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Should I Buy Weed From A Dealer Or Dispensary?

Terry Hacienda
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Should I Buy Weed From A Dealer Or Dispensary?

There are a number of pros that favor the use of dealers (not that we are advising you to) and also those that favor dispensaries.

The question of where to get weed from should be expected to have a straightforward answer, right? Wrong. For many cannabis users, the choice of where to get a desired product remains a big issue that many haven’t settled. Some are unaware of the benefits that getting cannabis from a trusted source brings. Here’s what you need to know before making a decision.

Sources of Cannabis Products

The emergence of legislation that allowed for recreational marijuana and medical marijuana promoted the growth of cannabis dispensaries. Before this period, the illegal classification of marijuana meant that it was sourced from illicit markets that are unregulated. Many cannabis users today grew to believe that dealers are the only available source of marijuana. However, the prominence of legal markets in different states in the country has opened up cannabis dispensaries as the accepted source.

Dealers have wrongly been seen by many as stoners who are by the roadside or in shady places exchanging ditch weed. The advent of legalization has seen many cannabis dealers upgrade with the trend and the value of their services. This has repeatedly kept them relevant in the market among cannabis users despite the fact that their activities are illegal. Most dealers in the market are more sophisticated than ever before. They have a wide range of selected products to offer which makes them an option for many cannabis users.

weed dealer
Photo by José Antonio Luque Olmedo/Getty Images

RELATED: Illicit Vs. Legal: What Are The Real Benefits Of Buying Weed From A Licensed Dispensary?

Cannabis dispensaries are the structured framework under accepted regulations licensed to dispense and provide cannabis products. Dispensaries have budtenders who provide customers with adequate information on the strains as well as expected effects. More cannabis dispensaries are being opened in legal states nationwide with some providing delivery services.

Dealer or Dispensary

The choice between either getting cannabis products from the dealer or dispensary depends on different factors. There are a number of pros that favor the use of dealers (not that we are advising you to) and also those that favor dispensaries. In order to be fair, we will look at some of these factors holistically and see how both sources look with respect to the factors.

Legality

This is perhaps the most important factor that characterizes these sources of cannabis products. While dealers are legally backed by regulation agencies, dealers are characterized as illicit, unregulated, or grey markets. Cannabis users who purchase products legally from dispensaries are free of worry as they are on the right side of the law. This is however not the same for those who possess cannabis illicitly from cannabis dealers. Though it seems regulation bodies haven’t been too tight on those who patronize dealers in states with the legal market, a simple move could correct that. The implications can be very bad for those caught on the wrong side.

Availability

Dealers mirror less the community pharmacies when it comes to cannabis products. This is because they are close to the users and readily made the drug available. Dealers are present in the cities and states and perform delivery services which prompt many users to use their services. Cannabis dispensaries are less mobile as only a few have delivery services which means most times users need to physically to the dispensaries. This can be a downside for some cannabis users who are seeking privacy.

Price

Price is a major factor that tends to affect the choice most users make on where to get their cannabis products. Dealers as expected have lower prices for their products which attract many users to patronize them. Dispensaries on the other hand have higher prices for their products. This is largely due to the presence of excise, sales, and local taxes on the products. Likewise, cannabis dispensaries also need to pay for staff and other logistic requirements which have an effect on their prices.

RELATED: Selling Weed Without A License? Trump Thinks You Should Get The Death Penalty

buying marijuana
Photo by athima tongloom/Getty Images

Environmental Sustainability

This factor is more of a continuation for prices in terms of cannabis dispensaries. The tax levied on cannabis products is being used by the government for environmental sustainability. It is readily used to promote health, education, drug abuse research, and so on. Dealers on the other hand have the leadership potential for environmental sustainability. This is because their activities tend to deplete the integrity of structures within the environment.

Safety and Quality

Cannabis dealers provide users with products which safety and quality cannot be verified. Users get products that they have no inkling as to their source or constituents. Some of these products can have serious health risks to the user thanks to the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, and other residues. Alongside, dealers give estimates of the THC potency of products which can be false as there are no testing processes performed on the products. Products procured from cannabis dispensaries on the other hand are very safe as they would have passed through different stages of analysis to establish the safety of the products. Such products are free from harmful materials like pesticides and heavy metals. The quality of the products is also assured as proper testing is carried out to ascertain the potency of the product.

Bottom Line

The truth is, the choice of where to procure your products ultimately lies with you. However, considering the factors laid down above, there seems to be only one logical choice. This is the choice that keeps your civic character in the proper state by not putting you at loggerheads with the law. This is the choice that ensures that the proceeds of your procurement go towards the sustenance of your community and environment. This is the choice that ensures you get products that are safe to use without health risks. This is the choice that ensures that what you ordered or required is what was delivered. We need not say more, as you already know the choice to make.

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

Colombian President Discusses Releasing Cannabis Prisoners & Legally Exporting The Drug

Maria Loreto
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Colombian President Discusses Releasing Cannabis Prisoners & Legally Exporting The Drug

Recently, Gustavo Petro talked about the perks of legalizing cannabis and possibly releasing prisoners involved with these types of offenses.

Gustavo Petro, the newly elected President of Colombia, is talking about potentially legalizing cannabis during his first weeks in office.

In a summit with the country’s mayors during this past week, Petro talked about the perks of legalizing cannabis and possibly releasing those who have been incarcerated in relation to the drug.

RELATED: Newly Elected Colombian President Calls Out War On Drugs In Inaugural Speech, Asks For US Support

https://twitter.com/angelgonzalezvn/status/1557816841829064709

“Let’s see if by exporting cannabis we make a few dollars because in part of the world the drug is legal,” said Petro in a translation per Noticias RCN. “Why can’t the farmers from Cauca plant cannabis?,” he said, referring to a region in Colombia where farming is a big part of the business.

Petro compared Colombia’s possible cannabis market with that of Canada. He also called out the United States, using it as an example where cannabis is legal in almost half of the country.

