Everything You Should Know About Medical Marijuana

 

Everything You Should Know About Medical Marijuana

by Dănuț Încrosnatu: To know more about medical marijuana, continue reading this article. ..

Although they’ve been banned in almost every country in the world, marijuana has been gradually gaining popularity due to its surprising health benefits. Due to that, approximately 30 states have legalized the use of marijuana in the medical field, especially for treating certain illnesses in people over the age of 50. Despite their impending threats to the human body, there’s no denying that this particular type of drug could also benefit many people to some extent.

If you’re considering using it for medical purposes, it’s best to seek help from medical experts, like Medical Marijuana Drs, to ensure your health and safety.

To know more about medical marijuana, continue reading this article.

Medical Marijuana: The New Wonder Drugs 

Although some people are still adamant about their perspectives regarding the use of medical marijuana, there’s no going around the fact that it’s started to gain popularity in the medical world over the past years. Despite the corresponding issues regarding their legalization and safety, medical marijuana has been proven to provide certain health advantages to patients, especially in terms of alleviating body aches and enhancing one’s mental health.

To have a better understanding of medical marijuana, here’s a list of some important information you must know about:

Intrinsically, medical marijuana is made from the dried plants of Cannabis sativa. It could also come from the dried parts of the cannabis plant, such as flowers, leaves, seeds, and stems.

Marijuana also consists of certain types of chemicals called cannabinoids. Widely recognized for their health advantages, medical experts identified two types of substances in marijuana: cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

While many people believe that taking marijuana could make them feel high, note that THC is the one that could create such aftereffects, while CBD poses no mind-altering impacts on one’s mind.

Otherwise known under its common names pot, weed, ganja, hashish, hemp, grass, and cannabis, marijuana was first used for recreational purposes. However, due to the overconsumption of many people, this has been banned in many countries.

While many people would typically label cannabis as a single entity, it’s worth mentioning that it has three major classifications: India, Sativa, and hybrid.

Over the past decades, humans have turned the dried plants of cannabis into herbal remedies and use them as alternative medicines. Today, they’re primarily used to treat various health issues and are believed to improve one’s health and wellness in many ways.

Although it’s considered illegal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and many U.S. agencies have allowed it to be used in the medical field. Particularly, they’ve approved the use of Epidiolex, a cannabis-derived product that’s said to cure seizures.

When it comes to differentiating medical marijuana from recreational cannabis, know that the former is used to relieve symptoms of certain illnesses, while the latter is used to alter one’s mood.

Marijuana plant and cannabis oil bottles isolated Cannabis And The Human Mind 

Although it’s been stated that cannabis doesn’t pose mind-altering effects on someone, you must know that it could still affect it in some ways. Particularly, it could influence the brain receptors and neurotransmitters.

Naturally, the human body produces endogenous cannabinoids through the endocannabinoid system. These hormones are largely similar to cannabis, only that they’re produced in your body. In a way, these hormones could act as the brain neurotransmitters and deliver messages throughout the nervous system.

Consequently, these neurotransmitters could affect certain brain areas that are responsible for one’s memory, concentration, coordination, sensory, time perception, movement, and pleasure sense. Upon taking marijuana, it could also influence the brain’s reward system, which gives off the feeling of self-gratification and satisfaction that one could get from eating and sex.

Apart from that, it could also disrupt normal brain function and could affect certain areas, like reaction time, memory, retention, balance, posture, and coordination.

As a result, people who are under the influence of marijuana aren’t advised to operate machinery, drive a vehicle, or engage in extreme physical activities as these could be harmful to them. In some cases, marijuana could affect one’s perception and could heighten their senses.

Health Benefits Of Medical Marijuana 

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, there are certain health advantages that one could get from taking medical marijuana.

Here’s a list of some health advantages of medical marijuana:

A study shows that cannabis or cannabinoids may help alleviate certain health concerns, such as chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, and early symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Many experts also believe that medical cannabis may help relieve symptoms of sleep disorders, like insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. Not only that, but it may also help in treating fibromyalgia.

