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$5 Million Gifted To Study Cannabis For This Common Childhood Disorder

Terry Hacienda
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$5 Million Gifted To Study Cannabis For This Common Childhood Disorder

A team of California researchers will investigate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of medical marijuana as a treatment for the most common yet complex disorders of the brain: autism spectrum disorder or ASD.

The clinical trial — which is expected to involve 30 children, ages 8 to 12 years, each diagnosed with autism and severe symptoms — is funded by a $4.7 million gift from the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation, in partnership with the Wholistic Research and Education Foundation. It represents the largest known private gift to date for medicinal cannabis research in the United States.

The study will be based at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) and involve a multidisciplinary team of physicians and scientists employing basic research, computational technologies, stem cells, imaging and clinical assessments to better understand how CBD interacts with or alters neural activity. The study also will measure if CBD effectively and safely alleviates some of the more problematic symptoms of ASD, such as aggressive behaviors, repetitive or self-injurious behaviors, hyperactivity and social and communicative deficits. CBD is a chemical ingredient in marijuana that is non-psychoactive. In other words, it doesn’t cause the “euphoric” sensation.

“We clearly need more treatment options for children with moderate to severe autism, those who suffer the greatest impact and who need the most help,” said Dr. Igor Grant, CMCR director and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “It is becoming more apparent that CBD has a number of effects on the central nervous system that may be relevant to autism and there are anecdotal reports suggesting CBD treatments may improve functioning in an ASD child.

“Investigating the effects of cannabidiol on autism has been a long-term goal for CMCR. We are excited to begin this clinical trial and unlock additional, evidence-based knowledge of how cannabis and cannabinoids can be used as medicines, not only for autism, but in the future for other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.”

ASD affects an estimated one in 68 children in the United States, primarily boys. The neurodevelopmental disorder is complex, with multiple known or suspected causative factors, from inherited genetic mutations to environmental conditions to metabolic dysfunction. A major consequence is abnormal development and functioning of connectivity and communications between brain cells and among neural networks, resulting in many of the observed social and cognitive impairments in persons with ASD.

“The most exciting part of this novel study is that the findings could have tremendous implications for not just children with autism, but for children with other types of neurodevelopmental disabilities,” said Dr. Doris Trauner, a professor of neurosciences and pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine and an attending pediatric neurologist at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego with special expertise in neurodevelopmental disabilities. As principal investigator, Trauner will oversee the design and execution of the clinical trial.

The study has three main goals:

  • Determine if CBD is safe and tolerable and whether it helps with the symptoms of ASD.
  • Determine whether and how CBD alters neurotransmitters and/or improves brain connectivity.
  • Determine whether biomarkers of neuro-inflammation, also associated with ASD, are altered by CBD.

Researchers do not yet understand the exact causes of autism. But some of the symptoms include lower levels of the mood-regulating brain chemical serotonin and irregular organization of the patient’s brain networks. Some studies to have found CBD can correct neurotransmitters and enhance the activity of neurotransmitters that elevate mood and enhance memory.

The Murphy Effect: NJ Medical Marijuana Program Going Gangbusters

Terry Hacienda
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The Murphy Effect: NJ Medical Marijuana Program Going Gangbusters

Medical marijuana patients in New Jersey call it long overdue relief. And one New Jersey newspaper calls it “The Murphy Effect.” Whatever you want to call it, the state’s cannabis program has officially reached its highwater mark: 2,000 patients enrolled.

In about three months after New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy took the oath, 4,200 residents have registered to become patients. The once-fledgling program now has 20,000 people enrolled.  According to NJ.com, who calls the growth “The Murphy Effect, 1,500 signed up in the last month, when the pro-cannabis governor expanded the qualifying medical condition list to include chronic pain and anxiety.

“We’re adding 100 new patients every day,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “This demonstrates that there was pent-up demand. People with chronic pain now have the option of medicinal marijuana instead of opioids, and more than 100 strains are available.”

