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Are CBD Dog Treats The New Wave Of Cannabis?

Danielle Guercio
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Are CBD Dog Treats The New Wave Of Cannabis?

Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system. Since we’re not 100 percent sure of all of its functions and finer details, all we can really decipher is that it’s under-serviced for the time being. In humans, that often means throwing the broad spectrum of cannabinoids at a concern, but this strategy does not work with dogs. THC is never a good idea for a pup, as it makes them nervous and anxious. We do know that non-psychoactive in humans CBD is also not psychoactive in dogs, so many have been seeking it out to help with various canine issues.

My babe Chaco is a senior Boston Terrier/Beagle mix and she’s got her share of quirks. A licking fixation paired with a traditional Beagle food obsession combines to make her one misbehaved mess if the conditions are right. For this reason, she is crated when alone and we keep anything she would eat out of reach. With such a high energy and potentially destructive set of anxieties, she’s a great candidate for something of this nature.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

We got some Reilly’s Hemp Vet cannabis-based supplements for her to try out, and she’s been having at least one per day for about three weeks now. She’s been having the HempJoint and HempCalm High Potency Chews, which are formulated to have more than just CBD in the mix. Being small sized chews, they’re easy to add to your dogs diet without worrying about weight gain or excess fat. One chew is two doses for a small dog, one for a medium, and half a dose for a big boy (or girl).

Photos by Danielle Guercio

HempJoint bites are a great move for very active and older dogs alike. In addition to the full-spectrum hemp, there’s glucosamine, MSM, and omega 3 and 6. This formula helps to keep joints in good shape, and when we swapped them in for her usual glucosamine treat, she showed no signs of soreness or change in her regimen. After spending most of Christmas jumping off things at my mom’s house, she’s usually a little limpy, but she’s walking fine, which is a huge relief to us.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

HempCalm didn’t provide us a distinct result, but that could be unnoticeable in a senior pup. Chaco sleeps many hours of the day as it is, so it’s hard to tell when “calm” is more than just normal 11-year-old behavior. We did give her one chew before a car trip, and she seemed ever-so-slightly less freaked out during the ride. I’d like to up the dose slightly, as you give half a treat per 25lbs. She’s in the middle of the dose spectrum and in the future, we’ll see how much more chill she gets when anxious or traveling.

Photos by Danielle Guercio

Other than a calming effect or anxiety relief, there’s definitely an overall well-being aspect to giving these treats to your dog. As we already know, they aren’t getting any cannabinoids despite having, like humans, an endocannabinoid system. Until more vets are on board, this is an off-label product for many pet owners, but being that people are reporting a better quality of life in sick and aging dogs, it’s worth a shot if you want to reach for this treatment.

Older Adults Are Using Cannabis At Higher Rates

Mary Schumacher
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Older Adults Are Using Cannabis At Higher Rates

A new study is shedding light on the marijuana habits of middle-aged adults and seniors. And the results aren’t that surprising, considering older adults tend to lean on the plant for medicinal purposes. But what is unexpected is that, according to the study, these same cannabis users are more at risk for developing other drug habits.

The study, published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence journal, describes the study as  a cross-sectional analysis of responses from 17,608 adults aged 50 years and older from the 2015 and 2016 administrations of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. It found, “prevalence of past-year marijuana use…estimated and compared between middle-aged adults (age 50–64) and older adults (≥65).”

It turns out that, “Marijuana use is becoming more prevalent in this population.” But as mentioned earlier, the study also claims that senior cannabis users are at a higher risk for other drug use, including that of cocaine and abuse of prescription meds.

These results contradict other studies that have come out showing that not only is cannabis not a gateway drug, it’s an exit drug for injectable drugs like heroin and for the highly addictive opiates that have created an actual epidemic going on right now.

What it doesn’t contradict is the fact that yes indeed, grandma and grandpa are more regularly turning or returning to cannabis. And not everyone in the 50+ demographic is even getting high. With aches and pains clocking in high on the list of ailments associated with aging, many middle age and older adults are turning to CBD and THC infused topicals.

