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Marijuana Users More Likely To Be Stuck In Bad Relationships, Here’s Why

Researchers asked 145 couples in which a least one of the partners used cannabis to share how regularly they used it and how satisfied they are with their relationships.

By Jelena Martinovic

Cannabis might have more to do with your love life than you think, according to a new study that examined its associations with couple functioning.

Researchers from Rutgers University and Mount Holyoke College may be on to something. They found that marijuana users appear to present more negative behaviors as they approach managing conflict with their partners.

Therapists Predict There Will Be A Spike In Divorces Once The Pandemic Is Over
Photo by dubajjo via Pixabay

RELATED: How Cannabis Can Improve Your Sex Life

Moreover, those who use cannabis seemed to be less aware of an unhealthy relationship, as per the results published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

“We looked at different indicators of relationship functioning: how satisfied and committed people felt about their relationship, their behavior, and physiology during a laboratory-based conflict interaction and their perceptions about their conflict discussion and relationship afterward,” said study author Jessica Salvatore, an associate professor in the department of psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

The Study

Researchers asked 145 couples in which a least one of the partners used cannabis to share how regularly they used it and how satisfied they are with their relationships.

A 10-minute conversation followed between the partners discussing a topic that usually causes a conflict was videotaped to get a grasp of their physiological stress responses by measuring their heart rate and respiration.

A five-minute discussion on a topic upon which the couples agree followed. The videos were then reviewed by two sets of trained raters who found that cannabis users showed less parasympathetic withdrawal during conversations with their partners, resulting in being less flexible in their responses to stress.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-sitting-on-the-bed-working-4008733/
Photo by Elly Fairytale via Pexels

While a recent study conducted by the University Of New Mexico found that marijuana can cause changes in ego-centric concepts, increasing a sense of selflessness, participants in the Rutgers University study who consumed marijuana were more critical and demanding, showing less ability to discuss and see the positive aspects of their relationships, as they sought to avoid conflict.

RELATED: How Cannabis Can Make You A Better Parent And Partner

Interestingly, they reported greater satisfaction on the subject of how the conflict discussion went.

“It is important to note that this study’s findings do not mean that cannabis use is wholesale good or bad for relationships,” Salvatore said. “Rather, it gives insight into how couples can better navigate conflict and come to a resolution. When you don’t see problems, you can’t solve them.”

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

How Cannabis Can Improve Your Sex Life

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Marijuana may not only increase pleasure, but by removing elements that hinder sexual enjoyment it can make the overall experience much more enjoyable. 

Since the dawn of medicine, people have sought elixers, pills and countless other remedies to improve intimacy and sexual performance. Pharmaceutical companies have made leaps and bounds in this field, with several major achievements, most famously Viagra in the 1990s.

While pharmaceuticals undergo significant tests and trials, herbal and natural remedies like cannabis often spread by word of mouth and personal recommendation. Cannabis, in fact, has been used to improve intimacy and sexual pleasure for generations. 

As marijuana popularity increases and it becomes legal in more locations, tests and studies of marijuana’s benefits are slowly becoming more available. Does marijuana really improve your sex life, and if so, how?

RELATED: 4 Ways Cannabis Can Stimulate Your Sex Life

Before looking at how marijuana improves sex, it is best to understand what the root of sexual problems are first. “A lot of the understanding that needs to go into a discussion around cannabis and sexuality has less to do with cannabis and more to do with sexuality,” Jordan Tishler, a leading expert on cannabinoid therapeutics, told SELF. When you understand sexuality, desire and the mental and physical blockages that can occur, it is easier to see how and why cannabis can improve intimacy. 

What can often keep sex from being enjoyable are mental blocks. Anxiety and tension both factor in to lack of sexual desire. When these sexual pleasure inhibitors are removed, intimacy can improve. In other words, marijuana may not only increase pleasure, but by removing elements that hinder sexual enjoyment it can make the overall experience much more enjoyable. 

As we’ve reported before, researchers have found that it’s not anandamide that’s released during orgasm, rather it’s 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), an endocannabinoid that plays a role in the reward aspect of sexual arousal and orgasm. Also, while under the influence of THC, a person’s senses are enhanced and they’re less likely to experience anxiety or other negative feelings surrounding sex.

Marijuana, it seems, can help the mind and body relax, simply allowing a person to enjoy the moment.

More and more, studies are finding that cannabis is leading many to have improved sexual function and better sex in general. According to one recently released study, “the effects of cannabis on heightened perceptions, time distortion, relaxation, and decreased inhibition were hypothesized as explanations for this improvement in sexual function.”

While marijuana has shown it can improve intimacy for many, it is critical you consider your dosage and how you get high. Over-consumption of marijuana can lead to lethargy and a lack of desire to perform any task, sex included. If you plan to get high with your partner, be sure to consider the right method of ingesting cannabis to ensure you are both on the same wavelength.

