{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/101/3","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1992-markdown","title":"High-CBD Marijuana Strains","slug":"high-cbd-marijuana-strains","content":"Medical marijuana has been a breakthrough treatment option for a great number of patients seeking the [relief it provides for health conditions that range from\narthritis and migraines to seizures and even cancer](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness?category=health-conditions). The whys behind the\nrelief cannabis provides to some patients can be harder to\nunderstand. That said, one key reason medical cannabis\ncould be a great alternative treatment has to do with the amount of cannabidiol (CBD) that’s contained in the\nparticular type of medical marijuana strain that a health-care provider\nrecommends.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\n### The Role of CBD in Health & Wellness\n\nThe two main components in marijuana are CBD and [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8dab1cf24d1300077ccb58/the-pros-and-cons-of-psychoactive-thc). While THC is\nthe substance responsible for the way marijuana can impact a patient\npsychologically—such as creating heightened or enhanced feelings\nof euphoria), it’s CBD that can bind to certain receptors in the body to reduce the sensation of pain in patients, or even alleviate\nother common symptoms such as nausea and spasms. This is often why\npractitioners prefer high-CBD strains of cannabis. The mood and\nwell-being that THC provides may be desirable, but CBD can induce a sense of calm as well as reduce inflammation among other things while avoiding some of\nthe psychoactive effects of THC.\n\nResearchers have come to recognize the important role cannabinoids may\nplay in the treatment of symptoms related to life-threatening diseases like cancer. The\n[National Cancer\nInstitute](http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq)\nnotes that \"commercially available cannabinoids … are approved drugs for\nthe treatment of cancer-related side effects.\" While federal\nlaw has remained unchanged, a growing number of states have enacted\nlegislation in a nod to the usefulness of cannabis in a complete medical\nregimen. Beyond it’s positive effects on cancer side effects, [CBD is now being\nexplored as a treatment to hit cancer head on](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22506672).\n\nRELATED: [WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT CANNABIDIOL, OR CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8dafa0f24d1300077ccb59/whats-so-great-about-cannabidiol-or-cbd)\n\n### Strains of High-CBD Cannabis That Have Beneficial Effects\n\nThe impact of CBD illustrates why practitioners and patients prefer high-CBD strains of medical marijuana. All medical marijuana isn’t created\nequal, and that makes it important to explore available strains in order\nto find the right match for the illness and the symptoms being\naddressed.\n\n#### Charlotte’s Web\n\nOne particularly potent strain, called Charlotte's Web, is\nnamed for a child it most notably helped by alleviating her long struggle with\nseizures. In addition to a high concentration—20%—of CBD,\nCharlotte's Web, which is derived from hemp, has a very low concentration of THC—at less than 0.3%.\n\n#### Harlequin\n\nAnother high-concentration strain of medical marijuana is called\n[Harlequin](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a9d9ad8fdb6dd00088d0cf1/harlequin). This cannabis strain has been found to be effective in the\ntreatment of pain, stress, anxiety, depression and inflammation.\n\nDepending on how it’s distilled, Harlequin can contain\nbetween 8–16% CBD, running only a tad lower than\nCharlotte's Web. However, it has a 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC, which\nmeans that this cannabis strain mutes the potential psychoactivity of THC that\npatients often seek to minimize.\n\n#### Avidekel\n\nPatients and practitioners can also consider Avidekel, a strain of\nmarijuana developed in Israel and reported by researchers at Hebrew\nUniversity to [treat people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes\nand heart disease](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/03/israel-highless-marijuana_n_1645488.html).\n\nIn fact, Hebrew University researcher Ruth\nGallily says that Avidekel, which contains less than 16% CBD, has\nremarkable anti-inflammatory properties. Because so many illnesses are\nexacerbated by inflammation, this particular marijuana strain can have very broad\napplicability for all types of diseases or conditions that involve inflammation and swelling.\n\n#### Sour Tsunami\n\nSour Tsunami, another strain of medical cannabis that’s got high concentrations of CBD, was one of the initial types of marijuana bred\nspecifically for CBD versus THC. Naturopathic doctors, like Dr. Jake\nFelice, have seen [Sour Tsunami make a world of difference in patients battling\nirritable bowel syndrome](http://www.drjakefelice.com/2011/04/ibs-relief-using-cbd-rich-sour-tsunami-strain/). As a hybrid of two other strains—Sour Diesel\nand NYC Diesel—Sour Tsunami's concentration of CBD is around 11% with THC measuring slightly lower.\n\n### Other High-CBD Marijuana Strains That Can Provide Relief\n\nIn addition to these four high-CBD strains of marijuana, numerous others are available to consumers in markets where cannabis has been legalized for use. They include [Cannatonic](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce5dcd520d60009f4f4bd/cannatonic), Trident, Remedy, Zen and many more. These cannabis strains\nall feature a different ratio of THC to CBD. Depending on the ailment, some patients benefit from either a higher or lower concentration of THC in combination with CBD.\n\nWhile CBD interacts with pain receptors, a particular patient's condition may also benefit from the psychotropic effects of THC, which is typically an even more effective painkiller. This can be particularly true in later-stage diseases or diseases that are highly\ncomplicated in nature.\n\nRatios of THC to CBD as well as specific concentrations of these compounds in\nmedical marijuana should be discussed carefully with a patient's medical\nprovider. Only after careful evaluation—and some trial and error—can a patient find the right type of cannabis to provide the healing or relief they need.\n\nPhoto credit: [Rusty Blazenhoff](https://www.flickr.com/photos/blazenhoff/6716525153/in/photolist-bevWVP-bevWXM-bezNnD-beAiX6-5msbg8-oHJHHD-jwBhd1-7jTSZg-8TnLCh-peR8dn-5KjZK8-7jXLJj-8TY1GD-8xdw91-7VMNYf-8xav4n-8AgykN-fy9FN-y4VnV7-jwCoCA-gaC4xa-jwBfr5-CQXUo-8BxE4L-jwBbMm-jwAmuD-8RvGrx-7jTSMv-7jTSNp-7jTSUD-jEbTR-7jXLLE-7jTT34-8Yd5pt-7jTSXt-8Vaxkw-p7AQJP-8GRgN7-8w4EUg-996agY-8BuxP4-8tusDz-jwCr7d-8BxESN-8MkwXx-4fmvfG-8PWScw-5ArkiD-8JxV3t-8vubVA)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.   \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/ee604/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png","srcSet":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/69585/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 200w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/497c6/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 400w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/ee604/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 800w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/2466b/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 917w","srcWebp":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/58556/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/61e93/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 200w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/1f5c5/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 400w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/58556/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 800w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/4f4d5/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 917w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2024-markdown","title":"What is Cannabis Wax, Shatter and Oil?","slug":"what-is-cannabis-wax-shatter-and-oil","content":"When most people hear 'medical marijuana', they think about flowers or bud that are\nsmoked. But cannabis comes in a variety of forms, including concentrated\nextracts that can be taken in lots of different ways.\n\nCannabis extracts are growing in popularity, comprising between [30 and\n60\npercent](http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2015/01/12/is-cannabis-extraction-the-future-of-a-multi-billion-dollar-industry/)\nof legal market sales in states that have legislation regulating\nmarijuana. The names for these extracts -- oil, wax and shatter -- refer\nto the texture and consistency of the concentrate. Here's an explanation\nabout these cannabis extracts and a guide to the differences between\nthem.\n\n### Cannabis Concentration\n\nThe cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds, including\ncannabinoids, which are the chemicals responsible for the plant's\npsychoactive and medicinal properties. About [85\ncannabinoids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/)\nhave been identified in cannabis, but the most common and most\nfrequently studied are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol\n(CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis and is\nassociated with such medicinal effects as [pain\ncontrol](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/), [mood\nstabilization](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/),\n[sleep improvement](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/164314),\n[appetite\nenhancement](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/scientific-explanation-how-marijuana-causes-munchies-180949660/?no-ist)\nand [inflammation\nreduction](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/). It has\nbeen approved in a number of countries to treat spasticity in patients\nwith [multiple sclerosis](http://www.gwpharm.com/Sativex.aspx), and it\nhas been associated with improvements in patients with\n[asthma](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12597/full).\n[CBD](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579248/) has been\nshown to reduce nausea and vomiting, suppress seizures, reduce\ninflammation, enhance moods and reduce pain.\n\nThe percent of active cannabinoids, referred to as potency, varies from\nplant to plant and is dependent on such variables as climate,\ntemperature, humidity and soil conditions for the growing plant. Plants\ngrown indoors under controlled conditions usually have [higher\npotency](http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2009/June/why-does-cannabis-potency-matter.html)\nthan plants grown outdoors. Potency is measured as the percent of active\ncannabinoids per dry weight of material. For example, average THC\nconcentration in cannabis varies between [1 and 20\npercent](http://adai.uw.edu/marijuana/factsheets/potency.htm).\nExtracting the cannabinoids from the plant increases that potency to\nbetween [40 and 80\npercent](http://www.dea.gov/pr/multimedia-library/publications/marijuana-concentrates.pdf).\n\nThe benefits of increased potency means that patients need less product\nto achieve the medical results needed.\n\n### Extracting Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoids are extracted from the plant by use of a solvent. Common\nsolvents include:\n\n-   Butane\n-   Isopropyl alcohol\n-   Carbon dioxide\n-   Ethanol\n-   Water/steam\n-   Hydrocarbons\n-   Propane\n\nThe plant material, usually consisting of the buds, flowers, stems and\nleaves, is soaked in the solvent and then strained. This process is\nusually repeated. The resulting liquid is then heated in a vacuum oven\nto remove the solvent. The remaining resin is cannabis concentrate.\n\nIt is estimated that it takes about one ounce of marijuana plant to make six\ngrams of cannabis oil, or that it takes about five pounds of plant to\nget 120 to 140 grams of extract.\n\nAlthough the process for extracting cannabinoids can be done at home,\nand there are many web sites that explain the process, there are risks.\nOne risk is the very real danger caused by improper ventilation and the\nheating of potentially flammable solvents, such as butane. In 2014,\nColorado reported [32 home\nexplosions](http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/23/hash-oil-explosions/27737635/)\nthat were confirmed as being caused by cannabis extractions. As a\nresult, the state passed legislation in 2015 restricting the use of\nhazardous materials in the extraction process for non-licensed\nmanufacturers of cannabis extracts.