{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/multiple-sclerosis/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2628-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Works to Protect & Repair the Brain","slug":"how-cannabis-works-to-protect-and-repair-the-brain","content":"For decades, anti-drug campaigns have portrayed cannabis as a risky substance that not only opens the door to abusing harder drugs, but also causes a long list of harmful effects—including permanent damage to memory and cognition. More recently, though, numerous studies from around the world are revealing that far from destroying brain cells, compounds in cannabis are both uniquely able to protect them and support the growth of new ones.\n\nNow, this new research shows that the [potent neuroprotective properties of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabis compounds](http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/cannabis-and-the-brain-a-user-s-guide) may offer new hope for treating not only brain injury and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, but also Alzheimer’s and aggressive cancers in the brain and body.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Marijuana Compounds Protect the Brain & Nerves in Many Ways\n\nNeuroprotectants are agents that help to reduce damage to the brain and nervous system caused by injury, exposure to toxins, or inflammatory processes or disease states in the body. These agents also encourage the growth and development of new neurons. Neuroprotectants take many forms, ranging from vitamins and synthetic drugs to herbs and natural substances such as marine algae.\n\nNow, a variety of studies indicate that cannabis may be among the most powerful of these, thanks to its action on the body’s cannabinoid receptors and [its own anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties](https://echoconnection.org/cbd-has-antioxidant-and-neuroprotective-properties-what-does-that-mean).\n\nNeurological damage can come from direct injury, such as in head trauma or a stroke. It can be caused by exposure to toxic substances, including alcohol and nicotine, or by various processes that damage the protective sheaths surrounding nerves or the nerve cells themselves.\n\nBut the cannabis compounds cannabidiol (CBD) and THC can protect against many causes of nerve damage and help repair damage once it happens by preventing inflammation; stimulating the growth of new, healthy cells; and encouraging the death of malignant ones.  \n\nThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an extensive network of receptors primed to respond both to cannabinoid substances naturally produced by the body and to cannabinoids from outside sources, most notably cannabis itself. The ECS is directly or indirectly responsible for supporting a variety of systems and processes in the brain and many organs and tissues; this helps explain why [cannabis can have such a wide range of neuroprotective effects](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10863546). \n\n### Cannabis Supports Healing From Brain Trauma & Injury\n\nThe brain can be injured in a variety of ways. Stroke is caused either by a burst blood vessel or a blockage in a blood vessel, so that neurons controlling various functions such as memory or coordination are damaged and die. Traumatic brain injury is caused by an impact to the head, which can lead to brain swelling and bleeding—and the subsequent damage and death of cells in the area.\n\nIn a variety of studies, cannabis has been shown to reduce the damage to brain cells caused by these kinds of events. But [cannabis is also capable of encouraging the growth of new brain cells](https://www.jci.org/articles/view/25509)—a process called neurogenesis that until recently seemed impossible under any circumstances. \n\n### Cannabis Fights the Effects of Neurotoxins on Brain Cells\n\nNeurotoxins—substances capable of causing neurological damage—come in a variety of forms, such as industrial solvents, pesticides, certain kinds of drugs as well as the more familiar alcohol and nicotine. These substances can damage or kill brain cells that govern memory, movement and other processes. [Cannabis, particularly the compound CBD, appears to be able to protect nerve cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15837565C) against inflammation caused by toxic substances, particularly the brain damage that can accompany chronic alcohol abuse.  \n\n### Cannabis Eases Symptoms of Neurological Disorders\n\n[Cannabis shows promise in treating the symptoms of serious neurological disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022510X05000778) such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotropic lateral sclerosis, or ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). These and other neurological problems typically involve inflammatory processes that disrupt the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain and cause problems with movement and coordination.  \n\nCannabis compounds, especially CBD, have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help regulate the production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, and reduce the severity of symptoms related to these kinds of disorders.\n\n### THC Fights Cancers of the Brain\n\nMuch of the research on the neuroprotective properties of cannabis has focused on CBD, which is non-psychoactive and strongly associated with supporting immune system functions and fighting inflammation. But psychoactive THC from the natural cannabis plant also has a role to play in protecting vulnerable cells—and, perhaps, in fighting some of the most aggressive and often untreatable cancers of the brain and other parts of the body.\n\nGlioma is a fast-growing, aggressive and mostly fatal kind of cancer that forms in the glial cells of the brain and, sometimes, the spinal cord. Because glioma is frequently inoperable, treatment options can be limited.\n\nBut [recent studies on the effects of cannabis on glioblastoma cell lines](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16078104?dopt=Citation) reveals that THC not only decreased the proliferation of malignant glial cells, it also triggered a process called apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In this process, THC was able to selectively target only the malignant cells, while ignoring the healthy ones. These preliminary findings support other research showing that cannabis may be able to target tumor development in the lungs, breast and other areas of the body.\n\n### A New Approach for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease\n\nOne of the [most promising areas for research on the neuroprotective properties of cannabis](https://www.alzheimers.net/6-15-15-effects-of-medical-marijuana-on-alzheimers/) comes in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease—a progressive form of dementia believed to be caused by the buildup of proteins called beta amyloid plaque in the brain. A recent study sponsored by the Salk Institute reveals that a different process may be at work—and cannabis is uniquely positioned to affect it.\n\nThe Salk study found that inflammation caused by plaque occurs in cells themselves, and cannabinoid-like compounds manufactured by those cells may prevent them from damage and death. Because these THC-like compounds can exert a protective effect, [cannabis, especially with a significant THC content, may be able to protect brain cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25024327) from inflammation and damage related to plaque. And because cannabis appears to help promote the growth of new neurons, it could be helpful in slowing the development of Alzheimer’s disease once it develops.\n\n### Cannabis’s Effect on Memory Appears to Be Temporary\n\nAnd the effect of cannabis on memory? In sharp contrast to the rhetoric of the old (and not so old) anti-drug campaigns, this effect appear to be minimal and transitory—if they’re felt at all. A number of studies reveal no lasting impact on memory and cognition from consuming cannabis, especially for therapeutic purposes. Research continues to reveal new ways that cannabis in all its forms can be a potent neuroprotectant with the power to support, not harm, nerves and cells throughout the body and brain.\n\nPhoto credit: [Daniel Hjalmarsson](https://unsplash.com/@artic_studios)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/14b42/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/f836f/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.jpg 200w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/2244e/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.jpg 400w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/14b42/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.jpg 800w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/47498/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/0e329/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/28567/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.jpg 4005w","srcWebp":"/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/58556/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/61e93/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.webp 200w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/1f5c5/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.webp 400w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/58556/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.webp 800w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/99238/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.webp 1200w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/7c22d/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.webp 1600w,\n/static/a996b2bc9c7f8b478297487d7ed4d35c/b3373/c3aa5f36c0ee1fb972bd38651cd64683.webp 4005w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2322-markdown","title":"New Studies Indicate Cannabis Helps With Multiple Sclerosis ","slug":"new-studies-indicate-cannabis-helps-with-multiple-sclerosis","content":"Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a devastating autoimmune disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are wide-ranging based on the person, but they can include spasticity, fatigue, stomach issues, pain, cognitive impairment, emotional changes and more. About 400,000 Americans suffer from MS, and they’re usually prescribed a cocktail of immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids along with other medications for pain, sleep problems and emotional disorders.\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 efficacy of cannabis on symptoms of multiple sclerosis has been widely studied. In 2005, a study was published in the _Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry_ that looked at the efficacy and long-term safety of using cannabis to help patients with MS. The study, which included 630 subjects, compared the effects of oral tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a placebo over a 15-week period.\r\n\r\n[Patients who took the active THC experienced improvements in spasticity](http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/76/12/1664) and saw a decrease in pain. It’s important to note, however, that because the side effects of the THC could be detected, this wasn’t a blind study.\r\n\r\nThat said, researchers did invite participants to continue using THC in a double-blinded follow-up study, which subsequently found that there was some improvement in spasticity symptoms. This, according to researchers, suggests a potential neuroprotective effect with cannabis.\r\n\r\nCannabis is now actively being used in countries outside of the United States to help reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Sativex, which was created by GW Pharmaceuticals based out of the U.K., has helped many people reduce their MS-related symptoms. Sativex, which is made of cannabis extracts, is actively being prescribed in 15 countries and has been approved for use in 12 others. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [CAN CANNABIS HELP AUTOIMMUNE SUFFERERS?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5797aa318536ac0007d35e25/can-cannabis-help-autoimmune-disease-sufferers)\r\n\r\n### Sativex Improves Muscle Stiffness\r\n\r\nSativex was tested in a 2012 study that was published in the _European Journal of Neurology_. The study, which was double-blind and placebo-controlled, was conducted with 144 participants receiving the cannabis extract Sativex and 135 receiving a placebo. The study focused on muscle stiffness: Patients with muscle stiffness symptoms were recorded before and 12 weeks after treatment.