{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/culture-and-lifestyle/10","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2045-markdown","title":"Marijuana Becomes Mainstream","slug":"marijuana-becomes-mainstream","content":"[Cole Porter](http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=16514) may not have\r\nthought himself a sociologist, but this famous songwriter captured the\r\nepitome of a process called normalization in his famous song, \"Anything\r\nGoes.\" Normalization is when something that was once considered deviant\r\nbehavior (in Porter's lyrics, \"a glimpse of stocking\") becomes socially\r\nacceptable.\r\n\r\nCannabis is now the \"stocking,\" and its use, availability and acceptance\r\nare growing in the United States, as well as in other parts of the\r\nworld. Cannabis is becoming normalized.\r\n\r\n**Defining Normalization**\r\n\r\n[Howard Parker](http://howardparker.co.uk/academic%20cv.pdf), an\r\nemeritus professor of the School of Law in Manchester, England, has\r\nwritten extensively about the normalization of illicit drugs in England.\r\nHe cites the following indicators of normalization:\r\n\r\n-   Increasing availability of the drug (and revenue in the United\r\n    States)\r\n-   Increasing use of a drug\r\n-   More tolerant attitudes toward users\r\n-   Presentation of drug cultures in TV, film and music\r\n-   More liberal policy shifts\r\n\r\nLet's apply these indicators to cannabis.\r\n\r\n**Increasing Availability and State Revenue**\r\n\r\nOver the past 20 years, states have passed [cannabis\r\nlegislation](http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/04/14/6-facts-about-marijuana/)\r\nthat decriminalizes possession (14 states), provides for medical use (23\r\nstates plus Washington DC) and has legalized recreational use (4 states\r\nplus Washington DC). Patients who use cannabis for treating\r\n[pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness-marijuana/pain-pain),\r\nphysical or mental illness now have access to a medication that 20 years\r\nago would not have been legal or feasible.\r\n\r\nA 2015\r\n[study](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/26/marijuana-industry-fastest-growing_n_6540166.html)\r\nreports that legal cannabis is the fastest growing industry in the\r\nUnited States. The cannabis market grew 74 percent from 2013 to 2014 to\r\na \\$2.7 billion industry, with an estimated 32 percent growth in 2015.\r\nSuccessful growth means increased tax revenues. In 2015, [cannabis tax\r\nrevenues](http://www.cannalawblog.com/five-top-indicators-that-cannabis-is-normalized/?utm_source=HarrisMoure+-+Canna+Law+Blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=693d41c3b6-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_term=0_f771927421-693d41c3b6-71328637)\r\nwere \\$66.1 million for Colorado and \\$70 million for Washington; while\r\nthese numbers are good for the state's bottom line, it also benefits the\r\nresidents. For instance, Colorado has designated \\$40 million of the tax\r\nrevenues for school construction, \\$12 million for youth and\r\nsubstance-abuse programs, and \\$2 million to college scholarship funds.\r\n\r\n**Increasing Use and More Tolerant Attitudes**\r\n\r\nCannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in America, and its [use\r\nhas\r\nincreased](http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends)\r\nfrom 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and older in 2007 to 19.8 million\r\nAmericans in 2013. Acceptance is also on the rise, since more and more\r\nAmericans support the\r\n[legalization](http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/04/14/6-facts-about-marijuana/)\r\nof cannabis: 53 percent in 2015 compared to just 12 percent in 1969. A\r\nPEW Study in 2014 found that 75 percent of the public believe marijuana\r\nwill be legal nationwide\r\n\r\n**Presentation in TV, Film and Music**\r\n\r\nCannabis has been presented in movies and television for decades, but\r\nthe focus has changed from the melodramatic propaganda film, \"Reefer\r\nMadness,\" to social acceptance in movies such as \"Stepmom,\" in which a\r\ndying character smokes marijuana to ease her cancer pain without the use\r\nbeing central to the plot. A recent television situation comedy, \"Modern\r\nFamily,\" introduced new neighbors as the owners of a medical marijuana\r\ndispensary with no more fanfare than if they owned a shoe store.\r\n\r\nThe music industry has also incorporated cannabis.