Secreted in the same glands that product cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are the pungent oils that give cannabis its variety of distinctive flavors like citrus, berry and mint. Medical research on cannabis has so avidly focused on cannabinoids that there hasn’t been a lot of research done on terpenes

Terpenes are synthesized in cannabis in secretory cells inside glandural trichomes, and production is increased with exposure to light. These terpenes are mostly found in high concentrations in unfertilized female cannabis flowers prior to senescence (deterioration with age). The essential oil is extracted from the plant material by steam distillation or vaporization. Many of these compounds vaporize around about the same temperature as THC, but some are more volatile than others. Terpenes also play an important role in providing the plant with natural protection against bacteria, fungus, insects and other environmental stresses.

There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even time of the day.

It is a well established fact that marijuana is capable of affecting the mind, emotions and behavior of its user. The main psychotropic cannabinoid, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been intensely studied. However, many of the other cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids found in cannabis that play a big role in boosting the therapeutic effect of cannabis remain understudied.

Terpenes are common components of flavorings and fragrances. Unlike cannabinoids, they are responsible for the aroma and taste of cannabis. The FDA and other agencies have generally recognized them as “safe.”

Terpenes act on receptors and neurotransmitters.

Characteristics of terpenes

• They are prone to combine with or dissolve in lipids or fats;
• Act as serotonin uptake inhibitors;
• Enhance norepinephrine activity;
• Increase dopamine activity;
• and they augment GABA.

Even with all the data, more specific research is needed for improved accuracy in describing and predicting how terpenes in cannabis can be used medicinally to help treat specific medical conditions.

Terpenes and Their Characteristics

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There is a whole lot evidence across the country that cannabis and ptsd go hand-in-hand. But while studies point out the prevalence of marijuana abuse among PTSD patients, a minority of emerging research is looking at the question in reverse: Can cannabis be an effective treatment for PTSD?

Living with PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety condition caused by disturbing episodes, like military combat or sexual assault. Three classes of symptoms characterize PTSD: re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyper arousal (e.g. insomnia, flashbacks). The persistence of PTSD over time is attributed to changes in brain chemistry that occur at the time of trauma, when adrenaline and stress hormones are hyper responsive.

Not all PTSD sufferers have access to legal medical cannabis due to the state they live it. Combat veterans have an especially high propensity for PTSD, and statistics show that about 1 in 5 military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan experience it. Since cannabis is a Schedule II drug, veterans are instead steered towards antidepressants and antipsychotics, medications that have had very little success in treating PTSD symptoms.

How Cannabis Can Help Treat PTSD

There are currently no specialized, effective medications available for PTSD patients. However, new discoveries in the endocannabinoid system is paving the way of understanding and treating PTSD.

One investigator of PTSD and cannabis is the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Martin Lee, a MAPS affiliate and director of Project CBD, has studied PTSD and cannabinoids in depth.

“Researchers found that people with PTSD had lower levels of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid compound, compared to those who did not show signs of PTSD,” Lee wrote, “Innate to all mammals, anandamide (our inner cannabis, so to speak) triggers the same receptors that are activated by THC and other components of the marijuana plant.”

In short, one pillar of PTSD is an endocannabinoid deficiency: the body stops producing enough endocannabinoids to fill receptor sites, and this is where the cannabinoids found in marijuana play a therapeutic role. By replenishing these missing endocannabinoids with those found in marijuana, researchers think marijuana pharmaceuticals might bring PTSD patients relief from their memories.

“Scientists have determined that normal CB-1 receptor signaling deactivates traumatic memories and endows it with the gift of forgetting,” Lee said, “But skewed CB-1 signaling, due to endocannabinoid deficits (low serum levels in anandamide), results in impaired fear extinction, aversive memory consolidation, and chronoc anxiety, the hallmarks of PTSD.”

Accessing Medical Marijuana for PTSD

PTSD patients are advised to firstly consult with a medical professional befor treating symptoms with cannabis. Consumers not used to marijuana may find that THC aggravates anxiety symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD), is a cannabinoid that counteracts some of THC’s effects, including paranoia and anxiety. Further research examining the relationship between THC and CBD could lead to more tolerable variants of cannabis pharmaceuticals for individuals suffering from severe anxiety.

The damage caused by PTS cannot be fully recovered by any medication, but for some, cannabis provides relief when nothing else can. Despite a strong need to develop more effective medication without adverse side effects, the promising pharmaceutical possibilities in cannabis are continually dismissed by government-backed research organizations, due to the plant’s Schedule II rating. However, forward momentum builds as education about cannabis’ healing properties spreads.

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On the one hand, we’re led to believe that cannabis impairs a user’s cognitive function – especially short-term memory. The other hand, we hear cannabis can act as a neuroprotectant, maybe even preventing the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cannabis is a diverse, complex plant comprised of hundreds of chemicals. Two of these chemicals – THC and CBD – affect us in significantly different ways.

Cannabis contains at least 85 cannabinoids, the chemical compounds that interact with the brain’s receptors. The most-famous and well known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

THC, as we all know, is responsible for most of cannabis’ psychoactive effects. It affects the brain by activating cannabinoids receptors, namely CB1. THC promotes creativity, amplifies your thoughts, and keeps you focuses… Until stimuli distracts you to a tangential thought.

Surprisingly, CBD, THC’s non-psychoactive sibling, shows affinity to bind to either CB1 or CB2. Instead, CBD seems to indirectly stimulate cannabinoid signaling by suppressing the enzyme that breaks down anandamide. This partially explains why CBD appears to combat some effects of THC, and why higher CBD concentrations result in fewer intoxicating effects.

