{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/health-conditions/5","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2515-markdown","title":"Holistic Ways to Ease Depression & Anxiety","slug":"holistic-ways-to-ease-depression-and-anxiety","content":"With the colder weather, shorter days and the holiday season, depression and anxiety always spike around this time of year. Unfortunately, these two conditions are very common. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects around 6.8 million adults in the U.S. while major depressive disorder (MDD) affects more than 16 million. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/564935726915516/united-states/san-francisco-california/hellomd/)\n\nResearchers haven’t reached a consensus as to what causes depression and anxiety, but most agree genetics, biology, environment and psychology all play a role. People with depression and anxiety typically feel anxious, sad, hopeless and pessimistic. On a physical level, folks suffering from depression and/or anxiety may experience a loss of interest in their hobbies or activities, change in appetite, weight changes, as well as aches and pains.  \n\nRELATED: [Depression Sufferers Find Relief In Medical Marijuana](https://hellomd.com/articles/depression-sufferers-find-relief-in-medical-marijuana) \n\nThe most common treatment for these mood disorders, besides psychotherapy, is anti-depressant and anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals. Prozac, Cymbalta or Norpramin are typically prescribed for depression; Xanax, Valium and Ativan are used to combat anxiety. \n\nThese can be effective for some, but many patients experience unwanted side effects like insomnia, reduced sexual drive, weight gain and dry mouth. Luckily, there’s a body of research pointing to a number of holistic methods that can help battle depression and anxiety.  \n\n\n### Exercise to Chase Away Depression\n\nAccording to the Mayo Clinic, [exercise can successfully alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495). Exercising allows your brain to release feel-good endorphins, which the Mayo Clinic notes are cannabis-like brain chemicals that can “enhance your sense of well-being.” \n\nSticking to regular physical activity routines for 30 minutes per day can help improve your mood significantly. While higher-intensity cardiovascular activities are preferred, even sustained, low-intensity walking can be sufficient to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dr. Michael Craig Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, says, “[for some people [exercise] works as well as antidepressants](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression),” and that “exercise supports nerve cell growth in the hippocampus, improving nerve cell connections, which helps relieve depression.” \n\n### Marijuana Can be an Effective Mood Booster\n\nIt’s a common misconception that cannabis can increase depression. But a 2006 study published in _Addictive Behaviors_  looked at the survey responses from 4,400 adults who identify as occasional or chronic cannabis users. [Daily cannabis users reported “less depressed mood and more positive affect than non-users.”](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460305001577) The researchers concluded that cannabis doesn’t increase risk of depression. \n\nWhile this study doesn’t prove a causal link between cannabis consumption and a decreased risk of depression and anxiety, there are reasons why marijuana consumption would make sense as a treatment option. As mentioned with exercise, our body naturally makes feel-good cannabinoids. When we’re depressed, there’s a lower level of these specific endocannabinoids in our bodies. Cannabis—with its phytocannabinoids—can be a healthy and natural supplement to boost these specific endocannabinoids when levels are low. \n\nIf you want to try cannabis, there are several [marijuana strains that are recommended for treating depression](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-for-depression/). \n\n### Clean up Your Diet to Feel Less Depressed\n\nCertain types of foods could help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. A 2017 study published in _BMC Medicine_ concluded that [“dietary improvement may provide an efficacious and accessible treatment strategy” for major depressive disorder](https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y). This 12-week study tested a Mediterranean-based diet on individuals with moderate to severe depression. Meanwhile, a control group received social support but no change in their current diet.\n\nThe diet encouraged foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, unsweetened dairy, unsalted nuts, lean red meat, chicken, fish, eggs and olive oil. It discouraged sweets, processed meats, fast food, fried food and refined cereals. \n\nAfter 12 weeks, the participants were graded using multiple tests, including the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). On average, the participants on the Mediterranean diet demonstrated significantly greater improvement in MADRS—11 points on average—than did the control group. \n\n### Meditation & Mindfulness Can Help Banish Anxious Thoughts\n\nA 2015 study by the University of Exeter shows [mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) could be an effective treatment option for depression and anxiety](http://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_446995_en.html). MBCT is focused on restructuring the problematic thought patterns that individuals with depression and anxiety often experience. It teaches the skills necessary to be mindful of the present moment, recognizing and responding constructively to problematic thoughts. \n\nStudy participants were all being treated for recurrent major depression and using antidepressant medication for treatment. Of the 424 adults chosen in the study, 212 were put into a group that underwent eight 2 1/4-hour MBCT group sessions and given daily home practices for mindfulness. The other group maintained their regular pharmaceutical regimen.\n\nAll participants were examined at regular intervals over two years. After two years, relapse rates for both groups were similar with the MBCT group showing 44% relapse and the medication group showing 47% relapse. \n\nThe researchers in this study concluded, “Whilst this study doesn’t show that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy works any better than antidepressant medication in reducing the rate of relapse in depression, we believe these results suggest a new choice for the millions of people with recurrent depression on repeat prescriptions.” \n\n### Creating Routines May Help if You’re Struggling With Depression\n\nDepression and anxiety don’t stick to routines; symptoms of these disorders can pop up any time, any place. While there haven’t been many clinical research studies to support this, many psychotherapists and doctors recommend creating routines to help reduce depression and anxiety. These routines can be as simple as going for a walk, writing in a journal, dancing around the house or cleaning the kitchen. The key is making sure that you do it at the same time, consistently throughout your week. \n\nIn an interview with CBS News, clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Raskin said, “[A routine—anything from jogging and shopping to doing the dishes—helps you avoid the stay-in-your-pajamas syndrome](https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/10-no-cost-strategies-to-fight-depression/4/), which can make things worse. A routine demonstrates to you and to others that if you are capable of getting through the day, you are capable of recovery.” \n\nWe hope you’ll give these holistic treatment options for depression and anxiety a try. Let us know if you found any on this list to be particularly helpful.\n\nPhoto credit: [Emma Simpson]( https://unsplash.com/@esdesignisms) \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-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,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCAwT/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABZIZ3xac0DP8A/8QAGxAAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMAAhESITH/2gAIAQEAAQUC2qFOrk6mIZiM6T7/AP/EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR/9oACAEDAQE/AUf/xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEf/aAAgBAgEBPwFX/8QAFRABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAICH/2gAIAQEABj8Ci//EABwQAAMAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABETFRIUFxof/aAAgBAQABPyGPsvTEKPQ6YOBaTRZgr6fT/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABBg7//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQEf/aAAgBAwEBPxAxj//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESH/2gAIAQIBAT8QjT0o/8QAGhABAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFBgf/aAAgBAQABPxAJGwhPENM14MSWlKpnlV3ZriWZ3GGVH4if/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/14b42/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/f836f/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.jpg 200w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/2244e/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.jpg 400w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/14b42/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.jpg 800w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/47498/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/0e329/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.jpg 1600w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/0110e/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.jpg 3596w","srcWebp":"/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/58556/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/61e93/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.webp 200w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/1f5c5/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.webp 400w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/58556/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.webp 800w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/99238/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.webp 1200w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/7c22d/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.webp 1600w,\n/static/fe3f972232dd756e255778dde83b1dfe/32c4b/e90182afa7763daef9e5c8e3fb9dbaa6.webp 3596w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2500-markdown","title":"SAD, Winter Solstice & Marijuana Products to Help You Deal","slug":"sad-winter-solstice-and-marijuana-products-to-help-you-deal","content":"The Winter Solstice marks the official start of winter, which takes place this year on Dec. 21. This is the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. During the winter when the sun starts setting earlier in the day, a lot of people can begin to feel a state of depression creeping up on them. While many might just attribute these feelings to a case of the winter blues, it’s actually a real condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder\r\n\r\nThough specific causes of SAD are unknown, it’s believed that changes in the body’s serotonin and melatonin levels play a major role. Due to the reduction in sunlight in the winter, the body’s internal clock can be thrown off, which disturbs natural sleep rhythms and can lead to feelings of depression. For some adults, this can begin late in the fall, but usually subsides by the time summer rolls around.