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Is Smoking Marijuana Bad For Your Lungs

It is clear tobacco is bad for the lungs and body, but what about cannabis?

More people are consuming marijuana, and it is taking a toll on the alcohol industry. But while marijuana is healthier than alcohol, what about tobacco? Is smoking marijuana bad for your lungs? There are multiple ways to consume cannabis – gummies, oils, vapes and smoking. Smoking is currently holding on to the most popular way to consume, but new users consider it “old school”.  One key reason is the effort needed to smoke.  Vapes and gummies are easier to use “on the go” and have don’t have the smell. So they are easier in larger social situations. But there is still a faithful core committed to smoking.  And for them, the lung question is important.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Smoking marijuana damages the lungs and can lead to chronic respiratory issues. Regular marijuana smokers often experience symptoms like chronic cough, increased phlegm production, wheezing, and acute bronchitis. The smoke from marijuana combustion contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke.

smoking marijuana
Photo by AnnaStills/Getty Images

Interestingly, studies have shown mixed results regarding marijuana’s effects on lung function measures. Some research indicates marijuana smoking is associated with airway inflammation and increased airway resistance. However, other studies have found that low to moderate marijuana use may not significantly impair lung function and may even be associated with increased lung capacity. The reasons for these conflicting findings are not fully understood, but may relate to the bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory properties of some cannabinoids.

Emphysema rates appear higher in marijuana smokers compared to tobacco smokers and non-smokers. Marijuana smoking has been linked to large air pockets forming between or within the lungs, especially in heavy users. However, the evidence for increased risk of lung cancer or COPD from marijuana alone remains inconclusive and requires further research

RELATED: Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

While marijuana smoke contains harmful compounds similar to tobacco smoke, there are some key differences. Marijuana is typically smoked less frequently than tobacco, leading to lower overall exposure.

But Marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold smoke in their lungs longer, potentially increasing damage.  And additionally, unlike tobacco, marijuana smoke is usually not filtered, which may increase toxin exposure.

Occasional use cases much less harm, so this information is for more for daily consumers, which can lead to other issues.

Like Drinking, You Shouldn’t Consume Marijuana And Drive

The old guard is still working hard to bring back the War on Drugs – state by state.

Since the arrival of Uber and Lyft, drunk driving has slowly started to decrease. Researchers estimate ridesharing was responsible for a 6.1% overall reduction in traffic fatalities and a reduction in alcohol-related within four years after their launch. Drunk driving became illegal in 1988 when the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was fully implemented. But in today’s world, drinking is slowly losing favor to using cannabis. But like drinking, you shouldn’t consume marijuana and drive.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

While smell and breathalyzer tests have been effective for alcohol, technology has not fully caught up with cannabis. But that shouldn’t be a reason to skate the issue and try to drive eif stoned. Cannabis use can significantly impair driving ability and increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. While the effects are generally less severe than those of alcohol, cannabis still poses dangers to road safety that drivers should take seriously.

The Surprising Effect Marijuana Legalization Has On Police Traffic Searches
Photo by kali9/Getty Images

While both substances impair driving, there are some key differences. Cannabis users tend to drive more cautiously and slowly compared to drunk drivers.  The impairment is usually more subtle and shorter-lasting than alcohol impairment.

But marijuana alone affects several key skills required for safe driving:

  • Slowed reaction time: Cannabis use delays a driver’s ability to respond quickly to sudden changes on the road.
  • Impaired coordination: Motor skills and hand-eye coordination become diminished.
  • Distorted perception: Cannabis can alter depth perception and time awareness.
  • Reduced attention: Users may have difficulty focusing on driving tasks and maintaining lane position

The level of impairment tends to be dose-dependent, with higher THC doses leading to greater driving impairment and crash risk

RELATED: Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

Driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis is illegal in all U.S. states, even where cannabis use is otherwise legal.  But unlike alcohol, there is no universally accepted blood THC level indicating impairment, making enforcement challenging. Research and both for private companies and governments are figuring out ways to gauge impairment with cannabis.

Combining cannabis and alcohol leads to significantly higher levels of impairment than either substance alone.

