{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/medicinal-cannabis/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2836-markdown","title":"3 Helpful Resources to Support Cannabis Caregivers","slug":"3-helpful-resources-to-support-cannabis-caregivers","content":"Patients with a wide range of debilitating diseases rely on medical marijuana. But their age and/or condition may make it hard to buy or administer cannabis themselves. These patients rely on legally recognized medical cannabis caregivers to get them the treatments they need. \n\nBut while caregivers are providing support to medical marijuana patients—an often-difficult job about which very little guidance is available—where can they find support for themselves? We’ve put together some helpful resources and advice for cannabis caregivers.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Challenges Facing Cannabis Caregivers\n\nGenerally speaking, being a caregiver can be a thankless and difficult job. It’s something that few understand unless they’ve experienced the role firsthand. But for medical marijuana caregivers specifically, it’s compounded by a few factors. \n\nRELATED: [MEDICAL MARIJUANA: KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF MY DAUGHTER’S MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5943f8d935323f0023966140/medical-marijuana-keep-your-hands-off-my-daughters-marijuana) \n\nFirst, medical marijuana is still widely misunderstood. Despite the fact that the majority of states have some sort of medical marijuana law, a stigma persists around cannabis that can make people feel uncomfortable accepting it as a form of medicine.\n\nThis can be especially true for parents with children who are medical marijuana patients. Because of the societal stereotypes that persist, some caregivers may not feel like they can talk freely about what they do on a day-to-day basis. \n\nAnd unlike caregivers who follow a doctor’s prescribed treatment plan, medical marijuana caregivers don’t always have the same level of guidance. Even doctors who are onboard about cannabis’s medical properties may not have the training or expertise to build an effective treatment plan for a patient. \n\nIn one study by the _Journal of Clinical Oncology_, 400 practicing oncologists were surveyed. [In the survey, 80% reported discussing medical marijuana with a patient, but only 30% said they felt knowledgeable enough about cannabis](http://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2017.76.1221) to make recommendations. This lack of guidance can make the hard job of a medical cannabis caregiver even more challenging. \n\n### Helpful Tips & Resources for Cannabis Caregivers\n\nHere are three resources medical marijuana caregivers can turn to when they need advice about everything from legal issues to making sure they take care of their own mental health. \n\n1. **Explore organizations that focus on medical marijuana patients and caregivers.** The fight for access to medical marijuana is nothing new, and there are many organizations that are stalwarts in that fight. Medical marijuana caregivers can look to these groups for support. [Americans for Safe Access (ASA)](https://www.safeaccessnow.org) is one of those organizations; its website is full of great resources for cannabis caregivers, especially parents of young medical marijuana patients. \n\n> ASA has guides for becoming a caregiver in each medical marijuana state that will walk you through each step. They provide a comprehensive [patient/caregiver legal checklist](https://www.safeaccessnow.org/ca_patient_caregiver_legal_checklist) that explains the legal complexities of being a medical marijuana patient or caregiver and how you can prepare yourself for any potential legal issues in the future. \n\n2. **Find or start a support group near you.** Caregivers need care, too. If you’re feeling lonely in your journey of caring for others, finding a community of people who can empathize with your experience could really make a difference to your mental well-being. All over the country, there are support groups for caregivers and medical marijuana patients that are in the same boat as you. \n\n> [NORML (National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws)](http://norml.org/) is a national organization with chapters in just about every city and every state. [Find your local NORML chapter](http://norml.org/chapters) and explore what it has to offer. Most run patient and caregiver support groups as well as other events that can provide useful information and a supportive community.  \n\n> If you can’t find a group through NORML, you can also use Meetup.com, which has plenty of [medical marijuana meet-ups](https://www.meetup.com/topics/medical-marijuana-caregivers/all/) listed all over the country. \n\n> And if all else fails, you can always start your own caregiver support group. Chances are there are at least a handful of people in your community going on the same journey and need support just as much as you do. \n\n3. **Get support when you need it with online communities.** If finding and attending an in-person support group isn’t possible or feels too intimidating, you can always turn to online communities instead. \n\n> HelloMD has a robust community of medical marijuana patients and caregivers that can be a great source of camaraderie and information. Post your questions or thoughts in the HelloMD [Q&A section](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and peruse discussions by other patients and caregivers. You may find that questions you’ve wanted to ask are already answered. And if not, you can ask your question (anonymously if you’d like) and a knowledgeable medical professional or expert member of the community will be happy to answer. \n\nPhoto credit: [Seth Hayes](https://unsplash.com/@shays)\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/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/14b42/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/f836f/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.jpg 200w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/2244e/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.jpg 400w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/14b42/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.jpg 800w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/47498/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/0e329/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.jpg 1600w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/9d5a7/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.jpg 