Sunday, May 10, 2026
Home Blog Page 470

Nebraska Supreme Court Removes Medical Marijuana From Ballot

Brendan Bures
-
0
Nebraska Supreme Court Removes Medical Marijuana From Ballot

Justices ruled that a medical marijuana measure up for vote in November violated state law regarding single-subject initiatives.

Nebraska voters will not see a medical marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, following Thursday’s decision by the state’s Supreme Court. Opponents filed a lawsuit arguing the measure violated Nebraska’s Constitution and judges ultimately sided with their point of view.

“This is an outrageous and deeply flawed decision by a group of activist judges,” Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project, told The Fresh Toast. “This ruling means that sick and suffering medical marijuana patients, including veterans, will continue to be criminals in Nebraska when they try to live healthier lives.”

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana submitted more than 190,000 signatures to qualify legalization for the 2020 election. State law requires at least 122,275 signatures to register a constitutional amendment on the ballot and Secretary of State Bob Evnen ruled last month activists had met that threshold.

RELATED: How Likely Is Mississippi To Legalize Medical Marijuana This Election?

Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner challenged Evnen’s ruling in court, stating it violated Nebraska’s single-subject ballot initiative rule. The measure posed two separate questions to voters: 1) Should medical cannabis be legal in the state and 2) should private companies be responsible for selling it. The state dismissed Wagner’s argument but the Supreme Court did not.

“If voters are to intelligently adopt a State policy with regard to medicinal cannabis use, they must first be allowed to decide that issue alone, unencumbered by other subjects,” the judges’ opinion states. “As proposed, the [Nebraska Medical Cannabis Constitutional Amendment] contains more than one subject—by our count, it contains at least eight subjects.”

The judges conclude that, “We reverse the Secretary of State’s decision and issue a writ of mandamus directing him to withhold the initiative from the November 2020 general election ballot.”

Kettle Falls Five
Photo by Daniel_B_photos via Pixabay

Two justices added dissenting opinions to the ruling, writing that they are “concerned that today’s decision has squeezed the concept of single subject…such that the people’s right to initiative has been diminished.”

Wagner was not alone in his opposition to the measure. Earlier this month, Nebraska Gov. Pete Rickets claimed “there is no such thing as medical marijuana.” He argued this is not something a doctor would prescribe and worried medical marijuana would cause workers to “show up to work stoned.”

RELATED: Nebraska Gov. Claims There’s ‘No Such Thing As Medical Marijuana’

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana wrote in a Facebook post that they were “devastated” by the ruling.

“But this fight is not over. Nothing changes the fact that an overwhelming majority of Nebraskans stand with the patients and families who deserve compassion and safe access to medical cannabis. We will be regrouping and updating you all soon with plans for our next steps.”

https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaMJ/posts/807619063376064

3 Cautions For Older Cannabis Users

Maria Loreto
-
0
3 Cautions For Older Cannabis Users

A new survey found that marijuana use nearly doubled among men ages 65 to 69 between 2016 and 2018.

Now that marijuana has earned legal status across different states, it has gone through a process of reevaluation. People of all ages are now more open to trying the plant, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes. One of the fastest growing demographics are baby boomers. But there are 3 cautions for older cannabis users.

A survey conducted on adults over the age of 55 between 2016 and 2018 found that men are increasing the amount of marijuana they consume, particularly those between the ages of 60-64. According to NBC News:

Men ages 60 to 64 reported the highest rates of marijuana use, with 12.6 percent of those surveyed saying they used the drug in the past 30 days in 2018, up from 8.9 percent in 2016. Over the same time period, use also nearly doubled among men ages 65 to 69 (rising from 4.3 percent in 2016 to 8.2 percent in 2018) and among men ages 70 to 74 (from 3.2 percent to 6 percent). There was less change in the use among women.

Study co-author Bill Jesdale told NBC News he has some theories as to why more older adults are using weed, such as a greater willingness to admit to use because of lower stigma, increased availability of the drug, and lowered inhibitions against use.

There’s also other contributing factors, including a global leaning towards more natural medicines, and older adults specifically seeking pain relief and sleep aids, preferably those that don’t come with significant side effects.