Regarding those who’ve been incarcerated due to cannabis-related offenses, Petro said, “If we’re going to legalize cannabis, are we going to allow all of those people who’ve been imprisoned to remain in jail? Or is it time to release those people?”

This marks one of the first instances where Petro refers to cannabis by its name, and shares some of the benefits and consequences of legalizing the drug. In July, the Colombian senate introduced a legalization bill that provided a plan for legalizing the plant’s adult use and that could also provide some income for the country.

In Petro’s inaugural speech, he called for taking back drug policies that have long harmed the country and have caused deaths, and increased the drug problem all over Latin America. “For peace to be possible in Colombia, we need dialogue and understanding, to look for common paths and produce changes,” he said. “Peace is possible if you change, for example, the politics against drugs.”

RELATED: The (Possibly) Best and Worst Countries To Get Caught With Pot

“It’s time for a new international convention that accepts that the war on drugs has failed,” he said. “Of course peace is possible. But it depends on current drug policies being substituted with strong measures that prevent consumption in developed societies.”

Petro was elected as President this past June 19th. He is the first President of Colombia to be a part of the left and is a polarizing figure, having been a part of M-19, a Colombian guerrilla group.

Majority Of Texans Support Legalizing Recreational Weed, But They Support This Even More

Benzinga Staff Writer
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Majority Of Texans Support Legalizing Recreational Weed, But They Support This Even More

In Texas, possession of up to 2 ounces is still considered a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

By Nina Zdinjak

The majority of Texans support legalization of adult-use marijuana, according to a new Dallas Morning News-University of Texas at Tyler poll. Of those surveyed, 55% said they either support or strongly support legalization, reported Dallas Morning News.

What about medical marijuana? You guessed it, support is even broader with some 72% of those questioned confirming they support or strongly support legalization of the plant for medicinal purposes. Wait, didn’t The Lone Star State already legalize medical cannabis use?

Current Cannabis Laws In Texas 

Well, though medical cannabis is somewhat legal in the state, it is strictly regulated. Only patients with conditions such as cancer, autism, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and multiple sclerosis qualify to use medical marijuana. What’s more, in 2021, there were some 7,000 MMJ patients in the state registry and only 348 doctors that can prescribe medical cannabis.

texas cannabis
Photo by PromesaArtStudio/Getty Images

RELATED: Weed Prohibition Still Official Stance Of Texas GOP As Marijuana Popularity Grows Among Residents

Texas first legalized medical marijuana some seven years ago, under the Compassionate Use Act, which allowed patients with intractable epilepsy to acquire and use cannabis oil with less than 0.5%. The program has been expanded since then, with more qualifying conditions, and allowing 1% THC in MMJ products.

Even though previous surveys showed similar results, Governor Greg Abbott’s stance has not moved much. In January, Abbott agreed to reduce criminal penalty for marijuana possession to a Class C misdemeanor, but not legalize. In Texas, possession of up to 2 ounces is still considered a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. More than 2 ounces could result in up to a year in jail, while more than 4 ounces is considered a felony.

Recent Poll Key Takeaways 

The poll used a statewide random sample of 1,384 registered voters, and was conducted between Aug. 1 and 7.

When it comes to support across political party lines, Democrats lead the way in supporting recreational cannabis legalization with 38% strongly backing legalization and 27% supporting it, compared to 26% and 17% of Republicans, respectively.

The poll also revealed that 12% of Democrats and 32% of Republicans are strongly against the legalization of recreational cannabis use.

RELATED: Texas Official Urges State Legislature To Set Aside Political Differences, Expand Cannabis Program

“If they legalized it, you’re gonna have a dispensary pop up on every corner in our town, and that’s not really something that I look forward to seeing every day,” said Republican Edwin Kirby, who lives in Tyler.“With the drug problems we have now with young kids, that’s just gonna add fuel to the fire.”

Laurie Richardson, a Democrat in Frisco who responded to the Morning News-UT-Tyler poll, on the other hand, recognizes the medical benefits of marijuana. And even though she’s never consumed, she is aware that cannabis prohibition doesn’t work.

Is Texas Ready To Become The Stoned Star State In 2021?
Photo by Bo Zaunders/Getty Images

RELATED: How Will Cannabis Legalization Factor Into An Uncertain Texas Election Cycle?

“We tried to prohibit alcohol, and then you have all these people trying to create their own alcohol and people getting alcohol poisoning — I feel the same way with marijuana,” Richardson said. “I just don’t think you’re gonna be able to stop people from accessing it if they want it. I think it needs to be treated almost like alcohol.”

When it comes to medical marijuana, the difference is not as huge. Some 49% of Democrats and 35% of Republicans strongly back legalization, which compares to 8% of Democrats and 13% of Republicans that are against it.

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

Is Cannabis A Threat To Alcohol Sales? It’s Complicated But Here’s What The Experts Say

Benzinga Staff Writer
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Is Cannabis A Threat To Alcohol Sales? It’s Complicated But Here’s What The Experts Say

Consumer attitudes show that consumption occasions for alcohol and cannabis differ enough that the supposed threat to alcohol sales posed by legal cannabis is minor.

By Maureen Meehan

With the U.S. legal cannabis industry on track to pull in upwards of $46 billion by 2026, many in the alcohol and beverage space are eyeing the cannabis industry as a unique opportunity to expand and reach new consumers although there are just as many who are ill at ease over the impact this could have on alcohol sales.

Roy Bingham, co-founder and CEO of BDSA, said there’s no need for anyone to worry, that coexistence is where it’s at these days. BDSA is the leading provider of market research solutions for the global cannabinoid industry.

“Today, more consumers are pairing cannabis with alcohol than ever before, especially when relaxing or hanging out with friends,” Bingham said.

