Tips to Store Your Marijuana Right & Keep It Fresh for Long

Marijuana

Consuming marijuana is just one aspect of the whole process. A whole detailed process that starts from the growth of cannabis and ends at the final consumption. However, many important steps lie in between these two stages. One of which happens to be the storage of marijuana. Marijuana like any other compound or medication goes bad after a while or loses the right flavors as well as its overall effectiveness. 

Even when patients with a medical marijuana card NY have extended access to marijuana at all times, a fear of depleting their stash of medical weed within a stipulated period always assaults them. This is quite fair as the consumption of marijuana is meant to manage or treat their severe medical conditions and even a small mistake could lead to a whole lot of trouble for them. Here are a few tips that can help people store marijuana for a long time while also ensuring that it stays fresh.

Right Temperature Conditions 

One of the first things that pops up while thinking about extending the shelf life of any medical stash is the temperature requirement. Each plant or chemical substance or even a common medicine has a particular temperature range that it cannot cross over. Pushing the temperature limit is then not the best of practices if you want your weed to last for a very long time. 

Temperature beyond 75 degrees Fahrenheit will bring about certain types of chemical reactions that can lead to the deterioration of the quality of weed leading to it either drying up or becoming moldy after a while. The best temperature degrees that it can easily fluctuate and persist between is 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Not any more or any less.

It is important to emphasize that the person should also not make the mistake of storing the stash in highly extreme temperature conditions as well. Storing it in a freezer or even a refrigerator can prove to be problematic. Instead, it can be kept inside a cupboard or closet. 

Correct Light Exposure

How does excess exposure to light affect the quality of cannabis that we’re using? Well, the simple answer to this is that light actually raises the temperature which then creates the perfect atmosphere for the breeding of mold and other things. Light also is known to reduce the potency of the weed which is quite dangerous if you’re trying to extend the life of the same. 

This is why many cannabis-infused products come with a fair warning to store in a cold, dry, and dark place. This means that if you wish to store your stash of weed right and use it for a very long time, you must take particular care of the kind of light exposure the stored container is inevitably getting. The best and most advisable thing to then do is store it in some cupboard or closet. 

Put Inside Air-Tight & Water-Resistant Containers 

This pointer is only directed at the storage of cannabis flowers in particular types of containers. A cannabis flower is one of the most effective and potent forms of marijuana, which is why knowing how to store it properly becomes a priority for many patients. 

Hence while storing these flowers, it is of primary importance for the people to put them into air-tight and water-resistant containers. This is because both humidity and air exposure can decrease the potency, effectiveness, aroma, taste, and even the overall experience of consuming these flowers via any method.

Famous brands have experimented with a lot of materials to create the perfect jar container. With the growing technology, there have been even more insightful discoveries in the way of the creation of the perfect storage container. Let us briefly discuss the most famous ones that people often use to store their weed.

Glass Jars

The oldest but undoubtedly the best container that continues to rule the market is the classic glass mason one. It continues to be trusted by many medical marijuana customers even though it has been used for centuries for the storage of anything that mustn’t be exposed to humidity or air. Why is that? It maintains the same level if not more of the same high status due to the fact how effective it has been for such a long time. The weed stays fresh and delicious for a very long time and can be used gradually. 

UV Containers

UV-proof containers are what science and technology of this century have gifted us. These special weed stash containers are quite suitable for both the storage as well for transportation of your weed. The best part about them is that they naturally deflect the UV rays, not letting the temperature or the light affect the content inside. The only thing that doesn’t necessarily support the common adoption of these types of containers is the high price. Let’s hope that in future these containers will be offered at much affordable prices so that anyone can make use of them. 

Wooden Stash Boxes

Quite a classy and cool way of storing the beautiful green buds of your preferred cannabis strain to treat your condition in the best manner possible is with the help of wooden stash boxes. These boxes are quite elaborate and have a lot of compartments which means that you can store different things in different places. This helps in significantly separating the aromas and beauty of the cannabis flowers while also maintaining they stay healthy and potent for a long. What significantly adds to the major advantage of the use of these boxes is their very affordable rates. 