\r\n\r\n### What Are the Symptoms of SAD?\r\n\r\nSome people experience mild or intense symptoms—even if there’s nothing in their lives that would naturally trigger feelings of sadness. Many people report feeling:\r\n\r\n* sad without cause\r\n* fatigued \r\n* physically heavy  \r\n* demotivated \r\n* irritable\r\n* sensitive\r\n\r\nPeople also say they experience:\r\n\r\n* changes in appetite \r\n* weight gain or weight loss\r\n* social withdrawal \r\n* social anxiety\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nRELATED: [TOP MARIJUANA STRAINS FOR DEPRESSION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57fbd5a9321b570007790312/top-marijuana-strains-for-depression)\r\n\r\n### What You Can Do to Combat SAD \r\n\r\n**Sip a warm, marijuana-infused drink.**\r\nWarm up and medicate at the same time with this simple [recipe for a soothing, cannabis-infused hot apple cider](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59ea3edfd8935e10253b0bda/diy-recipe-easy-cbd-infused-hot-apple-cider) that you can make at home using a cannabidiol (CBD) tincture. CBD can help ease anxiety, tension and improve your mood. \r\n\r\n**Find the humor.**\r\nFitting a little humor into your day will pay off by helping reduce stress, uplift your mood and give you a distraction from feeling glum. There are so many [benefits that come with laughing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59d3d11c11eb3213ee682590/top-ten-health-benefits-of-laughter), from releasing endorphins that can make you feel good, not to mention stop pain, boost your immune system and lower your blood pressure. \r\n\r\n**Opt for energizing cannabis sativa strains.**\r\nSativas are known for being uplifting, mood boosters that can combat stress, anxiety and depression. Popular strains like Blue Dream and Lemon Haze can be used in the morning to help motivate you as well as act as a pick-me-up at the end of a long day. \r\n\r\n**Get your body moving.**\r\nWhether you’re into extreme workouts like CrossFit or more relaxing movement like yoga, [exercise can help boost your mood and reduce anxiety](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495). You can actually change your biochemical state and increase the endorphins in your body with regular, physical activity.\r\n\r\nIt’s also been shown that [cannabis can have beneficial effects when incorporated with an exercise regimen](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/560d86493565610006170000/the-exercise-high), but it’s not for everyone. Exercise alone can often be enough to lift your spirits.\r\n\r\n**Try meditation.**\r\nAccording to a 2014 study in _JAMA Internal Medicine_, meditation can help relieve anxiety, pain and depression. In fact, meditation—the technique of clearing your mind and focusing on your breathing to bring about a state of deep relaxation—was found to be almost as effective as an antidepressant.\r\n\r\nIf you’re so inclined, you can also medicate while meditating with strains like Lamb’s Bread or Laughing Buddha, both of which can enhance your practice as well as your mood. Check out our more comprehensive list of other [cannabis strains that would work well with meditation](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5999ff58503739404aa2212c/top-5-strains-to-enhance-your-meditation-practice).\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Polina Kirilenko](https://unsplash.com/@plnkrlnk)\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/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/14b42/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/f836f/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.jpg 200w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/2244e/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.jpg 400w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/14b42/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.jpg 800w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/47498/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.jpg 1200w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/0e329/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.jpg 1600w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/c511e/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.jpg 3452w","srcWebp":"/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/58556/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/61e93/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.webp 200w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/1f5c5/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.webp 400w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/58556/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.webp 800w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/99238/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.webp 1200w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/7c22d/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.webp 1600w,\n/static/20a11794b74ab047abceb6a4c98aaf92/55244/ced0041ac677f635ee2352d73179daee.webp 3452w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2488-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions about Marijuana & Parkinson’s Disease Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-parkinsons-disease-answered","content":"Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that unfortunately doesn’t have a cure. Traditional pharmaceutical medications show some success keeping symptoms in check (albeit with some debilitating side effects). But recent studies have shown marijuana’s potential to slow the disease.\n\nWe’ve compiled the most popular questions from our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) page about how cannabis can help those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The answers were provided by nurses and doctors who have a deep knowledge of the marijuana plant and how it works in the body. We hope that their answers shed some light on how cannabis can be an effective treatment for this disease.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: Can you tell me if cannabis is good for Parkinson's disease? \nAnswer:[@tatiananp](https://www.hellomd.com/people/593b0f891dd3972880b33551/tatiananp) Hello, cannabinoids have been studied for use in treating symptoms, like bradykinesia (slowness caused by Parkinson's) and dyskinesia (excess movement caused by Levodopa). According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, the benefits of medical marijuana for the treatment of Parkinson's disease include a possible improvement in anxiety, pain management, sleep dysfunction, weight loss and nausea. Research suggests that cannabis might be neuroprotective, saving neurons from damage caused by Parkinson's.\n\nRELATED: [A BRIEF HISTORY OF CANNABIS USE FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a299277100a820006562ebb/a-brief-history-of-cannabis-use-for-parkinsons-disease)\n\n### Q: What strains would you recommend for Parkinson's disease?\nAnswer: [@drkim]( https://www.hellomd.com/people/5896394f4c4b960008abd774/drkim) Hello, and thank you for the great question.\n\nNumerous studies have been conducted on marijuana and its active components. While not entirely conclusive, the research on marijuana shows promise for people with Parkinson’s.\nFor Parkinson’s disease, marijuana is thought to provide numerous benefits, including:\n\n* pain relief\n* reduced tremors\n* better quality of sleep\n* improved overall mood\n* more ease in movement\n\nDespite the potential benefits of marijuana for people with Parkinson’s, there are also some risk factors involved. THC in marijuana can cause:\n\n* impaired thinking and movements\n* hallucinations\n* memory problems\n* mood changes\n\nSo when considering the above, it becomes clear that most of the positive effects cannabis has on Parkinson’s derives from CBD (cannabidiol), whereas most of the possible adverse effects are derived from THC. As such, I would recommend that you seek high-CBD strains.\n\nACDC is a hybrid strain that I have touted for several conditions which would benefit from a high CBD and low THC content. The cannabinoid content is extremely CBD-dominant, sitting on average at 20:1 in its CBD/THC ratio. An imperceptible amount of THC makes ACDC an outstanding companion for daily medicinal cannabis. ACDC would be my top overall recommendation as treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.\n\nA sativa strain I also recommend is Harlequin. Harlequin is one of the most popular CBD strains available. Typically testing around the 5:2 CBD/THC ratio, it exhibits a sativa-dominant alertness with only mild euphoria.\n\nFor sleep time, a CBD-heavy indica strain such as Sweet and Sour Widow would be a good choice.\n\n### Q: Does THCa interact with medications for Parkinson's disease?\n**_ I take Carbidopa/Levodopa for Parkinson's disease and started taking THCa for chronic sciatic pain. After I started taking 150 mg THCa I started to have a lot of trouble walking; I switched over to a CBD tincture of 600 mg and now I can walk normally again. Do you think the THCa reduced the effectiveness of my Parkinson's medications? _**\n\nAnswer: [@tatiana](https://www.hellomd.com/people/593b0f891dd3972880b33551/tatiananp) According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, research suggests medical marijuana is an effective way for some patients to manage their symptoms. Furthermore, the neuroprotective qualities of [THCa (the precursor to THC)](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/584f78817f091000089c44a4/the-medicinal-benefits-of-thca) could aid patients with neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s Disease as well as those with dementia. Medical marijuana also has great pain-relieving properties.\n\nSerious drug interactions have not been seen with medical marijuana in combination with any other drug. There have been very few adverse interactions reported.\n\nI'm not sure what could have caused the worsening of your symptoms and subsequently the inability to walk. Everybody is unique and reacts uniquely. Let’s be rational and proceed with caution, if THCa provided a negative response, then stray away from it. If CBD has proven to provide you with positive results, then continue to safely administer. I suggest you collaborate with your primary care provider in order to safely monitor your condition and the adjunctive treatment with medicinal marijuana.