{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/inflammation/3","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2022-markdown","title":"Medical Cannabis Counseling: Helping Dementia and Cancer Patients Find Relief","slug":"medical-cannabis-counseling-helping-dementia-and-cancer-patients-find-relief","content":"If you are in the cannabis industry in Northern California, it does not take long before you hear the name Eloise Theisen (MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC), the founder of [Green Health Consultants](http://www.greenhealthconsultants.com/). Eloise spent 15 years as a patient-focused nurse specializing in cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, ALS, dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and various autoimmune and neurological diseases. She founded Green Health Consultants because she saw a gap in the market for services that catered to patients needing individualized cannabis counseling. \n\nGreen Health Consultants is unique in that it is one of the first such services being provided within the state of California. Eloise has an extensive medical background as well as in-depth experience with cannabis treatments. This experience provides credibility as she helps develop individualized treatment plans for her patients in collaboration with dietitians and/or a patient's doctor. Unlike your local dispensary’s ‘bud tender’ (people who help you select cannabis at a dispensary), Eloise is able to thoroughly evaluate a patient’s medical history and current diagnosis. Through this analysis she is better able to guide her patients towards the best application of medical cannabis. \n\nEloise counsels patients [in person, over Skype or by telephone](https://www.vcita.com/v/ghc.eloisetheisen) and will often stay with patients throughout a treatment plan giving additional counsel when needed to ensure the right treatment plan is found. Since opening her service in Northern California last year, Eloise has seen a full roster of patients on a weekly basis. She has been covered by [CBS](http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/09/12/senior-citizens-bay-area-medical-marijuana-club/), [Fox News](http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/09/04/how-weed-is-being-embraced-by-wellness-movement.html), [Newsweek](http://thenationalmarijuananews.com/2015/09/could-legal-marijuana-be-the-first-billion-dollar-industry-not-dominated-by-men/) and [SF Gate](http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Rossmoor-seniors-fired-up-about-curative-powers-6210220.php) among others.\n\n**What led you to start Green Health Consultants?**\n\nI was an Oncology nurse for thirteen years and in addition I did palliative care as well as hospice care. During this time I went into management at John Muir hospital in Walnut Creek, where I managed the oncology, geriatric and endocrine units. Around this time, I unfortunately got in a terrible car accident. I was injured badly and essentially became disabled. Unable to work, I lost my job and I ended up trying to manage my pain with standard pharmaceuticals with little to no success. A close friend pushed me to try cannabis, and after a certain point I decided I had nothing left to lose, so I tried it. It was the first time I felt my pain was well managed. I started with [edibles](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a7ce0f6f24d1300077ccb3d/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-edibles-answered), then I did a lot of high CBD, [full extract cannabis oil](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/562fc90bb8c41f000c000000/cancer-cannabis-oil-and-the-united-kingdom) and I smoked periodically. Eventually, I decided to wean myself off of all pharmaceuticals and I used cannabis to go through the withdrawals.\n\nDuring this time, while I was going through my journey to better health, I realized none of the medical professionals knew how to help me with cannabis. In fact, when I told them of my success with cannabis, they did not even have much curiosity to find out more. I had worked with many of them and I knew them well, so I was surprised. As a result of my experience, I decided to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner, initially thinking I might go back to oncology. I was doing my nursing hours at a local clinic and about 50% of my patients started asking me about incorporating cannabis into their treatment plan. With my own success with cannabis, I realized the need for someone to guide patients in how to properly incorporate cannabis into their treatment regimen.\n\nThere is such a gap from when the doctor gives a person their recommendation to when they take their medicine. So many physicians I knew did not want to deal with it, as they did not want their patients to get hurt or to fall into a hole. So essentially, they turn their back on it. My point has always been that patients are already using it, and it is in the physician’s best interest to help their patients find the right solution. Patients need to learn and become educated so that they can take the medicine safely and effectively.\n\nWhen I was injured, I met an experienced cannabis oil maker. She knew I was a nurse practitioner and she was looking for a case manager, for someone to follow her patients throughout their treatment. Working with her I researched applications of cannabis, learned best practices, monitored drug interactions and potential side effects. This experience really helped influence and shape my knowledge base, giving me the more in depth experience for when I opened my business just over a year ago.\n\n**What are the most common conditions you treat within your practice?**\n\nPain, sleep and dementia are some of the most common ailments people would like to treat when they see me. Based on my oncology background, I see a lot of cancer patients. Many people with cancer find me online and are seeking symptom management and may or may not be dealing with chronic pain. Probably 50% of my patients are oncology patients and around 50% are [senior citizens](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b929f53632330006140000/retirees-flock-to-states-with-medical-marijuana).\n \nA lot of seniors that come to see me are from Rossmoor, a local retirement community here in the East Bay of San Francisco, but I also see seniors from all over California. In most cases, senior citizens need a lot of reinforcement and ongoing education. They are used to being told to take a certain dosage at certain times of day, but cannabis does not typically work this way, so they need a lot of extra support. I typically spend at least an hour with a senior patient and often my consultations continue so that I may help them with the appropriate type of medication and ongoing dosage recommendations. Many times it takes time to find the right combination.\n\nThe [‘Truth About Cancer’](https://go2.thetruthaboutcancer.com/global-quest/episode-1/) is a video series that was recently released and based on that, I have gotten a lot of people seeking my services. I also do a lot of patient outreach and education, so that people start to understand better the options that are available to them.\n\n**You are also active with the American Cannabis Nurses Association?**\n\nYes, I am a board member on the [American Cannabis Nurses](http://americancannabisnursesassociation.org/), a national organization dedicated to expanding the knowledge base of endo-cannabinoid therapeutics among nurses. We are developing a curriculum so that people who would like to advise others can become competent in cannabinoid therapies. ACNA currently offers a course for nurses that demonstrates competency after 6 hours of instruction. At the beginning of the year we hope to launch a new online program. There is a great need for education and standards among nurses and nurse practitioners.\n\n**People often ask “Can CBD oil cure cancer?”  What is your answer to this question?**\n\nThis is a big topic and I try to be as straightforward as possible when people come to me asking this question. People with cancer are desperate for an answer and most people hope for a miracle cure. From my experience in treating hundreds of patients, I can count on my two hands the number of people I have known that have gone from stage 4 and have 'cured themselves' of cancer. Many within that handful, the cancer did come back and some have since passed away. \n\nI am not sure that we fully understand how [CBD oil can cure cancer](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f4574a3366380006540000/government-cancer-study-shows-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells). Everyone’s response is unique and often THC is needed. CBD only has been, in my experience, less effective than a combination of THC and CBD. That said, it does reduce tumors and stabilize their tumors and most importantly there is a quality of life that comes along with its use. Often people will use it in conjunction with their chemotherapy, and I believe there is only positive value in using CBD oil in addition to traditional therapies. I believe there are a lot of misconceptions about CBD oil and people read various things online that may not be true.\n\n**What guidance do you give to senior citizens who are new to cannabis?