\r\n\r\n[Patients who’d received the Sativex experienced a two-fold improvement in muscle stiffness](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22791906) in association with improvements in pain, spasms and sleep quality. These patients also experienced only a few minor side effects. \r\n\r\nThe American Academy of Neurology released A Summary of Evidence Based Guidelines: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in MS that stated, “[Oral cannabis extract and synthetic THC (tetrahydrocannabinol — a major active component of cannabis) are probably effective for reducing patient-reported symptoms spasticity and pain](http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Complementary-Alternative-Medicines/Marijuana), but not MS-related tremor or spasticity measured by tests administered by the physician. For these cannabis derivatives, the most commonly reported side effects were dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and memory disturbance.” \r\n\r\n### Recognizing Cannabis’s Efficacy With Some Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms\r\n\r\nThe American Academy of Neurology guidelines indicate that cannabis can be effective at addressing some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. This is an important step towards gaining recognition from the medical community for cannabis as an effective tool for the treatment of MS.\r\n\r\nContrary to what the Academy says, however, a 2012 clinical trial from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that [MS patients who took THC saw a one-third reduction in spasticity along with a reduction in muscle pain](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/184/10/1143). \r\n\r\nMore studies are being conducted to see how cannabis can help people who suffer from multiple sclerosis. Thorsten Rudroff, a researcher from Colorado State University secured crowdfunding for research on multiple sclerosis and cannabis in 2016. Rudroff set up a study with MS patients already using cannabis in Colorado and compared them to a group of MS patients who weren’t currently using medical cannabis. \r\n\r\nRudroff measured physical ability and monitored muscle activity with the use of PET and CT scans. The first is an observational study that looked at 139 MS patients who used cannabis. The patients featured in the study [experienced fewer signs of neuro-disability and were able to reduce or completely stop using other medications to fight multiple sclerosis](http://source.colostate.edu/csu-researcher-to-study-ms-patients-who-use-medical-marijuana/) when using cannabis. \r\n\r\nThe _Huffington Post_ interviewed Rudroff about his observational study. When asked what the most striking results from the study were, he responded, “Our experience here is that these [patients reported less pain, less muscle spasticity compared to other patients with multiple sclerosis](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cannabis-medical-marijuana-multiple-sclerosis-ms_us_587f95f5e4b0c147f0bc27b4).\r\n\r\nAlso, we looked at some physical functions, and they performed better. These patients were stronger in the legs, they were less fatiguable, and they also showed better balance. These are some of the preliminary findings we’ve had so far, but of course we need more subjects to validate this and to make sure that this is really an effect of cannabis. I have a lot of interactions with these patients, and they have reduced other medications, they have less pain, they are more physically active. It’s very exciting for me.”\r\n\r\nRudroff also believes that most of the benefits that patients are receiving come from cannabidiol (CBD)—CBD doesn’t have the same side effects that can come with consuming THC, such as pyschoactivity. Rudroff hopes that these basic, preliminary studies will help provide him with an opportunity to apply for and receive grants to then conduct a clinical study on the effects of cannabis on patients with multiple sclerosis. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Reduces Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis\r\n\r\nWith all of the evidence, both from formal studies and anecdotal observations, it’s clear that cannabis may truly be able to help people who are suffering from multiple sclerosis. Cannabis can help with many symptoms of MS including pain, sleep deprivation, emotional changes like anxiety and depression, and spasticity.\r\n\r\nCannabis is already providing relief to patients in 15 countries across the world with the help Sativex. That said, MS patients in the United States are still limited to receiving help from cannabis based on what state they reside in. Cannabis may be a major factor in helping MS patients maintain a higher quality of life, one that’s free from a heavy rotation of prescription medications and their harsh side effects. \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/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.   ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/14b42/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/f836f/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.jpg 200w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/2244e/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.jpg 400w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/14b42/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.jpg 800w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/47498/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/54ac5/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/58556/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/61e93/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.webp 200w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/1f5c5/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.webp 400w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/58556/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.webp 800w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/99238/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.webp 1200w,\n/static/a2c968647422b730f6e48dd14f29710e/5e0b8/a0a461e7bf150b89813d2cd2770796d3.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2067-markdown","title":"Could Lyme Disease Patients Find Relief with Medical Marijuana?","slug":"could-lyme-disease-patients-find-relief-with-medical-marijuana","content":"Lyme disease has gained a lot of attention in the media lately. Reality TV star and former model Yolanda Foster has publicly shared her battle with Lyme disease on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills tv show, garnering reactions ranging from theories of delusion to an outpouring of support. Avril Lavigne also shared her journey with Lyme disease with the public, expressing she was bedridden for months and thought she was near death. This May, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger’s daughter, Allie, released a book describing her perilous journey with the disease, which even included being committed to a mental institution because of complications Lyme disease caused, even prior to her diagnosis. Yet behind all of the buzz and big names, there are many people who suffer from Lyme disease across the world and cannabis could be a helpful component in their journey towards getting healthy. \n\n### What Is Lyme Disease?\n\nLyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease according to the Center for Disease Control. Roughly 329,000 new patients are diagnosed with [Lyme disease](http://www.bayarealyme.org/about-lyme/lyme-disease-facts-statistics/) in the United States each year, compared to only 50,000 new cases of HIV/AIDs. Lyme disease has been found in all 50 states and more than 65 countries in the world, making it a global issue. Lyme disease is controversial, the CDC claims that all cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 30 day regime of antibiotics, but that track of treatment has left many sufferers with severe relapses in symptoms, especially if they went preliminarily undiagnosed for a long period of time. Since many patients do not find a tick on themselves, or the rash traditionally associated with Lyme disease, and the current mainstream tests miss up to 60% of cases, Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, or other similar conditions. \n\nSymptoms for Lyme disease can vary greatly based on the person affected. The tell-tale symptoms, however, include flu-like symptoms, migraines, joint pain, and neurological problems. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal problems, severe fatigue, and inflammation throughout the body. Lyme disease can be tricky to target if the bacteria has been in the patient a long time without recognition. Some patients end up needing months to years of IV antibiotics and a regime of herbal supplements to rebuild the bodies immune function. \n\n### How Can Cannabis Help?\n\nDr. Ernie Murakami of British Colombia’s Center for Lyme Research [believes](https://www.medicaljane.com/2015/05/22/doctor-believes-cannabidiol-paste-could-be-a-potential-cure-for-lyme-disease/) that CBD could greatly help Lyme patients. Dr. Murakami has found success while using CBD against live spirochetes, a type of bacteria, and believes it has potential for helping kill Lyme bacteria. After Dr. Murakami presented his findings in October of 2014, a university in the United States has picked up the research and is investigating into these ideas further. \n\nA new [book](https://www.lymedisease.org/book-review-cannabis-for-lyme-disease-and-related-conditions/) released in 2015 provided a wealth of knowledge, and anecdotal evidence, on how marijuana could help patients with Lyme disease. Shelley M. White wrote 'Cannabis for Lyme Disease and Related Conditions' after her battle with Lyme disease. White personally used cannabis during her treatment process and said that, “Cannabis oil greatly reduced the severity of my symptom picture and improved my quality of life while going through Lyme treatment,”. The book also includes first hand accounts of other Lyme patients who successfully used cannabis to help them during their treatment. \n\nMany Lyme disease sufferers may be able to find an improved quality of life during their treatment by using cannabis. Many of Lyme diseases’ primary symptoms can be aided by the use of cannabis. Many Lyme suffers experience severe chronic pain throughout their body, primarily in joints. Cannabis is known to reduce pain, working on the cannabinoid receptors in the body to reduce inflammation. Many Lyme patients also have problems with their digestion, either due to the Lyme disease itself or all of the antibiotics needed during the treatment process. Cannabis has long been used to help patients with gastrointestinal problems and can also stimulate appetite in patients who have trouble eating. It is believed that Lyme patients may also experience some problems similar to autoimmune diseases, where the body has trouble differentiating between the foreign invaders, in this case Lyme bacteria, and its own internal workings. It is [believed](http://www.honeycolony.com/article/%EF%BB%BF5-autoimmune-disorders-met-their-match/) that CBD can help improve the immune system, allowing the body to better recognize between foreign entities and itself. \n\nCannabis could be a useful support for patients getting treatment for Lyme disease. Though there are currently very few studies that look at the connection between Lyme disease and medical marijuana, the anecdotal evidence is very positive. Many of the individual symptoms of Lyme have also been successfully eased by cannabis. Medical marijuana may be just the boost that Lyme patients need to help them work to conquer the disease. \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/31031835@N08/6368335425/in/photolist-aGKofD-7L89E6-bGakZP-jKr5VT-CCnws-q2KALd-9AuwzL-2Zs4M-95DWgv-8zMM1b-eeviZh-5D2eAv-5tNaYL-9GNbDz-5UW3UM-qRJPLj-6sWmhN-5tHN1n-e79dzz-7L89v2-3rPew-7KrcCR-6oSa18-79i5qJ-rzSHvv-7Krckr-7L8b22-pGYE13-6XMp7e-7L8bbR-cJ1Qxh-hpviGL-7Lc95L-8ZFnQV-7L8b7g-9cTHxT-egPwig-q7hirx-eVLAke-q4mPTr-dAq6dr-58CPm4-jBYsvd-3oPHeT-4wYwYW-9pFWt1-bAyyGm-psTHjp-9Tb1re-butkCK)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4184397163120568,"src":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/ee604/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png","srcSet":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/69585/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 200w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/497c6/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 400w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/ee604/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 800w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/463a8/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 809w","srcWebp":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/58556/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/61e93/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 200w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/1f5c5/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 400w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/58556/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 800w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/899ae/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 809w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1982-markdown","title":"Medicinal Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis. Does it Work?","slug":"medicinal-cannabis-for-multiple-sclerosis-does-it-work","content":"\n[Multiple\nsclerosis](http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/multiple-sclerosis) (MS) is\na complex disease that is thought to arise when the immune system\nmalfunctions and attacks the nervous system. Estimates suggest that\naround 200 people are in the U.S. are diagnosed with the condition each\nweek, with women affected twice as often as men.