The Biphasic Effect: Why Proper THC Dosage is Important

The effect of cannabis vary by individual and are highly dependent on dosing and the form of preparation. It’s important to note that many cannabinoids – THC in particular – have a biphasic effect. This means that low and high doses can have opposite effect in users. This partly explains why many users feel relaxed with low doses and paranoid under high doses. Most medical practitioners advise patients to start off with a low dosage and gradually increase it as the patient determines how their body reacts. This process is known as “self-titration.”

Another way to to think of the biphasic effect is a therapeutic window. Cannabis has a narrow therapeutic range. The difference between the optimal dosage that gives the effect you want versus a dosage that creates adverse effects can be very subtle. Chronic pain is one such example where low to medium dosages relieve it, while high dosages amplifies it.

Further complicating the issue is that THC and CBD levels – as well as the ratios between them – can vary dramatically from strain to strain. It’s important for people to be conscious of these levels as they find the most appropriate dosage to treat their condition.

The same applies to lifestyle users who may find they have a preference for a particular strain. One strain may make them feel extremely sleepy or paranoid, while another might make them feel relaxed and euphoric. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, hence, cannabis will affect each one differently.

Optimal Dosing: Low to Moderate

• Elevated mood, feelings of euphoria, and relaxation.
• Sleepiness (higher CBD concentrations can counteract it).
• Increase in creativity
• Pain Relief
• Alleviating nausea
• Appetite stimulation

Suboptimal Dosing: High

• Hallucinations varying from mild to moderate
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Disorientation
• Heightened pain sensitivity

Refocusing on the topic of this article, why is there so much contradictory or paradoxical evidence on how marijuana affects the brain?

Dr. Mike Hart, head physician at Marijuana for Trauma, offers an explanation:

“Frustratingly, we have very few high-quality human studies that examine the potential long-term benefits or negative effects of cannabis consumption on the brain. But, just like cannabis has biphasic acute effects, the same may hold true in long-term usage,” says Dr. Hart. “Too much, too often, over a long period of time, could cause negative effects like diminished verbal memory recall; while the right amount and right frequency could elicit the benefits we’ve found in early studies on animal models, such as neuroprotection and the slowing or prevention of neurodegenerative disease.”

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Marijuana Reduces The Occurrence of Domestic Violence

Back in 2014, research suggested that couples who smoke together may actually be at a reduced risk of domestic violence than those who don’t. These findings come from a study which followed over 600 couples for nine years of marriage and found that the more often couples smoked cannabis together, the less likely they would be to experience intimate partner violence.

The study found the same to be true even if cannabis was used exclusively by the husband, and was most profound for women with no history of IPV. In other words, weed may help to ‘mellow out” aggressive tendencies or behavior that can lead to physical violence.

Couples Bond Over Their Cannabis Hobby

Couples who report high levels of marital satisfaction share a common trend: they make time for the two of them. Whether they use their time to play games, work on a project or cook, couples who share hobbies also truly enjoy sharing their lives with their partners.

If both partners enjoy marijuana, then it too, can become a hobby with which to bond. Couples can learn about cultivation, share research and insights, and stock up on their collection of paraphernalia all while enhancing their relationships. For extra-special occasions, couples can even book cannabis tours.

Marijuana and Sexual Pleasure

There is a lot of debate about whether or not cannabis can help or hinder sexual pleasure. For about one-third of the population, getting high before sex is an uncomfortable experience caused by an overly-active internal monologue.

The majority of people, however, report heightened sexual pleasure because of the way cannabis enhances the sense of touch. It can also serve as a catalyst for intimacy, allowing users to connect more closely with their partner both during and after intercourse.

The success of a sexual encounter after cannabis consumption, however, seems to be dose-dependent. According to Dr. Shelley Narula of SteadyHealth.com, testosterone levels in mice rise drastically after consuming cannabis, but then drop below normal after about 20 minutes in mice that received large doses of THC. Mice that received minimal doses of THC, however, maintained an increased testosterone level for more than an hour suggesting that light to moderate cannabis use in men may improve sexual desire and intimacy while high doses may have the opposite effect.

Marijuana Users Are Loyal

Despite some anti-marijuana claims that marijuana makes people immoral, one recent survey conducted by a dating website, My420Mate.com, suggests the opposite: marijuana users top the charts in morality.

The survey asked 4,500 of its registered simple moral question and found an overwhelming majority of respondents to be highly moral. Though the survey lacks the general public’s input, it raised an important point that marijuana and morality seem to go hand-in-hand, but not the way some might think.

Cannabis Helps Get Rid of The Blues

Depression is a disease that affects the whole family. If one or both partners are depress, their risk for divorce is nine times greater than the average couple. However, cases of mild to moderate depression, especially depression that is caused by high levels of stress, can be effectively treated with cannabis.

According to a recent study, conducted by researchers at the University of Buffalo, those who experience chronic stress have reduced endocannabinoid production which could contribute to their depressive symptoms. This also explains how cannabis combats depression, by supplementing the brain with plant-based cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Marijuana’s Effect on Communication Problems

Positive communication is of the utmost importance in a successful relationship. If communication is lacking, feelings will get hurt, isolation will occur and intimacy will wane. Unfortunately, compulsive marijuana use has been shown to hinder positive communication, especially when it is used to replace awkward arguments.

Perhaps this is because marijuana can cause short-term memory loss, maybe its euphoric sensations help take your mind of the pain, or perhaps you’ve never learned stress-coping techniques because marijuana was always around. Whatever the reason, if marijuana is to remain a positive influence on your relationship, it must never take precedence over good communication.