RELATED: Why Does Cannabis Make You So Happy? Meet Anandamide

Legalizing Medical Marijuana Causes People To Have More Sex
Photo by Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images

The general consensus is that if you are trying to enjoy the experience with your partner, edibles are not the best bet. ”Edibles are too slow and unpredictable to be very helpful for sex involving two or more people who need to be ready at the same time,” Dr. Tishler told Insider. Edibles take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, which makes planning intimate time with your partner a bit difficult. 

Instead, maybe opt for a few puffs of a joint or a vape – something that has rapid effects, but is not so potent that you cannot control your dosage. Keep in mind that although these recent studies have shown cannabis can improve intimacy, other studies have shown the sluggish and negative effects of consuming too much THC.

Cannabis is by no means the cure for all intimacy issues. In fact, it is not currently prescribed by doctors to assist in that department. It is, however, legal in many states. So if couples therapy or other routes don’t sound appealing or aren’t working, you may want to take a trip with your partner to visit your local budtender.

Former Senator Says Indiana Is Exploring Legal Weed, But Not For Economic Benefits

By Nina Zdinjak

Regulators in Indiana recently agreed that more research on the potential health benefits and decriminalization of cannabis is required before taking any legislative action. The General Assembly’s Legislative Council overwhelmingly supported the idea to task the interim study committee on public health, behavioral health and human services with reviewing the issue further.

Until the legislative session in 2023, the task force will consult industry experts and take public testimony on cannabis issues. Several meetings are planned for this summer or fall.

New York Approves Bill To Include Medical Marijuana In Health Coverage
Photo by Esther Kelleter/Getty

Health Benefits First

Speaking about legalization efforts, former state Senator Jim Merritt told IN Focus that the summer committee in the Hoosier State is concentrated on the health benefits, more than economic, writes Fox 59.

“The overwhelming feeling in Indiana, as far as I know, is cannabis in a health situation,” Merritt said. “I think the idea of cannabis coming into the state… if we can just legalize and regulate it, I think we would have more of a control over it.”

He also stressed that Delta-8 THC requires increased regulation and that the state should learn from other states that already have legal marijuana programs, what are the best, but also what are the worst practices.

According to Merritt, Indiana will have to wait “a couple of years” before seeing the state reform. He is, however, more optimistic about medical marijuana legalization, and thinks it will be seriously considered in the next legislative session.

“I think you’ll see a medical cannabis in the legislature next year,” Merritt said. “Ohio has had a good experience with it, they have a good model.”

On the topic, state Rep. Terri Austin (D – Anderson) said she plans to examine all the potential benefits both economically and socially and to research the impacts in other states that have already gone through the legalization process.

RELATED: Cannabis Legalization On Hold In Indiana — Here’s Why

Indiana Senator Attempts To Decriminalize Marijuana
Photo by Steven Van Elk via Unsplash

“What we really want to know is: Is it a wise move for Indiana in the long run?” Austin said. “What can we learn from those states that have passed legalization or decriminalization efforts?”

Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) added that the committee has a crucial task to guide the state further on the issue.

“We have to figure out where we are and this is going to be an important conversation to have this summer for where Indiana moves,” Bray said.

Indiana Senate Candidate Smokes Joint In Video For Cannabis Legalization Campaign

Other politicians in Indiana seem to be on the same legalization page. For example, just one day before the cannabis holiday (4/20), Indiana Senate candidate Thomas McDermott released his marijuana legalization ad online.

RELATED: Politicians Smoking Weed To Get Elected — Is This The Cool New Trend?

The video starts with McDermott lighting something that looks like a joint and smoking it. To promote the ad, the mayor of Hammond tweeted the following:


McDermott is expected to compete with incumbent Republican Sen. Todd Young in November.

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

Should Healthy People Start Using Cannabis?

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Various forms of cannabis can help address the stress and anxiety that prevents us from achieving a mindful state. Here are some other things it does.

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

With the increasing awareness of the health benefits of cannabis for treating a multitude of ailments, it would be normal for a healthy person to wonder if there are any advantages for them using cannabis.

The truth is that cannabis can still be therapeutic and help even the healthiest of people. You don’t have to be sick or ill to enjoy its health benefits. This plant medicine is extremely powerful for helping mitigate even the most minor occurrences in our daily lives that can build up over time and make us sick — either mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Legal States Collected Over 3 Billion In Legal Marijuana Revenue This Year
Photo by ArtistGNDphotography via Getty

Understanding The Endocannabinoid System

Before you get to know how cannabis works in the human body, whether for sick or healthy people, it’s essential to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

As humans, we have another system that biology classes of the past did not teach us about: the endocannabinoid system. This complex system as first identified back in the early 1990’s, and while much of it is still mysterious, experts do know that it’s vital for helping regulate many processes that keep us healthy. These include regulating our appetite, mood, sleep, fertility, reproduction, memory, inflammation, and much more. It does so through the massive network of cellular receptors and chemical signals within the ECS.