\n\nA second problem is control of contaminants. Some solvent may remain in\nthe resin despite the heating process, and the extraction process may\nnot remove contaminants, such as pesticides, that are used in the\ngrowing process. For instance, [Washington\nState](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/modern-marijuana-more-potent-often-laced-heavy-metals-and-fungus-180954696/?no-ist),\nwhich legalized recreational marijuana in 2014, tests product regularly\nfor salmonella, *E. Coli*, and other contaminants, and rejected about 13\npercent of the marijuana produced in the state in 2014.\n\nThe third problem is consistent potency. Do-it-yourself production does\nnot necessarily have quality control over the potency of your product.\nIf your recommendation for medical marijuana requires a specific potency\nlevel, you may be better off relying on a pharmaceutically prepared\nextract.\n\n### Texture & Consistency of Cannabis Extracts\n\nThe texture and consistency of the cannabis extract is what gives the\nextract its name. Texture can be affected by the temperature of the\nheating process, the amount of moisture in the plant material and any\nagitation or stirring that occurs prior to the purging phase (removal of\nthe solvent). Extract that appears as a thick, sticky resinous liquid is\ncalled cannabis\noil.\nCannabis oil is sometimes called honey oil due to its gold color, or\nbutane oil in reference to the most commonly used solvent.\n\nExtract that is thick and opaque is referred to as wax due to its\nsimilarity to beeswax or earwax. Cannabis wax results from\ncrystallization caused by agitation either through stirring or rapid\nheating. Wax can vary in texture from a somewhat thick liquid to candle\nwax.\n\nShatter is more brittle and clear, and is almost glasslike in\nappearance. When heated, it can be pliable, but it can also break easily\nwhen it is cooled, hence the name.\n\nPatients who use cannabis extract for treatment often employ\nvaporization\nor\ndabbing.\nThese methods heat the cannabis to a temperature lower than that of\nsmoking, creating a mist or vapor that can be inhaled. This makes it\nideal for patients who are experiencing nausea or who cannot or do not\nwish inhale smoke. Cannabis oils also can be taken orally via a capsule,\nan oral syringe or as drops under the tongue. If prepared with an edible\nsolvent, such as olive oil or butter, it can be used in cooking and\npreparing cannabis edibles.\n\nThe potency and effects of the various forms of cannabis extract are\nsimilar across the products. The type recommended for patients will\ndepend on their condition, symptoms and their provider's\nrecommendations.\n\n[Photo credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/symic/8140469407/in/photolist-q8pnum-pRCCz2-dCzfDq-dBYPid-7rrhKX-dpm386-dCzfx3-CXHbt6-sJEMCb-dpm2WP-dBYPts-dG6DFa)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2578616352201257,"src":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/3c17d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png","srcSet":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/69585/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png 200w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/497c6/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png 400w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/3c17d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png 720w","srcWebp":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/2aa8d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/61e93/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp 200w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/1f5c5/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp 400w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/2aa8d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp 720w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2062-markdown","title":"My First Time Visiting a Marijuana Dispensary","slug":"my-first-time-visiting-a-marijuana-dispensary","content":"You might imagine that the Chief Medical Office of HelloMD would be an\r\nauthority on dispensaries. I'm not. It makes me sound like Dr. McCoy,\r\nbut \"I'm a doctor, not a distributor.\" Well, eventually I came to\r\nrealize that being a good doctor means that sometimes you have to be a\r\npatient. Though I am quite familiar with, and have written about, the\r\nbenefits of cannabis as part of a health and wellness program, I have\r\nnever been the recipient of a recommendation for cannabis. That is,\r\nuntil now.\r\n\r\nWhile I am in relatively good health, I do have difficulty with chronic\r\nstress, as many in the medical community do these days. I also suffer\r\nfrom insomnia quite regularly. These are classic symptoms that we\r\nencounter here at HelloMD on a regular basis. I decided that it was time\r\nfor me to see a doctor other than myself for a change. I wanted to know\r\nfor certain if medicinal cannabis could help alleviate my symptoms. I\r\ncan tell you now, I'm tremendously glad I did.\r\n\r\n**How I Learned To Do the Opposite**\r\n\r\nThe entire process, beginning to end, was extremely illuminating for me.\r\nIt helped me see things from the patient's point of view. First of all,\r\nI was relieved to find that it was fairly simple to fill out the online\r\napplication on our site and enter my medical history and other\r\ninformation. Next, I scheduled an appointment with one of our physicians\r\nfor the online face-to-face interview. I was glad to see that, when I\r\nwas speaking to one of our physicians, the training and expertise that\r\nwe ask of our doctors really paid off. In the end, it felt more like a\r\nvideo call with a knowledgeable friend, only the subject was my stress\r\nand insomnia.\r\n\r\nThe result was that he agreed with my assessment. He said he believed\r\nthat cannabis would make sense in my situation and so he issued me a\r\nrecommendation. My next task came in finding a nearby a dispensary. In\r\nthe California county that I live in, there are no dispensaries close\r\nby. The HelloMD site was helpful there, too. There's a Dispensary menu\r\nlink along the top of the page, so I clicked it and was brought to a map\r\nsearch. I used my zip code to find several dispensaries within a few\r\nmiles from my home.\r\n\r\n**Not What I Expected, At All**\r\n\r\nI'd heard stories that these dispensaries tend to be found in bad parts\r\nof town and are surrounded by beefy, armed guards. Some comments online\r\nmentioned triple security entryways, unprofessional workers and people\r\nhanging around outside. None of that was true. Yes, it turns out that\r\npeople posting comments on the Internet can be unreliable, to say the\r\nleast. Shocking, right?\r\n\r\nSecurity at the dispensary was tight because it's a cash business and\r\n(guess what) they are selling marijuana!Bank transactions like credit\r\ncard purchases are not permitted at most dispensaries. Even that is\r\nchanging, though. The Department of Justice said it wouldn't pursue\r\nbanks processing legal marijuana purchases, so [47 percent of\r\ndispensaries in\r\nColorado](http://blog.credit.com/2015/04/despite-legal-uncertainties-some-pot-dispensaries-accept-credit-cards-115247/)\r\nnow accept credit cards or ATM purchases. Although California was the\r\nfirst state to legalize medical marijuana way back in 1996, our state is\r\nsadly still behind the curve on this one.\r\n\r\nOne thing I found to be true was that the dispensary I chose was not\r\nlocated in the prime business district. However, I was glad to park in\r\nthe secure lot and go through the front door beside a friendly security\r\nguard.\r\n\r\n**Approximately One Million Questions**\r\n\r\nI didn't have any idea what to expect when I went through that door.\r\nWould it be an Amsterdam coffee shop inside? Would it be an empty\r\nindustrial warehouse? What I found was practically identical with just\r\nabout every medical waiting room I'd ever been in. It was a clean,\r\nwell-lit space, not too creative in terms of décor, but functional. At\r\nthe counter, a vast array of choices lay before me.\r\n\r\nThe \"Budtender\" behind the counter didn't know me and I didn't mention\r\nthat I had any connection with HelloMD. I assailed this specialist with\r\nevery single question I could imagine that a new patient might ask. What\r\nexactly is medicinal cannabis? What's THC? What's CBD? What's involved\r\nin vaping and is it safe? What are edibles and are they less effective?\r\nWhat are my best options if I want relief from insomnia or pain or\r\nanxiety?\r\n\r\nMy questions went on and on. Perhaps he had his own prescription filled\r\nfor patience because he was honest, informative and friendly throughout\r\nit all. Clearly, this was not his first rodeo.\r\n\r\n**The Moral of the Story**\r\n\r\nI'd say my first dispensary experience was full of surprises, but it was\r\nalso a rewarding journey for me, both personally and professionally. For\r\none thing, now I'm much more comfortable about discussing the next steps\r\nafter a recommendation is given out. I can also understand a great deal\r\nmore about what patients might be thinking when trying medical marijuana\r\nfor the first time. If you've recently encountered some surprising\r\nexperiences along your medical journey, or have questions about the\r\nprocess, we'd love to hear from you. Remember, there's a first time for\r\neverything!\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fixem/4815843665/in/photolist-8kysxk-7Vbxda-8d9A8i-7sRNC-4h9Qjj-6NJiHD-aJe1pt-ayhvqL-rCFZ7U-cmYLtQ-euU1KV-ef8D5n-2oTGLT-7Y7LMC-7hDrqf-8raVcj-74fhHb-a9a4Br-nNaibf-4ua2iW-6eprkk-pePA3V-yUMWc-oJoTCc-9fEhR5-bnY3jk-5Ub4uc-iAmKh-51oXkS-euXhG5-NVieZ-7MjDxo-s82rvS-4AEfuU-kbeDx-79UKxt-5azkGj-oeZ1Vh-9jrft6-7MmB1p-aYbae-kxxF4-8ErPQc-4RoAFk-dZXryD-btSaaS-6Yc8sF-o9kM5u-4nNBEG-4NNLbx)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/14b42/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/f836f/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 200w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/2244e/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 400w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/14b42/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/38862/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 1021w","srcWebp":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/58556/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/61e93/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 200w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/1f5c5/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 400w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/58556/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 800w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/a82bb/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 1021w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1994-markdown","title":"Why Your Parents Need to Learn About Cannabis","slug":"why-your-parents-need-to-learn-about-cannabis","content":"**The Dream of Retirement**\r\n\r\nThe golden years: that bastion of life that promises retirement from the grind, financial independence, and unfettered access to all the things we enjoy. At least, that’s the dream. A dream pushed upon us by relentless advertising from the pharmaceutical, life insurance, and banking industries.\r\n\r\nOf course, I want that dream. Who wouldn’t? But, if reality is to have it’s way – and it most often does – then the grind is likely to have its grip on me until the very end. And that dream? Well, it’s probably destined to remain as just that – a dream. \r\n\r\nAs a doctor, I meet with many seniors. I listen to them, and I watch them as they age. I see their attitudes change. I see their needs, wants, and desires change. I see their lives change – often for the worse. I hear them wish for a good nights sleep, hands that don’t shake, knees that don’t hurt, a day of comfort – things we take for granted while younger. These observations have influenced me and, as I near the so-called golden years period myself, the way I think about the effects of aging. \r\n\r\nI keep arriving at the same place...\r\n\r\n**Getting old sucks!**\r\n\r\nIf you live long enough – and most of us will these days – the adverse symptoms of aging are hard to avoid. While many people are healthy and active into their late 90s, the majority of us will face typical aging related health issues such as insomnia, chronic pain, impaired vision and motor function, reduced appetite – the list goes on and on. Many will deal with symptoms so degenerative – like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – that they will lose their independence and require assisted living facilities or hospitals for the reminder of their days.