Of the 808 study respondents, 77% reported positive effects — with 28% citing reduced pain, 18% noting improved sleep, and 22% experiencing reduced anxiety.
An online study conducted by Realm of Caring, a cannabis nonprofit advocacy organization, and researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that “medical cannabis consumption can improve the quality of life for those who could not find reprieve from traditional methods.”
Study results, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, showed that medical cannabis helped mitigate various neurological disorders and pain-related ailments that were impacting participants.
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“Realm of Caring takes part in IRB-approved (Institutional Review Board) research to ensure we are truly helping individuals to improve their quality of life,” said Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, executive director for Realm of Caring.
Method: Study participants who consumed medicinal cannabis were invited to complete anonymous surveys to provide feedback about their experiences. “Of the 808 study respondents, 77% reported positive effects — with 28% citing reduced pain, 18% noting improved sleep, and 22% experiencing reduced anxiety.
“This research spotlights several concerns that we actively address, such as providing information to the medical community, partnering with quality product companies for more affordable options, and providing free one-on-one support to alleviate unwanted side effects. Realm of Caring will continue to collect and publish data to ensure we fulfill our mission,” Kalcheff-Korn added.
Study participants also described many of the issues they face as medical cannabis patients, such as difficulty in finding adequate providers who know how to dose cannabis, what strains are most helpful to alleviate specific ailments and which consumption methods work best with their treatment plan.
“Regarding patient concerns, commonly reported problems included a lack of information for medical cannabis support (with 16% of participants citing this concern), as well as 12% reporting prohibitive costs as an additional apprehension,” reads a press release.
Through research and education, the Realm of Caring (RoC) aims to facilitate the mainstream acceptance of cannabinoid-based therapies and build an empowered community. In addition, RoC reiterated its commitment to researching novel healthcare options aimed at improving quality of life.
An employee that lost her job due to testing positive for marijuana was protected by the Office of Employee Appeals in D.C. She was reimbursed for all back pay and benefits.
A medical marijuana patient who was fired from her job back in 2020 for being intoxicated while at the office has won a big court battle. The D.C. Office of Employee Appeals (OEA) recently ruled in the worker’s favor, reversing her termination and ordering the responsible parties to reimburse her for all back pay and benefits that she missed out on.
Marijuana Moment reports that the employee petitioned for termination in April 2021. She said that the Office of Unified Communications “falsely accused” her of being impaired while on the job, and that her supervisors used the fact that her eyes were red and that she was talking quietly as sufficient reasons to demand a drug test.
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She explained that her eyes could’ve been red due to lack of sleep and that, at the time, she was capable of doing her work properly. She said that she hadn’t used cannabis on the day of the drug test, but that she had used it over the weekend before the drug test. She then provided the necessary paperwork to show that she was a medical marijuana patient.
“OUC was negligent in how it handled the process for reasonable suspicion of impairment from drugs,” said Monica Dohnji, senior administrative judge for OEA. Dohnji added that supervisors had no evidence that their employee was sufficiently impaired and she wasn’t able to complete her duties.
“Because Employee was allowed to perform her duties and did in fact adequately do so after being observed by her supervisors, I find that [the supervisors] did not reasonably believe that Employee’s ability to perform her job was impaired,” wrote the judge in the final ruling. “As such, I further conclude that a reasonable suspicion referral was unwarranted.”
As marijuana becomes legal in a variety of states, lawmakers are trying to create protections for residents. The process is slow and there’s much to be done, with most states having some form of protection for medical marijuana patients. Still, as time passes, more laws are appearing and protecting workers from drug tests and losing their jobs over using a drug that’s legal in their state.
Looking at the color of your weed can be a great indicator of strain quality, effects, and more. Here’s what you need to know about orange hair on weed.
We all know that one defining characteristic of weed is its gorgeous array of colors. And while we can all appreciate the beauty of a deep green nug, there’s something special about those with orange hairs. They make many strains appear exotic and are something intriguing cannabis users. No matter what strain of cannabis you choose, there are various tiny colorful weed hairs found throughout the buds. But are orange hairs on cannabis related to potency? Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon.
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Marijuana Plant Anatomy
Cannabis plants have a similar anatomy to other plants. To understand why cannabis produces orange hairs, we need to familiarize ourselves with marijuana plant anatomy.
● Nodes – Separation of branches from the stem occurs in these areas. On most nodes, buds grow and fan leaves develop.