Meanwhile, the CB1 and CB2 receptors which can be found in the brain as well as other parts of the body, work to regulate other neurotransmitters. This is how cannabis helps to increase or decrease functions in the body such as sleep or hunger in order to achieve homeostasis. These receptors are further stimulated through endocannabinoids, which are compounds similar to the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant except that our human bodies produce our own. While we have our own endocannabinoids in the body, the cannabinoids in the plant help the endocannabinoid system work more effectively and address even minor ailments to promote balance all throughout.

RELATED: Study: Cannabis Makes People Better By Increasing Empathy And Sense Of Selflessness

Since the endocannabinoid system helps to regulate so many complex functions in the body, it doesn’t require sickness or illness for us to benefit from cannabis. Instead, think of cannabis as a vitamin or supplement that helps to keep us even healthier in the absence of disease with its ability to address problems such as endocannabinoid deficiencies, nipping any potential sicknesses in the bud.

How Cannabis Benefits Healthy People

Even the healthiest people are prone to certain things such as stress from work, occasional anxiety, and vitamin deficiencies to name a few. Here’s how cannabis can help keep you healthier:

  • Stress: Everyone is prone to stress in varying levels. Whether stress is caused by work, pressures of parenthood, family life, or anything else, it has been scientifically proven that constant exposure to stress can kill you. That’s why millions of people count on cannabis during stressful moments in life – it simply makes you feel better immediately but more importantly, it addresses internal processes that are impacted by stress.

These can include fatigue, high blood pressure, migraines, headaches, abnormal heart rhythms, insomnia, and more. stress can also cause anxiety and depression. Studies show that microdosing cannabis is the most effective way to benefit from its stress-fighting properties, so you don’t need to smoke a whole joint to benefit from it when you’re having a tough day.

  • Muscle recovery: Regular exercise is critical for health, but with fitness programs, it’s also important to pay attention to muscle recovery. Working out at the gym, trying a new yoga flow, or experimenting with a new workout – no matter what your fitness regimen is comprised of, muscles are prone to soreness, pain, and spasms.

It’s no secret that even elite athletes rely on cannabidiol (CBD) as well as THC to help with muscle repair and recovery after intense or mild workouts. Delayed onset muscle soreness, also known as DOMS, is a common side effect of workout regimen. Athlete or not, people who exercise regularly are prone to this but lighting up with a toke or taking CBD orally can greatly reduce the inflammation and pain associated with exercising.

RELATED: Want A Higher Quality Of Life? Use Cannabis Daily, Says New Brazilian Mental Health Study

smoking bong
Photo by RODNAE Productions via Pexels
  • Mental health: Sure, your tests show that you are physically fit and healthy. But how about your mental health? If you find yourself vulnerable to the occasional anxiety, mood swings, depressive episodes, or other mental ailments, cannabis is here to help.

People who suffer from these ailments turn to cannabis not just because it makes them happier or makes them feel better. Studies show that THC plays an important role in regulating emotions, suggesting that the endocannabinoid system does help us process our emotions in a healthier manner. Regularly dosing with cannabis can thus help us manage negative emotions so as to not affect interpersonal relationships or increase our stress levels.

  • Mindfulness: It can get too easy to be caught up in the trivialities of day to day life, so much so that we forget to live in the present moment, especially with most people becoming addicted to their mobile phones. This is why the practice of mindfulness has grown increasingly attractive for people for all walks of life. The American Psychological Association (APA) says that current research points to mindfulness practices as beneficial for improving cognitive processes that could otherwise lead to problems down the road such as heart disease and stress.

Various forms of cannabis can already help address the stress and anxiety that prevents us from achieving a mindful state. Whether with the relaxation offered by CBD or the mild psychoactivity of THC, a little is all it takes to feel more blissed out and centered no matter how busy or stressful our day would be without cannabis. Use it as a tool for your meditation and yoga sessions, or to reflect at the start or end of your day.

Conclusion

With these tremendous benefits offered, there’s no reason that even healthy people can’t take advantage of the impact of cannabis for the human body.

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

What Is THC-O And Why Is This Psychedelic Cannabinoid 3x Stronger Than THC?

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For curious tokers, trying a new substance that is 300% more potent than THC is a welcoming experience. However, we urge you to explore this new psychedelic horizon with caution.

This article originally appeared on AskGrowers.com and has been reposted, unedited, with permission.

Even for laymen with a decent working knowledge of cannabis, THC-O (otherwise known as THC acetate or THC-O acetate) is a fairly unknown, non-natural cannabinoid. Unlike the more visible CBD or even THC, you won’t see articles about it in health magazines or have advertisements for it pop up on social media.