\r\n\r\nWhile we consider it very fortunate to have a long life, the ailments associated with aging have not been easy to treat with conventional medicine. Often, the pharmaceuticals prescribed can cause health implications of their own. Prescribing them is a bit hit-or-miss. We don’t really know how an individual will react. We can’t know. Different people react differently to the same pharmaceutical. It becomes trial and error, rinse and repeat. For many, one pill begets the next and before you know it you have a potpourri of pharmaceuticals that are organized, by the bucket, for swallowing at scheduled times through the day – every day. For patients that are agitated, uncomfortable, or in pain, the entire process can be frustrating and the results are often questionable if not disappointing.\r\n\r\n**Pills, pills, and more pills**\r\n\r\nIt pains me to watch as some folk react badly to this routine. Side effects occur more often than not - often in the form of seizures, nausea or emotional disturbances such as uncontrollable crying and depression (this is especially true for some sleeping pills on the market today). When these reactions occur, more pharmaceuticals are prescribed to deal with the side effects. And, those are the side effects we know about. What about the unseen side effects? The potentially irreparable damage we may do at cellular level, or at a neurological level?\r\n\r\nDon’t get me wrong; with the advent of many pharmaceuticals we’ve improved the overall health of society immensely. Many drug discovery and pharmaceutical innovations have been nothing short of revolutionary at turning back disease and improving people’s lives. But that’s not really what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the habitual crutch that prescribing pharmaceuticals has become – especially to the elderly.     \r\n\r\n**It's just not right**\r\n\r\nOver the years, as a doctor, observing all of this trial and error, and the general reliance on prescription pharmaceuticals for uncertain results – well, it no longer sits right with me. And it flat out saddens me when I see powerful painkillers and antipsychotics used to sedate some elderly into a manageable submission.\r\n\r\nThese are our seniors, they deserve our respect and they deserve better treatment. At the very least, they deserve an alternative. \r\n\r\n**There is an alternative** \r\n\r\nIt’s been under our nose for millennia, it’s less toxic, and it’s entirely natural. It’s cannabis. Or, to those conforming to legislation, it’s medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nAs cannabis slowly emerges from a long quarantine imposed by authorities acting on misinformation, fear, uncertainty and doubt, we are beginning to learn of its medicinal and health properties. Several years of research performed by many credible institutions are all arriving at the same result. Indeed, cannabis looks like a wonder plant – nature’s gift to humanity. The list of conditions that cannabis is most effective for reads like a list of typical ailments afflicting seniors. Chronic pain (from inflammation of joints and stiff limbs), insomnia, lack of appetite, lethargy and reduced energy, anxiety, are but a few. All affect ones mood and general sense of well being of which cannabis is also said to elevate. There are even reports suggesting certain cannabinoids (found within cannabis) have been effective at arresting some cancers, restoring motor control, and eliminating seizures. \r\n\r\n**Their own worst enemy**\r\n\r\nSuffice to say, this is a population that could benefit tremendously from cannabis, yet their access is limited -- if even considered.\r\n\r\nSeniors themselves are often the first to resist using medical cannabis because of societal concerns about using a drug that the federal government deems illegal. For those that do want to use cannabis, they often don’t know where to go, or how to get it. Only rarely will their doctor support the use of cannabis (it’s more common for a doctor to steer away from the cannabis conversation). This last fact, I can attest. I was that doctor – shaped by decades of misinformation. Prevailing attitudes will change, although it may take a full generation cycle before we see results.\r\n\r\n**It starts with you**\r\n\r\nFor many, cannabis is making their lives more tolerable. For others, it is extending their lives. These are not isolated cases. As Chief Medical Officer at HelloMD.com, I’m hearing such testimonials on a daily basis. Legalization aside, for widespread acceptance there is still one large obstacle to overcome – education. And for your parents, that might start with you.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/14b42/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/f836f/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 200w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/2244e/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 400w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/14b42/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 800w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/47498/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/58556/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/61e93/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 200w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/1f5c5/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 400w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/58556/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 800w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/99238/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1973-markdown","title":"5 Reasons to Get Legal and Stop Buying Marijuana from a Dealer","slug":"5-reasons-to-get-legal-and-stop-buying-marijuana-from-a-dealer","content":"Are you so cozy with your drug dealer you send him or her Christmas cards? Maybe you’ve had this ongoing relationship for quite some time, perhaps for years, and you’re just fine with it.  You get your pot easily and receive what you feel is a private, friendly and expedient service. Your dealer reaps the monetary reward and has a thriving social life as a result. Here’s the catch though; you have no idea what you’re really getting, and in many cases it may be very hazardous to your health. Not just a little, but a lot.\n\nOne of our guiding principles at [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) is that patients deserve access to safe medicine. For this reason, we are in favor of industry regulation, which includes consistent lab testing. Many people believe that cannabis is safe because it is a plant and as such, it is all natural. In some cases this is true, however by the time most people receive their cannabis it has passed through many hands and gone through many different chemical processes i.e., it may be far from ‘natural’ and closer to toxic. If you get your cannabis from your local drug dealer, you may be ingesting a wide array of nasties, unbeknownst to yourself and your well-intentioned ‘friend’.\n\n**The top 5 reasons to stop buying weed from your dealer:**\n\n\n**1. Microbial Material**\n\nHere is just a small sampling of microbial material that shows up in cannabis: Ecoli, yeast, botrytis (fungus), toilet water bacteria, and the deadly mold Aspergillus.\n\n[SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=552), a well known cannabis focused analytics laboratory in California, recently posted a [video on cannabis lab testing](https://www.merryjane.com/news/video-original-seed-to-strain-sc-labs?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=c028ee61bd-Newsletter_Number_4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b2264ec13f-c028ee61bd-143695717). In the video, Nate from SC Labs, says: \n\n>“During certain seasons we see up to 20 % of the cannabis coming in for micro bio tested cannabis failing screens. This means there is a large amount of micro bio contaminated cannabis in the marketplace.”\n\nUnknowingly, you may be ingesting these kinds of microbes. Gross. \n\n**2. Phosphoload**\n\nDue to the lack of regulatory oversight, growers can use products that make their plants look good, but these plants are not a healthy and safe alternative for the patient on the other end. Phosphoload is what is known as a ‘bud hardener’ and will create a larger more beautiful bud. Buyers often think the larger, super green bud is superior, but they are mistaken. Phosphorous, which is the main component in phosphoload, is [‘deemed to be carcinogenic to humans’](http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/h/human_carcinogen_phosphorus_32/intro.htm). It is interesting to note that many labs we talk to say this practice is more prevalent in Southern California, especially in the Los Angeles area.\n\n**3. Pesticides**\n\nIngesting pesticides, even in small doses, can be very hazardous to your health. Many farmers still use illegal and banned pesticides on cannabis because in many cases it will yield a larger crop. If you ingest cannabis with pesticide, you may be feeling the long-term effects of pesticides, whether you know it or not. As stated in [‘Pesticide Use in Marijuana Production](http://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/watchdog/documents/PesticideUseCannabisProduction.pdf) “cannabis is not typically filtered when its smoke is inhaled, and therefore smokers may expose themselves to much higher levels of pesticides and degradates.” The most common pesticides include pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and Avid (snail killer), all products found in your local home and garden store. \n\nRobert Martin, Co-Founder of [CW labs says](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ca3cd435343600060f0000/are-there-neurotoxins-in-your-marijuana):\n\n>“We test for 33 of the most commonly used pesticides, as dictated by the EPA. Pesticides are an awful thing to have in medication; they do not break down in your body no matter how you ingest them. Having pesticides in the body is not good for a patient’s health in any way, shape or form. Patients should be aware, that when concentrates (shatter, wax, hash oil) are made from cannabis that have been treated by pesticides, the pesticides are in an extremely concentrated state just like the marijuana.”\n\n**4. Residual Solvents**\n\nThe cannabis plant is full of cannabinoids. The two most well known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. The most common way to remove the cannabinoids & terpenes from the cannabis plant is to use a  chemical solvent. Butane, hexane, isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are commonly used to make cannabis extractions. Once a cannabis flower is submerged in a solvent the cannabinoids, terpenes and other ingredients come to the fore. Through a complex scientific process, dangerous solvents are removed to make the product safe for ingestion.  It is important to remove all traces of solvent. Cannabis testing laboratories will look for residual solvents such as butane within a hash oil. Toxic residual solvents are unsafe for anyone to ingest. \n\nButane infusion anyone?\n\n**5. …And Other Crazy, Random Stuff Found in Cannabis**\n\n>* Growth hormones \n\n>* Aflatoxins and poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals that are produced by certain molds\n\n>* Untested chemicals being used by growers, which contain chemicals such as cholinesterase inhibitors, a deadly neurotoxin \n\n>* Bacteria from an unsterile environment-often occurs when storing the plant, dirty screens and an unhygienic work environment\n\nDo you eat in a dirty restaurant? Most likely if you walk in and see filth, you walk right out. Obviously, you don’t want to get sick. The cannabis marketplace, in California and elsewhere, has been highly unregulated to date, although the tide is turning. The lack of regulation has unfortunately put cannabis consumers at risk. Laboratories such as [SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=552), [SteepHill Labs](http://steephill.com/) and [CW Labs](http://www.cwanalytical.com) act on behalf of the consumer, publishing results which let growers, dispensaries and consumers know exactly what they are ingesting. For this reason HelloMD always advises patients to go to reputable dispensaries that conduct regular lab testing. Within the industry today, lab tested cannabis is the only way you can ensure the quality and safety of the cannabis you ingest. \n\nSo back to your drug dealer…I think it’s time you broke up. Do you really think your back street cannabis is safe? Honestly, I doubt it.