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Showing posts from November, 2018

How to Naturally Detox from Marijuana

There are several reasons that you may need to detox from marijuana, but there are two that stand out above the rest. If your work requires you to submit to random drug tests, or if you simply want to take a tolerance break, knowing how to naturally detox from marijuana is crucial. While the plant is natural, and offers dozens of medical benefits, testing positive for THC in a drug test can still result in employment termination (even if you live in a state where medical/recreational use is legal.) It’s recommended that you always be aware of your school or employers’ rules before partaking in medical or recreational use. Sudden, random drug tests, can make it extremely difficult to rid your body of THC in time. For this reason, if your employer asks you to do this, it might be a good idea to completely abstain from THC-use altogether. If you’ve been using marijuana consistently, you may notice that it doesn’t affect you as much as it used to. You may also notice that your body is r

Why is CBD Illegal if it’s Non-Psychoactive?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has gained a tremendous amount of support for it’s safe, effective, and non-intoxicating medical benefits. This popularity has led many people to ask, “Why is CBD illegal if it’s non-psychoactive?” The answer is actually quite simple. The DEA still classifies CBD as a Schedule 1 drug. This puts it in the same category as heroin, cocaine, etc… This scheduling makes it nearly impossible to conduct the medical studies needed to reschedule the drug and make it legal. What is CBD? CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, right behind THC. It is capable of treating a plethora of different illnesses and symptoms, including and related to anxiety, depression, epilepsy, inflammation, pain, and more! Perhaps one of the biggest explanations for CBD’s rise to popularity is that it can treat these conditions, without getting you high. While the CBD market has grown considerably in the last several years, many hemp-based CBD products

6 Common CBD Myths and Misconceptions

CBD has become well-known for it’s overwhelmingly safe and therapeutic medical benefits. With this new popularity, also comes several misconceptions. Below we will address the 6 most common CBD myths and misconceptions. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela 6 Common CBD Myths and Misconceptions CBD is “Medical” and THC is “Recreational” CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that it does not produce intoxicating effects. THC on the other hand, is psychoactive, and often times will provide you with a sense of euphoria. This is the general reason why this misconception exists in the first place. The question, “How does CBD treat anxiety and boost mood if it is not mind altering?” often arises when this myth comes up. The major difference between the two forms of cannabis, is that CBD will technically affect the mind (positively, in most cases), but it will not impair mental or physical function . THC will impair mental and physi

What Sets Medical and Recreational Marijuana Apart?

In 2012, recreational marijuana was only available in Washington and Colorado. Up until then, only people that suffered from a specific, qualifying condition were approved for the use of medical marijuana (in certain states.) Since then, only a few states have opened up to recreational marijuana, but dozens of states are now coming around to approving the use of medical marijuana. This has left many of us wondering, what sets medical and recreational marijuana apart? Besides the obvious, which is consumer intention (are they looking to treat symptoms of an illness, or are they just looking to get high,) what are the other differences that exist between the two forms? Shopping Experience The shopping experience is actually quite similar, although there are a few differences when it comes to the details. Medical marijuana card holders must not only bring ID that proves they’re old enough, but also have their medical marijuana card with them. Recreational pot users only need a valid f

Qualifying Conditions for a Florida Medical Marijuana Card

When it comes to obtaining a medical marijuana card, each state has different rules. There are specific steps that must be taken in order to be granted a medical marijuana card in the state of Florida. You must be at least 18 years old, be able to prove that you are a Florida resident, and be found to suffer from one or more qualifying conditions, by a licensed physician. After you’ve been diagnosed by your primary care physician, you must request your medical records describing your qualifying diagnosis. Once you’ve obtained these records, you will bring them to your medical marijuana evaluation appointment. The licensed physician from this appointment will determine whether or not you are a valid candidate. Qualifying patients must then register with the Department of Health, and submit all required paperwork to the Board of Medicine, as instructed. Since you’re here reading this, chances are you’re curious about whether you or a loved one will qualify for medical marijuana in the

6 Smokeless Ways to Enjoy Cannabis

For you new users, the first time you smoke marijuana can be, well, a little bit rough. Between the inability to gauge how long to pull the smoke, the burning throat, and the coughing, you might find yourself looking for other options. Luckily for you, there are ways to reap the benefits of marijuana without ever having to inhale! You may want to consider the following smokeless ways to enjoy cannabis, instead! 6 Smokeless Ways to Enjoy Cannabis Vaporizing Vaporizing cannabis is actually said to be more flavorful than smoking. If you choose to vape, you’ll want to shop around for the highest quality table top vaporizers or pens. Vapor from high-quality products is much easier on the lungs when compared to lower quality vaporizers and joints. The effects will come on within minutes, but taper off within a couple hours.  Edibles Medical marijuana patients suffering from respiratory issues should not smoke or vape. With that being said, edibles may be the most effective, safest optio

10 Easy Ways to Preserve Your Terpenes

If you’re new to the world of medical marijuana, you’re probably unfamiliar with terpenes. These compounds are the essential aromatic oils that give cannabis flower it’s highly-unique scent.  With that being said, they provide more than just that classic aroma associated with marijuana. Terpenes also play a very important role in the medical effects and benefits of medical marijuana. Damage or removal of terpenes will result in a decrease in medical therapy potential. This is why it is crucial that you know all of the ways to preserve your terpenes so that you can get the most out of your medicine! 7 Easy Ways to Preserve Your Terpenes Avoid Plastic Containers Plastic containers are like kryptonite for marijuana. They will degrade not only the terpenes, but the cannabinoids like CBD and THC as well. As soon as you purchase your flower, remove it from the store container and place it in an airtight glass container, like a mason jar. This will allow all of the incredible scents to sti

What is the Entourage Effect?

