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5 States Where You Can Grow Your Own Cannabis

While many individuals in the U.S. live where they could spend years in jail for cultivating cannabis, others are able to grow freely. Of the 30 plus states that have medicinal cannabis programs and the 10 states that have legalized adult consumption, there are many that also allow for home cultivation. Some however are not as lenient as others. If you are looking to move to a state where you can legally and freely grow, check out the list below which includes the 5 best states in the U.S. for growing cannabis at home.

Maine

Maine legalized medical cannabis in 1999 and voters also approved a recreational market for adults in 2016. Thanks to these changes in the law, adults over the age of 21 are able to grow. Laws allow them to cultivate up to 6 mature plants, 12 immature plants and be in possession of unlimited seedlings in their residents. They must, however, be grown in a locked and enclosed environment unless being transported. There is a 12 mature plant limit per household, however, municipalities have the option of allowing up to 18 plants per household for personal adult consumption.

Michigan

Per the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008, a caregiver with a registry identification card is able to cultivate cannabis. The law allows them to cultivate up to 12 plants for each registered qualifying patient that they are specified as the primary caregiver for by the state program. Patients are not allowed to cultivate cannabis themselves and cultivation for personal adult recreational consumption is also not permitted. Caregivers are able to cultivate up to 72 cannabis plants total in an enclosed and locked environment.

Nevada

In Nevada, both medical cannabis and recreational cannabis for adults has been legalized and dispensaries are operational. In addition,  if you live more than 25 miles from a dispensary, you are able to grow your own. For adults, there is a 6-plant max limit with up to 12 plants total for a household. For medical cannabis patients who live more than 25 miles from a dispensary, they are able to grow up to 12 mature cannabis plants at once in the privacy of their own home.

Washington

Medical cannabis patients in the state of Washington are able to grow up to 6 mature plants for their medical use. In certain circumstances where a healthcare professional believes this is not sufficient, that limit can be increased. The maximum plant count that a medical cannabis patient in the state can receive is 15 plants. Unfortunately, if you are not a medical cannabis patient in the state you are not able to grow.

Colorado

Colorado was the first state to legalize an adult retail cannabis market. They also allow for growing your own at home. Any adult resident in the state of Colorado is allowed to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants at any time. This is as long as no more than 3 are in the mature/flowering stage at one time. There is, however, a 12-plant limit per household for adult personal consumption. Colorado residents that opt to grow their own are required to do so in an enclosed and locked environment.
At one time, Colorado allowed for medical cannabis patients or their assigned caregivers to grow up to 99 plants per patient. This law however changed in 2017. The new law allows for medical cannabis patients to grow the same amount of plants at home as recreational consumers. Patients, however, can receive approval for a higher plant count, though if they do, it must be assigned to a medical cannabis dispensary as their caregiver and cannot be grown at home.
Check out a full breakdown of cultivation laws throughout the U.S. here.
Can you grow where you live? What do you feel the laws surrounding home cultivation should be? Let us know in the comments below!

Progress Not Perfection – 3 More States are Victorious in Cannabis Legalization

Progress, not perfection was seen this year in the 2018 elections regarding cannabis legalization. Draconian cannabis prohibition is slowly coming to an end in the United States. America is falling behind in the global cannabis community that is continually growing. Thanks to outdated laws pertaining to a widely misunderstood plant, countless lives have been ruined.
Luckily states are taking the initiative to listen to the will of their citizens. Cannabis legalization is widely supported in the United States with some polls showing that support between 60 to 80%. Advocating an end to the US Federal government’s outdated marijuana prohibition, Michigan voted yes for adult use cannabis. Missouri and Utah also join the ranks of so many others taking a stance voting yes for medical cannabis.

Michigan

Proposal 1 received the majority of support from voters with a 56 to 44% vote. This makes Michigan the first Midwestern state to legalize adult use cannabis.  Don’t get too excited just yet. Your dreams of going to a dispensary anytime soon may have just went up in smoke. Like so many states Michigan is expected to have delays while the infrastructure and framework for retail cannabis are set up.
Predictions put the first commercial sales of adult use cannabis around 2020. Residents of Michigan will be able to grow up to 12 plants for personal consumption. Adults 21 and up will be allowed the possession of 2 and 1/2 oz of cannabis on them personally and up to 10 oz at home.
As with anything in the US federal government nothing is set in stone. The legislature could still amend sections of the proposal if they rallied a 3/4 vote. The only areas so far that have any mention of possible changes is how many plants can be grown, issues with how communities vote for cannabis and sales tax. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled in the state of Michigan as it’s setting up to be one of the largest consumer cannabis markets in America.

