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How To Add A Little Marijuana To Your Pumpkin Spice

Sarah Johns
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How To Add A Little Marijuana To Your Pumpkin Spice

It is pumpkin spice season – why not add a little something extra to make it more fun?

Their arrival announces autumn and people flock to welcome an old friend’s return!  Over 30 million pumpkin spice latte’s are sold in the US and Canada every fall/holiday season. Starbucks concocted the beverage and spawned a whole industry including candles, cereal, soap, scents, food, and more. It is seen as a treat, but what if you make it even more special? Here is how to add a little marijuana to your pumpkin spice.

RELATED: The Best Refreshing Cocktails

American and Canadians spend rover $500 million on pumpkin spice products each year. The average Starbucks pumpkin spice drink costs 15.9% more than a non-pumpkin drink, so need/desire is more important than cost.  With a majority of customers having access to legal cannabis, why not have a little extra in the coffee to either chill, relax, treat some pain or just have fun. It is not complicated and it can add a whole new dimension to the fall favorite.

5 Fall Drinks To Replace The Pumpkin Spice Latte
Photo by Toa Heftiba via Unsplash
The most easy way is to stop in by a local dispensary and buy some cannabis oil. The flavor isn’t as strong as that of vegetable oil, but you will taste some plant matter.  Ask for a couple of extra pumps of flavoring for the coffee and you should be all set.
A popular brainhack is adding a dose of either butter in your morning cup. You can double the effect by adding a small dollop of canna butter instead. It will give a richer flavor and you can still savor the pumpkin flavor.  Making canna butter is easy and you can use it on toast and other foods.
Adding a cannabis tincture (oil) to creamer will enhance the flavor and be safe on the fridge shelf for the duration. Oils can be purchased at your local dispensary and a little can go a long way.

 Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, all the spices in pumpkin spice, are native to Southeast Asian islands. This spice was discovered on a few island groups as well as ancient pottery shards in Indonesia and brought back to Europe by the Dutch East India Company.

Starbucks wanted to create a new fall drink after tasting pumpkin pie and espresso. The team experimented with different pumpkin to spice ratios, but ultimately decided on a recipe without pumpkin. After consumer complaints the drink didn’t contain any pumpkin, Starbucks added a small amount of pumpkin puree to the syrup in 2015.  And had it has been a popular  drink ever sense.

Can A Gummy Help You Relax

Amy Hansen
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Can A Gummy Help You Relax

It is the time of year when things tend to speed up at work, at home, and in politics….but can a gummy help you stop and take a breath?

Politics are dominating the news, more people are back to the office and it seems the work load is heavier. Sometimes you just need a little down time. While marijuana has a reputation of getting stoned, can a gummy help you relax and unwind? Well, science says yes. Gen Z has embraced the trend as they are the first generation to be experiencing anxiety at an alarming rate.
Some people reach for alcohol, a scented candle, or music to relax, but a study at John Hopkins has shown using marijuana at a lower dose can help the body and mind relax.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids in the plant. identified in the plant. It interacts with receptors in the brain to produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. But indulging too much can have a negative impact.
How To Relax When You Don't Know How
Photo by Haley Phelps via Unsplash.

While more research needs to be done, it is clear from research dosage it a key compartment with marijuana.  Gummies tend to have 5-10 mg, a lower amount than in a joint and easier to control than taking several hits off a vape.  Microdosing, which has become popular, provides an opportunity to take part of gummies just to smooth the rough edges of the day.

“People use cannabis to help reduce anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, but since THC levels vary widely, if a person overshoots their tolerance of THC, cannabis can induce anxiety rather than relieve it,” says study senior author Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Our study demonstrates d-limonene can modulate the effects of THC in a meaningful way and make THC more tolerable to people using it for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes.”

The research team concluded combining d-limonene with THC significantly reduced subjective indicators/reports of THC-induced anxiety in participants. These reductions were greater as the dose of d-limonene was increased.

