{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cancer/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2268-markdown","title":"4 Helpful CBD Products to Add to Your Daily Routine","slug":"4-helpful-cbd-products-to-add-to-your-daily-routine","content":"Chances are you’ve heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. But another piece of the cannabis puzzle is having a moment—cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is the therapeutic, non-psychoactive compound that has neuroprotective properties. It’s not only been shown to help ease pain, reduce anxiety and depression, but [CBD also appears to manage a number of chronic conditions](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56c52e887c6109000800009a/cbd-cannabidiol-the-medicine-of-the-future) including cancer, diabetes and arthritis. It works to balance the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a number of important bodily functions like memory, immune function, appetite, sleep, mood and motor control. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nCBD-dominant products are great for people who don’t want to feel high—many people microdose with a CBD-dominant medicine during the day to manage their condition while still being able to take care of their daily responsibilities. \n\nFolks used to consuming THC-dominant cannabis might not think they have much use for products high in CBD, but you don’t have to have a pressing medical condition in order to benefit from all of the healing effects of the compound. \n\nWhatever your situation, check out these products and see how they might be able to fit into your normal routine. \n\nRELATED: [DIY RECIPE: CBD-INFUSED LEMONADE SPRITZERS WITH BASIL](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5994e65504d088060b25e2b9/diy-recipe-cbd-infused-lemonade-spritzers-with-basill)\n\n**Lord Jones Pain & Wellness Pure CBD Lotion**\nAn infused topical may be just what you need if you suffer from chronic pain. It can be used to:\n\n* help soothe achy feet at the end of a long day.\n* reduce painful inflammation in swollen joints.\n* ease tight, sore muscles.\n\nEach bottle of this soothing lotion comes packed with 100 mg of CBD and no THC. Each pump measures out 2 mg of CBD so you can easily keep track of your exact dosage.
\n\n**Emerald Alchemy 20:1 CBD Tincture**\nA tincture is cannabis-infused alcohol that can be taken alone sublingually (under the tongue); eaten by adding to foods such as sauces, soups and dressings; or imbibed when added to juices or teas.\n\nEmerald Alchemy’s high CBD tincture can:\n\n* take the edge off a stressful day.\n* help with the frustrating restlessness of insomnia.\n* work to relieve anxiety.\n\nEach dropper full contains 20 mg of CBD and 1 mg of THC, so there will be almost no psychoactive effects, but you’ll still benefit from the powerful combination of both healing compounds working together. \n\n**[Bloom Farms](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/57730c61e878f80007000026/bloom-farms) ACDC Cartridge**\nVaping is a quick and discreet way to medicate whether you’re at home or out and about. [Bloom Farms ACDC vape pen](http://getbloomfarms.com/willits-acdc-3-1/) uses ACDC, a highly therapeutic strain that’s an effective mood booster without any psychoactive effects. This balancing strain is good for daily use and won’t leave you feeling drained or low on energy after a few puffs. It’s also good for:\n\n* pain\n* anxiety\n* depression\n* chronic stress\n* tension\n\n**The Venice Cookie Company Sugar-Free CBD Zinger**\nIf you’re trying to cut down on sugar, clean up your eating habits or just being more conscious about the ingredients in your cannabis-infused treats, this vegan cookie is a sensible choice that won’t make you miss dairy at all. It’s soft, chewy and full of flavor from lemon, ginger and turmeric, a spice that’s also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.\n\nA whole cookie has 100 mg of CBD and 15 mg of THC. The suggested dosage is about 1/10 of a wedge of the cookie which has 10 mg of CBD and 1 to 2 g of THC. As with all edibles, it’s best to start with the lowest dosage, wait at least two hours to see how you feel and then have another small piece. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired experience and then save the rest for next time. \n\nPhoto credit: [kate fisher](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fisherkate/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEAv/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAFWoW1FAkP/xAAaEAACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIQERIi/9oACAEBAAEFAlWBTRyzU//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASAf/aAAgBAwEBPwGU6//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASAf/aAAgBAgEBPwG8W//EABoQAAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAyAQIQQpH/2gAIAQEABj8Czt0aw0n/xAAbEAADAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhMUFxkf/aAAgBAQABPyFEjiUgd34CehXYryj/AP/aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQUN//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQEf/aAAgBAwEBPxCi/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABH/2gAIAQIBAT8QEP/EABsQAQACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAIRExUWHw/9oACAEBAAE/EFMjctsY5PAgVi/O4S5w6ikQHVz/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/14b42/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.jpg","srcSet":"/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/f836f/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.jpg 200w,\n/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/2244e/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.jpg 400w,\n/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/14b42/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.jpg 800w,\n/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/9842e/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.jpg 900w","srcWebp":"/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/58556/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/61e93/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.webp 200w,\n/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/1f5c5/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.webp 400w,\n/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/58556/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.webp 800w,\n/static/015c6487abcfb748b3a9e449a1286db6/210c1/db4654b6ca4a56ecf26ee22ccd60d1fa.webp 900w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2372-markdown","title":"Elevate + Flow: A Cannabis & Yoga Retreat","slug":"elevate-flow-a-cannabis-and-yoga-retreat","content":"On Sept. 30, HelloMD was pleased to attend Elevate + Flow, a yoga and cannabis retreat hosted by [Geyser Peak Ranch](https://www.geyserpeakranch.com/home). Susan Hauser, renowned instructor at [New Om World Yoga](https://newomworld.com/), led the yoga portion of the event and Ona.Life helped curate the participation of top marijuana brands in the day-long health and wellness event. \n\nGeyser Peak Ranch is a spectacular four-generation family-owned property of 1,200 acres overlooking the Alexander Valley. Nielma Hock, co-owner of the ranch and the Elevate + Flow organizer, regularly hosts high-end cannabis experiences, inviting members of the cannabis industry to help normalize the conversation around marijuana. Her events are perfect for the “canna-curious” as well as those already well-versed in cannabis knowledge.\n\nNielma’s passion for shattering old stigmas about marijuana and introducing guests to a different side of cannabis comes from her personal experience of witnessing a cancer-stricken loved one refuse cannabis as medicine, despite its potential to help.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\nRuby LaGranduer of LaGranduer sparkling beverages.\n\n### Cancer Battle Inspires Marijuana-Infused Events\n\nA few years ago, Nielma’s mother battled cancer. During the process, she was given multiple pharmaceuticals to deal with the pain associated with the disease as well as for the side effects from chemotherapy. But due to the stigma she felt for the plant, she refused cannabis and [Marinol, an FDA-approved pharmaceutical made with synthetic THC](http://www.marinol.com/patient/about-marinol). \n\nNielma reflects, “To this day, I think about how much better my mom’s quality of life would have been had she just opted to reach for cannabis instead of the pharmaceutical drugs. Cannabis may not have extended her life, but it may have allowed her to have the presence of mind to have more lucid hours spent with me and the people she loved. When someone is at their deathbed, every minute counts. I often think about how the stigma of cannabis robbed me of precious time with my mom.” \n\n### Cannabis Education at Elevate + Flow\n\nThe day began with [Pamela Hadfield, co-founder of HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/people/pamelahadfield), addressing the largely new-to-cannabis crowd on the health and wellness aspects of the plant. She began with her personal story of crippling migraines and [how she solved her own health crisis and got off opioids with the help of medical marijuana](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5595d75d3264380006170000/migraines-how-i-got-off-pain-meds-and-found-relief-with-cannabis). \n\nDuring her talk, she educated people on the [science of cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55da2ff26430380006690000/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential) and how it affects the [CB1 and CB2 receptors](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56ba6fd0023cd900080000b3/is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance) in the body. Pamela also spoke about [the concept of microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59c1b07e93afe720b53117a1/microdosing-a-better-way-to-take-cannabis) and the need to go “low and slow.”\n\n### Yoga & Top Cannabis Brands Close the Retreat\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ1bW81Dmij/`
\n\nFollowing the educational discussion and audience Q&A, the group adjourned to a ridge overlooking the Alexander Valley. Here Susan Hauser led a music-filled, open-air vinyasa yoga session. The breathtaking scenery combined with Susan’s yoga expertise created a unique experience that left participants invigorated and smiling. \n\nRELATED: [THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOGA & CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58a38cc01689ad0017e8493b/the-connection-between-yoga-and-cannabis)\n\nWalking down the ridge and back into the ranch, guests were then able to engage with brand ambassadors from some of California’s top marijuana lines. The brands present represented the movement in artisanal, microdosed consumption such as [La Grandeur](https://www.lagrandeur.co/), a sparkling cranberry beverage; [Atlas Edibles](http://atlasedibles.com/), which offers incredibly scrumptious granola treats; [HMBLDT vaporizers](https://hmbldt.com/); [Ona.Life delivery](https://www.ona.life), which offered a wide array of cannabis brands; and [Garden Society](http://www.thegardensociety.com/), a wildly popular gourmet confection edible.\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZr3Cx-gGNq/`
