{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/culture-and-lifestyle/8","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2315-markdown","title":"Top 11 Health Benefits of Marijuana","slug":"top-11-health-benefits-of-marijuana","content":"Cannabis has moved out of the grey area and into its rightful position as a part of a healthy approach to overall wellness. In fact, a recent study released from Duke University and the University of Arizona found that [long-term marijuana use didn’t lead to a decline in health](http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2526003). In this study, 1,000 participants from New Zealand were tracked over a 40-year period, each with a minimum of 20 years of consistent cannabis consumption—smoking, specifically. \n\nThe study found no decline in lung function as well as no increase in high blood pressure or diabetes. Nor did it detect any other deterioration in physical health. The one caveat to the study was that the researchers found high levels of gum disease among the study participants. That said, this is a factor that could very well decrease as people move away from smoking marijuana towards vaporizing cannabis as well as consuming edibles or using cannabis-infused topical products. \n\nIn addition, no similarities were found between those who engaged in long-term tobacco smoking versus long-term marijuana smoking. Avshalom Capsi, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University and the co-author of the study, said that “overall damage to physical health is not apparent in this study.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Top 11 Reasons Why Marijuana Is Good for You\n\nThis study adds new scientific evidence to the thousands of years of anecdotal evidence, which show that cannabis isn’t bad for your health, nor can it kill you. Meanwhile, 595,690 deaths a year in the U.S. alone are attributed to tobacco. What we’re now finding is that cannabis provides a variety of health benefits for both healthy individuals and those struggling with various illnesses. \n\nHere are 11 key—and sometimes surprising—benefits of cannabis.\n\n### Benefit #1: Cannabis Regulates Metabolism & Weight Loss\n\nA survey conducted at Nunavik Inuit Health in 2004 found that the 57.4% of people in the survey, who said they used cannabis, had a lower average percentage of fat mass, body mass index and fasting insulin levels. There were statistically significant differences between the groups of people who self-reported as smoking cannabis compared to those who didn’t. \n\nSmoking cannabis in the last year was associated with a 56% lower likelihood of obesity. This is just one of the many studies that ties lower rates of obesity to cannabis consumers. Researchers found that cannabis consumers’ waists are 1.5 inches smaller on average than that of non-cannabis users. Cannabis is believed to help regulate your metabolism, also making it a factor in lowering the risk of diabetes. \n\nIn addition, for a number of folks, cannabis can get people off the couch and moving—whether it’s on the road or in the gym. In fact, some claim that marijuana increases athletic performance, for long-distance runners and swimmers in particular. Some athletes claim that it improves focus and the ability to push past previous limitations.\n\n![One benefit of marijuana: regulating metabolism & improving sports performance](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fcc167bf61c000cbbd138/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.20.53_PM.png)\n_One of the many benefits of marijuana is improved sports performance, especially in long-distance running._\n \n### Benefit #2: Marijuana Helps Alleviate Depression\n\nDepression is one of the most common medical conditions in the world. In a 2015 study from the University of Buffalo, RIA senior research scientist Samir Haj-Dahmane, Ph.D., said, “In the animal models we studied, we saw that chronic stress reduced the production of endocannabinoids, leading to depression-like behavior.”\n\nThis means that cannabis can be used to supplement endocannabinoids lacking within our system, helping the body return to homeostasis and in turn reducing levels of depression. Cannabis also aids in relieving stress, which is one of the biggest risk factors for depression. \n\n### Benefit #3: Cannabis Slows the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease\n\nAlzheimer’s disease is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. It also causes mental disability for those afflicted many years prior to death. A study published in the _Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease_ in September 2014 found that, “THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) could be a potential therapeutic treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease through multiple functions and pathways.” This is believed to be due to the neuroprotective and antioxidant qualities of cannabis. \n\n### Benefit #4: Cannabis Relieves Arthritis\n\nArthritis is one of the leading causes of physical disability in the world. And it’s one of the most common kinds of chronic pain that people experience. The first recorded use of cannabis to help heal arthritis was in China nearly 4,000 years ago.\n\nTetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active compound in most strains of marijuana, has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, helps regulate autoimmune conditions like arthritis.\n\n### Benefit #5: Marijuana Eases Chronic Pain\n\nOne of the most common reasons people miss work and have a decreased quality of life is due to various types of chronic pain. From PMS cramps to headaches to back pain, many people are debilitated by daily, overwhelming pain. Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, cannabis can help reduce pain whether it’s applied in the form of a topical or consumed orally. Cannabis consumption can also help greatly decrease the need for harsh, addictive opioids. \n\n![Marijuana eases chronic pain](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fccc42cf8a800084e13fc/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.30.09_PM.png)\n_One of the benefits of cannabis is that it can relieve pain. Learn what the top strains for chronic pain are._\n \n### Benefit #6: Marijuana Lowers Blood Pressure\n\nOne-third of adults in the United States have high blood pressure or hypertension. This can lead to cardiovascular disease as well as strokes or heart attacks. Tobacco is one of the most common causes for high blood pressure, along with poor diet and lack of exercise.\n\nThere are a wide range of scientific and anecdotal studies to support how cannabis decreases blood pressure. Some researchers also believe that cannabinoids may have a protective role within the body, also leading to a decrease in blood pressure. \n\n### Benefit #7:  Marijuana Supports Recovery From Eating Disorders\n\nEating disorders are becoming an increasingly large problem across the world as many young people are exposed to constant media and peer pressure to be unattainably beautiful and thin. Cannabis can help regulate eating patterns, aiding with recovery from conditions like bulimia and other binge disorders.\n\nIt can also help stimulate appetite and regain a desire to eat in individuals with eating disorders like anorexia. Cannabis can also help reduce anxiety—both social and food related, which can lead many people down the path of eating disorders.\n\n### Benefit #8: Cannabis Provides Relief to PTSD Sufferers\n\nVeterans have become one of the most vocal supporters of cannabis legalization due to the incredible relief that cannabis can provide to people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consuming cannabis can help reduce the stress and anxiety that PTSD sufferers struggle with every day. It also reduces the need for harder opioids and medications that can often worsen the symptoms of PTSD.\n\n### Benefit #9: Cannabis Reduces Nausea\n\nMany people experience nausea on a regular basis, whether it’s due to digestive problems, migraines or chemotherapy. Marijuana reacts with brain receptors to help regulate the feelings that are often associated with nausea.\n\nIt can also help decrease stomach pain and regulate your body’s digestive processes—as digestive issues often go hand in hand with feelings of nausea. Cannabis can also help stimulate appetite if people find themselves unable to hold food down, because they’re experiencing queasiness and an unsettled stomach. \n\n### Benefit #10: CBD Can Reduce Seizure Activity\n\nCBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana, can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Medical marijuana legalization has been pushed through in many states due to the incredible effects that cannabis has on seizures.\n\nA study from the American Academy of Neurology published in 2015 found that there was, on average, a 51% decrease in the amount of seizures people experienced while using medical cannabis, as well as a 63% decrease in seizures for patients who had Dravet’s syndrome.\n\nA specific marijuana strain, Charlotte’s Web, was created particularly for a young girl who experienced extreme seizures. The strain is still widely used due to its effectiveness and lack of psychoactive side effects. \n\n![Another benefit of marijuana: It makes us feel good](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fcc157bf61c000cbbd137/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.13.41_PM.png) \n_Another benefit of marijuana, specifically THC, is that it produces feelings of happiness._ \n\n### Benefit #11: Cannabis Makes You Happy\n\nLastly, for the vast majority of people, [marijuana induces a sense of euphoria and calm](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/582b86cce686fc000c657034/why-does-cannabis-make-you-feel-good). Happiness, or a general sense of well-being is something that everyone wants. Scientific studies show a connection between happiness, optimism and overall life satisfaction.\n\nCannabis activates a neurotransmitter in our brain called anandamide—also called the bliss molecule. This molecule, among other things, is responsible for making us feel happy. THC is responsible for stimulating anandamide, which is found both within our body as well as within cannabis itself.