{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/ptsd/3","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2050-markdown","title":"Veterans Deserve Medical Marijuana ― Might Get It Soon","slug":"veterans-deserve-medical-marijuana-might-get-it-soon","content":"Did you know that doctors who work for the United States Department of\nVeterans Affairs (VA) aren't allowed to prescribe medical marijuana to\nveterans? It doesn't matter if the doctors and patients live in states\nwhere medical marijuana is legal. Moreover, doctors can't even talk to\nveterans about the advantages of marijuana AT ALL! How's that for free\nspeech in America?\n\n**Congress Takes Action (Seriously)**\n\nAs you might have guessed, as a doctor, this marijuana gag order makes\nme gag. There's reason to be optimistic, though. Some of our elected\nleaders are coming around. For instance, in 2016, 21 U.S. House members\nand senators sent a letter to the VA. This group included Democrats and\nRepublicans, and the message was in favor of medical marijuana.\n\nYou see, the no-cannabis VA policy was set to expire in late January\n2016. Therefore, those lawmakers were trying to change the minds of VA\nleaders. Their letter stated that VA doctors who practice in states\nwhere medical marijuana is lawful should be able to discuss this kind of\ntherapy.\n\nThe Senate actually approved that rule change back in November 2015. At\nthe time, it was included in a funding bill. But of course, politics is\ncomplicated. The bill got rewritten, and this policy was taken out.\nTherefore, it never became law. And I thought medical school was hard!\n\n**Can the CARERS Act Save the Day?**\n\nThere's still hope for this legal change. It could become part of the\n2016 appropriations bill. If it does, though, it would need to be voted\non each year to remain law. Or it could become a separate law. If that\nwere the case, it would be a permanent statute, and Congress wouldn't\nhave to keep voting on it annually.\n\nIndeed, in March 2015, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Sen. Kirsten\nGillibrand, D-N.Y., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., proposed just such a law.\nIt's called the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect\nStates (CARERS) Act of 2015.\n\nIf CARERS passes, states could legalize medical marijuana as they deem\nfit. Also, medical researchers would have more freedom to study the\nbenefits of this therapy. And yes, VA doctors could finally recommend it\nto their patients as state law permits.\n\n**Battling PTSD**\n\nMany veterans who are returning from battle face special health issues.\nPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of them.\n[PTSD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/559ade1b36643300061c0000/recovery-from-trauma-the-role-of-medical-marijuana-in-ptsd-treatment)\nis a term for the depression and anxiety that happen after a trauma. The\ndisorder often involves vivid flashbacks, nightmares, social isolation\nand a tendency to become violently startled. It can also lead to\ninsomnia and extreme eruptions of anger.\n\nNaturally, the horrors of combat often bring about PTSD. However,\nscientific evidence is showing that medical marijuana can really reduce\nits effects.\n\nTake, for instance, [a\nstudy](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140522104850.htm)\nthat was led by Dr. George Greer of the nonprofit Heffter Research\nInstitute. Between 2009 and 2011, researchers looked at how medical\nmarijuana affected those with PTSD. The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs\n[published](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2013.873843)\nthe results, which were highly encouraging. The average patient who used\ncannabis had his or her PTSD effects lessened by a whopping 75 percent!\n\n**Reducing Chronic Pain**\n\nIf you're a vet, you might be dealing with chronic physical pain due to\nthe wounds you sustained when you were fighting for our country. When it\ncomes to pain relief, medical marijuana shows great promise as well.\n\nFor example, in December 2015, the [Journal of\nPain](http://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(15)00837-8/abstract) put\nout the results of a major study on cannabis and chronic pain, one that\nbegan in 2004. Dr. Mark Ware of Montreal's Research Institute of the\nMcGill University Health Centre led this endeavor. (Medical marijuana is\nlegal in Canada.) Several Canadian pain treatment facilities worked\ntogether on this study. Researchers carefully followed 215 adults, each\nfor a one-year period. All of those participants had the option of\neating, smoking or inhaling their cannabis. Meanwhile, a control group\nof 216 chronic pain patients went without marijuana for a year.\n\nIt demonstrated that, while marijuana provided pain relief, it didn't\nlead to any higher rates of serious side effects. On top of that, the\ncannabis frequently put many of the patients in better moods.\n\n**Hope for Vets Who Want Medical Marijuana**\n\nFinally, remember that no VA doctor will ever be forced to prescribe\ncannabis. And no veteran should ever be pressured to take it. It'll\nsimply become another treatment option that doctors and patients should\nbe allowed to talk about in privacy. If the DEA gets their act together\nand take cannabis off of the Schedule 1 list, formal studies in the\nUnited States could finally begin in earnest. When the VA actually\nrealizes that that all studies from around the world to date show the\nenormous benefit of cannabis to treat PTSD and chronic pain, our brave\nmen and women who've served in the armed forces can get the relief they\ndeserve.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/8958723249/in/photolist-eDDNiF-6R7toY-6R7Dhb-6RP4r7-6RK17R-6R3u8R-6R3yeK-6R3zg8-6R7rnj-6R3qvD-6R7vUq-6R7wCs-6R7BYW-6R3qcn-6R3nHn-6R3uSR-6R7D5L-6R7vb9-6R3pZc-6R7skG-7ZkGBK-wzZThs-wA7tk4-6RHwLc-7jSRoo-6KzRrX-6ZJwL2-7aG8wk-8tRr4Z-aQZTfT-8uYY6S-8uYXBh-8uVTqx-eUpwjj-8vkFVw-c3vzES-9jZf4X-aXQCZt-ppZi6S-8EGRT4-fjZ3DE-8QSLjk-8zPfCv-76Y8EM-9pnwow-8rX3tY-79xHCG-5PbtDn-9NtCVv-8uYX59)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/ee604/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.png","srcSet":"/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/69585/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.png 200w,\n/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/497c6/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.png 400w,\n/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/ee604/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.png 800w,\n/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/e4889/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.png 1081w","srcWebp":"/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/58556/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/61e93/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.webp 200w,\n/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/1f5c5/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.webp 400w,\n/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/58556/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.webp 800w,\n/static/eb5963a64a88791cd373293480f137d1/4bc19/7ba1ef38aaaa0db126654e32267ec38b.webp 1081w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2054-markdown","title":"3 New California Regulations Aim to Protect Cannabis Consumers ","slug":"3-new-california-regulations-aim-to-protect-cannabis-consumers","content":"This past October, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law three unique bills making up the new [California Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA)](http://www.safeaccessnow.org/the_medical_marijuana_regulation_and_safety_act). This is great news as it means new, robust regulations will be put into place to protect the California cannabis consumer. Going forward growers, distributors and product manufacturers will no longer be able to operate within gray areas of legality. The MMRSA will affect almost everyone involved in the state’s cannabis industry, forcing industry players to operate within the boundaries of new state laws and robust regulatory compliance. \r\n\r\nThe three bills focus on different aspects of the industry, but seek to create a framework for regulating everything from dispensary licensing, taxation on products to consumer safety. In regards to consumer protection, three topics are of particular interest which include accurate labeling, appropriate childproof packaging and comprehensive lab testing on products. The bills have gone so far as to detail areas such as licensing and growing, but have yet to define the specific rules and systems for labeling, packaging and lab testing. What we do know is that they will be addressed and ultimately if done well, the consumer will be much safer for it.