There are many therapeutic benefits to cannabis well beyond easing pain and lifting nausea. Though research is limited, preliminary studies suggest that couples who use cannabis together may be in a better place within their relationships. They may experience higher levels of marital satisfaction, a more intimate connection with their partner and a more fulfilling sex life. As long as communication patterns remain constructive, cannabis can be a welcome guest in a successful, long-term relationship.

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With five states voting to legalize marijuana, we could see recreational marijuana become available to about a quarter of the nation by the end of this year. Right now in the United States about 17 million people have access to recreational marijuana. That number could double from California voters passing their recreational marijuana initiative alone.

These are the next five states to vote on cannabis legalization on the ballot:

Arizona

Arizona’s Proposition 205 initiative is sponsored by the Arizona Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. If passed, the initiative would grant persons over the age of 21 the right to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants within enclosed, locked spaces in their homes.

The initiative would create the Department of Marijuana License and Control. The Department would limit the number of marijuana retail shops to a tenth of the number of liquor store licenses, which was less than 180.

Proposition 205 would impose a 15% excise tax on retail sales, with 80% of revenue going towards schools. The other 20% would go to substance abuse education to help prevent or remedy any of the negative side effects that may arise from marijuana legalization.

Arizona has a medical cannabis program with 90,000 patients but recent polls showed the state was not in favor of legalization.

California

California’s Proposition 64 will be on the ballot. The initiative is called The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA). It is sponsored by Yes on 64 and would permit anyone over 21 to possess up an ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants much like the Arizona measure. Gifting of up to a quarter-ounce of marijuana will be allowed if the proposition passes.

The initiative would make California the first state to have “cannabis cafes” that allow on-site marijuana consumption, similar to the ones in Amsterdam. Marijuana commerce would be regulated by a new Bureau of Marijuana Control, which could replace the current Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation.

The measure would impose a 15% retail sales tax and a $9.25 per ounce cultivation tax paid for by wholesalers. It’s worth noting the initiative provides no employment protections for consumers of marijuana.

Recent polls illustrate that 60% of Californians support the legalization of marijuana.

Maine

The Marijuana Legalization Act or Question 1, sponsored by the Maine Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, will be on the November ballot. The initiative would allow people 21 and over to posses up to two and a half ounces of marijuana or six plants.

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry would regulate marijuana commerce, taxing retail marijuana at 10%.

The measure would also for “cannabis cafes” to be run similarly to bars, because you will need to be 21 to enter and guests will not be allowed to leave with their unfinished marijuana.

So far, campaign supporters have raised more funds than opponents of the initiative. Recent polling showed 55% of Maine is in favor of legalization.

Massachusetts

The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act or Question 4, is a measure sponsored by the Massachusetts Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.

The Act would permit people 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of marijuana in public and up to 10 ounces at home. Residents of Massachusetts would be able to grow up to six plants. Legal marijuana commerce would be regulated by a Cannabis Control Commission. “Cannabis cafes” for indoor cannabis smoking would be permitted.

The measure would impose an additional 3.75% to the states 6.25% sales tax, for a total tax rate of 10% . Localities can ban legal marijuana commerce or add local taxes. Pot smoking employees will not be protected under the new law.

The most recent polling in MA had 41% of residents in favor of legalization and 50% against it.

Nevada

The Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana or Question 2 is sponsored by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Nevada. The measure would allow people 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Residents who live more than 25 miles from a retail marijuana store will be able to grow six plants.

If the measure passes, the state’s Department of Taxation will create and oversee a system of licensed marijuana commerce. The initiative would impose a 15% tax on wholesale marijuana sales, retail sales will have the regular state sales tax.

A two week old poll has the Nevada Measure winning 50% to 41%.

The majority of states with legalization measures on their ballot seem to be in favor of legalization. The poll numbers don’t guarantee that three of the five states will go legal.The ballot takes place on November 9th.

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According to the advocacy group, law enforcement in the state made nearly half a million cannabis related arrests over the last decade. Although arrests fell last year, some patterns still exist.

Perhaps most worrying is the significant racial disparity in arrest rates. Despite similar use rates across groups, authorities disproportionately arrested black and Latino people. The DPA report found that black people are twice as likely than whits to be arrested for cannabis misdemeanors and barely five times more likely to be arrested on felony charges.

“While many people believe that marijuana is essentially legal in California, data show us that thousands continue to be arrested annually for marijuana activities,” said DPA staff attorney Jolene Forman. “These arrests fall disproportionately on black and Latino Californians. The only way to begin to repair these parities is to move marijuana into a fully regulated market and to reduce or eliminate criminal prohibitions for minor marijuana activities.”

The statistics might come as a surprise given California’s global reputation for cannabis tolerance. In 1996 the state become the first in the U.S. to legalize cannabis for medical use. Lawmakers further criminal penalties for cannabis in 2011, making possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for personal use a civil infraction rather than misdemeanor.

The change led to an 86& decrease in misdemeanors, but felony arrests remained relatively stable at roughly 14,000 per year. In 2015 that number fell by a third. The report, however, doesn’t attempt to explain why.

Unfortunately, youth under 18 now account for the majority of cannabis misdemeanor arrests. Prior to 2011, when possession was decriminalized, minors accounted for only a quarter of misdemeanor cannabis arrests. As of 2015, youth account for two-thirds of misdemeanor cannabis arrests.

California will have an opportunity to legalize cannabis for recreational use this fall. Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, contains sentencing reforms that would reduce or eliminate most criminal penalties around cannabis, Another load of good news is that these reductions would apply retroactively to past offenses.

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What are cannabinoid receptors?

