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Tiki Barber Explains How His NFL Career Helps Him Run A Cannabis Company

Javier Hasse
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Tiki Barber Explains How His NFL Career Helps Him Run A Cannabis Company

Barber entered the cannabis business because he trusts the plant’s potential in relieving the physical consequences that playing a professional sport can leave on an athlete’s body.

Co-author, Natan Ponieman

Tiki Barber is a former NFL player who entered the cannabis industry in 2018 when he co-founded Grove Group Management.

After a successful 10-year run as running back for the New York Giants, Barber cultivated a career in writing and broadcasting, which he complemented with several business ventures. In 2019, he debuted on Broadway with the Kinky Boots musical. Grove Group Management is an investment platform devoted to growing cannabis businesses on the manufacturing and distribution end.

In a recent, exclusive conversation, the former athlete discussed how his past and present experience in pro football and show business helped him craft his entrepreneur profile.

Team Playing And Persistence As The Keys To Success

Barber told us that grit was the main value he acquired during his football years.

“I think success, whether it be as a professional athlete, a radio host, and entrepreneur, or a performer on the Great White Way is dependent upon preparation and execution. I learned to deal with failure because the next play is always more important than the last.”

The entrepreneur said that executing, in part, requires an awareness of all the inputs that affect a decision.

“In football recognizing when the hole is going to open; in business knowing when to take a risk.”

He recognized that in both activities, chances of success are limited without a great team.

marijuana college football
Photo by smileitsmccheeze/Getty Images

Cannabis Treatment For NFL Players?

Barber explained he entered the cannabis business because he trusts the plant’s potential in relieving the physical consequences that playing a professional sport can leave on an athlete’s body. However, the NFL and particularly current commissioner Roger Goodell have made hard claims about the plant, aiming to keep it on the banned substances list.

RELATED: NFL Agrees To Study Marijuana As Pain Management Tool

“Interestingly, despite the hard stance that the league, i.e., Commissioner Goodell takes with substances of abuse, including cannabis, we’ve already seen our players association and the league agree to study the medicinal benefits of CBD and other cannabis derivatives,” said Barber, referring to possible concessions that some key members of the league are proposing in terms of marijuana policy.

“If I could tell the commissioner anything, it would be to take advantage of this opportunity to become a leader in providing a very public alternative to opioids, a crisis that is well documented and has been a scourge on society.”

Combining Philanthropy In Autism With Cannabis Investments

Aside from his business ventures and artistic projects, Barber has been actively participating in the world of philanthropy.

“I’m extremely proud of the work that we’re doing at KultureCity, an autism acceptance and sensory inclusion organization that is focused on making the world a more accessible place, including and especially sporting venues, through staff training and installation of sensory rooms.”

RELATED: Why The NFL Will ‘Eventually Catch Up’ On Marijuana, According To Ricky Williams

Barber’s participation in the cannabis industry and his prior charity work in the field of autism are a logical combination when considering that autism has been one of the most studied conditions in the field of cannabis medicine in recent years.

“I am cautiously optimistic, there is still a lot of studies that need to be done in the US. But there have been studies done in Israel that suggest that Cannabidiol can improve autism spectrum disorder comorbidity symptoms in a majority of patients,” concluded Barber. Javier Hasse and Natan Ponieman are part of the Benzinga Cannabis team.

Javier Hasse and Natan Ponieman are part of the Benzinga Cannabis team.

Joe Biden Isn’t Sure If Marijuana Is A ‘Gateway Drug’ — It’s Not

Brendan Bures
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Joe Biden Isn’t Sure If Marijuana Is A ‘Gateway Drug’ — It’s Not

Joe Biden walks back his previous marijuana support and asks if cannabis could lead to harder drug use.

You could say Joe Biden tried to play nice when he supported marijuana decriminalization and reshuffling cannabis to a Schedule II drug earlier this summer. But ever since then, the democratic presidential candidate has walked back his tacit approval of cannabis to reveal he truly doesn’t care for the plant.

At the Democratic debates in September, Biden insisted marijuana possession should remain an illegal misdemeanor. Biden reversed course further this weekend, stating he would not legalize marijuana as President because there isn’t “enough evidence…whether or not it is a gateway drug.”