Furthermore, medical marijuana may help manage signs of low appetite, Tourette’s syndrome, and epilepsy.

In terms of affecting one’s mental condition, medical marijuana is known for calming the nerves, offering relaxation impacts on one’s body, and lowering inhibitions.

Things To Know About Medical Cannabis 

Medical marijuana could be an extremely helpful drug once taken responsibly. Although it has its fair share of risks and one can’t disregard its dangers, there are also various benefits one can gain from it.

To better know how you can maximize its uses, it’s best to know first some of the most important aspects of medical marijuana. For better information, continue reading the section below:

Patients Reactions Towards Medical Cannabis May Vary 

While there’s no doubt that medical marijuana could offer numerous health benefits to many patients, it’s crucial to note that its impacts may vary depending on the person. Likewise, patients may respond differently to it.

Specifically, many experts believe that patients’ reactions toward medical marijuana may differ depending on their gender, race, age, genetics, and other relevant factors.

Chemical Components Of Cannabis Are Unique 

Cannabis is grouped into three classifications that have different balances of cannabinoids. While some people tend to view them as one, it’s important to note that the chemical compounds found in marijuana are unique from one another and the level of their impact on one’s body may differ.

It’s also crucial to know that not all cannabis is the same. Some types may cause detrimental effects, while others may not. Specifically, THC could give off psychoactive aftereffects, while CBD may help prevent risks of seizures and muscle spasms.

Marijuana Should Be Contaminant-Free 

Before taking medical marijuana, patients should know if the drugs are free of any harmful contaminant. Although their physician might do that for them, people should tell their doctors about their history of medical condition to better know if they’re safe to take the said drug.

It’d also be better for people with a compromised or weak immune system to confirm if their cannabis is free from mold, mildew, pesticides, heavy metals, and other types of contaminants. Through that, they could ensure safe treatment and use.

Determine The Right Dose 

Although the use of medical marijuana has been approved in some states, there are numerous regulations and rules that one must abide by before they take this drug, not to mention the number of health certifications and requirements they need to provide.

People who want to use medical marijuana must, first, identify the right dose that’s suitable for their needs to prevent any complication. In your case, you might want to start with figuring out how much to take after finding the right strain for you. While studies are yet to prove this point, it’s best to consider this option to ensure your safety and optimal health.

Follow The Right Prescription 

The impacts of medical marijuana may depend on how much you take and how often you consume it. To get the most from this drug, it’s best to follow what your doctor has prescribed and avoid overconsumption as it could affect your health.

Also, note that the way you take marijuana could determine its aftereffects on your body. For instance, the effects of vaping or smoking cannabis may last shorter than ingesting it. However, you might need to eat more cannabis-induced foods before you feel any impact, and must wait for at least an hour before you take it again.

Storage Of Marijuana May Affect Its Potency 

When storing your medical marijuana, you must know that the way you store it could affect its overall potency. In some cases, CBD-induced foods lose their potency when exposed to heat and humidity. As a rule of thumb, these products must be stored in a cool, dry place, or refrigerated.

People May Experience Withdrawal Symptoms   

Between THC and CBD, the former may induce more adverse effects to users. However, one may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they’re already reliant on cannabis. Specifically, many people become more at risk of withdrawal symptoms due to marijuana addiction and after an abrupt stop in taking marijuana.

People Can Take Marijuana In Different Ways  

Generally, there are various ways one can take medical marijuana. For instance, one can smoke, cook, or drink medical marijuana. Some products can also be eaten or vaporized.

Besides that, here are some of the primary methods of marijuana consumption:

Vaporizing

Ingesting (edibles)

Tincture (drops)

Topical

Smoking

Key Takeaway 

Marijuana or cannabis is one of the most common types of drugs that could affect one’s entire system in many ways. While the use of marijuana has been prohibited in various countries all over the world, several states have been considering its medicinal properties and are now approving of its use.

Despite their its share of risks, one can’t deny the number of benefits one can get from medical marijuana. Through the above mentioned information, you now have better chances of maximizing its benefits. But, first, it’s best to consult your doctor before anything else to keep yourself safe from adverse effects.