Consumption of cannabis by alcohol consumers is on the rise per BDSA’s Consumer Insights data, but consumer attitudes also show that consumption occasions for alcohol and cannabis differ enough that the supposed threat to alcohol sales posed by legal cannabis is minor. The number of cannabis consumers who report co-consuming cannabis with certain types of alcohol has seen an appreciable rise.

Anti-Marijuana Folks Credit Legalization To Alcohol-Related Deaths
Photo by Adam Jaime via Unsplash

“We’ve also seen a rise in more unexpected use occasions as consumers branch out and use cannabis in new ways, such as while indulging in fine dining or working out. This shift offers a unique opportunity for brands to focus on innovation and create new products to meet these varied use occasions,” Bingham told Benzinga.

Additional BDSA insights show that cannabis and alcohol are doing just fine together:

The share of consumers in adult-use markets who report pairing cannabis with spirits or liquor rose from 12% in Spring 2018 to 22% in Spring 2022, while the share who report cannabis with cocktails doubled to total 20% in Spring 2022.

RELATED: Americans Are Choosing Marijuana Over Alcohol

High energy social occasions such as bar nights, special events, and date nights present a lower risk of cannabis impact to alcohol sales, while consumption for health/wellness, creative endeavors, and certain outdoor activities are more often cannabis-specific.

Continued growth in the cannabis space will create opportunities for brands to produce products with targeted formulations designed to meet the varied needs and use occasions for consumers.

BDSA’s newest wave of Consumer Insights data demonstrates that more than 50% of those surveyed in cannabis-legal states have consumed cannabis in the past six months. Diving deeper into the data clearly shows that the cannabis consumer base is knowledgeable, open to trying new product formats and willing to experiment with incorporating cannabis into more occasions throughout their lives.

Marijuana Is Replacing Alcohol During The Pandemic And May Have Long Term Benefits
Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images

RELATED: More Than 40% Of People Admit To Doing This While Using Weed Or Alcohol

In just a few short years, BDSA noted that attitudes towards cannabis across the country have shifted rapidly, with the share of those who have “bought in” to cannabis consumption skyrocketing while fewer and fewer report not being open to consuming cannabis.

Overall consumer participation is lower in medical markets, but BDSA data suggest that consumer participation is growing at a similar rate.

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

What Is CBDA And How Does It Help The Human Body?

Terry Hacienda
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What Is CBDA And How Does It Help The Human Body?

Researchers believe that CBDA could be the next big medication for treating and maintaining overall mental and physical well-being.

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

What is CBDA? Cannabidiolic acid is a minor cannabinoid with significant medicinal promise. Recent research suggests it could be an alternative treatment for managing or curing inflammation, anxiety, cancer, and seizures. The therapeutic potential of CBDA is the newest discovery of cannabinoid-based drugs.

Introduction to CBDA

Although research is still in the infant stage, researchers believe it could be the next big medication for treating and maintaining overall mental and physical well-being. Many cannabis-based scientists are optimistic CBDA would reduce the need for conventional drugs with long-term side effects.

marijuana research testing
Photo by Bloomberg Creative Photos/Getty Images

CBDA is mainly found in cannabis plant material. Like other major and minor cannabinoids, it reacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and receptors in the central nervous system and immune system.

This less-famous cannabinoid exists as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) before it is converted to its true form. The mother cannabinoid CBGA is not only a precursor to CBDA, but also to Tetrahydrocannabinolic (THCA) and Cannabicheomenic acid (CBCA)

Conversion of CBGA to CBDA

CBGA is converted into CBDA by an enzymatic process. Once formed, it remains this way until the decarboxylation process takes place. Decarboxylation is the conversion of acidic cannabinoids to their decarboxylated forms. CBDA is converted to CBD, THCA to THC, and CBCA to CBC. When cannabis is heated, the decarboxylation process takes place. Cannabinoids’ molecular structure changes when they are heated, dried, or treated. The method alters the substance’s chemical structure by removing one acidic carboxyl group.

While certain cannabis plants have been cultivated to contain balanced quantities of CBDA and THCA, CBDA is often only found in very small concentrations in cannabis plants. Mainly hemp plants are well-known for having significant levels of CBDA and traces of THCA.

The cannabinoids found in hemp plants can be concentrated through an extraction procedure. These cannabinoids alter how cells communicate response signals, which can have a variety of positive impacts on the body and mind.

First discovered and isolated in 1965 by Israeli scientist Rafael Mechoulam. It was subsequently activated to CBD for its medical benefits. New studies suggest that CBDA could be more effective in its acidic state than CBD for curing or treating some medical conditions.

Is CBDA psychoactive?

CBDA does not induce any form of psychoactivity. Like CBD, it is unable to cause intoxication. It is often used for medical patients that do not want to feel impaired, couch-locked, or lose focus. CBDA does not bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors because it is acidic. Instead, it inhibits the Cox-2 enzyme without impacting the CNS.

RELATED: CBD, CBDa & CBGa: What’s The Difference?

marijuana leaf
Photo by Anton Petrus/Getty Images

Benefits of CBDA in hemp products

CBDA is perceived as an effective treatment for certain medical illnesses. Its affinity to bind to serotonin receptors allows it to affect most symptoms, including mood swings, nausea, fatigue, and inflammation.

Compared to CBD, CBDA has been found to have a stronger activation of 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. Numerous physiological processes, including the control of mood, motion sickness, migraine, and intestinal movement, are influenced by serotonin.

According to the available studies, the potential as a medication is still in question. Clinical investigations have mainly utilized animal models up until now. We won’t fully understand its potential until clinical trials focus on people’s health and its mechanism of action.

Anti-inflammatory effect of CBDA

Due to its features as a specific Cox-2 inhibitor, CBDA has anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective in lessening inflammation. The functions of cyclooxygenase (Cox) enzymes 1 and 2 vary.

