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Senior Moments – How Older Adults Can Benefit from CBD

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Cannabis

The landmark passage of the 2018 Farm Bill was a great victory for the cannabis industry, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) manufacturers. The bill legalizes the raising and production of hemp and products derived from it such as CBD. Now, anyone in the U.S., including seniors can avail the healing powers of CBD products by purchasing them at physical or online stores.

Even before the passage of the Farm Bill, many users have already benefitted from the therapeutic powers of CBD. Many people also visit the 33 US states where medical marijuana is legal. But still, many seniors remain clueless about how cannabidiol improve their quality of life without the dangerous side-effects of prescription medicines.

CBD – A Potent and Safe Compound

The Cannabis genus, where marijuana and hemp belong, has been used for centuries as medicine. According to history, as early as 2737 BC, Ancient Chinese Emperor Shen Nung already used cannabis for rheumatism, malaria, gout, and absent-mindedness. Americans in the mid-19th century also used marijuana and hemp for curing labor pains, rheumatism, and nausea.

While cannabis has many therapeutic wonders, only a few people use them for fear of getting intoxicated. But thanks to the discovery of CBD, anyone can get the plant’s amazing healing powers without the experiencing mind-altering results. Many studies prove that cannabidiol does not give off harmful effects to the mind and body. The World Health Organization even stated that this compound has no “abuse or dependence potential.” The global health body also attested that there is no proof of public health-related issues stemming from the use of pure CBD. The safety of CBD extends to the seniors, who often need a prescription and alternative medicines to improve their lives.

Seniors in America

Nearly 46 million individuals in the U.S. are aged 65 or older. While some aged well with few ailments, others suffer multiple health problems at their old age. But the fact remains that our body will face the increased threat of severe health problems as it starts to deteriorate. Whether we like it or not, people at this age are prone to a wide range of diseases and other health conditions that hamper their mobility and mental efficiency. Let’s look at these facts:

Senior Couple Cannabis

The Harvard Neurodiscovery Center found out that 5 million seniors have Alzheimer’s, 1 million from Parkinson’s, 300,000 from multiple sclerosis. The CDC found that 49.6% of seniors have arthritis, while Mental Health America discovered that 27% of them suffer from anxiety disorders, which significantly affect personal and social wellbeing.

With the various ailments and health problems our seniors are facing, we need to help them live their lives to the fullest. While traditional medicine from doctors provides relief to their pains, CBD is a potent healing substance that can act as an alternative to the potentially dangerous drugs.

Health Benefits of CBD to seniors

  • Pain Relief and Management

Nearly every senior suffers from different types of pain and inflammation. Research has shown that 50% of seniors living on their own and 75%-85% them residing in care facilities experience chronic pain. However, pain suffered by people in this age group remains undertreated. Aside from constant uneasiness, pain and inflammation can lead to severe health consequences like depression, anxiety, poor sleeping habits, lowered mobility, social isolation, and related health risks.

Doctors prescribe painkillers, analgesics and other kinds of medicines to manage the pain. CBD, with its capacity to influence the pain receptors in the body, is a great alternative. It can alleviate chronic pain from arthritis, migraine, multiple sclerosis. The substance also has properties that curb inflammation and protects the nerves.

  • Anxiety and Depression

Around 15%-20% of Americans above 65 have experienced depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Meanwhile, between 3% and 14% of older adults meet the criteria for a diagnosable anxiety disorder, a condition that causes distress. Anxiety also interferes with their daily activities. Both conditions lead to a variety of health problems and decreased functioning in everyday life. Aside from experiencing somber moods, depression is also a threat to senior health as this condition exposes them to infections. Depression can reduce the activity of the immune system to fight infections.

Researchers from Brazil found that CBD can release blood flow to the brain in patterns that are consistent with an anti-anxiety effect. It can also trigger the release of neurotransmitters responsible in regulating emotional behavior, including anxiety and depression.

  • Improved Sleeping Patterns

Many older people are having difficulty maintaining a good night’s slumber. Many seniors complain they don’t get enough sleep because of different sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome to name a few. Other seniors have difficulty sleeping because of other medical conditions like chronic pain and arthritis.