RELATED: Grading The Presidential Candidates On Marijuana: Overall Rankings

“The truth of the matter is, there’s not nearly been enough evidence that has been acquired as to whether or not it is a gateway drug,” Biden said, according to Business Insider. “It’s a debate, and I want a lot more before I legalize it nationally. I want to make sure we know a lot more about the science behind it.”

Though Biden doesn’t personally support it, he added that “states should be able to make a judgement to legalize marijuana. I think that’s okay.”

heres some great news if youre trying to find work in legal marijuana states
Photo by BrindleBerry/Getty Images

While his opponents in the Democratic primary have unveiled intricate plans to legalize cannabis at the federal level, including grants and programs that would heal the damage caused by the War on Drugs, Biden believes more research is needed. Biden’s congressional voting record, by the way, shows he supported legislation that institutionalized the War on Drugs.

“It is not irrational to do more scientific investigation to determine, which we have not done significantly enough, whether or not there are any things that relate to whether it’s a gateway drug or not,” Biden said.

RELATED: Saying ‘Cannabis’ Instead of ‘Marijuana’ Doesn’t Influence Public Opinion

Biden’s gateway drug theory is not supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which previously explored whether marijuana was, in fact, a gateway drug or not. According to their research, “the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, ‘harder’ substances.”

A 1999 Institute of Medicine report also found that marijuana “typically precedes rather than follows initiation of other illicit drug use.” Cannabis, the report reads, “does not appear to be a gateway drug to the extent that it is the cause or even that it is the most significant predictor of serious drug abuse; that is, care must be taken not to attribute cause to association.”

What To Know About The Healing Benefits Of Marijuana’s CBG

Nicole Skrobin
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What To Know About The Healing Benefits Of Marijuana’s CBG

Although THC and CBD are two commonly consumed cannabinoids, CBG is gaining more popularity and attention due to its medicinal value.

Cannabis is an extremely complex plant, and it contains many more cannabinoids than just THC and CBD. How many cannabinoids do you think this plant contains? So far, more than 60 cannabinoid compounds have been discovered, and cannabigerol (CBG) is one of them.

CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that can help treat multiple medical conditions, diseases, and illnesses. Although THC and CBD are two commonly consumed cannabinoids, CBG is gaining more popularity and attention due to its medicinal value.

Background Of CBG

It’s important to know that CBG is the non-acidic form of CBGA, which is the parent molecule from which several additional cannabinoids are produced. Once a cannabis plant fully matures, the majority of the CBG within the plant is already converted into CBGA. As a result, CBGA turns into other cannabinoids. Despite this conversion, CBG is often referred to as the ‘stem cell’ or ‘parent’ of other cannabinoids.

RELATED: Health Benefits of Smoking Properly Dried and Cured Cannabis

In 1975, researchers discovered that CBGA (the acid form of CBG) was the first cannabinoid formed in the cannabis plant. Based on limited research findings, it appears that CBG works with other cannabinoids to provide synergy and balance to the cannabis user. It’s also believed that CBG can partially counteract the cerebral head high associated with THC consumption, which is similar to CBD’s abilities in this regard.

CBG Medicinal Properties & Benefits

Before learning about CBG’s medicinal properties, it’s essential to know that CBG is non-psychoactive, non-impairing, and non-intoxicating. CBG can act on the body’s central nervous system without creating a psycho-active high. Therefore, users don’t have to worry about feeling high after consumption. Not only does CBG contain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-septic properties, but it also holds efficacy in battling against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Specifically, in a 2008 study, CBG demonstrated its effectiveness against MRSA.

In addition, one 2009 review article found that CBG and other cannabinoids can slow the progression and growth of various tumors and cancer cells. Due to CBG’s ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and tumors, this cannabinoid shows a significant promise in helping treat different forms of cancer. Similarly, in recent years, CBG was found to be an extremely active neuroprotectant, especially regarding Huntington’s Disease. It has been discovered that CBG can help protect neurons, which can be useful in treating many neurodegenerative diseases.