\n\nNurit Raphael, co-founder of Ona.Life delivery, and one of the event coordinators, commented on the day saying, “I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together the network of cannabis industry leaders and brands with the community at large to make this elegant collaboration happen, and push the conversation around cannabis forward.”\n\nPhoto credit: [La Grandeur](https://www.lagrandeur.com)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/14b42/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/f836f/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 200w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/2244e/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 400w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/14b42/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 800w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/1d643/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.jpg 1115w","srcWebp":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/58556/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/61e93/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 200w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/1f5c5/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 400w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/58556/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 800w,\n/static/bed6f8d0535e079c161dcca468c4c78a/ac735/a4b027cd54e29e2d66ee3ab5f2aaaf59.webp 1115w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2364-markdown","title":"New Research Shows Cannabis Inhibits Growth of Cancerous Tumors","slug":"new-research-shows-cannabis-inhibits-growth-of-cancerous-tumors","content":"[A new study from St. George’s University of London](https://www.sgul.ac.uk/news/news-archive/cannabinoids-used-in-sequence-with-chemotherapy-are-a-more-effective-treatment-for-cancer), recently published in the International Journal of Oncology, shows that cannabinoids may be able to help bolster chemotherapy treatment by aiding in the reduction of tumor growth. The study was conducted on cancer cells in a lab and looked at the effect of different cannabinoids on tumor growth in cells. Cannabinoids, when used in association with chemotherapy, were able to help kill and reduce growth of leukemia cells. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Cannabis After Chemotherapy\n\nThe study found that when chemotherapy was administered before the cannabinoids, the cannabinoids were far more effective than when they were administered before chemotherapy. The cancer cells were more effectively limited in growth when cannabinoids were used, rather than with chemotherapy alone. Dr. Wai Liu, [the lead researcher on the study, stated](https://www.sgul.ac.uk/news/news-archive/cannabinoids-used-in-sequence-with-chemotherapy-are-a-more-effective-treatment-for-cancer), “We have shown for the first time that the order in which cannabinoids and chemotherapy are used is crucial in determining the overall effectiveness of this treatment.” The researchers also made clear that the effects of the study could not be replicated with smoked cannabis, because smoking whole plant cannabis is different than the highly concentrated extracts used in this study. \n\n\nThis study provides increasing evidence to show that cannabis may have a large potential to help fight cancerous tumor growth. Many different organizations have been conducting studies and trials, including GW Pharmaceuticals, a UK based company that has become known for producing cannabis derived prescription medications. GW recently conducted a clinical trial to see how cannabinoids would effect patients with cancer. \n\n### Cannabis Helps Limits Cancer Growth\n\nTheir [clinical trial](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/02/07/gw-pharmaceuticals-develop-oncology-portfolio-cannabis-medication/) used a drug that contained both CBD and THC, in association with chemotherapy. The study showed that cannabis could help limit growth of cancer cells. The CEO of GW Pharmaceuticals, Justin Gover, stated that, “We believe that the signals of efficacy demonstrated in this study further reinforce the potential role of cannabinoids in the field of oncology.” \n\nThis new study, and the earlier one from GW Pharmaceuticals, show the potential efficacy of using cannabis to fight against cancer cell growth. There have also been other studies, particularly in rats and mice, which have shown that that cannabinoids may be able to inhibit tumor growth, particularly by blocking the development of blood vessels that aid in their growth. \n\n### Cancer Symptom Reduction With Marijuana Use\n\nCannabis is also well known for its ability to be effective at helping reduce many symptoms of cancer. Cannabis can help cancer patients with insomnia, lack of appetite, and pain. These studies begin to show the potential for cannabis to help patients control their cancer, potentially beyond just symptom control. More studies are needed to test just how beneficial cannabis could be for patients, but the prospects are very promising. The increasing evidence indicates that cannabis may become a crucial part of a holistic cancer treatment because of its ability to improve quality of life and bolster chemotherapy treatment results. \n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/14b42/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/f836f/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.jpg 200w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/2244e/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.jpg 400w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/14b42/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.jpg 800w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/47498/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/54ac5/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/58556/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/61e93/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.webp 200w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/1f5c5/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.webp 400w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/58556/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.webp 800w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/99238/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.webp 1200w,\n/static/b57a6a59e12a30f7a42636372369410f/5e0b8/75e2668c37d08d90577b4018892f19f0.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2314-markdown","title":"FDA Cracks Down on Fake Cancer Treatments","slug":"fda-cracks-down-on-fake-cancer-treatments","content":"### FDA Sends a Warning Shot\n\nThe United States Food & Drug Administration recently handed out warning letters to fourteen companies that produce sixteen different products that falsely claim to treat, diagnose, or prevent cancer. The products were evaluated and determined to not achieve the things they claimed. None of the over the counter products had received FDA confirmation of their cancer-fighting potential before advertising to consumers. The companies must pull the products or change how they are advertised so they do not reflect the false claims that originally got them in trouble. If these companies do not respond, it could result in a seizure of products or even criminal prosecutions. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe fourteen companies who were issued letters are AIE Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Amazing Sour Sop Inc.; BioStar Technology International LLC; Caudill Seed & Warehouse Inc.; DoctorVicks.com; Everything Herbs; Hawk Dok Natural Salve LLC; Healing Within Products & Services Inc.; LifeVantage Corp.; Nature's Treasure Inc.; Oxygen Health Systems LLC; Sunstone Inc.; The Vibrant Health Store LLC dba Dr. Christopher's Herbs; and The Vitamin C Foundation, many of which who have already responded to the letters by the FDA in different capacities. The companies distributed a variety of products including pills, ointments, drops, oils, teas, and syrups, many of which are sold online, particularly through social media. \n\n### False Claims?\n\nThe recent letters by the FDA against these companies has gained a large amount of media attention, particularly because the products are claimed to treat such a serious condition. Many of these companies, who strongly relied on online profiles where people did not thoroughly check and research the claims, used a variety of tricks to make it appear that their products achieved what they claimed, though their claims are unfounded by the FDA. \n\nThe FDA stated on their [online blog](https://blogs.fda.gov/fdavoice/index.php/2017/04/fda-takes-action-against-fraudulent-cancer-products/) that, “Often a single product was promoted as a treatment or cure for multiple diseases in humans and animals. Hoping to skirt the law on a technicality, some sellers made false claims and then in small print provided a disclaimer that their products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA TAKES ON BIG PHARMA](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/578e5cb0687e76000700000c/marijuana-takes-on-big-pharma-on-the-opioid-front)\n\n### Buyer Beware\n\nThis opens the gate to a larger issue of how consumers need to be wary of products that are unproven and that research needs to be conducted on products outside of the purview of traditional medication. Sadly, these products target people who are, or know of someone, who are ill and in need of hope. [Douglas W Stearn](http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/25/health/cancer-treatments-illegal-fraudulent-misleading-fda/), the director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Enforcement and Import Operations said, \"Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment…We encourage people to remain vigilant whether online or in a store, and avoid purchasing products marketed to treat cancer without any proof they will work. Patients should consult a health care professional about proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”\n\n### Some Similarities with Cannabis\n\nThere are some similar claims in the world of cannabis, particularly in relation to cancer. The ability of cannabis to help with many conditions is widely documented, but cancer enters and interesting grey area between anecdotal evidence and preclinical testing. Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a product that almost everyone has heard of if they have looked for cannabis as a cure for cancer. \n\nCreated by Rick Simpson, who was said to have used high quality cannabis oil to cure his own metastatic skin cancer in 2003, has become a major advocate for the use of cannabis in cancer treatment. He recommends a 90 day protocol using cannabis oil, that can be made on your own, which involves the use of 60g of oil. His protocol has caught the eyes of many people, and though it may be extremely beneficial, it has never been formally tested. Many companies also claim to sell Rick Simpson Oil even though it is not necessarily the same product.\n\n### Cannabis May be Beneficial\n\nThe National Cancer Institute lists a variety of studies that show that cannabis may be very beneficial for people with cancer. A 1996 [study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8662742) showed that cannabinoids could help decrease the viability of the growth of certain types of tumors. The benefits of cannabinoids in the study included cell death, the blocking of cell growth, and the preventing of blood vessel development in tumors. \n\nAnother [study published in FASEB](http://www.fasebj.org/content/17/3/529.full) from 2003 showed that CBD could make chemotherapy more effective. This is due to CBD’s ability to help increase the death of cancer cells, but help protect noncancerous cells. All of the studies, though preclinical, do show great promise for cannabis as a component of cancer treatment. \n\n### Proven Symptom Relief\n\nWe do know for sure that cannabis is extremely effective at helping with a variety of symptoms associated with cancer and chemotherapy. Cannabis can aid with pain, appetite loss, and nausea, all which are a part of life with cancer. Cannabis may be the key to aiding in effective cancer treatment, but before there are clinical trials we can not be completely certain about its potential. It is important to research all products that you are considering taking and consult a trusted and knowledgable physician who can help you navigate the numerous products available. It is important to not just listen to claims, but look into the information behind products. