Common Myths About Cannabis Debunked

June 28, 2019/in Blog /by Ian Baker

There is a huge amount of fake news swirling around out there about marijuana and its effects. The discussion around legalizing marijuana can get emotions running high, with people standing stridently on one side or the other. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the most common myths wafting around about cannabis products and clear the haze to reveal the reality. Here are the most common marijuana myths debunked!

“Marijuana is a Gateway Drug”

The idea that Marijuana use can lead to harder drugs like cocaine and heroin is prevalent. Although many users of illicit ‘class A’ drugs have previously used marijuana (probably because it is widely available) that certainly doesn’t mean that it causes the use of harder drugs. Correlation is not causality. A report by the institute of medicine actually stated that “There is no conclusive evidence that the drug effects of marijuana are causally linked to the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs.”

Because underage smoking and alcohol use tend to precede marijuana use, marijuana can’t be seen as the first or most common “gateway” to illicit drug use. Marijuana has also been found to be much less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, not to mention harder drugs; you can’t overdose on it and it doesn’t have the toxicity of alcohol and other substances. So, just to be clear, you don’t need to worry about that spliff leading you down a dark road to meth addiction.

“Marijuana is addictive”

Firstly, let’s look at what addiction actually means. Addiction is defined by the NIH (National Institute on Drug Abuse) as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain’.

Now, although there has been some evidence of dependence on cannabis in certain frequent, long-term users, casual use is certainly not going to lead to addiction. When you consider the fact that many pot smokers are not actually heavy users, the idea of addiction becomes even less viable. Measured against other drugs, research has suggested that about 9 percent of marijuana products users become dependent compared to 15 percent of cocaine users and 24 percent of heroin users. Most cannabis users can stop smoking when they want to (unlike cigarette smokers) and they don’t have a compulsive drive to use the drug. It’s also important to note that people who use medical marijuana for chronic health issues typically use it for long-term symptom management, and this should never be mistaken for addiction.

“Marijuana kills brain cells”

Ever walk into a room and wonder what you’re doing there? Well, rest assured that it isn’t blazing up that has given you temporary amnesia. There is intense discussion over the neurological effects of marijuana, and the anti-cannabis brigade would have you believe that a single toke will make you forget where you live. However, evidence from several scientific studies seems to suggest otherwise.

Some studies have shown that when adolescents are exposed to very high levels of THC–the psychoactive component of marijuana–it can cause changes in cognition, but this is probably because of the malleability of the brain at this stage of life. In contrast, a study by researchers at the University of Bonn actually showed that small, daily doses of THC in the elderly improved cognitive health and reversed brain aging. CBD compounds have actually been found to be neuroprotective and can be beneficial for issues like epilepsy and MS, and some studies have even shown cannabis to be neuroregenerative—meaning rather than killing brain cells, it can actually help you to build new ones!

Although the evidence about the exact effects of cannabis on the brain is inconclusive, there is absolutely no evidence to support the idea that it kills brain cells.

“Medical Cannabis is a Myth”

This myth is completely false and extremely detrimental to the work of medical professionals and the health and wellbeing of people being successfully treated with medical cannabis.

Some people argue that marijuana has no medicinal uses, is no different from recreational cannabis, and that it shouldn’t be legally accessible. However, in the US, more than 2.5 million patients use medical marijuana, and it has been shown to have some incredible benefits, particularly in easing patients suffering from chronic pain (a huge problem in the US). THC is known to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and there is also evidence that CBD compounds have positive effects on relaxing muscles in conditions including MS, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy, with the FDA recently approving Epidiolex (cannabidiol) for the treatment of seizures. There is also evidence that marijuana can help certain mental disorders, most notably in veterans with PTSD, with 16 states now legalizing its use for that purpose.

We hope this post has vaporized some of the most persistent and prevalent myths about cannabis in our society.