THE CB receptors can be found throughout the body, and there are two main kinds: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain with some present in the lung, kidney, liver, fat, heart, muscle and bone. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system, and blood cells but both can be found in the same tissues providing different functions. CB1 receptors are mostly responsible for the psychoactive and euphoric effects of THC. On the other hand, CB2 receptors mostly work in the immune system, but they are also present in the liver, gut, muscle and bone.

Generally speaking the CB1 and CB2 receptors cause healing properties when activated within the areas of the body they are located. Receptors are similar to lucks, and the cannabinoids are the keys. The activity of CB1 and twp receptors usually reverses the damage done to the body, returning it to homeostasis. This also applies to mental health damage because endocannabinoids can aid in balancing mood and creating euphoria.

The balance between CB1 and CB2 inhibition and activation by cannabinoids is important. Heavy CB1 inhibition may lead to an increased risk of depression, mood disturbance, and immunosuppression. However, if CB1 over-activates there is an increased risk of psychoactivity, systemic inflammation, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, and obesity.

What does the endocannabinoid system do?

The primary job of the endocannabinoids system is to promote homeostasis, which maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. The fact that the endocannabinoid system is connected with most of our basic functions may reveal why cannabis has been found useful in treating many medical conditions.

According to one study, the endocannabinoid system is nothing less a naturally evolved harm reduction system. Endocannabinoid levels naturally increase after a head injury is sustained, illustrating the body’s awareness of the sudden lack in homeostasis and the use of endocannabinoids as a remedy.

The Effects of Cannabis on the Endocannabinoid System

Research has shown that taking small amounts of cannabinoids from cannabis can signal the body to make more endocannabinoids and build more receptors than there already are inside the body. This may be part of why users do not get high immediately, but after a few smokes enough receptors have been made to respond, then you can feel it.

Cannabinoids and Cancer

Cannabinoids have been found to be useful chemotherapeutic agents. In fact, cannabinoids have been found to kill cancer cells. This and the pain relief canabinoids provide are the main reasons chemo patients turn to smoking weed to get through their therapy.

In Conclusion

Endocannabinoids have been assigned to fix biochemical imbalances that come in damaged or diseased states. From birth, cannabinoids are presented to us within our mother’s milk. The endocannabinoid system remains an important aspect of the way our bodies can heal and function, ingesting cannabinoids are a supplement to our natural healing process. Further research on endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system can help elaborate more ways in which we can use cannabinoids to heal our bodies and minds.

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How Can Cannabis Help?

One of the worst symptoms of MS is the pain that it causes to the entire body; it is often so extreme that it can become debilitating. A study found that cannabis used to treat “Multiple Sclerosis related pain” was may more effective than a placebo. Another study agreed with the results, adding that cannabis-based medicine did not have any serious side effects to speak of. Being able to manage the excruciating pain, means patients could get back to their lives.

Along with this pain comes a collection of other symptoms, one of which is a sense of urinary urgency and incontinence. A study found that patients felt cannabis use helped them with these issues. More experimentally, the researchers found that cannabis was able to stop the contractions of a mouse bladder brought on by electric stimulation. This shows the ability of cannabis to prevent the bladder from ‘misfiring,’ which in turn helps MS patients to keep themselves dry and accident-free.

MS also causes bowel problems in the majority of patients, with about half suffering from constipation. With constipation comes a loss of appetite, and everyone knows cannabis is a good way to increase your appetite. The plant is ubiquitously recognized as the perfect appetite-inducer, and getting the requisite nutrition is essential for MS patients to stay as healthy as possible.

Cannabinoids have a diverse range of effects on the body. One of these is the ability to combat inflammation. Given that MS’s mode of attack is an inflammatory response (i.e., the body attacking itself), this property of cannabis alleviates symptoms of the disease at its core by stopping the damage happening to the nerve cells altogether. Some cannabinoids found in the plant also help protect neurons. For a disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord, any added protection is of obvious benefit.

MS also causes frequent and often painful muscle spasms. Perhaps the most effective use of weed for MS, a study showed that cannabis used to treat MS-related muscle spasms was twice as effective at reducing spasticity as a placebo. This, combined with cannabis’s renowned ability to make users feel more sleepy, also helps MS sufferers both fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, giving their body the rest they need to recuperate.

What Are The Opinions of Patients?

One team of researchers spoke to MS patients themselves to see how they view the effects of cannabis on their disease, and the results are telling. They found that a significant majority, 72%, were for legalizing the plant for medicinal purposes based on how effective it is in personally treating their illness. Respondents noted that cannabis helped them with a wide array of symptoms including depression. It should come as no surprise that combating this disease takes an emotional toll on sufferers, and any medicine used to ease the burden should be seen as a boon.

Is it a Safe Alternative?

Arguably most importantly, substituting cannabis in as a treatment for MS allows patients to stop using other medication that have more harmful side effects than the comparatively innocuous drawbacks of consuming cannabis. In substituting cannabis for other drugs, patients may continue to get the benefit of some drug without its serious side effects, making cannabis a strong and effective candidate for the treatment of MS.

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Generally, any method of consumption involved with smoking could lead to bad breath. Cannabis is a little tricky, due to its most common side effect: cotton mouth. THC decreases saliva production, causing your mouth to become very dry. When the mouth is dry, it’s a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

Saliva is basically your mouth’s very own cleansing mechanism that washes away food particles, acids and odor-causing microorganism. Once he mouth’s flow of saliva dramatically increases, you might find yourself with unpleasant breath. Research shows that smoking cannabis could result in gum disease, another leading cause of bad breath.