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation whether it be first time or renewal; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/spyrospapaspyropoulos/9061493640/in/photolist-eNJwmY-r6t9Gy-a4EzC-ncEDbj-bK3KQF-k6QgXM-ayRPoW-4C5Duh-oUm1C-qEUBTw-e7dDjN-pP7kd4-e7aZqC-pgHzTH-8DRP24-haeqiW-jpEe8S-eVAZaR-zPv1M9-6AYAK6-sqSZUm-94PjSZ-qDMvkc-dHm5JH-5Dbo7M-fkNg1F-s23YS-rUY8oL-jrTZyK-bqdPYh-n8dvhX-eNWGbP-7rWrsZ-hFuQvf-rPyCQ5-bcgvWg-hDWX8w-2rp2RJ-72N58J-dyWCHD-gumCD9-LngBQ-72djjZ-wKsZU3-m96aZB-5LnSbr-m79GPr-rK3ux-qAnJRH-dsCuee)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/ee604/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png","srcSet":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/69585/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/497c6/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 400w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/ee604/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 800w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/f3583/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 1200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/f90fa/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/58556/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/61e93/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/1f5c5/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 400w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/58556/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 800w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/99238/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 1200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/5e0b8/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2034-markdown","title":"Death Score: Opioids 16235. Cannabis 0.","slug":"death-score-opioids-16235-cannabis-0","content":"Living with chronic pain and trying to treat it can be difficult and frustrating. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals ignore or are unaware of the benefits of medical marijuana for pain management, choosing to prescribe opioid-type drugs to mask symptoms. \n\n[Marijuana has been used to effectively battle chronic pain for centuries](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55dfb34e3763370006c70000/the-history-of-medical-marijuana-usage). But despite the success patients have achieved through the use of medical cannabis, its usage still lags far behind opioids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 10% of prescribing medical professionals account for 50% of opioid prescriptions, illustrating a pattern of over-usage in chronic pain situations. While surveys show that [76% of doctors approve of medical marijuana](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/), statistics indicate that [only 1.1 million patients have current prescriptions](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889),\na number that falls far short of opioid usage. However, [92% of users say medical\ncannabis absolutely works](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/10/01/92-of-patients-say-medical-marijuana-works/) to treat their conditions.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Medical Marijuana Could Save Lives\n\nThe _Washington Post_ reports that [changing from a regimen of addiction-inducing opioids to non-addictive medical cannabis could literally save lives](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/14/how-medical marijuana-could-literally-save-lives/). Everyone agrees with their claim of saved lives, considering the tens of millions of patients currently addicted to opioids and a frightening CDC-compiled statistic that [more than 1,000 people a day are treated in emergency rooms for opioid misuse](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html).\n\nTo put this into perspective, [43,982 people died of drug overdoses in 2013](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html), and more than 50% of those deaths were from prescription drugs. Of the prescription drug overdoses, more than 70% were due to opioid-based medications, totaling 16,235 people. \n\nThat’s an astronomical number of lost lives stemming from doctors prescribing opioid pain medication. During the same year, [exactly zero people died from marijuana use](http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Causes_of_Death). There could truly be no deeper disparity than losing tens of thousands of lives per year to opioids, which are addictive and may or may not work, versus medical cannabis usage that doesn’t lead to addiction and has a far higher number of patients reporting positive results.\n\n### Cannabis Helps With Chronic Pain \n\nIn addition to treatment for non-specific chronic pain, medical cannabis is also a successful treatment option for painful disorders like arthritis. Where pharmaceutical painkillers may fall short and opioids over-treat and overwhelm, [medical marijuana with high concentrations of cannabinoids can lead to decreased inflammation](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a720780f24d1300077ccb25/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-arthritis-answered) and increased pain relief. While other pain medications simply mask pain or decrease pain sensitivity for shorter periods of time, medical marijuana can actually get to the root of the problem and provide longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects or long-term implications.\n\nMedical marijuana can improve the quality of life for chronic pain patients; it can also save lives. Meanwhile, opioids don't treat chronic pain as effectively and claim more lives per year than suicide, car accident fatalities and gun-related deaths combined. A National Bureau of Economic Research study shows that [increased medical marijuana use is directly proportional to decreased opioid abuse](http://www.nber.org/papers/w21345). The positives of saved lives and reduced levels of addiction could not possibly be overstated, and those positives tie back to responsible medical cannabis usage.\n\n### An Argument for Medicinal Marijuana Legalization\n\nA _Washington Post_ article shows a [direct correlation between states that have legalized medical marijuana dispensaries and the subsequent reduction of opioid-linked deaths](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/08/25/is-medical-marijuana-the-answer-to-americas-prescription-painkiller-epidemic/). \n\nAdd to that a study published in the [_Journal of American Medical Association Internal Medicine_](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1898878) that found \"states with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate\" than states that hadn't yet legalized medical marijuana.\n\nNeedless to say, the argument is very strong to push for cannabis legalization across the rest of the U.S. Millions of patients suffering from a variety of disorders could find much-needed relief with medical cannabis. In addition, the lives of countless chronic pain patients could be preserved and bettered through medical cannabis instead of dangerously addictive opioid drugs.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/26553756@N06/2653991611)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/14b42/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/f836f/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 200w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/2244e/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 400w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/14b42/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 800w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/47498/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/58556/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/61e93/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 200w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/1f5c5/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 400w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/58556/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 800w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/99238/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2031-markdown","title":"9 Foolproof Rules for Consuming Cannabis Edibles","slug":"9-foolproof-rules-for-consuming-cannabis-edibles","content":"Last night, a cannabis-savvy friend of mine came over and said, “Something has got to be done about the marijuana edibles on the market. They’re way too strong!” Then she recounted a tale involving Las Vegas, poolside alcohol and some repeated consumption of a cannabis edible chocolate bar. What followed was some identity confusion (she felt she was channeling Liza Minelli), her face stuck to a plate glass window for a period of time and an evening that essentially ended before it even started.\n\nWorking in the cannabis industry you hear a lot of stories about marijuana edibles. Many stories are positive, such as the elderly lady I spoke with who successfully consumes a tiny sliver of cannabis chocolate each night to help combat insomnia. Equally though, I am hearing more and more edible disasters, which I hereby coin “edi-sasters.” Personally, I think until people are adequately educated and informed, there will be more many more edi-sasters, not fewer. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Pros of Cannabis Edibles\n\nThere are many positives when it comes to edibles. They can be an excellent way to treat a variety of medical conditions like insomnia and chronic pain, and many people are more comfortable eating their cannabis rather than smoking it. Edibles also happen to be incredibly potent, which is great for many medicinal consumers. \n\nHere, when I refer to edibles, I’m talking about products that are processed in our body through intestinal uptake, like a cannabis brownie or a gummy—basically anything that gets digested in your stomach. If you follow my simple guidelines below, you may be able to have a positive experience with edibles and avoid an edi-saster.\n\n### My 9 Rules for Consuming Marijuana Edibles\n\n#### 1. Choose a Cannabis Edible With a Label\n \nDon’t eat a marijuana brownie a friend gives you; you will have no idea how much cannabis you’re consuming. I recently heard a story about a friend’s mom who was at the end of her rope with prescription medications, which weren’t helping with her chronic pain. She ate a marijuana brownie which was given to her, and well, it was an edi-saster. When you eat homemade cannabis treats, they may be yummy, but you’re playing Russian-psychotropic-roulette.\n\nDosing is always important, but even more so with cannabis edibles. If you’re eating an edible with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), then you should expect a psychotropic experience. Edibles are typically measured in milligrams, so it is important to [understand dosing](http://boingboing.net/2014/11/18/everything-you-need-to-know-ab.html). But remember, this is just a guide, everyone is different. For some people, 2 mg of THC gives them an intense psychoactive experience but for others, they don’t feel a thing. \n\n* 2 mg: This amount of THC has shown little to no impairment on most consumers.\n\n* 2.5 mg: Most consumers have reported some psychoactivity, which may be equal to a glass of wine or a beer. Doses of THC in this range are popular for social anxiety, appetite stimulation and focus. \n\n* 5 mg: Almost all consumers note significant psychoactivity at this THC dosage. \n\n* 10 mg: For most consumers, there will be significant psychoactivity at this dosage of THC. This also provides significant distraction from pain and is a common dose for chemotherapy patients to reduce nausea.\n\n* 15 mg: This dosage of THC can most times cause uncomfortable levels of psychoactivity, even for regular cannabis consumers.\n\n#### 2. Microdose Your Cannabis Edibles \n\nIf you’re new to edibles and cannabis, I would suggest not exceeding 2.5mg of THC the first time you eat a marijuana edible and know it may take up to an hour to feel the effects. Seek out manufacturers that ensure the consistency and quality of their products. \n\n#### 3. Buy Your Marijuana Edibles From a Reputable Dispensary/Collective/Delivery Service\n\nIt’s important to buy your cannabis edibles from a [trustworthy dispensary](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5627dae93339390006600000/get-started-with-cannabis-a-comprehensive-overview-of-medical-marijuana). It’s important that the products you ingest are safe and that your dispensary only sells products that meet safety standards. A reputable dispensary should carry products that are lab tested by the manufacturer. Some dispensaries go a step further and test the manufactured products themselves. Lab testing will check for pesticides, molds, fungus and E.coli, among other substances that may negatively impact your health. If you’re a medicinal user with a compromised immune system, this is especially important.