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/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":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/14b42/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/f836f/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/2244e/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 400w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/14b42/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/47498/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/54ac5/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/58556/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/61e93/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/1f5c5/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 400w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/58556/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 800w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/99238/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 1200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/5e0b8/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2398-markdown","title":"Why Does Music Sound Better with Marijuana?","slug":"why-does-music-sound-better-with-marijuana","content":"### Music Does Sound Better...\n\nIt may not be news to cannabis consumers that music sounds better after you’ve had a hit from your vaporizer. The notes seem clearer and the lyrics seem to radiate in a way that they just don’t when you have not consumed cannabis. There are no studies I am aware of that indicate why cannabis makes music sound better, but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that serves to explain how music gets an extra boost from cannabis consumption. \n\n[A 2011 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21412224), published in the journal _Neuropharmacology_ found that cannabis does have some affect on auditory processing in humans. The study, which looked at 14 different subjects, each on three different occasions, used FRMI, or functional magnetic resonance imaging, to see if cannabis affected the auditory and visual processing of people. In the study, THC and CBD were isolated and tested separately, each appearing to have different effects on the auditory system. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Cannabis Makes You Tune In\n\nIt turns out, cannabis can help people focus only on relevant stimuli. Cannabis can also help you become more alert and focused, so when you are listening to music you may be able to become more zoned into the specifics of a song. Cannabis can also assist in relaxing you and rid you of outside stresses, so music can be enjoyed on a deeper level. As a result, the more immersed you become in the music, the better it sounds and the more you connect with the it. \n\nRELATED: [DOES CANNABIS MAKE YOU MORE CREATIVE?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/587d4c611faa3400083e7de1/does-cannabis-make-you-more-creative)\n\nSmoking or ingesting marijuana can also help you enter a meditative state, which can allow you to absorb the music you are listening to even more. You may have noticed how it allows you to feel more freely and enhances your ability to access emotions that you may otherwise keep hidden. It so happens, music is closely tied with memories and emotions, which makes cannabis a great pairing for fantastic music you may have heard before. Possibly most importantly, however, is that cannabis has the ability to stimulate happy feelings. When you are listening to music and you are feeling euphoria, it is far more likely to sound amazing and be more enjoyable. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5888177429f44d000c1d76ff/embedded_images/588817e1e60ed8000c5dc048/IMG_0093.JPG)\n Morrissey is a classic favorite to listen to while consuming\n\n### Music History & Cannabis\n\nMany musicians, from Lady Gaga to Bob Marley, have found inspiration from using cannabis and attribute much of their creative success to it. Cannabis is closely tied to many different genres of music, both with positive and negative connotations. \n\nEDM: Electric music has experienced a hay-day in recent years, becoming increasingly popular as the music festival scene has grown. EDM is full of cannabis references and it has become a large part of the culture. \n\nFolk: From Bob Dylan to the Grateful Dead to Willie Nelson, cannabis has been a part of folk music culture for as long as it has been around. Folk music has long been associated with hippies and the counterculture of the 60s and 70s, making cannabis a great companion. \n\nHip Hop: Cannabis has long been tied with hip hop and rap, being referenced constantly in songs. Hip hop lyrics involving cannabis are some of the most well-known references to marijuana. Hip hop has also given us some of our biggest cannabis legalization advocates, like Snoop Dog. \n\nJazz: Cannabis and Jazz have a long and storied history that many people do not know. Anti-cannabis advocates used racism towards African American Jazz musicians as a reason to outlaw cannabis, which they were rumored to smoke. Despite the propaganda used by anti-marijuana groups, some Jazz musicians were cannabis fans. Louis Armstrong was known for his  song called “Muggles”, which was a slang term for marijuana. \n\nPop: Does “I get high with a little help from my friends” ring a bell to you? The Beatles did not shy away from their affection for cannabis, and neither do modern day pop stars like Miley Cyrus. Cyrus has been open with her marijuana use, even smoking a joint on live television. \n\nReggae: Cannabis’ number one advocate before Snoop Dog came along was Bob Marley. He often attributed his success with writing new music to cannabis consumption and it became a very integral part of the reggae image he fostered.  \n\nRock: From the Beach Boys to Jimi Hendrix, many rock icons used cannabis to help them kick back while out on the road. Though rock is sometimes associated with harder drugs, cannabis has long been a part of the rock culture and process. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5888177429f44d000c1d76ff/embedded_images/588817e2e60ed8000c5dc049/IMG_0095.JPG) \nBowie is profound and we all miss him, my LP keeps him alive\n\n### HelloMD’s Cannabis Playlist\n\nHere are some of the songs that we think go great with some delicious edibles or a nice vaporizer on a Friday night. \n\nPurple Haze - Jimi Hendrix\n\nScarlett Begonias - Sublime\n\nComfortably Numb - Pink Floyd\n\nHere Comes the Sun - The Beatles\n\nRipple - The Grateful Dead\n\nTimes They are A-Changin’ - Bob Dylan\n\nLost in My Mind -  The Head and The Heart\n\nCeleste - Ezra Vine\n\n_____________________________________________________________________\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; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/14b42/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/f836f/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.jpg 200w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/2244e/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.jpg 400w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/14b42/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.jpg 800w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/47498/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/54ac5/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/58556/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/61e93/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.webp 200w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/1f5c5/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.webp 400w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/58556/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.webp 800w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/99238/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.webp 1200w,\n/static/4faf78797d226f9bd8b8d6d1d3161e01/5e0b8/b81642bc797fd4e4432ce31d9f1f290b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2094-markdown","title":"How To Do a Cannabis Tasting","slug":"how-to-do-a-cannabis-tasting","content":"### What’s Cannabis Tasting\n\nCannabis is an extremely unique plant with many different flavors, smells, physical effects, and visual attributes. Cannabis tasting, much like wine or beer tasting, is all about noticing the subtleties between different cannabis strains. Cannabis tasting is a multi-step process that takes concentration, knowledge and understanding. It is also a great way to get more familiar with the types of varieties you may enjoy, both because of their taste and the effect they have on you. \n\n### How Do You Taste Cannabis?\n\nWhen tasting cannabis strains you should choose one consistent consumption method across all tastings. Each administration method, be it smoking a joint, smoking through a water pipe, or vaporizing, can bring out different qualities in the cannabis plant, due the different temperatures and conditions that are created during the smoking process. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nAlso, try to resist eating or drinking while tasting cannabis. Though one of the newest trends in the world of marijuana is cannabis and wine or cannabis and food tastings, when you are tasting on your own it is better to start with cannabis only. Usually cannabis that is paired with wine or food is being paired in a way to bring out certain flavors or nuances that come from the complimenting food or beverage. When tasting cannabis on its own, it is better to get to know strains in a simple way, and then venture into pairing and complimenting flavors of your favorite strains with foods or beverages. \n\n### 1. Look At It\n\nIf you’ve never walked through a cannabis dispensary and admired the amazing variety of cannabis buds, you’re missing out. Each strain of cannabis contains different colors, like vibrant purples and yellows, as well as unique physical attributes, like crystallization or a soft moss-like texture. Before diving in to tasting your cannabis, look at the bud or nuggets and take notes, either mental or physical, on what you see.  Visual aspects, like trichomes, which are the small crystal or fuzz-like substance that you see on cannabis plants, can change the flavor of a cannabis strain.