Many researchers found out that CBD is proven to help the body maintain homeostasis. It can influence and interact with serotonin receptors and GABA receptors in the brain, according to Gretchen Lidicker, author of CBD Oil: Everyday Secrets: A Lifestyle Guide To Hemp-Derived Health and Wellness.  Serotonin is crucial to the regulation of mood and anxiety, while GABA is known for calming excess brain activity and promotes relaxation. With its anti-anxiety and mind-calming properties, cannabidiol can put you in a state conducive to quality sleep.

  • Improves Appetite

Eating disorders are common among seniors. Almost 80% of deaths related to anorexia occur among older adults. Their loss of appetite may lose their desire to eat due to several reasons, which may include decisions about maintaining or improving their body image. Eating disorders can also come from depression and other psychological reasons beyond their control. As a substance that can maintain homeostasis, CBD can influence the release of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Another study found that people with eating disorders such as anorexia have a partially underactive or impaired endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is crucial for maintaining the homeostasis of the body. With the proper dosage and ingestion method, CBD has the potential to correct the functioning of ECS.

  • Boosts Cardiovascular Health

More Americans, especially seniors, are killed by cardiovascular disease than any other illness. Hence, keeping a healthy heart is vital for the elderly. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, doctors also prescribe maintenance medication to help keep the blood pressure within the normal range and to improve the functioning of the heart.

CBD can reduce the resting blood pressure. Aside from lowering high blood pressure, studies also found that the cannabidiol’s antioxidant properties can contribute to the reduction of cardiac inflammation and can also delay the death of cells caused by oxidative stress.

  • Fights Alzheimer’s and other Neurodegenerative Diseases

As we age, our brain is prone to many diseases. Among them are Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Although not exclusive to this age group, the majority of people who have Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s gradually worsen as years pass by.

CBD is a powerful antioxidant. Some studies have linked diets rich with antioxidants to a lowered risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases in the brain such as Parkinson’s disease. Also, studies also reveal CBD can help in getting rid of a toxic protein attributed to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

  • Helps Cancer Patients

CBD can help cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. The American Cannabidiol can reduce side-effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. The substance can also relieve severe pain associated with cancer.

Laboratory studies also revealed the efficacy of chemotherapy with CBD for cancer patients. The study showed that the treatment inhibited the rate of spreading of cancer cells in mice. The procedure also tripled the survival rate of mice with pancreatic cancer. A 2013 study showed that the combination of therapies reduced the reproduction of cancer cells. Other studies also revealed that the chemotherapy and CBD combination contributed to the repair of damaged cells while keeping the balance of healthy cells in the body.

  • Bolsters Bone Health

Osteoporosis, a condition that results in the weakening of the bones over time, affects more than 50 million Americans. The body of a person with these debilitating diseases is unable to replace bone tissue as quickly as it sheds it. Around 50% of women and 25% of men, aged 50 and above, endure at least one bone fracture because of osteoporosis and weakening bones.

While osteoporosis has no cure, there are ways to prevent this condition from progressing. In one laboratory experiment on mice showed that CBD could influence bone remodeling. In another study, researchers found that CBD can contribute to the healing of fractures and support healthier bones. What’s more, cannabidiols can be also beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Seniors are prone to many diseases, many of which have serious consequences. By using CBD oils and other products, many elderly Americans can get safe, natural, and effective treatment they deserve. To get the best results from cannabidiol, seniors should consult doctors to make sure they get the right dosage for their health condition.

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Having the Talk: A Parent’s Guide to Discussing Pot with Kids

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Parents have the difficult task of raising their children to be humane, well-adjusted and reasonable human beings, among other things. With all the discussions regarding marijuana use and its legality, this topic has become part of the ‘talk’ alongside sex and reproductive health. If you are looking for ways to talk to your children about this plant, here tips you can follow:

Talk About the Facts

As a parent, you want to make sure that your children know about what cannabis is all about. After all, one of the most powerful things in assuring safe usage is knowledge. Here are some marijuana facts you need to talk about:

  • It’s Different Names

It is understandable that you want to prevent your kids from consuming this plant until you know that they are of legal age and are responsible enough to guarantee responsible usage. This is why one of the first things your kids should be aware of is the other names attached to marijuana. Aside from being called marijuana, cannabis and hemp, some of the most common names include weed, pot, dope, hash, ganja, kaya and Mary Jane.