\r\n[Billboard](http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/1558962/420-songs-20-smokin-tunes-about-weed),\r\nwhich tracks and reviews music, lists the top 20 cannabis-related songs,\r\nand they are not all by Bob Marley; songs range from rock and roll, to\r\ncountry, to jazz, to hip hop, with only one thing in common. They\r\nmention marijuana.\r\n\r\n**More Liberal Policy Shifts**\r\n\r\nCannabis is listed as a Schedule 1 drug by the [Drug Enforcement\r\nAdministration](http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml). This means that\r\ncannabis has \"no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for\r\nabuse,\" despite the growing body of evidence to the contrary. Despite\r\nfederal legislation making it illegal to grow, sell or possess cannabis,\r\n27 states have passed laws either decriminalizing cannabis or allowing\r\nfor some use. According to the [National Cannabis Industry\r\nAssociation](http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54bd4335e4b0b0eaa1130f2c/t/564ba311e4b0f9b15941c4d2/1447797521593/Top5StatestoWatchin2016.pdf),\r\nseven states are looking to expand current or pass new legislation\r\nregarding cannabis in 2016. California, Nevada, Maine, Arizona, Vermont\r\nand Massachusetts are looking at the possibility of legalizing\r\nrecreational adult use of cannabis in 2016, and Florida is debating\r\nlegislation for legalizing medical marijuana.\r\n\r\n**Cannabis Culture**\r\n\r\nParker's indicators of normalization aren't the only signs that cannabis\r\nis achieving normalization, since it is now becoming integrated into\r\ncultural events. Take cannabis-themed\r\n[weddings](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/08/marijuana-wedding_n_5648307.html),\r\nfor example. Some wedding couples are setting aside reception areas for\r\nsmoking cannabis, similar to tobacco smoking or alcohol. Some offer a\r\ncatered \"weed bar,\" where guests can partake of different varieties of\r\ncannabis or methods of cannabis delivery.\r\n\r\nColorado has also introduced cannabis into the\r\n[tourism](https://www.coloradopotguide.com/what-to-do/marijuana-tours/)\r\nindustry. Similar to a wine-tasting crawl, vacationers can sign up for\r\ntours that feature limo bus rides to cannabis-growing facilities,\r\ndispensaries and hotel accommodations. Some tourist packages offer\r\ndiscounts on purchases, as well as rides to and from the airport.\r\n\r\nLastly, for the tech savvy, a wide variety of cannabis-related apps are\r\nnow available, including on Apple, which had banned such apps prior to\r\n2015. According to\r\n[Appcrawlr](http://appcrawlr.com/ios-apps/best-free-apps-marijuana), a\r\nthird-party app search program, more than 50 cannabis-related apps are\r\navailable; these apps include dating opportunities, social media sites,\r\ninformation about specific types of cannabis and more.\r\n\r\n**Anything Goes**\r\n\r\nAlthough we're no longer treating cannabis as they did in \"Reefer\r\nMadness,\" we're not quite to the Cole Porter \"anything goes\" stage. At\r\nthe same time, the signs are showing that the \"glimpse\" of the cannabis\r\nstocking may well become acceptable.\r\n\r\n[Image Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ianturk/2154922331/in/photolist-4hqxki-rcK41j-qXgNmH-AkrixD-4AdpdV-4EAgVX-a7wCmZ-a7wCie-9hWFRM-8KfCvo-a4K54o-bKUf7F-eYMinb-iuW1Us-he5vz-57XSGW-9Nfqqe-9Nfof6-9NieFY-9NftZi-9Ni8QA-9NfsZp-9Niafy-9NfoHV-9NidQ1-9NihzU-9Nfs5H-7ETUus-5Q656V-4wjYEA-kSsKu-9Nfrot-9Nib4S-9NicVG-9NifFN-9Nftic-9NfvhB-9Nfsng-9Nfv1v-9NicaE-4fJgfV-BsKqE-7onsYp-8pUrHe-66V968-opRLyC-66ZoNh-66Zp5W-66V9Dt-66V9yp)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/ee604/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.png","srcSet":"/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/69585/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.png 200w,\n/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/497c6/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.png 400w,\n/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/ee604/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.png 800w,\n/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/01d13/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.png 889w","srcWebp":"/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/58556/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/61e93/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.webp 200w,\n/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/1f5c5/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.webp 400w,\n/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/58556/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.webp 800w,\n/static/1c1375dcd456c8bf91a1a12c51ceb929/542b7/391ecf721959d5107bdc50f9a2d9ff9d.webp 