{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/inflammation/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2093-markdown","title":"The Medicinal Benefits of THCA","slug":"the-medicinal-benefits-of-thca","content":"### What is THCA?\n\nOften confused with THC, THCA is a little known cannabinoid that has shown great medicinal promise. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is often misunderstood due to its short lifespan in the cannabis plant. THCA only exists in cannabis when it is alive and degrades into THC when the plant is dried or combusted. Though THCA becomes THC later in its lifespan, THCA has none of the psychoactive properties that THC is known for. \n\nThis confusion between THCA and THC can make it hard to measure its levels within the plant. If a grower lab tests their cannabis product while it is still fresh and alive, the results may show large amounts of THCA, but if they continue on and cure the marijuana, that THCA will no longer be present. At that point the plant will have higher levels of THC than previously shown. \n\nTo understand the future potency of a cannabis strain before it has been cured, the percentage of THCA must be multiplied by 8.77, then added to the percentage of THC in the plant. This [equation](https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-thca-and-thc-whats-the-difference-n268) provides the producer or patient with an accurate estimate of the amount of THC that will be present in the plant after it has been cured. \n\n### Medicinal Benefits of THCA\n\nAnother similarity between THCA and THC is that they are both often the most abundant cannabinoid in a plant, depending on the time at which it is tested. THCA on its own, however, has been seen to have many benefits in the limited number of studies that have been conducted of the plant. Studies have found THCA to have [anti-inflammatory](https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/34/5/34_5_774/_article), [neuro-protective](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22571976), [anti-emetic](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1981.tb13806.x/abstract), and [anti-proliferative](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570006/) properties, all which could make it medically beneficial for a range of conditions. \n\nThis variety of potential medicinal benefits could make THCA an important cannabinoid for patients with a variety of medical conditions that already benefit from marijuana. Its anti-inflammatory properties could make it beneficial for those with pain, muscle spasms, [PMS related cramping](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a4121d38323000065b0000/medical-marijuana-may-alleviate-symptoms-associated-with-pms), or auto-immune conditions. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS JUICING: A NEW HEALTH TREND](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/575703f58a98c7000b00016a/cannabis-juicing-a-new-health-trend)\n### Incredible Neuro-Protective Qualities\n\nThe neuro-protective qualities could aid patients with neurodegenerative disorders like [Parkinson’s disease](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/5797ad9f8536ac0007d35e2e/could-cannabis-provide-hope-for-parkinsons-patients) as well as those with dementia. THCA’s anti-emetic properties could help people with stomach conditions from nausea to lack of appetite. It is also believed that THCA could have anti-proliferative properties that could help slow the rate of certain diseases and cancers. \n\nThough all of these potential benefits of THCA need continued research to be definitively proven, the possible potential of the cannabinoid cannot be ignored. THCA could have even more benefits than we currently know and understand, and in turn it could prove to add to the long list of medical benefits that people already experience from cannabis. One of the aspects of THCA that makes it particularly intriguing is, much like CBD, its lack of psychoactive properties.\n\n### Grow Your Cannabis...\n\nIf you are interested in trying out THCA, you may have to search a bit to get your hands on some fresh cannabis. Growing your own cannabis varieties with high levels of THCA can be a great way to have access to it at all times. Once you have fresh cannabis, the most common way that people consume it to receive the optimal amount of THCA is through juicing. Cannabis juicing is beginning to gain traction as more people are realizing its medicinal benefits. \n\n[Raw cannabis juice](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-juicing-a-new-health-trend) can be extracted just like any other plant through a juicer. It is important, however, that your juicer does not heat the plant as it is being extracted, or it could promote the transition from THCA to THC in the final product. Cannabis juice can be enjoyed straight, but most people find it more pleasing to dilute cannabis in other juice. Carrot juice is known to be a particularly good juice to serve with cannabis juice to get your daily dose of cannabinoids in the morning. \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,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwX/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAc6tHxkJD//EABsQAAIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMQERMh/9oACAEBAAEFAqvUo2yKaRtbP//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQMBAT8BP//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAEf/aAAgBAgEBPwHELG//xAAZEAACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAhQTL/2gAIAQEABj8CelzyzD//xAAcEAEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhQTFRYXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hGYlMfYNbM4xUdmd++sXWA8Cf/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABCfH//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEf/aAAgBAwEBPxCMf//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEWGh/9oACAECAQE/EFAIp0//xAAbEAEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhUWFxgf/aAAgBAQABPxAFYYGwwJu6TASy9PlxFsd4j9vMxSqD6JP/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/14b42/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/f836f/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.jpg 200w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/2244e/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.jpg 400w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/14b42/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.jpg 800w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/47498/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/54ac5/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/58556/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/61e93/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.webp 200w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/1f5c5/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.webp 400w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/58556/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.webp 800w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/99238/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.webp 1200w,\n/static/ab32937226d013a8942e25290f35e412/5e0b8/62b6aa3891972882f2d87c3b9ad06e53.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2092-markdown","title":"Combatting Lupus with Cannabis","slug":"combatting-lupus-with-cannabis","content":"The Lupus Foundation of America supports further research into medical marijuana use for Lupus symptoms. Lupus is caused by a hyperactive immune system that leads to chronic pain, swelling, and tissue damage. Lupus can also effect certain organs, such as kidneys. Some Lupus patients can even experience kidney failure due to abnormal deposits within the kidneys. Lupus often also effect the joints, skin and brain. There are multiple different versions of Lupus that each effect different parts of the body more severely. \r\n\r\nIt was discovered that Lupus symptoms can be caused by the use of over 400 prescription drugs. Many of these cases could be quelled by stopping the use of the culprit drug, but in other cases Lupus can continue to effect the patient. Often, even if the Lupus was not caused by the use of a prescription drug, many people effected with the disease can get caught in a cycle of prescription drug use due to their symptoms. Many of the prescriptions used to alleviate the symptoms of Lupus can have adverse effects, requiring the use of even more prescriptions. \r\n\r\nLupus, as with many autoimmune disorders, poses the issue of long term opioid use in order to treat chronic pain. Since Lupus cannot be cured, rather just treated into remission, it is possible for patients to need to use opioid prescriptions to quell their pain for much longer periods of time than they were designed to be used. After long term use of opioids, the effectiveness can decrease, causing the need for stronger analgesic medications down the line. \r\n\r\nCannabis has been found to be an effective pain reliever without the addictive qualities of opioids. Cannabis can also work with opioids in a synergistic way to reduce pain in patients. A [study](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/clpt.2011.188/abstract) published in the journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that when twenty-one patients took twice daily opioids, in association with vaporizing cannabis at specific times throughout the days they were observed, that the patients’ chronic pain had greatly decreased. The patients found greater relief compared to when they were only using opioids and the addition of cannabis did not change the way the opioids interacted with the patients body, as measured by plasma opioid levels. This study suggests that opioids could be used in lower doses in association with cannabis for effective pain relief. \r\n\r\nCannabis also has anti-inflammatory properties that could greatly help reduce the swelling and tissue damage experience with Lupus. A 2010 [study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/) published in the Future of Medicinal Chemistry found that cannabis is crucial in immune function and could be extremely helpful in reducing inflammation. The study stated,“administration of endocannabinoids or use of inhibitors of enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids, led to immunosuppression and recovery from immune-mediated injury to organs such as the liver.” This study shows that cannabis could be effective in mitigating the harm that Lupus can cause to organs. Cannabis can also be helpful with skin conditions, and skin is often one of the most effected organs in patients with Lupus. Cannabis is able to help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with Lupus and may even provide a new potential pathway to treat Lupus sufferers. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about cannabis and Lupus? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. Our doctors and 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.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/14b42/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/f836f/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 200w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/2244e/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 400w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/14b42/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 800w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/6db77/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 1070w","srcWebp":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/58556/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/61e93/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 200w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/1f5c5/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 400w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/58556/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 800w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/3f179/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 1070w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2152-markdown","title":"The 3 Most Common Skin Conditions: Can Cannabis Help?","slug":"the-3-most-common-skin-conditions-can-cannabis-help","content":"DiDi Davis is Founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer located in California. Sweet ReLeaf has created one of the most effective and enjoyable topicals on the market today. Didi states \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in Cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her second blog post, Didi talks about different skin conditions and how cannabis topicals may have a positive effect.\n\n### Can Skin Influence our Immune System?\n\nWeighing in at over 8 lbs and covering up to 23 square feet, the skin is the largest, as well as one of the most important, organs in the human body.\nOur skin protects our body from the outside world, pieces us together, and recent studies have even suggested that skin can help control our immune system. People coping with chronic skin conditions understand the value of healthy skin. Though most conditions cannot be cured or prevented - they can be managed.\n\n### From Traditional to Alternative\n\nFor the most part, people will turn to their dermatologist for help. They’ll then likely be prescribed costly medications which often do more harm than good. Accutane, a common treatment for acne, can lead to birth defects and even Crohn's disease. This is one of the many reasons why cannabis has become the growing preference for dealing with chronic skin conditions. \n\nCannabis topicals are an excellent alternative for people who want to get the therapeutic, medicinal benefits of cannabis without \"getting high.\" \nTopical cannabis is a great way to relieve common symptoms and triggers associated with chronic skin conditions, such as:\n\n>- Inflammation\n- Itching and burning\n- Pain\n- Infections\n- Acne\n- Bug bites\n- Scrapes and wounds\n\nIt’s important to understand how cannabis treatments can help alleviate and even cure the most common chronic skin conditions. \n \n### Eczema, Psoriasis and Cannabis\n\nEczema is brought on by a strained immune system which then causes an overreaction in the skin. Affecting over 30 million Americans, eczema is can be triggered by a variety of things, including stress, hormonal changes and even dehydration.\n\nPsoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects around 8 million Americans. More severe cases of Psoriasis may require special systemic therapies, but nearly all Psoriasis sufferers take some type of topical treatment to ease the side-effects.\n\n**The Solution:**\nUse a medical cannabis topical butter or hemp oil regularly and you will notice that your condition will begin to subside. Use a topical that also has additional ingredients which support skin moisture such as coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils. Results will vary but patients have been singing the praises of topical cannabis as even the most debilitating cases transform into non-issues. \n\n### Acne\n\nNo matter your age or station in life, acne is probably at least an occasional part of your reality. Whether chronic or stress-induced, blemishes often appear on our face right when it’s the “last thing we need.” Approximately 85% of Americans will have to cope with acne outbreaks at least once in their life. When we do, we go to great lengths to get rid of it. Accounting for over $2 billion in sales, the business of zit-zapping is booming. Alleviating acne by way of cannabis allows patients to avoid the side-effects that come with the most commonly prescribed treatments. Experts have found that applying topical cannabis treatments to the affected area can decrease inflammation, redness and shrink the size of the blemish (as well as reduce scarring). \nDiDi Davis is Founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer located in California. Sweet ReLeaf has created one of the most effective and enjoyable topicals on the market today which is creamy and smells wonderful. As Didi says \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in Cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her first blog post, Didi talks about the healing relief found when using topicals and whether or not to worry about drug testing.\n\n**The Solution:**\nDrink plenty of water and apply a topical cannabis treatment to your blemish before bed. Be warned that smoking cannabis, could actually lead to further breakouts, so avoid it until your blemish has subsided.\n\n### Rosacea\nEven though over 16 million Americans suffer from Rosacea, topical cannabis is seldom brought up when mentioning the condition. Rosacea causes bouts of skin flare-ups that make affected areas very dry, red and itchy. Most common among those with fair skin, Rosacea exclusively affects the facial area (cheeks, nose, chin and around the eyes) - and is not easily covered up.\nThere is no definitive cure for Rosacea, but it is another example of a severe skin condition which is directly affected by one’s immune system. It's asserted by medical professionals that Rosacea flare-ups are caused by hereditary problems that erupt between the body's immune response and its inflammatory pathways. \n\n**The Solution:**\nLike the other major skin conditions, inhaling cannabis will produce little to no positive benefits for Rosacea sufferers. Instead, use a cannabis-infused topical and apply regularly over a consistent period of time. This is also a good time to bulk up on healthy fats (such as coconut oil, avocado and almonds) to help support hormonal balance - another key factor in what triggers Rosacea outbreaks.\n\n### When The Whole Body Hurts\n\nIt’s important to remember that our body is one big machine and every part of it is affected when things get off-balance. Our skin is a great “caution cone” for understanding our own level of health. We are naturally linked to cannabis through our endocannabinoid system and this incredible plant seems to always know just what we need. Cannabis brings balance and healing where other medications would simply bulldoze our bodies into submission. \n\nBe smart about your overall health. When skin conditions arise, understand that it is actually the entire body which is trying to tell you something. \n\nConsider assessing daily activities, diet, level of exercise and sleep routine to support the overall benefits of medical cannabis. Whether your skin condition is curable or requires lifelong management - the point is not to fix the problem, but to help the body heal.