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS TOURISM: YOUR 420 HOLIDAY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/581a2c4655e441000b0b516e/cannabis-tourism-your-420-holiday)\n\n### 2. Touch It\n\nAfter visually inspecting your cannabis, feel it. You can learn a lot from feeling a cannabis plant. Some strains are spongy and soft, while others are dry and more brittle. Certain strains are also sticky to the touch, which usually means they have many resin-rich trichomes coating their leaves, while other strains are completely dry to the touch. Cannabis varieties are as different to the touch as they are to the eye. Each of these different aspects of a cannabis plant is part of its genetics. You may tend to like strains that are more sticky and coarse because you like the high concentration of trichomes, so these are important aspects to inspect in order to better recognize patterns between different strains of cannabis. \n\n### 3. Smell It\n\nSmell is a large part of our taste. As we have all experienced before, food tastes much more dull when we have a cold compare to when our sense of smell is at full capacity. It is important to smell the cannabis you are tasting even before you begin to consume it so you can understand the difference between the bud when it is just cured, compared to when it is being ignited. \n\nWhen you are smelling cannabis, look for aromas like sweet, spicy, woody, floral, fuel-like, and citrus, because these are some of the most common aromas. Each strain of cannabis has different terpenes and their taste can range from bright and citrusy to musky and floral. Each terpene provides a unique smell, taste, and effect to different strains of cannabis. \n\n### 4. Consume It \n\nWhen you are smoking or vaporizing cannabis it is important to consider a few different qualities. First, what does the strain taste like? Try to focus on the nuances of the flavor of the cannabis and see if there have been any changes in the smell of the cannabis now that it is being burned while you are consuming it. Much like when tasting wine, try to taste it slowly and embrace all of the different subtleties. It is important to remember that each cannabis strain is different and some may be very potent. Taste cannabis very slowly while you are still learning your tolerance level with that specific strain. \n\nSecondly, how does the strain make you feel? Does consuming the strain you are tasting make you feel awake or tired? Alert or calm? Anxious or relaxed? It is also important to recognize the psychoactive level of the strain and determine if it is a level that you feel comfortable with or not. Different strains also produce effects in different ways. Some strains produce effects quickly that come on all at once, while others slowly come over your body in a more controlled manner. \n\nLastly, it is important to recognize how the strain changes or effects your activities. Does a strain lead you to enjoy your favorite activities more, like cooking, listening to music, or doing yoga? Or does the strain cause you to dislike the activities that you normally enjoy? It is also important to see what strains help you with various medical issues. Did a certain strain make your headache go away or did it cause a stimulation of your appetite? All of these qualities are important to take note of while tasting cannabis. \n\n### Where Are Cannabis Tastings Happening?\n\nCannabis tasting is a growing industry that has expanded beyond the home, including both social clubs and tourism based activities. Cannabis tasting, much like wine tasting, can be a social event where you can learn more about cannabis. The Herba Buena Social Club is a collective and apothecary that specializes in biodynamic cannabis that is grown in the great outdoors. Herba Buena was founded in the beautiful Napa Valley wine country and has brought much of the wine tasting experience into their social clubs. \n\nHerba Buena specializes in medical cannabis products that are made with sustainability and practicality in mind. Their [social club tastings](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/), which are offered for their collective members, help educate people on cannabis while allowing them to try a variety of interesting and unique strains and products. \n\nColorado Cannabis Tours, on the other hand, focuses on the recreational cannabis market that has gained traction in Colorado. Colorado Cannabis Tours functions much like a cannabis-specific travel agency. They offer a variety of tours, like a grow house or dispensary tours in Denver, as well as recommendations for cannabis friendly hotels around Colorado. \n\nThey also connect people with unique classes, like a cannabis cooking and cannabis yoga, as well as events like “Puff Pass Paint” classes that allow people to light up while getting creative. Herba Buena and Colorado Cannabis Tours are just two of the companies breaking into the world of cannabis tasting, a field that is only expected to grow in the coming years.\n_____________________________________________________________________\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; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/14b42/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/f836f/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.jpg 200w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/2244e/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.jpg 400w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/14b42/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.jpg 800w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/47498/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/54ac5/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/58556/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/61e93/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.webp 200w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/1f5c5/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.webp 400w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/58556/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.webp 800w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/99238/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.webp 1200w,\n/static/4fc293993f46e7f7dd70afc3c0f0cf0a/5e0b8/998be81996a011c02d87b7efe77cc893.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2380-markdown","title":"Using Cannabis for Optimal Wellness","slug":"using-cannabis-for-optimal-wellness","content":"### Cannabis & Wellness\n\nCannabis has been widely recognized for its medicinal properties, but for just as long it has also been used to promote wellness. Some of the most prominent medical properties of cannabis are its pain fighting and anti-inflammatory abilities, but marijuana is also full of cannabinoids, terpenes and antioxidants that help promote health and wellness. Many proponents of cannabis also advocate that cannabis can be an important component for a healthy lifestyle.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Endocannabinoid System\n\nThe [endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system) is one of the largest and most extensive systems found in the body. Endocannabinoid receptors assist the body in maintaining homeostasis by aiding in the bodies’ response to internal and external stimuli. Stimulating the endocannabinoid system through consuming cannabis can create balance, encourage creativity, and promote calm or alert feelings. \n\n### Creativity, Patience & Spirituality\n\nOne of the biggest advocates of using cannabis for wellness is Steve DeAngelo, the founder of Harborside Health Center in California. DeAngelo has long been a cannabis advocate and has continued to educate people on marijuana while running the largest medical marijuana dispensary in the world. In a [Harborside blog post](https://www.shopharborside.com/learn/wellness-not-intoxication.html#) by DeAngelo he says: \n\n\"Benefits [of cannabis] can include the ability to spark creativity, extend patience and promote self-examination; to awaken a sense of wonder and playfulness, an openness to spiritual experience; the ability to enhance the flavor of a meal, the sound of music, or the sensitivity of a lover’s touch; to open the mind; to bring poetry to language and spontaneity to a performer; to catalyze laughter, facilitate friendship, and bridge human differences.\" It seems much like eating healthy and exercising, cannabis can help round out your personal wellness regime. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: THE NEW HEALTH FOOD TREND](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57d7299fb35dd8000b68ccaf/cannabis-the-new-health-food-trend)\n\nCannabis can improve wellness by creating a positive and relaxed environment where you can embrace and enjoy life to the fullest. Wellness is about all the feelings that are encompassed in an  improved mindset and well being, rather than a direct medical benefit like reducing the sensation of pain. Cannabis can help you live in the moment and free yourself from the burdens of daily life. Sometimes it is hard to compartmentalize your feelings, especially during trying times, but cannabis can help aid you in freeing yourself from excess baggage, allowing you to relax and enjoy the events going on around you. \n\n### Enhancing Everyday Activities\n\nIn addition, cannabis can help enhance the activities that may be important to you. Similar to what DeAngelo alludes to, marijuana can help you listen to music in a way that allows you to fully experience the moment. You can feel the melodies as you listen intently to all of the words, rather than just enjoying music on a surface level. \n\nMarijuana can help you enjoy food and the process of cooking on a deeper level by allowing you to slow down and taste every element of your meal. Even for people who enjoy cooking, sometimes it can just be a matter of getting food on the table, but with the addition of marijuana it can turn back into a stress-relieving creative outlet. \n\nSometimes it is also hard to fully enter a centered state while participating in activities like yoga and meditation. One of the ways that cannabis can help improve your wellness is by clearing your mind of unnecessary thoughts and allowing you to experience the moment. Cannabis can help you deepen into stretches and postures while truly focusing on your breathing, instead of what you need to pick up at the grocery store after your class. This ability for internal focus is one of the truly amazing ways that cannabis can be used to promote wellness in your life. \n\n### Wellness vs. Intoxication\n\nUsing cannabis for wellness is far different than using cannabis for intoxication, meaning it's not just about getting stoned. When consuming cannabis for wellness it is crucial to consume it consciously, based on what part of your world you are attempting to elevate by using marijuana. It is important to understand the products and the form of cannabis you are using, and how that can help steer you towards or away from your desired goals. Using cannabis for wellness is not simply about achieving a certain feeling, but it is about using cannabis as a tool too enhance the world around you and bring you stimulation, balance, focus, and happiness. \n\n_____________________________________________________________________\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; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/14b42/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/f836f/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.jpg 200w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/2244e/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.jpg 400w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/14b42/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.jpg 800w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/47498/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/54ac5/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/58556/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/61e93/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.webp 200w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/1f5c5/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.webp 400w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/58556/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.webp 800w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/99238/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.webp 1200w,\n/static/f11bd3a797f6672054f3a140217c8aa7/5e0b8/d5c987eba856821e07477e997536624b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2355-markdown","title":"Marijuana: It's Not Just About Getting Stoned","slug":"marijuana-its-not-just-about-getting-stoned","content":"### Sober or Drunk?