\n\nPeople with\n[MS](http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm)\nexperience symptoms that can range in severity and duration. One of the\nmost common symptoms of MS is\n[spasticity](http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Spasticity),\nwhich causes painful, uncontrollable muscle spasms. Spasticity can\naffect any part of the body, but it occurs most often in the legs. Other\nsymptoms of MS include clumsiness, vision problems, tingling or numbness\nin the limbs, weak muscles and bladder control problems. Often, people\nwith MS have periods when they experience symptoms, called attacks,\nfollowed by periods without symptoms, called remission.\n\nConventional Therapies Cause Adverse Effects\n--------------------------------------------\n\nThere is no known cure for MS, but a combination of treatments can help\nmanage the disease. Treatment of MS has two aspects: immunomodulatory\ntherapy (IMT), which reduces the frequency of attacks and slows the\nprogression of the disease, and therapies to relieve symptoms.\nConventional treatments for MS often put patients at risk for a variety\nof side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea and\ndiarrhea. Thus, the need for new treatments that relieve the symptoms of\nthe disease with fewer side effects is clear.\n\nCannabis Offers Effective Relief From MS Symptoms\n-------------------------------------------------\n\nNumerous studies have revealed the benefits of medicinal cannabis, or\nmarijuana, for alleviating multiple MS symptoms. In 2003, [Zajicek et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14615106) conducted one of the\nlargest studies investigating the effect of medicinal cannabis on\npatients with the disease. The results revealed self-reported\nimprovements in pain, spasms, spasticity and sleep quality in\nparticipants who used whole-plant cannabis-based medicine (CBM) extracts\nor tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A study by [Collin et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17355549) in 2007 supported the\nfindings of Zajicek et al. In a trial of CBM for the treatment of\nspasticity caused by MS, researchers found that participants who used\nCBM recorded significantly improved scores on the Numerical Rating\nScale, an 11-point scale for self-reporting of spasticity. Additionally,\nresearch by\n[Corey-Bloom](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2012/05/14/cmaj.110837)\nof the University of California, San Diego revealed a significant\nreduction in spasticity in participants who were already on medication\nfor MS and who smoked cannabis once daily for three days during the\ntrial.\n\nMultiple studies have also shown the efficacy of medicinal cannabis in\ntreating [neuropathic\npain](http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/16/vaporizing-cannabis-is-an-effective-treatment-for-neuropathic-pain/),\nthe [most\ncommon](http://www.ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms/a/pain_overview.htm)\ntype of pain experienced by people with MS. A\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566631/) conducted\nby researchers at the University of California, Davis between 2009 and\n2011 revealed that vaporized cannabis significantly reduced neuropathic\npain in people with MS, without affecting mood. The majority of the\nparticipants in the study were experiencing neuropathic pain despite\ntraditional therapy. Research by [Wade et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12617376) in 2013 produced\nsimilar findings to those of the University of California study. In a\nstudy of 24 patients with neurogenic symptoms unresponsive to standard\ntreatments, Wade et al. found that whole-plant cannabis extracts\nprovided significantly superior pain relief compared with placebo.\nAdditionally, the results of research by [Wilsey et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18403272) in 2008 and [Ware et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950205/) in 2010\ncontribute to mounting evidence that cannabis may be effective at\nrelieving neuropathic pain and may be an alternative for people who do\nnot respond to, or cannot tolerate, conventional therapies.\n\nMedicinal Cannabis as Treatment of MS, Not Just the Symptoms\n------------------------------------------------------------\n\nA review by [Pertwee et\nal.](http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12035-007-0005-2#/page-1)\nin 2007 found evidence to suggest that medicinal cannabis may be useful\nbeyond symptom control in people with MS. The chemicals, or\ncannabinoids, in medicinal cannabis are structurally similar to\nendogenous\ncannabinoids,\nwhich are naturally occurring chemicals that help to regulate nerve\nimpulse transmission. Because of this similarity, it is hypothesized\nthat they can attach themselves to molecules called CB2 cannabinoid\nreceptors on immune cells within the nervous system and activate them,\ndecreasing inflammation and suppressing some of the changes that give\nrise to the progression of MS. Research by [Ben-Shabat et\nal.](https://www.weizmann.ac.il/neurobiology/labs/vogel/PDFs/98EJP353-23.pdf)\nin 1998 revealed that cannabinoids may work more effectively in\ncombination than alone: an observation termed the [entourage\neffect](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x/pdf).\nThus, whole-plant CBM may relieve the symptoms of MS better than a\nmedicine containing only one or two cannabinoids.\n\nEvidence for Cannabis's Safety and Efficacy Grows\n-------------------------------------------------\n\nGiven its high efficacy and low risk of adverse effects, whole-plant CBM\nmay be an effective add-on treatment for people with MS; however,\nfederal law still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no\nmedicinal benefit. As a result, many people with MS are being denied\naccess to a potentially life-changing therapy. Proponents of medicinal\ncannabis are campaigning for a change to federal law so that the\nthousands of Americans who live with MS can have safe, legal access to\nmedical marijuana under a physician's guidance. Many high-profile\nnational and international health organizations, including the Montel\nWilliams MS Foundation and the American Academy of Family Physicians,\nsupport the outright legalization of medicinal cannabis. Legalization\nwould enable people with MS to use cannabis to manage their symptoms\nmore effectively and perhaps even delay progression of the disease,\nwithout fearing the potential legal repercussions.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/38068250@N08/6956654569)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/14b42/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/f836f/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 200w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/2244e/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 400w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/14b42/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 800w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/47498/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/58556/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/61e93/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 200w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/1f5c5/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 400w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/58556/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 800w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/99238/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2001-markdown","title":"Introducing Sava: a Premier Online Marketplace for Artisanal Cannabis Goods","slug":"introducing-sava-a-premier-online-marketplace-for-artisanal-cannabis-goods","content":"I met Andrea Brooks, Founder of the newly launched [Sava](http://getsava.com/), at Chow a popular eatery in San Francisco’s Castro District. She was busy towards the back of the restaurant on her Apple Workbook, tapping away, adding some finishing touches to her newly released online retail site. Sava is a new player in the world of cannabis and is a breath of fresh air in a marketplace awash in bud, oh and more bud.\r\n\r\nIn Andrea’s words [Sava](http://getsava.com/) is “like Etsy, only more curatorial in its approach. We find best of breed in smaller, artisanal brands and help bring them to the fore.  Our brands highlight the best and the brightest in lesser-known harder to find cannabis brands. When we select products, we choose them based on what  we would  use ourselves, products we could really get behind and are excited about. Like Etsy, we allow our producers to set up a shop and highlight their products in a way that best suits their style.”\r\n\r\nI was happy to spend time with Andrea to better understand [Sava](http://getsava.com/) and her business model as I am often stumped as to what to purchase in a traditional dispensary. After looking at the initial line up of shops within Sava, I became even more excited by her concept. Storefront dispensaries often carry the same brands and products and most, across the board, are very high in THC. Also, many will only exclusively carry flowers (bud, weed, the green stuff) and not even venture into other product types, such as tinctures and topicals. Andrea’s curatorial approach has the potential for a home run. It certainly hit the sweet spot for me; an active Mom who is not looking to smoke a big joint, but would rather soak in some CBD Epsom salts or take it down a notch with some flavorful THC laced jam on toast. Oh, yum!\r\n\r\n**You compare [Sava](http://getsava.com/) to Etsy, how is Sava like Etsy and how does it differ?**\r\n\r\nOne of the aspects I love about Etsy is that you can learn about who is making your product - it’s a lovely personal touch.  Even more so than something like jewelry or a furnishing, I want to know where my medicine comes from.  Why has the provider chosen to pursue this path?  What inspired them?  What is their method of making their product?  [Sava](http://getsava.com/) is like Etsy in that we showcase our providers and make them accessible to patients. It helps to de-stigmatize the products and cannabis in general.  When I was injured and turned to medical cannabis for help, I was lucky enough to have someone  guide me.  I would now like to guide others in a transparent and informative way. \r\n\r\nHowever, we do differ from Etsy. At [Sava](http://getsava.com/), we carefully curate  providers we showcase and allow on the site.  We do significant research to learn about their sourcing and process.  We want high quality products, produced by people that are passionate about building their brands and helping others.  In addition, we are also launching new producers and providing them access into the industry.\r\n\r\n**What are the types of products and brands you highlight within your Sava shops and how do you curate the selection?**\r\n\r\nI’m a fan of the whole plant and all its uses, but I’m a particularly fond of topicals, tinctures and edibles. It’s important to us to highlight the ways these types of products can have medicinal benefit.  When I reach out to new folks to discuss [Sava](http://getsava.com/), and I show them the types of products that I am offering, more often than not I hear “I’ve never seen that before!” or “ I didn’t know that existed!”   This feedback comes from people  who regularly shop at  dispensaries and they haven’t been exposed to artisanal 'cannabis makers' and this needs to change.  There are so many amazing medicinal uses to discover, from medicated epsom salts to expertly crafted high CBD tinctures to THC-rich shea butter creams to small-batch infused jam.   I use topicals, tinctures and edibles to help with my own pain and inflammation.  A significant group of our sellers provide products that address common ailments, as well as a beautiful end product. \r\n\r\n**What challenges do artisanal product manufacturers face in the cannabis world today?**\r\n\r\nArtisanal producers in this industry face many of the same challenges they do in other industries - it can be very expensive and time-consuming to produce a high-quality product.   