European Lessons From US Cannabis Legalization Journey

Marijuana Legislation

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October 16, 2021

European Lessons From US Cannabis Legalization Journey

Europe can use the U.S.’s experience as a blueprint to establish a competitive medical cannabis industry and as a lesson to avoid repeating any of their mistakes.

By Mitesh Makwana, Founder and Chairman of AltoVerde

There is no denying that the last few years have seen big strides made in the legalization of cannabis and the growth of a new industry. The U.S. legal marijuana industry was estimated at $13.6 billion in 2019 with 340,000 jobs devoted to the handling of plants, despite the plant being illegal under federal law as a Schedule 1 drug. Furthermore, a total of 35 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, 16 of which allow adults to legally use the substance for recreational use as of April 2021.

As for Europe, since the beginning of 2019, there has been a flurry of activity in mergers and acquisitions involving companies focused on medical cannabis in Europe with values above €5m. In total, north of €100m of new money has been invested in medical cannabis-focused companies across Europe over the past 18 months. While this represents a sharp increase compared with the period before 2019, Europe is still far from the levels experienced in North America. This article will address the key lessons that Europe can learn from the U.S., in order for its medical cannabis industry to reach similar heights.

marijuana legalization — Photo by Bet_Noire/Getty Images

Legal and Regulatory Landscape

As the U.S. cannabis industry has grown and evolved over the years, it has had to continuously adapt to an ever-changing landscape. Much of this landscape relates to the legality of the drug, as different states within the U.S. have different laws regarding the legality, use, distribution, and growth of the substance. While cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, a growing number of states allowed the growth of cannabis companies thanks to local legalization decisions at a state-level. This has made it very difficult for cannabis entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses and has also acted as a deterrent to investors thinking about entering the industry. This extremely unpredictable regulatory framework has made the U.S. cannabis industry very hard to navigate.

Even if cannabis companies establish themselves in a state where it is legalized, they must still tackle a myriad of legal and financial barriers. One consequence of this is that many companies have been forced to raise capital from Canadian investors since Canada has already legalized cannabis and found a suitable structure to facilitate the industry’s growth.

If European governments are to build an efficient and high-growth medical cannabis industry for both companies and investors, they must establish a universal and easily applicable regulatory and legal framework. This framework should also be adopted into UK legislation to avoid cross-border complications. Europe should also ensure that the industry is accessible to a broader demographic and establish simplified regulations to prevent smaller companies from going bust to the benefit of a monopoly.

Regulate Taxes Appropriately

For the European legal cannabis industry to not only thrive, but drive out the illegal market, taxes must be kept at an affordable level. If taxes and, subsequently, the total cost of legal products are too high, consumers will continue to source from alternative sources and unregulated markets. By August 2018, California fell $100 million short of its projected annual tax revenue following marijuana legalization. It isn’t a coincidence that California has high marijuana taxes. An eighth-of-an-ounce (approximately 3.5 grams) that would cost $40 on the black market is around $70 in stores. Setting a lower tax revenue will serve the legal industry tremendously, attracting new consumers and driving out illegal sellers for good. Once the illegal market dries up, taxes can be reevaluated to ensure the legal cannabis industry remains sustainable.

To capitalize on legalization, Europe should stay clear of 40% taxes on medical cannabis, which is what they were in some part of California before reforms. As is predictable, high cannabis taxes encourage consumers to return to the black market. Conversely, levying high taxes on cannabis businesses, rather than on the consumer, can short supply. An earlier iteration of Washington state legislation levied 25% tax on cultivators, producers and retailers.

What To Expect When You're Expecting Legal Marijuana — Photo by boonchai wedmakawand/Getty Images

Scale Strategically

Maximising production is, in and of itself, not a viable strategy. Cannabis producers will need to strategically differentiate themselves from their competitors to optimize production and establish a consumer base that will drive their business. By moving away from a trial-and-error model and refining product through scientific research, companies will be able to focus on product development that will set them apart from their competitors. Meeting a certain standard of product quality will also be key in standing out in a new market; measured against the growing number of high-quality cannabis products that will flow into the market, low-grade, mass-produced flower will be increasingly difficult to sell.

