Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Cannabis : Its Contributions to Culture and Lifestyle

Published

8 months ago

February 20, 2019

Millions of people around the world have been enjoying cannabis since the 50s, but for those of us who are new to the game, knowing more about cannabis living is a great first step. After all, nothing beats practice informed with knowledge. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know about cannabis living and its contributions to culture and lifestyle:

A Brief Background on Cannabis Living

With marijuana becoming mainstream only in recent years, you might think that the beneficial uses of this plant are a new discovery. However, did you know that our ancestors used this plant for a wide variety of purposes? From farming and industrial to arts and recreation, humans valued the plant throughout our history. Processing fibers of hemp allowed our ancestors to create textiles, papers, ropes and plastics. Studies show that before the use of cannabidiol oil, some significant historical figures utilized this herb for spiritual and creative purposes.

From the hippies of the psychedelic 60s to the new generation’s hipsters, smoking marijuana has been a part of countercultures around the world. In fact, the term ‘420’ came to be because of a group of high school kids’ code for “let’s meet up at 4:20 to smoke weed.” The group of boys, known as The Waldos, were going against the grain by smoking this wonder plant. This was in 1971 and the term stuck until today, only containing a much more mainstream and inclusive meaning.

Now that marijuana is becoming accepted in many parts of the globe, the plant can cease being a counterculture element and start being part of the mainstream. Today, a whole lot of subcultures across the world throughout the years have some level of marijuana use integrated into their respective ways of life.

What’s more fascinating is even non-marijuana users are aware and acknowledge the celebration of Weed Day. Come April 20, you see thousands of people (enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike) greeting one another with a hearty “Happy 420!”

The Influence of Cannabis in Culture

Aside from creating their own personal holiday, enthusiasts have enjoyed a taste of marijuana in culture as well. A lot of creative works can thank marijuana for their existence. Studies show that this plant plays a role in the creative process, making it a viable source of inspiration for artists.

In Literature

A good number of literary works were written while the authors were under the influence of marijuana. This includes Les Miserable, a literary masterpiece writer Victor Hugo, who was a member of Club Des Hashinchins a group of enthusiasts who used the plant during some of their meetings. This club also includes other writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Charles Baudelaire and Honore de Balzac.

In Music

Perhaps one of the most popular parts of the cannabis culture is music. From Noble Prize awardee Bob Dylan to Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie, there certainly is a lot of musicians who get their inspiration from this plant. In fact, Dylan has a song saying that “everyone must get stoned.” Meanwhile, Urie, who has ADHD, is a medical marijuana card carrier.

Aside from individual artists using this herb, there is an entire music genre that highlights marijuana. You guessed it: it’s Reggae. Originating from Jamaica, this genre is said to support the herb. Many Reggae musicians tackle this herb in their songs. Bob Marley even worked to develop a marijuana brand called Marley Natural.

Other cultural aspects that marijuana has penetrated include fashion and design, especially with the rise of cannabis-inspired fashion labels such as Sundae School.

The Role of Cannabis in Lifestyle

Aside from its prevalence in culture, marijuana also plays a great role in lifestyle. It has created a niche in many markets including medicine, beauty and health aids. Many people have incorporated this herb in their everyday routine, proving its potential as a lifestyle plant.

As an Addition to Medical Treatments

When it comes to medicine, cannabidiol is the cannabinoid that comes to mind. This compound is known for its properties that help alleviate pain, inflammations and spasms. Moreover, it is also found to be valuable in addressing tumors and treating cancer patients. Patients who suffer from cachexia, nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatments are given CBD for relief.

As a Sleep Aid

For individuals without debilitating conditions, but who suffer from difficulty in sleeping, this plant is also a viable treatment. Insomnia sufferers who have trouble sleeping but can only get a disturbed sleep can take CBD oil to induce a restful slumber. Moreover, this compound is great for boosting energy, so it gives a more energized feeling upon waking up.

For Stress Relief

Whilst CBD is great for helping people with sleep problems, THC is known for its psychoactive effects. This makes it a great stress reliever at the end of a long work week. Moreover, it can also help treat mental and mood disorders including depression, PTSD, anxiety and other similar conditions.

