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The Best Tips For Beating The Heat In Las Vegas

It is another record breaking hot summer in Las Vegas – here are some ideas to escape the heat in Sin City

Las Vegas is a year round circus on fun…but with record breaking temperatures this summer, it is giving people pause. But Vegas can be enjoyable year round, if you know the right things to do to slip into a cool setting. Of course, hydration, being mindful of day drinking, and not over doing it in when the day hits 110+ are all things to watch in Vegas and in other places who are dealing with unusual weather.

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Las Vegas offers a myriad of chill and exciting places to beat the heat during the scorching summer months. The casinos on and off the Stip are nice and an eager to help you stay comfortable away from the blazing sun.  And another main attraction the city is the shopping, whether for M&Ms or Hermes, the retail scene can fit any budget…even an unlimited one. Here are the best tips for beating the heat in Las Vegas, from insider Michael Stratton, general manager of CANNABITION, an elevated immersive experience, soon to open inside the Planet 13 Entertainment Complex.

Vegas is known for their pools and pool parties. Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. This rooftop pool area features multiple pools, cabanas and daybeds, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Las Vegas skyline. With a lively party scene, top-notch DJs and refreshing cocktails, Marquee Dayclub provides an ideal spot to beat the heat and enjoy the summer vibes.

If you prefer to cool off with some outdoor beach fun, Mandalay Bay Beach is the place to be. This aquatic playground features a wave pool, lazy river and real sand beaches. Lounge in the shade of a cabana, take a dip in the refreshing pools or ride the waves in the wave pool. With plenty of water activities and relaxation options, Mandalay Bay Beach offers a perfect escape from the heat while enjoying some sun and surf.

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Step into a world of Italian elegance at The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. This indoor shopping and dining destination offers a cool and luxurious escape from the summer sun. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, enjoy a gondola ride on the indoor canals and explore a variety of high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants. The Venetian’s beautifully designed interiors and soothing ambiance make it an ideal spot to relax and unwind while staying cool.

For a serene and scenic escape, head to Lake Las Vegas. This picturesque lake, located just a short drive from the Strip, offers a variety of water activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The surrounding area features lush green spaces, upscale resorts and waterfront dining options, making it an ideal spot to relax and cool off. Spend the day enjoying the tranquil waters, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or dine at one of the lakeside restaurants while taking in the beautiful views. Lake Las Vegas provides a refreshing and peaceful retreat from the summer heat.

Hopefully. the best tips for beating the heat in Las Vegas will allow you to enjoy your trip to Sin City.

Are Women More Sensitive To THC

It does does with alcohol, but does marijuana effect women differently?

While we can put together people in general categories – men, women, Indian, left-handed, each person is slightly  different…and some categories are different than others.  So are women more sensitive to THC in cannabis?  Reactions to alcohol is different between women and men, some South Asians are effected differently than North Americans with alcohol….so what about with cannabis?

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Science shows biological differences in body structure and chemistry lead most women to absorb more alcohol and take longer to metabolize it. After drinking the same amount of alcohol, women tend to have higher blood alcohol levels than men, and the immediate effects of alcohol usually occur more quickly and last longer in women than men.

While more studies need to be done, current ones trend toward women being more sensitive to THC than men.  Meaning they tend to have a bigger reaction to less. Very similar to alcohol.

Medical Marijuana Users Are Happier Than Non-Users, Study Finds
Photo by Elle Hughes via Pexels

One study, published in the journal Psychopharmacology found women who had consumed less of a cannabis, had lower levels of THC in blood, yet experienced the same acute effects as men.  The key take-away is that women may need a lower dose of THC to get to the same degree of intoxication as men. Females tend to progress to tolerance and dependence faster than males after initiation of regular cannabis use.

One theory researchers posed is estrogen, a primarily female hormone, could influence the metabolism of THC. Levels of estrogen could account for the differences spotted in the study and for the reactions that women experience when consuming THC.

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Most studies are based on male participants, so the data may not hold true in females.” Historically, subjects in animal and human studies. across all of science have been male. Researchers have claimed that it is too difficult to control for the fluctuating hormones in the female body. It is important for physicians and scientists to recognize past studies have excluded females, leaving our understanding of medicine with a bias towards men. With women representing 50% of the population, it is a critical data point.

Physicians And Public Back Rescheduling In a Big Way

After a rough few weeks, the political change might be a help to the cannabis industry

It has been a wild week when it comes to politics and the cannabis industry is holding its breath. The Biden administration made a promise during the 2020 election to move toward  legalization, but didn’t move on it until late 2023, and no real action happened until 2024, a presidential election year. The administration finally asked to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III, similar to Ibuprofen. Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did they research and clearly stated it provides medical benefits. HHS and FDA back cannabis being but the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been more cautious. Now, it has been made clear physicians and the public back rescheduling in a major way.