Access to Banking

If European governments succeed with the legalization of cannabis, the next area to be addressed, and possibly the one that will play the largest role in the industry’s growth, will be banking. As it stands right now, in most states in the U.S., cannabis companies cannot access banking services, blocking their access to much needed financing and investment opportunities. Opening banking up to European cannabis companies will also be paramount to seeing more cannabis companies make their entrance on the stock market, opening them up to the kind of investment that will kickstart innovation within the European cannabis industry. Only when cannabis is legalized across the whole of Europe, will investors gain the necessary confidence to accelerate the industry’s growth and drive innovation to reach the industry’s full potential.

It is imperative that all interested European parties, from banks and investors to longtime industry professionals and those with a keen eye on entering the industry for the first time, take note of the path forged by the U.S. as well as their missteps. Europe can use the U.S.’s experience as a blueprint to establish a competitive medical cannabis industry and as a lesson to avoid repeating any of their mistakes.

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

A Closer Look At Cannabis-Mushroom Products

Terry Hacienda

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October 15, 2021

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A Closer Look At Cannabis-Mushroom Products

How do both plants interact and compare, and why are marijuana businesses interested in this synergy to create a wellness product?

If you have been paying attention to the fitness market, you must have heard of the term “functional fitness.” This term refers to training your body for the activities you perform daily. There’s also “functional nutrition,” a philosophy that boosts the utilization of food as medicine to avert and alleviate dietary and lifestyle-related illnesses.

Within the last weeks, if you have walked down the aisle at Whole Foods, you would have seen “functional mushrooms” that contain beneficial substances that will positively affect your health. These are multitasking mushrooms that are beginning to appear everywhere, from candy bars to coffee. Initially, they were highly competitive against cannabis because of the way they took over the wellness industry.

However, numerous companies are beginning to blend together medicinal mushrooms, CBD and THC, leading to a super supplement, products for health-conscious consumers, and edibles.

sorry but the science of microdosing psychedelics is slim — Photo by eskymaks/Getty Images

Beyond Cookies

Cookies is an international marijuana brand that introduced Caps, a 3-in-1 capsule that mixes non-psilocybin fresh medical mushrooms with marijuana compounds. The mushrooms in the Cookies formula are high in ergosterol, beta-glucans, and full-spectrum. They are also grown to fullness, offered by mushroom extract manufacturer Nammex, and encapsulated by Blue River.

However, Cookies is not the only business venture mixing mushrooms with marijuana. TerraVita also offers two formulations: Shroom capsules with a mix of mushrooms and CBD and Relax CBD capsules. The TerraVita’s Shroom’s mix is rich in cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane in a distinct formula that boosts the immune system. The combination also relieves stress, works with a mixture of reishi with ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha and L-theanine to restore the body to a healthier state.

Additionally, Pantry’s Good Day Bites is also getting a lot of attention for their collection of bites rich in 1:1 THC: CBD with other functional mushrooms and adaptogens. The company desired the reached out to doctors, nutritionists, and Michelin star chef, Michael Magliano to create a collection of medicinal treats. The collection includes Cacao Keto Bites and Nite Bites that are rich in cannabinoids such as CBN and CBD.

At the Pantry website, you will find a dosage calculator that enables customers to calculate how many chocolates they can consume to get the good vibes they desire. Other companies like HempWorks, 7 Wonders Mushrooms, and Buddha Teas utilize functional mushrooms to create optimal health products. Additionally, more companies are joining the trend because it is now evident that cannabis mushroom products have the “hit” factor.

Why You Need To Be Careful Using Edibles The First Time — Photo by Taisiia Shestopal via Unsplash

Consumers will see more of such products that symbolize the collaboration between marijuana and functional mushrooms. Scientists are already researching it to keep up with the demand, and with a growing cannabis community, it is evident that these products will soar.