889w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"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,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQD/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAEd8pcoqor/xAAaEAADAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABBMh/9oACAEBAAEFApt6YJqEdnDQPStSMWBP/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEf/aAAgBAwEBPwGVoz//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEP/aAAgBAgEBPwFn/8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECETEhMv/aAAgBAQAGPwJaKfl6OhWZyzsUf//EABoQAQEBAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERADEhUWH/2gAIAQEAAT8hkV65ryE5x43M0vbioe1+5AEKiZiobv/aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQAz//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABH/2gAIAQMBAT8QRQBy/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEB/9oACAECAQE/ENRX/8QAHBABAQACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFBcWHw/9oACAEBAAE/EE0uBh0+zcx9GcltZpF/XADLUXLvrNB48AOMrMWXwpjPQtyd5//Z","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,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAPCAIAAABr+ngCAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADLklEQVQoz02TTU8bVxSGL/Z8ezzf9tiMxzYDHgePMR5sz9jBRhhqN3bBgDGOAkEhEhEfcosgKKWoIDeqqi5aWjWLSMkiqrrIopGSLlpVqrKPlEj0F1T5C1X+QE5gk7O4Onc0zznve+69aGrSXb3RadRmqpVSb/fOTz9+/9efL969+//t2/9ev37lFPIIIYrESZKoVqvxeBy2Xq8XVpqmUaXkthc/Kzm5bmfx1yeP/3j+7N/zN+fnb+qz03PN+kJrXpEl7wAyzZF0Op3JZARBAJjneVVVUTIWTSWGdFUJ+H0s7rFGjJvXl+3UFR/mwRDiWJ/IcziORaNRURQ9Hk8+n5dlGRKogiSWGtJDhh5q1quOndZVGR8YYLxI5miJZ3HMAySIHBwcBBiSVqtVLpchOT4+RqrMygJdKmTKxdxwfNDNjVlXjJDCuU52zBqlKerSYSAQmJqasm1b1/V2uw38/v4+mnTtjJXY3Fj99puv2/PXbCtZzGevdxYPD/Yq5aKiyMxFRCKRZrPZ7/ePjo7Ozs7W19enp6fRWrc916h+efjF09+eLDTroPzRw19e/vP3g59/uN8/cZwCDAl85nI5UC5J0tbW1srKSqlU6na7qD5TKTrZg72de3f3ksOx27fWdrc2O+0Fe9y6etU1k2ZEi0SjOlg1DEPTtF6vt729DZpBCNrcWGu3Gu5EprM41z/5amm+WSpMjI2ak8VCXNd0PYJdBHQGEvilpSXXdbPZLJwWOj0+fP770+/unzY+qU6kRwEGt25u/PPezvrajWTSJEmKZdlYLJZIJBzHqdVqjUZjeXkZyqGyO/HpbCVvWwHeF5a5sdGRgm3VZspz12ZzWSuoiAxDEwTBcZyiKOAZJgf9U6kUjB0lDc0c0qIhSQ9Lw7FwXFNN+GJETEPXVJnzUXDOFEXBwP1+P1yMYDAI+qFEOBxGhq5GgqLiZyQaF2icp3GRIUSWEljST+E0ieG4FzrTF3FZBQIS8IJCMvfh1wtMoD6sPMAMwfsIhsRIAsNw4OFhkFAC1ksMbii4gBvml3la4miBpUQfCQ0BE3yEnwEAI0mc+iguxYNzeF4wv/chcqCWg3yLXAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","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_1938-markdown","title":"The History of Medical Marijuana Usage","slug":"the-history-of-medical-marijuana-usage","content":"Most medical marijuana users know that the treatment dates back\r\nthousands of years, but do you know just how far? Most sources date the\r\n[historical use of medical\r\nmarijuana](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026)\r\nback tens of thousands of years.\r\n\r\nThroughout that time, cannabis has been a valuable plant used to treat\r\nmedical conditions throughout the world. Read on to learn more:\r\n\r\n**2900 B.C**\r\n\r\nChinese Emperor [Fu Hsi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuxi) is credited\r\nwith establishing Chinese civilization, and is well-known to have made\r\nreferences to a substance called \"Ma,\" which [historians now know is\r\ncannabis](http://antiquecannabisbook.com/chap2B/China/Sound-Ma.htm).\r\nEmperor Fu Hsi believed the plant could be used to treat a variety of\r\nmedical conditions due to the fact that it contained both yin and yang\r\nenergies.\r\n\r\n**1450 B.C.**\r\n\r\nIn the Bible's [Exodus\r\n30:22-23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+30%3A22-36&version=NASB),\r\nthere is a mention of \"holy anointing oil,\" which botanists,\r\netymologists and anthropologists now agree was [a mixture of cannabis\r\nextract](http://mychronicrelief.com/holy-anointing-oil-cannabis/) mixed\r\nwith olive oil and other fragrant herbs. Thousands of years later, in 30\r\nAD, Jesus himself is said to have been anointed with holy cannabis oil.\r\n\r\n**1213 B.C.**\r\n\r\nWhen archaeologists examined the mummy of [Ramesses\r\nII](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramesses_II), who passed away in 1213\r\nB.C., they were not surprised to find cannabis pollen in large amounts.\r\nIn ancient Egypt, [medical marijuana was used to treat many\r\nconditions](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026),\r\nranging from glaucoma to postpartum injuries\r\n\r\n**1000 B.C.**\r\n\r\nThe *Venidad,*an ancient Persian religious text, lists cannabis as the\r\n[single most\r\nimportant](http://www.sparcsf.org/learning-center/spiritual-use-canabis)\r\nof the 10,000 available medicinal plants.