● Cola – Several buds are grouped very closely together, usually near the bottom branch. Atop the main stem is the most significant and largest cola.
● Bract – The female plants’ reproductive parts are encased in small, teardrop-shaped leaves known as bracts. These are the locations from which the pre-flowers emerge just before they flower.
● Calyx – The flower itself, consisting of resin glands and buds. A protective layer of bracts surrounds the calyx, covering the plant’s reproductive organs. Here, seeds are formed. (Resin glands and buds)
● Pistils – This is the orange hair protruding from the calyxes. Pistils are the female plant’s sex organs, also known as stigmas. Pistils are one of the earliest signs that a cannabis plant is beginning to flower.
● Trichomes – These bulbous resin glands create a frosty, sticky resin containing cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids and terpenes are present in greater concentrations in more resinous flowers.
Orange Hair On Weed
Known as flower pistils, these orange hairs are what catch pollen from the male plant. The pistils of the female cannabis plant serve as reproductive organs. Their purpose is to capture pollen from male plants during blooming. Pollen is sucked back into the plant by the weed hairs. Pollen pollinates or fertilizes pistils once it contacts them. The female plant will start producing seeds at that point.
However, cultivators take away the male plants from the field during the growing season to suppress pollination so the female plants can concentrate on producing flowers and not seeds. As a result, cannabinoids and terpenes are produced in greater quantities.
In flower production, clusters of pistils shoot from the main bud and rise to their maximum height, which allows them to collect pollen. During the final stage of the flower’s development, the pistils have dried up and turned darker. As a result, they have also receded into the plant somewhat.
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What Does Orange Hair On Weed Mean?
Now that we know what orange hairs and pistils are, let’s explore orange hair on weed a bit more. Orange kush strains readily produce fertile pistils, which are among the first signs that a marijuana plant is beginning to flower. The plant’s female flowers grow from the bud, or calyx, which is their base.
Pistils are not always orange. While in the vegetative stage, the hairs are white, and as they approach the flower stage, they begin to change color. Originally yellow, they become orange as they enter the flowering stage.
Some flowers mature into vivid orange and purple strains with hues that are actually more red or brown in color. However, various strains can yield different results depending on how they were cultivated. In some strains, the pistils can take on a pink or purple hue.
Do Orange Hairs On Weed Get You High?
The vibrant orange hues indicate something extraordinary has occurred, right? When you ask whether orange hairs on weed get you high, you are actually asking, “do pistils contain THC?” There’s a common misbelief that buds covered with colorful hairs are more potent. However, this isn’t accurate. At the flowering stage, pistils are crucial, but the trichomes are what contains THC. So, orange hairs on weed don’t get you high. The crystals on your cannabis are what get you high.
Do Orange Hairs Signify Potency?
Despite the widespread belief that colorful buds are more potent and will pack more punch, that’s not necessarily true. While the pistils of a plant are an integral component of its flowering process, they are not responsible for the strain’s cannabinoid content.
It is far better to focus on the trichomes instead. The reason “reg weed” has so little THC is because of its trichomes. On the other hand, due to its incredibly high resin content, dank weed has a frosty appearance due to its high concentrations of trichomes.
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Why Is Some Weed Purple?
The color of purple weed does not indicate strength, contrary to popular belief. So why is it this color? According to its position in the spectrum, anthocyanin, a water-soluble flavonoid, has different colors based on pH values. At low pH levels, it appears blue; at higher pH levels, it appears purple, and at the highest pH levels, it appears red.
As an indica strain, most purple strains of cannabis lock you onto the couch and produce a heavy narcotic effect ideal for relieving pain and promoting sleep. However, there have been recent breeding programs that combine purple strains with other genetics to reduce the drowsiness effect while increasing the uplifting effect of sativas.
Putting It All Together
As it turns out, the prettiest buds aren’t always the most potent. So, what should you look for when trying to determine THC potency? Trichomes, or white crystals, are a good indicator of potency and should be present in high numbers on potent buds.
Studies like this show how beneficial a holistic approach to medicine can be, and how addressing the body overall can improve different facets of people’s lives.
According to a new study, this relatively common practice could help women experience a higher sex drive. The research, published in the journal Sexual Medicine, claims that acupuncture can kickstart a woman’s libido and improve the lives of those with sexual dysfunction.
