Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Home Blog Page 65

Why Marijuana Is Good To Use During A Cleanse

New year, new you….while we are moving to the later part of the first quarter of the new year, there is still time for healthy habits. Detoxification (detox) diets are more popular than ever. They claim to clean your blood and eliminate harmful toxins from your body. But science and data are still out on effectiveness.  But if you do it, here is why marijuana is good to use during a cleanse.

Related Story: DIY ‘Dirty Lemon’ Cleanse

Detoxing is a cleansing to purge yourself of “free radicals,” highly reactive molecules that cause oxidative stress on the body, which can weaken or even kill cells in such vital organs as the heart, lungs, and brain. Oxidative stress can impede the immune system and damage DNA. It may be responsible for some of the effects of aging and other illnesses. It is also reported to be part of weight loss.

This Is The Only Beverage That Can Detox Your Body
Photo by Jordana – Radiantly Nourished Blog via Unsplash

Poor diet promotes oxidative stress, so does smoking, drinking alcohol, and exposure to other toxins—hence the case for the occasional detox.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Where does cannabis fit in here? Free radicals are combated by antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Beta-carotene—and, now apparently, THC, which a clinical study suggests could have some similar benefits as Vitamin C.  A cleanse is also supposed to help with inflammation.  Cannabis via CBD, CBG, and a CBD+THC combination exert a predominantly anti-inflammatory which is a big benefit. In addition, cannabis can be a more healthy alternative from alcohol.  The California sober trend continues to expand, especially among Gen Z.

“Although it’s not fun, and no one wants to hear it, the thing that we know that works to detox the body is regular exercise, eating healthy, being active, and limiting or avoiding alcohol.” shares Andrew Aronsohn, MD a liver specialist at the University of Chicago

Drink Whiskey Like A Literary Legend

Hemmingway shared “I have drunk since I was 15, and few things have given me more pleasure.”

Whiskey is one of the things which legends are made. From the Greeks to the Irish, it has developed into an elixir delighting the taste buds and occasionally the brain. There is something adult, worldweary, and strong about holding a glass of the brown water. From early times to the Wild West, it appears again and again in stories and modern myths. It is no wonder authors have been captured by its amber hue. Here is a guide so this weekend you can drink whiskey like a literary legend.

John Steinbeck

While John Steinbeck’s favorite drink was the Jack Rose, he made an impact on the imagine of whiskey with his most famous book. The liquor makes an appearance in several of Steinbeck’s books, including his magnum opus, The Grapes of Wrath. Tom Joad drains a pint in the early chapters as he makes his way back to the family homestead. His uncle John, meanwhile, has a well-known proclivity for whiskey and “jake,” an infamous Prohibition-era patent medicine that was both mostly alcohol and known to cause nerve damage.  Times may be tough, but whiskey is always there it seems.

Related Story: Breaking Down The Major Categories Of Whiskey

Ernest Hemingway

The daring hero of the Spanish Civil War, WWII and the inventor of the Great Gatsby, Ernest Hemingway was fond of many drinks. While most people probably associate him with daiquiris or absinthe (not bad choices), he was a prodigious whiskey drinker. Supposedly his real-life drink of choice was a scotch and soda. Seems reasonable since it appears more frequently in his writing than any other—notably in The Snows of Kilimanjaro. In the autobiographical A Moveable Feast, he pounds quite a few whiskeys between rounds of smack-talk about F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein.

Dorothy Parker

The American poet, writer, critic, wit, and satirist helped create a moment with the Algonquin Round Table. The gathered wit and wisdom of creative leaders in the day traded barbs, insight and stories while handling a highball. While her most quoted bon mot was about vodka, scotch was her passion.  Sipping on it though the day made her feel cheerful and loose, clever remarks spun spontaneously from her lips, until everyone was falling down with laughter and she felt appreciated and loved.  Never did Dorothy appear drunk. But she was seldom completely sober either. 