\r\n\r\n**200 B.C.**\r\n\r\nThe ancient Greeks [used cannabis to treat many\r\nailments](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-malerba/marijuana-healing-herb-or_b_765531.html),\r\nranging from earaches, edema and inflammatory issues.\r\n\r\n**1 A.D.**\r\n\r\nThe *[Pen Ts'ao\r\nChing](http://antiquecannabisbook.com/chap2B/China/Pen-Tsao.htm)* is an\r\nexhaustive compilation of drug recipes dating back to ancient Chinese\r\nmasters. Within it, marijuana is depicted in drawings that show the\r\nplants drying in sheds. The text goes on to recommend cannabis treatment\r\nfor gout, malaria and rheumatism.\r\n\r\n**200 A.D.**\r\n\r\nWhen it came time to preform surgery, Chinese surgeon Hua T'o used a\r\nmixture of cannabis resin and wine [to anesthetize his\r\npatients](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201105/history-cannabis-in-ancient-china).\r\n\r\n**1621 A.D.**\r\n\r\nIn *[The Anatomy of\r\nMelencholy](http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10800/10800-h/10800-h.htm)*,\r\na popular medical text book written by Robert Burton, medical marijuana\r\nis recommended as a treatment for depression.\r\n\r\n**1840**\r\n\r\nCannabis made its way to the royals when Queen Victoria charged Dr.\r\nWilliam O'Shaughnessy to bring her some to help [resolve her crippling\r\nmenstrual\r\ncramps](http://blog.longreads.com/2015/01/28/queen-victorias-cramps-and-the-history-of-medicinal-marijuana-in-europe/).\r\n\r\n**1930**\r\n\r\nAmerican Pharmaceutical firm's [began selling medical marijuana\r\nextracts](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026)\r\nas sedatives, asthma treatments and analgesics, paving the way for later\r\nmedical marijuana use.\r\n\r\n**1996**\r\n\r\nCalifornia becomes the [first state to legalize\r\nmarijuana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_215_(1996))\r\nfor medical use.\r\n\r\nAlthough the medical uses of marijuana have been varied, it is clear\r\nthat cannabis has had an important role throughout history as a form of\r\nmedication.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/46944516@N00/6187758941)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFA//EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAED/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHJye5GkoYB/8QAGxAAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAASFBH/2gAIAQEAAQUCrV9xyJ5NBrItt1HYpG5bP//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABERL/2gAIAQMBAT8BlMo//8QAFxEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAESIf/aAAgBAgEBPwHV5f/EABoQAAMAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQIiMYH/2gAIAQEABj8CuXB7NEt8JEbYwp//xAAcEAEAAgMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMUFRYXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hJ2TQrsocN8IzDzRcyh6rEKtHs7DM9n//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEAMv/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEFR/9oACAEDAQE/EIRk/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEhEf/aAAgBAgEBPxCHo1Q//8QAHBABAAIDAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFBYVFx/9oACAEBAAE/EE2JpBa6vnJmRlnI+VUYkULCs8a7C9WgDU5iU9HRipr8hbQLVxP/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/14b42/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/f836f/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.jpg 200w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/2244e/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.jpg 400w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/14b42/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.jpg 800w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/47498/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/f548e/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.jpg 1404w","srcWebp":"/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/58556/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/61e93/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.webp 200w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/1f5c5/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.webp 400w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/58556/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.webp 800w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/99238/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.webp 1200w,\n/static/5e7212205dc862c4a311169fa60d2e67/c1b6b/ed5ace0fb5bf79a9ac0dae5b2a2b1181.webp 1404w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":108,"numPages":10,"currentPage":10,"id":5167,"name":"Culture & Lifestyle","slug":"culture-and-lifestyle","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}