Be open and honest about smoking marijuana with your health provider. Also, there re things you can do on your own to improve your oral hygiene. Here are a few tips on how to combat bad breath from cannabis consumption:

Regularly Clean Your Cannabis Smoking Accessories

Your bad breath may be attributed to your filthy bong or pipe that you haven’t clean in a good while. Thoroughly clean your pieces to ensure sure you’re inhaling bacteria that are contributing to your bad breath.

Try a Different Method of Consumption

Smoking cannabis blunts or joints could lead to pretty nasty breath. You could give edibles, tincture, or THC capsules a try.

Try Cannabis-Infuse Mints

You never know when you’ll need a minty pick-me-up, especially after a huge smoking session. Some brands out there does offer a line of cannabis-infused mints that offer a variety of effects while keeping your breath clean and fresh.

Limit Your Sugar Intake During Munchies

It sure is tempting when you have a serious case of the munchies, to grab a whole pack of chocolates or a can of caramel. However, limit the amount of soft drinks and carbohydrates you eat because a diet rich in these food could lead to plaque retention and a higher incidence of caries.

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There are a few ways that might help you to dodge the no-to enjoyable effects of THC:

• Try a strain high in CBD. It is not psychoactive in the same way as THC, and it can help curb the side effects of THC for a more relaxed, mellow experience.
• Start with a very low dose when using high-THC strains. Adverse side effects tend to set in with continued or heavy consumption, so start off small with a puff or two and see how you feel. You’d be surprised fun you can have without getting yourself wasted.
• If you’re sensitive to smoking or edibles, you could try vaping your cannabis. It allows a great deal of dosing control with mild effects, which made them a very popular choice among newbies and the younger generation.
• If you do choose edibles and are not used to THC, start off with a low dosage of 5mg and work your way up. No need to get in over your head on the first try.
• Drink lots of water if you’re using cannabis. Hydration is key to avoid many unpleasant side effect

Here is a list of potential side effects associated with high-THC cannabis strains:

Paranoia and Anxiety

This is one of the worst side effects of THC. Though small amounts of THC are likely to only induce mild paranoia or social anxiety, edibles and large doses can cause exaggerated side effects. THC is known to relieve anxiety is smaller doses and increase it in larger; this is due to its biphasic effects, meaning it can have two opposite effects in high doses. Some people are even genetically predisposed to experience anxiety with cannabis as a result of brain chemistry.

If you find yourself susceptible to cannabis’ anxious effects, choose a CBD strange as an anti-anxiety solutions, even after you’re high. It might also help if you only consumer when you’re in a comfortable place, like your home or with friends.

Dry Mouth

We al know it as the dreaded “cottonmouth,” high-THC cannabis can also make your mouth drier than the Mojave Desert. Believe it or not, but there are cannabinoid receptors in our saliva glands. THC mirrors a naturally occurring chemical called anandamide, which binds to these receptors to decrease saliva production. THC, with its high affinity towards these receptors, exaggerates that effect much to our dismay.

Remember to use a low dosage, keep plenty of water handy and maybe even a little bit of chewing gun for when the cottonmouth strikes.

Dry, Red Eyes

Not only does THC cause the mouth to dry out, it can also cause dry, red eyes. It’s this classic, telltale giveaway that made eye drops a natural companion for discreet cannabis consumers. Now the questions would be: What causes it, and are ye drops the only cure?

It may be, in part, due to the fact that smoke can irritate the eyes, however, other consumption methods can also cause dry, red eyes. THC is known to lower blood pressure and dilate blood vessels in the eyes, which leads to redness. Though less likely, an allergy to cannabis can also cause red eyes.

To counter these effects, stay hydrated at all times. Eye drops can be helpful if your eyes are irritated. Make sure you avoid relying on these every time, as some brands can actually cause dryness afterward if used continually.

The Munchies

Unless you have an underactive appetite, the munchies might be a nuisance and side effect of THC. THC actually stimulates areas of the brain associated with appetite, it can be used to jumpstart a fierce hunger that may or may not make you devour a whole pizza by yourself.

Sleepiness and Lethargy

This “side effect” is seen by some as a therapeutic benefit as THC fights insomnia and promotes rest. However, keep in mind that some strains can induce naps, lethargy or an early night’s sleep.

Indica strains have long been associated with sedative effects, so you’re better off using sativa or high-CBD strains for daytime use. You may also try cannabis-infused coffee or tea, or pairing them to help lift out the lethargy.

Impaired Memory

Although memory impairment tends to be less of a problem for those well-accustomed to new consumers, it can be an annoying affliction to many. Luckily, memory impairment with cannabis appears to be temporary, but even short-term effects can get in the way of a productive afternoon and cognitive tasks.

Once again, high-CBD strains are a wonderful alternative for anyone looking to keep their memory and cognition intact. Supplements such as B vitamins may be helpful in countering these side effects, but your best bet for maintaining cognition is dosing low and slow.

You may experience a number of other side affects with cannabis such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory difficulties, although these are less common. It’s always a good idea to communicate your cannabis consumption with your doctor in case it interacts with another medication you are taking. Also, make sure you take not of any and all risks so you can ensure a good experience for yourself and the loved ones you’re enjoying it with.

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At this moment in th United States, there are 25 states (including Washington D.C.) that have legalized medical cannabis. That number is likely to grow as more and more states consider making changes to their marijuana laws. Even though it hasn’t been legalized in every state, there’s been enough medical cannabis activity to see what the medical marijuana landscape looks like for certain health conditions.

There have been a couple of important surveys this year that have shed light on how medical marijuana is is used by patients. The first survey was conducted by Hello MD and it was published in January. This particular one was sent to 17,000 medical marijuana patients, but only 1,400 of them responded.

