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The Truth About Marijuana And Muscle Mass

A lot of time is spent in the guy working on chest and legs…but what about marijuana and muscle mass?

When you are young, it is easier to work out and look good. But if you are into competing or just want to look great, it still take discipline, diet and determination. As you age, you have to focus on it even more, but is using a little weed every now and then undermining your efforts?  What is the truth about marijuana and muscle mass.

RELATED: How To Keep The Munchies From Ruining Your Diet

The good news is, all a man has to do is fix his diet and dedicate time to cardio and strength training, and he can get himself back into fighting shape. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again. In fact, many fitness conscious men claim to be in the best condition of their lives around middle age. It takes a lot of work to reach the goal though. After all, the body of an older male just doesn’t respond and recover like it did when 20. Which is a key reason men, especially older ones, have to be careful not to do anything that can destroy their gains. 

want to get fit in 2018 cannabis can help
Photo by Brodie Vissers via Burst

Marijuana is legal to over 50% of the population. And it is starting a new heathly “ish” trend by having people drink less and consume more.  The beer companies are the first to feel the pain, but with Gen Z really slowing up on drinking, more changes are coming. Since cannabis can help with a workout, more fitness-minded people are open to adding it to the routine. Some athletes swear it makes workouts more productive, some use it as part of their recovery process (to combat inflammation), and others just do it because it is fun, relaxing and doesn’t come with the mega-calorie count of alcoholic beverages.

As men age, there can be a drop in testosterone, the male sex hormone produced in the testes and adrenal glands. If testosterone levels drop, it makes it difficult to build lean muscle mass, maintain bone density and create an Insta worthy chiseled physique. Avoiding things like alcohol and fatty foods can help keep testosterone in check. So can lifting heavy weights. There is some research out there, however, suggests consuming marijuana might be harmful to testosterone levels.

workouts
Photo by Flickr user ThoroughlyReviewed

But what is the marijuana and muscle mass. Can the herb, something with therapeutic properties, really sabotage your fitness goal?  Research has not given an answer. But it does seem light or moderate use is harmless toward your muscle goal. Heavier yes may have an impact, but more research needs to be done.

RELATED: New Study Confirms Cannabis Users Are Not Lazy Stoners After All

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology says it could: “Cannabinoid administration acutely alters multiple hormonal systems, including the suppression of the gonadal steroids, growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid hormone and the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,” researchers wrote. This means marijuana users might have a tougher time keeping the testosterone levels needed to get ripped. But researchers admit that “the effects in humans have been inconsistent,” and they believe “tolerance” may even play a role. 

fitness
Photo by Greg Roebuck

Other studies have found heavy marijuana use can lead to dramatic reductions in testosterone, while some have shown otherwise. One study indicated testosterone levels decrease after consuming weed, but those levels seem to return to normal after 24 hours. All in all the ill-effects of marijuana on testosterone remain a mystery. Still, it is more likely a man will harm his testosterone production with a junk food dieand a lack of exercise rather than smoking a moderate amount of marijuana.  

RELATED: Smoking Marijuana Before Exercises Can Increase Workout Productivity

Men in their forties trying to get back into shape should consult with a doctor and have their testosterone levels checked. There are many replacement therapies available for men. It is important to be forthright with your healthcare provider about any marijuana use, as treatment may need to be altered to account for this variable. There’s a chance it won’t matter to them at all.  

If you are worried about marijuana destroying your gains, don’t. With the proper focus on eating right and a consistent workout regimen, your body should respond positively, with or without pot.

Public Vs Governor In Florida Marijuana Legalization Fight

It is becoming a messy in the public vs Governor fight for legal marijuana and DeSantis is NOT happy.

Florida has had a troubled history with marijuana. Originally part of a Tri-state growing kingdom (the Florida Panhandle, Georgia, and Alabama)…the national transition toward legal weed has been tough. Now, in the latest chapter of the fight for legal marijuana, the Governor is upset the the state’s citizen’s desire is pulling ahead of his focus on nanny state policies. The public vs governor in Florida marijuana legalization fight is clear who wants to win.  The public has significantly raised more than the Governor and his allies.