So what is the connection between mushrooms and cannabis? How do both plants interact and compare, and why are marijuana businesses interested in this synergy to create a wellness product?

Connection Between Mushrooms and Cannabis

Using cannabis and mushrooms depends on the kind of cannabis being used and the timing for your usage. The combination of mushrooms with CBD-based marijuana strains reduces certain uncomfortable feelings like anxiety and nausea, which happens to some people when they take only mushrooms.

However, things get interesting when you combine THC-rich strains with mushrooms, as you will increase the intensity of your marijuana experience. You may experience highly intriguing thought patterns with improved visual and auditory imaginations. This intensity may make you a little bit uncomfortable if it is your first time, but as time goes on, you will get used to it.

So if you discover that marijuana eases your anxiety and nausea, then using it before taking mushrooms enables your body to feel highly comfortable. However, if you are new to mushrooms, it is better to avoid utilizing marijuana. Before using it, you need to ensure that you have a clear-cut idea of how mushrooms affect your body.

When you use cannabis, when the effect of the mushroom kicks in (this should be 2 hours after consumption), the cannabis can boost the intensity of the experience. But when used 3-4 hours when the mushroom’s effects start to fade, marijuana can extend the experience.

delta-8 THC flower — Photo by Hector Roqueta Rivero/Getty Images

There is so much revenue and growth to be discovered from the cannabis industry, and one of the complementary sectors to explore is the “shroom boom” part of the psychedelic market. Mushrooms are already playing an integral role in pushing the cannabis industry forward. If you are an entrepreneur who wants t0 successfully launch into the cannabis sphere, this is a sector you should consider.

Mushrooms and cannabis have become a permanent fixture in the marijuana industry; they play a complementary role. Given what they offer customers, you will be making quite a lot of money should you invest. If you are growing cannabis for personal uses, then consider learning more about the mix of cannabis and mushrooms for a more exhilarating feel.

Although they are mainly used separately, cannabis and mushrooms spark creativity and offer you new perspectives. But when used together, thought you may feel uncomfortable at first, you will assimilate.

As more people call for legalizing cannabis, they are also calling for the legalization of psychedelics to give opportunities to adults who want to enjoy it for recreational purposes. Please educate yourself about this new synergy, know its benefits, and how the substances affect your health. The cannabis industry is ever-evolving. To remain abreast with new products, combinations, and initiatives, you’ve got to constantly lookout for information like what is contained in this article.

Bottom Line

Within the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of products churned out from the cannabis industry. In fact, if you have been following the trends, you will find that more products are a mix of cannabis and wellness substances that have become customer-favorites. If you are keen on experimenting with these new marijuana trends, give cannabis-mushroom products a try.

Cannabis And Its Effect On Senior Sex

Cannabis
Sex

Maria Loreto

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October 15, 2021

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When applied to seniors, the plant’s effects can treat a variety of symptoms that affect them, including libido.

Cannabis and its effect on sex is a topic that is often discussed. But cannabis and its effect on the sex lives of seniors doesn’t get nearly as much coverage, but it should.

The range of which cannabis can affect someone’s sex life is wide, from simply helping people feel more turned on, to opening the mind to deeper intimacy and promoting mindfulness. When applied to seniors, cannabis can provide an even larger influence, offering relaxation and increased libido, while also treating symptoms that naturally appear as people grow older and their bodies start to change.

How CBD Helps Seniors Exercise — Photo by Caiaimage/Trevor Adeline/Getty Images

Forbes spoke with Ashley Manta, a coach that specializes in the “cannasexual.” She said, “Cannabis is so useful for seniors because it addresses the common things that get in the way of intimacy. For folks whose bodies are aging, one of the more common things is pain. Whether from arthritis, stiffness or an injury, pain can be very distracting when it comes to pleasure.”

She specifically calls out the benefits of topicals, which provide a localized effect and can prevent distracting head highs for those who aren’t used to them. “You can apply them directly to the places that hurt — elbows, knees or hips — and that can take a lot of the edge off,” she said.

