with weed. The same goes for flying with CBD products.

Cannabis is recreationally legal in 18 states and medically legal in 37 states. However, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I Drug, so it is federally illegal in the United States. All airspace is regulated by the federal government. As a federally illegal drug, it is illegal to fly with weed. But what if you have a medical card and need to use cannabis for medical purposes?

Let’s break down what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has to say about flying with weed. The official TSA website states, “Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state or federal authorities.”

How Much Weed Can You Fly With?

In general, you cannot fly with cannabis. However, cannabis with less than 0.3% THC (hemp) on a dry weight basis is not federally illegal. If you have cannabis that meets those requirements, then you could fly with weed. The same goes for flying with CBD products.

what tsa would do if you got caught with marijuana — Photo by rawpixel.com

You can fly with CBD products derived from hemp plants that contained less than 0.3% THC, as long as the products comply with other regulations. What about flying with weed that has more than 0.3% THC? That would be federally illegal, so you cannot fly with weed that has more than 0.3% THC.

Can You Fly with Weed in Legal States?

Can you fly with weed in a state with legal recreational cannabis? There are a couple of airports where you might think you are allowed to fly with weed, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In January 2018 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) issued a statement saying, “The Los Angeles Airport Police Department will allow passengers to travel through LAX with up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana. However, airport guests should be aware that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening stations are under federal jurisdiction.

Also, passengers should be aware that marijuana laws vary state by state and they are encouraged to check the laws of the states in which they plan to travel.” What are you supposed to take from these statements? It appears that in some areas with legal recreational marijuana, local law enforcement may choose not to enforce the law. That said, it is a crime to fly with cannabis and we advise our readers to follow the law.

Does TSA Search for Weed?

Does TSA search for weed when you are going through security? On April 20, 2019 (4/20!) TSA published a statement on its Instagram account: “Are we cool? We like to think we’re cool. We want you to have a pleasant experience at the airport and arrive safely at your destination. But getting caught while trying to fly with marijuana or cannabis-infused products can really harsh your mellow.

TSA cannabis — Photo by Chalabala/Getty Images

Let us be blunt: TSA officers DO NOT search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. Our screening procedures are focused on security and detecting potential threats. But in the event a substance appears to be marijuana or a cannabis infused product, we’re required by federal law to notify law enforcement. This includes items that are used for medicinal purposes.” That is a definitive answer, but are there any exceptions? What if you use cannabis to prevent epileptic seizures? Are their allowances for certain medical conditions?

Can You Fly with Medical Marijuana?

TSA’s stance on flying with medical marijuana is somewhat convoluted. TSA states you can fly with medical marijuana in checked bags and carry-on bags when “special instructions” are followed. While there are no “special instructions” on the TSA Website, there is a “Special Procedures” section for medications.

Additionally, TSA states, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.” So, can you take marijuana on a plane? Can you fly with medical marijuana? No. You cannot fly with medical marijuana, even if you have a medical need for cannabis. It is federally illegal to bring marijuana products through TSA security, into federal airspace, or across state lines.

Can You Bring Edibles on the Plane?

The answer to the question “Can you bring edibles on the plane?” is “Yes” if your edibles contain less than 0.3% THC and comply with TSA’s food regulations. But if your edibles contain more than 0.3%, you cannot bring them on a plane as it would break federal law.

airport — Photo by Artur Tumasjan via Unsplash

In addition, if you’re flying between states, you would be transporting edibles across state lines, which is illegal at both the federal and state level.

Flying with Hash Oil Pen

Hash oil is a concentrate that contains up to 90% THC. The THC level in hash oil is always more than 0.3% THC. As a result, flying with a hash oil pen is illegal. We hope this article answered the question, “can you fly with medical marijuana?”