Assuming one can manage the ups and downs of product development, the next step is getting the product to market.  It can be a long journey. If you don’t have the right connections, especially in the cannabis industry, the journey gets longer. I’ve spoken with many women within the industry about the challenges of getting into a dispensary; it was one of the inspirations for Sava.  The whims of a dispensary owner can keep an amazing product off a shelf.  As such, new channels need to be created.\r\n\r\nHowever, it’s all about finding the right partnerships.  I’m active in the [Bay Area Women Grow](http://womengrow.com/) chapter and have met so many incredible women through that group, many of whom I developed a working relationship with.  I feel very lucky to have these resources available to help create a primary goal of Sava: to  create a space that is dedicated to providing  products  to women. \r\n \r\n**I imagine that smaller product manufacturers are excited to gain exposure on your site. What has the response been like?**\r\n\r\nYes!  I find that as excited I am to have them, they are equally excited to be showcased in a new environment.   I want to support them as much as possible, from periodically highlighting different shops to helping owners write blog pieces on their areas of expertise.   I’ve found that  everyone has a special story that lead them to enter this industry.  For example, team Strictly Topical , which makes Sweet Releaf - a trichome infused body butter.  The daughter in the mother-and-daughter team suffered a car accident which left her with severe chronic pain.  It’s a moving story  - and Sweet Releaf is amazing! Additionally, some of the smaller producers will be able to scale over time.  We are happy to help them along the way and provide necessary support as they expand.\r\n\r\n**What products are you most excited to use yourself?**\r\n\r\nOh wow - that is hard to choose!  So many exciting options!   I am also a fan of both THC and CBD, so I’m making sure I have products that are rich in both.  \r\nI’ve had a few friends recently that have pulled me aside and said “What’s this new CBD strain I keep hearing about?”  Well, as we know,  it’s not new and it’s not a strain. But with the creative products Sava is offering, there will be many new experiences to be had.\r\n\r\nAlong the lines of CBD, I can’t wait to try the CBD Raw Sipping Cacao from Om Edibles.  Not only does it have all the antioxidants of this superfood, all the benefits of CBD as well.  I’m anticipating this beverage being my constant companion as we move into the winter.  And Flour Child, which makes amazing THC-rich edibles, has a Lavender-Mint scented CBD-rich relief balm. I’ll probably be using that on my hands when I’m done sipping the cacao!\r\n\r\n**Today's cannabis user is no longer seen as the stoner who cannot get off the couch. Who do you see as your target market and what demographic do you most hope to reach?** \r\n\r\nThat is so true re: the stereotypical stoner!  There is still a stigma to overcome - and I’m happy to be part of dismantling it.  De-stigmatization is incredibly important as it helps connect patients with medicine that can help them.  Doing this work, I meet so many people.  The more I get out and talk with people, the more I’m amazed at how many people are turning to cannabis as a new, viable remedy for what ails them.  The same way I did.  \r\n\r\nI see my target market as women over 30 who have already explored alternative health and wellness options. They have likely tried medical cannabis - or maybe they’ve been thinking about it and they are ready to take the plunge.  These are women that want to continue to explore new alternatives to pain management, auto-immune challenges and dealing with PMS.  This is who we are here to help. In my previous life I worked in animal welfare and senior care - so those two populations are incredibly important to me as well.\r\n\r\n**What inspired you to start [Sava](http://getsava.com/)?**\r\n\r\nMy inspiration to start [Sava](http://getsava.com/) is very personal.  A few years ago, I suffered a disabling injury that left me with systemic nerve damage.  I went from serving on a SF city commission, the board of a local animal rescue group and working as a program director & case manager in the field of fair housing to becoming completely disabled within a very short period of time.  The pain was unbearable and I lost my independence, becoming bed-bound for nearly a year.  My doctors gave me drugs and more drugs - some of which helped with the pain, but none of which had a healing effect.  And then came the side-effects.  It felt as if I was watching my life take a long, slow spiral downward, punctuated by doctors telling me different things I would never be able to do or regain, such as the full usage of my right side. One day, a friend brought me a strain he thought would help and also made me a tincture.   It was a dramatic turning point in my recovery.    I was able to manage my pain without the side effects and my mood improved dramatically.  I was able to wean off all the prescription drugs, move and stretch, do the physical exercise I needed to help heal myself. \r\n\r\nAs I continued in my healing journey, I tried more uses of medical cannabis.  But I couldn’t find everything that I wanted in one place, and I often needed to have my medicine delivered as it was hard for me to get around.  I also couldn’t find out the level of information I desired.  So, with Sava I’m creating what I wished existed for me:  a comfortable, safe shopping experience with the female customer in mind.\r\n\r\n**Can anyone order from your site? How do people receive their orders?**\r\n\r\nYes, you need to have a California medical card, and you need to be the legal age to purchase  - just like purchasing any other medical cannabis products.  For many that shop at [Sava](http://getsava.com/), this will likely be the first time that they want to get a card.  As such, we’ve kept it as smooth and simple as a shopping experience as possible.  There are shop information pages where you can read about the collective, their methods and background - or you can also go straight to where all the products are listed and search by what you are looking for or what condition you want help with.   Every product states the full ingredients and guidance on use.  Once you select what you want and proceed through checkout, your items will arrive safely the next day!\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/ee604/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png","srcSet":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/69585/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/497c6/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 400w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/ee604/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 800w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/f3583/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 1200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/f90fa/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/58556/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/61e93/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/1f5c5/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 400w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/58556/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 800w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/99238/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 1200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/5e0b8/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2008-markdown","title":"Get Started with Cannabis: A Comprehensive Overview of Medical Marijuana","slug":"get-started-with-cannabis-a-comprehensive-overview-of-medical-marijuana","content":" You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and try medical cannabis. Perhaps you’ve received your [medical marijuana recommendation](www.hellomd.com),  but are wondering “Now what?” Patients are often confused and many do not know where to start. \n\nWe recently chatted with Brant Hindman, resident Patient Guide with [Herba Buena](http://herbabuena.com/), regarding his advice for new cannabis patients. Herba Buena is a California medical cannabis collective which \"creates artisan-crafted products for solution-based medicine\". [Brant and founder Alicia Rose](http://herbabuena.com/our-story/) interact with patients through their monthly [Social Clubs](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/) where members receive personalized consultations in a group setting. Social clubs allow for a tasting experience of Herba Buena's product line so each person finds the medicinal marijuana that is right for them. \n\nWe always suggest speaking to your doctor or a trusted advisor at a reputable dispensary or collective before ingesting medicinal marijuana for the first time. Below is some advice on how to obtain the right medical marijuana for you.\n\n**Find a Reputable Dispensary**\n\nIt's important to start with a reputable and knowledgeable dispensary. A reputable dispensary will do lab testing, which is important in the largely unregulated cannabis marketplace. Lab testing will check for pesticides, molds, fungus, and Ecoli among other substances that may negatively impact your health.\n\nA knowledgeable dispensary will also have people on staff capable of giving good advice. Brant says:\n\n>“In my experience, I do not believe that most people who advise in dispensaries take the time to really listen and give personalized advice to the patients who walk through the door. Finding the right dispensary should be like finding a trusted advisor. Call around, ask your friends, see who you get a good feeling from before you go in.  Go to the place that is going to take the time to listen to your questions and give you good answers that’s personalized to your specific needs. It’s also important to find a dispensary that carries a wide variety of medicinal marijuana, as not everyone can or wants to smoke to receive the effects of this amazing plant.”\n\n**Communicate Your Medical History & Symptoms**\n\nOnce you find the right dispensary, it’s important to clearly communicate your medical history (if necessary) and define the symptoms you are trying to treat. Are you looking for something to help with chronic pain, an anti-inflammatory or are you struggling with insomnia? If you have cancer are you trying to quell nausea or trying to eat more?\n\nTalk with a reputable ‘bud master’, the patient advisor within a dispensary, or doctor if available. A good advisor should be able to recommend an appropriate medicinal marijuana product for your condition. On this point, Brant says:\n\n>“When a new patient comes to us, we want understand symptoms they are experiencing, and what exactly they are trying to treat. We like to know as much as we can about their unique personal circumstance. How sensitive is their endocannabinoid system?  Have they had any bad experiences with medicinal marijuana before? What are their preferred or prescriptive methods of ingesting cannabis? We need to understand their medical history, as well as their symptoms, so the recommendations that are made are a pairing of both the most recent scientific research and the best organic medicine that can be found/created.” \n\n**Your Reaction to Cannabis is Unique**\n\nPeople respond to cannabis in different ways. Some people are more sensitive to THC, the psychoactive component within cannabis. Other people are less sensitive and can tolerate larger doses.  Before selecting a medicine, it is important to think about whether you are comfortable with the ‘high’ you may feel with a medicine that is THC-heavy. Some people prefer to ingest products that have zero psycho-activity.\n\n>“As an advisor, I strive to understand what experience the patient may be comfortable with. We always suggest that people new to marijuana start with an elixir (sublingual tincture) and then perhaps later they can move to a vaporizer, which is going to deliver more of a punch. We know that everyone has different sensitivity to cannabis and how his or her unique system reacts with cannabis will be different to the next person. The molecules from cannabis work differently in each person’s brain, so the result is not always consistent from person to person.”\n\n**Understand Cannabinoids and Their Effect** \n\nCannabinoids are what make the cannabis plant so unique. The two most prevalent cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC and CBD. THC is what makes marijuana psychoactive. CBD (cannabidiol) has been found to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and it is not psychoactive. There are upwards of 100 cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, but CBD and THC are the biggest stars. \n\nWhat’s interesting about cannabinoids is that they all work together to provide a synergistic effect within the body’s endocannibinoid system.  