Here is the vodka bon mot:

“I like to have a martini,
Two at the very most.
After three I’m under the table,
after four I’m under my host.”

Ian Fleming

Ian Fleming was a British upper crust intelligence officer who mingled with the powerful and the connected.  He went on to massive fame creating his great alter ego, Jame Bond. While Bond is know for drinking a vodka martini (shaken, not stirred), the MI6 agent has also indulged in plenty of whiskey like Fleming. Although several of the Bond films feature Talisker or Macallan, in the books, he often drank bourbon, a choice that was apparently based on Ian Fleming’s real-life preference for the American “Old Grandad” bourbon.

Related: The Perfect Ice-Cold Martini

Supposedly, Fleming switched from gin to bourbon on the advice of his doctor, who thought it might be marginally less damaging to his ailing heart.

William Faulkner

Like his contemporary, Hemingway, the southern gothic master drank constantly; unlike Hemingway, who preferred to write “cold,” Faulkner’s writing was fueled by bourbon, corn whiskey, and mint juleps. Whiskey features in his writing, too: Joe Christmas, a central character in his 1932 novel Light in August, is a bootlegger in the Prohibition-era south.

So next time you feel thirsty, here is how to drink whiskey like a literary legend.

 

Should You Use Cannabis Instead Of Ice For Injuries

Ice has long been the friend for an injury or sprain? But maybe you should expand the mindset?

The old go to for a strain or injury is ice or cold compress. Pulling a bag of frozen peas from the fridge is a go to and provides some relief. It’s usually most effective shortly after the injury  This involves an ice pack or ice compress placed on the affected area, designed to reduce inflammation and numb out any pain while reducing swelling. Exposure to the cold has been known to decrease circulation and constrict the blood vessels.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

But maybe you should open your mindset. Should you use cannabis instead of ice for injuries? Or maybe additionally? Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of marijuana, may be more effective (and practical) for treating sprains and injuries. CBD is can be convenient since you can carry topicals for spot treatment as well as oral CBD products for when you have an accident. It also has the added benefit of being free from THC, which is an advantage for athletes.

inflammation chronic pain
Photo by peterschreiber.media/Getty Images

Sports injuries can also happen when running or jumping on hard surfaces, wearing improper shoes, doing the wrong exercise techniques, poor flexibility, old injuries, or doing the same sport all year round among others.  Add in activities like running, skiing, snowboarding and more, you have a recipes for at least one muscle issue.

RELATED: Cannabis And Inflammation — What’s The Connection?

A sprain or injury is a major inconvenience every time it happens. Whether you are an athlete or not, recovery and healing as soon as possible is critical, not to mention painful. Using topical CBD for pain relief and for fighting inflammation is a better option because it activates the endocannabinoid receptors in the affected area to help control stiffness and pain. In addition, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors that can reduce the inflammation and pain caused by irritations and sports injuries.

Photo by Colin Lloyd via Unsplash

RELATED: Is Cannabis Better For Sports Injuries Than Traditional Painkillers?

“Sports injuries most often involve either significant inflammation response or mild micro-traumas,” Dr. Andrew Kerklaan of Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics shared. “Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory potential, it may be useful in a myriad of symptoms — from mild everyday aches and pains to minor injuries.” He also explains that CBD can help individuals recover from common injuries caused by exercise. “These will all trigger inflammatory responses and therefore CBD may have potential to help in the recovery process,” he says.

There are dozens of studies too, which tout the analgesic benefits of  cananbis and CBD. One study revealed CBD is beneficial for chronic pain while improving inflammation and sleep. In a another published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, researchers discovered that CBD was effective in treating inflammation, reducing pain, and improving mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. “It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective,” wrote the study authors.

Topical products act faster than edibles. However, for those in serious pain, tinctures and sublingual drops are recommended since they are the quickest of all consumption methods.