RELATED: Marijuana’s Top 5 Cannabinoids And What They Do

Aside from these benefits, CBG has shown a significant potential for helping treat glaucoma. In particular, CBG can reduce intraocular pressure while acting as an effective vasodilator and increasing fluid drainage from the eyes. The medicinal benefits don’t stop here though. CBG also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which could help treat symptoms related to inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory-related issues. This cannabinoid can reduce inflammation by targeting specific molecules responsible for inflammation including pain syndromes, cancer, and IBD.

Manhattan Is Loosening Its Cannabis Laws, But What About The Rest of NYC?
Photo by Juanmonino/Getty Images

CBG’s Mental Health Benefits

Now, what are CBG’s non-physical benefits? For starters, a 2016 report showed that CBG could be an alternative form of treatment for anxiety and depression. Thus far, CBG’s anti-anxiety properties have been revealed through different research findings, but more research needs to be done. Additionally, since CBG can block serotonin receptors, this suggests a potential role for this cannabinoid helping treat depression.

CBG also possesses the ability to inhibit the uptake of the brain’s GABA. GABA is often referred to as an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter within the central nervous system and also calms the system down. GABA can block nerve impulses, and when GABA is inhibited, it can result in lessened anxiety and muscle tension. Thus, it’s believed that CBG can provide anti-anxiety and potentially anti-depressant effects.

Additional Medicinal Properties

Aside from the many medical benefits mentioned above, CBG even contains analgesic properties, which can help treat numerous diseases and illnesses. Now, rewind over a decade to when one 2007 study was conducted, which revealed that CBG inhibited keratinocyte proliferation. This suggests a significant role for CBG aiding in the treatment of skin disorders including psoriasis. In general, though, CBG can simplify the making of natural skin-moisturizers, thus, this cannabinoid could be used to combat dry skin and other skin disorders.

RELATED: Are Synthetic Cannabinoid Medications As Effective As Marijuana?

Lastly, did you know that CBG can impact the body by increasing anandamide levels? It turns out that this cannabinoid can do just that. For those who don’t know, anandamide is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid that helps regarding the regulation of biological functions like sleep, memory, pain sensations, and appetite.

Overall, not only does CBG contain a plethora of medicinal properties, but it can also have a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether you currently experience health issues or not, this cannabinoid shows a significant potential in helping treat different conditions, diseases, and illnesses.

How Patients With Parkinson’s Disease Can Benefit From CBD

Dr. Mary Clifton
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How Patients With Parkinson’s Disease Can Benefit From CBD

Can patients with Parkinson’s disease benefit from CBD or medical cannabis? The research says yes!

Although there isn’t much research surrounding the use of CBD and cannabis in regards to Parkinson’s Disease, one particular study caught my eye. In the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics in 2014, a case report reviewed sleep disorders of six patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

REM SLEEP BEHAVIOR DISORDER
One particular patient caught my eye, a 61-year-old-man with a history of Parkinson’s. His symptoms began with sleep agitation and two years later he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This specific sleep disorder is often characteristic of Parkinson’s and is referred to as REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, or RBD. During nightmares, patients often experience violent reactions such as punching, kicking and yelling.

PATIENT 1
This fellow was talking, swearing, yelling, kicking and punching in his sleep. He even injured his wife during one of his nightmare rages. These specific episodes occurred once a month and often related to work, conflict, animal attacks and fighting. Most recently, his wife reported the dreams had increased in frequency to four times per week lasting as long as 2 minutes.

RELATED: Watch What Happens When This Parkinson’s Patient Smokes Marijuana

CBD was administered for six weeks to the patient as well as others in the study. All five of the patients who received the treatment saw full reversal of their REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.

MECHANISM
CB1 receptors in the brain are thought to regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Anandamide stimulates these CB1 receptors during sleep, increasing the length of slow wave and REM sleep. With the addition of CBD and THC, the body reacts in the same way, creating a deeper more nourishing sleep pattern. Through the addition of CBD, patients can finally get a good night’s sleep!