The second survey was published more recently by Marijuana Business Daily. It used data from patients in states that publicly release this kind of data, such as Arizona, New Jersey and Oregon to name a few.

Using these surveys, here are the health conditions most frequently being treated with medical cannabis.

Top 10 Health Conditions Treated With Medical Cannabis

1. Pain
2. Anxiety and Stress
3. Insomnia
4. Depression
5. Severe Nausea
6. Migraines
7. Arthritis
8. Cancer
9. PTSD
10. Epilepsy

There are tons of other conditions that are being treated, that wasn’t included in the list. These include Multiple Sclerosis, Glaucoma and Parkinson’s disease.

Issues Facing Medical Cannabis Patients

The surveys highlight a broad range of health conditions currently being treated with cannabis. Despite all this, there are a few challenges facing the medical marijuana community.

The most obvious one is that medical cannabis isn’t legal in every state. It depends on where you live. This is a reason why waves of people are moving to states where they can get medical cannabis. A term “marijuana refugees” have surfaced and refer to individuals who travel to places in search of medical marijuana.

The other big issue is that not all health conditions can be treated with cannabis. Most states with medical marijuana programs have limited lists of conditions that qualify for it.If your illness isn’t on the list, you simply won’t be able to use it.

The good news is that a lot of states have started adding conditions to their list of illnesses. An example would be New Jersey which added PTSD to its list of qualifying conditions during last month.

The fact, however, remains that most medical marijuana states haven’t made cannabis accessible to any and all health conditions. This limits the degree to which people can use cannabis for medical reasons.

Beyond all that, there are also restrictions that can make it challenging for researchers to study medical cannabis. And some states only let patients use particular types of medical cannabis products. In New York, for example, patients are not allowed to use smokable marijuana, and they can only get certain types of extracts.

The Point

As these patient surveys revealed, medical cannabis is currently being used to treat a wide raange of health conditions. There are still legal challenges if medical cannabis usage is to become more widespread.

The post Top Health Conditions Treated With Medical Cannabis appeared first on Pot My.

In the U.S., nearly 52,000 people die from TBI and 80,000 sustain severe disabilities, each year. When you compare it to murder (14,196) and vehicle-related accidents (32,675), which combines claim fewer lives. Moreover, 5.3 million people in the U.S. live with TBI-related disabilities, a number comparable to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

How Cannabis Can Damage Caused By Traumatic Brain Injury

While effective therapies to treat ongoing TBI symptoms have been difficult to develop, there might be a glimmer of hope. Thanks to researchers like Prof. Yosef Sarne of Tel Aviv University, we have learned that cannabis may prevent long-term brain damage by administering THC before or shortly after the injury. In fact, Israel Defense Force (IDF) practitioners administer CBD or low-dose THC as a first-line treatment to IDF soldiers who suffer from brain trauma.

Sarne and his team published their results in 2013, where they demonstrated that administering just a fraction of the amount of THC that would be found in a typical cannabis joint anywhere from one to seven days prior to, or one to three days after an injury, induces the biochemical processes necessary to protect critical brain cells while preserving long-term cognitive function.

Can Cannabis Help People Suffering From TBI?

Given the success found in Israel using cannabis to stop TBI dead in its tracts, the question is can cannabis help relieve chronic TBI symptoms?

There are many success stories out there from people resorting to marijuana, but there are anecdotal. Thus far, there aren’t any notable clinical trials that have demonstrated the efficacy of cannabis to treat ongoing symptoms in TBI patients. Unfortunately, even outside of cannabis research, phase II/III clinical of potential treatments haven’t showed any consistent improvements in outcomes.

The lack of cannabinoid-focused trials is likely due in part to the federal government classifying cannabis as a Schedule II substance “with no currently accepted medical use” and “a high potential for abuse” – a position that has long long been a thorn in the side for scientists who are forced to deal with tons of bureaucratic obstacles to conduct high-quality rigorous studies.

Nonetheless, despite the federal government’s position, there is some evidence that at least lends support to speculation that cannabis-derived treatments may be beneficial:

“Effect of Marijuana Use on Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury” (UCLA Medical Center, 2014):

In a three-year retrospective review of 446 separate cases of similarly injured patients, researchers found traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients who had a history of cannabis consumption possessed increased survival rates compared to non-consumers (97.6 percent survived surgery, versus 88.5% of those who didn’t consume cannabis).

“[O]ur data suggest an important link between the presence of a positive THC screen and improved survival after TBI,” the researchers concluded. “With continued research, more information will be uncovered regarding the therapeutic potential of THC, and further therapeutic interventions may be established.”

“Endocannabinoids and Traumatic Brain Injury” (Mechoulam, 2007):

This Israeli study points to research that demonstrates:

“…the [endocannabinoid] system…has the ability to [positively] affect the functional outcome after TBI by a variety of mechanisms.”

“The Therapeutic Potential of the Cannabinoids in Neuroprotection” (Grundy RI, 2002):

Positive results in experimental models don’t always translate to human subjects, hence the desperate need for more research. However, as earl research shows promise and we know cannabis demonstrate neuroprotective effects in a variety of neurological conditions, research should in fact be prioritized.

Also, since TBI is a condition affecting the human brain, a highly complex and intricate system, successful strategies will likely involve more than a single “magic bullet.”

