The comments came on the heels of his introducing long-awaited U.S. Senate legislation that would decriminalize and deschedule cannabis on the federal level.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) remains firm in his stance that cannabis reform doesn’t lead to an increase in crime or drug use.
“The overwhelming evidence from the states that have legalized cannabis is there has not been an increase in crime and has not been an increase in drug use,” Schumer said at a recent press briefing. The comments came on the heels of his introducing long-awaited U.S. Senate legislation that would decriminalize and deschedule cannabis on the federal level.
The nearly 300-page Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act (CAOA), from Schumer and Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker, was presented last week. Two more Senate Democrats, Assistant Democratic Leader Patty Murray (D-WA) and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), also agreed to cosponsor the measure.
The briefing, held on Tuesday, overlapped with the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, in which Booker tackled many important issues regarding federal cannabis legalization. The subcommittee has yet to vote on the CAOA.
Schumer’s Latest Cannabis Legalization Efforts
Meanwhile, despite an overall pessimistic sentiment regarding the passage of the legislation in the Senate, as it needs a 60-vote threshold to get approved, Schumer continues to advocate for the broad reform proposal.
Last month the senator convened with GOP House Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on several occasions to discuss possible bipartisan cannabis reform steps that can be taken ahead of the finalization of a separate comprehensive legalization bill that would include much more than just banking and expungements reforms.
The two lawmakers discussed combining the two already existing bipartisan bills, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act from Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and the Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act, a piece of legislation that would help states expunge criminal records for people with convictions for non-violent cannabis offenses.
SAFE Banking Act has passed the House seven times. However, it is still in the Senate under Republican and Democratic leadership.
Heat waves are sweeping across the US, making it imperative for people to take care of themselves while exercising.
The U.S. is facing a heat wave that can make even the most committed of athletes think twice before heading outside. While working out in hot weather isn’t the most pleasant of activities, when faced with 100-degree temperatures, the activity can even be dangerous.
No matter how hydrated you stay and how closely you monitor your symptoms, workouts, particularly those that are over 30 minutes long, can push your body to its limits when paired with a scorching day. Here’s how to know if it’s too hot to work out outdoors:
Outdoor workouts can be a risk when the weather is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that if it’s a 100-degree day, it’s best to skip your run that day and schedule an indoor activity.
Another factor you should keep an eye on is the day’s humidity levels, which can make an 80-degree day feel much much warmer.
Stick to the mornings
Photo by Jonathan Borba via Unsplash
The hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. are generally the hottest, making it a good idea to avoid working out outdoors during this time, especially in the summer. An important fact to be mindful of is that dawn is way cooler than sunset, making this the best time for competing a workout.
Wear the right clothes
Photo by Karsten Winegeart via Unsplash
During this time of the year, it’s important to wear light and comfortable clothes, preferably breathable shorts, exercise tank tops or t-shirts, and a cap, giving yourself some protection from the sun. Use sunscreen!
Staying hydrated while working out is super important, even when there isn’t a heat wave around. In the presence of such hot weather, it’s pivotal for you to have some water on you while outdoors and to keep an eye on how you feel, pausing and finding shelter if feeling overheated or light-headed.
Workout indoors
Photo by John Arano via Unsplash
When exercising, it’s important to switch things up. During super hot days, it might be worth considering taking a fitness class, visiting your gym, or staying at home and completing some workout videos or circuit training sets.
You’ve got to be prepared to come face-to-face with numerous options of medical marijuana products to choose from.
After some thorough discussion and debate, many states are now recognizing the viability of medical marijuana to help treat and alleviate the symptoms of several health problems. Of course, this isn’t to say the use of medical marijuana is absolute. There are metrics that have to be observed, such as limits in terms of dosage, sources, and the supervision of a healthcare professional. Here are 4 tips for first-time medical marijuana patients.
Once you’ve been given a prescription by a qualified doctor, you have to be very cautious about all your decisions and choices related to using medical marijuana. You must make sure that the medical marijuana you use will complement other medications and will not affect its effectiveness.
With that in mind, here’s a handy guide for first-time medical marijuana patients so you can stay safe and healthy as possible when using it.