Over the course of more than three years (October 2018 to February 2022), researchers examined 24 female participants who shared similar traits; while they were of different ages — between 28 to 45 — they were all involved in regular relationships and experienced some form of sexual dysfunction.
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The women underwent two or three acupuncture sessions a week, with needles inserted in different parts of the body, including the top of their heads, stomachs, over the ovaries, under their knees, ankles, feet and lower backs.
They filled out a questionnaire before and after their treatments, rating a variety of factors related to sexual pleasure and functioning, like sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, experiences with orgasms, and more.
After the treatment was conducted, all women reported better scores. In regards to sexual desire, the benefits were even greater, with 23 out of 24 participants claiming they experienced an improvement in arousal.
While far from definitive, the study is promising, especially when viewed as a supplement to help symptoms and not cure them. Sexual dysfunction is a complex issue, one that affects men and women due to their lifestyle decisions and/or relationship dynamics.
Studies like this show how beneficial a holistic approach to medicine can be, and how addressing the body overall can improve different facets of people’s lives. While researchers may not completely understand why acupuncture has this effect on women, by stimulating their central nervous systems it appears to stimulate chemicals and lead to positive results.
A growing body of research evidence shows that marijuana can reduce anxiety symptoms, including separation and social anxiety.
According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is a major depressive disorder or mental health issue characterized by fear, worried thoughts, and tension. It also causes physical changes, such as increased heartbeat, shaking, trembling, panic attacks, and high blood pressure.
Although each person has different symptoms related to anxiety, the typical signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder are restlessness, emotional distress, feelings of worry, concentration problems, increased irritability, sleep apnea, insomnia, panic disorder, social phobia, behavioral change, mood disorders, etc.
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Causes of Anxiety
Causes of anxiety vary from person to person. Many people have a single symptom that causes distress, while some have multiple symptoms. However, the most common causes of anxiety include:
Environmental triggers or external stimuli, such as relationship problems, family issues, financial difficulties, or challenges in maintaining a better work-life balance, can cause anxiety.
Studies show that genetics can also cause anxiety. For example, if your father, mother, or grandparents had anxiety, the chances are that you may suffer from the condition.
Major depressive disorders such as stress and depression, can increase anxiety levels. Although medications like antidepressants, narcotics, and chronic pain relievers can ease tension, some people have side effects after prolonged use.
While antidepressants are a good option for anxiety, they may also elevate the condition. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy, neurological disorders, neuropathic pain, neck and back pain, and chemical imbalances in the brain that increase cortisol production can also cause anxiety.
The Endocannabinoid System
Understanding the endocannabinoid system is essential before using cannabis indica or Sativa strains for anxiety and other depressive disorders. The endocannabinoid system encompasses three critical components: 1). Endocannabinoids, 2). Receptors 3). Enzymes.
Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are natural molecules your body produces. Although these molecules are similar to cannabinoids, the difference is that your body makes them via biological mechanisms.
Endocannabinoid receptors exist throughout the body and play a critical role in sending and receiving signals from and to the central nervous system. CB1 and CB2 receptors are the primary cannabinoid receptors. The formers exist in the central nervous system, and the latter in the peripheral nervous system, including the immune system.
Endocannabinoid enzymes are an integral part of the system and act as a catalyst to streamline metabolism and regulate the endocannabinoid function at neuronal and peripheral levels.
A research study published on NCBI states that the endocannabinoid system is crucial in streamlining various body functions, including appetite and digestion, reducing chronic pain, optimizing metabolism, triggering inflammatory responses, and strengthening the immune system.
It also improves mood, learning, memory, sleep, sensory and motor control, heart function, muscle development, musculoskeletal formation, skin and nerve function, and the reproductive system. Understanding the endocannabinoid system is essential because it lets you determine and analyze how marijuana treats anxiety.
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Marijuana for Anxiety
A 2017 research study shows that over 9,000 people in the United States said that marijuana, including indica and sativa strains, offers a wide range of health benefits, including anxiety relief.
The first is a psychoactive compound that can make a person “high.” The second one, CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound primarily used for medical purposes. The psychoactive effects of THC can overcome depressive symptoms.
THC vs. CBD
THC stands (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a primary cannabinoid found in marijuana or cannabis plant. The compound gets you “high” and interacts with the endocannabinoid system through receptors.
In addition, THC is a potent compound with a strong affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors positively affects your mind and body by reducing pain, stimulating appetite, and decreasing anxiety and stress.