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/14b42/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.jpg","srcSet":"/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/f836f/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.jpg 200w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/2244e/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.jpg 400w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/14b42/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.jpg 800w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/47498/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.jpg 1200w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/54ac5/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/58556/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/61e93/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.webp 200w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/1f5c5/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.webp 400w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/58556/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.webp 800w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/99238/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.webp 1200w,\n/static/265de8c9b3add7483c9579d12f705b46/5e0b8/654f14d459cd39c0f5957d228c7384ff.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2240-markdown","title":"The Must-Have Resource Book: \"This is Cancer\"","slug":"the-must-have-resource-book-this-is-cancer","content":"Photo credit Christina McPherson\n\n### Q and A with Author Laura Holmes Haddad\n\nLAURA'S BOOK: 'This is Cancer...Everything You Need to Know from the Waiting Room to the Bedroom'\n\n[Cancer](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/health-conditions) is indiscriminate. When [Laura Holmes Haddad](http://lauraholmeshaddad.com/), a friend and neighbor of mine, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, she discovered there was no one-stop resource to help her through her battle and no resource that truly gave her comfort.\n\n['This Is Cancer'](http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781580056267) is both thoughtful and informative with equal parts humor and reality yet with a touch of flair that exudes personality. It is a what to expect when you're expecting book for the diagnosis you don't want, or that of a loved one, but you happen to be stuck with it. \n\nBefore discovering she had cancer, Laura had a successful career as a cookbook editor as well as an author of several books on cooking, entertaining and wine. Since turning her attention to writing about cancer, she has become a prolific speaker and advocate for cancer patients everywhere. \n\nRecently, Laura was named as one of the 'Extraordinary Women in the SF Bay Area' by Gentry magazine, joining ranks with Jennifer Siebel Newsom who was also an honoree. In this post, I have a Q and A session with Laura to hear more about her new book, 'This is Cancer'.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: What's ‘This Is Cancer’?\n\nA: This is Cancer, which has the subtitle “Everything You Need to Know from the Waiting Room to the Bedroom” is really a guide for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals to see a patient's perspective on all of the details that no one really talks about when you get diagnosed with cancer.\n\n### Q: Why is it a good resource for cancer patients?\n\nA: For example, I talk about what to pack for the hospital when you stay overnight. You may not know this, but bringing a pillow along with you will increase your comfort both at the hospital but on the way home. When you are being driven home from surgery putting a pillow across your chest under the seatbelt or under your legs, depending on what kind of surgery you have had, may help with the pain and be the added comfort that makes a difference. \n\n\nA picture of Laura from a UCSF billboard in San Francisco promoting cancer awareness. \n\nAnother difficulty is flying or traveling during treatment. It can become a real issue and so how do you deal with that? There are a lot of tips and tricks that I share from my own experience. At the time I was diagnosed I had two very young children and and I didn’t know what to tell them, so I also included a lot of information on how to speak to your children and those around you. \n\nThere are also lists for caregivers about how to talk to patients. There really is no right thing to say, so often people say nothing and the silence is really hard for the person undergoing treatment. It is very isolating to be a patient, because you are surrounded by people but you often feel lonely because no one really understands how you are feeling. ‘This is Cancer’ was written with the purpose of reaching a wide audience to say, ‘this is what I have been through and I can’t possibly be the only one and hopefully this will help make your journey easier.’ \n\nRELATED: [GOVERNMENT STUDY SHOWS CANNABIS KILLS CANCER CELLS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f4574a3366380006540000/government-cancer-study-shows-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells)\n\n### Q: Can you tell people a little about your diagnosis?\n\nA: I was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer in November 2012. I had an 11 centimeter tumor in my left breast and it had spread to twenty lymph nodes and I also had a rib lesion. I got the call from the doctor the day after Thanksgiving and was told to pack a bag and drive to our local ER because they wanted to start chemotherapy that weekend. It was a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. \n\nUsually, when you catch it so late, it is very rare to recover and go into remission. In my case, I had to go through chemotherapy, but that didn’t work. Then I was fortunate enough to start a clinical drug trial for a different chemotherapy drug. Finally, I had surgery and radiation therapy. \n\n \nLaura with her young son during her cancer treatment.\n\nIn May of 2015, it was declared I was in remission. It all occurred within a very condensed timeline. I had a lot of different elements to my treatment and then at the end, when I was entering survivorship, there was so much that we didn’t know, things that would have really helped me, and if we had known these things it could have been a lot easier. \n\n### Q: Why did you choose to write this book?\n\nA: I am a writer by training, so writing comes to me very naturally. I wrote throughout my treatment, almost like a journal. It really all started out as a journal because at the time of diagnoses I was given two years to live if the treatment didn’t work. I started out writing almost to show my kids what I was thinking and how hard I was working to stay with them. \n\nAs I progressed, and as I started to feel better, I wondered what it would be like if I put all of these things together. My sister, who was a really important part of my care team, had a binder with all of this information and with all of my notes and the research I did I came up with this book. I am really proud because I think it is practical and it doesn’t focus on my particular story. It is really a general guide that will be helpful to patients, their caregivers, and their medical team. \n\n### Q: What are your thoughts on cannabis for cancer?\n\nA: I included a section on cannabis given how many states are legalizing medical use of cannabis. Surprisingly, no one really talked about the use of cannabis that much to me. Instead, the care team likes to write prescriptions. What people don't realize is that the side effects of those prescriptions can be intense. \n\nI did take Marinol and some edibles to help with pain, nausea, and insomnia, but I didn’t really like the side effects of the edibles either. To be honest, I did not really feel like I knew how to take an edible to get to the right experience. The one time I did take an edible, I overdid it. \n\nIn the end, Marinol is really what helped me. When I was on a clinical drug trial, I wasn’t allowed to use anything that wasn’t sanctioned on the drug trial. I think people need to get more education on cannabis and the options available to them.\n\n### Q: What have you been doing since the book was published?\n\nA: UCSF has been a big champion of me and since October I have been on many speaking panels and have tried to be a voice for patients within cancer advocacy. Most recently, I had the chance to meet then-Vice President and Mrs. Biden in Washington, DC and talk about clinical trial drugs and personalized medicine that are part of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative.\n\nI’ve had extraordinary opportunities to show people a patient’s perspective and how to work through what I call ‘modern cancer’. People have very old fashioned views about the needs and the treatments for patients and we really need to update those perceptions. I thought it was very important to share from the patient’s perspective, not a doctor or a med student, but a patient’s perspective on getting through cancer. \n\n\nLaura is featured in Gentry magazine's 'Extraordinary Women' January 2017.\n\n### Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?\n\nA: Yes. In particular, what makes my story different, in terms of the book, is that I was 37 at the time of my diagnoses. The numbers of young adult cancer diagnoses are going up in this country. We might be caregivers to children or our own parents, we might not have insurance, we might be working freelance. There are so many added issues like how do you continue to work during treatment? How do you talk to your boss about your medical situation? How do you date if you want to date during or after treatment?\n\nThese topics need to be brought into the open. The interpersonal relationship aspect of cancer was the most surprising thing about my whole experience with cancer, hearing who said what and who didn’t say something else. There were so many things I wish I had known before, and I hope my book helps provide some of that knowledge and support.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/14b42/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/f836f/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/2244e/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 400w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/14b42/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 800w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/47498/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/54ac5/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/58556/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/61e93/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/1f5c5/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 400w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/58556/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 800w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/99238/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 1200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/5e0b8/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2126-markdown","title":"Saying Goodbye to Leonard Cohen","slug":"saying-goodbye-to-leonard-cohen","content":"Leonard Cohen’s lyrics from ‘Treaty’, a song from his latest album 'You Want it Darker':\r\n\r\n>I've seen you change the water into wine. \r\n\r\n>I've seen you change it back to water too. \r\n\r\n>I sit at your table every night. \r\n\r\n>I try but I just don't get high with you. \r\n\r\n>I wish there was a treaty we could sign. \r\n\r\n>And I do not care who takes the bloody hill. \r\n\r\n>I'm angry and I'm tired all the time. \r\n\r\n>I wish there was a treaty – \r\n\r\n>I wish there was a treaty between your love and mine.