Missouri

Amendment 2 received a 66 to 34% vote in favor of passing medical cannabis! This allows the Show Me State to show just how effective cannabis can be as a medicine. Doctors in the state of Missouri are able to make recommendations for medical cannabis as they see fit. There are no specific qualifying conditions in the state. Those with a physicians approval will receive identification cards allowing them or a registered caregiver to grow six plants as well as purchase a monthly allotment of 4 oz from dispensaries. Missouri will have a 4% retail tax placed on medical cannabis sales. Amendment 3 failed with a 31 to 69% vote while Proposition C also failed with a 44 to 56% vote. In the coming weeks more, information about when access will be available in the state of Missouri is sure to unfold.

Utah

Citizens of Utah can now truly live life elevated. For those who are suffering from debilitating medical conditions, chronic pain, and other life-altering symptoms, they will soon have access to medical cannabis. Utah was considered to be among the most conservative states in the nation. Voters in Utah have spoken with a 53 to 47% vote in favor of legalizing medical cannabis.
Proposition 2 states that patients will be required to receive a physician approval to be issued state identification cards. This would allow patients to purchase 2 oz of cannabis or products that contain 10 grams of cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol every two weeks from a dispensary. For those who live more than a hundred miles from a dispensary, they would be allowed to cultivate six plants. While smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco is still legal in Utah, smoking cannabis flower is not under the current measure.
As you can see with these laws, they are progress, not perfection. Cannabis legalization is inevitable in the United States, but it is being controlled and regulated by those who have a proven history of greed. U.S. politicians are allowing America to fall behind while the rest of the world partakes in a multibillion-dollar green industry.
These three states are yet another victory. While many people are celebrating this victory, please don’t forget the countless lives destroyed and those still sitting behind bars because of this plant loved by so many. Free the weed, and free the people that support it, progress not perfection.

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The Boiling Point of Cannabis’ Complexity

THC or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid that many are familiar with since this has been the primary focus of conversations and research pertaining to cannabis for years. In recent times, however, we have started to discover that what makes cannabis so incredible isn’t just this one cannabinoid. In fact, it isn’t even the many combinations of different cannabinoids that are possible but in reality, something much more complex.
The reason that cannabis is as effective as it is for a plethora of different ailments and offers such a wide range of benefits, flavors, and aromas, is due to a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant. Simply lighting a joint of a random strain of cannabis, however, will not provide the full effects possible.

What You Need to Know About Getting the Most Out of Your Herb

Terpenes matter as much as cannabinoids. This cannot be expressed enough. Terpenes which are also found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants are essential to the overall effects of cannabis. Terpenes also provide a plethora of different health benefits as well. Therefore, many cannabis consumers and patients alike have started to pay more attention to the terpene profiles present in the products they purchase.
Here are some of the common terpenes found in cannabis strains along with their potential medical benefits. While this is nowhere near a comprehensive list as there are over 125 terpenes found in cannabis, these are the most common and abundant.

  • ß-myrcene: Analgesic. Anti-inflammatory, Antibiotic, Antimutagenic
  • ß-caryophyllene: Anti-inflammatory, Cytoprotective (gastric mucosa), Antimalarial
  • d-limonene: Cannabinoid agonist, Immune potentiator, Antidepressant, Antimutagenic
  • linalool: Sedative, Antidepressant, Anxiolytic, Immune potentiator
  • pulegone: Memory booster, AChE inhibitor, Sedative, Antipyretic
  • 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): AChE inhibitor, Increases cerebral, blood flow, Stimulant, Antibiotic, Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, Antinociceptive
  • a-pinene: Anti-inflammatory, Bronchodilator, Stimulant, Antibiotic, Antineoplastic, AChE inhibitor
  • a-terpineol: Sedative, Antibiotic, AChE inhibitor, Antioxidant, Antimalarial
  • terpineol-4-ol: AChE inhibitor. Antibiotic
  • p-cymene: Antibiotic, Anticandidal, AChE inhibitor

Unfortunately, while many of these terpenes are present in various cannabis strains, their benefits are often abolished through a process known as pyrolytic destruction. This process is where terpenes are heated to a higher temperature than their boiling point therefore essentially eliminating them from existence. The same thing occurs when cannabinoids are heated beyond their boiling points. Here are the boiling points for the most common cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis.