\n\nPhoto credit: Geinz Angelina/Shutterstock.com","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/14b42/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg","srcSet":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/f836f/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/2244e/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 400w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/14b42/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 800w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/47498/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 1200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/0e329/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 1600w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/54511/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 1711w","srcWebp":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/58556/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/61e93/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/1f5c5/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 400w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/58556/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 800w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/99238/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 1200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/7c22d/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 1600w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/6abdf/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 1711w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2120-markdown","title":"An Anti-Inflammatory Recipe for Turmeric CBD Tonic","slug":"an-anti-inflammatory-recipe-for-turmeric-cbd-tonic","content":"HelloMD welcomes back Andrea Brooks, the founder of [Sava](https://www.getsava.com), the premier marketplace for high-quality, hand-crafted cannabis goods. Sava offers next day delivery for patients throughout California and is one of the newest collectives gaining a passionate following of enthusiastic medicinal cannabis patients. Andrea is extremely knowledgeable about cannabis and here she shares her Ayurvedic recipe for a CBD tonic/tea.\n\n### The Tea\nBased on the Ayurvedic recipe for “Golden Milk”, this tea combines turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, honey, and CBD to provide relief from inflammation, arthritis, sore muscles, hangover, and a range of other maladies. \n\n### Turmeric\nTurmeric has long been used in South Asia for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. \nOn the Japanese island of Okinawa - where the population has one of the longest average lifespans - turmeric tea is a staple of daily life. In India, turmeric was first used in food and was then discovered to have a range of medicinal benefits - antiseptic, anti-inflammatory detoxifying. It has also been shown to prevent and reverse the effects of Alzheimer's and is currently being studied for its anti-cancer effects. \n\n### Curcumin\nCurcumin, the ingredient in turmeric that makes it yellow and gives it spice, is what science attributes many of its healing properties. In order for your body to absorb the curcumin, it is paired with both a fat and with black pepper. \n\n### Piperine\nPiperine, a compound found in black pepper, has been shown to increase the bioavailability of otherwise hard to absorb curcumin by 2000%. Without the piperine, curcumin is metabolized in the liver and intestinal wall. When I make this tonic, I either add in or leave out black pepper based on how I feel. If I want my liver and intestinal wall to receive the benefits - maybe after a large rich meal or one too many glasses of wine - I leave the pepper out. If I want relief from joint or muscle pain or want my entire body to reap the effects, I add pepper in. Fat also assist with absorption, hence coconut oil which has its own host of benefits. \n\n### Ginger\nGinger, another powerful root with a big reputation, has been shown time and time again to have strong anti-inflammatory properties without the side effects of pharmaceuticalsas well as anti-oxidative and anti-cancer effects (5). It has also long been used to soothe the digestive system. \n\n### Cannabidiol\nCannabidiol, also known as CBD, is an important medicinal cannabinoid that produces no “high.” CBD relieves pain and anxiety, and research has shown it to have antibacterial, anti-convulsive, anti-carcinogenic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, analgesic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic, antispasmodic, antipsychotic, anti-insomnia and neuroprotection properties.\n\n### How To\n\nMix all of the ingredients together with a spoonful of honey and you have a delicious health tonic that can be used for specific ailments or as an everyday preventative medicine. \n\nIngredients \n>- ½ to 1 inch of turmeric root (or a tsp of turmeric powder)\n- ½ to 1 inch of ginger root\n- 1 tsp coconut oil\n- 1 cup of your favorite milk (almond or hemp is delicious!)\n- 1 cup of warm water\n- 2 tsp honey\n- Sprinkle of black pepper\n- Drops of high CBD tincture\n\nWarm the milk. Add all other ingredients to a blender. Combine in your favorite mug and enjoy! \n\nAlternately, all ingredients can be blended together cool and served over ice. \n\nThis can be made in a larger batch and store in your refrigerator for several days or you can combine all ingredients, aside from milk and water, into a paste that you keep for up to a week adding to hot water and milk when you want a cup. Adjust the honey, pepper, ginger, and turmeric depending on your flavor preferences - whether you like things spicy or sweet - and drink to good health. \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/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/17c4b/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.png","srcSet":"/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/69585/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.png 200w,\n/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/497c6/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.png 400w,\n/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/17c4b/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.png 743w","srcWebp":"/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/26a6c/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/61e93/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.webp 200w,\n/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/1f5c5/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.webp 400w,\n/static/d6dc35b89a353680252b491c0961f85d/26a6c/f4336d34fcc35be413f267fd670e87cb.webp 743w","sizes":"(max-width: 743px) 100vw, 743px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2055-markdown","title":"Is Your Endocannabinoid System in Balance?","slug":"is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance","content":"You balance your work with your family life, fatty foods with healthy ones, stress with\r\nhappiness. But what about your endocannabinoid system? The\r\nendocannabinoid system is a pivotal body system that impacts a multitude\r\nof other health factors and, when it's improperly balanced, it can have\r\na negative impact on your overall health. Here's what you need to know:\r\n\r\n**What Is the Endocannabinoid System?**\r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of a selection of highly\r\nspecialized lipids and receptors within the brain. The system acts on\r\nthe nervous system to produce things like hunger, pain, responses to\r\nstress, memory building, inflammation and muscle control. The ECS also\r\nhas a direct impact on things like sleep, muscle control, energy and\r\nmood.\r\n\r\n**Cannabinoid Receptors 101**\r\n\r\nThe ECS relies on a series of cannabinoid receptors to support its\r\nfunction. These receptors are actually cell membrane receptors that are\r\nshaped like an \"S.\" Each receptor has seven parts that are designed to\r\npermeate cell membranes, where they couple with G-proteins.\r\n\r\nThis coupling is what produces a sensation response within the human\r\nbrain. The compounds that couple with cannabinoid receptors are known as\r\n\"lipophilic,\" or \"fat-loving.\" These compounds include such naturally\r\nsynthesized compounds as endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids (these are\r\nplant-derived compounds such as Cannabidiol, which comes from cannabis)\r\nand synthetic cannabinoids.\r\n\r\nCannabinoid receptors are broken into two separate groups: CB1 and CB2.\r\nThese groups are quite distinctly different, although they do share some\r\nsimilar traits. CB1 receptors, for example, are located predominantly in\r\nthe brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, body fat, muscle tissue, bones and\r\nheart. These receptors are responsible for processing the psychoactive\r\ntraits of THC. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are located primarily\r\nin the immune system and bloodstream, and in lesser amounts in the gut,\r\nmuscle, bone, nervous system and liver. These receptors provide pain\r\nrelief.\r\n\r\n**Endocannabinoid Receptors and the Balance of the ECS**\r\n\r\nWhen we talk about the balance of the ECS, we're talking about the\r\npresence and activity of CB1 versus CB2 within the body. In this case,\r\nhowever, \"balance\" doesn't mean a 50/50 split between CB1 and CB2.\r\nInstead, optimal health can be achieved when people have slightly higher\r\nlevels of CB2 than they do CB1. This is because [research has\r\nshown](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267552/) that people\r\nwith high levels of CB1 suffer from conditions associated with stress\r\nand anxiety, such as paranoia, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, pain\r\nand improper immune function.\r\n\r\nA high level of CB2, on the other hand, is associated with positive\r\neffects, such as decreased inflammation, rapid tissue reconstruction and\r\nhealing, higher metabolic function, healthier levels of insulin, and\r\nhealthy energy levels.