Top 8 Cannabis Strains for Chronic Pain & Inflammation

Cannabis Strains

Taking the help of cannabis for the treatment of many major health issues is only natural in a rec state. Rec state is often an informal term for a state that has legalized the use of marijuana for medical as well as recreational purposes. 

It was back in 2014 when the New York state legalized the use of medical cannabis and it was on March 31, 2021 when the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) legalized  the adult-use of cannabis in the state. Which means that the people of the state are free to actively start using cannabis for the treatment or management of any severe medical issues troubling them.

With that in mind we have the medical marijuana doctors, New York sharing their expertise on the cannabis strains that people can smoke for severe chronic pain and inflammation symptoms. Before we list down the top 8 cannabis strains, we have to first know whether there are any studies that explain how cannabis helps in getting rid of the symptoms of chronic pain and inflammation. 

Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Inflammation: What Do the Studies Say?

There are many important research studies that have highlighted and substantiated the use of cannabis for the management and treatment of chronic pain and inflammation. Back in December 2011, University of California San Francisco pointed out that cannabis in combination with opiates can greatly expand the medical effectiveness of the treatment of chronic pain for patients. 

After this many other studies regarding the truly wonderful benefits of cannabis were conducted almost simultaneously. With such a growing popularity there was a need for the market to expand as well. The big cannabis brands started churning out many products to fulfill the requirement that was ever increasing. 

What is important here is the fact that this greatly contributed to people testing out products and finding relief through them. Especially products which have a high CBD and THC content in it. This inevitably also included a huge selection of cannabis flowers and strains that people started smoking for the same. Let us go through a list of the top strains that will help people treat and manage their chronic pain and inflammation symptoms.

Top 8 Cannabis Strains for Chronic Pain and Inflammation

Here is a list of cannabis strains you can try out if you are suffering from both, chronic pain and inflammation. 

Harlequin

A sativa dominant cannabis strain, Harlequin is truly an exceptional one that can actually work to reduce the symptoms of pain. If a CBD high strain doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will. Not just pain, if you’re struggling from inflammation and anxiety, it will help you with that too. Frequent users swear of its pain relief effects for disorders like Epilepsy.

Despite only a little bit of THC in it, it is highly significant for the people to consume in a safe environment. 

ACDC

ACDC is the strain phenotype of the classic Cannatonic strain. It is another major strain that has a really high CBD content which makes it a perfect choice for medical patients. With the ratio of CBD: THC being 20:1, the patient is quite unlikely to feel any of the psychoactive effects. The patient will experience the relaxing effects only followed by immense pain relief.

Improving the mood, treating issues related to pain, the after-effects of chemotherapy, and psychological conditions like anxiety, whatever you want, you can enjoy them with this strain. 

Blue Dream

A strain that is perfect for you if you’re struggling from chronic pain, depression, and nausea is Blue Dream. Made by the mixing of two great strains like Blueberry and Haze, this strain is highly refreshing and sweet. Which is why people prefer using it quite often. One important thing that the patients must practice while consuming this strain is restraint. That’s because its yummy deliciousness can get slightly addicting, if you’re not careful enough. 

Cannatonic

Regarded as one of the most classical strains of all time, Cannatonic is a mix of G13 Haze and MK Ultra and is high in CBD content. The THC content isn’t as low as it was in other CBD rich strains, at around 6%, but with CBD level at around 17-18% the effects like pain reduction, anti-inflammation, as well as seizures and epilepsy pain relief can be experienced optimally.

Charlotte’s Web

A strain with an intriguing name like Charlotte’s Web also has a unique history to support it. Believed to be created for the benefit of a particular patient named Charlotte Figi, this strain was aimed at reducing the number of seizures associated with Dravet’s syndrome. The level of THC in this strain is well under 0.3% which exponentially expands its benefits for the patients. It is particularly brilliant for reducing the inflammation that is often associated with chronic pain.

Sour Diesel

A rather potent THC strain that will give you a mild intoxication high alongwith the special pain relief benefits and is a must try for every patient struggling from these symptoms is Sour Diesel. The experience that the consumption of this cannabis strain gives the users, keeps bringing them back for more and more. What’s even better is the fact that it can improve the energy and happiness levels of the afflicted patients to a great extent.

White Widow

Another rather interestingly named strain that has garnered and maintained the attention of people for a long while now is White Widow. As a highly potent cannabis strain, it is not advisable for beginners to try out. Smoking White Widow and feeling the effects of pain relief, insomnia and even anxiety is truly an exquisite experience. Important to note here is the fact that it should be consumed in moderation without any exploitation.

Blueberry  

Yet another classical strain that is being quite actively used these past few years is blueberry. The level of both major cannabinoids, CBD and THC in this strain is particularly high. It is then one of the best strains out there in the market for you to try out. What matters is the deep mental as well as physical relaxation that you will feel so make sure to only consume it when you have no important work to do during the day.

Cannabis: Researchers Plan to Study People Running in SPACE

cannabis

Potential of the cannabis plant has been widely acknowledged by scientists, medical experts and patients. One of the recent reasons why cannabis is in the trend is due to its link with exercise/ fitness. More and more people have shown active interest in consuming weed for working out. All of this has made scientists curious about cannabis and its true effects on people who exercise as not enough research is available in this area.

 Following the trend and curiosity, the scientific community is now coming up with a study named ‘STUDY’ ( Study on Physical and Cannabis Effects) to deeply understand marijuana’s relationship with fitness. 

Study on Physical Activity and Cannabis Effects (STUDY)

STUDY ( Study on Physical Activity and Cannabis Effects ) conducted by Colorado University happens to be the first ever research on cannabis and fitness from a scientific point of view.

“To date, there are no human studies on the effects of legal market cannabis on the experience of exercise,” said Laurel Gibson, a PhD student in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and principal investigator of the study. “That’s where we come in.”

The study is currently under practice and will examine participants to learn how cannabis influences their fitness levels under different situational scenarios. 