Cannabis Beauty

Lastly, with the herb’s various medicinal benefits, more and more cosmetic products now have the plant as an ingredient. This is a brilliant idea, especially as this plant has regulating properties, making it perfect for moisturizing dry skin and controlling oily ones. Moreover, its anti-itch, -pain, and -inflammation properties help cannabinoid-infused beauty products treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema and even psoriasis.

How You Can Live the Cannabis Life

As the plant becomes more mainstream, especially in light of the legalization in various parts of the world, many people are now free to pursue the cannabis life. In fact, hundreds of dispensaries have popped up to make marijuana products more accessible to more people. So, if you are eager to join this culture and lifestyle, here’s the best way to do so:

Start with Tinctures

Not everyone is comfortable with straight up consuming dried buds. For those wanting a milder and less adventurous entry to the cannabis world, tinctures are your best bet. Basically, these are hemp oil packaged in bottles with droppers for an easier and controlled use. You can consume this sublingually or by placing a few drops under your tongue and wait for it to take effect.

Tinctures are great for various medicinal and recreational purposes because you can get pure CBD oil or one infused with THC oil. This gives you the option to take advantage of CBD’s medical properties or to use THC for its psychoactive effects. With these products, you can easily use cannabinoids for pain relief, anxiety treatment and sleep aids.

You might be thinking, “How is this a more beginner-friendly product?” Aside from its simple use, cannabinoid oils can be mixed with various food and drinks. You can simply infuse your dishes or beverages with this oil. From savory food such as pasta to baked goods such as cookies, infusing your recipes with this is surely a great way to start.

Get a Taste of the Real Thing

Once your taste buds get accustomed to the weedy taste the oils can give, you might be more comfortable with giving dried buds a try. However, don’t be too overwhelmed by the sheer number of strains you can choose from. There are hundreds of varieties available in dispensaries, each having their own unique properties. Some have high CBD contents, while others have more THC. Some have the usually weedy smell, while others have more pleasant aromas. So, if you ever get overwhelmed, just get help from the budtender present at your local dispensary.

If smoking is not your thing, you can certainly make use of your dried buds in many other ways. Those who liked the ease tinctures brings, might want to make their own cannabis oil, especially as cannabinoids bind to fat pretty well. You can also use your leaves to make pesto sauce or incorporate these into baked goods.

Explore Your Options

One of the best things about marijuana legalization is that companies now have the liberty to develop cannabis-infused products. This escalated the number of products to hundreds of options. From CBD vape oil to gummies, you now have the option to ingest this herb in many innovative and fun ways.

You can blend in with vapers by grabbing a vape pen and loading it up with cannabis juice. Moreover, you can grab a non-alcoholic hemp wine and beers to enjoy the beverages without the effects of alcohol but with the goodness of marijuana. If you want to get a fix of this herb without getting suspicious looks, you can simply pop a cannabis-infused gummy in your mouth and get a delicious dose.

Cannabis has made its way into culture and lifestyle, making it a more prevalent option in the mainstream market. With thousands of marijuana products you can choose from, you can start living the pot life right now. Who knows, you might even get to give your own contributions to culture and lifestyle. Now, that would be a great way to live a fulfilling and enjoyable cannabis life!

Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Top 4 Best CBD Edibles For Anxiety

Published

6 hours ago

October 15, 2019

Stacey Wellington

Experiencing anxiety in everyday living is considered normal, however, if symptoms are starting to bug you off, it can lead to constant stress and excessive worrying. For some people, anxiety becomes a huge problem as it triggers physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, feeling weak and trouble concentrating.

Aside from seeking professional help, you can also take cannabidiol to ease the symptoms and make yourself calm.

How CBD Helps With Anxiety

There are studies and researches that claim the promising ability of cannabis in relieving a generalized anxiety disorder. For instance, a 2010 study found out that cannabidiol revealed changes in blood flow to the regions in the brain linked to feelings of anxiety. Moreover, cannabidiol, which is an active compound in marijuana, reduces symptoms linked to post-traumatic stress and anxiety-provoked sleep disorder in children.

Although more tests are needed to prove the effectiveness of CBD in easing anxiety symptoms, researchers are positive that this compound can be an alternative ‘treatment.’

