New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Legalization, Sales Expected This Summer

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February 27, 2021

New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Legalization, Sales Expected This Summer

The law also includes several provisions aimed at promoting social equity in the cannabis industry and repairing damage caused by prohibition.

On Monday, New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that legalizes adult-use marijuana possession and licenses retail marijuana sales.

“The enactment of these laws is long overdue,” said NORML State Policies Manager Carly Wolf — who emphasized that state and local police have made over 6,000 arrests for marijuana-related violations in the months since New Jersey voters overwhelmingly decided at the ballot box. “Now, going forward, tens of thousands of otherwise law-abiding New Jerseyans will no longer be subject to arrest and a criminal record for their personal use of marijuana, and the commercial market will be regulated in a fair and inclusive manner.”

NORML stated that three bills were signed by the Governor. A21/S21 licenses the commercial production and retail sale of cannabis to adults. Under the new law, adults may legally purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis. Retail sales are subject to state sales tax. Seventy percent of the revenue derived from sales taxes on retail marijuana purchases will be directed toward reinvestment in designated, lower-income communities. Sales are expected to begin this summer.

The legislation also calls for the creation of a five-member Cannabis Regulatory Commission that will be tasked with issuing detailed regulations by June 2021 that will govern virtually every aspect of the adult-use cannabis industry.

The new law caps the number of state-licensed cultivators at 37 for the first two years. Existing state-licensed medical cannabis producers will be among those eligible to provide to the retail market. It has been estimated that adult-use retailers may be operational within six months. Applications for adult-use cannabis business licenses will begin to be accepted 30 days after the regulations are issued.

Murphy also signed A1897, which removes criminal and civil penalties for the private possession of up to six ounces of cannabis by those ages 21 and older, as well as for the possession of personal use amounts of hashish (up to 170 grams). It also depenalizes activities involving the transfer of up to one ounce of cannabis, and reduces criminal penalties for activities involving larger quantities (distribution of more than one ounce but less than five pounds) of the substance.

Marijuana Is Now Supposed To Be Legal In New Jersey, But It’s Not — Photography by Steve Kelley aka mudpig/Getty Images

Gov. Murphy also signed a third piece of legislation into law, A5342. It provides for a series of written warnings, rather than the imposition of either criminal penalties or fines for those under the age of 21 who are caught with cannabis. The Governor lobbied for the measure, which was passed by lawmakers this morning. Under the measure, third-time juvenile offenders could receive community service. Provisions in the law also restrict police from conducting searches of juveniles based solely on the odor of marijuana.

“This is a major milestone on the path to ending cannabis prohibition in New Jersey,” said Jennifer Cabrera of Vicente Sederberg LLP, a national cannabis law firm that helps shape and implement cannabis laws and regulations across the U.S. Based in Union County, she co-manages the firm’s New Jersey and New York offices and works closely with state lawmakers and regulators on cannabis policy issues.

“The legislation was intended to promote small locally owned businesses and should foster a vibrant craft cannabis industry in the state,” Cabrera said. “It reserves licenses for microbusinesses and offers them a streamlined application process that will reduce barriers to entry and help them get a footing in this growing industry. There are some additional steps we would like to see policymakers take to make it easier to operate these microbusinesses, and we look forward to working with them as they fine-tune the system. Still, this is a great starting point and opens the door to a lot of exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs.”

Vicente also stated that the law also includes several provisions aimed at promoting social equity in the cannabis industry and repairing damage caused by prohibition. For example, it specifies that 30% of licenses must be allocated to businesses owned by women, minorities, or disabled veterans, and at least 25% should be allocated to residents of impact zones, which are defined as municipalities with more than 120,000 residents that rank in the top 40% of municipalities in the state for cannabis-related arrests; have a crime index of 825 or higher, and have a local average annual unemployment rate that ranks in the top 15% of municipalities.

“New Jersey has adopted some of the strongest social equity provisions we’ve seen,” Cabrera said. “Contemplating these issues at the outset of the process will likely prove to be a big advantage for the state. It is much easier to build these considerations into the system than it is to go back and incorporate them later.”

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

Data On Older Adults Using Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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February 27, 2021

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Many seniors are well aware of the litany of serious adverse side-effects associated with available prescription drugs and perceive medical cannabis to be a practical and potentially safer alternative.

Our parents and grandparents, pretty much anyone over the age of 65, are among the most vulnerable in the population. Their age alone makes them prone to so many illnesses and conditions because it’s simply part of getting old. Things that afflict the elderly can range from seemingly harmless insomnia and back pain, and there are also those who are dependent on medications for chronic pain, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and so much more. What do the latest studies say about older adults using cannabis?