\r\n\r\nWe lost Leonard Cohen this week, the hugely influential singer and songwriter. His lyrics are considered poetry - the contemplation, full of longing and loss, often mixed with the heaviness (or lightness) of allegory. Moments of deep introspection in my life have invariably been punctuated by the voice of Cohen and many rainy days locked in the house, Leonard Cohen, the artist of choice. \r\n\r\nSomehow, it almost seems appropriate that Cohen left us this week at the age of 82. A historic week that left so many of us feeling that we woke up to a new world. His death is yet another moment to stop and pause, an opportunity for reflection and perhaps even some Cohen-style redemption. Somehow, his death feels symbolic, like a tattoo across the events of this week. His latest album is aptly entitled ‘You Want it Darker'. However, I must actually believe that most of us ultimately want \"It\" lighter.\r\n\r\nCohen was rumored to be in poor health for some time. A recent article in Spin quotes Cohen’s son Adam as saying:\r\n\r\n>“This old man, who was truly in pain and discomfort, would at some intervals get out of his medical chair and dance in front of his speakers,” he reveals. “And sometimes, we would put on a song and listen to it on repeat just like teenagers with the help of medical marijuana. I think in states of pain and discomfort, what do you seek with more energy and more clarity than joy and jubilance?”\r\n\r\nAmen. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/14b42/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/f836f/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/2244e/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 400w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/14b42/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 800w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/47498/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/54ac5/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/58556/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/61e93/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/1f5c5/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 400w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/58556/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 800w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/99238/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 1200w,\n/static/1d715c88497fe5d61742a1fb5dd2e683/5e0b8/862e476943c4abde140ab94837319ab9.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2211-markdown","title":"Could Cannabis Help Alleviate Skin Cancer?","slug":"could-cannabis-help-alleviate-skin-cancer","content":"Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer with 3.5 million americans being diagnosed every year. Skin cancer is caused by UV radiation which creates a cancerous lesion on the skin surface. Though different forms of skin cancer vary greatly in severity, skin cancer can be typically treated in its early stages by removing the afflicted portion of skin. In some cases, chemotherapy is necessary following the removal of the lesion. Cannabis’ possible ability to reduce or kill cancer cells has been an area of study that has interested cancer researchers for many years. \r\n\r\nA set of researchers at California Pacific Medical Center gained traction in 2007 when they released data showing how cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce the aggressiveness of human breast cancer cells in the lab. Though research in the United States is limited, three major studies have been released across the world that point to a possible successful treatment for skin cancer in medical marijuana.\r\n\r\n### What Do the Studies Say?\r\n\r\nJapanese researchers published a study in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology that showed a significant reduction of skin cancer in mice treated with synthetic cannabinoids. The study showed a reduction of about 90% across the population of mice. Though this study was conducted with synthetic cannabinoids, it points to possible success using phytocannabinoids, cannabinoids from marijuana. \r\n\r\nThe European Journal of Pharmacology published a study on how the endocannabinoid system could be crucial in fighting melanoma. The endocannabinoid system is the series of cannabinoid receptors throughout the human body that respond to both cannabinoids produced by our own bodies as well as cannabinoids from cannabis. The study found that Anandamide (AEA), a endocannabinoid we produce internally, aids in suppressing and killing cancer cells. Due to the fact that THC reacts to the same receptors as AEA, it is possible that THC could have similar effects on cancer cells. \r\n\r\nOne of the most extensive studies on skin cancer and cannabinoids came from the British Journal of Pharmacology. Based on previous research suggesting that several cannabinoids could have the ability to “switch off” uncontrolled skin cell growth. The study investigated the epigenetic regulation of genes, which determine skin differentiation, by phytocannabinoids that imitate the natural endocannabinoids found in the human body. The study tested three major non-psychoactive cannabinoids from marijuana, CBD, CBG, and CBV, on differentiating skin cells. The study compared these cannabinoids to the effects of AEA, the primary cannabinoid which the body produces itself. The key findings of this study were that cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) reduced the expression of all genes tested in differentiated skin cells, showing that CBD and CBG are able to reverse epidermal changes. The expression of epidermal differentiation genes can be regulated by the cannabinoids CBD and CBG from cannabis, similarly to AEA. \r\n\r\n### Anecdotal Evidence Lines Up With Studies\r\n\r\nThough there is a need for clinical trials for cannabis’ effect on skin cancer, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to back up preliminary studies that have been conducted. The United Patients Group interviewed one patient, named David Triplett, who suffered from skin cancer on his nose. His doctor had recommended using a chemotherapy topical but he was interested in information he had found about cannabis oil and skin cancer. As he applied the oil he saw no change over the course of a few weeks, but eventually the spot became smaller, then disappeared completely along with his cancer. Stories similar to David’s are not uncommon, and they show a clear need for clinical trials to see if these results are directly related to the application of cannabis oil to the skin cancer lesion. With further research, cannabis could become a natural alternative to the commonly used chemotherapy topical products or as an additional component in skin cancer treatment for patients. \r\n\r\nInterested in asking a question about this? Go to [HelloMD Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and ask one of our doctors or community. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/91941044@N03/9632553110/in/photolist-fFcmrU-jTH7JT-ejKxdK-6JQ8hz-i7PX2-bCfgGt-5S2YMS-oFBPsq-oXQUPg-5RXCK6-itvhFo-8gNsD1-biPENg-fPVYUg-4TiA5k-4Brsm9-7fo2JQ-8Bnytf-oFBuXi-6Hn8tx-wpoUBB-8ffCB8-qrCunT-9nDLqa-eMhKvD-oFC2Ku-oXQUXH-aHpDce-pbNDvL-4YbLzB-4LP4hQ-pgiDPw-6mzz3A-6iGBEy-pbN9Ne-oY5xks-diSFzi-K1uVJ-f57GnS-axRzvy-oY5x19-bp3H51-5wYpxA-6phxSL-ayHe6y-oz8gXD-6nSMzC-8oaEAq-9c8e2Q-7QADSn)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/ee604/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png","srcSet":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/69585/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 200w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/497c6/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 400w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/ee604/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 800w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/37092/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 1180w","srcWebp":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/58556/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/61e93/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 200w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/1f5c5/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 400w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/58556/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 800w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/887e5/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 1180w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2166-markdown","title":"Constance Finley's Story: Treating My Autoimmune Disease with Cannabis Oil","slug":"constance-finleys-story-treating-my-autoimmune-disease-with-cannabis-oil","content":"If you're familiar with Cannabis oils, including those high in CBD and THC, you may also be familiar with Constance Finley of [Constance Therapeutics](http://www.cbdfarm.org/). After grappling with a near-death experience at the hands of prescription drugs used to treat her severe autoimmune disorder, Constance found her way to medical cannabis. Although skeptical at first, she quickly realized that, in addition to managing her pain effectively, medical cannabis drastically improved her quality of life.\r\n\r\nToday, Constance is a leading authority in the CBD/THC oil industry and her company Constance Therapeutics produces the gold standard in whole-plant cannabis extracts. To date, her groundbreaking extracts have helped thousands of people and even a number of household pets. Recently, I interviewed Constance to find out more about how she's revolutionizing cannabis care and what drives her mission.\r\n\r\n**Tell us about your journey and the whole plant cannabis extracts you produce.**\r\n\r\nDue to my autoimmune disease I was housebound for many years. After doing quite a bit of research, I started out making extracts for myself and experimenting from there. Because of my condition, I had to be a fanatic about my health and I was extremely careful about what I put in my body. This is largely why we only use fully trimmed, female unfertilized cannabis sativa flowers of plants with known and controlled genetics and we source all raw materials from either in-house or collaborative farms that ascribe to the terroir philosophy. I needed to know exactly where the materials came from and how they were grown. Our farmers are committed to growing plants sourced from us and using a methodology based on modern biodynamic farming principles. Our focus on quality products doesn’t end there. We only use pharmaceutical grade, certified-organic ethanol for extraction because research has shown that this is the safest of the solvents. \r\n\r\nI am very proud of how far this company has come and believe every cent of the million dollars I have invested in Constance Therapeutics was necessary in order to ensure that we take a science-based approach to product research and development, which includes our patent-pending extraction method. Each step of our extraction process is precisely defined and meticulously measured. We have also implemented extensive standard operating procedures and are currently implementing internationally accepted standards for pharmaceutical companies (ISO 9000) in pursuit of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).