Common Cannabinoid Boiling Points

  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): 157˚C / 315˚F
  • Cannabidiol (CBD): 160-180˚C / 320-356˚F
  • Cannabinol (CBN): 185˚C / 365˚F
  • Cannabichromene (CBC): 220˚C / 428˚F
  • Cannabigerol (CBG): 220˚C/428˚F
  • Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC): 175-178˚C / 347-352.4˚F
  • Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): < 220˚C / <428˚F

Common Terpene Boiling Points

  • ß-myrcene: 166-168˚C / 330.8-334.4˚F
  • ß-caryophyllene: 119˚C / 246.2˚F
  • d-limonene: 177˚C / 350.6˚F
  • linalool: 198˚C / 388.4˚F
  • pulegone: 224˚C / 435.2˚F
  • 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): 176˚C / 348.8˚F
  • a-pinene: 156˚C / 312.8˚F
  • a-terpineol: 217-218˚C / 422.6-424.4˚F
  • terpineol-4-ol: 209˚C / 408.2˚F
  • p-cymene: 177˚C / 350.6˚F

Pyrolytic Destruction – Ruining Your Cannabis One Boiling Point at a Time

As you can see, the boiling points of various terpenes and cannabinoids drastically vary. To avoid pyrolytic destruction many consumers and patients have turned to vaporizing cannabis products. This is because vaporizing eliminates the combustion required for smoking dry herb. Vaporizers, however, tend to heat to specific degrees only; therefore only a portion of the terpenes and cannabinoids are absorbed by the consumer.
While vaporizing would allow a consumer to pinpoint and consume products at a certain temperature allowing them to better tailor their consumption towards the effects they are after, in the process the boiling points of many other terpenes and cannabinoids are not reached or are surpassed. So essentially vaporizing still does not allow consumers and patients to truly experience the full potential of the effects of different cannabis products.

A Complete Cannabis Consumption Experience

One company, however, is aiming to change that. NWT Holdings, the parent company of Firefly vaporizers, has introduced a new vaporizer product that utilizes dynamic convection heating. This process of heating cannabis products is different than what is utilized by other vaporizers on the market today.
Dynamic convection heating gradually heats the chamber around your cannabis across an extensive temperature range. This allows the consumer to benefit from each individual terpene and cannabinoid being heated to their exact boiling point over the course of a 7 second inhale.
This is incredible for both consumers and patients alike. In fact, this could revolutionize the way that we consume cannabis. Never has anyone been able to truly experience the full potential of cannabis but now thanks to innovative leaders and products such as the new line from Firefly featuring dynamic convection heating, we can. This will not only enhance the benefits that we receive as consumers but will also allow us to learn more about the many cannabis strains available on the market today.
 

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Study Shows Cannabis Impairs Memory

Study Shows Cannabis Impairs Memory

A joint study recently released by two Universities recently provides new insight into how cannabis impairs memory. They discovered that habitual use of cannabis impairs memory in lab rats. The scientists dosed rats with the descriptively named WIN 55,212‐2 cannabinoid and they began struggling to identify and remember objects.
Universidade de Lisboa in Portugal and the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom conducted the study. They looked into the long-term effects of cannabis consumption for new insights into reducing the side effects of cannabis. After analyzing the data, they recently published their results in the Journal of Neurochemistry.
The peer reviewed paper is part of a new wave of research looking into the effects of cannabis. It is part of a larger initiative to uncover the mysteries hidden in cannabinoids and our own bodies. The authors of this study also conducted another that shed light on how cannabis impairs the ability to recall memories.Readers interested in more information can check out their current white paper at onlinelibrary.wiley.com or their previous research at squ.pure.elsevier.com.

Habitual Use May Pose Risk

The study found that rats dosed with WIN 55,212‐2 didn’t recognize objects they had previously seen. But the drug didn’t affect their motor functions or anxiety level. Brain tissue tests also showed structural changes in brain regions important to memory and cognition.
This means that heavy or habitual use can have long-lasting impact on users. Most people understand that cannabis impairs memory. But this is one of the first times that scientists have proven the link between cannabinoids and memory.
The discovery adds to what we know about cannabis interacts with the functional mechanisms in the brain. It also sheds new light on the importance of the serotonin system in processing cannabinoids. This is one more step forward for patients suffering from a variety of diseases that affect memory.