RELATED: The Best Hydrating Cocktails For A Hot Weekend

When medical marijuana was first put on the ballot, citizens were supportive. It was reasonable considering the amount of veterans and senior citizens in the state. PTSD and chronic pain are two of the ways the American Medical Association, Health and Human Services and science acknowledge cannabis has medical benefits. In general, Florida is in the top 3 states with retirees, a group the Governor thought he can rely on for support, but the state supported medical marijuana by 61%.  When he said it wasn’t enough, they voted again passing it at 71%.

Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

When the public started a ballot campaign to put recreational marijuana to a vote, DeSantis and his allies swung into action. The Florida Attorney General said it didn’t overcome the threshold and accused it of being misleading. The Florida Supreme Court disagreed and now it is on the November ballot. But the Governor is unhappy and has said the public is confused and they should rely on him for the marijuana policies.

RELATED: California or New York, Which Has The Biggest Marijuana Mess

In a further setback, the Governor’s efforts to slow support seems to be collapsing. DeSantis’ Freedom Fund PAC, with a stated goal of defeating cannabis legalization and abortion access, has raised only $10,000. DeSantis wanted neither topic on the ballot as it tends to pull in more democratic, independent and moderate voters. Smart & Safe Florida, the committee leading the initiative, which is the best-funded cannabis legalization amendment in American history, reported it had has raised over $60 million. Floridians Protecting Freedom, the group behind the proposed amendment around abortion rights has brought in $20 million since it went on the ballot.

The state is home to #Floridaman, so there is bound to be more wackiness in the lead up to the election.

Can Depression Be Treated By CBD

Depression seems to be on the rise, especially with younger adults….can CBD help?

There is an increased number of people diagnosed with depression, which may mean more people are open to be diagnosed and are seeking some form of treatment. Understanding depression is key. There are two general categories, situational and clinical. While similar, they are not the same. Medically, situational depression is an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood. It often resolves with time, and talking about the problem can ease recovery. Clinical depression, known medically as a “major depressive disorder,” can develop if the individual does not recover. This is a more severe mental health condition. Recognizing the differences between these types of depression is the first step toward getting help. Can depression be treated by CBD?

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

If you are struggling with depression, talk to a mental health professional to develop a  treatment plan which might include CBD. Many people using CBD to treat a wide variety of health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress relief. During the past few years, there has been growing popularity regarding CBD, or cannabidiol.

CBD Capsules Dosage: How Much Should You Take
Photo by Charles Wollertz/Getty Images

CBD is one of the numerous substances isolated from hemp; however, the other primary substance is THC. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Even though a lot of people believe CBD can get you high, this is not the case. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects.

Yes, CBD can be used to treat depression. Many prescription medications treat depression by altering levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that causes people to feel happy. There is some evidence that CBD can alter serotonin levels, making it an effective treatment for depression. Even though CBD can be helpful in certain cases, it also has the potential to interfere with other prescription medications. Therefore, if you are taking prescription medications for depression, you need to talk to your doctor ahead of time. This way, you can figure out if CBD will interact with anything you are taking. This could have an impact on the treatment plan.

RELATED: Doctor’s Advice On Using Marijuana To Treat Anxiety And Depression

If you are trying to find CBD that can help you treat depression, you need to choose the right product. In particular, you need to pay attention to whether the product has any THC in it. If you take something with THC, you are going to feel psychoactive effects. Therefore, you need to make sure you do not operate heavy machinery. You should also think about how you want to consume CBD. Gummies tend to be very popular while some prefer to use substances which can be applied to the skin’s surface. Talk to a professional about the type of CBD product and dosage for treatment. This will allow it to be more effective.

Similar to other medical issues, depression can present in a variety of ways. Here are a few common symptoms of depression:

  • Issues falling asleep or staying asleep at night.
  • Changes in their eating habits, either eating significantly more or less.
  • Guilt about things that are not their fault.
  • Changes in an emotional state, leading to major mood swings including rapid mood swings ranging from happiness to sadness and anger.
  • Suicidal thoughts.

RELATED: How CBD Can Treat Symptoms of Depression Right Now

Anyone who suffers from depression deserves to have access to a trained mental health professional who can help them address these concerns. If you are working with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan for depression, CBD could be right for you.