\r\n\r\nIt is amazing to think that we started out in my wine cellar and now Constance Therapeutics is located in a biotechnology acceleration campus. Our lab is truly amazing. We have biotech grade hoods for worker safety during chemical analysis and R&D testing, as well as industrial grade fire-safe storage equipment for proper storage, including a fire-safe freezer for ethanol storage to prevent any explosion risk under even extraordinary conditions. I think I am most proud of our rotary evaporator that removes any remaining solvent and preserves terpenes. We also installed state of the art vacuum pumps that are used to separate bioactive and inert components, as well as a chemical laboratory grade air filtration system to remove microbial contaminants and other impurities from the air. Needless to say, purity is a primary concern for me. Finally, we have industry-specific vacuum ovens to optimize aesthetics because aesthetics are important, even when it comes to medicinal cannabis.\r\n\r\nConstance Therapeutics is now a vertically integrated medicinal cannabis company, and we are setting the industry standard for quality, potency and consistency with a new category of treatment options with our whole plant cannabis extracts. Our work is ushering in a new era of care – Care 2.0 – in which whole plant cannabis extracts are integrated into traditional healthcare, providing physicians and their patients with expanded treatment options and filling the gap between traditional pharmaceuticals and commonplace cannabis products.\r\n\r\nIn order for our extracts to actually be considered an integrative option – and possibly even an alternative to pharmaceutical medication – by physicians, we must keep a close eye on quality, potency and consistency. Otherwise it is impossible for physicians to determine proper dosage or monitor for efficacy. We currently work with two great labs to test every lot of our extracts. We check for cannabinoid profile (potency), residual solvents, pesticides, microbial contaminants and aflatoxins. As you can see we have taken many steps to ensure our extracts are the absolute best.\r\n\r\n**You started operating Constance Therapeutics several years ago at a time when it was scary to do so, with changing laws and even government raids. What was it like to produce your product during that time?**\r\n\r\nI dealt with the fear by understanding that my own prejudice against cannabis had shifted and that the world was changing. I basically prayed that the Cosmos would protect me and that cannabis would lend its incredible energy toward that end. My passionate mission to help others has really given me my life back. When I started working with other people and seeing the miraculous results that occurred, I decided to really take this mission seriously. I also decided that there wasn't anything better I could be doing with my life. We decided that the best and most compassionate thing we could do was to take cannabis seriously. We set out to be at the forefront so that, instead of helping just a few people, we can deliver whole plant cannabis extracts to those in need (and in possession of California medical cannabis card, of course), whether that is for something like insomnia or anxiety, or a more serious condition. We would really like to see cannabis become a common tool in a physician’s toolbox.\r\n\r\n**At HelloMD we see that about 60% of patients get their advice from a Bud Tender. If patients come to your collective what kind of guidance will they receive?**\r\n\r\nWhen people come to us they will receive guidance from our member services team. We now have three scientists and a psychologist that work with our members and are available 12 hours each day by phone, email and text. This has helped a seriously ill population embrace cannabinoid therapeutics without concerns about addiction or health risks.\r\n\r\n**If a patient uses your oils, how might they expect to feel?**\r\nIn general, people experience a deep sensation of body relaxation. Patients with more serious conditions often report back that they sleep a lot during the first 2-3 weeks, but this is usually a temporary phase though. We believe that sleep allows for deep healing.\r\n\r\n**How long does treatment typically go on for a patient?**\r\n\r\nIt depends on the patient, but usually a protocol for a cancer patient might last for three to six months. They're usually on a higher dose for two months, but then it is gradually reduced. If they go into remission, then they are switched to a much lower maintenance dosage. If they have gotten good results but no remission, they usually will continue with the higher dose.\r\n\r\n**Cancer patients are a large portion of the patients you see, but you also work with patients with chronic pain, autoimmune diseases and Lyme disease. What's your take on cannabis, chronic paid, autoimmune and Lyme disease?**\r\n\r\nI think in many ways that chronic pain, autoimmune diseases and Lyme disease stand to benefit more directly from cannabis. With these conditions, the rest of your life can be improved with a cannabis regime. Plus, when you find your effective dose in cannabis, it will only come down from that dosage as your condition improves. It is unlikely that you will ever need to increase your dose.\r\n\r\nWe also work with people who have degenerative conditions like Huntington's and Parkinson's. These patients often find fast relief and frequently try CBD-rich extracts rather than those with higher THC levels because, as research indicates, the therapeutic properties of CBD hold great benefit for these types of conditions. However, it is important to note that we advocate that all extracts have some THC in them in order to achieve optimal benefit. Our extracts are based on modern clinical herbalist principles of synergy between plant compounds and scientific research, specifically “The Entourage Effect” theory, which shows that whole plant cannabis extracts from the female cannabis plant (not hemp) are more effective than isolated compounds, such as CBD only.\r\n\r\n**How did you start to provide whole plant cannabis extracts for pets?**\r\n\r\nMany people started to use our extracts on their pets and we noticed that there was a positive impact on many pet’s lives. My own service dog - an 80-pound French Shepherd - developed an aggressive form of cancer. At a certain point I started to give her cannabis extracts as a last hope. She started to do much better and soon after the vets declared her cancer free, about three weeks later. Since that time about 40 dogs and a few cats have come to us through veterinarian referrals. It makes us happy to see the lives of animals being saved or at least improved. Ultimately, we would like to do research in this area as well.\r\n\r\n**Speaking of research, you just announced a new partnership with Gridiron Cannabis Coalition. Can you tell me a little more about that?**\r\n\r\nOh yes. We are very excited about working with GCC. We have partnered with them to advance research on the benefits of whole plant cannabis extracts starting with ex-NFL players suffering from chronic pain. From there, we will move forward with additional studies that focus on other sports-related injuries. As I mentioned, my company is driving a new era of care – Care 2.0 – and that includes care for athletes so that they too have access to the treatment options they need. \r\n\r\n**What inspired you to work with ex-football players specifically?**\r\n\r\nWell, obviously there has been a lot of news lately about Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the lasting impacts of concussions, largely as a result of the film, 'Concussion', but we actually began this dialogue with GCC in November of last year because I saw a lot of similarities between what the players were going through and my own journey. I had to create my own treatment when pharmaceuticals failed me because there were no other options. \r\n\r\nMy mission is to help people and these NFL players so desperately need help treating the lasting ramifications from the high-impact sport because, as we have seen in the media, all too often the prescription medications they are taking are either leading to addiction or just plain not working for them. We want to embark on scientific research that will clearly show that medicinal cannabis actually can be an option for the issues that NFL-players or any athlete deal with. Our goal is to provide the undeniable evidence needed to change people’s negative perception of cannabis. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/ee604/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.png","srcSet":"/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/69585/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.png 200w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/497c6/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.png 400w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/ee604/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.png 800w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/f3583/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.png 1200w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/f90fa/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/58556/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/61e93/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.webp 200w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/1f5c5/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.webp 400w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/58556/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.webp 800w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/99238/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.webp 1200w,\n/static/ec3fc588a6da1d57ce59173602ea9676/5e0b8/a29c4dd19a0857de6d9c93882252a275.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2039-markdown","title":"Topicals: A Revelation in Treating Pain with Cannabis","slug":"topicals-a-revelation-in-treating-pain-with-cannabis","content":"HelloMD welcomes Andrea Brooks, our newest guest blogger. Andrea is the founder of [Sava](https://www.getsava.com), the premier marketplace for high-quality, hand-crafted cannabis goods. Sava offers next day delivery for patients throughout California and is one of the newest collectives gaining a passionate following of enthusiastic medicinal cannabis patients. Andrea is extremely knowledgeable about how to use cannabis for pain and below she shares her personal story.