Get Started on Your Cannabis Wellness Journey

Have you started your cannabis wellness journey? Jointly is a new cannabis wellness app that helps you discover purposeful cannabis consumption so you can achieve your wellness goals with cannabis and CBD. On the Jointly app, you can find new cannabis products, rate products based on how well they helped you achieve your goals, and track and optimize 15 factors that can impact your cannabis experience. These 15 factors include your dose, the environment in which you consume cannabis, who you are with when you ingest, how hydrated you are, the quality of your diet, how much sleep you got last night, and more. Download the Jointly app on the App Store or the Google Play Store to get started on your cannabis wellness journey.

Sam Anderson is the content Director at Jointly, a cannabis wellness company powered by a proprietary data platform to help people reach their full potential. The company was created on the premise that purposeful cannabis consumption is the key to unlocking a better you. This article originally appeared on Jointly and has been reposted with permission.

Rick Steves Thinks Cannabis Reform Just Makes Sense

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 11, 2022

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Rick Steves Thinks Cannabis Reform Just Makes Sense

Steves first began stumping for legalization in his home state of Washington. He has since pushed for legalization in various states.

By Andrew Ward

He is typically known for his travel expertise, but since 2012, he has also been a vocal proponent for adult use cannabis legalization. The host of “Rick Steves’ Europe” considers himself to be a different type of spokesperson — as opposed to, say, Snoop Dog or Tommy Chong — who can take the fear out of cannabis. And Rick Steves thinks cannabis reform just makes sense.

“I realized I’ve got something to offer because I’m a businessman, I’m a leader in my church and I’m not a counterculture kind of person,” Steves told Benzinga. Bringing what he considers a European sensibility to the discussion, Steves believes harm reduction is the way, not incarceration.

Steves pointed towards the ill effects of opioids and the ongoing drug war, from disproportionate arrest rates to the cost of policing, all playing a factor. “I think it just makes more sense to take the crime out of the equation and talk about it in terms of education and health,” he said.

Smarter Laws

Steves first began stumping for legalization in his home state of Washington. He has since pushed for legalization in various states.

This time around, the NORML board member is lending his voice to Arizona and New Jersey. He chose the two states on the same criteria he does every election cycle. “Every two years, I get on board to support laws that I would consider public health laws,” Steves said.

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A post shared by Rick Steves’ Europe (@ricksteveseurope)

Factors in his decision include road safety, employee rights, and respecting citizens’ wishes who prefer not to take part, among others.

“Every year, we get smarter at how we do legalization,” he said. Unlike European markets, such as the Netherlands, where distribution and wholesale laws remain in a gray area, states have often done their part to create regulations that address the illicit market and provide tax revenue to the community.

Steves credited such laws for creating a lucrative marketplace where operators strive to remain compliant and carefully managed.

The key to keeping the illicit market in check is to ensure that taxes and other prices are never too high in the legal space, an issue that several states contend with, he explained.

Amsterdam — Photo by Nastya Dulhiier via Unsplash

While some states continue to lag, Steves is pleased with the market’s progress overall, including in Washington State.

“The laws are getting smarter, and I’m proud of the work we’re doing,” he said.

Next Steps

Legislative activity is taking shape on the state and national level, including the recent punting of the MORE Act vote until the post-election lame-duck session.

Politicians tend to be overly cautious, and fear the “soft on drugs” label, Steves says.

“I think they would rather not be on the record one way or another for something like the MORE Act before the election,” he said.

Nevertheless, Steves says momentum is in cannabis’ favor. With growing public support and increasing state revenues, he does not see lawmakers being able to backpedal on the issue much longer.

“We’re at the tipping point where now the federal government’s going to recognize it’s time for this prohibition to go,” Steves said.

Artificial Sweeteners May Increase Your Risk Of This Disease

Maria Loreto

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September 11, 2022

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Artificial Sweeteners May Increase Your Risk Of This Disease

A new study found a link between artificial sweeteners of all sources with this common disease in America.