\n\nPhoto credit: [Thomas Hafeneth](https://unsplash.com/@thomashafeneth)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/14b42/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/f836f/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.jpg 200w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/2244e/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.jpg 400w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/14b42/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.jpg 800w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/47498/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/0e329/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/4af5c/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.jpg 2421w","srcWebp":"/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/58556/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/61e93/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.webp 200w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/1f5c5/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.webp 400w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/58556/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.webp 800w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/99238/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.webp 1200w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/7c22d/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.webp 1600w,\n/static/3263925dbafc98353a6ecf167f13048a/790f7/0ea194bca5cf5b6ada5690a4933e8359.webp 2421w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2478-markdown","title":"A Brief History of Cannabis Use for Parkinson’s Disease","slug":"a-brief-history-of-cannabis-use-for-parkinsons-disease","content":"Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, after Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also the 14th most common cause of death in all age groups. There’s no cure yet for this progressive neurological disorder. Available medications for controlling its symptoms aren’t always effective and can have severe side effects. \r\n\r\nBut after nearly three decades of sometimes conflicting studies, recent research reveals that cannabis compounds—particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—can ease not only the well-known motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but also the less obvious ones of pain, depression and loss of senses such as taste, smell and touch. What’s more, [marijuana may offer new hope for slowing the progression of the disease itself](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314648.php).\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### What Is Parkinson’s Disease?\r\n\r\nParkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by symptoms that include its trademark dyskinesia—the tremors and problems with balance and coordination that make it difficult for Parkinson’s patients to speak, relax or move normally. Parkinson’s patients can also experience varying levels of fatigue, pain and mood-related symptoms such as depression, anxiety and problems concentrating. In advanced stages, dementia can also develop.  \r\n\r\nAll of these [symptoms arise from a single underlying \r\ncause](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5165161/):\r\na decline in the body’s production of dopamine, a key [neurotransmitter that regulates a number of essential physiological and mood-related \r\nfunctions](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mouse-man/200904/what-is-dopamine).\r\nDopamine is probably best known as the “feel good” chemical that’s released in large amounts as part of the brain’s pleasure, reward and learning circuits. \r\n\r\nBut dopamine does much more. When expressed in certain areas of the midbrain, it also plays a major role in the functioning of motor control, balance and coordination. Researchers believe that neurons in the dopaminergic system can become damaged or die, so that over time less and less dopamine is produced. Those declining levels of dopamine are responsible for both the motor and mood-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  \r\n\r\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55e5ca673165350006590000/medical-marijuana-a-breakthrough-for-parkinsons)\r\n\r\n### The Search for Effective Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease\r\n\r\nStandard Parkinson’s disease treatments aren’t always effective and can have serious side effects. Medications such as Levodopa and Tolcapone work to prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain and boost the effects of existing dopamine production, but these drugs can cause complications such as liver failure and an increase in dyskinesia.  \r\n\r\nSurgical intervention can also be used to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. Deep brain stimulation can moderate involuntary movement and coordination problems by implanting electrodes into the brain, but this approach brings the usual risks of surgery and may not always be effective.\r\n\r\nThe effort to find safer and more effective treatment options prompted the earliest research on cannabis to relieve the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, nearly three decades ago.\r\n\r\n### Marijuana Offers New Hope for Parkinson’s Treatment\r\n\r\n[Research on the connection between cannabis and Parkinson’s \r\ndisease](https://scienceofparkinsons.com/2016/09/25/cannabis/) began in the mid 1990s with a small study on a small group of Parkinson’s patients who used cannabis. That study sought to discover whether cannabis could reduce Parkinson’s dyskinesia, but researchers reported that it failed to show any measurable positive outcomes from marijuana. \r\n\r\nIn 2004, a larger-scale study was conducted in the Czech Republic, and again, this study reported no significant improvements from cannabis. But in the last decade or so, a number of studies conducted in the U.S., Israel and Europe have focused on the role of the endocannabinoid system in promoting dopamine activity as a way to explore the effects of cannabis on Parkinson’s disease. This kind of research reveals the reasons that the marijuana compounds THC and cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce Parkinson’s symptoms in many people.\r\n\r\nThe human body has a large network of naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors. These cells respond to the body’s production of natural, or endogenous, cannabinoids—and to the very similar cannabinoids from cannabis, which include THC and CBD. Cannabinoid receptors play a major role in processes such as modulating pain, reducing anxiety and boosting the immune system, and their effects on dopamine production reveals why cannabis can be [effective for relieving multiple symptoms of Parkinson’s disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24614667/).\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Can Replace Conventional Medications for Some\r\n\r\nJan Lavelle was [diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57a7cefba123030007ba033a/how-cannabis-helped-me-find-relief-from-parkinsons-disease) a few years ago. Now a wellness consultant, she turned to cannabis as part of a passionate commitment to natural alternatives for managing her symptoms. Speaking with HelloMD, she says she began taking CBD tinctures after a friend recommended it and then developed a protocol for microdosing with other cannabis products including cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and non-psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).\r\n\r\n“Cannabis gives me some relief from my symptoms,” she says. “When you have Parkinson’s you lose your sense of taste and smell, your body kind of freezes up. CBDA and the THCA have actually brought back my sense of taste and smell.”\r\n\r\nJan notes that conventional medications for Parkinson’s disease—pharmaceuticals like Levodopa and Tolcapone—only offer symptom control, not a way to slow or stop the disease. But, she says, “with cannabis, we actually can do something to slow the disease because of the connection between Parkinson’s disease and the endocannabinoid system.”\r\n\r\n### The Cannabis-Dopamine Connection Relieves Multiple Symptoms\r\n\r\nPain is a frequent symptom of Parkinson’s disease, so that people experiencing pain might be prescribed additional medications, with their own side effects and risks. But recent studies on cannabis and opioid use have shown that cannabis, particularly CBD, can be so effective in relieving pain that a majority of people using potent opioid painkillers are able to either use fewer of these drugs or stop using them altogether when they take cannabis. \r\n\r\nFor Parkinson’s disease patients, too, marijuana compounds are able to stimulate the activity of dopamine and the body’s natural opioid receptors to provide relaxation and relief from pain. CBD is also a potent anti-inflammatory, and may help to prevent the neuron damage that leads to Parkinson’s as well.\r\n\r\nA well-known effect of cannabis for many people is a feeling of relaxation and calm. And because cannabis compounds can activate receptors in the brain’s pleasure, reward and learning circuits, cannabis can help to relieve the depression and anxiety that can also be hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  \r\n\r\nResearch on the relationship between cannabis and Parkinson’s disease has a relatively brief history, and early studies were limited and lacked today’s insights into the functions of the endocannabinoid system. But newer research reveals the complex connections between cannabis and the processes that lead to Parkinson’s disease—and provides new hope for relieving its symptoms.  “The benefits we get from the whole, healing plant,” says Lavelle, \r\n“are endless.”\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Nathália Bariani](https://unsplash.com/@nathaliabariani)\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":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/14b42/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/f836f/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.jpg 200w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/2244e/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.jpg 400w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/14b42/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.jpg 800w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/47498/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/0e329/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/db420/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.jpg 3626w","srcWebp":"/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/58556/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/61e93/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.webp 200w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/1f5c5/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.webp 400w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/58556/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.webp 800w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/99238/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.webp 1200w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/7c22d/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.webp 1600w,\n/static/9865d36f34c576804d3a2ed5160751b6/3a1a1/fa927b8b952991944da2ef31d70ea6fb.webp 3626w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2461-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Sports Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-sports-answered","content":"It might seem counterintuitive to think of cannabis as a sports performance enhancer, but that’s just what some athletes are discovering. Professional athletes and weekend warriors alike report that consuming certain strains of marijuana helps with focus and endurance. Others swear by cannabis products for recovery after physical activity to mitigate aches, pains and inflammation.