Prepare For A Lot Of Research
While there are different kinds of medical marijuana products and manufacturers being sold in dispensaries today, these are not made equally. There are those better than other products, performance-wise and quality-wise. Because your intended usage of marijuana is for medical purposes, it’s just but fitting for you to focus on products and manufacturers that are reputable and well-known in the medical field for their top quality.
There are many ways to do your research, apart from taking in the advice of your doctor:
Online Resources: The Internet is an information superhighway, so take advantage of the availability of resources you can find online. For example, you may find marijuanadoctorsrx.com helpful. Just be sure that you’re only reading from credible sources. The Internet can give you insights into the reputation of certain brands and manufacturers, so before you head out to a dispensary, you may already have an idea of what brands you should look out for.
Talk To Other Medical Marijuana Patients: If you personally know of anyone else who are medical marijuana patients, you can also ask for their advice as to what brands and types of products to trust. Especially because they’re patients themselves, you can trust them enough not to recommend any product or brand that they know isn’t reputable or of good quality.
Know The Conditions That Are Approved For Medical Marijuana
Do note that medical marijuana isn’t absolute. This means that there are only a few illnesses or conditions that your state may have approved for medical marijuana use. So, if your illness isn’t on the list, then you most likely won’t be given a prescription or clearance by your doctor to take medical marijuana.
Photo by Esther Kelleter/EyeEm/Getty Images
Some of the common conditions that are approved for medical marijuana include:
Cancer
Eating Disorders
Chronic Pain
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Epilepsy
Arthritis
HIV/AIDS
Glaucoma
Multiple Sclerosis
Hepatitis C
With this list, however, do remember that this isn’t absolute. It can differ from one state to another. To be sure, check with your local medical authorities as well.
Learn What To Do When You Visit A Marijuana Dispensary
Because your intended usage of marijuana is for medical purposes, this means that you’re going to need a prescription before you can be given certain products from a dispensary. But you don’t have to be so anxious during your first visit. You can liken this to a visit to your trusted pharmacy. Most people working in dispensaries are very chill, and they’ll be more than willing to help you out with your medical concern.
You also don’t have to stick to just one dispensary. You can start with the one that’s closest to you. If the products aren’t there, then you’re welcomed to look for other dispensaries that may have the available brand and type that you need.
There Are Different Types Of Products Available
When your doctor gives you clearance for medical marijuana, it’s not all the time that they’re going to specify the kind of product you’re going to use. In many instances, they may specify only the potency or the amount of CBD that should be in every marijuana product you’re going to purchase. This will have to be computed alongside the required dosage and frequency set by your doctor.
The budtender or staff curator at the dispensaries you’re buying from will gladly help you to ensure accuracy. But you’ve got to be prepared to come face-to-face with numerous options of medical marijuana products to choose from.
These medical marijuana products all have their respective pros and cons. So, it’s up to you to choose according to your preferred type, or what you’re most comfortable with:
Cannabis Edibles: These are popular among many patients because they’re easy to consume. Especially for those that have an aversion to capsules or gels or because they’re already taking too many in a day, cannabis edibles are easier to digest. These can be incorporated or mixed with drinks or be used as a key ingredient when cooking the patient’s food.
Cannabis Topicals: These are great for patients who need a more localized effect or feel of their medical marijuana. Typically, these are for those patients using medical marijuana to alleviate chronic pain. It’s best to do a patch test with topicals first to make sure that the patient’s skin will not have an adverse reaction to it.
THC Vapes: Vaping cannabis, even for medical marijuana is getting popular, because of its ease of use.
Conclusion
With so many more patients getting pleased at the benefits of medical marijuana, it’s not surprising that there’s increasing approval for its use in many places. If you’ve been given that clearance by your doctor, the next thing to do is to procure a safe and quality medical marijuana product and administer it in the proper and correct dosage. It’s not worth sacrificing your health for anything. So, always be mindful of the tips above.
Whenever you’re unsure, don’t substitute this for medical advice. Your physician who cleared you for medical marijuana is always your best source for all health-related questions and concerns. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with the medical marijuana type or method used, then make sure to communicate this with your doctor.