Aside from body aches and pains, cannabis also has a variety of lubricants and intimacy oils that can help boost sex, especially post-menopausal women who sometimes experience decreased libidos. These oils can heighten arousal and provide different opportunities for bonding, whether that means an intimate massage or simply something new that couples can try out together.

Cannabis and its use on seniors is a topic worth pursuing and initiating. Studies show that cannabis use among seniors steadily increases year after year, with a majority of people growing more educated on the subject and learning to use the plant to their advantage. Cannabis’s influence can be beneficial for a variety of aspects in seniors’ lives, like treating chronic conditions or providing some escape from stress. Sex is the least discussed of these issues, but it’s just as important.

As more companies continue to get involved with cannabis, there will likely be more products designed to reach a variety of people, including older demographics who want to have sex because it’s fun and healthy, and it makes them happy.

Marijuana Tinctures: What Are They And How Are They Made

Jordan Smith

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October 15, 2021

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Marijuana Tinctures: What Are They And How Are They Made

Tinctures are a great way for cannabis consumers to partake in all the relief marijuana provides without the smell or the need for supplies like lighters and ashtrays.

Over the last decade or so as marijuana acceptance has steadily increased, consumers have had an increasing amount of options to choose from as far as method of consumption goes. As opposed to decades ago, nowadays many marijuana consumers can simply take a stroll into their local dispensary to be greeted by a smorgasbord of edibles, cartridges, extracts, and tinctures.

Although they’re relatively new to most cannabis consumers, tinctures are actually one of the oldest ways of ingesting marijuana for medicinal purposes. In fact records reveal before cannabis was deemed illegal, it was a fairly common treatment for both people and pets.

Thanks to the growing acceptance of medical marijuana, tinctures have again become a common method of pain relief. Both CBD and THC tinctures are popular methods for both relieving pain or simply relaxing. From the way they’re made to how they’re injected, marijuana tinctures are probably far from what you’re used to when you think about weed.

CBD & Hair Loss — Photo by IRA_EVVA/Getty Images

How Marijuana Tinctures are Made

Tinctures are typically alcohol-based cannabis extracts, although sometimes they’re made with vegetable glycerin and oil. They’re made by grinding down the bud, then decarboxylating it by heat. Afterwards the grounded, dried, bud is soaked in high-proof alcohol, in a jar-tightened lid. After it’s been stored, it ideally sits in a cool, dark area for a couple of weeks being periodically stirred or shaken. Before use, any remaining flower can be filtered out using a coffee filter. Once the grounds have been filtered out, it gets transferred into a medicine bottle with a dropper for easy injection.

How to Take Tinctures

One of the great things about marijuana tinctures is the fact that there’s really no wrong way to inject them. They’re also a relatively discrete method of consumption. While it’s common for consumers to simply take them sublingually (underneath the tongue), it’s also common for them to be injected into foods, drinks and desserts. Even though there’s nor right or wrong way to ingest topicals, taking them with food may provide a different sensation than taking it on its own. That’s partly why it’s recommended that consumers who are new to marijuana tinctures may be better off starting with a lower dosage.

National CBD Day Is Saturday — Photo by Thanit Weerawan/Getty Images

Effects of Marijuana Tinctures

Marijuana tinctures are typically felt within the first fifteen minutes or so after ingesting them sublingually. The physical effects should last anywhere from a half an hour up to 3 hours. When they’re taken with food, it’s common for consumers to feel similar effects to that of eating an edible.

One of the reasons it’s suggested for newer consumers to start by taking a lower dosage is because a higher one could lead to unwanted side effects like paranoia and anxiety. By starting off with a lower dosage, consumers can always go back and take more if they’re after a stronger sensation.

Tinctures are a great way for cannabis consumers to partake in all of the relief marijuana provides without the smell or the need for supplies like lighters and ashtrays. Taking that into consideration, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more medical cannabis users trying tinctures as an alternative to smoking or vaping.