Because of that, it isn’t surprising that more and more of them are looking for safer ways to medicate in order to manage a wide assortment of health problems. A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that cannabis use among those aged 65 and up continue to increase steadily. Specifically, they found that consumption among this demographic within the last year spiked from 2.4% to 4.2% during the years 2015 through 2018.

We expect that these figures will only continue to increase as more elderly people become educated on the vast uses and health benefits of cannabis for their conditions.

Here’s what the latest studies have to say about the benefits of cannabis for the elderly:

Cannabis Use Linked To Reduced Hypertension Among Elderly Patients

Data recently published earlier this month in the European Journal of Internal Medicine revealed that elderly subjects with hypertension were found to respond well to cannabis treatment. The data was taken from the results of a study conducted by researchers affiliated with the Ben-Gurion University in Israel.

For the trial, they analyzed the effects of cannabis on 26 elderly patients with an average age of 70 during a three-month period. The participants were asked to consume cannabis either by smoking or orally, after which the researchers took note of the results after engaging in several tests including ECG, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests. They found that the biggest improvements they saw were in the 24-hour blood pressure tests after 90 days.

“Cannabis treatment for three months was associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate,” write the researchers. Additionally, the patients did not exhibit any symptoms of heart arrhythmias during the trial.

“Older adults are the fastest growing group of medical cannabis users, yet evidence on cardiovascular safety for this population is scarce. This study is part of our ongoing effort to provide clinical research on the actual physiological effects of cannabis over time,” says Dr. Ran Abuhasira, one of the study authors.

A Concise Guide To The New World Of Marijuana For Older Adults — Photo by Christian Bowen via Unsplash

Long-Term Use Of Cannabis Not Associated With Cognitive Differences

Another recent study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review revealed that elderly adults who consume cannabis long-term for treating chronic pain didn’t exhibit any differences in cognitive performance.

The study, whose findings were published in the Drug and Alcohol Review journal, involved analyzing the cognitive performance of 63 elderly participants whose mean age was 61, and compared it to 62 control subjects who weren’t cannabis consumers. They made use of cognitive tests such as reaction time, memory recall, and their ability to absorb new information as well as other performance benchmarks.

The researchers found “no significant differences in cognitive function” among each group. “In this sample of individuals with neuropathic pain, no significant differences were found in cognitive performance between non-MC [medical cannabis] licensed and licensed patients, and evidence for lack of an association was stable and moderate. In addition, no significant associations of various aspects of MC use patterns, including THC/CBD concentration, frequency and length of use, dosage and length of abstinence with cognitive performance were detected. Moreover, both MC licensed and non-licensed patients performed relatively similar to a standardized population with no chronic pain.”

“More accepting public attitudes and policies related to cannabis use, in addition to increasing life expectancy, are expected to result in increasing numbers of middle- and old-aged individuals who use cannabis for long periods. Considering the accumulating evidence showing efficacy of cannabis use for multiple health conditions common in older individuals, the lack of adverse effects on the brain, the relief individuals with chronic pain who were older than 50, and other health benefits ,” they concluded.

More Seniors Using Cannabis To Treat The Ills Of Old Age

Data released in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society revealed that 15% of seniors admitted to using cannabis within the last three years for therapeutic purposes.

The data was taken from a poll conducted by researchers at the University of California at San Diego, who surveyed 568 respondents in a southern California geriatric clinic. All the participants were at least 65 years old, while 73% of them were above the age of 75. Among those surveyed, 15% said they used either cannabis or CBD in the last three years while more than half of the respondents said they used cannabis products either daily or each week. Meanwhile, 78% of them said that their use was medical in nature, mostly to treat their pain, anxiety, or improve sleep.

It was also interesting that many of these users said they started using cannabis while in their golden years, but less than half of all the elderly respondents said they spoke to their health care provider about their cannabis use.

“It is not surprising that a rising percentage of seniors consider cannabis to be a viable therapeutic option in their later years. Many seniors struggle with pain, anxiety, restless sleep and other conditions for which cannabis products may help mitigate. Moreover, many seniors are well aware of the litany of serious adverse side-effects associated with available prescription drugs, like opioids or sleep aids, and they perceive medical cannabis to be a practical and potentially safer alternative,” comments Paul Armetano, NORML Deputy Director, on the study’s findings.

Top 10 Risk Factors Of Melanoma And How To Prevent It

Wellness

Nicole Skrobin

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February 26, 2021

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Top 10 Risk Factors Of Melanoma And How To Prevent It

Researchers are committed to gaining more information about melanoma, its potential causes, and ways people can protect themselves against this type of cancer.

Do you know that it has been estimated that there will be roughly 106,000 melanoma diagnoses in 2021? Sadly, the rates of the most serious type of skin cancer continue to increase. There are various risk factors to be aware of as well as preventative measures worth considering for long-term protection.