**\n\n85% of my elderly patients have never tried cannabis and the average age of an elderly patient who sees me is about 76. These people typically missed the time period in the sixties where everyone was smoking weed at the Grateful Dead. My number one concern for them is their safety, so I always start them “low and slow”. It is important for them to know that typically there is no magic bullet and that this process may take time in order to find the right dosage and ratio. \n\nMost often, an elderly person will not understand self-titration, so I spend a lot of time with them to empower them with going up and down on their dosages. I try to tell them what they should expect based on what is the most common outcome, but I also prepare them for the fact they might be on the opposite end of the spectrum. Sometimes, I get really complicated cases, mainly women who have mystery illnesses where their doctors have been unable to help them. Although I would like to work with their doctors, many people do not want me to tell their doctor and frankly many doctors are still not open to an elderly patient seeking out cannabis as a treatment. This is very unfortunate.\n\n**How do you help people actually get the right medicine for their condition?**\n\nIt depends on where the patient is located. If they are local to me it is easier as I work with a local dispensary, which carries the medicine I prefer to use. If someone is not local, sometimes I will call the local dispensary for them to find out if they are willing to carry products I would like to recommend. It can be challenging, because even dispensaries that carry the products I recommend, may run low or be out of stock. It’s important people go to the right dispensary and get the right medication for their condition.\n\n**There have been new studies on how cannabis may affect dementia, what are your thoughts on this?** \n\nThis is a hot topic. Dementia is a big issue and I work with a facility that is an assisted care facility where many of the dementia patients are in a locked unit. Often they will have very aggressive behavior which pharmaceuticals are unable to manage. Cannabis has been shown to help with aggressive behavior. Most of the dementia patients I see, we use cannabis to manage their behavior not to actually slow down the onset of dementia. These patients often become so aggressive that they need one on one care, which many families are unable to afford. An aggressive dementia patient will often disrupt other residents and often they may even be on the verge of being kicked out of the facility. This is a really, really big problem. Right now, I have a patient who had to be removed from his living situation within his facility. We are in the midst of finding the right dosage of medication for him, so he can better manage his behavior and frankly, have a better quality of life.\n\nCannabis for a dementia patient can bring relaxation, happiness and joy back into a patient’s life. Dementia can cause aggression, anger and total loss of control. The introduction of cannabis can bring back a sense of calm and peace for these patients. A positive outcome with cannabis can be very powerful for both the patient and the family. Family members can be so stressed about taking care of a family member with dementia. It negatively impacts everyone involved.\n\n**Can cannabis help people get off of and stop chronic over use of pharmaceutical drugs?**\n\nIn my experience it certainly seems to help. Recently I treated a patient that was about to be moved to a care facility for the onset of dementia. I learned she had been on narcotics for over 40 years and so we decided to slowly wean her off the narcotics and have her use cannabis as the replacement. Very quickly she became a different person, for the better, and she became as sharp as a tack. People were amazed because what they believed was dementia was actually the side effects of so many years of narcotic use. The cannabis was able to help her manage chronic pain and allowed her to sleep well. She is a new woman! She is now able to stay in her independent living facility where she lives today. This patient is the walking poster child of how cannabis can turn someone’s life around for the better. Yes, cannabis can help people get off of pharmaceuticals.\n\n**What else would you like to communicate to people who are new to cannabis?**\n\nI think people need to manage expectations as to what cannabis can do for them and in what time frame. At the moment, cannabis is on a pedestal as almost a ‘cure all’. It is often superior in terms of effectiveness in lieu of other medications, but at the same time many people need to realize that some things may not work for them and it will often take time to explore what does actually work. Often people will try cannabis, it does not work well for whatever reason, and then they want to give up trying. Sometimes it takes a lot of back and forth to find the right medication and the right dosage. \n\nI also think it is important for a medical professional to follow someone who is new to cannabis, throughout the initial stages of their treatment. Too often people get their recommendation and that’s it. They go to the dispensary ‘bud tenders’, they get the wrong medication and then receive free samples on top of that, and often things will go terribly wrong for the patient. What I really hope for is better education, outreach and for medical professionals to step up and help patients out when they need it most.\n\nGreen Health Consultants operates within the San Francisco Bay Area and welcomes new patients both nationally and internationally. You may book an [appointment online](https://www.vcita.com/v/ghc.eloisetheisen). Eloise conducts her consultations in person, over the phone or on Skype.\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/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 100% online, private and efficient. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/14b42/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/f836f/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.jpg 200w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/2244e/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.jpg 400w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/14b42/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.jpg 800w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/47498/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/54ac5/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/58556/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/61e93/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.webp 200w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/1f5c5/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.webp 400w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/58556/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.webp 800w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/99238/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.webp 1200w,\n/static/e51d16687ead3f07b32db0551119a2be/5e0b8/7b38d96b8bd9a699fa50212b9c08bdca.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1955-markdown","title":"Cannabis Transdermal Patches: Easy to Use & Effective for Pain","slug":"cannabis-transdermal-patches-easy-to-use-and-effective-for-pain","content":"Since 2013, [Mary’s Medicinals](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/) focused on the medicinal cannabis consumer, establishing itself as an innovative and trusted brand within the industry. Available in Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and California, Mary’s was the first to offer medical marijuana consumers transdermal patches. Mary’s transdermals, discreet patches that are worn on the skin, won numerous awards including Most Innovative Product at the CannAwards in 2015. Mary’s is re-thinking how cannabis is used, taking cues from consumption methods for pharmaceutical treatments, with great success.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### What Are Marijuana Transdermal Patches?\r\n\r\nTransdermal patches are medicated adhesive patches placed on a venous area of the skin. They release small amounts of medication into the bloodstream over a long period of time. To explain how the patches are different from topical creams, Graham Sorkin of Mary’s Medicinals says, “Topical creams can typically be absorbed by the top one to three layers of skin and may offer pain relief locally, to say a shoulder or knee. Transdermal patches differ from topical creams in that the medicine goes through all seven layers of skin and enters directly into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches deliver systematic rather than localized relief.”\r\n\r\n### Pros of Using Cannabis Patches\r\n\r\nPatches allow for absorption at a steady rate over a longer period of time. They don’t require a person to remember to dose at regular intervals, and they can even be used with an upset stomach. Nitroglycerin and nicotine patches are two of the more well-known medicated patches associated with traditional western medicine.\r\n“Transdermal patches are not new,” Graham contends. “However, using them as a delivery method for cannabis is. We find that our consumers already feel comfortable with a transdermal patch. Many of our consumers are elderly, and patches are not only familiar but also a benign way to consume cannabis for pain relief.”\r\n\r\nAn added benefit to transdermal patches is the accuracy in dosing. Unlike edibles, which are first absorbed in the stomach, a patch delivers the medicine directly into the bloodstream. Interestingly, Graham notes, “A 10 mg dose from a transdermal patch is roughly equivalent to what you might feel from an 80 mg serving from an edible. This is due to the high bio-availability with the patch; it enters into the blood which results in 100% cannabinoid uptake.”\r\n\r\nAs absorption happens steadily over a longer period of time Graham says, “We often hear from people that they don’t even notice the patch or a different feeling except when they realize there is an absence of pain. That’s an incredible relief for people who’ve lived with chronic pain.