These People Should Be Last In Line For COVID-19 Boosters, Say Experts

Maria Loreto

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October 15, 2021

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These People Should Be Last In Line For COVID-19 Boosters, Say Experts

As boosters become available for more people, not everyone needs to rush out to get one. Here’s who can stand to wait a little longer.

While COVID-19 boosters are available for certain groups of people (mainly those most vulnerable), and we should all make the time to get our shot when it’s our turn, there are some variables we should consider. Experts agree that the people who are fully vaccinated and have coped with a COVID-19 infection should be last to get their booster.

The Wall Street Journal spoke with several experts who said that this group of people was more protected than the rest since they’ve already had three exposures to the virus (two vaccines, one infection).

3 New Discoveries On COVID-19 Vaccines — Photo by Ed Us via Unsplash

“I wouldn’t ask them to get a booster dose. I think they just got it,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. While Offit supports boosters for older adults, he believes it’s a bit early for the general public just yet.

In fact, Gary McLean, professor in Molecular Biology in London, said that fully vaccinated people who’ve had COVID-19 may not even need a booster. While vaccines produce an immune response to the virus’s spike protein, producing “spike-specific” immunity, an infection produces a more general immunity, which protects you from variants and more. The union of these two means that these people are very well equipped to battle the virus.

New data suggests that vaccine immunity starts to wane after five months of getting the shot, particularly in regards to the Pfizer vaccine. Still, experts claim that an antibody test might be the most accurate way of determining who needs the booster or not, since everyone’s body responds to the vaccine differently.

When discussing COVID-19, a day by day approach is the appropriate response. It’s important to keep up with the news and the COVID-19 rates in your area, that way you stay protected and know the activities that are safest to do.

CBD Oil For Dogs: As Popularity Grows, So Do The Scams

CBD

Terry Hacienda

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October 14, 2021

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CBD Oil For Dogs: As Popularity Grows, So Do The Scams

While CBD itself is safe for dogs to consume, the booming CBD industry has spawned its fair share of bad actors and shady retailers.

The supplement industry is rife with unsupported health claims, mysterious ingredients, and trending controversies. As most wellness products are unregulated by the FDA, the market can be a bit of a Wild West for consumers, who are pretty much left to rely on their own wits and research.

Over the past year, we’ve talked to dog owners, read enough studies to melt our eyes, and kept up to date with the lead edge of cannabis research. All of which allows us to say confidently that CBD for dogs does indeed work—with some caveats. Here’s what we found.

photo of man hugging tan dog — Photo by Eric Ward via Unsplash

CBD is a legit, bioactive compound

When properly made (extracted from organic hemp and combined with a safe carrier oil), CBD is both safe and legal to consume in the US. Studies on CBD’s toxicity suggest that ill-effects only begin to occur at super-high concentrations of more than one hundred times the recommended amount which is generally 0.2 to 0.5 mg per pound of body weight.

Since the 2018 amendments to the federal Farm Bill, industrial hemp used to manufacture pet CBD can also be lawfully grown, sold, and bought across state lines, so there’s no need to worry about the legalities of giving your pet hemp-derived products.

Finally, repeated use and study of CBD in humans shows a clear bioactive effect in the vast majority of situations. Like all cannabinoid compounds from the cannabis plant, CBD is able to influence the endocannabinoid system, which is a key regulator of inflammation and homeostasis found in humans, dogs, mice, and pretty much all mammals. While extensive studies have not been done, anecdotal evidence of CBD oil for dogs suggests potential in the oil.

People Keep Naming Their Dogs After Marijuana Terms — Photo by Joe Caione via Unsplash

But not all CBD products are created equal

While CBD itself is safe for dogs to consume, the booming CBD industry has spawned its fair share of bad actors and shady retailers, offering products that don’t match up to owner expectations. As a consumer, there are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is only consuming the best CBD items:

Look for CO2 extraction.

When it comes to extracting CBD from hemp plants, it’s the quality rather than the type of method that really counts. But of all extraction types, CO2 is generally considered the safest and most professional method.

Always choose CBD made from hemp.