RELATED: Marijuana And Parkinson’s Disease: What We Know

Parkinson's Patients
Photo by TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay

CURRENT TREATMENTS
Current prescription medications such as Clonazepam create a sedation effect lasting long into the daytime. This can increase the risk of falls and motor vehicle accidents especially in the elderly. Making CBD a great and safe alternative to those prone to accidents.

CONCLUSION
The administration of CBD has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson’s related sleep disturbances. Thanks to CBD, Parkinson’s patients can finally get a good nights sleep!

This post originally appeared on CBD & Cannabis Info.

Congress Could Vote To Legalize Marijuana This Week

Brendan Bures
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Congress Could Vote To Legalize Marijuana This Week

The MORE Act would deschedule marijuana and create programs to assist those communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.

This week could prove to be historic for marijuana legislation at the federal level. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler announced today (Monday) that the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) is schedule to receive a Congressional markup and vote Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The MORE Act would deschedule cannabis at the federal level, effectively decriminalizing the plant nationwide. In addition, the bill would create a funding program to repair the damages caused by the War on Drugs. Should Nadler’s schedule go as planned, this action would qualify the MORE Act as the first piece of comprehensive marijuana legislation to make it this far in Congress.

RELATED: Former Congressman Believes U.S. Will Legalize Marijuana By 2022

“The data speaks for itself—low-income communities and communities of color have disproportionately borne the brunt of the devastation brought on by marijuana prohibition,” Queen Adesuyi, National Affairs Policy Manager for the Drug Policy Alliance, said in a statement. “The MORE Act is the most robust bipartisan legislation so far not only to end federal marijuana prohibition, but also to ensure that the communities that have been hardest hit by prohibition are not left behind.”

how to not getting busted smuggling marijuana into a prohibition state
Photo by LPETTET/Getty Images

The MORE Act would create a nationwide expungement program for marijuana-related offenses. Prior convictions would be expunged, and federal requests must resentence those still under supervision, upon request. Immigrants could not be denied citizenship status based on marijuana possession or offenses, under the bill.

While decriminalizing marijuana, the legislation would also assess a 5% sales tax on cannabis products to create programs that would assist communities impacted by prohibition, which disproportionately affects communities of color. Individuals adversely impacted by the War on Drugs would receive job training, legal aid, and literacy education. Small businesses with social and/or economically disadvantaged owners could receive specialty loans and assistance in minimizing the barriers to cannabis licensing.

RELATED:The Newly Democratic House Majority And The Future Of Legal Weed

Earlier this year, the House passed the bipartisan SAFE Banking Act, which increases marijuana businesses access to legal financial services.

“It would be a tragic mistake to have the only marijuana reform bill that passes this Congress be one that solely benefits the industry, despite both the unprecedented support for legalization nationally amongst Americans and all the harm that we know federal prohibition has caused to individuals and communities across this country,” Adesuyi said. “Fortunately, by ensuring the MORE Act moves forward, several leaders in the House are showing that they understand that this is a matter of fundamental justice that the US Congress needs to address.”

Leukemia And Medical Marijuana: Here Are The Facts

Kate-Madonna Hindes
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Leukemia And Medical Marijuana: Here Are The Facts

Chemotherapy and radiation are often suggested by care teams to help put the disease into remission, however, recent studies have also cited the benefit of cannabinoids or marijuana.

Few experiences are more devastating than a cancer diagnosis. A leukemia diagnosis can be especially jarring, given we typically hear of it in movies as a predator of children, even though the medical community has found that children have the highest state of remission at 94%, with adults at up to 40% after five years. 

A cancer of the blood, Leukemia affects the bone marrow, red blood cells, white blood cells, and the cells that cause clotting. Its symptoms include chills, weakness, susceptibility to infection, weight loss, bruising, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain. 

RELATED: Did the National Cancer Institute Finally Admit Cannabis Kills Cancer?

Chemotherapy and radiation are often suggested by care teams to help put the disease into remission, however, recent studies have also cited the benefit of cannabinoids or marijuana. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) even has a page dedicated to cannabis and cancer, explaining the benefits and risks of marijuana and CBD oil. 