We’ve long known that artificial sweeteners are bad for our health, but a new study reveals why and what diseases arise when people consume them in high amounts. Published in the BMJ, the study involved more than 100,000 participants in France and found a link between artificial sweeteners and heart disease.

sugar — Photo by Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

Researchers examined participants’ dietary intakes, which included the names and contents of everything they consumed. Those who consumed large amounts of aspartame and sucralose, which are found in some of the most popular sweeteners such as Equal, Splenda, and Nutra Sweet, led to higher odds of stroke and coronary heart disease when compared to people who didn’t consume them.

“The findings from this large-scale prospective cohort study suggest a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption (especially aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose) and increased cardiovascular disease risk,” concluded the study.

These findings show that sweeteners might not be a safe alternative to sugar. “The more data that comes out showing these adverse health effects, the less we’re going to want to encourage people to switch from added sugars to non-nutritive sweeteners,” said Dr. Katie Page to NBC News. Still, replacing sweeteners with sugar isn’t a healthy option, instead, experts recommend for people to decrease the amount of sugar that they consume.

Research also showed that a lot of artificial sweeteners that are consumed don’t come directly from a packet — they’re present in diet sodas and healthy snacks such as yogurt and ice cream, making it easy for people to consume more of these chemicals without knowing it.

As more and more evidence shows, artificial sweeteners, which are billed as healthier than sugar, also come with a batch of risks that are worth thinking over.

Study Has Surprise About Breakfast And Metabolism

Maria Loreto

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September 10, 2022

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Study Has Surprise About Breakfast And Metabolism

The study shows some interesting evidence, one that contradicts a variety of data and research on how the human metabolism works.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This belief has been reinforced over the years, with many claiming that the calories consumed earlier on in the day are less impactful than the ones consumed late at night.

A new study suggests that there might be other answers, and that the time of the meal might not matter when it comes to weight loss and weight gain.

Published in the journal Cell Metabolism, the study claims that there’s no difference between eating a lot in the mornings versus the evenings. It also found no links between having a big breakfast and a more active metabolism.

Hangover — Photo by Brodie Vissers via Burst

The study rounded up different participants, all of who were healthy but overweight. For one-half of the study, which lasted four weeks, participants ate 45% of their assigned calories in the morning meal, 35% at lunch, and 20% at dinner. For the next four weeks, the schedule was reversed for the same participants, who began consuming most of their calories at night. The clinical trial concluded that the time of the meals had no impact on weight loss.

The study was very controlled, suggesting that the results were no fluke. Researchers provided meals for all participants while also controlling for outside factors and monitoring energy expenditure and body composition.

While it appears that people’s metabolism isn’t kickstarted by a bigger meal in the mornings, big breakfast eaters did experience less hunger throughout the day. This is important for weight loss since it creates a link between a big breakfast and appetite control.

The study shows some interesting evidence, one that contradicts a variety of data and research on how the human metabolism works. Still, these results are not definitive. Researchers say that the study could have been impacted by its time constraints with an eight-week period not being sufficient to impact the metabolism or to notice weight fluctuations in participants.

Criminalization Of Weed Is A Waste Of Resources, Pennsylvania AG Says As Elections Approach

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 10, 2022

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Criminalization Of Weed Is A Waste Of Resources, Pennsylvania AG Says As Elections Approach

The number of Democratic politicians who are becoming more vocal regarding marijuana policy reform is on the rise as the midterms approach.

By Jelena Martinovic

With midterms approaching, cannabis is often in the spotlight of debates. Pennsylvania gubernatorial nominee Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who has expressed support for cannabis policy change previously, reiterated his support for marijuana legalization.

“Continuing to criminalize adult personal marijuana use is a waste of limited law enforcement resources, taxpayer dollars, disproportionately impacts minority communities, and does not make our communities safer — which is why I support legalization under key conditions,” Shapiro told Broad and Liberty earlier this week when asked if he would support legislation to legalize recreational marijuana.

As part of Broad + Liberty’s Candidate Spotlight Series, Shapiro’s opponent Doug Mastriano (R), was asked the same question. However, Mastriano’s campaign remained silent, even though the gubernatorial candidate earlier had called cannabis legalization a “stupid idea.”

legal marijuana — Photo by Baris-Ozer/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Shapiro laid out what marijuana legalization should encompass, highlighting a criminal justice component. “Those convicted for nonviolent possession of small amounts of marijuana must have their records expunged,” he said.