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [DO CANNABIS TOPICALS PASS THE DRUG TEST?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/574b679b982db9000a000055/do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test)\r\n\r\n### Marijuana Transdermal Gel Pens Accompany the Patches\r\n\r\nAlthough dosing is accurate with the patches, Mary’s believes some people may wish to augment the patch with a personalized, blended cannabinoid ratio. For this reason, Mary’s developed a line of [transdermal gel pens](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/), which are meant to be an accompaniment to the transdermal patch.\r\n\r\nThe gel pen microdoses different cannabinoids and can be rubbed directly into the skin for additional relief. “People with migraines indicate that using a transdermal gel rubbed directly into their temples provides pain relief,” says Graham.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Transdermal Patches Are Unlikely to Get You High\r\n\r\nThe majority of Mary’s transdermal patches are non-psychotropic. Non-psychotropic patches include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and their cannabidiol: tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD:THC) 1:1 offering. “To date we haven’t heard from anyone that they have gotten too high or that the patch has even made them uncomfortable,” says Graham. “If you don’t like the feeling you have from a patch, then you can take it off and the feeling will go away very quickly. When you smoke too much cannabis, you may be stuck with an uncomfortable feeling. If you take a patch off, within 10 minutes the amount of cannabinoids in your system will go down.”\r\n\r\nLooking at Mary’s testimonials, you’ll see a variety of patients with different medical conditions finding relief with the transdermal patches. Although Mary’s developed products for the medicinal market, the company is cautious about advising patients medically.\r\n\r\n“When people reach out to us with specific medical conditions and concerns, we want to offer them the best possible advice. For this reason, we partnered with [Realm of Caring](https://www.theroc.us/), a Colorado-based nonprofit that provides support for people using cannabis as therapy.”\r\n\r\nMary’s Medicinals can be found in [several locations nationwide](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/find-marys-products/). Additionally, the company has launched Mary’s Nutritionals, which offers CBD-only products derived from hemp for both human and pet consumption.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png","srcSet":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/69585/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/497c6/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f3583/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f90fa/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/61e93/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/1f5c5/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/99238/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/5e0b8/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2056-markdown","title":"Cannabis Improves Your Sex Life – The Top 5 Reasons You Should Give Cannabis A Try","slug":"cannabis-improves-your-sex-life-the-top-5-reasons-you-should-give-cannabis-a-try","content":"Some years ago I was decidedly anti-cannabis. It was for stoners, it sucked you into the couch like fly paper for humans, and it was not good for society. It certainly did not help that my then-boyfriend played Formula 1 video games for most of the day while stoned.  Reading about the so-called ‘medicinal’ benefits, I might have even rolled my eyes.\r\n\r\nToday, I am an impassioned pro-cannabis advocate. It has changed my life for the better using it as a medicine to better manage debilitating migraines as well as to increase my overall sense of health and wellness. The reasons that lead someone to consider using cannabis are varied and may even be complex. Below are five reasons  I believe you should consider giving cannabis a first or second chance.\r\n\r\n**1. Cannabis alleviates pain quickly.**\r\n\r\nAs humans, we experience a lot of physical pain. I often look at my dog Juno and wonder why we feel so much more physical pain than say, my dog. It is a fact, we experience it and it tends to get worse as we get older. [Nearly 100 million Americans](http://www.nap.edu/read/13172/chapter/2# 3) suffer from chronic pain.\r\n\r\nI like many others suffer from pain including migraines, fibromyalgia, bursitis in my hips and tendonitis that can flare up in my wrist/arm.  My diet is healthy and I exercise regularly, but I am still troubled with physical pain. In my experience, marijuana helps calm inflammation in my body and nips my migraines in the bud before they blossom. In addition, it helps quell the rising tide of PMS and feeling of unrest that comes with my fluctuating hormones. \r\n\r\nCannabis, and particularly, Cannibidiol (CBD), is a known anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. [A new study](http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2338266) shows that cannabis is effective in pain management for chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain as well as pain associated with multiple sclerosis. The [Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America recently stated](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.source.php?sourceID=000412): \r\n\r\n>\"Experimental evidence suggests that endocannabanoids, molecules found in the body that closely resemble compounds found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant, may play a role in limiting intestinal inflammation.”\r\n\r\nMainstream medicine also acknowledges that marijuana, and in particular THC, seems to help cancer patients manage pain. I am cherry picking only some medical conditions cannabis helps. \r\n\r\n**2. Cannabis does not have the same negative side effects as prescription drugs or alcohol.**\r\n\r\nIf you don’t like to get ‘high’, the psychoactive feeling you receive after ingesting  THC, then that is about the only negative side effect that cannabis will give you. It can also make some people feel a little groggy after use, but that’s about it in terms of side effects. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, and even alcohol, the negative impact of ingesting moderate amounts of cannabis is extremely low.  Cannabis can act a relaxant, anti depressant and treat the symptoms of innumerable medical conditions. Conversely, the pros of using cannabis far outweigh the cons. You would be hard pressed to find a single death from someone ‘overdosing’ on marijuana, it just does not happen.\r\n\r\nOn the flip side to cannabis, there is a death associated with prescription drugs every 19 minutes in the United States. More people in the US die from prescription drugs than from illegal drugs. I’ve heard some people say it is like [‘Pharmageddon’](http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/26/prescription-drugs-number-one-cause-preventable-death-in-us.aspx). \r\n\r\nThe list of negative side effects from a pharmaceutical drug can read like an Egyptian papyrus scroll and some can even be laughable. ‘May cause transient third nipple in laboratory rats.’, read one label I glanced at recently. Prescription drugs can also be highly addictive. Many people take not one but multiple pharmaceuticals in conjunction with one another, leading to a potentially dangerous situation, especially in the elderly population.\r\n\r\nAlcohol, although widely accepted culturally, has innumerable [negative side effects](http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body). It damages the heart, liver, pancreas, weakens the immune system and the link between alcohol and cancer is well established. Our bodies also become less efficient at processing  alcohol as we get older and we are more likely to feel drunk more quickly. Our bodies break alcohol down into acetaldehyde, which is a [‘highly toxic substance and known carcinogen’](http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA72/AA72.htm). Many proponents are quick to point out that it prevents heart disease or cultivates a ‘healthy heart’, but the reality is our body processes it as a toxin. Additionally, the [CDC released that 88,000 people in the US die every year from alcohol use]( http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm).\r\n\r\nAs with anything, moderation is key. Someone who abuses cannabis may end up feeling ‘burnt out’ or be a 'burn out'. But overall, if used in moderation with an understanding of how your system works with cannabis, you may reap many rewards.\r\n\r\n\r\n**3. You don’t need to get ‘high’ to experience the positive benefits from cannabis.**\r\n\r\nYou can get high if you want to, but you don’t have to. This is where cannabis starts to get interesting to me. I always assumed you needed to get stoned in order to use cannabis. I also assumed you needed to smoke it. Both of these assumptions are incorrect. You don’t need to get stoned and there are [many ways you can now ingest cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana).\r\n\r\nPersonally, I am not able to ingest larger quantities of THC. The psychoactive component tends to make me feel very uncomfortable (like a head with no body), which is also why I was anti-cannabis for so long. That all changed when I discovered CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is an anti-inflammatory and when combined with THC, can remediate the effects of THC. In short, CBD is the antidote to THC’s psychoactivity. When used in the right quantities, or ratio, together, I am able to experience the medicinal benefits as well as an overall sense of calm and relaxation. Everyone is different in this respect, but you absolutely do not need to get high.