Cannabinoids work together to create stability and optimal health within our body. Some refer to cannabis as an adaptagenic medicine due to its ability to balance the body’s internal system. \n\nWhen you ingest cannabinoids they travel through the body and end up in your brain, binding to one or both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Depending on which receptor the cannabinoid prefers, it will alter the kind of relief you may feel. Both CBD and THC work together to create a balanced system, in conjunction with the myriad of other cannabinoids. This is what is referred to as the ‘entourage’ effect, meaning that the different cannabinoids work together to produce an overall effect.\n\nDepending on your symptoms, you may want more THC or more CBD. To this point, Brant commented:\n\n>“If someone has cancer they may want to have a medicine that is higher in THC. There are studies that show [THC can target some types of cancerous tumors](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f4574a3366380006540000/government-cancer-study-shows-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells). It is also a well known treatment for the nausea associated with chemotherapy.  [CBD is also being used as a treatment for some types of cancer](https://www.projectcbd.org/cancer) due to its ability to attach to cancer cells, causing them to destroy themselves. Ultimately, finding the right forms and ratios of CBD to THC is important in the treatment of your condition.  \n\n>If a person has insomnia, they may think about a higher THC ratio. Personally, I’d recommend a product such as our low dosed [‘Lullaby’](http://herbabuena.com/product/lullaby-nighttime-cannabis-elixir/) which  is functionally dosed to be effective, yet does not leave any hangover effects the next day.  CBD, is just a wonder drug.  It can drastically reduce the amount of seizures people with epilepsy experience. CBD helps people from a pain and inflammation standpoint, people with arthritis and fibromyalgia and anecdotally, it has even shown promise as a treatment for some skin cancers as well.” \n\n**Look at Ratio of CBD to THC – It Matters**\n\nCBD is non-psychoactive and THC is psychoactive, and almost all products are a combination of these cannabinoids. Flowers or strains, will always display a percentage of THC to CBD. For the most part, dispensaries almost exclusively sell flowers that are THC-heavy. Other medicinal products such as tinctures, drinks and edibles will present products with a ratio in milligrams of THC to CBD. \n\nIf you are looking for a non-psychoactive product you will look for a high ratio of CBD to THC. Conversely, if you are OK with psycho-activity you will seek a product that either has an equal ratio or one where the THC is higher than the CBD. Brant commented: \n>“Sometimes people can feel anxious or paranoid with too much THC. CBD counteracts and is an antidote to THC. It does not lower the level of THC in your body but the THC becomes less impactful as a psychoactive. The CBD can actually ground you and your nervous system. Understanding the ratio of THC to CBD in your product will help you better understand the overall effect you may experience with the cannabis you ingest.”\n\n**You Don’t Need to Smoke Your Medicine-Necessarily**\n\nBrant says “People are often shocked that they don’t need to smoke flowers in order to imbibe with their medicine. [There is an enormous amount of choice](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7e6426264330006310000/methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana) in the market today and all kinds of products a patient can choose from.” Among the myriad of choices are edibles-both food and drink, tinctures, sublingual (under the tongue) sprays, pills, topicals, among others. Some forms of medical cannabis are faster acting, such as smoking and sublinguals. [Edibles](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f44cbb33663800064d0000/essentials-about-edibles-that-you-need-to-know) can take as long as an hour to take effect, but can also last longer, sometimes up to 3-6 hours. When considering different types of medicine, consider that not all dispensaries offer a wide choice of products. In fact many dispensaries will only offer flowers (bud) for sale.\n\n**Microdose Your Medicine**\n\nBrant says his approach to dosage, is always to proceed with caution in the beginning. “At Herba Buena we are very big on micro dosing, or taking small doses at first until you find the right dosage for you.” As every person reacts differently to both CBD and THC, it is wise to start with a smaller amount and slowly ramp up to larger dosages. Brant says:\n\n>“Over time, finding your tolerance to THC is very important. When you start with a new product, start small. If it is a vaporizer, take a tiny puff and wait 15 minutes. Taking a one second puff is radically different from taking three or four puffs. If you are new to cannabis, you may suddenly find that you are extremely uncomfortable for a good stretch of time. It’s important to know what effect you ultimately want. We always suggest that first time users start with our elixirs (tinctures) as they have very small amounts of THC, so a person can work up from there.”\n\nAlthough cannabis products often come with recommended dosages, it is highly dependent on the person as well as that particular batch of medicine. The percentage of THC and CBD can vary from strain to strain, crop to crop and batch to batch. Lab testing has shown that not all products are accurately labeled. In addition, the FDA does not currently regulate cannabis products. Brant gives the following advice:\n\n>“Edibles are a great example of where microdosing is imperative.  A typical dose may be 85 mg but often a person will not tolerate more than 10mg. It can take up to an hour for an edible to take effect so often people will eat too much of a chocolate bar for instance, and then feel terrible for a 3 to 6 hour time period. Read the label, use caution and start small.”\n\n**Organic vs. Industrial Farming**\n\nAccording to Brant, it is important to know how your cannabis is grown. He says:\n\n>“Outdoor, organic farming creates a full flower medicine, which also equals healthier medicinal marijuana overall. The stars and the soil and the air are integrated systems, which help in the creation of that superior medicine. This is opposed to an industrial setting in an artificial environment, artificial lighting and hydroponics. Ultimately, this is a laboratory creation made on top of concrete.”\n\nThere is no doubt that non-organic, industrial farming sometimes relies on the use of pesticides and other dubious chemicals to produce larger more visually appealing buds. Brant says:\n\n>“Often non-organic flowers sell better because they actually look better. It is analogous to a body building competition. Before the competition the body builder will use more steroids, spray tan and artificially pump themselves up before going on display. This is the same with cannabis flowers for sale. We live in the age of Frankin-Weed. All of this can be avoided, by finding the right collective to join and trusted advisors to guide you along your way.” \n\n**Do Your Homework**\n\nIn summary, doing your homework and proceeding with caution will most likely result in finding the best medicinal marijuana for you.  Seek out a trusted advisor, whether that is your primary care doctor, a medical cannabis doctor, a naturopath or a reputable dispensary with a knowledgeable bud master. Taking the time to find the right medicinal marijuana for your symptoms can often give excellent results and be a pleasurable rather than confusing experience.\n\nIf you are interested in attending one of [Herba Buena’s Social Club](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/) events in the San Francisco Bay Area, [become a member](http://herbabuena.com/the-collective/membership-application/) of the collective. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/ee604/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png","srcSet":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/69585/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/497c6/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 400w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/ee604/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 800w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/f3583/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 1200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/f90fa/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/58556/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/61e93/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/1f5c5/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 400w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/58556/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 800w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/99238/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 1200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/5e0b8/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1912-markdown","title":"Top 14 Marijuana Strains for Different Kinds of Pain","slug":"top-14-marijuana-strains-for-different-kinds-of-pain","content":"Two studies paint a grim picture of the American landscape when it comes to pain and pain management. \n\nAccording to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, approximately [100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain](http://www.nap.edu/read/13172/chapter/2), defined as pain that lasts for weeks or months. Often this is due to an underlying medical issue such as inflammation, migraines, fibromyalgia or spinal injury, to name a few.\n\nMeanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control report that between 2001 and 2003, there was a [three-fold increase in the total number of deaths from opioid overdose](http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates), often prescribed as pain relievers. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Clinical Trials Show Marijuana Reduces Intensity of Pain\n\nThe good news is that an increasing number of medical organizations acknowledge the benefits of medical marijuana for pain management. \n\n* A 2011 UCSF study led by Dr. Donald Abrams observed the effect of cannabis when combined with certain opiates  and found that [after being exposed to vaporized cannabis for four days, participants reported increased pain relief](http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2011/12/11077/ucsf-study-finds-medical-marijuana-could-help-patients-reduce-pain-opiates) even though morphine levels in the bloodstream decreased, while oxycodone levels remained unchanged.\n* In a study conducted by Dr. Kevin Hill from Harvard Medical School, six trials suggested that [medical marijuana was an effective pain reliever](http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2338266) on patients suffering from chronic pain, neuropathic pain and multiple sclerosis. \n* In his study at the McGill University Health Centre and published by the _Canadian Medical Association Journal_, Mark Ware found that [an inhalation of 25 mg\nof medical cannabis with 9.5% THC helped reduce the intensity of pain](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/182/14/E694.abstract) over four years for patients suffering from non-cancer pain. \n\n### So Which Type of Marijuana Is Best for Pain Relief? \n\nGenerally, cannabis strains with high percentages of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are most effective at pain relief. \n\n![Blueberry Kush](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-e182ab45-d6e7-4f4a-bed1-147a7b35724f/original.jpg)\n**Blueberry Kush**\n\nBlueberry Kush is a hybrid strain that features a blueberry aroma and dark green buds and has been widely used as part of a pain management regimen. \n\n![White Widow](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-28da2679-f8ef-49d5-926d-eb8f5458d08f/original.jpg)\n**White Widow**\n\nAnother strain that's been getting attention when it comes to generalized pain is the Auto White Widow. The strain is also helpful for those suffering from insomnia and depression.\n\n### Try Grand Daddy Purple or Blue Dream for Migraines\n\n![Grand Daddy Purple](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-fbc47669-a0e9-4095-8ff8-82ecfa007120/original.jpg)\n**Grand Daddy Purple**\n\nTo treat migraines, Grand Daddy Purple is an indica strain that delivers cerebral euphoria to relieve headaches. \n\n![Blue Dream](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-2fa7b263-e137-45a2-8621-de65ffb6fb38/original.jpg)\n**Blue Dream**\n\nSimilarly, many migraine sufferers swear by the pain-relieving properties of Blue Dream. This hybrid strain can ease the user into cerebral invigoration and body relaxation.