\r\n\r\n[Dixie](http://dixieelixirs.com) has become one of the largest, most well known product manufacturers within the cannabis industry. Since its inception in 2010, it has placed emphasis on being a trusted source for both innovative and safe products, advocating on behalf of consumer safety. Starting in Colorado, a state with much stricter regulatory compliance rules, Dixie’s products already go to market with detailed labeling which includes accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging and extensive lab testing. Lindsay Topping, Dixie’s Marketing Director, took time out of her busy schedule to give Dixie’s view on the new California regulations and how they may benefit cannabis consumers. \r\n\r\n**During the past year, Dixie began servicing patients within California in addition to its production in Colorado and many other legal states. What are Dixie’s views on California’s new consumer protection regulations put forward this past October by Governor Jerry Brown?** \r\n\r\nCalifornia is a well-established market, which has been around for 20 plus years. At Dixie, we believe that a stricter regulatory environment will result in better consumer empowerment. The new California regulations, which are expected to come into effect in 2016 and beyond, will hopefully help consumers know exactly what is within a product, allow consumers to be more exact with dosages, provide child resistant packaging and demand comprehensive laboratory testing. All of these changes will work to ensure a higher quality, safer product at the end of the day.\r\n\r\nAs most people know the laws from state to state differ in regards to cannabis. From the beginning of legalization, Colorado’s regulatory oversight has focused on making sure consumers know what is in a product, and that that information is verified and that the packaging is safe.  All of this is meant to protect the consumer and to ensure that the product is safe for consumption. This is very important to us at Dixie as we always want to ensure the consumer is safe with any one of our products. Consumers should be able to trust all products that are currently on the market.\r\n\r\n\r\n**1. Accurate Dosage Information**\r\n\r\n**Why is accurate labeling and dosage information important for consumers?**\r\n\r\nDixie has worked hard within the state of Colorado to provide accurate dosage information to all consumers. Knowing correct dosages per product is currently very difficult for consumers in California’s marketplace. Dosages are very different from product to product and this makes it difficult for a patient to find what is right for them. In addition, a product manufacturer can say what a dose is, but if this is not checked by a lab, then this can really be arbitrary as no one is verifying it is correct. \r\n\r\nIn general, edibles are a good example of why current dosage information is misleading. A patient might find an edible that works for them and their specific condition. It may take a period of time to find what the right dosage is through trial and error. If they happen to switch to a different edible, it unfortunately ends up not being apples to apples or comparable at all with the previous dosage. The patient needs to go through another period of trial and error to find the correct dosage. Streamlining the labeling of products will allow patients to know exact milligrams and other important information. At that point, they can work with their doctors and care givers more reliably. \r\n\r\nOne of the hot topics we hear doctors and caregivers discussing is micro dosing. Micro dosing is about starting with the minimum amount of a product and working up to the dosage that is right for the individual, for their particular needs. It is hard to reliably micro dose a patient without having a good baseline of what is within the product. Appropriate regulatory changes will help to get patients more accurate information.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to product information and education, the cannabis industry often operates within a gray area. Patients today are not able to ask questions of their bud tenders, caregivers and doctors and be assured that they are getting the best, most accurate information. As a result, this does not always make consumers comfortable with cannabis.  We at Dixie would like to see this change so that every patient, in every legal state has the best information possible.\r\n\r\n\r\n**2. Child Resistant Packaging**\r\n\r\n**What is Dixie’s stance on child and pet resistant packaging & how do you feel this type of packaging will protect consumers?**\r\n\r\nAt Dixie we feel very passionate about child and pet resistant packaging.  Unfortunately, children and pets do get into cannabis products, not because people want this to happen, but because the products are not resistant to their efforts. An edible, such as a chocolate, may lie around the house and eventually a child or pet may find their way to it. We believe that child and pet resistant packaging is not only safer, but will help people feel better about having these products in their house. \r\n\r\nThis type of regulation will help everyone and decrease the possibility of an accident occurring. Currently, California legislation has written broad regulation covering this, and over the next year we will see how the more detailed nuances plays out and what will go into effect. When it comes to cannabis, child resistant packaging is the trend across the country.  We believe California tends to have very strict consumer advocacy regulations in other areas, and as a result will lean this way in regards to packaging. Dixie has always taken child resistant packaging very seriously, incorporating it into our products from the get-go. We hope regulatory changes will force other manufacturers to address this issue comprehensively as well. \r\n\r\n\r\n**3. Lab Testing**\r\n\r\n**Why is lab testing of products so important in regards to consumer safety?**\r\n\r\nIn Colorado, Dixie already tests for mold, mildew, microbials, residual solvents, and pesticides within all of our products. We hope as regulations take effect in California in 2016, that patients will start to feel more secure about the products they are ingesting. A patient should not have to worry about what is in their product and whether it is safe. Today they do need to think about this, or at least they should be thinking about it. Clearly, many products on the market are not safe enough for consumption. For instance, there is no other industry where pesticides are used and end up in the final product, which is ingested, where it is not disclosed to the consumer. \r\n\r\nIn California, Dixie tests for toxic elements with [SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/), our chosen laboratory. Lab testing is critical for knowing what is in your end product. It is not only important to know the potency and dosage of your product, but to know that the plant material that went into product is safe and there are no residual pesticides or residual solvents such as butane and propane. Patients should never ingest residual solvents as this is obviously dangerous to your health. The patient should be able to trust that the product is safe and that regulatory oversight is doing its job. Ultimately, the patient should feel they are protected.\r\n\r\n\r\n**Dixie already incorporates many of the elements that will be asked of product manufacturers within the new California regulations. What else does Dixie think will be needed for regulatory control to be successful in California?**\r\n\r\nYes, for sure Dixie is ahead of the game in California in that we have already focused on more accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging, and stringent lab testing. We believe that California regulations will require all of this, as it is not only common sense, but also what is best for the cannabis consumer. California is now in the tricky place of figuring out their regulatory oversight without over-regulating the industry. \r\n\r\nEducation is also a big part of this. Patients need to understand what is changing and why it is changing. In a market like California, you have so many people that have been using cannabis regularly and successfully for medical conditions for a long time. The last thing regulators want to do is make it hard for people to get their medicine and send the last twenty years of progress backwards. This is a very tricky line to walk and so far government has been working well with the industry to figure out the path to success. Regulatory oversight, when done well, is our friend. It will allow for better products to get to more people, ensuring everyone’s safety. \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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png","srcSet":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/69585/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/497c6/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f3583/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f90fa/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/61e93/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/1f5c5/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/99238/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/5e0b8/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1973-markdown","title":"5 Reasons to Get Legal and Stop Buying Marijuana from a Dealer","slug":"5-reasons-to-get-legal-and-stop-buying-marijuana-from-a-dealer","content":"Are you so cozy with your drug dealer you send him or her Christmas cards? Maybe you’ve had this ongoing relationship for quite some time, perhaps for years, and you’re just fine with it.  