The study enlist 50 paid volunteers who are given the leverage to pick any THC or CBD-dominant strain and use it before 30 minutes of their workout sessions. Now, the interesting point here is that the researchers ask the participants questions every 10 minutes while working out and try to understand different aspects such as what do they feel, how hard or enjoyable does the workout feel, etc. 

The researchers also commented on the stigmatized image of cannabis and how people are coming forward to destigmatize it by clubbing its compounds with different forms of practices. 

 “Cannabis is often associated with a decrease in motivation— that stereotype of couch-lock and laziness. But at the same time, we are seeing an increasing number of anecdotal reports of people using it in combination with everything from golfing and yoga to snowboarding and running.”

The colleagues of the university are expecting a contradictory result by comparing sober workout sessions and those with cannabis intake.

Cannabis for Fitness: Does it Help?

Cannabis, marijuana, weed, hash, or pot, whatever you call, is a herbal plant containing hundreds of natural compounds, the most prevalent ones being cannabinoids. Cannabis is widely used for its therapeutic potential. From chronic pain, to cancer, it can help manage an assortment of medical conditions. Patients can even access legal medical cannabis products for the treatment of some debilitating medical conditions. For instance, a resident of New York just needs a medical marijuana new york card to get medical cannabis. 

Well, not only for medical reasons, but the plant’s use for the enhancement of exercise is also quite in talks. Many athletes and sportspersons actively use a certain percentage of THC to boost the good vibes of running, as they say. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component of cannabis that produces the euphoric feeling among the users . 

CBD or cannabidiol is another prevalent cannabinoid that enjoys a dedicated following for its healing properties. 

If studies and reviews of cannabis users were to be considered, below are the key points how cannabis can help enhance fitness levels. 

THC Can Help Boost Physical And Emotional Pleasure From Work Out

‘Runner’s high’’, is a term popular amongst the athletes which apparently describes the sensation of energy, pain relief, and euphoria an athlete experiences after or during a workout. Research suggests that the same feeling is induced with THC consumption. That’s the major reason for THC’s popularity within people who hit the gym a lot. Human bodies are designed to get emotional and physical pleasure from exercise and THC helps experiencing that. THC binds with the natural receptors CB1 and CB2 present in the nervous system and influences functions like pain, pleasure, mood. 

“It is possible that exogenous cannabinoids like THC or CBD might activate the endocannabinoid system in a way that mimics the runner’s high,” said the researcher of STUDY. 

Provide Relief From Pain and Inflammation 

Pain relief is by far the most common medical advantage of cannabis cited by patients. One might feel almost powerless after an intense leg day at the gym which can result in severe pain and soreness. Taking CBD in the right quantity can help ease pain and muscle cramps. A significant chunk of the American population uses the cannabinoid (CBD) to get relief from chronic pain and inflammation. 

Sharpens Your Focus 

CBD contains anxiolytic properties which not only help ease out the symptoms of anxiety but naturally puts you in a more relaxed and comfortable space. And that automatically sharpens your focus, be it while doing a mental task or working out. Athletes report that consuming cannabis before working out gives them their ‘zone’ where they feel more focused and dedicated.

Offers You a Good Night’s Sleep 

The relaxing effects of CBD and THC are well-known all across America. It’s vital to give your body complete rest after a heavy workout session and sometimes you just can’t sleep even after so much physical exertion. And that’s when THC might help. Though the cannabinoid is stigmatized for its psychoactive effects, its consumption in low quantities can help you have a good night’s sleep. 

Bottom Line 

Concluding the above discussion, it can be said that cannabis does hold the potential of enhancing the effects of exercise, however more structured and detailed studies are required to study its long-term effects. 

In the hope to get great results from the study, the researcher said, “We know so little and there is so much we need to learn.”

How to Make Marijuana Edibles Hit You Faster?

Marijuana Edibles

Following the growing legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis in more of the US states, its consumption has become quite common. A major chunk of the American population, including younger and older, is now turning towards this plant for seeking relief from a wide range of medical conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, glaucoma, and even cancer.

Plus, patients with a debilitating medical condition have the option to access medical cannabis products with a med card. For instance, residents of New York, with a new york medical marijuana card, can easily access different marijuana products. 

With marijuana’s legalization trend, different cannabis products have also been entering the market just to keep up with the trend. While some of the popular ones are cannabis oils, topicals, and capsules, edibles are considered as the most convenient and easiest way to kick-in the effects of the substance. 

Though edibles are quite effective, sometimes it may take way too much time to kick-in the effects. Most of the patients find this is a genuine concern and end up looking for ways to make their edibles hit faster. So, below we have some of the top ways one can use to make marijuana edibles hit them faster with the desired effects. 

Marijuana Edibles: Types And Effects 

There are different forms of marijuana edibles. Some of the most common ones are listed below. 

  • Gummies
  • Lollipops
  • Cookies
  • Marijuana-infused drinks
  • Oil and tinctures
  • Capsules 
  • Dissolvable tablets 

Well, speaking of the effects, marijuana, in general, is known for producing different effects such as relaxing, pain-relieving, euphoric, anti-inflammatory etc. The concentration of CBD and THC in a particular edible influence the product’s effects as both contain similar but a bit different properties. 

While CBD is well-recognized for its therapeutic elements, THC, on the other hand, is popular for its psychoactive uniqueness. Now, legal cannabis edibles can only contain less than 0.3 % THC so as to make the products safe for consumption. Some edibles are only CBD infused which are used by patients with chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation as the compound promotes relaxation, relieves pain, and promotes sleep. 

Top Ways to Make Edibles Hit You Faster 

In the case of edibles, it’s a bit of a complex process. While they are known to deliver long-lasting intensified effects, the only downfall is that they can take a good amount of time to kick-in. Below, we have listed some of the effective ways you can make edibles hit you faster. 

Try Fast-Acting Edibles 

Fast-acting edibles are one of the recent developments within the cannabis industry where different companies claim that fast-acting edibles can make the marijuana reach the blood flow within a few minutes of the consumption hence, resulting in fast delivery of effects. 

