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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Culture, Guides, List, Marijuana Legalization, Research by

5 Places That are Chill About Cannabis in North America

It wasn’t too long ago that if you got caught growing cannabis plants or in possession of cannabis almost anywhere in the world, you would have faced detrimental legal issues. Today, however, as the movement to legalize cannabis has progressed globally, there are many places where adults over the age of 21 and medical cannabis patients can cultivate their own cannabis at home as well as purchase and consume cannabis with certain restrictions and limitations. Here are 5 of the best states for cannabis consumption in the U.S.

Colorado

Colorado was one of the first states in the United States to allow for legal recreational market. Since 2014 when doors to the first dispensaries opened in the state for adult consumption sales, the state has been a tourist destination at the top of the list of many stoners and consumers alike. Tourists are able to purchase up to 1 ounce of dried flower or the equivalency of other cannabis products.

Washington

Washington state is one of the most vastly beautiful states in the Pacific Northwest according to many. It has become even more beautiful to a lot of folks since they legalized an adult cannabis market in 2012. With a vast variety of outdoor attractions and landmarks, it is a natural attraction for cannabis lovers. According to the government regulatory agency that oversees the program in the state; “Adults 21 years of age or older may legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, and 72 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form.”

Oregon

Whether you are looking for beautiful beaches, vast forests, or towering mountains, Oregon has you covered. If you are looking to get elevated, thanks to Ballot Measure 91, if you are over the age of 21 you can partake in a toke of cannabis. Adults over the age of 21 in the state are able to possess up to one ounce of cannabis or an equivalent amount of concentrates, edibles, and other cannabis-infused products.

California

California is home to the Emerald Triangle, Humboldt County, and the countries first medical cannabis program. Cali is also probably one of the most cannabis-friendly states in the United States. In November of 2017, voters in the state approved a measure that legalized an adult cannabis market in the state. These laws took effect in January of 2018 and dispensaries have been opening their doors ever since. If you are looking to visit Cali and are at least 21 years old, you can legally possess one ounce of bud, or 8 grams of cannabis concentrates.

Nevada

The home of Sin City is also a trendy cannabis destination in the United States. Question 2 passed by way of the majority vote in 2014, and in November of 2016, cannabis officially became legal with restrictions for adults over the age of 21. In the state of Nevada, adults are able to legally possess and purchase either 1 ounce of dried cannabis or an eighth (3.5) grams of cannabis concentrates.

We Can’t Forget Canada

Canada also recently legalized cannabis for adults over the age of 21. This change in law allows for adults over the age of 18 or 19 depending on where you live to possess small amounts of cannabis. In some provinces they have also allowed for home grows. This makes Canada a prime area for cannabis consumption in North America as well!
Where is your favorite place in North America to toke up? Weed love to hear from you in the comments below!

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Growing, Guides, List, Medical by

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!

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Education, Guides by

Great Ways to Use Up Cannabis Shake Or Trim

Coming up with original ways to use up your shake and trim shouldn’t be too difficult of a task. If it is, then you have way too much shake or trim on your hands. In case you’re not sure what you have lets clarify the difference. Shake is what you get when tiny pieces of bud break off in a container or bag and end up on the bottom of it.
It kind of resembles weed that’s already been broken up. Trim is the excess from harvesting buds and clipping them to manicured perfection. Leaves from trim will have trichomes on them but frequently will not provide the same euphoric buzz that shake will. Either way, if you have some of either on hand, there are many different things you can do with it.

Give it Away

If you’re really feeling generous one of the most sharing and caring things you can do is gift that shake or trim to a friend in need. Maybe all your friends suck, or they just don’t smoke. Whatever the case is if you’re looking for ways to utilize your shake or trim here are a few ways to accomplish that task.

Make CannaButter

Use your shake or trim to make yummy for your tummy delectable cannabutter. Shake or trim works beautifully to make sensational cannabis-infused butter. In return, you’ll have an endless array of culinary treats that you can prepare with an elevated kick from cannabutter.

Make Cannabis Extracts

You can use your trim or shake to make concentrates too! That’s right you can make wax. Depending on your method of extraction you can get anywhere from 50 to 80 g out of a pound of trim or shake depending on its quality. The more trichomes, the better.