You get your pot easily and receive what you feel is a private, friendly and expedient service. Your dealer reaps the monetary reward and has a thriving social life as a result. Here’s the catch though; you have no idea what you’re really getting, and in many cases it may be very hazardous to your health. Not just a little, but a lot.\n\nOne of our guiding principles at [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) is that patients deserve access to safe medicine. For this reason, we are in favor of industry regulation, which includes consistent lab testing. Many people believe that cannabis is safe because it is a plant and as such, it is all natural. In some cases this is true, however by the time most people receive their cannabis it has passed through many hands and gone through many different chemical processes i.e., it may be far from ‘natural’ and closer to toxic. If you get your cannabis from your local drug dealer, you may be ingesting a wide array of nasties, unbeknownst to yourself and your well-intentioned ‘friend’.\n\n**The top 5 reasons to stop buying weed from your dealer:**\n\n\n**1. Microbial Material**\n\nHere is just a small sampling of microbial material that shows up in cannabis: Ecoli, yeast, botrytis (fungus), toilet water bacteria, and the deadly mold Aspergillus.\n\n[SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=552), a well known cannabis focused analytics laboratory in California, recently posted a [video on cannabis lab testing](https://www.merryjane.com/news/video-original-seed-to-strain-sc-labs?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=c028ee61bd-Newsletter_Number_4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b2264ec13f-c028ee61bd-143695717). In the video, Nate from SC Labs, says: \n\n>“During certain seasons we see up to 20 % of the cannabis coming in for micro bio tested cannabis failing screens. This means there is a large amount of micro bio contaminated cannabis in the marketplace.”\n\nUnknowingly, you may be ingesting these kinds of microbes. Gross. \n\n**2. Phosphoload**\n\nDue to the lack of regulatory oversight, growers can use products that make their plants look good, but these plants are not a healthy and safe alternative for the patient on the other end. Phosphoload is what is known as a ‘bud hardener’ and will create a larger more beautiful bud. Buyers often think the larger, super green bud is superior, but they are mistaken. Phosphorous, which is the main component in phosphoload, is [‘deemed to be carcinogenic to humans’](http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/h/human_carcinogen_phosphorus_32/intro.htm). It is interesting to note that many labs we talk to say this practice is more prevalent in Southern California, especially in the Los Angeles area.\n\n**3. Pesticides**\n\nIngesting pesticides, even in small doses, can be very hazardous to your health. Many farmers still use illegal and banned pesticides on cannabis because in many cases it will yield a larger crop. If you ingest cannabis with pesticide, you may be feeling the long-term effects of pesticides, whether you know it or not. As stated in [‘Pesticide Use in Marijuana Production](http://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/watchdog/documents/PesticideUseCannabisProduction.pdf) “cannabis is not typically filtered when its smoke is inhaled, and therefore smokers may expose themselves to much higher levels of pesticides and degradates.” The most common pesticides include pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and Avid (snail killer), all products found in your local home and garden store. \n\nRobert Martin, Co-Founder of [CW labs says](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ca3cd435343600060f0000/are-there-neurotoxins-in-your-marijuana):\n\n>“We test for 33 of the most commonly used pesticides, as dictated by the EPA. Pesticides are an awful thing to have in medication; they do not break down in your body no matter how you ingest them. Having pesticides in the body is not good for a patient’s health in any way, shape or form. Patients should be aware, that when concentrates (shatter, wax, hash oil) are made from cannabis that have been treated by pesticides, the pesticides are in an extremely concentrated state just like the marijuana.”\n\n**4. Residual Solvents**\n\nThe cannabis plant is full of cannabinoids. The two most well known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. The most common way to remove the cannabinoids & terpenes from the cannabis plant is to use a  chemical solvent. Butane, hexane, isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are commonly used to make cannabis extractions. Once a cannabis flower is submerged in a solvent the cannabinoids, terpenes and other ingredients come to the fore. Through a complex scientific process, dangerous solvents are removed to make the product safe for ingestion.  It is important to remove all traces of solvent. Cannabis testing laboratories will look for residual solvents such as butane within a hash oil. Toxic residual solvents are unsafe for anyone to ingest. \n\nButane infusion anyone?\n\n**5. …And Other Crazy, Random Stuff Found in Cannabis**\n\n>* Growth hormones \n\n>* Aflatoxins and poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals that are produced by certain molds\n\n>* Untested chemicals being used by growers, which contain chemicals such as cholinesterase inhibitors, a deadly neurotoxin \n\n>* Bacteria from an unsterile environment-often occurs when storing the plant, dirty screens and an unhygienic work environment\n\nDo you eat in a dirty restaurant? Most likely if you walk in and see filth, you walk right out. Obviously, you don’t want to get sick. The cannabis marketplace, in California and elsewhere, has been highly unregulated to date, although the tide is turning. The lack of regulation has unfortunately put cannabis consumers at risk. Laboratories such as [SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=552), [SteepHill Labs](http://steephill.com/) and [CW Labs](http://www.cwanalytical.com) act on behalf of the consumer, publishing results which let growers, dispensaries and consumers know exactly what they are ingesting. For this reason HelloMD always advises patients to go to reputable dispensaries that conduct regular lab testing. Within the industry today, lab tested cannabis is the only way you can ensure the quality and safety of the cannabis you ingest. \n\nSo back to your drug dealer…I think it’s time you broke up. Do you really think your back street cannabis is safe? Honestly, I doubt it.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation whether it be first time or renewal; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/spyrospapaspyropoulos/9061493640/in/photolist-eNJwmY-r6t9Gy-a4EzC-ncEDbj-bK3KQF-k6QgXM-ayRPoW-4C5Duh-oUm1C-qEUBTw-e7dDjN-pP7kd4-e7aZqC-pgHzTH-8DRP24-haeqiW-jpEe8S-eVAZaR-zPv1M9-6AYAK6-sqSZUm-94PjSZ-qDMvkc-dHm5JH-5Dbo7M-fkNg1F-s23YS-rUY8oL-jrTZyK-bqdPYh-n8dvhX-eNWGbP-7rWrsZ-hFuQvf-rPyCQ5-bcgvWg-hDWX8w-2rp2RJ-72N58J-dyWCHD-gumCD9-LngBQ-72djjZ-wKsZU3-m96aZB-5LnSbr-m79GPr-rK3ux-qAnJRH-dsCuee)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/ee604/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png","srcSet":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/69585/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/497c6/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 400w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/ee604/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 800w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/f3583/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 1200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/f90fa/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/58556/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/61e93/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/1f5c5/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 400w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/58556/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 800w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/99238/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 1200w,\n/static/5d5600aef340761855cad22052c0f9be/5e0b8/f42911ecefa3d2f3b626f4f37b5919ad.