{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/depression/4","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2115-markdown","title":"Top 5 Marijuana Strains for Depression","slug":"top-5-marijuana-strains-for-depression","content":"Depression can mean different things to different people—it can be something folks struggle with for years, it can be felt strongest during the dark and cold winter months, it can be present only after a woman gives birth, it can be part of a person’s diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety. The numbers around depression are staggering: it’s estimated that 16 million Americans and 350 million people around the world suffer from some form of depression.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Can Cannabis Help With Depression Symptoms?\n\nYes, for some people marijuana can help alleviate some symptoms of depression. Marijuana stimulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors found throughout the body. The ECS can speed up the growth and development of the nervous system tissue to help people battle depression. Marijuana also can positively enhance the mood of people with depression and benefit them by adding stimulation, relaxing them or helping them sleep. \n\nA 2007 study from McGill University in Montreal, Canada found that [tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) can serve as an anti-depressant](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023183937.htm). Dr. Gabriella Gobbi of McGill University was encouraged to conduct the study after she had seen anecdotal evidence that cannabis could help reduce depressive symptoms.\n\n“As a psychiatrist, I noticed that several of my patients suffering from depression used to smoke cannabis,\" Dr. Gobbi said. \"And in the scientific literature, we had some evidence that people treated with cannabis for multiple sclerosis or AIDS showed a big improvement in mood disorders. But there were no laboratory studies demonstrating the anti-depressant mechanism of action of cannabis.”\n\nThe study, which gave rat models a synthetic form of THC, found that THC stimulated the production of serotonin. Serotonin helps reduce depression naturally, which means that medical marijuana could help reduce peoples’ need for anti-depressants. The study, however, did find that cannabis could have adverse effects and worsen depression symptoms at higher doses.\n\nAnother study conducted by the University Medical Center, Utrecht in the Netherlands also found that [THC could alter a person’s response to negative images or emotions](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23928295). This response was due to how the ECS activates the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. \n\n### Marijuana Terpenes Are Key\n\nTerpenes are oils produced by some plants, including cannabis. Terpenes are used to flavor and scent products like aromatherapy oils and cleaning solutions. Terpenes in marijuana are responsible for giving different strains of cannabis their smell and flavor. There are about 120 terpenes that are found across all of the varieties of cannabis, though some are more present than others. Besides just smell and taste, terpenes work together with cannabinoids to boost their effects. Now, people are paying attention not only to the strain but also the terpene profile in their cannabis to figure out which marijuana helps ease depression symptoms. \n\nLimonene, which is the second most common terpene found in cannabis, is known for its citrus scent and flavor. Limonene is known to relieve both depression and anxiety, though it can also help stimulate the immune system, alleviate gastrointestinal issues, and fight tumors and infections. \n\nLinalool, which is a terpene known for its floral aroma, is known to be especially helpful with mental conditions. Linalool, which is also found in plants like mint and cinnamon, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. \n\n### Choosing the Right Marijuana Strain to Help Treat Depression\n\nFinding the right strain for your depression is a process of discovery to see what will work best for you. Sativa strains of cannabis are known to be uplifting, which can be helpful for many people with depression. Sometimes different strains are needed depending on the time of day or type of symptoms a person is experiencing. Dosage is also extremely important when it comes to medical marijuana for depression. It’s important to start low and slow, because too strong of a dose could cause an adverse effect. Here’s our round up of top marijuana strains for depression. \n\n### AK-47 Is a Hybrid Cannabis Strain That Can Help Combat Depression\n\nAK-47 is a 80% sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that’s known for steady and long lasting effects. It has 14-20% THC and is known to help with depression, stress and anxiety. AK-47 can help stimulate mental alertness and keep people going throughout the day. \n\n### Blue Dream Marijuana Contains Limonene & Linalool\n\n![Blue Dream marijuana](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/57fbd5a9321b570007790312/embedded_images/57fbd5ac321b570007790313/Screen_Shot_2016-10-10_at_10.52.40_AM.png)\n\nBlue Dream is a 60% sativa-dominant marijuana hybrid. It has levels of THC that range from 17-24% and is known for its ability to relieve tension while still providing uplifting effects. Blue Dream also contains linalool and limonene, both which are terpenes that are known to help alleviate symptoms of depression. Blue Dream is also known to provide mental alertness. \n \n### Amnesia Haze Is an Uplifting Cannabis Strain\nAmnesia Haze) is a cannabis sativa strain known for its uplifting and energy-creating effects. It’s known to reduce stress and relax the mind. Amnesia Haze has a citrusy sent, which is associated with the presence of limonene, which helps add to its anti-depressant qualities. Amnesia Haze also helps with fatigue and migraines. \n\n### Energizing Jilly Bean Is a Great Marijuana Strain for Daytime\n\n![Jilly Bean cannabis](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/57fbd5a9321b570007790312/embedded_images/57fbd658321b570007790317/Screen_Shot_2016-10-10_at_10.55.59_AM.png)\n\nJilly Bean is a 60% sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that’s known to create an uplifting and positive mood. It is perfect for daytime use because of its energizing effects. Jilly Bean has about 18% THC and can also help with focus. It is also known for its floral aromas, which are associated with linalool. Jilly Bean helps to alleviate depression through a stimulating effect. \n\n### Lemon Haze Cannabis Is High in Limonene\n\nLemon Haze is a marijuana strain that has a THC content of between 15% to 20% and a cannabidiol (CBD) content below 1%. Lemon Haze is known for its uplifting and joyous effects and depending on the person, Lemon Haze can produce relaxed or energetic feelings. Lemon Haze has a prominent lemon flavor and smell, which is associated with the presence of limonene. The presence of limonene, associated with its uplifting attributes, makes Lemon Haze a great choice for people with depression. \n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. [HelloMD](https://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/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMFBP/EABcBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAd6pq7zsEoZ//8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAxESE//aAAgBAQABBQIWHBcWHo01gFYpOzP/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARL/2gAIAQMBAT8BlkM//8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAES/9oACAECAQE/AaRSP//EABoQAAMAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQIQITL/2gAIAQEABj8CsKseHgifCLX/xAAcEAADAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhYUFRkXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hYks+i/c2ze9LOS4F1Ul0N7zPT//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQdA//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYf/aAAgBAwEBPxCyj//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABh/9oACAECAQE/EIIP/8QAHxABAAIBAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARMSFBUXGBodHx/9oACAEBAAE/ELe1M1JsE409z5iHOhNcPSPElWhZffXzLgEvCJ//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/14b42/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/f836f/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.jpg 200w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/2244e/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.jpg 400w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/14b42/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.jpg 800w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/47498/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/54ac5/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/58556/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/61e93/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.webp 200w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/1f5c5/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.webp 400w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/58556/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.webp 800w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/99238/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.webp 1200w,\n/static/f1cd2f97e032e5b69c314542ab9ce585/5e0b8/ad0fa2ca256474c10c8d76705c86f8d4.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1963-markdown","title":"The 10 Best Marijuana Strains for Insomnia","slug":"the-10-best-marijuana-strains-for-insomnia","content":"Finding the best strain of marijuana to help ease your insomnia is based a lot on what the cause of your sleeping problems are. The causes of insomnia can be rooted in a variety of different psychiatric or medical conditions, unhealthy sleep habits or other biological factors. Insomnia can be caused by issues such as acid reflux, hypertension, chronic pain, depression, stress, anxiety or a recent trauma such as the death of a loved one.\r\n\r\nInsomnia can also be due to engaging in late-night activities that cause spikes in adrenaline such as exercising after work. As well, drinking caffeine in the late afternoon or evening can be a potential cause of insomnia as can working, watching TV or eating in bed. And traveling across time zones or simply having an erratic sleep-wake cycle can cause insomnia.\r\n\r\nIt's [estimated that one in three people have some form of insomnia](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1978319/). Insomnia can cause:\r\n\r\n* an increased number of accidents\r\n* absenteeism from work\r\n* an overall decreased quality of life\r\n\r\nRoughly 95% of people who have insomnia take some kind of medication to help them with sleep. A number of prescription sleep medications such as Ambien can be very addictive. \r\n\r\n### What Can I Do for Insomnia? Try a Natural Alternative: Cannabis\r\n\r\nIf your insomnia can be resolved simply by adjusting your bedtime routine, then by all means, make those changes. However, if you're suffering from insomnia due to other issues such as pain, depression, stress or anxiety, then marijuana can help. A 1973 study published in _Human Pharmacology_ found that [subjects had a significant decrease in the amount of time it took them to fall asleep when given THC](http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00437513# page-1). Meanwhile, a 1981 study also found that [when patients with insomnia took a 160 mg dose of CBD, the length in which they were able to sleep increased](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7028792) compared to those who took a placebo. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome strains of marijuana are better at easing insomnia caused by chronic pain, whereas others are better at targeting anxiety-induced insomnia. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for its sedative qualities, especially the indica varieties of cannabis.\r\n\r\nHowever, if you're having trouble sleeping due to anxiety, cannabidiol (CBD) may do a better job of helping with your insomnia. Regular use of a high CBD cannabis product, or at least including some CBD to balance out the psychoactive effects of THC, will be more helpful in bringing an end to sleepless nights.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, cannabinol (CBN), a lesser known cannabinoid, is five times more sedating than THC, so it's something you may want to look for to help you get a good night's sleep. \r\n\r\n### The Top 10 Marijuana Strains for Insomnia\r\n\r\nBecause everyone has a unique biochemistry and endocannabinoid system, cannabis will work differently from individual to individual. This means you'll need to experiment with a few strains to see what works best for you. It's also important to consider the right balance between the levels of THC and CBD, keeping in mind many strains have almost no CBD.\r\n\r\nAs well, the method of administration and ingestion is an important factor to consider when seeking relief for your insomnia. Marijuana edibles take effect much more slowly since they first need to be digested and then processed through the liver; this makes them effective at helping people stay asleep. In contrast, vaporizing or smoking cannabis produces faster effects that could help people fall asleep more quickly. Here are some of the best marijuana strains for insomnia relief. \r\n\r\n#### 1. Harlequin \r\n\r\nThis is a 75% sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. Harlequin is high in CBD with a ratio of CBD to THC that's 5:2. The strain is known for its ability to relieve pain, stress, anxiety and depression. Though it's sativa-dominant, Harlequin is known to be a calming strain that helps people fall and stay asleep. It's particularly good for people who have anxiety-driven insomnia because it has very little to no pyschoactivity.\r\n\r\n#### 2. Cookie Jar \r\n\r\nCookie Jar is a hybrid of Platinum Girl Scout Cookies and White Fire Alien OG. This marijuana strain may help with anxiety and headaches, but it's best known for its full body relaxation effects. For this reason, Cookie Jar is a great choice for those suffering with insomnia.\r\n\r\n#### 3. Girl Scout Cookies\r\n\r\nGirl Scout Cookies is an indica strain with 20% THC and 2% CBD. Used to help with depression, it's known for its sedating, full body relaxation effects, making it a good choice for those suffering from insomnia. Girl Scout Cookies is a very potent strain, so people are advised to go slowly, because it can produce strong psychoactive effects.\r\n\r\n#### 4. White Widow\r\n\r\nThis balanced hybrid marijuana strain is known to be more cerebral and relaxing while providing a well-balanced psychoactive effect. It has about 20% THC and 2% CBD. White Widow is particularly helpful for insomnia associated with pain and depression. \r\n\r\n#### 5. Grape Ape\r\n\r\nGrape Ape is an indica cannabis strain that produces what's known as a heavy high or \"couch lock.\" However, its effects are known to come on slowly, which makes it good for helping people fall asleep and stay asleep. The effects of Grape Ape are said to be both sedative and relaxing, and it's also known to be helpful at relieving anxiety.\r\n\r\n#### 6. Afghani CBD\r\n\r\nThis is a high CBD strain that's known to be relaxing and therapeutic. Due to its high levels of CBD, Afghani CBD is particularly helpful at reducing anxiety while producing a calming effect that can help people fall asleep. Afghani CBD is also very good at easing chronic pain and reducing muscle spasms, which can help people with conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.\r\n\r\n#### 7. A-10\r\n\r\nA-10 is an indica strain with a high THC and CBD content. It's known for its ability to fight chronic pain, reduce anxiety and numb migraines. Its high THC content makes it helpful in eliminating sleeping problems. Meanwhile, A-10's high CBD content also helps people stay asleep while balancing out any psychoactivity from the high levels of THC. A-10 is known for its long-lasting potency, which helps promote a good night's sleep.\r\n\r\n#### 8. Hawaiian Purple Kush\r\n\r\nThis strain is an 80% indica-dominant hybrid that's a mix of Hawaiian and Purple Kush. Hawaiian Purple Kush has about 15% THC with low levels of CBD. It's known for promoting muscle relaxation and having pain-relieving qualities. Hawaiian Purple Kush's ability to induce an overall relaxed state makes it a good choice in helping with insomnia. \r\n\r\n#### 9. Hindu Kush\r\n\r\nHindu Kush in an indica with about 14% THC content. Known for its ability to quell severe pain and headaches, Hindu Kush is a great choice if you're suffering from insomnia caused by pain. The cannabis strain is also helpful at relieving stress-related disorders and nausea. Hindu Kush is known to induce a deep calming effect that can help people relax and fall asleep. \r\n\r\n#### 10. Kryptonite\r\n\r\nThis is a hybrid strain that's a mix between Mendocino Purps and Killer Queen. Kryptonite has high levels of THC, which can climb to 25%. An indica-dominant strain with sedating effects, Kryptonite can help reduce pain and anxiety while providing relaxation to help people fall asleep. It's important to note that some people find that this strain can cause stimulation. The effects of Kryptonite vary based on the person: Some people find it creatively stimulating, while others find it the perfect marijuana strain to help ease them into sleep. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about marijuana for insomnia? Ask a question on HelloMD's [Answers page](https://www.hellomd.com/answers). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/14b42/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/f836f/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.jpg 200w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/2244e/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.jpg 400w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/14b42/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.jpg 800w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/47498/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/54ac5/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/58556/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/61e93/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.webp 200w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/1f5c5/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.webp 400w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/58556/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.webp 800w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/99238/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.webp 1200w,\n/static/48b329882fcb6b4c83308ce7263ca33e/5e0b8/d19e8404a5bbc55c3b00a13b95d6e2bd.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2077-markdown","title":"Green Flower Online Video Course: Cannabis as Medicine","slug":"green-flower-online-video-course-cannabis-as-medicine","content":"Like us, our friends at [Green Flower](https://www.learngreenflower.com/), are building great content and educating new cannabis users to a world of alternative therapy. Green Flower focuses on offering high value online cannabis courses over a wide range of interesting and educational topics. These include valuable advice as to how to enter the cannabis industry state by state, how to treat of a variety of medical conditions, to different methods of cannabis ingestion and more. HelloMD is excited to highlight Green Flower's latest online video course entitled [Cannabis as Medicine](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58). We hope you enjoy their first article below which talks about the history of cannabis and their educational video series.\r\n\r\n### A Brief History of Cannabis\r\n\r\nCannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It's reported that the first documented use of cannabis for medical purposes was in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. Medical cannabis products were even common in America until federal prohibition was passed in 1937. That complete prohibition on medical cannabis ended in 1976 when, after a successful legal challenge, the United States government started a program which supplies medical cannabis to patients.\r\n\r\n### The Legalization Wave\r\n\r\nIn 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis in America. Since that time, 24 more states followed suit. More states are voting on medical cannabis in November, and hopefully that will lead to more states being added to the medical cannabis legalization list. More and more people are using cannabis, which is a good thing. However, a lot of stigma and misinformation is still out there. That has led to a lot of patients being hesitant to use medical cannabis, even thought it would help them.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis As Medicine\r\n\r\nThe research study results are out there in regards to the medical properties of cannabis, as are personal testimonies from patients that have successfully treated their conditions with cannabis. So why are some patients so hesitant to consider medical cannabis? Obviously, more information needs to get in the hands and minds of people that need to hear it, and in a format and setting that works best for them to receive such important information.\r\n\r\nKeeping that in mind, we are excited to announce a new video series titled, [Cannabis as Medicine](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58) which was produced and released by our team Green Flower Media. The series is comprised of three videos. The series includes leading experts in their fields of study, can be viewed completely free of cost (for a limited time), and all from the privacy of one's home.\r\n\r\nThe videos will cover all types of ailments, including Pain, Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Inflammation, Seizures, Nausea, Cancer, Arthritis, ADD, Headaches/Migraines, PTSD, Menstrual Cramps, Pediatrics, ADD, Alzheimer's\r\n& Asthma.\r\n\r\n### Learning the Value of Cannabis\r\n\r\nHealth issues are often private, sometimes embarrassing to talk about, and/or sensitive to discuss for the patient. That's one big reason why we feel this video series is so important to share with others, as they can view the videos in a private setting that they are comfortable with.