For years, it’s been under the radar, and now there is a growing discussion around THC-O. This is for two reasons: its potency and its accessibility. THC-O has been found to be around three times stronger than conventional THC. And because the law has not yet caught up with its existence, it can be accessed by anyone who lives in a state where conventional THC is illegal.

What Is THC-O Acetate And Why Are There So Many Discussions Around It?

THC-O is artificially synthesized from the precursor to traditional THC, called tetrahydrocannabinol acid, or THCA. The process used to create THC-O preserves the basic structure of the THCA but adds an acetate group.

TCH-O is what’s known as a “prodrug”, which simply means that it doesn’t become active in the body until after the liver metabolizes it. Acetylated THC is far stronger than its naturally derived counterparts because it can cross lipid-sensitive barriers in the brain and digestive tract more easily. After metabolizing, what’s left in the body is a more bioavailable delta 9 THC compound.

THC vs THC-O-Acetate

Processed as an odorless and tasteless compound, THC-O is not water-soluble. It has begun to show up on the market in the form of vapes, edibles like gummies, tinctures, and other products. THC-O products are similar to THC products, just with greater potency.

A Brief History of THC-O Acetate

THC-O hasn’t really been in the public eye until recent years, but it has been studied as far back as 1949 by the United States military. In the 1970s, DEA agents raided a lab in Florida that was synthesizing THC-O. Yet because there was apparently no real marketplace for it, the FDA didn’t investigate the compound any further. The War on Drugs seemingly passed this one by.

In 2018 the United States Congress passed a bill that allowed for the growth and production of hemp. Because THC-O can be synthesized from hemp, an underground marketplace began to grow. Because the laws regarding the compound are vague and not clearly stated, THC-O began to grow in popularity, especially in states where traditional cannabis remains illegal.

How Is It Made?

Like traditional THC, THC-O is synthesized from hemp. It is synthetically altered to change its chemical structure. The process begins with THCA, the compound from which all other forms of THC are derived. The traditional Δ9 THC and Δ8 THC are decarboxylated (a chemical process that removes a carbon atom from the carbon chain) through the application of heat. However, THC-O is made by taking the raw THCA and processing it with sulfuric acid and acetic anhydride before it is heated, which dramatically alters its molecular structure.

This is an extremely volatile chemical process, and under no circumstances should anyone try to create THC-O at a home lab. Not only is home-processing extremely dangerous, but it will likely be ineffective. THC-O requires very specific processing parameters, and a layperson would not be able to create a potent product.

What Do We Know About THC-O’s Effects?

THC-O is an extremely psychoactive form of THC. It offers a high that is around 3x more powerful than traditional marijuana. THC-O acetate effects are marginally hallucinogenic, which has earned it the nickname “the psychedelic cannabinoid”. Because of this, it’s good to note that it’s best to be cautious in consumption. It’s safer for those who are already accustomed to the effects of cannabis. The effects at higher doses have been compared to that of mescaline, LSD, or “magic” mushrooms. Users can feel extremely “heavy” and unable to move. Lower doses are comparable to the typical delta 9 THC variant.

Because of the breakdown of THC-O in the body, the high doesn’t kick in for about 20-30 minutes after consumption (It must be metabolized in the liver first.)

Side Effects of THC-O-Acetate

Some side effects of THC-O-acetate include:

  • Extreme lethargy/sedation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Incapacitation and/or incoherence

These negative side effects are more likely to occur at higher doses. Here are the recommended dosages.

  • Effects Threshold: vaped or smoked 0.5 mg, oral 3 mg
  • Psychoactive Standard: vaped or smoke 1-3 mg, oral 3-10 mg
  • Psychedelic Effects: more than 5 mg smoked, oral 10 or more mg

For those trying to cheat the drug test, THC-O is not going to help as it leaves the body as a more potent form of delta 9 THC after being metabolized by the liver. This excretion will be picked up on a THC drug test.

Is THC-O Safe to Consume?

There is not enough research available on TCH-O to determine whether it’s safe for human consumption. Because it has just recently started to emerge from the underground, there is certainly some amount of risk in using it. While there has never been a recorded death from an overdose while using THC-O, there are a few things to keep in mind about consumption.

Vapes using vitamin E acetate were found to cause a virulent form of lung disease in some users called lipoid pneumonia. While there is not enough research to prove a similar effect with THC acetate, some experts theorize that there could be a similar effect if taken through vape carts.

RELATED: What Is THC-O And Is It Legal?

Another possible issue is a run-in with adulterated products. This is a highly unregulated synthetic drug. Therefore, there is a good chance of receiving an impure, contaminated, or downright dangerous product.

Finally, because this prodrug is so incredibly potent, it is important to go slow. Start at a very small, minimal dose and potentially increase it only as your body becomes accustomed to the effects.