The stomach and intestinal walls are maintained by Cox-1. Cox-2 causes inflammation. Ibuprofen and aspirin are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) that function by obstructing the actions of these enzymes. The gastrointestinal tract may be harmed by long-term reliance on certain medications.

Because of this, scientists have been working to develop selective Cox-2 inhibitors that don’t block Cox-1 enzymes without running the danger of seriously harming the stomach lining and intestines. It functions similarly to NSAIDs but without the adverse effects on the digestive system.

Anti-nausea effect of CBDA

Guelph University researchers discovered CBDA was an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting brought on by toxins and motion sickness.

The study discovered it was particularly fantastic at lowering anticipatory nausea. This happens when a patient has nausea just before receiving chemotherapy. Since there are no recognized cures for this type of nausea, CBDA is an up-and-coming alternative.

The study team also examined the interactions between the anti-nausea medication ondansetron and the CBDA. The researchers discovered that even a minimal amount of CBDA enhances the medication’s antiemetic effects.

RELATED: Beyond CBD And THC: The Hottest Cannabinoids And Terpenes You Should Know

cannabis research
Photo by Nastasic/Getty Images

Anti-seizure effects of CBDA

Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, became the first prescription medicine product to receive FDA approval for treating treatment-resistant epilepsy, launching CBD into the public eye. It suggests that its acidic counterpart may lessen the severity and duration of seizures in some cases.

The manufacturer of Epidiolex, GW Pharma, has conducted tests contrasting the effects of CBDA and CBD. According to research, it can have a quicker-acting effect than its parent molecule and higher bioavailability.

Their research showed that smaller doses were needed for effectiveness, reducing the possibility of harmful side effects. In several instances, CBDA outperformed CBD in terms of lowering seizure frequency.

Last words: How to use CBDA

There are natural and synthetic versions. However, CBDA extract is more prevalent in the budding CBD market. What is CBDA, another tool in the belt to help you combat some nasty issues.

It cannot be inhaled in its natural form since doing so would cause the cannabinoid acid to transform into CBD. You can use uncooked cannabis blossoms and leaves in recipes. To get your greens without getting high, try eating the leaves raw in a salad, blending them into a smoothie, or producing natural cannabis juice.

You can also create tea from raw flower buds high in CBDA. Simply put, you have to put them in a cup and let them steep. It will be partially decarbed by the water instead of infused into your beverage. It is including in many cannabis products. Customers can purchase raw hemp oil items like tinctures, capsules, and raw CBD oil.

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

Can Marijuana Lower Blood Pressure?

Sam Anderson
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Can Marijuana Lower Blood Pressure?

Cannabis affects blood pressure through the ECS, which plays an interesting role in maintaining healthy cardiovascular function.

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

Millions of people suffer from high blood pressure, so it’s no wonder that many want to know if their cannabis habit has the potential to make it better or worse. Can marijuana lower blood pressure?  What do you have to do it?

Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries while the heart pumps. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is “the pressure caused by your heart contracting and pushing out blood” and diastolic blood pressure is “the pressure when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.” In other words, systolic blood pressure is the force exerted against your arteries when your heart contracts, and diastolic blood pressure is the pressure against your arteries between heartbeats.

blood pressure
Photo by Marcelo Leal via Unsplash

Healthy blood pressure for a typical adult is a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80. High blood pressure is a systolic pressure of more than 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 or more.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health problems when not treated. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and death. That’s why it’s critically important to keep your blood pressure under control. Doctors prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, ALPHA blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, and more to help lower blood pressure. Cannabis should not be viewed as a replacement for prescription medications.

RELATED: Is Marijuana A Depressant?

To answer the question, “does marijuana lower blood pressure?” we need to be more specific. What we should ask is, “what type of marijuana lowers blood pressure?” This question will help us get a better answer because cannabis can vary significantly in:

  • Cannabinoids
  • Terpenes
  • Flavonoids
  • Anthocyanins

These bioactive compounds synergize and produce complex biological effects.

There are three categories of marijuana: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. Indica strains are thought to be more relaxing while Sativa strains are thought to be more uplifting. Hybrid strains have a mix of Indica and Sativa effects. These classifications are subjective rather than taxonomical. (Want to learn the truth about cannabis strains? Check out: Why Jointly is Better than a Strain Finder)

Indica vs Sativa for high blood pressure

Let’s take a look at Indica vs Sativa for blood pressure. Indica strains are known for their sedative effects, while Sativa strains are known for their energizing effects. While Indica strains are better at overall relaxation, Sativa strains can help to relieve stress – and stress is one of the leading causes of high blood pressure.

It is commonly believed that the type of marijuana that is most likely to lower blood pressure is Indica. This is because Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects.

Does smoking weed lower blood pressure?

There is some research to suggest that smoking weed can lower blood pressure. A study looking at the Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Cannabinoids found that “chronic use of cannabis in man, as well as both acute and prolonged administration of THC to experimental animals, elicit a long-lasting decrease in blood pressure and heart rate.”

Another study designed to look at the Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol on Arterial and Intraocular Hypertension found that the inhalation of 2.8% THC resulted in an initial increase in heart rate followed by a decrease in systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and intraocular pressure.

marijuana joint
Photo by Volodymyr Bondarenko / EyeEm/Getty Images

THC and blood pressure

Researchers have found that natural “cannabinoids and their synthetic and endogenous analogs” induce “profound hypotension.” Hypotension is the opposite of hypertension, so cannabinoids like THC induce low blood pressure. But how does THC affect blood pressure?

Cannabinoids exert complex effects in the central nervous system and periphery, but scientists have teased out some of the mechanisms involved. As we discussed in Your Unique Endocannabinoid System:

The primary function of the ECS in organisms is to maintain homeostasis, or to maintain stability in an organism’s internal environment in response to changes in the external environment.

So, it makes sense that the ECS would play a role in maintaining homeostasis of the cardiovascular system.