Several risk factors for melanoma have been revealed over the years, but the exact cause is unknown. As the medical community and experts learn more about this type of cancer, research studies like HERE are providing more helpful, educational, and detailed information to fight this disease.

Although each individual is different and genetically unique, melanoma can be caused by DNA mutations or similar changes that turn off what’s called “tumor suppressor genes”. Below is a list of ten important melanoma risk factors followed by ten preventative measures worth considering.

Top 10 Melanoma Risk Factors

Melanoma develops within the cells that are responsible for producing melanin (commonly referred to as melanocytes). Essentially, when something goes awry within melanocytes, melanoma occurs. The question of what damages DNA within skin cells and how and why this results in melanoma remains unanswered. However, certain risk factors like the ones included below could lead to the development of melanoma.

Excessive ultraviolet (UV rays) light exposure
Fair skin
A family history of melanoma
Having a large quantity of moles
Weakened immune system
Red or light hair
Light eyes
Older age
A large number of freckles or a tendency to develop freckles after sun exposure
At least five atypical/questionable moles

Medical Marijuana Can Kill Viability In Melanoma Cancer Cells — Photo by damiangretka/Getty Images

Top 10 Melanoma Preventative Measures

Regardless of the severity and seriousness of melanoma, early diagnoses and proper treatment can improve one’s outlook for the future. Fortunately, there are different solutions and preventative measures one could take to decrease their risk of developing skin cancer including the following:

Avoid tanning beds and lamps
Avoid being out in the sun during midday hours when the sun’s rays are the most intense
Wear sunscreen all year-round
Wear protective clothes all year-round
Closely monitor your skin in order to notice possible future changes
Avoid sunburn
Use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30
Liberally apply sunscreen at least thirty minutes before outdoor sun exposure
Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating
Perform regular mole checks (at home and by a dermatologist)

To this day, researchers are committed to gaining more information about melanoma, its potential causes, and ways people can protect themselves against this type of cancer. Clinical trials are being conducted by most major research groups with the goal of helping the medical community better understand melanoma so that patients can receive the best assistance and care.

The Importance of Scheduling Consistent Dermatologist Appointments

In addition to regular doctor check-ups and exams, it’s recommended to schedule routine dermatologist appointments to survey your skin and any potential changes, especially if any risk factors apply to you. If melanoma is detected early, it can be combated and treated effectively.

A Pain Management Doctor Shares How Marijuana Is Impacting His Patients

Kate-Madonna Hindes

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February 26, 2021

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A Pain Management Doctor Shares How Marijuana Is Impacting His Patients

With the opioid crisis on the minds of communities and governing bodies all over the United States, a New York doctor shares how marijuana is impacting his patients and business.

With stringent new regulations on prescribing opioids, many pain doctors are looking to alternative medicines to help patients cope beyond pills and patches. Stakeholders in the elimination of the opioid crisis have focused on prevention and early intervention with patients. Many doctors are still struggling to offer alternative medicines for individuals seeking relief from short-term or long-term pain.

Many studies have showcased marijuana’s ability to decrease pain in some patients with a long-term illness, as well as elevate the quality of life for those living with specialized conditions that are also painful, such as rheumatoid arthritis. While research is on-going with marijuana and CBD’s effects on pain, it’s important for physicians to stay up-to-date with research to give patients new approaches to what ails them.

With the opioid crisis on the minds of communities and governing bodies all over the United States, Dr. Boleslav Kosharskyy, a doctor at PainFreeNYC, recently shared how marijuana is impacting his patients and business.

Intramuscular Or Smoked Cannabis May Be The Future Of Managing Acute Pain — Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

How is marijuana giving those needing pain management a different voice?

“Cannabis has been known to mankind for hundreds of years but only recent developments assured a more scientific, evidence-based approach to its use, and research continues to show various medical benefits. Most of the available medical literature on this subject was concentrated on the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), there have been fewer scientific studies on the medical use of the cannabidiol (CBD) — a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant.”

What are doctors up against when prescribing opioids for pain?

“Chronic pain management faces significant challenges. The most important one is the ongoing opioid epidemic. Doctors are struggling to find personalized treatments outside the opioid space. Cannabis-based medicines may provide pain management providers with more effective, innovative, and safer alternatives to treat pain.”

Here’s What You Need To Know About Treating Joint Pain With Cannabis — Photo by Anupong Thongchan/EyeEm/Getty Images

Are any new/recent studies available to show marijuana and CBD’s effectiveness?

“A few recent studies have given greater confidence to consider including cannabis in pain therapies. One of the most major findings was in a recent published study, entitled, “The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management: An Assessment of Current Evidence” which found that nabiximols, (a combined THC/CBD in a 1:1 ratio medicine) Studies are suggestive of a relative safety of cannabis and its utility in a number of painful conditions. There is, however, a need for double-blind randomized clinical studies to be better assess the efficacy.”