  • The Plant

Once you introduce the various names for weed, you can proceed to tell them what exactly the plant is. You might want to talk about its two major species namely sativa and indica, as well as the two major chemical compounds found in the plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Then, point out that CBD is a highly medicinal component of the plant, whilst THC has the psychoactive and sedative effects.

  • Marijuana Laws

Due to the medical properties of this herb, it is now legal in most of the United States, Canada, Uruguay and Thailand, while some countries are still deliberating its legality. If you live in a place where medical and/or recreational marijuana is legal, then make sure to talk about the regulatory laws enforced in your place of residence.

  • Hemp Oil and Other Cannabis Products

Children and teenagers are naturally curious and you can bet that they will try unfamiliar products presented to them. Because of this, it is important to inform them that while they might avoid actual dried weed, it is still possible for them to consume the herb   unknowingly. This can be done through cannabis-infused products such as edibles and drinkables.

Expose them to Child-Friendly Materials

Now, once you discuss some of the highlight talking points about cannabis, you want to make sure that they maintain an objective view of this wonderful plant. This is important so as not to create a bias for or against the plant, and to let them decide for themselves whether or not to consume this plant. To encourage independent thinking whilst ensuring that they get safe information regarding this matter, giving them materials that tackle this herb.

For children, why not get “It’s Just a Plant” by Ricardo Cortes and “What’s that Weed” by Ross Hudson? These children’s books help involve children in the marijuana conversation by presenting easily understandable facts. Aside from this, make sure to give them an objective source, such as those informational materials you can get from the educational institutions.

By doing this, you are empowering your children by enriching their knowledge, while also giving them the chance to do some learning and thinking themselves.

Parents’ guidance is some of the most important factors in shaping the lives of children. By objectively discussing cannabis with your kids, you are making sure that they get their information from a source that has their best interest in mind.

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Weed the Best: Essential Spring Cannabis Accessories to Have

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Weed Spring Accessories

Spring has always been a time for hope and all that springs eternal. However, for most individuals such as college students and even working professionals, spring is a time when they can relax and have the time of their lives. After all, with spring break just around the corner, more and more people are looking to experience a much-deserved break, particularly after a stressful period in their lives.

Individuals who are looking forward to this once a year occasion usually have plans in mind. Many times, people have already pencilled in parties left and right. Meanwhile, other people who are new to the allures of spring break tend to chill at home or even prefer to hang out with a select group of friends, especially with a bag of weed in hand.

Since 4/20 and spring break are only a few weeks away, preparing for this momentous occasion is only but important. Apart from preparing your ever reliable stash of ganja, you might also want to stock on some of your favorite CBD oil edibles and your preferred brand of CBD oil.

However, if you are interested in elevating this celebration, why not switch it up and replace all of your old pieces with some new ones? Whether you are looking to try CBD vape juice or looking for some fresh accessories to cop for this season, this article will surely help you get the best weed-themed spring essentials. From fashion to food to home goods, this list will have everything you need and more.

Below are some goods you can get for yourself or for your beloved friends and family. Who knows, these items might just spark their interest in collecting weed spring accessories and essentials.

For the Weed Enthusiast

There is nothing better than giving a weed enthusiast new strains and novel items on the market. To help get their excitement flowing, giving them unrefined rolling papers or even raw ore-rolled tips can greatly help to avoid the dreaded joint rolling process. With this in your (or your friend’s) arsenal, you can enjoy continuous smoking pleasure all throughout the day.

To accompany your rolled joints, get yourself or your best buds some of the finest lighters on the market. Zippo has an iridescent lighter available on their collection, perfect for 4/20 and your spring break happenings. This trippy color will certainly evoke feelings of the best dreamlike state you won’t want to miss out on.