\r\n\r\n**A Journey from Pain to Wellness**\r\n\r\nMy personal journey into the cannabis industry started with my own pain. Several years ago I was the program director for a San Francisco human and social services nonprofit, doing a job that I absolutely loved, when an injury caused systemic nerve damage and prevented me from being able to sit and use the computer for the long hours required, as well as other routine daily activities. The two years that followed were some of the harder times of my life, while I struggled to find a new way of caring for my body--one that would allow me to be pain free. \r\n\r\nLiving with chronic pain required me to do a lot of research and learning, and a lot of experimentation. I quickly realized that the side effects from pharmaceuticals were best avoided and thus began my trial and error with alternative forms of medicine. I always knew smoking cannabis could alleviate pain, but I’ve since learned that there is so much more to using cannabis than simply picking up a joint. Ultimately, cannabis and a solid self-care routine is what brought me back to health. \r\n\r\n**Beyond the Smoke**\r\n\r\nAt first I turned to smoking flower for pain relief. It did wonders--especially now that there is so much information available on strain types. The only downside of the some of the flower was I felt too high. I wanted to get back to life as usual and although I’ve always enjoyed smoking a joint from time to time, I’ve never been an all day every day smoker. I needed to find a way to manage my pain and stay more clear-minded. \r\n\r\nAs the medical cannabis industry has grown, we’ve seen an explosion in other methods of consumption. Learning about these products gave me a vast toolkit. Edibles and tinctures offer a discreet, easy to measure dose of cannabis available in many configurations. Some are low-dose, some are for sleep, some are high-CBD, and the list goes on. These products have been life-savers. But by far one class of products has helped me day in and day out more than any other is topicals. \r\n\r\n**Topicals - What Are They?**\r\n\r\nTopicals are a way to apply cannabis directly to your skin. Formulas come in many forms including oils, balms, salves, and lotion bars. Topicals are not psychoactive so you will not feel high after using them. \r\n\r\n**How Do They Work?** \r\n\r\nApplying a topical is a transdermal method of ingesting cannabis - meaning it goes through your skin. They work by binding to a network of receptors called CB2 that are found throughout the body and are activated either by the body’s naturally-occurring endocannabinoids or by cannabis compounds known as phytocannabinoids. \r\n\r\nWhen you apply most topicals, the cannabinoids don’t enter the bloodstream so you will not have a psychoactive experience. The two exceptions are with transdermal patches, which will deliver THC to the bloodstream and can cause psychoactive effects and cannabis-infused soaks, which allow THC to be absorbed through the colon. However, with lotions, salves, and the like, you can use them to relieve pain in a specific area while going about your day. \r\n\r\n**Penetration vs. Absorption** \r\n\r\nIn skincare, there is a difference between penetration and absorption. Skin penetration refers to the amount of a topically applied compound that exists between the top layer of skin, the stratum corneum, and the bottom layer of skin, the stratum basale. During penetration, the body does not absorb the compound so it does not affect the body systems. Skin absorption refers to the process where the compound breaks the skin barrier and enters the bloodstream. \r\n\r\nMany factors influence penetration and absorption, including how thick the skin is in the area a formula is applied and the type of formula being applied. Most topicals will not pass the skin barrier and absorb into the bloodstream, but patches, for example, have been made with molecules small enough to do so. \r\n\r\n**Body Oils, Lotions and Salves**\r\n\r\nThrough my experimentation, I found each of these formulas have their own purposes. \r\n\r\nBody Oils - Coupling cannabis with self-massage (or massage from someone else if you’re lucky) can dramatically increase the therapeutic effects. Body oils stay on the skin long enough to provide lubrication for deeper massage, releasing of knots and tension. \r\n\r\nSalves and Balms - These absorb into the skin a bit faster and they are less messy to use, making them my go to for portable relief. Keeping a jar in my purse to apply as needed has been a lifesaver on many occasions. Salves and balms provide enough oil for some massage, but will sink into your skin faster than oil. \r\n\r\nBody Butters - Butters are one step down on the oily scale from salves and balms. Another great choice for relief on the go, body butters made with a natural butter base such as mango, shea, or cocoa. In my experience, the natural butters carry enough scent that they are the predominant smell, not the cannabis. \r\n\r\nLotions - the lightest in texture and oiliness, these will penetrate your skin the fastest. They are not good for massage, but they are great if you want to apply something under your clothes that will leave no mess. \r\n\r\nLotion Bars - lotion bars are solid bars that melt when applied to skin. Often made from a combination of natural butters and oils, these are great for an at home massage treatment. \r\n\r\nSoaks - A newer trend on the cannabis market are bath salts and bath bombs. Fill your tub, add the product, and soak. While you’re relaxing in the tub, the cannabis is penetrating your outer skin layers while also being absorbed by your colon. This leaves you with a very light psychoactive experience that is somewhere between very calm and slightly high. \r\n\r\n**...That Smells Nice**\r\n\r\nSome topicals have stronger cannabis scents than others. There are several options that do not smell like cannabis at all, offering you relief in places where you’d prefer not to unleash the smell of cannabis. Some companies add additional ingredients, such as wintergreen, eucalyptus, and lavender add to the experience. Some topicals are heating and some are cooling. Try a few to find your favorites. \r\n\r\n**What Can I Use Them For?** \r\n\r\nFor Inflammation and Arthritis - CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. If you’d like to combat inflammation or pain related to arthritis, look for a high CBD topical. \r\n\r\nFor Cramps - Topicals calm menstrual cramps. I’ve found body oils to be very effective, especially if applied to both the lower back and lower abdomen and paired with a hot water bottle. \r\n\r\nFor Sore Muscles - Soaking after a workout or self-massage with an oil will leave you less sore the next day. \r\n\r\nFor Better Sleep - a thorough rub down before bed with any topical makes me sleep more soundly. My body relaxes more deeply as I drift off into my dreams. \r\n\r\n**A Self-Care Routine**\r\n\r\nFinding a way to handle pain that didn’t make me high was a game-changer. But cannabis alone is not a magic bullet. Developing a self-care routine was invaluable to my recovery. For some techniques, such as massage, pairing with cannabis magnified the healing effects. \r\n\r\nStretching - Developing a 10-15 minute routine at the beginning and end of your day can make a world of difference. Luckily, the internet abounds with yoga and stretching videos if you’d like inspiration. \r\n\r\nMovement - A vital part of each day, especially if your job requires you to sit in one place. A brief daily walk or getting up once per hour move a bit will make the world of difference. Topical balm can be used in advance of any activity to loosen muscles, as well as be applied afterwards to soothe soreness.\r\n\r\nMassage and other Body Work - Massage alone is magnificently healing. Pairing it with a cannabis brings another level of relaxation. While a professional body worker will reach very deep levels of healing, self-massage on a regular basis is also fantastic. \r\n\r\nMini Foot Spa - While integrating massage into your life is a worthwhile luxury due to the health benefits, it’s not always possible to get a massage. Doing your own mini foot spa is another at-home, accessible self-care routine. Our feet carry so much tension a foot spa can release. Try a cannabis soak and rub some bath salts into your feet to exfoliate. Follow with an oil applied with massage. If you want to take it to another level, look at a reflexology chart and target areas specific to your tension. \r\n\r\nTake A Minute to Breathe - Much like stretching, just a few minutes each day makes a world of difference. While I was initially skeptical, meditation taught me a way to stay grounded during a flare up. I developed a pre-meditation ritual of rubbing some of my favorite scented topical into my temples and neck beforehand, helping me to settle in. \r\n\r\nAs I’ve come to find is often the case for providers of cannabis medicine, it was my own discovery of the vast and varied healing properties of this plant that inspired me to share it with others. In 2015 I founded [Sava](https://www.getsava.com), a marketplace for high-quality, hand-crafted cannabis goods. My hope is to share detailed information on use and dosage with patients while also providing access to safe, consistent medicine. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/ee604/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.png","srcSet":"/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/69585/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.png 200w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/497c6/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.png 400w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/ee604/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.png 800w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/f3583/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.png 1200w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/f90fa/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/58556/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/61e93/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.webp 200w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/1f5c5/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.webp 400w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/58556/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.webp 800w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/99238/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.webp 1200w,\n/static/180c0d5969d8f620ba0d0b33edcea28f/5e0b8/55f4db69ab8fef1c1754e43421bdfbb3.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1967-markdown","title":"Marijuana Found to Shrink Aggressive Brain Cancer","slug":"marijuana-found-to-shrink-aggressive-brain-cancer","content":"Those who are familiar with marijuana know there are a variety\nof medical applications, from treating\n[nausea](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7eb226264330006320000/the-next-step-for-nausea-treatment-medical-marijuana)\nto helping to alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such\nas [Crohn's\nDisease](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/561d5de53233340006be0000/cannabis-shows-promise-in-treating-crohns-disease-and-colitis).\nToday, however, scientists are finding that medical marijuana, when used\nin conjunction with other forms of cancer treatment, is capable of\nshrinking some of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer known to\nscience. Here's what you need to know:\n\n**Cannabis as a Treatment for Glioma**\n\n[Glioma](http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/glioma.html)\nis a form of cancer that develops in the supportive tissue of the human\nbrain. This tissue is designed to enhance neuron function and when a\ntumor begins to grow within it, the affected person experiences nausea,\nheadaches, vision changes, altered behavior and personality changes.\nPatients affected by glioma are subject to a bleak [5 percent survival\nrate](http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/content/130/10/2596) over three\nyears.\n\nUntil now, the treatment options for glioma have been limited to surgery\nand chemotherapy in the event of high-grade tumors. Today, however, this\nmay be changing. According to a [2014\nstudy](http://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/11/12/1535-7163.MCT-14-0402.abstract)\nconducted by oncologist Wai Lu at St. George's University of London,\ncannabinoids like THC and CBD are highly efficient at destroying glioma\ncells. During a clinical study, Lu found that CBD and THC alone were\ncapable of killing roughly half of the glioma cells present in affected\nmice. When these cannabinoids were used in conjunction with\nradiotherapy, however, the treatment caused the tumors in several of the\nmice to stop growing entirely.