Make Cannabis-Infused Oil

Another great idea to help use up that trim or shake is to make it into an oil. Making your own cannabis oil is not only healthy but a great way to utilize that excess herb that’s just going to waste.

Vape it Up

An herbal vaporizer is another excellent way to use up that stash. These devices will allow you to vape the essential oils from the plant without combusting the material which is known to be a little bit harsh at times.

Make an Alcohol Concoction

Using up your cannabis shake or trim is a great idea. You don’t want just to leave the stuff lying around and let it go bad. It does dry up and can and will lose its potency. If you are making wax making oil, making butter and still have trim left over perhaps try throwing some in rubbing alcohol to make a tremendous topical medication or adding some to drinking alcohol to make a great cannabis-infused cocktail for a later date.
What type of creative ways can you come up with to use up your trim or shake?

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Culture, Guides, List, Products, Technology by

Top 4 Stoner Gifts on My Cannabis Wishlist

Some people on your holiday gift list may be hard to choose presents for. However, the stoner in your life should be pretty simple to please. While every cannabis consumer and connoisseur would love a bag of top-shelf bud, an infused edible, or a new smoking apparatus there are some other rather extraordinary and elevated stoner gifts available on the market today. From tools that will help you de-carb your cannabis and ones to help you make infused butter and oils to ones that can even help you grow your own cannabis at home the list is almost endless. Here are five of my favorite cannabis centric gifts that will elevate the happiness of the stoner in your life this holiday season.

The Magical Butter Machine

The Magical Butter machine is well… simply magical and sure to light up the eyes of any stoner on your list. This high-tech device allows for at home cannabis chefs to easily infuse cannabis and other herbs into butter or oil of their choice. The Magical Butter Machine makes cooking with cannabis at home, as easy as adding a few ingredients and pushing a button! First, you will want to decarboxylate your cannabis though, and for that, I highly recommend the next product on our list! Learn more here!

The Ardent Nova Herbal Decarboxylator

The Ardent NOVA Decarboxylator takes the guesswork out the decarb process. If you aren’t familiar with this process, check out this article. The NOVA guarantees full activation of the THC in your product without producing an odor in a clean, straightforward process. The machine offers the ability to decarb up to 1 ounce of flower. Or if you prefer, 5 ounces of kief at one time! Learn more here!

The Grobo One Automated Grow Closet

For individuals lucky enough to be able to grow their own cannabis at home, an automated grow closet such as the Grobo One makes a fantastic gift. I will warn you though, this is the most expensive gift on the list with a hefty price tag. But as you will see, it is well worth it! The Grobo One is made of high-quality steel and Canadian birch wood.
Its features include an ultra-efficient LED lighting system, a small, sleek design that will fit in almost any room, and full automation of the growing process. According to their website all you have to do is, “plug it in, plant your seed, select the recipe on the Grobo app and let Grobo One do the growing.” Learn more here.

The Juice Box Rosin Press

The Ju1ceBox rosin press makes the process of making your own cannabis concentrates at home from bud easy as possible. This small handheld extractor utilizes the idea combination of surface pressure and heat. This and precise timing intervals to ensure high yields of clean extracted oil. This process of extraction eliminates the need for dangerous solvents and hydraulic components. It also allows you to make amazing concentrates in just a few minutes! Learn more here.
What is the must-have dank gift on your cannabis wish list for 2018? Let us know in the comments below!
 
 

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, List, Marijuana Recipes, Offbeat by

Top 3 Ways to Infuse Your Danksgiving Feast

The holidays are just around the corner, and if your friends and family are cannabis connoisseurs like yourself, you may be looking at ways to infuse your feast. If so, you will be happy to know that there are many different ways that you can incorporate cannabis into your Danksgiving festivities. Not only are these tips and tricks for infusion great for the holiday season they will work with almost any food all the year through.