Is Catching COVID Better Protection Than The Vaccine? Here’s What Experts Think

Maria Loreto

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February 26, 2021

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Is Catching COVID Better Protection Than The Vaccine? Here’s What Experts Think

If you’ve experienced COVID and have cause to believe that you have some immunity, if the opportunity arises to get the vaccine, don’t waste it. Here’s why.

COVID-19 infections produce immunity against the disease for at least three months. When it comes to the vaccine, health experts still don’t know how long immunity lasts. So, what’s the difference between people who’ve been infected with COVID-19, people who’ve been inoculated, and people who got their shot after infection?

A recent study shows that a large percentage of people who suffered from COVID-19 developed antibodies for the disease, with 88% of respondents having antibodies for at least six months. There’s also been some cases of people who’ve suffered from COVID-19 who have gotten their shots and have experienced strong side effects as a result, reminiscent of the symptoms they had when they were first exposed to the disease.

“The way my head hurt and the way my body ached was the same headache and body ache I had when I had Covid,” Shannon Romano, a molecular biologist who was infected in March and recently had her first shot, told the New York Times.

Confusing COVID-19 Vaccine Rollouts Are Creating Havoc — Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels

“I think one vaccination should be sufficient,” said virologist Florian Kramer. “This would also spare individuals from unnecessary pain when getting the second dose and it would free up additional vaccine doses.”

Not everyone shares this opinion, even if they recognize the existence of natural immunity. Data shows that COVID-19 survivors who get their vaccine have more antibodies than people who’ve only been inoculated, which has then made people wonder what provides more protection.

Naomi Allen, chief scientist of UK Biobank, explained to the Huffington Post that the science community isn’t sure about how immunity relates to antibodies, explaining that there are some pitfalls with natural immunity. There have been plenty of cases of reinfection, particularly when accounting for new strains of the virus.

Per the HuffPo: “Vaccines, on the other hand, are believed to induce stronger and longer lasting immunity. They’re also a lot safer than waiting to catch the virus for the first time – or waiting to catch it again, as we don’t know how common reinfections are.”

Vaccines are different than a regular COVID-19 infection, which in turn, vary a lot in intensity depending on the patient. While both the disease and the vaccine provide immunity (and when paired together result in a mix of two different reactions that may result in strong side effects), the protection that the vaccine provides is undeniable and scientifically accurate. Even if you’ve experienced COVID and have cause to believe that you have some immunity, if the opportunity arises to get the vaccine, don’t waste it.

CBD And Intermittent Fasting, Help Or Hurt?

CBD

Terry Hacienda

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February 26, 2021

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CBD And Intermittent Fasting, Help Or Hurt?

With CBD, individuals’ health capabilities receive a significant boost, making fasting more comfortable and enabling more positive results.

Weight loss, a beautiful figure, beach body, a healthier body, Instagram-worthy body: these are the new terminologies people use to describe why they must lose weight. Today, the weight loss industry is worth well over $72 billion and it’s predicted to grow even more over the next couple of years. The latest craze is fasting. So does CBD and intermittent fasting, help or hurt?

People will pay for programs and health plans that helped them shed pounds, and intermittent fasting is rapidly becoming a popular and preferred way to stay in shape. Many women have often used intermittent fasting to stay in shape postpartum, however, now a vast majority of people (men and women) are opting for this technique.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a popular method for staying in shape, and its success is attributed to the fact that it is pretty straightforward to implement. While on the fast, those who use the program spend up to 16 hours or more without food. The program has a detailed set of fasting and eating schedule that must be strictly followed. So after the hours of fasting, there will be times when the person can eat for a set period.

The healthier the person eats during the eating window, the more effective intermittent fasting will be, and the better the results. Despite this dietary method’s success rate, one will agree that sixteen hours is still a lot of time to stay hungry, and the fatigue caused by waiting for a meal will make even the most severe people break their fast. Now, this is where CBD becomes essential.

A closer look at the fasting process

Before analyzing the connection between CBD and intermittent fasting and how it makes users of the program manage hunger better, we must first understand the fasting process. To appreciate the role CBD plays, we need first to explore why intermittent fasting is so popular.

There are different fasting and eating methods within the intermittent fasting program, but the most common ones are the 18/6, 16/8 rule.

Why You Should Incorporate Marijuana When Combating Obesity — Photo by maksim kulikov/Getty Images

With the 18/6 rule, the person fasts for 18 hours and can eat during the 6 hours. By following this rule, the individual will spend 18 hours away from food except for water. Some of the programs also allow the user to get some calories through their food for the remaining 6 hours.

The 16/8 rule is similar to the first one, with the fasting going on for 16 hours and an 8-hour eating window. Some people prefer this method because it entails avoiding snacks when it’s bedtime and skipping breakfast or eating something in the morning.