\r\n\r\nHow can cannabis be an effective medicine? How can a patient get the benefits of cannabis without the 'high?' What are some of the fears and misconceptions that patients face when considering to use medical cannabis? Those are just a few questions that will be covered in this video series.\r\n\r\nCheck out the video series, and share it with anyone that you think would benefit from the information. Given the enormous amount of quality information involved, there's something for everyone. You can view the first video in the series by visiting [Green Flower Media](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58) today.\r\n\r\n###[Find out more here](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58)\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/14b42/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg","srcSet":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/f836f/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/2244e/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 400w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/14b42/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 800w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/47498/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 1200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/54ac5/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/58556/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/61e93/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/1f5c5/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 400w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/58556/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 800w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/99238/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 1200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/5e0b8/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2139-markdown","title":"Could Cannabis Provide Hope for Parkinson’s Patients?","slug":"could-cannabis-provide-hope-for-parkinsons-patients","content":"Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative [disorder](http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) that slowly cuts off a person’s ability to produce dopamine. A recent [study](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/11/14/parkinsons-disease-and-medical-marijuana/) in Clinical Neuropharmacology found that Parkinson’s patients who smoked marijuana had significantly improved motor skills and less general impairments. Participants in the study found a decrease in tremors, rigidity, and dyskinesia, which is the difficulty performing voluntary movements. In 2014, the Journal of Psychopharmacology released a study where participants took 300 mg of CBD per day. The participants in this study found an increase in well being and quality of life, compared to patients who took a placebo. This study was significant because CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, was able to solely decrease the symptoms of patients. Another study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that THC could prove useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. THC was found to aid in the prevention of damage caused by free radicals and activate a receptor that stimulates new mitochondria formation. \r\n\r\nThe studies that are currently available in relation to cannabis and Parkinson’s are just scratching the surface of the potential that marijuana has to help improve the lives of Parkinson’s sufferers. The individual symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, can all be improved by the use of cannabis. \r\n\r\n### Pain\r\n\r\nRoughly 85% of people who [suffer](http://www.pdf.org/winter12_understanding_pain_pd) from Parkinson’s experience a large amount of chronic pain. Pain is often the first symptom that Parkinson’s patients face, sometimes even before they are formally diagnosed. Much of the pain experienced by Parkinson’s sufferers is caused by tissue that has been damaged due to tremors, rigidity, and inflammation. There is an almost 5000 year old recorded history of cannabis being used for chronic pain management. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, many in areas that are responsible for pain production. Cannabis stimulates these receptors to reduce the sensation of pain, “Medical cannabis is a very effective therapy for chronic pain patients because it affects people’s perception of pain, has the ability to mitigate the inflammatory process, and has been shown to affect voltage-gated sodium channels in nerves in a way similar to lidocaine,” reported Dr. Mark Rabe, the Medical Director of Centric Wellness, to [Medical Jane](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/13/chronic-pain-and-the-theraputic-benefits-of-medical-cannabis/). \r\n \r\n### Anxiety & Depression\r\n\r\nCannabis can also be effective in alleviating anxiety and depression. It is [estimated](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16383211) that 40% of patients with Parkinson’s experience substantial anxiety in the form of various anxiety disorders. Depression symptoms are also experienced by around 60% of Parkinson’s patients and can range in their severity. It is [suggested](http://www.pdf.org/en/depression_pd) that chemical changes in the brain caused by Parkinson’s itself could be responsible for the development of depression. University of Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions recently [found](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/marijauna-depression_n_6622126.html) that endocannabinoids may be helpful in treating depression that results from chronic stress. Cannabis could be used to supplement naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body, helping to relieve depression. Similarly, the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating anxiety. A study in 2011 showed that when participants with social anxiety disorder were given 600 mg of CBD before an anxiety inducing situation, they experienced a decrease in anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort. \r\nCannabinoids are also neuro-protective agents, meaning that they have a chance to help prevent damage caused by Parkinson’s disease. As with many different conditions, more studies are necessary to provide clinical evidence for the efficacy of medical marijuana and Parkinson’s disease specifically. The individual symptoms of Parkinson’s, however, can be greatly decreased through the use of cannabis. Large amounts of anecdotal evidence also show that cannabis could greatly improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease. \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbuckley/6171350805/in/photolist-apkMA6-aqjC3T-do9QH1-fdYWXc-fNW48c-fJfMFW-fK7iRh-fGdEm8-feesaG-2s6K39-joHNQk-bv3aE8-3YWNT-feeASq-FVKr54-4Amu3e-4AmtWg-fdZkrF-a86XcH-2KuUec-eb5FRy-qiJEpC-d71k9s-ny1hR4-nhQJWs-5Av5Ej-bGTZ8M-cL53To-5pjnXV-rg2f7A-JpoALS-gsZK5-nSc1Tu-qovcag-7GrnJa-5pjoeg-5pjnGa-2KuUep-ooKsF-d71jMu-fLN9is-rDERbX-4VBjq2-4CXatN-4CSUQg-4CSUQM-9ksQHw-aqPojH-bKKdz6-e7CWqT)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/ee604/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png","srcSet":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/69585/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 200w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/497c6/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 400w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/ee604/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 800w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/2cf95/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 831w","srcWebp":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/58556/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/61e93/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 200w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/1f5c5/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 400w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/58556/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 800w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/e8cc8/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 831w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2037-markdown","title":"Does Marijuana Help or Hurt People With Bipolar Disorder?","slug":"does-marijuana-help-or-hurt-people-with-bipolar-disorder","content":"Cannabis is used to manage so many conditions that it's only natural to wonder if it can help people with bipolar disorder. The answer, however, is still unclear. While some people have said it helps them manage their bipolar disorder symptoms, research suggests that cannabis use can make certain symptoms worsen. The question then becomes: What does this mean for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder?\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### After Consuming Cannabis, Patients With Bipolar Disorder Have More Mania & Depression \n\nIn 2015, the U.K.'s Lancaster University conducted a study that concluded that [cannabis use exacerbates or worsens some bipolar symptoms](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118916). In\nparticular, it claimed that depression and mania increased due to the consumption of cannabis. This finding has surprised many people, in light of the fact that some doctors have recommended medical marijuana to their patients with bipolar disorder due to the plant’s ability to help support cognitive functioning.\n\nDuring the study, 24 people with bipolar disorder consumed cannabis at least three times per week and then recorded their mood in a diary. Called the experience sampling method, or ESM, its intended to reduce the risk of memory bias, which can happen when patients report their mood at a later date.\n\nRELATED: [BIPOLAR DISORDER: IS MARIJUANA A NATURAL MOOD STABILIZER?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c10d093166350006110000/bipolar-disorder-is-marijuana-a-natural-mood-stabilizer)\n\n### Bipolar Disorder Patients Took Cannabis When Experiencing Positive Feelings\n\nBefore the researchers drew any conclusions, they analyzed the participants’ diary entries, taking into account age, sex and the use of other types of drugs. The results showed that the use of cannabis often led to more positive feelings, but were accompanied by more manic and depressive symptoms.\n\nIt should be noted that the bipolar disorder study participants used marijuana when they were experiencing positive emotions, not right after a depressive or manic episode. This suggests that their cannabis consumption wasn’t due to any self-medicating type of behavior.\n\n### Marijuana Study on Folks With Bipolar Disorder Is Flawed\n\nAs with a number of studies, people should take the findings with a grain of salt, because there are some possible flaws in this study. For example, the sample size of this study was very small: only 24 people. As well, there was a lack of diversity among the participants; they were all from the U.K., so there's no telling if their background possibly influenced the findings.