How Do I Keep My Weed Fresh for Long? 

Keeping your weed fresh for a long can easily be done if you engage in the right practice of storage. Using the right material for containers as well as choosing the right conditions that will ensure the quality is highly important. And if you feel that weed still isn’t working right for you, then it may be due to other factors that you must go through. 

If you’re a patient you must be extra careful with the storage of your weed. Let’s hope you practice what we’ve suggested. All the best y’all!

5 Tips for Making Marijuana Edibles At Home

Marijuana Edibles

The increasing craze of cannabis has paved the way for marijuana edibles. Following the loose cannabis laws in America, marijuana edibles are widely available in most of the US states. They are more potent and convenient to consume, being the two major reasons for its high demand in the market. 

If you are on recreational use, the amount of weed may not be sufficient to satisfy your cravings, instead using that weed smartly to make edibles is a cost-saving and healthy choice. 

For instance, new york weed laws (recreational) are a bit rigid with the per day use of legal marijuana. In this case, you can use cannabis for making edibles as they require less amount and would be used for a longer period of time. You just need your preferable strain, other basic ingredients and you can make marijuana edibles at home!

What are Marijuana Edibles? 

Many of you must be wondering what exactly marijuana edibles are! What products come under these edibles? Well, marijuana edibles are cannabis-infused food products or dishes that are available in the market and can also be made at home. Marijuana edibles are known to be a nutritional source as they provide protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Tips for Making Better Marijuana Edibles At Home

Thanks to the dosing-ease and long lasting effects, marijuana edibles are worth giving a shot. So, you have cannabis and want to make some amazing edibles? Of course, who doesn’t want to satisfy their cravings while enjoying a good taste! Below we have mentioned some of the important tips for making better marijuana edibles at home- 

Always Use Quality Flower 

Choosing a quality bud has its own importance, be it for edibles for any other delivery method. Knowing how to differentiate between high-quality bud and low-quality bud is crucial for the desired and effective results of edibles. A good quality bud appears green in color and gives a fresh pungent aroma. Bad quality buds, on the other hand, give more of a hay-ish or faint smell and appear yellow-ish in color. So, ensure that you are using a high-quality bud to get the healthy effects of cannabis. 

Baking is Important 

To experience the effects of marijuana, first you would need to decarboxylate or heat it to activate the cannabinoids. Half-baked or raw marijuana would not give you the ‘high feeling due to the presence of THC‑A ( Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in cannabis. The heating process breaks down the chemical chain of cannabinoids and gives you the desired effects. Baking the bud for 30 minutes in the oven should be enough. 

Slow Process is Effective

Slow and long-time cooking is the key to most delicious dishes. With cannabis-infusion also, slow and time-taken cooking is what brings out the best results in terms of potency. Marijuana infused dishes should be cooked slowly at a low temperature as it results in high potency. Short cook times activate CBD and THC while longer cook times may activate different terpenes such as CBN, which offers better effects. 

Gather Knowledge

Last but not the least, gather information about cannabis and cooking. It might sound silly or a trivial concern but it’s the most important. To get the perfect result and effects, one should possess basic knowledge about marijuana and its potential. 

Popular Cannabis Recipes to Try  

Now that we know the tips of making better cannabis edibles, let’s look at some of the popular recipes which you can try at home –

CannaButter

Cannabutter is the most famous and highly consumed cannabis edible which is loved by many. People use it to spread on their toast or add a teaspoon into smoothies or other dishes. Well, let’s jump straight to the recipe. 