\r\n\r\nIn light of this, researchers have been working to produce effective CB1\r\nblockers that can decrease the negative impacts of excess CB1 while\r\nhighlighting the positive aspects of CB2, such as increased metabolic\r\nfunction. These products aim to improve the symptoms associated with\r\nconditions like metabolic syndrome (such as elevated blood pressure and\r\nblood sugar, high levels of body fat, and high cholesterol levels),\r\nwhich is known to increase the likelihood of stroke, diabetes and\r\nvarious forms of heart disease.\r\n\r\nWhile more research is needed on the topic of CB1 blockers, preliminary\r\ndata has already shown that lowering CB1 levels in the body can help to\r\nreduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar, and aid\r\nin abdominal fat loss, which results in a decreased risk for conditions\r\nlike type II diabetes and heart disease.\r\n\r\n**Balancing the ECS**\r\n\r\nBefore you write it off completely, it's important to remember that CB1\r\ndoes serve an important purpose. Recent research has suggested that\r\nmaintaining the correct levels of CB1 within the body protects against\r\ndepressive symptoms and helps [lower stress in\r\nrodents](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3808114/). This\r\nproves the importance of maintaining balance in the ECS.\r\n\r\nOne of the most astounding functions of the ECS is that it helps control\r\nand enhance the function of the integumentary system, which includes\r\nhair and human skin cells. When the ECS is balanced, negative skin cell\r\ngrowth and various forms of inflammation immediately decline. Because of\r\nthis, targeted manipulation of ECS balance has been posed as a treatment\r\noption for people suffering from painful or dangerous skin conditions\r\nsuch as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and systemic sclerosis.\r\n\r\nIn addition to exploring CB1 blockers to help maintain a balance between\r\nCB1 and CB2 within the human brain, scientists are also studying the\r\nimpact of diet. Currently, there is evidence that [ample intake of\r\nomega-3s and\r\nomega-6s](http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v40/n1/full/ijo2015135a.html)\r\ncan support the proper function of cannabinoid receptors within the\r\nbrain.\r\n\r\n**Perfect Balance Leads to Enhanced Function**\r\n\r\nBalancing the ECS is a delicate process but, when done correctly, it can\r\nhave a marked positive effect on lives. People with excessively high CB1\r\nlevels often struggle with things like inflammation, increased risk of\r\nheart disease, obesity and diabetes. If CB1 is inhibited too much,\r\nhowever, it leads to conditions like infertility, depression and\r\ndecreased immune function. At the same time, when CB2 levels are too\r\nhigh, decreased immune function and impaired tissue healing are the\r\nresults.\r\n\r\nIn light of these findings, it's clear that, to obtain optimal health,\r\npeople must focus more strongly on building and maintaining the proper\r\nbalance between CB1 and CB2 through the responsible use of CB1 blockers\r\nand proper diet.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ionelpop/3497683677/in/photolist-6k5xuZ-aCxyQp-5s4UHq-6mALK4-6LSHuE-6NhXom-6A2H4j-7rSMrd-gqWG4G-cKkK7J-r27bTR-e7Ccs-5EXdWc-iLSRKW-6t3oND-NaD7c-9VF398-4i23w4-7qLrMY-99JBcD-4RuyQh-4Cn1S6-9AWcjM-jj8Tr-4b6B4P-6hTeA5-7GzQ2Q-4FBdtH-8es7qz-ggmxG-7ffDWk-969QLS-aTwPdT-6uAL8c-dRn1y-35tLLb-4kNKhg-9Mo2MP-exre5x-5BSWy3-966AkK-4P99b4-6JaZCt-5bF8ZX-8JA2Ux-5cY2fx-yVcAM-cSrFwG-cf4ZGG-9C5REj)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/ee604/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png","srcSet":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/69585/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/497c6/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 400w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/ee604/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 800w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/f3583/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 1200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/df997/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.png 1204w","srcWebp":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/58556/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/61e93/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/1f5c5/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 400w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/58556/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 800w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/99238/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 1200w,\n/static/e4bc33e90fbf073c98a68bf53b1a8b87/91ab5/791a9068fcdcdc7636ab94fbe31e8b00.webp 1204w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2053-markdown","title":"Download our Medical Marijuana Patient Study","slug":"download-our-medical-marijuana-patient-study","content":"For us at HelloMD, the medical cannabis industry is an exciting and fascinating business to be in. Every day we leave the office knowing that we are improving people's lives and helping further the cause for mainstream acceptance of this amazing plant.  In the short time since we’ve been providing our service (one year) we’ve witnessed a positive shift in how the broader population perceive the legal cannabis market. The collective contribution of the industry has performed a remarkable feat in changing attitudes and in moving us from back-alley to the main street.\r\n\r\nWe have come far. Yet, for anyone entering the industry, indeed for anyone in it, it can still be difficult finding information to help plan and grow a business. Very little is published indicating patient preferences, methods of use, reasons for use, etc. Most in the industry are planning products and services based upon small sample sets of anecdotal data and intuition. Not that there is anything wrong with that. After all, we did that. But if that’s all you’ve got, then it’s really difficult to identify trends and to plan ahead. \r\n\r\nThat is why, in January of this year, we conducted a detailed study of patients that use medical marijuana. \r\n\r\n[Download the medical marijuana patient study here](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf).\r\n\r\nWe believe it to be the most comprehensive study to date and we are very pleased to share it with the community at large. Our methodology included surveying our membership of 17,000 patients (all of whom have been evaluated by our own doctors), correlating with other data sets (public and private), analyzing, and then using the results to form key findings. Thanks to our friends at [FireFly](http://www.thefirefly.com) (of whom generously donated 5 of their beautiful vaporizers as an incentive to participants) we had an exceptional response of over 1,400 patients. Anonymously, every one of them answered an extensive questionnaire that detailed their own experience and details regarding conditions leading to use, modes of use, efficacy, and much more.\r\n\r\nAll this data led to key findings and learning's that helped us understand:  \r\n\r\n - The demographic of patients using medical marijuana today, and how it has been changing overtime\r\n - Conditions being treating with medical cannabis\r\n - How effective cannabis is as a treatment modality\r\n - How patients feel about using cannabis as an alternative, or as a compliment, to other more-traditional prescribed pharmaceuticals\r\n - How, or if, patients talk about their use of cannabis among family, friends and colleagues.\r\n - Where medical cannabis purchases are made\r\n - Where patients obtain education and knowledge of medical cannabis\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most surprising finding; an emerging demographic that, indisputably, is eclipsing the recreational demographic. This has all sorts of implications – politically and otherwise.\r\n\r\nWe have compiled all findings into a report that can be [downloaded as a PDF here](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf).","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/14b42/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/f836f/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 200w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/2244e/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 400w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/14b42/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/47498/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/58556/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/61e93/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 200w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/1f5c5/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 400w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/58556/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 800w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/99238/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1992-markdown","title":"High-CBD Marijuana Strains","slug":"high-cbd-marijuana-strains","content":"Medical marijuana has been a breakthrough treatment option for a great number of patients seeking the [relief it provides for health conditions that range from\narthritis and migraines to seizures and even cancer](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness?category=health-conditions). The whys behind the\nrelief cannabis provides to some patients can be harder to\nunderstand. That said, one key reason medical cannabis\ncould be a great alternative treatment has to do with the amount of cannabidiol (CBD) that’s contained in the\nparticular type of medical marijuana strain that a health-care provider\nrecommends.