\n\n#### 4. Don’t Drink Alcohol & Consume Marijuana Edibles at the Same Time\n\nAlcohol has the ability to magnify an edibles experience and the combination of the two can make you extremely dizzy. Additionally, alcohol can impair your judgment and lead to over consumption. Over consumption is very, very bad because you will feel terrible for a very long time.\n\n#### 5. Wait—it can Take up to an Hour to Feel the Effects of Cannabis Edibles\n\nOften, people assume that the edible is not working, and then eat more. How much an edible may affect you and when is also due to your age, gender, body type and metabolism. It’s equally important to eat a marijuana edible either after or while eating non-medicated food. \n\n#### 6. Lock Marijuana Edibles Away From Children & Pets\n\nNever, ever leave an edible in the refrigerator or lying around the house. Most edibles look enticing to children. Pets are also likely to eat your edibles. Yes, dogs will feel the effects too, and not in a good way. Always place your edibles out of reach and ideally in a locked box.\n\n#### 7. Keep a High-CBD Cannabis Product Nearby\n\nAre you nervous about trying edibles? Are you afraid the high may be too intense or the duration may be too long? Well, there’s an answer, and ’'s relatively simple: Keep a product high in cannabidiol (CBD) nearby in case you need help. CBD is an important cannabinoid that, like THC, has special healing properties. It also happens to be an antidote to the paranoia and stoned feeling THC can induce. If you feel too high after eating a cannabis edible, CBD will lessen the effects. \n\nRecently, a close friend of mine ate half of a gummy for his insomnia, not knowing the dosage was too much for him (I did suggest a lower dosage, if you want to know). He was lying on the couch, incapacitated and was telling me the rabbit hole he was going down was too much for him. So I sprayed an 18:1 CBD:THC sublingual spray into his mouth. Within 10 minutes he was up walking around, feeling much better. It really does work! [\n\n#### 8. Don’t Freak Out if You Eat Too Much Cannabis, You’ll Be OK\n\nIf you happen to over consume an edible, know that you will be OK. Hydrate with water, lie down and stay calm. In most cases you’ll fall asleep and wake up groggy, but you will be alive and hopefully be a little wiser. Unlike prescription medicines, alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, you will not kill yourself by overdosing on THC—it’s physically impossible to do so and there are no recorded deaths by marijuana overdose. You may feel terrible and possibly paranoid, but you won’t die.\n\nRELATED: [THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY MARIJUANA IS SAFER THAN OPIOIDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a453281100a820006562f3f/the-science-behind-why-marijuana-is-safer-than-opioids)\n\n#### 9. Find Marijuana Edibles Low in THC\n\nYes, they do exist. With the new wave of high-CBD products, there’s a movement in the marketplace for high-CBD edibles. This is great news to people who enjoy edibles but would like a less intense sensation, or to drop THC altogether. CBD is a great anti-inflammatory and analgesic that helps people with back pain, arthritis and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. \n\nCannabis edibles can be so helpful to many people. But keep my tips in mind so you don’t have a marijuana-fueled Liza Minelli impersonation story of your own. Remember, take a small piece of a cannabis edible and wait at least an hour before deciding whether you need to up your dose. As we say in the cannabis industry when it comes to edibles: start low and go slow. \n\nPhoto credit: [Kat Bruni](https://unsplash.com/@katbruni)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/14b42/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/f836f/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/2244e/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 400w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/14b42/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 800w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/47498/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/0e329/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 1600w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/87226/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 2281w","srcWebp":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/58556/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/61e93/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/1f5c5/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 400w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/58556/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 800w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/99238/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 1200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/7c22d/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 1600w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/94f44/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 2281w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1955-markdown","title":"Cannabis Transdermal Patches: Easy to Use & Effective for Pain","slug":"cannabis-transdermal-patches-easy-to-use-and-effective-for-pain","content":"Since 2013, [Mary’s Medicinals](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/) focused on the medicinal cannabis consumer, establishing itself as an innovative and trusted brand within the industry. Available in Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and California, Mary’s was the first to offer medical marijuana consumers transdermal patches. Mary’s transdermals, discreet patches that are worn on the skin, won numerous awards including Most Innovative Product at the CannAwards in 2015. Mary’s is re-thinking how cannabis is used, taking cues from consumption methods for pharmaceutical treatments, with great success.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### What Are Marijuana Transdermal Patches?\r\n\r\nTransdermal patches are medicated adhesive patches placed on a venous area of the skin. They release small amounts of medication into the bloodstream over a long period of time. To explain how the patches are different from topical creams, Graham Sorkin of Mary’s Medicinals says, “Topical creams can typically be absorbed by the top one to three layers of skin and may offer pain relief locally, to say a shoulder or knee. Transdermal patches differ from topical creams in that the medicine goes through all seven layers of skin and enters directly into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches deliver systematic rather than localized relief.”\r\n\r\n### Pros of Using Cannabis Patches\r\n\r\nPatches allow for absorption at a steady rate over a longer period of time. They don’t require a person to remember to dose at regular intervals, and they can even be used with an upset stomach. Nitroglycerin and nicotine patches are two of the more well-known medicated patches associated with traditional western medicine.\r\n“Transdermal patches are not new,” Graham contends. “However, using them as a delivery method for cannabis is. We find that our consumers already feel comfortable with a transdermal patch. Many of our consumers are elderly, and patches are not only familiar but also a benign way to consume cannabis for pain relief.”\r\n\r\nAn added benefit to transdermal patches is the accuracy in dosing. Unlike edibles, which are first absorbed in the stomach, a patch delivers the medicine directly into the bloodstream. Interestingly, Graham notes, “A 10 mg dose from a transdermal patch is roughly equivalent to what you might feel from an 80 mg serving from an edible. This is due to the high bio-availability with the patch; it enters into the blood which results in 100% cannabinoid uptake.”\r\n\r\nAs absorption happens steadily over a longer period of time Graham says, “We often hear from people that they don’t even notice the patch or a different feeling except when they realize there is an absence of pain. That’s an incredible relief for people who’ve lived with chronic pain.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [DO CANNABIS TOPICALS PASS THE DRUG TEST?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/574b679b982db9000a000055/do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test)\r\n\r\n### Marijuana Transdermal Gel Pens Accompany the Patches\r\n\r\nAlthough dosing is accurate with the patches, Mary’s believes some people may wish to augment the patch with a personalized, blended cannabinoid ratio. For this reason, Mary’s developed a line of [transdermal gel pens](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/), which are meant to be an accompaniment to the transdermal patch.\r\n\r\nThe gel pen microdoses different cannabinoids and can be rubbed directly into the skin for additional relief. “People with migraines indicate that using a transdermal gel rubbed directly into their temples provides pain relief,” says Graham.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Transdermal Patches Are Unlikely to Get You High\r\n\r\nThe majority of Mary’s transdermal patches are non-psychotropic. Non-psychotropic patches include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and their cannabidiol: tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD:THC) 1:1 offering. “To date we haven’t heard from anyone that they have gotten too high or that the patch has even made them uncomfortable,” says Graham. “If you don’t like the feeling you have from a patch, then you can take it off and the feeling will go away very quickly. When you smoke too much cannabis, you may be stuck with an uncomfortable feeling. If you take a patch off, within 10 minutes the amount of cannabinoids in your system will go down.”\r\n\r\nLooking at Mary’s testimonials, you’ll see a variety of patients with different medical conditions finding relief with the transdermal patches. Although Mary’s developed products for the medicinal market, the company is cautious about advising patients medically.\r\n\r\n“When people reach out to us with specific medical conditions and concerns, we want to offer them the best possible advice. For this reason, we partnered with [Realm of Caring](https://www.theroc.us/), a Colorado-based nonprofit that provides support for people using cannabis as therapy.”\r\n\r\nMary’s Medicinals can be found in [several locations nationwide](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/find-marys-products/). Additionally, the company has launched Mary’s Nutritionals, which offers CBD-only products derived from hemp for both human and pet consumption.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png","srcSet":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/69585/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/497c6/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f3583/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f90fa/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/61e93/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/1f5c5/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/99238/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/5e0b8/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2014-markdown","title":"Rubbing It In (and 6 Other Ways to Use Cannabis)","slug":"rubbing-it-in-and-6-other-ways-to-use-cannabis","content":"More and more [scientific studies and clinical\ntests](http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/study.php) are substantiating\nthe benefits of medical marijuana in alleviating the symptoms of\nnumerous medical conditions. Due to its wide range of application,\nmedical cannabis is now available in various forms, so patients can\nchoose a method of ingestion that works best with their condition. The\nmethod of consumption primarily affects the time it takes to feel its\neffect, as well as the duration of its efficacy. Here's a guide that\ndiscusses the different methods of consuming this wonder plant.