Cannabutter Canna be Your Best Friend

One of the most common ways of infusing foods is simply substituting butter for cannabis-infused butter or adding it to the recipe. Making cannabis-infused butter is simple to do at home. If you are not familiar with the process, you can check out a quick method that requires no special tools here. With cannabutter on hand infusing your holiday meal is easier than ever. Just add some to your mashed potatoes instead of regular butter, top off your sweet potatoes with cannabis-infused butter, or you can even pack the inside of the skin of your turkey with cannabis-infused butter and allow it to soak into the meat while cooking. If the recipe calls for butter, you can just replace it with cannabutter for an easy cannabis-infused danksgiving meal.

Oil it Up and Call it a Day

Just like butter, there are many recipes that we love to enjoy around the holiday seasons that call for oil. Whether is oil to sauté something or oil in a recipe for your favorite dessert if you have cannabis infused coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil on hand you can just substitute your canna oil instead of using plain boring oil! Some of my favorite ways to use this method of infusion is to use canna oil in my turtle brownie recipe and basting the turkey throughout its cooking cycle. If you’re not sure how to make cannabis oil to use in recipes check out the guide here.

A Some Bud to the Salad- Be Sure to Decarb First

Of course, there is always the method of merely adding fresh bud to your recipes. While this isn’t going to create the best texture in many foods if you are having a salad pre-dinner aside from the salad in your bowl to toke adding fresh cannabis leaves or decarbed cannabis buds ground up with perhaps some extra virgin olive oil drizzled on top would make a great addition. Be sure that your cannabis is decarbed however otherwise the individual enjoying the salad isn’t going to get the effects they might expect! To learn more about decarbing check out this article!
These are just three simple ways to infuse the feast. Do you have a favorite way to infuse your holiday dinners or foods throughout the year? Do you have tools or products that you can’t live without when it comes to infusion? If so, let us know in the comments below!
 

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Culture, Guides, List, Strain Reviews by

Stoned for the Holidays

The holiday season has once again found its way to our calendars. Before we know it that festive time of year will be here. This means larger crowds and more time with family and friends. For many people, this also means going home for the holidays. If you’re going to be at home for the holidays, you might as well be stoned for the holidays.
If you’re looking for some great cannabis strains to be stoned for the holidays this holiday season, you’re in luck. Thanks to cannabis legalization happening in so many places there is a more beautiful selection of delectable cannabis than ever before.

Indicas

Ice

This intense Indica can help you sit back relax and chillax when things start to get a little bit hectic. Be careful if you go to light this stuff up around anyone who doesn’t smoke as they will smell it within the first toke.

Jack Frost

Jack Frost is usually known for nipping at your nose and your toes, but this time he’ll be biting at your lungs if you get you some of this incredible cannabis strain. Sit back and relax in front of the fireplace sipping hot cocoa relaxing with Jack Frost this holiday season for an elevated experience.

Northern Lights

This strain will treat you just right with all the stress of the holidays. Relax and take a load off with a big joint or freshly packed bowl to soothe your soul. Northern Lights pairs delectably with seasonal holiday cookies along with coffee, tea, or cocoa.

God’s Gift

God’s Gift is the perfect strain to enjoy around the holiday season especially in America. No matter what religion you are one of God’s gifts is definitely cannabis. God’s Gift will help get you in the spirit of the holidays in no time at all.

Lavender

Everybody knows that lavender helps to soothe and relax even restless babies. With that in mind, the Lavender cannabis strain took a rise to fame having the same calm, soothing effects on adults. If you’re looking to relax and get away from the stress of the holidays take a few puffs of this funky stuff and your troubles will float away.

Sativas

Strawberry Cough

This is just the strain you need to get you off and help you cough to block out the gut-wrenching sounds of arguing family and annoying in-laws this holiday. The extra spunkiness you’ll get from this Sativa might just give you the energy needed to get up and walk away to a happier place.

Jack Herer

This legendary strain named after the iconic cannabis activist, advocate, and author himself Jack Herer is one that will make you shake your derriere. This earthy strain has an immaculate flavor profile with a buzz to boot.

Super Silver Haze

Silver bells don’t have anything on Silver Haze especially when it’s Super Silver Haze. You can find yourself in a haze for days with a few puffs of Super Silver Haze. When you got to stay up all night to make presents come out just right Super Silver Haze may be the friend that sticks with you till the end.