THC-O vs. THC, Delta-9 THC vs. Delta-8 THC

The most common form of THC derivative is delta 9 – this is what is actively present in marijuana and smaller amounts in hemp. The delta 8 is another popular iteration that occurs naturally as delta 9 breaks down, but it can also be created synthetically. Here is a quick breakdown of each THC compound.

Delta 9 THC

This form of THC is naturally occurring. Its average concentration in marijuana is approximately 15-20%. Primary health benefits include analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, and anti-seizure properties. The main target receptors include cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). It has a high psychoactivity rate and costs $0.07-$0.13 per mg.

Delta 8 THC

This form of THC is naturally derived from delta 9. It has a 1% concentration in marijuana. Primary health benefits include sleep support and calming properties for anxiety. Target receptors include CB1 and CB2. It has a moderate psychoactivity rate and costs $0.06-$0.12 per mg.

Legal Status and Forecasts

THC-O acetate legality can be a bit complicated to suss out. It’s not named a prohibited substance anywhere but in the UK and New Zealand. However, THC acetate is an analog of delta 9 THC, which is listed as a Schedule 1 drug. In the US, this means that it would likely be classed as a Schedule 1 drug under the 1986 bill called the Federal Analogue Act. Again, it is not specifically stated but would fall into this category by default.

THC-O-Acetate Legal Status

In Canada, this prodrug is not prohibited. Nor are there any laws that might categorize it in this way, but it is very difficult to obtain THC-O in Canada.

Because there is a provision in the US to classify it as a Schedule 1 drug, it is likely that it will become a banned substance in the future on a federal level. Even now, state and federal laws are scrambling to catch up to a growing market. there are 18 states that have legalized delta 9, and THC-O may squeeze through in those states. As more states legalize THC, it may follow by default.

Is It Worth Trying?

For curious tokers, trying a new substance that is 300% more potent than THC is a most welcoming experience. However, we urge you to explore new psychedelic horizons with caution because THC-O is a prodrug. What it means is that the chemical has to be metabolized in the body first. Depending on one’s overall tolerance, the process might take 30 minutes, sometimes more. This is potentially hazardous as an unwary pothead might think the dose was too small, which can lead to an overdose.

RELATED: What Is It Like To Smoke THC-O Dominant Flower?

That said, therapeutical usage of THC-O makes more sense than casual recreation. There are known cases of cannabis patients consuming over 1,000 mg of THC daily to help them manage their debilitating, paralyzing, and even mortal chronic conditions. For those therapeutic users who have high cannabinoid tolerance, THC-O is worth giving a shot. The form of edible tinctures is the most comfortable form of consumption that can fit into any lifestyle.

As with the use of any pharmaceutical, whether you decide to try it yourself is a matter of personal preference and choice. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind and review before you make that decision.

First of all, remember that THC-O is extremely potent. Stronger than any other form of THC available. It is a prodrug, which means that it is metabolized before it is processed at the cannabinoid receptor sites. If you decide to try it, start slow and increase your dosage slowly. Recommended THC-O dosages are the following:

  • Beginner (low tolerance): 3mg-10mg per use
  • Intermediate (medium tolerance): 10mg-25mg per use
  • Advanced (high tolerance): 25mg-50mg+ per use

REMINDER: Make sure your body can handle the effects before moving to the next dose level!

One more thing. Under no circumstances should you attempt to process this drug on your own. It is both difficult to do correctly and extremely dangerous if done incorrectly. Not only can incorrect processing cause volatile chemical reactions, but you can also end up with a compromised product. If you choose to consume THC-O, only purchase it from a source you trust.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC-3570572/

https://www.nap.edu/read/9136/chapter/5

https://books.google.pt/books-id=_tVJAQAAIAAJ&dq-marijuana+chemistry&q=&redir_esc=y

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29982176/

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21-cfr/21usc/813.htm

Dr. Oz Faces John Fetterman In Unprecedented Senate Race — And Cannabis Is On The Table

In addition to his lucrative evidence-free advice, Dr. Oz recently said that legalizing recreational cannabis in PA would make people lose their motivation to go to work.

By Maureen Meehan

Celebrity Doctor Mehmet Oz officially became Pennsylvania’s Republican Senate candidate when his opponent Dave McCormick conceded on Friday despite Oz’s razor-thin lead of less than a thousand votes.

Oz will now face Democrat Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in what’s expected to be one of the most-watched and most expensive Senate races in U.S. history.

Why It Matters 

Oz, endorsed by Trump, and Fetterman, a progressive giant, are seeking to fill the open Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Pat Toomey (R) and by doing so gain control of the 50-50 U.S. Senate.

RELATED: Sen. Candidate John Fetterman: ‘It’s High Time We Get Our Sh*t Together And Legalize Weed’

John Fetterman
Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Scientific American, the oldest continuously published magazine in the U.S., says that Dr. Oz should not be a senator nor a doctor, that his brand of misinformation has already tarnished medicine and will do much worse in the halls of Congress.