The Murphy administration will be launching a $50,000 media campaign to promote the program, NJ.com reported. Just last month. Murphy announced major reforms to medicinal marijuana program, including the addition of medical conditions, lowered patient and caregiver fees, allowing dispensaries to add satellite locations, and proposed legislative changes that would increase the monthly product limit for patients, and allow an unlimited supply for those receiving hospice care.

“We are changing the restrictive culture of our medical marijuana program to make it more patient-friendly,” Murphy said at the time of his announcement. “We are adding five new categories of medical conditions, reducing patient and caregiver fees, and recommending changes in law so patients will be able to obtain the amount of product that they need. Some of these changes will take time, but we are committed to getting it done for all New Jersey residents who can be helped by access to medical marijuana.”

More than 20 recommendations were outlined in a report that Elnahal submitted to Murphy in response to Executive Order 6, which directed a comprehensive review of the program within 60 days. “As a physician, I have seen the therapeutic benefits of marijuana for patients with cancer and other difficult conditions,” said Dr. Elnahal. “These recommendations are informed by discussions with patients and their families, advocates, dispensary owners, clinicians, and other health professionals on the Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel. We are reducing the barriers for all of these stakeholders in order to allow many more patients to benefit from this effective treatment option.”

Exploring The Connection Between Marijuana And PTSD

Al Olson
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Exploring The Connection Between Marijuana And PTSD

At the Cannabis Science Conference held in Portland, OR on August 29-30, 2017, Dr. Sue Sisley reported on the first federally funded study designed to prove whether smoked marijuana can help reduce symptoms in U.S. veterans with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). PTSD is described as a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. About 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives.

When examining the prevalence of PTSD among those serving in the military, it’s estimated that up to twenty percent of those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan developed PTSD. Among those veterans seen in the VA health care system who have PTSD, cannabis has been the most popular substance used since 2009.

Unlike many of the conventional PTSD treatments, which include powerful sedatives, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications, at least two cannabis compounds have been shown to treat PTSD in several unique ways. For example, Patients with PTSD are found to have 50 percent lower rates of anadaminde. This is the molecule released when folks exercise that give them a blissful feeling. Cannabis can play a role in helping to raise this level. Also, unlike other drugs that can take a while before one can see results, often patients report an improvement of their symptoms almost immediately after taking cannabis for their PTSD.

Best Cannabis Strains To Treat PTSD

Here’s some recommended cannabis strains for treating PTSD. For those looking for a non-psychoactive Cannatonic is a high-CBD strain that can provide a creative high while reducing anxiety in the daytime. Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain that provides full body relaxation and mental invigoration. Also, OG Kush can calm the body while providing a euphoric and pleasant effect. For a clear-headed effect that can reduce anxiety, try Pineapple Express. Insomniacs may wish to try Master Kush. The blissful sensation from this strain can guide one to sleep, though its high potency is not recommended for those trying cannabis for the first time.

Further Research About Cannabis And PTSD

Presently, Sisley noted they have recruited 25 veterans for their two-year study to date. The lack of referrals from the Phoenix VA Health Care System coupled with the classification of cannabis as a schedule 1 drug continues to hinder their pioneering research.

Prior to Sisley’s study, the bulk of clinical studies conducted on cannabis focused on the harmful effects without examining how some strains of cannabis can benefit those suffering from mental illnesses like PTSD. There is some evidence that this research may be shifting toward exploring the effectiveness of cannabis in treating PTSD.

According to an article published in Time magazine, “a study published in 2013 by George Greer in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs reported a 75 percent reduction in CAPS (a clinician administered PTSD metric) scores when patients were using cannabis: ‘Conclusions: Cannabis is associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms in some patients, and prospective, placebo-controlled study is needed to determine efficacy of cannabis and its constituents in treating PTSD.’”

This same Time article cited a report published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review. In this report researchers found evidence that cannabis can likely benefit people dealing with depression, social anxiety and PTSD, though it may not be ideal for people with bipolar disorder, for instance, for which there appears to be more negative side effects than positive ones.”