\n\n\nBreathe it in [vape it]\n-----------------------\n\nIf you want the benefits of marijuana without inhaling any of its toxic\ncompounds (such as you might from smoking it), using a vaporizer is the best way to go. With this method, medical cannabis is heated at just the right temperature to extract its\nuseful compounds with digital accuracy, so you get to inhale its vapor\ninstead of its smoke. In addition, vaporizers also increase the potency\nof medical cannabis. Thus, you can have twice as much effect for half\nthe amount of marijuana.\n\nEven though this method is relatively new, it is fast becoming the preferred way to use cannabis for many. Scientific studies already support its beneficial effects compared to smoking. In [2010\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20451365), Van Dam NT and\nEarleywine M. from the University of Albany recruited 20 cannabis users\nwith at least 2 respiratory symptoms to investigate the effect of\nvaporized cannabis on the pulmonary function of the participants.\nFindings of the study reveal improved respiratory function in\nparticipants after a month's use of vaporized cannabis, suggesting the\npotential of this method of delivery in reducing the harmful risk it may\nhave on the respiratory system.\n\nRub it in\n---------\n\nMedical marijuana can also be applied topically on the skin surface in\nthe form of salve, spray, cream, balm, oil, or lotion. Topical\nformulation provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic\neffects without delivering any of the psychoactive properties of\ncannabis. Topical cannabis is commonly used by patients suffering from\narthritis, sunburns, tendonitis, joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin\ndiseases.\n\nEat it\n------\n\nEdibles or foods that contain cannabis, are cooked using oils or butters derived\nfrom the plant. Most users who use this method of consumption report\nthat the cannabis takes effect gradually and wears off longer. Eating\nedibles is usually recommended for patients with chronic pain or sleep\ndisorder, as well as spasticity, because of its more pronounced effect\non the body, rather than the mind. The downside of using this type of\nmedical marijuana is that the dosage is never perfectly precise and with\ndelayed onset of effects compared to inhaled cannabis, you may\ninadvertently consume more than necessary. In addition, what you already\nhave in your digestive system (i.e medication and food you've eaten\nrecently) may interact with THC to produce unpredictable effects on your\nbody.\n\nIngestible Oils\n---------------\n\nThis kind of cannabis product is a blend of edibles and concentrates.\nIngestible oils are made by using an alcohol solvent to extract the\ntherapeutic chemicals found in marijuana. Once the solvent evaporates,\nwhat will be left are these tar-like oils, which have high amount of\ncannabidiol (CBD) and traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); thus,\nstripping the oil of the psychoactive substance of marijuana. The oil is\nplaced in a capsule for easy ingestion.\n\nTinctures\n---------\n\nIf you want a fast-acting application with dosages you can easily\ncontrol,\ntinctures are the one of the best method of using medical cannabis. Tinctures are\nconcentrated form of medical marijuana, which are formulated in an\nalcohol solution and can be applied directly on your skin, mixed with\nfood or beverages, or placed in small amounts under your tongue. Because\nof their potency, you need to be extra careful with their dosage. It's\nbest to start with smaller doses, allowing some time to feel their\neffect, before adding more.\n\nDrink it\n--------\n\nOther parts of the cannabis plant like its stem, leaves, and buds can be\nbrewed to make a medicinal beverage. The potency of the tea can vary\ndepending on the amount of cannabis used. If you have just started\nmaking your concoction, use a small amount of marijuana at first before\nadding more to achieve a suitable dosage. In addition, you also need to\nadd oil, butter, or alcohol to dissolve THC, as the compound is not\nwater soluble. Like edibles, the effects of marijuana teas are\nslow-acting because the therapeutic compounds in cannabis first must be\nabsorbed in your digestive tract. However, you can count on the effects\nlingering for up to four to eight hours after ingestion.\n\nAside from teas, many dispensaries have medicated coffee and sodas.\nThese beverages are made by adding drops of tincture to the liquid, so\nthat you can easily ingest medical cannabis while taking a sip of your\nfavorite beverage.\n\nSmoke it\n--------\n\nCall it old-school, but smoking has been the most conventional way of consuming marijuana for\nmany years. You can smoke cannabis using a pipe, rolling papers, water\npipes, and in rare instances, it can be inhaled using hookahs. The\nadvantage of smoking marijuana is that the plant's effect can be felt\nalmost immediately. However, many medical organizations, including the\n[American Lung Association](http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/marijuana-and-lung-health.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.ph/),\ndiscourage this method of consumption, as it may have adverse effect on\nyour lungs and increase your risk for respiratory disease.\n\nIf you do choose to smoke medical cannabis, it's best that you use a\nhand pipe that allows you to smoke consistent doses regularly. If you're\nusing rolling paper, make sure you use a filter. In addition, for\nmaximum efficacy with the least inhalation, it's better to use cannabis\nwith higher THC potency and to exhale the smoke right after inhaling it\ndeeply to keep its harmful compounds from coating your lungs.\n\n\n\nMedical cannabis is now available in so many forms, it shouldn't be\ndifficult for you to choose an option that suits your condition and\npreference.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/14b42/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/f836f/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 200w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/2244e/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 400w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/14b42/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 800w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/47498/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/58556/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/61e93/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 200w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/1f5c5/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 400w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/58556/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 800w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/99238/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2008-markdown","title":"Get Started with Cannabis: A Comprehensive Overview of Medical Marijuana","slug":"get-started-with-cannabis-a-comprehensive-overview-of-medical-marijuana","content":" You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and try medical cannabis. Perhaps you’ve received your [medical marijuana recommendation](www.hellomd.com),  but are wondering “Now what?” Patients are often confused and many do not know where to start. \n\nWe recently chatted with Brant Hindman, resident Patient Guide with [Herba Buena](http://herbabuena.com/), regarding his advice for new cannabis patients. Herba Buena is a California medical cannabis collective which \"creates artisan-crafted products for solution-based medicine\". [Brant and founder Alicia Rose](http://herbabuena.com/our-story/) interact with patients through their monthly [Social Clubs](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/) where members receive personalized consultations in a group setting. Social clubs allow for a tasting experience of Herba Buena's product line so each person finds the medicinal marijuana that is right for them. \n\nWe always suggest speaking to your doctor or a trusted advisor at a reputable dispensary or collective before ingesting medicinal marijuana for the first time. Below is some advice on how to obtain the right medical marijuana for you.\n\n**Find a Reputable Dispensary**\n\nIt's important to start with a reputable and knowledgeable dispensary. A reputable dispensary will do lab testing, which is important in the largely unregulated cannabis marketplace. Lab testing will check for pesticides, molds, fungus, and Ecoli among other substances that may negatively impact your health.\n\nA knowledgeable dispensary will also have people on staff capable of giving good advice. Brant says:\n\n>“In my experience, I do not believe that most people who advise in dispensaries take the time to really listen and give personalized advice to the patients who walk through the door. Finding the right dispensary should be like finding a trusted advisor. Call around, ask your friends, see who you get a good feeling from before you go in.  Go to the place that is going to take the time to listen to your questions and give you good answers that’s personalized to your specific needs. It’s also important to find a dispensary that carries a wide variety of medicinal marijuana, as not everyone can or wants to smoke to receive the effects of this amazing plant.”\n\n**Communicate Your Medical History & Symptoms**\n\nOnce you find the right dispensary, it’s important to clearly communicate your medical history (if necessary) and define the symptoms you are trying to treat. Are you looking for something to help with chronic pain, an anti-inflammatory or are you struggling with insomnia? If you have cancer are you trying to quell nausea or trying to eat more?\n\nTalk with a reputable ‘bud master’, the patient advisor within a dispensary, or doctor if available. A good advisor should be able to recommend an appropriate medicinal marijuana product for your condition. On this point, Brant says:\n\n>“When a new patient comes to us, we want understand symptoms they are experiencing, and what exactly they are trying to treat. We like to know as much as we can about their unique personal circumstance. How sensitive is their endocannabinoid system?  Have they had any bad experiences with medicinal marijuana before? What are their preferred or prescriptive methods of ingesting cannabis? We need to understand their medical history, as well as their symptoms, so the recommendations that are made are a pairing of both the most recent scientific research and the best organic medicine that can be found/created.” \n\n**Your Reaction to Cannabis is Unique**\n\nPeople respond to cannabis in different ways. Some people are more sensitive to THC, the psychoactive component within cannabis. Other people are less sensitive and can tolerate larger doses.  Before selecting a medicine, it is important to think about whether you are comfortable with the ‘high’ you may feel with a medicine that is THC-heavy. Some people prefer to ingest products that have zero psycho-activity.\n\n>“As an advisor, I strive to understand what experience the patient may be comfortable with. We always suggest that people new to marijuana start with an elixir (sublingual tincture) and then perhaps later they can move to a vaporizer, which is going to deliver more of a punch. We know that everyone has different sensitivity to cannabis and how his or her unique system reacts with cannabis will be different to the next person. The molecules from cannabis work differently in each person’s brain, so the result is not always consistent from person to person.”\n\n**Understand Cannabinoids and Their Effect** \n\nCannabinoids are what make the cannabis plant so unique. The two most prevalent cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC and CBD. THC is what makes marijuana psychoactive. CBD (cannabidiol) has been found to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and it is not psychoactive. There are upwards of 100 cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, but CBD and THC are the biggest stars. \n\nWhat’s interesting about cannabinoids is that they all work together to provide a synergistic effect within the body’s endocannibinoid system.  Cannabinoids work together to create stability and optimal health within our body. Some refer to cannabis as an adaptagenic medicine due to its ability to balance the body’s internal system. \n\nWhen you ingest cannabinoids they travel through the body and end up in your brain, binding to one or both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Depending on which receptor the cannabinoid prefers, it will alter the kind of relief you may feel. Both CBD and THC work together to create a balanced system, in conjunction with the myriad of other cannabinoids. This is what is referred to as the ‘entourage’ effect, meaning that the different cannabinoids work together to produce an overall effect.