Thailand became the first South-East Asian country to decriminalize marijuana last month after the government removed the substance from the banned Category 5 narcotics list. This allowed Thais to grow cannabis plants at home and sell the crop legally.
Now several hundred doctors from Ramathibodi Hospital are pushing for the suspension of the newly proposed policy.
According to Bangkok Post, a total of 851 doctors, including lecturers and alumni of the faculty of medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University, are seeking immediate suspension of marijuana decriminalization.
Dr. Smith Srisont, president of the Forensic Physicians Association of Thailand, posted a statement on his Facebook account.
The petitioners emphasized that cannabis has adverse effects on the bodies and brains of the young, seeking enactment of adequate measures and policies for the safe use of marijuana.
Illinois Rec Cannabis Tax Revenue Breaks Another Record In 2022
Tax reported from recreational cannabis sales in Illinois rose by 50% year-over-year to $445.3 million in the fiscal year 2022, Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently announced.
Cannabis tax disbursements to local governments totaled $146.2 million for the year, representing an increase of 77% from $146.2 million in 2021.
Meanwhile, recreational cannabis sales surged 50% year over year to $1.5 billion in 2022.
“Illinois has done more to put justice and equity at the forefront of this industry than any other state in the nation and has worked to ensure that communities hurt by the war on drugs have had the opportunity to participate,” Pritzker said in a press release. “The $1.5 billion in sales of adult-use cannabis in Illinois translates into significant tax revenue with a portion of every dollar spent being reinvested in communities that have suffered for decades.”
Interestingly, Illinois took in more tax dollars from cannabis receipts than alcohol in 2021. Cannabis taxes in the Prairie State exceeded liquor taxes for the first time in February 2021.
Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images
Zimbabwe OKs Hemp Use In Medicines
Zimbabwe gave the green light to the sale of hemp-based products as a part of therapy prescribed to patients.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe is now calling on all licensed cannabis and hemp producers as well as manufacturers, importers, exporters and retail pharmacists to qualify to sell the products through an application process.
Those interested are required to submit samples of their products and undergo an inspection of their production sites.
The regulator said earlier this month that “unlicensed sellers of cannabis will be prosecuted for selling unapproved.”
The applicants have already started submitting applications for approval of their hemp-based products, the regulator said.
The study represents a significant advance in our understanding of the role of gut microbiota in motivated behavior, specifically the behavior of voluntary alcohol consumption.
The impulse to drink is complicated and tied to a variety of things. While you may have cultivated your taste for alcohol due to your lifestyle and lots of time spent out with friends, there’s an important genetic component to these habits. It seems your gut may be influencing your urge to drink.
A new study conducted by researchers from Madrid found some links between the urge to drink alcohol and gut health. According to researchers, if these findings were to be explored, people could develop a better understanding of why they feel the impulse to drink and health experts could come up with novel forms of treating alcohol disorders, conditions that have been historically tough to overcome.
Researchers examined 507 young participants, who provided fecal samples for analysis and completed a questionnaire about their drinking patterns. These samples were then compared to a group of non-drinkers, with researchers finding some differences in their stomachs, with drinkers having an abundance of a bacteria called Actinobacteria
Researchers then turned to animals to find out if the bacteria in their guts pushed them to want to drink alcohol. Researchers transplanted the fecal bacteria of alcohol dependent animals to those that were non-drinking and discovered that the latter group started having cravings after the procedure.
“The study represents a significant advance in our understanding of the role of gut microbiota in motivated behavior, specifically the behavior of voluntary alcohol consumption,” according to Elena Giné, researcher at the UCM’s Department of Cellular Biology.
Experts have a couple of theories as to why this could happen. Alcohol could increase the presence of bacteria that pushes animals and people to drink, or it could decrease other bacteria and change the microbiome of the host’s organism, thus making them crave alcohol.
While the study remains in its initial stages, it raises some interesting questions. Most importantly, if more studies were conducted and this theory was proven correct, some alternate methods of treating alcohol disorders could appear, affecting the lives of millions of people all over the world.