Lamb’s Bread

Lambs are synonymous with religions around the world and during the holiday season what better strain to enjoy than Lamb’s Bread? This sweet, delicious tasting cannabis strain is rumored to have been the favorite of legendary music performer and cannabis supporter Bob Marley. Then there was Mary. Mary had a Little Lamb…that was until she sparked it up and shared it with her fam. Because of this festive treat, they all had the best holiday ever.

Durban Poison

If your family and friends start to become a little bit troublesome this holiday season just poison them. No, don’t actually poison them with poison give them some Durban Poison or even enjoy some Durban Poison yourself. This spunky sativa has a euphoric body buzz and frequently helps facilitate the giggles.
Between these five Indica cannabis strains and five Sativa cannabis strains, you’re sure to find a way to be stoned for the holidays. Now the only thing left to do is make sure you’re home for the holidays.

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Guides, List, Marijuana News, Offbeat, Strain Reviews by

5 Strains That are Spooktacular for Halloweed

Looking to reach new heights this year while you take in the freights on Halloweed? If so, turn Halloween into Halloweed. It won’t take much with these spooktacular, eerie, and outright frightening strains of ganja! Remember not to overconsume though or the only thing scary about the night could be your overwhelming high.

Voodoo

Start the night off right with a Sativa dominant strain by the name of Voodoo. This strain won’t leave you feeling like someone is playing with a voodoo doll version of you. Instead, it will have you uplifted and ready to take in the freights of the night. This beautiful Sativa delight is a descendant of a Thai landrace.
Consumers describe the flavor of Voodoo as being pungent and tropical with hints of a nutty undertone and aroma. The most common effects from Voodoo tend to be happiness, euphoric, energetic and overall uplifting. She is also known for providing a spark of creativity which makes her perfect for enjoying while you are bringing your Halloweed costume to life.

Ghost OG

Ghost OG is a spooktacular strain that may just sneak up on you like a ghost. Be careful with this hybrid as she is known to produce a potent long-lasting heavy high that might just knock your socks off. Ghost OG comes from none other than the notorious OG Kush.
Her flavors, aroma, and effects are perfect for Halloweed, as well as every other day of the year. Consumers describe the taste of Ghost OG as being earthy with hints of citrus and pine throughout. The most common effects from Ghost OG tend to be relaxation, happiness, euphoria, and sleepiness.

White Widow

White Widow is a notorious hybrid cannabis strain that has been enjoyed by individuals on Halloweed for many years. This infamous strain is a combination of two amazing landraces being a South American Sativa and a South Indian Indica. This combination makes for the perfect pair and won’t give you a scare.
Instead, she will have you wanting to eat treats and playing tricks on your friends. Consumers describe the flavor of White Widow as being earthy, woody and a bit flowery in the aftertaste. The most common effects from White Widow tend to be happiness, relaxation, and euphoria.

Killer Queen

Killer Queen is a dream strain for Halloween. This hybrid cannabis strain is a combination of G13 and Cinderella 99. Be careful with Killer Queen, she’s used to being the belle of the ball, and if you aren’t careful, she just might give you a fright with just how quick she will hit you.
Consumers describe the flavor of Killer Queen as being pungent and sweet with an earthy aroma and undertone. The most common effects from Killer Queen tend to be euphoria, creativity, happiness and an overall sense of being uplifted making her perfect for toking on during your Halloweed festivities.

Zombie Kush

To top off your Halloweed partake in a few tokes of Zombie Kush. Be careful because this potent Indica dominant strain may just knock you on your tush. Zombie Kush is a combination of two heavy-hitting potent strains, Amnesia, Bubba Kush, and Lavender.
Consumers describe the flavor of Zombie Kush as being pungent and earthy with a hint of grape. The most common effects from Zombie Kush tend to be relaxation, happiness, hunger, and sleepiness making it the perfect strain for winding down on fright night.
How will you be celebrating Halloweed? Will you be partaking in a toke? If so, do you have a favorite fright night strain? If so let us know in the comments below!