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1955-markdown","title":"Cannabis Transdermal Patches: Easy to Use & Effective for Pain","slug":"cannabis-transdermal-patches-easy-to-use-and-effective-for-pain","content":"Since 2013, [Mary’s Medicinals](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/) focused on the medicinal cannabis consumer, establishing itself as an innovative and trusted brand within the industry. Available in Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and California, Mary’s was the first to offer medical marijuana consumers transdermal patches. Mary’s transdermals, discreet patches that are worn on the skin, won numerous awards including Most Innovative Product at the CannAwards in 2015. Mary’s is re-thinking how cannabis is used, taking cues from consumption methods for pharmaceutical treatments, with great success.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### What Are Marijuana Transdermal Patches?\r\n\r\nTransdermal patches are medicated adhesive patches placed on a venous area of the skin. They release small amounts of medication into the bloodstream over a long period of time. To explain how the patches are different from topical creams, Graham Sorkin of Mary’s Medicinals says, “Topical creams can typically be absorbed by the top one to three layers of skin and may offer pain relief locally, to say a shoulder or knee. Transdermal patches differ from topical creams in that the medicine goes through all seven layers of skin and enters directly into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches deliver systematic rather than localized relief.”\r\n\r\n### Pros of Using Cannabis Patches\r\n\r\nPatches allow for absorption at a steady rate over a longer period of time. They don’t require a person to remember to dose at regular intervals, and they can even be used with an upset stomach. Nitroglycerin and nicotine patches are two of the more well-known medicated patches associated with traditional western medicine.\r\n“Transdermal patches are not new,” Graham contends. “However, using them as a delivery method for cannabis is. We find that our consumers already feel comfortable with a transdermal patch. Many of our consumers are elderly, and patches are not only familiar but also a benign way to consume cannabis for pain relief.”\r\n\r\nAn added benefit to transdermal patches is the accuracy in dosing. Unlike edibles, which are first absorbed in the stomach, a patch delivers the medicine directly into the bloodstream. Interestingly, Graham notes, “A 10 mg dose from a transdermal patch is roughly equivalent to what you might feel from an 80 mg serving from an edible. This is due to the high bio-availability with the patch; it enters into the blood which results in 100% cannabinoid uptake.”\r\n\r\nAs absorption happens steadily over a longer period of time Graham says, “We often hear from people that they don’t even notice the patch or a different feeling except when they realize there is an absence of pain. That’s an incredible relief for people who’ve lived with chronic pain.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [DO CANNABIS TOPICALS PASS THE DRUG TEST?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/574b679b982db9000a000055/do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test)\r\n\r\n### Marijuana Transdermal Gel Pens Accompany the Patches\r\n\r\nAlthough dosing is accurate with the patches, Mary’s believes some people may wish to augment the patch with a personalized, blended cannabinoid ratio. For this reason, Mary’s developed a line of [transdermal gel pens](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/), which are meant to be an accompaniment to the transdermal patch.\r\n\r\nThe gel pen microdoses different cannabinoids and can be rubbed directly into the skin for additional relief. “People with migraines indicate that using a transdermal gel rubbed directly into their temples provides pain relief,” says Graham.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Transdermal Patches Are Unlikely to Get You High\r\n\r\nThe majority of Mary’s transdermal patches are non-psychotropic. Non-psychotropic patches include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and their cannabidiol: tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD:THC) 1:1 offering. “To date we haven’t heard from anyone that they have gotten too high or that the patch has even made them uncomfortable,” says Graham. “If you don’t like the feeling you have from a patch, then you can take it off and the feeling will go away very quickly. When you smoke too much cannabis, you may be stuck with an uncomfortable feeling. If you take a patch off, within 10 minutes the amount of cannabinoids in your system will go down.”\r\n\r\nLooking at Mary’s testimonials, you’ll see a variety of patients with different medical conditions finding relief with the transdermal patches. Although Mary’s developed products for the medicinal market, the company is cautious about advising patients medically.\r\n\r\n“When people reach out to us with specific medical conditions and concerns, we want to offer them the best possible advice. For this reason, we partnered with [Realm of Caring](https://www.theroc.us/), a Colorado-based nonprofit that provides support for people using cannabis as therapy.”\r\n\r\nMary’s Medicinals can be found in [several locations nationwide](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/find-marys-products/). Additionally, the company has launched Mary’s Nutritionals, which offers CBD-only products derived from hemp for both human and pet consumption.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png","srcSet":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/69585/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/497c6/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f3583/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f90fa/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/61e93/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/1f5c5/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/99238/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/5e0b8/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2032-markdown","title":"Care By Design Study Reveals CBD Provides Superior Relief for Migraines","slug":"care-by-design-study-reveals-cbd-provides-superior-relief-for-migraines","content":"[Care by Design](https://www.cbd.org/) , a premier manufacturer of high cannabidiol (CBD) products, is a well-known, trusted brand within the California cannabis industry. Their customer base is often new to cannabis and many are seeking medicinal benefits for a variety of conditions. Care By Design conducted a [recent study](https://www.cbd.org/largest-survey-patients-using-cbd) with over 600 people, from their customer base, to better understand why they use the products and the overall benefits received.\n\nThe results not only demonstrate that cannabis works for many medical conditions, but it confirms a [previous study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25255903) published in 2014 by Ryan-Ibarra, et al. Both of these studies show that that most common indication for medical cannabis use, about 31%, is for [chronic pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/562150d03232620006450000/top-14-marijuana-strains-for-different-kinds-of-pain) and [arthritis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a546996636300006230000/medical-marijuana-a-safe-alternative-for-arthritis-inflammation). Not surprisingly, 72-92% of patients using cannabis for these conditions found that it significantly decreased pain symptoms. \n\nAccording to the research, 4-8% of the patient base suffers from [migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/559ac07d3664330006070000/taking-queues-from-the-past-medical-marijuana-can-provide-migraine-relief). Migraine pain significantly decreased in almost 100% of people taking the CBD-rich cannabis concentrates. This finding is particularly remarkable as most prescription medication does not perform nearly as well and most includes impactful side effects. Most participants indicated that their overall sense of wellbeing increased by about 88% after using the CBD-rich products. Participants suffering from [post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55fa22d93262620006740000/new-finds-on-ptsd-and-medical-marijuana) also indicated a much better sense of wellbeing after using the products with CBD-dominant cannabis medicine.