While this issue has enough support to suggest that the land of Bluegrass is well on its way to becoming the 34th state in the nation to legalize medical marijuana, the battle is not over.
After years of failed attempts, Kentucky is closer than ever to legalizing medical marijuana.
The state’s House of Representatives recently approved a bill (House Bill 136) in a vote of 65-to-30 that is designed to give patients with a variety of health conditions access to cannabis products.
While this issue has enough support to suggest that the land of Bluegrass is well on its way to becoming the 34th state in the nation to legalize medical marijuana, there is still significant drag in parts of the legislature that could hold it back. The bill is now challenged with getting out of the Senate alive, a daring feat that not even the bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative Jason Nemes of Louisville, has much faith in.
“We have momentum but we’re not there yet,” the lawmaker said in an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader.
The legislation that Nemes is pushing isn’t a perfect plan, but it is one that would undoubtedly benefit tens of thousands of Kentuckians. If it finds its way to being signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear — something he has promised to do if it crosses his desk — it would be up to a 13-person panel to decide which qualified conditions would be included in the program.
Lawmakers say that common conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and nausea as a result of chemotherapy treatments would all be part of the deal.
What isn’t, however, are the methods for which medical marijuana could be consumed. The bill would only allow patients to use edibles and pills. It would strictly prohibit smoking — even though the bill would allow for the sale of flower — and even prevent people from engaging in home cultivation. In the words of Nemes, it “would be the tightest medical marijuana bill in the country.”
Photo by Matthew Henry via Burst
Where the Senate is hung up on this thing is in the petty details that always seem to jam up marijuana legislation. Senate President Robert Stivers is concerned about even entertaining such a bill, seeing that the federal government still considers it a Schedule I dangerous drug. He’s also a bit twisted over the fact that we do not have much research on the plant to show that it’s safe, something he would like to see before allowing residents to use it. “It’s a balancing test of do the goods outweigh the bads,” Stivers said. “And we just haven’t had anything done on that.”
But just because Stivers is skeptical, that doesn’t mean that medical marijuana is doomed in 2020. It’s certainly not. We just wouldn’t recommend holding your breath. Unless, of course, you’re holding in a hit.
So what are the bill’s chances? Well, the Senate president admits the bill has a “narrow path forward” in the upper chamber. Optimistically speaking, this means it could possibly receive some consideration in the coming weeks. But it remains to be seen whether Strivers will do the right thing and allow the bill to move forward. After all, he does hold the power to single handedly stop it dead in its tracks.
The stigma surrounding weed still exists. But it’s the simple fact that recreational consumption has now come to some of the most populous states in the country that attitudes are changing.
Ah, the good old days. Remember?
Even just a few years ago, you could fire up that joint, or activate that vape, and suddenly you were the person at the party who everybody shunned, even in states where recreational consumption was legal. The smell of marijuana wafting through the kitchen of a host’s house could get you kicked out.
But now, slowly but surely, that marijuana guy at the party is not the only marijuana guy at the party, and everybody else is either cool with it, or suddenly making the marijuana guy the life of the party. And social consumption bars or coffee shops are either open for business, or on the drawing board.
What’s changed?
Well, the stigma is still there. But it’s the simple fact that recreational consumption has now come to some of the most populous states in the country — Illinois, California, and soon, New York.
Cannabis edibles are being included in the menu of professional catering services in places like Georgetown or Beverly Hills, and not with a sort of wink and nod say-no-more sort of situation. But it’s there on the table, along with other non-marijuana confections — maybe with a little plastic marijuana flower on top just to identify it for the canna-curious, or as a warning to the never-cannabis party-goer.
“In my opinion, the stigma is dying,” Emmett Reistroffer told The Fresh Toast during the 2020 National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) conference in Boston. Reistroffer, a cannabis business advocate and compliance consultant, was instrumental in getting the I-300 social consumption law initiative passed in Colorado in 2016 (that still hassome issues to be worked out).
“I want to make sure that whatever laws pass and whatever businesses are open, our neighbors or friends who don’t consume cannabis benefit from what we are doing,” he told us. “That means we need to be responsible. That’s why we advocate for lounges and permitted areas so we have a place that is semi-public where we go to consume without infringing on the rights and happiness of other people.”