And those who are using it to elevate their state of mind either for that reason alone or along with the treatment of other conditions, more power to them. Many seniors have trouble sleeping, trouble eating or swallowing, have joint afflictions like arthritis or even experience depression. Cannabis has been shown to be an effective aid in easing the aforementioned aging related problems.

With all the good that cannabis does and shows potential in doing, it’s no wonder that more seniors and baby boomers are either going back to pot or picking it up for the first time. There was a time in their earlier lives where they either smoked or consciously decided against it. No matter which stance they’d taken, with all the attention being paid cannabis in the last decade, it makes sense that its been normalized to the point it has and that stigma continues to be shed.

Though the study authors found reasons such as slight increases in the use of other drugs in the senior population that used cannabis versus those who didn’t, it makes little sense except to assume that a journal on drug and alcohol dependence —which erroneously will define cannabis as addictive — will go out of its way to find a false equivalency with truly addictive drugs, when truthfully all the imbibing seniors want is just a little natural relief from cannabis.

Marijuana, HIV And Kaposi’s Sarcoma: What You Should Know

Richard Faulk
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Marijuana, HIV And Kaposi’s Sarcoma: What You Should Know

Kaposi’s Sarcoma is a type of cancer that’s caused by a type of herpes (Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, or KSHV). True to its herpes lineage, the disease can linger symptomless in its host, sometimes for years, waiting for the right opportunity to erupt.

When it does, it manifests in unmistakeable lesions on the chest, arms, and face. These angry red and purple spots aren’t particularly painful, but they sure don’t look it. They can also occur in the mouth and lymph nodes. If they reach the lungs or other internal organs, the lesions can be deadly.

Kaposi’s sarcoma was an obscure disease in North America until HIV/AIDS hit. Then it frequently appeared as one of the opportunistic diseases that bum-rush the disease-weakened immune system. As AIDS treatment has improved, Kaposi’s sarcoma as once again declined. However, it is a considerable health concern in southern Africa.

Harvard University has produced several important studies on the effects of cannabinoids on KHV. One from 2007 showed THC increased proliferation of the virus; then another, from 2012, showed that CBD slowed proliferation and hastened cell death. As with most cannabis studies to date, this one acknowledged that the “molecular mechanisms by which CBD exerts its therapeutic effects are not fully under-stood.”

As all this work was done in cell samples in the lab—not on living mice, let alone human beings—so we can likely expect a long wait before we see these mysterious mechanisms fully exposed or receive any practical means of treatment.

Why Marijuana Is Great To Use During A Cleanse

Richard Faulk
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Why Marijuana Is Great To Use During A Cleanse

Improbably enough, yes, marijuana intoxication may be compatible with your detox.

Cleansing is one of those buzzwords that means everything and nothing. But, to the extent it has any medical meaning, cleansing implies purging 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 even cause cancer.

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

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 has been shown to be more powerful than the most well known antioxidant, Vitamin C.

Of course, smoked cannabis puts a whole bunch of clinically certified crud into your body. But at least you can be reassured that the oxidative stress that pot is inducing, is also being combatted by its antioxidant powers.

Here’s Why You Feel High When You Eat Spicy Foods

Amy Hansen
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Here’s Why You Feel High When You Eat Spicy Foods

Do you ever feel a little…stoned after eating spicy foods? Like both your mouth and brain is on fire?

Thanks to scientist and admitted foodie Leidamarie Tirado-Lee, we know why. In the magazine Helix, he explains that capsaicinoids, the compounds which give spicy foods their spiciness, has nothing to do with tastebuds and everything to do with physical sensation.

In essence, when the capsaicinoids hit the tongue, a message — similar to that of being near a hot fire — is sent to the brain, essentially tricking it into thinking that the mouth is being burned and needs assistance, STAT! (It’s the same thing that happens when you touch your eye after handling a hot pepper, which is why you should, um, never do that). The brain responds by release endorphins.

Endorphins are the body’s natural way of relieving pain by blocking the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. Additionally, the neurotransmitter dopamine, responsible for a sense of reward and pleasure, is also released. In essence, for some people eating large amounts of spicy food triggers a sense of euphoria similar to a “runner’s high”.