Better treatments for patients

 A 2017 study by the International Journal of Oncology found that when chemotherapy was combined with cannabinoids, the potency of the drugs was “slightly improved.” Even more impressive, the research team found that even when used alone, THC and cannabidiol killed cancer cells. The authors of the study wrote:

“Phyto cannabinoids possess anticancer activity when used alone, and a number have also been shown to combine favorably with each other in vitro in leukemia cells to generate improved activity. “  

An option for palliative care 

A 2013 study showcased the power of cannabis in palliative care, citing a case of a 14-year-old patient whose failing health wasn’t responding to chemotherapy and radiation treatment after being diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). After the family started giving the patient cannabinoid extracts by mouth. 

5 ways medical marijuana can help you deal with pain
Photo by OlegMalyshev/Getty Images

RELATED: How Marijuana Can Interfere With And Disrupt Leukemia Cells

Interestingly, after fifteen days, doctors observed that the patient had a decrease in the need for morphine and an increase in euphoria and alertness. The cannabidiol seemed the help the patient in the weeks before she passed away. Researchers noted that the patient died of a secondary infection, and the patient’s Leukemia seemed to be in remission. 

Ultimately, whether or not to use cannabis in treatment comes to the all-important discussion between patient and doctor. With more clinical trials around the world focusing on marijuana, hopefully, new research will shed light on effective ways to combat the disease and keep loved ones around for many more years to come. 

Your Designated Driver Should Be Someone Who Doesn’t Use Marijuana

Mike Adams
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Your Designated Driver Should Be Someone Who Doesn’t Use Marijuana

Call it growing pains, call it just being stuck in the drug war mentality, but just know that there are still police all over the country looking to make it hard for people who use marijuana. 

Just because some states have legalized marijuana for recreational use — something that allows adults 21 and over to buy cannabis products like beer — doesn’t mean that law enforcement is all of a sudden cool with drugs. In fact, the way the law is written in some cases, local jurisdictions have the right to ban cannabis businesses from emerging in their neck of the woods.

These are the spots where progressive attitudes have not yet sunk in, which gives local cops all sorts of ideas to keep busting the average stoner even though the law technically says, “Hey, leave them kids alone.” Call it growing pains, call it just being stuck in the drug war mentality, but just know that there are still police all over the country looking to make it hard for people who use marijuana. 

The best method police have at this point to bust unsuspecting cannabis users is by leaning on the offense of stoned driving or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID). Since there is currently no marijuana breathalyzer on the market that can determine whether a motorist is driving impaired, police use saliva swabs and other questionable roadside drug tests to make these assumptions.  

RELATED: The Number Of People Who Get Behind The Wheel After Smoking Weed Will Surprise You

But cannabis metabolizes in the body differently than alcohol, so police can really only tell if a motorist has smoked marijuana within the past 30 days. They cannot, however, distinguish between those people who smoked recently and the ones out there on the highways bugged out of their brains.

is new marijuana breathalyzer technology on the way
Photo by JasonDoiy/Getty Images

Therefore, as Michigan and Illinois prepare to launch their recreational pot markets in the coming months, toking tourists (not to mention the locals) should prepare themselves for some ramped up law enforcement shenanigans. For example, police in Naperville, Illinois, which is just about 30 miles southwest of Chicago, are already planning to target stoned motorists as soon as legalization takes hold. 

The goal is to drag as many people as possible to jail for driving under the influence of marijuana. 

“Impairment is impairment, whether it’s alcohol or any drug. It affects their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle,” Illinois Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Jennifer Cifaldi told ABC News.

RELATED: Get Busted Driving With Marijuana And You May Lose Your Vehicle

To keep from getting jammed up in the court system, we would advise anyone traveling into legal states to visit the dispensaries to use a designated driver who is not a marijuana user. At the very least, use someone who hasn’t smoked weed within the past month. In the event of a traffic stop, the person behind the wheel should be able to pass all of the officer’s roadside drug testing and even submit a clean blood sample if asked.

Everyone else in the vehicle can be stoned beyond stoned, but if the driver so much as tests positive for THC, chances are he or she is going to jail for DUID. There is also a possibility if no one else in the vehicle can drive, that the car could be impounded. Yet, as long as your designated driver passes the officer’s tests, there should be no problem.