While young adults are still the largest consumers of cannabis in the U.S., the rise in older adult use and seniors concerns some researchers; there are a few factors that could influence the effect marijuana has on them. Here are three of the most pressing:

Reactions with medication

Study: Older Adults Are Using Cannabis At Higher Rates
Photo by rawpixel.com

RELATED: Educating Older Adults About CBD — What You Need To Know

The most pressing issue medical experts are concerned with is the possible effect marijuana can have with common medications taken by older adults. A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology says that marijuana can interact with common heart medications, such as statin and blood thinners. Marijuana use can alter the time in which these medications have an effect and could also result in excessive bleeding.

People should also avoid pairing marijuana with anti-seizure medications or any other substance that produces strong effects. If having surgery, it’s important for older adults to disclose marijuana use to doctors, even including the use of CBD. The compound has also been linked with altering the way in which the liver processes dosages in medications.

Higher risk of falls and accident

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

While this should concern mostly seniors, the use of marijuana could result in dizziness and in feeling out of control of your body. This in turn could increase the risk of falling and getting involved in all sorts of accidents. Falls pose serious risks for seniors, with 1 out of 5 resulting in a head injury or in broken bones.

Confusion

Photo by Vlad Sargu via Unsplash

RELATED: 6 Ways Cannabis Can Improve The Life Of Seniors

Seniors and adults with higher risk for dementia and confusion should be careful with their marijuana intake, especially when consuming products with high THC content. THC and its psychoactive effects can result in unexpected side effects for people who’ve experienced psychiatric conditions or have a predisposition for them.

What I Learned Attending A Cannabis And Sex Workshop

Becky Garrison
-
0
What I Learned Attending A Cannabis And Sex Workshop

A 50/50 hybrid of THC and CBD can work as a great combination to help put one in a sexy space without going to sleep.

In Seattle, Babeland, a woman-founded adult entertainment store, educates people about how cannabis can enhance their sex life. Following are some pointers I gleaned from a cannabis and sex workshop I attended last year at the store about how to include cannabis in your sexual and sensual experiences.

Preparation for Using Cannabis During Sex

Before adding cannabis to your sex life, have a conversation outside of the bedroom. Go on a casual date for a chat regarding the expectations of sex and cannabis when all parties are sober. Try any cannabis products you’d like to use in the bedroom by yourself so you can see how you react before you enjoy cannabis with a partner.

For most people, a very high THC strain tends to make them too sleepy to be sexy, while a high CBD strain doesn’t elevate their mood. A 50/50 hybrid can work as a great combination to help put one in a sexy space without going to sleep.

Also, have some flavored lube at your disposal. Cotton mouth after consuming cannabis is a real real sensation, and dry mouth can interfere with any stimulation involving the mouth. A flavored lube allows you to salivate and also keep your mouth well lubricated without the bad aftertaste sometimes associated with non-flavored lube.

how to practice post sex hygiene
Photo by South_agency/Getty Images

Heighten Sexual Sensations with Cannabis

The body’s natural response to sexual arousal consists of a hormone flush, blood rush, ejaculation, and orgasm, while cannabinoids will bring blood flow to a specific area. When the blood flow is triggered, it increases hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. (Also, cannabinoids can help with cramps, low libido, and vaginal dryness.)

RELATED: What Does Marijuana Do To A Boner?

After taking cannabis, slowly build arousal by using a massage candle. When lit, this candle produces a warm oil that’s the temperature of bath water. Giving and receiving a massage with this oil will push blood flow around the body, thus increasing arousal. Consider adding a blindfold as it cuts off one’s sense of sight, which will then heighten other sensations. Also, a stainless steel massage wand can provide a fun heat and weight sensation while a feather tickler offers a more lighter touch.

Enjoying Cannabis Edibles, Wine, and Sex

Try a cannabis infused edible if you want more of a body high. Combining a cannabis edible with wine is one way to get an extra boost. Then begin to engage in foreplay and you’ll be ready for game time by the time the edible kicks in.

marijuana tampons
Photo courtesy of ForiaPleasure

Using Cannabis Sensual Oil

When a cannabis sensual oil is applied to the mucus membrane, this balm serves as a non-psychoactive means of bringing a lot of blood to the area. After application, wait about twenty minutes to an hour for the cannabis to kick in. Sometimes people report they don’t feel anything when using cannabis sensual oil for the first time. But after a few times applying this balm, most people report they experience sensual sensations.

Also, these balms work well for solo play when one wishes to increase their sensations especially when using a vibrator.