The end of the story, is be care and keep other in mind when you think about getting behind the wheel.

Can You Become A Cop If You Have Consumed Marijuana

Police forces are hiring all over the country – but can you join up if you have consumed marijuana?

Across the country, cities and states are experiencing a law enforcement hiring binge. From Seattle to Charlotte, hiring bonuses, and more being used to recruit more women and men to the force.  But can you become a cop if you have consumed marijuana? As usual, the answer is, it depends.

RELATED: Vaping Could Have This Effect On Men

To become a cop, you have to do the following. You have to be generally over 21, have at least a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check. Then you go a training program or police academy, pass the state law enforcement exams and pass the physical fitness and medical exams.  But what about cannabis use?

Many police departments have relaxed their stance on past marijuana use for officer candidates. While some agencies may still automatically disqualify applicants for any past use, this is becoming less common. Instead, most departments now consider factors like:

  • Recency of use
  • Frequency/extent of use
  • Type of drugs used
  • Time elapsed since last use

For example, some agencies may allow applicants who haven’t used marijuana in the past 1-3 years, depending on their policies. The specific thresholds can vary widely between departments. With marijuana legalization expanding across the U.S., police agencies are adapting their hiring practices. Some cities have reduced waiting periods between last marijuana use and application eligibility.

There’s growing recognition strict lifetime bans on past use may eliminate otherwise strong candidates. Agencies in states with legal recreational marijuana are grappling with evolving policies. Current use of marijuana, even in legal states, remains prohibited for active-duty officers in most jurisdictions due to federal law and concerns about job performance

RELATED: DeSantis Uses Hurricane To Damage Marijuana Initiative

If you have a history of marijuana use and want to pursue a law enforcement career:

  • Be honest about past use during the application process
  • Research specific agency policies, as they vary widely
  • Emphasize growth, maturity, and commitment to a drug-free lifestyle

DeSantis Uses Hurricane To Damage Marijuana Initiative

A second hurricane is less than 2 weeks is barreling down on Florida – the governor sees it as a chance to hurt the marijuana initiative

Hurricane Helene hit the Florida Big Bend causing havoc all the way to North Carolina with over 200 dead and thousands homeless.  Now,Hurricane Milton hast targeted the Tampa area and, in a rarity, grown from a tropical storm to a category 5 storm in a matter of days. While people are prepping and worrying, DeSantis uses hurricane to damage marijuana initiative.

RELATED: Is New York Finally Getting Its Marijuana Act Together

Hurricane Milton strengthened to a powerhouse Monday, driving sustained winds of 180 mph as it headed to the Sunshine State. Tampa, Orlando and St. Petersburg are three of of 5 largest population centers and are targeted by the storm. With people either planning evacuation or prepping their home for the massive storm, DeSantis sees an advantage. The Governor has decided to not extend the voter registration deadline. He has stated there’s “nothing inhibiting” unregistered voters from registering ahead of the deadline. At the same time he is urging residents on the populated west coast to heed evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall on Wednesday.

DeSantis has been concerned about the recreational marijuana initiative as public support and backing have been huge.  The Governor has made it clear the voters are “confused” and “should leave decisions to him” around marijuana. He worked hard to block medical marijuana, but it passed with 71% of the states voters. He has worked hard to stop this one also, but with lackluster success.  The PAC he encouraged to fight it has raised less than $20 million versus the pro group which has raised over $100 million.  Even AARP has joined the fight with research seniors (a significant voter population in Florida) has accepted and starting consuming not just for fun but for chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia and more.

RELATED: Cannabis Can Help Soreness After Summertime Activities

With back to back storms, voting rights groups shared  the current situation has the highest impact on residents who just moved to Florida or eligible voters who just turned 18 and likely haven’t registered. To show the concern over Hurricane Milton, Disney is considering closing, which has only happened 8 times previously in its history. Six times for a hurricane, 9/11 and Covid…and potential a 9th with Milton.

Another State’s Leaders Want to Stop Medical Marijuana

The old guard is still working hard to bring back the War on Drugs – state by state.