Best Blissful Moments To Consume Marijuana

Everyone seems rushed, irritated and even annoying – sometimes you just want to mental slip away – marijuana might be a short term answer

Work, kids, the election year and social media can all make our day to day rushed, irritating and stressed.  Sometimes you just want to mental slip away and let your troubles fall evaporate and let your body and soul relax and enjoy a moment. Cannabis can help you have an hour or two to just be in the moment.  And unlike alcohol, there isn’t a hangover which can or can’t pop up afterwards. Microdosing is another option as you engage in activities to just let you sink into a relaxed mood. Here are the best moments to slip into bliss by consuming marijuana.

Here are the best blissful moment to consume marijuana and right your soul.  Just remember if you vape, using an oil or go old school and smoke, you will feel THC quickly.  Edibles, including gummies, can take 30-60 minutes to hit.

Taking a bath

If has been a long and you you and your body are exhasuted and a hot bath is always inviting. Set the scene with scented candles and relaxing tunes then consume a little marijuana. Once you’ve settled in, achieve physical and psychological serenity. The warm water and soothing tunes will align with the plant and let your anxiety float away.

Enjoy a good meal

all you can eat resturant goes bust after people eat all they could
Photo by rawpixel.com

Microdosing can be a hit here as you just want to take the edge off.  Cannabis will help you savor every flavor and enjoy each dish.  You’ll be awed by every appetizer, soup, salad, entrée and decadent dessert that arrives at your table. Certain strains will help you avoid the munchies so you don’t go overboard.

Working out with weed.

1 in 3 people have improved workouts after smoking marijuana
Photo by juan pablo rodriguez via Unsplash

Working out and marijuana gives an endorphin high. The runner’s high” is very much akin to the cannabis experience, because exercise activates the endocannabinoid system in the same way as consuming weed. It can also give your metabolism a boost. For runners, it alleviates the tedium of putting one foot in front of the other. For those who opt for exercise machines, which are designed to isolate individual muscle groups, cannabis will allow you to focus more keenly on the contraction of those muscles. Many yoga enthusiasts swear by cannabis because it marginalizes linear thought and focuses awareness on breathing and proper alignment.

RELATED: Is There A Link Between Runner’s High And A Marijuana High?

Clean your home or gardening

Some people find bliss in a clean house or a beautiful garden. Some strings of Cannabis will place you in a zone of achievement – even actual play! Pay attention to your thought processes. You’ll find that the mind entertains itself as the body scrubs the bathroom. It will bounce happily from topic to topic and wrap itself around pleasant ideas. You’ll solve problems and find solutions.

RELATED: Can Taking CBD Make It Easier To Digest Political News?

Movies & music

Cannabis lets your mind settle and focus, which makes experience amazing. Music is richer, jokes are funnier.  Some people feel it is like you are in the movies or part of the music. Whether you are settled in a big, dark, comfortable movie theater/auditorium or snuggled on your couch, your mind can lose itself. All of your senses are deprived except for sight and sound. And because cannabis seems to promote empathy, involvement with the action on-screen is enhanced. You might want to focus on more upbeat movies and not on extreme action or horror.

Commune with nature

Losing yourself in nature is great, whether an urban stroll or a walk on the beach, forest, meadow, etc. you realize the outside is great place. Re-establishing the connection with fresh air, birds singing and the nature can delight your soul. After consuming, you can observe the world’s palette of colors, feel the wind, bask in the sun. Allow your worries and problems to diminish.

Getting it on

Photo by rawpixel.com

RELATED: 4 Ways Weed Works in The Bedroom

Evidence indicates  cannabis users report physical and sensual enhancement, making for a fuller time of enjoyment.. Cannabis eases anxiety, giving an opportunity to go with the flow and delight in the experience.

The Best 4th Of July Cocktails

Independence Day is time for fireworks, family, bbqs, travel and fun!  The biggest holiday during the summer is also one of the booziest – and here are the cocktails to enjoy!

July 4th is the big holiday in the summer and people make the most of it!  Travel, bbqs, fireworks, parades all on the buffet of fun!  And the centerpiece for most is a good drink….it is the 4th booziest holiday of the year. It is also a big weekend for marijuana, but with gatherings, most people reach for something cold.  Here are the best 4th of July cocktails embracing the hot weather, tasty flavors and simple classic.

RELATED: The Best Hydrating Cocktails For A Hot Weekend

 

Watermelon

Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit – crispy, flavorful and hydrating, it has been a sticky favorite for years.  This cocktail gives it a great twist for outdoor actives.  Just be careful – it can be lethal!