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In a show of support, the American College of Physicians issued a paper showing support of  rescheduling and perhaps more. This follows support from the American Medical Association.  And the DEA received significant feedback from the public during the public feedback session regarding rescheduling.  The questions are will the DEA follow the medical community, the federal peers, and the public with officially rescheduling?

Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images

In July, the American College of Physicians issued a paper which serves as a statement regarding their view of cannabis moving forward.  In support of rescheduling, the esteemed organization also encouraged more research, decriminalization for small personal amounts, among other things. With over half of Americans living in a state with legal adult use cannabis and three out of four Americans live in a state that has legalized cannabis for medical use, it makes sense.

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The other big notice for the DEA is the feedback, is where the it sits with public opinion. More than 40,000 comments were submitted by various agencies, organizations, academics, and concerned citizens. An overwhelming 91% of comments were submitted in favor of the rescheduling proposal or making it legal under federal law, according to an analysis of the data conducted by Headset. The analysis found that among those supporting a change 56% advocated for complete descheduling of cannabis and 35% supported rescheduling to a less restrictive category.

Now, the decision is in the hands of the DEA, a federal agency which has shown major reluctance in supporting any type of loosening of marijuana restrictions.  It will be on the administration to act.

Why Is Yawning Contagious

Someone starts and it spreads…why is yawning contagious?

Whether at work, school or a dinner, once someone yawns, it is over…more yawning, then someone gets up and the fun bubble has popped.  But what happens? Why is yawning contagious? In 400 B.C., Hippocrates thought yawning removed bad air from the lungs before a fever. In the 17th and 18th century, doctors believed yawning increased oxygen in the blood, blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow itself. So it made sense you would want to follow the example…but what makes the body do it involuntary?

In the past, people have had many hypotheses. In the last century, consensus moved toward the idea that yawning cools down the brain, so when ambient conditions and temperature of the brain itself increase, yawning episodes increase.

Typically a yawn lasts four to seven seconds and happens in fits of two or three. It involves the following steps:

  • A long inhale (breathing in) using your nose and then mouth.
  • A brief episode of powerful muscle stretching around your mouth and throat.
  • A rapid exhale (breathing out) using your mouth with muscle tension release.

Yawning is mostly involuntary, meaning you don’t have control over it. And most scientists consider it a reflex.

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And yawning occurs in just about every species. It happens when an animal is tired. It can be used as a threat display in some species. Yawning can occur during times of social conflict and stress, something researchers call a displacement behavior.  So it isn’t just a human reaction, it is the animal kingdom also….so why does it happen and why is so darn contagious?

Yawning happens in many animal species – and seems to pass from one to another. Robert Gramner on Unsplash, CC BY

Yawning is a common but perplexing human function. Scientists have several theories but nothing concrete. Common triggers of yawning include tiredness, boredom, waking up and stress.  A current theory about yawning is the arousal hypothesis states yawning activates your brain. This theory is tied to the fact tiredness and boredom tend to trigger yawning the most.

Seeing or hearing other people yawn can also cause you to yawn. The wide-open mouth can be contagious, especially in social species such as humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, macaques and wolves. In addition, research on humans tell us people who are more empathetic tend to be more susceptible to contagious yawning. When you see someone else yawn, the networks in your brain responsible for empathy and social skills are activated.

Is yawning contagious for dogs also. In U.K. biologists tested for contagious yawning between people and man’s best friend. Although 5 of the 19 dogs studied did yawn in response to an unfamiliar person’s yawn, the researchers couldn’t prove the yawns were contagious.  But, cognitive and behavioral scientists at the University of Tokyo once again tested contagious yawning in canines while controlling for stress. This time researchers found dogs were more likely to yawn in response to a familiar person. They concluded dogs can “catch” a yawn from humans and yawning is a social rather than an stress-based behavior.

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University of Nebraska psychologists looked at contagious yawning in shelter dogs. They found some dogs yawned when exposed to human yawning and had elevated cortisol levels, a proxy for stress. Levels of the cortisol stress hormone did not rise in dogs who didn’t yawn in response to a human yawn. This finding suggests some dogs find human yawning stressful and others do not. More research is needed to evaluate this aspect of the human-dog relationship.The ConversationThe jury’s still out on the true why of yawning. But when it comes to inter-species yawning, collect your own anecdotal data. Try an experiment at home, yawn and see if your pet yawns back.