Consume On an Empty Stomach 

This is one of the most effective ways of getting cannabis results much faster. Eating an edible on an empty stomach allows your digestive system to focus solely on the substance, hence giving more desired results. However, please note that this method could be risky for new cannabis users as they usually haven’t built the tolerance level to handle marijuana’s effects on an empty stomach. Regular cannabis users can use this method to achieve satisfactory results. 

Boost Up Your Metabolism 

Another effective way to make sure your edibles kick in faster is to work on your metabolism. Increased metabolism results in quicker digestion of THC in your body, which, in turn, affects how faster its effects will kick in. Though boosting your metabolism is not a one-day task, it happens over time when you consistently take care of things like proper diet, enough water intake, exercise, etc. So, work on all these things if you want to have a strong metabolism. 

Sublingual Edibles Can Help

Sublingual edibles can be a great way of getting THC down your body at a faster pace. Some of the examples of sublingual edibles are tinctures, gummies, candies, etc. Just place them on your tongue and let them melt to let THC reach the bloodstream at the earliest. 

Marijuana-Infused Beverages 

Some people might underestimate the potential of marijuana-infused drinks but this is also a well-known method of achieving faster results. Infusing fast-acting edibles into drinks lets the cannabinoids pass down the digestive tract more quickly than a solid edible. 

Bottom Line 

Summing up the whole discussion, it could be concluded that edibles are a great way of ingesting marijuana and its potential effects, however, it’s a time-consuming process which can be a bit uncomfortable at certain times. So, one seeking for immediate effects of cannabis should sort to those ways which can make their edibles kick in faster and hence, provide them with desired results. Also, if you still have doubt about marijuana use for your body, you can consult a medical marijuana doctor and take proper guidance on what’s best for you.

Can You Pass an Oral Drug Test This Week?

Marijuana Oral Drug

Drug testing has been a thing forever, whether to check the existence of illicit drugs, alcohol or any other restricted substance like performance enhancing drugs in a person’s system. These have been a way to screen potential employees before recruiting them, or while selecting athletes for championships. 

While the tests still exist, one of the drugs previously categorized as an illicit drug has not been federally legalized. Well, kind of. 

Yup, we’re talking about cannabis. Whether you buy it with a medical marijuana card NY or recreationally with your state ID, you’re no longer committing a punishable offense. 

However, even with the legalization of hemp sourced cannabis, multiple companies still rely on drug screening for THC to accept or reject applicants. 

While states like New York and Nevada have laws protecting the consumption and employment rights of the people, others states have no such provisions. The laws limit a company’s right to reject an applicant simply for THC traces in their drug tests. On the contrary, states like California have no laws to protect these rights of the citizens. 

In states like CA, your cannabis consumption can cost you your dream job. And you obviously don’t want that. 

So if you have a drug test coming up, now might be a good time to put a hold on your consumption.  

Different Ways to Detect Marijuana During a Drug Test

With a variety of drug tests available, some could look for THC traces in your urine, another in the fluids found in your mouth or getting a sample of your hair. Depending on the type of test conducted, your test may or may not come out as positive. 

Hair Drug Test: With the longest window, these can show traces of upto 90 days

Urine Test: If you’ve consumed THC in the last 30 days, it might show up in the urinalysis

Blood Tests: These can show traces of upto a few weeks (3)

Oral Tests: These are best to find traces of immediate consumption (in the last 24 hours)

Your best gamble is to hope for an oral test. Both these tests only show traces of recent consumption unlike other tests. 

It is also important to remember that in these evaluations you are being tested for the presence of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and not any other cannabinoid. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects, in other words, the high that comes with cannabis consumption. If you’ve consumed a cannabis product with no THC in it, such as a broad spectrum or isolated CBD product, you’re safe. 

As per the 2018 Farm Bill, all legally sold recreational hemp should have 0.3% THC or less, which may or may not show up on the drug test. Cannabis bought with a medical marijuana card NY can have much higher THC potency which is sure to show up on the test if you don’t take precautions.

How Long Can THC be Detected in the Mouth?

Let me explain how THC works. 

As long as THC is in the mouth it is still in its original form. However, when THC reaches the liver, it gets broken down into metabolites (THC-COOH). This metabolite gets stored in fatty tissue across the whole body, being removed from the body especially slowly. 

Most of these tests, therefore, look for the metabolite in the body which becomes easily detectable. 

But not oral tests. These are meant to find THC traces in the saliva, leaving a rather shorter window of detection. So if you smoked some high THC last week, you should be able to get away with a mouth swab. 

Unlike the metabolite that can be detected even a month after consumption, the THC traces in the mouth most often last between 24 hours (the usual) to 72 hours (with an advanced saliva test). This does not apply for chronic marijuana users. 

The duration of detectability depends on,

  • The THC potency of the product– Higher the THC content, the longer it’ll take
  • How often you consume it– More often the consumption, longer it’ll take to leave the body
  • How much you’re consuming– With more quantities consumed, more will have to be released
  • How much fat you have– More fatty tissues mean more space for THC storage
  • If you’ve consumed other products– If you’ve got other toxins to release, it’ll take longer

What are Some Things You Can Do to Pass a Saliva Test?

Honestly, you’ll be lucky to get a saliva test as the traces only last for so long. At the same time you can use some basic tricks to reduce the probability of showing up to the test with traces of THC in your mouth. 

Brush Your Teeth Multiple Times

Brushing your teeth a bunch of times can be a really neat trick to follow. Imagine you’re going to a dentist and get going.  Not just your teeth but be sure to clean your tongue and any part that could have traces of THC. Pay special attention to your gums. Make good use of floss to ensure there are no food particles stuck between your gaps.

Follow it up with good amounts of fluids to ensure no traces of THC remain. 

Over the Counter Mouthwash

It’s recommended that you follow up your brushing regime with some mouthwash. You’ll find a variety of over the counter mouthwashes or other special kits that you can find for this purpose. 