Secondly, Shapiro emphasized that the cannabis industry “must be regulated and taxed responsibly.” Lastly, he said that attracting businesses to Pennsylvania is essential in creating “good-paying jobs” and boosting the Commonwealth’s economy.

“I’m not interested in subsidizing out-of-state companies to come in and make a quick buck off of Pennsylvanians’ backs,” Shapiro continued. “If we do that, marijuana legalization can lead to a fairer criminal justice system and a stronger economy for Pennsylvania.”

Democrats Pushing For Marijuana Legalization

Interestingly, the number of Democratic politicians who are becoming more vocal regarding marijuana policy reform is on the rise as the midterms approach.

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman recently urged President Joe Biden to deschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug and work to decriminalize it. Shortly after, the two politicians crossed paths in Pittsburgh and discussed potential changes to the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act prior to his speech at a union hall on Labor Day.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a news briefing last week that she didn’t “have anything right now to announce,” in response to Fetterman’s request to Biden to deschedule cannabis prior to his Pittsburg visit.

Still, Jean-Pierre highlighted that Biden “believes that there are too many people serving unduly long sentences for nonviolent drug crimes, a disproportionate number of whom are black and brown.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

NORML Op-ed: Prohibitionists Fear Democracy More Than Marijuana

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 9, 2022

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NORML Op-ed: Prohibitionists Fear Democracy More Than Marijuana

It is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether.

By Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director

Those who wish to perpetuate the failed public policy of cannabis criminalization have lost the hearts and minds of the American public. And they know it.

With public support for marijuana policy reform reaching super-majority status in recent years, prohibitionists and other political opponents have largely abandoned efforts to try and influence public opinion. Rather, they are now relying on gamesmanship to prevent voters from weighing in on the issue. In some cases, they are even willing to overturn the will of the electorate to get their way.

This was the case last election. In Mississippi and South Dakota, reform opponents successfully litigated to nullify election results for a pair of marijuana legalization measures, thereby nullifying the votes cast by 73% and 54% of voters respectively.

legal illegal marijuana — Photo by Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

That same year in Nebraska, members of the state Supreme Court struck down a proposed medical cannabis access initiative months after it had been approved by the Secretary of State’s office. Polling in the state showed that 77% of Nebraskans backed the initiative, but they never got the chance to show their support at the polls. Months later, Florida’s Republican attorney general successfully brought suit to preemptively deny a proposed 2022 legalization initiative from appearing on the ballot.

Opponents are engaging in similar tactics this election cycle. In Arkansas, they are seeking to invalidate voters’ pending decision on a statewide proposal to legalize marijuana possession and retail sales. Although the measure will appear on the November ballot, it is now up to justices on the state Supreme Court to determine if the votes will ever be counted. In a filing before the court, opponents of the measure have cynically called upon judges to “protect the interests and rights of [the minority of] Arkansans who oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana.” (Statewide polling from earlier this year identified majority support for legalization among voters.)

In Missouri, representatives of a leading prohibitionist organization have joined legal efforts to try and disqualify a citizens’ initiative legalizing marijuana use by adults and providing legal relief for those with prior low-level convictions. Earlier this month, Secretary of State John Ashcroft issued a certificate of sufficiency to the Legal Missouri 2022 campaign, formally placing their initiative on the November ballot.

But now opponents contend that election officials erred in doing so, opining that they may have miscounted. (Opponents’ basis for this claim appears to rest solely on initial media reports speculating that advocates risked falling short of signature requirements in one or two districts. Campaign proponents had vociferously denied these reports.) A statewide survey, published earlier this month, finds that 62% of registered voters back legalization.

marijuana legalization — Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

Finally, in Oklahoma, election officials engaged in extensive delays prior to verifying that advocates had gathered the requisite quantity of signatures to qualify an adult-use legalization measure for the November ballot. Now officials are claiming that, because of those delays, there may be insufficient time to formally certify the measure ahead of the coming election. (The issue remains in litigation.)