Those who want a more extreme method go for the “Eat-Stop-Eat” method, increasing the fasting time and eating time. With this method, some people can last for up to 24 hours and drink only liquids without calories; they have another 24 hours to eat without dietary restrictions. They go back to the 24 hours fast and continue in that stead. Although extreme, this method tends to give more results by cutting down on calories, boosting hormone levels, and preserving lean muscle mass.

So intermittent fasting was created to understand that once the body goes 16 hours without food, it will start to break down fat as a replacement for glucose. The breakdown process is called ketosis, but aside from burning fat, ketosis also helps the body repair damaged DNA and replace older cells. There are lots of benefits associated with fasting.

Intermittent fasting and CBD

Based on clinical trials, CBD has the properties required to enhance the fasting process by reducing your appetite through hormonal regulations, preventing diseases, and fighting off inflammation. It was discovered that THC increases hunger in people, however, CBD doesn’t do that. Most people are more likely to feel hungry when anxious, restless and upbeat; the exact opposite of states CBD induce.

CBD works effectively with intermittent fasting because it helps keep the brain relaxed so that you don’t have the urge to snack on anything. With CBD, individuals’ health capabilities receive a significant boost, making fasting more comfortable and enabling more positive results.

CBD can be used through several means from oils to topicals and even as capsules. The CBD can also be taken as edibles as soon as the person breaks his or her fast.

The positive impact of CBD that makes intermittent fasting effective

Supplementing CBD while on an intermittent fast maximizes the CBD’s effects and improves the benefits of fasting.

CBD has a positive impact on the body’s metabolism and its endocannabinoid system as it helps balance the immune system, is suitable for mental health, and boosts digestion.

CBD And How It Works With Your Body's Built-In Cannabinoid System — Photo by R+R Medicinals via Unsplash

While intermittent fasting with CBD, your inflammatory levels reduce, eliminating pains and other inflammation-related ailments.

Please note that some CBD products are made with sugar (a good example is CBD gummies). Please avoid such CBD products while on your intermittent fast. Instead, go for products that contain more of the full plant, excluding THC. Some CBD oils contain all of the plant’s valuable parts, such as lipids, waxes and chlorophyll, flavonoids, and terpenes, which are great for your fasting experience.

It should be noted that CBD oils may cause mild abdominal upset when taken on an empty stomach (it only happens occasionally to some people). If you have taken a CBD product before and it upset your stomach, please speak with your doctor.

Bottom line

Although studies do not yet prove that CBD oil makes fasting experiences better, the available evidence suggests that it does help people get over the fatigue of fasting for a long time. Some people want to enjoy intermittent fasting, they want to achieve their “body goals” and show up looking healthier, but they often become discouraged after a few hours of fast because of the high levels of discomfort. With CBD oil, such experiences can be a thing of the past. CBD can help you relax, thus, reducing the level of discomfort.

Combining intermittent fasting with CBD is a significant step. It is essential to speak with a doctor or dietician before implementing these ideas; visiting a doctor is highly advisable especially if you have underlying health challenges.

Should You Use CBD Gummies To Help Mental Health?

Green Market Report

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February 26, 2021

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Should You Use CBD Gummies To Help Mental Health?

Research into the varying benefits of CBD has shown that it can be an extremely versatile supplement affecting health in a number of positive ways.

By Nicole Richter

The CBD industry has attracted a great deal of attention over the last few years. A combination of high profile cases in the media and an investment in research has led to an increasing number of people showing interest in the potential benefits of CBD.

Research into the varying benefits of CBD has shown that it can be an extremely versatile supplement affecting health in a number of positive ways. A large number of studies have focused on the benefits of using CBD as a general wellness supplement.

There have also been more focused research projects that have found CBD possesses powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities and has led CBD to become a common natural remedy for treating related inflammatory conditions.

The effect of CBD on mental health and, in particular, anxiety and stress is another popular area of research and one that has attracted a great deal of interest. Early studies have yielded positive results, causing a rise in CBD products and PureKana CBD gummies focused on managing mental health.

Research into CBD and mental health

Early studies have shown that mental health could be one of the areas to benefit the most from CBD supplements and products like CBD gummies.

The effect that CBD supplements can have on anxiety has been an area of great interest within the scientific community. One study found that CBD can be beneficial when treating anxiety symptoms, although it was felt that further research was needed to understand this fully.

Are High-CBD Hemp Flowers The Next Big Thing In Cannabis? — Photo by BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific via Unsplash

Taking CBD in the form of supplements increases the level of cannabinoids in the body. Cannabinoids are able to bind to CB1R and CB2R receptors within the nervous system. It has been found that when cannabinoid levels are increased, these receptors alter the signaling pathways, which in turn can impact a number of psychology responses.