Elvis And Marijuana

He was the king of Rock & Roll, but what about Elvis and marijuana

He changed music and had a huge impact in the industry.  He captured the emotions of a generation and lead the way for the Beatles, Queen, Sting, all the way up to Taylor Swift and Drake. He still holds the record for Most Top 40 hits at 114 total and has sold over one billion records worldwide. Elvis’s music has more than 30 million monthly Spotify listeners. In December, his music climbed to No. 1 on the Rock Streaming Songs Chart with his favorite “Blue Christmas.”

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

But what about Elvis and marijuana? The Musican had a troubled history with drugs, but what about his relationships with cannabis?  Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, he was brought up in a faith background. He won three Grammy awards during this lifetime, all for gospel music. His death in 1977 shook the world.  At the time he was bloated, sad, and overusing drugs…but was marijuana in the mix?

Elvis was part of the mainstream culture, but he started the move from strait-laced to a more open mindset. His swinging hips was the first step on the path to sexual freedom and a more robust love of daily life.  But for Elvis it came at a price.  Quickly becoming an icon, he struggled with the fame, the tour, and how his image didn’t always match what he felt as his true self.

He definitely experimented with illicit drugs. Elvis and then wife Priscilla tried LSD together and spent quite a while giggling and looking at Elvis’s fish tank. But they didn’t like the after effects and didn’t try it again. In Alana Nash’s book he consumed marijuana for medicinal purposes after his eye trouble, and also probably smoked it other times. Priscilla shared he occasionally had edibles.

But his true love was legal prescription pills. When he went to the army, he was already addicted to amphetamines and later on opioids and barbiturates were added to help him sleep and come down from the amphetamines.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

Presley, with his music and dancing, represented sexual liberation. He also brought traditionally black music to the mainstream which became a thread in the civil rights movement.  Despite a conservative upbringing, he wound up opening the path for modern thinking.  While he didn’t endorse marijuana, he changed the mindset which also started a change in the way the public, especially the younger set, thought about cannabis.

The Navy Softens Their Stance On Marijuana

With recruitment down, the US Navy is taking a softer approach to marijuana

Their motto used to be “see the world, join the Navy”, but enticing young people to be part of the armed forces have been tough the last few years. Only 23% of young people between 17 and 24 even qualify to join the military. Even fewer have expressed the desire to enlist, officials said.  Also, Gen Z is changing what they want in a career, they would rather see the world on their own terms.  Additionally, Gen Z has a different approach to life regarding drinking and drugs.  They have drifted away from alcohol and embraced marijuana – especially gummies and vaping. They are a key part of the California sober movement.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

In response to changes and to be competitive with every almost every other business/opportunity, it seems the Navy softens their stance on marijuana. The are no longer immediately kicking out recruits who arrive at boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, with detectable amounts of marijuana in their system.

Photo by skeeze via Pixabay

The Navy increased drug positives 68% from 3,367 in 2021 to 5,661 in 2022. This increase is due to the rise in THC use (nearly 80% of all positives): including both the delta-8 variant (CBD; testing began in 2021) and the traditional delta-9 variant (cannabis).

Rear Adm. James Waters, director of the Navy’s military personnel plans and policy division made a statement. “The service has expanded the authority to grant waivers for any recruits who initially test positive for THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana.”

“If they fail the test and own up — ‘Yes, I smoke marijuana ‘– we do an evaluation of the young person to make sure there’s not something else going on,” Waters said. “But we trust that through the process of boot camp that we have an opportunity to bring them along with our culture.”

RELATED: How To Be Discreet When Using Weed

The Navy maintains a zero tolerance policy for active duty drug use. They state it is based on both federal law and no test can adequately test someone’s fitness for duty based on the amount of THC in their system.

The currently philosophy is THC consumption is not a moral issue (right or wrong). Instead, it  is incompatible with the Navy’s mission to prepare to fight and win anytime, anywhere.