On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) is another cannabinoid found in cannabis products. Compared to THC, CBD does not make you “high” and has fewer side effects. Many studies have proven that CBD accurately interacts with numerous receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
However, there is a need for more research to determine whether CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. The good news is that CBD found in the cannabis plant or marijuana can treat various health conditions, including:
Inflammation
Epilepsy
Headaches
Migraines
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Autoimmune disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Pain relief
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The Difference Between Indica and Sativa and Hybrid
Indica and sativa are the two primary types of cannabis plants or marijuana. Both are the best strains and are beneficial for various medical conditions. Both strains are excellent anxiety treatments.
However, sativa has more energizing and invigorating effects, relieving stress, depression, and anxiety and improving focus, concentration, and creativity. Cannabis sativa can also treat a wide range of health conditions.
Knowing the CBD to THC ratio is crucial to understanding the unique effects of indica on your brain. Indica strains have a high CBD content and mild to moderate THC. Indica strain or marijuana can produce calming effects, reduce nausea, increase appetite, reduce discomfort, and relieve pain.
Experts recommend consuming indica at night because it has physical relaxation effects. Hindu Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Afghan Kush are the most popular indica plants or strains available in pharmacies.
In addition, indica is an excellent marijuana product and a reliable relaxation source for many people. So, it can reduce the symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Likewise, indica can improve muscle relaxation, release mental exhaustion, increase appetite, boost dopamine and serotonin levels, and decrease acute and chronic pain and digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, and cramps.
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Sativa
Sativa is a form of marijuana with a different CBD to THC ratio compared to indica strains. Sativa has higher doses of CBD and lower doses of THC. The primary difference between indica and sativa is that the former does not make you “high,” and the latter can produce “high” effects on your brain.
However, studies show that sativa is more energizing and can reduce anxiety-related symptoms efficiently and quickly. You can use sativa-dominant strains to improve relaxation, increase creativity, and boost productivity.
Because sativa has excellent stimulating effects, you can use it in the daytime. Durban Poison, Panama Red, and Acapulco Gold are the most popular sativa strains available in pharmacies. These products can help you achieve the desired effects.
Some studies highlight that sativa has a THC to CBD ratio that may not wholly overcome anxiety symptoms. Fidgeting, increased heart rate, hypertension, and nervousness are common signs of anxiety.
Although sativa can increase your energy levels and produce euphoric effects, it may not treat nervousness or consciousness. In a nutshell, sativa is good for depression, chronic inflammation/pain, focus/concentration, creativity, productivity, serotonin production, and increased relaxation in the daytime.
Hybrid
Hybrid forms of marijuana that contain both indica and sativa strains have become popular recently. Grown in greenhouses and on farms, hybrids combine indica and sativa strains.
Regarding the CBD to THC ratio, scientists and researchers increase the THC percentage in hybrids to ensure the compound interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors and produces anti-anxiety effects.
Hybrids also benefit people who undergo radiotherapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Using hybrids during daytime or nighttime depends on the user’s specific needs and the effects of the chemical compounds. Some people prefer the daytime use of hybrids for deep relaxation.
Various popular hybrids strains include indica-dominant or indica-dom and sativa-dominant or sativa-dom or sativa-dominant hybrid. Some hybrids have a balanced THC and CBD ratio and equal concentration of indica and sativa strains. Blue Dream, Trainwreck, and Pineapple Express are popular hybrids on the market.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Indica and Sativa
How to choose the best cannabis strains? Different strains have different effects on people suffering from anxiety. Many men and women do not understand whether indica or sativa plants are beneficial for major depressive disorders like stress, depression, and anxiety.
Both indica and sativa are popular strains. There are various factors to consider when choosing strains of cannabis or between the two marijuana strains for anxiety. The purpose is to select the right strain. So, consider the following elements or characteristics to make an informed decision.
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Chemotype
Chemotype is a primary factor when choosing between indica and sativa strains. Chemotype refers to the ratio of THC and CBD for the strain. Bear in mind that the increase and decrease of THC or CBD can improve or reduce the effects of marijuana on CB1 and CB2 receptors.
So, make sure you know the CBD to THC ratio before choosing a specific strain. Depending on your needs, you can select THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or balanced marijuana strains.