There has also been evidence that CBD interacts positively with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin can affect a range of functions within the body and is often linked to a person’s mental state. A common goal of mental health medication is to balance serotonin levels within the body.

There is still a lot more research needed to fully understand the link between CBD supplements, serotonin, and mental health. However, initial research has shown promise that CBD could be used in a similar way to medication that aims to alter serotonin levels and positively impact mental health.

Most studies conclude that there are still a lot of questions to be answered when it comes to using CBD to treat mental health. However, it has been shown that CBD products can be used as a useful general wellness tool and that CBD gummies are an excellent way to do so.

Benefits of CBD gummies over other CBD products

CBD gummies are a super popular option for taking CBD supplements on a regular basis. CBD gummies offer something that is hard to find in other CBD products combining a fun, fruity snack with a healthy dose of CBD.

One of the main benefits of CBD gummies is that they are incredibly discreet. Most CBD gummies look and can be used just like regular gummies. Mental health is something that often carries a lot of stigma, and therefore products like gummies are usually recommended as they draw much less attention.

CBD gummies can also be a fun snack in a way that other CBD products are not. The bright, fruity flavor that comes with a CBD gummy can provide a small and much-needed burst of joy.

Gummy Products Are Changing The Way People Think About CBD — Photo by Pharma Hemp Complex via Unsplash

Most brands also have a few different options to choose from when it comes to gummies, including various flavors and shapes. Shopping for CBD gummies can be a fun and rewarding experience, much like walking into a candy store.

The simplicity of CBD gummies is another benefit, especially at times when it can be challenging to focus. The manufacturer has already made a lot of the effort required with other CBD products with CBD gummies.

There is no need to measure out a precise dosage or to worry about how many gummies should be consumed at one time. CBD gummies can be enjoyed just like a regular sweet snack.

Should you try CBD gummies to help with mental health?

It is still unclear whether CBD gummies can be used as an effective way to treat mental health. There are still a number of reasons to buy CBD gummies, though, whether as an enjoyable snack or as a wellness supplement.

Early studies have highlighted the positive benefits that added a small amount of CBD to one’s diet can have. CBD gummies offer many of the same effects that can be found in other CBD products, such as oil tinctures, capsules, and topicals.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

How Cannabis Promotes Good Gut Health And May Prevent Weight Gain

Cannabis

Dr. Mary Clifton

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February 25, 2021

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How Cannabis Promotes Good Gut Health And May Prevent Weight Gain

You don’t have to worry that using chronic cannabis is going to make you gain a lot of unnecessary weight. The exact opposite may be true.

If using cannabis gives you the munchies then why aren’t cannabis users gaining weight and why have they been shown to have better gut health?

Keeping your weight under control as you age is difficult. The average person gains somewhere between one to seven pounds a year. After 20 years that’s a lot of extra weight to contend with but interestingly people who smoke cannabis regularly maintain stable body weights. Their BMIs are lower. They don’t have this obesity as they age that we see in the rest of the population. At least in large part.

We’re not sure why that is. It might just be because they can get dopamine, and serotonin, and gabapentin, and norepinephrine from things besides a cupcake but it might be more complicated than that.

Inflammation & Obesity- Can Cannabis Help Break The Cycle? — Photo by Rostislav_Sedlacek/Getty Images

GUT BACTERIA AND CANNABIS USE

The microbiome may actually be the culprit here. In lab mice exposed to THC, one particular bacteria grows a little more than other bacteria. It’s akkermansia muciniphila. Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut bacteria that produces mucous. Mucous in the gut is critical to protecting the cells in the gut lining but there’s also a question that akkermansia muciniphila may impact the way extra calories are stored as fat.

Very early, very interesting research in a rat model but nevertheless you don’t have to worry that using chronic cannabis is going to make you gain a lot of unnecessary weight. The exact opposite may be true. The mechanisms will be cleared up soon.

This post originally appeared on CBD & Cannabis Info.

5 Exciting Cannabis Strains For 2021

Terry Hacienda

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February 25, 2021

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With the cannabis world trending in the direction of CBD, strains with high CBD content are taking center stage.

The result to be expected from using cannabis depends on cannabis strains and their cannabinoid profile. Cannabis has two major strains namely Sativa and Indica species. Both species have differences in terms of cannabinoid profile and ultimately effects. Different combinations of both species have now been used to artificially produce hybrid strains that are more unique and well suited to meet most of the needs of cannabis users. Due to their versatility, most cannabis users often prefer to go for hybrid strains and there are quite a number of them available presently. There are 5 exciting cannabis strains for 2021.

It should be noted that a major change in trend has been ongoing in the cannabis industry. Unlike before, the majority of cannabis users now want more CBD strains and less euphoric dominant strains. This trend is expected to continue into 2021 as the prominence of CBD strains continues to grow due to their relaxing and medicinal benefits.