Additionally, they saw no interference with THC’s subjective, cognitive or physiological effects when co-administered with d-limonene, as well as no effects from d-limonene alone that differed from the placebo test.
If anxiety is frequent, it is important speak to a health professional to develop a routine for long term help.

Marijuana Industry Seeks Positive Signs From Candidates

Terry Hacienda
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Marijuana Industry Seeks Positive Signs From Candidates

The cannabis has been suffering for the last two years…but do the presidential candidates really care?

The last two years has been brutal for the cannabis industry. Consumer use continues to climb, but the cost of doing business is outpacing the profit. Filled with mainly mom and pop small business owners, it has become tougher and tougher as more and more people consume.  But does either political parties care and what are they actually going to do?  The marijuana industry seeks positive signs from candidates, and more than just statements, they want sound policy.

RELATED: Diddy’s Failed Cannabis Investment Saves Industry A Scandal

Legal states have reaped the benefits of making the plant safely available.  ncreased tax revenue, a decreased in youth use, and a variable options for medical marijuana patients from addictive opioids.  But the businesses themselves are battling high taxes, no tax benefits, increase in crime and a massive federal restrictions. Even with a growing customer base, hope is dwindling the government will act. And both parties have not been helpful.

Photo by Darren Halstead via Unsplash

Vice President Harris expressed support for legalizing marijuana, speaking publicly about where she stands for the first time she became the Democratic nominee.

“I just think we have come to a point where we have to understand that we need to legalize it and stop criminalizing this behavior,” Harris said during a nearly hourlong interview on the sports and culture podcast “All the Smoke” released Monday.

But what does it mean? Biden promised to help in 2020. The seasoned policy maker waited to the last moment to make the move, and then didn’t push the gas petal. While 2024 looked like a turning point year, nothing will happen. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) postponed their rescheduling announcement to December, after the election and a potential change in priorities, legalization actions, and executive orders.

Walz, as governor of Minnesota, saw the introduction of legal marijuana and how the state’s citizen’s embraced it in large numbers. But recently he shared he believed it should be a “states rights” issue but he still wants to Democrats to win Congress to help SAFE Banking.

RELATED: Boomer And Gen Z Consume Marijuana For Similar Reasons

The GOP Presidential candidate has given a nod to the industry, but under his previous term, nothing happened. Party leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have made it clear they want a regression of marijuana legality. The Senate GOP blocked the SAFER BANKING ACT 7 times. And the chaos over the ousting of Kevin McCarthy as speaker ruined the last big chance before camping started.

It seems all the states want the revenue, but no political leader wants to support the growth of the industry. The industry is just hoping something will hold candidates to their promises.

Diddy’s Failed Cannabis Investment Saves Industry A Scandal

Anthony Washington
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Diddy’s Failed Cannabis Investment Saves Industry A Scandal

It is a jaw dropping scandal flooding the news…but the cannabis industry is avoiding it because the big investment deal fell through.

The entertainment industry and the public is general have been shocked by the scandal around Diddy (formerly Puff Daddy, Sean Combs, etc).  The tentacles of his being charged at a federal level is making causing X in the music, entertainment, fashion, alcohol and monied worlds…but one industry is breathing a sigh of relief. There is a flood of celebrates who worried they will be pulled down including Ashton Kutcher, actor and Silicon Valley investor, Kevin Hart, Usher, Jay-Z, and more.  But Diddy’s failed cannabis investment saves industry a scandal, right as it seems to waiting for good news.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Combs was arrested on Sept. 16 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. He is depicted as the leader of an alleged criminal enterprise, subjecting women and men to a pattern of physical and sexual abuse, according to federal prosecutors.

Investigators allege over a span of years, Combs would ply victims with narcotics and even resort to violence and intimidation during days-long sex sessions in events called “freak offs”.    Big names were at these events and it has people running scared.