CBD And Other Good Ways To Fight Acne

While common, it can be a pain and also make you feel insecure during a time growing up…can CBD and other things helps?

It is very common, but can really do a number on people. A large portion of those 11-30 get acne at some point, but even those older can find it popping up. It is a pain to treat and what tiggers it is not fully understood, but science has come up with ideas and solutions. And yes, some chocolate can contribute to the problem.

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Acne is a skin condition when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and long term, potential scarring. Canada and the US spent over $10 billion dollars on over the counter products last year to treat acne. Not every product helps and it is smart, to take a break and make a sensible, effective plan to help the problem in the short and long term.

cupcake
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite via Pexels

Learn your skin type

Before racing to load your cart with products, it is important to know your skin type. Having this knowledge will helps choose better products to treat break outs more efficiently. According to Dermstore, there are seven skin types: normal, oily, dry/dehydrated, combination, acne-prone, sensitive and mature.

CBD

While more research needs to be done, there is evidence CBD can help with acne. CBD, which has minimal THC and does not get you high, helps reduce inflammation. This is critical in skin care. Certain CBDs acts directly on the cells that make sebum, which can help balance oil production and reduce inflammation, making for healthier skin. Consider using a well reviewed CBD cream to combat acne.

Take care of your face

Wash your face twice a day — when you wake up and before you go to bed. You’ll also want to wash your face when you finish an activity that makes you sweat. If you do it several times a day, it can further irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. Be gentle when washing your face and other skin with acne. You want to use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. Apply the cleanser lightly with your fingertips, using a circular motion. Gently rinse it off with warm water, using only your fingers. Then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. When sweating, use a clean towel to gently pat sweat from your skin.

Try a brief detox

High glycemic foods, processed foods, and sugar can be triggers for acne. This would include chocolate with high milk and sugar content.  These foods and sweets can cause the skin to break out, especially is a tendency toward acne. If the skin is feeling patchy and uncomfortable and more zits are appearing than usual, go on a brief detox and document progress. Eliminate sugars, white breads, pasta, and other processed foods. Give it two weekend see the results and then slow add things back in your diet.

Find a way to manage stress

Research shows, stress correlates with acne severity. While it may not cause the outbreak, it can make it worse. It can trigger changing a person’s hormone balance and the skin’s immune function. When a person is stressed, the body releases cortisol. Which can lead to the wording of acne. Find way to deal with stress in a healthy way including physical activity, meditation, reading, yoga, or and more.

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Don’t overuse products

It’s common to want to attack pimples as soon as they appear, but, while hard, what’s most advisable is to let your skin breathe, at least for a bit. While acne treatments are meant to get rid of that extra skin as soon as possible, they tend to be harsh and irritating. Once the skin is irritated, it becomes a painful mess with aggravating pimples. And it can lead to trouble mending the skin. Give the product or treatment time to work, usually 6 to 8 weeks. If there is no sign of improvement by then, you try another product. Complete clearing generally takes 3 to 4 months.

5 Reasons You’re Always Hungry

 Everyone gets hungry – but some people get hungry WAY too often…here are some possible reasons why.

There are two types of people, those who eat to live and those who live to eat. The later focuses on the enjoyment and taste of food and the culture around eating.  Think Italians, French, Japanese where food is central to life, relationships and even business meetings. Americans love to eat and portions reflect it in the US.  Europeans are often stunned at the size of portions in American restaurants.  But for some, it may not be enough and they feel they can continue to consume.  Here are 5 reasons you’re always hungry.

Too much stress

Almost 38% of adults say they have overeaten or eaten unhealthy foods in the past month because of stress. Half of these adults (49 percent) report engaging in these behaviors weekly or more. Consider some stress relievers include a walk, listening to relaxing music or a long bath.  Physical activity is a great way to distract you body while gently releasing endorphins.

Not sleeping enough

Sleep is the best and only way of giving your body some rest and of regulating some important hormones, like those that regulate your hunger. A report by the American Heart Association found that the hormone Gherlin, the one that regulates hunger, is decreased when sleep is disrupted.

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Drinking too much alcohol or soda

Sodas and alcohol, along with packing tons of calories, alter your system. The former contains a lot of corn syrup and fructose. This compound, when consumed, blocks the brain’s ability to determine when you’re full, tricking you into eating more when even if you are full. Alcohol also tricks your brain into thinking you’re hungry, with a 2017 study finding a link between alcohol consumption and specific brain neurons that cause a desire to eat. Think of alcohol as the liquid munchies.

Photo by Dan Gold via Unsplash.