\n\nAdditionally, Lu found that when THC and CBD were used together to treat\ntumors, researchers could use less of each compound and still achieve\nthe same effects. This is important because THC is psychoactive and can\ncause unwanted psychoactive side effects for people receiving treatment.\nFortunately, when combined with CBD, THC can be used in smaller doses\nand patients receiving treatment can reap the medical benefits of the\ncompound without any of the \"high\" feelings traditionally associated\nwith it.\n\n**How Cannabis Works to Treat Brain Cancer**\n\nWhile the results of Lu's study are exciting, researchers are still\nworking to figure out how, exactly, THC and CBD are producing these\neffects. According to Lu, the answer may be that the cannabinoids are\npreparing neural pathways for radiotherapy. \"We think that the\ncannabinoids are hitting a number of cell signaling pathways, which\nprimes them to the effects of irradiation,\" [Lu\nsays](http://www.medicaldaily.com/cannabis-shrinks-brain-tumors-associated-highly-aggressive-form-cancer-310720).\nOnce the cells have been primed, the ability of a tumor cell to rebuild\nitself is damaged and the tumor cells die as a result. The outstanding\nthing about this treatment, however, is that while THC and CBD have been\nshown to kill glioma cells, they don't produce any negative effects in\nthe healthy cell tissue surrounding the glial cells. In fact,\ncannabinoids may even [protect these\ncells](http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq# cit/section_4.3)\nfrom damage.\n\nWhile the results of Lu's study are particularly exciting given the\naggressive and often-fatal nature of glioma, this is not the first\nevidence researchers have of cannabis being used to treat different\nforms of cancer. Cannabis contains upward of 85 different cannabinoids,\nand [previous\nstudies](http://www.nature.com/nrc/journal/v3/n10/abs/nrc1188.html) have\nshown that these cannabinoids are capable of killing various types of\ncancer cells. This research has given scientists a place to start when\nevaluating the use of CBD and THC for cancer treatment.\n\n**Marijuana and Cancer Prevention**\n\nIn addition to the recent findings that cannabinoids may be an effective\ntreatment for glioma, researchers have discovered over the years that\nmarijuana may also have powerful anti-tumor effects, which could stop\ncancer from ever forming in the first place. While the research isn't\nnew, it paved the way for further evaluations of the connection between\ncannabis and cancer. In one [1996\nstudy](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12594529?dopt=Abstract),\nresearchers found that lab mice given doses of THC over a two-year\nperiod experienced a decrease in the rate of certain cancers and benign\ntumors in areas such as the pancreas, uterus, testes and mammary tissue.\n\nMore recent research has shed some light on how cannabis produces these\neffects. According to a [2014\nstudy](http://www.jbc.org/content/early/2014/06/18/jbc.M114.561761)\npublished in the *Journal of Biological Chemistry*, THC acts on\ncannabinoid cell receptors to inhibit the interactions between them,\nthus decreasing the risk that cancer will form or interrupting cancer\nthat is already growing. Further research has shown that THC is capable\nof [decreasing the rate of lung cancer cell\ngrowth](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm)\nby 50 percent as well as preventing pre-existing cancer from\nmetastasizing throughout the body. Studies have also shown that cannabis\nis capable of [killing brain cancer\ncells](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279571.php). The\nanti-cancer benefits of cannabis are extensive and clearly noted, and,\nwhen used correctly, can help providers offer powerful cancer treatment\nwithout the dangerous and uncomfortable side-effects present in other\ntreatment options.\n\n**Moving Forward: The Future of Marijuana and Glioma**\n\nLu's 2014 study was groundbreaking in the world of glioma research and,\nwhile further research is needed to put his findings into action on a\nlarge scale, it's clear that cannabis may be more powerful than\nresearchers previously thought when it comes to treating aggressive\nforms of cancer. In addition to offering relief from many of the\nsymptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment (such as [nausea,\nvomiting, pain and decreases in\nappetite](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/561ee4573632300006190100/medical-marijuana-helps-treat-undesired-effects-of-chemotherapy)),\ncannabis also boasts an extensive list of anti-tumor and cancer-treating\nproperties. These properties present huge opportunities for treatment to\ncancer patients and their families, and have the potential to alter the\nface of cancer treatment forever.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAPCAIAAABr+ngCAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADcUlEQVQozw2Rb0zUdRyAf/f98/l8v9/7xzjuLowMUGSwxXTYKkpMgqQ8M8qB2YVMLdAbCUSgjVtsDUKK1BcHM2wDh1Oi1DlxNlxSTtldrGAQf9RfQnSc3oDj3863sT2vnxfPoyX8sxw3H5XBqBxcxUBUdofhQtg+uJw0uQx3Vo1XFvDnRTWwpAJL4lwI20Ly+7Cs09XJKSj8TZP/PrXMPo31Ryw/zWPLrDgbUjcjrGMOOp5YfDPYvaK6Iqo1jFXjlm9087e6qv0LiwN4eFh+PKTxvhXHrUj80KJlMCo65mTXY2v/UszVBeULrQHVOpSNipoJ2TStTgdl2xNxZFxWPVTuu3L/HQ18czE9C8YbK+TSKrsQhfZFdnpBNATNPfPCNy88I6bKIXPliDgVxvogzffDy+dx9y88rUXmXdfAM8a8QWiYxZoZdmwKyybkiUempmnZHBJHx1T9lPo6pI7rWPgHz/xRpJ9RuZ240Yvrq2Rur4btEfwuLCsnlFeXJX5RNSFrdNWyVmVGHB4R5fdtXz40l47Btusyq1PsC6D7Aaa1YU4/TfBqovExNIVN9TOqJYTe/4TngSwZFgeGRX6vfK9f7vWrooDa48esXsjtY28O4ObLzFpNrRVU5mii5G88NI7lj2T5FJbq8nNdfHpfvHVLFt2VB0exIABbL0H6D7ihWW0+C/FebvIQw06+rgZs+zT5yQivnOb7R3nRoMjqVtsu8rdvw94A/2AccvvhxR5MahZpX2Fqo9hyEZwneEI1MbupepUZMzX0TPKcm/jaZeOOqyrvinz9Gr5/T7zSBZt8mNIqMzox7Ry81I0pZ8BRy23HcGMHkwcoSeLmdzXYPQCu21CqY/EkFg6D63fx4Z/inXuY1oqOCojzMFkA9lIwFnCnlzu/AJFPaQrlqVxkapDYDDt/hewbmNwonRUioxVST3HYw2IOgb0CYj5au8LijzKRz2CrQTMaCCeEMUikLE6DjHZIOonP1cn1teCshlQfJNQx2EUhm8EO8cwRZskjmtVgsDKRTJidEBPjDkpsxGDUWOxxWFcvd/WJ7GvcXsPRxdh2bnWjswxtxRBXQugWxp8l1EohkRAjx02UxRMaS4hVo7EH4fkGtH8GJjcTBVS4mKVwLQZXLoZvUJLM8QVu2s4glYp0QhyEOgwGRql9Tfc/RdAge8RXbxcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/ee604/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png","srcSet":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/69585/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/497c6/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 400w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/ee604/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 800w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/f3583/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 1200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/af768/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.png 1268w","srcWebp":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/58556/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/61e93/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/1f5c5/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 400w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/58556/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 800w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/99238/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 1200w,\n/static/3b881ad8d7a43397bc09a6cce0a9a75a/3938f/88557aa08f08fb0274bedc1684304a23.webp 1268w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1969-markdown","title":"What it Takes to Get a NY Medical Marijuana Card","slug":"what-it-takes-to-get-a-ny-medical-marijuana-card","content":"A full 18 months after legalizing medical cannabis, the state of NY finally allows medical marijuana dispensaries to open their doors. beginning January 7. Patients rejoice. Let the shopping begin! \n\nNot so fast. \n\n**Here’s what you need to know.**\n\nThe dispensaries licensed for business are few and far between. As of mid-January, 2016, there are only 8. Eight. Depending on where you are, in the empire state of 55,000 square miles, prepare for a long drive. More are planned for 2016, twelve more, but don’t expect one to appear at the end of the block.\n\nBecoming an actual patient will be difficult. Unlike other states, severe migraines will not qualify you, neither severe menstrual cramping, nor anxiety, nor clinical depression, nor many other conditions that medical cannabis is known to alleviate. Instead, you’ll need to be more at the terminally-ill or incurable-disease end of the spectrum. So far, less-than 300 patients have been approved for medical cannabis in New York (as of January 21 2016). If you plan on making the approved list, don’t bother showing up without having Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Epilepsy, Intractable Bowel Syndrome, or Multiple Sclerosis.\n\nRELATED: [NY EXPANDS CONDITION LIST FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CERTIFICATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5942b0478f2aa0000c61bc9c/new-york-expands-condition-list-for-medical-marijuana-certifications) \n\nAnd, if you're in the unfortunate position of having one of such conditions you’ll need to be seen, and specially approved, by a qualified state physician. This is not your family doctor – only 265 physicians have so far been given the credential to evaluate. Once seen, and given the certification by a physician, you are then able to register for a card. Yes. That’s right. You’ve come this far and you still have to register with the state before being cleared and given a card.\n\nOh, and just to be absolutely sure you’re not going to abuse your medical cannabis privilege, you’ll not be able to smoke it. New York requires that all medical cannabis product be a drinkable solution, an oil suitable for vaporizing, a tincture, or in capsule form.\n\nRELATED: [NY ALLOWS MORE METHODS OF MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b3235db8b3ec393021a42a/new-york-allows-more-methods-of-marijuana-consumption)\n\nIf all this seems overly restrictive and harsh, then you’d be right. It is. It’s symptomatic of the fear, uncertainty and doubt that conservative lawmakers still abide. \n\nIt’s all a bit of shame really. It’s a shame because New York could set a precedent for other states that are wavering on their decision-making. It’s a surprise because, for so many other reasons, we consider New York to be progressive.\n\nI expect, as time goes by, these harsh restrictions and unreasonable qualifications will relax and be modified. Until then, if you’re a New Yorker, keep your eye on this space and whenever you have the opportunity to share voice on the matter – speak. And whenever you have the opportunity to influence proposition – vote.