Photo by vivienviv0 via Pixabay
Andrew Mieure, owner of Top Shelf Budtending, has served over 70,000 guests at private events and weddings in West Hollywood, Las Vegas, Denver and other adult-use states. He pointed to people walking around during a network event at the NCIA conference, drinking beer and wine. “If somebody is smoking, that permeates the entire area,” Mieure said. “That is a drinkable versus a smokable, and they must be treated differently. So we need places to consume that are well ventilated, and people need to be taken care of differently than at bars.”
He also mentioned a sort of vapor cannabis product that is put into a cup, where it stays and can be huffed by a consumer, thereby eliminating the problem of smoke permeating an area.
Reistroffer says that he believes social consumption is now a matter of inevitability. “Even though we are moving forward, we are doing it in a way that is respectful of everyone’s viewpoints and comfort levels,” he said. “So now the question is not should we move forward, but how we move forward. If we embrace it, regulate it, put a license on that business so that they have something to lose, then you are going to see them follow the rules. Those measurements can be put in place.”
He says nothing is too big or impossible, and that people need to just start a conversation about where social consumption could happen. “Slowly, we are making progress with casinos. They just want to make sure that it’s not hurting their business.”
CBD has made a name for itself within the beauty industry. Here are some of its most popular products.
CBD is a big name in the beauty industry, amassing large amounts of money and popularity in a short span of time. CBD has also done what few “fad” products have done, which is to continue to build an audience despite the FDA and the government’s lack of support.
Although CBD lacks scientific research, a wide range of beauty brands have embraced the compound, claiming that the therapeutic effects it has on skin and hair are unparalleled. Here are some of the most popular CBD beauty products on the market today:
Hand lotions
CBD hand lotions hydrate and protect skin while also treating pains and conditions like arthritis. These work specially well during cold or harsh climates, with product makers claiming that the compound provides faster relief and protection when compared to other types of hand lotions. Some popular brands include The Body Shop and Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics.
Milk Makeup developed CBD infused mascara, which, thanks for the CBD oil in it, results in a product that’s easier to apply and that results in smoother lashes with less clumps of mascara in them. The product nourishes your eyelashes and is also vegan since CBD replaces the beeswax, the product that was used to make the product stick to lashes.
Lipstick & lipbalm
CBD lipstick and lip balm can treat severely chapped lips much quicker than regular lip balm thanks to the compound’s healing properties. These products prevent flaky lips and keep your lips moisturized, with the CBD creating a seal that keeps your lips protected for longer periods of time. There’s a wide variety of products, from beauty oriented ones to those with more medicinal benefits.
Moisturizers are some of the most utilized products for skin care, preventing skin from drying out, keeping the surface lubricated and even providing protection from the sun. CBD moisturizers like CBD For Life, contain hydrators like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and capric triglyceride.
Serums
Beauty serums are facial and body products that prevent wrinkles and clear blemishes. They’re moisturizers that are capable of seeping deeper into your skin. The Huffington Post explains: “By leaving out many of the heavier ingredients that are found in traditional moisturizers, [face serums] contain a much higher proportional concentration of active ingredients.”
When it comes to CBD in these kinds of serums, there’s a wide range of products with different price tags and features. On the expensive side of things there’s Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum, which contains 500 ml of full spectrum hemp oil. For something cheaper, there’s Copious Body Serum, which contains analgesic properties and claims to provide relief from pain, stress, and more.
A poor medical marijuana program and recreational markets outside New York could force the state’s hands this year.
Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo promised voters New York would legalize adult-use marijuana in the state. He announced the intention like it was a foregone conclusion. Those following closely know New York didn’t legalize last year, but Cuomo is again making the same promises while doing a little more work to ensure it happens this time around.
Cuomo will embark on a cross-country tour of legal states, including Massachusetts, Illinois, and either California or Colorado, to analyze the “different versions” available of state marijuana programs. He will ask regulators the ins and outs of these programs, learning what worked and what didn’t in their states. The Cuomo Administration will synthesize the intel and form an actionable legalization strategy for New York based on the information.