Terpene
Although many people ignore consider terpene profile, it is an essential factor because it determines the taste and smell of a strain. Remember, this can positively or negatively impact the therapeutic effects of a strain on your body and mind. Therefore, you must determine the terpene profile of sativa or indica to make an informed decision.
Potency
Potency is another crucial factor when deciding between indica or sativa strains. A strain’s overall potency is essential to determine before consuming marijuana. For example, a strain that contains over 20% THC produces a “higher” effect than a strain with 5% or 10% THC. Remember, potency usually applies to THC because it is a compound that makes people high.
Final Words
A growing body of research evidence shows that marijuana can reduce anxiety symptoms, including separation and social anxiety. However, marijuana with low THC levels can decrease stress/anxiety efficiently and quickly.
On the other hand, marijuana with high THC doses can increase the risk of stress and anxiety. However, lower doses can relieve anxiety. Moreover, CBD-dominant indica or sativa can decrease anxiety disorders at all doses without any side effects because this compound does not make you “high.”
Remember, each individual responds differently to marijuana. Therefore, you must thoroughly research and consult a marijuana doctor before consuming the substance.
Juul has agreed to pay a large sum of money following allegations of marketing their products to teens.
Juul Labs has reached a settlement with 34 states that accused it of targeting teens in its marketing. The company has agreed to pay a $438.5 million fee while vowing to follow new marketing and sales parameters that limit their reach in hopes of protecting underage consumers.
The state investigations found that Juul appealed to young demographics via different methods, including hiring young models, using social media to promote sales, and even providing free samples of their products.
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“We think that this will go a long way in stemming the flow of youth vaping,” said Connecticut’s attorney general William Tong, per the New York Times. “We are under no illusions and cannot claim that it will stop youth vaping. It continues to be an epidemic. It continues to be a huge problem. But we have essentially taken a big chunk out of what was once a market leader.”
Juul agreed to the settlement and the impositions placed on their company. The company says the settlement “is a significant part of our ongoing commitment to resolve issues from the past. The terms of the agreement are aligned with our current business practices which we started to implement after our companywide reset in the fall of 2019.”
Still, they haven’t admitted to any wrongdoing.
In the past, Juul has been considered a leading company in the vaping crisis. Recently, the company has tried to correct its course and has stopped many of the marketing tools that appealed to teens, including the distribution of different flavors that parents were concerned about.
Juul has also been affected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its denial of its authorization to sell vapes, which stated that the company’s application didn’t have enough evidence to support its claims of benefitting public health. Juul rebutted these statements by showing evidence that they’d helped a variety of consumers quit traditional smoking, which is more harmful.
Currently, the FDA appears to be reviewing different scientific issues regarding the company and has allowed Juul’s products to temporarily remain on the market.
This is the first study to ever assess the impact of marijuana on the pharmaceutical industry, regardless of patient or product type.
Each time a single person chooses to medicate with marijuana products instead of pharmaceutical drugs, it’s one big step for the legal cannabis industry and dollars lost for Big Pharma.
Ever since cannabis legalization began to take traction in the United States, Big Pharma has felt the looming threat. Slowly, biotech firms began to develop not just in the US but abroad as well, focusing on how to utilize the health benefits of the cannabis plant and translate it into safe, effective medicine that has successfully treated many conditions with no side effects — something Big Pharma has failed at doing. To add insult to injury, cannabis has also been effective at treating the opioid epidemic which is caused by medications developed by them.
Now, a new study has found that Big Pharma loses billions of dollars when states legalize marijuana. The peer-reviewed study, entitled “US Cannabis Laws Projected To Cost Generic And Brand Pharmaceutical Firms Billions”, analyzed how publicly traded pharmaceutical firms fared after adult-use or medical marijuana laws were enacted by states. According to Ziemowit Bednarek, California Polytechnic State University’s Finance Department, together with Sarah Stith, pharmaceutical stocks were worth 1.5-2% lower in only 10 days following cannabis legalization.
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It solidifies other studies demonstrating how access to legal marijuana reduces consumption of fatal and addictive opioids. However, this is also the first study to ever assess the impact of marijuana on the pharmaceutical industry, regardless of patient or product type.
The study’s authors also predicted an 11% drop in pharmaceutical sales if cannabis were ever federally legal, which would cost them billions. They also acknowledge the fact that people are substituting marijuana for conventional drugs even if the industry is still working on dosage guidelines, coverage from health insurance, and standardization issues.