Why Choose CBD Edibles

Taking CBD edibles is like eating candies and chocolates because these CBD products contain different flavors. It can be in the form of gummy bears, brownies, cakes, candies, chocolates, and more.

A research conducted in 2016 suggests that negative health effects can be associated with smoking cannabis. Smoking cannabis can lead to addiction, according to research because a person experiences ease in anxiety. Edibles, by far, are completely safe to take and have fixed dosing. Depending on the amount consumed, it can provide just the right effect on a person.

CBD Effects

When consumed or used, cannabidiol can instantly provide relaxation as it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is the who regulates different functions such as sleep, pain, emotions, and appetite.

People who tried cannabidiol for the first time can attest to how effective it is in enhancing sleep, reducing stress levels, and basically improving one’s quality of life.

Best CBD Edibles For Anxiety

With the popularity of cannabidiol among adults, the demand increases. Manufacturers cater to this demand and produce new products for safe consumption. If you search online, you can easily find a wide selection of CBD edibles. Given this vast market, you need to be careful about buying products because not all of these promise sound results.

For anxiety relief, here are the best six cannabidiol edibles you can buy.

Kushly CBD Gummies ($55)

If you are after a tasty CBD edible, the Kushly CBD gummies are your best bet. Every gummy contains 30mg of cannabidiol and it gives a natural fruity taste. Recommended dosing is up to two gummies per day.

The best thing about this product is, it is free from the THC content, which is the compound opposite CBD. THC provides psychoactive effects linked to being ‘high.’ With Kushly CBD Gummies, you can instantly get the goodness of CBD minus the high sensation.

CBDistillery ($60)

Looking for vegan CBD edibles? The search is over because the CBDistillery is 100% vegan and GMO-free. These are flavored gummies in grape, cane juice, and organic concentrate. Derived from US-grown cannabis, every piece of gummy is sure to provide quality results. Each CBD edible contains 30mg of cannabidiol, a good dose for daily consumption.

Relax Bears CBD Daily Dose Gummie ($55)

For mood regulation, the Relax Bears CBD Daily Dose Gummie is considered a holy grail. Each container contains 30 gummies with 10mg cannabidiol. Specially made for anxiety, it provides instant relief for increased heart rate, nervousness, panic attacks, and fatigue.

Hemp Bombs, Original Gummies ($99.99)

One of the best CBD gummies for anxiety is the Original Gummies by Hemp Bombs. It is one of the leading brands that provide high-quality cannabis products at a decent price. The edibles are categorized into three: Original Gummies, High Potency CBD Gummies, and the CBD Sleep Gummies. Each bottle has 60 gummies with 15mg dosage per gummy.

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world, next to depression. It affects millions of adults and is highly curable with the help of professionals and alternative medication. In case you want to try a natural remedy in the form of cannabidiol, make sure to get yourself some CBD edibles for a delightful treat.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana

How To Tell Which CBD Products You Should Be Taking

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2019

Daniel King

How To Tell Which CBD Products You Should Be Taking

Because CBD’s market is enormous nowadays, more and more cannabidiol-infused products occupy the store shelves. This means buying products take time as there are lots of options for edibles, skincare, CBD hemp oil, supplements, and more.

For some people, cannabidiol intake helps relieve symptoms linked to arthritis, muscle and body pain, skin issues, and anxiety. Choosing products carefully helps you find the best one that suits your lifestyle, concerns, and preferences.

Read on to find out all the things you should be considering when buying CBD products.

Determining Reason To Use CBD Products

Before choosing any product, consider asking yourself why you want to use CBD products. While laws about marijuana use are complicated in the United States, significant anecdotal evidence can back up cannabis’s variety of applications. For instance, medical properties of cannabidiol ease pain related to skin, bone and mental disorders. Additionally, CBD also helps other people get quality sleep, eliminating insomnia.

Other benefits of CBD include:

Ease back, joint and nerve pain
Reduces inflammation
Promote weight loss from supplement products
Clears acne
Ease anxiety and depression symptoms
Improve the quality of sleep
Deter neurodegenerative diseases

Buy Pure Cannabidiol Or Full-Spectrum

In case you are unaware, the marijuana plant has over 100 active compounds. CBD and THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol are the best-known compounds recognized by science. What is meant when a product has a Full Spectrum label is, it contains other compounds aside from cannabidiol. Full or broad-spectrum products are said to have a synergistic effect, that’s why it is considered top of the range. However, the only concern is, THC provides psychoactive effects or the feeling of being high.