CBD Can Be Remarkably Effective for TBI

As we continue to learn more about THC and other cannabinoids to treat traumatic brain injury, many physicians believe CBD can be a safe and effective treatment. CBD is a largely non-psychoactive cannabinoid that possesses neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. It might just be as close to a “magic bullet” we can get right now. In fact, CBD may be more beneficial than THC. Japanese researchers found cannabidiol (CBD) exhibited stronger antioxidative power than THC without creating tolerance to its neuroprotective effect.

Dr. Allan Frankel, of GreenBridge Medical in Santa Monica, California, believes incorporating small amounts of CBD as a daily nutritional supplement is a safe and sensible adjunct to therapy. A recent patient of his was a 45 year mother who was in a bad car accident. She suffered from memory loss and after four to six weeks on CBD, her memory returned to normal.

While clearly there’s lots of promise in the limited research to date and anecdotal reports, we need to continue developing our understanding of cannabinoid neurobiology in order to most effectively exploit the numerous therapeutic properties of cannabis. We can then, hopefully, unleash a whole spectrum of potential benefits cannabis may be able to provide and discover innovative new treatments that could possibly help millions of people who continue to suffer from this condition.

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Wild marijuana in the U.S.M/h2>
During the 20th century, industrial hemp was widely cultivated in US’s Midwest during the 20th century. This was mostly to support America’s war efforts in World War II.

Despite industrial hemp factories shutting down the plants previously cultivated for fiber, the hemp plants have naturally re-seeded and now grow wild in states like Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, and Minnesota. There is, however, still wild weed growing all throughout Nebraska.

Hunting for Wild Cannabis

The author of “How to Grow Cannabis At Home: A Guide To Indoor Medical Marijuana Growing,” Glenn Panik, has created a guide for finding wild marijuana. He claims it’s not unusual to find cannabis plants thriving from urban trails, roadsides to mountains.

If you’re planning to go marijuana hunting, you should prepare to look for a variety of leaf shapes and plant sizes. Cannabis can survive with little water and in poor soil.

You can find wild cannabis in areas urban footpaths, abandoned construction sites, and other man-made areas. If they are next to disturbed soil and lots of sun, it a good place to look for wild weed.

In contrast, it’s hard to find wild marijuana in fertile areas with moist soil. The plants near man-made areas will not have many buds on them, but you can take them home and cross-breed them with your strains to get better yield that grow in the local environment.

Also, make sure you respect the wild marijuana plants you come across. If you’re going to take a few, be sure to spread some seeds around so that it continues to grow. Plus if you end up liking that strain, there might be new ones blooming when you go back the next time.

Please have a look at your local laws on possessing marijuana. If you’re not in a state with legal marijuana you may want to hold off on your foraging adventures, but several states may become legal.

Landrace strains across the globe

There are still landrace strains, which are cannabis strains that have adapted to the local environment based on geographic located. In short, it has adapted to the environment of the area it is in. One such example is the Lamb’s Bread, which can be found growing naturally in Jamaica.

Most other landrace strains have their origin included in their names. For example, Durban Poison and Hawaiian Snow are two strains with names hat contains hints to their geographic origin, making it a little less natural.

Wild marijuana continues to bloom across the world, without being planted, fertilized, or tended.

The post The Existence of Wild Cannabis appeared first on Pot My.

So where did they get the idea from? For more than four decades addiction scientists have embraced the unifying theory – that nearly all addictive substances and activities flood the limbic brain with dopamine.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains it:

THC, acting through cannabinoid receptors, also activates the brain’s reward system, which includes regions that govern the response to healthy pleasurable behaviors like sex and eating. Like most other drugs of abuse, THC stimulates neurons in the reward system to release the signaling chemical dopamine at levels higher than typically observed in response to natural stimuli. This flood of dopamine contributes to the pleasurable “high” that recreational marijuana users seek.

How Pot Works

Each bud and leaf of the marijuana plant is composed of hundreds of chemicals but scientists have mainly focused their time and research on two main compounds: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

These are explained in another article or two. Let’s get to the main topic.

The Short Term Efects
THC is absorbed into your body extremely fast. Withing second, it gets to the brain and goes crazy with the neurons, the brain’s cells. In order to understand the process, we’ll look at neurons before we move on. Neurons are cells that don’t actually touch each other. The gap between brain cells is called a synapse, and the brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to pass messages across these gaps. You’ve probably heard of a few neurotransmitters, like seratonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. While most neurotransmitters are made in the glands, some man-made drugs (legal and illegal) can mimic the same effects as natural neurotransmitters. A neurotransmitters binds to a neuron, which signals the body to do something. When a neurotransmitters fits into the correct receptor, it chemically turns that neuron on or off.

This is where THC comes in. The active chemical in marijuana anandamide. It is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” due to its role in boosting memory and learning,dulling pain, and stimulating the appetites. Anandamide normally teams up with dopamine, and together thee neurotransmitters turn on and turn off different chemical pathways as needed.

THC may mimic anandamice but they don’t produce the exact same effects. After someone takes a hit or a puff, THC binds to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located in several parts of the brain such as the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia. These areas of the brain are responsible for short-term memory, coordination, learning, problem solving and unconscious muscle movement. When THC get to work on the cannabinoid receptors, it gets in the way of natural neurotransmitters that need to bind to those sites to make all of the functions listed above work properly.

When THC prevents anandaminde from doing its job, the balance between anandamide and dopamine is thrown off. The result is that we’re euphoric, sometimes off-balance, we get hungry (munchies), seemingly impervious to pain and unable to retain information.

The Long Term Effects

How long THC affects the brain and stays in the body depends on many factors including the potency of the marijuana, the smoker’s experience with the drug, how it is ingested and if it’s used together with other drugs or alcohol. The immediate effects of THC kick in after a few seconds and last for an hour or two, but the chemicals can stay in your body for quite a while. THC is fat-soluble, so it can stay in body tissues or several weeks, or even months if you are a habitual smoker.