Cannabis Not A Cure-All For PTSD

Patients looking to treat their symptoms with cannabis are recommended to consult with their doctor. For example, THC can aggravate anxiety symptoms and feelings of paranoia in some patients. Some CBD strains can help counteract these effects.

While cannabis can be a highly effective medicine, it is not a silver bullet that can magically cure PTSD. Those suffering from PTSD need to exercise and change to a diet rich in healthy fats in addition to following a treatment regime under the supervision of a medical professional.

The 5 Most Common Sexual Fantasies

Maria Loreto
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The 5 Most Common Sexual Fantasies

Sexual fantasies are not often discussed openly, but for some people, it’s their job to listen to these thoughts and to try to give meaning to them. It’s safe to presume sex therapists have heard their fair share of fantasies from all sorts of individuals.

The Huffington Post interviewed their network of sex therapists and concluded that there are a few sex fantasies that are extremely common, no matter how strange or specific they might seem at first glance. These sex therapists also explained the reasons behind these fantasies and why people are so attached to them. Here are 5 of the most popular ones:

Threesomes

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Makes sense for this to be one of the most popular fantasies in the world, seeing as how it’s so widely discussed in real life. Therapist Vanessa Marin claims that this is due to the “appeal of sensual overload,” and the fact that so many body parts are involved. She also claims that this fantasy is common among couples, since they think that a threesome will bring some spark and excitement into the bedroom.

Foot Play

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This one is kind of strange. Therapist Gracie Landes claims that it’s a very common preference, regularly reported by men. These guys visualize shoes, genital stimulation and being walked on. Really specific, but apparently very common, even though it sounds more like a fetish instead of a fantasy. Landes claims that this fantasy starts when people are young and increases with age, getting stronger when there’s embarrassment or shame attached to the fantasy.

Straight People Interested In Having Sex With The Same Gender

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According to therapist Ian Kerner, people consider sexuality as binary and sometimes these socially constructed concepts are not enough when our innate sexual curiosity is sparked. He claims that straight people can sometimes fantasize with someone of the same sex because it feels foreign, and it also goes against the gender assumptions that they normally enact.

Multiple Orgasms

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This is a pretty common and vanilla fantasy reported by a lot of straight men. According to therapist Kimberly Resnick Anderson, this is the most consistent fantasy she hears bar none. She says that these men fantasize over having a sexual encounter where the woman is enthusiastic and having a genuine good time. Resnick believes that this fantasy stems from the belief that men often have to convince their partners to have sex.

Watch Your Partner Have Sex With Someone Else

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Kerner also claims that monogamy makes the act or the fantasy of watching your partner have sex with someone else very taboo and provocative, reinforcing your partner’s desirability and taking you back to the times when there was an intense physical attraction. Kerner claims that the voyeur, the one who fantasizes, is the one in control.

Crohn’s And Marijuana: THC Can Ease Painful Symptoms

Richard Faulk
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Crohn’s And Marijuana: THC Can Ease Painful Symptoms

Crohn’s disease is a chronic digestive tract disorder that affects more than half a million Americans. It was identified in 1932 by a trio of medical researchers—one of whom, Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, evidently pulled the shortest straw and received the honor of having his surname become forevermore a byword for bloody stool and abdominal cramping.

Crohn’s is caused by a constellation of incompletely understood genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, but the effect is to rouse the body’s immune defenses into a xenophobic rage against the billions of microorganisms that otherwise peaceably populate our guts. The chronic inflammation produced by this ongoing immunological false alarm can lead to painful thickening of the intestines and ulceration (also painful). Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, “urgent need,” and—not surprisingly—fatigue.

There is no cure for Crohn’s, but there are treatments—including corticosteroids, which work by depressing the immune system, not just along the digestive track, but everywhere. Which is not a good longterm policy. Steroids can also elevate your weight, eye pressure, blood pressure, and blood sugar level. So Crohn’s sufferers can face a Sophie’s choice between rectal bleeding and adult-onset diabetes.