That certainly explains this guy, who must be on the world’s longest high.

The Fresh Toast‘s Richard Faulk explains how marijuana can be used to treat mouth burn, citing a 2007 study from UCSD’s Center for Medical Cannabis Research, in which marijuana’s potential to ease neuropathic pain was tested.

To simulate the pain associated with chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS, researchers injected participants with capsaicin—which, as you may know, is the chemical that puts the heat in hot peppers. The trial was a success: Cannabis produced a “significant,” if “modest,” improvement in pain.

Faulk, who is not a doctor, recommends treating food-induced mouth irritation by applying THC oil directly to the palate and tongue. “They have THC receptors (I’ve already checked), so it can’t fail,” he notes. “Unless your oil is too strong, or you lose your cool and apply too much.”

As most experts figure, cannabis alleviates the perception of pain not at the source but in the brain. “In that case,” he says, “you’ll just have to wait the full time for the physically soothing effect to set in. Mercifully, though, you’ll be stoned about forty-four and a half minutes before that happens.”

Pro-Tips For Handling Very Big Packages

Rachel Krantz
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Pro-Tips For Handling Very Big Packages

I thought big packages were supposed to be a good thing! Do you have any tips for having sex with big equipment without pain?

Q: Hi, so I’m a 21-year-old woman, and I just started falling for this guy who is very well-endowed. I’m not exactly sure how big he is, only that it’s the biggest I’ve ever slept with, and sometimes it hurts. I thought a big member was supposed to be a good thing! I really like him, and I feel bad that he can’t always be all the way inside me. Do you have any pro-tips for handling very big packages without hurting yourself?

A: Oh, man. You never forget your first too-big. Mine was a dude I dated for about a month in college, and I definitely didn’t quite know how to handle him. I sometimes wonder how much longer we would have dated if I knew then what I know now. (Probably not. I think he was a Libertarian.)

Anyway, the point is, big dicks can be managed and enjoyed! The key is to know how to respect your own limits as the person receiving them. Here are my tips for dealing with a big equipment.

half peeled banana fruit

1. Don’t Push Yourself Into Anything That’s Too Uncomfortable

This is the main thing you need to understand. Yes, there is a learning curve here (though, for your sake, I hope there isn’t too much curve going on) but above all else, you must, must listen to your body and limits. If you don’t listen to yourself in the interest of grinning and bearing it to be tough, your body won’t learn to trust him, and you’ll always be clamping up on some level — not to mention, you’ll be having inauthentic sex.

RELATED: 8 Essential Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Are Intimate With Someone

Take it slow, be honest with him about the fact that this is the biggest penis you’ve encountered, and let him know you’d like to work on enjoying it with him. If he’s worth keeping, he will understand that this is a process, and he won’t want to do anything to cause you pain. Don’t be afraid to let him know when it hurts too much, when you need to change positions, when you need to apply more lube, or when take a break. Sex is not supposed to be painful, and while there is an element of “learning” here, you’re shooting yourself in the pussy if you push it too far.

2. Always, Always Make Sure You’re Thoroughly Primed

This should go for all penetrative sex, but when it comes to dealing with a big joystick, it’s especially important not to engage until you are thoroughly, drippingly aroused. That means letting him know that he needs to always make sure you’re very primed before he tries to put it in.

This can mean whatever gets you prepped including trying orgasmic meditation, using vibrators, tongues, making out and dry humping, watching porn and groping each other, whatever it takes. The point is, intercourse should never be rushed, but especially not when you’re operating particularly heavy machinery.

3. Use All The Lube

Hopefully you knew this one was coming. Lube is always a great idea in my book, but with a big equipment, it is a necessity. Use it faithfully, and if it feels like you’re the one who always has to break it out, make it known to him that you’d like him to be proactive about applying it as well. It’s also important that your lube isn’t filled with chemicals, fragrances, or other junk that might irritate your body.

purple eggplant

4. Know Your Go-To Positions

All positions are not created equal. There are going to be some sex positions that make it easier for you to accommodate, and there is no shame in preferring them. Generally, positions where you drive are your best bet — Reverse Cowgirl, Woman on Top, and Side-by-Side are all good bets. Just trust your intuition and assert what feels good.