\n\nDepending on your symptoms, you may want more THC or more CBD. To this point, Brant commented:\n\n>“If someone has cancer they may want to have a medicine that is higher in THC. There are studies that show [THC can target some types of cancerous tumors](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f4574a3366380006540000/government-cancer-study-shows-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells). It is also a well known treatment for the nausea associated with chemotherapy.  [CBD is also being used as a treatment for some types of cancer](https://www.projectcbd.org/cancer) due to its ability to attach to cancer cells, causing them to destroy themselves. Ultimately, finding the right forms and ratios of CBD to THC is important in the treatment of your condition.  \n\n>If a person has insomnia, they may think about a higher THC ratio. Personally, I’d recommend a product such as our low dosed [‘Lullaby’](http://herbabuena.com/product/lullaby-nighttime-cannabis-elixir/) which  is functionally dosed to be effective, yet does not leave any hangover effects the next day.  CBD, is just a wonder drug.  It can drastically reduce the amount of seizures people with epilepsy experience. CBD helps people from a pain and inflammation standpoint, people with arthritis and fibromyalgia and anecdotally, it has even shown promise as a treatment for some skin cancers as well.” \n\n**Look at Ratio of CBD to THC – It Matters**\n\nCBD is non-psychoactive and THC is psychoactive, and almost all products are a combination of these cannabinoids. Flowers or strains, will always display a percentage of THC to CBD. For the most part, dispensaries almost exclusively sell flowers that are THC-heavy. Other medicinal products such as tinctures, drinks and edibles will present products with a ratio in milligrams of THC to CBD. \n\nIf you are looking for a non-psychoactive product you will look for a high ratio of CBD to THC. Conversely, if you are OK with psycho-activity you will seek a product that either has an equal ratio or one where the THC is higher than the CBD. Brant commented: \n>“Sometimes people can feel anxious or paranoid with too much THC. CBD counteracts and is an antidote to THC. It does not lower the level of THC in your body but the THC becomes less impactful as a psychoactive. The CBD can actually ground you and your nervous system. Understanding the ratio of THC to CBD in your product will help you better understand the overall effect you may experience with the cannabis you ingest.”\n\n**You Don’t Need to Smoke Your Medicine-Necessarily**\n\nBrant says “People are often shocked that they don’t need to smoke flowers in order to imbibe with their medicine. [There is an enormous amount of choice](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7e6426264330006310000/methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana) in the market today and all kinds of products a patient can choose from.” Among the myriad of choices are edibles-both food and drink, tinctures, sublingual (under the tongue) sprays, pills, topicals, among others. Some forms of medical cannabis are faster acting, such as smoking and sublinguals. [Edibles](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f44cbb33663800064d0000/essentials-about-edibles-that-you-need-to-know) can take as long as an hour to take effect, but can also last longer, sometimes up to 3-6 hours. When considering different types of medicine, consider that not all dispensaries offer a wide choice of products. In fact many dispensaries will only offer flowers (bud) for sale.\n\n**Microdose Your Medicine**\n\nBrant says his approach to dosage, is always to proceed with caution in the beginning. “At Herba Buena we are very big on micro dosing, or taking small doses at first until you find the right dosage for you.” As every person reacts differently to both CBD and THC, it is wise to start with a smaller amount and slowly ramp up to larger dosages. Brant says:\n\n>“Over time, finding your tolerance to THC is very important. When you start with a new product, start small. If it is a vaporizer, take a tiny puff and wait 15 minutes. Taking a one second puff is radically different from taking three or four puffs. If you are new to cannabis, you may suddenly find that you are extremely uncomfortable for a good stretch of time. It’s important to know what effect you ultimately want. We always suggest that first time users start with our elixirs (tinctures) as they have very small amounts of THC, so a person can work up from there.”\n\nAlthough cannabis products often come with recommended dosages, it is highly dependent on the person as well as that particular batch of medicine. The percentage of THC and CBD can vary from strain to strain, crop to crop and batch to batch. Lab testing has shown that not all products are accurately labeled. In addition, the FDA does not currently regulate cannabis products. Brant gives the following advice:\n\n>“Edibles are a great example of where microdosing is imperative.  A typical dose may be 85 mg but often a person will not tolerate more than 10mg. It can take up to an hour for an edible to take effect so often people will eat too much of a chocolate bar for instance, and then feel terrible for a 3 to 6 hour time period. Read the label, use caution and start small.”\n\n**Organic vs. Industrial Farming**\n\nAccording to Brant, it is important to know how your cannabis is grown. He says:\n\n>“Outdoor, organic farming creates a full flower medicine, which also equals healthier medicinal marijuana overall. The stars and the soil and the air are integrated systems, which help in the creation of that superior medicine. This is opposed to an industrial setting in an artificial environment, artificial lighting and hydroponics. Ultimately, this is a laboratory creation made on top of concrete.”\n\nThere is no doubt that non-organic, industrial farming sometimes relies on the use of pesticides and other dubious chemicals to produce larger more visually appealing buds. Brant says:\n\n>“Often non-organic flowers sell better because they actually look better. It is analogous to a body building competition. Before the competition the body builder will use more steroids, spray tan and artificially pump themselves up before going on display. This is the same with cannabis flowers for sale. We live in the age of Frankin-Weed. All of this can be avoided, by finding the right collective to join and trusted advisors to guide you along your way.” \n\n**Do Your Homework**\n\nIn summary, doing your homework and proceeding with caution will most likely result in finding the best medicinal marijuana for you.  Seek out a trusted advisor, whether that is your primary care doctor, a medical cannabis doctor, a naturopath or a reputable dispensary with a knowledgeable bud master. Taking the time to find the right medicinal marijuana for your symptoms can often give excellent results and be a pleasurable rather than confusing experience.\n\nIf you are interested in attending one of [Herba Buena’s Social Club](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/) events in the San Francisco Bay Area, [become a member](http://herbabuena.com/the-collective/membership-application/) of the collective. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/ee604/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png","srcSet":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/69585/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/497c6/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 400w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/ee604/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 800w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/f3583/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 1200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/f90fa/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/58556/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/61e93/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/1f5c5/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 400w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/58556/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 800w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/99238/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 1200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/5e0b8/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1951-markdown","title":"Cannabis 101: Your Quick Guide to Medical Marijuana","slug":"cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana","content":"You’ve finally decided to try cannabis. Some of you may have secured a [medical cannabis recommendation](https://www.hellomd.com/). Whether you have or not, you may be confused as to what you need to know before you make your first purchase. This isn’t uncommon for new cannabis consumers seeking to try marijuana to improve their health and wellness.\n\nBelow is a quick guide that will help put you on the path to finding the right medicinal marijuana for you.\n\n### Know Which Symptoms or Condition You Want to Treat\n\nIf you have a serious medical condition which medical marijuana may help, always consult with a doctor first. Meanwhile, a knowledgeable cannabis consultant should be able to advise you on which products will help with specific symptoms. \n\n* Different cannabis strains help with different symptoms.\n* Sativa is commonly known to be uplifting.\n* Indica is commonly known to be more of a sedative.\n* Seek the advice of a reputable cannabis consultant, or budtender—the patient advisor at a dispensary or shop.\n* A reputable dispensary or shop should have in-depth knowledge on all of its products.\n\n### The Importance of Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoidsare what makes the cannabis plant so unique. There are over 100 known cannabinoids. \n\n* Cannabinoids react with our body’s own endocannabinoid system.\n* Cannabinoids bind to either the CB1 or CB2 receptor in our brain.\n* The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.\n* Tetrahydrocannabinol THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* Cannabidiol CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* High-CBD products are a great option for people who don’t want to get high.\n* CBD counteracts the psychoactivity of THC.\n* THC and CBD—along with a number of other cannabinoids and terpenes—work together synergistically to treat illness. This is called the entourage effect.\n\n### The Percentage or Ratio of CBD to THC\n\nIt’s important to consider the ratio of CBD to THC as they influence the plant’s effects on your body.\n\n* Marijuana flower will list the ratio of THC to CBD by percentage.\n* A large majority of marijuana flower (bud) is very high in THC, the psychoactive component.\n* If you’re seeking a non-psychoactive flower, ask for a high-CBD strain.\n* Products other than marijuana bud most often list the ratio of CBD to THC and will be in milligrams.\n* If shown in a ration, CBD comes first, followed by THC in California. For example, a 1:1 ratio is most often somewhat psychoactive, and an 18:1 ratio would not be psychoactive at all.\n* Meanwhile, THC precedes CBD in New York formulations.\n* Always read the instructions on packaged products, and know what you’re purchasing. Make sure the products you buy are lab tested; this is important for your safety and health.\n* Although products may be labeled, the information may be inaccurate depending on the product manufacturer.\n\n### Reactions to Cannabis Differ\n\nEvery person is unique when it comes to marijuana, and how you react may be different to how your friend or family member reacts.\n\n* Reactions differ to not only the main cannabinoids, but to different products as well as dosages.\n* Before you begin, know if you’re comfortable with the feeling of getting high.\n* Start with a small dose. If you smoke, take a half-second puff and wait 10 minutes to see how your body reacts.\n* If you buy a product, such as an edible, read the label carefully and take a quarter to half the recommended dose the first time. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to feek the effects of an edible.\n* Always wait to see how your body reacts before ingesting more marijuana.