\r\n\r\nIf you’re curious about how cannabis can fit into an active lifestyle, read our three most popular questions on the subject from our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) page. The answers were provided by knowledgeable members of our community. We hope their insights help you decide if marijuana is right for you when you’re working up a sweat. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Q: Is it true that marijuana will help my endurance when I exercise?\r\n**_ I am both a long-distance runner and swimmer and I have heard from several fellow athletes that they either eat an edible before an intense workout or vape. _**\r\n\r\nAnswer: [@budmaster1992](https://www.hellomd.com/people/578e8efbf4c8ef000bc63fae/budmaster1992)\r\nThis is a tough one to really answer. However, some things to consider for yourself, since everybody reacts to marijuana and its side effects completely differently, are these:\r\n\r\n* The dosage: Many edibles come in 30 mg up to 100 mg. Depending on the potency some may give you a push of energy while others may couch lock you. As always, start off small and work up.\r\n\r\n* The strain: Indicas are what make you feel the couch lock and sleepiness that people often associate with marijuana; however, this isn't always the case. Sativa on the other hand is said to be uplifting and more of a \"head\" high then a body high; which is what I would recommend using prior to a workout, like I said previously, indicas can cause sleepiness. Finally, there is a middle; called a hybrid which is often a 50/50 split between an indica and a sativa; these are often formed (and most common nowadays) when breeders cross an indica-dominate strain with a sativa; the rest is simple logic.\r\n\r\n* Tolerance: Finally, your tolerance will play a big role. If you are a moderate to heavy smoker, I say you should be fine. However, if you are one of those people who smokes a blunt every once in a while, I would suggest no. However, this is really your call.\r\n\r\nOverall, just be smart and be safe. I hope I helped!\r\n\r\n-Bud\r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS AFFECTS SPORTS PERFORMANCE & RECOVERY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a1df0f2eea891000897e273/how-cannabis-affects-sports-performance-and-recovery)\r\n\r\n### Q: I am looking for a treatment for lactic acid in muscles after a workout.\r\n**_ Would a topical be a good option, or would an internal product be better? _**\r\n\r\nAnswer: [@didi](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5751d3fdfe8dee000b00004f/didi) \r\nI believe a cannabis topical with a high THCA content would be a good option to try out since THCA is one of the most effective cannabinoids for reducing inflammation. There is limited knowledge available to date about THCA as opposed to CBD, so many products currently available on the cannabis market do not contain THCA. We purposely balance our Sweet ReLeaf topical formula to be a 40% THCA and 60% THC blend because it works so effectively to bring down swelling, puffiness, and soreness in the muscles related to inflammation. I think it would be worth trying to see how a topical might contribute to overall wellbeing after a workout.\r\n\r\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5748a6ee620f420008000068/i-am-looking-for-a-treatment-for-lactic-acid-in-muscles-after-a-workout).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n### Q: I developed tendinitis (golfers elbow) from doing CrossFit. Nothing seems to help.\r\n**_ I have already had two cortisone injections. The pain wakes me up at night, and I can't do any grippy workout exercises anymore. I am looking for something to help with pain and sleep. Would you recommend a topical or is there something I can take internally that would take away the pain, but not make me so high that I can’t work out. I don't want to feel drugged up. _**\r\n\r\nAnswer: [@drbluto](https://www.hellomd.com/people/56958a056305f80008000069/drbluto)\r\nI would recommend trying a topical CBD salve, balm, cream or lotion applied directly on the skin over your elbow; there is no high associated with CBD topicals. You could also try a time-release patch. They release active product over three to six hours. Another option would be a 20:1 CBD:THC tincture on or under the tongue and these can provide three to five hours relief. If your pain is preventing sleep, I might introduce a different product such as a 1:1 CBD:THC tincture which would help with nighttime pain relief and sleep enhancement.\r\n\r\nRemember THC is the psychoactive part of the plant that makes you high. CBD is not psychoactive but is anti-inflammatory and analgesic.\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcBN5JHxX9A`\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Clem Onojeghuo](https://unsplash.com/@clemono2)\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":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/14b42/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/f836f/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.jpg 200w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/2244e/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.jpg 400w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/14b42/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.jpg 800w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/47498/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/0e329/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/733d7/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.jpg 3620w","srcWebp":"/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/58556/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/61e93/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.webp 200w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/1f5c5/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.webp 400w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/58556/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.webp 800w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/99238/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.webp 1200w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/7c22d/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.webp 1600w,\n/static/3523de2ab7eb6889b46bb52b764ca6b8/156fb/e2a80bc3a4e6efdf5cdb3d8221c17635.webp 3620w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2450-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & PTSD Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-ptsd-answered","content":"This past Veteran’s Day, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed people in his state suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to legal medical marijuana. Anecdotally, people with PTSD say that medicinal cannabis helps ease insomnia, anxiety and other issues associated with the disorder—without the unwanted side effects that many pharmaceutical medications have.\n\nWe’ve gathered three of our top questions from our [Answers](https://www.hellomdcom/) platform about how marijuana can help with symptoms of PTSD. Answers were submitted by knowledgeable members of our community including doctors and cannabis-business owners. We hope this discussion clarifies how medical marijuana could help you or someone you know who suffers from PTSD. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: Does marijuana ever make PTSD worse?\n**_What has been your experience with vets in general? If it helps someone with PTSD, why?_**\n\nAnswer: @andrewvanmd Veterans and others dealing with PTSD often experience panic attacks, nightmares, pain, insomnia, anxiety and other debilitating issues. Most of the medications that are prescribed for these conditions can have serious side effects. Cannabis is very safe and there is no harm in giving it a trial. It should be used with care, and patients should start with small doses and observe closely for effects. CBD is a good option if anxiety is a concern.\n\n### Q: My husband just returned from serving overseas and is very anxious. The doctors are treating him for PTSD.\n**_He doesn't like the drugs they’re prescribing; the side effects are horrible! Some of his friends are using marijuana and having great results. Do you recommend this? Should he smoke it? What strains are best for PTSD? I'll do whatever I need to do to help him feel better and to get my \"old\" husband back._**\n\nAnswer: @dredmunds I’ve treated several patients suffering from PTSD that found cannabis to be helpful for their condition. As you state that he is very anxious due to his condition, I would recommend indica strains. Indicas tends to be sedating and relaxing and is also helpful for sleep. If your husband has depression as a component of his PTSD, an indica-dominant hybrid containing some sativa may be helpful.\n\nI discourage smoking cannabis, as the products of combustion (carbon monoxide, tar, carcinogens) contain compounds that may be harmful to one's health. Vaporizing is a great shorter-acting alternative to smoking as are oral tinctures. Edibles are much longer acting and are therefore helpful for patients also suffering from insomnia.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUJ13-kqsRU`\n\n### Q: As a Women with PTSD; I have been having an awful time. \n**_I started with a high CBD product that worked great but for only three weeks, now I have severe depression. Then I tried to increase THC, but nothing happened. I tried tapering off my meds (the usual stuff for PTSD and depression) but I had such bad time, I ended up back on meds. Because I am on supplemental security income and state insurance, I am unable to find therapy to work on this horrific bout of PTSD and depression._** \n\n**_In making this long story even longer—do you have any suggestions? I am so novice on the whole concept. I like the CBD for getting out of my head, but need something that’s energizing too. I haven't been out to socialize in months, so I’d like to find something that will help with that and also help keep my thoughts quite at night._**\n\nAnswer: @jessicapeters, President of Moxie Meds I'm so sorry to hear about your experiences with PTSD—and of course the lack of appropriate resources to address it. As a fellow non-veteran woman with PTSD, I've also found I had easier access to pharmaceuticals than to therapy and I understand your frustrations. It's also difficult to find a medication only temporarily successful. While it's unclear to me what ratio of high CBD medication you tried first, and what the small increase of THC equated to in terms of ratio, I suggest trying something in the range of 4:1 to 1:1. Unless of course you have a very low tolerance to THC, in which case you might want to stick to 4:1 or above and stay at a low dose initially. We find that it's very worthwhile to try a couple different CBD-rich medications with a bit of range on the ratios so that you can assess what may work best for you. This can be costly so it's worthwhile to take advantage of sampling events, sales, free gifts and donations where you can.