Cannabis isn’t perfect

Despite the claims of hippies and spiritualists, cannabis can provide negative side effects. Not everyone wants to be blazed while using cannabinoids. Many patients prefer CBD instead of THC because it doesn’t produce a noticeable “high”. Finding a way to counteract the high could allow high THC consumption without the normal negatives.
One of the most iconic side effects of cannabis is how it impairs memory. Yet the mechanics of how this happens are complex and difficult to study outside the lab. With so many countries changing their stance of cannabis, researchers are finally able to see what all the fuss is about. The complex nature of cannabinoids means that single cannabinoids interact with a variety of brain systems simultaneously.
The study author Ana Sebastião cited the growing cannabis market and therapeutic use of cannabis as a main consideration as reported by Medical News Today. The author claims we should consider the downsides of therapeutic cannabis use and try to find ways to address them. After all, only understanding the nature of the risks of cannabis use will allow us to take action to avoid or prevent them.

The information in this article is designed to provide helpful information. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. These are opinion pieces based on trusted sources.

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Study Finds Cannabis Effective for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia study sheds new light

A new study coming out of the University of New Mexico shows potential of cannabis to treat an especially difficult mental disorder. This is welcome news for sufferers of schizophrenia since there is little good news about the disease in the press. As one of the most complex neurological disorders known, there is precious little known about it.
Despite the poor understanding most people have of schizophrenia, teams across the world work to discover the mechanisms of the disease and try to find new treatments. The journal Medicines published a report recently on new research performed by two departments of the University of New Mexico. Jegason P. Diviant and Jacob M. Vigil lead the study testing the effectiveness of phytocannabinoids in treating schizophrenia.
The Department of Psychology and Department of Economics collaborated for the study and published their findings together last week. They looked at how neurotransmitters in the brain work in the presence of cannabis. Diviant and Vigil used a systemic approach instead of a targeted one and observed significant changes.

This is big news

For decades, doctors and patients alike believed that consuming cannabis reduced control over episodes. But it seems that at least some cannabinoids reduce neuroinflammation, a prime component of schizophrenic delusions. Cannabis also eased several other key components of the disease with no added health risks.
The big news is that the groups findings indicate that cannabinoids may provide effective control and relief from schizophrenic episodes. They even found evidence that it works when used in conjunction with certain standard treatments. But the researchers stopped short of declaring it an outright cure for schizophrenia.
The medical establishment is still coming to terms with the reintroduction of cannabis. Progress is slow but research like this is moving forward, offering the promise of new hope to suffering people. But these results contribute to a growing library of diseases that are treatable with cannabis.

More research is needed

According to the study authors, schizophrenia affects about 0.5% of the population and most sufferers are on chemical medications. But the complex nature of schizophrenia means that researchers and medical doctors have to look at the environmental, autoimmune, and neuroinflammatory causes simultaneously. When they do, cannabis proves to be an effective method of treatment by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
Similar to a master network of chemical signals, the endocannabinoid system promotes mental and physical homeostasis. By infusing our bodies with specific cannabinoids (in this case phytocannabinoids) we can bolster our natural abilities and promote balance. As more research becomes public, it highlights the overall impact of the endocannabinoid system on an individuals health.
There is significantly more to learn about schizophrenia and how cannabis helps treat it. But we can all appreciate what this means for the medical world. For patients suffering from the various forms of schizophrenia, this is wonderful news. There may be a cannabis based treatment developed and released in the near future.

The information provided in this article is designed to provide helpful information. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. These are opinion pieces based on trusted sources.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis

It goes without saying that the legalization of recreational cannabis by Colorado and Washington in 2012 became a memorable milestone in the history of the herb. It won’t be an overstatement to say that we are witnessing a true, green revolution in America right now. With California and several states jumping on the legalization bandwagon, and with Canada legalizing the plant nationwide, we are one step forward in our endeavor to shed the stigma off the cannabis community once and for all. 

However, the majority of U.S. states still allow only the medical use of marijuana, while the so-called recreational use remains a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the state. If you want to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, you will have to apply for a medical marijuana recommendation or an MMJ card. 

So, what’s the actual difference between medical and recreational cannabis?