\n\nIn addition, the people who participated in the study weren’t in the middle of a manic or depressive episode. It's possible the findings could be different if they were.\n\nAlso, those who were studied were only able to report their cannabis ingestion methods with the use of three categories: resin, skunk and grass. The study didn’t take into account the possibility that different doses and methods of cannabis delivery could have different results.\n\nRELATED: [WORD TO THE WISE: CANNABIS AFFECTS EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99f05df24d1300077ccb71/word-to-the-wise-cannabis-affects-everyone-differently)\n\nAnother possible problem is that the researchers involved the study may have interpreted the diary entries with a subjective lens—meaning, they weren’t objective. Their own biases could have influenced their conclusions.\n\nLastly, this study had no control group. This makes it impossible to know if people who don’t have bipolar disorder could have the same—or different—results when consuming cannabis.\n\n### The Jury’s Still Out on Whether Marijuana Is Bad for Bipolar Disorder\n\nConsidering that this study's findings may be skewed and therefore inaccurate, we can’t know for sure whether marijuana hurts—or helps—people with bipolar disorder. In the end, people who’ve noticed positive effects with cannabis on bipolar disorder symptoms should continue using it. Those who’ve noticed no change or negative effects when consuming marijuana can move on to other options for reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder.\n\nIn the meantime, anyone interested in the relationship between bipolar disorder and marijuana use can look forward to seeing more definitive answers once a larger, more accurate study is completed.\n\nPhoto credit: [Bill Strain](https://www.flickr.com/photos/billstrain/)\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 easy, private and 100% online.   ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAIAAAAmMtkJAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAC6klEQVQozw3LzW7adgAAcL9GX6HHqYdsWlW10raQSgttmgVSCIEGsDFgG/9twN/Gxt82BgMOJARMCwtJk6E0U3aoorXSDr1M2iPsTdrf/QdpuEnip2yhPSwSs6Yg5Riy2IptV+NZZLLQC2+Ysene34adkNOjdkpm4cAEATc8LuFqHmpQo/SRN8SltzgYAdmlx6IaxQ54xlHeXymHObmSoe8i1eIzuJJFHTppGYeOFIZE0IWhNNJDK70pwSxJQiurWnOAsuHGZpJy+oObCyKdY9KJT+toYmMNqSAEIGXbKc9UPXw5LENZPBSoboRRYwyQWFdqz37ew59t72cJKcPJ47Y4d7ibt8ef1ieGcGSZMOar+x0HmGDaKUJvsKEO/GkZGFUJBuPXiPLoWYIzPBS0v39+8GExvDjVKbTw+cPsOtIDLd/yqXTXITw69IrQUTXESt6gKnRY53ma29qt7hTrfte+WUx2imgUuHmknMiUVn3jKrLulqak4QeWaI/A4FvOwf3DQ6vXNPKY8VMSPN7KZErEKjqeK4DmGE3gKmbwa6bkKfL9Hyd3C+ddv4FKpD8Cs3EZ4mDXx5WB2MpU1XSl/d0vew8ebvwY20TInDw74QtIR7BuV+v///3838frZcBN3DqjcFmD10ckNKjpAd64MOT1wFMk62my+kM89fDxZsOz6lbLZkWxgPxzvfxye/7XmdO12DhcfUmyRVuv+Dyk010ekeeKvLJal30vniJi+5WN+FEZoxyqyeqKaqr3y97Nmf3nO7dA0S9wJlEXxL5UM2sQqI3KaDDXjN+V5ntHwUhta5968gLeQ6i5rOZZ2jelvy+D9Uyf9rldgk6w7VcU2+nhul2ASGoMV44nqjFokOc6r7PqdlZ+lWWe7JQRWHBc5uOlfzU1rk5502ZeAhHVrQTN9vySbeUhnXJFonPGcyuFXCj0eavBAS0JK7GD+mvaGirU7al6Hgq2Q6UEZbep7TW139i24BLAqn0FUrmB920t36UAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/68a74/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png","srcSet":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/69585/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png 200w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/497c6/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png 400w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/68a74/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.png 637w","srcWebp":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/26da7/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/61e93/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp 200w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/1f5c5/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp 400w,\n/static/4335fe8d37e371a1eaebb279d85bd1f0/26da7/d7a3e982b068f259e0846976771d38d4.webp 637w","sizes":"(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px"}}}}},{"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,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAPCAIAAABr+ngCAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADJklEQVQoz31TS2wSURSdtStdaOLGxIULo4kujCZuNHFjYqJ7NS5qNFGbGBO1aht/ba0RrUq00g+ltlIKlPIZCgO2YCnf2mHKX+gMv4HycfiVQsGZoT5KTFwYT/Je7nu559137z0XiniNNYqky9RWE43t1QDY+gOWZZlt0DTN/AVwhKKonnLptyqFzHrBEw8F1yJo2OfA3cAAtK3/AopZkCxmbGTCTsLdJeF2z/AmzeoJM9wh6t/8VQMeHm9ALJXCahXY+7ncnr6+Qf7ILKKVyRVQYkFb8NmZSpFlaV8yvBoN0FQqkSSUy4ZWZA6n4/T5UyfPndl3YP/uvXsOHj185MSxHTt3HT5+CMoa9UxlfTvfZrJ/fapps/RmPi2ctokuPr07IWhXKO93DXff43Gudnfe7G2HcshsPUUCP1COEEFEwp5oxLvq95ORaKlYZurVfApZ9BjlX5HgUl84PsqRDwzNzTyeGHor5EElubyWjANyrV6XzLkkaoMGnrMiKtNXOYYuNxhmLUcGSNwZ8OJ+6UaZiGXJXDHrDLin9DBUnYVZ3A3IxWJFNB9QmdB57oxjUvFZbw0mU+A+mIx81AhH4c/GFast5EFWbFMm3YJraVwphPxOn9jue2fyP9Ri16cd9xGXfFIpG5bMupcShRyownqFWsuQBO5LUSmp3TCm+/JFKxrTq/BVP6S0+6/Jre2yxStSa7vK8dKwItTZntkxPoZvrJdA5DVc5AouqA1IIIRW6xtxMpJJJ5o5aKYgpw3lWx38b+bnOustobpXof2gs4ykV9U/QpVyFZCTIQFP0dnW80Am6chkDR4C9xLBfvF4W9c1yGexwqb5caHg6cCHC3e6rnY+ESvgeOpnOpup1ZoiqddyFkw/Ipt2ml7Y0UdceOiR4P0NTg9fMgaF0O9upxmZhzWa6csvhs72jnUK1LEwSeXKQMB/Wt7sObMZW8I+vZp60zH4ekQprdY2IZtjUb2M3dbau79hbULbJRHKM/zIU/ltSqPFZBtsS200Q+dL+XypwDZnpwEhy2YzQbpjVDhdyBcqdHkjEQG1jf5rEBot2bXeBfgNIyvRkQGTO3YAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","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"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2054-markdown","title":"3 New California Regulations Aim to Protect Cannabis Consumers ","slug":"3-new-california-regulations-aim-to-protect-cannabis-consumers","content":"This past October, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law three unique bills making up the new [California Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA)](http://www.safeaccessnow.org/the_medical_marijuana_regulation_and_safety_act). This is great news as it means new, robust regulations will be put into place to protect the California cannabis consumer. Going forward growers, distributors and product manufacturers will no longer be able to operate within gray areas of legality. The MMRSA will affect almost everyone involved in the state’s cannabis industry, forcing industry players to operate within the boundaries of new state laws and robust regulatory compliance. \r\n\r\nThe three bills focus on different aspects of the industry, but seek to create a framework for regulating everything from dispensary licensing, taxation on products to consumer safety. In regards to consumer protection, three topics are of particular interest which include accurate labeling, appropriate childproof packaging and comprehensive lab testing on products. The bills have gone so far as to detail areas such as licensing and growing, but have yet to define the specific rules and systems for labeling, packaging and lab testing. What we do know is that they will be addressed and ultimately if done well, the consumer will be much safer for it.\r\n\r\n[Dixie](http://dixieelixirs.com) has become one of the largest, most well known product manufacturers within the cannabis industry. Since its inception in 2010, it has placed emphasis on being a trusted source for both innovative and safe products, advocating on behalf of consumer safety. Starting in Colorado, a state with much stricter regulatory compliance rules, Dixie’s products already go to market with detailed labeling which includes accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging and extensive lab testing. Lindsay Topping, Dixie’s Marketing Director, took time out of her busy schedule to give Dixie’s view on the new California regulations and how they may benefit cannabis consumers. \r\n\r\n**During the past year, Dixie began servicing patients within California in addition to its production in Colorado and many other legal states. What are Dixie’s views on California’s new consumer protection regulations put forward this past October by Governor Jerry Brown?** \r\n\r\nCalifornia is a well-established market, which has been around for 20 plus years. At Dixie, we believe that a stricter regulatory environment will result in better consumer empowerment. The new California regulations, which are expected to come into effect in 2016 and beyond, will hopefully help consumers know exactly what is within a product, allow consumers to be more exact with dosages, provide child resistant packaging and demand comprehensive laboratory testing. All of these changes will work to ensure a higher quality, safer product at the end of the day.\r\n\r\nAs most people know the laws from state to state differ in regards to cannabis. From the beginning of legalization, Colorado’s regulatory oversight has focused on making sure consumers know what is in a product, and that that information is verified and that the packaging is safe.  All of this is meant to protect the consumer and to ensure that the product is safe for consumption. This is very important to us at Dixie as we always want to ensure the consumer is safe with any one of our products. Consumers should be able to trust all products that are currently on the market.\r\n\r\n\r\n**1. Accurate Dosage Information**\r\n\r\n**Why is accurate labeling and dosage information important for consumers?**\r\n\r\nDixie has worked hard within the state of Colorado to provide accurate dosage information to all consumers. Knowing correct dosages per product is currently very difficult for consumers in California’s marketplace. Dosages are very different from product to product and this makes it difficult for a patient to find what is right for them. In addition, a product manufacturer can say what a dose is, but if this is not checked by a lab, then this can really be arbitrary as no one is verifying it is correct. \r\n\r\nIn general, edibles are a good example of why current dosage information is misleading. A patient might find an edible that works for them and their specific condition. It may take a period of time to find what the right dosage is through trial and error. If they happen to switch to a different edible, it unfortunately ends up not being apples to apples or comparable at all with the previous dosage. The patient needs to go through another period of trial and error to find the correct dosage. Streamlining the labeling of products will allow patients to know exact milligrams and other important information. At that point, they can work with their doctors and care givers more reliably. \r\n\r\nOne of the hot topics we hear doctors and caregivers discussing is micro dosing. Micro dosing is about starting with the minimum amount of a product and working up to the dosage that is right for the individual, for their particular needs. It is hard to reliably micro dose a patient without having a good baseline of what is within the product. Appropriate regulatory changes will help to get patients more accurate information.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to product information and education, the cannabis industry often operates within a gray area. Patients today are not able to ask questions of their bud tenders, caregivers and doctors and be assured that they are getting the best, most accurate information. As a result, this does not always make consumers comfortable with cannabis.  