On other hand, there is ample experimental evidence that cannabis possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which led researchers at Israel’s Meir Medical Center to pursue the first placebo-controlled study to test the effects of cannabis on Crohn’s disease. In the words of the report, which was published in 2013, the results were “impressive”!!! (You need the three exclamation points to properly convey force of this term in a medical context.)

A group of eleven subjects with Crohn’s that had resisted conventional treatment smoked two joints a day for eight weeks. They were compared against a group of 10 who smoked THC-free bud (sad trombone sound effect). Five of the 11 experienced full remission, and a whopping ten reported improvement. (That’s versus 1 and 4, respectively, in the control group.) Moreover, team THC also reported “significant increase in quality of life,” including better sleep and appetite and excluding any unpleasant side effects. In fact, the pot even helped wean three subjects from steroid dependency.

Now a therapeutic splash of cold water: Cannabis was not a cure. It worked only on symptoms, and they returned after two weeks of smokelessness. Also, because of the small trial size, the remission rate was determined to be statistically negligible. Nonetheless the numbers were promising enough to generate enthusiasm within the medical community and to warrant further research.

US Universities Face Crippling Obstacles When Researching Marijuana

Brendan Bures
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US Universities Face Crippling Obstacles When Researching Marijuana

A common refrain you’ll hear from those supporting cannabis prohibition is that we simply don’t know enough about the drug to legalize it. Not enough research exists regarding the long-term health effects: Is it beneficial or harmful? Can you become addicted, opening a gateway into more serious substance abuse? Will smoking weed too early or too often kill all your precious brain cells?

It’s easy to assess that lawmakers should rigorously explore causes and effects when debating new legislation. But as the recent case at Washington State University represents, how can we properly answer these questions when studying the plant is so institutionally prohibitive?

Washington State University professors were recently in the throes of developing a marijuana breathalyzer that would allow law enforcement to gauge the intoxication of drivers by testing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which accounts for marijuana’s euphoric “high” feelings. But to properly test the field accuracy of the device, researchers would have needed test subjects who were recreational marijuana users. Without the authenticity of studying active marijuana in a test subject’s breath, the accuracy of their breathalyzer would be inferior.

However, WSU has halted their research on such a device for fear of federal persecution. As Nicholas Lovrich, WSU regents professor emeritus of political science, told the Spokesman-Review, “It’s too much risk to the university” to test on real marijuana users.

Lovrich said the project, which began in 2010, ended amid concerns that WSU could lose federal funding under the leadership of the Trump administration. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era guidance that allowed states to legalize marijuana without federal interference.

Lovrich said the university’s Institutional Review Board denied his proposal for continued research in conjunction with the University of Massachusetts. After Lovrich met with the university’s Office of Research Support and Operations, a senior assistant attorney general for WSU expressed concerns about the university’s liability. After that conversation, the research was put on hold.

WSU scientists will still study marijuana and its effects, albeit through federally approved manners. For example, the university is researching the impact cannabis advertising has on youth, and investigating a mouth swab that could detect THC in the body. The latter can continue, because scientists can create saliva in the lab and add THC compounds to it after the effect, though, one doctoral student bemoaned how the swab couldn’t differentiate between long-term users who had THC metabolized in their bodies.

So, while some research continues at WSU, it’s nowhere near the breadth of what these scientists are truly capable of. Federal limitations added with the fear of losing funding vastly inhibits the progress we could make on cannabis research. It’s a catch-22 of sorts — politicians and naysayers want more available marijuana-related science before regulating any legislative approval, but such a feat remains impossible under the current climate facing scientists and universities. We’re not exactly stuck in the same position, but we’re not going anywhere representing progress anytime soon.

Which Royals Have Secret Social Media Accounts?

Maria Loreto
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Which Royals Have Secret Social Media Accounts?

Secret social media accounts are nothing new. How are famous people supposed to enjoy the full experience of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook when they don’t have any privacy?

According to The Cut, there are several social media-loving members of the royal family who lhave secret accounts that are pretty active.