In September of 2022, the Air Force and Space Force announced a new pilot program that would grant certain applicants who test positive for THC, the main psychoactive component in marijuana, a chance to retest and possibly join the ranks.  By December, the Air Force Recruiting Service granted waivers to 43 applicants who tested positive for THC.  This was a larger than expected.

Why Marijuana Smells Skunky

It is the telltale sign someone is having fun. Whether walking down the street or stepping into a crowd, you know exactly what is going on. Marijuana has a distinctive oder to clue you in when fun is going on.  But as cannabis goes mainstream and becomes legal, the smell is increasing fading. Here is why marijuana smells skunky and why is it disappearing.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Smoking weed was the original way to consume.  But today, thanks to data from BDSA, we know most newer and younger partakers use vapes or gummies to enjoy the benefits.  The aroma is less prevalent, but it still as potent. Smoking still produces the smell, but why does some weed reek of skunk or dirty socks and other times it has the aroma of lemons or pine? The answer is terpenes.

Photo by Alina Rosanova/Getty Images

Terpenes are essential oils providing the fragrance in foods and herbs. When you take a whiff of basil, for example, what you are smelling are the terpenes. Cannabis strains also have unique terpenes producing the aroma. Some strains smell lemony (limonene) or spicy (caryophyllene) or floral (linalool) or piney (alpha-pinene).

Terpenes not only provide the smell, they have essential therapeutic benefits, as well. Some of the most prevalent terpenes and their medicinal value:

  • Alpha-pinene (essential pine oil), the most common terpene in the plant world and one often found in cannabis, is a bronchodilator potentially helpful for asthmatics. Pinene also promotes alertness and memory retention by inhibiting the metabolic breakdown of acetylcholinesterase, a neurotransmitter in the brain stimulates these cognitive effects.
  • Myrcene, another terpene present in numerous cannabis varietals, is a sedative, a muscle relaxant, a hypnotic, an analgesic (painkiller) and an anti-inflammatory compound. This musky terpene contributes mightily to the infamous “couch-lock” experience and is the one which gives off the skunky aroma.
  • Limonene, a major terpene in citrus as well as in cannabis, has been used clinically to dissolve gallstones, improve mood and relieve heartburn and gastrointestinal reflux. Limonene, an anticonvulsant, has been shown to destroy breast-cancer cells in lab experiments, and its powerful antimicrobial action can kill pathogenic bacteria.
  • Linalool, a terpenoid prominent in lavender as well as in some cannabis strains, is an anxiolytic compound which counters anxiety and mediates stress. In addition, linalool is a strong anticonvulsant, and it also amplifies serotonin-receptor transmission, conferring an antidepressant effect. Applied topically, linalool can heal acne and skin burns without scarring.

RELATED: How To Be Discreet When Using Weed

  • Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in the essential oils of black pepper, oregano and other edible herbs, as well as in cannabis and many green, leafy vegetables. It is gastro-protective, good for treating certain ulcers, and shows great promise as a therapeutic compound for inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders because of its ability to bind directly to the peripheral cannabinoid receptor known as CB2.

And now you know why marijuana smells skunky.

5 Key Things To Know About Cannabis Concentrates

When you are young, you can experiment, but as you age – you want to minimize after effects…we got you when it comes to the next step with marijuana

High school and college were the days of experimenting. Lessons leads to stories about crazy things and some unfortunate times. But as you age and move to a more sophisticated self, it is important to have the knowledge regarding having fun.  Marijuana has become mainstream and some are moving into a connoisseur phase.  This encompasses flavor, impact, and potency.  In this journey, here are 5 key things to know about cannabis concentrates.

It is not for beginners

Concentrates are extremely potent. This is helpful for cannabis enthusiasts who have built up a high tolerance and know how marijuana affects them. However, it can overwhelm people who are still new in consuming.  Don’t rush into the max and until you have gotten your weed legs steady. Dabbing is the way to consume concentrates, and is a bit more of a process.