\n\n### Master Kush & AK-47 Help Treat Arthritis\n\n![Master Kush](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-72472879-c2b4-4d8e-868d-99656083af9e/original.jpg)\n**Master Kush**\n\nMaster Kush has been doing wonders for patients suffering from arthritic pain. This strain provides a visual high before gradually providing full-body relaxation.\n \n![AK-47](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-6fee646a-f238-47c4-856b-45a418d93619/original.jpg)\n**AK-47**\n\nAlso used for arthritis, AK-47 is a popular strain with a high THC content. This sativa-dominant strain provides alertness along\nwith pain relief. \n\n### Combat Menstrual Cramps With Acapulco Gold or Alaskan Ice\n\n![Acapulco Gold](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-39afbcc3-79a3-410e-955b-d79e029627e0/original.jpg)\n**Acapulco Gold**\n\nAcapulco Gold is widely used by women suffering from menstrual cramps. This plant, whose buds resemble gold, has a 23% THC content.\n\n![Alaskan Ice](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-ab1c3bf3-b63b-4795-a5dc-09cbbf7c946e/original.jpg)\n**Alaskan Ice**\n\nAlaskan Ice is another option to consider when it comes to relieving the pain associated with menstrual cramps, as this potent sativa strain provides a euphoric high.\n\n### Critical Mass & Ace of Spades Help With Fibromyalgia\n\n![Critical Mass](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-99c1c352-0594-4ef2-8749-7db2562ad7fe/original.jpg)\n**Critical Mass**\n\nCritical Mass is a combination of Skunk #1 and Afghani strains and has a THC level of 19-22%, making it a good choice for treating fibromyalgia pain. \n\n![Ace of Spades](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-e89e3e9c-96d2-4500-a95d-e7a901c5659a/original.jpg)\n**Ace of Spades**\n\nAce of Spades is another strain to consider using for a wide range of medical symptoms and conditions including fibromyalgia\npain.\n\n### Spinal Injury Sufferers Should Try Purple Haze or Khalifa Kush\n\n![Purple Haze](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-49c3df0c-19a9-43da-964a-368070739a51/original.jpg)\n**Purple Haze**\n\nPatients suffering from spinal injury will like the euphoria-inducing effect of Purple Haze. This purplish plant has green and orange undertones with an earthy smell. \n\n![Khalifa Kush](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-3ae5c67f-6637-4f76-b869-aa498f5855f8/original.jpg)\n**Khalifa Kush**\n\nKhalifa Kush is also a good option for those who want to be up and running all throughout the day, as it provides an energy boost. This medical cannabis also leaves the patient with distinct cerebral buzz to help alleviate the pain.\n\n### Start With Mendo Purps & Bhang Skywalker OG if You Have MS\n\n![Mendo Purps](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-284f313d-9e74-4f81-ba40-34906bfde07f/original.jpg)\n**Mendo Purps**\n\nMendo Purps is an indica-dominant cannabis strain used to treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It can also help relieve muscle spasms and fatigue. \n\n![Bhang Skywalker OG](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-562150d03232620006450000-efe04a89-3972-462b-9ba1-0c2e8abd7e57/original.jpg)\n**Bhang Skywalker OG**\n\nIf you’re new to medical marijuana and want the therapeutic effects of the plant, you can\nalso try Bhang Skywalker OG, a strain with coconut oil that's infused with 25-35% THC, making it a strong sedative and a popular pain reliever.\n\nA growing body of scientific data now backs up the anecdotal evidence that medical marijuana relieves pain, helps folks stay focused and improves their overall quality of life. It may\nalso be an important weapon in the fight against opioid addiction. The key is finding the right strain to combat your pain so that you can live your best life—pain free.\n\n[Main Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/16210667@N02/9048590552/in/photolist-eMAoHW-bMntm-pQK2Ky-6J712H-8GpStT-9ZfBdP-8YgykV-jKBJtD-cq5vN7-eQ8SWp-7zF9jE-obwhvp-qYjA-3fCcUW-83KDDP-aLLLFc-nmqGR2-b5c3wM-6aMj5E-gH5cK4-gH59cn-pEU9mf-qhCRBQ-5YLeJp-62gr3v-aihCSC-9542b3-4tQDV1-aihCUy-9vCsAM-9EAdyE-ftq9RZ-TtxC2-dx6zu6-gjQqwC-m1HWCQ-95oQHQ-eDFDHf-9Pr2c7-ayqLuo-8Z4Ze9-rZERyb-83NLT9-83KExK-5J6NHw-5p4bNo-69hHvm-69dwor-NUCJL-7Cycuq)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQBAgMF/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABS3tByR0P/8QAGRAAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRAxMx/9oACAEBAAEFAsBMllcRyOar6+Nb/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPwE//8QAGxAAAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECETFBUYH/2gAIAQEABj8CbODQorJTZc//xAAbEAACAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhMUGBUf/aAAgBAQABPyFHRd+EjLdYJUZNC7kvor2hEk26+H//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEOMP/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPxA//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPxA//8QAHhABAAEEAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFBUYGRweH/2gAIAQEAAT8QfZkTsFooFDg4hiPndW1B4aocZBLwCY9qRpueYI/KIl6Rdjuv/9k=","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/14b42/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/f836f/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.jpg 200w,\n/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/2244e/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.jpg 400w,\n/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/14b42/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.jpg 800w,\n/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/47498/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/58556/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/61e93/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.webp 200w,\n/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/1f5c5/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.webp 400w,\n/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/58556/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.webp 800w,\n/static/7a0066590e4356496a55e825f2576f74/99238/e9096d4eb8f9047db354a090a9ef9252.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1943-markdown","title":"Cannabinoids and the Immune System","slug":"cannabinoids-and-the-immune-system","content":"For those familiar with cannabinoids, their fascinating interactions\r\nwith the human body are probably old news. Their effects on the immune\r\nsystem, however, may not be as well-known. According to new research,\r\ncannabinoids may have an important balancing role that allows the immune\r\nsystem to function at maximum efficiency.\r\n\r\nWhat Are Cannabinoids?\r\n----------------------\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\nTo put it simply,\r\n[cannabinoids](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabinoids-101-what-makes-cannabis-medicine)\r\nare the chemical compounds that are components of the cannabis plant.\r\nThey have long been used in medical circles to treat symptoms ranging\r\nfrom pain to inflammation. Today, they're also gaining popularity for\r\ntheir positive effects on the human immune system.\r\n\r\nThere are many varieties of cannabinoids, including\r\n[phytocannabinoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid# Phytocannabinoids),\r\nwhich are found in cannabis and several other plants, and synthetic\r\ncannabinoids, which are manufactured in a lab.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_/?hl=en) \r\n\r\nWhat Is the ECS?\r\n----------------\r\n\r\nThe [endogenous cannabinoid\r\nsystem](http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system),\r\nalso known as ECS, is a complex network of lipids and receptors.\r\nEndocannabinoids and their respective receptors are produced naturally\r\nby the body and are located in the brain, connective tissues, glands,\r\nand, notably, the cells of the immune system. These receptors are\r\ndesigned to interact actively with cannabinoids in a variety of ways.\r\n\r\nRecently, scientists have discovered that cannabinoids derived from the\r\ncannabis plant can actually help the ECS to function at optimal levels,\r\nthus promoting optimal health. This is especially important due to the\r\nfact that ECS receptors have a direct effect on bodily functions such as\r\nhunger, pain sensation, mood, memory, appetite, blood sugar levels, and\r\nthe immune system.\r\n\r\nThe ECS and Its Ties to the Immune System\r\n-----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nStudy of the ECS has revealed that cannabinoids can act as\r\n[neuromodulators](http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Neuromodulators)\r\nfor a wide assortment of human processes, including learning, appetite,\r\nand immune response. Within the immune system, endocannabinoids function\r\nto protect and lubricate systems for optimal function. Additionally,\r\nthey play an important role in reliving symptoms of disease progression\r\nand pain.\r\n\r\nAlthough the effects of the ECS on the human immune system warrant far\r\nmore study, scientists currently know that targeted cannabinoids are a\r\npromising treatment for certain autoimmune diseases, such as [multiple\r\nsclerosis](https://www.leafly.com/explore/symptoms-multiple-sclerosis),\r\nParkinson's, lupus and arthritis. As a treatment, cannabinoids can often\r\nserve to [reduce inflammatory\r\nresponse](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16023222) and provide\r\nincreased comfort for affected patients.\r\n\r\nHow Cannabinoids Affect Neural Function\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabinoids have been scientifically proven to play an active role in\r\nmaintaining and regulating the processes of\r\n[neurogenesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurogenesis) and\r\n[neurodegeneration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurodegeneration). In\r\nanimal trials, cannabinoids have alleviated symptoms of stroke and\r\ntraumatic head injuries. This provides an important link between\r\ncannabinoids and the immune system. The immune system is capable of\r\n[helping the body recover from\r\nstroke](http://nocamels.com/2012/04/can-the-immune-system-help-recovery-from-stroke/)\r\nbecause of its power to reduce inflammation in the central nervous\r\nsystem. With that in mind, it stands to reason that using cannabinoids\r\nto help decrease inflammation while also promoting the construction of\r\nnew neural pathways (neurogenesis) could go a long way toward supporting\r\nthe immune system's natural function and creating quicker stroke\r\nrecovery periods.\r\n\r\nCannabis can Help to Balance Different Functions of the Immune System\r\n---------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nPredominantly, the body uses two immunity mechanisms to prevent disease\r\nand illness. These types are as follows:\r\n\r\n-   Cell-Mediated Immunity: [Cell-mediated\r\n    immunity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell-mediated_immunity) does\r\n    not utilize antibodies to fight disease. Instead, it relies upon the\r\n    creation and activation of antigen-specific T-lymphocytes known\r\n    as phagocytes. These phagocytes target various antigens by releasing\r\n    cytokines to neutralize the threat and restore the body to\r\n    normal function.\r\n-   Humoral Immunity: [Humoral\r\n    immunity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humoral_immunity) (also\r\n    known as antibody-mediated immunity) relies on the macromolecules\r\n    located in extracellular fluids to fight off antigens, unlike\r\n    cell-mediated immunity which involves T-lymphocytes.\r\n\r\nBecause the immune system is so complex, it's not altogether surprising\r\nthat it sometimes falls out of balance. Multiple sclerosis, for example,\r\nis an autoimmune disease that results from the cell-mediated immune\r\nsystem becoming overly active and targeting the body's brain and nervous\r\nsystem as if it were a dangerous antigen. Within M.S., the immune system\r\n[attacks the\r\nmyelin](http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS)\r\n(the fatty, protective coating) around nerve fibers, resulting in\r\nextensive scar tissue and damage. Over time, the buildup of scar tissue\r\nbegins to interrupt nerve impulses as they travel to and from the brain.\r\nThis, in turn, causes a loss of motor function and eventual paralysis in\r\nthe affected individual.\r\n\r\nUntil now, conditions like this had no known treatment or cure. But\r\nexcitingly, scientists have recently discovered that the ECS and various\r\ncannabinoids may actually help to [balance the various branches of the\r\nimmune system](http://www.jleukbio.org/content/74/4/486.full). This is\r\nimportant because when the immune system is overstimulated, autoimmune\r\ndiseases and dangerous allergic reactions such as food sensitivities,\r\noften occur. This is due to the fact that an overstimulated immune\r\nsystem treats even routine things, such as dust or pollen, as dangerous\r\nintruders and releases \"false alarms\" that tell the body to attack the\r\nallergen. When the immune system is under-stimulated, however, cancer\r\nand disastrous infections can easily arise. If cannabinoids can help\r\nbalance the immune system for optimal functionality, it stands to reason\r\nthat the rates of these adverse affects would be drastically decreased.