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\n### The Role of CBD in Health & Wellness\n\nThe two main components in marijuana are CBD and [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8dab1cf24d1300077ccb58/the-pros-and-cons-of-psychoactive-thc). While THC is\nthe substance responsible for the way marijuana can impact a patient\npsychologically—such as creating heightened or enhanced feelings\nof euphoria), it’s CBD that can bind to certain receptors in the body to reduce the sensation of pain in patients, or even alleviate\nother common symptoms such as nausea and spasms. This is often why\npractitioners prefer high-CBD strains of cannabis. The mood and\nwell-being that THC provides may be desirable, but CBD can induce a sense of calm as well as reduce inflammation among other things while avoiding some of\nthe psychoactive effects of THC.\n\nResearchers have come to recognize the important role cannabinoids may\nplay in the treatment of symptoms related to life-threatening diseases like cancer. The\n[National Cancer\nInstitute](http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq)\nnotes that \"commercially available cannabinoids … are approved drugs for\nthe treatment of cancer-related side effects.\" While federal\nlaw has remained unchanged, a growing number of states have enacted\nlegislation in a nod to the usefulness of cannabis in a complete medical\nregimen. Beyond it’s positive effects on cancer side effects, [CBD is now being\nexplored as a treatment to hit cancer head on](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22506672).\n\nRELATED: [WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT CANNABIDIOL, OR CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8dafa0f24d1300077ccb59/whats-so-great-about-cannabidiol-or-cbd)\n\n### Strains of High-CBD Cannabis That Have Beneficial Effects\n\nThe impact of CBD illustrates why practitioners and patients prefer high-CBD strains of medical marijuana. All medical marijuana isn’t created\nequal, and that makes it important to explore available strains in order\nto find the right match for the illness and the symptoms being\naddressed.\n\n#### Charlotte’s Web\n\nOne particularly potent strain, called Charlotte's Web, is\nnamed for a child it most notably helped by alleviating her long struggle with\nseizures. In addition to a high concentration—20%—of CBD,\nCharlotte's Web, which is derived from hemp, has a very low concentration of THC—at less than 0.3%.\n\n#### Harlequin\n\nAnother high-concentration strain of medical marijuana is called\n[Harlequin](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a9d9ad8fdb6dd00088d0cf1/harlequin). This cannabis strain has been found to be effective in the\ntreatment of pain, stress, anxiety, depression and inflammation.\n\nDepending on how it’s distilled, Harlequin can contain\nbetween 8–16% CBD, running only a tad lower than\nCharlotte's Web. However, it has a 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC, which\nmeans that this cannabis strain mutes the potential psychoactivity of THC that\npatients often seek to minimize.\n\n#### Avidekel\n\nPatients and practitioners can also consider Avidekel, a strain of\nmarijuana developed in Israel and reported by researchers at Hebrew\nUniversity to [treat people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes\nand heart disease](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/03/israel-highless-marijuana_n_1645488.html).\n\nIn fact, Hebrew University researcher Ruth\nGallily says that Avidekel, which contains less than 16% CBD, has\nremarkable anti-inflammatory properties. Because so many illnesses are\nexacerbated by inflammation, this particular marijuana strain can have very broad\napplicability for all types of diseases or conditions that involve inflammation and swelling.\n\n#### Sour Tsunami\n\nSour Tsunami, another strain of medical cannabis that’s got high concentrations of CBD, was one of the initial types of marijuana bred\nspecifically for CBD versus THC. Naturopathic doctors, like Dr. Jake\nFelice, have seen [Sour Tsunami make a world of difference in patients battling\nirritable bowel syndrome](http://www.drjakefelice.com/2011/04/ibs-relief-using-cbd-rich-sour-tsunami-strain/). As a hybrid of two other strains—Sour Diesel\nand NYC Diesel—Sour Tsunami's concentration of CBD is around 11% with THC measuring slightly lower.\n\n### Other High-CBD Marijuana Strains That Can Provide Relief\n\nIn addition to these four high-CBD strains of marijuana, numerous others are available to consumers in markets where cannabis has been legalized for use. They include [Cannatonic](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce5dcd520d60009f4f4bd/cannatonic), Trident, Remedy, Zen and many more. These cannabis strains\nall feature a different ratio of THC to CBD. Depending on the ailment, some patients benefit from either a higher or lower concentration of THC in combination with CBD.\n\nWhile CBD interacts with pain receptors, a particular patient's condition may also benefit from the psychotropic effects of THC, which is typically an even more effective painkiller. This can be particularly true in later-stage diseases or diseases that are highly\ncomplicated in nature.\n\nRatios of THC to CBD as well as specific concentrations of these compounds in\nmedical marijuana should be discussed carefully with a patient's medical\nprovider. Only after careful evaluation—and some trial and error—can a patient find the right type of cannabis to provide the healing or relief they need.\n\nPhoto credit: [Rusty Blazenhoff](https://www.flickr.com/photos/blazenhoff/6716525153/in/photolist-bevWVP-bevWXM-bezNnD-beAiX6-5msbg8-oHJHHD-jwBhd1-7jTSZg-8TnLCh-peR8dn-5KjZK8-7jXLJj-8TY1GD-8xdw91-7VMNYf-8xav4n-8AgykN-fy9FN-y4VnV7-jwCoCA-gaC4xa-jwBfr5-CQXUo-8BxE4L-jwBbMm-jwAmuD-8RvGrx-7jTSMv-7jTSNp-7jTSUD-jEbTR-7jXLLE-7jTT34-8Yd5pt-7jTSXt-8Vaxkw-p7AQJP-8GRgN7-8w4EUg-996agY-8BuxP4-8tusDz-jwCr7d-8BxESN-8MkwXx-4fmvfG-8PWScw-5ArkiD-8JxV3t-8vubVA)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.   \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/ee604/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png","srcSet":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/69585/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 200w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/497c6/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 400w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/ee604/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 800w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/2466b/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.png 917w","srcWebp":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/58556/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/61e93/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 200w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/1f5c5/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 400w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/58556/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 800w,\n/static/752ae3ae63c7f02a9ba038f37812a0ea/4f4d5/9f22d72801e740d17feeb91fc31b8b40.webp 917w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1969-markdown","title":"What it Takes to Get a NY Medical Marijuana Card","slug":"what-it-takes-to-get-a-ny-medical-marijuana-card","content":"A full 18 months after legalizing medical cannabis, the state of NY finally allows medical marijuana dispensaries to open their doors.  beginning January 7. Patients rejoice. Let the shopping begin! \n\nNot so fast. \n\n**Here’s what you need to know.**\n\nThe dispensaries licensed for business are few and far between. As of mid-January, 2016, there are only 8.  Eight.  Depending on where you are, in the empire state of 55,000 square miles, prepare for a long drive. More are planned for 2016, twelve more, but don’t expect one to appear at the end of the block.\n\nBecoming an actual patient will be difficult.  Unlike other states, severe migraines will not qualify you, neither severe menstrual cramping, nor anxiety, nor clinical depression, nor many other conditions that medical cannabis is known to alleviate.  Instead, you’ll need to be more at the terminally-ill or incurable-disease end of the spectrum. So far, less-than 300 patients have been approved for medical cannabis in New York (as of January 21 2016). If you plan on making the approved list, don’t bother showing up without having Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Epilepsy, Intractable Bowel Syndrome, or Multiple Sclerosis.\n\nRELATED: [NY EXPANDS CONDITION LIST FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CERTIFICATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5942b0478f2aa0000c61bc9c/new-york-expands-condition-list-for-medical-marijuana-certifications) \n\nAnd, if you're in the unfortunate position of having one of such conditions you’ll need to be seen, and specially approved, by a qualified state physician. This is not your family doctor – only 265 physicians have so far been given the credential to evaluate. Once seen, and given the certification by a physician, you are then able to register for a card. Yes. That’s right. You’ve come this far and you still have to register with the state before being cleared and given a card.