\n\nYou bring up a very good point about how many patients have to troubleshoot before they find what ratio, dose, and delivery system works best for them. It's also important to consider that your dosing needs can potentially change over time as you develop a tolerance or as your body and wellness experiences change. I encourage patients not to give up and to work with advocacy organizations to request medications providers, dispensaries, and delivery services to offer more free samples so this process doesn't become financially taxing for those who are on a fixed income.\n\nWe also find a lot of benefit to taking notes of your experiences with various cannabis medications so that you can better suss out which options may be most effective for you in the long run. This \"note taking\" may also include your experiences with pharmaceutical medications as well as diet, exercise and other natural medicine modalities—it's all about allowing you, and any caregivers or health practitioners you engage with, a full picture of your experience with wellness and health.\n\nPhoto credit: [Vin Stratton](https://unsplash.com/@vinstratton)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/14b42/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.jpg","srcSet":"/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/f836f/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.jpg 200w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/2244e/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.jpg 400w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/14b42/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.jpg 800w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/47498/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.jpg 1200w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/0e329/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.jpg 1600w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/3340d/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.jpg 3200w","srcWebp":"/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/58556/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/61e93/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.webp 200w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/1f5c5/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.webp 400w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/58556/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.webp 800w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/99238/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.webp 1200w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/7c22d/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.webp 1600w,\n/static/208f8464dab90cb2524f98ea4aa5f72a/f9eef/b871da9d48273bb30352a8a4c83272fc.webp 3200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2293-markdown","title":"Top 5 Lifestyle Changes to Help Combat PTSD","slug":"top-5-lifestyle-changes-to-help-combat-ptsd","content":"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is likely to [affect 7.8% of Americans at some point in their lives](http://www.ptsd.ne.gov/what-is-ptsd.html) and can be truly debilitating without proper treatment. \n\nSo what is PTSD, exactly? It’s defined as [a mental health issue that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/ptsd-overview/basics/what-is-ptsd.asp), specifically combat, natural disasters, car accidents or sexual assault.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe most common treatment for PTSD is the use of pharmaceuticals, specifically antidepressants and opioids. These prescription drugs can be effective, but also [addictive](https://www.healthline.com/health/opioids-and-related-disorders#overview1) and [harmful](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4970636/) in the long term, which is why so many with PTSD look for alternative and effective options. Luckily, there are holistic treatments and lifestyle changes that can help.\n\nRELATED: [NEW FINDS ON PTSD AND MEDICAL MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55fa22d93262620006740000/new-finds-on-ptsd-and-medical-marijuana)\n\n### Holistic Treatments for PTSD Can Include Cannabis\n\nVeterans Affairs and other reputable organizations rightly state that there’s little to no medical research proving cannabis to be a safe and effective treatment for PTSD. But this is misleading. While the current medical research is sparse, it’s largely because cannabis is classed as a Schedule 1 drug, making it all but impossible to get medical research trials approved. \n\nBut plenty of [anecdotal evidence shows cannabis to be an effective treatment option](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/11/06/veterans-tell-of-medical-marijuana-use-in-defiance-of-backward-federal-policy/?utm_term=.ac62176c0982). In fact, observational and anecdotal research on her own psychiatric patients led Dr. Sue Sisley to begin her cannabis and PTSD research. She’s now the principal investigator on the first [FDA-approved clinical trial testing the efficacy of medical marijuana as a treatment for PTSD](https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/aemv44/the-fda-finally-approved-a-weed-trial-for-vets-with-ptsd-weedweek2017). \n\nIf you’re looking to add medical marijuana to your routine in the hopes of finding relief from PTSD, try an anxiety-relief tincture as a good way to start. It’s a liquid that you take sublingually (under the tongue) so there’s no smoking or vaping involved. The high CBD content is good for treating PTSD and inflammation.\n\nIf you’d like to vape or smoke, a strain that seems to work well for combating PTSD symptoms is Mr. Nice. It’s an indica-dominant strain that people use not only for PTSD but insomnia and chronic pain, too. \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUJ13-kqsRU`\n\n### Support Systems for PTSD Sufferers\n\nA 2007 study looked at the robust literature regarding [social support and its effect on stress and mental health](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921311/). The review concluded that there are “protective effects of having access to rich and functional social networks on maintaining physical and psychological health.” \n\nIf you’re suffering from PTSD and looking for social support outside of your network of family and friends, try attending a PTSD support group. You can search the [support group finder on _Psychology Today_’s website](https://groups.psychologytoday.com/rms/) to locate a group near you. \n\n### Trauma-Sensitive Yoga to Help Treat PTSD\n\nOftentimes, those with PTSD complain of loss of awareness when it comes to their physical and emotional state in the present moment. Since yoga focuses on being fully present, it shows promise as a complementary treatment for those suffering from PTSD. \n\nA 2017 study published in _The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine_ looked at [the effectiveness of trauma-sensitive yoga for managing PTSD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28458503). Thirty-one adult women with PTSD from early childhood trauma participated in the study and the researchers concluded that yoga helps “regulate affective arousal, increases ability to experience emotions safely in the present moment, and promotes a sense of safety and comfort within one’s body.” \n\nWhile yoga shouldn’t be used as a singular treatment for PTSD, it’s a good complementary lifestyle change to help strengthen the efficacy of primary treatments. \n\n### Increased Exercise to Manage PTSD Symptoms\t\n\n[Exercise is a well-known and effective stress reliever](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469). It releases endorphins, which help improve and elevate mood. But exercise—specifically movement that engages your arms and legs—is also great for practicing mindfulness. Good exercises to choose from include boxing, running, swimming, dancing and rock climbing. Engaging in 30 minutes of these types of activities daily can help manage symptoms of PTSD by lowering stress levels and encouraging awareness of emotional and physical feelings. \n\n### Exposure Therapy to Help Ease PTSD\n\nAnother psychological treatment that’s widely used to treat PTSD is exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears rather than avoiding them. The idea behind exposure therapy is that while avoiding fears that relate to traumatic experiences can be a viable option in the short term, it’s actually healthier in the long run to confront those fears. A psychologist can identify the type of exposure therapy method that would be the best path for you.\n\nA 2011 study looked at the [wide body of medical research regarding exposure therapy and PTSD](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alexander_Jordan4/publication/286451217_Exposure_therapy_for_PTSD/links/566a2ddb08aea0892c49ea10/Exposure-therapy-for-PTSD.pdf). This study concluded that exposure therapy, following a wide range of traumas, has a long and successful clinical history, and recent research generally supports the efficacy of exposure treatment for PTSD. \n\nIf you’re struggling with PTSD, remember, you’re not alone. It’s important to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your prescription medicine routine, but these and other lifestyle changes could be important pieces to the puzzle of helping ease your PTSD symptoms.\n\nPhoto Credit: [Andrik Langfield Petrides](@the_alp_photography)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. \n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/14b42/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/f836f/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.jpg 200w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/2244e/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.jpg 400w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/14b42/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.jpg 800w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/47498/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/3ea67/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.jpg 1388w","srcWebp":"/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/58556/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/61e93/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.webp 200w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/1f5c5/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.webp 400w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/58556/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.webp 800w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/99238/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.webp 1200w,\n/static/7737dc7c2547e75b6da50b862ddf1510/6edf8/514513d0f8fabdedf6c7d00e138309da.webp 1388w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2453-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Insomnia Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-insomnia-answered","content":"We’re all looking for a better night’s sleep, which is why increasingly more people are looking to medicinal marijuana for help. [Lack of sleep has been shown to cause many harmful side effects](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/10-results-sleep-loss#1), from raising cortisol levels to contributing to memory problems. It can also negatively affect your performance at your job or in school as well as lead to sexual dysfunction. But with so many consumption methods—smoking, vaping, consuming edibles or tinctures—and so many indica-dominant strains to choose from—Afghan Kush, Dutch Treat and Grape Ape, just to name a few—how do you know what works best for you?