The cannabis industry is holding its breath until after the election. Both presidential candidates have endorsed some type of movement on marijuana but the big nail biter is how the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will move on rescheduling.  Also, Florida is deciding on becoming the next major recreational market and other states are trying to move forward.  And while almost 90% of the general public supports it, the 10% who oppose it are still fighting to the end. Now another states’s leaders want to stop medical marijuana. Nebraska is the latest to ignore public opinion and will by trying to stop medical cannabis.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Legal states have seen increased tax revenues, no change on crime and a decrease in youth consumption. The American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians along with the federal agencies Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all spoke up about the need for rescheduling additional research to unlock more medical medical benefits. But it makes no difference to Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Secretary of State Bob Evnen.

Another States Leaders Want to Stop Medical Marijuana

Cornhusker state citizens started a ballot initiative to bring medical marijuana to the state.  The group, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, garnered over 115,000 signatures. This was enough for the initiative to move forward and allow the public to decided the fate. The state has almost 2 million people with 288+ being over 65. This is a group with an increasing interest in medical marijuana use to help with chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety and other issues. But after being certified, the Attorney General and Secretary of State are calling foul and say half of the signatures are invalid. Early voting has already begun, but they would use this issue to void the results if the pro marijuana group wins.

Attorney General Hilgers’ office seeks to go further than a 1919 Nebraska Supreme Court case dealing with an anti-woman-suffrage referendum used to defeat the effort. A bench trial is set to begin Oct. 29, one week before Election Day. The case is likely to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court, no matter the outcome.

RELATED: Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

Like Florida, where Governor DeSantis has worked against the public will on marijuana. Nebraska has a history. In 201 the “Cannabis Compassion and Care Act,” was proposed in the l state legislature. The legislation would have allowed certain patients with prescriptions to use marijuana in liquid or pill form (but not smoked leaf form) for medical purposes. Following an initial 27–12 vote in favor, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Tommy Garrett requested the bill be held until 2016. The the bill was blocked by a Senate filibuster, falling three votes short of the number failed to advance. The bill encountered strong opposition from Governor Pete Ricketts and  then Attorney General Doug Peterson.  In 2020, a medical cannabis ballot measure was invalidated by the Nebraska Supreme Court. So it is up to the voters to see what happens next.

Is Marijuana A Diabetic’s Answer To Alcohol

Alcohol and mixers are always a bit a wild card if you are a diabetic, maybe cannabis can help.

Being a diabetic can be tough and you always must be aware of your blood sugar.  Today, there are programs which monitor the levels and gives alerts if things are too bad. Cocktails and some other alcohol and can be full of sugar, which can play havoc with a body. Additionally, alcohol consumption can worsen diabetes-related medical complications, such as disturbances in fat metabolism, nerve damage, and eye disease. But cannabis, well, that is a different story – and it seems the knowledge it catching on. So is marijuana a diabetes answer to alcohol?

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Marijuana use is becoming more common for diabetics. A recent  study estimated that 9% adults with diabetes used cannabis in the last month, a 33.7% increase with nearly half (48.9%) of users were younger than 50 years. Cannabis use is also increasing among Boomer (65 and older), many of whom have diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Photo by Lepro/Getty Images

Alcohol consumption is taking a hit as more people consume marijuana. Gen Z is drifting from alcohol and consuming more. California sober has become a trend. The AARP has said cannabis has medical benefits, but what about using it as a full or partial replacement of alcohol? Cannabis is

For diabetic, drinking alcohol can cause low or high blood sugar, affect diabetes medicines, and cause other possible problems. The liver releases glucose into your blood stream as needed to help keep blood sugar at normal levels. The liver releases glucose into the blood stream help keep blood sugar at normal levels. When drinking alcohol, the liver needs to break down the alcohol. While the liver is processing alcohol, it stops releasing glucose. As a result, blood sugar levels can drop quickly, making a risks for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

RELATED: Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

While over indulging is never good, moderate vaping can avoid the sugar and carb intake received from alcohol and especially cocktails. Microdosing has also become popular.