Choosing isolate CBD is preferable for someone who just wants the result of CBD and not gets the psychoactive ones. This type of product is also recommended for cooking, as it is tasteless and safe for everyone.

Finding The Right Strength

While CBD is non-toxic and non-addictive, it is crucial to find the right strength for products you will take. At the end of the day, you don’t want to consume a high dosage of this active compound for fun. There are minor CBD oil side effects one can experience, including nausea, fatigue, and constipation. After all, not all bodies react well with a high dose of cannabidiol. Therefore, going low is best for first-time users.

Out of all the CBD products, oils are easier to tailor for servings. You can easily increase or decrease the dosage, depending on your needs. While experimenting with the strength and serving size, it’s best to start low, usually 10 to 20mg per serving or use. Once you already know what strength works for you, then you can get products at the right dose.

Consumption Methods for CBD Products

There are different methods of cannabidiol consumption. You have to consider a number of factors when determining the method, as some promote faster results compared to others. For instance, the tincture works best for beginners because adding a dose is easy with a dropper. Although tinctures are concentrated, you can easily add a few drops in case you aren’t satisfied with the effects.

For people who want to be sure when it comes to dosing, capsules are the best CBD products to get. Each capsule has an accurate dose, making it easy to take and less intimidating. Even older people can pop a pill into your mouth and get the desired results.

Finally, there are edibles, topicals, patches, and vaping products that you can take depending on your needs. For instance, edibles can serve as a snack and topicals can be rubbed on the skin for relief.

Taking CBD provides a host of benefits. Make sure that you will study your options and check the product reviews before buying any product. Most importantly, consider going for a low dose at first, to get your body used to the compound.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana

European Commission Approves EPIDYOLEX

Published

3 weeks ago

September 25, 2019

Daniel King

GW Pharmaceuticals, the global leader in developing cannabinoid-based medicines, announced Monday, Sept 23, the European Commission (EC) has approved the marketing authorization for CBD-based seizure medication EPIDYOLEX^®.

The European Commission, along with the support of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), has approved Epidyolex for treating seizures associated with two severe forms of epilepsy, namely the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome.

With the said approval, patients who are diagnosed with either Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome can now avail EPIDYOLEX^® in the UK and the rest of Europe.

“The approval of EPIDYOLEX^® marks a significant milestone, offering patients and their families the first in a new class of epilepsy medicines and the first and only EMA-approved CBD medicine to treat two severe and life-threatening forms of childhood-onset epilepsy,” said Justin Gover, CEO of GW Pharmaceuticals, in a press release.

“This approval is the culmination of many years of dedication and collaboration between GW, physicians and the epilepsy community,” he continued. “We believe patients and physicians deserve access to rigorously tested and evaluated cannabis-based medicines, manufactured to the highest standards and approved by medicines regulators, and we are delighted to be the first to offer this solution to the epilepsy community.”

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome (DS) are two types of rare epileptic disorders classified under epileptic encephalopathies. Patients who are diagnosed with either LGS or Dravet suffer multiple seizures a day.

Epidyolex, a strawberry-flavored oral solution with cannabidiol (CBD), helps significantly reduced the frequency of seizures in patients diagnosed with LGS and Dravet syndrome. The drug is considered to be non-psychoactive and contains only less than 0.1 percent THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.

“LGS and Dravet syndrome are two of the most severe and difficult-to-treat forms of childhood-onset epilepsy, with few patients achieving adequate seizure control,” said Professor Elinor Ben-Menachem, professor of neurology and epilepsy at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgren Academy. “The EMA approval of Epidyolex will bring hope to patients and families, with the potential to better control seizures and improve quality of life.”

To date, an estimate of about 50,000 children and young adults in Europe are diagnosed to have one of the two syndromes, with about 10,000 coming from the UK.

Meanwhile, this CBD oral solution has already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in June 2018 under the trade name EPIDIOLEX^®.