\n\nWe’ve gathered the top three questions about marijuana and sleep issues from our [Answers](https://www.hellomdcom/answers) platform, along with some suggestions for what kinds of medical marijuana helps with insomnia. Our community of experienced cannabis users, nurses and doctors came up with some great suggestions to help you figure out how cannabis can help you get a good night’s sleep. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: With so many choices, what would you recommend for insomnia?\n\nAnswer: [@mark](https://www.hellomd.com/people/mark) It really depends first on how you like to consume your cannabis? Do you like to smoke, vaporize, take edibles or tinctures?\n\nOnce you have that decided, you should choose a pure indica variety, of a strength appropriate to your experience and tolerance. Go for an indica not a sativa as that is what will make you sleep. For example, [Rest from Humboldt Apothecary](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5bb3cbcf7fa32808cf85f54a/rest) is an indica tincture formulated specifically for sleeping.\n\nThe other thing to consider is that if you smoke, the effect is going to come on immediately, but then will likely wear off within 4 hours or so, at which time you may wake up. If your problem is staying asleep more than falling asleep, you might want to try an edible as the body metabolizes this over a longer period, and so you might find you stay asleep longer.\n\nTry a low dose indica, about two hours before bed. Start with 10 mg and work your way up from there.\n\nHope this helps. \n\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Fdubl_kX8`\n\n### Q: Is CBD oil good for insomnia?\n\nAnswer: @Chronic 727 Insomnia is one of the most popular applications for medical cannabis, but like with other conditions there may be some trial and error to find the right formula. Personally I have had luck with 2 x CBD-to-1x THC ratios.\n\nI can suggest this resource to get started with:\n\nHelloMD’s Insomnia community has lots of posts on sleep:<br>\nhttps://www.hellomd.com/learn/insomnia \n\nGood luck with it.\n\n[Read more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/587079bb6d8234000cbea1cb/is-cbd-oil-good-for-insomnia)\n\nRELATED: [TOP MARIJUANA PRODUCTS TO HELP WITH INSOMNIA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/top-marijuana-products-to-help-with-insomnia)\n\n### Q: What are the best specific edibles for anxiety and insomnia?\n\nAnswer: [@drb]( https://www.hellomd.com/people/drb) Edibles can be tricky as they can take 1-3 hours to begin working. A product that some boast has a quicker result time such as 20 minutes is a product called Kiva Blueberry Terra Bites. The product treats insomnia via a chocolate-covered blueberry in small increments of 5 mg each bite. Recommended dosing is 1-3 bites, 1-3 hours before bed. \nAs always with edibles, I would recommend taking a 1/4 of the recommended dose with each new edible batch and waiting 3 hours before increasing as to avoid toxic effects such as profuse unwanted vomiting. \n\nFor anxiety, I would recommend a sublingual tincture or spray of CBD:THC ratio of >14:1. Care by design makes a CBD:THC ratio of 18:1 spray.\n\n[Read more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/581d147a23537600074d712c/what-are-the-best-specific-edibles-for-anxiety-and-insomnia)\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc215PQPzFI`\n\nPhoto credit: [Toa Heftiba](https://unsplash.com/@heftiba)\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/14b42/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/f836f/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.jpg 200w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/2244e/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.jpg 400w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/14b42/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.jpg 800w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/47498/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/231d7/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.jpg 1393w","srcWebp":"/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/58556/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/61e93/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.webp 200w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/1f5c5/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.webp 400w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/58556/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.webp 800w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/99238/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.webp 1200w,\n/static/51ea74b5ee9a0f69d9a0f27d90c46428/bd6e8/ddb1d1178a927419eb96648c7295ac8f.webp 1393w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2267-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Anxiety Answered ","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-anxiety-answered","content":"There is so much to know when it comes to staying informed on how cannabis can help you treat a condition and its accompanying symptoms. That’s why it’s important to have likeminded community that also includes doctors and nurses that you can turn to when you need help sorting things out. With the [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) platform on HelloMD, you can reach out to ask questions about anything and everything cannabis related and our community of patients, doctors and nurses will answer. \n\n### Using Cannabis to Keep Your Cool\n\nStress and anxiety are among some of the top reasons people consume cannabis. It helps them relax, release tension and find a little bit of peace in the midst of the whirlwind that is life. Both THC and CBD are powerful endocannabinoids that work individually and especially well in unison. They have also been shown to play a role in [stabilizing your mood](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-can-relieve-stress) and calming you down when you feel overwhelmed. \n\nIf you’re looking for some more information about cannabis and anxiety, we’ve highlighted 3 popular anxiety questions below to give you some insight into how you can utilize cannabis to manage your state of mind. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: Does using marijuana increase or decrease levels of anxiety?\n***I am interested in trying marijuana for my low grade anxiety. My concern is that it may increase my anxiety.***\n\nAnswer: @DrFrye \nCannabidiol (CBD) is the major non psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It is a potent anxiolytic and is very effective in reducing anxiety and the frequency of panic attacks. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can reduce anxiety at low doses. At high doses, however, it can exacerbate anxiety and cause paranoia and panic attacks. People respond differently to cannabis and what is a high dose to one person, may not be to another. In my opinion, because CBD is so effective in reducing anxiety, it might be best to forego the THC. CBD varieties like ACDC, Charlotte's Web, and Jackson's Courage have very small amounts of THC (CBD:THC ratios are usually around 20:1) and are used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood instability, and psychosis. However, never go by the names alone. Insist on seeing independent, 3rd party testing results of your product because the cannabinoid profiles can be wildly unpredictable.\n\n[Read 1 more answer to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/571e7aa671431a000800004a/does-using-marijuana-increase-or-decrease-levels-of-anxiety)\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BYT0GxugAEX/`\n\n### Q: For anxiety, is a CBD-only formula preferable to one that contains some THC?\n***My doctor recommended a high CBD strain cannabis product; CBD:THC (30:1 to 5:1). I'm wondering why I would want any THC at all. Is it better to have no THC, or does a small amount of THC enhance the ability of the cannabis to decrease my anxiety in some way?***\n\nAnswer: [@drolson](https://www.hellomd.com/people/drolson) \nThe THC is ok to use but your doctor may be protecting you since hopefully, your doctor knows you well. Typically you do not experience the psychoactive effect with cannabis as long as you keep the ratio at 8:1, CBD:THC, or higher CBD but if you lower the CBD from 8:1, or increase the THC, you likely will experience the psychoactive affect. Please, consider asking your doctor why he/she does not want you to have any THC. \nFor your question, \"I'm wondering why I would want any THC at all.\", You may want to review the information on our website about the entourage effect of cannabis, the CBD's work better if there is some THC included, it is considered whole plant medicine.\n\n[Read 2 more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/594d48fd7bf8ba3eea8f71cd/for-anxiety-is-a-cbd-only-formula-preferable-to-one-that-contains-some-thc)\n\nRELATED: [TOP 10 HIGH-CBD MARIJUANA STRAINS FOR ANXIETY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/top-10-high-cbd-marijuana-strains-for-anxiety)\n\n### Q: What are the best specific edibles for anxiety and insomnia?\n\nAnswer: [@drb](https://www.hellomd.com/people/drb) \nEdibles can be tricky as they can take 1-3 hours to begin working. A product that some boast has a quicker result time such as 20 minutes is a product called Kiva Blueberry Terra Bites. The product treats insomnia via a chocolate covered blueberry in small increments of 5 mg each bite. Recommended dosing is 1-3 bites, 1-3 hours before bed. \nAs always with edibles, I would recommend taking a 1/4 of the recommended dose with each new edible batch and waiting 3 hours before increasing as to avoid toxic effects such as profuse unwanted vomiting. \n\nFor anxiety, I would recommend a sublingual tincture or spray of CBD:THC ratio of >14:1. Care by design makes a CBD:THC ratio of 18:1 spray.