3663w","srcWebp":"/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/58556/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/61e93/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.webp 200w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/1f5c5/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.webp 400w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/58556/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.webp 800w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/99238/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.webp 1200w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/7c22d/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.webp 1600w,\n/static/ac191881f026aaf00acdd4326e6f3f17/0b05f/fae85a8dabbe01ac4599ee714a99ed89.webp 3663w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2717-markdown","title":"How to Talk to Your Nurse About Cannabis","slug":"how-to-talk-to-your-nurse-about-cannabis","content":"Awareness—and acceptance—of cannabis for a long and growing list of medical purposes is higher than ever. But many doctors remain reluctant to support patients who consume cannabis or are considering it. Now, though, nurses and nurse practitioners are stepping in to bridge that gap between hopeful patients and skeptical doctors.\n\nMany nurses’ associations are active in cannabis education and advocacy, and are committed to holistic patient care. It’s easy to find plenty of suggestions for how to talk to your doctor about cannabis—but [talking to your nurse might be more helpful](https://unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/2016/10/20/why-nurses-are-vital-to-the-medical-cannabis-community).\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Doctors & Cannabis: An Uneasy Relationship\n\nA recent survey of practicing physicians found that 76% of the doctors surveyed said they favored the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes, even though they weren’t really sure how to make it work. Many worried that it was too difficult to establish standardized marijuana dosing. They also felt that it would be inappropriate to advocate smoking as a way to take medicine.  Still others were concerned about harmful effects and the potential for addiction.  \n\nSome doctors, too, simply say that they don’t know enough about cannabis. Medical school students aren’t typically exposed to new research on the wide-ranging endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the many effects marijuana has on the ECS’s receptors. And a large number of doctors still take the government’s hardline position that cannabis is a dangerous drug with no medical benefits at all. \n\nRELATED: [WHY DOESN’T MY DOCTOR KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MARIJUANA?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59ee3d06a95f40243a436cc4/why-doesnt-my-doctor-know-anything-about-marijuana)\n\nFor all of these reasons, it often falls to the patient to educate the doctor about the therapeutic applications of cannabis and open a discussion about how to consume it for a particular health issue. Still, doctors aren’t always willing to entertain the notion of marijuana as medicine. Many patients who want to add marijuana into their health plans end up switching to another doctor who supports medicinal cannabis. \n\nBut doctors aren’t the only members of the health-care team. In a typical office appointment, patients often spend more time with a nurse or nurse practitioner than with their doctor. That opens up more opportunities to talk about cannabis with your nurse in a less intimidating environment.  \n\nAnd now, a growing number of nurses and professional nursing organizations are actively committing to the cannabis cause. So, if your doctor isn’t receptive to talking about marijuana, your nurse might become the advocate and resource you’ve been looking for.\n\n### Nurses & Cannabis: An Emerging Partnership\n\nIn 2017, the American Nurses Association (ANA) released a position paper that [affirmed the organization’s support for medical marijuana](https://www.nursingworld.org/~49a8c8/globalassets/practiceandpolicy/ethics/therapeutic-use-of-marijuana-and-related-cannabinoids-position-statement.pdf). The paper reiterates the ANA’s support for removing cannabis from the highly restrictive Schedule 1 class of very dangerous and addictive drugs. It advocates for providing safe access to medical-grade cannabis for all patients.\n\nIn line with this stance, many nurses and nurse practitioners are working in their individual states to provide information about cannabis to officials and to potential patients—all in an effort to help people consume cannabis safely.\n\n### Cannabis Nursing: A New Frontier\n\nMany nurses are also taking their support for cannabis into a whole new career field: cannabis nursing. This new nursing profession is dedicated to helping people consume medical cannabis safely and effectively for a variety of often complex health issues. This includes providing education on how medical marijuana works in the body and helping patients get access to safe, high-quality cannabis in whatever form they want.\n\nTo help nurses navigate the complex world of medical cannabis and the shifting landscape of legalization, the American Cannabis Nurses Association offers education, certification and support for nurses interested in cannabis nursing. This [emerging new career option for nurses](https://nurse.org/articles/cannabis-nurse/) focuses on providing care that combines standard nursing practices with knowledge about:\n\n* The ECS\n* The safe use of cannabis products\n* The legal issues surrounding access to medical marijuana\n\nThe growth of cannabis nursing is beginning to shift the issue of medical cannabis away from doctors and into the hands of nursing professionals of all kinds. In some states, nurse practitioners can now prescribe cannabis. And as more and more states move to legalize medical marijuana in some form, nurses are now able to expertly discuss cannabis with patients and refer them to resources such as a reputable dispensary.\n\n### Tips on Talking to A Nurse About Cannabis\n\nFor many people, talking to a nurse about cannabis is less intimidating than bringing it up with their doctor. This can make it possible to be more open and direct about your interest in consuming cannabis. Nurses are a key part of your health-care team and can advocate for your decision to use cannabis. Here are our suggestions about starting the medical marijuana talk with your nurse:\n\n* Be clear about what you’re looking for. \n>* Do you want to integrate your cannabis use with your ongoing care? \n>* Are you concerned about cannabis reacting with existing medications?  \n>* Do you just want basic information about how to use medical cannabis? \n>* Would you like to hear how the different cannabis delivery methods affect the body and how one might be better for you than another? \n>* Are you curious about how much cannabis to consume for your condition?  \n\n* Just [as you might do when talking to your doctor](https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/patient/treatments/medications/how-talk-your-physician-about-medical-cannabis-10-points-guide-you), share information about the latest research on cannabis and your health issues. You may even want to print out and bring articles and research to your appointment to share with your nurse.  \n\nDoctors’ attitudes toward cannabis can vary widely. And that’s also true for nurses, so not all will view cannabis in a positive way. But with organizations like the ANA leading the way, nurses across the country are stepping up to learn the medical facts about cannabis and support the use of medical marijuana. If you’re consuming cannabis for a health condition, or want to try it, talking to a nurse about it just might be easier—and more productive—than a discussion with your doctor.\n\nPhoto credit: [rawpixel](https://unsplash.com/@rawpixel)\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/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/14b42/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/f836f/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.jpg 200w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/2244e/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.jpg 400w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/14b42/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.jpg 800w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/47498/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/0e329/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/a41d1/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.jpg 2000w","srcWebp":"/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/58556/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/61e93/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.webp 200w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/1f5c5/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.webp 400w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/58556/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.webp 800w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/99238/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.webp 1200w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/7c22d/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.webp 1600w,\n/static/4a8be33733f7739bb34d3071a32f8249/37117/650b9d9ac5adc0427aad3971612fcfa7.webp 2000w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2715-markdown","title":"Study Shows Medical Marijuana Improves Brain Function","slug":"study-shows-medical-marijuana-improves-brain-function","content":"We’ve all heard the saying that consuming marijuana will kill brain cells and make you stupid. But what does the science actually say? What happens to the brain when we consume cannabis? \n\nDespite the fact that more and more people are consuming marijuana to treat medical conditions, a group of researchers noticed that most of the studies on cannabis and brain function have been performed on recreational cannabis consumers and/or teens. But what about adults using a carefully considered regimen of cannabis to treat specific medical conditions? Researchers decided to make medical marijuana patients the focus of their study. And the results may surprise you.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### How Researchers Tracked Brain Function in Medical Marijuana Patients\n\nThe results of the study, which was performed in Massachusetts, were released in early 2018. Researchers looked at [brain activation and cognitive function in medical marijuana patients](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00983/full). Participants completed cognitive tests while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before starting a medical marijuana regimen. They were then reassessed with those same tests three months later. \n\nScientists wanted to look at task-related brain activity specifically. So, they had the subjects complete various multi-source interference tests (MSIT). Examples of MSITs are:\n* Presenting subjects with three numbers, two of which are the same. Participants are directed to identify the one different number by pressing a button. The test administrators switch up the different number by sometimes making it greater or smaller than the other two. Or sometimes they place the numbers in a different order. They then record the subject’s reaction time when identifying the odd number out. \n\n* Showing participants a color name that’s written in the ink of another color. Researchers ask the subjects to name the ink color, but not the color name. Researchers record how often subjects correctly complete the task.  \n\nBy also using fMRI, the researchers could view what parts of the brain were engaged and when they were completing these kinds of cognitive tests.\n\nIt’s important to note that the study had a relatively small sample size of 22 patients—11 men and 11 women between the ages of 28–74. The participants were using whole-plant medical marijuana products to treat:\n\n* Pain\n* Anxiety\n* PTSD\n* Sleep\n* Mood\n* Gastrointestinal issues\n* Attention difficulty\n\nThe subjects consumed medical marijuana an average of nearly 5.5 days a week, almost twice a day for a total average of just over 10 times a week. They consumed the plant in almost every way possible including smoking and vaporizing flower, ingesting tinctures and edibles, and applying topicals. \n\n### Medicinal Cannabis Consumers Showed Improved Cognitive Function After 3 Months\n\nAfter three months, researchers not only saw that the participants’ performance in MSITs improved, but that their brain activation patterns were different. Researchers specifically cited the patterns in the cingulate cortex and frontal regions. These parts of the brain control things like:\n\n* Emotional responses\n* Memory recall\n* Problem solving\n* Language\n* Awareness and attention\n* Cognitive skills\n\nThe study also noted that the brain activation patterns after three months of medical marijuana use closely resembled those of healthy control subjects from other studies—even more so than the subjects’ own pre-medical marijuana treatment patterns. What this means is that medical marijuana has the potential to normalize brain function.