Diddy deeply dove into being part of the merge of cannabis companies Cresco Labs Inc. and Columbia Care Inc. They are currently two of the largest cannabis companies and were exploring a joint operations while adding additional investors. Diddy’s $155 million part would have given him a huge foothold into the growing market. His reach, wealth, and connections could have helped the industry. Luckily, in August 2023, the $ merger was terminated, canceling and voiding his deal with them.

RELATED: This Natural Cannabinoid Makes You Feel Happy

But what next? Other people near him have a role in the industry including Jay-Z. He Jay-Z started a $10 million investment for minority-owned cannabis startups. He is the Chief Visionary Officer of TPCO Holding.

Wiz Khalifa, Method Man, and Snoop Dog all have fingers in marijuana. Time will tell how the Diddy indictments plays out for all the players.

The Best Florida Cocktail Recipes

Sarah Johns
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The Best Florida Cocktail Recipes

Florida has been in the news lately, so why not lean into the sunshine state with some of their signature cocktails

From the Flora-bama to Key West, Florida has a history of snuggling up to the cocktail.  The spring break capital, home of Miami and its famous nightclubs, the sunshine state knows how to mix up a good time. From end to end of the state is 838 miles – which gives plenty of room to have a signature bar or 30.  And with that comes signature drinks…and here are the best Florida cocktail recipes so you can bask in your own sunshine.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

The Rum Runner

In the great tradition of strong drinks, this one can pack a punch. The drink was created in the 1950s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada. The bartenders wanted to get rid of the last few sips of several liqueurs, and this legendary cocktail was developed.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ice
  • 1 ounce pineapple juice
  • 1 ounce orange juice
  • 1 ounce blackberry liqueur
  • 1 ounce banana liqueur
  • 1 ounce light rum
  • 1 ounce dark rum or aged rum

Create

  1. Fill glass with ice
  2. Add the liquid contents and stir
  3. Pour the 151 in the straw or on the top
  4. Serve and sip

The Hurricane

While the drink is supposed to have been developed at Pat O’Brians in New Orleans, the state has had its share of hurricanes. Another powerful drink – this one attracts spring breakers, snowbirds and just people out for a fun Thursday night.  The mixture of liquors can be lethal, so be careful on the amount consumed!

Ingredients

  • 1 oz rum
  • 1 oz light rum
  • 1 oz pineapple
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 cup ice

Create

  1. Fill hurricane glass half full with crushed ice
  2. Combine dark rum, light rum, lime juice, and pineapple in a cocktail shaker
  3. Add ice; cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted
  4. Strain into glass

Margarita

Jimmy Buffet made this drink insanely popular. From beach bars to Mexican restaurants, this is a staple in the state with lime grove of variations. Here is an easy version for you to toast to good times and start your mini staycation ASAP.

Ingredients

  1. Crushed ice
  2. 3 lime wedges
  3. 2 ounces gold tequila
  4. ½ ounce silver tequila
  5. 1 ¼ ounces Rose’s lime juice
  6. ½ ounce Triple Sec
  7. Salt

Create

  1. Combine all ingredients except for the lime into a shaker
  2. Squeeze 2 of the lime wedges into the shaker and then shake well
  3. Serve over salt rimmed glass

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Bushwacker

The Bushwacker is in the vein of the mudslide but with a twist. You can slide up to the Sandshaker bar in Pensacola Beach and enjoy this creamy delight. You will see music lovers (live bands), college kids, locals, tourists and more at this staple stop.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces dark rum
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
  • 1 ounce dark creme de cacao
  • 2 ounces whole milk
  • 1 ounce cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
  • Garnish: nutmeg, freshly grated

Create

  1. Add the dark rum, coffee liqueur, dark creme de cacao, whole milk, cream of coconut and a cup of ice into a blender
  2. Blend until combined and frothy
  3. Pour into a Hurricane glass
  4. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

The Fuzzy Navel

The sunshine state is the land of oranges, so why not a delicious fruit drink that isn’t a mimosa or a screwdriver – welcome to the Fuzzy Navel.