The cardiovascular effects of cannabis have been documented since the 1960s. We now know that administration of cannabinoids leads to “a profound decrease in arterial blood pressure, cardiac contractility, and heart rate.”

According to a 2008 study, “several lines of evidence indicate that the cardiovascular depressive effects of cannabinoids are mediated” by CB1 receptors in the periphery. The central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system is all of the nerves that branch out from the central nervous system. Cannabinoids are also thought to induce vasodilation, based on animal studies.

Endocannabinoid system and blood pressure

Cannabis affects blood pressure through the ECS, which plays an interesting role in maintaining healthy cardiovascular function.

For example, recent findings indicate that the ECS is involved in the “pathomechanism of hypotension associated with various forms of shock.” Additional research highlights the protective role of endocannabinoids in myocardial ischemia. That’s why researchers have entertained the possibility that cannabinoids could be used as “novel hypertensive agents” for at least 50 years.

RELATED: How Your Endocannabinoid System Affects Your Cannabis Experience

Anandamide (the bliss molecule) is an endocannabinoid found in mammals that is responsible for the “runner’s high.” Anandamide induces similar cardiovascular effects to THC — a triphasic blood pressure response and slow heartbeat — but the effects last only for a few seconds. These effects are mediated by the vagal nerve, as they are eliminated in animals with a transected vagal nerve.

Anandamide has also been found to induce vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. Vasodilation helps to lower blood pressure by making it easier for blood to flow through arteries and veins.

Does smoking marijuana raise blood pressure?

While cannabinoids may have hypotensive effects, smoking cannabis that contains THC may also raise your blood pressure. THC can cause an increase in heart rate, which leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Does CBD lower blood pressure?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is known to have many health benefits, including the ability to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is beneficial for people with high blood pressure because stress and anxiety can contribute to higher blood pressure levels.

One research study administered 600mg of CBD to nine healthy men and found that this dose of CBD decreased blood pressure. Another study conducted on rats found that CBD caused vasodilation. While more research is needed, there is some early evidence that CBD lowers blood pressure.

Please note that none of the information in this article is meant to suggest that cannabis or CBD can replace prescription blood pressure medications.

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.

The #1 Difference Between Cannabis Oil And CBD Oil

Terry Hacienda
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0
The #1 Difference Between Cannabis Oil And CBD Oil

Cannabis oil is majorly preferred for recreational reasons. People use it to get high because of its considerable levels of THC.

The traditional joint has been the most popular way to use cannabis for ages, but with legalization things are changing.  Today, marijuana is more on the go and around lots of people.  For now, flower (joints, bongs, bowls) are still the most popular, but vaping is a close number two, and oils are on the way up.  Which begs a question, what is the difference between cannabis oil and cbd oil?

Cannabis plants have various derivatives, a host of psychoactive compounds, 100s of cannabinoids, and various forms of terpenes. This gives users a wide basket to choose their infused oil from, it also makes selecting one a very hard task.

The commonly used oils are hemp oil, cannabis oil, CBD oil, weed stem oil, CBD tinctures, hemp seed oil, etc. These oils are popular for their medicinal and recreational value. They are generally considered to be very safe to ingest with no combustion-attached risks.

Recently, there has been a wide debate on the potential benefits of CBD oil and cannabis oil. Other oils derived from cannabis have been extensively discussed in the last year. This post will majorly focus on discussing the variations between CBD oil and cannabis oils.

Here's How You Can Disinfect Cannabis Packaging
Photo by Iryna Veklich/Getty Images

General Overview of CBD Oil and Cannabis Oil

First off, while both oils are far from being the same, they have a common source; they can both be extracted from cannabis sativa plants.

CBD oil and cannabis oil are produced and packaged in varieties, however, both forms are consumed for very different reasons and they’re regulated by entirely different laws ( which you’ll come to know as you read on).

In-Depth View Of CBD Oil and Cannabis Oil

What is CBD Oil?

This oil is made from industrial hemp. Hemp is a variety of cannabis Sativa plants.

The unique feature of this oil is that it only has trace amounts of THC, often less than 1%. This renders the oil non-psychotropic.

However, other cannabinoids are contained in hemp, some of which include CBD, CBC, CBGA, CBN, and CBDA. These cannabinoids have their own added effects but none of it is psychoactive. CBD oil is one of the safest cannabis extract oil to ingest.

Microdosing: The Secret To A New Cannabis Experience
Photo by pcess609/Getty Images

RELATED: Cheap Vs. Expensive CBD Products: Why There’s A Staggering 5,100% Difference

Commercial companies make use of hemp seed oil or olive oil carriers to boost the bioavailability of CBD oil. Appeals to more customers.

If you do not fancy CBD oils with other cannabinoid compounds, you’re in luck. There are two forms of CBD oils. They are Full spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolate oil.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

If you come across a product with this phrase, it implies that the oil contains other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC, etc. In addition to this, it also contains flavonoids and terpenes.

The addition of these “not-so-active” cannabinoids work in conjunction with the CBD molecule to produce the famous “entourage effect”. Meaning that they all come together to induce an effect that is greater than each effect.

If you’re looking to experience the entourage effect, then this CBD oil is your best bet.

CBD Isolate Oil

As the name implies, this CBD oil does not contain any other compound besides cannabidiol. Other compounds like cannabinoids, flavonoids, or terpenes are absent; if they are present, their content level is less than 0.2% of the total compound. Due to this, the oil is tasteless and odorless.

NIST And FDA May Be the Cannabis Quality Assurance Heroes We Need
Photo by Carol Yepes/Getty Images

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About Cannabis Oil

This is the purest form of CBD oil, which makes it more preferable to use it as an ingredient in meal recipes.

It is up to the user to select which CBD oil is preferred.

What is Cannabis Oil?

This is also referred to as marijuana oil or THC oil.

Cannabis oil is an oil infused with a high amount of cannabis extract high in THC. This oil contains a significantly higher amount of THC than CBD oil. It can be extracted from any form of the cannabis plant, be it one for recreational or medicinal purposes. This is in contrast to CBD oil that is most times extracted from industrial hemp.