\r\n\r\nUsing Cannabinoids to Produce Maximum Immune Function\r\n-----------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nWhile routine, recreational use of marijuana may have adverse affects on\r\nan individual's overall health and well-being, research from the\r\ntargeted use of cannabinoids for the purpose of boosting the immune\r\nsystem is overwhelmingly positive. In addition to [mitigating the\r\ninflammatory\r\nsymptoms](http://www.nature.com/nri/journal/v5/n5/execsumm/nri1602.html)\r\nof arthritis and various neural problems, cannabinoids have been shown\r\nto interact with the ECS in a way that helps promote maximum immune\r\nfunction and optimal health through various stages of life.\r\n\r\nAlthough the topic of [cannabinoids and the immune\r\nsystem](https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabinoids-and-the-immune-system-immuno-cannabinoid-effects)\r\nrequires further study and evaluation, scientists have already compiled\r\na large body of research, which is starting to reveal how cannabinoid\r\ncompounds can help the immune system function at optimal levels.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolinabio/5018464550/in/photolist-8DsWES-rPoBxD-8TBHhz-2TE8mc-rdgb8i-8ShrY7-3HaE1D-gBPSn5-nqraLc-6LHN92-cSTreJ-dj2fyp-dj2dKu-hqbZr6-9fmykb-wwy9oW-9fmyiq-9fmygm-8TBFpX-bLTNrn-9fmy87-9nJdWS-9nKwYL-9nJdWL-fwf4c9-7iW5rQ-k64Wka-q662q4-9YW6Vn-fw123x-9YZ2g3-8J5tfV-hGcF7-bBo4VE-bQhFbX-9YZ27d-r3xtRR-r3kRzA-4x3HGv-dj2fwT-fw11VT-8QQzFx-8co7QK-j3Tpyi-qL7tA2-9Vkk72-dj2dLS-5REGXY-dj2fMp-whob4X)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/14b42/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/f836f/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 200w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/2244e/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 400w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/14b42/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 800w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/47498/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/58556/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/61e93/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 200w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/1f5c5/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 400w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/58556/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 800w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/99238/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1888-markdown","title":"Retirees Flock to States with Medical Marijuana","slug":"retirees-flock-to-states-with-medical-marijuana","content":"In the past, choosing a state to retire in was based on several factors: how\r\nnice the weather was, how close the grandchildren were, and how many\r\ngolf courses the area offered.\r\n\r\nToday, it's pretty safe to add \"how accessible medical marijuana is\" to\r\nthat list.\r\n\r\nMore and more, retirees are [seeking out states that offer medical\r\nmarijuana](http://time.com/money/3967757/seniors-retire-marijuana-legal-states/).\r\nThis reality is largely attributed to the fact that older people with\r\nhealth conditions want access to the therapeutic benefits of medical\r\ncannabis. As a result, retirees are flocking to states like Oregon,\r\nCalifornia, Washington, Alaska, and Colorado, where the quality of life\r\nis good and the medical access to marijuana is even better.\r\n\r\nThe Striking Statistics\r\n-----------------------\r\n\r\nRetirees who head to a dispensary in one of these states are much less\r\nlikely to encounter young people than people a lot like\r\nthemselves -- retired seniors with health conditions that require\r\ntreatment by medical marijuana. Dispensaries in retiree-rich towns are\r\npacked with chemotherapy patients, severely arthritis sufferers in\r\nwheelchairs, and seniors suffering from degenerative conditions like\r\n[multiple\r\nsclerosis](http://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/top-5-benefits-cannabis-multiple-sclerosis/).\r\nMany of the conditions that medical marijuana serves to treat, like pain and\r\nloss of appetite, are issues that affect seniors, so it makes\r\nsense that medical marijuana is popular among the retired demographic.\r\n\r\nAlthough medicinal cannabis isn't the only reason seniors are\r\nflocking to these states, it's impossible to deny that it's playing a\r\nlarge part in their decisions. In fact, [ArcView Market\r\nResearch](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/) reports that, in 2014,\r\nthe medical marijuana market amounted to $2.4 billion dollars, a figure\r\nthat is projected to balloon to $3.4 billion in 2015. Statistics like\r\nthis provide solid evidence that medical marijuana is a sought-after\r\nmarket. Many seniors find the availability of medicinal cannabis so\r\nimportant that they are willing to base their choice of state on whether\r\naccess is permitted.\r\n\r\nWhen you take into account that Colorado, which made the choice to\r\n[legalize medical marijuana in\r\n2000](http://sensiblecolorado.org/history-of-co-medical-marijuana-laws/),\r\nhas the highest inbound percentage of retirees in the country right now\r\nand that [seniors are the fastest-growing\r\npercentage](http://seniormedicalcannabis.com/) of medical marijuana\r\nusers, it's impossible to deny the fact that medicinal marijuana is\r\nimportant to retirees.\r\n\r\nAlthough medical marijuana continues to be a contentious topic around\r\nthe country, one thing is clear: states that have made medical marijuana\r\nlegal are enjoying an increase in economy and population thanks to the\r\ninflux of retirees who appreciate their stance on therapeutic cannabis.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/31846825@N04/9285126206)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2987012987012987,"src":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/4fe8c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/f836f/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg 200w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/2244e/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg 400w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/4fe8c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg 600w","srcWebp":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/ad85c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/61e93/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp 200w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/1f5c5/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp 400w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/ad85c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp 600w","sizes":"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1896-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana: Providing Spasticity Relief","slug":"medical-marijuana-providing-spasticity-relief","content":"People with certain neurological disorders or trauma often suffer from\r\nspasticity, which causes painful muscle spasms. Medical marijuana has\r\nbeen shown to help alleviate symptoms in patients with this debilitating\r\ncondition.\r\n\r\nWhat is Spasticity?\r\n-------------------\r\n\r\nSpasticity is a complication of many neurological illnesses, including\r\nmultiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke and neurological trauma like\r\nspinal cord injuries. The [American Association of Neurological Surgeons\r\n(AANS)](http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Spasticity.aspx)\r\nsays spasticity is caused by damage to the portion of the brain or\r\nspinal cord that's in charge of voluntary movement, leading to painful\r\nsymptoms, including:\r\n\r\n-   Involuntary muscle spasms and movements\r\n-   Increased muscle tone\r\n-   Hyperactive reflexes\r\n-   Stiff or tight muscles\r\n-   Inhibited movement and speech\r\n\r\nThe\r\n[AANS](http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Spasticity.aspx)\r\nestimates that 12 million people worldwide suffer from spasticity. For\r\nmany, the symptoms may be mild and may not require treatment. Severe\r\nspasticity, however, can lead to muscle fatigue, uncontrollable muscle\r\nmovements, pain, and joint and bone deformities. Traditional treatment\r\nfor severe spasticity involves:\r\n\r\n-   Oral medications with muscle relaxants such as baclofen\r\n-   Local injections of botulinum toxin (botulism)\r\n-   Physical therapy\r\n-   Surgery, including baclofen pumps and severing of nerve roots\r\n\r\nMany of the traditional treatment methods have side effects. Baclofen,\r\nfor example, has been associated with drowsiness, nausea and vomiting,\r\ndizziness, depression, and muscle weakness. Botulinum has been linked to\r\nmuscle weakness, headache, injection-site infection, and dizziness.\r\n\r\nSpasticity and Cannabis\r\n-----------------------\r\n\r\nWhen medical marijuana was introduced to Victorian England in the 1840s,\r\nit was recommended for a variety of illnesses and conditions, including\r\n[muscle\r\nspasms](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026).\r\nResearch in the 21st century on cannabis and spasticity are now\r\nproviding support for this historical use, especially in relation to the\r\nendocannabinoid system.\r\n\r\nSpasticity and the Endocannabinoid System\r\n-----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system is a critical part of the nervous system. It\r\nhelps maintain balance between the synapses; the structures involved in\r\ncommunication between nerves and other tissue, such as muscle. Damage\r\nfrom injury or disease, like lesions from multiple sclerosis, can\r\ninterrupt this balance, causing spasticity.\r\n\r\n[Research](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.327.9531&rep=rep1&type=pdf)\r\non tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the cannabinoids found in medical\r\nmarijuana, shows that THC improves spasticity in persons with multiple\r\nsclerosis. THC is taken up by the endocannabinoid system, blocking the\r\ninflammatory action of the lesions and improving communication between\r\nnerves and muscles. Furthermore, by reducing the inflammation, cannabis\r\nnot only controls pain but may protect against further degeneration of\r\nthe nerves, thus [slowing disease\r\nprogression](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18781983).\r\n\r\nThe Future of Spasticity Treatment\r\n----------------------------------\r\n\r\nA [review\r\nstudy](https://www.wsma.org/doc_library/LegalResourceCenter/MedicalCannabis/Med%20Mar%20-%20Pharmacologic%20and%20Clinical%20Effects.pdf)\r\nby researchers from the University of Colorado looked at a dozen studies\r\non the effects of cannabis on spasticity. The overall results support\r\nthe use of cannabis as spasticity treatment, It appears that medical\r\nmarijuana may be just what is needed to relieve the severe, debilitating\r\neffects of spasticity.