\r\n\r\n**4. Cannabis relaxes you and can potentially ease anxiety.**\r\n\r\nCannabis can induce a feeling of well-being and relaxation. To me, I find that using a cannabis tincture at night, helps take the edge off similar to the way a glass of wine might. The tinctures I choose tend to be high CBD and low THC and are not psychoactive. It works like a charm and I am mentally present and alert. Other people may find that a vape pen with higher concentrations of THC help to relax them, it depends on the person as we all have slightly different reactions to cannabis.\r\n\r\nAnxiety affects nearly 40 million Americans according to the [Anxiety & Depression Association of America](http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics). Most of the top selling pharmaceutical drugs in the US treat anxiety & depression. It’s a big problem, and although cannabis does not address the root of this nationwide epidemic, it can certainly help alleviate anxiety in some people. A new study has even the [National Institute of Health suggesting it may relieve anxiety]( http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-nih-says-yes-weed-eases-anxiety).  That said, studies can diverge on this subject and I believe the way cannabis affects people is highly individual and also directly correlates to the amount of THC to CBD that is ingested. You basically need to try it to see if it works for you.\r\n\r\n**5. Cannabis improves your sex life.**\r\n\r\nOK, so maybe this should be in the number one spot. It’s true, cannabis can improve your sexual experience and may even make you want to have more of it. Meow. This is good news for the institution of marriage, which should give those pro family politicians in Washington a good reason to support cannabis legalization.\r\n\r\nCannabis can enhance the body’s ability to experience orgasms and there is scientific evidence to support this. [Dr. Mitch Earlywine, a psychology professor at SUNY Albany states](http://elitedaily.com/dating/your-sex-life-on-weed/1026506/):\r\n\r\n>“That CB1 receptor seems to be involved in improved tactile sensations and general euphoria,” he says, referring to cannabinoid receptors in our nervous system activated by THC. Naturally, no pun intended, THC is the active drug found in cannabis.”\r\n\r\nMany people claim cannabis is an aphrodisiac and some even claim it to be a [‘natural Viagra’](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/23/medical-marijuana-stiff-competition-for-viagra_n_839678.html). This is not news as marijuana has been cited as an aphrodisiac for centuries, if not thousands of years. Most of this is anecdotal evidence however as the medical studies on sex and cannabis are rare. As with anxiety, experiences can differ. Some people claim that it inhibits their sexual response. It is important to note your overall experience is also  highly dependent on what cannabis you ingest.\r\n\r\nLucky for us ladies, there are many new cannabis products on the market that address an enhanced sexual experience. It may come as a surprise that many are topical oils designed to be used as a sexual lubricant. Two brands you may want to try out are [Herba Buena’s Quiver](http://herbabuena.com/product/quiver-sensual-cannabis-lubricant/) and [Foria's personal lubricants](http://foriapleasure.com/pages/about-us).\r\n\r\nWell, that's it in a nutshell as to why I think you should give cannabis a try. If 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\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/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/ee604/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png","srcSet":"/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/69585/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/497c6/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 400w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/ee604/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 800w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/f3583/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 1200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/f90fa/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/58556/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/61e93/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/1f5c5/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 400w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/58556/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 800w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/99238/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 1200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/5e0b8/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2014-markdown","title":"Rubbing It In (and 6 Other Ways to Use Cannabis)","slug":"rubbing-it-in-and-6-other-ways-to-use-cannabis","content":"More and more [scientific studies and clinical\ntests](http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/study.php) are substantiating\nthe benefits of medical marijuana in alleviating the symptoms of\nnumerous medical conditions. Due to its wide range of application,\nmedical cannabis is now available in various forms, so patients can\nchoose a method of ingestion that works best with their condition. The\nmethod of consumption primarily affects the time it takes to feel its\neffect, as well as the duration of its efficacy. Here's a guide that\ndiscusses the different methods of consuming this wonder plant.\n\n\nBreathe it in [vape it]\n-----------------------\n\nIf you want the benefits of marijuana without inhaling any of its toxic\ncompounds (such as you might from smoking it), using a vaporizer is the best way to go. With this method, medical cannabis is heated at just the right temperature to extract its\nuseful compounds with digital accuracy, so you get to inhale its vapor\ninstead of its smoke. In addition, vaporizers also increase the potency\nof medical cannabis. Thus, you can have twice as much effect for half\nthe amount of marijuana.\n\nEven though this method is relatively new, it is fast becoming the preferred way to use cannabis for many. Scientific studies already support its beneficial effects compared to smoking. In [2010\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20451365), Van Dam NT and\nEarleywine M. from the University of Albany recruited 20 cannabis users\nwith at least 2 respiratory symptoms to investigate the effect of\nvaporized cannabis on the pulmonary function of the participants.\nFindings of the study reveal improved respiratory function in\nparticipants after a month's use of vaporized cannabis, suggesting the\npotential of this method of delivery in reducing the harmful risk it may\nhave on the respiratory system.\n\nRub it in\n---------\n\nMedical marijuana can also be applied topically on the skin surface in\nthe form of salve, spray, cream, balm, oil, or lotion. Topical\nformulation provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic\neffects without delivering any of the psychoactive properties of\ncannabis. Topical cannabis is commonly used by patients suffering from\narthritis, sunburns, tendonitis, joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin\ndiseases.\n\nEat it\n------\n\nEdibles or foods that contain cannabis, are cooked using oils or butters derived\nfrom the plant. Most users who use this method of consumption report\nthat the cannabis takes effect gradually and wears off longer. Eating\nedibles is usually recommended for patients with chronic pain or sleep\ndisorder, as well as spasticity, because of its more pronounced effect\non the body, rather than the mind. The downside of using this type of\nmedical marijuana is that the dosage is never perfectly precise and with\ndelayed onset of effects compared to inhaled cannabis, you may\ninadvertently consume more than necessary. In addition, what you already\nhave in your digestive system (i.e medication and food you've eaten\nrecently) may interact with THC to produce unpredictable effects on your\nbody.\n\nIngestible Oils\n---------------\n\nThis kind of cannabis product is a blend of edibles and concentrates.\nIngestible oils are made by using an alcohol solvent to extract the\ntherapeutic chemicals found in marijuana. Once the solvent evaporates,\nwhat will be left are these tar-like oils, which have high amount of\ncannabidiol (CBD) and traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); thus,\nstripping the oil of the psychoactive substance of marijuana. The oil is\nplaced in a capsule for easy ingestion.\n\nTinctures\n---------\n\nIf you want a fast-acting application with dosages you can easily\ncontrol,\ntinctures are the one of the best method of using medical cannabis. Tinctures are\nconcentrated form of medical marijuana, which are formulated in an\nalcohol solution and can be applied directly on your skin, mixed with\nfood or beverages, or placed in small amounts under your tongue. Because\nof their potency, you need to be extra careful with their dosage. It's\nbest to start with smaller doses, allowing some time to feel their\neffect, before adding more.\n\nDrink it\n--------\n\nOther parts of the cannabis plant like its stem, leaves, and buds can be\nbrewed to make a medicinal beverage. The potency of the tea can vary\ndepending on the amount of cannabis used. If you have just started\nmaking your concoction, use a small amount of marijuana at first before\nadding more to achieve a suitable dosage. In addition, you also need to\nadd oil, butter, or alcohol to dissolve THC, as the compound is not\nwater soluble. Like edibles, the effects of marijuana teas are\nslow-acting because the therapeutic compounds in cannabis first must be\nabsorbed in your digestive tract. However, you can count on the effects\nlingering for up to four to eight hours after ingestion.