Two important notes, there needs to be more research on dosage and use. Also, cannabis could use could increase the risk for diabetic ketoacidosis for people with type 1 diabetes. Research showed it was primarily due to worse management of diabetes, including increased intake of high-carb foods and forgetting to take medications.

Diddy’s Cannabis Investment Fail Saves Industry A Scandal

It is a jaw dropping scandal flooding the news…but the cannabis industry is avoiding it because the big investment deal fell through.

The entertainment industry and the public is general have been shocked by the scandal around Diddy (formerly Puff Daddy, Sean Combs, etc).  The tentacles of his being charged at a federal level is making causing X in the music, entertainment, fashion, alcohol and monied worlds…but one industry is breathing a sigh of relief. There is a flood of celebrates who worried they will be pulled down including Ashton Kutcher, actor and Silicon Valley investor, Kevin Hart, Usher, Jay-Z, and more.  But Diddy’s failed cannabis investment saves industry a scandal, right as it seems to waiting for good news.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Combs was arrested on Sept. 16 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. He is depicted as the leader of an alleged criminal enterprise, subjecting women and men to a pattern of physical and sexual abuse, according to federal prosecutors.

Investigators allege over a span of years, Combs would ply victims with narcotics and even resort to violence and intimidation during days-long sex sessions in events called “freak offs”.    Big names were at these events and it has people running scared.

Diddy deeply dove into being part of the merge of cannabis companies Cresco Labs Inc. and Columbia Care Inc. They are currently two of the largest cannabis companies and were exploring a joint operations while adding additional investors. Diddy’s $155 million part would have given him a huge foothold into the growing market. His reach, wealth, and connections could have helped the industry. Luckily, in August 2023, the $ merger was terminated, canceling and voiding his deal with them.

RELATED: This Natural Cannabinoid Makes You Feel Happy

But what next? Other people near him have a role in the industry including Jay-Z. He Jay-Z started a $10 million investment for minority-owned cannabis startups. He is the Chief Visionary Officer of TPCO Holding.

Wiz Khalifa, Method Man, and Snoop Dog all have fingers in marijuana. Time will tell how the Diddy indictments plays out for all the players.

Arkansans Have A Win WIth Marijuana Ballot

Arkansas is moving forward with increasing medical marijuana – despite the state government!

Akansas is home to the Ozarks and to the famous Crystal Bridges Museum. It is a study of down home America and the future. Bentonville is home of Walmart, the largest physical retailer in North America. Found on their shelves is CBD from the cannabis plant. And now the citizens of the state want expanded medical marijuana. While recreational is far down the rode, Arkansans have a win with the marijuana ballot today.
The state approved medical marijuana in 2016. In the last couple of years, the has been a grassroots effort to expanded the program. And recently The medical marijuana proposal was aimed at expanding a measure that the state’s voters approved in 2016. It would have broadened the definition of medical professionals who can certify patients for medical cannabis, expanded qualifying conditions and made medical cannabis cards valid for three years.

Arkansans Have A Win WIth Marijuana Ballot

In 2023, the state legislature approved and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill protecting Arkansas medical cannabis patients’ right to concealed carry of a firearm. The governor leans conservative and has made it clear she is not supportive of the mission.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment would relax regulations. It would allow like  medical professionals other than doctors to sign off on medical marijuana cards, allow patients ages 21 and up to grow and process marijuana plants at home. Additionally it would and open up eligibility for any medical conditions a health care practitioner considers debilitating instead of the existing qualifying conditions.

Proponents needed to have 90,704 verified votes. Arkansans for Patient Access submitted more than 150,000 signatures.. The state told the group in July it had fallen short of the required number, but had qualified for an additional 30 days to circulate petitions.

The group said rejecting 20,000 of its signatures was due to an “arbitrary,” last-minute rule change. The state decided to toss enough votes to leave them short 2,664.

RELATED: Diddy’s Failed Cannabis Investment Saves Industry A Scandal

But the The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled Wednesday Secretary of State John Thurston must continue verifying signatures to put an amendment loosening medical marijuana laws on the November ballot.  It seems at least 25% will be verified, securing the ballot initiative.
Arkansas joins states like Florida where Governor DeSantis is working hard to defeats another ballot initiative popular with voters.  November will yield some interesting outcomes.