5. Consider Incorporating Vibrators

If you use a handheld clitoral vibrator in positions where you have access, you’re going to keep yourself more wet, aroused, and accommodating to a big penis than you would be otherwise. This also works for anyone trying the backdoor.

6. Practice Redefining Sex

Unfortunately for women and non-hetero people, our society still tends to think of sex as P-in-V intercourse. In fact, sex is a much broader term that can encompass oral, fingering, mutual masturbation and really, just about anything else that’s sexy and that you both consent to.

RELATED: 6 Smart Sex Tips For Men Who Want To Please Women In Bed

If you give it a go and are just not feeling it that night, suggest jerking each other off. If he’s craving the feeling of thrusting fully into you, you can always make an impromptu crevasse out of your boobs, and you can enjoy the erotic/hilarious view. The point is, you should always both remember there are many, many more things on the menu.

7. Be Patient With Yourself — And Demand Patience In Return

Remember: a baby can come out of there, so you can probably handle more dick than you think. When it’s feeling bad, it probably has more to do with you not being wet and turned-on enough. (Though, to be fair, I haven’t seen this dude.) The point is, be patient with yourself.

Like I said, this all comes down to knowing your limits, and practicing the grown-ass art of asserting them. I do feel for the guy, but if he doesn’t think you’re worth making accommodations and being patient for until you’re comfortable, then he doesn’t have a big dick so much as he just is a dick.

Good luck with these pro-tips for handling very big packages, and remember, sex should be fun, not a test of your ability to dissociate from your body.

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Oscars Cancel New ‘Popular Film’ Category Because Everyone Hates The Idea

Maria Loreto
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Oscars Cancel New ‘Popular Film’ Category Because Everyone Hates The Idea

A few months ago, the Academy Awards adopted some new rules and regulations in order to try and make their institution better and more inclusive. Ratings have been an ongoing struggle for their awards show, with this year’s Oscars being their least watched yet. Desperate times called for desperate measures, so the Academy decided to create an award for the year’s most popular film, leaving film lovers, critics, directors, producers, and actors angry and confused. Many wondered what was the meaning behind a “best popular film” award, and what the difference was between that and the year’s “best film”.

“I wasn’t expecting that kind of knee-jerk reaction, largely from journalists,” the Academy Awards president told Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t know why that happened because these are the same people who have also criticized the Academy for being quote unquote irrelevant and not actually addressing the taste of people that go to the movies.”

According to The New York Times, the most popular film of the year award won’t be making an appearance in next year’s Oscars. “There has been a wide range of reactions to the introduction of a new award, and we recognize the need for further discussion with our members,” says the Academy’s chief executive. Still, this category may show up in a couple of years. The Academy hasn’t solved any issues and is looking messier and messier by the minute, unable to find an answer that pleases everyone and that remains within their comfort zone.

While change is necessary for the Academy Awards to remain relevant, this awards show has always been very niche, long, and tedious. Maybe audience’s tolerance for gowns and extravagant things has lowered, and maybe people want to see real change instead of handing out pity awards to superhero movies. A small list of suggestions for a better show include: 1) A host that hasn’t already hosted the Oscars before 2) Giving the job to someone who’s not a comedian 3) New categories that shake up the industry and provide good opportunities for creators and 4) Definitely not asking Jimmy Kimmel to host the Oscars for the third year in a row.

How Will NHL Respond To Canada’s Legal Marijuana Sales?

Brendan Bures
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How Will NHL Respond To Canada’s Legal Marijuana Sales?

Though seven of its teams reside in Canada, deputy commissioner Bill Daly told reporters this week not to expect any rule changes from the NHL in anticipation of legal marijuana sales in Canada starting Oct. 17.

Talking with the Associated Press, Daly said that legalization won’t affect the NHL/NHLPA drug-testing policy. It’s worth reminding that the NHL has the most progressive attitude toward cannabis among the major North American sports leagues. Marijuana is not listed as a banned substance in the NHL.