Key Differences Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana Explained

To begin with, both terms “medical marijuana” and “recreational marijuana” are inaccurate and can be misleading because this would imply that whether marijuana is recreational or medical depends on the type of the plant. 

I would rather use terms like “the medical use of marijuana” or “the recreational use of marijuana because that’s what it is. 

For example, if you take the Super Silver Haze strain, you will probably notice that it has a nice pungent, citrus aroma. When you consume it, be it by smoking, vaping, or eating weed-infused edibles, you’re going to experience the characteristic effects of the strain. 

It may make you feel a pleasant tingling sensation in the back of your head, it can give you a creative buzz, or make you craving for some mouthwatering food. It sounds like a perfect strain for relaxation, doesn’t it? 

But, at the same time, Super Silver Haze can stave off stress, reduce anxiety, and ease that pain in your back you start to curse at. It’s a good indicator of its medicinal potential if you ask me. 

To cut the long story short, cannabis is cannabis, period. You can use it either for recreational or medicinal purposes, but it’s still the same plant. Of course, some cannabis strains are specifically bred to address specific conditions in a more accurate way, but that’s a story for another article. 

The Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis Purchasing Process

To be honest, there is no big difference in the shopping experience when it comes to buying medical and recreational marijuana. Qualified medical cannabis patients need a valid proof of ID to prove their age in order to buy their medication from a dispensary. Some cannabis dispensaries have dedicated waiting rooms where patients can consult their conditions with a physician in privacy. 

Recreational stores, on the other hand, are not allowed to give medical advice to customers as they do not have the required license. Nonetheless, you can still shop at them as a medical marijuana user. There are also “dual-licensed” shops which offer a full spectrum of marijuana services and they cater to the needs of both medical and recreational users. 

If all you want is buy your favorite cannabis strain to enjoy the recreational benefits of the herb, go ahead and shop at your local dispensary; that is, of course, if you live in a state or country where the so-called “adult use” of marijuana is legal.

However, if medical advice and professional knowledge is your priority, I would recommend medical and dual-licensed dispensaries, especially those that care about the education of their budtenders.

Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis Product Selection

Both recreational and medical dispensaries offer the abundance of different marijuana products, namely: 

  • Edibles,

  • Vaporizers

  • Oils

  • Concentrates

  • Dry herbs

  • Topicals

  • Drinkables

Who’s In a Better Situation at the Moment?

Currently, medical marijuana users are the more privileged group. They receive certain perks that are out of reach for recreational cannabis. These are as follows: 

  • Higher THC potency limits

  • Lower prices and taxes

  • Medical users are allowed to grow their own marijuana plants

  • They can also carry up larger amounts of cannabis

What is the Public View on Medical and Recreational Marijuana Users?

The social perception of recreational marijuana users has changed throughout the last couple of years. Although using cannabis for enjoyment is still taboo in some communities, more and more people become aware of its advantages over other recreational substances. Marijuana finds particularly strong support in female users, who begin to give up on alcohol in favor of the herb. 

Still, a greater percentage of Americans support medical cannabis than recreational adult use, mostly because, despite the differences, we all agree that our health is of the utmost importance. Nevertheless, when a state legalizes the recreational use of cannabis, consumers might first get attracted by the easy access to a wide range of high-quality marijuana products, only to discover that a particular form of cannabis works wonders for their condition. 

Regardless of the point of view you take, it’s a win-win situation.

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How To Pass A Drug Test: The Definitive Guide (2018)

So you need to pass a drug test? Well, you’re not alone. Whether applying for a new job, getting a random screen from your current employer, or ordered to take one by the court – most people will end up taking a drug test at some point. And for cannabis smokers, that can be a bit of problem.
Despite the fact that marijuana is completely natural, completely harmless, and now completely legal in many states, it can still get you in a lot of trouble. Employers can refuse to hire you. They can fire you, and even use your cannabis use as grounds to deny unemployment or workman’s compensation claims. Testing positive for pot on a court-ordered test can land you in jail, or lose you custody of your kids. And if all that wasn’t bad enough, marijuana has the inconvenient quality of sticking around in your body’s fat cells long after you smoke – so you can test positive days or even weeks afterward.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll dispel the rumors and give you the straight truth about what works and what doesn’t – so you can pass your test, and get on with your life.