\n\n### Patients Report Additional Benefits With Medical Marijuana Consumption \n\nBesides the improvement in executive function measures (things like planning and organizing, multitasking and managing time), the subjects reported improvements in the following areas:\n\n* Sleep\n* Depression\n* Quality of life\n* Impulsivity\n* Energy\n\nThese improvements were noted when subjects compared their current state against how they were before they started consuming medical marijuana\n\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS WORKS TO PROTECT & REPAIR THE BRAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ab9cf3cf24d1300077ccb9f/how-cannabis-works-to-protect-and-repair-the-brain)\n\n### Was Cannabis the Only Reason for Improved Brain Function?\n\nStudy participants improved in other health-related measurements, and they were also able to take fewer prescription medications. The study specifically names opioids, antidepressants, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines as drug classes that subjects were able to decrease during the three month-long study. \n\nResearchers did note that the improved brain function might not solely be due to cannabis, but also to the decreased consumption in prescription medications—especially since drugs like [mood stabilizers can interfere with cognitive processing](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=16106488). That said, researchers say more studies are needed. \n\n### The Difference Between Medical & Recreational Marijuana Consumption\n\nIt’s worth noting again that this study looked at medical marijuana patients, not recreational cannabis users. When studied, recreational consumers—adults and adolescents—have shown a decrease in MSIT scores in various areas such as:\n\n* Attention\n* Processing speed\n* Executive function \n\nOf course, there are differences in the types and amounts of cannabis that medical patients consume versus those that recreational users ingest. Recreational consumers usually go for cannabis high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to feel its psychoactive effects. Medical marijuana patients may choose high-THC products as well, but they also typically consume marijuana rich in CBD for its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, properties. \n\nThat’s not to say that consuming THC will make you unable to think clearly. In fact, one study found that [a large amount of CBD administered before ingesting THC improved cognitive function](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=19924114 ). That same study concluded that THC and CBD affect cognitive brain function in opposite ways. Meanwhile, another study found that consuming cannabis containing high levels of CBD along with THC [prevented any problems with memory](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=20884951).\n\n### Federal Marijuana Laws Impose Restrictions on the Study\n\nResearchers in the 2018 Massachusetts study also noted that it was up to the subjects to choose and administer their own cannabis products and regimen. Unfortunately, because marijuana is illegal federally, limiting the plant’s accessibility for research purposes, the team had little control over this aspect of the study. Marijuana researchers can only get supplies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and their cannabis offering doesn’t have the variety of products, strains and cannabinoid percentages that patients need—and that researchers are interested in studying.\n\nHopefully, this study inspires other researchers to look into how we’re affected when consuming marijuana for medical purposes. Studies like this go a long way towards busting the myth that all people who consume cannabis are dazed and confused as a result of ingesting marijuana. It’s also powerful proof that marijuana can be medicine, and that the plant can be a useful tool in fighting the opioid crisis. \n\nPhoto credit: [Alvaro Reyes](https://unsplash.com/@alvaroreyes)\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/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/14b42/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/f836f/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.jpg 200w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/2244e/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.jpg 400w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/14b42/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.jpg 800w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/47498/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/0e329/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.jpg 1600w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/3e38a/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.jpg 3622w","srcWebp":"/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/58556/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/61e93/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.webp 200w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/1f5c5/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.webp 400w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/58556/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.webp 800w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/99238/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.webp 1200w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/7c22d/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.webp 1600w,\n/static/94d9649e3142ea62ee9c69216967dfcf/7280a/8a422501de60ed87e022289d29a8ef7e.webp 3622w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2456-markdown","title":"Why Doesn't My Doctor Know Anything About Marijuana?","slug":"why-doesnt-my-doctor-know-anything-about-marijuana","content":"Anxiety, stress, migraines, insomnia, chronic pain and even [opioid dependence](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain)—there’s mounting evidence that cannabis can be used as an effective treatment for all of these conditions (and more). Yet many doctors don’t know much about the efficacy of marijuana. Attitudes towards cannabis and the people who consume it are improving, but unfortunately the stigma still lingers. And because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level and classed as a Schedule 1 drug, most physicians don’t receive formal training in schools on medicinal marijuana and there are very few medical studies done on the plant, so doctors don’t have any concrete information to go on. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Doctors Are Behind the Curve in Medical Marijuana\n\nA recent study conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed that [medical schools are doing a very poor job in educating their students on cannabis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28892720)—medical or recreational. \n\nIn a survey that included more than 100 medical school deans and 258 medical residents and fellows, 85% of students admitted that they’d never received any sort of cannabis education. The study also revealed that only 9% of medical schools provide any kind of cannabis education to their students—despite 29 states (plus the District of Columbia) having access to some form of legal medical or recreational marijuana. \n\n### The Legal Gray Area in Marijuana as Medicine\n\nCannabis has been intentionally shut out of the conversation when it comes to medicine in the U.S. Although at the state level cannabis is legal in some locations, the federal government maintains that it's still illegal and has listed it as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, along with drugs like heroin, LSD and ecstasy. This classification means that in the eyes of the federal government, marijuana has no known medical uses whatsoever. This also makes it extremely difficult for researchers to gain access to marijuana for studies. \n\nHelloMD’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Perry Solomon notes, ”The U.S. government’s stance creates an environment of fear for most practicing physicians, who must keep up with the most current laws in their state to ensure that they're allowed to recommend cannabis to their patients. Even if this is the case, most worry, unnecessarily, that they’ll get in trouble with the D.E.A. if they do so. Thankfully, there hasn’t been a government crackdown on prescribing physicians in legal states in many years. \n\n“There have been more than 8,000 studies done worldwide showing the efficacy of cannabis in treating a variety of medical conditions. However, the tendency of U.S. physicians is to only look at studies that come from the mainstream medical schools and universities in this country. The Schedule 1 status of cannabis makes those studies very difficult to perform.”\n\nRELATED: [SURVEY REVEALS 76% OF DOCTORS WOULD APPROVE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f45ff26463310006530000/survey-reveals-76-of-doctors-would-approve-medical-marijuana-use)\n\n### Fighting on the Front Lines for Cannabis\n\nSome organizations within the medical community like [The American Cannabis Nurses Association](https://cannabisnurses.org) advocate for the use of cannabis in medical treatment. These groups raise awareness of medicinal cannabis among healthcare providers through education, research and policy development. \n\nHelloMD is also a great resource to connect to doctors who’ve studied medicinal marijuana extensively. We offer access to doctors for consultations as well as the [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) platform, where folks can ask a medical professional about anything and everything marijuana related.\n\n### Doctors Need to Know about Cannabis\n\nAs more people gain access to medical marijuana, doctors need to be knowledgeable about:\n\n>* how the plant affects the body—an in-depth understanding of how the endocannabinoid system functions.\n>* the various conditions that cannabis can treat.\n>* perhaps most importantly, how it interacts with other prescription medications. \n\nMost people rely on the folks at their local dispensary or more experienced friends for medicinal marijuana advice, but with other prescriptions you wouldn’t accept guidance in regards to dosage, consumption method or side effects from anyone but your doctor. It’s time for medical schools to get up to speed with the ways people are using cannabis as medicine so that patients receive informed, professional and safe advice.\n\nPhoto credit: [Jesse Orrico](https://unsplash.com/@jessedo81)\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 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/14b42/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg","srcSet":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/f836f/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/2244e/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 400w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/14b42/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 800w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/47498/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 1200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/231d7/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 1393w","srcWebp":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/58556/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/61e93/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/1f5c5/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 400w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/58556/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 800w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/99238/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 1200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/bd6e8/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 1393w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2306-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana: Keep Your Hands Off My Daughter's Marijuana","slug":"medical-marijuana-keep-your-hands-off-my-daughters-marijuana","content":"Michelle Malkin, a conservative journalist from Colorado, recently wrote an opinion piece in the New York Post titled [Keep Your Hands Off My Daughter’s Marijuana](http://nypost.com/2017/06/02/keep-your-hands-off-my-daughters-medical-marijuana/). Malkin’s story is an interesting one because she is someone who once fought against marijuana legalization, but eventually grew to see its efficacy as a medication, even though her daughter did not find long term relief from the product.  Malkin’s daughter suffers from a variety of conditions, including abnormal breathing, chronic pain and fatigue all of which left her bedridden. After seeing many different specialists and being prescribed many medications that had harsh side effects, a neurologist suggested that she try to give her daughter CBD oil. \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\nAt the time, her daughter became one of 360 children under the age of 18 who was a part of Colorado’s medical cannabis program. Cannabis only provided temporary relief for Malkin’s daughter, but she watched many other families find long term solutions with cannabis. The transformative abilities inherent within the plant made Malkin a cannabis advocate. She became increasingly concerned after hearing about a possibility for it to be limited as a medication due to how the newTrump Administration views marijuana. In Malkin’s own words, “let me be clear as a liberty-loving, conservative mom: keep your hands off. Let the scientists lead. Limited government is the best medicine.”