In a healthy democracy, those with competing visions on public policy vie for voters’ support and abide by their voting decisions. In this case, however, it is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether. Whether or not one personally supports or opposes cannabis legalization, these cynical and undemocratic tactics ought to be a cause of deep concern.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Democrats Push Biden On Marijuana Reform Ahead Of Midterms

Maria Loreto

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September 9, 2022

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Democrats Push Biden On Marijuana Reform Ahead Of Midterms

“Now that the president has delivered on a progressive policy of student debt relief, he has seen an uptick in the polls, he’s united the base…” said one influential Democrat.

As the midterms edge closer and closer, Democrats believe they have a window to push their agenda for marijuana reform.

Per The Hill, Democrats are pressuring Biden, trying to figure out what’s possible in terms of marijuana reform before the midterms in November. They believe the momentum gained by Biden’s previous decisions that leaned liberal — student loans, health care, and tax reforms — might positively impact marijuana decriminalization.

Joe Biden — Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

“Now that the president has delivered on a progressive policy of student debt relief, he has seen an uptick in the polls, he’s united the base, put Republicans on the defensive, and Democrats across the country seem to be riding the wave as well,” said influential Iowa Democrat Stacey Walker. “Along with several members of President Biden’s senior leadership team, we all agreed that at the very least the president should decriminalize marijuana and reschedule it through executive action at the federal level.”

Over the past weeks, other Democrats have echoed these statements, focusing on the benefits that this decision could have on the millions of people that have been negatively impacted by marijuana legislation in the past.

Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman publicly asked Biden to take action. “It’s long past time that we finally decriminalize marijuana,” said Fetterman. “The president needs to use his executive authority to begin descheduling marijuana, I would love to see him do this prior to his visit to Pittsburgh. This is just common sense and Pennslyvanians overwhelmingly support decriminalizing marijuana.”

A group of Democrats including Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, and more, sent a letter to Biden, asking the president to remove the drug from the list of federally controlled substances. “I think Biden understands the larger issues at play here and I’m encouraged by that,” said Booker.

Marijuana legislation has taken great leaps over the past decade, with dozens of states decriminalizing and establishing recreational and medical markets. The American population is also supportive of marijuana, with polls showing that the majority of people believe in legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana.

Does Consuming Cannabis Break Your Fast?

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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September 9, 2022

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Does Consuming Cannabis Break Your Fast?

With so many beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, these can help supercharge your body with inflammation-fighting and immunity-boosting goodness.

Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular health trends today. Generally defined as abstaining from food and drink for a set number of hours, there are multiple ways that one can fast and still enjoy its health benefits.

Whether you choose to fast every day for at least 10 hours or more, fasting has been proven to improve health in many ways, including: autophagy (the body’s natural way of cleaning out damaged cells), promoting weight loss, improving cognitive function, reducing insulin resistance, fighting inflammation, improving heart health, and so much more. Fasting daily, or even during specific days in a week or month, is a practice that more people are doing.

cannabis weight loss — Photo by Shidlovski/Getty Images

In addition, it has been a growing trend for people to integrate cannabis into their healthy lifestyles. Individuals also use cannabis before or after a workout. A recent survey of 600 individuals in states where adult-use cannabis is legal showed that 81.7% of people recommended using marijuana with their workout. “The majority of participants who endorsed using cannabis shortly before/after exercise reported that doing so enhances their enjoyment of and recovery from exercise, and approximately half reported that it increases their motivation to exercise,” said the study’s authors.

Cannabis certainly complements a healthy lifestyle in several ways:

Motivation for exercise
Workout recovery
Stress relief
Fights inflammation

…and so much more. Having said that, will consuming cannabis break your fast?