All players are screened for performance-enhancing drugs each year. But only a third of the league receives testing for illicit drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, or marijuana. Those who test positive for cannabis, however, aren’t publicly identified or disciplined in any way.

If a player is determined to have a dangerously high sample of either a narcotic or cannabis, they could be subject to the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, which may include mandatory substance abuse treatment.

Instead of changing their public stance in any meaningful way, Daly said the league will continue as it has been. The NHL and NHLPA will also try to better educate players about cannabis usage and its legal implications moving forward.

Meme Of The Week: Twitter Comes Up With Stupid Celebrity Names

Maria Loreto
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Meme Of The Week: Twitter Comes Up With Stupid Celebrity Names

You may think you know a celebrity, but you might not even know their real name. This feels particularly sucky when their name has become an identifier, having a sort of life of its own, like Brad Pitt, whose real name is William or Meghan Markle, whose real name is Rachel. The shock is almost unbearable. The point is, this is a thing that famous people do, creating names that better suit their image and that are more memorable than the ones that they were born with. Your feelings of betrayal don’t matter.

In order to cope with the feelings of loss, Twitter users have started creating “real” names for celebrities. A lot of rappers are involved, because their artistic names are just too fun to play with, but other celebrities make appearances too. Are these names real? Do they feel more legitimate than  so called celebrity “real” names? What is real anyways?

Check out some of our favorites below:

Why Grandma And Grandpa Want CBD For Grandparents Day This Sunday

Sara Somerset
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Why Grandma And Grandpa Want CBD For Grandparents Day This Sunday

Have you ever thought about giving your grandparent a little pain relief, along with that Hallmark card, in honor of National Grandparents Day? As Sunday quickly approaches, some CBD might be just what they need. CBD  eases joint and muscle pain, which makes it the perfect gift for an aging grandparent you want to help ease the pain of growing old.

Since CBD is nearly impossible to overdose on, it is a much safer alternative than painkillers. It also provides consumers with a good night’s sleep, and helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

Gail King, 77, uses Rosebud CBD, which comes in three different strengths. King says she started out with the lowest grade of the CBD oil and slowly graduated to the smallest dose of the oil with the highest concentration (i.e., instead of 1 dropper of 350mg, she now uses a 1/4 dropper of 1000mg).

“I have psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, also anxiety and sleep apnea,” says King. “Using 1/4 dropper full daily seems to help with the pain, itching and sleep issues. Sometimes, I use it twice a day. I myself just put the dropper under my tongue, but I am told you can add it to your drinks, cooking, baking, etc., although I haven’t tried that yet.”

She says that CBD has helped her with relaxation and pain and that she would recommend anyone at least give it a try. “There are times when some issues hit you hard and the oil can really help with calming,” she said.

Nana Norma Martin, 72, is using the 700mg CBD oil to alleviate the pain from her back surgery and occasional hip aches.

”I feel the oil relaxes my muscles and eases my nerve pain,” she said. “For the first month I used CBD oil, I felt no difference. However, when I stopped taking it, I felt an immediate difference. Now I use it three times a day and this is truly the best I have felt. I have shared this with many of my friends and family. Some have tried the CBD oil, but some are still skeptical.”

Jerry Gambill, 72, is taking 1000mg of Rosebud CBD drops to alleviate pain and get a good night’s sleep. He takes half a dropper two to three times per day. He is now sleeping through the night and no longer taking addictive opioids.

McKenna Miller was so impressed with the health transformation of her 78-year-old grandfather, Robert Miller, while taking CBD that she quit her lucrative job as a music industry publicist to become a full-time publicist in the cannabis sector instead. Miller takes a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC drops, which stops the tremors that are brought on by his Parkinson’s Disease. Miller was using TreatWell but after the scandal that enveloped their CEO, many places will no longer keep it in stock.  Ms. Miller plans to switch her grandfather to the 20:1 drops from Papa & Barkley.

Some common household brands of CBD oils to look for are Charlotte’s Web and CBD American Shaman, while Lexaria Bioscience makes TurboCBD capsules.

Here’s to having healthier grandparents this Grandparents Day and every day.

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