“Currently, cannabis patients and their providers have little information to guide them towards the most effective treatment for their condition. The future of cannabis medicine lies in understanding the prevalence and effects of the plants’ components beyond THC and CBD and identifying ways to categorize cannabis by measurable characteristics that are known to yield specific effects,” explains Stith. She also goes on to explain that in their findings, branded pharmaceutical drug companies were affected more than generic firms, likely because of the competitive impact.
The authors concluded by saying that pharmaceutical manufacturers can benefit from this by investing in the cannabis landscape instead of fighting them.
If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them
There have been numerous cases of Big Pharma lobbying against the cannabis industry. One of the most notorious cases was that of Insys Therapeutics, a firm based out of Arizona, who was found to have spent $500,000 to a group called Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, which was established to try and fight Proposition 205 back in 2016. Prop 205 was the voter initiative that legalized marijuana in Arizona.
It’s no surprise why: Insys Therapeutics back then was responsible for just one product: Subsys, a sublingual spray made out of fentanyl, an extremely strong opioid that has taken thousands of lives. “Insys Therapeutics made $62 million in net revenue on Subsys fentanyl sales in the first quarter of this year, representing 100 percent of the companies earnings,” reported The Washington Post.
More recently, a group called the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADA), which has made it their mission to advocate against the federal legalization of cannabis, shut down a page on their website where they listed their partners. One of them is Pfizer, a large global pharmaceutical firm.
What makes it ironic is that in 2021, Pfizer inked a joint deal with Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotech firm that has dedicated a segment of their medications to developing cannabinoid drugs. Arena is focused on developing drugs that target the cannabinoid receptors to treat pain caused by gastrointestinal conditions. Even if Pfizer is not directly in the business of touching the plant, it doesn’t change the fact that they are trying to make money from it.
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At the end of the day, Big Pharma really is in a much better position to support cannabis instead of fight back. There’s simply no competition with marijuana – a natural, affordable plant that contains hundreds of compounds, affecting people differently yet with minimal, if any, side effects. Unlike pharmaceutical medications that come with a range of undesirable side effects if they even do work on patients.
Marijuana is one plant that can be used to treat dozens of conditions: chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, depression, epilepsy, and so much more. Pharmaceutical medications have tried in vain to develop drugs that would treat these same conditions, and while they worked for some, many did not find relief. Instead, patients were left broke and unable to afford expensive treatments and medications. Whereas cannabis simply works. It’s extremely powerful and that’s why pharmaceutical corporations are afraid, feeling threatened.
So threatened, in fact, that Big Pharma has been trying to copy various cannabinoids by taking advantage of its federally illegal status and instead developing synthetic cannabinoids that they can profit from. In doing so, they also control the price and release of cannabinoids. Large pharmaceutical conglomerates need to stay afloat somehow, so they must innovate and do what they can in the meantime.
But the cannabis industry has got to keep on fighting back. Let’s not lose hope that the government will finally change the federal status of marijuana in the near future.
While details of their conversation have not been revealed, Fetterman’s communications director said that Fetterman remained firm in his demands. Here’s what else we know.
Just days after John Fetterman urged President Joe Biden to deschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug and work to decriminalize it, the PA Lt. Governor crossed paths with him near Pittsburgh.
According to Marijuana Moment, Fetterman — a fierce cannabis advocate and Democratic Senate candidate — and Biden discussed potential changes to the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act prior to his speech at a union hall on Monday. Biden was scheduled to visit Pittsburgh for a separate event on Monday during Pittsburgh’s Annual Labor Day parade.
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While details of their conversation have not been revealed, Joe Calvello, Fetterman’s communications director told Marijuana Moment that Fetterman remained firm in his demands and “continued to advocate for the President to use his executive authority to begin the process of rescheduling marijuana so that people convicted of nonviolent offenses can go on with their lives.”
However, there are signals that complete “descheduling” of cannabis was one of the issues touched on during the discussion. At the same time, a campaign spokesperson for Fetterman said earlier that he was planning to talk about “the need to finally decriminalize marijuana” at the federal level.
Will The Biden Administration Work On Marijuana Decriminalization?
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, she 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.”
Biden granted amnesty to dozens of individuals with nonviolent federal drug convictions and commuted the sentences of 75 people serving time at home because of the pandemic earlier this year, out of which nine mentioned cannabis. He also issued three pardons.