Consume Fatty Food

Food high in fats is known to increase cannabis’ bioavailability in the body. In other words, when you consume fatty food, it speeds up the THC absorption. This means that if you’re surprised with a urinalysis, you’re doomed. But with a saliva test, you should be good to go. 

Final Verdict

Consuming medical marijuana New York is guided by state laws which do not allow companies to reject applicants for traces of marijuana in their system. However, there are still some restrictions as to how much THC is acceptable in the system, especially for non-mmj users. 

Also the presence of traces might not be enough to shun your application but it can lead to biases or judgement at the workplace. It is therefore advisable to limit your consumption leading up to the D(rug test) day. 

A week’s time is enough to get rid of all THC traces from your mouth for a cotton swab test. While 24 hours might also be enough, you are recommended to stop all marijuana use the week leading up to your drug test. If you’re simply trying to take a tolerance break or are abstaining from cannabis, you’ve got plenty of time to get the hang of it.

Cannabis Inhaling Vs. Ingesting: What Should You Choose?

Cannabis Inhaling

Cannabis is everywhere, from what we put inside our bodies to what we put on it, the market is filled with varieties that we can’t wait to test and experiment with. But just because these products are out there does not mean they’re good for us. Whether the product you’re willing to try is a recreational gummy or a high potency medical vape you bought with a medical marijuana card NY, it’s necessary to be aware of all related implications.

Both inhalation and ingestion are the two most common ways of consuming cannabis. Both, however, have their own set of pros and cons.

In this article, we will pay attention to what these methods of cannabis consumption mean. How effective and convenient they are. And how they affect our health. By the end of the article, you should be able to decide the right method of consumption for yourself.

Cannabis Inhaling: Smoking and Vaping

Inhalation is definitely the most preferred method of administration when it comes to cannabis. Why? Because of how quickly it gets working. 

Smoking and vaping can get you feeling the effects the fastest, delivering the cannabis directly to the lungs, where it enters the bloodstream. You’re sure to start feeling the effects within a minute, that’s how efficient the method is. 

But the method isn’t without cons. Both smoking and vaping can have a negative impact on your lungs, leading to a bunch of other medical conditions. This is why a pro- medical marijuana New York doctor would not recommend this method of administration for an asthamatic patient or one prone to lung infections. 

Smoking is the most dangerous method of consumption, closely followed by vaping. While these methods aren’t as awful as nicotine smoking, they aren’t the most healthy form to get your dosage. 

Cannabis Ingesting: Edibles and Drinks

Anything cannabis that goes through your digestive tract before entering your bloodstream is ingestible. These could be your favorite CBD rich brownies, your Delta 8 energy drinks or broad spectrum gummy rings. It could even be food infused with CBD or your favorite lemon drink with peppermint CBD oil drops added to it. 

In other words, you’ll find the most diverse set of product bundles for ingestibles. 

What’s better, these are easier to dose. Gummies, capsules, chocolate bars, or other edibles, all come with easy dosage directions that you can follow. It’s always preferable to reassure yourself by reading through the certificate of analysis of the product. 

Here’s the thing- every ingestible has to be digested and metabolized by the liver before the CBD and THC can start showing their effects, making this one a slower process. At the same time, this method leads to stronger and long lasting effects as opposed to other fast acting methods. 

Unfortunately, there are a bunch of other factors that decide how you react to these doses. It could be what you’ve eaten or how much, how sensitive you are to the cannabinoids, if you’ve taken the right dosage etc. 

Making the Differences Clear

Difference Inhalation Ingestion
Fast Acting Smoking and vaping take between a few seconds to minutes in taking effect. All products that are digested first take somewhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. 
Long Lasting The effects are quick but short lived. You can take a few puffs after a few hours.  The effects take longer to appear but stay for much longer as well. You need to wait a few hours before ingesting more. 
Easier Dosage It can be difficult to measure how much you’re consuming in puffs.  For packaged goods, doses are predefined so you can easily administer as per directions. 
Safer Administration Smoking and vaping can be harmful for the lungs.  These do not harm any organ specifically. 
Intoxication  Since you feel its effects early on, it’s not prone to over intoxication.  The effects can take a few hours to show, leading users to consume more doses that can lead to over intoxicity. 
Taste The flowers have a natural earthy flavor but you can opt for alternatives with added flavor.  The capsules have no flavor, while the gummies, and drinks are available in multiple flavors. 

Making the Choice

We’ve already discussed what comes with both inhalation and ingestion of CBD products. Now all that’s left is for you to make the choice. 

Picking the right type of product can be pretty easy, if you just keep these questions in mind.

  • Do you need quick effects or long lasting effects?
  • Are you capable of managing your own doses or do you prefer easy dosage?
  • Are you willing to put your lungs at risk or do you prefer a safer method of consumption?
  • What type of consumption does your medical marijuana NY doctor recommend? 

You can also go as far as experimenting with different products and modes of administration till you find the right one. In any case, if you’re a first time user, always opt for smaller doses and lighter potencies. 

For medical marijuana users, a piece of advice from your MMJ doctor can be extremely helpful. They can advise you against any strains, potencies, or modes that might interfere with your prescription medications. 

Once you’ve decided the type of product you want to consume, question yourself about the following.

  • What is your preferred CBD potency?
  • Do you need a full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate CBD product?
  • If broad spectrum, what THC concentration are you comfortable with? (With recreational products you cannot access a potency beyond 0.3%, but products bought with a medical marijuana card NY, you can get high concentrations of THC)
  • What other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids do you want in your products?

There are other modes of administration too that you can opt for. Sublinguals and topicals are also extremely effective and can be found in a wide variety of products. Depending on your suitability you can choose the product that is most beneficial for you. 

It is always better to consult a medical marijuana New York doctor and get their opinion on the most suitable method of consumption for you.