\r\n\r\nWhat if we only had two choices when it came to alcohol - sober or drunk? No tipsy, no ‘2 glasses of wine’, no ‘just one more drink’. Either you’re sober, or fall-down drunk.  If this was all we knew, would alcohol carry a stigma? Would more people stay away from it, or talk less openly about it?\r\n\r\nMuch has been said of the stigma surrounding cannabis. As we enter 2017, too many still feel obliged to whisper when referring to cannabis consumption. Or worse, don’t consume at all for some irrational fear of social retribution, or of repeating a bad experience from years ago. \r\n\r\nI don’t whisper. To the contrary, as an entrepreneur in the industry I exercise my responsibility to talk about cannabis whenever anyone will listen. Over the last two years, I have learned how astonishingly little people know about cannabis -  including those who have been whispering in their basements for decades. \r\n\r\n### Creating Positive Experiences\r\n\r\nPeople seem to think there are still only two gears for cannabis – stay sober or get stoned. And ‘stoned’ is where the industry runs into trouble. Stoned is the negative image brought to mind by those who perpetuate the stigma. I get it; it would likely be the same if we thought fall-down drunk was the only gear for alcohol. But we know this not to be true for alcohol, and it is even less true for cannabis. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHY DOES CANNABIS MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/why-does-cannabis-make-you-feel-good)\r\n\r\nOf late, we have been conditioned to think about cannabis as either medical or recreational. This may no longer be sufficient. Medical makes people think about disease and possible cures; recreational brings ‘stoned’ to mind. Yet there is so much more. Cannabis – depending how it’s consumed, when it’s consumed, what kind is consumed and most importantly, how much is consumed – can deliver a wide variety of positive, enhanced and safe experiences. \r\n\r\n### What About Cannabis for \"Wellbeing\"?\r\n\r\nIt’s from the people who have been using cannabis recreationally for years that I have learned the most about this. I’ve heard from those suddenly discovering that the right-sized edible has moved them off Ambien and into a healthy sleep pattern. I’ve heard from those surprised to find that a much lower dose than normal actually creates the perfect ‘background music’ to soothe what is otherwise high social anxiety. \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\r\nI’ve also heard from those very pleasantly surprised to discover that a low-dose edible gave them mental energy unlike they ever experienced to knock out an all-day financially modeling session. And I’ve heard from those who realized that parsing out a fraction of what they might otherwise consume on a Saturday night gave them added focus to crush a work-out or a round of golf.\r\n\r\nBut what should we call these types of cannabis usage? I don’t know; call it wellbeing, call it therapeutic or call it your happy place. Just don’t call it stoned. New consumers, returning consumers and even heavy consumers have opportunity ahead of them to experience something different than they thought possible. And safely. Something that will bring a smile to their face. Now that’s worth talking about in 2017.\r\n\r\n_______________________________________________________________________\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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/14b42/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.jpg","srcSet":"/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/f836f/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.jpg 200w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/2244e/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.jpg 400w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/14b42/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.jpg 800w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/47498/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.jpg 1200w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/54ac5/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/58556/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/61e93/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.webp 200w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/1f5c5/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.webp 400w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/58556/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.webp 800w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/99238/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.webp 1200w,\n/static/667ce1643193b4b46565cda6a07ba48d/5e0b8/30fc76aa5b06e67e2c5a199035ee7e02.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2360-markdown","title":"Ringing in the New Year with Marijuana","slug":"ringing-in-the-new-year-with-marijuana","content":"### New Year’s Resolutions Time Again…\r\n\r\nIf you are anything like me, you often set a list of resolutions before the New Year that you may not necessarily follow through on completely. Like many people, I often set goals to reach a certain level of fitness and attempt to cut back on sugar or some other fat-inducing food product. Year to year though, there is one resolution that follows me, and that is to be happier and more mentally present in the moment than I have been during the previous year. \r\n\r\nEveryone experiences hardship in their daily life and stress and depression can suddenly begin to weigh on you. As much work as I do to create a healthier mental state, there is always room for improvement. Learning from experience, I now go easier on myself when I make mistakes and I respect my intuition when I think I need to take a day off for my own mental and emotional health. I've also realized that part of creating my happy place comes from a healthy dose of exercise and sound nutrition. These are tools in my toolkit, but there's also one more.\r\n\r\n### My Cannabis Resolution\r\n\r\nI'm going to say it out loud and stay proud, cannabis helps me improve my own mental health and well being. For this reason, I plan to continue to incorporate cannabis into my daily routine during coming year. Cannabis is praised for its ability to relieve pain and tension, but it can also help ease stress and anxiety that is part of everyday life.\r\n\r\nCannabis’s mental health benefits do not stop with anxiety, however. Marijuana has been found to lead to an overall more positive mood. A 2012 study, which was published in the journal _European Neuropsychopharmacology_, found that when the endocannabinoid system is crucial in emotional processing. Essentially, when THC is administered they responded less to negative stimuli compared to people who received a placebo. \r\n\r\n### Improving Mood & Outlook\r\n\r\nWhen people are more responsive to negative stimuli, they are more likely to have mental illnesses like depression, which cannabis can help to combat. Stimulating the the endocannabinoid system through THC consumption can help improve the mood through leading people to have more positive associations compared to negative associations. This study not only found that cannabis can help improve a persons mood, but it also found how deeply the endocannabinoid system is tied into emotional function. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHY DOES CANNABIS MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/why-does-cannabis-make-you-feel-good)\r\n\r\nThe mental health benefits of cannabis do not stop with its most prevalent cannabinoid THC, but extend to the more than 80 different cannabinoids that are found in different plant strains. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD and THCA are gaining traction as elements in cannabis that can help improve your overall health. If there is one general health concept that everyone knows to be true, it is that inflammation is bad for you. Tumeric gained traction this year as a superfood that reduces inflammation, but CBD and THC-A both have similar anti-inflammatory properties. I don’t know about you, but when I don’t feel inflammation I tend to feel great!\r\n\r\n### Incorporating CBD & THCA\r\n\r\nPart of my New Year’s resolution to bettering my health involves consuming THCA and CBD that both will help improve my overall health. Reducing inflammation in my body through consuming these two cannabinoids also helps improve my mental well being and improve my happiness. CBD also helps relieve anxiety and causes calming feelings without being psychoactive. \r\n\r\nGetting the full benefits from cannabis involves embracing the whole plant, not just the components that are the most well known. Cannabis is also full of terpenes alongside its cannabinoids that help provide even more benefits. Terpenes may give cannabis different strains their signature smells, but they also provide effects like alertness, relaxation, mood elevation, and stress relief. Terpenes like limonene and linalool are particularly helpful at relieving stress and promoting relaxation. \r\n\r\n### Let’s Allow Ourselves to Feel Good!\r\n\r\nLet's be honest, cannabis just makes you feel good in general. Whether you're affected by stress or depression, cannabis can just take the edge off when you are having a hard day. Cannabis helps decrease the production of FAAH, fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down anandamide in the body. Anandamide is a endocannabinoid that our body naturally produces that leads to euphoric effects. THC activates the same receptors in the body that anandamide does, naturally stimulating happy and joyous effects. \r\n\r\nCannabis is a great component to add to your New Year’s resolution on health, whatever it may be. To me, one of the most amazing benefits of cannabis is its ability to help me move away from pharmaceutical medications. Whether it be non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-depressants, or opioids, cannabis is a great natural alternative to possibly addictive and harsh pharmaceuticals. Join me in making your new year one filled with health by embracing the amazing and wide-ranging benefits that cannabis can provide. \r\n\r\nHappy New Year to you from everyone at HelloMD and wishing you optimum health and wellness throughout 2017!