“Everybody has goals,” Cuomo said. “We want a goal of social equity, we want to make sure young people can’t get it, et cetera. We want to make sure there are advantages to communities that have been oppressed. But then you look at the aftermath and many of those goals haven’t been met, right?”
However, Cuomo is also “throwing cold water on the idea of legalizing pot outside of the state budget,” wrote the New York Daily News editorial board, in a critical opinion. The primary issue—the state budget is due in six weeks and Cuomo’s leaving on a marijuana tourism trip of a lifetime. The NY governor won’t attempt to legalize cannabis through a separate legislative bill, as the group couldn’t get the votes last year for this mechanism.
Photo by Robert Bye via Unsplash
New York did achieve decriminalization this way, but the Daily News harshly criticized the Cuomo administration, calling it “plain dumb” that “it is allowing the sale and use of the drug without collecting any tax revenue—or regulating the content of what’s sold.”
The Marijuana Business Daily reported last week that New York’s medical marijuana patient registry has slowed its growth incredibly in the last year. Less than 1% of New York residents have qualified as medical marijuana patients. That’s on the low spectrum for state medical marijuana program.
For comparison, 6.7% of Oklahoma residents have qualified as medical marijuana patients. New York’s low participation is due to the poor framework the state constructed for its medical marijuana program, which doesn’t allow patients smokable flower or edibles and limits the amount of dispensaries possible to 40 in the state. Residents might say 40 dispensaries isn’t enough in New York City alone, forget the state. (Worth noting: home delivery is allowed.)
Should New York legalize adult-use marijuana, Marijuana Business Daily estimates the market could eclipse $2 billion in sales, depending on regulatory hurdles. New York is also expected to generate $300 million in tax revenue. Recreational marijuana appears like a necessity in New York, particularly for growth opportunities, as the state might be left behind in the Northeast should Cuomo’s gambit fail. Neighboring states New Jersey and Pennsylvania have announced intention to legalize this year.
All of which might explain why Cuomo announced New York will pursue “regional coordination” with those states, as well as Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Cuomo hopes to achieve some regulation in sale limits, tax rates, minimum age purchases, and more, so there won’t be competition between these markets. That announcement could force legislators on the fence to compromise, or suffer the consequences of being the only state in the region without legal marijuana.
If you suffer from foot pain—whether it’s from your shoes, blisters, or another health condition—you might want to try CBD. Used properly, CBD can help ease some of your aches that can be a well, real pain in the foot.
You probably don’t notice your feet until they start to hurt. But when you think about it, they do a lot for you throughout the day. From helping you reach your step goals, to keeping you upright and grounded, your feet are there for you. Perhaps that’s why foot pain can be so deliberating: It can really mess with your day-to-day routine. Here are 4 ways CBD can help with foot pain.
Whether it’s from your shoes, blisters, or another health condition—you might want to try CBD. Used properly, it can help ease some of your aches that can be a well, real pain in the foot.
For general foot pain caused by standing, walking, or exercising, taking CBD oil may bring you some relief. Research is promising that CBD oil can reduce inflammation and have a similar effect to taking pain medication—but without the side effects. The results may vary for everyone, of course. If you have foot pain that doesn’t go away after a few days or weeks, you’ll want to see your doctor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8bMZ7jtOb/
Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis pain in your feet can include stiffness, tenderness, pain, swelling, and even reduced mobility. Studies have shown that CBD oil can help with many of these symptoms. In fact, researchers say that CBD oil is effective for treating pain and inflammation caused by arthritis with no side effects. More human studies are needed, but if you suffer from arthritis pain, CBD may be the answer you’ve been waiting for.
You know your favorite pair of heels or other shoes that you just can’t give up, but they kill your feet every time you wear them? CBD balm can come to the rescue. Rub it on before you slip on your shoes, and your feet will stay comfortable all night. (Plus put more on when you get home to reduce inflammation.) Want some proof? Celebrities already swear by it for when then wear stilettos on the red carpet—and some of them wear insanely high heels.
One ugly topic no one wants to discuss: Blisters. But they happen! (Especially if you are a distance runner or when you get new shoes that don’t quite fit right.) CBD oil is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which may help. To treat one, make sure you clean your blister first. Then use a cotton pad soaked in CBD oil and dab it onto the affected area. Do this a few times a day, and your blister may heal faster than usual.