California Marijuana Laws & Regulations

June 16, 2019/in Blog /by Ian Baker

California has a long history with fighting for and against cannabis. During the early 1900s, the state’s general consensus about marijuana was that the substance was a significant threat to society. It was unceremoniously placed in the same grouping as opium and morphine. Opinions have changed radically over the years from those early days. From it being considered a highly toxic substance, to the recent legalization of both medical and recreational use of marijuana.

California’s history of Marijuana Laws

The first renowned law regarding cannabis in California was the “Poison Act of 1907.” Although, not originally about cannabis. The approval of the law made it illegal to use or sell cocaine or opiates, including morphine and opium. In 1913 an addendum was added to the “Poison Act of 1907”, adding cannabis to the list of illegal drugs.

The “Marihuana Tax Act” in 1937 upgraded the “Poison Act” to prohibit the use of cannabis except for industrial and medical purposes. The legislation was repealed in 1970, and harsher laws were created against the use of marijuana. Just a few years later, lawmakers tried to reverse the public opinion of cannabis. In 1972 Proposition 19 went up for a vote. The law would have overturned prior legislation and decriminalized the use of pot for individuals 18 and over. The voters weren’t ready for the legalization of marijuana, and the law was voted down.

By 1975, as society became more accepting of personal freedoms, public opinion about marijuana began to change. The approval of California Senate Bill 95 downgraded the possession of 1 oz. or less of marijuana from a felony to a misdemeanor.

The first big win for cannabis came in 1996. California became the first state to allow the use of medical marijuana with the voter’s approval of Proposition 215, the “Compassionate Use Act.” The next win came years later. On January 1, 2018, California voter’s approved Proposition 64, the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act.”

Legalization of Recreational Use in California

The “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” legalizes the recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and over. Within the state of California, users can legally buy marijuana from California dispensaries. They can possess up to 1 oz. of dried marijuana or 8 grams concentrated cannabis (Hashish). Under the new law, users are restricted to consuming the substance on private property only.

The new legislation also allows Individuals 21 and over to cultivate up to six marijuana plants per residence for their own personal use. The plants must be grown indoors in a secure area unless outdoor growing is permitted by local ordinances. All types of cultivation and use are subject to local and state regulations.

Under the new law, using cannabis in a vehicle is considered illegal. It’s also unlawful to use in a public place such as a restaurant or park, or where children are present. Employers still have the legal right to fire an employee for testing positive for marijuana. This includes even if they weren’t using the substance during work hours.

It’s also illegal to sell, give away, import, or transport marijuana without a state or local commercial license. Individuals with medical marijuana permits and their primary caregivers are exempt from the transportation ban when transporting the substance for personal use.

Cannabis and Federal Law

There is one large catch to the laws that make both the medical and recreational use of marijuana legal in the state of California. According to current United States federal laws, any use of marijuana is still illegal.

In 1970 Congress passed the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) classifying marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, a controlled substance. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), drugs listed under schedule 1 are “substances or chemicals with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”

Being listed under schedule 1 makes possessing marijuana anywhere in the United States a federal offense. This overrides any laws legalizing cannabis in the various states. Federal agents can arrest individuals for possession or cultivation of pot. Although, in theory, federal agents won’t pursue low-level marijuana users.

Cannabis Regulations

The number of states that have laws legalizing both the medical and recreational use of cannabis is increasing quickly. Currently, thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have legalized some level of marijuana use. As more states approve laws regarding pot, discrepancies are becoming an issue with legislation varying widely from local regulations to state-level laws, and between states. There is no national governing body regulating the cannabis industry. This is primarily because on a federal level, the use, possession, and cultivation of marijuana are still illegal, no matter what the states say.

The cannabis regulations and laws in California are right in line with a growing number of states legalizing marijuana for all adults, for both medical and recreational use. The biggest hurdle for states, including California, are the federal agencies that won’t budge on their view of marijuana as an illicit drug with no positive benefits to society.