By law, Industrial Hemp must have less than 0.3 percent THC content, which means that it cannot get your dog high. As a result, the majority of CBD pet products will be made from hemp plants—but there are a minority of non-hemp CBD oils out there. While CBD made from other types of cannabis may be safe for your dog to consume, we don’t recommend taking the risk.

Never buy CBD from Amazon.

Despite thousands of search results appearing under ‘CBD for dogs’ on its marketplace, Amazon officially bans the sale of CBD products on its site. Because of this, it’s not possible to verify the legitimacy of products sold through Amazon.

There aren’t many studies on dogs, but those that do exist are promising

The ethics of running tests on dogs, as well as traditional scientific procedures, means that studies using CBD on dogs are thin on the ground. However, that’s not to say that science doesn’t exist in this area. Researchers have tested the effects of CBD on dogs for a range of conditions, including osteoarthritis and seizures—two of the most common issues affecting today’s pups.

In studies on both of these disorders, dogs taking CBD orally and topically showed marked symptom improvements, with one study on arthritis recorded positive effects for two weeks after CBD treatment was stopped!

Looking more widely, there are numerous clinical trials involving the use of CBD on humans and mice, which overwhelmingly stack in favor of CBDs’ ability to suppress inflammation, prevent seizures, and more. In fact, a CBD product for alleviating seizures remains one of the only FDA-approved uses for cannabis supplements.

Michigan Now Allows Veterinarians To Discuss CBD Treatment With Pet Owners — Photo by Honest Paws via Unsplash

Dogs aren’t great at communicating discomfort

While the science and anecdotal evidence for CBD and dogs is definitely there, knowing when to use CBD on your dog—and telling whether or not it’s working—can be a different story.

As a species, dogs are apt to hide feelings of pain and discomfort for as long as they can, only showing symptoms such as whimpering or limping when conditions have significantly progressed. Many experts believe this behavior can be traced back to a wolf pack mentality, where an injured wolf may be considered a risk by other members of the pack.

Whatever the reasons behind their behavior, dogs’ reluctance to communicate discomfort means that CBD’s effects can be subtle and easy to miss. While you’re likely to notice a reduction in seizures or severe anxiety, many owners have reported only slight increases in mobility or decreases in visible stress. Some report nothing at all.

CBD will work for most, but not all dogs

All dogs have endocannabinoid systems, but like humans, some pups just don’t seem to be affected by CBD, regardless of the correct dosage. The reasons behind this are unclear, reflecting the fact that research on cannabis and its effects on the body is still very much in its infancy.

CBD also won’t work in the same way for every dog. Some owners claim that to have seen CBD take effect in as little as twenty minutes after a dog’s first dose. More likely, however, is that benefits become visible after about a week of steady consistent treatment with CBD.

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

3 Weird Symptoms That Suggest You Have Anxiety

Wellness

Maria Loreto

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October 14, 2021

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3 Weird Symptoms That Suggest You Have Anxiety

Anxiety expresses itself in a variety of ways. Here are some symptoms you might be surprised to learn are indicators.

Anxiety is extremely common. Although we’ve all experienced it in one form or another, it’s a condition that can express itself in a variety of ways, from overt forms, like getting nervous before a job interview, to more hidden ones, like losing your appetite when faced with a stressful situation. This at times makes it difficult to recognize.

Anxiety can result in serious conditions, like a panic disorder or a phobia. It’s commonly experienced with physical side effects like a fast heart rate, sweat, rapid breathing and difficulty falling asleep. But it also encompasses some symptoms that are tougher to notice.

Here are 3 weird symptoms that suggest you have anxiety.

Sore Muscles

Acute And Chronic Pain Affects Millions — How Can Cannabis Help? — Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Muscle aches are not the first thing that come to mind when discussing anxiety, but they are common afflictions for those who a3 Weird Symptoms That Suggest You Have Anxietyre consistently affected by this condition. This occurs due to the body tensing up when experiencing stress and anxiety, especially over prolonged periods of time.