May these Here are 4 ways CBD can help with foot pain so you can take the best step forward.
Is there a way to beat cancer? Researchers believe it comes down to multiple facets, including genetics, lifestyle and access to care.
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that cancer deaths are on the rise globally. In fact, according to the WHO, deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to reach over 13 million by 2030. Even more staggering, the number of cancer cases is expected to increase more than 80% in low-income countries — double the rate expected in high-income countries (40%).
In the United States, early detection and prevention is saving lives, as well as access to care, but many in America face uncertainty when diagnosed. The American Cancer Society highlights that cancer rates were highest among African Americans, who have a 14% higher death rate. While the gap has narrowed from 33% in 1993, America still has a long way to go for health equity which hits especially hard due to socioeconomic status. According to the ACS:
“During 2012-2016, death rates in the poorest counties were two times higher for cervical cancer and 40% higher for male lung and liver cancers, compared with the richest counties. Poverty is also associated with lower rates of routine cancer screening, later stage at diagnosis, and a lower likelihood of getting the best treatment.”
Here are three surprising statistics about cancer in the United States:
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease in both men and women. (American Cancer Society)
Kentucky, Rhode Island, Delaware, Louisiana and New Jersey have the highest incidence rates of cancer. New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, Alaska, and Virginia have the lowest incidence rates. (U.S. News)
Cancer is the leading cause of death in children. In 2018, over 15,000 children died of cancer. (DoSomething)
Photo by rawpixel.com
Defying the odds: Cancer prevention
Is there a way to beat cancer? Researchers believe it comes down to multiple facets, including genetic risk, lifestyle and access to care.
Here’s what the professionals say:
Mayo Clinic states that cancer prevention comes down to modifying behavior that could increase your risk of being diagnosed. Eliminating tobacco, having a healthy diet, staying current with vaccinations, using sunscreen, and keeping annual checkups are vital to lessening your risk for cancer.
The Cleveland Clinic also recommends lessening alcohol and exercising regularly, as well as removing stress by practicing mindfulness. Meditation offers many benefits from curbing stress, offering relief from tense situations and giving the mind a moment of calm to prepare for what’s ahead.
Rogel Cancer Center believes sugar plays a role in cancer prevention as well, especially for insulin-resistant individuals because when blood sugar spokes, an increase release of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) occurs which can help cancer cells grow. The clinic recommends limiting processed grains and sugars.
Photo by Danil Rudenko/EyeEm/Getty Images
Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center explained sugar’s impact on cancer deeper citing that obesity is tied to cancer and cancer is tied to obesity, but the link from sugar to cancer is much more complex and cancer can’t be starved or prevented by just limiting sugar.
“Everything about your biology has been naturally selected for at least 600 million years to make sure that no matter what you eat, you keep enough glucose in your system and don’t become deficient,” Memorial Sloane Kettering explains. In short, glucose or sugar, is actually needed in the body. What does it all come down to? Living a healthy lifestyle, that is personally curated by your care team and what makes each individual feel best. As Americans age, cancer rates grow and instead of canceling aging, one of the best decisions patients can make is discussing their family history and lifestyle with their physicians and care teams.
Among other things, millennials communicate and learn quickly, which makes them more flexible and prone to changes than older generations.
Editors Note: This is a guest post by New York-based writer Tiffany Harper.
Marijuana consumption is still a taboo, but it seems like the millennial generation is working hard to change this fact. They are the pioneers of recreational weed usage and the major reason why nine states decided to legalize marijuana since 2012.
Contrary to baby boomers, Millennials prove to be open to new experiences and hence turn into genuine drivers of social changes. And it’s not only about changing the social climate – Millennials are also contributing to the growth of a brand new industry. The global cannabis market size was $10.6 billion in 2018 and it was projected to reach almost $100 billion by 2026.
But how Millennials are fueling the cannabis economy? Keep reading to see what makes them so excited about recreational marijuana usage.
Who Are the Millennials?
Jake Gardner, at the dissertation service, says that you need to understand the Millennials’ traits, values, and interests if you want to learn their motives to embrace weed.