RELATED: How To Keep Police From Searching Your Vehicle For Weed

Having a designated driver who can pass a roadside shakedown is also imperative for those people hoping to smuggle legal weed into a prohibition state. Make no mistake about it, law enforcement will be looking for any reason they can to arrest people for DUID and search vehicles for illegal contraband. Having someone behind the wheel who can navigate this process is crucial in making sure that everyone gets home from their dispensary adventure without legal consequences. 

Remember, break only one law at a time.

How Does Marijuana Affect My Sleep And Dreams?

Brendan Bures
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0
How Does Marijuana Affect My Sleep And Dreams?

Marijuana use lowers your amount of REM sleep, which decreases the time you’re able to dream each night.

The first part of an old stoner tale goes something like this: At a certain point, after habitually using marijuana so many consecutive days, you lose the ability to dream. Your head hits the pillow, and your mind becomes a blank canvas until you rise the next morning.

The second part, meanwhile, regards what happens should you stop smoking weed. Instead of another night of silky blackness, your sleep will roar with vivid color, indescribable scenarios, and intense eruptions of dreamscape. It will be like all the dreams you didn’t have while smoking come rushing back all at once in operatic phantasms.

RELATED: MDMA Could Reduce Alcoholism Relapse, Says Study

Scientists have also documented this phenomenon. A 2001 study published in JAMA Psychiatry aimed to better understand how individuals who were daily recreational marijuana users reacted when they abstained from smoking weed. The subjects agreed to continue smoking marijuana as usual for several days, undergo a three-day window of abstinence, resume their usual weed habits for a stretch, then quit cold turkey for another three days. Included among the side effects scientists noticed during the abstinence periods were decreased appetites, sleep difficulties, raised levels of irritability, and that “strange dreams increased significantly during one abstinence phase.”

cbd for sleep
Photo by Ivan Obolensky via Pexels

Many people have a basic understanding of how sleep works. When we close our eyes, our physiological systems circulate between a set stages of sleep—Stages 1 through 4, then what scientists call REM sleep, or Rapid Eye Movement sleep. REM sleep is where you dream, as your body enters a stage of paralysis (if you weren’t paralyzed, you’d likely act out your dreams in real life).

“People who use marijuana, they tend to suppress REM sleep. They have less REM sleep,” said Dr. Samoon Ahmad, a practicing psychopharmacologist and psychiatrist. “And when they have less REM sleep, you’re going to have less dreams because dreams only happen during REM sleep.”

Research suggests marijuana usage disrupts your body’s usual circadian rhythms, or your sleep wake cycle. As a 2008 study using polysomnographic (PSG) testing found, marijuana use “decreased REM sleep” and shorter “REM latency.” Prior to that, a 1975 study was the first to report that THC consumption “significantly reduced eye movement activity during sleep with rapid eye movements (REM) and, to a lesser extent, the duration of REM itself.” In addition, the 1975 study also found a “rebound” effect for REM sleep.

RELATED: Study: People Are Willing To Pay $300 For A Good Night’s Sleep

This might seem contradictory for those with sleep problems, like sleep deprivation or sleep apnea, who use marijuana to help them fall asleep. Overall, your quality of sleep lowers from doing so. However, most scientists will tell you that lowered quality of sleep is still better than no sleep at all. That said, if you dare to dream, you’ll have to forgo the marijuana nightcap.

What To Know About Traveling With Cannabis And CBD Over The Holidays

Becky Garrison
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0
What To Know About Traveling With Cannabis And CBD Over The Holidays

Depending on state and local laws, those caught traveling with cannabis may find themselves facing harsher penalties including fines and jail time. 

Cannabis consumers traveling over the holidays will be pleased to know that the TSA has now relaxed their regulations regarding traveling with medical marijuana. According to their website, passengers can now transport FDA-approved medications containing CBD, as well as any other products containing CBD. These products can be transported  in both carry-on and checked luggage. 

However, these regulations apply only to hemp-derived CBD that’s in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. These regulations do not apply for those who need a cannabis product containing more than .3% THC.