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/navalsurfaceforces/14496295784/in/photolist-o5ZiGd-o5ZUh3-qkGYqz-poHKMW-q4i9b2-q49DbA-q49Dem-9r5Zc6-mH1pQ-mHaCu-eEZMgX-mGDZA-mHaFv-mHaE5-4NSECP-mGJ7y-eEZM4K-eEZNNr-8WiF9F-8WmKM7-mGFrr-mGKtE-mGLaZ-mGGGv-mGKaX-mGYcr-mGJXr-mGYpG-mGDwq-mGD3W-cM7YRj-8GHvbE-tQoSJg-mGKTa-mGH8b-mGGdr-mGED3-mGEZY-mGHD7-mGFPU-mGYJK-mGJAo-4NSDJK-pAdSaP-dZM25Z-ioUBs-c9ZLCw-eF6UgN-eEZNAK-eF6U2G)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQBAgP/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAP/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABWYwaCpBP/8QAGxABAAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQRFCP/2gAIAQEAAQUCCRFrE6xnOar623yLP//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIQElH/2gAIAQMBAT8BkcX/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEBH/2gAIAQIBAT8BpX//xAAcEAEAAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABECITFBcaH/2gAIAQEABj8Ct8glt8DtNcYVM+hiE//EABoQAQADAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESExQXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hsQB1AFd6AaUX7FhZjznMoZLWQEM9n//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQXy//xAAXEQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABFh/9oACAEDAQE/EACZy//EABkRAAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESExUf/aAAgBAgEBPxB9bJ0//8QAHhABAAICAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhADFBUWFxocH/2gAIAQEAAT8QRPkABdvL4yq3VnYqplxmiMQqveCzFEhpVmsKbhkYBS4OmArg9nzP/9k=","aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/14b42/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/f836f/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/2244e/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 400w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/14b42/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 800w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/47498/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/57f5e/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.jpg 1477w","srcWebp":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/58556/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/61e93/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/1f5c5/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 400w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/58556/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 800w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/99238/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 1200w,\n/static/7040cb37784873117cd42709842c9db3/b3034/89b5a118b53a2c9ecc6e291321038d19.webp 1477w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1902-markdown","title":"Easing Muscle Spasms with Medical Marijuana","slug":"easing-muscle-spasms-with-medical-marijuana","content":"A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle. Anyone\r\nwho has suffered through a \"Charlie horse\", a sudden tight cramping of\r\nthe thigh muscle, has experienced a muscle spasm. Most people will\r\nsuffer a transitory muscle spasm or \"cramp\" on occasion throughout their\r\nlives, but others will have ongoing occurrences. Muscle spasms and\r\nspasticity are symptoms of various chronic debilitating diseases, most\r\nnotably multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, ALS (Amyotrophic\r\nLateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), and\r\nTourette's Syndrome. Muscle spasms also occur due to spinal nerve\r\ninjuries and stroke, and they are associated with paraplegia. While\r\nconventional treatment offers small benefit with a risk of serious side\r\neffects, [medical marijuana shows\r\npromise](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224382/) as a safe and\r\neffective treatment for muscle spasms associated with these debilitating\r\nconditions.\r\n\r\nCurrent Treatment Options\r\n-------------------------\r\n\r\nConventional treatment for muscle spasms generally consists of [muscle\r\nrelaxants](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02298868) or\r\nbarbiturates, both of which have high potential for abuse and a long\r\nlist of serious side effects. Common side effects include nausea,\r\ndizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbance, memory problems, and\r\nmuscle weakness. More dangerous side effects can include slowed\r\nheartbeat and shallow breathing, seizures, hallucinations, and sudden\r\nmuscle weakness. Serious allergic reactions are a possibility, and coma\r\nand death have been reported.\r\n\r\nCannabis for Muscle Spasms\r\n--------------------------\r\n\r\nMS patients, including high-profile personalities such as talk show host\r\nMontel Williams, have long regarded medical marijuana as an effective\r\ntreatment for symptoms. Although the mechanism of action isn't\r\nwell-understood due to the historical limitations on cannabis research,\r\nit is well-established that marijuana is effective for [relieving muscle\r\nspasms](https://www.wsma.org/doc_library/LegalResourceCenter/MedicalCannabis/Med%20Mar%20-%20Pharmacologic%20and%20Clinical%20Effects.pdf)\r\nand accompanying pain without the serious side effects associated with\r\nconventional drugs. Theory states that cannabidiol, one of the active\r\nchemical compounds in marijuana, \"turns on\" nerve receptors that affect\r\nmotor functioning. This makes it a [plausible\r\ntreatment](http://www.health.state.mn.us/topics/cannabis/practitioners/dosage.pdf)\r\nfor many conditions involving muscular spasms.\r\n\r\nCannabis-Derived Pharmaceutical Awaits Approval\r\n-----------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nBritish pharmaceutical company, GW Pharmaceuticals, has developed a\r\ncannabis-derived MS drug which has so far been approved in 15 countries,\r\nincluding Canada and Great Britain. The drug, called\r\n[Sativex](http://www.gwpharm.com/Sativex.aspx), is a sublingual spray\r\nthat contains both THC and cannabidiol in a 1:1 ratio. Although it isn't\r\ncurrently available in the United States, it has been fast-tracked by\r\nthe FDA and is awaiting approval, hopefully by 2016.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/23307937@N04/4032015831)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDBAX/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABvPnPNbRiL//EABsQAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAQDERIh/9oACAEBAAEFAlUKs3K+Rg7WB34J/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERUf/aAAgBAwEBPwFPSH//xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgESQf/aAAgBAgEBPwFl2CzH/8QAGxAAAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIUECMUL/2gAIAQEABj8CUd2VGxcPLMdWGWf/xAAcEAACAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAxIUFRYXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hcyBG0p2UuT0xjwBmxMGJufOwnEjxT//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQUB//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAAH/2gAIAQMBAT8Q3SG//8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARkf/aAAgBAgEBPxCwY03jf//EAB0QAQEAAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERACFBMVFhcbH/2gAIAQEAAT8Qj2MEps3rtlJSphfeBnukyZ6pKJroPBlEMIOGtDkfGPgXKUdZ/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/14b42/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/f836f/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 200w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/2244e/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 400w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/14b42/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/16310/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/58556/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/61e93/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 200w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/1f5c5/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 400w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/58556/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 800w,\n/static/ec167e1c5491aeba083934643e203ca8/cc834/83dd8eab980986f97a0350a861dfa842.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1851-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Sweeps the Country: How Does the Public Feel?","slug":"medical-marijuana-sweeps-the-country-how-does-the-public-feel","content":"Two of the most conservative states in the United States, Texas and Georgia, recently passed medical marijuana legislation allowing very limited use of medical marijuana for a set number of conditions.  Texas has legalized the use medical marijuana in one case and form, cannabis oil that is high in CBD and low in THC for patients with intractable epilepsy. In order for patients to qualify they must have tried at least two traditional epilepsy treatments and found them ineffective.  Then their doctors may approve the use of medical marijuana. The doctors, however, cannot prescribe medical marijuana.  They simply may suggest the use of it under their right of the first amendment for free speech. \r\n\r\nIn Georgia, a short list of conditions was recently deemed as legal uses for medical marijuana.  This legislation was prompted after over 20 families from Georgia moved to Colorado temporarily to provide their children with medical marijuana products to aid in the decrease of seizures associated with epilepsies.  In addition to epilepsies, the law in Georgia allows access for patients with end-stage ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and cancer.  \r\n\r\nIn both these states, obtaining medical marijuana is still a difficult process.  Both of these conservative states have sent the message that marijuana is medicine, but they limit the conditions which it should be used for.  Both of these states are recognizing the benefit of medical marijuana, even thought the roll out is slow and there is still some widespread resistance.  The wave of changing ideas in the United States cannot be denied, but there is still widespread worry about the implications of medical marijuana coming into communities all over the country in larger amounts.  Of course, there are added concerns because marijuana is still a federally illegal substance. \r\n\r\nAcross the United States 78% of the population is in favor of medical marijuana.  Despite the continuing lack of medical studies conducted within the United States, testimonies across the United States have provided the US population with encouragement to be in favor of medical marijuana. Only 43% of the US population, however, is in favor of recreational marijuana. An impressive 90% of the US population believes that people should be educated by a knowledgable doctor before purchasing medical marijuana.  In states, however, where medical marijuana is new, access to educated primary doctors can be difficult. Many of the opposition that still exists to medical marijuana regards the unknowns of medical marijuana and how it can effect the youth population. \r\n\r\nA momentous study was released recently showing no increase in teen marijuana smoking in the 21 states which have passed medical marijuana laws.  The study was conducted between 1991 and 2014.  A survey of 1 million students in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grade were asked about their medical marijuana usage each year.  Overall cannabis usage of 8th graders decreased since the pass of the laws.  The reason for this is thought to be that young students view marijuana as medical rather than recreational.  Marijuana use of high school students has remained stagnant between 2011 and 2013 when many of the medical marijuana bills were implemented.  \r\n\r\nViews and opinions of medical marijuana have changed drastically in the past few years, from states passing medical marijuana bills from being the outcasts to the norms.  The most important factor in this change among the american public is the recognition of marijuana as a medicine for a myriad of conditions.  Medical marijuana, though not nationally legal, has become recognized for its medicinal qualities, especially in pain and seizure relief. Medical marijuana has been legitimized and with that there have been positive affects. Patients are able to access the cannabis they need to aid with medical conditions and has changed the way younger patients view marijuana, no longer as a recreational drug but a medical drug. Though more states are allowing access to medical marijuana, access is still limited in some places.  Places like Texas, Georgia, and Illinois still must find proper ways to roll out their program, as well as expand their programs to assist as many patients as possible. Even though it is legal in some states, patients struggle to obtain the products they need.  Each step in the progress of medical marijuana legitimization is positive, but much more can be done in bringing people the medical assistance they need.  \r\n\r\n[photo source](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gigaboss/902459209/in/photolist-2nKkFx-f8YDHj-8z3JFq-8Ct96m-eyLv4e-9wfMAo-61ZSGe-a7A86D-a7A7Yc-at3Mi3-avvBdx-avvBkg-7JcaBQ-d7Wrtu-cfT4S9-a7CZUU-dCnR4x-aiEZS5-aiF11L-atSngn-9sWCe4-9sWFu6-9sWDPZ-9sWCNz-9sZxyG-9sWEWP-9sZDbs-9sZyGN-9sWy4T-9sZEfW-eyPRzC-eyMf7T-eyLPM6-eyQ96U-eyMwfV-eyPJyd-eyPBeq-eyQgt3-eyQbHS-eyPZKQ-eyQrtY-eyLL1D-eyMmzB-eyQjWN-eyPFrE-eyM4Tc-eyLHwa-eyPJib-eyQt4h-eyLJ3e)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/14b42/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/f836f/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/2244e/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 400w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/14b42/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 800w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/47498/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/ef4cc/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 1354w","srcWebp":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/58556/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/61e93/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/1f5c5/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 400w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/58556/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 800w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/99238/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 1200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/4a390/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 1354w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5540,"name":"Multiple Sclerosis","slug":"multiple-sclerosis","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}