There are literally hundreds of different compounds that can be found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are numerous, but the two most popular are THC and CBD. Both of these cannabinoids produce healing effects, but THC is the one that will get you high. There are also compounds called terpenes. These are fragrant oils that provide marijuana with its amazing, unique scents. The entourage effect is the interactive synergy of these cannabinoids and terpenes which produce the wide-array of medical benefits. Isolates vs. Whole Plant Therapy The entourage effect is a prime example of why THC-isolates or CBD-isolates may not always be the best choice for treating your condition. While it is true that isolating these two cannabinoids can be extremely helpful, this process can potentially decrease the cannabinoids symptom-treating abilities. Whole plant therapy utilizes the entire plant, using the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds, instead of just one. Smoking cannabis flower is the

Medical Marijuana Initiative Continues to Grow

On Tuesday night, the medical marijuana initiative expanded a bit more, with two more states hopping on board! As each day passes, it seems as though more people are finally understanding the incredible, medical benefits that cannabis has to offer! Missouri Missouri became the 31st state to legalize medical marijuana. The amendment passed by a 66% vote. Under this new law, qualifying patients will receive identification cards that allow either them or their caregivers to grow up to 6 plants, and purchase at least 4 ounces from a dispensary on a monthly basis. Unlike other states, qualified physicians in Missouri can approve patients for any condition they see fit; there are no specified qualifying conditions. Utah Surprisingly enough, the conservative state of Utah became the 32nd state to legalize medical marijuana, late Tuesday night. While the details of this proposition are subject to compromise and change, patients granted a medical marijuana card will be allowed to purchase u

Does CBD Show Up On Drug Tests?

Medical marijuana and CBD have experienced quite a rise in popularity over the last few years. This has lead to the frequently asked question, “Does CBD show up on drug tests?” Before we answer this question, we need to have a basic understanding of what CBD is, first. What is CBD? CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is 1 of over 400 different compounds found in the cannabis plant. It shares many of the same medical abilities as THC (the other popular cannabinoid) but it doesn’t produce the classic, psychoactive effects. The medical benefits of CBD include treating symptoms of seizures, neurological disease, pain, cancer, inflammation, mood disorders, PTSD, and more. While CBD may seem harmless (mostly because it is), the federal government and DEA still classify it as a Schedule 1 drug. This means that CBD is in the same category as heroin, cocaine, and other similar drugs. The United States Department of Agriculture allows certain varieties of cannabis plants (hemp) to be grown

Marijuana for ADHD and ADD

Regular cannabis consumers are not generally known for their cognitive performance or concentration. With that being said, many users claimed they used marijuana for ADHD and ADD. This claim led researchers to take another look. What is ADHD and ADD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Patients with this disorder are easily distracted, hyperactive and impulsive. ADD is ADHD, minus the hyperactivity characteristic. Approximately one in ten children in the US are diagnosed with one of these disorders each year. What Causes These Disorders? A lack of Dopamine causes ADHD and ADD. A shortage of Dopamine affects memory and attention. Treating These Disorders Over the last 50 years or so, doctors have been treating ADHD and ADD with psychostimulants. The two most popular are Adderall and Ritalin . These drugs stimulate Dopamine production, but come along with a myriad of side effects and withdrawal symptoms including: Nervousness Agitation Anxiety Dizziness

Travelling with Medical Marijuana

If you’re a medical marijuana patient or trying to become one, you must be aware of the rules of travelling with medical marijuana. The very first thing that you must know is that marijuana, whether recreational or medical, is still federally illegal in all 50 states. Until the whole country (and world, for that matter) gets on board with the medical marijuana movement, travel will remain tricky. Travelling with Medical Marijuana within the State Assuming that you’ve followed the laws, and have a valid medical marijuana card for the state that you reside in, you will be fine in that state. Adhere to the prescribed doses, don’t use before or while operating a motor vehicle, don’t sell or share with others, etc… It’s highly recommended that you keep your medical marijuana card on you at all times, along with all of the other paperwork you may need.  Crossing State Lines with Medical Marijuana Whether you’re walking, bicycling, or driving, this is where it gets risky. Under federal

The Endocannabinoid System

Your body has a built in network of receptors called the Endocannabinoid system. By now, you’re probably aware that cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant. The two most popular cannabinoids are THC and CBD. This begs the question, why does our body have an Endocannabinoid system? Do we have naturally occurring cannabinoids in our body? Scientists discovered the Endocannabinoid system about 25 years ago. As scientists studied how THC and CBD affect our body, they discovered this special network of receptors. They began to wonder, why would we have a built-in system like this if we didn’t produce cannabinoid-like chemicals on our own. Naturally Occurring Cannabinoid As a result of their discovery, scientists dove in and discovered that we produce a chemical called Anandamide. This neurotransmitter binds to endocannabinoid receptors and produces a “blissful” or “peaceful” feeling, much like THC. What does the Endocannbinoid System Do? Generally speaking, the Endocannabinoid sys