Ingredients You Need: 

1 ounce of cannabis flower

Butter 

Directions:

  • Take a medium pan and bring water to a boil. Always keep in mind that your cannabis concentrate should be floating 2 inches from the bottom of the pan. 
  • Now add the butter. Wait for the butter to melt and add marijuana accordingly. Now comes the important point when the whole infusion should be cooked at a very low temperature. Cook at least for three hours. 
  • Strain the mixture carefully. For this, you can use a big heat-proof bowl with a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Strain the mixture over the bowl. 
  • Pick up the cheesecloth from all sides and squeeze out the remaining butter. 
  • Let the butter cool down at room temperature for about an hour. After the butter is nice and cool, keep it in the refrigerator. 
  • And your cannabutter is ready! 

Weed Brownies

Ingredients You Need: 

  • Finely ground cannabis trim
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Coconut sugar
  • Eggs
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt 
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Dry fruits (Optional)

Directions:  

  • Make canna-butter. (Read the recipe above) 
  • Now start the process by preheating oven to 325°F 
  • Put regular butter to grease the pan (use stainless steel pan) 
  • Add cannabis butter, salt, cocoa powder, vanilla, sugar and mix it thoroughly. 
  • Add eggs 
  • Add flour and whisk the whole mixture until it’s completely glossy. 
  • Now bake the mixture for 30 minutes. You poke a knife in the brownie to see if it’s nicely baked or not. 
  • Add your favorite toppings on the brownie and enjoy! 

Bottom Line 

Cannabis edibles have taken a significant place in the cannabis industry where thousands of people order different edibles everyday. Not only do they consume the products to get high but also seek therapeutic effects such as relief from pain, anxiety, etc. Though cannabis is a herbal plant and offers plenty of medical benefits, it can also lead to some side-effects. In the midst of all this hype around cannabis and its potential, make sure you consume edibles as per your genuine body requirement. You can always consult a weed doctor to get the right advice.

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. 

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 Astonishing Studies on Marijuana You Probably Don’t Know About

5 Astonishing Studies on Marijuana You Probably Don’t Know About

Cannabis is still an illegal substance at the federal level, which doesn’t actually make sense given so many studies emerging every now and then determining the possible benefits of the herb. Moreover, the plant is in the category of schedule I drugs, which means it is considered highly addictive. And this too doesn’t really match what the data says.

Evidently, until the plant is illegal in so many different parts of the world, the research on it will remain slow. However, medical marijuana programs in several states of the US are proving to be quite helpful for people. Every day we are receiving hundreds of applications for a medical marijuana card New York. Plus, this step has paved way for some significant, and really important, research on the herb too.

The research on cannabis until now has busted several myths and stereotypes surrounding the plant. And it has proved the plant’s worth in helping people manage several of their medical conditions.

So, today, we are going to put some light on a few mind-blowing studies on marijuana that you probably have never heard of.

Cannabis Stops Opioids Reaction

As per the reports by the CDC, opioids kill over 47 thousand people every year. And recently, the government has put this problem into the category of epidemics too. According to the estimates by the CDC, the government is spending at least around $78 billion every year to curb this problem of opioid abuse. 

Surprisingly, the solution to this problem is right on our doorsteps.

There were some findings published in March 2018 by the Minnesota Department of Health on the basis of their experiences during the first five months of their launch of the medical marijuana program. As per the reports, during this time, the state saw a whopping 63 percent reduction in the number of people using opioids painkillers.

There was a report in the year 2016 too from the experiences of Michigan state. The report said that the opioid usage was less by 64 percent in the state since cannabis was made legal.

Many north-western states also saw a reduction in opioid use up to around 77 percent.

In the year 2020, 19 states where marijuana is legal medically were selected and a research team did a comparison of their current opioid prescription rates to the previous year ones. The study found that out of these 19 states, in 15, the rate of opioids prescription was lesser.

It’s quite remarkable seeing how marijuana is playing such a great role in eradicating the opioid epidemic.

Medical Marijuana Can Help Treat Chemotherapy Side-Effects

Recent research on cannabis proves that marijuana is quite effective in helping people manage their symptoms of chemotherapy side effects too. There are many studies suggesting the same.