Millennials are individuals born between 1980 and 2000. There are over 80 million Millennials in the US, which already makes them the largest social cohort in the States.
First of all, they are tech-savvy persons who use social networks and other digital tools to discover new things, concepts, and trends. They communicate and learn quickly, which makes them more flexible and prone to changes than older generations.
Secondly, they are well-educated professionals willing to embrace new behavioral patterns. Instead of sticking to tradition and social routines, the Millennials are acting independently and reconsidering old and/or obsolete values.
Photo by jens johnsson via Unsplash
All this makes the Millennials the loudest supporters of recreational marijuana consumption. Various reports prove this point:
Nearly 55 million adults in the US currently use marijuana, with over 35 million being regular users.
More than 50% of all individuals who reported marijuana use were in the millennial age group.
Almost 90% of the Millennials claim that weed is safer than booze.
“It seems like everyone is smoking weed these days, especially the remote writers,” says Martin Crick, the content writer from Killer papers review. Many studies reveal that Millennials are the real drivers of the cannabis economy, but let’s dig deeper and figure out the reasons why they do it.
Why Millennials Enjoy Cannabis?
Now that you know the traits of a typical Millennial, it is time to think about their motives to consume cannabis products. There is no one concrete reason to do it, but rather a whole set of ideas, causes, and intentions. We will point out the most important reasons here:
Cannabis doesn’t cause a hangover
The vast majority of Millennials prefer marijuana over alcohol because it doesn’t cause a hangover. They don’t have to suffer the day after going out and go through the pain and agony of the hangover, while they also behave better and remember everything they did the night before.
Marijuana is cheaper
Another major reason to consume cannabis products is the fact that marijuana is cheaper than booze. Instead of spending $50 to get drunk, they can create the same (if not better) effect for $15 to $20.
Photo by jens johnsson via Unsplash
Weed helps them relax
Very often when an individual who feels stressed out is going to check out and test cannabis products. Unlike alcohol, marijuana is ideal for persons who want to relax and fend off anxiety. According to the report, smoking cannabis can significantly reduce self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in the short term.
Weed is not toxic and has zero calories
The Millennials are all about health and fitness, which is yet another reason why they prefer cannabis as the primary relaxation method. Namely, weed is not as toxic as booze and it comes with zero calories. In other words, you can consume it without damaging your body.
Cannabis legalization allows authorities to focus on other crimes
We already mentioned that the millennial generation is prone to nurturing and promoting certain goals and values. One of their motives to support marijuana legalization has a broader social context. Namely, state authorities won’t have to deal with weed dealers anymore, so they can focus on other crimes instead.
Cannabis is a good investment opportunity
Millennials are not only cannabis consumers but also investors. Reports reveal that Millennials consider marijuana products to be a great investment opportunity, which is one of the most important success factors of the entire cannabis industry.
Photo by JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images
What Slows Down the Cannabis Industry?
The cannabis industry is obviously experiencing a breakthrough, but there are a few obstacles it still needs to overcome in order to achieve an even biggest impact on potential consumers worldwide.
First of all, the vast majority of decision-makers are still against it and it’s hard to imagine them changing their minds anytime soon. So far, cannabis is legal in nine states, but the pan-American legalization is still far away.
Secondly, the whole topic is still very controversial. A lot of people are raising eyebrows when they hear someone talking about smoking weed, which is why so many Millennials hide the fact that they consume marijuana on a regular basis.
Besides that, numerous studies show that regular pot use among adolescents permanently lowers IQ. Needless to say, it doesn’t make the parents happy and thrilled about marijuana legalization.
The Bottom Line
Although cannabis usage remains a widespread taboo in the US, the millennial generation is certainly doing its best to change this fact and make it a non-controversial topic. In this article, we showed you:
The basic traits of a typical Millennial
Why the Millennials enjoy cannabis
What slows down the cannabis industry
What do you think about recreational marijuana consumption? Do you agree with the Millennials who want to see it fully legalized? Make sure to share your opinion with us – we would love to see how you perceive the growing popularity of cannabis products on the millennial cohort.
CBD oil can treat a wide variety of ailments and give you a dose of relaxation.