Synthetic Marijuana: Another Name for Poison

Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana has been, for the longest time, a dreaded ‘alternative’ of naturally occurring marijuana. Unlike other cannabinoids that are extracted from marijuana or hemp sources, these ones were once synthesized for the sole purpose of research. 

However, the widespread distribution of these toxic alternatives across different channels and amongst the citizens of NY has necessitated the use of marijuana products you can access with a New York medical card

While you can get these toxins from any shady vendors and drug dealers, medical cannabis can only be obtained from a licensed dispensary, making it legal and safe. 

But before we get into why you should choose medical cannabis over synthetic, let us learn a little more about synthetic marijuana. Why it is feared, its side effects and why we should move to better, cleaner and naturally occurring alternatives. 

What is synthetic marijuana?

As the name states, these cannabinoids have been synthesized in laboratories rather than being sourced out from natural hemp or marijuana sources. 

These are often a combination of naturally grown plants that are sprayed with chemicals that imitate the effects of THC, but at a much greater potency. These chemicals lead to extreme psychosis in humans due to how potent they are. 

These illicit drugs have a bunch of street names: K2, Spice, Smacked, AK-47, Ninja, Wicked, Skunk, Atomic, XXX Ultra and many more. 

Why were these synthesized? For research. 

John W. Huffman was the scientist who first started synthesizing cannabinoids to learn about the endocannabinoid system in humans in 1984. He worked to create terahydrocannobidol (THC) like cannabinoids- in other words, components capable of creating a psychoactive effect. 

However, the publication of all that he researched and concluded was made available to the public which has led to the present hijacking of basic research. 

At present, these synthesized cannabinoids can very easily be found circulating the market, being smuggled around and sold to college graduates. This blind circulation makes the drug even more dangerous than it already was.

The major issue lies here:

  • These synthetic cannabinoids are falsely labelled as legal and natural when being sold to ignorant customers, often marketed as incense, potpourri or herbal mixtures
  • A majority of these cannabinoids are actually controlled substances (either illegal on a federal level or banned by different states)
  • There aren’t any limit to these cannabinoids, these seem to be multiplying every year
  • The cannabinoids have unregulated psychoactive effects that can lead to major impairing symptoms and eventual death
  • Not a lot is clearly known about their effects, especially in the long run, due to their unregulated character
  • These are highly intoxicating and addictive, and can lead to very serious withdrawal syndrome symptoms
  • Use of the drugs at an early stage can be a leading cause of mental health issues and psychiatric disorders in adults
  • Unlike naturally occurring marijuana which is difficult to overdose on, synthetic marijuana overdoses can lead you to the emergency room or poison
  • These cannabinoids can be upto 100 times (or more) more potent than marijuana, leading to psychoactive effects that are beyond our control
  • These cannabinoids are created to learn their effects on human receptors. It’s purpose is to fully activate the CB receptors, while THC does it only partially
  • Some symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid use are agitation, hallucination, paranoia, tremor, seizure, vomiting, chest pain, cardiac arrests, tachycardia, hypokalemia, kidney damage, psychosis, brain damage and even death
  • Bruising and random bleeding are common reasons for emergency calls after the consumption of these cannabinoids.

Alternative to Synthetic Marijuana: Choose Your High Wisely

Synthetic cannabinoids are NOT meant for your consumption and should strictly be restricted to their academic purpose. Rather, you can always opt for a safely sourced marijuana strain that has been extracted for consumption. 

A majority of states have legalized the use of cannabis to varying degrees, allowing citizens to consume high quality and safe products. New York, for one, has legalized both medical and recreational (quite recently) use of the herb. This legal availability of the herb should end the consumption of any synthetic cannabinoid. 

But out of the two, which one should you opt for? 

Medical marijuana is definitely the better option. If you qualify for the medical conditions stated by your state authorities, you can apply for a medical marijuana new york card, that’ll allow you to possess, consume, travel with (inside state borders) and grow your stash without any legal loopholes. 

With a medical marijuana card, you get high quality, high potency products that won’t cause an unregulated high as synthesized marijuana does. These strong doses do not lead to similar levels of addiction nor are they responsible for all the side effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids. 

Any cannabis product can lead to some level of nausea, insomnia or anxiety if not consumed in regulated doses, or when a high dose is administered at an early stage. However, you aren’t prone to bruising, bleeding, strokes, seizures, or brain damage with marijuana use. 

Disclaimer: Some states like Oklahoma, don’t even have a set list of state approved medical conditions that qualify for the use of cannabis. In these situations, you can directly consult your physician to get a medical card. 

To apply for a New York medical card, you must qualify for the following medical conditions:

  • Cancer
  • HIV/ AIDS
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Chronic Pain
  • Severe Debilitating or Life Threatening Condition
  • Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
  • Severe and Chronic Pain
  • Severe Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Persistent Muscle Spasms
  • Opioid Use Disorder 

Even if your condition doesn’t qualify for medical marijuana recommendations, you can still use cannabis recreationally. While this limits the consumption to less variety of products and lower potency, these are safer options as opposed to unregulated synthetic substitutes. 

To ensure the the product you’re buying is of high quality, you should only buy cannabis products (CBD oils, edibles or flower with less than 0.3% THC) from licensed vendors. To verify if a retailer is legit, you can check the product specifications, read through the labels and ingredient list, and closely evaluate the certificate of analysis (COA). The absence of a COA should be the first red flag, and the only one you need. 

Conclusion

Synthetic Marijuana is a highly intoxicating drug that leads to more negative effects than positive. With most of these cannabinoids being federally illegal, their consumption should be avoided at all costs. 

Cannabis Tolerance Break: Meaning and Benefits

Cannabis Tolerance

Before we head towards the concept of a cannabis tolerance break, let’s first understand what is a tolerance. Tolerance is a state when a body becomes resistant to a medication or any substance when consumed on a regular basis. The tolerance leads to a stage where an individual requires a higher dosage of the substance to get the original effect. 