6 facts about cannabis you'll learn at NYC's first weed museum

The Stone Age is open at 607 Sixth Avenue in NYC through October 29. Antonio Martinez/Insider

I visited The Stone Age, NYC's first "immersive, multi-sensory cannabis experience."

Stoned guests will enjoy the art and lights, but you don't have to be high to visit.

Visitors can learn about the wide-ranging effects of cannabis as they explore the space.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

As I ascended through a tunnel of color and light, I thought, "Damn, I wish I was high for this."

Contrary to the artwork, I was not high when I visited The Stone Age. Antonio Martinez/Insider

Entering The Stone Age, a cannabis-themed installation that just opened in New York City, felt like stepping into a lush, green haven from the busy street. Even completely sober, I felt a wave of calm wash over me as I took in the new smells and sounds.

I visited the pop-up a couple days before the October 1 opening. Through the end of the month, canna-curious New Yorkers can explore the multi-sensory exhibition, which consists of original art, custom soundscapes, and even signature scents inspired by weed.

Before I visited the space, I asked creators Sasha Perelman and Elizabeth Santana if I should pregame with our favorite plant. They said, while I was welcome to come high, the experience was about more than just getting stoned.

While I'll certainly go back another time for a 4/20-friendly visit, I think someone who's never tried weed might even have more to gain by visiting. The exhibition is not only fun to explore, but also gives a good overview on how cannabis impacts the body, brain, and society as a whole.

Cannabis can make sexual experiences more enjoyable.

The pendulum swinging over a bed of matches is meant to represent anticipation, Perelman said. Antonio Martinez/Insider

Cannabis acts on the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors focused on maintaining important bodily functions and overall harmony. Humans have natural cannabis-like compounds — endocannabinoids — that usually keep the system running smoothly.

Bringing in extra cannabinoids from an outside source typically decreases pain and increases pleasure — and for many, that extends to sexual pleasure.

People have reported more intense orgasms, lower inhibitions, and greater feelings of intimacy when they used cannabis before or during sex.

Story continues

At The Stone Age, multiple art pieces explore the stages of arousal that may be enhanced by cannabis, from anticipation to orgasm.

Smoking weed "opens your mind" by activating the creative center of the brain.

The nearly 10,000 square foot installation is filled with custom artwork inspired by cannabis. Antonio Martinez/Insider

The part of the brain associated with higher-level thinking is also activated when people get high. Studies have shown that smoking weed increases blood flow to some parts of frontal lobe, the home of creative divergent thinking.

Consuming THC can also boost mood and reduce anxiety via the release of feel-good neurotransmitters. However, some people may have unpleasant reactions to the psychoactive cannabinoid, such as paranoia or anxiety.

There are a ton of cannabinoids besides THC and CBD - and most of them won't get you high.

More than 100 people die of opioid overdoses every day in the US. For some, cannabis is a safer alternative. Antonio Martinez/Insider

There are at least 113 different chemical compounds in cannabis that have wide-ranging effects.

People may be familiar with THC, the one that gets you high, or CBD, a non-intoxicating alternative that can help with pain and anxiety. But they might not know about CBN, a proven sleep aid, or CBG, "the mother of all cannabinoids" thought to be a game-changer for pain relief.

The Stone Age features an installation about the opioid epidemic, framing cannabis as a natural alternative to "big pharma." However, more research is needed to back up the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis.

Terpenes are the secret sauce in your favorite cannabis strain.

I perused a hanging garden of terpene-rich herbs and fruits. Antonio Martinez/Insider

Along with cannabinoids, terpenes are responsible for many of the varied effects of cannabis. Some of them are considered psychoactive, but most of them do not affect the brain unless combined with THC.

These plant-derived compounds have distinctive smells and flavors, and they're not just found in cannabis. A "terpene garden" at TSA showcases fruits and herbs that also contain the aromatic compounds, including mangoes, pine needles, and black pepper.

Some say the blend of terpenes are what makes a strain unique. The compounds definitely influence how a strain smells and tastes, but more research is needed to parse out how certain terpenes affect the overall high.