\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________________________________________________________\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/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/ee604/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.png","srcSet":"/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/69585/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.png 200w,\n/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/497c6/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.png 400w,\n/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/ee604/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.png 800w,\n/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/eccca/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.png 1118w","srcWebp":"/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/58556/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/61e93/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.webp 200w,\n/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/1f5c5/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.webp 400w,\n/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/58556/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.webp 800w,\n/static/65e5c34f13208a22a4daca07d982d13d/efbac/ecd3be623094316084b83a9bc78ed587.webp 1118w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2246-markdown","title":"Moving Beyond the Budtender","slug":"moving-beyond-the-budtender","content":"### Depending on the Budtender\r\n\r\nBudtending is an art form. Every day, fearless cannabis aficionados do what they can to mitigate the void of substantiated cannabis research, to keep track of countless strains and products, and to understand the wide array of patients’ requirements – all to provide what still amount to very subjective recommendations. They have to; the industry depends on them. Maybe even more than you know.\r\n\r\nCalifornia’s medical marijuana movement surely owes plenty to its budtender community. But now, as we witness increasing numbers of new patients and 7new products, budtenders may find themselves in a position of disproportionate influence. This is not ideal. If the cannabis market is to expand profitably and safely, the budtender – an often excellent but sometimes equally transient dispensary employee - simply cannot be expected to be the be-all, end-all to everybody. Let me explain. \r\n\r\n### The Budtender Bottleneck\r\n\r\nThe more time I spend talking with four key stakeholders of the cannabis ecosystem – patients, doctors, retailers and product manufacturers – the more I realize that all roads lead to the budtender. Amazingly, they’re all very dependent – each for their own purposes – on a group for which there is yet no real standardization nor recognized accreditations. \r\n\r\n* Patients: Cannabis reacts differently for all patients, and patients each come looking to solve very different problems. Yet they all depend on the budtender to have answers\r\n\r\n* Doctors: As doctors are limited in how specific they can be with their cannabis patients, the onus lies with the budtender to decode what the doctor told the patient and in turn suggest the right solution\r\n\r\n* Product Manufacturers: Short of places to advertise or educate prospective patients about their products, they lean almost exclusively on budtenders to tell their story and ideally recommend their products\r\n\r\n* Retailers: They’re in business to help patients and to sell products – to pay their bills. This too puts pressure on the budtender and can impact judgment, even if not intentionally\r\n\r\n### Brands & Budtenders\r\n\r\nWhile patients may find themselves too dependent on one source for advice, it’s the brands (product manufacturers) who are, in my opinion, most at risk in the current model. We’re fortunate to have so many well-intended, large and small product manufacturers busy creating new formulas, revising dosing approaches, expanding delivery methods and doing what they can to match products to individual needs. And yet so many of them find themselves deploying more and more resources to gain the mindshare of the budtender in the hope that their finished product gets into the right hands.\r\n\r\n### The Alternative: Community-Powered Advice\r\n\r\nFor the cannabis industry to grow we need new patients.  Lots of them. More importantly though, we need new patients to succeed with cannabis and for them to tell others. Other more mature, successful market segments tell us that to get there, we need well-informed, confident consumers. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [MY FIRST TIME VISITING A DISPENSARY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/my-first-time-visiting-a-marijuana-dispensary)\r\n\r\nIt is no coincidence that these dynamics in part led HelloMD to create a community platform that allows patients to connect directly with cannabis experts. It is our effort to empower patients with more influence over their cannabis decisions, and – as part the solution -  to give a much stronger voice to the people behind the products you find on dispensary shelves. Think of it as community-powered advice.\r\n\r\nWhat we have found, beyond a doubt, that while there may be a void of substantiated research, by medical standards, there is no void of expertise in the community. And no lack of desire to share it with others. \r\n\r\n### How You Can Contribute & Benefit\r\n\r\n* Patients: [On our home page](https://www.hellomd.com/), on any of our product manufacturer business listings, on a particular product listing pages, or on a condition-specific page -- feel free to ask (anonymously) any questions you might have. We will let the experts know immediately, and you can soon after expect doctors, product experts and – this is important – other patients to offer you their opinions\r\n\r\n* Doctors: Come show off your knowledge. These are opinions, and opinions are always more valuable when there are more than one. And, with the absence of the patient/doctor relationship, you are welcome to add in the details you might not otherwise share\r\n\r\n* Product Manufacturers: If your brand is not already listed on HelloMD, let us know. Setting up takes only minutes. When a HelloMD member inquires about your products, we will notify you instantly.  You can quickly share your insights with them, and grow a centralized but dynamic knowledge base around your products. Help patients gain the confidence they need to ask for your product by name\r\n\r\n* Retailers: If you have a budtender (or many) whose expertise is just not getting out to as many patients as you would like, enroll them as an expert on HelloMD. Every time they contribute answers, patients will see that they come from your amazing budtenders – empowering them to choose your dispensary because of it.\r\n\r\n### Budtending is Here to Stay\r\n\r\nBudtending as a profession is not only here to stay, I suspect it will become a more valued role as standardized training and accreditations make their way into the market. But if we continue in a model where all stakeholders are so dependent on the budtender, something will give.\r\n\r\nLet’s work together to empower patients to take a more active role in their cannabis decisions – and in doing so, support rather than gang up, on the budtender nation.\r\n\r\n_____________________________________________________________________\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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEAv/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABlYvBcQFn/8QAGxAAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAwQRExL/2gAIAQEAAQUC9rrIULTOISm8jluf/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPwE//8QAGhAAAQUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACEBIxEf/aAAgBAQAGPwI1TMgPtoTAD2P/xAAZEAEAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABACExERD/2gAIAQEAAT8hQFFZKmtywiR10Tk7U0rfP//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQIy//xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhMf/aAAgBAwEBPxBZZKP/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREx/9oACAECAQE/EHpGf//EABwQAQADAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESExQVFhkf/aAAgBAQABPxBWppQOk5gmGhGhwde1biDzFjwQqj352UjBgv1sM7k//9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/14b42/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/f836f/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.jpg 200w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/2244e/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.jpg 400w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/14b42/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.jpg 800w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/47498/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/54ac5/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/58556/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/61e93/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.webp 200w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/1f5c5/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.webp 400w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/58556/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.webp 800w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/99238/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.webp 1200w,\n/static/a943b131f13c1cca45e99d9d811e551f/5e0b8/963a6ac3f890b18daef30ceabbc8825c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2126-markdown","title":"Saying Goodbye to Leonard Cohen","slug":"saying-goodbye-to-leonard-cohen","content":"Leonard Cohen’s lyrics from ‘Treaty’, a song from his latest album 'You Want it Darker':\r\n\r\n>I've seen you change the water into wine. \r\n\r\n>I've seen you change it back to water too. \r\n\r\n>I sit at your table every night. \r\n\r\n>I try but I just don't get high with you. \r\n\r\n>I wish there was a treaty we could sign. \r\n\r\n>And I do not care who takes the bloody hill. \r\n\r\n>I'm angry and I'm tired all the time. \r\n\r\n>I wish there was a treaty – \r\n\r\n>I wish there was a treaty between your love and mine.\r\n\r\nWe lost Leonard Cohen this week, the hugely influential singer and songwriter.  