\n\nOh, and just to be absolutely sure you’re not going to abuse your medical cannabis privilege, you’ll not be able to smoke it. New York requires that all medical cannabis product be a drinkable solution, an oil suitable for vaporizing, a tincture, or in capsule form.\n\nRELATED: [NY ALLOWS MORE METHODS OF MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b3235db8b3ec393021a42a/new-york-allows-more-methods-of-marijuana-consumption)\n\nIf all this seems overly restrictive and harsh, then you’d be right.  It is. It’s symptomatic of the fear, uncertainty and doubt that conservative lawmakers still abide. \n\nIt’s all a bit of shame really. It’s a shame because New York could set a precedent for other states that are wavering on their decision-making.  It’s a surprise because, for so many other reasons, we consider New York to be progressive.\n\nI expect, as time goes by, these harsh restrictions and unreasonable qualifications will relax and be modified. Until then, if you’re a New Yorker, keep your eye on this space and whenever you have the opportunity to share voice on the matter – speak. And whenever you have the opportunity to influence proposition – vote.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/14b42/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg","srcSet":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/f836f/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 200w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/2244e/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 400w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/14b42/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 800w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/47498/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/58556/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/61e93/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 200w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/1f5c5/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 400w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/58556/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 800w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/99238/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 1200w","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_2021-markdown","title":"The 420 Games Celebrates Athletes, Healthy Living & Cannabis ","slug":"the-420-games-celebrates-athletes-healthy-living-and-cannabis","content":"Jim McAlpine, is a name that circulates around California’s cannabis industry with high frequency. Jim is founder of [The 420 Games](http://420games.org/) and most recently the cannabis technology event called [New West Summit](http://www.newwestsummit.com), which was held in San Francisco this past November. The 420 Games is a popular athletics, cannabis-based event that started in San Francisco and is now spreading to other parts of the country. Jim states that the goal of The 420 Games is to ‘eradicate the false stereotypes that hinder millions of successful and motivated people. We want to afford people the choice and ability to responsibly use cannabis as a supplement without fear of prosecution and judgement.’\r\n\r\nThe first 420 Games was a 5k race held in late 2014, which incorporated a couple hundred people who came together to run and promote a healthier image of cannabis. As Jim says ‘Many people have felt ashamed about their use of cannabis or that they need to hide it. The fact is you can have a very healthy lifestyle, be athletic and use cannabis to support yourself in a variety of ways. The 420 Games was created for people to ‘come out of the closet’, if you will, in a positive and supportive environment. Ultimately, we want to alter negative perceptions of cannabis use and replace that with an uplifting image more related to health and wellness.’ \r\n\r\nThe 420 Games has become a run away success, no pun intended. This year, the 420 Games expects upwards of 5,000 people to participate in their San Francisco event alone. Many more events are planned for Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Boulder and Denver. Visiting [The 420 Games Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/The-420-Games-639774252770652/), you will see almost 60,000 ‘likes’. Jim is a gregarious, affable guy who has made it his business to get to know just about everyone in the industry. When you talk to him, it is obvious that he is passionate, viewing the cannabis ecosystem as an ever-growing community of both industry folks and patients alike. His mission is to help bring cannabis into the light and to shed the stigma associated with its use, while at the same time giving people a positive platform in which to come forward freely.\r\n\r\n**What was your inspiration for starting The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nFor many years I lived in Tahoe, where I founded a tech startup called [Snow Bomb](http://www.snowbomb.com/). We were the first company in the world to do online ticketing in the snow industry. We were very successful in this arena, but in order for us to continue to succeed, we needed snow. As most people know, for the last four years in Tahoe, there has been almost no snow. \r\n\r\nSo in late 2013/early 2014 I told my wife I was going to go up to Tahoe for a few days and lock myself in my cabin until I thought up a new business. I packed my bag, brought some medical marijuana, and set up shop in my living room, where I waited for an idea to arrive. Sitting down on the couch that evening, the first thing I saw on TV was a vice special, which was called  ‘Green Rush’. It was about the booming cannabis industry and how people were making a healthy living off of legalized cannabis. I was about to smoke some marijuana, to spur creativity, but the light bulb went off for me almost immediately. \r\n\r\nHow it happened that quickly, I am not sure. What came to me is this; I have been a serious athlete and used cannabis in a positive way for a good portion of my life, and that is something I wanted to share with others. As an athlete, cannabis helps keep me focused, at the gym longer and in some ways allows me to obtain my goals more easily. It does not make me lazy or cause me to not show up for practice; in fact, it does just the opposite. Also, within the ski industry, I saw how cannabis goes hand in hand with the snow based athletic lifestyle, mostly in a positive way. In my own heart and mind I saw a connection of how cannabis and a healthy lifestyle could be linked together. \r\n\r\nTo start a new business I had to think about how I could fit within the cannabis industry, and at the time I was a complete newbie. I was not going to get into distribution or growing, so the obvious answer was to play off my strengths, which in many ways is throwing community-building industry events. Boom, right there in that moment, events and athleticism seemed like a natural fit to me. On my couch that night, I knew I would throw the first athletics-based cannabis event.  \r\n\r\n**When was the first 420 Games event held and what happened there?**\r\n\r\nOur first race was held in Golden Gate Park in August of 2014. There was an amazing vibe among the people who came and participated. You could really tell people were excited for this event to be happening. I guess my biggest trepidation was that I would throw this event and a bunch of stoners would show up, which is fine, but what I was going for was healthy lifestyle and athleticism. When real athletes actually showed up, I knew I was onto something big, and that this community really exists. Thankfully, everyone who showed up understood the mission and felt connected to it in some way.\r\n\r\n**Can you describe the type of people that show up at The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nFrom my experience so far, there are a lot of people who have become involved because this is an outlet for them to show that you can both use cannabis and be a successful athlete. People were very grateful to be given the opportunity to ‘come out of the closet’, as I like to say. Also, I find that about 20% of the people that show up are cannabis sympathizers. They may have someone in their life who uses cannabis medicinally or be pro legalization.  There are many people who come who want to support others in their lifestyle choices. It is somewhat akin to heterosexual people who show up at a gay rally to support friends or family. \r\n\r\nI think the common thread with everyone though, without a doubt, is a love of athleticism. My sister-in-law, who has never used cannabis, came to support me and actually won the race. A lot of the participants have used cannabis for a long time in their life, often in combination with work outs.\r\n\r\n**If someone shows up at a 420 Games what should they expect?