A 2014 study by Lynch and others concluded that medical cannabis can be very effective against various symptoms that are caused while treating cancer. The study majorly focused on neuropathic pain due to chemotherapy, and the researchers studied a total of 16 patients. As a result of these trials, the researchers saw a significant reduction in the pain felt by the patients after using cannabis.

In another study that was published in the year 2018, it was found that medical cannabis can help chemotherapy patients manage their pain, vomiting, and nausea. In this study, the researchers observed around 3000 chemotherapy patients who were using medical marijuana between the years 2015 and 2017. Out of all these, 1200 patients continued their cannabis use for more than six months. And around 96 percent of them saw a significant improvement in their overall condition.

Given the above observations, a lot of chemotherapy patients are applying for a medical marijuana card New York. And there are many other states that have cancer as one of the major qualifying conditions for an MMJ card.

However, if you are thinking of using marijuana to treat chemotherapy side effects, you need to be a little careful. Remember that THC and CBD may interact with your other medications in the liver. You may avoid this issue by using some other way of consuming the herb that doesn’t involve the liver, such as vaping.

Alcohol is More Harmful to Your Brain Than Cannabis

Can you imagine living in a world where you can use a harmful substance without any trouble, and a healthy substance is illegal and banned? Well, you don’t have to. Because we already are living in such a world.

It’s true that alcohol is more harmful to the human brain than cannabis.

There was a study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder that analyzed the effects of alcohol as well as cannabis on the human brain. The research team studied both adults and teenagers. And the participants consumed varying amounts of alcohol and marijuana.

Alcohol, as we all know, can be healthy if consumed in a limited amount. But at higher levels, it may be a threat to your brain health. And the same was found during the research too. However, with marijuana, the research saw there was no long term negative effects. 

Now, we don’t recommend using too much cannabis. However, the chances of harming your brain with cannabis use are quite less as compared to alcohol.

Cannabis May Help Autism Patients

There was an open clinical study conducted in Israel to check how cannabis may help people manage Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And the researchers published the results in January 2019. The research concluded that cannabis may have the potential to help people with ASD.

The researchers in this study looked at the effects of medical marijuana on the kids who were suffering from Autism. 188 patients were given cannabis oil that contained 30 percent CBD and only 1.5 percent THC. And they studied if there was an improvement in their overall behavior.

The study was found quite safe and effective. And it helped patients find relief from a wide number of issues, including depression, tics, restlessness, seizures, etc. The research found that within six months of treatment more than 83 percent of patients start seeing improvement in their condition. And around 30 percent of patients saw a significant relief from their symptoms. The oil also helped them improve their concentration and sleep. And most patients involved in this study claimed to live a better life after six months of their treatment. 

All in all, the research proved that cannabis, or CBD in particular, can be quite helpful in helping people with Autism.

Marijuana is NOT a Gateway Drug

Even after so many years of the legalization of medical cannabis in different parts of the country, there are people who are afraid of using it. And one of the major reasons behind this is “the gateway theory.” This theory suggests that the usage of cannabis can lead people to use some other hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.

But this is actually far from reality. Yes, there are a lot of people who use cannabis before using other drugs. But it doesn’t mean cannabis has made them do it. There are many places where cannabis is not available so easily. For instance, Japan. In Japan, cannabis isn’t readily available. Yet, the problem of drug abuse is there.

In simple terms, we cannot blame marijuana for making people use harder drugs. There can be many other factors that may play a role here. This may include, genetics, society, personal issues, etc.

Furthermore, a lot of people are using cannabis to help them stop using opioids and other such drugs. As we read above, cannabis is playing a major role in helping authorities combat the opioid addiction problem. Then how can we say that marijuana is a gateway drug?

How Does Marijuana Use Impact Your Blood Pressure Levels?

How Does Marijuana Use Impact Your Blood Pressure Levels

With medical marijuana becoming popular as an effective treatment for various conditions, learning how it works in the body is important. Does the psychoactive compound THC affect the normal functioning of your body & mind? Do cannabinoids lead to elevated blood pressure levels and risks of heart disease? 