\n\nPatients with chronic diseases get “worn down” and often have feelings of lethargy. Care by Design found that almost 40% of these patients had an increased energy level after using CBD-rich cannabis. This increase in energy levels was also seen in almost 60% in patients with inflammation, [fibromyalgia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/559adb8865623000060f0000/relief-from-fibromyalgia-symptoms-the-case-for-medical-marijuana) and PTSD.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/ee604/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png","srcSet":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/69585/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/497c6/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 400w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/ee604/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 800w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/f3583/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 1200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/f90fa/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/58556/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/61e93/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/1f5c5/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 400w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/58556/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 800w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/99238/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 1200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/5e0b8/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.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_1905-markdown","title":"Cannabis for Anxiety and Stress Disorders","slug":"cannabis-for-anxiety-and-stress-disorders","content":"Stress and anxiety have become two of the most prevalent sources of\r\nillness in modern society. The Anxiety and Depression Association of\r\nAmerica concluded that anxiety disorders are the number-one [most common\r\ncategory of mood\r\ndisorder](http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics) in\r\nthe country, and the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that\r\nat least 40 million Americans, nearly one in five, struggle with\r\nanxiety.\r\n\r\nStatistics and Symptoms of PTSD\r\n-------------------------------\r\n\r\nAt the same time, the number of [diagnoses for\r\nPTSD,](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/winter09/articles/winter09pg10-14.html)\r\nor post-traumatic stress disorder, have been steadily increasing. PTSD\r\nis a stress and anxiety condition resulting from exposure to extreme\r\ntrauma or the trauma of a loved one.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs [estimates that 31.3\r\nmillion](http://www.washingtondc.va.gov/news/VA_PTSD_Research_Study.asp)\r\nAmericans, 20 percent of the population, will experience PTSD symptoms\r\nat some point in their lives. These symptoms include \"being bombarded by\r\nintrusive thoughts; avoiding people, places, and things; and\r\nexperiencing hyper awareness.\"\r\n\r\nOther common symptoms of PTSD are persistent nightmares with\r\naccompanying insomnia, unexpected triggers for re-experiencing the\r\ntrauma, flashbacks, adrenaline and hormone surges, extreme risk-taking\r\nbehavior and suicidal depression.\r\n\r\nThe Cost of Mistreatment\r\n------------------------\r\n\r\nAlthough PTSD has been most often associated with soldiers returning\r\nfrom war and survivors of rape attacks, the number of PTSD cases has\r\nexpanded as physicians have realized that other kinds of extreme trauma\r\ncan induce the same pathology.\r\n\r\nSandro Galea, an epidemiologist and chairman at the National Academy of\r\nSciences, stated starkly, \"We are at the cusp of a [wave of\r\nPTSD](http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/20/ptsd-va-pentagon-scientists-institute-medicine/10764991/),\"\r\ndue to the ongoing nature of foreign wars along with failures in current\r\ntherapy options for PTSD sufferers. By some estimates, [misdiagnosis and\r\nmistreatment of\r\nPTSD](http://healmyptsd.com/education/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-statistics)\r\nhas cost over $42.3 billion. One treatment that is gaining greater\r\nacceptance now is the medicinal application of cannabis.\r\n\r\nNew Mexico as a Testing Ground\r\n------------------------------\r\n\r\nNew Mexico became the first U.S. state to authorize [medical cannabis as\r\na treatment for\r\nPTSD](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140522104850.htm) in\r\n2009 after many years of effective but unauthorized use, especially by\r\ndischarged soldiers. A study of the program's successful outcomes,\r\ntitled *\"*PTSD Symptom Reports of Patients Evaluated for the New Mexico\r\nMedical Cannabis Program,\" was published in the Journal of Psychoactive\r\nDrugs in 2014. It was then presented to the New Mexico Legislative\r\nHealth & Human Services Committee to clear up questions about medical\r\nmarijuana as a treatment option.\r\n\r\nThe study found that patients reported that cannabis use resulted in a\r\n75 percent reduction on average in the three major categories of PTSD\r\nsymptoms: re-experiencing, avoidance and hyper-arousal. The report also\r\nspecified that there was a \"lack of any harm or problems in functioning\"\r\nas a result of cannabis use by the patients.\r\n\r\nHow Different Strains Affect Various Symptoms\r\n---------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nCBD and THC are the best studied of the\r\n[cannabinoids,](http://adai.uw.edu/marijuana/factsheets/cannabinoids.htm)\r\nwhich also include CBG, CBC, CBN and CBDL. Strains with higher CBD have\r\nbeen shown to be more effective at treating anxiety-related symptoms\r\nwhile THC strains simulate the body's natural mechanism for [blocking\r\nout harmful\r\nmemories.](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cannabis-like-brain-chemi/)\r\n\r\nThe University of Buffalo reported in the Journal of Neuroscience that\r\nits [study on\r\nendocannabinoids](http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/44/14560.short)\r\ndemonstrated the role that these chemicals play in counteracting chronic\r\nstress and regulating hyper-arousal. Endocannabinoids operate on the\r\nsame system of receptors as marijuana cannabinoids like THC, suggesting\r\nthat strains higher in THC should be considered when these kinds of\r\nsymptoms present more strongly in the patient.\r\n\r\nPTSD and Cannabinoids in the Real World\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nJack Stiegelman, a veteran of an Afghanistan deployment who [founded\r\nVets For\r\nCannabis](http://www.ibtimes.com/marijuana-legalization-2015-ptsd-cannabis-can-researchers-cut-through-politics-find-1993297)\r\nafter a back injury, reported immediate results from a strain that\r\ntreated pain and stress relief. He said, \"The rage wasn't there anymore.\r\nIt helped with the stabbing pains and relaxed my back spasms, and it\r\nhelped me think clearly and stay in tune with my body ... I took medical\r\nmarijuana to stop some of the effects of the other medications.\"\r\n\r\nThat same reason is behind why psychiatrist Sue Sisley has led a\r\nnational campaign for greater research into medical marijuana and how it\r\ncould help vets fighting suicidal depression. She pointed out, \"We do\r\nhave an epidemic of veteran suicide in this country. The question is, is\r\nthe epidemic related to untreated or underdiagnosed PTSD, and could\r\nmarijuana help deal with that epidemic?\" She also pointed out that\r\nmedical marijuana is a more practical, less potentially dangerous\r\nsolution because it eliminates the likelihood of unknown drug\r\ninteractions.\r\n\r\nSisley summed up her argument for cannabis-based treatments, \"PTSD has\r\nsuch a broad constellation of symptoms, and you can end up taking eight,\r\n10 medicines to manage a single syndrome. This plant enabled them to\r\nwalk away from all of these drugs.\"\r\n\r\nNew Vistas for Medical Marijuana Research\r\n-----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nA great deal of research is underway across the country as 23 states and\r\nthe District of Columbia have [approved medical\r\nmarijuana](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881)\r\nfor treatment of illnesses like PTSD and anxiety-related mood disorders.