\n\nAside from teas, many dispensaries have medicated coffee and sodas.\nThese beverages are made by adding drops of tincture to the liquid, so\nthat you can easily ingest medical cannabis while taking a sip of your\nfavorite beverage.\n\nSmoke it\n--------\n\nCall it old-school, but smoking has been the most conventional way of consuming marijuana for\nmany years. You can smoke cannabis using a pipe, rolling papers, water\npipes, and in rare instances, it can be inhaled using hookahs. The\nadvantage of smoking marijuana is that the plant's effect can be felt\nalmost immediately. However, many medical organizations, including the\n[American Lung Association](http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/marijuana-and-lung-health.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.ph/),\ndiscourage this method of consumption, as it may have adverse effect on\nyour lungs and increase your risk for respiratory disease.\n\nIf you do choose to smoke medical cannabis, it's best that you use a\nhand pipe that allows you to smoke consistent doses regularly. If you're\nusing rolling paper, make sure you use a filter. In addition, for\nmaximum efficacy with the least inhalation, it's better to use cannabis\nwith higher THC potency and to exhale the smoke right after inhaling it\ndeeply to keep its harmful compounds from coating your lungs.\n\n\n\nMedical cannabis is now available in so many forms, it shouldn't be\ndifficult for you to choose an option that suits your condition and\npreference.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/14b42/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/f836f/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 200w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/2244e/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 400w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/14b42/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 800w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/47498/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/58556/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/61e93/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 200w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/1f5c5/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 400w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/58556/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 800w,\n/static/c0a6d317ed3e897e2fcd5dbfb24f4036/99238/9d2e8762f500ff9ab2854e91fca569ad.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1951-markdown","title":"Cannabis 101: Your Quick Guide to Medical Marijuana","slug":"cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana","content":"You’ve finally decided to try cannabis. Some of you may have secured a [medical cannabis recommendation](https://www.hellomd.com/). Whether you have or not, you may be confused as to what you need to know before you make your first purchase. This isn’t uncommon for new cannabis consumers seeking to try marijuana to improve their health and wellness.\n\nBelow is a quick guide that will help put you on the path to finding the right medicinal marijuana for you.\n\n### Know Which Symptoms or Condition You Want to Treat\n\nIf you have a serious medical condition which medical marijuana may help, always consult with a doctor first. Meanwhile, a knowledgeable cannabis consultant should be able to advise you on which products will help with specific symptoms. \n\n* Different cannabis strains help with different symptoms.\n* Sativa is commonly known to be uplifting.\n* Indica is commonly known to be more of a sedative.\n* Seek the advice of a reputable cannabis consultant, or budtender—the patient advisor at a dispensary or shop.\n* A reputable dispensary or shop should have in-depth knowledge on all of its products.\n\n### The Importance of Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoidsare what makes the cannabis plant so unique. There are over 100 known cannabinoids. \n\n* Cannabinoids react with our body’s own endocannabinoid system.\n* Cannabinoids bind to either the CB1 or CB2 receptor in our brain.\n* The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.\n* Tetrahydrocannabinol THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* Cannabidiol CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* High-CBD products are a great option for people who don’t want to get high.\n* CBD counteracts the psychoactivity of THC.\n* THC and CBD—along with a number of other cannabinoids and terpenes—work together synergistically to treat illness. This is called the entourage effect.\n\n### The Percentage or Ratio of CBD to THC\n\nIt’s important to consider the ratio of CBD to THC as they influence the plant’s effects on your body.\n\n* Marijuana flower will list the ratio of THC to CBD by percentage.\n* A large majority of marijuana flower (bud) is very high in THC, the psychoactive component.\n* If you’re seeking a non-psychoactive flower, ask for a high-CBD strain.\n* Products other than marijuana bud most often list the ratio of CBD to THC and will be in milligrams.\n* If shown in a ration, CBD comes first, followed by THC in California. For example, a 1:1 ratio is most often somewhat psychoactive, and an 18:1 ratio would not be psychoactive at all.\n* Meanwhile, THC precedes CBD in New York formulations.\n* Always read the instructions on packaged products, and know what you’re purchasing. Make sure the products you buy are lab tested; this is important for your safety and health.\n* Although products may be labeled, the information may be inaccurate depending on the product manufacturer.\n\n### Reactions to Cannabis Differ\n\nEvery person is unique when it comes to marijuana, and how you react may be different to how your friend or family member reacts.\n\n* Reactions differ to not only the main cannabinoids, but to different products as well as dosages.\n* Before you begin, know if you’re comfortable with the feeling of getting high.\n* Start with a small dose. If you smoke, take a half-second puff and wait 10 minutes to see how your body reacts.\n* If you buy a product, such as an edible, read the label carefully and take a quarter to half the recommended dose the first time. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to feek the effects of an edible.\n* Always wait to see how your body reacts before ingesting more marijuana.\n* Different products take longer to take effect. Also, a number of other factors—like what and when you ate, your gender, mental state and more—can influence the onset of marijuana’s effects. So, be patient. \n* Microdosing is key—start small and work your way up to the recommended dosage.\n\n### Many Forms of Marijuana Available\n\nThe world of cannabis has been blown open with a wide array of shapes and forms. You don’t have to smoke your medicine anymore.\n\n* Flowers, or strains, refer to the unprocessed green marijuana flower you can buy at the dispensary.\n* Pre-rolls are joints made from different cannabis strains.\n* Edibles encompass all foods and technically drinks that can be taken orally.\n* Concentrates come in the form of cartridges for vape pens as well as oils, waxes, kief, hash and rosin.\n* Capsules are pills that can be taken; these are often high in CBD.\n* Vape pens allow you to ingest marijuana from an oil cartridge with a discreet pen.\n* Sublingual cannabis come as tablets, sprays, tinctures and strips to dissolve in your mouth or under your tongue, and can take effect quite quickly.\n* Marijuana-infused topicals include oils, creams, lotions, balms and salves—all of which provide localized relief.\n* Meanwhile, cannabis transdermal patches release small amounts of medicine into the bloodstream over a long period of time.\n\n\n### Outdoor-Grown, Indoor-Grown or Greenhouse Marijuana\n\nMarijuana is primarily grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.\n\n* Indoor-grown cannabis typically sports higher prices than outdoor-grown marijuana does, because it costs more to grow cannabis indoors. As well, the controlled environment of an indoor grow can result in higher-quality cannabis.\n* Outdoor-grown marijuana may be less “kind” than indoor plants because its exposed to the elements. However, outdoor marijuana also takes advantage of the natural light to produce more complex terpene and cannabinoid profiles.\n* Greenhouse marijuana is grown in a partially controlled environment and hovers somewhere between indoor and outdoor in terms of quality. \n* In any case, before you buy medical marijuana, the end product should be lab tested for chemicals and bacterial growth that may be hazardous to your health.