This tension makes it likely for people to experience weakness or muscle twitches as reactions from the tensed up muscles. Mouth guards are important for protecting teeth and yoga can help muscles unwind and relax.

Yawning

Even a small amount of sleep loss affected workers’ concentration in a recent study. / Kittisak Jirasittichai/Shutterstock.com

While sleep is commonly disturbed by anxiety and can result in more yawning, anxiety can also trigger the yawning response as it is one of the body’s simplest ways of relaxing. The more stressed you are, the more likely you are to yawn, growing into a very annoying symptom.

Trouble Relaxing

If the idea of relaxing and spending a chill evening is anxious for you, that might be a symptom of anxiety. Relaxing is tough for anxious people, since it leaves them with ample time to stress out and ruminate on past or future problems. These behaviors make it more likely for you to experience these problems in the future, which is why it’s important to recognize these behaviors and try to stop your brain from indulging in them by meditating, admitting them and then letting them go.

How The NHL Became A Pioneer In Pro Sports Cannabis Use

Jordan Smith

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October 14, 2021

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How The NHL Became A Pioneer In Pro Sports Cannabis Use

The question now is which sports league will be the next to step up and evolve their views on the place cannabis has in pro sports.

As the puck dropped on another NHL season on Tuesday night, kickstarting the 104th season of play, the league is well-positioned to lead the four major sports leagues out of the Stone Age and into a new frontier regarding cannabis.

Fans may recall that during the 2020 postseason, when NHL teams were forced to finish out the postseason in a bubble, reports of players accessing weed gummies for help relaxing started to leak.

The reality is that cannabis use among NHL players has never been much of a secret. If you don’t believe us, ask former Stanley Cup Winning Detroit Red Wing Darren McCarty, who opened up his own cannabis dispensaries across Michigan following a decade-plus long career of evading the league’s anti-drug program.

hockey — Photo by skynesher/Getty Images

Nowadays, it appears that the NHL has evolved well beyond punitive punishments for players who choose to consume cannabis to recover after games or recreationally on their free time. Here are a few ways the NHL has evolved its stance on marijuana, setting the pace for other professional sports leagues to follow.

By Removing It From Its List of Banned Substances

When the NHL chose to remove cannabis from its list of banned substances, it was the first major sports league to do so until the MLB followed suit in 2009. Even though cannabis isn’t banned, NHL players are still subjected to two “no-notice” tests per year where they can be tested for all drugs, including for THC.

The point of the tests is to anonymously identify players who may be struggling with their consumption habits so the players association can provide players with the help they need. Upon being recommended, players have the choice to join the NHLPA’s joint Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program, but they aren’t forced to do so.

By Choosing Not to Suspend Cannabis Users

Since the league has chosen not to take a hardline stance against cannabis, players are free to experiment with forms of treatment outside of the painkillers they were restricted to a decade or so ago. Now, instead of being restricted to opioid painkillers, some players have reported relying on CBD to help them overcome injuries and recover after games. Another benefit of the league’s stance on cannabis is the fact that they’re able to do more research on it to learn more about its medicinal benefits.

By Actively Studying the Effect Cannabis Can Have On Concussions

Among the research helping to guide the NHL’s cannabis policy are studies regarding the impact that cannabis could have on concussion recovery. In 2019, news came out that members of the NHL’s alumni association would be participating in a study aiming to reveal a better understanding of the relationship between CBD and the brain function of former players living with post-concussion symptoms. Doctors and former players alike are hopeful that the research can present effective alternatives to traditional painkillers.

From removing cannabis from its list of banned substances before any other major sports league, to participating in research on its long-term medicinal benefits, its clear that the NHL has taken the lead when it comes to removing the stigma around marijuana in pro sports.

Players and fans alike gain from an evolution in the way the major sports leagues think about cannabis; players get to recover on their own terms and fans get to see their favorite athletes and teams perform at the top of their game, without having to worry about suspensions or fines. The question now is which sports league will be the next to step up and evolve their views on the place cannabis has in pro sports.