Due to regulatory guidelines, rouge manufacturers often mislabel their CBD oil as cannabis oil to appeal to new customers.

Cannabis oil is majorly preferred for recreational reasons. People use it to get high because of its considerable levels of THC. A few use it for its medical purpose.

Benefits and Risks

CBD Oil

CBD oils are used to treat medical conditions like:

  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Migraine
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Lung diseases
  • And others.

Risks: CBD oil has minimal side effects when it is used in the recommended dosage.

Note that the oil may interact with other drugs, or supplements added to your diet.

Cannabis Oil

Some of the benefits of using cannabis oil include:

  • Stronger high
  • Extended duration of effect
  • Healthy consumption (Zero combustion of weed)
  • Discreet to use ( no telling aroma or smoke)
National CBD Day Is Saturday
Photo by Thanit Weerawan/Getty Images

RELATED: 3 Main Differences Between CBD Oil And Hemp Oil

Cannabis oil can also be used to treat a higher level of pain, due to the presence of both THC and CBD molecules. Having both major cannabinoids increases the effectiveness of this oil to treat certain disease conditions.

Risks: If used excessively, users might experience some of the side effects of consuming THC high weed. Some of which include paranoia, dizziness, couch-lock, nausea, loss of appetite, etc.

Laws Regulating the Use of CBD and Cannabis Oils

CBD Oil

In Europe, industrial hemp must contain no more than 0.2% THC for it to be approved. While in the United States of America, the limit for THC content is 0.3%.This THC content reduces as the hemp is processed into CBD oil, hence CBD oils have no psychoactive effects and cannot make the user high.

It is legally sold in across Europe and in most states in the U.S

Cannabis Oil

Legally cannabis oil cannot be sold in most nations for recreational use. It can only be recommended to patients with medical conditions that can be treated with it. Most times, before cannabis oil is prescribed, other treatments must have been tried out.

For this reason, you cannot find cannabis oil being sold on eBay, Etsy,  or other online stores and dispensaries.

There you have it! Now, you only have to decide which of these products to get and remember that finding the right product is never easy.

When you find the right product, stick to your source. Enjoy!

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

Massachusetts Gov. Signs Marijuana Controversial Bill

Benzinga Staff Writer
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0
Massachusetts Gov. Signs Marijuana Controversial Bill

By Nina Zdinjak

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a marijuana compromise bill addressing social equity and taxes. The Thursday move comes nearly six years after The Bay State legalized recreational cannabis use.

Senate Bill 3096 is aimed at advancing diversity in the sector and regulating the host community agreement (HCA) between cannabis companies and municipalities. It proposes allocating 15% of the money in the Marijuana Regulation Fund, which is fueled by the state’s cannabis excise tax, various operational fees, and industry penalties to a new Social Equity Trust Fund. The task of the new fund will be to provide grants and loans to people from communities most affected by the drug war who are now interested in joining the cannabis industry.

One part of the bill also offers guidelines on a process for cities to allow on-site marijuana consumption establishments or cannabis cafes.

marijuana legalization
Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

RELATED: Weed Legalization Bill On Massachusetts Governor’s Desk Needs Reworking — Here’s Why

According to Sonia Chang-Díaz, Senate chair of the Cannabis Policy Committee, the compromise bill “takes on some of the industry’s biggest issues.”

The Republican cover only removed one controversial section from the bill – the proposal to conduct a study on medical marijuana use in students during school days reported State House News. The American Academy of Pediatrics had already expressed its opposition to the proposed study on medical marijuana consumption in schools.

No Medical Marijuana In Schools 

While Sen. Michael Rodrigues, Ways and Means committee chairman and lead Senate conferee, said earlier that the study could help students who would largely benefit from medical cannabis, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) didn’t agree.

“The AAP opposes medical marijuana outside the regulatory process of the US Food and Drug Administration,” an academy spokesperson told the Boston Herald.

The association of pediatricians says there is not enough data on proper dosing and side effects to make a decision.

“There are no research studies on the use of medical marijuana in teens, so actual indications, appropriate dosing, effects, and side effects are unknown. The only data available on medical marijuana in the pediatric population are limited to its use in children with severe refractory seizures,” the organization advised parents.

The governor agreed with the AAP on this proposition, deciding to leave it out of the marijuana compromise bill.

Baker said the measure as written “is highly prescriptive — making it clear that the agencies charged with producing the study must identify ways to make medical marijuana widely available within schools, rather than considering whether such an allowance is advisable.

RELATED: Pediatric Poisonings Rise With Growth Of Cannabis Sales In Massachusetts

“The voter initiatives that legalized medical marijuana in 2012 and 2016 included strong measures to keep marijuana away from K-12 schools and school children. Both laws explicitly stated that marijuana would in no circumstance be permitted on school grounds,” the governor wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “Because the study proposed in section 26 clearly works against these important and well-established protections and disregards the clear intentions of the voters in legalizing marijuana use, I cannot approve this part of the bill.”

marijuana legalization
Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images

Monumental Step 

At a Cannabis Control Commission meeting, several hours before the governor signed the bill, commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion urged her colleagues to take a minute to “recognize the significance of this moment and the magnitude of this impact. By no means am I saying that this single piece of legislation will solve every issue that’s facing the cannabis industry, but it is a massive step,” she said. “This is monumental.”

Chang-Díaz, commented, “This law will rebalance the playing field, where so far wealthy corporations have been able to buy their way through the licensing process and too many local, small business owners and Black and brown entrepreneurs have been locked out. The reforms and funding we fought so hard for will be game changers, putting Massachusetts back among the leading states for racial justice in our economic policy on cannabis. I’m so grateful to the many community members and grassroots leaders who came together and held the state’s feet to the fire to make this happen.”