Ingredients

  • 2 ops peach schnapps
  • 6 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Orange slice

Create

  1. Add a handful of ice to a highball glass
  2. Pour in the peach schnapps, followed by the orange juice
  3. Stir, and garnish with the orange slice.

Hairy Navel 

Add an oz of vodka to the above recipes and you transform the drinks to a Hairy Navel.

More Mainstream Pressure For The Federal Government Accept Cannabis

Amy Hansen
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More Mainstream Pressure For The Federal Government Accept Cannabis

A federal department wants more control over legal cannabis- but until it rescheduled or more, there hands are tied.

Legal marijuana has turned out to be surprisingly popular.  It has been embraced by all ages for fun, to manage anxiety, to help sleep, for pain and more.  Gen Z has started a trend of moving away from alcohol and toward the healthier cannabis.  Boomers, guided by AARP, are embracing it for a variety of medical benefits and for enjoyment. But now a federal agency has come out to say the government needs to have more say in stregthen and products. The issue, until rescheduling or decriminalization, they don’t have the authority. So this is just more mainstream pressure for the federal government to accept cannabis as part of today.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Both presidential candidates along with VP candidate Tim Walz have said they are for moving cannabis forward.  But have made statements of support, but no real clear action.  When asked should marijuana be legalized across the U.S. for recreational and medical use, he replied.

“Well, I think it’s an issue for the states on some of those, and that’s the way the states have done it,” Walz, the former Minnesota’s governor and Congressman said, dodging the question.

Photo by Darren Halstead via Unsplash

But with more people using, especial for medical, and a state patchwork of products, strengthand dosage, it is a bit messy. States have oversight, but not the same resources as the federal movement.  Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration are for rescheduling and oversight.  Now the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are adding their voice.  They released a report about what needs to happen, but nothing can be done until the federal government has a big voice.

“We’d like the federal government to step up to provide some leadership in this area,” said Dr. Steven Teutsch of the University of Southern California, who chaired the committee behind the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report. The CDC and the National Institutes of Health sponsored the report. A CDC spokesperson said Thursday that the agency would study the recommendations and that more money would be needed to implement them.

RELATED: This Natural Cannabinoid Makes You Feel Happy

Aaron Smith of the National Cannabis Industry Association said states have protected public health by replacing criminal markets with regulated businesses “that are required to test products for contaminants, practice truth in labeling, and most importantly, keep cannabis products out of the hands of minors.” Making cannabis legal nationally would improve public health through federal regulation, Smith said.

The Best Marijuana Strains For The Start Of Fall Weather

Terry Hacienda
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The Best Marijuana Strains For The Start Of Fall Weather

Shorter, chilly days…the work load is increasing and the race to get things done before the holiday season.  Looking for a little brightness, here are some marijuana strains to pick you up

Fall is back to school, back to work, and back to a short days and cold nights. Goodby sunny, fun filled summer and winter eve. While everyone seems to be embracing the pumpkin spice latte, sometimes you need a little bit more to perk you up.  Microsoding has become a thing as a way to relief anxiety and depression, small doses can help make a dark day a bit brighter.

RELATED: These Strong Cocktails Will Help You Forget Politics

While the changing leaves and Halloween are fun, the lack of sunlight can cause a problem. The decrease in sunlight may disrupt a body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Season affective disorder (SAD) can have an impact, but for some, they just occasionally need a little pick me up to refocus on life. About 5% of adults in the US and experience SAD and it typically lasts about 40% of the year.  Here are the best marijuana strains for the start of fall weather.

Pumpkin Spice Gummies

While not necessary their own strain, these hemp gummies are uplifting and energizing. And perfect for macrodosing.  Talk to your bud tender, but you can start at 5 mg and see if this doesn’t make even the the first few days of rain a bit better. And sense they are hemp, they are legal in most states!