If you find yourself always running out of lighter fluid when you need it, getting a compact, rechargeable lighter might just do the trick. Tetra has a wide range of sleek and affordable lighters you can give everyone you know.

For the Purist

On the other hand, if you want pure unadulterated pleasure, getting yourself one of the best grinders on the market will surely enhance your use. If you plan on going from different houses or venues to celebrate the coming of spring, a nifty yet durable grinder-keeper is your best bet.

The Combie grind and roll accessory allows you to freshly grind your herbs. At the same time, this travel-safe tool helps you keep your essentials in place and organized than ever before. With built-in compartments inside, this weapon of choice can hold your papers, filters, lighters, and many more. The best part? It can fit your pocket, allowing you to bring it everywhere you go.

For the Accessory Fiend

There’s always that one friend who values aesthetics over functionality. More often than not, these individuals are always drawn to cute, unique, quirky, and one-of-a-kind pieces that help them stand out from the crowd.

Some of these pieces include crystal clear pipes and uniquely shaped bongs designed to complement your lifestyle and personality. Coming in different shapes, sizes, and colors, adding one of these to your collection will definitely make your circle of friends green with envy. Some even come in pastel shades that will fit right in your coffee table, making a perfect conversation starter when you have guests over.

Another one of these timeless and elegant pieces is the ruby and diamond encrusted CBD vape pen from the ultra-luxe Beverly Hills Cannabis Club, retailing for about $196,000. If you have money to spare, this might just be the ultimate accessory you can get not only for the season but also for your everyday use.

However, if you find that this purchase is a little out of your budget, you can opt for a more modest, yet eye-catching gold weed leaf grinder from Blunted Objects that also doubles as a necklace. These are particularly made for women who love their weed yet still want casual but elegant pieces that can go with their everyday looks.

For the Fashion Forward

Gone are the days when ganja goddesses are wearing tacky prints that are obviously inspired by weed. Today, more and more individuals are being provided options that are not only subtle but also ones that appear professional. Even better, these items can be used on a daily basis and with numerous clothing pieces that can be taken from day to night.

One of these important and perhaps much-needed pieces on the market is leather clutches and bags to store cannabis essentials. Toronto-based company, Milkweed, has ventured into making these leather goods so that women – and men – can store their goods in a more natural and organic way, one that they can use without feeling ashamed.

Meanwhile, Seattle-based business, Van der Pop, makes an equally sleek and fantastic stash bag. Their secret weapon? The bag is said to conceal odor, allowing you to go on your errands and meetings without fearing like you will reek of this herb anywhere you go.

Speaking of bags, Alexander Wang previously released a blush pink bucket bag that’s peppered with weed leaf prints. Finished with a silver chain, this will surely elevate any outfit you have on. Plus points for this seemingly dainty bag since it can fit your CBD oil vape pen starter kit, smartphone, and many more.

Finish off your look with a vintage-looking cannabis-themed watch and you’re all set. The very face of this watch will remind you that spring is just around the corner and that 4/20 is not just a state of mind.

For the Homebody

Decorating homes have become a big thing over the past couple of years. Websites, television shows, and even YouTube channels are created to cater to audiences who have long been raring to renovate and enhance their own spaces. If you are one of these individuals, spring break is the best time to overhaul your space. You can even replace some of the decors in your house with weed-friendly pieces.

A ceramic tray trio will definitely fit right into your home, especially in your bathroom, bedroom, or living room areas. Complete with an ashtray, rolling tray, and stash jar, you can keep your ganja and your CBD hemp oil all in one place. You can even display your CBD beauty products using this tray from Lux Eros, leaving guests gushing about your gorgeous addition.

To add depth and dimension into your space, putting up frames is a great idea, especially when you are not blessed with a green thumb. A botanical cannabis diagram print from Etsy can easily be hung in your foyer or in your dining area. Such a subtle print will go with spaces that exude Scandinavian and minimalist vibes.