Difference between THC and CBD

May 29, 2019/in Blog /by Ian Baker

As the legalization of both medicinal and recreational marijuana becomes more widespread nationwide, an influx of cannabis products has invaded the cannabis industry. The ingredients in these commodities incorporate variations of different levels of both THC and CBD. These are the two main chemicals for commercial use that are extracted from the cannabis plant. Marijuana products range from having a combination of the compounds to having just one or the other.

Both THC and CBD are chemicals from the same type of marijuana plant. They also possess many of the same beneficial properties. If they are so much alike, then what is the difference between THC and CBD? Here is a simple overview of what makes the two different.

THC

There are approximately 400 chemicals found in cannabis sativa, one of the primary marijuana plants. Over sixty of those compounds are cannabinoids, with THC and CBD being the two most common. THC is extracted from the resin and is used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The composite of THC is the psychoactive substance in the marijuana plant that gives the user a feeling of being “high.”

The chemical term for THC is tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s also known as delta9-tetrahyrdrocannabinol, delta9-THC, weed, pot, and many other scientific and street names. Medicinally, THC is branded as Dronabinol. The drug Dronabinol is marketed as Marinol and Syndros. These drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of anorexia due to HIV/Aids, and to help relieve nausea and vomiting that is often associated with chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients.

This is also the chemical component in the marijuana plant that users choose for recreational purposes. The THC in marijuana can make the user feel a sense of relaxation or euphoria. It may also do the opposite by uplifting the user with a boost of energy.

When used in extremely high doses, the compound may cause adverse reactions. It can disrupt varies systems in our bodies that control functions associated with emotions, mood, perception, thought process, and motor skills. This can cause the user to make poor decisions and slow the body’s reaction time for physical movements. Misuse of the chemical has been shown to cause an increase in depressed moods and addiction.

CBD

CBD is also known as cannabidiol. This compound is also derived from the cannabis plant but doesn’t have the psychoactive qualities that THC does. As an infused oil or in other forms such as lotions and creams, CBD has many beneficial healing attributes.

CBD is one of the main cannabinoids in medical marijuana. Many of the treatments that CBD and medical marijuana are suggested for are not approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA did recently approve medical marijuana for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Although not sanctioned officially by the FDA, medical marijuana and CBD are used to treat and reduce symptoms of a wide range of health issues. These include conditions and diseases such as Multiple sclerosis (MS), glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, wasting syndrome (cachexia), and Crohn’s disease, among many others. The compounds in CBD also have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation significantly.

Endocannabinoid System

In 1990 scientist discovered that our bodies have an endocannabinoid system that produces endocannabinoids. These are naturally occurring molecules that are very similar in structure to cannabis. The endocannabinoid system helps to maintain our body’s homeostasis. This is the function of creating harmony in our body in response to changes in our environment.

When scientists first discovered the new system, they believed the endocannabinoid receptors were only found in the brain. They ascertained there are two primary receptors, CB1 and CB2. Although many of the CB1 receptors are located in the brain, both are also found throughout our bodies. These receptors have been discovered in our body’s immune cells, bones, fat tissues, muscles, blood vessels, liver, pancreas, heart, digestive tract, skin, and throughout the brain.

In conjunction with other systems, the endocannabinoid system is involved in different processes throughout our bodies. Some of these processes are associated with sensing pain, appetite, memory, and mood. It’s also involved in other aspects of our body, including our metabolism, immunity, and reproductive functions. Many of these are the same functions that are affected by both THC and CBD compounds.

Uses for both THC and CBD

There are a wide variety of CBD and THC products. You just can visit the nearest marijuana dispensary to choose the right products for you, or you can order online.

There are a wide variety of uses for both of these compounds. THC and CBD can be infused with oils such as coconut and hemp. These infused oils can be mixed with other ingredients to create tinctures, lotions, creams, massage oils, candles, and other products. When used as a topical, THC doesn’t cause an individual to get high.