His lyrics are considered poetry - the contemplation, full of longing and loss, often mixed with the heaviness (or lightness) of allegory. Moments of deep introspection in my life have invariably been punctuated by the voice of Cohen and many rainy days locked in the house, Leonard Cohen, the artist of choice. \r\n\r\nSomehow, it almost seems appropriate that Cohen left us this week at the age of 82. A historic week that left so many of us feeling that we woke up to a new world. His death is yet another moment to stop and pause, an opportunity for reflection and perhaps even some Cohen-style redemption. Somehow, his death feels symbolic, like a tattoo across the events of this week. His latest album is aptly entitled ‘You Want it Darker'. However, I must actually believe that most of us ultimately want \"It\" lighter.\r\n\r\nCohen was rumored to be in poor health for some time. A recent article in Spin quotes Cohen’s son Adam as saying:\r\n\r\n>“This old man, who was truly in pain and discomfort, would at some intervals get out of his medical chair and dance in front of his speakers,” he reveals. “And sometimes, we would put on a song and listen to it on repeat just like teenagers with the help of medical marijuana. I think in states of pain and discomfort, what do you seek with more energy and more clarity than joy and jubilance?”\r\n\r\nAmen. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/14b42/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/f836f/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/2244e/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 400w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/14b42/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 800w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/47498/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/54ac5/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/58556/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/61e93/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/1f5c5/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 400w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/58556/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 800w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/99238/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 1200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/5e0b8/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2167-markdown","title":"Cannabis Tourism: Your 420 Holiday","slug":"cannabis-tourism-your-420-holiday","content":"### Cannabis Tourism is Hot\n\nCannabis tourism is one of the newest phenomenons in the marijuana industry. It can range from vineyard like tours of cannabis farms and grow houses, to cannabis friendly accommodations, to cannabis themed tours of various cities. States that have legalized recreational cannabis have not yet embraced cannabis tourism on a state level, but many people are still drawn to cannabis legal states for the opportunity to legally indulge in marijuana. \n\nCannabis cafes, similar to those popular in Amsterdam, are still illegal in most states across the country, though the tide is beginning to change on that issue. Colorado currently only allows for smoking to take place in personal residences, but Denver has a new initiative on the ballot to allow for cannabis cafes within the city limits that would provide people with an Amsterdam-like cannabis experience in their own country. \n\nDue to laws that prohibit public smoking, [edibles tend to be a very popular](https://www.hellomd.com/products?category=Edibles) option for people coming from out of state. In the state of Colorado, someone from out of state can buy up to 0.25 oz of marijuana flowers at any given time, but that restriction doesn't apply to edibles. Though Colorado does not have any cannabis cafes, it does have cannabis friendly accommodations. Most Colorado hotels still have fairly strict no smoking bans, which relates to both tobacco and cannabis, but AirBnB and HomeAway have many listings in recreational legal states that say they are “420 friendly” to provide people with good accommodations for cannabis tourism. \n\nRELATED: [ESSENTIALS ABOUT EDIBLES YOU NEED TO KNOW](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/essentials-about-edibles-that-you-need-to-know)\n\n### Marijuana Friendly Hotels\n\n[Bud and Breakfast](http://www.budandbfast.com) is an AirBnB style website that provides people with a list of accommodations that are marijuana friendly. The website is filled with various Bed & Breakfasts across the state of Colorado that include events like breakfast paired with a nice assortment of sativa strains and 420 happy hour events. Currently the website lists four hotels across Colorado, but they are continuing to add more locations as cannabis themed tourism becomes more popular. \n\nMarijuana themed tours of cities like Denver and Seattle are also very popular among crowds eager to learn about the world of cannabis. There are many different tour companies that focus on cannabis themed tours of cities that are tailored to the must see marijuana related sites in the city. The tours include everything from showing people the top dispensaries in the city, sometimes with some added discounts, to tours of grow facilities. Some tours even include information about strains and education about different cannabinoids and the pros and cons of different administration methods. \n\nMarijuana tourism also draws people into California who are interested in trying medical marijuana to help them with their various medical conditions. [Kush Tourism](http://kushtourism.com), a company that provides people who are interested in cannabis tourism with a place to find more information, lists cannabis friendly accommodations in California, and many other marijuana legal states. There are accommodations in Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, and Sacramento, all of which are cannabis friendly if you have a California-issued medical marijuana card. Though some of the accommodations do not allow smoking, they do allow for cannabis consumption in other forms like edibles or vaporizers. \n\n### California is the Next Big Market\n\nCannabis tourism is just beginning to get off the ground in the United States and we are likely to see even more changes in the coming years. California will likely become a new market for cannabis tourism if recreational cannabis becomes legal in the state in the coming year. Colorado’s new regulations could serve to open up more opportunities for cannabis specific tourism, as well. This past year the website Visit Denver found that there were no higher numbers of hotel reservations on April 20th, the famous 4/20 holiday, than any other time of year, but if cannabis cafes begin to open and more locations that are designed for enjoying cannabis are available to people, the more tourism they are likely to attract. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/581a2c4655e441000b0b516e/embedded_images/581a2c4f55e441000b0b516f/Screen_Shot_2016-11-02_at_11.03.12_AM.png)\nTravel & Leisure has even written an [article](http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/colorado-pot-tourism-hospitality-group) about cannabis tourism.\n \nCannabis tourism is a great way to experience marijuana in a legal way, but it is important to educate yourself before you embark on a trip where cannabis is involved. Each state has different rules and regulations, some of which are different based on if you live in the state or not, so it is important that you understand the rules of the state you are traveling to. Cannabis tourism companies can provide great information for people who are interested in exploring the world of cannabis tourism and are interested in more information on the legal way to obtain and possess cannabis in on a state by state basis. \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; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/14b42/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/f836f/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.jpg 200w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/2244e/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.jpg 400w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/14b42/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.jpg 800w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/47498/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/54ac5/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/58556/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/61e93/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.webp 200w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/1f5c5/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.webp 400w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/58556/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.webp 800w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/99238/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.webp 1200w,\n/static/c0fbac9caefb10151c385e6b3ed2149a/5e0b8/540c040d34862f2de4d7d0f17296d43b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2068-markdown","title":"High Maintenance is the Best Show on TV","slug":"high-maintenance-is-the-best-show-on-tv","content":"Have you seen High Maintenance? I can’t think about it without laughing. It’s the new HBO series adapted straight from  online. Initially launched on Vimeo, HBO swooped in and bought the series and has now agreed to another new season after a stunning response from the audience.\r\n\r\nHigh Maintenance is about a pot dealer in New York City who is called the Guy. In each episode the Guy is called by a person in need, where he eventually shows up. Episodes are very character-driven and tend to focus on the circumstance and lives of those who have called the Guy. As a result of this, in most episodes the Guy is actually a cameo actor who shows amidst a story that is not his own where he either becomes a part of the fabric or flees back to the solitude of the streets and his delivery bike.\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/57f1a574975117000ac39d71/embedded_images/57f1a5b2975117000ac39d72/the_Guy.png)\r\n \r\nIt is eccentric and kooky and gives you the sense of being a fly on the wall within other people’s lives. It puts on display people’s motivations for calling the Guy in the first place, maybe it is anxiety, depression, escapism, boredom or someone is very ill. There is always a reason.\r\n\r\nBut the surprising thing about High Maintenance is that marijuana is not the central focus. The real focus is about a sense of immediacy and intimacy within story telling that draws you close to the cast of characters and whatever it is that life is dealing them in that moment. \r\n\r\nThe Guy is the one who is most compassionate and most often the one who can not say “No” to those in need, but when pushed is happy to tell someone to F**ck off. The show is also a great magnifier into the intensity and anxiety of life in the big city. Maybe that’s why they named it what they did, High Maintenance.