“Dr. Oz has long pushed misleading, science-free and unproven alternative therapies such as homeopathy, as well as fad diets, detoxes and cleanses. Some of these things have been potentially harmful, including hydroxychloroquine, which he once touted would be beneficial in the treatment or prevention of COVID. This assertion has been thoroughly debunked.”

Add That To Oz’s Cannabis Conclusions

In addition to his lucrative evidence-free advice, Oz recently said that legalizing recreational cannabis in PA would make people lose their motivation to go to work.

“There are not enough Pennsylvanians to work in Pennsylvania, so giving them pot so they stay home is not, I don’t think, an ideal move,” he told Newsmax, though it’s not clear how Oz came to that particular conclusion.

How DEA And FDA Blame Each Other For Marijuana's Illegal Status, Says Dr. OzThe CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory Helps COVID-19 Research
Photo by Rob Kim/Stringer/Getty Images

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.9% in March and more than 80% of jobs lost since the pandemic began have been recovered, according to an official government website.

RELATED: What Early Primary Victories Are Telling Us About Possible Cannabis Reform

Oz also warned against fostering an “emotional addiction” to cannabis. “I don’t want young people to think they have to smoke a joint to get out of their house in the morning,” he said. “We need to get Pennsylvanians back at work. You gotta give them their mojo, and I don’t want marijuana to be a hindrance to that.”

This Guy Needs His Mojo Back

Lt. Gov. Fetterman, who supports legalizing cannabis, is still recovering from a stroke he suffered days before he won the May primary and has since undergone a pacemaker implant procedure. He has not yet returned to the campaign trail except for video appearances.

This past Friday, Fetterman released a statement saying he should have taken his health more seriously and that he had not seen a doctor in five years.

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

People With This Condition Seem To Have Lower Risk Of COVID-19 Infection

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A new study made an interesting discovery, highlighting a group of people that are less susceptible to the COVID-19 virus.

Viruses act in unpredictable ways, affecting some people more than others. In the case of the SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, researchers have been trying to develop a better understanding of it ever since it first popped up.

A new study shows some interesting evidence on the type of people the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects, highlighting a group of people that hold an interesting advantage.

Conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the data found that people with allergies had an advantage. The study used data from over 4,000 people and found that participants with food allergies were half as likely to get infected with COVID-19 when compared to people that had no allergies.

This Is What Happens When You're Allergic To Marijuana
Photo by Mojpe via Pixabay

RELATED: Here’s One Place You’re More Likely To Catch COVID

“[T]he observed association between food allergy and the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, as well as between body-mass index and this risk, merit further investigation,” said Anthony Fauci, director of the NIH.

The study made other interesting findings, including the fact that people with asthma, another allergic condition, were not at a higher risk of catching the virus. This finding is surprising considering that asthma is a respiratory condition, something that, with all that we know about the virus, should make people more sensitive and prone to it.

There are a few theories as to why people with allergies, particularly food-based allergies, have more protection against SARS-CoV-2. The study, which was based on self-reports and self-disclosure backed by blood analysis, showed that participants with allergies had antibodies linked to their allergies. Researchers theorize that those with food allergies could have lower forms of a receptor that the virus normally attaches itself to, thus having more protection from it.

“It is not known whether this is also the case in food allergic individuals, but it is tempting to speculate that type 2 inflammation, a characteristic of food allergy, may reduce airway ACE2 levels and thus the risk of infection,” wrote the researchers.

RELATED: Drinking This Is Associated With Longevity, Even When Sweetened With Sugar

The study doesn’t provide any conclusive answers, but it is an interesting route to pursue in terms of providing more ways of protecting people from COVID-19.

Top 10 Highest Yielding Cannabis Strains Of 2022

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Asides from yields, these strains also offer flavorful tastes and a smooth psychoactive experience ranging from stoning to relaxation, euphoric and uplifting.

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

What are the most important traits you look out for when it comes to cannabis? If what you want is a great yield, then you must consider trying out cannabis strains of 2022 with the biggest yield.

These varieties of cannabis offer incredible features for every culture ranging from large purple-colored beauties and photoperiod cultivars to short and rapid growing auto-flowering strains. Let’s dive right in and have a look at these strains.

hemp cannabis crop
Photo by Remedy Pics via Unsplash

Feminized Cannabis Strains 

1. GREEN GELATO

Green Gelato is what we have when we cross strains of the Sunset Sherbet and the Thin Mint Cookies. The Green Gelato gives one of the tastiest flavors in today’s market.

As nature would have it, you won’t have to wait that long to harvest and enjoy this strain. Within 8 to 9 weeks, the Green Gelato is ready for harvest with training and pruning working wonders for the yield. The ScrOG technique, together with mainlining, topping, LST, and filming are all advised as well.