\n\nIf you’d like to receive your medical marijuana recommendation, [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) facilitates an online doctor's consultation with one of our knowledgeable cannabis doctors. The process is easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQDBf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAGR2pohbq//xAAYEAEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQASEf/aAAgBAQABBQKhxcvqBZvV3JL3/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPwE//8QAGhAAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADEBAhAyQf/aAAgBAQAGPwJWFY7AsbH/xAAbEAADAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASERQWExgf/aAAgBAQABPyFkW/p7JfaPZeLRM5jCkNsP/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABDfH//EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEf/aAAgBAwEBPxCMjP/EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEf/aAAgBAgEBPxCoqP/EABoQAQEBAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAERADEhUWH/2gAIAQEAAT8QtgCLx3VCQtQ4alEV6KGg3l+5EAf07k+ChOG//9k=","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/f836f/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/2244e/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/47498/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/61e93/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/1f5c5/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/99238/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1935-markdown","title":"Cannabis Shows Promise in Treating Crohn's Disease & Colitis","slug":"cannabis-shows-promise-in-treating-crohns-disease-and-colitis","content":"For people with Crohn's disease or colitis, life can mean always wondering when the condition will flare up and how bad the symptoms will be. Until now, treatments have been limited for these painful, life-altering conditions. Although some feel relief through a change in diet and prescription medication, people suffering from Crohn's disease and colitis were often left to manage the condition on their own.\r\n\r\nFortunately, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease recently qualified for treatment with medical cannabis and, as a result, individuals who suffer from these conditions now have access to medical marijuana treatment in more states.\r\n\r\n### What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease & Colitis?\r\n\r\nCrohn's disease and colitis are gastrointestinal disorders that belong to a family of disorders known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease causes chronic inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can cause painful swelling in any part of the GI tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain and cramping, constipation, persistent diarrhea or a persistent feeling that the bowels are not entirely empty.\r\n\r\nUlcerative colitis is quite similar to Crohn's disease except for the fact that it affects only the innermost layer of the colon. The symptoms of Colitis are similar to Crohn's disease and include fever, decreased appetite, weight loss, fatigue and amenorrhea in women.\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### Why Is Marijuana Effective Medicine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? \r\n\r\nAs is true with many disorders, cannabis has been used for centuries to treat the symptoms of Crohn's disease and colitis. Cannabis is an effective treatment for these disorders because it can significantly limit intestinal inflammation. According to a statement issued by The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America in 2012, compounds found in the marijuana plant closely mimic endocannabinoids (molecules that occur naturally in the body) and have been shown to play an important part in decreasing gastrointestinal inflammation.\r\n\r\nAlthough the anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis hold true for all people, IBD patients have been shown to have more cannabinoid receptors in the tissue of the colon than people without IBD, which means that people affected by Crohn's disease and colitis are likely to respond to the anti-inflammatory properties of medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, researchers at the Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases at Chaim Sheba Medical Center found that inhaled medical cannabis can help improve the quality of life in people affected by Crohn's disease and colitis. This study also found that medical cannabis can stimulate the appetite in affected patients, resulting in healthy weight gain and an overall improvement in symptoms.\r\n\r\nThe same study also found that, after three months of treatment with medical marijuana, patients affected by Crohn's disease or colitis enjoyed:\r\n\r\n* A better quality of life\r\n* Greater ability to work a normal job\r\n* Increased ability to perform daily tasks and maintain a social life\r\n* A drastic decrease in pain reduction and mental anguish \r\n\r\nThese results were reported without accompanying side effects.\r\n\r\nFinally, researchers at the Sire Manchester Hospital in England published a study that found that [IBS patients who used medical cannabis reported improved diarrhea symptoms and a decrease in pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21795981).\r\n\r\nAs it stands now, there are dozens of high-quality studies that illustrate the fact that medical marijuana serves an important purpose in treating and relieving IBD symptoms. In addition to relieving pain, muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia and inflammation, certain strains of cannabis also promote appetite, produce weight gain and enhance the mood of affected patients.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [MEDICAL MARIJUANA STUDY REVEALS “COMPLETE REMISSION: OF CROHN’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ccdde83634640006110000/medical-marijuana-study-reveals-complete-remission-of-crohns-disease)\r\n\r\n### Best Cannabis Strains for Crohn’s Disease or Colitis\r\n\r\nWhile it’s evident that cannabis is a valuable treatment option for patients with IBD, researchers found a variety of specific strains that are ideal for treating different aspects of the disease. These strains include:\r\n\r\n* **Cherry Pie** is a sativa-dominant strain that’s ideal for increasing appetite and soothing pain in IBD patients.\r\n* **Bubblegum** is an [indica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_indica) strain with a 20% CBD content, which contributes to its pain-relieving and anti-anxiety properties. It’s ideal for people who want to relieve discomfort and fatigue, diminish depression and lead a more normal life.\r\n* **Sour Grape** is an indica strain that can help IBD patients struggling to maintain a social life feel more lively and less depressed. This strain is also ideal for boosting appetite and relieving anxiety.\r\n* **American Beauty** is a sativa strain that’s potent enough to provide all-day pain relief while also easing insomnia and depression. Slightly stronger than some other strains used to treat IBS, American Beauty will leave you relaxed and comfortable for hours after use.\r\n\r\nColitis and Crohn's disease are both incredibly disruptive conditions that can affect people's ability to hold a job, maintain social relationships or even plan everyday events. Because the symptoms of these conditions are so unpredictable and painful, they often rob affected individuals of their ability to lead a normal life. Fortunately, the soothing effects of medicinal cannabis have the potential to treat some of these symptoms and help people with IBD live a healthier, more robust life despite their condition.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Double-M](https://www.flickr.com/people/double-m2/)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/14b42/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/f836f/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 200w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/2244e/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 400w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/14b42/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 800w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/16310/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/58556/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/61e93/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 200w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/1f5c5/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 400w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/58556/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 800w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/cc834/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1947-markdown","title":"Can CBD Oil Provide Pain Relief for Your Pet? ","slug":"can-cbd-oil-provide-pain-relief-for-your-pet","content":"Do pets and marijuana sounds like an alarming combination? At the very least it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. As we learn more about the healing cannabinoids found within both the marijuana and hemp plant, perhaps it's time to consider a CBD-infused treat for your sick pet. Julianna Carella, founder of edibles companies [Auntie Dolores](http://auntiedolores.com/) and [Treatibles](http://www.treatibles.com/) believes you should. Treatibles makes use of [CBD (cannabidiol) oil](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cbd-oil-breaking-the-stereotypes-of-cannabis) extracted from the hemp plant and is non-psychoactive to your pet. For a dog that is in pain, or an owner who would like an alternative to some of the harsh medications that are prescribed by vets, Treatibles offers a safe, viable alternative.\r\n\r\nCBD oil has recently received a lot of attention due to its effectiveness in easing the symptoms of a wide range of difficult-to-control conditions, including nausea, inflammation, seizures and anxiety, among others. Carella has heard from pet owners that they have seen “a reduction in chronic pain and less separation anxiety,” when their pets have been given Treatibles.\r\n\r\nWhen asked about the success of her product, Carella commented:\r\n\r\n>“It has actually been quite overwhelming how great the response has been. One of the first testimonials that came in at the beginning of this year came from a woman who was about to put her dog down because the animal was in a lot of pain. She gave her dog Treatibles and her dog’s demeanor changed for the better, was moving with a lot more ease, had less pain, and ultimately she cancelled the appointment to put her dog down. She called me in tears to tell me her story, which led to some media exposure. It was after this that the product started to fly off the shelves.”