The Queen

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Even though the Queen has a public Instagram account (@TheRoyalFamily), there are rumors that she has a private Facebook account that’s Britain’s best kept secret. The British tabloids also say that she’s well versed on the internet, has an iPad, a laptop and loves to text.

Kate Middleton

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Kate is also active on the web, joining the British website Mumsnet,  where moms share parenting tips online. According to these rumors, she’s been active on the site ever since her second child, Charlotte, was born.

Prince Harry

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The Prince has always been the most modern out of all the royals, and he’s the only one with a confirmed Facebook page, which was cancelled a couple of years ago after a scandal in Vegas, but it still counts.

Prince Harry used the name of Spike Wells for his active Facebook page, which he reportedly had for years. According to The Sun, Harry used to have a private Instagram account during the time when he was first dating Meghan Markle. It’s unclear if that account still exists.

Meghan Markle

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Markle famously eliminated all of her social media accounts when she got engaged to the Prince, and it’s too soon for her to create her own alternate account. Maybe she’ll create a private one in the future, after the paparazzi stop hounding her over her marriage.

5 Easy Tequila Cocktails To Make At Home Year-Round

Rachel Krantz
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5 Easy Tequila Cocktails To Make At Home Year-Round
The weather is getting warmer, and you know what that means — time for a good margarita. Unfortunately, all too often, the classic Mexican cocktail is butchered by Americans, who tend to lean on overly-sweet, pre-made mixes when they make them at home. Well, not this year — I have you covered. I recently visited Mexico, where I enjoyed a lesson on how to make classic tequila cocktails.
Here are some of the drinks that Amanda Gunderson, West Coast Brand Ambassador for Altos Tequila, recommended we make back home, plus some other pro tips I picked up from a bartender in Mexico City that should suit any kind of tequila fan.

The Aguacatona

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I had this drink twice in Mexico City, and it was absolutely delicious — I mean, avocado in a cocktail, can you really go wrong? Here’s the recipe: 

  • 1/4 Avocado, mashed
  • 1 oz Pineapple Juice
  • 1 oz Tequila
  • ½ oz Agave (or none, if you like your cocktails less sweet, like I do)
  • ½ oz Lemon Juice

The bartender in Mexico City I talked to suggested tasting the mix to make sure it’s balanced before you add the tequila (and added that it’s always best to do this, since booze is the most expensive ingredient to throw out if you need to start over) — it will be a little diluted with ice and booze, so it should be slightly sweeter than you would want the drink itself.

Shake it up, and double strain it, which looks like this:

Garnish with pepper or cardamom. Pro tip: you can get that pretty, straight line of pepper from holding a knife cover over the glass and sprinkling alongside it, like so:

And just like that, you have one tasty and fancy-looking drink.

Tommy’s Margarita 

It’s a classic for a reason. Again, if you like your drinks less sweet, feel free to experiment with using less agave. Another note from the pros — not all agave sold in stores is actually 100% agave, but might be a blend with sugar or maple syrup, so be sure to read the label!

  • ½ oz Agave Nectar
  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 oz Tequila

Shake and fine strain to rocks with half-salted rim. Garnish with a lime wheel.  That’s it! See, no pre-made nasty mix needed.

Altos Fresh

This is a great afternoon cocktail, refreshing and a little sweet for warm weather, like a green tea cucumber lemonade.

  • 2 oz Green Tea
  • 1 oz Cucumber Syrup (cucumber and simple syrup)
  • 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
  • A small dash Pernod liquor (or a little more if you like more anise flavor)
  • 2 oz Tequila

Shake it up, and double strain it, like so:

Peel a cucumber to create a wide, pretty ribbon to line the glass, then garnish with mint.

Crafted Paloma 

Another delicious Mexican cocktail standard, if you love Greyhounds, Palomas are their sexy Mexican cousin.