\r\nIn 2016, [five more\r\nstates](http://time.com/3748075/marijuana-legalization-2016/) will be\r\ndeciding whether to allow medical marijuana for these kinds of\r\ntreatments. Public opinion is opening up, but now additional scientific\r\nresearch needs to follow to make sure patients are receiving the right\r\nform of treatment. Today, it requires the careful evaluation by a\r\nmedical professional to determine which strain is most effective in each\r\nindividual case. Consult a healthcare professional for more information\r\nabout this complex and rapidly changing field of research.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/34389013@N06/5346207005)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/14b42/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/f836f/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.jpg 200w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/2244e/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.jpg 400w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/14b42/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.jpg 800w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/47498/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/748b1/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.jpg 1492w","srcWebp":"/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/58556/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/61e93/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.webp 200w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/1f5c5/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.webp 400w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/58556/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.webp 800w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/99238/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.webp 1200w,\n/static/5775ad63843def88b4ab8c5c29117378/5538b/1688948ffdbe56d163b100d46d44a9d5.webp 1492w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1946-markdown","title":"New Finds on PTSD and Medical Marijuana","slug":"new-finds-on-ptsd-and-medical-marijuana","content":"Although Colorado recently declined to approve medical marijuana for the\r\ntreatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a growing body of\r\nresearch shows a strong connection between the endocannabinoid system\r\nand PTSD.\r\n\r\nPTSD and the Endocannabinoid System\r\n-----------------------------------\r\n\r\nPTSD involves a series of conditioned fear responses. In the words of\r\nDr. Alexander Neumeister of the NYU School of Medicine, \"\\[PTSD\\] is an\r\nillness where people cannot forget what they have experienced.\"\r\nIncreasingly, it appears that the endocannabinoid system may play a\r\nlarge role in protecting against it. This may be due to both the number\r\nof cannabinoid receptors in the brain and the levels of cannabinoids\r\npresent. PTSD sufferers tend to have more [cannabinoid\r\nreceptors](http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v18/n9/abs/mp201361a.html)\r\nthan others, along with lower levels of at least one endocannabinoid.\r\n\r\nLow Cannabinoid Levels Increase the Likelihood of PTSD\r\n------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nA 2013 study published in the journal\r\n*[Psychoneuroendocrinology](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24035186)*\r\nsuggests that the role of the endocannabinoid system in protecting\r\nagainst PTSD may be critical. A joint effort between U.S. and Canadian\r\nresearchers, the study examined 46 subjects who were in the vicinity of\r\nthe World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks. Of the participants, 24\r\nsuffered from PTSD while 22 did not. Researchers discovered that those\r\nwho experienced PTSD symptoms also had lower concentrations of\r\nanandamide -- one of the body's naturally-occurring cannabinoids -- than\r\nthose without PTSD.\r\n\r\nThe cannabinoid receptors concentrated in the brain and nervous system\r\nthat mediate many functions, including emotional learning and adaptation\r\nto stress, are called CB1 receptors. They're also involved in fear\r\nextinction, which is defined as a decline in conditioned fear responses.\r\nWhen the brain experiences deficits in cannabinoids, this can interfere\r\nwith CB1 signaling. Improper CB1 signaling can result in the hallmark\r\nsymptoms of PTSD, including impaired fear extinction, poor memory\r\nconsolidation, and chronic anxiety.\r\n\r\nFurther research, including a 2013 study conducted at the NYU Langone\r\nMedical Center, supports this idea. The study, published in *[Molecular\r\nPsychiatry](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23670490)*, used positron\r\nemission tomography to look at the brains of subjects with PTSD and\r\nwithout. The study included 60 people, and found that not only did\r\nsubjects with PTSD have lower anandamide, they also had more CB1\r\nreceptors in the areas of the brain associated with fear and anxiety.\r\nThis suggests that using cannabis to increase cannabinoid levels may be\r\nan effective tool for the treatment of PTSD.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/91262622@N02/14084495579)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/14b42/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/f836f/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.jpg 200w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/2244e/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.jpg 400w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/14b42/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.jpg 800w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/47498/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/a6974/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.jpg 1536w","srcWebp":"/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/58556/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/61e93/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.webp 200w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/1f5c5/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.webp 400w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/58556/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.webp 800w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/99238/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.webp 1200w,\n/static/7b4af705563d1a4f00b1e3ccedb4bde6/d5052/c891394c5167258d84119da6f8ae70f2.webp 1536w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1954-markdown","title":"Auntie Dolores: The Forefront of the Gourmet Edibles Movement","slug":"auntie-dolores-the-forefront-of-the-gourmet-edibles-movement","content":"[Auntie Dolores](http://auntiedolores.com/), a gourmet cannabis edibles company, was founded by Julianna Carella in 2008. The idea was hatched in the ever popular Dolores Park in San Francisco during a time when the cannabis industry was still in its infancy. Except for the ubiquitous home made ‘pot brownie’ and the odd gummy bear, Julianna was hard pressed to find other edible choices in the marketplace. Inspired by the gourmet foods movement in her hometown, Julianna surged forward to provide gourmet edibles to a sophisticated crowd of cannabis patients and enthusiasts. Auntie Dolores took off quickly and is now represented by hundreds of dispensaries across California with big plans for future expansion. HelloMD spoke with Julianna to get to know more about her company and the philosophy behind it. \r\n\r\n\r\n**When you launched Auntie Dolores, what were your first products offered?**\r\n>The first unique product that became very popular was the savory pretzel. They are vegan and low glycemic. After the pretzels became popular, we developed our chili lime peanuts and the caramel corn. We’ve always had brownies and cookies, which are a staple in most dispensaries. Yet our brownies are vegan, low glycemic, and made with coconut oil and coconut sugar. We wanted to make something that not only tasted great, but was healthier than other products out in the market. We wanted to appeal to a wider clientele with both great flavors and new savory products. At the time we started Auntie Dolores, everything was made with white sugar and white flour and with extremely unhealthy ingredients.\r\n\r\n\r\n**I read on your website that the Latin root of Dolores is ‘Dolore’ which means pain. Naming your company Auntie Dolores is meant to represent anti-pain. When you created your company were you thinking about targeting the medicinal community?**\r\n>Absolutely, there are many, many people who are using cannabis as medicine and we wanted to reach those people. However, we also want to appeal to a wide array of people, whether they are using it for pain management, anxiety, epilepsy, or just to feel good.\r\n\r\n**Is it fair to say that you are aiming to create gourmet foods that are also healthy?