RELATED: Marijuana As A Sexual Aid? Here’s What The Experts Say

Bear in mind that as most cannabis sensual oils are oil based, they are not compatible with latex condoms. However, one can use oil based cannabis sensual oils with polyurethane condoms. Also, because cannabis enters the mucus membrane, there’s a slight possibility that one may test positive for cannabis on a drug test.

Parting Disclaimer

Babeland offers this disclaimer: “While mixing cannabis and sex can lead to an amazing time, we want to remind everyone that if you are going to be drinking, smoking, taking edibles, or participating in anything else that could affect your thought processes, you want to make sure that consent is explicit and ongoing. Discuss a safe-word, and make sure to communicate needs before, during, and after play. Remember, if someone is in too altered a state of mind to make a definitive, free-willed, and fully informed decision, they are not able to consent.”

Introverts Can Use Cannabis To Cope With Social Anxiety

Becky Garrison
-
0
Introverts Can Use Cannabis To Cope With Social Anxiety

Consuming weed allows those who experience social anxiety to actually enjoy themselves, instead of allowing their anxieties to keep them on high-alert.

For those with social anxiety who prefer to be alone or in the company of a small group of close friends, social situations involving a large group of people can be quite stressful. 

Whenever Cyn Marts, a cannabis writer and editor in Portland, has to spend more than a few minutes at a party, group activity, or public event, smoking beforehand allows her to actually experience and enjoy herself, instead of allowing her social anxieties and panic disorder to keep all her senses on high-alert. Cannabis can dull out the background noise her senses can pick up all around her. 

While she likes flower for the immediate effects, as well as the ritual of rolling, lighting, and smoking a joint, when discretion is important, she’ll use a vape or 10-30mg of an edible. She looks for soothing strains that aren’t too heavy, like Strawberry Cough and Purple Hindu Kush. But if she needs to remain energized, she prefers Cinex, which she describes as “having a cinnamon like taste and feels like I’m having a cup of coffee.”

Like Cyn, some of Collen King’s introverted qualities stem from her over sensitivity where she can get overwhelmed by any stimulus. King, who does strategic sourcing for cannabis and specialty coffee, finds that taking cannabis before a social event can help reduce her anxiety and make it easier for her to connect with people. “With cannabis,” says King, “I’m more patient and less analytical. Some times it makes me feel like I have a superpower because I can do things that I honestly would never try without the help of cannabis.” 

RELATED: Anxious About Seeing A Therapist? CBD Could Help

Her favorite strains are Peanut Butter Breath, Harletsu, and Kosher Kush. Except for family events, she will smoke a 1/2 gram joint throughout the evening. When she’s around family during the holidays, she’ll take a 10mg edible for a very chill evening though increase the dosage to 20mg if people are drinking. 

the average america hasnt made a new friend in 5 years
Photo by Felix via rawpixel.com

Tyler Hurst, a 40-year-old copywriter for Item 9 Labs and a facilitator for Arizona Yagé Assembly, can easily become inundated by information to the point of sensory overload. He cannabis and ceremonial psychedelics to help him deal with C-PTSD made worse by pretending to be an extrovert for most of his life.

His typical method of choice is to have a low-dose edible before an event (1:1 is best), then a heady dab or two on the sativa side when he arrives. He may take a shared joint which allows him to focus on the smoking, as well as being a bit more social. He may do another dab after 30-45 minutes. Among his preferred strains are Durban Poison, Jack Herer, and Candyland. Also, he likes Delta 8 as a soothing option. 

RELATED: Low-THC Strains Of Marijuana A Safer Substitute For Anti-Anxiety Medications

For him, cannabis works better than his previous options. “Unlike caffeine, it doesn’t give me hours of energy that I’ll have to deal with as a deficit later. It’s better than alcohol because it doesn’t change my personality, and immensely better than going sober because it allows me to tune in to what I want while tuning out to what I don’t, just like a good pair of noise cancellation headphones.”

3 Exciting Ways Technology Is Changing The Cannabis Industry

Maria Loreto
-
0
3 Exciting Ways Technology Is Changing The Cannabis Industry

Canna-business is evolving along with technology. Here are three of the most promising technological developments that the cannabis industry is making.

Technology affects just about everything, from the way in which we interact with others to how companies function. The cannabis industry isn’t exempt from technology’s reach. Thanks to marijuana’s legal developments over the last couple of years, the plant has been embraced by a myriad of people and businesses. The more time that passes and the more that technology develops, the more likely it is for cannabis to become involved in the medium, changing the way in which we buy and use products.