Cannabis & Fasting

Depending on how you consume cannabis, the answer varies. The good news is that if you inhale or vaporize cannabis, then it won’t break your fast. Feel free to have a few puffs in the morning even during your fasted state prior to a workout. Cannabis does not contain any calories nor macronutrients, so smoking it will not result in an insulin response. On the other hand, it can still provide you with all the health benefits of the plant and even assist with fasting, autophagy, fat loss, and gut rest.

Cannabis oils will also break your fast. Most cannabis oils use coconut oil as a carrier oil, which has calories.

However, take note that cannabis-infused edibles and drinks will definitely break your fast. Edibles and drinks contain calories and various macronutrients that will stimulate an insulin response in your body and thus break the fast. This is why inhalation is the best way to consume marijuana if you are fasting.

Some individuals still continue to consume under 20-50 calories to gently break a fast, depending on how strict you are or the type of fast you are doing. There are many who are still able to fast effectively or stay in ketosis even while consuming under 50 calories when fasting. Cannabis-infused black coffee, tea, or coconut carrier oils are acceptable in small amounts while still providing you with the metabolic and weight loss benefits of fasting.

Take note, though, that some people experience an increased appetite when consuming THC in any form. So if you are one of those people who are prone to the munchies, you may be better off smoking high-CBD or CBD strains while fasting. In addition, some people may also experience mild stomach upset when consuming CBD coconut oils on an empty stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may be better off inhaling cannabis instead of CBD oils.

Consuming CBD can actually be beneficial for people who practice intermittent fasting. A study found that CBD engages different receptors in the human body, as opposed to THC which stimulates the CB1 receptors which are responsible for appetite stimulation. It suggests that CBD can be beneficial for those who are trying to suppress their appetite while fasting

Cannabis Use Supports Fasting

People use cannabis because of the myriad of health benefits. One of these is to regulate and balance hormones to improve many important bodily processes including sleep and metabolism. As a result, you can experience more energy, burn calories, and sleep better just because of fasting alone. Of course, eating well and exercise will boost these health benefits.

For those who are looking to regulate hormones, cannabis can also support your fasting. The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate stress, fertility, immunity, memory, our moods, sleep, and many other functions. When consuming THC and CBD products, it helps to regulate some of the most important hormones in the body including cortisol, melatonin, and insulin. This is also the same reason why many women use cannabis products to correct any hormone imbalances.

It’s also good to know that cannabis can help support your weight loss goals. This is one of the most popular benefits of fasting, and a reason why many people practice it in the first place. The ability of cannabis to regulate insulin and help maintain a healthy body mass index might be the little push you need to shed a few unwanted pounds.

marijuana expire — Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images

On top of that, studies show that cannabis helps promote autophagy. This, in turn, helps reduce neuron changes associated with age while increasing longevity.

Conclusion

Using the right cannabis products can complement your wellness routine, intermittent fasting included. With so many beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, these can help supercharge your body with inflammation-fighting and immunity-boosting goodness.

If you are new to combining cannabis with fasting, remember to listen to your body. It will take any body some time to adjust to fasting so it’s always good to start slow: begin with 10 hour fasts, and gradually work your way up to your desired fasting plan.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

7 Best Marijuana Strains To Help With Better Health

Tia Moskalenko

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September 9, 2022

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7 Best Marijuana Strains To Help With Better Health

While there’s no strain that will specifically boost your immune system, you can use these strains to lower stress levels that will then strengthen your immunity.

The ongoing pandemic awoke an important discussion that people haven’t had for a while; how to boost the immune system. People are popping vitamins and eating citrus fruits in a bid to protect themselves from the virus, while some folks have been looking into marijuana as well.

But are there strains that protect against the virus or a prevention treatment that people can look into? We take a dive into what we already know and have.

Does Cannabis Work for Colds and Viruses?

First, one’s immune system would have to be compromised for them to get the virus, which then lets us know what we need to guard. While eating foods rich in vitamin C is great, people also need to manage their stress levels so as not to weaken the immune system. Cannabis helps lower stress, which in turn helps strengthen the system. If you can help it, don’t overthink the pandemic or the virus. Instead, focus on getting through one day at a time.