\r\n \r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/57f1a574975117000ac39d71/embedded_images/57f1a5b5975117000ac39d73/theguy2.png) \r\n\r\nBen Sinclair and Katja Blichfield, a husband and wife team created the show.  They also produce and direct each episode which to date runs anywhere between 2-10 minutes. Each episode starts with them talking about the latest episode, the characters involved and the friends they often employ to play them. \r\n\r\nA montage of shows High Maintenance reminds me of would be Flight of the Conchords, Louis CK, Arrested Development and Little Britain. If you have not watched all of these shows, get to it!\r\n\r\nThe show goes at a quick clip and the more you watch the more you want to watch. If all shows were as inventive, entertaining and free spirited I would never stop watching TV. I’d sit in bed with chips, dip, duvet up to my chin with my Bloom Farms Electra Tsu vape pen and never get up.\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/57f1a574975117000ac39d71/embedded_images/57f1a608aa6f01000ba5f3bc/the_guy3.png) \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/ feature). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/14b42/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/f836f/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.jpg 200w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/2244e/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.jpg 400w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/14b42/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.jpg 800w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/47498/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/54ac5/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/58556/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/61e93/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.webp 200w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/1f5c5/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.webp 400w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/58556/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.webp 800w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/99238/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.webp 1200w,\n/static/3619b3a1602b86001ee7f9e41aa621c2/5e0b8/475e8567b2cda0d6e84a249c65b829c7.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1986-markdown","title":"Parenting the Pot Generation: Zero Tolerance Zero Gain?","slug":"parenting-the-pot-generation-zero-tolerance-zero-gain","content":"### Sex, Drugs & Alcohol\r\n\r\nTwo years ago this month, I moved from the Bay Area to Colorado. At the time, legalized cannabis had absolutely nothing to do with my decision. Now I find myself not only knee-deep in a cannabis startup, but also treading water parenting two of Colorado’s first generation of teens to walk past cannabis retailers on the way to school.\r\n\r\nSex, drugs and alcohol have never been favorite subjects at the family dinner table. Not today, nor 25 years ago.  In unison my peers recall - or rather don’t recall - any meaningful discussion about any of it. But working in the cannabis industry and living in the new Colorado, I've had little choice but to exit my comfort zone and confront it (at least the drug part) head on. And believe it or not, it’s been very rewarding. \r\n\r\nBefore I yell from my mountaintop, let’s be clear that I am not a cannabis researcher, I’m a long way from ever being a parenting specialist, and I surely don’t expect everyone to agree with me. But I am parenting under a sizably unique set of circumstances, and I take my parenting responsibility very seriously. So I’ve done my best to distill my experiences and learnings (so far) into a handful of soundbites I find worth sharing:  \r\n\r\n### Zero Tolerance is a Pipedream.\r\n\r\nWhen teenagers finally leave innocence behind, it’s shocking no matter how well you prepare for it. As a parent, learning of your teen’s first experience with drugs, alcohol or other - can incite a less than rational response. And not always the right one. Myself, I started with a zero-tolerance approach to teens and marijuana. \"Not in my house and not at your age!!”, I shouted! That didn’t work, and now I understand why. I was no match for the forces lurking outside my front door.\r\n\r\nI quickly switched gears to Plan B. Communication. But the real type; not just speaking at my kids, but rather with them. Two-way dialog about smoking pot is not easy and not that comfortable at the outset (especially with someone underage), but when compared to the alternatives it’s an easy choice. \r\n\r\nTeens want what they can’t have (who doesn’t?). Those living under a zero tolerance regime spend their energy finding ways around it and lying to you; I’ve seen this movie over and over already, and not just with my teens. By the way, I’m by no way recommending an open-season solution. Boundaries are still critical, but are meaningless without establishing communication.\r\n\r\n### Pot is Your Problem to Solve. Period.\r\n\r\nIt surprised me to hear Colorado parents complaining about legalization, or more so what the government and schools were or weren't doing about it. Like with alcohol and any other teen-desirables, parents surely have the last word in managing these issues. \r\n\r\nWe can't depend on others nor blame 3rd parties to make this go away. Hey, I wish I could find someone else to control my kids' obsession with SnapChat, but I can’t. Same goes for pot.\r\n\r\nI try to learn from other parents, rather than judging how they make or implement decisions. Parenting is indescribably hard and those making genuine efforts should be respected. Regardless of which side of this argument you sit on, you’d be surprised what you can learn - and make use of - from others facing like problems.\r\n\r\n### Get Smarter. Be Relevant.\r\n\r\nWhat about the studies, people often ask? Sure, you should educate yourself online about the good, the bad, the ugly written on marijuana use. But be careful. For one, it’s the Internet (enough said). Two, look hard enough and you will invariably find opposing conclusions on essentially the same study subject. Bottom line: studies remain inadequate today, bringing you back square one. It’s your job, your (and your kids’) decisions.\r\n\r\nWhether you do, don’t or never have consumed cannabis, you need to understand the basics. Think of it as supporting your kids in a sport or art form you know nothing about. The conversation is going nowhere fast unless you can establish a minimum amount of authority on the subject. If there’s no one in your social circle to coach you, there are plenty of related books on Amazon.\r\n\r\n### Real Talk Loosens Strings on Other Taboo Topics \r\n\r\nWe are lightyears ahead of the last generations in terms of communicating with our kids. Texting alone has ensured that. But a conversation about pot must be two-way. Teens have more insights than I ever imagined (or remembered) and encouraging them to share can reap rewards.\r\n\r\nTalk about why they like it - or why they’re interested in it. Talk about who else is using it. Talk about other, harder drugs. Talk about the medicinal side of marijuana. De-stigmatize it in the house. All this might just open their ears to thinking about the risks of abuse and, by it being less drastically taboo - they might even lose some interest in it. After all, a similar approach to alcohol has proven itself for years in countries like France.\r\n\r\nTalking cannabis can open the door to tougher topics. More than anything, this side-benefit of an open approach has amazed me, along with others I know who have done it in their homes. Ongoing discussion about pot use has made the taboo discussions about other perils in teen life that much easier, and that much more frequent. How’s that for a different take on cannabis being a ‘gateway’?\r\n\r\n### Monitor. Talk. Repeat.\r\n \r\nMake no mistake, conversation is by no means the be all end all. As a strategy on its own, it can fail miserably. It’s just part of a recipe that includes ongoing monitoring, various acid testing (ie. trending in school, moods, waning interests can all be helpful), and of course a realistic outlook. Sh# t can happen no matter your approach. But if conversation brings increased honesty - you’re one step ahead.\r\n\r\nGet to know as many of your teens’ friends as you can. Influencing who they hang out with can be tricky, but knowing their friends, the group dynamics and casual chatting about their social lives are opportunities to help them make better decisions. \r\n\r\nBe open to changing gears. Obstinance goes nowhere because teenagers are in constant motion. How they think, look and feel can change on a daily basis. If you simply stay the course regardless of a new landscape, you stand to lose what is most valuable - real contact. In my case, this meant moving from zero-tolerance to boundaries we built and monitored together as a family (little sisters/big brothers can make for excellent sources of inside information).\r\n\r\n### Help is on the Way.\r\n\r\nWhile many may disagree with it, the cannabis legalization train has left the station. Be it the explosive economic growth and pervasiveness of cannabis in Colorado, or the pending vote in the most influential state of all, California -- change will be constant for some time.\r\n\r\nBut with change will come help in ways that may be hard to appreciate today. As these markets mature and further commercialize, community leaders (industry vendors, government, schools, parents) will gain insights, make mistakes, fix them and as a group collaborate on a combination of education and regulations that one day will make this journey easier than it is today. Until then, buckle up.\r\n\r\nAs a parent of teenagers, like others I fear many things. I fear drinking and driving or excessive drinking that leads to violence or impulsive/bad decisions. I fear hard, especially synthetic drugs. And of course I fear excessive use of cannabis. \r\n\r\nAs for influencing the latter, the jury will be out on my approach for years to come. It may turn out that I was early - my kids tell me all the time how amazed their friends are at the dialog in our house - or that I had it all wrong. One way or another, recognize that your opportunity is merely one of influence; ultimately your teen will make the final decisions. Equip them the best you can.\r\n\r\nGiven the increasingly certain future of cannabis legalization, parents are going to have get better at this. We have no choice. And kids as well. Keep this in mind: if society’s evolution has taught so many kids to avoid drinking and driving, to say no to cigarettes, and practice safer sex, surely teens can learn to consume cannabis without becoming pot heads.