Types of Drug Tests

There are several methods which may be used to test for the presence of drugs in your system:

  • Blood Test – while rare, blood tests are much more accurate at determining whether or not a person is currently high. Unlike other methods, which test for non-psychoactive metabolites, the blood test actually measures the level of THC in the bloodstream – which means they usually only test positive a few hours after smoking.
  • Hair Test – a hair test is perhaps the most difficult of all to pass, and will supposedly test positive even months after your last use. Luckily they’re also fairly rare. And before you go shaving your head to try to fool a hair test, know this: the sample can be taken from anywhere on your body. So if you’re gonna shave, you’ll have to be pretty damn thorough.
  • Saliva Test – more common than either the blood or hair test, the saliva test is usually administered with just a simple mouth swab. They are less sensitive than other methods, and will usually only detect marijuana use within the last few hours.
  • Urine Test – by far the most frequently administered drug test is the urine test, favorite of employers and probation officers everywhere. As you probably guessed, this test requires you to submit a urine sample to a lab for examination. Most labs use what’s called a “5 panel” test, which screens for 5 commonly abused substances: opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and of course cannabis. Some do a more rigorous “10 panel” test which also tests for barbituates (sedatives), benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety meds like Xanax, Valium, etc.), methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene (Darvocet). For more info, check out this video where a lab tech walks you through the process in detail:


Because it’s the most common, and also the most troublesome for cannabis users, our article will focus primarily on how to pass a urine test.

Bogus Methods

Before we reveal the best way to pass a drug test, let’s first clear up what not to do. There is a lot of misinformation out there – because, you know, the internet. A little digging will turn up many methods which will supposedly help you pass your test, many of which aren’t reliable or simply don’t work at all. For instance:

  • Drinking niacin, vinegar, fruit pectin (Certo), etc.
  • Taking Goldenseal or other herbal cleansing supplements
  • Throwing off the test with a high dose of Aspirin or Ibuprofen
  • Adding bleach, vinegar, water, etc. to your urine sample

None of these methods are proven or reliable. Nowadays labs test for and can detect all kinds of tampering. And the old Aspirin trick no longer works, either. I’ve even heard a rumor going around online that drinking bleach will help you pass! That’s not only wrong, it’s stupid and dangerous. Don’t. Just… don’t.
Many people swear by Detox drinks, many varieties of which are sold at head shops everywhere. These drinks supposedly give you a window of a few hours after drinking it, during which you will piss clean. However, there are no studies or reliable evidence to prove that these really work. So, use at your own risk.

How to Pass

So, how do you pass a urine test? Your best bet is to flush your system with a ton of water. The more water you drink, the more the metabolites in your urine sample will be diluted – hopefully to the point of being below the threshold.
Drink lots of fluids the day of your test, as much as you can hold. You might want to take a big dose of vitamin B along with it, to darken the color of your urine (labs can get suspicious if the sample is too clear and watery, and may even reject it). You’ll want to piss a few times before you give your sample, so never schedule a test early in the morning if you can avoid it. The metabolites build up in your bladder overnight, leaving a rich deposit in your first whiz of the day.
When it comes to passing a urine test, time is your friend – so put it off as long as possible. Quit smoking and use that time to flush out your system — drink lots of water, exercise, sit in a sauna. Diuretics like coffee, tea and cranberry juice can help. You can also buy diuretic pills over the counter. Natural detoxifiers, like activated charcoal, may also help lower you’re metabolite levels. If you’re only an occasional smoker, your body can clean itself out in as little as a few days. A heavy user can still test positive 3 – 4 weeks after quitting, maybe even longer. So the more time, the better.