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Culture, Education by

Infusing Yoga with Cannabis – What You Need to Know

Despite cannabis just becoming “legal” in many places, it’s existence dates back more than 10,000 years. Before prohibition began just less than a century ago and still today, cannabis is utilized for many different reasons in a plethora of cultures globally. One of those reasons is for spiritual purposes and enlightenment.
Another ancient practice that is believed to be one component of an overall enlightened lifestyle is yoga. In the publication titled “Yoga Sutras” which was penned roughly 2,000 years ago by an Indian Sage named Patanjali there are references to the utilization of herbs as one of the 5 paths to enlightenment.
Many believe these references are about cannabis. This is due to the history of cannabis in the Indian culture. For example, in India, it’s tradition to honor the deity Shiva with cannabis elixir. India has also referenced cannabis sativa in texts from the Vedic period regarding an intoxicating ritual drink known as Soma.
Today many individuals are choosing to combine the two ancient components in what the masses refer to as Ganja Yoga. Cannabis-infused yoga if you will is, in fact, becoming quite the hit in cities around the world as the movement to legalize the herb once more continues to be victorious.

The Synchronicity of Combining the Cannabis and Yoga

Many people are familiar with the benefits of Yoga and the benefits of cannabis, but are the two better together? According to individuals such as Lu Pancini, a certified yoga instructor that runs The House of Yoga where yogis and consumers can partake in cannabis-infused yoga sessions, and her husband Joey, cannabis could be the key to allowing individuals the ability to “enjoy the full benefits of yoga.”
Here are some of the benefits of combining cannabis and yoga!

  • Cannabis relaxes both the mind and body which in return will allow you to become more mindful and eliminate pain points.
  • Cannabis helps to relieve both pain and anxiety. These are two factors that could otherwise reduce the effectiveness of yoga.
  • It is believed that cannabis consumption even in small doses before a yoga session can help students to become more in-tune with the philosophy that the body, mind, and spirit are one, an essential philosophy of yoga.
  • Cannabis for many also lowers inhibitions allowing students to try poses they may not have tried previously.
  • The practice of yoga tends to help reduce stress and decrease blood pressure. It can also increase metabolism and support your overall immune system. Coincidentally, cannabis can also help with all of these aspects, so it only makes sense that the two would work even better together.

From Ancient Text to Modern Times

One of the earliest texts of spiritual guidance known to man as The Vedas references the use of yoga and cannabis together dating back as far as 2000-1400 BC. The first U.S. pairing of the two in the modern day, however, was in 2009, and the two were brought together by Dee Dussault.
Dee has more than 20 years of experience as a hatha yoga instructor. She is also the author of Ganja Yoga: A Practical Guide to Conscious Relaxation, Soothing Pain Relief, and Enlightened Self-Discovery. This publication provides guidance on how to best incorporate cannabis into your yoga routine.
Speaking of how to incorporate the herb into your yoga practices best, here are a few tips for combining the two for the most elevated and enlightened experience possible.

Tips for Incorporating Cannabis into Your Yoga Routine

When it comes to incorporating cannabis into your yoga routine, there are a few things you will want to remember. One is you know your body better than anyone, and you know what works and what doesn’t. Never deny your self-knowledge. Consume and proceed only as you feel comfortable. It is only then that you will truly be at one and benefit the most from this experience. With this in mind, here are a few other tips for combining cannabis and yoga.

  • Start your routine with a Sativa strain or a Sativa dominant hybrid. These types of strains tend to provide an energetic and uplifting effect. If Sativas are known for making your mind race or increasing your anxiety, it may be best to start with a hybrid. You know your body best. Find what works for you and go with the flow.
  • Indica strains are recommended towards the end and even after your routine as they relax the body and mind. This allows you to remain in a state where you can best reflect on your practices.
  • Ganja yoga isn’t just about smoking cannabis either. In fact, many people who combine the two actually prefer to utilize different consumption methods. Methods such as consuming edibles, infused drinks, and vaping as opposed to or even in combination with smoking.

Do you incorporate cannabis into your yoga routine or have you ever attended a Ganja Yoga type class? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!

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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Marijuana News, Medical, Research, Science by

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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CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Medical, Research, Science by

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.