While federal law still prohibits flying with weed or transporting cannabis containing more than .3% THC across state lines, the TSA website states that their “screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs.” 

RELATED: TSA (Sort of) Allows (Some) Hemp-CBD Products on Flights

If any illegal substance is discovered during security screenings, the TSA’s website notes they will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer. Anecdotal stories indicate that TSA officers in states where cannabis is legal tend look the other way. They may confiscate any cannabis and paraphernalia they find, but then then send travelers on their way. However, depending on state and local laws, those caught traveling with cannabis may find themselves facing harsher penalties including fines and jail time. 

Consume Cannabis Discretely 

For those who decide they will take the risk and consume cannabis en route, consider leaving flower at home. A cannabis infused edible or capsule are two very discrete methods of consumption that do not require any paraphernalia which can be confiscated. Also, they can be consumed before boarding one’s plane, train, or bus. Be mindful though of the dosage as airline terminals, train stations, and bus stops have the right to refuse passengers who are clearly under the influence. Also, those who exhibit clear signs of being stoned are much more likely to face scrutiny by security. 

Photo by rawpixel.com

Avoiding Cannabis Odors When Traveling 

For those who prefer flower, simply putting one’s paraphernalia and cannabis into a baggie will not keep the smell of cannabis at bay. Dr. Alison Draisin, Psychologist at the AIMS Institute in Seattle and CEO/Founder Ettalew’s Edibles, solves this problem by placing her flower in her trusty carry on Skunk (smell proof) bag. Another option is the Cannador, which functions similar to a humidor for cigars by keeping one’s cannabis fresh and the surrounding area odor free. Either option will prevent one from developing a strong cannabis smell while using local public transportation, as well as keeping one’s car free from the smell of cannabis. 

RELATED: What TSA Would Do If You Got Caught With Marijuana

Be mindful that a qualified budtender will not give recommendations regarding how to circumvent the laws pertaining to traveling with cannabis. Hence, consumers are advised to check the laws for all those states they plan to visit prior to their journey. Those traveling internationally are advised to check the laws such as those issued by Air Canada for those countries on their itinerary. Armed with this information, travelers can decide for themselves the degree of risk they want to take when traveling with cannabis. 

How Does CBD Affect Your Memory?

Maria Loreto
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0
How Does CBD Affect Your Memory?

Marijuana is not memory’s best friend, though some studies find CBD might improve brain function.

One of the great benefits of smoking marijuana is that there’s rarely any hangovers on the following day. Sadly, the plant still has the capability of rattling your memories.

RELATED: Saying ‘Cannabis’ Instead of ‘Marijuana’ Doesn’t Influence Public Opinion

Cannabis, or THC more precisely, tends to affect people’s cognitive function and short term memory skills, which is why smoking sometimes leaves you feeling a little dumb and spacey. This is all due to THC and the fact that it temporarily attaches itself to parts of the brain that process memory formations. This isn’t the case with cannabidiol (CBD): some studies even claim that the compound can boost memory functions and work on your brain health.

A 2017 study on CBD and it’s impact on Alzheimer’s provided some of the strongest evidence between CBD and it’s positive impact on memory loss. The study was conducted on mice, which were tested for a period of eight months in order to gauge the effects that CBD produced in them.

Marijuana-Induced Memory Loss Is A Feature, Not A Bug
Illustration via rawpixel.com

Researchers found that the compound reversed some of the mice’s cognitive deficits, especially when it comes to their social recognition memory. The compound promoted neurogenesis in the mice, encouraging the growth and development of their neurons.

Another older study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information on memory function and cannabis also provided some evidence that favored CBD. In it, researchers concluded that marijuana had a negative impact on memory, but made  an important distinction: strains with high CBD content affected memory in much lesser degrees. The more CBD present in the strain, the less subject’s memories were impaired.

RELATED: 5 Things About CBD Cigarettes You Should Know

Many have focused on the fact that CBD doesn’t negatively affect memories, with a lot of people forgetting that there’s a lot of evidence that says that it promotes brain health, improving functioning. While there’s not enough research out there to draw conclusions, the compound could become an important tool in preventing memory-related diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

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