\r\n\r\nWhat are your experiences with this? Do you agree or has a different approach helped you? Please share.\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/14b42/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/f836f/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.jpg 200w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/2244e/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.jpg 400w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/14b42/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.jpg 800w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/47498/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/54ac5/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/58556/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/61e93/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.webp 200w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/1f5c5/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.webp 400w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/58556/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.webp 800w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/99238/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.webp 1200w,\n/static/0878e9b6ea7626c49a79d54b99c12adf/5e0b8/7cd76913ad6d99af8d248fc9a9849a0d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2181-markdown","title":"Leaving Your Lover & Not Getting High","slug":"leaving-your-lover-and-not-getting-high","content":"### Am I Stoned? Oh, Wait, No, I'm Not\n\nIf there are fifty ways to leave your lover, there must be fifty ways to ingest marijuana without getting high. Experience tells me there are more than fifty ways to leave a lover, but I may be pushing it with the cannabis. I touch on this topic because many people assume I’m stoned most of the day because I work in the cannabis industry. Certainly, there are others in this industry who most likely are, but it’s not me. Fuel is added to the ’You must always be stoned’ fire as I publicly write and talk about consuming cannabis on a daily basis for [migraines and fibromyalgia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/migraines-how-i-got-off-pain-meds-and-found-relief-with-cannabis). The reality is, I rarely get high and usually if I do, it’s an accident (Oops).\n\nSo, I frequently take time to educate people on how to take cannabis in different ways where you can manage pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, etc. without getting high. My prognostication, is a world-in-the-not-so-distant-future where everyday suburban Moms and the like have a full medicine chest/arsenal of mostly non-psychoactive cannabis that supports health and well being for the individual as well as the whole family. And, no, I am not an advocate or supportive of getting your kid high.\n\n### 50 Ways to Take Cannabis without Getting High \n\nOK, it’s going to be less than fifty for now, but it is a good start.\n\n### 1. Take a Higher Ratio of CBD to THC\n\nThere are 80+ cannabinoids in cannabis and the cannabinoids are [CBD is both an analgesic and an anti inflammatory](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cbd-cannabidiol-the-medicine-of-the-future). CBD will relax you, and take care of aches and pain. It’s my secret recipe for combatting migraines and it’s one of the reasons why legalization is sweeping the United States, because it helps with that many medical conditions. \n\nCBD is also the antidote to a high gone wrong. If you have a bad edibles trip, suck down some CBD and it will take the edge off the psychoactive trip. It’s like your Mother’s hand on your forehead when you have lost your proverbial shit.\n\n### 2. Micro Dose Your Marijuana\n\nIf you are an American, my guess is you think more is better or more is more effective. More is not better, more will help you lose your proverbial shit. [Micro dosing is a specialty of mine](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain), as I always take products with some THC potency. The key to micro dosing for me is to never ever go above 2.5mg of THC in any single dose and to dose throughout the day when needed.\n\n### 3. Select a Vape Pen with High CBD \n\nI recently wrote an article on my love for [Bloom Farms new high CBD vape pen](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/bloom-farms-cbd-cartridge-review) which is called Electra Tsu. Rather than wax rhapsodic about it again, you can read my post as well as my heart felt haiku. If I really love you, I write you a haiku. Enough said.\n\nHigh CBD vape pens are a core component of my arsenal and they instantly relax me and I don’t get high. Depending on the ratio of CBD to THC it may be possible to get high, so of course micro dose or in other words ‘self titrate’.\n\n### 4. Rub it In Baby\n\nOh, for the love of a good cannabis topical! Cannabis topicals can help with sore muscles, nerve pain, cranky backs, sun burns, etc. I carry a topical with me in my purse everywhere I go due to an old Cross Fit injury (I know…why did I ever do that 'sport'?). As topicals do not cross into the bloodstream, you do not get high. I personally love [Sweet ReLeaf](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-topicals/deeply-soothing-body-butter).\n\n### 5. Stick it Where the Sun Don’t...\n\nI am happy to share that I use cannabis suppositories and they work well for me. When my back is killing me or I get bad cramps I stick in a Foria suppository, snuggle up on the couch with a bag of chips and Big Dog (my dog), turn on the TV to watch the movie ‘Bad Moms’ and sit it out for the long haul. They really work, relax your entire body but are not psychoactive. Personally, I would not drive or leave my couch for the next four hours but why would I want to do that anyway?\n\n### 6. Nibble on Low Dose Edibles \n\nOK, so to some, a low dose edible might be mildly psychoactive so proceed with caution. But, ALWAYS, proceed with uber caution with edibles as they are metabolized differently and can take up to two hours for you to feel the effect and for many the high can be MUCH stronger. Read my post of avoiding [‘Edisasters’](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/edibles-do-they-work-are-they-safe-avoiding-the-edi-saster) for more on this. \n\nThat said, I am a huge fan of the low dose edible for pain and most specifically for sleeping. My personal favorite are the Kiva 5mg chocolate love balls, that keep me in my slumber. No more waking up in a panic at 4am wondering when the next Zombie apocalypse is coming - thanks Walking Dead.\n\nLow dose is 5mg or less in my book. The typical person might feel slightly altered at 5mg, and this dosage is perfect for me for sleeping. Many people I know combat insomnia with 10mg, but those people are not me and we are talking about NOT getting high. So, start at 2.5mg one day and if it is not enough try a 5mg dose the next day. Most edibles are almost exclusively THC, but there are some new all CBD or hybrids to be sourced out in the wild!\n\nBe warned, some edibles, with less quality control, may have ‘hot spots’. A hot spot is where more THC has landed in a spot in the edible. This makes me very, very unhappy. I like reliability!\n\n### 7. Take a Tincture\n\nMy tinctures, they line up like little soldiers marching into battle. I have a variety that I use daily. I start my day with a 20:1 high CBD potency which seems to keep my migraines at bay, so far indefinitely. I then take a high CBD ‘Anxiety Tincture’ later in the day and that has a negligible amount of THC. I like the taste and it feels like the dosing is very easy to manage. Please know that when you get into any ratio of 4:1 or lower you start to get into more psychoactive territory.\n\n### 8. Have Tea with the Queen\n\nI like to think of myself as a Queen and yes, we can have tea. There are many new product manufacturers that are making high CBD ratio teas. Tea is soothing and for me it offers full body relaxation when combined with a high CBD to THC ratio. Call me when you want to have tea, I like Thursday afternoons.\n\n### 9. Take a Hot Bath…ALONE\n\nI have several rules in how to live my life to the fullest, and one is to never live in a house that does not have a bath. There are many more rules around the bath itself, but this is not about that. The only thing better than taking a hot bath after a bad day is taking a bath in a CBD-rich ‘Restorative Soak’. Yes, the Gods created bath salts that are a blend of epsom salts and and cannabis oil. The last time my back was killing after a killer vinyasa session I hopped in the bath with my iPad and locked the door and did not emerge for hours. Love the [Relax Bath Soak by HoneyBeeBuzzed](https://www.getsava.com/shop/honey-bath-soak/). LOVE.\n\n### 10. Go to Yoga and Enjoy an Awesome Forearm Stand\n\nMy test for whether a product meets my standards is whether I can do yoga and I'm happier, relaxed, centered and not high as a kite. So maybe this is not advocating a certain way of ingesting cannabis, but cannabis that doesn't get you high can also help you focus better during your athletic pursuits. It helps push my practice into a different realm. I like to take a high CBD tincture before yoga and without a doubt I am Birding My Paradise or doing an epic forearm stand. \n\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\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; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/14b42/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/f836f/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.jpg 200w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/2244e/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.jpg 400w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/14b42/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.jpg 800w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/47498/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/54ac5/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/58556/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/61e93/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.webp 200w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/1f5c5/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.webp 400w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/58556/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.webp 800w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/99238/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.webp 1200w,\n/static/bfbbc08e4de89a0a3e2fd7f75ef72bf2/5e0b8/7860f8e75c37fd0f0116bb5947ec813e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":84,"numPages":10,"currentPage":8,"id":5167,"name":"Culture & Lifestyle","slug":"culture-and-lifestyle","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}