Shanel Lindsay, a marijuana advocate who took part in the 2016 initiative petitions said that the governor and lawmakers “have made history with this vital — and overdue — grant and loan fund.

“This bill is an important step forward in undoing the harms of prohibition and over-policing and will provide an important path for families of color to create jobs in their community and generate generational wealth,” stated Lindsay, who is also co-founder of Equitable Opportunities Now.

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

Summer Sex? Here Are 5 Things To Consider When It’s Hot

Maria Loreto
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Summer Sex? Here Are 5 Things To Consider When It’s Hot

Summer sex can get sticky pretty fast. Here’s what you can do to prepare ahead of time.

This summer sure has been sweaty. While the season is usually linked with longer days and more fun, sometimes it’s too hot out to do anything but lounge in bed with your AC on, if you’re lucky enough to even have AC.

While there’s not a lot you can do when it comes to the weather, there are some things you can do about summer sex. Preparedness is key and a few steps can make your whole experience sexier and more pleasant, resulting in more sex. Here are some things you can do to be ready for summer sex no matter the heat.

Turn on the AC ahead of time

intimacy
Photo by Sinitta Leunen via Unsplash

While the electric bill is a concern during the summertime, it’s key if you’re looking for some romance. No one wants to have sex in a sticky and humid room. Some good airflow will make your room seem nicer and will provide some much refuge from the heat.

Use your shades

bedroom shades
Photo by Matt Moloney via Unsplash

Your shades are very important during the summer, keeping the sun out and the cool in. When thinking about summer sex, this should be one of your priorities.

Try out new things

If it’s too hot out, try out new things, like ice cubes and minimizing full body contact. Try your best to avoid unnecessary warmth.

Protect yourself from UTIs

seniors on beach
Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

The summer months are popular for UTIs, vaginal infections, and other painful inconveniences due to sweaty clothes, wet bathing suits, etc. Pay special attention to your body during these months, bringing a change of underwear to super hot days and beach days. Also, avoid beach sex, which is pretty rough on your body and provides the perfect opportunity for infections.

Be extra safe

The summertime is perfect for dating, which means that you should be extra careful when having sex with other people. Have fun but remember to use protection, and avoiding unwanted pregnancies and all sorts of STIs. Also, a piece of timeless and seasonless advice: pee after sex!

Is This Guy The Most Popular Cannabis Content Creator In The World?

Benzinga Staff Writer
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0
Is This Guy The Most Popular Cannabis Content Creator In The World?

By Javier Hasse, Benzinga Editor

“I recently got deleted off Instagram, again. I had about 4.1 million followers. My Snapchat was number two in the country, not just for cannabis, but in general: It was Kylie Jenner, me and Cardi B. And then they deleted that also. But in terms of sheer numbers online, my watch time is roughly 70 million watch time minutes a month. So I get in a day what some of the biggest cannabis websites get in a month,” explains Thomas Araujo, better known as Dope As Yola, when asked what makes him (probably) the most popular cannabis content creator in the world.

To understand how he got there, we need to go back a decade because, as they say, it takes 10 years to become an overnight celebrity.

The Real Grinder

Thomas “fell in love” with weed at a very young age, even though he recommends people wait until the legal age in their respective jurisdictions to commence their cannabis journey. He remembers first trying the herb the day before the Raiders lost the Super Bowl to the Bucks.

“My relationship with weed is a friend that never moved out,” he states.

In 2012, at age 22, Thomas made his debut as Dope as Yola. He’d put out product reviews and other fun videos. “I was showing my face with weed on Instagram before anybody else, so I got a huge following.” Among fan favorites were his recreations of famous movie scenes, but with cannabis buds.

Around that time, he met John Castaldi, a guy who traveled with him, joined him at cannabis cups, and would ultimately become his business partner. John was already a fan of Thomas’ “Story Time” segment, which would go on to become one of the most popular “story time” segments in the internet, often garnering more than 1 million views each on YouTube alone.

“When I look back I realize the amount of stupid things I’ve done. And I think people can relate to it,” he voices. “Right now I have the biggest cannabis audience in the world and it’s taken 10 years, but it’s an organic following. Every single person there follows because they feel identified… My fans are more than fans: We’re like friends who haven’t met yet.”

Nowadays, Thomas does live streams, videos, podcasts and much more. He also started a brand of his own quite recently, The Dopest Shop.

Despite his busy schedule, he still smokes “a ton” of weed daily – albeit about half of what he used to smoke. “People always ask, ‘Why do you smoke so much?’ And I answer, ‘For all the time I didn’t have enough weed.’ However, my relationship with weed is more mature nowadays, because I have too much to do, I’m too busy to be frivolous. During the day I just smoke a bit and do work; it’s more like drinking water or coffee.”

Contrary to popular belief, Thomas doesn’t think cannabis makes you lazy at all. And he feels he’s living proof of this.

In his view, it’s people who are or aren’t lazy. Weed will not make you lazy, but I can emphasize that trait, if it’s already part of your personality: “Weed can be used as an excuse, but I will do nothing to you, it won’t make you lazy… It’s a stereotype I think people like to fall back on so they can have an excuse on why their life isn’t going as well as it should be going… It’s not about smoking, but about caring and having a purpose. Weed is just there to be a friend and just chill. That’s how I see it.”

The Dopest Shop

The Dopest Shop was born from a desire to make safe cannabis products available across all 50 states in the U.S. Thomas and John partnered with Claudio Hand and started selling HHC products – disposable vapes, vape cartridges, edibles, concentrates and pre-rolls.

“HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis that provides extremely similar effects as THC,” Claudio explains. However, unlike THC, HHC is federally permitted, as it is derived from hemp, which was legalized by the passing of the 2018 United States Farm Bill. The brand has filled a long-time unattended niche in states and rural areas where THC is illegal.”

“A lot of people in states where weed isn’t legal were saying ‘I wish I could smoke what you smoke.’ HHC allowed us to do this legally,” Thomas adds.