Same is the concept of cannabis tolerance. It simply means when you need a higher amount of cannabis to achieve the same desired results which you were getting earlier in a considerably lower dosage. Now, a cannabis tolerance break is when you need a break from your daily marijuana consumption as it makes you dependent. 

Medical marijuana may not make you as dependent as recreational usage can do. States like New York, California have a major chunk of cannabis users who go for tolerance breaks. Medical marijuana New York is easily available, being one of the reasons for the rising marijuana consumption and the need for tolerance break. You just need a medical marijuana card NYC or new york medical card and you can access legal cannabis. Coming back to our main topic, in this blog, we will be discussing cannabis tolerance break, its benefits, side-effects, etc. 

What Is a Cannabis Tolerance Break: Meaning 

As mentioned earlier, a cannabis tolerance break is a deliberate break from cannabis for a particular period of time in order to reduce the number of cannabinoids in the brain and body. 

Studies show that the chemicals in cannabis can build up to a level that may reduce its effects over time. People prefer taking tolerance breaks when they feel the need to consume more cannabis to get the same results they had experienced before. 

Importance of a Tolerance Break? 

Our body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), crucial for homeostasis, that is maintaining balance in the body. Its different functions include sleep, pain regulation, digestive system, stress and others. CBD and THC, the most prevalent compounds of cannabis are known for improving the endocannabinoid system. 

But the thing to be noted is that THC directly interacts with cannabinoid receptors which could be a bit dangerous as it may lower the amount of cannabinoids your body produces naturally. So, tolerance break is necessary as THC should be used to improve and not cause any form of dysfunction in the ECS. 

Also, people who have very little or no knowledge about marijuana think that break is important as tolerance is bad for health, but again that’s a misunderstood concept. 

Benefits of a Cannabis Tolerance Break 

Now, why do people take cannabis tolerance breaks? What are the benefits? Well, tolerance breaks offer a wide range of benefits. Taking regular breaks ensures your system doesn’t take too much THC, which could be problematic. THC interacts with CB 1 receptors in the brain which can trigger the neurological responses, increasing the probability of a person to crave that particular effect again.

 And it is said that there’s nothing wrong with cannabis being a rewarding substance but rewards can always be abused. Excessive consumption of THC could cause cannabis use disorder (CUD) and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. A tolerance break can help not get any of these disorders. 

Are There Any Side-effects of a Tolerance Break

The side-effects of a tolerance break may vary from person to person, their dependency on cannabis, and health conditions. Initially, a person will feel some physical and psychological discomfort such as restlessness, sweating, problem sleeping, etc. Below are some of the common side-effects of taking a tolerance break- 

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Changes in mood
  • Appetite change
  • Stomach aches 

Tips for a Successful Tolerance Break

  • Be Mentally Prepared

First and foremost, make up your mind. Talk to yourself and figure out why you want a tolerance break. What are your priorities. Write them out. As lame or silly as it sounds, it’s as effective as anything else. 

Clearing up your head and finding a purpose behind everything gives you courage to move forward with what’s best for you. Once you are mentally prepared for your break, slowly and steadily reduce your dosage and then gradually you would be able to take a complete break. But don’t go cold turkey as it might leave you with some serious side-effects. 

Another thing you could do is to make sure that any form of cannabis which you were consuming, is not anywhere near you. Most people take a break from smoking, so ensuring that your place doesn’t have any vaporizers and other smoking devices is necessary. 

  • Exercise  

Exercise is a great tool for keeping yourself away from THC and it’s dependency. Research suggests that intense cardio workouts can help you take out THC out of your body and feel much better. Any form of physical activity would help your body not crave much about cannabis. Whether you want to do yoga sessions, take dance classes, do zumba, anything you like, just stay consistent with it and gradually you will notice a big change. 

  • Stay Busy

Staying busy is probably one of the major things you can focus on while being on your tolerance break. See what you enjoy and choose your activities for the day accordingly. You can hit the gym if you want. Do not skip your work days and try to work with full concentration. Hang out with your family, friends or even meet new people, if that helps. There are a lot of things you can do in order to keep your attention away from cannabis. 

Final Thoughts 

Tolerance breaks are an imperative part of any treatment regime, especially when you feel you are no longer getting the same effects. Before you go on a tolerance break, you need to take care of some things.

If you are a medical cannabis patient and use marijuana for any of your health conditions, then make sure you first consult with your doctor and measure all pros and cons. Taking a break surely sounds cool but it’s not that easy, so make sure you do your proper research first.

Can Marijuana Be The Source Of Your Paranoia? Here’s What You Need To Know!

Paranoia

Marijuana has, for the longest time, been associated with mental disorders and paranoia, but in vastly varying degrees. While some studies have shown positive effects of marijuana on patients suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even conditions like schizophrenia and alziemers, there are a bunch of studies that advise against it. 

But it all comes down to your source of marijuana, your concentration of THC, if you’re biologically receptive to the drug, what age you begin using marijuana, and the other medications you might be using. 

This is why, when buying marijuana, you should always go for a medical consultation from a certified cannabis doctor, and only buy recommended products or doses with your New York state medical marijuana card. The NY marijuana laws have made it easy for all adults to get their hands on some high quality & potent marijuana products as long as their condition requires its use. 

Now, let’s dig deeper into what part of marijuana can lead to paranoia in patients and medical marijuana users.

What is your Strain Made Of?

Cannabis or marijuana have a bunch of cannabinoids that work together to give you a relaxing, relieving, and euphoric experience. However, what your strain has more of, could decide how your trip goes. 

CBD, one of the two most researched cannabinoids found in the herb is known to give a relaxing and relieving experience to users. Whether on a recreational level or a medical standpoint, high CBD potent products are usually recommended for patients of anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, epilepsy, AIDS, and multiple other conditions. 

THC, on the other hand, is the most talked about cannabinoid, responsible for the psychoactive effects that you might refer to as intoxication or the ‘high’. While THC is also responsible for alleviating a lot of the symptoms that come with the conditions stated above, it is also known to create an atmosphere of psychosis. 