\n\n[Read 3 more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/581d147a23537600074d712c/what-are-the-best-specific-edibles-for-anxiety-and-insomnia)\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n\n[Photo credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/white_ribbons/6906663416/in/photolist-bwjspJ-oVs126-9sK4NM-9DPP1F-b6PZ2a-8DCSun-8pe9A6-9eViX9-9kbA7-5Me3NT-7XMBuV-5MGXLc-5zhXKN-auQjsf-okdAU3-fweZLw-eivmGR-25Lu5-doqXi-4WWuvt-9RN3k-ehh3kN-PYHj1-s4NtDh-5XQmZz-6kwT-LyGsH6-KhRqrb-WEWoMh-ov9gE4-4o6YfR-7d2iEk-M3XuY-5dopRY-VuK46m-Vo1XrD-5aXES-oKr1Lb-9EKZEo-49KH4b-dhaMev-gbru2L-RNHY2-nUFdxm-biYKPg-tGUXmf-5pBFqr-rTP1ks-coraXU-ciQVeo) Lauren Rushing","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/14b42/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/f836f/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.jpg 200w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/2244e/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.jpg 400w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/14b42/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.jpg 800w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/47498/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/54ac5/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/58556/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/61e93/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.webp 200w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/1f5c5/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.webp 400w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/58556/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.webp 800w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/99238/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.webp 1200w,\n/static/4733f009779c80b5ccbb7da74e3d7330/5e0b8/e7c73c245759f34b950e8f1c5b6a6de5.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2492-markdown","title":"Top 5 Conditions Cannabis Treats Effectively","slug":"top-5-conditions-cannabis-treats-effectively","content":"As cannabis is legalized in more states and countries, people are turning to this powerful plant to address chronic medical conditions as well as day-to-day health concerns. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the main chemical compounds found in marijuana, appear to successfully help reduce seizures, manage nausea, combat insomnia, relieve stress and weather the emotional turbulence 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### The Most Common Uses for Marijuana\n\nMigraines, anxiety, chronic pain, arthritis and insomnia are five of the most common reasons people use cannabis. According to a [HelloMD patient survey](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf) of 17,000 patients, 64% used cannabis for relief from their symptoms on a daily basis with 66% using it as their primary treatment for their conditions. Almost all users (96%) even said they would likely recommend cannabis to family and friends who were looking for ways to treat their own symptoms. \n\n### Marijuana & Chronic Pain\n\nA recent study provides evidence that [cannabis can significantly improve chronic pain](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/new-research-proves-marijuana-effectively-controls-chronic-pain) and help manage the symptoms associated with it thanks to the analgesic effects of the compounds found in the plant. Both THC and CBD are effective in treating the aching, throbbing, burning, soreness and stiffness associated with a number of conditions that result in consistent physical discomfort. In addition, a new study by HelloMD and UC Berkeley shows that an overwhelming [majority of cannabis patients (92%) prefer using cannabis to opioids](https://hellomd.com/articles/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication) when managing their chronic pain. \n\nRELATED:[CANNABIS STRAINS FOR DIFFERENT KIND OF PAIN](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-14-marijuana-strains-for-different-kinds-of-pain)\n\n###  Marijuana & Anxiety\n\nCBD has been shown to assist the brain in regulating symptoms caused by anxiety from feelings of panic and uneasiness to physical tension and trouble sleeping. When CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, its [calming properties](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/does-marijuana-ease-anxiety) have been shown to help regulate the type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the central amygdala of the brain that manage stress signals.\n\n### Marijuana & Arthritis\n\nThough there are various types of rheumatic diseases that fall under the umbrella term arthritis, cannabis has been proven to be a powerful alternative treatment that can help reduce the tenderness, inflexibility and swelling that accompanies many of the condition’s forms. The plant’s interactions with the type 2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptors activates pathways that can produce an [anti-inflammatory effect](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-soothes-arthritis-pain) within the body and cut down on joint pain. In addition to consuming marijuana orally, patients can also use infused topical creams and salves for relief. \n\nRELATED: [DO TOPICALS WORK FOR ARTHRITIS?](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/do-topicals-work-for-arthritis-if-so-which-do-you-recommend)\n\n### Marijuana & Migraines \n\nRandomized clinical studies have shown that low doses of THC combined with CBD can lessen neurogenic pain and raise serotonin levels to ease the symptoms of [migraines](https://hellomd.com/articles/treating-migraines-with-marijuana-dr-patricia-frye). Inhalation has been shown to be the fastest and most effective method for migraines, followed by a tincture or spray taken sublingually to prolong the effects. For some people, consistent dosing of CBD has reduced or even eliminated recurring migraines.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m21czeJ8pJk`\n\n### Marijuana & Insomnia\n\nTHC and CBD have both been shown to play a role in regulating the endocannabinoid system, which can help people [establish more consistent sleep patterns](https://hellomd.com/articles/medical-marijuana-could-help-insomniacs-sleep-better). Studies have also shown that cannabis can help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer throughout the night and might even improve the quality of sleep. Indica strains are usually suggested to help induce sleepiness, because they're known for their deeply relaxing qualities. \n\nRELATED: [CAN MARIJUANA HELP ME WITH INSOMNIA?](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/can-marijuana-help-me-with-insomnia)\n\n### How to Consume Cannabis\n\nCannabis can be consumed in many different ways including:\n\n* smoking or vaping\n* eating edibles\n* taking tinctures\n* rubbing it on your skin as a topical\n* putting on a dermal patch\n* soaking in the tub with cannabis-infused bath salts\n\nIt’s best to assess your needs according to your condition, consider how you want to consume cannabis and figure out what type of experience you’d like to have after consumption—like whether you want to feel high.\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3245033112582782,"src":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/ee604/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png","srcSet":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/69585/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/497c6/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 400w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/ee604/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 800w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/f3583/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 1200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/ab613/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 1357w","srcWebp":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/58556/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/61e93/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/1f5c5/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 400w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/58556/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 800w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/99238/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 1200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/1da85/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 1357w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2316-markdown","title":"3 Popular Marijuana Questions Answered on HelloMD","slug":"3-popular-marijuana-questions-answered-on-hellomd","content":"At HelloMD we talk to a lot of patients and what we’ve learned over time is that people have a lot of questions in regards to cannabis. In response to this, we launched [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers). Answers allows people to ask any cannabis related question on our platform and get answers from the community as well as our doctors and nurses. \n\nThis week, we highlight 3 popular questions and answers we have received:\n\n### Q: How many milligrams of THC are in a typical joint?\n\n***I usually smoke joints and I am fine with that. But if I were to start taking edibles instead, what would be a similar dose?***\n\nAnswer @DrEdmunds: If you roll your own, you can calculate the quantity of THC based on the amount of cannabis you are putting in the joint and the concentration of THC known to be in the strain you are using. \n\nIf you are referring to the average dispensary pre-roll, you are talking about 750mg - 1g of cannabis per joint. The average THC concentration in today's strains is around 12%, which is about 3-4 times as potent as strains a couple decades ago. Using these numbers, this means that your typical pre-roll will have approximately 100mg of THC. Some strains have a THC concentration upwards of 25%. \n\nThe bottom line is, a lot! Caution is advised, and many patients will use one joint over several days for this reason. \n\nIn general, I discourage smoking, because marijuana smoke contains carbon monoxide, tar, carcinogens and other chemicals which may be toxic and damaging to body tissues. Vaporizing shredded flower or CO2-extracted oil concentrates are considered safe alternatives, as we are not aware of any damaging substances in marijuana itself. Vaporizers control the temperature of your medicine such that it only turns into vapor, akin to water turning into steam; and they do not burn the cannabis. Therefore, no smoke with its potentially harmful products of combustion is created.\n\n[Read 6 more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/574b8ccb1e795d0008000086/how-many-milligrams-of-thc-are-in-a-typical-joint)\n\n### Q: What is the best edible for insomnia?\n\n***I use the Kiva bars at a very low dose right now (approx 7 mg THC) but I still wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I'm new to this and have a low tolerance. I am looking for an edible that will help me sleep but won't make me high?***\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BW0ryc3AkXb/`\n\nAnswer @DrOlson:\nThere are many opinions about insomnia because everyone is different and the cannabis affects everyone differently so be aware that what I suggest usually works but it typically will not work for everyone. We do offer a great chat room with lots of opinions. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nI recommend that you get your CBD and THC at a high 1:1 level and you will sleep. Too many people do high THC and I think that keeps a party in your head all night and when that happens it is an indication you need more CBDs to shut the party down. If in addition you have aches and pains be sure you treat those problem areas with the CBD dominant topical salve and you will sleep well. You may rest better if you keep a vape pen of 1:1, CBD:THC next to your bed in case you wake in the night, 1-2 puffs will likely put you to sleep.\n\n[Read 9 more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57ede27f6212ac000be691a6/what-is-the-best-edible-for-insomnia)\n\n### Q: Can I use cannabis as a replacement for Vicodin?\n\n***I suffer from chronic back pain and have been using vicodin. However, my doctor has stated that I need to end my reliance on this drug, and I am looking for a replacement. Advill and others don't provide the relief I am looking for. What cannabis products might be a good choice for me?***\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BXghGg7AClJ/`\n\n\nAnswer @sankMD - Dr Sank:\nLimiting your exposure to opiate medications is a great way to improve your overall health and limit the risks that come with this class of medications. Many patients experience side effects such as nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and poor appetite not to mention the long-term risks of abuse and addiction.\n\nThere are several options for pain control depending on the specific underlying cause of your pain. You may consider non-steroidal pain medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam. Local pain treatment with a lidocaine patch or voltaren gel is also an option with lower risk of side effects. Of course, there are non-pharmaceutical options, which is likely the reason for your question on this site.\n\nThe same principles that apply to traditional medications apply to cannabis. A topical cannabis-infused product is recommended as the first approach to pain control. This could include a cannabis-infused patch, lotion, balm, or ointment applied directly to the skin or massaged into the skin. Higher CBD content products tend to work well for this since there is an anti-inflammatory property associated with CBD.\n\nPain can also be treated with as needed vaporized cannabis products. Vaporizers work well for immediate relief since they take 5 minutes or less to feel the effect. Again, a higher CBD product is preferred due to its anti-inflammatory properties. THC can be effective but tends to be more of a way to distract from pain as opposed to treating the inflammation associated with pain. You own trial and error is important when treating pain. Just remember to use as little as needed for relief without overdoing it.\n\nFinally, don't forget about conservative pain management using physical therapy, massage therapy, heat and cold packs, and acupuncture which can be very effective for certain individuals depending on the underlying cause of the pain.\n\n[Read 7 more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/571e4eac90a4f9000c000012/can-i-use-cannabis-as-a-replacement-for-vicodin)\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/14b42/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/f836f/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/2244e/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 400w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/14b42/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/47498/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/54ac5/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/58556/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/61e93/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/1f5c5/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 400w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/58556/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 800w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/99238/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 1200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/5e0b8/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2341-markdown","title":"CBD Helps Alleviate Symptoms of Schizophrenia","slug":"cbd-helps-alleviate-symptoms-of-schizophrenia","content":"Schizophrenia is a complicated psychiatric disorder that effects 1.1% of the world’s population. 3.5 million people in the United States have active schizophrenia, but many people may have the disease without even knowing it because symptoms normally do not develop until somewhere between the ages 16 and 25. The most common symptoms of schizophrenia are delusions, hallucinations, and chaotic behavior and speech. Schizophrenia can be extremely detrimental to the lives of people and it is believed that one third to one half of homeless individuals suffer from schizophrenia. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Effective Treatments are Lacking\n\nThere is a lack of effective treatment options for people with schizophrenia and all of the options available require a constant administration of medication. Current treatments include a cocktail of antipsychotic medications, which are determined based on what symptoms are most prominent in the individual patient. There are many medications available to help with hallucinations and delusions, but there are not many to help with the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Cannabis, however, may be able to help relieve some cognitive problems that can come from schizophrenia. \n\n### CBD Relieves Many Symptoms\n\nA recent rat modeled [study published in the the journal Nature](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28230072) found that CBD derived from cannabis may help with cognitive impairment related to schizophrenia. The research was conducted at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) in New South Wales, Australia. In the study, rats were infected prenatally with polycytidilic acid. The acid helps replicate similar symptoms to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and produces a generation of mice with symptoms. Once born, the mice were treated using chronic CBD treatment and were tested on social interaction and cognitive function. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS MAY HELP PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5952753e491da24423fed6a2/cannabis-may-help-people-with-schizophrenia)\n\nThe symptomatic mice were given 10 mg of CBD for three weeks and many factors were measured, including body weight and food and water intake. There were a plethora of tests conducted on the mice during and following their treatment with CBD. The tests were conducted to look at the effectiveness of the CBD at helping counteract some of the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and included T-maze tests, novel object recognition tests, and social interaction tests. \n\nThe study's lead author, Ashleigh Osborne, [said of the studies results](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317768.php), “We found that CBD was able to restore recognition and working memory, as well as social behavior to normal levels. These findings are interesting because they suggest that CBD may be able to treat some of the symptoms of schizophrenia that are seemingly resistant to existing medications.\n\nIn addition, CBD treatment did not alter body weight or food intake, which are common side effects of antipsychotic drug treatment.” The effects that CBD had on the mice could indicate a major breakthrough in the world of schizophrenia treatment because it appears to achieve something that no other medications have been able to, including rebuilding cognitive potential and improving social interaction. \n\n### THC May Worsen Symptoms\n\nCannabis as a whole, however, may not be good for schizophrenia sufferers because THC is believed to potentially worsen the symptom of schizophrenia. Though THC can be very helpful for some medical conditions, it could be detrimental to sufferers of schizophrenia, whereas CBD may be extremely beneficial. The researchers also conducted a review of studies on the therapeutic value of CBD before conducting this recent rat modeled study, \"From this review, we found that CBD will not improve learning and memory in healthy brains, but may improve aspects of learning and memory in illnesses associated with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease, as well as neurological and neuro-inflammatory disorders,” [said Dr. Katrina Green](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317768.php), one of the lead researchers on the recent study. \n\nThe review highlighted that cannabis does not have the same effects on people who have conditions and those who do not. Some of this reaction could potentially be tied to the idea of endocannabinoid deficiency, which hypothesizes that a lack of internally produced endocannabinoids could be linked to certain conditions, meaning that a better state of homeostasis can be achieved when the body is supplemented by cannabinoids from cannabis. People without a deficiency, however, could instead experience no positive attributes from the cannabinoids because their bodies are naturally in equilibrium.\n\n### Targeting Cognitive Functions \n\nMore research is necessary into why the cannabinoids seem to be effective at targeting cognitive problems related to schizophrenia, because currently there is no definitive answer. The researchers of the study hope to be able to conduct more studies and eventually a clinical trial to see if there would be similar effects on humans with schizophrenia as seen modeled in rats in this study. This study provides yet another look into how cannabis could potentially help a group of people who find it difficult to receive adequate medication for their condition. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/14b42/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/f836f/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.jpg 200w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/2244e/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.jpg 400w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/14b42/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.jpg 800w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/47498/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/54ac5/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/58556/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/61e93/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.webp 200w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/1f5c5/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.webp 400w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/58556/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.webp 800w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/99238/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.webp 1200w,\n/static/ab928de5ae87cb9b929dc66e6b1167b9/5e0b8/161d96efc4b392a1a6c1c03c4fac0e5b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":48,"numPages":10,"currentPage":5,"id":5327,"name":"Health Conditions","slug":"health-conditions","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}