Ingredients

Firecracker Shots

This could be the most delicious shot to celebrate Independence Day.  A little effort will make a big splash when you arrive these taste treats!  Great to kick-off the party or an extra special dessert!

Ingredients

Blue Layer

Red Layer

Create

  • Squeeze the grapefruit segments into a shaker and drop in the fruit (or add fresh juice)
  • Add the gin, sweet vermouth and Campari to the shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled
  • Place ice in a rocks glass and curl the grapefruit peel around the inside of the glass
  • Strain into the prepared glass

Rosé Spritz

Quick, easy and delicious – this is good for small and large groups as it can be assembled on the fly.

Ingredients

  • Mint for garnish

Create

  • Fill a white wine glass halfway with ice
  • Add Prosecco, seltzer, orange liqueur and grapefruit juice and stir
  • Garnish with a grapefruit twist and a sprig of mint

RELATED: 8 Ways to Enjoy Marijuana Without Smoking It

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is an All-American classic drink celebrating horse racing, morning drinking and good bourbon!  What better beverage to have at 4th of July BBQ?

Ingredients

  • 8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
  • ¼ to ½ ounce simple syrup (you can make ahead)
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • Crushed ice

Create

  • In a julep cup or glass, muddle the mint leaves in ¼ ounce simple syrup
  • Add the bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice
  • Garnish with mint

Simply Syrup

  • Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat
  • Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
  • Allow to cool, place in fridge to be cocktail ready

Remember to be careful on your consumption and drink plenty of water.  Have a great Independence Day!

Using CBD To Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

While their pet parents celebrate Independence Day – dogs suffer during the fireworks…but CBD can help.

The 4th of July brings out food, BBQs, parades and fireworks. It is a great day with lots of fun, except for man’s best friend. While we watch in wonder at the brilliant displays (and try to get one decent picture), dogs are suffering and can be a bit freaked out. They have exceptional hearing and fireworks booming sounds are full and unexpected, this can disorient a dog and make them very anxious. If left untreated, thunder and fireworks can continue to upset the animal. It is possible using CBD to keep your dog calm during fireworks can make it a better day for your furry friend.

RELATED: The Best Hydrating Cocktails For A Hot Weekend

Fireworks were at the first organized celebration of Independence Day in July 4th 1777. Starting the tradition in the US, fireworks are used around the globe to for independence days, New Year’s Eve, and other major events. But animal control facilities experience a 30% increase in missing pets between July 4 and 6, with July 5 being one of the busiest days for shelters.  The poor things are frightened by the loud, unpredictable booms. But how do you enjoy them without traumatizing your puppy?  Consider using CBD.

What To Know Before Using CBD To Treat Pet Travel Anxiety
Photo by R+R Medicinals via Unsplash

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. Most CBD products are derived from hemp and rather than marijuana. CBD doesn’t have THC and can provide relief without the high.  A CBD for pets is recommend based on the dosage being for a pet size rather than a person size. A method of medicating your pet with cannabis is by using a CBD oil and rubbing into their ears. CBD-infused treats do not get pets high, but can relief stress, but they need to consume it at least 40 minutes before the start of the fireworks/noise.

The American Kennel Club shares CBD can be used because of it’s of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact. If you are going to use CBD for your pet, here are some suggestions

  • Look for organic. If the CBD oil is not organic, it at least should not contain pesticides, fungicides, or solvents.
  • Don’t only shop based on price. Higher quality and purity are usually associated with a higher cost. A cheaper option could contain toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives.
  • Get the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certificate that certifies the amount of CBD that is in the product. Many CBD products contain only small amounts of CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
  • Buy CBD as a liquid. You can buy dog treats containing CBD, but the best form to administer is an oil or tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop.

RELATED: Should You Use Cannabis Instead Of Ice For Injuries

Like alcohol, marijuana should not be given to pets. It can cause cause toxicity in cats and dogs. While some people find it funny to get animals high, it can be extremely dangerous for them and is not funny at all.

You Can Bet On Anything From The Debate To Marijuana Rescheduling

Thanks to online gaming, you can bet on anything from the debate, a coin toss or marijuana’s legalization process.