Please note that instead of the common long-running colas, the flowers of Green Gelato form small to medium-sized tight clusters. Also, if you need these purple colors to shine, make sure the growing area is cooled down at night close to the end of the bloom phase.

2. ROYAL MOBY

The Royal Moby is a Spanish masterpiece. It is an incredible strain that grows up to a height of 2 meters and 3 meters indoors and outdoors respectively. This data is characterized by stretchy long branches with excess fat buds

Given her reputable size, Royal Moby can produce a maximum of 75g for each plant or a yield of 600g for every square meter using a 600W light. However, if you want to grow this strain to achieve your full potential, it’s best grown outdoors in a sunny climate. When cultivated properly, you can harvest a yield of up to 1000g per cannabis plant.

3. SHOGUN

Having a genetic base that features Gorilla #4 and Amnesia Haze, Shogun offers a smooth blend of flavor, potency, and yields making it an all-rounder performer.

Shogun is easy to cultivate, which makes the strain best for novice cannabis farmers. She can blossom and survive well both outdoors and indoors but you should know that this Shogun is a hungry plant. Hence, you need to ensure she’s well-fed to maximize yield.

Under the best conditions, Shogun can yield a maximum of 600g per square meter indoors and 750g per square meter outdoors within 9 to 11 weeks.

4. PURPLE QUEEN

Being the progeny of the Purple Afghani and the Hindu Kush, Purple Queen sits atop the indie throne ruling with a calm but powerful authority.

Growing the Purple Queen is a lot of fun. It does excellently well both outdoors and indoors and can thrive in warmer and temperate climates alike. With Purple Queen, harvest is quick and yield is bountiful. This strain is usually ready for harvest within 8 to 9 weeks on a 12/2 dark/light cycle. However, it requires a lot of time and maintenance.

The Purple Queen also isn’t one to grow that tall, having an average height of 1m. Compact yet branchy, you should expect a harvest of around 650 – 750g outdoors and 450–500g/m² for each indoor plant.

marijuana bud joint
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Autoflowering Cannabis Strains

5. WHITE WIDOW AUTO

White Widow Auto is characterized by broad leaves with a dark green hue. The surface of the leaves is also coated with lots of cleaning resin. One thing many cannabis growers love about the strain is its short life cycle of 75 days.

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Generally, White Widow Auto grows up to a height of 0.5 meters, and in some cases, they reach a height of 1 meter. This makes the strain ideal for cultivation in limited spaces.

It will be good to know that despite the size of White Widow Auto, it offers a decent yield for an autoflower. Growers can expect between 190g to 240g per cannabis plant.

6. NORTH THUNDERFUCK AUTOMATIC

When a cannabis ruderalis male crosses with an original North Thunderfuck, what we have is the North Thunderfuck Automatic. This strain is loved by many growers as it’s easy to grow and yields rapidly and greatly.

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North Thunderfuck Automatic grows to an average height between 0.9 meters to 1.4 meters with a life span of 10 to 12 weeks. At peak conditions, the strain reaches a height of 1.5 meters yielding put to 140g per plant. Growers also get to harvest a maximum of 550g per square meter.

7. NORTHERN LIGHT AUTO

Northern Light Auto has become a very popular strain since her debut appearance in the 70s. This is one of the strains that can virtually grow and thrive everywhere. She will be just fine in any climate and grows exceedingly well either outdoors or indoors.

Northern Light Auto is one of the biggest yielding auto strains in today’s market. In an ideal condition, the strain yields about 90g per plant when cultivated indoors and 200g per plant when cultivated outdoors.

The strain is also a big auto-flowering plant when compared to the rest. It has a height of about 0.9 meters to 1.2 meters. Cannabis towers also live the strain for its short life cycle of 9 to 10 weeks.

8. ROYAL CHEESE AUTO

Royal Cheese Auto is quite popular among cannabis farmers and cultivars thanks to its unique characteristics. The strain is very easy to cultivate and has a short life cycle of about 10 weeks.

This strain has an average height of 1m although some plants maybe a little shorter or taller than 1m. The Royal Cheese Auto offers cultivars decent yield with an average of 160g per plant and up to 210g during ideal conditions.

marijuana dispensary
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CBD Cannabis Strains

9. PAINKILLER XL

As her name implies, this distinct strain was developed to take advantage of the healing properties of cannabis. Painkiller XL is called a 1:1 strain which implies the percentage of CBD and THC are equal in this strain. 9% to be precise.

Her bloom period of about 8 weeks is also another reason why many farmers love the strain. She yields about 500 to 550 grams per meter square whether cultivated indoors or outdoors. The difference, nonetheless, is with the height. The strain reaches a height of about 0.8 meters when cultivated indoors and a height of 1.35 meters when cultivated outdoors.