High THC consumption over longer periods can make a person more prone to paranoia. Since THC consumption is also linked with hallucinations, one should be careful while consuming THC potent products. 

As a patient suffering from anxiety, or any mental disorders that make you more susceptible to paranoid episodes, it is not recommended to get a strain with high THC concentrations. 

Your cannabis doctor can recommend any broad spectrum or CBD isolates to help you calm your nerves and get the benefits of cannabis without the unwanted high and paranoia.

Are you naturally at a disadvantage?

If you’ve always been more of an overthinker, making anxiety your everyday pal, cannabis use(with high THC levels) isn’t the best option for you. In cases like these, you should depend on higher CBD dosage.

Research also shows a great compatibility between the psychosis caused due to cannabis use and people with a specific variant of SKT1 gene. The gene is responsible for governing an enzyme that controls the dopamine levels in the brain’s stratum. And do you know what condition is associated with fluctuations in dopamine levels? Schizophrenia. 

When Did You Start Using Cannabis?

Adolescent use of cannabis has been closely related to mental health issues going into adulthood. It has shown decline in performance, and basic coordination and eventual long term use may lead to addictive behaviour. The use of the drug at an early age (which is illegal) would require teens to get it from an unreliable source. This could mean that the THC levels would be unregulated, leading to potential side effects. 

Teens with a family history of psychosis are also at a high probability of showing similar symptoms after unregulated use of cannabis at an early age. 

When combined with the previous point discussed, early use of the drug and a natural vulnerability to its effects can turn out to be the perfect recipe for a psychiatric condition. 

Reasons like these can make the use of recreational marijuana dicey, especially with unreliable vendors. NY marijuana laws make it easier for you to not go down that path. 

You can easily apply for a new york state medical marijuana card if you think your condition requires marijuana use. All you need to do is fill a form with all your details, sit through an online consultation, and if your condition is MMJ use approved, you can get your recommendation via email the same day. You only have to follow it up by registering with your state authorities. 

Are You On Any Medication? 

Cannabis interactions with other medications or even other substances like alcohol can be very dangerous for you. These can alter the way a medication is supposed to be broken down by the body, leading to alterations in effect. Some can even lead to extremely low heart rate to the point that you have to be carried to the emergency room. This isn’t hypothetical, it actually happened! 

In other cases, this can lead to high blood pressure, elevation of THC effects like hallucinations and paranoia. It is always recommended to be completely honest with your cannabis doctor, when it comes to the medications or substances you might be indulging in. 

You also have to take the physician’s guidance very seriously when it comes to mixing your medications with other substances. 

Conclusion 

The whole idea of whether cannabis can reduce your paranoia or increase it is relative. Relative to what kind of product you consume and if it has higher THC levels or CBD levels. It depends on what age you start consuming cannabis and whether you and your family are naturally receptive to the drug. As long as you’re crystal clear with your physician about your conditions, you’ll get a recommendation that creates the right balance for your symptoms. 

5 Reasons CBD Is Not Working for You!

CBD

Why is CBD not working for me? Does it even show any effects? If you have questions like these, you are not alone and we understand you. CBD is the most talked and used term in cannabis culture. Though it is used by a wide range of patients, it might not work for you sometimes. And just because CBD is not working for you, it does not necessarily mean that the whole health industry is fraud. There might be some reasons why CBD is not working for you. Before jumping into the reasons, let’s understand what CBD is and what role does it play-

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the most active components of the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, that gives you a mind high, CBD has some really amazing therapeutic properties. A lot of patients across the US state use CBD as a treatment for the following conditions – 

  1. Chronic Pain 
  2. Anxiety
  3. Depression
  4. Arthritis
  5. Inflammation
  6. Cancer
  7. Wasting Syndrome
  8. Seizures, etc. 

CBD is legal in almost all the US states, however you require a medical card to access other cannabis products. Every state follows different guidelines regarding the issue of medical cards. Let’s say you are a New Yorker, then you need a NY medical card to access cannabis near your area and in the state. CBD, however, is easily accessible on online stores and dispensaries. Now, coming back to the main topic, here are 5 possible reasons why CBD is not working for you – 

You are Impatient and Not Giving It Enough Time 

One of the major reasons why CBD might not be working for you is because of your attitude towards it. You might have tried some CBD oil for your chronic joint pain but you did not feel any relief. And all of that is okay as CBD takes time to display its effects on your mind and body. The instant effects from CBD are not that common. It is advised to take CBD for a few weeks and in some cases, a few months in order to get the ultimate effects. So, make sure you are patient with your CBD treatment. 

Check the Right Dosage for You 

Finding the right dosage is a practice that needs time, be it any treatment. Your body may have a different requirement for CBD depending on the unique biology that we all have. And your wrong dosage might be one of the reasons you are not feeling the CBD effects. So, the main question is how do you find the right dosage for you? 

It’s simple. Start off with a low dose and see how it works for you. If you feel you’re not getting the desired results, then you can increase the dosage accordingly. After a few weeks, you will eventually figure out what works for you and what not! Also, make a note of how you have been experimenting with the dosage and then analyse what works the best for you. 

Your Consumption Method 

The next possible reason could be your consumption method. So, CBD comes in different forms including CBD oil & tinctures, edibles, topicals, pills, vapes, etc. The safest and effective method of consuming CBD is CBD oil. We take oil sublingually, which makes it go directly into the bloodstream, showing quicker results. On the other hand, edibles like gummies and chocolates take a maximum of 2 hours to get into your system and show out the effects. This is one of the reasons the majority of the people prefer CBD oil rather than edibles. So, if CBD is not working for you, you might want to change the delivery system. 

Is Your CBD From a Trusted Source?

This has to be the most crucial and concerning reasons behind CBD not responding for you. Where did you purchase your CBD products? Did you check the brand properly? Are you sure it was from a trusted source? 