**\r\n\r\nFrom the outside we want our 420 events to look like any other 5k, 10k race or marathon that athletes attend. It is a sports event first that happens to advocate cannabis use. You show up for the race early, you register and you will see a lot of other people getting ready, stretching and hydrating. We offer healthy food like granola, yogurt and bananas to the participants before the race begins. People line up for the race, we shoot the gun and everyone is off. We do award winners at the end of the race, but it is really about being active and finishing the race, whether you choose to walk or run. We really put an emphasis on finishing the race. \r\n\r\nThis is also a family friendly event, and we ask that no one smokes cannabis at the event. It is fine to be medicated, but we ask participants to do that before coming to the race; we want all participants to be comfortable with the atmosphere. We have whole families that participate together and even my young daughters finished the race this last time. We are trying to change perceptions of cannabis and a cloud of smoke really does not do much for us! So far, almost everyone has respected this. \r\n\r\nAt the end of the race, everyone has a huge sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Everyone is high-fiving and a lot of pats on the back all around. After the race we have about 2 hours of education with guest speakers. We also curate positive and conscious music into the event and only choose musical acts that are life positive. Anyone who finishes the race who is over 21 is welcomed into our beer garden, which is hosted by Lagunitas, for free beer. A community feeling is highly encouraged and we wrap up the event with a real feeling togetherness. \r\n\r\n**You like to use the term ‘coming out of the closet.’ In the case of The 420 Games, do you feel like some people are showing up for the first time to be ‘out of the closet’?**\r\n\r\nAbsolutely, yes! In many ways, if you are a healthy, well-adjusted individual, this type of event is one of the easiest ways to announce your own cannabis use to the people around you. I have found that many people have been looking for a group to associate with where they don’t need to feel ashamed of their lifestyle. It is not that long ago that cannabis use was almost completely frowned upon, so this is a big step for many people.\r\n\r\nFor myself, I am completely out of the closet at this point. In my own declaration, and with The 420 Games, I want to be that first guy who makes it easier for the next guy or woman. Many people have had such negative associations placed in their head and we want to replace that with a positive message, so that they can go forward and help change other people’s perceptions.\r\n\r\n**Have you had any negative push back on hosting The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nWe have had very little honestly. The San Francisco police department has been so supportive. There has now been enough positive press too, so generally everyone has been very accepting.\r\n\r\n**How many events have you done and where can people find the next The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nWe were solely in California last year but we are moving into several more states this year, which is exciting. In California we have done 5 events so far including several runs, a paddle board race and a golf tournament. In 2016 we will be in California in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. In Colorado we will be in both Denver and Boulder. In Washington we will be in Seattle and in Oregon we will be hosting an event in Portland. \r\n\r\nIf someone wants to compete and join the fun, the best way to find out about more events is through our website [the420games.org](http://420games.org/). We also have a very active [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/The-420-Games-639774252770652/) presence, which can keep you abreast. We welcome new sponsors as well, especially companies that focus on health and wellness like HelloMD. We want to partner with professional, health and wellness partners who ideally also involved in cannabis.\r\n\r\n**Is there anything else you would like to add regarding The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nYou can be an athlete and if you use cannabis it does not mean you are not stupid or lazy. The person defines who they are, the plant does not define who the person is. We hope to see you at one of the next [420 Games](http://420games.org/)!\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\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/ee604/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png","srcSet":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/69585/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/497c6/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 400w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/ee604/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 800w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/f3583/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 1200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/f90fa/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/58556/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/61e93/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/1f5c5/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 400w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/58556/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 800w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/99238/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 1200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/5e0b8/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1973-markdown","title":"5 Reasons to Get Legal and Stop Buying Marijuana from a Dealer","slug":"5-reasons-to-get-legal-and-stop-buying-marijuana-from-a-dealer","content":"Are you so cozy with your drug dealer you send him or her Christmas cards? Maybe you’ve had this ongoing relationship for quite some time, perhaps for years, and you’re just fine with it.  You get your pot easily and receive what you feel is a private, friendly and expedient service. Your dealer reaps the monetary reward and has a thriving social life as a result. Here’s the catch though; you have no idea what you’re really getting, and in many cases it may be very hazardous to your health. Not just a little, but a lot.\n\nOne of our guiding principles at [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) is that patients deserve access to safe medicine. For this reason, we are in favor of industry regulation, which includes consistent lab testing. Many people believe that cannabis is safe because it is a plant and as such, it is all natural. In some cases this is true, however by the time most people receive their cannabis it has passed through many hands and gone through many different chemical processes i.e., it may be far from ‘natural’ and closer to toxic. If you get your cannabis from your local drug dealer, you may be ingesting a wide array of nasties, unbeknownst to yourself and your well-intentioned ‘friend’.\n\n**The top 5 reasons to stop buying weed from your dealer:**\n\n\n**1. Microbial Material**\n\nHere is just a small sampling of microbial material that shows up in cannabis: Ecoli, yeast, botrytis (fungus), toilet water bacteria, and the deadly mold Aspergillus.\n\n[SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=552), a well known cannabis focused analytics laboratory in California, recently posted a [video on cannabis lab testing](https://www.merryjane.com/news/video-original-seed-to-strain-sc-labs?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=c028ee61bd-Newsletter_Number_4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b2264ec13f-c028ee61bd-143695717). In the video, Nate from SC Labs, says: \n\n>“During certain seasons we see up to 20 % of the cannabis coming in for micro bio tested cannabis failing screens. This means there is a large amount of micro bio contaminated cannabis in the marketplace.”\n\nUnknowingly, you may be ingesting these kinds of microbes. Gross. \n\n**2. Phosphoload**\n\nDue to the lack of regulatory oversight, growers can use products that make their plants look good, but these plants are not a healthy and safe alternative for the patient on the other end. Phosphoload is what is known as a ‘bud hardener’ and will create a larger more beautiful bud. Buyers often think the larger, super green bud is superior, but they are mistaken. Phosphorous, which is the main component in phosphoload, is [‘deemed to be carcinogenic to humans’](http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/h/human_carcinogen_phosphorus_32/intro.htm). It is interesting to note that many labs we talk to say this practice is more prevalent in Southern California, especially in the Los Angeles area.\n\n**3. Pesticides**\n\nIngesting pesticides, even in small doses, can be very hazardous to your health. Many farmers still use illegal and banned pesticides on cannabis because in many cases it will yield a larger crop. If you ingest cannabis with pesticide, you may be feeling the long-term effects of pesticides, whether you know it or not. As stated in [‘Pesticide Use in Marijuana Production](http://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/watchdog/documents/PesticideUseCannabisProduction.pdf) “cannabis is not typically filtered when its smoke is inhaled, and therefore smokers may expose themselves to much higher levels of pesticides and degradates.” The most common pesticides include pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and Avid (snail killer), all products found in your local home and garden store. \n\nRobert Martin, Co-Founder of [CW labs says](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ca3cd435343600060f0000/are-there-neurotoxins-in-your-marijuana):\n\n>“We test for 33 of the most commonly used pesticides, as dictated by the EPA. Pesticides are an awful thing to have in medication; they do not break down in your body no matter how you ingest them. Having pesticides in the body is not good for a patient’s health in any way, shape or form. Patients should be aware, that when concentrates (shatter, wax, hash oil) are made from cannabis that have been treated by pesticides, the pesticides are in an extremely concentrated state just like the marijuana.”