Concentrates may or may not be better flower

Photo by Darrin Harris Frisby/Drug Policy Alliance

RELATED: Marijuana 101: Dabbing Wax Vs. Vaping Wax

You can have a bit of a longer high

High-Potency Marijuana Doubles Risk Of Anxiety Issues, Study FInds
Photo by Keenan Constance via Pexels

RELATED: Differences In Marijuana Highs: Flowers, Edibles and Concentrates

Similar to smoking/vaping, the effects of dabbing usually last 1 to 3 hours. If using a high THC concentrate, you could feel the effects for 10-12 hours. If you are feeling uncomfortable or worried, the best thing to do is take a nap and sleep it off.

Concentrates are to be respected

Photo by rgbspace/Getty Images

RELATED: Dabbing Is On The Rise Among Teens — Here’s What Parents Should Know 

You can find a ton misinformation surrounding the dabbing process, some reports claim overdoses have been influenced by the recent popularity of concentrates. While there might be an existing relationship, marijuana advocates claim concentrates are safe and produce the same positive results as cannabis flower. Even if you get too high from ingesting the wrong dose, no one has ever died from consuming them.

Concentrates are like other products

marijuana dabbing
Photo by bartystewart/Getty Images

While the process of making concentrates is one involving the use of complex chemicals, facilities are equipped to handle these solvents and are very strict when it comes to how they’re produced. All the information should be clearly stated on the product’s label, and concentrates should be made by professionals who are working responsibly. In short, dangerous concentrates are rarely found in a regulated, legal market.

What Is The Difference Between Marijuana, Hemp And Cannabis

Most use cannabis and marijuana interchangeably, add in hemp and it can be a bit confusing – what is the difference.

Legal cannabis is sweeping the US and EU and is already the law in the land in Canada.  More and more consumers are buying gummies, hemp drinks, and vapes.  California sober has become a thing and Gen Z is drifting away from alcohol and having an affair with marijuana.

While marijuana has been part of culture for years, hemp, CBD, marijuana and cannabis are everyone.  From local dispensaries to, in some states, hemp drinks are popping up in liquor stores.  Even Walmart is home to many hemp products and proudly displays them on the shelves. However, these hemp products are made from cold-pressed seeds, which have great nutritional value but contain no CBD or cannabis. So what is the difference between marijuana, hemp and cannabis.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Enjoy Marijuana Without Smoking It

“Cannabis” is the botanical term for marijuana. It doesn’t have any legal significance. It simply refers to the cannabis plant. It contains all of the cannabinoids, including CBD, CBN and THC. More specifically, the word refers to the genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. It’s also a term under increasing use, especially since it focuses on the medicinal benefits of the plant.

RELATED: Is Marijuana A Drug Or Something Else?

“Marijuana” is the term used in legal contexts, and it’s also one associated with the negative connotations and perceptions throughout history. It’s the term appearing in the Controlled Substances Act and refers to the cannabis plant possessing more than 0.3% of THC. This kind of plant is the one remaining illegal on a federal level.

Do CBD Gummies Actually Work

“Hemp” is the easiest term to understand for its simplicity. It refers to the part of the cannabis sativa plant containing less than 0.3% of THC and is legal on a federal level. Hemp is non-intoxicating and the use of it leads to products which doesn’t get people high. So, while hemp is not illegal, marijuana can be depending on your location.

RELATED: How Marijuana Slang Evolved Across States And Generations

Some believe that the term “marijuana” shouldn’t be used since it has a charged history of racism, particularly of Mexican immigrants. Others believe that using the term “cannabis” shies away from THC, and that the compound is nothing to be embarrassed of.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you what you decide to call your weed. When it comes to its legal use, however, “marijuana” is the term that most lawmakers prefer.