**\r\n>Yes. The first thing we always start with is the flavor of our foods. Cannabis can usually be tasted so we are interested in finding ingredients that can mask the flavor of cannabis really well. We have found that the savory products do a great job of that. We also include super-foods in our products because it is a way of making edibles an overall healthier experience. \r\n\r\n>Coconut oil, which is a common ingredient for us, and cannabis have a lot of the same health benefits and they work well together. A lot of the super-foods, like cacao for instance, are really good for you and have a strong flavor that helps to mask the cannabis flavor, so that is an example of how we might select an ingredient. Almost all of our products have coconut oil in them. We love coconut oil! \r\n\r\n**It sounds as if you were ahead of the coconut oil movement which is so popular now.**\r\n>Coconut oil used to get a bad wrap as a saturated fat, but it has a lot of health benefits, as we all know now. It also does a great job of extracting cannabinoids because of the high fat content. We use CO2 extracted cannabis oil infused into coconut oil to bring cannabis into our products.\r\n\r\n\r\n**What is good about CO2 extracted cannabis oil?**\r\n>It is so concentrated so you can really achieve a better flavor with that product, because you are using such a small amount. You end up with high potency, without the flavor of cannabis, which is ideal. With CO2 cannabis oil, you’re using a lot less oil because it is so concentrated which creates more consistent potency and an overall better flavor. \r\n\r\n\r\n**Elderly patients are beginning to discover cannabis as a form of medicine for a variety of ailments. How do you educate  a less experienced patient population on how to use your products effectively and safely?
**\r\n>Over the years we have gained insight into the elderly community and how they use our products. For instance, I recently heard from an elderly woman who told me that she eats one caramel corn a night right before bed to help her sleep. A lot of elderly patients choose to use our products for arthritis, and they tend to only need one or two savory crackers at a time because their tolerance is fairly low. \r\n\r\n>Our products are designed so you can eat a little bit or a lot, but it also depends on the person’s tolerance level. The dosage is on the package, each pretzel has 3 mg so you may only need 3 or 4 of those pretzels to give you a 10 mg dosage, which is often enough. You can experience the analgesic effects without feeling high, if you know how to regulate your dosage. I think people who have had difficulty with edibles, who have had a bad experience with them, find our products a lot easier to work with because they can eat 2 pretzels and have the effect they are looking for. It’s important to start slowly as everyone is different but we do state dosages on our packaging very clearly.\r\n\r\n**You have some new CBD (cannabidiol) products coming out, can you tell me a little about that?**\r\n>We have secured a great source for CBD and it took us a long time. Now that we have a consistent source, we are in the process of developing new products. We hope to sell our CBD edibles worldwide. \r\n\r\n**Is the CBD hemp derived?**\r\n>Yes, the CBD we use for our international products is derived from Hemp.  We chose to use hemp-derived CBD so that we can sell this product outside of California, being that it is below the legal THC threshold. That way, if someone is interested in the CBD products, you will perhaps have better access to those products. Also, you can independently mix them with THC if you want. Our 50mg CBD brownie and our 10mg THC brownie combined will create a 5:1 ratio (CBD:THC) or you can take a 100mg THC brownie and our 50mg CBD brownie for a 1:2 ratio (CBD:THC). The brownies are small and low in calories and many patients combine to get the effect they are looking for.  There are many different combinations you can create or you can just have the CBD brownie on its own. \r\n\r\n**Are the hemp derived CBD products as effective as cannabis derived CBD products on the market today?**\r\n>Yes, CBD is CBD. There are a lot of misconceptions about CBD. We have sourced a superior form of CBD that is free of heavy metals and other contaminants. Usually the concentrations of THC in marijuana are going to be hard to take out, but if you start with CBD in hemp, where there is no THC present, it is easier to get a pure CBD product. It is advantageous to have both CBD and THC in a product, but that is not something we can ship it across the country. \r\n\r\n**What is most exciting development within Auntie Dolores right now?**\r\n>We are extremely excited about launching our line of CBD products. We’ve only had the CBD brownie out for a few weeks and the response has been overwhelming. We are also looking forward to when the price of CBD comes down to the price of THC. CBD has a lot of great applications but it can be 4 times as expensive as THC, so we are having to charge so much more for our CBD products. We look forward to the day when we can give access to everyone who wants CBD products at a fair and balanced price point.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2903225806451613,"src":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/33aa5/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/f836f/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg 200w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/2244e/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg 400w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/33aa5/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.jpg 768w","srcWebp":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/7f8e9/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/61e93/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp 200w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/1f5c5/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp 400w,\n/static/e4c93fc5ad37b4bf5dbf809664de85da/7f8e9/d3512a02960b3efad954ba0d9204eebd.webp 768w","sizes":"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1856-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Not Approved for PTSD Use in Colorado","slug":"medical-marijuana-not-approved-for-ptsd-use-in-colorado","content":"In a 6-2 vote this past July, the Colorado Board of Health declined to\r\nadd PTSD to the list of conditions for which medical marijuana may be\r\nprescribed. The vote was in direct opposition to both very vocal support\r\nfrom PTSD patients and the advice of the state's Chief Medical Officer\r\nhimself.\r\n\r\nVeterans Call It a Hypocritical Policy\r\n--------------------------------------\r\n\r\nVeterans groups were among the proposal's biggest supporters. Many\r\nveterans suffering PTSD testified that standard medications such as\r\nantidepressants, antipsychotics, and opioids had destroyed their quality\r\nof life or nearly killed them. A dozen veterans asserted that cannabis\r\nhad saved their lives, saying that when they turned to medical marijuana\r\nafter years of standard drugs, their need for the more dangerous\r\nconventional drugs disappeared.\r\n\r\nMany feel that the decision was an exercise in hypocrisy, considering\r\nthe state's recreational marijuana laws. John Evans, director of Vets 4\r\nFreedoms, said says that veterans--the group with the highest incidence\r\nof PTSD--are being treated as second-class citizens. \"We've legalized\r\nit,\" he said. \"We'll take the tax dollars from our tourists (for\r\nrecreational marijuana) before we'll help our vets.\"\r\n\r\nBoard Member Says: \"I'm Struggling with the Science\"\r\n----------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nAs with past votes, the board's stated reason for not approving the\r\nmeasure was lack of scientific studies. As one board member stated, \"I'm\r\nstill struggling with the science piece [the lack of studies].\" However,\r\nthe current classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug makes it\r\nnearly impossible to do controlled studies.\r\n\r\nIt's a catch 22: Cannabis can't be declassified due to lack of studies,\r\nbut studies are limited by its current classification. Research is a\r\ncomplicated process with many more steps and restrictions than studies\r\non other substances or drugs, and it can take years. In the meantime,\r\nadvocates say, patients with PTSD suffer depression and other ailments,\r\nleading to increased possibility of opioid addiction and suicide.\r\n\r\nA veteran advocate in Colorado said, \"It is our brothers and sisters who\r\nare committing suicide every day. We know cannabis can help.\" Currently,\r\nonly about 5 percent of Colorado physicians recommend medical marijuana\r\nto patients, and about 15 doctors make 75 percent of those\r\nrecommendations.