\n* Different products take longer to take effect. Also, a number of other factors—like what and when you ate, your gender, mental state and more—can influence the onset of marijuana’s effects. So, be patient. \n* Microdosing is key—start small and work your way up to the recommended dosage.\n\n### Many Forms of Marijuana Available\n\nThe world of cannabis has been blown open with a wide array of shapes and forms. You don’t have to smoke your medicine anymore.\n\n* Flowers, or strains, refer to the unprocessed green marijuana flower you can buy at the dispensary.\n* Pre-rolls are joints made from different cannabis strains.\n* Edibles encompass all foods and technically drinks that can be taken orally.\n* Concentrates come in the form of cartridges for vape pens as well as oils, waxes, kief, hash and rosin.\n* Capsules are pills that can be taken; these are often high in CBD.\n* Vape pens allow you to ingest marijuana from an oil cartridge with a discreet pen.\n* Sublingual cannabis come as tablets, sprays, tinctures and strips to dissolve in your mouth or under your tongue, and can take effect quite quickly.\n* Marijuana-infused topicals include oils, creams, lotions, balms and salves—all of which provide localized relief.\n* Meanwhile, cannabis transdermal patches release small amounts of medicine into the bloodstream over a long period of time.\n\n\n### Outdoor-Grown, Indoor-Grown or Greenhouse Marijuana\n\nMarijuana is primarily grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.\n\n* Indoor-grown cannabis typically sports higher prices than outdoor-grown marijuana does, because it costs more to grow cannabis indoors. As well, the controlled environment of an indoor grow can result in higher-quality cannabis.\n* Outdoor-grown marijuana may be less “kind” than indoor plants because its exposed to the elements. However, outdoor marijuana also takes advantage of the natural light to produce more complex terpene and cannabinoid profiles.\n* Greenhouse marijuana is grown in a partially controlled environment and hovers somewhere between indoor and outdoor in terms of quality. \n* In any case, before you buy medical marijuana, the end product should be lab tested for chemicals and bacterial growth that may be hazardous to your health.\n\nIf you’d like to receive your medical marijuana recommendation, [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) facilitates an online doctor's consultation with one of our knowledgeable cannabis doctors. The process is easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/f836f/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/2244e/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/47498/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/61e93/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/1f5c5/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/99238/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1943-markdown","title":"Cannabinoids and the Immune System","slug":"cannabinoids-and-the-immune-system","content":"For those familiar with cannabinoids, their fascinating interactions\r\nwith the human body are probably old news. Their effects on the immune\r\nsystem, however, may not be as well-known. According to new research,\r\ncannabinoids may have an important balancing role that allows the immune\r\nsystem to function at maximum efficiency.\r\n\r\nWhat Are Cannabinoids?\r\n----------------------\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\nTo put it simply,\r\n[cannabinoids](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabinoids-101-what-makes-cannabis-medicine)\r\nare the chemical compounds that are components of the cannabis plant.\r\nThey have long been used in medical circles to treat symptoms ranging\r\nfrom pain to inflammation. Today, they're also gaining popularity for\r\ntheir positive effects on the human immune system.\r\n\r\nThere are many varieties of cannabinoids, including\r\n[phytocannabinoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid# Phytocannabinoids),\r\nwhich are found in cannabis and several other plants, and synthetic\r\ncannabinoids, which are manufactured in a lab.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_/?hl=en) \r\n\r\nWhat Is the ECS?\r\n----------------\r\n\r\nThe [endogenous cannabinoid\r\nsystem](http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system),\r\nalso known as ECS, is a complex network of lipids and receptors.\r\nEndocannabinoids and their respective receptors are produced naturally\r\nby the body and are located in the brain, connective tissues, glands,\r\nand, notably, the cells of the immune system. These receptors are\r\ndesigned to interact actively with cannabinoids in a variety of ways.\r\n\r\nRecently, scientists have discovered that cannabinoids derived from the\r\ncannabis plant can actually help the ECS to function at optimal levels,\r\nthus promoting optimal health. This is especially important due to the\r\nfact that ECS receptors have a direct effect on bodily functions such as\r\nhunger, pain sensation, mood, memory, appetite, blood sugar levels, and\r\nthe immune system.\r\n\r\nThe ECS and Its Ties to the Immune System\r\n-----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nStudy of the ECS has revealed that cannabinoids can act as\r\n[neuromodulators](http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Neuromodulators)\r\nfor a wide assortment of human processes, including learning, appetite,\r\nand immune response. Within the immune system, endocannabinoids function\r\nto protect and lubricate systems for optimal function. Additionally,\r\nthey play an important role in reliving symptoms of disease progression\r\nand pain.\r\n\r\nAlthough the effects of the ECS on the human immune system warrant far\r\nmore study, scientists currently know that targeted cannabinoids are a\r\npromising treatment for certain autoimmune diseases, such as [multiple\r\nsclerosis](https://www.leafly.com/explore/symptoms-multiple-sclerosis),\r\nParkinson's, lupus and arthritis. As a treatment, cannabinoids can often\r\nserve to [reduce inflammatory\r\nresponse](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16023222) and provide\r\nincreased comfort for affected patients.\r\n\r\nHow Cannabinoids Affect Neural Function\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabinoids have been scientifically proven to play an active role in\r\nmaintaining and regulating the processes of\r\n[neurogenesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurogenesis) and\r\n[neurodegeneration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurodegeneration). In\r\nanimal trials, cannabinoids have alleviated symptoms of stroke and\r\ntraumatic head injuries. This provides an important link between\r\ncannabinoids and the immune system. The immune system is capable of\r\n[helping the body recover from\r\nstroke](http://nocamels.com/2012/04/can-the-immune-system-help-recovery-from-stroke/)\r\nbecause of its power to reduce inflammation in the central nervous\r\nsystem. With that in mind, it stands to reason that using cannabinoids\r\nto help decrease inflammation while also promoting the construction of\r\nnew neural pathways (neurogenesis) could go a long way toward supporting\r\nthe immune system's natural function and creating quicker stroke\r\nrecovery periods.\r\n\r\nCannabis can Help to Balance Different Functions of the Immune System\r\n---------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nPredominantly, the body uses two immunity mechanisms to prevent disease\r\nand illness. These types are as follows:\r\n\r\n-   Cell-Mediated Immunity: [Cell-mediated\r\n    immunity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell-mediated_immunity) does\r\n    not utilize antibodies to fight disease. Instead, it relies upon the\r\n    creation and activation of antigen-specific T-lymphocytes known\r\n    as phagocytes. These phagocytes target various antigens by releasing\r\n    cytokines to neutralize the threat and restore the body to\r\n    normal function.\r\n-   Humoral Immunity: [Humoral\r\n    immunity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humoral_immunity) (also\r\n    known as antibody-mediated immunity) relies on the macromolecules\r\n    located in extracellular fluids to fight off antigens, unlike\r\n    cell-mediated immunity which involves T-lymphocytes.\r\n\r\nBecause the immune system is so complex, it's not altogether surprising\r\nthat it sometimes falls out of balance. Multiple sclerosis, for example,\r\nis an autoimmune disease that results from the cell-mediated immune\r\nsystem becoming overly active and targeting the body's brain and nervous\r\nsystem as if it were a dangerous antigen. Within M.S., the immune system\r\n[attacks the\r\nmyelin](http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS)\r\n(the fatty, protective coating) around nerve fibers, resulting in\r\nextensive scar tissue and damage. Over time, the buildup of scar tissue\r\nbegins to interrupt nerve impulses as they travel to and from the brain.\r\nThis, in turn, causes a loss of motor function and eventual paralysis in\r\nthe affected individual.\r\n\r\nUntil now, conditions like this had no known treatment or cure. But\r\nexcitingly, scientists have recently discovered that the ECS and various\r\ncannabinoids may actually help to [balance the various branches of the\r\nimmune system](http://www.jleukbio.org/content/74/4/486.full). This is\r\nimportant because when the immune system is overstimulated, autoimmune\r\ndiseases and dangerous allergic reactions such as food sensitivities,\r\noften occur. This is due to the fact that an overstimulated immune\r\nsystem treats even routine things, such as dust or pollen, as dangerous\r\nintruders and releases \"false alarms\" that tell the body to attack the\r\nallergen. When the immune system is under-stimulated, however, cancer\r\nand disastrous infections can easily arise. If cannabinoids can help\r\nbalance the immune system for optimal functionality, it stands to reason\r\nthat the rates of these adverse affects would be drastically decreased.\r\n\r\nUsing Cannabinoids to Produce Maximum Immune Function\r\n-----------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nWhile routine, recreational use of marijuana may have adverse affects on\r\nan individual's overall health and well-being, research from the\r\ntargeted use of cannabinoids for the purpose of boosting the immune\r\nsystem is overwhelmingly positive. In addition to [mitigating the\r\ninflammatory\r\nsymptoms](http://www.nature.com/nri/journal/v5/n5/execsumm/nri1602.html)\r\nof arthritis and various neural problems, cannabinoids have been shown\r\nto interact with the ECS in a way that helps promote maximum immune\r\nfunction and optimal health through various stages of life.\r\n\r\nAlthough the topic of [cannabinoids and the immune\r\nsystem](https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabinoids-and-the-immune-system-immuno-cannabinoid-effects)\r\nrequires further study and evaluation, scientists have already compiled\r\na large body of research, which is starting to reveal how cannabinoid\r\ncompounds can help the immune system function at optimal levels.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolinabio/5018464550/in/photolist-8DsWES-rPoBxD-8TBHhz-2TE8mc-rdgb8i-8ShrY7-3HaE1D-gBPSn5-nqraLc-6LHN92-cSTreJ-dj2fyp-dj2dKu-hqbZr6-9fmykb-wwy9oW-9fmyiq-9fmygm-8TBFpX-bLTNrn-9fmy87-9nJdWS-9nKwYL-9nJdWL-fwf4c9-7iW5rQ-k64Wka-q662q4-9YW6Vn-fw123x-9YZ2g3-8J5tfV-hGcF7-bBo4VE-bQhFbX-9YZ27d-r3xtRR-r3kRzA-4x3HGv-dj2fwT-fw11VT-8QQzFx-8co7QK-j3Tpyi-qL7tA2-9Vkk72-dj2dLS-5REGXY-dj2fMp-whob4X)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/14b42/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/f836f/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 200w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/2244e/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 400w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/14b42/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 800w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/47498/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/58556/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/61e93/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 200w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/1f5c5/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 400w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/58556/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 800w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/99238/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":24,"numPages":4,"currentPage":3,"id":4903,"name":"101","slug":"101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}