We at Dixie would like to see this change so that every patient, in every legal state has the best information possible.\r\n\r\n\r\n**2. Child Resistant Packaging**\r\n\r\n**What is Dixie’s stance on child and pet resistant packaging & how do you feel this type of packaging will protect consumers?**\r\n\r\nAt Dixie we feel very passionate about child and pet resistant packaging.  Unfortunately, children and pets do get into cannabis products, not because people want this to happen, but because the products are not resistant to their efforts. An edible, such as a chocolate, may lie around the house and eventually a child or pet may find their way to it. We believe that child and pet resistant packaging is not only safer, but will help people feel better about having these products in their house. \r\n\r\nThis type of regulation will help everyone and decrease the possibility of an accident occurring. Currently, California legislation has written broad regulation covering this, and over the next year we will see how the more detailed nuances plays out and what will go into effect. When it comes to cannabis, child resistant packaging is the trend across the country.  We believe California tends to have very strict consumer advocacy regulations in other areas, and as a result will lean this way in regards to packaging. Dixie has always taken child resistant packaging very seriously, incorporating it into our products from the get-go. We hope regulatory changes will force other manufacturers to address this issue comprehensively as well. \r\n\r\n\r\n**3. Lab Testing**\r\n\r\n**Why is lab testing of products so important in regards to consumer safety?**\r\n\r\nIn Colorado, Dixie already tests for mold, mildew, microbials, residual solvents, and pesticides within all of our products. We hope as regulations take effect in California in 2016, that patients will start to feel more secure about the products they are ingesting. A patient should not have to worry about what is in their product and whether it is safe. Today they do need to think about this, or at least they should be thinking about it. Clearly, many products on the market are not safe enough for consumption. For instance, there is no other industry where pesticides are used and end up in the final product, which is ingested, where it is not disclosed to the consumer. \r\n\r\nIn California, Dixie tests for toxic elements with [SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/), our chosen laboratory. Lab testing is critical for knowing what is in your end product. It is not only important to know the potency and dosage of your product, but to know that the plant material that went into product is safe and there are no residual pesticides or residual solvents such as butane and propane. Patients should never ingest residual solvents as this is obviously dangerous to your health. The patient should be able to trust that the product is safe and that regulatory oversight is doing its job. Ultimately, the patient should feel they are protected.\r\n\r\n\r\n**Dixie already incorporates many of the elements that will be asked of product manufacturers within the new California regulations. What else does Dixie think will be needed for regulatory control to be successful in California?**\r\n\r\nYes, for sure Dixie is ahead of the game in California in that we have already focused on more accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging, and stringent lab testing. We believe that California regulations will require all of this, as it is not only common sense, but also what is best for the cannabis consumer. California is now in the tricky place of figuring out their regulatory oversight without over-regulating the industry. \r\n\r\nEducation is also a big part of this. Patients need to understand what is changing and why it is changing. In a market like California, you have so many people that have been using cannabis regularly and successfully for medical conditions for a long time. The last thing regulators want to do is make it hard for people to get their medicine and send the last twenty years of progress backwards. This is a very tricky line to walk and so far government has been working well with the industry to figure out the path to success. Regulatory oversight, when done well, is our friend. It will allow for better products to get to more people, ensuring everyone’s safety. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png","srcSet":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/69585/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/497c6/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f3583/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f90fa/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/61e93/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/1f5c5/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/99238/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/5e0b8/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1994-markdown","title":"Why Your Parents Need to Learn About Cannabis","slug":"why-your-parents-need-to-learn-about-cannabis","content":"**The Dream of Retirement**\r\n\r\nThe golden years: that bastion of life that promises retirement from the grind, financial independence, and unfettered access to all the things we enjoy. At least, that’s the dream. A dream pushed upon us by relentless advertising from the pharmaceutical, life insurance, and banking industries.\r\n\r\nOf course, I want that dream. Who wouldn’t? But, if reality is to have it’s way – and it most often does – then the grind is likely to have its grip on me until the very end. And that dream? Well, it’s probably destined to remain as just that – a dream. \r\n\r\nAs a doctor, I meet with many seniors. I listen to them, and I watch them as they age. I see their attitudes change. I see their needs, wants, and desires change. I see their lives change – often for the worse. I hear them wish for a good nights sleep, hands that don’t shake, knees that don’t hurt, a day of comfort – things we take for granted while younger. These observations have influenced me and, as I near the so-called golden years period myself, the way I think about the effects of aging. \r\n\r\nI keep arriving at the same place...\r\n\r\n**Getting old sucks!**\r\n\r\nIf you live long enough – and most of us will these days – the adverse symptoms of aging are hard to avoid. While many people are healthy and active into their late 90s, the majority of us will face typical aging related health issues such as insomnia, chronic pain, impaired vision and motor function, reduced appetite – the list goes on and on. Many will deal with symptoms so degenerative – like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – that they will lose their independence and require assisted living facilities or hospitals for the reminder of their days.\r\n\r\nWhile we consider it very fortunate to have a long life, the ailments associated with aging have not been easy to treat with conventional medicine. Often, the pharmaceuticals prescribed can cause health implications of their own. Prescribing them is a bit hit-or-miss. We don’t really know how an individual will react. We can’t know. Different people react differently to the same pharmaceutical. It becomes trial and error, rinse and repeat. For many, one pill begets the next and before you know it you have a potpourri of pharmaceuticals that are organized, by the bucket, for swallowing at scheduled times through the day – every day. For patients that are agitated, uncomfortable, or in pain, the entire process can be frustrating and the results are often questionable if not disappointing.\r\n\r\n**Pills, pills, and more pills**\r\n\r\nIt pains me to watch as some folk react badly to this routine. Side effects occur more often than not - often in the form of seizures, nausea or emotional disturbances such as uncontrollable crying and depression (this is especially true for some sleeping pills on the market today). When these reactions occur, more pharmaceuticals are prescribed to deal with the side effects. And, those are the side effects we know about. What about the unseen side effects? The potentially irreparable damage we may do at cellular level, or at a neurological level?\r\n\r\nDon’t get me wrong; with the advent of many pharmaceuticals we’ve improved the overall health of society immensely. Many drug discovery and pharmaceutical innovations have been nothing short of revolutionary at turning back disease and improving people’s lives. But that’s not really what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the habitual crutch that prescribing pharmaceuticals has become – especially to the elderly.     \r\n\r\n**It's just not right**\r\n\r\nOver the years, as a doctor, observing all of this trial and error, and the general reliance on prescription pharmaceuticals for uncertain results – well, it no longer sits right with me. And it flat out saddens me when I see powerful painkillers and antipsychotics used to sedate some elderly into a manageable submission.\r\n\r\nThese are our seniors, they deserve our respect and they deserve better treatment. At the very least, they deserve an alternative. \r\n\r\n**There is an alternative** \r\n\r\nIt’s been under our nose for millennia, it’s less toxic, and it’s entirely natural. It’s cannabis. Or, to those conforming to legislation, it’s medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nAs cannabis slowly emerges from a long quarantine imposed by authorities acting on misinformation, fear, uncertainty and doubt, we are beginning to learn of its medicinal and health properties. Several years of research performed by many credible institutions are all arriving at the same result. Indeed, cannabis looks like a wonder plant – nature’s gift to humanity. The list of conditions that cannabis is most effective for reads like a list of typical ailments afflicting seniors. Chronic pain (from inflammation of joints and stiff limbs), insomnia, lack of appetite, lethargy and reduced energy, anxiety, are but a few. All affect ones mood and general sense of well being of which cannabis is also said to elevate. There are even reports suggesting certain cannabinoids (found within cannabis) have been effective at arresting some cancers, restoring motor control, and eliminating seizures. \r\n\r\n**Their own worst enemy**\r\n\r\nSuffice to say, this is a population that could benefit tremendously from cannabis, yet their access is limited -- if even considered.\r\n\r\nSeniors themselves are often the first to resist using medical cannabis because of societal concerns about using a drug that the federal government deems illegal. For those that do want to use cannabis, they often don’t know where to go, or how to get it. Only rarely will their doctor support the use of cannabis (it’s more common for a doctor to steer away from the cannabis conversation). This last fact, I can attest. I was that doctor – shaped by decades of misinformation. Prevailing attitudes will change, although it may take a full generation cycle before we see results.