Lamb’s Bread

This Jamaican strain will bring out all the positive vibes with its delicious smell and the calm cerebral buzz you’ll feel.

Golden Ticket

Like Willy Wonka, you will feel you have won a special prize and have a happy smile on your face. This 50/50 balanced hybrid marijuana strain gives access to euphoria’s top floor.

Blue Dream

This strain balances full body relaxation with an active mind and is among the most popular ones on the US. Perfect for running errands on a wet, autumn day.

RELATED: Has Marijuana Become A Political Football

JT15

This type of marijuana has a delicious and  woody aroma that’s perfect for battling pain, insomnia and all types of stress. Think a relaxing walk in the forest with leaves changes and your mind unwinding.

RELATED: Great Fall Whiskeys

Hindu Kush

With subtle and rich smells, this strain will leave you with a feeling of deep calm that’s perfect for relieving stress, anxiety and leaving you in that perfect state of mind for spirituality.

Granddaddy Purple

This strain will leave your body in a perfect state of serenity and your brain open to all types of experiences. This type of marijuana will also work perfectly for active and still forms of meditation.

Skywalker Alien

Fall is the perfect time to curl up and watch movies. This type of marijuana will focus on your brain and will leave you feeling upbeat, relaxed and stress free.

Florida Governor’s Fight Against Cannabis Could Put Him In Hot Water

Terry Hacienda
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Florida Governor’s Fight Against Cannabis Could Put Him In Hot Water

DeSantis is continuing to go full steam against recreational marijuana and other ballot initiatives, and it is not going well for him.

The big news this week has been new tapes revealing Nixon stated marijuana was “not addictive and dangerous.” Nixon, who had a penchant for tapes which got him in trouble,  was the founder of the War on Drugs, which plagues the country to this day. But some leaders haven’t listened to reason and science. In fact the Florida’s governor’s fight against cannabis could put in hot water.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

It is public opinion and the medical community see value in legal cannabis by the positions of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.  But the message has reached Florida. Governor DeSantis has lead the fight against marijuana, despite the a significant majority of his voters opposing his position. He has used a variety of tactics to get his way, often with poor results.  He fought medical marijuana, lost and his popular, he has fought the insurance industry and now the sunshine state has sky high premiums, he appointed a president of one the states premier university only for him to leave after extravagant spending.

DeSantis opposes citizen-led amendments on the ballot this November and has tried to rise money to combat the swell of voters who support them. Reflecting the will of the public, the pro marijuana group has raised 5 times the amount as the governor’s team. But it seems the governor may have dipped into state funds to help. In a two-front battle, DeSantis is also at odds with the GOP Presidential nominee who. stated he plans to vote yes for the initiative. A direct opposition to DeSantis stance.

A Florida public service announcement, funded by the state and promoted on social media last week, warns viewers not to drive high. In the middle of the 30-second video, the narrator says, “DUI crashes increase in states with legalized marijuana, putting everyone at risk.” The claim legalization leads to increased instances of impaired driving is misleading. Research on the topic has been mixed, and even federal reports have said the effects of cannabis use needs more research.

Smart & Safe Florida, the campaign that put Amendment 3 on the November ballot, sent cease and desist letters to about 50 news stations across the state. It seems legal and ethic issues are right around the corner.

RELATED: This Natural Cannabinoid Makes You Feel Happy

One irony is the state is PSA talks about it causing higher insurance rates. Florida is among the most expensive states for auto insurance. According to estimates from Quadrant Information Services, Florida drivers pay $134 per month or $1,605 per year on average for minimum-coverage auto insurance. Property owners already pay more than four times the national average for home insurance, up from triple the national average just last year. The cost of homeowners insurance on average increased more than 40% in the last year.