How To Add A Little Marijuana To Your Pumpkin Spice

It is pumpkin spice season – why not add a little something extra to make it more fun?

Their arrival announces autumn and people flock to welcome an old friend’s return!  Over 30 million pumpkin spice latte’s are sold in the US and Canada every fall/holiday season. Starbucks concocted the beverage and spawned a whole industry including candles, cereal, soap, scents, food, and more. It is seen as a treat, but what if you make it even more special? Here is how to add a little marijuana to your pumpkin spice.

RELATED: The Best Refreshing Cocktails

American and Canadians spend rover $500 million on pumpkin spice products each year. The average Starbucks pumpkin spice drink costs 15.9% more than a non-pumpkin drink, so need/desire is more important than cost.  With a majority of customers having access to legal cannabis, why not have a little extra in the coffee to either chill, relax, treat some pain or just have fun. It is not complicated and it can add a whole new dimension to the fall favorite.

5 Fall Drinks To Replace The Pumpkin Spice Latte
Photo by Toa Heftiba via Unsplash
The most easy way is to stop in by a local dispensary and buy some cannabis oil. The flavor isn’t as strong as that of vegetable oil, but you will taste some plant matter.  Ask for a couple of extra pumps of flavoring for the coffee and you should be all set.
A popular brainhack is adding a dose of either butter in your morning cup. You can double the effect by adding a small dollop of canna butter instead. It will give a richer flavor and you can still savor the pumpkin flavor.  Making canna butter is easy and you can use it on toast and other foods.
Adding a cannabis tincture (oil) to creamer will enhance the flavor and be safe on the fridge shelf for the duration. Oils can be purchased at your local dispensary and a little can go a long way.

 Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, all the spices in pumpkin spice, are native to Southeast Asian islands. This spice was discovered on a few island groups as well as ancient pottery shards in Indonesia and brought back to Europe by the Dutch East India Company.

Starbucks wanted to create a new fall drink after tasting pumpkin pie and espresso. The team experimented with different pumpkin to spice ratios, but ultimately decided on a recipe without pumpkin. After consumer complaints the drink didn’t contain any pumpkin, Starbucks added a small amount of pumpkin puree to the syrup in 2015.  And had it has been a popular  drink ever sense.

Can A Gummy Help You Relax

It is the time of year when things tend to speed up at work, at home, and in politics….but can a gummy help you stop and take a breath?

Politics are dominating the news, more people are back to the office and it seems the work load is heavier. Sometimes you just need a little down time. While marijuana has a reputation of getting stoned, can a gummy help you relax and unwind? Well, science says yes. Gen Z has embraced the trend as they are the first generation to be experiencing anxiety at an alarming rate.
Some people reach for alcohol, a scented candle, or music to relax, but a study at John Hopkins has shown using marijuana at a lower dose can help the body and mind relax.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids in the plant. identified in the plant. It interacts with receptors in the brain to produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. But indulging too much can have a negative impact.
How To Relax When You Don't Know How
Photo by Haley Phelps via Unsplash.

While more research needs to be done, it is clear from research dosage it a key compartment with marijuana.  Gummies tend to have 5-10 mg, a lower amount than in a joint and easier to control than taking several hits off a vape.  Microdosing, which has become popular, provides an opportunity to take part of gummies just to smooth the rough edges of the day.

“People use cannabis to help reduce anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, but since THC levels vary widely, if a person overshoots their tolerance of THC, cannabis can induce anxiety rather than relieve it,” says study senior author Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Our study demonstrates d-limonene can modulate the effects of THC in a meaningful way and make THC more tolerable to people using it for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes.”

The research team concluded combining d-limonene with THC significantly reduced subjective indicators/reports of THC-induced anxiety in participants. These reductions were greater as the dose of d-limonene was increased.

Additionally, they saw no interference with THC’s subjective, cognitive or physiological effects when co-administered with d-limonene, as well as no effects from d-limonene alone that differed from the placebo test.
If anxiety is frequent, it is important speak to a health professional to develop a routine for long term help.

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