Different cannabis strains, when properly used, can help with a good number of ailments and conditions. Early research conducted on CBD already shows positive results on some unique conditions, and with more works of research, a lot more will be understood about its degree of effectiveness.

Examples of the unique conditions these strains can be used for include social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. With the cannabis world trending in the direction of CBD, strains with high CBD content are taking center stage.

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is a very popular cannabis strain that is expected to grow in prominence in 2021. With a CBD content of 20%, this strain has a unique range of medical benefits. It also has THC in low quantities which means it cannot act to the psychoactive threshold of THC. Nonetheless, the medicinal benefits of THC are still available and the entourage effect between CBD and THC augments those benefits.

Due to its lack of euphoric effects, it is very popular among medical marijuana users who do not want to be intoxicated. It is therefore preferably used in the form of CBD oil as opposed to smoking due to health risks. Charlotte’s Web is used medicinally for pediatric seizure disorder, arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, fatigue, and migraine. 2021 is the year when this wonderful strain is expected to take center stage and grow in popularity and use and all medical marijuana users should look forward to it.

Sour Space Candy

Sour Space Candy is another unique strain that is about to take the cannabis industry by storm. It has less CBD content than Charlotte’s Web, but with a CBD content of 13.97%, it still has a good amount. The presence of such a good percentage of CBD helps the strain to promote an elevation of mood without risks of developing paranoia or fear.

The strain is good for relaxation and promoting calmness as it ensures that the mind is well-settled without the need for euphoric effects. It is a very good strain that can be used during the daytime for alertness and at night before sleeping. The strain displays a different type of colors ranging from bright orange to deep purple. The terpenes present in the strain also work to give varying types of aroma such as grass and diesel.

How To Relax When You Don't Know How — Photo by Haley Phelps via Unsplash.

Ringo’s Gift

Ringo’s Gift is a special hybrid cannabis strain made from two special parent species. The strain is a product of the cross between Harle-Tsu and ACDC. Both parent species are top CBD strains with high CBD content. This invariably means that Ringo’s Gift has a good CBD concentration and has different useful medicinal applications. The strain has an earthly aroma and taste which helps to make it distinct and easily identified.

Ringo’s Gift is good for cerebral activity as it promotes relaxation and soothing relief. The strain can give a slight night due to the presence of low THC concentration and the entourage effect of THC and CBD helps to ensure a good feeling from the strain. The possible medical uses of Ringo’s Gift include muscle spasms, post-traumatic stress disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, arthritis, pain, and anxiety. Many medical marijuana users comfortably opt for this strain due to its usefulness and many more are expected to in 2021.

5 Accessible Ways To Manage Anxiety — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Harle-Tsu

Harle-Tsu is a hybrid cannabis strain produced from two unique cannabis strains. It is a product of a cross between Harlequin and Sour Tsunami which shows where the strain got its name from. Even though the strain has a whopping CBD content of 22%, Harle-Tsu is still very much considered a rare strain. This is expected to change in 2021 as more medical marijuana users are expected to be in search of the beneficial strain due to its numerous applications.

This special strain is regarded as mellow and can work perfectly as a pain killer. It can also give a wide range of effects which makes it useful when the user seeks relaxation, motivation, or energy. The strain can be used to promote mental alertness during the day and used at nighttime to ensure sound sleep free from disturbances. The medical uses of Harle-Tsu include insomnia, migraine, PMS, depression, inflammation, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How Sativa Became The Energy Queen Of Cannabis — Photo by Jed Villejo via Unsplash

Harlequin

Harlequin is a unique cannabis strain that is perfect for the daytime. The strain has 10% CBD content which makes it perfect for ensure proper mental activity during the day. It is the sort of strain that you use before heading out during the day to ensure you are in the right mood throughout the day. The presence of THC in good concentration in the strain ensures it keeps you energized throughout the day. Harlequin can also provide a soothing effect which means it can be used for relaxation after the rigorous activities of the day. Medical applications of Harlequin include post-traumatic stress disorder, migraine, inflammation, depression, and chronic pain.

Watching for the sweet, relaxing brain tingles. | Photo by
skyNext/Shutterstock.com

Bottom line

The year 2021 is bound to be a very good year for the cannabis industry. It should be noted that more relevant works of research are also being conducted to help guide the industry on how to properly utilize different marijuana strains to derive the maximum effects both medically and recreationally.

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

How One Pediatrician Uses Marijuana And CBD In Palliative Care

Kate-Madonna Hindes

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February 25, 2021

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How One Pediatrician Uses Marijuana And CBD In Palliative Care

While it’s illegal for him to prescribe medical marijuana, Dr. David Sine has found a sweet spot for his patients in letting them know all of the options available.