\r\n\r\nTreatibles is Carella’s second company, which follows the huge success of her San Francisco brand Auntie Dolores, a trusted provider of gourmet cannabis-infused edibles for humans. Asked why she chose to make a product for pets, Carella said:\r\n \r\n>“I am very interested in making products for families. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, and it offers such profound health benefits, I wanted to try a product line for animals. All animals, except insects, have an endocannabinoid system, which is built to receive the cannabinoids from the cannabis and hemp plants. It can be deduced that all animals, including our pets, could receive the positive effects from CBD.” \r\n\r\nThere is still a lot of stigma surrounding the use of cannabis, and some people worry that giving their animal CBD will get their pet stoned. This shouldn’t be a concern as CBD is non-psychoactive for both humans and pets. In fact, CBD is an antidote to the ‘high’ one feels after ingesting THC, meaning that ingesting CBD will lessen the psychoactive effects from THC. This is useful if your pet happens to eat a THC-laden edible or eats a joint off the street, which happened to one of my friend’s dog last year. Carella explained that “CBD can help your pet by counteracting the psychoactivity felt from the THC if they happen to ingest it accidentally.” \r\n\r\nJulianna talked about the negative connotations surrounding cannabis and pets:\r\n\r\n>“Treatibles grew slowly initially because there was some controversy. People were worried that we were giving pot to animals.  There was a lot of education necessary for people to learn the difference between CBD and THC and how these products were safe for pets. After people started to use our product and see the benefits, it started taking off and people started sending in testimonials and talking about us on social media.”\r\n\r\nInitially, Treatibles did contain some THC, although it wasn’t enough to get an animal high. Carella said “We included just enough THC to cause an entourage effect, which is the synergy that happens when different elements of the whole plant work together. In a perfect world, an 18:1 CBD to THC ratio is the perfect formula, but we are unable to ship that over state lines.” Treatibles now offers a purely CBD product although Carella indicates “there is still a synergy that occurs as there is more than just CBD within the high-quality hemp oil. Our proprietary formula includes multiple non-psychoactive cannabinoids”\r\n\r\n[Treatibles is always lab tested](http://www.treatibles.com/#!thc-vs-cbd/cd9c), which is important in the mostly unregulated world of cannabis and Carella stands behind the consistency and safety of her product. Each Treatibles pet treat is infused with 1mg of CBD (small dog bone size) and Carella recommends one mg of CBD per 10 pounds of dog’s weight. After learning about Treatibles I decided to try the CBD-rich treat with with my own dog, Desmond, a 14-year-old rat terrier who suffers from a severely arthritic shoulder. After eating Treatibles for only a few days Desmond showed great improvement and even seems to have a small smile on his face after eating his treats.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/ee604/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png","srcSet":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/69585/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 200w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/497c6/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 400w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/ee604/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 800w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/3aed7/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.png 1152w","srcWebp":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/58556/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/61e93/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 200w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/1f5c5/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 400w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/58556/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 800w,\n/static/62cfa5ddc78662bee3aa73954a85c62c/9246f/4039ff6653562813dfc99a5c043a6d68.webp 1152w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1909-markdown","title":"Hemp and Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes: Is There a Difference?","slug":"hemp-and-cannabis-for-medicinal-purposes-is-there-a-difference","content":"With [23 states and the District of\r\nColumbia](http://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html)\r\nhaving legalized medical marijuana to some degree, health-related\r\ncannabis products are growing. Some of these products are hemp-based and\r\nsome are marijuana-based, but what is the difference?\r\n\r\nHemp Versus Marijuana\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nHemp and marijuana are two varieties of the same plant, cannabis sativa.\r\nHemp refers to a variety that has agricultural and manufacturing uses,\r\nwhile marijuana is the name traditionally given to plants grown for\r\ntheir psychotropic effects. Differences include:\r\n\r\n-   **How they are cultivated.** Hemp is grown outdoors whereas\r\n    marijuana is grown both outdoors and indoors.\r\n-   **Their size and structure.** Hemp grows between 10 and 16 feet in\r\n    height and looks like bamboo. Marijuana is less than 5 feet tall, is\r\n    bushy and has more flowers.\r\n-   **Their utility.** Hemp is used to make textiles, rope, paper,\r\n    plastic, food, body care products, nutritional supplements,\r\n    essential oils and medicine. Marijuana is primarily used for\r\n    recreational and medicinal purposes.\r\n-   **The cannabinoid composition.** According to the [U.S. Department\r\n    of\r\n    Agriculture](http://www.ers.usda.gov/media/328202/ages001eb_1_.pdf),\r\n    hemp contains less than 1 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which\r\n    is the chemical associated with marijuana's high. In contrast,\r\n    marijuana contains between 3 percent and 15 percent THC.\r\n\r\nLegal Usage\r\n-----------\r\n\r\nAnother distinction between hemp-based and marijuana-based products is\r\ntheir\r\n[legality](https://www.leafly.com/news/health/are-hemp-derived-cbd-products-a-legal-alternative-for-patients-wi).\r\nProducts derived from marijuana can only be sold in states that have\r\npassed medical marijuana legislation. Hemp-derived products, on the\r\nother hand, are legal in all 50 states.\r\n\r\nUntil recently, hemp was illegal to grow in the United States, so all\r\nhemp-based products were imported. In the past few years, some states\r\nbegan allowing for academic and agricultural hemp research, as well as\r\nexploration for potential commercial opportunities. In 2014, [federal\r\nlegislation](http://www.votehemp.com/PR/2014-02-07-vh_farm_bill_signed.html)\r\nwas signed approving hemp research in states that had previously passed\r\nhemp laws.\r\n\r\nHemp Oil\r\n--------\r\n\r\nOne medical product on the market is hemp oil. Hemp oil is made from\r\nseeds or from processed hemp stalks. While touted to be full of\r\n[CBD](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579248/), which is\r\nused to treat nausea, vomiting, seizures, inflammation, mood disorders\r\nand pain, hemp oil is not regulated. Thus, the amount of CBD may not be\r\noptimal for medical purposes.\r\n\r\nIn addition, hemp oil is high in polyunsaturated fats. Excess\r\npolyunsaturated fats have been linked to cardiac problems, increased\r\nrisk of inflammation and tumor growth. Some who have taken hemp oil\r\nreport [side\r\neffects](https://healthyhempoil.com/hemp-oil-side-effects/#.Vdz9d_lViko)\r\nincluding diarrhea, cramping, anxiety, hallucinations and problems with\r\nexcess bleeding.\r\n\r\nFinally, hemp oil may contain soil contaminants, such as heavy metals,\r\nthat may not be filtered out of the final product. So when seeking\r\nmedical cannabis solutions, be sure to purchase your cannabis product\r\nfrom a reputable dispensary that has had its product tested for purity\r\nand safety.\r\n\r\nComparison\r\n----------\r\nBoth Hemp and Cannabis have noticeable levels of CBD, which is beneficial in many medical applications. \r\nMany experts, however, believe that CBD derived from Cannabis can be more effective. \r\nIt is seen as more effective because of the 'entourage effect', how the cannabinoids all work together in the body.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fallout/2542501063/in/photolist-4SEYZe-7fx5Nr-5WrQ1o-7fwTAe-6Pq5ZL-33PPZx-bEJnhY-5WrYEE-6jx3oS-7ZL9gX-avDpEi-5WnvPn-5WrZX5-afrEhm-7fMnkT-k3Bv6-6w36Z8-afp3Tg-9EPupv-9F8Cpy-e1ubLE-afogj8-afoHe4-afrcD3-afrGuY-e1oGRH-xaSkpq-hSVaYN-oG1Ky7-oG2dB2-oG1ur2-egrd2T-t7QCd-oG1JPw-oG2a1p-oYeNxx-79NqqA-EsG2w-oG1ZMW-oWtkKd-oWtkFf-c6yUVs-9F5Gsa-9F8AK1-dALh9Z-8jpH4h-oYtvqj-oWtnHw-eZbsSj-kPWX7)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/14b42/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/f836f/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.jpg 200w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/2244e/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.jpg 400w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/14b42/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.jpg 800w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/47498/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/a6974/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.jpg 1536w","srcWebp":"/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/58556/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/61e93/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.webp 200w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/1f5c5/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.webp 400w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/58556/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.webp 800w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/99238/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.webp 1200w,\n/static/3ea72a49e3fb65d9ed788a56380196fa/d5052/8df0da7aa8d11fec29dbad6a19e0a132.webp 1536w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1863-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana: A Safe Alternative for Arthritis Inflammation","slug":"medical-marijuana-a-safe-alternative-for-arthritis-inflammation","content":"Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint space that results in\r\nstiffness and pain. About 60 million people, mostly between the ages of\r\n40 and 80, suffer from some form of arthritis. While there are a number\r\nof current treatments of arthritis, they are all associated with adverse\r\nside effects.