Thanks to a booming CBD market, nowadays it’s not necessary to settle with boring oils and tinctures that have weird flavors. There’s plenty of products that feature CBD in new and inventive ways, and there’s also hundreds of recipes that will allow you to get creative and prepare your own CBD snack. If you’re interested in giving CBD a shot, here are 5 delicious was to consume CBD oil.
Although there’s only a small amount of studies conducted on CBD, the compound has demonstrated some benefits in treating inflammation, anxiety, pain, and more. If you’re interested in giving CBD a shot, here are a few snacks you can buy or prepare:
CBD energy bars
There’s plenty of different energy bars on the CBD market, with different flavors and dosages of the compound. Most of these bars are great options for people who are interested in a healthy snack that will satisfy a craving and provide you with some sort of mental or physical relief. While some of these bars have a grassy flavor thanks to the presence of CBD oil, products like Velobars and Snaac bars are known for their discreet CBD presence and delicious flavor.
Holistic Corn is one of the few companies around that had the bright idea to mix popcorn and CBD (we have our own recipes for cannabis-infused popcorn toppings), resulting in a product that’s delicious and convenient. Their popcorn is microwavable and healthy, only having 30 calories per cup. According to the product makers, their CBD is heat-activated, meaning that each bag has a fresh dose of the compound.
CBD guacamole
While no company out there has yet packaged and distributed their own version of CBD guacamole, plenty of people have published their own recipes, which are very simple. Most recipes call for a good amount of ingredients to add flavor that will disguise the taste of CBD oil, but don’t go overboard; this is still just guacamole.
While you could prepare your own CBD coffee from scratch, there’s plenty of CBD coffee products out there, which you only have to brew. Once you have your cup of coffee or espresso shots prepared, you just have to steam the milk and put them all together.
CBD dressing
While people have tried to make raw marijuana leaf and CBD salads work, it is not easy. These leaves and oils are rough and have very specific flavors. CBD vinaigrettes, however, are much more tolerable and, when paired with the right elements, can taste really good. These salad dressings are made from a mixture of CBD oil and other ingredients that can change depending on the recipe and the cook’s personal taste.
Experts at yoga studios and clinics across the U.S. explain why meditation calms the soul and helps individuals to refocus intentions, while putting mental health first.
There’s something about giving yourself permission to stop, take a deep breath, and focus on the connection between mind and body. In trying to understand meditation’s restorative effects on the brain as well as on the muscles and bones, we explored the many ways meditation is proven to help heal and inspire.
So, what truly can meditation do? Many believe the effects of meditation can span beyond the human body and into the community. Experts at yoga studios and clinics all over the U.S. recently spoke to The Fresh Toast and explained why meditation calms the soul and helps individuals to refocus intentions, while putting mental health first. Jen Stavitsky, owner at CULTIVATE Meditation and Wellness, believes meditation helps us to power down and push through. She explained it like this:
“The brain is similar to a computer. We all know that powering down a computer from time to time enables it to function with greater speed and efficiency when we turn it back on. Meditation allows us to power down from the main way we use the brain.”
We know meditation can help decrease anxiety. A recent study featured in the US Library of Medicine showcased meditation’s effects on those with anxiety and found that meditation was beneficial in helping quell symptoms.
Matthew Milèo, founder of Milèo New York, suffered his entire life from anxiety and stress. Affecting his speech and social relationships, Milèo explored yoga in high school in hopes that it would help, and it did. According to Milèo, “a light switch clicked on after standing in a dark room for years; I could finally see the exit.”
Explaining that yoga and wellness offered him a reprieve from stress, he took the aspects of the practice he loved most and integrated it into every aspect of his life and business. “Meditation was the glue that kept me from falling apart. I don’t think I would be here today if it were not for meditation, yoga, wellness, and honoring a compassionate lifestyle.”
Eileen Moran, a two-time breast cancer survivor and program director at YouCanThrive! (YCT!) and founder of Architects of Experience credits meditation—specifically therapeutic sound with wellness during a her cancer battle.