10. MEDICAL MASS

Medical Mass is an ideal strain for many medical cannabis users looking for an easy to grow and manageable plant. Medical Mass is a progeny of the Royal Highness and Royal Medic cannabis strain and it is ideal for the treatment of chronic pain and various illnesses. Above all, it offers these health benefits without THC’s psychoactive effects.

Having a short life cycle of 7 to 8 weeks, this strain yields harvest rapidly and in peak conditions can produce up to 500 to 550 grams per plant. Regardless of where and how you cultivate Medical Mass, her adaptability ensures some decent yield.

Conclusion

It’s without a doubt that the strains discussed above will give maximum yield, making your stash jars packed. Whether it is indoor or outdoor cultivation, these strains will produce plenty of thick sticky buds. Asides from yields, these strands also offer flavorful tastes and a smooth psychoactive experience ranging from stoning to relaxation, euphoric and uplifting.

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

Can Marijuana Increase Empathy And Selflessness

According to recent discoveries, marijuana can cause changes in ego-centric concepts, increasing a sense of selflessness.

By Nina Zdinjak

Does cannabis make people better? Can marijuana increase empathy and selflessness? A new study, titled “Cannabis Consumption and Prosociality” published in Scientific Reports claims so.

Researchers at the University Of New Mexico analyzed the psychological characteristics of healthy college students under the influence of THC. It turns out, young adults with recent marijuana use had better scores on standardized measurements of pro-social behaviors, empathy and moral decision-making based on principles of securing harmlessness and a sense of fairness. The study is among the first to reveal cannabis benefits on young adults’ psychosocial functioning.

It is also important to note that the research found no differences in measurements of anger, hostility, facial threat interpretation, trust of others, the other four remaining dimensions of personality (extraversion, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness), and moral decision-making based on principles of respecting authority and preserving the concept of purity.

social
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

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“Most investigations on the effects of using cannabis have focused on either negative consequences of cannabis addiction or on the physical health effects of cannabis use,” said lead investigator and assistant professor Jacob Miguel Vigil, UNM Department of Psychology. “Almost no formal scientific attention has been devoted to understanding other psychological and behavioral effects of consuming the plant, despite it being so widely used throughout human history.”

According to recent discoveries, marijuana can cause changes in ego-centric concepts, increasing a sense of selflessness.

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What is important is that the study also revealed that these effects are temporary, considering that the differences between marijuana users and non-users were linked to the duration of time since the participants last consumed marijuana.

Vigil concluded by highlighting the importance of prosociality and empathy, “Prosociality is essential to society’s overall cohesiveness and vitality, and therefore, cannabis’ effects on our interpersonal interactions may eventually prove to be even more important to societal wellbeing than its medicinal effects.”

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

Kansas Patients Now Have Access To Medicinal Cannabis Even Without A State Law

A new bill will allow residents to obtain cannabis-derived medications, as long as they are approved by the FDA.

By Joana Scopel

On June 2, Governor Laura Kelly (D) signed new legislation that would allow Kansans to obtain prescription drugs derived from cannabis-related products.

Although medical marijuana is not yet legalized in the state, the bill will allow residents to obtain cannabis-derived medications, as long as they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reported cjonline.com.

medical marijuana
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What Are These Cannabis Medications?

In 2018, the FDA approved a drug derived from cannabis that is used to treat epilepsy caused by two rare conditions, Lennox- Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The drug is called Epidiolex.

The FDA has also approved three products related to synthetic cannabis, which are used to treat nausea in AIDS patients and those undergoing chemotherapy during cancer treatment.

RELATED: US Army Veteran With Cancer Begs Kansas Senate To Legalize Medical Cannabis As He Is ‘Running Out Of Time’

“There are a number of products currently in clinical trials anticipated to be submitted for FDA approval in the coming months and years,” Alexandra Blasi, executive secretary of the Kansas Board of Pharmacy said in a statement. “Now Kansas will be among the first to allow these drugs to be lawfully prescribed in our state if and when the FDA deems them safe and effective.”

Senator Rob Olson (R), chairman of the Senate Committee on State and Federal Affairs, said in a statement that he regretted and took responsibility that the policy had not passed his chamber.

In May, Senate president Ty Masterson (R) told reporters that he wasn’t sure any of the proposals to date were able to garner the majority of votes needed to pass his chamber. “I think the subject is ripe and you’ll see it next year,” Masterson said.

Legal States Are Rushing To Study The Mental Health Risks Of High Potency Cannabis
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Efforts To Legalize Medical Marijuana In Kansas Stalls

In 2022, the Kansas House appointed key lawmakers from both chambers to a conference committee that would design the details for a medical marijuana legalization bill. Cannabis advocates called the move a clear sign that reform is inevitable and can be expected soon. However, it seems that Senate Bill 12, won’t gain traction.

“Given we plan to only be there one day, it’s unlikely that work could be completed on that item,” Mike Pirner, a spokesman for senate leadership said in May.

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

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