\r\n\r\nAspirin, one of the most commonly prescribed over the counter\r\nmedications for arthritis, is thought to be the cause of up to 1,000\r\ndeaths annually. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like\r\nIbuprofen result in about 7,500 annual deaths and as many as 70,000\r\nhospitalizations due to complications. These methods also frequently\r\ncause [gastrointestinal\r\ncomplications](http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drugs_and_ulcers/page2.htm# what_are_side_effects_of_nsaids),\r\nincluding diarrhea, stomach pain, and, in up to 15% of patients, peptic\r\nulcers.\r\n\r\nFortunately, there's an alternative.\r\n\r\nResearch Suggests Medical Marijuana can Help\r\n--------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana is superior to traditional methods of easing arthritis pain for a number of\r\nreasons -- chief among them is the fact that cannabis doesn't have the\r\nhistory of deaths or side effects that aspirin or Ibuprofen do. And a\r\n[research paper](http://www.pnas.org/content/97/17/9561.full) published\r\nin the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the\r\nUnited States* found that medical marijuana is particularly effective at\r\nreducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.\r\n\r\nIn the paper, the researchers describe the discovery that medical\r\nmarijuana \"effectively blocked progression of arthritis\" when it was\r\ngiven to mice with induced inflammatory joint pain. Medical marijuana\r\nprevented the mice from developing any further joint damage once it was\r\nadministered.\r\n\r\nThe Science Behind Medical Marijuana\r\n------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMarijuana contains a unique set of compounds called *cannabinoids*, and\r\nthe brains of humans and other mammals have receptors that these\r\ncompounds fit into like a key into a lock. When the cannabinoids attach\r\nto these receptors -- defined as CB1 and CB2 by researchers -- they\r\ntrigger a series of beneficial effects in the body, including pain\r\nrelief, appetite stimulation, and more. Chief among these effects is the\r\nreduction of immune reactions like inflammation, which is closely\r\nassociated with many of the symptoms related to arthritis. In this way,\r\nmedical marijuana can provide relief to patients suffering from\r\narthritis.\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana can offer a safe alternative to over the counter drugs\r\nfor the following conditions with no side effects and no risk of death:\r\n\r\n-   Pain\r\n-   Arthritis symptoms\r\n-   Gout\r\n-   Osteoarthritis\r\n-   Psoriatic arthritis\r\n\r\nIt can be taken in a variety of forms: smoked, ingested orally or taken\r\nvia oil tincture under the tongue.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cogdog/4333880052/in/photolist-7AYgxS-79xHoN-qNLYuE-akpvtR-9ATC6A-9a2MrM-bfsae8-4stzX1-bLpUV2-bu9PnJ-5SvZwM-fzJyMT-7sfnES-dHKAsG-o79Q7n-79tQJZ-dMZMsF-gWTkr-79tRt6-fjE2T9-8BYxqD-fjpS4V-c6ccef-rjV3h7-7ZC1ZE-8rBPdV-5J8cm4-pzUDys-L45Bw-dM1BEG-dPAPTH-pLE1bZ-51AC3J-pZEdUH-ejFy9p-8EdGWp-4RRkZH-dJLa6v-dB3BsV-b2Ws1V-6fJbc-4RVwtW-bqe2pG-5Dbxhf-canWEU-rsAWg8-5o4YjF-64dSKb-dxCt9J-982MPW)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/14b42/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/f836f/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/2244e/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 400w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/14b42/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 800w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/47498/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/604fd/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.jpg 1539w","srcWebp":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/58556/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/61e93/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/1f5c5/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 400w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/58556/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 800w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/99238/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 1200w,\n/static/954f62d7b424107ac8f49c2898e2e823/4c257/fb5911d627d0b2f9410443f2a5df72c5.webp 1539w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1860-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana as an Aid Against Inflammation","slug":"medical-marijuana-as-an-aid-against-inflammation","content":"Inflammation is a normal part of the body's immune response, occurring\r\nwhen the body tries to protect itself by removing harmful stimuli and\r\nallowing the healing process to begin. Harmful stimuli include damaged\r\ncells, pathogens or irritants, and symptoms of inflammation include\r\ntissue swelling, redness, numbness, pain and heat from the site of the\r\nstimuli. While inflammation is part of a healthy immune system, chronic\r\ninflammation is the outcome of a dysfunction or disruption of those\r\nbodily signals.\r\n\r\nThere are multiple types of inflammation, characterized by length and\r\nseverity. Jamming a finger in the door causes immediate pain and acute\r\ninflammation, but both short-lived. In response to this harmful\r\nstimulus, the immune system kicks in by sending an army of white blood\r\ncells and other necessary substances to initiate the healing process. By\r\ncontrast, chronic inflammation is a state of persistent stimuli, which\r\nmay be triggered by anything from a lingering infection to allergies. A\r\nmalfunction of the healthy immune response could also result in an\r\nautoimmune disease, whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks the\r\nhealthy cells in the body.\r\n\r\nChronic inflammation can last for years, and is a major factor in\r\nnumerous autoimmune ailments such as multiple sclerosis, lupus,\r\narthritis and colitis. According to the National Institutes of Health\r\n(NIH), there are more than 80 types of [autoimmune\r\ndisorders](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000816.htm),\r\nand the current immunosuppressive medicines used to treat them tend to\r\ncause severe side effects.\r\n\r\nIn 2009, the NIH published a\r\n[review](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664885/) of\r\ncollated reports on the anti-inflammatory activities of cannabinoids,\r\none of the compounds in medical marijuana, with regards to its effects\r\non inflammation. The report revealed that cannabidiol (an abundant\r\nnon-psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana), reduced joint inflammation\r\nin collagen-induced arthritis.\r\n\r\nThe cannabinoid receptors in the body, mainly the cannabinoid receptor 2\r\n(CB2), are targeted by the cannabinoids in medical marijuana. When the\r\nreceptors are activated, they release fewer cytokines (pro-inflammatory\r\nmediators).\r\n\r\nBeta-caryophyllene is the main substance in medical marijuana that helps\r\ncontrol inflammation. Medical marijuana's essential oils are composed of\r\nbetween 12 to 35 percent of Beta-caryophyllene, which [has been\r\nshown](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664885/) to decrease\r\ninflammation by up to 70 percent in the animals tested. Available\r\nresearch strongly indicates the efficacy of medical marijuana as a means\r\nof decreasing inflammation.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdickter/3563942140/in/photolist-6qW8Qh-2oAALJ-uCe9Rp-9dsPvL-bqKvK6-4N4as9-azAv1g-cp4eam-b5StsT-eetTu6-fK3hE1-5seAHj-3WZrmd-5XkJTL-8W1RGY-7q9WLb-eetuke-eetj7M-bGAcPi-HERxn-9vz2Tm-6VcF1P-eezrhh-5ZswYX-eetrcg-eetXWe-boTJoK-6fr2hr-9oahTw-6e4mRQ-dGjwp-hib92s-6fvcGh-9pWfE-6Zv85-htTNLg-9LZcz5-711NSE-L8Ho8-7CbvjH-8ajaKA-wBiq4-6ycedv-ziNTB-foPQEq-7vL6za-htd7NQ-e3t4Vw-7vUNQe-2mSUyf)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/14b42/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/f836f/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.jpg 200w,\n/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/2244e/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.jpg 400w,\n/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/14b42/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/58556/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/61e93/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.webp 200w,\n/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/1f5c5/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.webp 400w,\n/static/6434e31464f06bd45f522ef5aa97a6e4/58556/715b8ebff1a571ec33bb7666bc539912.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":24,"numPages":3,"currentPage":3,"id":5385,"name":"Inflammation","slug":"inflammation","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}