\r\n\r\n**It starts with you**\r\n\r\nFor many, cannabis is making their lives more tolerable. For others, it is extending their lives. These are not isolated cases. As Chief Medical Officer at HelloMD.com, I’m hearing such testimonials on a daily basis. Legalization aside, for widespread acceptance there is still one large obstacle to overcome – education. And for your parents, that might start with you.\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.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/14b42/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/f836f/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 200w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/2244e/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 400w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/14b42/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 800w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/47498/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/58556/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/61e93/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 200w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/1f5c5/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 400w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/58556/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 800w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/99238/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1970-markdown","title":"Cannabis Helps Women Cope with Stress & Anxiety","slug":"cannabis-helps-women-cope-with-stress-and-anxiety","content":"A lot is asked of women within our society and anxiety and stress levels seem to be on the rise.  Stay-at-home moms face a grueling and somewhat thankless job. Raising children is hard work, which includes managing multiple schedules, juggling family & personal commitments in addition to possibly holding down a job. Women who work outside of the home are often faced with similar commitments in addition to the stress of meeting workplace expectations. Modern society expects so much of women and the pressures to keep up can seem overwhelming to the point of exhaustion. Due to this, some women turn to substances like alcohol or anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals in order to cope. However, many stressed out women have come to realize, in light of continuing education and further marijuana legalization, that cannabis can be a safer alternative. Using cannabis may actually enhance one’s experience without any of the negative repercussions of alcohol and pharmaceutical use.\n\nMedical marijuana is currently being used [legally in 23 states](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881) and the District of Columbia and is available in a variety of forms, meaning that people do not need to smoke in order to use cannabis. In fact, women using cannabis do not even need to get high in order to feel the effects and potential benefits of cannabis. Of course, women can still smoke if they choose to, but there are tinctures, mouth sprays, low dose edibles, transdermal patches and more. While many people know that these products are often used to treat serious illnesses, people are beginning to realize that many different types of cannabis products can also be very effective for treating things like sleep issues, depression, anxiety and stress. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid within cannabis that is both an anti inflammatory and an anelgesic. When combined with appropriate amounts of THC, which is the psychotropic element in cannabis, it can produce a calming effect, without producing the high that is so well known for cannabis. For moms struggling with stress and anxiety, it's likely that there's a cannabis product that can help resolve the issue.\n\n**The Benefits of Cannabis**\n \nWomen who use marijuana have many reasons: Some suffer from [insomnia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56340eebc91411000c000054/cannabis-as-a-sleep-aid-for-insomnia-an-interview-with-pianta-tinta) or [chronic body pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/562150d03232620006450000/top-14-marijuana-strains-for-different-kinds-of-pain), while others battle [anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a61939653800064a0000/how-medical-marijuana-tinctures-helped-melt-away-my-anxiety-and-stress) or [depression](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c101d766653800060c0000/depression-sufferers-find-relief-in-medical-marijuana). For the former group of women, the use of marijuana products derived from an [Indica](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55d4c0dc6338310006000000/indica-or-sativa-making-the-right-choice) strain (which has a soothing, relaxing effect) may be helpful. The latter group, on the other hand, may choose to use a [Sativa](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) strain, which gives the user more energy and increases functionality, a good alternative for those that want to maintain productivity during the day.\n\n**Cannabis vs. Alcohol**\n\nFor many women, a glass of wine or cocktail is the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. However, alcohol can quickly become a habit or an addiction. Alcohol may lead to troublesome hangovers and over the long term, possibly even dangerous health issues, such as cancer. Many women who have turned to cannabis find that [cannabis has a much lower intoxication level](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722956/) compared to that of alcohol.\n\nCannabis happens to be safer than alcohol. According to the World Health Organization, [3.3 million deaths in 2012](http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs349/en/) could be traced back to alcohol. A [2015 report published in Scientific Reports](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311234/), a subsidiary of Nature, said that alcohol is a whopping 114 times more deadly than cannabis. These facts, combined with the clarifying and pain-reducing effects of cannabis, make it a much better choice for women who strongly need stress, pain, anxiety or insomnia relief. Depending on the type of cannabis and an individual’s reaction to it, cannabis does not force women to sacrifice mental clarity and function in the same way alcohol might.\n\n**Cannabis vs. Pharmaceuticals**\n\nAnxiety rates have sky rocketed in the US and accordingly the use of pharmaceuticals to treat both anxiety and depression have also grown exponentially. In a 2009 study, it was reported that some [40 million Americans took pharmaceuticals](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a61939653800064a0000/how-medical-marijuana-tinctures-helped-melt-away-my-anxiety-and-stress) to help alieve symptoms of anxiety. Drugs of choice, such as Xanax, are often highly addictive and include horrendous side effects. A recent [New York Times article](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/19/health/overdose-deaths-reached-a-new-high-in-2014.html?_r=0) exposed that ‘fatal drug overdoses reached a new high in 2014, killing nearly 50,000 Americans, more than were killed in auto accidents.’ This includes drugs such as Oxycotin, a prescription pain killer, which is also often abused by people who happen to suffer from intense anxiety. \n\nIn contrast, cannabis has not been attributed with any direct deaths due to ingestion. Unfortunately, many medical care professionals [ignore the benefits of medical marijuana](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5660ceb8584a7100080000c1/death-score-opioids-16235-cannabis-0), choosing to simply prescribe opioids and other drugs that mask symptoms and have terrible side effects. Prescription drugs have led to an enormous rate of addiction, affecting between [26.4 and 36 million patients around the world](http://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/testimony-to-congress/2015/americas-addiction-to-opioids-heroin-prescription-drug-abuse), according to a presentation to the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control in 2014.’\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/marisaysfuckoff/6059864539/in/photolist-aeuoB6-6nCKuY-dHbmyJ-h4m5mH-ss7197-9sN4WS-49e6Bg-dVVH1b-9qRvJo-4pLBM-7kXDaa-8DHbbw-4kJFkD-8DCWHP-aN8ZSX-8DG2qU-q56nfF-9Yz4R6-5h6UUw-5XQmZz-5RoKnw-r2Yvts-5FKx3B-rTP1ks-3f1UFa-BCM8fR-cEMtCG-aww3am-BAtfCq-BAsZsf-BvtMqH-9sK4NM-g2GTxr-wct3kA-rS5iva-cEMsTW-9qrvFd-gS8Wjm-smmmiD-bakMm2-bMKyp8-7gZRJB-7ubWrT-kbNcFq-5nDuBj-i2Bkio-cZagds-4wdQUg-357HeL-2RHeE1)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.408450704225352,"src":"/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/ee604/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.png","srcSet":"/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/69585/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.png 200w,\n/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/497c6/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.png 400w,\n/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/ee604/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.png 800w,\n/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/6df68/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.png 1020w","srcWebp":"/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/58556/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/61e93/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.webp 200w,\n/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/1f5c5/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.webp 400w,\n/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/58556/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.webp 800w,\n/static/6a5d02da2fe35aab30d526956472ab59/fa3a9/a8266d79ee36c9a6fd999f9ca791515f.webp 1020w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2021-markdown","title":"The 420 Games Celebrates Athletes, Healthy Living & Cannabis ","slug":"the-420-games-celebrates-athletes-healthy-living-and-cannabis","content":"Jim McAlpine, is a name that circulates around California’s cannabis industry with high frequency. Jim is founder of [The 420 Games](http://420games.org/) and most recently the cannabis technology event called [New West Summit](http://www.newwestsummit.com), which was held in San Francisco this past November. The 420 Games is a popular athletics, cannabis-based event that started in San Francisco and is now spreading to other parts of the country. Jim states that the goal of The 420 Games is to ‘eradicate the false stereotypes that hinder millions of successful and motivated people. We want to afford people the choice and ability to responsibly use cannabis as a supplement without fear of prosecution and judgement.’\r\n\r\nThe first 420 Games was a 5k race held in late 2014, which incorporated a couple hundred people who came together to run and promote a healthier image of cannabis. As Jim says ‘Many people have felt ashamed about their use of cannabis or that they need to hide it. The fact is you can have a very healthy lifestyle, be athletic and use cannabis to support yourself in a variety of ways. The 420 Games was created for people to ‘come out of the closet’, if you will, in a positive and supportive environment. Ultimately, we want to alter negative perceptions of cannabis use and replace that with an uplifting image more related to health and wellness.’ \r\n\r\nThe 420 Games has become a run away success, no pun intended. This year, the 420 Games expects upwards of 5,000 people to participate in their San Francisco event alone. Many more events are planned for Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Boulder and Denver. Visiting [The 420 Games Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/The-420-Games-639774252770652/), you will see almost 60,000 ‘likes’. Jim is a gregarious, affable guy who has made it his business to get to know just about everyone in the industry. When you talk to him, it is obvious that he is passionate, viewing the cannabis ecosystem as an ever-growing community of both industry folks and patients alike. His mission is to help bring cannabis into the light and to shed the stigma associated with its use, while at the same time giving people a positive platform in which to come forward freely.\r\n\r\n**What was your inspiration for starting The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nFor many years I lived in Tahoe, where I founded a tech startup called [Snow Bomb](http://www.snowbomb.com/). We were the first company in the world to do online ticketing in the snow industry. We were very successful in this arena, but in order for us to continue to succeed, we needed snow. As most people know, for the last four years in Tahoe, there has been almost no snow. \r\n\r\nSo in late 2013/early 2014 I told my wife I was going to go up to Tahoe for a few days and lock myself in my cabin until I thought up a new business. I packed my bag, brought some medical marijuana, and set up shop in my living room, where I waited for an idea to arrive. Sitting down on the couch that evening, the first thing I saw on TV was a vice special, which was called  ‘Green Rush’. It was about the booming cannabis industry and how people were making a healthy living off of legalized cannabis. I was about to smoke some marijuana, to spur creativity, but the light bulb went off for me almost immediately. \r\n\r\nHow it happened that quickly, I am not sure. What came to me is this; I have been a serious athlete and used cannabis in a positive way for a good portion of my life, and that is something I wanted to share with others. As an athlete, cannabis helps keep me focused, at the gym longer and in some ways allows me to obtain my goals more easily. It does not make me lazy or cause me to not show up for practice; in fact, it does just the opposite. Also, within the ski industry, I saw how cannabis goes hand in hand with the snow based athletic lifestyle, mostly in a positive way. In my own heart and mind I saw a connection of how cannabis and a healthy lifestyle could be linked together. \r\n\r\nTo start a new business I had to think about how I could fit within the cannabis industry, and at the time I was a complete newbie. I was not going to get into distribution or growing, so the obvious answer was to play off my strengths, which in many ways is throwing community-building industry events. Boom, right there in that moment, events and athleticism seemed like a natural fit to me. On my couch that night, I knew I would throw the first athletics-based cannabis event.  \r\n\r\n**When was the first 420 Games event held and what happened there?**\r\n\r\nOur first race was held in Golden Gate Park in August of 2014. There was an amazing vibe among the people who came and participated. You could really tell people were excited for this event to be happening. I guess my biggest trepidation was that I would throw this event and a bunch of stoners would show up, which is fine, but what I was going for was healthy lifestyle and athleticism. When real athletes actually showed up, I knew I was onto something big, and that this community really exists. Thankfully, everyone who showed up understood the mission and felt connected to it in some way.\r\n\r\n**Can you describe the type of people that show up at The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nFrom my experience so far, there are a lot of people who have become involved because this is an outlet for them to show that you can both use cannabis and be a successful athlete. People were very grateful to be given the opportunity to ‘come out of the closet’, as I like to say. Also, I find that about 20% of the people that show up are cannabis sympathizers. They may have someone in their life who uses cannabis medicinally or be pro legalization.  There are many people who come who want to support others in their lifestyle choices. It is somewhat akin to heterosexual people who show up at a gay rally to support friends or family. \r\n\r\nI think the common thread with everyone though, without a doubt, is a love of athleticism. My sister-in-law, who has never used cannabis, came to support me and actually won the race. A lot of the participants have used cannabis for a long time in their life, often in combination with work outs.\r\n\r\n**If someone shows up at a 420 Games what should they expect?**\r\n\r\nFrom the outside we want our 420 events to look like any other 5k, 10k race or marathon that athletes attend. It is a sports event first that happens to advocate cannabis use. You show up for the race early, you register and you will see a lot of other people getting ready, stretching and hydrating. We offer healthy food like granola, yogurt and bananas to the participants before the race begins. People line up for the race, we shoot the gun and everyone is off. We do award winners at the end of the race, but it is really about being active and finishing the race, whether you choose to walk or run. We really put an emphasis on finishing the race. \r\n\r\nThis is also a family friendly event, and we ask that no one smokes cannabis at the event. It is fine to be medicated, but we ask participants to do that before coming to the race; we want all participants to be comfortable with the atmosphere. We have whole families that participate together and even my young daughters finished the race this last time. We are trying to change perceptions of cannabis and a cloud of smoke really does not do much for us! So far, almost everyone has respected this. \r\n\r\nAt the end of the race, everyone has a huge sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Everyone is high-fiving and a lot of pats on the back all around. After the race we have about 2 hours of education with guest speakers. We also curate positive and conscious music into the event and only choose musical acts that are life positive. Anyone who finishes the race who is over 21 is welcomed into our beer garden, which is hosted by Lagunitas, for free beer. A community feeling is highly encouraged and we wrap up the event with a real feeling togetherness. \r\n\r\n**You like to use the term ‘coming out of the closet.’ In the case of The 420 Games, do you feel like some people are showing up for the first time to be ‘out of the closet’?**\r\n\r\nAbsolutely, yes! In many ways, if you are a healthy, well-adjusted individual, this type of event is one of the easiest ways to announce your own cannabis use to the people around you. I have found that many people have been looking for a group to associate with where they don’t need to feel ashamed of their lifestyle. It is not that long ago that cannabis use was almost completely frowned upon, so this is a big step for many people.\r\n\r\nFor myself, I am completely out of the closet at this point. In my own declaration, and with The 420 Games, I want to be that first guy who makes it easier for the next guy or woman. Many people have had such negative associations placed in their head and we want to replace that with a positive message, so that they can go forward and help change other people’s perceptions.\r\n\r\n**Have you had any negative push back on hosting The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nWe have had very little honestly. The San Francisco police department has been so supportive. There has now been enough positive press too, so generally everyone has been very accepting.\r\n\r\n**How many events have you done and where can people find the next The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nWe were solely in California last year but we are moving into several more states this year, which is exciting. In California we have done 5 events so far including several runs, a paddle board race and a golf tournament. In 2016 we will be in California in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. In Colorado we will be in both Denver and Boulder. In Washington we will be in Seattle and in Oregon we will be hosting an event in Portland. \r\n\r\nIf someone wants to compete and join the fun, the best way to find out about more events is through our website [the420games.org](http://420games.org/). We also have a very active [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/The-420-Games-639774252770652/) presence, which can keep you abreast. We welcome new sponsors as well, especially companies that focus on health and wellness like HelloMD. We want to partner with professional, health and wellness partners who ideally also involved in cannabis.\r\n\r\n**Is there anything else you would like to add regarding The 420 Games?**\r\n\r\nYou can be an athlete and if you use cannabis it does not mean you are not stupid or lazy. The person defines who they are, the plant does not define who the person is. We hope to see you at one of the next [420 Games](http://420games.org/)!\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/ee604/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png","srcSet":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/69585/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/497c6/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 400w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/ee604/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 800w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/f3583/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 1200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/f90fa/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/58556/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/61e93/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/1f5c5/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 400w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/58556/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 800w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/99238/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 1200w,\n/static/87b094d10ae7c9bb7641d8c51404e080/5e0b8/b5d3baab06e2eb6d3783d68a47c81ce1.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2056-markdown","title":"Cannabis Improves Your Sex Life – The Top 5 Reasons You Should Give Cannabis A Try","slug":"cannabis-improves-your-sex-life-the-top-5-reasons-you-should-give-cannabis-a-try","content":"Some years ago I was decidedly anti-cannabis. It was for stoners, it sucked you into the couch like fly paper for humans, and it was not good for society. It certainly did not help that my then-boyfriend played Formula 1 video games for most of the day while stoned.  