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, chaired by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), held a hearing on Tuesday titled “Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms.”
The meeting came on the heels of last week’s presentation of a long-awaited marijuana bill — the Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act (CAOA) — which would decriminalize and deschedule cannabis on the federal level, while also promoting social equity. Booker sponsored the bill, alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) (C), joined by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) (L) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) / Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The hearing tackled many important issues in regards to federal cannabis legalization, but it wasn’t an actual debate on the bill, as the subcommittee has yet to vote on the CAOA.
Booker started the Senate hearing on cannabis urging for the end of the federal ban on marijuana, claiming “Federal cannabis prohibition has failed,” reported NJ.com.
Booker cited evidence that cannabis’ current classification as a Schedule 1 drug has caused many harms.
“It has failed to make our communities safer, it has failed to reflect modern science and contemporary values across the political spectrum, and it has miserably failed our most vulnerable people in America,” Booker said. “Really, it’s inflicted a lot of damage upon the families within our country.”
Others Disagreed
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) challenged Booker’s claims that the federal ban on cannabis has disproportionately affected Blacks and other minorities.
“The marijuana legalization movement is plagued by misinformation, much of which somehow found itself into the chairman’s opening statement,” Cotton said. “Federal marijuana laws are not a racial justice issue and federal prisons are not filled with low-level, non-violent drug possessors.”
Former Associate Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General Steven Cook also argued that there’s no racism in the criminal justice system and that the law enforcement was mainly focused on large-scale drug trafficking, instead of personal use.
“Unfounded allegations that the criminal system is systemically racist are destructive,” Cook said. “They undermine the public confidence in the best criminal justice system in the world and they foster division at a time when our nation desperately needs leaders who do the opposite.”
The System Is The One To Blame
Dr. Malik Burnett, medical director for the Center for Harm Reduction Services at the Maryland Department of Health, noted that this is more of a “systematic racist problem.” Kids from low-income communities are often not able to afford lawyers or other resources if police implicate them. “This is the system and the way it’s designed,” Burnett said.
Annapolis, Maryland Police Chief Edward Jackson agreed with Booker, saying: “Around the country, people — including police — are realizing that there is nothing inherently violent about selling, possessing, or using cannabis; prohibition is what fuels violence and crime, not cannabis,”
“All these impacts of cannabis prohibition have fallen particularly hard on communities of color because cannabis laws are only enforced in certain neighborhoods,” he said.
Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images
The Need For SAFE Banking Act Is Clear
During the hearing, another bill, which many industry experts believe has the most chances of reaching President Joe Biden’s desk, the Secure and Fair Enforcement, or SAFE, Banking Act was also discussed.
So far, the SAFE Banking Act has managed to pass the U.S. House six times in the last three years, and lately, Senate has been under a lot of pressure to approve it.
A hearing on this act is scheduled on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, featuring the congressional supporters and people from the industry who are at risk of robberies because operating mainly in cash. Among those who will speak is Dennis Brown, who lost his son in March during a robbery at the dispensary he worked for.
While Booker is against the passage of the SAFE Banking Act on its own, because of fear of not handling restorative justice after that, Burnett confirmed during the hearing that “the need for legislation like the SAFE Banking Act is clear.”
After the hearing, Booker told NJ Advance Media that he was discussing with other lawmakers legislation that contains both SAFE Banking and restorative justice.
“I’ve always understood the urgency of SAFE Banking, but strategically I want folks to know that if we just do SAFE Banking we may never see restorative justice things, at least not in the short term,” Booker said. “The ability to get SAFE Banking, combined with restorative justice principles, is to me an achievable effort.”
A good rule of thumb is that if your state bans cannabis use in public places, it is safe to say you cannot use it in a state park.
Camping is a wildly popular fair weather activity throughout the country. It is a perfect excuse to get your family and friends together for some time with nature. When you’re in the woods, or camped on the beach, it is easy to let all your anxieties and professional stresses evaporate into the clean air.
While releasing stress is one of the many great benefits of camping, it is important to remember there are still rules and laws you must follow while camping. This is particularly true if you bring some marijuana along with you on your camping trip.