\r\n\r\nMalkin’s opinion piece is just another in a long line of parents speaking up in defense of medical marijuana. Medical cannabis has been able to change peoples’ lives, including relieving children of terrible suffering and setting parents minds at ease. We are also now seeing more clinical trials to supplement anecdotal evidence that cannabis, particularly CBD, can be extremely beneficial to children. This will hopefully begin to educate the government, especially at the federal level, to keep their hands off this proficient, irreplaceable medication. \r\n\r\nYou can read [Malkin’s whole piece here](http://nypost.com/2017/06/02/keep-your-hands-off-my-daughters-medical-marijuana/).\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":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/14b42/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/f836f/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.jpg 200w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/2244e/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.jpg 400w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/14b42/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.jpg 800w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/47498/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/54ac5/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/58556/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/61e93/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.webp 200w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/1f5c5/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.webp 400w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/58556/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.webp 800w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/99238/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.webp 1200w,\n/static/774eedcdcfc7c1d55948b7851f5f992b/5e0b8/843be39a585faa726d9169417ef8847d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2425-markdown","title":"Marijuana Has Gone Mainstream","slug":"marijuana-has-gone-mainstream","content":"Photo credit - [Bloom Farms Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/BTw8e3oAI6a/?taken-by=bloom_farms)\n\n### Poll Shows Marijuana is Mainstream\n\nA new poll by Yahoo and Marist College, which was recently released in April, found that cannabis has officially gone mainstream. Cannabis got favorable marks in this new survey; 67% of people surveyed perceived opioids to be riskier than cannabis, 76% of people indicated they believed marijuana to be less dangerous than tobacco and 70% thinking cannabis is less risky then alcohol. Also, 83% of people surveyed believed that cannabis should be medically legal nationwide.\n\n55 million Americans use medical marijuana, which is not surprising considering the new trend towards acceptance. Recreational marijuana, however, got mixed reviews in the recent survey. Only 49% of people believed that recreational marijuana should be legalized, just 2% more than the amount of people who were opposed to it. That was in association with 4% of people who were not certain about whether they believe it should be recreationally legal or not. People who tried cannabis, however, were more accepting of recreational legalization with 70% of those being in favor, as compared to 26% of people who have never tried marijuana. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\n### Less Stigma?\n\nCannabis, is also becoming more socially acceptable. 56% of people surveyed believe that cannabis consumption is socially acceptable, even though 51% of people do believe cannabis consumption is a health risk. 52% of consumers are millennials, showing a clear distinction between generations. Millennials, interestingly, were also the most conflicted generation about their cannabis use. 25% of millennials felt guilty about cannabis use, compared to just 17% of non-millennials. \n\nParents are also a growing group of cannabis consumers. 54% of adult cannabis consumers are parents, the majority with children under the age of 18. Nearly all parents surveyed, however, will not consume cannabis while in the company of their children. There is also a clear distinction between political parties when it comes to cannabis consumption. Only 14% of cannabis consumers are Republicans, showing the great majority to be Democrats or Independents. \n\n### Medical Marijuana More Accepted\n\nWhat is clear from the survey is that medical marijuana consumption is considered more mainstream than recreational consumption. Most consumers who were surveyed consume cannabis for medical reasons, with only 16% saying they used cannabis “just for fun”. Far more consumers use cannabis to help with pain, to assist with relaxation, or to make them more comfortable in social situations. \n\nThe study by Yahoo and Marist is just one indicator that cannabis has gone mainstream. Congressmen agreed with the findings of the study and have recently started a Congressional Cannabis Caucus to approach the issue in the coming years. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, a pro-marijuana congressman from Oregon, [told reporters](http://fortune.com/2017/04/19/420-marijuana-reform-earl-blumenauer/) that, “Marijuana has gone mainstream” while discussing hopeful reforms at the federal level. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/591b2b522df596003ddb8d73/embedded_images/591b2b562df596003ddb8d75/Screen_Shot_2017-05-16_at_9.31.42_AM.png)\n[Firefly Vapor](https://www.instagram.com/p/BUDmmyvDmFS/?taken-by=fireflyvapor) was started by an ex Apple employee\n\n### Government Steps In\n\nThe Cannabis Caucus, which Bluemenauer is a member of, launched in February with the goal of working towards reforms of the government approach to the cannabis industry. They have many goals, which include updating the tax code, reducing federal hurdles to the cannabis industry, and decrease the roadblocks for companies in the industry to access banks. The caucus is a bipartisan effort for lawmakers from states where cannabis is legal to educate other lawmakers on what the cannabis industry is like. \n\nRepublican congressman from California, Dana Rohrabacher, who is also a caucus member, [said in a news release about the caucus](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/02/17/just-how-mainstream-is-marijuana-theres-now-a-congressional-cannabis-caucus/?utm_term=.9335b65a529c) that, \"The federal government’s decades-long approach to marijuana is a colossal, cruel joke, and most Americans know it…Not only have incalculable amounts of taxpayers’ dollars been wasted, but countless lives have been unnecessarily disrupted and even ruined by misguided law enforcement.