For the YouTube star, the partnership is like a match made in heaven. “All of us play a perfect part and it links like a well-oiled machine. John makes what I think is the best hash in the world under a company called Hash House. Claudio is so organized and professional, plus he knows the CBD business inside out. And I’m over here with the content.”

Authenticity was key for this project to work and take off within just a month of its launch. “Thomas has a huge, cult following, he never sells anything, he’s so careful with everything. Before this, he was strictly making money off of his clothing,” John says. “And I knew he could sell massive amounts of weed. But he would never do anything illegal. So we came up with this idea of HHC.”

“What I didn’t expect is to go this big this fast,” he continues. “Thomas’ people are great supporters, man. And as long as we get out the good stuff, they’re going to keep coming despite the marketing limitations we might face.”

Thomas confirms this. “I got paid for my first anything for weed content in 2019. So from 2012 to 2019, I was just poor and struggling. And I think it made it better; my fans really saw that I really was not getting paid. I’m making this content for free, I’m putting in 60 hours a week because I love it so much. And I think that’s what elevated us to where we are. And then the cult following of people going, ‘I know your whole story from start to finish. I can watch it online.’”

According to Claudio, The Dopest Shop was getting between 7,000 to 13,000 daily sessions on Shopify four months into the business. And the number would go as high as 30,000 sessions per day when a new drop was announced. While not all of these sessions convert into sales, Claudio assures the brand’s conversion rate is among the top 1% on the famed online retail platform.

The Seal Of Approval

Another important aspect for Thomas and his partners is quality. “I wanted to make everybody feel included on things that I approve of. For the past eight years, I have been doing extensively detailed product reviews for all the brands in the world, doing everything you can think of. And now it’s for us, so I critique it even harder. I want people to feel exactly how I feel when I’m doing a video about the product,” he says.

Dope as Yola – Barry Hackett

In fact, whenever Thomas doesn’t fully love one of The Dopest Shop’s new products, he has it fully remade.

This was also one of the main reasons why they created HHC products, versus the more popular Delta-8-THC, another hemp-derived cannabinoid that has become insanely popular in the last year or two. They simply don’t like the feeling, the high, that Delta-8-THC products give you. And consumers seem to concur.

Thomas explicates, “When I got everything from Claudio, he gave us an extensive and overly detailed list of what was in each product, each terpene. Me and John are snobs, so we went through them one by one and picked only the ones we loved. When I tried this, and I’ve done 5000 milligrams of THC videos and been obliterated for two days… I ate 1400 milligrams of our Dopest edibles and I was so high I couldn’t process it. When I asked Claudio how he had gotten me so high, he told me it was a proprietary blend, HHC, CBD and CBN. The reason you feel the effect is because they’re blended perfectly. So when I smoke this, it’s shocking to me. It’s this unexpected punch in the face; you do not expect to feel like that.”

For Claudio and John, the creative process is all about overwhelming Thomas. “Thomas has been reviewing top-of-the-line cannabis products for a very, very long time. So, when we give him things and he’s like, ‘Wow, this is amazing,’ it makes us feel really good,” John assures.

Some Good Old Reefer

Going back to lighter topics, Thomas reminisces about the best joint he ever smoked.

It was in Denver, Colorado. During a cannabis cup, a fan of his who’d driven all the way from San Francisco, California, just to meet him, shared a joint packed with one pound of pot. It took 32 hours to smoke it, but they did it.

“We walked downtown Denver smoking this thing and it was obnoxious, truly obnoxious,” he says. “I think it was the wildest thing I ever did, but the most memorable one too.”

Also quite unforgettable was the experience of smoking a 40-gram joint on camera. “I smoked all of it without moving, I didn’t get up, no water breaks. I just smoked it down for two-and-a-half hours. And it was the most memorable thing because that is what started my YouTube. That’s what had people going, ‘I’ve never seen anybody do this in my life.’ I was coughing up tar for weeks. But I still have that roach, I’m going to frame it in a shadow box.”

Without hesitation, Yola moves on to the next question: If you could share a joint with anyone, dead or alive, who would that be?

Before the question is even fully worded, he responds: Adam Sandler and Chris Farley, two of his favorite funny guys.

Thomas already got a chance to smoke with another one of his idols, Tommy Chong.

“I’ve had a lot of celebrities in the podcast smoking joints. My first big break was with Tommy Chong. I rolled a joint for Tommy Chong to smoke in 2015, and I think that was the most memorable one, just sitting there unable to believe this was were weed had brought me.”

– If you can stand in front of Congress and testify, explain why you think we should be legal in America, what would you say?

– I think they kick me out because it be so blunt. But it always comes down to, I never got in a fight with somebody who was smoking a joint. I’ve never seen a pot fight, but I’ve seen bar fights. I’ve seen people get killed and shot, drunk. I’ve never once met anybody smoke a bowl and go, “let’s box.”

I think if everybody smoked a joint and forgot about religious beliefs and political beliefs and laws, I think a lot of people would change their perspective on life. And they [lawmakers] are not going to try to hear that, that’s why I would be escorted out of the building.

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, Thomas and his team will be doing a national tour to present the brand and expand it even further, reach new consumers and find the right partners.

“We want to try to include everyone, but on a more personal level. So the more we can connect the fans with Thomas and then to bring more people on to like the whole fan bases is the goal is.”

The Dopest Shop will also be launching a subscription service soon. This is a big bet for them. Fans love it, they assure.

“I’ve worked with all the largest subscription boxes providers in America and I know, just from our retail and our numbers, that the second we step into that space, it’s going to be a whole other conversation. This is just the start,” Thomas concludes. “The Dopest Shop is a community and it’s super engaged. They inform our decisions.”

Lee todo sobre Dope as Yola en Español en ElPlanteo.com

This article was originally published on Forbes and appears here with permission from Benzinga.

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