In this blog post, we are going to shed light on the effects of marijuana use on blood pressure levels.

How Marijuana Impacts Your Blood Pressure Levels?

Marijuana comprises more than 100 cannabinoids. The two primary cannabinoids are THC and CBD. These cannabinoids when consumed in any way, interact with the endocannabinoid system, thus altering bodily functions, such as mood, memory, sleep, etc. Since THC is psychoactive, taking high-THC products can cause high effects.

 

CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, helps in reducing anxiety and stress levels and relaxing the blood vessels. This can lead to reducing blood pressure levels. However, both THC and CBD can help reduce blood pressure. But, there’s no evidence suggesting that cannabis can be used as a treatment for hypertension.

Related- Best Marijuana Strains For Fighting Anxiety

In the United States, about 33 percent of adults have high blood pressure. The condition, if left untreated, can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. The major factors influencing the development of hypertension are—lack of exercise, poor diet, stress, alcohol, and smoking.

Since smoking is the most popular cannabis consumption method, does it raise your blood pressure levels?

Well, some cardiologists advise Americans to avoid smoking marijuana because it can harm the blood vessels, lungs, and heart. 

A review of studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reported that 2 million people with heart disease had used cannabis. So, marijuana use may link to coronary artery disease, chest pain, and heart disease. And, smoking the substance may carry some health risks associated with smoking tobacco.

The smoke produces carbon monoxide (CO), which binds to hemoglobin. This results in a lack of oxygen supply to the tissues in different parts of the body, including the heart. So, smoking cannabis isn’t recommended for patients with high blood pressure.

Additionally, there’s some evidence that within an hour of smoking cannabis, THC could raise heart rate, thus increasing the demand for oxygen and increasing blood pressure levels. 

Short-Term vs Long-Term Use

The frequency of cannabis use greatly influences the effects of cannabis on the body. Research says that cannabis (in occasional users) can cause a mild to moderate increase in blood pressure levels and heart rate, shortly after consumption. The onset time for these effects is 10-15 minutes after using cannabis.

However, over time, consumers can develop a tolerance. And, repeated cannabis use can lead to reduced heart rate and blood pressure levels immediately after consumption. Many consumers report that marijuana can help in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Related- How to Prevent Developing Marijuana Tolerance?

However, your posture (whether you are standing or sitting while consuming cannabis) may influence the effects. Although there’s no medical study conducted related to this, still many experts believe that it matters. If you are standing while smoking cannabis, the blood pressure may decrease without giving an initial increase.

According to a US San Francisco longitudinal Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study, long-term cannabis use wasn’t linked to a heart attack or stroke. In the study, about 3600 African Americans and Caucasian adults who consumed marijuana for more than 15 years participated.

And, a Harvard Medical School study published in 2001 reported that in the first hour of marijuana consumption, the chances of heart attack increase by five times. However, the risks become normal after 2 hours.

Marijuana & Hypertension Treatment

Marijuana compounds when delivered into the body, play a vital role in regulating the key functions, including cardiovascular function. THC, a cannabis compound that mimics anandamide, relaxes the blood vessels, thus allowing the blood to flow freely and regulating blood pressure.

Although anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis can provide long-term lower blood pressure level effects, there’s a lack in human studies supporting it. Moreover, there’s no marijuana-based medication for hypertension approved yet.

Marijuana & High Blood Pressure Medications

Is it ok to mix marijuana with hypertension medications? Will you experience adverse effects? Well, if you are consuming cannabis containing high levels of THC along with the medications, things may get worse.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, there may be a link between marijuana use and increased risks of cardiovascular problems, when taken with certain medications. 

Some findings suggest that marijuana can increase the health risks for patients with cardiovascular problems. A study reported that young users are more likely to experience martial fibrillation. However, some researchers have found that cannabis use can increase the risks of heart attacks in some consumers.