Dr. David Sine’s passion for decreasing pain and creating new pathways to wellness in palliative care and hospice has only increased in the past eight years. A pioneer in pediatric care, Dr. Sine focuses on children who have life-limiting illnesses and need a higher level of attention to help them recover or transition on.

Known for integrating medical marijuana into his practice, Dr. Sine has spent almost a decade informing and comforting families in the complex process of integrating medical marijuana into their medicines. While he’s not allowed by federal law to prescribe medical marijuana, Dr. Sine has found a sweet spot for his patients in letting them know all of the options available. Sine is able to make the medical recommendation, ensuring it’s legal for a parent to give medical marijuana to their child.

Speaking at the 2019 SONO Symposium, Dr. David Sine explained that cannabis is nor a fad or trend in many hospice settings; he’s been using it as a medical intervention for many years. The doctor’s work in pediatrics has helped him bring findings to hospice patients in pediatric and geriatric settings, enabling better outcomes for all.

Treating over a thousand patients with medical marijuana, Dr. Sine stressed that his approach to care could be summed up with the saying, “the sum is greater than the parts.” He often partners THC with CBD as it makes pain care more effective. Also utilizing marijuana for pediatric seizures, Dr. Sine has worked to wean patients off prescribed morphine and stop medicines for bowel movements, getting children back to school.

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The importance of quality control

In an exclusive interview with The Fresh Toast, Dr. Sine explained that treating palliative and hospice care patients has complexities beyond other care as young children or older adults have weakened immune systems. Those in palliative care often need tremendous attention to detail in dispensing medicine free from contaminants. When he began working with medical marijuana, parents would bring in marijuana purchased from the street or dispensaries that contained arsenic, feces, and even chemicals in round-up.

Explaining the importance of ensuring his patients have the most accurate dosage and cleanest marijuana, Sine says marijuana could be looked at as a chocolate chip cookie, not because of the sweetness, but because each cookie while formed from the same dough could have more or less chocolate, complicating dosage concerns.

“Think of it like a chocolate chip cookie where the THC is the chips; I have to have accuracy in dosing to ensure each cookie had the same amount, size, and dosage of chips.”

Working with BioLife West[KH2], biochemists specializing in growing and testing marijuana, [KH3] each plant is lab-grown, which ensures that soil is free of contaminants to give the highest-quality and most risk-averse cannabis available.

Knowing that dosing was of concern and needed to be specialized to an individual ingredient level for THC, THCA, and CBD, Dr. Sine and his partners developed a way to create a product flow that is personalized for each patient and able to be adapted at any point.

“Marijuana is the best medicine I have ever seen — hands down. One medication can treat nausea, sleep, anxiety, adjuvant seizure management, and pain. I can eliminate and significantly decrease many of the other medications my patients take as well.” – Dr. David Sine

Creating a system that stays within federal and state guidelines, Sine works with families to make recommendations for medical marijuana, and then transitions families to pharmacists and nurse practitioners who follow each patient and their caregivers closely, ensuring safety at every step and allowing for opportunities to change doses or communicate discomfort quickly. Sine and his partners state that the three-arm-approach allows for faster communication of patient information and an active dialog that elevates the quality of care for children who are especially vulnerable.

Oprah's Sleep Doctor Advises Not To Do This Before Bed — Photo by Sarah Pflug via Burst

Accessibility and transparency

Treating over 1,500 patients, Dr. Sine has incorporated medical marijuana into his practice while partnering with local authorities and regulators to establish best practices in the use of cannabis for children.

“We strive to first do no harm. I can do no harm with marijuana if I have the right product. I can’t overdose someone with marijuana, unlike opioids. Marijuana doesn’t affect the liver or kidneys; I can get control of their pain with medical cannabis.”

Often cost-prohibitive for families already burdened by medical debt, the average cost of medical marijuana varies from around two hundred to three hundred dollars each month. Still, for many families, the benefits of having their children in a more comfortable place are priceless.

The family of Angel, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy and seizures, recently sought out Dr. Sine and his team to help with progressive seizures four years ago.

With a history of strokes and seizures that became resistant to typical therapy, Angel started medical marijuana medicine in 2015. Within a month, he experienced less frequent seizures and has been taken off three seizure medicines. Angel is vocalizing and moving on his own, experiencing a better quality of life than ever before.

Dr. Sine’s important work bears a reminder of the importance of investigating new therapies for illnesses that often leave families with few answers. As a pioneer in the medical marijuana treatment field, Sine’s approach has helped families to create not only a better quality of life but cherish more time with those most loved.

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Sour Space Candy

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Bottom line

While it’s illegal for him to prescribe medical marijuana, Dr. David Sine has found a sweet spot for his patients in letting them know all of the options available.

The importance of quality control

Accessibility and transparency

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