More people are arrested for cannabis possession than for violent crimes.

The "Awareness' section of TSA incorporates a bed, toilet, and visiting area from a prison to represent people currently incarcerated for weed. Antonio Martinez/Insider

Even though cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized in most US states, tens of thousands of Americans are still doing time for marijuana offenses.

Police make more annual arrests for cannabis possession than murder, rape, robbery, and other serious crimes committed, according to the Last Prisoner Project.

The Stone Age partnered with LPP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cannabis criminal justice reform, to make sure there was a "why" behind the event, Perelman told Insider. QR codes throughout the space invite visitors to read more about the War on Drugs or donate to LPP.

Arrests for cannabis disproportionately affect people of color.

Antonio Martinez/Insider

More than 6 million people are arrested on cannabis-related charges each year, and a total of 15 million are stopped by police based on suspicion, according to LPP.

Most of them are not white. Black people are arrested for marijuana possession nearly four times as often as white people, even though there's virtually no difference in their cannabis consumption, according to NORML.

The War on Drugs has disproportionately targeted communities of color, Perelman told Insider, so the team behind TSA wanted to be sure to include that aspect of cannabis history.

"How can we do a cannabis event and not have that conversation?" Perelman said. "[We want] to be able to create an environment where we're able to educate and create a call to action ... and cannabis is very much the vehicle that drives that."

Read the original article on Insider

Cannabis Trailblazers “Winners Circle Genetics” Specialize in Creating Luxury Strains

Though some weed users may argue that all cannabis strains are the same, an expert in the industry will tell you that they’re not. A true cannabis enthusiast can quickly tell the difference between exotic strains and ordinary strains. Luxury strains are more than potency: the flavor and smell are key factors.

Winners Circle Genetics is a world-class, premium cannabis company with outstanding proprietary genetics. Founders Chris Milano Allion, Hassim Robinson and Abou Thiam know the value and importance of exotic strains. The company is widely known for creating award-winning strains such as Peanut Butter and Jelly and Birkinz. Winners Circle Genetics has also been instrumental in the growth of other companies, as they also offer consultation on brand development for both start-ups and existing companies.

Winners Circle Genetics has been at the top for years now, and they have decided to scale it higher. They now specialize in creating luxury strains for cannabis aficionados. They are the 2020 Hall of Flowers Award recipients for their PBJ strain and partnership with Quavo on the Birkinz strain.

The Birkinz strain is one-of-a-kind with exceptional taste, smell and smoke that made it sell out instantly in all dispensaries statewide. To them, it’s all about bringing the best and incredible luxury strains to spice up the excitement of new cannabis discoveries.

Winners Circle Genetics has partnered with CanaFarma (CNFHF), a public company that will help them raise the much-needed financial freedom to scale. The industry is relatively young, but has stiff competition that calls for perfection.

It may be a lucrative industry, but don’t believe it is a get-rich-quick scheme. To realize profits, you will have to embrace efficiency, smartness, a well-outlined strategy and attention to the laws. This is perhaps why Winners Circle Genetics partnered with CanaFarma (CNFHF) to raise capital and have the best financial approach to expansion.  

The cannabis industry is heavily dominated by corporations, making it hard for young companies to break through—a challenge Winners Circle Genetics overcame. Chris, Hassim, and Abou were able to make it in the industry, giving some of the prominent companies a run for their money. Employing the right strategies from the start has been the secret to their success.

It’s their ambition to scale and become multi-state operators, with their strains retailing in every legal marketplace. The Winners Circle Genetics is the brand aiming to be one the biggest, if not the major one in the country. Their objective is to scale while still maintaining their exceptional quality.

The leadership at Winners Circle Genetics believes there is always room for growth regardless of the size of the business. The key is to constantly work on building your brand by exploiting all the available marketing avenues.

To them, the modern world has made it easy for small businesses, and you can quickly scale by leveraging social media and other marketing outlets. It may take that one deal to scale, and so you should lay down the proper foundation and be ready for any opportunity that may come your way.