So will these crazy nights or days ruin your brain? A ton of studies have proven that smoking weed won’t destroy your brain cells. Take a drag, loosen up but always check the legal status in your state before you do so.

The post Why cannabis makes you high appeared first on Pot My.

What’s at stake

The expansion of the cannabis industry was started 20 years ago when California approved a compassionate use law for medical marijuana. Today, half of all U.S. states have approved a medical marijuana law. The two most recent approvals came from Pennsylvania and Ohio, which used the legislative process to pass medical cannabis laws.

Additionally, four states legalized the recreational use of cannabis – Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, along with Washington, D.C. Recreational approvals and the expansion of medical cannabis have generated tax revenue and licensee fees that are boosting state education budgets and allowing certain patients to new paths of treatment.

The real buzz among marijuana supporters is what might happen in November. President Obama has suggested that the best way to get the attention of Congress is to legalize marijuana in as many states as possible at the state level. If a majority of states approve marijuana measures and public opinion continues to rise in favor of cannabis, Congress may have no choice but to consider decriminalization – or to legalize it.

Naturally, success for the movement is no guarantee. Florida failed to pass a medical marijuana amendment in 2014, and Prop 19 in California failed to legalize recreational marijuana in 2010. It’s worth noting that support for marijuana has grown substantially since both of these elections, but that still doesn’t guarantee success this November.

These eights states are set to vote on marijuana

Here are the eight states poised to vote on a marijuana initiative or amendment in November.

1. Nevada

Nevada was the only state was a lock to be voting on recreational marijuana in 2016, since it was added to the ballot last November. As home to “Sin City” and an existing infrastructure of medical marijuana dispensaries, Nevada appears to become a recreational-legal state. If the measure is approved, an excise tax of 15% would be applied at the wholesale level, with the consumer also paying existing sales tax at the retail level.

2. Florida

Despite a narrow defeat in 2014, Florida picked itself up and is once again looking to legalize medical marijuana in November. Florida’s constitution is set up in such a way that traditional majority vote doesn’t equate to passage. The state’s constitution requires an amendment, which needs 60% “Yes” votes to pass. The nation’s younger generation appears overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing medical marijuana, but seniors tend to have a more negative view on cannabis.

A Quinnipiac University poll conducted in May found that 80% of Florida voters favor the legalization of medical marijuana, while 16% said they would vote no on the measure. This year could be the year when Florida finally gets a medical marijuana measure passed.

3. Maine

A little more than two months ago, Maine revealed that it would have a recreational marijuana initiative on the November ballot. The proposal includes a 10% excise tax and like most other recreation-legal states, it would limit the number of licenses it issues.

A May poll of just over 600 Maine residents from the Marijuana Policy Project showed that 55% supported the recreational legalization of marijuana, compared to 41% who were said to be leaning against legalization. Obviously polls have some margin for error, but things are looking promising for cannabis supporters in Maine.

4. California

It’s been over two months when rumors about California’s ballot became to spread, but little more then a week ago the state made it perfectly clear that a recreational marijuana vote had won a place on the state’s November ballot. If the measure is approved, customers would be subject to 15% retail sales tax. Growers within the state would also pay additional taxes.

Per Dale Gieringer of the California chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), legalization in marijuana could result in more than $1 billion in annual tax revenue and at least a $100 million reduction in law enforcement costs.

A poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California earlier this year showed 60% in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, compared to just 37% who opposed the idea. This was up from the 54% in favor as of June 2015 and down from the 44% who opposed its legalization.

Massachusetts

Enough signatures were gathered to put a recreational marijuana initiative on the November ballot for Massachusetts. Five weeks ago, however, Massachusetts was still somewhat on the fence. n approval would mean consumers paying the state a 6.25% tax, plus and excise tax of 3.75%. Individual cities and towns could imposes taxes totaling up to 2%, meaning a top-tier marijuana tax of about 12%.

Unlike Maine or California, where polled residents appear to be in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, the issue could come down to the wire in Massachusetts. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll conducted in the first week of May found that 43% of polled residents would vote yes to legalize, while another 46% would vote no. Some 11% were undecided.

6. Arizona

Residents of Arizona will also be voting on recreational marijuana in November. If it’s approved, a 15% tax on retail sales would be passed on to the consumer, with a decent chunk of tax revenue raised going to support Arizona’s K-12 public schools and a full-day kindergarten program. However, supporters are facing an uphill battle. A poll released in April from Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy showed that only 43% supported a legal recreational marijuana measure compared to the 49% who opposed it.

7. Missouri

Interestingly enough, in April a bill aimed at legalizing medical marijuana in Missouri was voted down by the state’s House of Representatives. Killing the bill on the legislative front meant that ay change of passage would be up to the voters. With enough signatures collected, Missourians will now have that chance.

Like Arizona, the battle for legalization could be tough. Show-Me Cannabis suspended legalization efforts in Missouri in 2015 after polls showed that registered voters were against the full legalization of marijuana to the tune 51% to 45% in 2015. However, with just a medical marijuana proposal on the table, the outcome could be different.

8.Arkansas

Residents in Arkansas will be voting on whether or not to legalize medical marijuana, too. Having easily surpassed the 84,859 signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot, the next step for in-state supporters is to push the measure in a region that’s generally been hostile to legalizing marijuana. The potential good news is a Talk Business & Politics/ Hendrix College survey, which recently showed that a majority of Arkansas polled (58%) favored the legalization of medical marijuana compared to those who opposed it (34%).

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