Betting is very popular, almost 37% of people placed a bet last year in the US and Canada.  And thanks to online betting people are wagering on weight loss, political campaigns, sports coin toss, and cannabis.  Today, you can bet on anything from the debate to marijuana rescheduling.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

In ancient Egypt, 4000 to 3000 BC, people bet on dice, board games, and feats of skill, such as chariot racing and fencing. It has been popular ever since.  There are crazy things you can bet on, but today there is a big audience betting on the first presidential debate. Regarding the debate, you can bet on who the polls say won (odds favor Trump) and who has the first question (odds favor Biden).

You can also bet on the times Putin is mentioned (even at above or below 6.5 times) and also if Taylor Swift is mentioned in the debate. Niche bets are also on fire. Will Biden freeze for 5 seconds and lose his footing, or will Trump say “bing bong” and hit 5 sniffs in one response?

Marijuana being scheduled this year is another key bet…and has a whole industry anxious for the outcome. One site had a high of 80+% chance to now 46% to being completed in 2024. It is almost even currently with one regarding the Florida recreational amendment whether it passes or not.

“Today, betting is socially accepted and wildly popular. In addition to mainstream sports type stuff, if you know where to look, you can bet on all kinds of wacky things.” say Rep Porter, national Poker Playing champion and CEO of Hi On Nature.

RELATED: California or New York, Which Has The Biggest Marijuana Mess

One of the craziest things people are betting about online is alien life and UFOs. This type of wagers has exploded in popularity over the last few years. The following alien bets have seen plenty of action:

  • Who will Win the Alien vs Human War?
  • Which Celebrity or Public Figure will be Abducted by Aliens First?
  • Which Country Will the Aliens Attack First?

What To Know About Marijuana And Gun Ownership

With recent high profiles convictions – the case of guns rights and marijuana use has come back into the spotlight.

Recently, there has been a series of high profile people have have been convicted which has started the conversation about guns and marijuana. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing guns. But,  some states allows a felon’s rights to own a gun after serving their sentence or a waiting period.  But it is a process. Roughly 32% of U.S. adults say they own a gun and 44%, report living in a gun household.

But almost half of Americans have tried weed at one point.  Of course, they haven’t committed a crime, they have just consumed marijuana. Almost 85% believe it should be legal in some form.  And over 50% of the population have access to legal cannabis.

RELATED: THE DEA DECIDES TO RESCHEDULE MARIJUANA 

But, if you own a firearm and use marijuana you are in violation of federal law. It is unlawful for an unauthorized user of a controlled substance, including marijuana, to possess, ship, transport, or receive firearms or ammunition. It is also unlawful to sell a firearm or ammunition to any person if the seller knows or has reasonable cause to believe that such person is an unlawful user of marijuana. In this context, unlawful use is based on federal law. Therefore, any person who uses marijuana, even if legal under state law, is prohibited from possessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition.

Should Budtenders Be Allowed To Carry Guns?
Photo by Lumppini/Getty Images

This prohibition does not apply to users of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) or hemp products because these are not controlled substances for purposes of federal law, thanks to the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, known as the 2018 Farm Bill.

In order to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, an individual must complete Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Form 4473, which asks if you are an “unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana,” and includes a warning that the recreational and medical use of cannabis under state law does not alter the federal Controlled Substances Act which makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute marijuana. It is a separate crime to lie about your marijuana use on the form. You can also be subject to heightened criminal penalties if found in possession of a firearm and marijuana at the same time.

RELATED: What Would Happen If Gun Laws Were Enforced Like Marijuana Laws?

If you are a medical marijuana user, it may be possible for law enforcement to obtain this information from a medical marijuana patient registry or state database to confirm your use of marijuana. Several states, including Maryland, have tried to protect medical marijuana patients by preventing state police from accessing the medical cannabis patient registry to verify whether a firearm applicant uses medical marijuana. However, some states, like Hawaii, explicitly grant law enforcement access to the state’s medical cannabis patient registry to evaluate whether an individual can legally possess a firearm.

RELATED: The Battle Between Gun Ownership And Medical Marijuana In Conservative States

Regardless of whether a state grants access to patient databases, the possession of a firearm and ammunition remains illegal federally if you are a cannabis user. Restricting access to medical marijuana databases simply makes it harder to determine whether a firearm applicant uses marijuana.

Firearms remain out-of-reach for cannabis consumers, even if your state has legalized cannabis. States cannot change the federal requirements for gun ownership and have no authority to supersede the ATF Form 4473 guidance documents that addresses marijuana use and gun ownership. Therefore, until marijuana is fully legalized on the federal level, it’s important to remember to keep your hands off those firearms.