The main difference between THC and CBD is their opposing psychoactive properties. Marijuana with higher THC levels is more commonly used to smoke for its mind and body altering effects. CBD is more often incorporated in products for its healing benefits without giving the user the high feeling.

Marijuana After Workout: Can You Benefit From It?

May 1, 2019/in Blog /by Ian Baker

Whether you are just starting to train for your first 5K or are a veteran tri-athlete, you are always looking for ways to enhance your workout. Knowing what foods to eat for energy, finding the best drinks to replenish electrolytes or the most comfortable clothes for long distant running, you want to see what will benefit you the most. Cannabis may be the next best thing for your workout!

The healing qualities of cannabis are currently being widely used to treat and relieve symptoms of a variety of illnesses and conditions such as cancer, epilepsy and seizures. The compounds in the substance have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation significantly. Marijuana also has both calming and energizing properties. These overall qualities of healing, relaxation, and energizing effects can be beneficial to all aspects of your exercise routines. Here’s a basic overview of how cannabis can help improve your workouts.

The Difference of adding THC or CBD to your Workout

There are over 60 cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis sativa plant, also known as the marijuana plant. These cannabinoid compounds have a variety of qualities that have been used for thousands of years for treating diseases, in cooking, and helping with relaxation, among other things.

THC is one of the most widely used of these compounds. It’s a crystalline chemical that is derived from the resin of the plant. This is the substance in marijuana that has various psychoactive qualities, giving users the typical euphoric high feeling. Depending on the level of THC, and the strain of the plant the compound is obtained from, the substance has qualities that can give the user an overall sense of calm, or a boost of energy. Due to its psychoactive effects, it’s often used for recreational purposes.

CBD is the other most commonly used compound derived from the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t give the user a high. It’s one of the main ingredients in medical marijuana. The substance is commonly used for its healing qualities including, relieving localized pain and as an anti-inflammatory. For athletes and non-athletes, this is beneficial for sports injuries and for common post-workout muscle cramps, strains, and stiffness.

The downside to THC and CBD for a Workout

The benefits of using THC and CBD for all aspects of your workout outweigh the small number of disadvantages. There are a few factors to take into consideration, though. Before using marijuana to enhance your exercise routine, know how your body will react. Due to differences in our body’s metabolism and other factors, including medications being taken and threshold for tolerance, each person’s reaction to the chemical will be slightly different. If you aren’t a regular user, try it a few times on non-workout days to test out the level you think you will want and to see how it makes you feel.

The different levels and combinations of THC and CBD can cause different effects. The type of workout you are undertaking, the duration and intensity of the exercise, and your fitness level should all be taken into account when deciding what strain of marijuana and level of THC you choose. Too high a dose of THC can cause extreme euphoria, or be more like a sedative. Neither is beneficial for any type of exercise routine. You don’t want to be too jittery or feel like you need to sit on the couch and become a zombie.

Tips for Adding Cannabis to Your Exercise Routine

Nowadays, it is so popular to hear about marijuana is sports, but before making cannabis part of your workout routine, determine what effect you are looking for. Do you want to be a more relaxed pre-workout or have a higher level of energy to help you through a more intense routine? If you are doing yoga, you may want a low dose of THC to help you relax into the poses. For team sports, such as baseball or football, you might need a bit more of the substance in combination with CBD for focus and energy.

Cannabis-infused massage oils, creams, and lotions are a great addition to post-workout treatments. They can help reduce localized pain and inflammation from minor sprains and over-use. A CBD topical can also help relieve muscle cramps, spasms, and soreness. THC in a topical doesn’t give the user a high like other forms of the compound does.

Adding cannabis to your exercise routine can assist you in achieving your fitness goals in several ways. The right level of TCH, and in combination with CBD, can give you the help you need to be more focused and energized for the game, more relaxed for yoga, or ready to run all 26 kilometers. Whether you are looking for ways to get motivated during your pre-workout, energized for your main workout, or pain relief for your post-workout, cannabis may have the exact benefits you are looking for.