  • 2 oz Altos Plata 
  • 2 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
  • 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • ½ oz Agave Syrup
  • Pinch Salt
  • Crushed Pink Peppercorns

Rim a collins glass with salt and crushed pink peppercorns. Lightly shake all ingredients and strain into the glass. Fill the glass with ice, and garnish half moon grapefruit. 

Banderas

OK, so this is more of a deconstructed cocktail, but it is very celebratory of the Mexican flag, and a delicious and traditional way to enjoy some good tequila. Honestly, I’ve found my hangover is much better if I just stick to some good Reposado and lime juice (plus plenty of water). 

  • 1 Shot Lime Juice (pure or with a little agave)
  • 1 Shot Tequila
  • 1 Shot Sangrita*

*Sangrita

This Sangrita recipe makes approx 1 ltr. (40 servings), so feel free to adjust way down if you aren’t throwing a party.

  • 750 ml Tomato Juice
  • 100 ml Lime Juice
  • 100 ml Lemon Juice
  • Dash Tabasco
  • Dash Grenadine
  • 2 Pinch Sea salt
  • 2 Pinch Ground Black Pepper

Add all ingredients into a large jug, stir well and store in a clean 1 ltr. glass bottle in fridge until ready to serve.

Party safe, and may the tequila be with you!

Images: Rachel Krantz

Vermont Kills Bill To Tax And Regulate Recreational Marijuana

Amy Hansen
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Vermont Kills Bill To Tax And Regulate Recreational Marijuana

A bill to tax and regulate recreational marijuana in Vermont has died, but some legislators believe it’s just a temporary roadblock.

According to Vermont Public Radio, even though elected officials like Winooski Rep. Diana Gonzalez, who said she was optimistic that a tri-partisan coalition of lawmakers had the votes needed to pass the measure, an overwhelming majority of the House voted to kill the legislation on Friday, with a vote of 106-28.

“I believe that with the remaining time we have left this session, we need to use it on the remaining priorities that we have,” said House Majority Leader Jill Krowinski.

Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, who was in support of the measure, said it’s only a matter of time before commercial cannabis becomes a reality in Vermont, adding, “This vote does not reflect the sentiment of the people, and when the sentiment of the people is reflected in this body, it will move forward.”

Vermont Public Radio says Friday’s fizzle of the bill “doesn’t necessarily signal lack of majority support for the measure in the House” and that “many Democrats,” like Burlington Rep. Jean O’Sullivan, said they voted reluctantly against it.

“We should tax and regulate as soon as possible. However, we don’t have the time left in this session to build the consensus we would need to override the inevitable veto from the governor.”

Can California Employers Still Test For Marijuana?

Terry Hacienda
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Can California Employers Still Test For Marijuana?

Just because marijuana is legal, doesn’t mean your employer can’t fire you for failing a drug test. You may not like it, but there is really nothing you can do about it except find a more enlightened boss.

In California, recreational marijuana sales started in January, causing many employers in the state to re-evaluate their substance-abuse and drug-testing policies. But the rules governing marijuana and the workplace haven’t really changed. At least not yet.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, companies are allowed during the hiring process to test for illegal substances at the applicant stage—though it is unclear if marijuana is “illegal,” since it is permitted under state law but remains illegal under federal law. Employees should think about recreational marijuana like alcohol, Walter Stella, an attorney with Miller Law Group in San Francisco, told SHRM.

Stella says that California citizens have a constitutional right to privacy — which restricts employers from monitoring off-duty conduct. Pre-employment drug testing, however, is permitted as long as it is conducted in a fair and consistent manner and administered to all applicants who are applying for a position within a specific job class.

After employees start working, they have a higher expectation of privacy — so drug testing should be limited in most cases to suspicion-based inquiries, Stella says. Northern California companies need to also pay attention to local laws regarding drug testing. In San Francisco, for example, randomly testing employees for drugs is prohibited.

“A high priority for California employers is the management of medical marijuana issues in the workplace,” Michael Nader, an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in Sacramento, told SHRM. “Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug that is illegal under federal law, and it is also well-established under California law that employers may rely on federal law in enforcing drug-free workplace policies.”

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