Will Iceland Be The New Normal For Cannabis

Anthony Washington
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0
Will Iceland Be The New Normal For Cannabis

Is Iceland the wave or puff of the future?

As the US debates rescheduling cannabis and officially recognizing its medical benefits, the public already has moved on from the conversation. Canada is fully legal and over 50% of the US has access to legal weed, along with pockets of Europe. But the interesting thing is things only get better with legalization. Teen use is down, medical use is up and lots of people of all ages are reaping benefits. While cannabis is not perfect, it is definitely healthier than alcohol.  The consuming public has noticed and more people are drifting away from booze and headed to weed. One of these is our chilly northern neighbors.  Will Iceland be the new normal for cannabis?
It is believed 6.6% of the population consumes cannabis regularly. The number is commonly believed to be 18.3% due to data confusion. It makes sense with the California sober movement of switching cannabis for alcohol.  Gen Z is drinking less and gumming more, and Boomers are turning on to medical marijuana for health reasons. While it is still illegal, there is growing domestic production. While it isn’t a world country record for use, the liberal country seems to embrace marijuana over mojitos.

photography of white swan floating on water body

The European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) suggests that people in Iceland drink less frequently than people in the other Nordic countries. Iceland has the seventh lowest proportion of people that drink at least once per week, just over 20%.  Overall, 62% of U.S. adults say they ever drink alcohol, while 38% abstain completely, where with marijuana it is closer to 10-12%.  With trends, will the US move closer to Canada with almost parity in use. Even states like Texas where cannabis is illegal, still sell hemp, made from the same plant.
While buying and holding small amounts for personal use doesn’t incur any severe punishment beyond a small fine of $500. Possession of small amounts of cannabis is prohibited, yet not criminalized, under the Icelandic Addictive Drugs and Narcotics act. History is moving and it is good to observe trends in other parts of the world.

New Data About Cancer And Cannabis

Amy Hansen
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New Data About Cancer And Cannabis

While there is a need for more research, the data has good news.

The American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians along with the federal agencies Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all spoke up about the need for additional research to unlock medical benefits of cannabis. The acknowledge it can help, but need more information, including more understand about dosage. Now, a study reveals more data about cancer and cannabis which only reenforces their call to action.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

While cannabis is not a treatment for cancer, studies support marijuana-derived cannabinoids. TCH and CBD can help relieve symptoms and ease the side effects of cancer, including chemotherapy. More research can be done on treatment, but how do patients feel about using medical marijuana? The University of California San Diego and VA Health Care researchers partners for the one-year study. Team conducted a comprehensive survey of nearly 1,000 adult cancer patients at various stages of cancer treatment. What they discovered wasn’t a common sense surprise.

The lead researchers Corinne McDaniels-Davidson’s published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. They explored the decision-making process, perceived benefits, and risks of cannabis use to address symptoms in adults with cancer.

“There’s a vacuum in the world of cancer care. Many oncologists don’t talk to their patients about cannabis or refer them to a pain management specialist instead,” said McDaniels-Davidson, who is the associate director at the SDSU School of Public Health.

“Our data shows about a third of the patients surveyed used cannabis after their diagnosis, but only a few of those patients said they had told their oncologist,” said McDaniels-Davidson.

Cannabis has been used as medicine for thousands of years. The archeological site in the Oki Islands near Japan contained cannabis achenes from about 8000 BC, but it developed a bad name in the early 20th century. But the understanding it works is still strong. Survivors who perceived cannabis had any benefits were five times more likely to use it. Those who perceived there were any risks were nearly 60% less likely to have used it post-diagnosis.

RELATED: Biden Administration Puts A Knife Into The Cannabis Industry

According to the study, cancer survivors diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 were also more likely to use cannabis.  Among those who used cannabis, 19% said they believed the misconception that it could treat or cure cancer.  Cannabis can not cure cancer, a fact which needs to be made clear, but it increasing can help treat the disease. This study gives medical professional another tool to talk with patients.

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