Breast Cancer Patients Are Using Cannabis, But Many Are Lacking This Important Step

Maria Loreto

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October 13, 2021

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Breast Cancer Patients Are Using Cannabis, But Many Are Lacking This Important Step

A new survey shows that a significant amount of breast cancer patients are using cannabis for medicinal purposes. They’re also not turning to their doctors for answers.

Cannabis has long been used to treat symptoms of cancer. But now a new survey shows that while this is still the case, many patients are wary of sharing this information with their doctors.

The survey was conducted online and anonymously, with over 600 breast cancer patients. While the vast majority of participants were women, there were also a few men involved in the survey. The responses were gathered through Breastcancer.org and Healthline.com.

cancer patient marijuana — Photo by FatCamera / Getty Images

Per the survey’s results, 42% of participants reported using cannabis to treat their symptoms, which include vomiting, pain, nausea, insomnia, stress and more. The survey showed that while 39% of participants mentioned cannabis use to their doctors, only 4% of them asked further questions to obtain more information about the drug from their physicians. According to participants, sources like friends, the internet, or dispensaries, were used instead.

When it comes to the reason why these patients are turning to cannabis, the majority of participants (70%) considered the drug an alternative treatment similar to plant-based medicine, providing less side effects than the “chemicals” that are often present in other medications.

Dr. Marisa Weiss, lead author of the study, spoke with NBC News and shared some of her insights on the study. She said that while it’s okay that people are using cannabis to treat the symptoms of their cancer, she worries about their doctors not being in the loop. “Some of these products can interact with treatments they are taking, and there is a safety issue there,” she said. “We want to make sure they get relief from their symptoms without interfering with the treatments.”

While it’s understandable for doctors to not know all there is to know about medicinal cannabis, as the drug becomes more available, it’s important for them to have all of the information to help them guide their patients, including the possible side effects of choosing an alternative treatment like cannabis. Patients should be open with their doctors, but it’s the doctors’ responsibility to do their research on the topics their patients could use to treat their diseases.

Steve Van Zandt Launches His Own Cannabis Line, Hopes To Stop ‘Unjust Criminalization’

Benzinga Staff Writer

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October 13, 2021

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Steve Van Zandt Launches His Own Cannabis Line, Hopes To Stop ‘Unjust Criminalization’

Ten percent of profits from Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary sales will be put toward the National Organization for Marijuana Legalization.

By Nicolas Jose Rodriguez

Actor and musician Steve Van Zandt is launching his own line of cannabis products, Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary, reports Rolling Stone.

“The United States may be the only country in the world that considers health care, both physical and mental, as an afterthought,” Van Zandt shared in a statement.

Steve Van Zandt cannabis — Steven Van Zandt is interviewed during a SiriusXM Town Hall/Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

“Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary was created to help combat that issue by focusing on natural, holistic remedies. Some will help relax you, some will help energize you, all will help you take charge of your own wellness.”

Van Zandt expressed a desire to increase education around cannabis and decrease the stigma that has plagued its consumption for decades. In doing so, Van Zandt hopes to “stop unjust criminalization for a plant that not only does a lot of good but has proven during COVID-19 to be almost as essential as art to people’s well-being and quality of life.”

Ten percent of profits from Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary sales will be put toward the National Organization for Marijuana Legalization.

Available in Massachusetts

Canna Provision shops in Lee and Holyoke Massachusetts will be the exclusive carriers of Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary cannabis pre-rolls which will be made with hand-grown high-CBD, low-THC craft cannabis from Canna Provisions.

“You don’t have to smoke cannabis or even use it to support national legalization,” said Meg Sanders, Canna Provisions CEO. “But for those that do use it, Little Steven wanted to be sure to have an approachable, low-THC and high-CBD cannabis that is less about the recreational high, and more for people seeking the benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids like high-CBD cannabis on the body and mind.”

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

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Ten percent of profits from Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary sales will be put toward the National Organization for Marijuana Legalization.

Available in Massachusetts

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