Camping can be the perfect setting to enjoy some great bud, but it is important you go into your trip prepared with tools and knowledge to ensure a smooth and elevated excursion. Here are some basic facts and tips to live by when camping with marijuana this year.
Know The Laws For National Parks Vs. State Parks Vs. Private Camps
It might seem like anything goes when you are in the vast nothingness of a place like Glacier or Badlands National Park, but in fact, alcohol is strictly forbidden. Because national parks are federal land, federal laws apply. That means marijuana is still a schedule 1 substance. The exact verbiage, according to the National Park Service is, “Possession or use of marijuana inside a National Park Service unit (parks, preserves, rivers and monuments) is prohibited.”
When it comes to state parks, things can be more complicated. A reporter with SF Gate struggled for days to find any official who could offer any sort of “policy” for California State Parks, stating that, “The legalization of recreational marijuana in many states is still so new, and regulations surrounding it can still be complex and unclear.” In other words, if your state recently legalized marijuana, then state parks may not even have up-to-date policy on cannabis usage.
A good rule of thumb, however, is if your state bans cannabis use in public places, it is safe to say you cannot use it in a state park. Additionally, some states ban all smoking, tobacco and cannabis. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, “Smoking is not permitted in State Parks, except on paved roadways or parking facilities. On January 1, 2020, the law associated with Senate Bill 8 went into effect.” The main reason for these no smoking laws often has to do with wildfire risk, so it is important you abide by them. If you are trying to get high in parks with no smoking policies, pack your edibles.
Private campgrounds have the right to create their own policies, as long as they abide by laws and do not prohibit any fundamental rights. Therefore, if marijuana is legal in the state where you are camping, your private campground can either prohibit or allow marijuana use. In some cases, in fact, they might even promote marijuana use.
Find Cannabis Friendly Accommodations
In the last few years, many private lodges and accommodations have capitalized on the weed market by marketing themselves as cannabis friendly. There are all sorts of cannabis friendly lodges and campgrounds. Also, as we have previouslyreported, there are all sorts of “Bud and Breakfasts” sprinkled all over the country near some of your favorite wilderness spots. Now you can even find explicitly cannabis friendly campgrounds in most states where it is legal.
Be Respectful Of Your Neighbors
Remember that just because weed is legal, it does not mean everyone at the campground wants to get contact high. Read the room, or in this case, read the wilderness. Be mindful of the direction of the wind and station yourself accordingly. If you are around families, use common sense. Remember edibles and vaporizers won’t leave the surroundings smelling like skunk. After all, once you have made sure you are in the legal clear, and aren’t upsetting your neighbors, you are free to enjoy all the joys that the great outdoors mixed with cannabis has to offer.
Between Skunk, Kush, and Haze, which is better? It depends on the cannabis user as everyone has their peculiar preferences.
Cannabis enthusiasts globally are familiar with these varieties: Skunk, Haze, and Kush because they profoundly impact the cannabis industry. To have a comprehensive understanding of the history of cannabis, it must start with these three substances.
In addition to being some of the first considerable strains in modern times, these strains also influenced the rise of cultivars that cannabis smokers loved. So what makes Skunk, Haze, and Kush the classics they are today? Let’s get answers!
Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash
Background Of Skunk, Haze, And Kush
Every cannabis first-timer immediately unravels the variety of strains available in the cannabis industry. Both users and growers have an avalanche of strains to select from, which is grounded in the genetics of cannabis.
The availability of these varieties explains why there are cannabis strains with different effects, tastes, and growth features. It is therefore common to find cannabis enthusiasts with shelves full of different kinds of varieties as this allows them to enjoy what these strains have to offer.
From the myriad of options, some strains stand out from the others. Anyone who smokes Skunk, Haze, and Kush will confirm that these are legendary strains that have become a kind of “holy grail” within the cannabis industry.
These three strains attained legendary status because of what they offer the cannabis user: a distinctive, robust flavor and superior yields that are every grower’s delight. These strains are even more popular in recent times because cannabis breeders use their genetics as a building block for hundreds of many new hybrid strains.