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/14b42/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg","srcSet":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/f836f/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 200w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/2244e/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 400w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/14b42/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 800w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/47498/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/58556/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/61e93/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 200w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/1f5c5/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 400w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/58556/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 800w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/99238/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2010-markdown","title":"Why Marijuana Infused Soda Might Be Your Next Drink","slug":"why-marijuana-infused-soda-might-be-your-next-drink","content":"I have memories of running around on a hot summer day at our community pool and grabbing an ice cold Fresca, then running onto the slip-and-slide (aka ‘The Wet Banana’). I remember that type of childhood experience and that soda flavor so very well. The flavor somehow got embedded in my feel-good subconscious, similar to how the smell of autumn leaves might signal football games or burning wood makes me think of get-together bonfires on a beach in Martha’s Vineyard. So, perhaps if the notion of summer time (during our cold wet winter) combined with a bit of nostalgia sounds like a recipe for a good time, then [Sprig](http://www.drinksprig.com/) may have a place in your heart and next social gathering.\r\n\r\nSprig is a new THC infused beverage, which also happens to taste like a Fresca. In the words of founder Michael Lewis ‘A Sprig should make you want to smile more, that’s the whole point.’ Launched this past August, it has quickly become the rising star in the edibles drink market winning [Edibles List magazine Best Soda of 2015](http://ediblesmagazine.com/edibles/the-2015-best-of-edibles-list-awards-winners/). The magazine has a national scope, so Sprig was competing against some solid contenders, including [Dixie Elixirs](http://dixieelixirs.com/) flagship products.\r\n\r\nWhat becomes clear when you speak to the guys who started Sprig, is that they have authentic and inspiring aspirations for their brand. In their mind, a Sprig should be consumed in a social gathering creating a good-times-atmosphere and ideally, some shared memories. Their goal is not to get people smashed and their initial product launched at an intentionally low dose, a 15mg per serving can. They’d like to enhance a good vibe mentality and promote smart-use with what is essentially a recreational product. Think of the movie [Endless Summer](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060371/), and imagine those guys after catching the most perfect wave, sitting down and drinking a Sprig together. \r\n\r\nMichael Lewis, Co Founder of Sprig, sat down to chat with me last week and here is what he had to say about Sprig:\r\n\r\n**How did you come up with the idea to create Sprig?**\r\n\r\nThe general concept of Sprig started just a little over a year ago and we officially launched in August of 2015. I met my co founder Ethan Feffer and Michael Lewis while working at [WeedMaps](https://weedmaps.com/) in Irvine, CA. Ethan was General Counsel there at the time, while I was managing Business Development and we became friendly. For both of us it was our first exposure to the cannabis industry and where we really gained an understanding of the California cannabis marketplace. Prior to Weedmaps, Ethan had been a corporate transactional attorney and I worked within finance for private investment funds. While still at Weedmaps, it became evident to us that there were very few well-done brands within the industry. It was at this time that we began to think about how we could possibly create a new product together and the idea of Sprig was hatched.\r\n\r\n**When you started creating Sprig, how did you think about it in relation to the edible marketplace?**\r\n\r\nEdibles, particularly those that you eat like a chocolate, are most often overpowering and the dosage can be unreliable. When creating our product we wanted to avoid creating anything that might have the [‘Maureen Dowd’ effect]( http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/04/opinion/dowd-dont-harsh-our-mellow-dude.html?_r=1). We wanted to create an elevated brand as well as a reliable product from the chemistry side, which would be incredibly consistent and reliable. Our intention was to create a product that contained the level of quality of a product you might purchase at a grocery store. Beverages are interesting in that it is much easier to know what you are getting in terms of reliability. The uniformity of the mixing ensures that the dosage is more consistent. We like that people can feel confident in what they are ingesting.\r\n\r\n**So, it sounds as if you knew early on you wanted to create a beverage within the edibles space?**\r\n\r\nYes, we wanted to create a beverage, as it is already something that people feel comfortable with socially. I feel more social drinking with people than I do when I am splitting a brownie. We want the experience people have with a Sprig to feel light hearted. Ultimately, the idea is that people would want to sit down and be comfortable in a group setting with a Sprig.\r\n\r\n**How did you come up with the name Sprig?**\r\nSprig the name is a subtle nod to an herb, whether that be rosemary, thyme or a plant like cannabis. The brand aspiration was to create something that is approachable that did not say ‘stoner’ or contain any puns relating to marijuana. We want both a new consumer as well as an experienced one to feel comfortable approaching our product. \r\n\r\n**It is interesting that Sprig launched with a 15mg dosage. This is considered a much lower dosed product than the industry norm. What was the thought behind releasing a 15 mg product?**\r\n\r\nInitially, we wanted to launch Sprig with a much lower dosage so that newer consumers within the market could start out smaller and feel OK with a can in their hands. Our first product contained only 15mg of THC and can be casually sipped over a period of time. Overall, our 15mg dose should never get anyone too high or overpower his or her day. \r\n\r\nWe worked with a group of chemists and PHDs out of USC to formulate the beverage and everyone was on the same page, the idea being we would start with a low dosage and work our way up to a higher dosage later. This is exactly what we have done with success. After being on the market for a little while, we saw there was a market demand for a higher dosage, so we have now released our 45mg dosage drinks. In California, our market let us know that they wanted a higher dosage and so we worked to deliver this. In relation to other products, our higher dosage product is still on the lower side of what you often see in a dispensary. We like that our high dose product is considered relatively low dose compared to other products.\r\n\r\n**How does consuming a can of Sprig make people feel?**\r\n\r\nIf I drink a 45mg can of Sprig, I will feel the effects of it for about 3 hours. If I drink a 15mg Sprig, I may feel a little relaxed or giggly. A slight upper effect is felt with the lower dosage, but you should not get a feeling of being overpowered. Everyone is different as we know, but in general, the market feedback we have received has mimicked my experience with the drink. Our goal was to create a social drink where people could continue to be social after drinking it and not feel the need to go away from the group.\r\n\r\nWhen a person drinks a Sprig, they will feel the effects more quickly than if you eat an edible, such as a brownie. Due to the fact it is a liquid, you will feel the effects in about 30 minutes and will not last for more than 3 hours. An edible you eat may take up to an hour or more to feel and can effect you for as long as 6 or 8 hours.\r\n\r\n**What is the process you go through to create a can of Sprig soda?**\r\n\r\nWe use a raw CO2 based extract, which is a very clean extract with no nasty solvents. Once we have created the CO2 extract, it is distilled in a similar way to liquor. The distillation process takes out some of the remaining impurities, and so you end up with very pure THC oil. There is no meaningful CBD presence within the extract and it almost looks like a honey-type substance. It is very viscous, amber colored oil. Once we get the refined CO2 oil, it is put into a soda and from there we combine it with organic cane sugar. It is your basic beverage but it has THC. \r\n\r\nThe flavoring is similar to a Fresca, and people seem to love this. When we were trying to create the soda from scratch, we steered the chemists towards the things we wanted to be somewhat like, which was a cross between a Fresca, an Orangina and a Japanese sodas, which often are less sweet than typical American sodas. After some back and forth, Sprig is what we came up with.\r\n\r\n**What would you like people to know about Sprig?**\r\n\r\nOur goal has been to release a very simple product. It is a THC infused soda that is meant to be socially positive. We don’t aim to get folks crazy high and we want people to have a good time and feel good while drinking the soda and afterwards. We wanted to develop a safe way for people to take cannabis. It is meant to be psychoactive and fun.\r\n\r\nWe believe our product has a wide appeal to people of different ages and backgrounds. It could be a poolside or beachside drink and if I think of a setting where it is consumed I think of happy, casual social get-togethers. This is not a product that is meant for hard partying, like say, Red Bull vodka. We think of a group of people enjoying each other’s company and smiling more. We want our brand and our product to look and feel uplifting and positive. \r\n\r\n**Where can people find Sprig today?**\r\n\r\nWe are currently in 110 dispensaries from San Diego up to Sonoma/Santa Rosa area. Initially, it was not easy to get into dispensaries. I would knock on doors and hustle it into various shops, it was good experience, but it was hard. Now, we add about 2 to 3 accounts a week and now people are calling us to find our product and some distributors are helping us with this. We would like to be in 200-350 dispensaries by the end of 2016. \r\n\r\nCurrently, we are focused on California, which is the nation’s biggest cannabis market. That said, Sprig's ambitions are national as well as international. We will want to ensure that we have quality control wherever we distribute so someone drinking a Sprig in Illinois or Washington will have the same experience as someone in Los Angeles. That's our end goal with wherever we take our product.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/ee604/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png","srcSet":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/69585/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/497c6/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 400w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/ee604/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 800w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/f3583/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 1200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/f90fa/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/58556/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/61e93/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/1f5c5/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 400w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/58556/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 800w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/99238/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 1200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/5e0b8/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":4,"currentPage":2,"id":5042,"name":"Cancer","slug":"cancer","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}