While it’s too soon to make any grandiose statements, technological developments in the weed industry are becoming more prominent. PC magazine compiled a few of the most interesting advancements that are affecting the cannabis industry. Here are 3 of our favorites:

Personalized products

Legalizing Marijuana Had No Prevalance Teen Cannabis Use
Photo by rawpixel/Getty Images

RELATED: The Cannabis Industry’s ‘Essential’ Upside From COVID-19

The use of marijuana varies widely from person to person, all due to genetics. Since we each have our own DNA, cannabis affects us in different ways, resulting in experiences that differ in key aspects. According to PCMagazine, some cannabis companies hope to address this by personalizing your highs. CannabisDNA is administering a $129 saliva based test swab that creates a profile of your responses to different cannabinoids. Afterwards, a report is produced, showing strains that function well with your system.

While this feature is not accessible for the majority of cannabis users, in the future, marijuana retailers could use this technology to provide customers with products that will do exactly what they want them to do.

Grow lights

Grow lights, which are used for growing marijuana indoors, aren’t a new invention. Still, these lights are expensive and consume large amounts of energy. LED technology, which has been embraced by NASA in order to successfully cultivate plants in space, could soon be used by cannabis growers. These bulbs produce a wide-band light spectrum that produces less heat, thus creating less issues for growers when it comes to temperature control.

DNA sequencing

Your Genes Have A Surprising Effect On How Marijuana Affects You
Photo by qimono via Pixabay

RELATED: Outdoor Vs. Indoor Grown Cannabis: Which To Choose?

One of the reasons that cannabis is so popular (and profitable) is because of its malleability. While this creates an endless amount of therapeutic and recreational opportunities, it also doesn’t allow for predictable products; you might buy the same product twice and get different variations of THC.

DNA sequencing aims to create cannabis plants that are more predictable, mapping out its genome and providing a blueprint for companies to work with. The use of this technology could result in cannabis plants that are THC or CBD exclusive, that have different colors and flavors, and more.

Are Democrats Making A Mistake Pushing Cannabis Reform?

Brendan Bures
-
0
Are Democrats Making A Mistake Pushing Cannabis Reform?

Will a cannabis decriminalization bill draw potential voters toward Democrats in the 2020 election, or will it turn them off?

Backing pro-cannabis reform seems like a no-brainer for Democrats. Two out of three Americans support legalizing marijuana, according to the latest Gallup poll. Even in conservative states like Mississippi, support to push cannabis legislation exists among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike.  

Increasingly, activists have linked ending cannabis prohibition with calls for racial justice following the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd at the hands of police. Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris made the connection more explicit in a CNN interview last week.

RELATED: Kamala Harris Questions Discriminatory Marijuana Prosecutions, But Ignores Her Past

“There are huge disparities in our country based on race,” she said. “It does us no good if we want to solve those disparities to pretend they don’t exist.”

“You can look at, for example, marijuana offenses. Equal use between white population and the black populations, but black people are exponentially more likely to be arrested and prosecuted for those offenses.”

The House of Representatives will vote on the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act this September. The bill would decriminalize cannabis nationwide and expunge marijuana records for some folks.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Staff/Getty Images

Democratic leadership, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, put forth the legislation amid an ongoing stalemate with Republicans about the next round of coronavirus stimulus relief. Although the House already passed its own stimulus package, GOP party members have used the juxtaposition to attack the Democrats.

“We are dealing with a pandemic and mob violence is terrorizing major cities – so what’s first up on Speaker Pelosi’s agenda after a long House recess? Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) tweeted. “No Joint Left Behind – A bill legalizing pot!”

Even House Republicans that support the bill, like Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), questioned the decision.

“I do find it ironic that the only small businesses the Democrats seem to be worried about are cannabis shops,” McClintock told Politico. “But I would support this bill whenever it is brought to a vote.”

But not all Democrats align on the issue either. Presidential candidate Joe Biden supports decriminalizing cannabis, but believes further medical research is necessary before legalizing nationwide. Some Democrats believe passing the bill could show voters what is possible under their party’s leadership. Others worry the messaging could instead become mixed.

You’re harming your ability to defeat Donald Trump,” Jon McHenry, a Republican who works at North Star Opinion Research, told Politico. “He and his Republican allies get to say, ‘See, Joe Biden’s not going to be in control. Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez are in control.’”