Breakfast isn’t filling enough

There is an emphasis on breakfast for a reason. The first meal of the day can predict how you’ll eat for the remainder of it. Different studies have proved having savory foods in the morning increases the odds of eating healthy through the day and people who ate less than 300 calories for breakfast gained more weight than those who consumed 500 calories or more. Listen to your grandma and have a balanced breakfast in the morning.

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Not eating enough vegatables

Leafy greens (some of the most maligned foods ever) provide vitamin K, a nutrient that helps regulate your insulin and control your cravings. People should consume around 120 micrograms of vitamin K daily, which can be obtained from a simple cup of kale.

stu_spivack/Flickr

Boredom

Have you ever noticed that when you have nothing to do you always end up checking what’s inside your fridge? According to a study, boredom is a huge contributor to weight gain, causing people to overeat simply because there’s nothing better you can do.

Best Tips For Outdoor Exercise In The Heat

Summer activities range from pickle ball to running.  Here are some tips to enjoy it without getting overheated.

Summer is the time to head outdoors and have fun.  Whether swimming, pickle ball, sports, gardening or maintaining your walk/run schedule…the weather is bright, the days are long and you aren’t bundled up in heavy coat. But sometimes the heat can make it daunting…and with more heat waves, you have to take some precautions.  Here are teh best tips for outdoor exercise in the heat.

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Common sense says be careful and avoid the hottest part of the day. Usually around 4 pm is when the heat peaks, so between 1-5 is the worst time.  You shouldn’t exercise with the same intensity and take frequent breaks, which is perfect if you are playing a sport or gardening.  Water is essential, so drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is a key factor in heat illness. Fluids helps your body sweat and cool down by staying well-hydrated with water.  In fact, sweating can release endorphins in the brain which make people feel good.

Short Workouts Vs Long Workouts: Which Is Better?
Photo by Tamara Bellis via Unsplash

Manage your day, do activities in the early morning or late afternoon/evening.  According a study, during hot days, the best option is to run in the early morning. This is especially true in urban locations which have concrete buildings soak up the sun throughout the day and may make late in the day runs hotter than expected.

In order to acclimatize to the weather successfully, the process must be gradual. Head out for your run earlier than usual, with your water bottle, and complete your a shorter and gentler version of your workout. Check your heart rate and your level of heat and continue to do this until you feel like you’re feeling back to normal.

Are Short Workouts Better Than Long Ones? Here's What Experts Say
Photo by Jad Limcaco via Unsplash

In order to acclimatize to the weather successfully, the workout process should be gradual. Start your activities earlier than usual, with your water bottle, and complete your a shorter and gentler version of your sports/workout/ tournament. Consider a “warm up period” where you aren’t keeping score.

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An icy drink beforehand, like a slushie or a smoothie, might make your outdoor exercise more pleasant. According to researchers, you should aim to drink 16 ounces of cold fluid 20 minutes before you go out for your run or an activities sport.  Avoid alcohol until you are ready to cool down.

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While it doesn’t keep you from overheating, wearing sunscreen can help you prevent feeling the heat when you are done. You also want to dress in layers and nothing to tight to give your body a chance to breath.

If you are starting to feel nausea, dizziness or cramps, you could be overheating. Check your heart rate and your level of heat and continue until you feel like you’re feeling back to normal. If you have symptoms, stop the workout and seek shade and some tap water.  If possible, work out with a partner.

Tips To Make The Most Of Important Alone Time

Whether you are an Introvert or Extrovert, alone time is key to your personal wellness.

There is always the big discussion about the differences and lifestyles of introverts and extroverts. Introverts have a general preference for quiet settings, solitude, and reflection. They may feel must comfortable in small, intimate settings and often need time alone to recharge. Extroverts prefer social interaction, excitement, and stimulation often if not constantly. But both need alone time for a variety of reasons.

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In today’s social media world, it seems people are always out with friends doing amazing things. But it is an illusion as most people still have to live their life. And sometimes life can be incredible filled with work, deadlines, family issues and an endless stream of tasks. Alone time is a healthy way to recharge, destress, and recenter yourself. It also give you time to process and reflect, not to mention sometimes let your body mend. Alone time should not be confused loneliness, which is a mental or physical isolation negatively impacting mental and physical health, sleep, and sometimes perception and thinking.

listening to music
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Understand alone time

Sometimes you want to be alone to just relax and unwind. When things are too busy, we crave it, but when things are running on schedule or going well, we tend to not think of it. If agitation, chronic stress, and fatigue become more common, it is the body and mind signaling it needs a bit of a break. The holidays are an example, sometimes even people who love the time of year find things don’t seem as fun, which the body and mind are overwhelmed and a little break is needed. It the brain isn’t getting enough downtime, it tend to process information differently and inefficiently.  Alone time gives a break to let all the moving parts fall back into place and build clearer thought patterns.