\" The caucus is a clear sign that cannabis is on the mind of many lawmakers and that the progression of the industry is particularly on the minds of congressmen who’s constituencies are in states where cannabis is legal. \n\n### Investors, Entrepreneurs & Celebrities...\n\nThe cannabis industry is also attracting more mainstream investors to its ranks. The industry was once seen as a grey area, but now, more investors, including tech companies and celebrities, are stepping into the ever expanding industry. In 2016, the cannabis industry, both recreational and medical, brought in $6.9 billion in sales, a 34% increase from the previous year. By 2020, cannabis sales are expected to reach up to $20 billion. \n\nSome successful [Silicon Valley executives](http://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-valley-players-marijuana-industry-2016-10/#mark-williams-developed-software-for-the-mac-os-under-steve-jobs-before-setting-out-to-invent-a-better-vaporizer-11) have left the tech industry to break into the world of cannabis. Eric Eslao was a senior producer of iTunes marketing at Apple for six years before he left to start the upscale cannabis chocolate line Défoncé Chocolatier and he has continued to embrace the tech culture in his new venture. \n\nMark Williams, one of the main software developers for Mac OS, has broken into the world of vaporizers by creating one of the most tech-influenced, high end products on the market. The [Firefly2 vaporizer](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/firefly-vapor) has embraced the aesthetic and simplicity of Apple products and have incorporated those properties into its user friendly, tech forward design. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/591b2b522df596003ddb8d73/embedded_images/591b2b542df596003ddb8d74/Screen_Shot_2017-05-16_at_9.30.23_AM.png)\nMaya of Whoopi & Maya's [Om Edibles](https://www.instagram.com/p/BUDmmyvDmFS/?taken-by=fireflyvapor)\n\nCelebrities have also broken into the world of cannabis. Whoopi Goldberg, an outspoken cannabis advocate for her own health conditions, has created a specially curated line of cannabis products to help women with PMS related symptoms. The Whoopi & Maya product line, which is named after her and her business partner Maya Elisabeth, who is the founder of Om Edibles, includes dreamy products like a relaxing lavender bath soak, raw cacao medical marijuana, a dreamy body balm, and a specially curated tincture. The products have gained rave reviews for their high quality and women focused benefits. \n\nSnoop Dog, the king of cannabis in pop culture, has also broken into the cannabis industry in the form of a [venture capital investment firm](http://variety.com/2017/biz/spotlight/cannabis-1202028919/) that was founded in 2015. Casa Verde Capital, which is overseen by Snoop Dog and others, provides growth capital to cannabis start ups, with an emphasis on media, technology, remedies, and lab testing.\n\nAll of these factors show how cannabis has gone mainstream. From the average person to celebrities to congressmen, cannabis is becoming widely accepted with less stigma associated. Though it will continue to be a controversial product until it is made federally legal and declassified as a Schedule 1 drug, cannabis has forged its way into the culture and minds of Americans. The widespread acceptance of cannabis is a key factor in cementing its future as a viable medication. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/14b42/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/f836f/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.jpg 200w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/2244e/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.jpg 400w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/14b42/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.jpg 800w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/47498/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/54ac5/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/58556/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/61e93/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.webp 200w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/1f5c5/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.webp 400w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/58556/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.webp 800w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/99238/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.webp 1200w,\n/static/3cda17039ef3b209d00b76bdc1b90575/5e0b8/2945067e88a029b1b5cbf18909c189ea.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2248-markdown","title":"HelloMD Investors Webinar - Recorded","slug":"hellomd-investors-webinar-recorded","content":"HelloMD Members. This week I presented our vision for creating the ‘Amazon of Cannabis’ - a big audacious goal - in a live webinar presented to over 260 interested investors. This was in support of our Crowd Funding effort, which launch recently on [SeedInvest.com](https://www.seedinvest.com/hellomd/series.a)\r\n\r\nThe webinar was recorded and can be viewed below. It’s a 15-minute presentation, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.\r\n\r\nInvestors interested in finding out more can do so by [visiting our investment page on SeedInvest.com](https://www.seedinvest.com/hellomd/series.a)\r\n\r\nAll the information you might need can be found there, including terms of the investment, the financial performance of the company thus far and our plans moving forward.\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI2vzz5fpZM` \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your support!