Reading about the so-called ‘medicinal’ benefits, I might have even rolled my eyes.\r\n\r\nToday, I am an impassioned pro-cannabis advocate. It has changed my life for the better using it as a medicine to better manage debilitating migraines as well as to increase my overall sense of health and wellness. The reasons that lead someone to consider using cannabis are varied and may even be complex. Below are five reasons  I believe you should consider giving cannabis a first or second chance.\r\n\r\n**1. Cannabis alleviates pain quickly.**\r\n\r\nAs humans, we experience a lot of physical pain. I often look at my dog Juno and wonder why we feel so much more physical pain than say, my dog. It is a fact, we experience it and it tends to get worse as we get older. [Nearly 100 million Americans](http://www.nap.edu/read/13172/chapter/2# 3) suffer from chronic pain.\r\n\r\nI like many others suffer from pain including migraines, fibromyalgia, bursitis in my hips and tendonitis that can flare up in my wrist/arm.  My diet is healthy and I exercise regularly, but I am still troubled with physical pain. In my experience, marijuana helps calm inflammation in my body and nips my migraines in the bud before they blossom. In addition, it helps quell the rising tide of PMS and feeling of unrest that comes with my fluctuating hormones. \r\n\r\nCannabis, and particularly, Cannibidiol (CBD), is a known anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. [A new study](http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2338266) shows that cannabis is effective in pain management for chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain as well as pain associated with multiple sclerosis. The [Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America recently stated](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.source.php?sourceID=000412): \r\n\r\n>\"Experimental evidence suggests that endocannabanoids, molecules found in the body that closely resemble compounds found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant, may play a role in limiting intestinal inflammation.”\r\n\r\nMainstream medicine also acknowledges that marijuana, and in particular THC, seems to help cancer patients manage pain. I am cherry picking only some medical conditions cannabis helps. \r\n\r\n**2. Cannabis does not have the same negative side effects as prescription drugs or alcohol.**\r\n\r\nIf you don’t like to get ‘high’, the psychoactive feeling you receive after ingesting  THC, then that is about the only negative side effect that cannabis will give you. It can also make some people feel a little groggy after use, but that’s about it in terms of side effects. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, and even alcohol, the negative impact of ingesting moderate amounts of cannabis is extremely low.  Cannabis can act a relaxant, anti depressant and treat the symptoms of innumerable medical conditions. Conversely, the pros of using cannabis far outweigh the cons. You would be hard pressed to find a single death from someone ‘overdosing’ on marijuana, it just does not happen.\r\n\r\nOn the flip side to cannabis, there is a death associated with prescription drugs every 19 minutes in the United States. More people in the US die from prescription drugs than from illegal drugs. I’ve heard some people say it is like [‘Pharmageddon’](http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/26/prescription-drugs-number-one-cause-preventable-death-in-us.aspx). \r\n\r\nThe list of negative side effects from a pharmaceutical drug can read like an Egyptian papyrus scroll and some can even be laughable. ‘May cause transient third nipple in laboratory rats.’, read one label I glanced at recently. Prescription drugs can also be highly addictive. Many people take not one but multiple pharmaceuticals in conjunction with one another, leading to a potentially dangerous situation, especially in the elderly population.\r\n\r\nAlcohol, although widely accepted culturally, has innumerable [negative side effects](http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body). It damages the heart, liver, pancreas, weakens the immune system and the link between alcohol and cancer is well established. Our bodies also become less efficient at processing  alcohol as we get older and we are more likely to feel drunk more quickly. Our bodies break alcohol down into acetaldehyde, which is a [‘highly toxic substance and known carcinogen’](http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA72/AA72.htm). Many proponents are quick to point out that it prevents heart disease or cultivates a ‘healthy heart’, but the reality is our body processes it as a toxin. Additionally, the [CDC released that 88,000 people in the US die every year from alcohol use]( http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm).\r\n\r\nAs with anything, moderation is key. Someone who abuses cannabis may end up feeling ‘burnt out’ or be a 'burn out'. But overall, if used in moderation with an understanding of how your system works with cannabis, you may reap many rewards.\r\n\r\n\r\n**3. You don’t need to get ‘high’ to experience the positive benefits from cannabis.**\r\n\r\nYou can get high if you want to, but you don’t have to. This is where cannabis starts to get interesting to me. I always assumed you needed to get stoned in order to use cannabis. I also assumed you needed to smoke it. Both of these assumptions are incorrect. You don’t need to get stoned and there are [many ways you can now ingest cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana).\r\n\r\nPersonally, I am not able to ingest larger quantities of THC. The psychoactive component tends to make me feel very uncomfortable (like a head with no body), which is also why I was anti-cannabis for so long. That all changed when I discovered CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is an anti-inflammatory and when combined with THC, can remediate the effects of THC. In short, CBD is the antidote to THC’s psychoactivity. When used in the right quantities, or ratio, together, I am able to experience the medicinal benefits as well as an overall sense of calm and relaxation. Everyone is different in this respect, but you absolutely do not need to get high.\r\n\r\n**4. Cannabis relaxes you and can potentially ease anxiety.**\r\n\r\nCannabis can induce a feeling of well-being and relaxation. To me, I find that using a cannabis tincture at night, helps take the edge off similar to the way a glass of wine might. The tinctures I choose tend to be high CBD and low THC and are not psychoactive. It works like a charm and I am mentally present and alert. Other people may find that a vape pen with higher concentrations of THC help to relax them, it depends on the person as we all have slightly different reactions to cannabis.\r\n\r\nAnxiety affects nearly 40 million Americans according to the [Anxiety & Depression Association of America](http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics). Most of the top selling pharmaceutical drugs in the US treat anxiety & depression. It’s a big problem, and although cannabis does not address the root of this nationwide epidemic, it can certainly help alleviate anxiety in some people. A new study has even the [National Institute of Health suggesting it may relieve anxiety]( http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-nih-says-yes-weed-eases-anxiety).  That said, studies can diverge on this subject and I believe the way cannabis affects people is highly individual and also directly correlates to the amount of THC to CBD that is ingested. You basically need to try it to see if it works for you.\r\n\r\n**5. Cannabis improves your sex life.**\r\n\r\nOK, so maybe this should be in the number one spot. It’s true, cannabis can improve your sexual experience and may even make you want to have more of it. Meow. This is good news for the institution of marriage, which should give those pro family politicians in Washington a good reason to support cannabis legalization.\r\n\r\nCannabis can enhance the body’s ability to experience orgasms and there is scientific evidence to support this. [Dr. Mitch Earlywine, a psychology professor at SUNY Albany states](http://elitedaily.com/dating/your-sex-life-on-weed/1026506/):\r\n\r\n>“That CB1 receptor seems to be involved in improved tactile sensations and general euphoria,” he says, referring to cannabinoid receptors in our nervous system activated by THC. Naturally, no pun intended, THC is the active drug found in cannabis.”\r\n\r\nMany people claim cannabis is an aphrodisiac and some even claim it to be a [‘natural Viagra’](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/23/medical-marijuana-stiff-competition-for-viagra_n_839678.html). This is not news as marijuana has been cited as an aphrodisiac for centuries, if not thousands of years. Most of this is anecdotal evidence however as the medical studies on sex and cannabis are rare. As with anxiety, experiences can differ. Some people claim that it inhibits their sexual response. It is important to note your overall experience is also  highly dependent on what cannabis you ingest.\r\n\r\nLucky for us ladies, there are many new cannabis products on the market that address an enhanced sexual experience. It may come as a surprise that many are topical oils designed to be used as a sexual lubricant. Two brands you may want to try out are [Herba Buena’s Quiver](http://herbabuena.com/product/quiver-sensual-cannabis-lubricant/) and [Foria's personal lubricants](http://foriapleasure.com/pages/about-us).\r\n\r\nWell, that's it in a nutshell as to why I think you should give cannabis a try. If you are new to cannabis and  want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation, it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/ee604/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png","srcSet":"/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/69585/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/497c6/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 400w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/ee604/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 800w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/f3583/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 1200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/f90fa/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/58556/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/61e93/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/1f5c5/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 400w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/58556/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 800w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/99238/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 1200w,\n/static/b0e2c31a3ae560d34d845112e6e1e0c2/5e0b8/b9152e889cebab51ce638d155fe1621d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":36,"numPages":5,"currentPage":4,"id":5187,"name":"Depression","slug":"depression","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}