Testing On The Spot

But what if you don’t have the luxury of time? Some employers require employees to take a drug test immediately after a workplace injury or other accident, or even submit to random screens with no advanced warning. In that case, if you’re a relatively light user, you might still pass simply by chugging water and diluting your sample. Regular, heavy users, however, don’t stand much of a chance.
So the only way out in that case is to swap your sample. Admittedly this requires some foresight. But if you work for a company that does random screens, or have other reason to worry that you might be tested, then planning ahead might just save your job. You can keep a clean sample in your car, your backpack, etc. You can borrow urine from a friend who’s clean, but remember that samples don’t keep much longer than a day. You can buy synthetic or powdered urine (powdered is better) online, but some labs do test for synthetic samples. So, again: use at your own risk.
Keep in mind that the sample must measure close to body temperature (about 90 – 98°F or 32 – 36°C) or it might be rejected. Some synthetic and powdered samples come with a heating element for this purpose. But if you tuck it under your armpit, your breast, or your scrotum for long enough, it should work. Or you can use a hand warming packet (like Hot Hands, etc). Then the challenge becomes to get it into the sample cup unseen. If you are allowed to go to the bathroom in private, then it’s not a problem. But sometimes the lab will insist on observing you collect your sample. In which case, you better hope you have some impressive sleight of hand, or a “first day on the job” lab tech who’s still shy about other people’s genitals.
Maybe one day the law will catch up with morality and common sense, and cannabis users will be free to partake of their herb of choice without fear of unjust punishment. Until that day, though, remember: no method is 100% guaranteed. If you choose to smoke, you always run the risk of failing a test and suffering the consequences.
But if you’re smart, and follow our guide – and steer clear of sketchy internet quick fixes – you have a better than average chance of passing your drug test. Good luck, and thanks for reading!

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Pennsylvania Approves Eight Colleges for Medical Research

Pennsylvania makes history
Pennsylvania is on track to be the first state to license a number of universities to begin scientific studies of marijuana. Just three months after legalizing medical marijuana, the state is taking action to provide peer-reviewed research on the topic. So far, eight universities have research permits in hand.
Governor Tom Wolf announced permit holders.  They include the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania along with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, the Drexel University College of Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.
During the press conference, the governor stated, “Today, medical research is so limited by the federal government that only a few doctors can even have access to medical marijuana,” He continued by saying, “Pennsylvania’s premiere medical schools will be able to help shape the future of treatment for patients who are in desperate need not just here, but across the country.” His remarks come after decades of federally enforced policies that limit and all but prevent medical research into marijuana.
Pennsylvania breaks with tradition
Marijuana has a long history in America. Most of that history includes federally managed and funded programs refusing to even look at cannabis medically. Medical and educational institutions are often denied research requests by regulatory and drug enforcement agencies. This makes it all but impossible to find valuable medical insights.
On top of that, the few instances where research is allowed are hampered by inferior product. So far, studies only have product from the University of Mississippi. Unfortunately, the ganja is notorious for being the lowest quality product possible.
Breaking with this long-standing tradition, Pennsylvania is allowing each university to fund and source product from state licensed medical producers. In addition, the researchers get to work directly with the states patients and products. Officials at Pitt stated “It is important to note that Pennsylvania is the first and only state in the country to institute such a program, and we believe that the research that will be conducted by the School of Medicine in collaboration with [University of Pennsylvania Medical Center] will be of great importance in determining the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of medical cannabis products in treating specific diseases,”
Researchers must act fast
There are no official start dates for kicking off the research yet. But state law requires the cannabis studies to begin within six months of obtaining a license. Officials involved with the program hope that their research will lead to groundbreaking advances in our understanding of cannabis.
Because the new research is mandated to use only state qualified and licensed individuals, the pressure is on to find enough support. Pennsylvania patients with one of 21 qualified medical conditions can apply for a card and over 37,000 have already registered to participate in the medical marijuana program.
In addition to patients and providers, the research also requires medical professionals. But according to the health department, over 1,000 physicians are already registered. More than 600 of them are also certified as practitioners.

Medical Marijuana For Children

Top 5 Medical Reasons People Use MMJ

People have many reasons for smoking MMJ.

Ask 5 stoners why they smoke MMJ and you will likely get 5 reasons. There are a lot of factors in life that dictate our actions and few are predictable or unilateral. After all, it’s hard to be an astronaut in the 1600’s or if you happen to be a felon. Not so much if you are in 1970’s Ohio though.
But that shouldn’t stop us from trying to understand why people consume marijuana. It doesn’t matter if you consume flower, concentrates, edibles or use MMJ topically. If you use marijuana medically, this list probably has you on it.
Just remember that this list is in no specific order. If you disagree with the order or think something else should have been on it, call me out in the comments. Let everyone know what I missed and why it belongs there.

  1. Cancer

Approximately 39.6% of all men and women are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. While many remain benign, a vast majority grow rapidly and resist treatment. Some cancers can kill in a matter of months while others take decades to metastasize.
Research shows that MMJ helps treat certain types of cancer. There is still a long way to go but cannabinoids like THC, CBD and CBN show great promise. Especially in cancers like: breast, brain, liver, melanoma, and leukemia.