RELATED: Trump Fears States Legalizing Marijuana Could Lose Him The Election

President Donald Trump expressed worry privately that having cannabis legalization measures in battleground states like Arizona could cost him votes in November. He told Republicans at a rally last month that they should keep cannabis reform off the ballot if they want to win.

“The president is keenly aware of how presidential elections [nowadays]… can be won at the margins,” one Republican strategist who discussed the issue with Trump told The Daily Beast. “The pot issue is one of many that he thinks could be a danger… He once told me it would be very ‘smart’ for the Democrat[ic] Party to get as many of these on the ballot as they could.”

Martha Stewart Launches New Line Of CBD Products

Debra Borchardt
-
0
Martha Stewart Launches New Line Of CBD Products

“Created in collaboration with the top researchers and scientists at Canopy Growth, I am very proud of the end result: wellness gummies, oil drops and soft gels that taste as wonderful as they make you feel.” – MS

The queen of lifestyle branding Martha Stewart has launched a new line of CBD products with cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:CGC.) The hemp-derived wellness supplements are inspired by some of Martha’s most popular recipes featuring Meyer lemons and blood oranges. The initial product offering will include a range of human wellness supplements, with a gift box and pet line launching later this year.

“I’ve found that CBD supplements are a simple way to enhance my own health and wellness, especially when it comes to managing the stresses of daily life,” said Martha Stewart. “I set out to create the most delicious CBD products on the market, drawing inspiration from some of my favorite recipes and flavor profiles from my greenhouse and gardens. My wellness gummies closely resemble the French confections, pâte de fruits, rather than the sticky, overly sweet versions you might find elsewhere.

RELATED: Martha Stewart Officially Enters The Marijuana Market

“Created in collaboration with the top researchers and scientists at Canopy Growth, I am very proud of the end result: wellness gummies, oil drops and soft gels that taste as wonderful as they make you feel.”


The new portfolio of natural, gourmet flavored wellness gummies, soft gels and oil drops are specially formulated by Martha Stewart, in collaboration with the cannabinoid scientists at Canopy Growth, to deliver a consistent daily dose of pure, premium CBD isolate. The products can be purchased through Canopy Growth’s website or launch.marthastewartcbd.com.

At launch, the Martha Stewart CBD product line includes:

  • Martha Stewart CBD 10mg Wellness Gummies in Citrus Medley (Meyer Lemon, Kumquat and Blood Orange flavors, 30 count) for $34.99
  • Martha Stewart CBD 10mg Wellness Gummies in Berry Medley (Raspberry, Huckleberry and Black Raspberry flavors, 30 count) for $34.99
  • Martha Stewart CBD 25mg Soft Gels (Unflavored, 30 count) for $44.99
  • Martha Stewart CBD 750mg Oil Drops (Blood Orange, Meyer Lemon or Unflavored) for $44.99

Canopy Growth CEO David Klein said, “We are committed to leading the CBD industry by providing trusted brands, which is why we’ve chosen to collaborate with Martha Stewart, someone who people turn to for advice on living well. Together, we’re bringing consumers science-backed, premium quality products in elegantly designed and gourmet flavored formats, available at a price point that makes Martha Stewart CBD one of the best values on the market.”

Martha’s Cannabis History

Stewart is known for her home show and lifestyle empire that includes a magazine, television shows and numerous products. One of her shows was a cooking program with cannabis king Snoop Dogg called “Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party.” While Snoop frequently brought up cannabis in the show and episodes featured cannabis-friendly guests like Whiz Kalifa and Seth Rogen, Stewart always remained coy on the subject. Although she has said that the second-hand smoke on the set probably led to a contact high for her. Conversely, Snoop is not much of an alcohol drinker, but Stewart would often get him to share a drink with her on the set.

RELATED: Martha Stewart Eats Marijuana Edibles, Says ‘They’re Fine’

Stewart’s move towards CBD products is on-brand with her demographic. Women are increasingly turning to CBD as a remedy for numerous conditions. Being able to enjoy the wellness benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects is very appealing to many older women.

As Martha Stewart CBD expands offerings this fall and early next year, you can expect luxury gift sets and pet products designed to help furry friends feel their best. Stewart is known for her love of dogs and it seems CBD is part of their regimen as well.