Jean-Pierre added that marijuana decriminalization is “something that he has talked about during the campaign, and you’ve heard from him many other times talking about his drug policy focus and what’s important to him. We just don’t have anything to speak to.”
There is no lethal dose of marijuana, however, marijuana can contribute to deaths when consumed irresponsibly and/or there is an underlying health condition.
To “die” from a drug, one must overdose, which has never been observed with cannabis. Weed contains no chemical that has been shown to cause people to overdose and die.
So the answer to the question “Can you die from weed?” is definitive: “No, you can’t die from a weed-induced overdose.” However, weed can contribute to death due to:
Intoxication
An underlying health condition such as a heart condition
Cannabis has been a contributing factor in fatal car accidents. Research has found that from “2000 to 2018 the percentage of crash deaths involving cannabis increased from 9 percent to 21.5 percent.”
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When a person consumes cannabis, chooses to drive, gets in a car accident, and dies, the cause of death is driving while under the influence. Cannabis is a contributing factor, but the individual’s choice to unsafely drive a car after consuming cannabis is the cause of death.
Persons with underlying cardiac conditions must be mindful not to consume substances that can increase their heart rate (such as caffeine or cannabis). Research has found that for people with certain heart conditions, cannabis consumption can increase the chances of having a heart attack by around 4.8 times. When you have any health condition it is important to speak with your doctor about what you consume.
Can You Die From Being Too High?
In toxicology, there is something called median lethal dose (LD50). A substance is tested to determine the specific titrated dose that consistently causes half the animals in a test group to die. This is called the LD50 of a substance.
In research with dogs, it was determined that 3g of THC per kilogram (2.20462 pounds) of body weight is a deadly dose. Stating the findings of this research in another way, “if the dosage were the same in people, a 140-pound (63.5kg) individual would require 190.5g of THC to kill them. As a result, if you had a strain with a potency of 20% THC, you’d need 952.5g (33 ounces/ 2.06 pounds)” of weed to achieve the LD50 found in the study.
In September 1988, Francis L. Young, Administrative Law Judge for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stated:
“Marijuana’s LD-50 is around 1:20,000 or 1:40,000.”
“In order to induce death a marijuana smoker would have to consume 20,000 to 40,000 times as much marijuana as is contained in one marijuana cigarette.”
“A smoker would theoretically have to consume nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana within about fifteen minutes to induce a lethal response.”
“In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume. For example, eating ten raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death.”
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Young’s assessment of marijuana’s safety led to marijuana being accepted for use with medical supervision.
So, in short, you cannot die from being too high. However, if you over-consume cannabis you might experience adverse side effects.
The answer to the question “Can marijuana kill you?” is “no.” A judge for the DEA determined that the amount of marijuana that needs to be consumed to reach an LD50 is so high that marijuana has no set LD50 for human overdose.
Marijuana can, however, contribute to deaths when consumed irresponsibly and/or there is an underlying health condition.
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Cannabis use may no longer disqualify prospective applicants from joining the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force as long as they stop consuming it once in the service. Recruits who otherwise qualified to serve but tested positive for THC at Military Entrance Processing Stations might be granted a waiver, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service told Air Force Times.
He emphasized that applicants who test positive for THC while at MEPS are “permanently” prohibited from entering the Air Force or Space Force. However, with more states legalizing marijuana, the number of THC-positive applicants is rising. “We have to be realistic today,” Thomas continued. “We need to exercise common sense.”
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While it’s unclear when this policy will be finalized, other U.S. military service branches have taken similar steps. Last year, the Navy undertook a pilot program for a period of two years, during which applicants who test positive for marijuana or THC at MEPS will be able to move on to boot camp after a three-month waiting period. The Marine Corps has a slightly different approach to THC-positive recruits, allowing them to return to MEPS after 45 days.
Latest Legislative Efforts
Meanwhile, in July 2020, the House of Representatives approved a measure permitting the use of hemp products and its derivatives for military service members.
Recently, two amendments to a must-pass defense spending bill concerning marijuana-related issues in the U.S. military were also green-lighted by the members of the same chamber.
Sponsored by Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD), the first proposal was centered on cannabis sentencing standards under the military code. It sought a Military Justice Review Panel “develop recommendations specifying appropriate sentencing ranges for offenses involving the use and possession of marijuana.”
The other proposal from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) seeks a Defense Department-led study on the efficiency of cannabis for certain conditions as compared to opioids.