\n\n**4. Residual Solvents**\n\nThe cannabis plant is full of cannabinoids. The two most well known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. The most common way to remove the cannabinoids & terpenes from the cannabis plant is to use a  chemical solvent. Butane, hexane, isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are commonly used to make cannabis extractions. Once a cannabis flower is submerged in a solvent the cannabinoids, terpenes and other ingredients come to the fore. Through a complex scientific process, dangerous solvents are removed to make the product safe for ingestion.  It is important to remove all traces of solvent. Cannabis testing laboratories will look for residual solvents such as butane within a hash oil. Toxic residual solvents are unsafe for anyone to ingest. \n\nButane infusion anyone?\n\n**5. …And Other Crazy, Random Stuff Found in Cannabis**\n\n>* Growth hormones \n\n>* Aflatoxins and poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals that are produced by certain molds\n\n>* Untested chemicals being used by growers, which contain chemicals such as cholinesterase inhibitors, a deadly neurotoxin \n\n>* Bacteria from an unsterile environment-often occurs when storing the plant, dirty screens and an unhygienic work environment\n\nDo you eat in a dirty restaurant? Most likely if you walk in and see filth, you walk right out. Obviously, you don’t want to get sick. The cannabis marketplace, in California and elsewhere, has been highly unregulated to date, although the tide is turning. The lack of regulation has unfortunately put cannabis consumers at risk. Laboratories such as [SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=552), [SteepHill Labs](http://steephill.com/) and [CW Labs](http://www.cwanalytical.com) act on behalf of the consumer, publishing results which let growers, dispensaries and consumers know exactly what they are ingesting. For this reason HelloMD always advises patients to go to reputable dispensaries that conduct regular lab testing. Within the industry today, lab tested cannabis is the only way you can ensure the quality and safety of the cannabis you ingest. \n\nSo back to your drug dealer…I think it’s time you broke up. Do you really think your back street cannabis is safe? Honestly, I doubt it.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation whether it be first time or renewal; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/spyrospapaspyropoulos/9061493640/in/photolist-eNJwmY-r6t9Gy-a4EzC-ncEDbj-bK3KQF-k6QgXM-ayRPoW-4C5Duh-oUm1C-qEUBTw-e7dDjN-pP7kd4-e7aZqC-pgHzTH-8DRP24-haeqiW-jpEe8S-eVAZaR-zPv1M9-6AYAK6-sqSZUm-94PjSZ-qDMvkc-dHm5JH-5Dbo7M-fkNg1F-s23YS-rUY8oL-jrTZyK-bqdPYh-n8dvhX-eNWGbP-7rWrsZ-hFuQvf-rPyCQ5-bcgvWg-hDWX8w-2rp2RJ-72N58J-dyWCHD-gumCD9-LngBQ-72djjZ-wKsZU3-m96aZB-5LnSbr-m79GPr-rK3ux-qAnJRH-dsCuee)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/ee604/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png","srcSet":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/69585/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/497c6/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 400w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/ee604/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 800w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/f3583/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 1200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/f90fa/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/58556/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/61e93/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/1f5c5/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 400w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/58556/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 800w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/99238/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 1200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/5e0b8/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2034-markdown","title":"Death Score: Opioids 16235. Cannabis 0.","slug":"death-score-opioids-16235-cannabis-0","content":"Living with chronic pain and trying to treat it can be difficult and frustrating. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals ignore or are unaware of the benefits of medical marijuana for pain management, choosing to prescribe opioid-type drugs to mask symptoms. \n\n[Marijuana has been used to effectively battle chronic pain for centuries](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55dfb34e3763370006c70000/the-history-of-medical-marijuana-usage). But despite the success patients have achieved through the use of medical cannabis, its usage still lags far behind opioids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 10% of prescribing medical professionals account for 50% of opioid prescriptions, illustrating a pattern of over-usage in chronic pain situations. While surveys show that [76% of doctors approve of medical marijuana](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/), statistics indicate that [only 1.1 million patients have current prescriptions](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889),\na number that falls far short of opioid usage. However, [92% of users say medical\ncannabis absolutely works](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/10/01/92-of-patients-say-medical-marijuana-works/) to treat their conditions.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Medical Marijuana Could Save Lives\n\nThe _Washington Post_ reports that [changing from a regimen of addiction-inducing opioids to non-addictive medical cannabis could literally save lives](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/14/how-medical marijuana-could-literally-save-lives/). Everyone agrees with their claim of saved lives, considering the tens of millions of patients currently addicted to opioids and a frightening CDC-compiled statistic that [more than 1,000 people a day are treated in emergency rooms for opioid misuse](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html).\n\nTo put this into perspective, [43,982 people died of drug overdoses in 2013](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html), and more than 50% of those deaths were from prescription drugs. Of the prescription drug overdoses, more than 70% were due to opioid-based medications, totaling 16,235 people. \n\nThat’s an astronomical number of lost lives stemming from doctors prescribing opioid pain medication. During the same year, [exactly zero people died from marijuana use](http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Causes_of_Death). There could truly be no deeper disparity than losing tens of thousands of lives per year to opioids, which are addictive and may or may not work, versus medical cannabis usage that doesn’t lead to addiction and has a far higher number of patients reporting positive results.\n\n### Cannabis Helps With Chronic Pain \n\nIn addition to treatment for non-specific chronic pain, medical cannabis is also a successful treatment option for painful disorders like arthritis. Where pharmaceutical painkillers may fall short and opioids over-treat and overwhelm, [medical marijuana with high concentrations of cannabinoids can lead to decreased inflammation](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a720780f24d1300077ccb25/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-arthritis-answered) and increased pain relief. While other pain medications simply mask pain or decrease pain sensitivity for shorter periods of time, medical marijuana can actually get to the root of the problem and provide longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects or long-term implications.\n\nMedical marijuana can improve the quality of life for chronic pain patients; it can also save lives. Meanwhile, opioids don't treat chronic pain as effectively and claim more lives per year than suicide, car accident fatalities and gun-related deaths combined. A National Bureau of Economic Research study shows that [increased medical marijuana use is directly proportional to decreased opioid abuse](http://www.nber.org/papers/w21345). The positives of saved lives and reduced levels of addiction could not possibly be overstated, and those positives tie back to responsible medical cannabis usage.\n\n### An Argument for Medicinal Marijuana Legalization\n\nA _Washington Post_ article shows a [direct correlation between states that have legalized medical marijuana dispensaries and the subsequent reduction of opioid-linked deaths](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/08/25/is-medical-marijuana-the-answer-to-americas-prescription-painkiller-epidemic/). \n\nAdd to that a study published in the [_Journal of American Medical Association Internal Medicine_](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1898878) that found \"states with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate\" than states that hadn't yet legalized medical marijuana.\n\nNeedless to say, the argument is very strong to push for cannabis legalization across the rest of the U.S. Millions of patients suffering from a variety of disorders could find much-needed relief with medical cannabis. In addition, the lives of countless chronic pain patients could be preserved and bettered through medical cannabis instead of dangerously addictive opioid drugs.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/26553756@N06/2653991611)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. 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