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

The Basics Of Wearing A Face Mask In A Restaurant

Maria Loreto
-
0
The Basics Of Wearing A Face Mask In A Restaurant

Going to restaurants remains a complicated process. Here’s how you can stay safe during the pandemic.

Dining out at a restaurant has changed dramatically over the past several of months. Now that most states are allowing indoor dining to resume, it’s very important for people to know the proper etiquette for these situations, allowing them to stay as safe as they can.

While most businesses now require the use of face masks, restaurants present us with a bit of conundrum. While you need to wear your mask upon entering, once you sit down and order, it becomes a bit of a challenge to stay diligent about basic COVID-19 safety measures.

Here are the basic rules you should follow when dining in a restaurant:

Sanitize your hands often

What You Should Know About CBD Hand Sanitizer
Photo by Photo by Anna Shvets via Pexels

RELATED: How To Stay Safe While Eating Out At A Restaurant

Having clean hands should be a priority when dining out, so try to do it as often as possible. This doesn’t replace hand washing, but it’s nice to have a bottle of sanitizer at the ready for moments when you can’t get to the restroom. Many restaurants are placing bottles of sanitizers on their tables specifically for this purpose.

Put your mask someplace safe

Once you remove your mask, it’s important to put it somewhere accessible and safe. Don’t take your mask on and off, since this increases the odds of contaminating. Avoid putting your mask on the table, since this exposes the mask to other people’s respiratory droplets and whatever was on the table before you sat down. Wear your mask as a bracelet, with the inside part touching your arm, or place it in a paper bag, since this protects your mask for any outside contaminants.

Think about your server

Colorado
Photo by leeroy via lifeofpix

RELATED: A Lot Of People Are Having Weird Food Cravings During Coronavirus

While you don’t want to be rude to your server, you should try to be mindful of their health and that they’re masked the entire time of your visit. You can try putting on your mask when they approach the table and servers should try to keep 6 feet of distance between themselves and diners. As a way of minimizing your interactions with them, avoid calling on them several times for things you don’t really need.

How Likely Is Mississippi To Legalize Medical Marijuana This Election?

Brendan Bures
-
0
How Likely Is Mississippi To Legalize Medical Marijuana This Election?

  Although lawmakers have tried to undermine medical cannabis legalization in the state, voters favor an activist-backed initiative.

Mississippi may be among the states to legalize medical cannabis this election, according to a recent poll. Though state lawmakers have attempted to undermine the measure, a strong contingency of bipartisan voters favor allowing medical marijuana in the state.

This summer, FM3 Research surveyed 600 probable Mississippi voters about the initiatives on the upcoming ballot. Four out of five voters supported “doctors being able to recommend marijuana to patients with medical conditions and serious illnesses.” This extended across political parties, with 76% of Republicans, 82% of Independents, and 89% of Democrats favoring the idea.

RELATED: There’s No Link Between Legal Marijuana And Car-Related Pedestrian Deaths

The data demonstrates that a diverse base supports the idea of medical cannabis in general. When it comes to voting on what’s actually on the ballot, things get complicated.

A proposal from the Mississippians for Compassionate Care qualified for the ballot in January, after the medical cannabis advocacy group submitted more than 214,000 signatures. The measure is called Initiative 65 and would allow patients to possess 2.5 oz. of cannabis per 14-day period.

Medical Marijuana 2020 is the campaign to legalize medicinal use in Mississippi.
Photo by Flickr user Loco Steve

Two months later, the Mississippi House of Representatives approved a new legalization proposal that will appear on the November ballots. It’s called Alternative 65A and provides few details about the eventual medical cannabis program. The potential bill would however ban smokable medical cannabis and require products be “suitable pharmaceutical quality,” a phrase that lawmakers didn’t explain.

Cannabis advocates said at the time that Alternative 65A was an attempt to kill medical cannabis in Mississippi. The FM3 poll shows otherwise. Three-quarters of voters say they’d vote yes on either measure, but strongly preferred the activist-backed Initiative 65.

RELATED: Legalizing Medical Marijuana Could Make Workplaces Safer

“A majority (52%) support Initiative 65, while fewer than one-quarter (23%) say they prefer Alternative 65A,” FM3 Research wrote in a memo.

The pollsters added that Initiative 65 remains durable despite major oppositional voices. This week, former Gov. Phil Bryant wrote an op-ed advising Mississippi vote “no” on the measure. The Mississippi State Board of Health additionally passed a resolution against Initiative 65 earlier this year.