Parkinson’s Disease and Medical Marijuana

Michael J Fox brought attention to Parkinson’s at his recent appearance at the BAFTA awards.  But what about Parkinson’s Disease and Medical Marijuana

Parkinson’s disease is one of the worst things to happen to a person. Ultimately, an active mind will be trapped in a non-functioning body. Along with the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, many people with the diagnosis also experience psychosis, which begins with mild symptoms. This mental side of Parkinson’s can start with confusion and progress to include hallucinations and dementia. Michael J. Fox, the actor, is one of the most famous faces of the disease. The actor received a standing ovation during a surprise appearance at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) Sunday. But what about Parkinson’s disease and medical marijuana.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Long an advocate for more research and discovering treatments to help patients, Fox has been a leader in the field.  His Foundation has shared research to date lacks the data to prove benefits or safety. Thus, doctors don’t have strong evidence to guide recommendations on what to use or how to truly help patients. Still, many people are interested in trying this therapy. In 2020, The Michael J. Fox Foundation convened a workshop on medical marijuana with field leaders and other Parkinson’s organizations.

The limited amount of true research completed has had mixed or conflicting results (some positive, some negative). On questionnaires, people often report benefit on pain, sleep, mood, or motor symptoms such as tremor or stiffness. But many also report side effects. This leaves patients, doctors and researchers with insufficient evidence to guide use.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. In limited studies, THC has shown to improve both activity and hand-eye coordination in an animal model. A clinical study of 22 patients with the Parkenson’s and smoking marijuana, resulted in improvement of motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and posture, along with with non-motor symptoms such as sleep and pain.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

Cannabis has been used for hundreds of years for pain relief, improving sleep and for other purposes, there is still very little evidence regarding its efficacy and safety. Parkinson’s Europe is more positive toward research and information. They note many clinical studies into cannabis as a Parkinson’s treatment have been hampered by regulatory restrictions or have had various shortcomings.

Can CBD Help With Winter Hair Care

Harsh cold weather can do a number of your hair….should you add CBD to your healthy hair routine?

Winter is tough on the hair. Like skin, it can often feel dry in the wintertime. This is mainly due to the lack of humidity leaving it slightly damaged. Curly-haired folks are more likely to suffer since it takes longer for natural, moisturizing oils to travel down the hair shaft.  Add in hats, snags and everything else and your help needs a little extra help. There are several things you can do, but can CBD help with winter hair care?

RELATED: Swap Your Favorite Alcohol Drink With Weed

There are some basic tip to help not only your hair, but your body. Drinking healthy fluids, sleep, and good habits are year round benefits.  But in winter, you might need to adjust a few other things. Hair care is a huge business, and there are cbd products, but it’s important to find something to truly. help your hair and scalp health. Read the labels and reviews to make sure you get solid results.

Photo by Element5 Digital via Unsplash

The body naturally produces cannabinoids to help it stay healthy. CBD products are thought to help balance healthy hair. Hair has receptors which respond to  CBD when it touches them, and some experts believe this is what can help hair and keep it strong. The antioxidants in CBD may help give you a healthy scalp. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help soothe inflammatory scalp conditions that may affect hair growth, such as eczema and psoriasis.

A CBD hair mask can rehydrate the hair in the winter and give it more bounce and luster. It can will help replenish lost nutrients through the use of too many heat tools, heater blasts, and dry air.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Other practical tips include:

Humidifiers help rehydrate the air to keep your locks looking lustrous.

Trimming hair every four to eight weeks is a good way to maintain hair health and keep  locks looking fresh. Taking a half inch off reduces the chances of developing dry, split ends.

Avoid a hot shower. the water pulls moisture from your hair, making it brittle and vulnerable to breaking. Instead, wash the hair with lukewarm water followed with a cool rinse.

Wet hair outside when it is cold can make you feel chilled and uncomfortable. But it will not give you a cold. But it can cause hair to freeze and break, since wet hair is more vulnerable to damage.

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

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

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.