Well, with the growing demand for CBD, so many CBD products are hitting the health market. Taking advantage of the situation, there are some scammers who are circulating low-quality CBD in the market without proper labeling, in order to make profits. And some of you might be buying that low-quality CBD just because of your lack of knowledge. And that is why your CBD is not showing the effects. So, be aware of the scammers and gain knowledge about how to recognize the trusted brand.

Maybe CBD Is Not for You 

Last but not least, this could be the major reason why CBD is not working for you. Maybe CBD is not the right treatment for you. There are people who are not even aware about their health condition and are taking CBD treatment just because of the hype around the subject. But is that how you should take care of yourself? Absolutely not. Firstly, analyse yourself and see if there’s a problem or not. If there is, then probably consult a doctor and get guidance on whether you need cannabis or not. If yes, then only go on about purchasing CBD. Though CBD is not harmful, it is not an option. 

Bottom Line 

CBD has become a vast topic in the cannabis culture. Owing to its amazing healing properties, an increasing number of people are choosing CBD as the right treatment for them. Having said that, it is extremely vital to first acquire knowledge about CBD and then move forward towards its consumption. As mentioned earlier, though CBD is legal in almost all of the states of America, consulting your primary doctor about it would not be a harmful choice.

CBD: The New Beauty Ingredient on the Block

CBD and Skincare

CBD is an extraordinary ingredient with several therapeutic benefits. 

It’s needless to doubt CBD’s remarkable powers. 

To prove what I just said, here’s a factful explanation. 

Have you ever heard of Sephora? 

If yes, you are pretty much aware of the worldwide recognition this brand receives. 

For those who are unsure, let me help you understand why CBD is a huge trend.

Sephora introduced a wide range of CBD skincare products in 2018. 

Since then, it has seen a significant shift in how people buy skincare products. 

Especially those that treat skin care problems. 

And without a doubt, CBD is one component that helps skin junkies deal with several skin conditions. 

To name a few, eczema, acne, dry skin, itchiness, pain, etc. 

Not only this, but according to a report, the  CBD skincare market will be $1.7 worth by 2025

And I think it’s safe to say that the CBD industry has successfully managed to make a significant impact. 

Be it chocolates, mocktails, or clothing, CBD is everywhere. 

So, if you wish to jump on the CBD skincare bandwagon, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. 

CBD Is Considered Safe for the Skin

Owing to the therapeutic benefits, CBD is largely considered beneficial in the treatment of mild to normal skin conditions. 

In particular, those who either have sensitive skin or problems such as dryness, acne, and redness. 

CBD also showcases anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. 

This indicates that CBD can easily help fight the signs of aging while alleviating pain and inflammation. 

To add more, here’s a study that will help you understand the other benefits of hemp or CBD-derived hemp. 

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, hemp acts as an emollient, cleanser, and surfactant. 

And these properties further allow users to apply CBD in areas that are dry and itchy. 

So, CBD definitely has some potential otherwise, why would you see thousands of Americans buying CBD skincare products from online stores. 

Nanotechnology and CBD 

Let’s not forget that nanotechnology plays a huge role in increasing the absorption capacity of a product. 

One of the biggest reasons why the skincare industry believes in nanotechnology. 

What’s the motive? 

Well, it’s simple – to build effective products with 100% reliability. 

So, in order to meet the customer requirement, more and more brands are leaning towards nanotechnology. 

In fact, some famous brands, such as CBD Living, use nanotechnology to enhance skin retention properties. 

And the best part is that nanotechnology has helped a lot of companies attain the traction they desire. 

While also helping them gain an edge over competitors. 

Hemp-Derived CBD Is Noncomedogenic 

Hempseed oil or CBD oil is one of the two main oils to attain a zero rating on the non-comedogenic scale. 

In contrast, oils such as olive, coconut, and almond are rated very high on the comedogenic scale. 

What does this mean for the CBD skincare industry? 

It simply means that CBD is a good skincare ingredient for people who suffer from acne and sensitive skin problems. 

In addition to this, its non-comedogenic nature allows users to apply oils without having to worry about blocking skin pores. 

CBD Helps Your Skin Produce Its Own Moisture 

There are several skincare products out there. 

Some will lure you into believing that they can help lock moisture.

The others will work for a few hours and cause the skin to dry again. 

But that’s not the case with CBD. 

CBD is a unique component.  

It allows your skin to produce its own moisture.

And the best part is that it does not drive your sebaceous glands crazy. 

CBD locks enough moisture and helps improve skin retention properties. 

Which, in turn, allows you to feel more comfortable in your own skin. 

Hemp-Derived CBD Is Legal

Yes, you hard it right, CBD derived from the hemp plant containing at least 0.3% THC is federally legal.  

All thanks to the Hemp Farm Bill

The bill was passed in 2018, allowing manufacturers, processors, distributors, and sellers to conduct legal CBD businesses. 

However, there’s a twist here.

Because cannabis is still illegal on the federal level, there are certain things that you have to keep in mind. 

For instance, products containing more than the legal THC limit naturally fall under the illegal category

So, make sure that you get a medical marijuana recommendation or check in with the state rules. 

To put things into perspective, here’s an example: 

New York marijuana program allows only patients with a qualifying condition to purchase medical marijuana. 

In particular, products that contain high concentrations of CBD. 

On the other hand, states like California allow patients to buy CBD over the counter. 

To be honest, it’s best if you consult a doctor and get medical advice before treating a specific medical condition. 

Final Thoughts

Regardless of what the anti-cannabis community may suggest, the wave of CBD is real and trending. 

From New York marijuana to California legal cannabis, we have it all. 

In fact, you can look at the statistical data or approach people who are benefiting from CBD. 

Every data and example points towards CBD’s therapeutic potential. 

And to say the least, the CBD skincare industry has a bright future, especially in terms of skincare. 

So, anyone looking for a skin-soothing ingredient must give CBD a try. 

It may not work as expected, but it will definitely not have any side effects. 

Moreover, CBD will not let you down or make you high. 

Nothing to lose here!