8 Things To Know Before Using Cannabis Topicals

Mary Schumacher
-
0
8 Things To Know Before Using Cannabis Topicals

CBD topicals reduce inflammation, heal dry skin and soothe pain, among other things. But why do they work so well?

While cannabis-infused salves, rubs, lotions and oils are still powerhouses when it comes to reducing inflammation, healing dry, patchy skin and going deep into tissue to soothe pain or irritations, a new batch of beauty products have also cropped up, most of them infused with CBD.

Why do they work so well on the skin?

Aside from most companies using high quality carrier oils to deliver the cannabinoids, the skin itself is riddled with our body’s endocannabinoid system, meaning that there are CB2 receptors all over our epidermis just waiting to be filled.

“Apparently most, if not all, skin functions are controlled to a certain extent by the local skin endocannabinoid system,” Tamás Bíró, PhD, said to Elle. Bíró is an adviser for Phytecs, a biotech company researching and developing products targeting the endocannabinoid system for medical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.

You put it directly where the pain is

Most people using topicals are using them for aches, pains, arthritis and other sore spots. The beauty of a topical is that you massage it into your skin right where the pain is affecting you most. Different carrier oils go deeper than others, but most topicals seem to have the miraculous property of getting in there and addressing what hurts.

RELATED: How To Choose Cannabis Topicals That Will Actually Work

Cannabis Topicals
Photo by rawpixel.com

Speaking of massage…

Take your massage to the next level by going to one of the many CBD-themed massage parlors cropping up. Or, if you’d rather be frugal, have a loved one give you one of the best rub downs of your life. The soothing cannabinoids don’t just alleviate sore muscles and stress, they also keep the masseuse’s hands from getting sore and keeps them well hydrated.

RELATED: What You Need To Know Before Getting A Cannabis Massage

Photo by Chanikarn Thongsupa via rawpixel.com

Topicals treat skin psoriasis

The itchy, irritated, red skin that happens with psoriasis is painful, as anyone with the disorder will tell you. Psoriasis affects 7.5 million Americans, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, and the disease can be associated with more serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Topicals can help relieve the inflammation caused by psoriasis while the moisturizing properties can combat the scaly buildup.

RELATED: Marijuana May Be The Hero Psoriasis Patients Need

Psoriasis
Photo by chezbeate via Pixabay

How to tell if you’re getting the right rub…

To begin with, make sure that the ingredients are from sustainable sources and are of the highest quality. Companies that care about what they’re putting into their products care even more about the patients who are using them.

As stated earlier, having some activated THC in the lotion is most effective due to marijuana’s entourage effect. However, CBD topicals are little miracle workers, too, so don’t be down if you’re living in a THC-dry state.

topical cannabis massage
Photo by whitesession via Pixabay

CBD cosmetics are the big thing right now!

From Renew Pure Radiance Oil to Crème de la Mer facial moisturizing cream, a new, high-end market of CBD beauty products has hit the shelves and online stores. They absorb quickly and use concoctions that won’t clog pores and will keep skin tones even and soothed. Milk Makeup’s KUSH High Volume mascara is another recent and trendy addition to the CBD beauty world.

Photo by Nicole De Khors via Burst

All the benefits add up

Topicals are a natural way to slow or halt the use of synthetic pain relievers, which wreak havoc on the liver and other organs.

Topicals, of course, address inflammation and the other previously mentioned afflictions and with so many applications, the vast appeal has not only provided relief to hundreds of thousands of patients, it’s further legitimized cannabis use among unlikely demographics. Lotions, balms, and rubs offer relief for the growing amount of seniors who want to mitigate aches and pains with weed.

5 Spas That Use CBD Topicals For Holistic Well-Being
Photo by rawpixel.com

Topicals are discrete and non-psychoactive

Even if other herbs or essences like menthol are being utilized in the cream, once it absorbs there is no visible or sensory giveaways that you’ve just used marijuana. Creams and such are perfect before or during work, especially if you’re on your feet all day, and they won’t show a positive result on a drug test or get you high, making topicals the work accessory that should always be at the ready. You can even use it on a paper cut. The possibilities are endless.

1...469470471...1,472Page 470 of 1,472

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

The Fresh Toast is an award-winning lifestyle & health platform with a side of cannabis. We work hard each day to bring uplifting and informative information about culture, weed, celebrity, tech and medical marijuana.

© Copyright @2020