  1. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition where your brain misfires and causes a seizure. But unlike popular perception, it doesn’t just come from flashing lights. Seizures may even come on unprovoked, as though out of nowhere and for no reason.
There is no cure for epilepsy and it can affect anyone, even children. There are few options on the market that are truly safe for children. But CBD is one of the few natural alternatives to prescription medications that works.
With 65 million people suffering from epilepsy worldwide, cannabis has a lot of work to do.
 

  1. Chronic Pain

Life is tough and can leave you in constant pain for many reasons. More than 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain worldwide with 50 million of them living in the united states. Healing can take a long time and many common pain killers come with risks of dependency or overdose.
Marijuana isn’t chemically addictive like oxycodone or dangerous in large quantities like aspirin. So as patients heal, they can reduce or eliminate using with no long term side effects. As a bonus, we still have zero confirmed deaths exclusively from consuming too much weed.

  1. Anxiety

Some people need help getting through a situation. Others need help just chilling out in general. This includes those suffering from OCD, panic disorder, phobias, bipolar disorder and many other variants.
For the 18% of the U.S. population suffering from anxiety disorders, medication makes life manageable. But not everyone wants to use Xanax to get the job done. Unlike cigarettes or e-juice, cannabis vapor doesn’t harm lungs or cause cancer.

  1. Depression

About 350 million people have depression. Many prescriptions to treat it come with dangerous side effects or are unsafe for children. While THC may be controversial for teens to have, CBD offers many of the same benefits without the cognitive impairment.
Despite this, the federal status of marijuana keeps it from being prescribed in many cases. As a Schedule 1 Drug, it is legally considered to have no medical value. Many doctors simply refuse to prescribe MMJ for religious reasons or because of corporate policies. But increasing acceptance and legal reform are lowering that number.
 

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Israeli Study Shows Cannabis Safe for Elderly

A New Israeli Study

Tikun Olam clinics are the largest Israeli suppliers of medical marijuana. They partnered with Israel’s Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to study the effects of marijuana use on elderly patients.
Participants in the study predominantly use cannabis to treat cancer or severe pain issues. They also all consumed prescribed doses of only strains provided and developed by Tikun Olam. After closely studying 2,736 geriatric medical marijuana users between January 2015 and October 2017, researchers finally had the data they needed.
The Israeli researchers published their findings in early February 2018 in the European Journal of Internal Medicine. They found that 93.7% of participants in the study reported pain was reduced by 50% thanks to marijuana use. Many participants also reduced or even eliminated their dependence on prescription opioids.

Cannabis Medical Efficacy Proven

After six months of treatment, the israeli patients in the study reported that their overall pain level was reduced by half. But marijuana treatments are not without side effects. Luckily for those involved, the only real side effects researchers found were dizziness and dry mouth.
Yet the side effects were considered minor and never progressed beyond simple discomfort. The researchers were happy to find that patient dependence on pain medication including opioids also decreased while consuming cannabis. Since seniors make up a significant portion of the opioid using population, cannabis seems an ideal tool to battle the opioid epidemic.
Many pharmaceuticals that people take have a long list of terrible side effects. Some antidepressants cause depression and thoughts of suicide. Many pain treatments like Percocet and Oxycodone are also dangerously addictive.  Marijuana on the other hand, has proven to have no dangerous side effects, is non-addictive, is impossible to overdose on and helps recovering opioid addicts.
 

Still More Research Needed

Cannabis definitely seems like the safer alternative than opioids. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with the idea of cannabis. People in positions of power like Attorney General Jeff Sessions complain about the opioid epidemic sweeping across America yet seem to take every action possible to prevent its resolution.
Luckily for medical patients everywhere, research is still underway. Israeli organizations like Tikun Olam, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem produce adds to the growing body of evidence proving cannabis is a miraculous plant. But we need more research to prove all the benefits of marijuana.
The researchers of this study note in their paper a need for more evidence-based research. Especially research data from double-blind, randomized controlled trials. They also note that the entire geriatric population stands to benefit the most from these studies since they consume the majority of opioid-based pain killers. Unfortunately, seniors also tend to be the most resistant to the idea of medical marijuana.

How do you feel about seniors using marijuana to treat pain? Would you ever participate in a study like this? Do you know anyone who has decreased or completely removed opioids from their life thanks to cannabis? Let us know in the comment section below!