However, more research is needed to find how exactly marijuana interacts with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other medications.

How to Access Medical Marijuana Legally?

The federal law still lists marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. According to them, the drug has a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use currently. However, the medical use of marijuana is legal in 33 US states. You can buy high-potency cannabis products from licensed dispensaries in your state. And, for that, you require a doctor’s recommendation.

Related- Is Medical Marijuana Legal in New York? All You Need to Know

Now, with telemedicine technology, you can talk to medical marijuana doctors New York without visiting a clinic. The process is 100 percent online and involves the following steps-

  • Sign up an account
  • See a doctor online
  • Receive MMJ recs via email

Key Takeaways

There’s some evidence that marijuana can adversely affect patients with high blood pressure and heart problems. The AHA says that smoking marijuana can cause harm to blood vessels, lungs, and heart. Some studies show that cannabis can interact with hypertension medications, and cause unpleasant effects. However, THC can help relax the blood vessels, thus improving the blood flow and regulating blood pressure levels. Since everyone has different body chemistry and symptoms, it’s good to talk to your doctor to learn what’s right for you.

See medical marijuana doctors New York online to get MMJ recs today.

3 ways to share marijuana without transmitting coronavirus

coronavirus

People are taking various precautions amid the coronavirus outbreak. It is a global concern and has taken the entire world by surprise. As responsible individuals, we must help ourselves and the people around us from getting affected by the novel coronavirus. And it is even more vital for cannabis lovers to ensure how to stay healthy during coronavirus spread. In this post, we will discuss how to stay healthy during coronavirus and how to share cannabis without the fear of transmission. Also if you are currently looking for a viable marijuana purchasing option, cannabis telemedicine services will be able to help you. For instance, if you stay in NY get a medical cannabis card in NY through telemedicine services and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Refrain yourself from sharing

The best way to stay healthy and unaffected by coronavirus is if you stop sharing. Given the rise in deaths due to this viral disease it is only wise to not share marijuana. You see, scientists are still trying to figure out the analogy of this virus outbreak and we still don’t have a vaccine for coronavirus. So, the right thing to do is not share and stay indoors while the authorities solve this grave issue. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands frequently and disinfect your smoking equipment as often as you can.

Encourage everyone to use their own smoking device

Until 2019 cannabis inhalation was one of the popular methods of marijuana consumption. So, it is fair to say that inhalation remains popular this year too. In fact, there was a report by BDS analytics that showed vape cartridges, pre-rolls, and dried flowers as the most used categories.

Unfortunately, we are at the helm of a viral disease and these methods of consumption are equally risky when it comes to the spread of the disease. And the bad news is consumption techniques among cannabis lovers include sharing and multiple users use a common device. This custom becomes the perfect way to spread COVID-19. So, make sure that you use your own device and ask your friends and relatives to do the same. You see, if you smoke from your own device without the risk of transmission not only will you save yourself from corona but also people who are at higher risk.

Switch to other forms of cannabis products

The beauty of cannabis products is that they are available in different forms. From edibles, tinctures, pills, to oil. You can find several cannabis compounds online. And the good news is, you can buy all sorts of cannabis products through telemedicine. In the wake of coronavirus, telemedicine comes as a blessing in disguise as we all know that visiting cannabis dispensaries can put you at the risk of the novel coronavirus. So, make sure that you get a medical cannabis card in NY or the state you reside in and then purchase the products online. Also, the best option would be to use products that do not require sharing at all. For example, edibles and cannabis beverages.

In the case of edibles, take a jar and fill the edibles in the jar. Tightly close the jar and keep it in a safe place. Furthermore, if you want to reduce the risk of consumption, make sure that you do not eat from the same jar. Instead, take the edibles out in a separate container before indulging. In addition, large edibles like brownies and chocolates would require you to be extra cautious. Do not share food, slice the brownie into two pieces and split cannabis food to reduce the risk of infection.