 

NCAA Upends College Sports With Marijuana Change

In a decision which will reverberate throughout the sports industry, the NCAA announced a major change with college players and marijuana.

Cannabis has been scientifically proven successful to help with sports injuries, inflammation, and chronic pain. The American Medical Association and the federal Health and Human Services department has both agreed it has medical benefits.  But the professional and amateur sports industry has not be a fan. But things might be making a major turn.  Today, the NCAA upends college sports with marijuana change…and is it just the first step?

RELATED: Is Cannabis Better For Sports Injuries Than Traditional Painkillers

College sports are a huge part of American culture with about a third of the country being a fan. Today, the NCAA Division I council voted to remove use of cannabis products from the banned drug class for championships and postseason participation in football. Football is a very tough sport on the body, but the decision was based on a variety of factors.

Which Sports Fans Smoke The Most Weed? Hint: It's Not Baseball Or Basketball
Photo by AndreyPopov/Getty Images

The NCAA Division I council voted to remove use of cannabis products from the banned drug class for championships and postseason participation in football. Any penalties currently being served by student-athletes who previously tested positive for cannabinoids will be discontinued.

Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement cannabis products “do not provide a competitive advantage.”

“The council’s focus is on policies centered on student-athlete health and well-being rather than punishment for cannabis use,” he continued.

The vote came after their committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports recommended that each of the three divisional governance bodies introduce and adopt legislation that would remove cannabinoids from the list of banned drug classes.

RELATED: Should You Use Cannabis Instead Of Ice For Injuries

This could be the sign things are changing.  College sports a soft $14+ billion industry, professional sports industry, based on the Best-Howard Model is somewhere between $471 billion to $1+ trillion.

Top 10 Reasons People Consume Marijuana

Sometimes it is not what you think – but here are the top 10 reasons people consume marijuana.

Some of the top reasons people drink alcohol is to relax, for enjoyment, to be part of a group, to avoid physical and/or psychological pain, to experiment and for rebellion.  It has been around for thousands of years used in religious ceremonies, medical treatments, sensual moments and more. But, what are the top 10 reasons people consume marijuana today?  Well, there is some data, and it varies a little by age.

With legalization, all of Canada and over 50% of the US have access to legal marijuana, leading to it becoming more accepted.  Over 85% believe it should be legal in some form and the federal government has acknowledge is has health properties.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Psychology Today published an article with the information. They took data from four different studies to discover use reasons and published some of the findings. The papers are typically based on secondary research. In other words, they rely on surveys and data collected from other sources which they use to build a “picture” of the average consumer.

Smoking Marijuana
Photo by PhotoAlto/Sigrid Olsson/Getty Images

Age does play a significant role for motivation. College freshmen make different decisions based on their limited life experience and social environment.  The first study looked at possible motivators for entering college students.

“The most frequently reported reasons included enjoyment/fun, conformity,  experimentation, social enhancement, boredom, and relaxation.”

Social acceptance was another high ranking category in this age group and it makes sense. When you’re finally “out of the nest”, you need a conduit to engage with other people. If people are smoking weed, you may feel slightly more inclined to try to “fit in”.

RELATED: 8 Reasons Why College Students Use Cannabis

Post college age is where the majority of consumers exist. Another study looked at this demographic to understand motivations for consuming cannabis. Not surprisingly, there is a far more nuanced list of reasons than the college aged demographic. According to researchers here are the top 10 reasons people consume marijuana.

  1. Relaxation
  2. Feeling good
  3. Medical uses
  4. Inspiration
  5. New ways of looking at things
  6. Coping with depression and anxiety
  7. Forgetting one’s worries
  8. Enjoyment of movies or music
  9. Better sleep
  10. Coping with boredom

Similar to alcohol, the top reason is recreation. But unlike alcohol, the next major reason is medical use, with a significant about of people using it to treat a variety of issues including chronic pain, cancer, seizures, anxiety, and more.

Coping with stress and anxiety is further down on the list, something different from alcohol.  But using substances to escape from long term issues is rather productive.  Like a glass at the end of the day, a gummy or puff from a vape it can just take the edge a rough day.  But doing it too much and indulging to much could be a reason to evaluate the motive.

The study researchers shared “Users are for the most part very self aware of their consumption habits, and alters their behavior when they see it as problematic.”

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