Second, it helps to be cautious when smoking during these times. You would be putting yourself and others at risk if you passed a joint around, even if the people you are smoking with are known to you personally. The best way to combat this virus is to eat right, observe personal hygiene, lower stress levels through cannabis if you are a user, and mask up as has been recommended. It would also do no harm to try the best cannabis strain for pain if you have inflammation or general fatigue. While it will not protect you from the virus, it will give you relief from pain.

smoking marijuana — Photo by LightFieldStudios/Getty Images

While marijuana is known to treat conditions such as epilepsy and cancer, you don’t just get to pick up any strain and hope for the best. It is recommended that you see a doctor who will administer the right one for your condition as well as the required dosage.

Let’s look at some of the strains known for pain relief, inflammation, and fighting fatigue.

Best Strains for Pain Relief

Though there are quite a number of these on the market, these two are the best known for pain relief.

Blackberry Kush
Harlequin

Blackberry Kush

Basic characteristics:

13 – 15% THC
0.82 – 1.27% CBD
Terpenes: Linalool, Pinene, Terpineol, Ocimene, Phellandrene, and Geraniol
Feelings associated with its use: Creativity, Hunger, Talkative, Tingly, Giggly.

Blackberry Kush has been known for long as one of the strains that relieve pain, among other things. Given its levels of THC, it is quite strong and known to treat severe headaches and migraines while also releasing an uplifting effect to the user. Some users say it also helps with eating and sleeping disorders, anxiety, and stress.

Harlequin

Basic characteristics:
5 – 8% THC
8.81 – 11.19% CBD
Terpenes: Pinene, Bisabolol, Sabinene, Phellandrene, and Geraniol
Feelings associated with its use: Creativity, Concentration, Talkative, Calmness

The lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol in this strain do not make it any less effective than others. It only means the anxiety and paranoia associated with higher levels of THC are countered while releasing a relaxed mood and easing pain for users. It is ideally used by those who suffer chronic pain.

Best Strains for Inflammation

Cannabis is generally known for its anti-inflammatory properties, though the best-known strains for this are GSC and AC/DC.

Girl Scout Cookies – GSC

Basic characteristics:

17 – 19% THC
0.51 – 1.16% CBD
Terpenes: Pinene, Humulene, Carene, Ocimene, and Phellandrene
Feelings associated with its use: Relaxation, Sedation, Focus, Uplifting.

This award-winning strain has been used for a long by patients to combat nausea, loss of appetite, severe pain, and even inflammation. It is also one of the best cannabis strain for sleep because when the body is relaxed and not in pain, you are able to fall asleep. Unless growers come up with an even better option, GSC is likely to stay at the top of the tables for a long time.

AC/DC

Basic characteristics:

1 – 4% THC
16.67 – 19.01% CBD
Terpenes: Limonene, Valencene, Sabinene, and Ocimene
Feelings associated with its use: Creativity, Giggly, Arousing.

People suffering from chronic pain that is made worse by THC are recommended to go for this strain. Being low on THC, it will not make you high, but will work on pain and have a calming effect. AC/DC is common among users suffering from epilepsy and the consequences of chemotherapy.

Best Strains to Fight Fatigue

Cinex and Cannatonic have different compositions, but they are both ideal for fighting fatigue. Since they also help calm the mind, they are some of the best cannabis strains for mental health too.

Cinex

Basic characteristics:

13 – 17% THC
0.52 – 1.16% CBD
Terpenes: Myrcene, Linalool, Ocimene, and Phellandrene
Feelings associated with its use: Euphoria, Hunger, Calmness, Focus.

This super energizing and mood-improving strain does the brain some good. It works for those dealing with depression, ADHD, and chronic pain.

Cannatonic

Basic characteristics:

6 – 9% THC
9.31 – 11.44% CBD
Terpenes: Limonene, Linalool, Valencene, and Phellandrene
Feelings associated with its use: Focus, Creativity

This strain’s composition makes it a calming, uplifting option for those suffering from severe mood swings. It also treats chronic pain, migraines, and spasms effectively.