Mixing CBD and THC-How do They Work Together

April 17, 2019/in Blog /by Ian Baker

In the cannabis industry marketers work to create marijuana strains that are pleasing to the user and gives them a specific desired effect, whether that be for medicinal or recreational purposes. They can achieve this by mixing the different strains and chemicals that are naturally occurring in the marijuana plant. This makes it possible to produce substances that can create different moods and provide various healing qualities.

The two primary compounds in marijuana are CBD and THC. The main difference between CBD and THC is that one has psychoactive qualities, and one doesn’t. They both have properties that can be used for healing. Mixing CBD and THC together at different levels can create a wide variety of results. Adding other compounds from the marijuana plant to these two main chemicals can create an even more extensive array of unique mixtures. Here’s a basic overview of what happens when THC, CBD, and other compounds are mixed together to form various cannabis blends.

THC and CBD

There are approximately 400 chemicals found in the most commonly cultivated marijuana plant, cannabis sativa. The major compounds in the plant include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Many of these are recognized to have various psychoactive and medicinal properties. The two most well-known of the chemicals are in the cannabinoid group, THC and CBD.

THC is a crystalline substance that is extracted from the resin of the plant. Its properties are valuable for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The primary use for the chemical is the psychoactive property that gives the user a feeling of being “high.”. After that, it is important to know how to come down from a high.

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a compound that is also derived from the cannabis plant. The substance doesn’t have the psychoactive qualities that THC does. CBD is most widely used for its healing properties that include reducing both pain and inflammation.

Taking THC and CBD together can change the effects the marijuana has on a person. Some studies have shown CBD may lessen the psychoactive impact of THC. How much the result is reduced depends on the ratio of CBD to THC. The other variables include when each dose was taken, whether they were ingested together, and which one of the chemicals was introduced into the user’s bloodstream first. In some cases, the CBD enhanced the mind-altering qualities of the THC. Researchers believe CBD and THC are also effected by the amount in the mixture of the other naturally occurring chemicals found in marijuana, such as terpene. This mixture of chemicals is often called the entourage effect.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is the notion that blending certain compounds found in the marijuana plant together can create a set of specific results. The different mixtures can change the mood of a user, such as give them an overall sense of calm or lift them up into a feeling of euphoria. The chemicals can also be integrated together to enhance the medicinal qualities, such as from relieving nausea to reducing seizures in epilepsy.

The problem with the entourage effect is the lack of current scientific understanding of the composition and impact of the chemicals found in the different strains of the cannabis plant. This is due to marijuana being labeled as a schedule 1 controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a schedule 1 drug, there is limited funding and access for scientists to be able to conduct in-depth research.

According to some researchers, the limited available studies suggest that the entourage effect is no more than a placebo effect. This is the idea that a person believes a specific strain of marijuana will give him a particular sensation, so when he ingests or inhales the substance, that is how he will feel.

Other researchers are looking at the overall responses from a large number of consumers themselves. They believe the majority of users feel the exact or similar effects that the products are being marketed for. Otherwise, they conclude that the companies in the cannabis industry wouldn’t be working so hard to create new and better marijuana blends.

Benefits of the Entourage Effect

The main advantage of the entourage effect is the ability to create unique blends of marijuana. Mixing different compounds from the various strains of the cannabis plant can change the substances smell, taste, and the effects that are felt by the mind and body of the user.

As more is learned about marijuana, hybrids of the plant could possibly be raised that have higher levels of certain key chemicals such as CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. This could enhance the specific healing qualities in new strains of the plant, and reduce the unwanted side-effects. Hybrids could also be grown more specifically for their particular use, either medicinal or recreational. With the entourage effect, In the future, marijuana blends could be created for each individual user’s unique wants and needs.