\r\n\r\nRecommendation for Re-Examination Also Struck Down\r\n--------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nDr. Larry Wolk, the state's Chief Medical Officer and director of the\r\nColorado Department of Public Health and Environment, agrees that the\r\nscience is lacking. He is, however, a proponent of medical marijuana for\r\nPTSD and has recommended the board vote yes. As a compromise, he\r\nproposed a measure that would bring the issue up for re-examination in\r\nfour years when two state-funded studies are expected to have results.\r\nThe board refused. \r\n\r\nThe limitation on medical marijuana for PTSD sufferers\r\nin Colorado is just another example of people who could benefit from medical \r\nmarijuana not being able to access medication they need. Though recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, patients with medical needs should be able to access medical marijuana as a medication, not just as a recreational product. \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortrucker/6331963771/in/photolist-aDwYea-5xVPvp-pJRTmd-q2k1Ko-pK8Wca-dYwRft-dYCyqN-a9Heri-dtuVdV-hu3MHg-5B9h2m-dhNLc3-vLU27y-aDVts3-aDRxG2-aEyyoc-7HEfyu-dhNKW9-hucqWR-7fmoTZ-8xSGDA-7f6MNt-aCuh5-drKW7A-dhNL3Y-5CrVTH-i6GSyy-6qHv69-aFa7jp-6jdsvY-8S6X2H-hnycqn-4mfGLf-aEz3wg-kuJ1qa-8SvZba-aDPTTc-aEe8hL-7faKS7-rZaNa-hu33ib-5249Mi-Jouet-aEG6Tp-d9LKd3-hu3MQv-hucQdG-oRCDSr-4oSfth-6RyzVH)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/14b42/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/f836f/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.jpg 200w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/2244e/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.jpg 400w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/14b42/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.jpg 800w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/47498/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/99213/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.jpg 1542w","srcWebp":"/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/58556/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/61e93/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.webp 200w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/1f5c5/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.webp 400w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/58556/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.webp 800w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/99238/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.webp 1200w,\n/static/dc0d8890d57143f89d1bc174a46cdaad/587c8/822f20c69f822e5271cd2b348e8aa37c.webp 1542w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1868-markdown","title":"Recovery from Trauma: The Role of Medical Marijuana in PTSD Treatment","slug":"recovery-from-trauma-the-role-of-medical-marijuana-in-ptsd-treatment","content":"Can medical marijuana really help ease the symptoms of Post-traumatic\r\nStress Disorder (PTSD)? [New neurological\r\nresearch](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23433741) suggests that it\r\ncan. A clinical study published in the journal\r\n*Psychoneuroendocrinology* presented evidence that patients with changes\r\nin their brain chemistry caused by PTSD have responded positively to\r\ntreatments with cannabis.\r\n\r\nConducted by researchers at the University of Haifa in Israel, this\r\nstudy suggests that medical marijuana can have beneficial effects on\r\nboth mental and physical reactions to trauma due to the presence of\r\ncannabinoids. Two areas of the brain, the cannabinoid and glucocorticoid\r\nsystems, are essential in resolving damage to the brain due to emotional\r\ntrauma.\r\n\r\nThe National Institute of Mental Health [defines\r\nPTSD](http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml)\r\nas a condition that \"develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved\r\nphysical harm or the threat of physical harm.\" Although it may originate\r\nfrom a terrifying event, it can also stem from the frightening\r\nexperiences of loved ones or even strangers.\r\n\r\nMedia coverage of PTSD in the wake of several extended US wars around\r\nthe globe has increased public awareness of the condition. The US\r\nDepartment of Veteran Affairs estimates that around eight percent of the\r\nUS population [will experience\r\nPTSD](http://www.ptsd.va.gov/PTSD/public/PTSD-overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp)\r\nat some point during their lives. That risk factor is slightly higher\r\nfor women (10 percent) and slightly lower for men (4 percent).\r\n\r\nThe three main symptoms of the disorder are:\r\n\r\n-   Re-experiencing the traumatic event through nightmares or\r\n    flashbacks\r\n-   Avoidance of all things that relate to the incident or social\r\n    contact all together\r\n-   An overly developed startle response (hyperarousal) accompanied by\r\n    insomnia or sudden outbursts of rage.\r\n\r\nIt's important to recognize that people of all ages can suffer from\r\nPTSD. Those with a higher risk factor includes war veterans, victims of\r\nphysical and sexual assault, those who have been mentally or physically\r\nabused, survivors of natural disasters, first responders, and anyone\r\ninvolved in a life-threatening event.\r\n\r\nPTSD is often treated with pharmaceutical anti-depressants and\r\nanti-anxiety medications like Prazosin, an anti-hypertensive drug that\r\neases insomnia and nightmares. However, these have been shown to have\r\n[severe side\r\neffects](http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/prazosin-for-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/index.htm),\r\nincluding nausea, low blood pressure and headaches.\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana, rather than traditional medication, is seen as a\r\nsafer route for delivering cannabinoids to the troubled areas of the\r\nbrain for those who suffer from PTSD. Medical [research from Tufts\r\nUniversity](http://ase.tufts.edu/psychology/shinlab/documents/pubsShinAmygdala.pdf)\r\nfound that trauma to the region of the brain called the amygdala is\r\nprimary responsible for the symptoms of PTSD. In another recent study\r\nfrom the University of Michigan, researchers found that [cannabinoids\r\ncan help repair](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23829364) abnormally\r\nfunctioning brain systems, as well as inhibit inappropriate responses\r\nlike anxiety disorders, PTSD, panic attacks and phobias.\r\n\r\nThe research on cannabis as a powerful tool to help those suffering from\r\ntrauma is an example of modern medical science that supports the ancient\r\npractices of traditional healers all over the world. For centuries,\r\nmarijuana has been prescribed to help people recover after traumatic\r\nevents.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/36645092@N02/8260508217)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEBQb/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABpz2piM6MP//EABsQAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDAREAEiIU/9oACAEBAAEFAt+HB1DDDAXLVLC58y6//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD/2gAIAQIBAT8BJ//EAB0QAAICAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEiEjEyQaH/2gAIAQEABj8C38L1JFIlTyM7k10cEf/EABwQAAMAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABETFhIVFxgf/aAAgBAQABPyH6LKMCo9MpBd5I+8i1raHHgoqrR//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQLy//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEFH/2gAIAQMBAT8QXJ//xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEBEhMf/aAAgBAgEBPxADF6v/xAAfEAEBAAIABwEAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhMUFRgaGxweH/2gAIAQEAAT8QDxkZQ0jyS4rCnQ20dd4dBLX18wWE0WATR+40r0SDuL5xqIJVbTP/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/14b42/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/f836f/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.jpg 200w,\n/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/2244e/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.jpg 400w,\n/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/14b42/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.jpg 800w,\n/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/16310/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/58556/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/61e93/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.webp 200w,\n/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/1f5c5/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.webp 400w,\n/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/58556/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.webp 800w,\n/static/2ff6062be5bba7a5c94469affd2deb5a/cc834/d527ea94501eda201a0e1382bfbef4b7.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":24,"numPages":3,"currentPage":3,"id":5667,"name":"Ptsd","slug":"ptsd","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}