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.8018018018018018,"src":"/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/ee604/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.png","srcSet":"/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/69585/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.png 200w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/497c6/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.png 400w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/ee604/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.png 800w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/f3583/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.png 1200w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/5707d/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.png 1600w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/fef7b/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.png 1742w","srcWebp":"/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/58556/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/61e93/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.webp 200w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/1f5c5/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.webp 400w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/58556/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.webp 800w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/99238/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.webp 1200w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/7c22d/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.webp 1600w,\n/static/7bfb45179641c9817b6cb47eee4a9c52/f1b88/8381ef3e2e321e9bb200392c5cc306dc.webp 1742w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2277-markdown","title":"Attorney General Sessions May Uphold States' Rights in Regards to Marijuana","slug":"attorney-general-sessions-may-uphold-states-rights-in-regards-to-marijuana","content":"### Imminent Cannabis Crackdown: Maybe Not\r\n\r\nJeff Sessions, vocal anti-marijuana advocate and current Attorney General of the United States, has recently reassured senators that there will be no imminent crack down on marijuana coming from the federal government. Press Secretary Sean Spicer recently hinted that the Trump Administration is planning to take down state-legalized recreational marijuana industries due to his unsubstantiated claims that recreational cannabis consumption leads to more people becoming addicted to opioids. Sessions, however, has privately reassured many different Republican Senators that his plan is to keep the Obama-era marijuana policies in place. \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\nThe Cole & Ogden memos were put into place by the Obama Administration to create a non-interference policy within state legalized cannabis markets. These memos protect recreational  and medical industries in states where they have been legalized from being prosecuted by the DEA. Sessions, despite his prior personal statements connecting cannabis with immorality, seemingly plans (for now) to keep these memos in place according to what he has been telling senators. \r\n\r\n### Private Conversations Confirmed by Senators\r\n\r\nSessions apparent conversations explaining he will keep the memos in place have been confirmed by two senators, Rand Paul and Cory Gardner. The senators, from Kentucky and Colorado respectively, have both tied the maintenance of these memos by Sessions to his staunch belief in states' rights and the importance he places on limiting federal governmental power. Gardner, who’s constituents in Colorado are currently benefiting greatly from medical and recreational marijuana legalization, has said he has gotten absolutely no impression from Sessions that there will be any policy changes. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA DOES NOT CAUSE OPIOID ADDICTION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/marijuana-does-not-cause-opioid-addiction)\r\n\r\nOther senators, however, are being proactive in their approach to Sessions’ potential marijuana policy changes. A handful of senators, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts and Senator Murkowski from Alaska, wrote a letter to Sessions pledging their support to the non-interference system set up by the Obama Administration, particularly in the recreational industries that appear to be the most vulnerable to change. \r\n\r\n### Upholding State's Rights\r\n\r\nIn the letter to Sessions, the senators stated, “We respectfully request that you uphold DOJ's existing policy regarding states that have implemented strong and effective regulations for recreational use. It is critical that states continue to implement these laws.” Most of the senators involved in writing the letter are from the eight states that have voted to legalize recreational marijuana and all of the senators, except for Murkowski, are Democrats. \r\n\r\nPotential changes are not only an issue for Senators with states which have legalized recreational or medical marijuana in their state, but also for Republican senators who believe staunchly in the importance of states’ rights. If Sessions changes his mind and decides to interfere in states that have legalized internal cannabis industries, it could greatly go against the core Republican ideals that Sessions, and other members of the administration, constantly aim to stay consistent with. \r\n\r\nSome crack downs against marijuana could still occur, however, in the form of more work by the DEA against illegal drug cartels. Only time will tell if attorney general Sessions will choose to stick to his word and allow for the continuation of medical and recreational markets without federal government interference, or if he will decide to change his approach.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/14b42/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/f836f/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/2244e/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 400w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/14b42/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 800w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/47498/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/3a12e/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/58556/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/61e93/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/1f5c5/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 400w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/58556/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 800w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/99238/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 1200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/b5697/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5495,"name":"Medicinal Cannabis","slug":"medicinal-cannabis","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}