While you may be tempted to invest on some marijuana-themed throw pillows for your couch or for your bed, bear in mind that these accessories can easily mess up the balance of your place. Unless you are going for an eclectic look, opt for neutral-colored pillows that can work with different parts of your house.

For the Food Lover

Whether you are a foodie at heart or just know someone who loves food and weed as much as you, investing in some CBD hemp oil edibles for you and your friends to snack on is important. Betty Khronic has vegan energy bars that contain 50 milligrams of CBD, perfect for snacking at home or while you are on the go.

If you are worried about bad breathtaking a toll on you, worry not. Plus Gum has spearmint-flavored gum that refreshed your breath and even helps you relax, especially with its 25 milligrams of THC.

Fond of making your own version of sweets and edibles? The Magical Butter dark chocolate mix is specially formulated so that you can add herbal butter as well as ingredients and pure cannabidiol oil in. With this in your kitchen pantry, 4/20 and spring break will definitely be a magical experience for each and every one. As a matter of fact, you can just imagine making weed-infused brownies, cakes, cookies, and more.

Cannabis essentials and accessories don’t have to be boring, not ever and especially not during spring break. With these beautiful pieces, you can make your home, fashion, personality, and overall experience one for the books.

 

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Music that Let You Experience the Feeling of Being High

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Cannabis Inspired Music

For some people, getting high with marijuana is an easily achievable feat because they have the means and access to the wonderful plant. However, there are individuals who cannot get their hands on the herb, making them wonder what it feels like to be high. If you are one of these people, worry not because you can listen to songs that let you experience that particular feeling given by marijuana.

What to Listen to for a Taste that Feeling

Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix

First on our list is the legendary Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze. Named after the cannabis strain, this song literally talks about the effect of the THC-rich marijuana variety. As tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for being the psychoactive component of weed, this strain is sure to give the consumer a sense of euphoria and enhanced creative energies. Purple Haze is so THC-rich that its highest recorded THC-content is 20%.

This must be the reason why Hendrix was talking about ‘acting funny’ and ‘kissing the sky.’ Whilst this variety gave the singer an extraordinary sense of happiness, he also tackled other effects of this type such as confusion (‘Don’t know if it’s night or day’). Well, there is no wonder because THC can give a body high that locks you in the couch and gives you a sedated feeling.

I Am the Walrus by The Beatles

With the immense popularity of The Beatles, it could be safe to assume that nobody has not heard of this illustrious band. And if you are familiar with this band, you may recognize their use of wit and humor, evident in their song I Am the Walrus. Listening to this song is really a trippy experience, especially as it was written while they were riding a high from another substance.

With lyrics such as ‘sittin’ on a cornflake’ and ‘I am the egg man, they are the egg men,’ you get a taste of how it is to be high, especially with the added creativity and otherworldly feeling given by weed. If you think this is everything that this song offers, try watching its music video to witness a whole new level of high.

Youforia by Mac Miller

Aside from the lyrics, other important elements in songs are the melody, beats and instruments found in the background. The backing track in Mac Miller’s Youforia has this fascinating quality to it that resembles the feeling of being high. From the pulsating and buzzing synthesizer sounds to soothing beats, this song can lull you into a gentle sense of relaxation which marijuana can help achieve. The title even plays with the word ‘euphoria,’ which is commonly experienced by tokers once they take a hit or two,

Binaural Beats

Commonly called audio or digital drugs, these types of tracks are used to induce a feeling of being high. Some even claim that it actually gets you high. If you are wondering what these are, binaural tracks are digitally created audio tracks that have a trippy quality to them. These tracks concentrate frequencies that tap your brain to achieve the desired effect. So, basically, listening to these tracks allow you to achieve different purposes. You can find that improves concentration, relaxation and sleep, just like the effects of CBD and THC to our bodies.

Nothing beats the feeling of actually consuming cannabis but in the event that you do not have a joint to enjoy, listening to these tracks can do the trick. Better yet, try listening to them while blazing up if you have the means to truly indulge on the plant, as well as the pleasure these pieces of art have to offer.

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