What is Skunk Cannabis?
A skunk is a super-strong form of cannabis that has taken over the streets of America, with cannabis users preferring it to other strains. However, as one of the oldest bred hybrids in modern cannabis history, it has thrived in various locations worldwide.
It is often referred to as the number one choice for breeders and has given rise to hundreds of new strains. Skunk cannabis-derived its name from an animal, and its flavor is called the “skunk terpenes.” This cannabis is revered in the industry for its strength and intense aroma.
So what makes Skunk so unique and appealing? Why are breeders eager to use this strain to create new cultivars? Skunk offers a balanced package of phytochemicals with reliable and robust genetics, all with a delicious taste.
It has a slightly indica-dominated strain, grows in a bushy yet compact way, and has thick-fingered fan leaves with a dense canopy. The Skunk strain has a 17% THC content (which fluctuates based on the nutrition and lighting the plant receives). When users smoke Skunk, their mood is instantly elevated; they feel relaxed and at peace.
The flowers of the Skunk strain provide a pleasant and slightly sour taste because of their high terpene myrcene content that also guarantees a relaxing effect.
Skunk smoking tip: This strain is better enjoyed when smoked in the late afternoon and evening, just after completing your tasks for the day. You are bound to sleep peacefully with creative and inspiring thoughts.
What is Kush Cannabis?
Kush cannabis belongs to be the family of some of the most popular strains globally and quickly gets listed on the top when compiling excellent cannabis. The Kush strains have the “Stoning” indica, a user’s delight for its deeply relaxing and euphoric effects for many years.
Human beings have been enjoying Kush for thousands of years in their Himalayas homeland. Kush has impressive outstanding traits attributed to its strong genetics, giving users a compelling flavor, effect, and smell.
The plants grow shorter and bushier than other tall and slim sativa plants with broad leaves, thick stems, and laterally grown canopies. With dense, compact, and chunky flowers, the Kush cannabis has all the features of fantastic cannabis.
One thing you cannot miss with Kush is its great taste which makes users come back to it again and again. In addition, you are sure that getting a physical body high with this cannabis due to its 18% THC levels isn’t overwhelming for the user.
Kush smoking tip: this cannabis is best enjoyed in the evening. You will bask in its intense aroma, soothing effect, and physical high that keeps you excited all evening.
What is Haze Cannabis?
Haze is the perfect cannabis that completes the super trio cycle as it brings something different to the table. In contrast to the other two, Haze offers an energizing Sativa punch instead of getting stoned; you will most likely feel sleepy and lightheaded.
You are most likely to find Haze genetics lining the cannabis shelf in California dispensaries. The cultivars have gained traction within the last decade for the motivating and happy highs users enjoy.
Haze is higher in height when planted, yet growers can still keep them indoors while training and move them out later. The plants are also thinner colas full of trichomes with large expansive canopies. This cannabis plant has tall colas filled with sweet and citrus terpenes, which are cognitively energizing with 16% THC levels.
Haze smoking tip: Haze can be taken while working and going about your day in the afternoon because you are sure of not getting stoned.
Bottom line
Between Skunk, Kush, and Haze, which is better? It depends on the cannabis user as everyone has their peculiar preferences. For some users, they seek a cannabis flavor they can snuggle down with on a couch — something with good indica — while they enjoy their favorite pastime. Others desire something substantial as they take on a hike in the mountains or while surfing, a potent Sativa for the moment.
Skunk and Kush are somewhat similar as they both provide an intense high that relaxes your body and clears your mind. With both strains, you will also enjoy a boost in appetite, and they are perfect for an evening of relaxation and games.
Haze is different from Skunk and Kush in size and effects; they have to be grown outdoors and offer the best impact when taken during the day. As a result, you can be fully functional and engaged in daily activities while taking the Haze cannabis strain.
So what are you waiting for? Get one of the foundational cannabis strains (if you haven’t done that already) and enjoy the high!
A new study shows how important workouts are for a healthier and longer life.