Best Cannabis Strain for Insomnia

Motorbreath

Basic Characteristics:

22 – 24% THC
0.48 – 1.7% CBD
Terpenes: Linalool, Camphene, Valencene
Feelings associated with its use: Relaxation, calmness

Due to its high levels of THC, this strain leaves the user with a relaxing high that even the most stubborn insomniac is likely to be knocked out. Other common uses include pain relief for Arthritis, Bipolar disorder, and Muscular dystrophy.

Conclusion

While you will easily find a specific cannabis strain for anxiety, you will not find one that fights viruses and boosts the immune system. Since scientists have yet to prove that an existing strain can combat viruses, you should not use cannabis for this purpose. What you can do is use it to lower stress levels that will then strengthen your immunity. Important Note: Do not smoke cannabis if you have any respiratory conditions. There are other more appropriate ways, such as edibles and topical application on localized pain.

California’s New Child Welfare Law Goes Into Force — Here’s What Weed-Using Parents Need To Know

Marijuana Legislation

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 8, 2022

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California’s New Child Welfare Law Goes Into Force — Here’s What Weed-Using Parents Need To Know

During social worker investigations, a parent’s or guardian’s use or possession of cannabis is treated in the same manner as their use or possession of alcohol and prescription drugs.

By Joana Scopel

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill including provisions for social workers who are called to investigate child welfare to treat parental cannabis use in the same manner that they do for alcohol.

However, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D), who sponsored the legislation, said in a summary of the bill that “cannabis use alone should not be a basis for state intervention into family life.”

“As is the case with alcohol and prescription medication, parents and guardians should be allowed to safely and legally use cannabis without fear of having their children permanently removed from their care, provided there are no other concerns regarding the child’s safety,” Jones-Sawyer added.

foster care — Photo by Kindel Media via Pexels

What Is The Law All About?

According to the legislation, the state Department of Social Services (DSS) is required to update “all regulations, all-county letters, and other instructions relating to the investigation of a minor” to stipulate that “when a social worker is investigating an alleged case of child abuse or neglect, a parent’s or guardian’s use or possession of cannabis is treated in the same manner as a parent’s or guardian’s use or possession of alcohol and legally prescribed medication.”

Meanwhile, California NORML, which has defended the rights of marijuana smokers since 1972, mentioned the enactment of the new law in a tweet.

Last year, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, held that a parent’s recreational cannabis users cannot suffice as the sole or primary reason to terminate that parent’s rights – unless the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (Division) proves case-specific evidence that the marijuana usage endangers the health, safety or welfare of the child.

Cannabis Developments In California

Newsom recently signed two other marijuana bills. One of them amends an existing law that allows registered patients to use MMJ products in hospitals while the other legislation provides protections for medical cannabis patients against discrimination in health care, reported Marijuana Moment.

Among the measures awaiting Newsom’s signature is legislation that would provide job protections for people who use cannabis outside of work. The proposed bill, passing through both houses of the legislature, would prohibit people from losing their jobs for smoking marijuana outside of work. Specifically, it would prohibit companies from punishing those who fail a certain type of drug test.

Newsom has until the end of September to decide whether to sign it into law. If signed, the law would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and California would become the seventh state in the United States to protect employees who smoke marijuana off the clock.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

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The number of Democratic politicians who are becoming more vocal regarding marijuana policy reform is on the rise as the midterms approach.

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It is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether.

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With so many beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, these can help supercharge your body with inflammation-fighting and immunity-boosting goodness.

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Conclusion

While there’s no strain that will specifically boost your immune system, you can use these strains to lower stress levels that will then strengthen your immunity.

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Conclusion

During social worker investigations, a parent’s or guardian’s use or possession of cannabis is treated in the same manner as their use or possession of alcohol and prescription drugs.

What Is The Law All About?

Cannabis Developments In California

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