She illustrated, “I found meditation, specifically with therapeutic sound, to be by life blood going through the obvious stressors associated with my cancer diagnosis.” When asked why she wanted to build a life focused on wellness, Moran credits her resilience to meditation. Moran explains that when meditation is accompanied by sound, the Vagus nerve is activated, sending positive energy, rest and digest throughout each body part. “We see people literally transform from stressed and agitated to peaceful in minutes using therapeutic sound in harmony with meditation,” Moran shared.
Luana DeAngelis, founder of YouCanThrive! added to Moran’s statement, explaining, that true therapy comes from putting our brainwaves in a state of rest. “Studies have shown that by inducing (resting) brainwaves and spending more time in alpha theta brainwave states are very beneficial for many areas of healing.”
Getting the most out of closing our eyes
Elana Frankel, Co-founder of Indigo and Haze and yoga teacher described, “Meditation is about non-judgmental, self-awareness and its learning comes from within. Instead of asking ‘How should I meditate?’ ask ‘What is the mediation that I was born to experience?’” Frankel pointed to a recent study in Harvard’s publication that suggested that meditation, “could affect activity in the amygdala (a part of the brain that processes emotions), and that different types of meditation can affect the amygdala differently even when the person is not meditating.”
She documented that meditation doesn’t always have to involve a dark room. Even while walking, taking time to focus on the movement of the foot and noticing how the heel and toe connect with the ground can bring a moment of peace and deep meaning. “There is greater good in action,” Frankel said. To this 19+ year yoga teacher, moments of calm can be found everywhere.
Photo by Nandhu Kumar via Pexels
Meditation is changing workplace culture
Anxiety and depression has a tremendous economic impact on workplaces—to the tune of $1 trillion dollars per year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).Lindsey Pearson, a former publicist for NBA players and the owner of Do You Mind(Fully)?, a holistic wellness company in New York City, believes in the power of meditation in corporate America. She’s seeing workplaces take meditation to new levels to help employees cope with stress and mental health.
Lindsey is passionate about creating a culture of mindfulness. In fact, she insisted that mindfulness can elevate workplace culture, greater empathy for employees and gives employees permission to take care of themselves—all while creating greater empathy and compassion.
From workplaces to walks outside, meditation is growing as an element of wellness and staple of a calm, peaceful life.
Adults with moderate to severe pain are more likely to self-medicate with marijuana, which could lead to problematic use.
Pain is among the most commonly cited reasons patients gravitate to medical marijuana use. A new study shows, though, that pain could also cause non-medical users to self-medicate with marijuana. This pattern could eventually lead to problematic marijuana use, including developing cannabis use disorder.
According to the new research, adults with moderate to severe pain are more likely to consume marijuana that adults without pain. The group is also more likely to develop a dependence on marijuana through their self-medication practices.
“Despite this evidence, many people view cannabis use as harmless, and non-medical use of cannabis on a daily or near-daily basis has increased,” said lead author Deborah Hasin. “In our study, we hoped to identify factors — such as pain — that may increase the risk of cannabis use disorder.”
The researchers behind the study, which was published in The American Journal of Psychiatry last month, analyzed data on marijuana use from the National Epidemiologic Surveys on Alcohol and Related Conditions. They focused on datasets from the years 2001-2002 as well as 2012-13, dividing between groups of adults with or without pain issues. The goal was to better understand potential risk factors of problematic cannabis use, in light of 34 states legalizing medical marijuana and 11 states passing adult-use marijuana legislation.
Photo by Ake via rawpixel.com
Overall, non-medical use has increased more than 5% in the United States between 2002 and 2013. Scientists found that adults with pain were significantly more likely to engage in non-medical marijuana use than those without pain (5.0% vs. 3.5%). They also concluded risk cannabis use disorder higher in adults with pain vs. without (4.2% vs. 2.7%).
More than 66% of Americans view marijuana as beneficial to pain management. Other studies have shown that where marijuana is legal, opioid prescriptions fall. In this context, it appears scientists did not establish rigorous enough parameters for what qualifies as non-medical marijuana use. Still, it remains worthy of deeper analysis if adults with moderate to severe pain are at the same risk of cannabis use disorder as an opioid addiction.
“Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals treating patients with pain should monitor their patients for signs and symptoms of cannabis use disorder,” Hasin said.