Understand it is a positive not a punishment

While the phrase YOLO (you only live once) and FOMO (fear of missing out) are fading from the lexicon, the need and fear is still alive.  Some people connect alone time with being left out, unpopular, or not included. Instead, it is a way to grow comfortable with yourself, build back energy and come at things refreshed and more fun. The more comfortable you were who you are, the more comfortable you are with others.

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Connect with what you love

Another major benefit of alone time is the ability to connect things you love. While scrolling social media shouldn’t be high on the list, other things can increase the happiness feeling.  Listening to music, even if it is the same song over and over, is a perfect solitary activity. Not having to share, explain or hope they like it while listening to tunes allows you to  reduce anxiety and  blood pressure. It can also improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.

Reading is another way to escape, expand your mind or just chill.  Long walks, favorite movies, paddle board, bing watch a show you especially enjoy and more are all ways to allow the system to pause and rebuild.

Is Harris The Answer For The Cannabis Industry

After a rough few weeks, the political change might be a help to the cannabis industry

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) seems to be on a path to squash the cannabis industry. He recently allowed a group to petition to slow, delay or stop the rescheduling process and is known for being a foe of the marijuana industry.  Left unchecked, he could roll back enough things to seriously harm the legal industry. And there has been more talk about harsh punishment for the black market.  The unexpected chaos in the Democratic Party could mean a change.  The question being is Harris the answer for the cannabis industry’s hopes.

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While Speaker Mike Johnson consistently votes against anything marijuana, Vice President Harris’s take has somewhat involved. Known for being a tough on the industry during her tenure as California’s Attorney General, as Vice President she took a pause and has emerged as an administration champion for rescheduling. Unlike any other Vice President or Vice presidential candidate, she has regularly mentioned it in campaign speeches.

Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images

As attorney general, she was a polarizing figure in California. Her positions on criminal justice issues often shifted. But her move to somewhat legalizing cannabis is seen as a good sign for the industry. Stocks rose on the on the news she may be the Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party. Investors are noting while 85% of the public believe it should be legal in some form, some politicians are definitely not on board.

Harris has been described as moving on controversial issues only once she saw what was politically viable. Marijuana is a now a consumer non issue and from boomers to Gen Z the public is seeing it a much more positive light. This may be the reason is she is speaking about it more openly and more often. She made several comments in March when rescheduling was just starting, and now it should bubble back up.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reaching an end to the rescheduling public comment session and some in the GOP, added my Johnson, want to extend the period. Harris’s take could be a significant glimpse into what a Harris presidency can look like for cannabis.

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The next year is critical to the mom and pop cannabis industry.  While the big backers including former bankers, the alcohol industry and others, the backbone are small growers, dispensaries and product companies.  The election will have far reaching consequence on the industry and tens of thousands of jobs.

 

 

Key Facts About Medical Marijuana

The cannabis industry has been in the news with Speaker Johnson allowing bills to slow or stop the growth. But science and doctors say it has benefits.

The Speaker for the House of Representatives has tacitly given his approval for reducing the public’s access to marijuana. This is at odds with with 85% of the public, who believe it should be legal in some form. Recreationally, marijuana has been proven to be less damaging to the body than alcohol. And, unlike booze, it has clear medical benefits. But some lawmakers are looking backward and not forward. And patients and veterans are goign to be

It is important to know cannabis has been a key tool in the opioid epidemic. And, despite the prediction, legalizing the plant has lead to a reduction of minor consumption rates. Science has proven there is a clear benefit, but more research needs to unlock everything it can do and the correct dosage.  Expanded legalization will only help patients.

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While a majority of people use cannabis to relax, almost 46% use it for some type of medical benefit. And in a somewhat legal world, alcohol use is dropping among Gen Z as they use healthier marijuana. The US Veterans Department and civilian physicians encourages patients to talk about how they are using marijuana to manage illness or pain. They consider it part of a regime and want to maximize the benefits. In addition, understand medical marijuana is an important ally in combatting PTSD.

Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

As Speaker Johnson and his allies try to stop marijuana, the American Medical Association, Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration along with medical research institutions have thrown their weight to greater access and more research as it is a better option in some treatments.

Some of the acknowledged researched benefits include:

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Researchers say more research needs to be done to unlock the 100 or so other cannabinoids in any given strain. The study suggests cannabinoids like Cannabichromene (CBC) and Cannabinol (CBN) might be responsible for more of the therapeutic benefits than previously know.

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