A study finds the sweet spot in the amount of weekly exercise. The data was gathered over 100,000 patients and found just how much people should be working out in order to increase their lives. The answer is likely more than you originally thought.
The study found that people who followed the US Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation of working out between 150 – 300 per week had 20-21% of lower mortality risk. It also found that people who performed twice or four times more than that number had even more health benefits, suggesting that you can’t really work out too much.
The study was published in the journal Circulation with the aim of figuring out if “prolonged, vigorous or moderate intensity physical activity above the recommended levels” provided more benefits or if it had the potential to harm people. In order to see these results, researchers collected data of over 30 years of participants’ lives, acquiring a full picture of their lifestyles, activity levels and mortality rates.
Researchers gathered all available data on patients, including their BMIs, ages, medical history, diagnosed illnesses, and more. Participants also reported their personal habits and submitted exercise data.
The study found that adults who performed double the recommended range of workouts each week had the lowest risk of mortality, particularly in regards to cardiovascular diseases. There were no negative side effects associated with working out more than what’s recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
“This finding may reduce the concerns around the potential harmful effect of engaging in high levels of physical activity observed in several previous studies,” said Dong Hoon Lee, Sc.D., M.S., research associate at Harvard.
Still, researchers don’t want people to overdo it in terms of exercise, taking this evidence and immediately linking longer workouts with a longer life, even though it is what it implies. They make it clear that sticking to the recommended minutes of workouts per week is sufficient for a healthy life, preventing diseases and taking care of your cardiovascular system.
Compared with users who mostly use lower-potency weed (about 5 to 10 milligrams per gram of THC), those who use THC-stronger cannabis are at greater risk of some mental health outcomes.
Cannabis consumers who tend to choose high potency weed for their pleasure, are at higher risk of becoming addicted or developing marijuana-caused psychosis, a new study shows.
“Overall, use of higher potency cannabis, relative to lower potency cannabis, was associated with an increased risk of psychosis and CUD [cannabis use disorder],” the authors wrote in the journal Lancet Psychiatry. “Evidence varied for depression and anxiety.”
Compared with users who mostly use lower-potency weed (about 5 to 10 milligrams per gram of THC), those who use THC-stronger cannabis are at greater risk of some mental health outcomes. Previously, Director of the National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA) Dr. Nora Volkow reported how scientists have established a “standard THC unit” of 5 milligrams of THC for research. That amount is considered to produce a mild intoxication for nor-regular users.
“One of the highest quality studies included in our publication found that use of high potency cannabis, compared to low potency cannabis, was linked to a four-fold increased risk of addiction,” said study co-author Tom Freeman, a senior lecturer in the department of psychology and director of the addiction and mental health group at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, told CNN.
As per data from the US Centers for Disease and Prevention, around three in 10 people in the U.S. who use marijuana have cannabis use disorder, while the risk of developing CUD is higher for those under the age of 18 who consume marijuana.
Consequences Of THC Strong Cannabis
Freeman highlighted that the data reveals a 76% increase in people entering treatment for cannabis addiction over the last 10 years, while at the same time marijuana potency also notably grew. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s World Drug Report 2022, THC has increased by 50% in herbal cannabis and almost tripled in cannabis resin over the last decade in Western and Central Europe, resulting in progressively evident health harms.
Freeman said that it is important to note that legal and labeled cannabis products can tell consumers the “precise potency” of THC, but those who buy cannabis illegally usually can’t obtain that information.
“However, certain types of cannabis are typically more potent than others,” he added. “Cannabis extracts are typically more potent than cannabis flower.”
According to Freeman, trying to adjust consumption with high potent cannabis by adding less marijuana to the joint or inhaling less deeply, doesn’t really work. “Higher higher potency products still deliver a larger dose of THC to consumers than lower potency products,” he said.
Freeman explained that psychosis is a “loss of contact with reality” that can be described by hearing voices or having delusions, and concluded that “the evidence linking cannabis potency to addiction and psychosis was very clear.”
To the knowledge of the study authors, this is the first systematic review of the association of cannabis potency with mental health and addiction. The researchers screened more than 4,150 articles, to find 20 that meet the eligibility.
